Locust Pose

            A lot of people have no trouble with full expression of this pose. It helps if you have rock hard abs and muscular legs. For the rest of us, we need to break down this pose. Classes are usually filled with people of different levels and it can be intimidating. The best breakdown of the pose was at Bikram’s where I started to really understand building the pose.

            In the series, you do palms facing downwards and side by side underneath your chest. Your chin is on the ground. You feel good pain in the arms. You lift each leg to at least 45 degrees separately. This gives you a chance to feel and use the muscles in the butt and legs. You have to make sure not to twist your hips. My body likes to cheat and redistribute the weight to avoid pain so be aware. My recent teacher always tells us, yoga is an inside job. (A variation that I added for home practice was using leg weights to increase the working of the legs and butt)

Half Locust

          

         Now you lift both legs up and the chest. It can be hard to lift the chest if your lower abs are not strong. With scoliosis, my back has taken a lifetime of laziness from the lower abs. You can call it an unhappy marriage; imagine a slob husband sitting on the couch watching football while his fit attractive wife is in the kitchen slaving away.

I started doing cobra as an exercise now to beginning feeling the lower abs separately from a yoga sequence. I do a series of twenty five at a time. If you have your shoulders right to your side and elbows at ninety degrees, you feel your lower abs. My arms had a tendency of flaring to compensate again for the lower abs, be aware of that.

           Cobra is a good way to check in and make sure you really are feeling the lower abs. If you are in class and you are not feeling something during any abs exercise never be shy about asking your teacher, that is what they are there for and chances are if you’re having an issue there is someone else in your class that is too. Honoring yourself is also speaking up for yourself and saying what you need.       

Cobra

            There are a lot of abdominal exercises but conscious contraction of the muscles is everything. I remember quite a few times where I would go at a series and get frustrated. I knew intuitively it was too easy. Listen to your intuition. Obviously test was I could not see the strengthening and toning in my lower abs. When I would get to Locust and Bow, I knew it because I could not lift upwards. Listen to your body and when you hear a voice saying something isn’t right, listen and get guidance on how to correct it. Yoga teachers should always be willing to assist you as they are experts on anatomy. If you have special needs like me with scoliosis ask them what they know. If they are not familiar, find another teacher who might be able to speak to your needs. You have to seek the knowledge for yourself. A teacher can only teach what they know.

            In a class you might feel obligated to do as the rest of the villagers but remember it is only ego. Most people have taken a lot of time to get where they are at. Ego is the hardest lesson because it stops us from asking questions, learning and growing. Yoga is a metaphor for life. Be good and kind to yourself, the advice comes from someone who has had to overcome a lot of physical challenges. I use to be so stubborn and kept trying to get to the end but that was not honoring the beauty of my own form and where I was in my growth. Grow the pose! Grow in Life!

             

Locust (Fullest Expression)

Rising Sun Yoga: Review

            Rising Sun Yoga was not a new studio for me. It was actually the first place I ever tried yoga a couple of years ago. Yoga was not part of my journey then. I was happy to go back.

            It is bright, warm and inviting as you enter the studio. At the entrance you remove your shoes. They have a changing room, rest room and a separate room for many classes they offer from a discussion group based from the book “A Course in Miracles” and stress reduction. The main room is for yoga practice.

           Before you enter there is a computer you sign in. It is probably more efficient if you register your information online at their website before hand so you won’t have to worry about it before class. Paying is easy and straightforward online as the computer keeps track of your class passes but you can pay at the studio. I find it very impressive with the electronic sign in system, in my journey that is the only studio that has it.

            I entered. It was all as I remembered including the same teacher. The teacher looked at me for a moment. She remembered me

           The practice room is beautiful and airy with finished wooden floors, touched with minimal Buddhist decoration and positive messages and sutra symbols on the walls and ceilings. I personally love the message “smile”. Anyone knowing the challenges of yoga knows you can never be reminded enough especially in a difficult pose.

            The class was an open flow, which was for students of all levels. A flow is where you flow through the postures. The teacher was as warm and engaging as I remembered her. She modified a few things for me so I could get the full benefit of the pose.

            The music was contemporary and relaxing. I personally felt at home when she played a track from Deva Premal, Dakshina, an album I bought not too long ago.

