First experience at Center for Yoga by Ruby

While I was in town this past January, Kerrie asked me to join her for a yoga session at Center for Yoga.   I’ve experienced a lot of different types of yoga so I was down for the experience.  Little did I know that I was in for a whole new experience.   

We enter the studio and there is a session in progress and people are waiting to attend the next session.  We go into a room and set up our mats.  Kerrie sees a few people she knows and says hello.  The room is filled and is small, we are also facing a temporary wall.   In a few minutes the wall opens up revealing another room.  More people pour in and set up their mats. 

 The instructor arrives and introduces himself and apologies because he is not the usual teacher.  He starts the class.  I start to follow along with the instruction and warm up my fatigued body and mind.  The sequence speeds up and the music gets louder and louder.  I can barely hear the instructor at this point.  He instructs the class to go on their own pace.

 I struggle to remember the poses and try to take time to be mindful of my posture.  The people around me are all moving at different rates and speeds and I am not sure what I am doing but I continue to move and breath.  My head starts to spin and my muscles feel weak.  I go into child's pose and the music blasts around me.  I feel the movement of the other yogi’s and feel the heat of the room.  I continue to focus on my breath breathing deeply in and out.  I take some time to recenter and get my breath back at a good pace.  The instructor starts another sequence and I try to memorize it more closely this time.  I am still quite weak and focus on my breath in child's pose.  

At the end I enjoy savasana as my mind and body throb and my nerves calm down from the stimulation of the music, sequences, new environment and my own fatigue.   We leave the class and Kerrie asks me about my experience.  I tell her that I wasn’t prepared for a free flow class and that I hadn’t ever participated in that type before.  She points out that it's good to experience things you aren't prepared for.  I admitted that I needed to seek child's pose often and I was much more fatigued that I realized.  The heat had my blood moving and the breath was healing.  We both agree that child's pose was the best choice.

 I’m not sure if I would seek out that type of yoga class again, but I enjoyed the experience and continue to develop my practice.  It was very humbling  experience and a reminder that child’s pose is always my ally.   It taught me to use it more in my future classes and to  listen to my mind and body and always stay with my breath. 

Your Humble Yogina in Training,

Ruby

My First Yoga Experience with Jonny Kest

On Friday February 14, 2014 I had my first “Jonny Kest experience”. Though I have practiced Hot Vinyasa with many teachers, Kest's class was both very unique and challenging. Even as an experienced weight lifter I could feel every muscle in my body shake half way through his class. That is all a part of the experience, because with challenge and change comes growth so I can't complain. He also did an awesome job keeping a positive atmosphere by cleverly injecting humor during the most taxing poses.

If you are up for the challenge, check out Jonny Kest's schedule at Center for Yoga.

Namaste

Will

NETA Yoga Specialty Certification

NETA Yoga Specialty Certification Workshop Experience

This past weekend I attended the National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) Yoga Specialty Certification Workshop. I am mostly known for bodybuilding (hypertrophy) and power lifting. Therefore, many people asked me how yoga teacher training related to the other types of physical exercise I enjoy and teach. 

The best way to explain this is to think of a metal rod that constantly has pressure applied to it.  If the materials in the rod are not flexible then there is a good chance the rod will snap once enough pressure has been applied to it.  However, building the rod with more flexible materials increases the amount of pressure it can handle and likewise reduces the chances of it snapping.  The same applies to flexibility training to accommodate strength training.  The more flexible we are the less likely we are to injure ourselves when lifting heavy loads or performing certain movements.  The mind-body connection is also improved through the different breathing techniques, which improves proprioception and the ability to learn how to correctly perform movement patterns.  Not only does this reduce chances of injury, but also leads better strength and confidence in the individual involved with the practice.

As far as the actual teacher training, the studying process was quite interesting.  Honestly, I was confused by some of the material. I noticed myself over-thinking everything. Half way through the first day of the workshop, when I finally started to relax, the point of the stories and text started to make sense. The more I read and understood, the more I realized how much more there is to know about yoga. I discovered that this was just a starting point and there is a wealth of knowledge and rich history as it pertains to yoga.

