Namaskar Yoga | Chicago, IL

LOCATION: Pretty straight forward directions through the Lakeview neighborhood to get to Namaskar and they had big yoga signs for you to see it right away too. Street parking only (some metered, but non-metered is nearby), and as with most Chicago street parking... Read your signs. They're near Wrigley, so show up early on game days to be sure you have a spot.  
COST: $16 drop-in, cash or cards 

STUDIO: Loved this space—they curtained off the front 1/5 of the room for check-in and merch (which included boxes of free Toms Toothpaste, score!). Beyond the curtain was a narrow, long room with a bathroom, dressing room, water, and props at the back.    

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Yoga Hour: This energetic one-hour class is the ideal way to sneak in some yoga over your lunch break or between the day’s activities. Expect a good flow addressing flexibility, strength, balance, connection to the breath and mental focus. Recharge your spirit, reconnect with your body and leave feeling great!

INSTRUCTOR: We were suppose to have Jody, but she had a sub this day... Shawn is a certified yoga instructor who completed the 200-hour Yogaview Teacher Training under the amazing guidance of Quinn Kearney, Geri Bleier, Claire Mark, and Tom Quinn. She has also completed a 35-hour teacher training with Seane Corn and participated in multiple workshops with Sianna Sherman, Natasha Rizopolous, Ray Long and Maty Ezraty to continue to deepen her practice and the teaching element of yoga. Her fun, challenging and inspiring vinyasa flow classes, encourage students to become in tune with their bodies through strength, alignment and breath. Prior to becoming a yoga instructor, Shawn was in marketing and communications and holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst and Northwestern University. She lives in Chicago with her family and dog.

CONTACT: Namaskar Yoga

Girls day in Chicago! Girls day in Chicago! A couple months ago I asked two of my gal pals (and amazing yoga instructors) to join me for a day in Chicago. Since we all work for ourselves we could go during the week, which made the day all the better... like we were breaking the law or something :)

We started our morning off with a gorgeous day for a road trip north—blue skies, sunshine, music to sing along to at the top of our lungs, and enough conversation to fill up a 3-day drive if need be. First on our agenda was yoga at Namaskar—we chose it because of it's walking distance to all our plans, the timing so we didn't have to wake up at the buttcrack of dawn to drive, and because none of us have been here before.

When I go to new spaces for classes, it's funny how often I have Hayli + Jodi's voices in my brain reminding me how to adjust in a pose or help out a class I'm not getting into enough (knowing I can modify to take it to the next level or pull it back to suit my body). To actually go to a class I'm going to review with them was a bit of a game changer.

When we arrived, Rachel at the front desk checked us in. She was awesome—I actually tried to recruit her on girls day, because you could tell she was good people. The instructor from the class just getting out was surrounded by students asking her questions. I figured that's a good sign, because she perked the curiosity of her class. As Rachel set up her mat, the three of us followed suit when the instructor said, "Is this how you normally set up the room?" I didn't realize she was subbing someone's class when I responded with, "This is our first time here, we have no idea."

She started us instantly in Balasana (child's pose). I definitely was missing the centering time common in a lot of classes, but starting in child's pose interested me because it's my favorite pose to open up my body. Stretching out the back and knees, recognizing if my hips are shifting to the left or right (usually the left), I always stretch my arms out to open my shoulder (again, my left shoulder is insanely tight, and child's pose opens up both my shoulders nicely), and resting my forehead on the ground is—for a lot of people—immediately calming. I think I'll make this part of my practice before the instructor comes in the room, while everyone sets up their mats.

Then the music started... an odd mash-up of current, American music with a familiar, Indian song. I enjoyed it until the lyrics ended up being english—and from there the music was 100% American. I tried to approach it as a challenge to tune-out the distraction, but when I find myself tapping my toe or singing along... the challenge starts to irritate me. This is why I like instrumental or lyrics in a different language—it doesn't take me away from my practice, it adds to it and guides it.

Shawn then took us through a whirlwind of poses during our hour with her. I found her instruction lacking—almost empty. There was no sense of nurturing coming from her, just an urgency to get through the poses as quickly as possible and run out the door (which is exactly what she did after class). Half the poses seemed to be back bends (so many locusts) with out any counter poses to balance out the body. I found myself going into forward bends on my own to protect my back. She did a few adjustments—one to my friend I knew was unnecessary (which made me cringe because she was adjusting an instructor).

We did a series that had us go from Trikonasana (triangle) directly into Virabhadrasana III (warrior 3). My other friend put it best, "Straight leg pose to straight leg pose isn't natural" and I believe it can lead to injuries if you don't know how to protect yourself. At that point my back was already sensitive from locust and lots of single-leg poses (ever since I hurt my sacrum, I know I have to balance out my hips if the class spends a lot of time on one leg... normally I know to do that regardless of instruction, but we were moving so quickly there wasn't really time for it).