            Rising Sun truly offers one of the most diversified schedules of yoga styles. They have a new student special for $43 dollars and an unlimited monthly for $143, which is the least from the other studios that I have reviewed thus far. Best new yogi wisdom is always trying the new student special and listen to your intuition. It’s a full circle journey for me and I am happy to be back.

Yoga Studio Stand Out: Rising Sun Yoga Studio

"Students of all levels, abilities and yoga experience are honored for their unique differences, limitations and talents"

            Business is business, but when a business reaches out to their immediate community there is nothing more admirable. Treatment of people is the test of any person’s level of enlightenment. Rising Sun Yoga is offering one of the most revolutionary programs that I have seen locally, a class called Peace Prints.

 I was blown away when I read the description on the schedule. It is a class for those who are re-entering society after an absence due to incarceration. “The men in this group are all working to re-align and re-balance their lives. The program is one of the entry vehicles that allows them to tap into their own depths, to help them understand their inner and often hidden motivations and to learn how to hold themselves to their highest standards.”

You cannot get more yoga than that, as its very definition is the union of the mind, body and soul (healing). From my personal research on the criminal justice system and criminal history something is sorely missing in our system of rehabilitation. American’s prisons are called revolving door as recidivism is as high as 65% nationwide. (www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=tp&tid=17) Why? A lot of people are set free without healing. Being locked in cells, sometimes twenty four hours a day is dehumanizing, who would not go right back to what they know?

And those courageous souls restarting their life find numerous challenges and prejudices. People get treated poorly when people learn of a criminal past, denied jobs by employers or shunned in general. They are left feeling worthless, empty and angry. How does that not breed more crime?

Bernard Shaw said “Criminals do not die by the hands of the law. They die by the hands of other men”. A yoga studio working to rehabilitate and help build the esteem of released prisoners, I call brave and revolutionary. To reach out to the downtrodden and needy of society, you can not be acting more in love.
            It is a program that is not open to the public but Rising Sun Yoga does offer one of the most varied disciplines of yoga classes under one roof that I have seen. I look forward to checking out the studio in the near future.  Check out their website at risingsunyoga.com for all of their listing.

 

          

Home Practice

            Home Practice

            Home yoga practice seemed like an ugly thought to me. I enjoyed being amongst people everyday and having the security of professional instruction. Now not having ready access to a studio everyday, as I did for ten month to pursue my practice has forced me to reexamine the concept.

            My new teacher told me it was quality, not quantity as I found my new home studio. I can only get there twice a week, though with bull dog determination I begged for more. She laughed. It hit my American sized ego hard. I want the flat belly and able to do King of the Dancer’s Pose with a dancer’s grace and of course “now, now, now” (American attitude).

 But like anything you learn if you do not practice in life what you practice in the class room, is it really worth the effort? If you really want to learn yoga you have to do this on your own two feet, incorporating yoga into everyday life.

            My unique issue is that I am a visual learner. I have a hard time visualizing without actually seeing the pose, aside from the scoliosis curve in my back. My body does not “know” natural alignment. Teachers are worth their weight in gold but how do you work out these issues in a home practice? I have been tackling this lately.

            I am blessed to have a full basement devoted to exercise and yoga. I set up my own space. I practice each day fighting with my little four month old llapso poodle, Belle. To combat my own issues I have placed mirrors in my room. Mirrors help me see what I cannot feel in my body. As far as postures go, I have diagrams of all poses learned in class as a mental reminder of what I am doing. For myself I bought a book on yoga anatomy and photocopy the pages and put them on the walls. It helps me remember sequences too.

            As a person who wishes to be a teacher I would encourage my students to make yoga an everyday part of your life. Your teacher can lead you to water but you have to drink. Fortunately I have a teacher who is interested in truly helping me balance.

 Yoga is for everyone, everyday and for all the other things we do for ourselves to comfort (pick your vice), it is the best and the healthiest. You destroy only illusion and grow.

            I have my challenges with my back and learning style but I will not ever let that stop me. No person should dictate your dreams and you should never give them that power. Yoga is for the individual. There is no such thing as a “yoga type”. We have stereotyped people in society and that includes yoga. I am not the stereotype and I never wish to be.  Let your practice be about healing and growth and if you find it about quantity and competition, it might be time to reexamine. I am happy I have had to reexamine and find a new path, my path.