As for the physical component of the workshop, I found it to be very challenging, which I wasn’t expecting for some reason. I’ve been practicing Hot Vinyasa regularly for a year now and just realized during training that it never becomes “easier” because you can always go deeper into a posture and find more space to expand and deepen the breath. After spending most of Saturday going in and out of poses (asanas) I can tell you that when I got home at 6PM, I was physically tired.  However, on the second day we did more gentle yoga poses and I felt energized for the activities that were planned for us. Students created, demonstrated, and critiqued short 5-10 minute mini yoga class sessions.  Practice teaching made it a lot easier to take the exam at 1PM with a clear head.  I passed the exam and went home with a sense of accomplishment for at least starting the yoga instructor process.  Our instructor mentioned that even after we move on to more advanced yoga teacher trainings that we will never be truly finished learning everything there is about yoga or how to teach yoga.

Overall it was a great experience and I recommend it for any fitness professional looking for a continuing education program or looking to expand their fitness/yoga knowledge.

Namaste,

Will

When an Empath is in balance, the power is endless!!

Does this sound like you? Or someone you know?

Have you ever been told you need to toughen up?

People tell you that you are too sensitive?

You feel sad for no apparent reason and you search for a reason? "I feel sad. I didn't realize I was sad. I wonder why I'm so sad? Maybe it's because of________. Yes, that must be it.  Wow I'm really sad."

You have to take time alone away to know what you really want.  If you are continually around others you find that you lose focus.

You can become obsessed with someone quickly if there is a physical bond.

People come to you with their issues or tell you things, they've never told others or are uncomfortable telling others?

You 'just know' things but don't understand why

Crowds tend to be overwhelming and draining unless the group is highly energized (like a concert)



These are just a few common experiences of Empaths.  I attended a class about how to thrive as an Empath at the Florida School of Holistic Living a few weeks ago.  At the beginning of the class I didn't know what an Empath was.   As we went through the content, things started to click for me.  Memories of crying all the time as a child/adult.  Feeling responsible for the feelings of those around me.  Having strong physical reactions to people, situations or places. Becoming numb when I experienced emotional/sensory overload.   Writing countless blogs about my emotions and how to control/cope with them...so this new realization of what is called an empath is so refreshing to know.  NOTHING IS WRONG WITH ME?!! I always knew it but to have a name for it..... brought me a sigh of relief.  So, now that I knowI am an Empath.  What's next?!

Some points to remember now if you are an empath or maybe someone you'd like to understand more:

• Energy is real & can be felt with your physical senses
• Emotions & Physical senses are energy that can move from one person to another
• Most of what an Empath 'knows' cannot be verified immediately, crating conflicts within them.  Usually gets proven over time, but that causes even greater distress because the empath feels as if they cannot trust themselves
• Empaths are great at reading body language, tone, body movement, words people choose or avoid, logic, listening to breath patterns and picking up on energy.
• Strong tendency towards self-reflection and taking responsibility for negative feelings.
• It's important not to use "I'm an Empath" as a cop-out for not facing your real feelings and emotions! You must learn to discern what is yours& what you have absorbed.
• Being an Empath is incredibly powerful if you train to use these gift.

So many interactions cause an Empath to take on the energy of their surroundings or other people.  So having tools to manage this energy are very important.  I personally use yoga and meditation as my main tool.  I'm always looking for other tools to use for myself and to help other people.