Our last pose was an inversion option—this made me happy since I've been craving inversions. I opted for a modified forearm stand using blocks. I love this because you don't actually have to use much arm strength (allowing you to build it without injuring yourself) + my tight shoulders do not enjoy this rotation (so I can open them up gently this way too). Meanwhile, my back enjoys a massage + reversed gravity (so-to-speak) and, of course, the numerous other benefits that come with an inversion. I'm hoping to work myself up to kicking up, like the third picture, eventually. 

[via]

Then we ended with savasana, where I opted for my regular legs up the wall. Ever since I took a yin yoga workshop where the instructor noted legs up the wall as one of the most beneficial poses for your body, I've chosen this as my savasana (unless the instructor is more specific). Shawn woke us up with, what I believe was, a digital chime over the stereo. Which, honestly, was the perfect metaphor for this class.

Before I was done cleaning up my stuff the instructor apologized for rushing out the door. I like to think she had such a busy day she couldn't invest herself in any part of it—maybe it was a one-time thing? I don't know. I do know I'd like to try other instructors at Namaskar, because I feel our class was a reflection of the instructor's day and not the studio.

We chatted with Rachel after class again + then headed off to the rest of our day. The three of us all seem to be on the same page with our experience. And to be honest, I felt bad choosing this class since I had friends with me... You know, when you plan the day out you want everything to be perfect. At the same time, when you're with such amazing women, if something isn't perfect it just adds to the story of your adventure together and you wouldn't trade that for the world. I absolutely adore Hayli + Jodi and I'm SO grateful I spent a full day with them in Chicago. I'll share our day in pics/captions below.

Thank you Namaskar and Rachel for a lovely start to our adventure—namaste.

Yum Yum (Hayli) and Ja Ja (Jodi) — my nicknames for them after today!

Props to the left // Water, bathroom + changing space on the right

Asado Coffee — I drink decaf, and it was so good I had to make sure it was actually decaf.

TATTOOS!

My elephant logo (NEOI + Mowgli) + Ahimsa (sanskrit for nonviolence toward all living things Ⓥ)

What an honor to design Hayli's tattoo—
(based on The Harmonious Brothers » Bird = Jodi, Monkey = Hayli, Elephant = Anni)

Our amazing tattoo artist (and Hayli's friend), Gentleman Joel

Chicago Diner!!!

THE best finale to our day—sharing this chocolate shake on our drive home
>droooool<

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Anita Purves Nature Center | Urbana, IL

I'm baby-stepping back into my reviews with a local class. It's been a rough go at getting my yoga mojo back, but writing a review again feels good. So hopefully that will help motivate me! 

LOCATION: The Anita Purves Nature Center is in a woodsy part of Urbana, IL. Even after living here since '96, I still somehow manage to never get there the same way twice (and I took a bee keeping class there back when I wasn't vegan, for Pete's sake!). I think what throws me off is you see the Urbana Park District Pool and not the nature center set further back, but pull into the parking lot... it's back there (and not even that far back there, so maybe I'm just being an idiot, lol)! Parking is free.   

STUDIO: It's winter-time here in good ole C-U (Champaign-Urbana, IL), and I'm pointing that out because that means it's dark at 5:30pm. But when that sun starts sharing more time with us, what a view they'll have, as the front of the room is all windows looking over the forest preserve. The space itself is very basic, as this isn't a yoga studio. But what do you really need? There are mats, straps, and blocks to use (I would grab my personal eye pillow and blanket to roll up, next time, but that's me) and an incredible instructor to guide you through your evening.     

CLASS DESCRIPTION:  Rising Spirit Yoga is suited to all levels and is designed to deepen one's personal practice. Emphasis i on the importance of alignment, the breath, and the mind/body connection. Hatha aims to bring into balance opposing forces of energy, and Vinyasa flows that energy throughout the body, incorporating breath and synchronized movement. Each class is tailored to meet the needs of the student with modifications and variations offered to accommodate each practitioner. The first class is free, but it sounds like the flex passes are quite reasonable. That being said, they do have a registration deadline on the site, but I think they can work with you if you're getting in late. 

INSTRUCTOR: Jodi Adams has been practicing yoga since 1991, and believes in the restorative benefits of yoga. No matter one’s age or flexibility, she offers a practice to awaken strength, balance and a mind/body connection.

CONTACT: Anita Purves Nature Center

I was rushing all over my house this morning trying to get to Jodi's 10am gentle class today at Living Yoga Center. As I ease my way back into yoga, Jodi has been there with nonjudgmental, open arms to nurture me, but when I went to feed the cats before I ran out the door, I glanced at the clock... it was 9:50am. I had to admit I just couldn't make it across town in time. And, as many of you know, when you're trying to get back into the groove of things and finally find the energy to get you there... it's incredibly disappointing to still not make it. Defeated, I sat down to look at my email, and there was a message from Jodi saying, "I hope to see you tomorrow, either at LYC or APNC." Oh yeah! Jodi is teaching a yoga class at the nature center... I have another chance! 