Disclaimer

The details and stories in this blog are my personal experience, views and my opinions. There is no facts in life's journey, just personal experience and growth. I have no interest in promoting or defaming any individual or institution.
If you have any concerns  please contact: buffaloyogaexperience@outlook.com

Yoga By Design Studio

Yoga By Design Studio

5500 Main St. Second Floor

Williamsville, NY 14221

            Yoga by Design Studio, I found either by Divine Design or coincidental circumstance. A hidden jewel down the road from an assortment of hot yoga studios on Main Street it offers a completely different experience, aside from no heat.

            Located on the second floor above Marty’s Formal Wear, it does not draw much attention. I learned about it from the bookstore, New World Books, which I went too yesterday. I rode by twice and missed the door entrance.

            Inside, up the stairs you find a small quaint home-like studio with carpeting and well placed décor. You feel like you are entering a friend’s home. It was the yogic version of Cheers where everyone would know your name and you would never feel out of place.  It was very relaxed.

            People of all walks of life and ages attended. I was the second youngest person there; it was a beginner’s class.

            The teacher was warm and humorous, extremely down to earth. The teacher Christine Zebrowski is a certified Kripalu yoga teacher, Phoenix Rise yoga therapist, Restorative yoga teacher and Prenatal yoga teacher with over twenty years of experience. The pace was slow and methodical unlike the Ashtanga style I had been use to. My cousin once called Ashtanga, yoga for puppies.

            The teacher assisted me in modifications for my back and was very friendly towards me realizing I am a visual learner. She corrected my alignment, giving me an experience in postures I had done a hundred times and realized never really felt. We used props and bolsters. I was not use to it, but when in Rome and I was not the least bit uncomfortable. She even explained the use of core muscles unlike anything I had heard before. I soaked it all in. The teacher was so down to earth from beginning to end, a perfect marriage between teaching expertise and humanity.

            The teacher, who is the owner, offers your first class for free, giving you a wonderful opportunity to test the yoga waters. While I did not feel the rigors of a workout, I also never felt so relaxed after a yoga class. I later joked with another student that I did not know you could feel so relaxed.

            I cannot call it my home, but I definitely will be back. My favorite thing she said was that yoga is not a goal, it’s a journey. It’s a wonderful, non intimidating, non judgmental atmosphere for you to explore asana (postures) and truly connect to your body, breath and most importantly your humanity.

           

New World Gifts: Book and Gift Store

New World Gifts: Books and Gifts for Conscious Living

5655 Main St

Williamsville, NY

716-545-5118

 

It was a marvelous day of biking into the heart of Williamsville. I ventured further than I ever had before. The heat was challenging but no more so than the yoga class at Bikram I was an hour too early for. After a cold unsweetened ice tea at Coffee Culture I biked on. I found a little a book store. It was called New World Gifts: Books and Gifts for Conscious Living. The focus of the store was Ayurvedic medicine.

The woman was nice. She noticed I was carrying a book bag and a yoga mat. She teased me that I should put those down so I would have an easier time shopping. The store was small but it was so warm and inviting as though you were walking through a little slice of heaven. It was peaceful.

I honestly did not know where to start like a kid in a candy store. There were books on ayurvedic medicine, yoga, meditations, and angelic paraphernalia. You had crystals, bathing salts for different conditions, candles and just about everything you would need to create a meditative space in your home.

My ear caught on quickly to the conversation the shop owner and customer were having. They were talking about balancing the body, a type personality, yoga. I listened keenly to the shop owner knowing her to be an intuitive healer. I knew I had to ask her advice.

I picked up several books with no idea what to get. I felt comfortable to sit as they had two chairs for customers. You know any place is wonderfully comfortable if you feel free sitting in shorts and a tank top with some seriously windblown hair. 

I picked up two selections. I got a meditation cd, Deva Premail – dakshina and “The Magic of Believing” by Nido Qubein. The shop owner gave me a Book Club Card and Appreciation Card.  I asked her about her further recommendations since I felt over stressed in general about life. I told her my yoga experience and she actually recommended a yoga studio that I never even knew existed.  I was as giddy as a child. She said that it was Divine intervention. I left promising a return knowing my cousin, a practiced meditation expert, is going to want to check it out. I told her I felt calm just being in the store. I could hardly believe when she said they had only been open for a month. You love yoga or just healthy living, check it out.