Tools for Empaths

• Deflect What Doesn't Belong-  "interesting feeling. I acknowledge that I just picked up emotions from ______. I can now have great compassion for______. But their feelings are theirs."
• Sleep- in a state of exhaustion you are more vulnerable.
• Quiet Time
• Small daily- 30 minutes
• Large Weekly- 2 hours
• Huge regularly (every few months, yearly) 1-5 days
• Breath work
• Time in Nature
• Yoga/Qi Gong/Tai Chi
• Massage/Acupuncture/Reiki/Energy Healing
• Mantras/Prayers
• Metta Practice (first for yourself, then for another, then for all)
• May I be free of worry
• may I be well
• May I feel safe & at ease
• May I be at Peace

Plan.....Plan....Plan

• Develop your energy management plan!
• Overwhelming Situation Emergency Plan
• Everyday Action Plan
• Big Events Action Plan
• Renewal Plan (Private Time & Sacred Space) 

What drains you?  What recharges you?  Make a circle chart or list and identify different aspects of your life that do both and...... Create a plan to give back to yourself just as much that's being taken.

For example- Work drains you 8, Meditation recharges you 10....you need to make a plan to do both to help keep yourself in balance, use your tools to create a sustainable plan that is best for YOU!.

Empaths have the ability to help people and recognize who needs help.

They have sense of knowing and as they develop it will be better able to use this intuition. 

They have a strong ability to connect with people and read subtle energy.
Empaths really are bleeding hearts that need to take care and time to care for themselves to thrive.

When an Empath is in balance, the power is endless!!  

There are a lot of other blogs about Empaths, all offering great tools and suggestions.  

Take care  lovely Empath!

Peace, love and happiness!

~ Ruby

January Class Schedule

Happy New Year! Happy New You!

The new year is often a pivotal time in many lives around the world. Millions of people celebrate the notions of newness, starting over and change. With a Year of Yoga-resolution, regular yoga practice, or an introduction/re-introduction to a yoga mat you have another year and opportunity to positively impact your mind and body. And so, you are invited to reach your resolutions of change in a few Metro Detroit yoga classes.

Thursday:
Pop-Up Yoga 313

Detroit donation-based yoga classes

Location: Fisher Building, Suite 216, 
               3011 W.Grand Blvd Detroit, MI 48202

Time:      12:00-1:00 pm

Format:   Hatha Yoga

Friday: 
Lifetime Fitness

The Healthy Way of Life Company

Location: 1700 Haggerty Canton, MI 48187

Time:       5:30-6:30 am

Format:   Slow Burn Yoga

*You must be a member or have a guest pass to attend a class at Lifetime Fitness. For a free trial pass or for membership information please call (313)655-YOGA (9642) or email: info@yoganicflow.com or contact the Lifetime Canton Club directly at: (734)394-2800

* Pop-Up Yoga 313 and Lifetime Fitness are not Yoganic Flow affiliates*

Yoganic Flow

A Detroit-based Yoga Initiative

Private Lessons & Hip-Hop Yoga Workshops

Location: Your office or your home, your choice

Time:       Call (313)655-YOGA for availability

Format:    Vinyasa, Yin, Meditation, and Ashtanga classes offered

Light & Love,

Kerrie

Empathy vs Sympathy

Empathy vs Sympathy

I watched this video this morning and it really resonated with me.  I am definitely the one trying to find the silver lining in many situations.  It really reminded me to listen deeply to those around me and to just receive the information they are giving me and empathize instead of placing my judgement or opinion on the matter.  
Any thoughts on this?

~Ruby

Happy Holidays!!

Wow this month is really flying by!  Have you had a chance to squeeze your yoga, meditation and relaxation in this month?  Remember that when you are busiest, is when you need it the most!  

I will be in Michigan in a week and I have been emotionally preparing myself for the craziness of family and friends I haven't seen in a year.  The drastic change in weather from Florida to the wonderful ice and snow that graces the mitten this time of year.

Took some much needed time to learn some Qigong along with some movement and breath work.

 Now I just need to incorporate it on a daily basis, the simplicity is amazing!

Remember to stop and take that much needed moment to receive in this giving season.  Receive the love and grace that your mind, body and spirit  so desperately need.

Peace, love and happiness,
~Ruby