Modeling and Yoga

[Guest guest]

Will modeling help my yoga practice? <br><br>A

lot of people are wondering about this because

they've noticed many models, including Christy

Turlington, are advanced yoga practitioners. Now I hear from

ESPW that some of the teachers at Jivamukti are even

mentioning their modeling credentials in their teacher

bios.<br><br>This teacher at Jivamukti notes in her bio that she is

a Ford Model. That's pretty extreme. Apparently,

the process to becoming a certified Ford Model is

quite arduous. You have to make regular pilgrimages to

the Ford Headquarters where you study at the feet of

with Ford herself, the master of Ford Modeling.

Sometimes the process takes ten years or more. is

apparently a strict disciplinarian and there are lots of

rumors of abuse and injury at her hands. Cosmetic

surgery, bulimia, and constant exhortations of "SMILE" and

"WORK IT, BAD LADY" are the rule, not the exception.

The students are fed very little, and subsist mainly

on a traditional diet of Evian and cigarettes.

Still, it is hard to argue with results; take a look at

the runway work of Cheryl Tiegs, Jerry Hall, and

Naomi Cambell - their sublime ability to walk, turn,

and "vogue" is a testament to their guru.<br><br>If

you are interested in studying with Ms. Ford, you can

fax her a letter and send in a photo. But I always

tell people to BE REALISTIC. If you are over 16, under

5'6", and over 95 lbs, you are probably not suited to

model.<br><br>Some of the people who cross-train astanga and

modeling note that modeling helps develop grace, poise, a

lean physique, and enhanced dristi (The first thing

models learn is how not to blink when flash-bulbs go

off.) Pranayama skills are enhanced because models are

trained to breathe through the nose when the photographer

calls for a difficult closed-mouth

expression.<br><br>I've heard that Larry Shultz is offering "Ford

Modeling Training" in addition to his "Astanga Teacher

Training Certification". BE CAREFUL: I've heard that he

himself isn't even a Ford Model, so his modeling

certification may be of dubious value.<br><br>A lot of movie

stars are doing Astanga Yoga. Many of my students are

asking me if becoming a movie star will help their yoga

practice. I'll address that in my next post.<br><br>Cheers,

<br>DMcG

[Guest guest]

Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha !!!!!<br>One of the best posts for ages. But tell me, I feel

inspired. I would love to become a model but do you think I`ve got what it takes

? I`m over 16 . Will that spoil my chances ?

[Guest guest]

No. it doesn´t, on the contrary! But You must do something to your hair, bald is

beutiful!

[Guest guest]

Yes, Astanga Yoga has its rules, they are clear

and plain to see. If you care to know what it takes

to become an officially recognised Astanga teacher,

just take a look at <a href=http://www.ashtanga.co.uk/main.htm

target=new>http://www.ashtanga.co.uk/main.htm</a>

(in the 'Articles & Teacher Training' section). The

rules outlined there show the ONLY 'Astanga Yoga

Teacher Training' so far recognised by Sri K Pattabhi

Jois. <br><br>Why is it then that so many Astanga

practitioners seem like having a hard time to accept those

rules?<br>Why is it that so many prefer to waist their money on

'teacher training workshops' that are NOT, and NEVER have

been, officially recognised by Guruji, and through

which you'll NOT get a place on Betty Lai's list of

Astanga teachers formally accepted by the

authorities?<br>Why is it that so many, as it seems to me, only

because they've practised Astanga Yoga for several years,

they come to think that it's their fate to become a

teacher, despite finding themselves unable to comply to

the rules, to go to India and study with Guruji in

Mysore?<br><br>But maybe this place is the wrong one to ask such

questions - as it seems to me that once you start saying

what should be obvious, of course, you're 'hurtful'.

[Guest guest]

<Why is it that so many, as it seems to me,

only because they've practised Astanga Yoga for

several years, they come to think that it's their fate to

become a teacher,despite finding themselves unable to

comply to the rules, to go to India and study with

Guruji in Mysore?><br><br>That is because for every

certified teacher maybe 100 less qualified teachers are

needed.

[Guest guest]

The Jiva teacher sight inspired me to create one

for Guruji. The following is my first draft:

<br><br>SRI PATTABHI JOIS (Guru)<br>click and choose one of

my teachers:<br><br>Eddy<br>Lino<br>Noah<br>Dave

S.<br>Dave L.<br>Dave G.<br>etc.<br><br>Make sure you read

their personal bio and like their picture before taking

their class.

[Guest guest]

>>That is because for every certified

teacher maybe 100 less qualified teachers are

needed<br><br>Hmm ... I see what you mean. But we certainly don't

need *any* teachers who don't have several years of

dedicated daily practice behind them, or any for whom yoga

isn't the central focus of their lives.