Set Your Intention - Before You Hit A Studio

           

           Yoga is for everyone but not ever style. You can always make time for yoga. You just have to find what works best for your life and your intention.

            I have tried DVD’S at home which I dislike. I feel better being around a real life flesh and blood teacher that can offer interactive guidance and direction. DVD’s for beginners always struck me as silly because how can you look at the television screen when you attempting a posture? Proper alignment for your body almost instantly goes out the window.

 I have spent time at a studio for ten months trying to squeeze out the magical triune of mind, body, soul, the very definition of yoga. It was more a place for exercise through postures, Ohms were far and few between. My friend once called it “Abercrombie and Fitch” yoga. If you want to bump into a rich lawyer to date and marry that might have been the place to go.  

            When you are searching for what you want, set your intention before you start your journey into the land of yoga studios. Do you want just exercise, meditation, relaxation or a little bit of everything? If you are happy at a place it does not mean you should not try new things anyways, primarily because you can only grow.  Trying a lot of places before you settle into one studio can only benefit and inform your decision for longer lasting happiness. A home studio should be home because that is where the heart is, not the closest studio.

My definition of a home studio is where you like the instruction, trust and respect your teachers and feel that they are trying to nurture you and your intention. You should not have to conform to a teacher. Teachers are there to help you grow for yourself.

            If you are new to yoga it is very easy to hit your first studio and think it is the end all, but try others because you have no idea what a “yoga experience” can be until you do.

            I have met a lot of people who happily go to gyms and study from teachers learning postures for exercise. I went to my first studio for ten months. I thought it was the end all.  I know for myself I always felt like I was missing out on something. It was the spiritual. There was only one teacher who really delved into that and unfortunately she was there only for two classes out of the whole week.

My advice, make sure you use your intuition and listen to your heart as it opens during your practice. You will know where you belong and if a place is not right, move on.  

           

East Meets West Yoga

East Meets West Yoga Studio - Elmwood

 

            It was not the best day to venture down Elmwood since a portion was blocked off for the Buffalo Marathon. After a series of irritating detours, I found 758 Elmwood. It is in close proximity to Evolation studio which is on my schedule to try. The studio was connected to a lovely delicatessen, all a bright tan color. Warm and inviting I made my way in and up the stairs.  The house was  a blend of Victorian heritage with a touch of  modern and eastern art, truly east meets west.

            It was a little confusing as where to go as a new student. There was no one waiting for students to greet them, but I saw a book and signed in. I grew anxious as where to pay and what to do. You can accuse me of having an A type personality and being a staunch pragmatist at times. I always am eager to get things done and accomplished.  I found some chairs and sat waiting to talk to someone. They had two restrooms with one having a shower facility. The restroom was lovely as a woman always seemingly my first stop.

            It was a small, friendly atmosphere. They offered complementary self serve hot chai tea for students. I witnessed students talking amongst themselves enjoying a hot beverage like old friends.

            I signed up for the Open Flow Vinyasa class. I was not entirely sure about what it would entail. I realized one of the people talking was a teacher so I asked her some questions. She gave me a new student form to sign. I always read and get a copy.

The teacher told me the teacher would be here soon for class and I could not miss her because she was very pregnant.

            I chuckled and waited. The teacher arrived. She approached me in a friendly manner as I screamed newbie and had that fear look. There are a few rooms that act as separate studios for classes. She opened the room and welcomed me in.

            I paid her directly. I was worried at first they did not accept credit cards at their location but they did. From my retail background, I usually look for a business set up and credit card machine. While the studio did not have a business feel, it was incredibly warm and inviting. I chose to pay for a class which was $18. Since I still have time at Bikram and am gallivanting I did not want to use the new student special, though it was reasonable, $25 for a week and $40 for two weeks unlimited.

            The studio was small but cozy. Being in the Victorian setting mixed with Eastern statues it was just beautiful speaking to the artistic culture of Elmwood and of my art history background. I have never been one for small, enclosed spaces but I was relaxed. They had shelves in the back to put your belongings. The teacher asked me to turn off my phone. The students were all friendly and a woman instantly chatted with me singing the praises of the yoga studio and all of the teachers. I soaked in every word.

            I unrolled my mat. My mat is a Lulu lemon, designed for hot yoga. It has taken a beating and looked as such. My vanity always dictates me getting made up before going out in public so it has taken a lot of beatings from make up drench.

            The class was not heated. The windows were open. It was just like Power Yoga with a few variations, it was a vinyasa. (Duh) without the heat, a wonderful change. I had told the teacher I had only a few classes to avoid a long story.  I felt guilty after because I was more than familiar with the postures and it was obvious. The flow felt like a home coming to me.

            The teacher was warm and humorous and gave me corrections. My shoulders in downward dog never roll inwards. She was even good natured because I am a visual learner and I have a hard time sometimes listening and translating that into action in my body without repetition. By the end, I felt so happy. It felt like home but I am not ready to settle down yet. I have more yoga studios to try but I will go back.

Bikram Yoga - Williamsville (Finding your Bengal Tiger)

Bikram Yoga, Williamsville

            My new haunt at present I have been impressed since day one with. Located in the heart of Williamsville, it is set amongst the landscape of coffee shops and upscale boutiques. The schedule is regular and the teachers are not announced. You get a complete unbiased experience. I walked up the long staircase painted with a vivid flame design. I was not the least bit nervous as I was warmly greeted by a receptionist. They had coolers of stocked water, a professional store set up of product and everything to rent, yoga mats, hot towels and bath towels.

            I had done my homework and knew the new student special was either $20 for ten days consecutive or $39 for a month. There was no need to think, I paid for the month. Coming from an Ashtanga styled studio I was hit first with the degree difference. The studio was 110 degrees and anyone who lives in Buffalo for the most part that alone is not in your blood.  The Ashtanga style studio, my Voldermort, was set at 90 degrees. I rented a towel for my yoga mat.

           They had a beautiful well stocked locker room with all the amenities you could ever need. Their cubby holes all were hand painted with different postures. The halls were filled with vestiges of the Bikram legacy staying true to it. Their shower facilities are much needed after a 110 degree practice and were immaculate.

            When you enter there is no talking. The atmosphere is truly peaceful and lets you focus inwards.  

 Bikram Choudhry created his own flow of 26 postures which you do on each side that incorporate two pranayama breathing exercises.  Alignment and locking your knees for protection are the main focus really gearing your practice towards better health and improving your flexibility. The teachers stay on a podium with an eagle eye view, helping students. It was different from my ashtanga experience. Where I had gotten use to flowing in sun salutations and doing inversions this was more about health, receiving the health benefits immediately and improving flexibility.

I received excellent attention from day one. The teacher,day one, was kind, told me only to worry about my breathing. I even received a postcard in the mail thanking me and encouraging me back. The owner another day introduced herself and got to know me. She even connected me to a massage therapist who specialized in scoliosis. I have a curve in my back. They were all kind and sensitive about it. It made me feel good. 
In my experience so far I would say they are people who care, true consummate professionals who balance business with being personable and warm. Some people come to practice from my old studio. They ask me what happened and why I was there since I spent all my time at the old studio. I say now, it was time to move on. 

           

Shuffle off to Buffalo! Now Breathe...

                Welcome to the Buffalo, New York Yoga Experience! I am dedicating this blog to my experiences of trying different yoga studios and sharing what each offers from an inside student perspective. I live in Buffalo, N.Y. and will be scouring the scene soaking up the yoga culture and bringing it to you.

 My old studio, I spent ten months afraid to go out and try anything else. With a twist of fate I was forced to get out of my comfort zone and try new things.  I hope this blog will give people the courage to go out and try new studios by giving you my experiences and perhaps avoid pitfalls.

            Yoga is so rich and varied in disciplines, a lot of time we find one studio and think it is the end all to our yoga experience.  But there are so many other doors to walk through. I am ready so let's go.

 True yoga is an experience of the mind, body and soul. It still is for me, that is where my heart is. I dedicate this to all Buffalo yogis and offer you an opportunity to submit your experiences to buffaloyogaexperience@outlook.com. I don’t discriminate; all stories are truly welcomed, let’s create a community of knowledge because that creates the power to make informed decisions.  Namaste!