As I mentioned before, what a fun location! If you go a little early you can check out some of what the center offers—I mostly force myself to look at the ginormous snake as a way to confront my fear of snakes. It never seems to do much good. Oh well, off I went to set up my mat and watched everyone trickle into the room. I'd say most of the class was new to yoga or have been off their mat for a while. So this is an excellent class for beginner's to not feel intimidated at all. Jodi started us with my favorite centering pose—we had the blocks at the lowest level, I believe. So it wasn't as deep of an opener (like image below) to start us off.

from Half Moon

 

 

 

She walked us through some breathing and centering—getting the day's cobwebs out of the way so we could focus on our practice. We did some seated stretching to wake up the neck, back, trunk, and legs. Once standing, we did a few shoulder openers using our strap. You hold the strap out in front of you—straight across, hands further than shoulder width apart. You slowly raise your hands up and over your head, keeping the strap straight the whole time (and widening your hand placement if your shoulders need more space to rotate). The first time we did this is a slow motion, but the second time we lowered our arms behind us in 1" increments to hold the stretch a little bit longer. Felt good.

Next was a few sun salutations... I had to remind myself not only had it been a long time since I've practiced, but I was also really sick last week, so take it easy already! Oh how we compete with our ego <shakes fist at ego>. Then we did a couple of balance poses—the first, Jodi said she saw Seane Corn do, and since it's not an actual yoga pose I'm having a hard time finding an image. I'll piece this together though. Basically it's a forward fold—then you grab your big toe and lift your leg to be perpendicular to your body. Or... it's this pose below only you're bent over (with the free hand touching the ground or a block). 

from Yoga Pose Weekly

 

 

I did not get my leg out that far, but in the process of trying to get there, we activated all these muscles in our core, butt, and hips. Pretty great. We also went into parsvottanasna (pyramid pose) to open up the hamstrings, although that usually gets my calves for me, since they're tighter than my hammies. 

But the big take away (for me) was this amazing movement that activated all the core, my back included. Usually when I do core work, I activate my stomach and not my back. Which is why my back hurts, because I'm not using it and therefore it's weak. This trick, for the first time, was one of those mind-body connections—when your brain goes, "Oooooooh, I get it." I love those moments! So you start in sphinx pose and peel your stomach through thighs slowly up off the mat—like you're going into a child's pose—but hold it before you go into child pose.

from Embrace Yoga

What got me to activate my back (and protect it) was Jodi's cue to round my back. Holy muscle shake, batman! She had us do this three times, so I'm curious to see how I'll feel tomorrow on that one... and I'm hoping my excitement over this carries in to actually doing this on a regular basis—finally that movement from up dog to down dog (or floating from downward dog into a forward fold) will make a little more sense! 

I have to admit—after being sick—it was great to be using my body again. Thank you, so much, Jodi—for a much needed Thursday accomplishment!
Namaste

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Amara Yoga & Arts | Urbana, IL

Today I went to a class with one of my favorite, favorite people in the whole wide world! And to make it new for both of us—this was her first studio class—we checked out a different studio than my home studio in Urbana, IL. 

LOCATION: Easy for us, because we're from here, but also easy if you're not. Amara Yoga & Arts is located in Lincoln Square Mall (one of the first enclosed malls in the nation, ooooo), just opposite the main entrance of the mall is Common Ground Food Co-op—and on Saturday mornings, the same corner of the Farmer's Market (I know, the perfect morning... a little yoga, a little shopping at the farmer's market. Bliss!) Parking is free.  

STUDIO: Although it's inside the mall, the entrance is from the outside, so there is less fear of leaving stuff around and people being able to casually walk by and grab it (see last review's worries). The space  is pretty big, with a wall full of windows, so lots of natural, wonderful light flooding in. When you walk in, there are all the props you can use for class (no rental fee), to the left is the classroom, to the right is check-in. Check-in offers a nice community space to sip tea and catch up with others before class or browse the plethora of merch available. Between the practice space and check-in (on the back wall) is a hallway with 2-3 changing rooms. I never did find the bathroom, sorry. 

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Yoga Fundamentals: This class is designed to introduce new and continuing students to the fundamentals of yoga and prepare students for mixed level group classes. The class will provide instruction in the basic understanding of breathing (pranayama), sun salutations and poses (asanas), alignment, standing and seated postures, with a different emphasis each session. The teacher will assist students with alignment and suggest variations allowing each student to practice at a suitable level. 

INSTRUCTOR: Linda Lehovec has been practicing yoga since 2000. A dance and choreographer, Linda has been teaching yoga since 2005 at the University of Illinois where she is currently on faculty in the Department of Dance. In 2011, Linda completely her 200-hour Hatha Yoga teacher training and received her certification through the Kriya Temple of Yoga in Chicago. She is a registered yoga teacher in Yoga Alliance (RYT-200). Through her teaching Linda works to cultivate and deepen each students' self-awareness as well as their understanding of the body in general, and more specifically their understanding of the body in the yoga asanas. She brings her knowledge of the body, and the body in movement, into the yoga studio, using basic anatomy as a guide to developing a safe and purposeful yoga practice. Focus on her yoga class is on developing an understanding of useful alignment, cultivating an inward sense of awareness, and deepening the awareness of the subtle musculature in each pose. Linda teaches yoga anatomy workshops, and group and private yoga classes at Amara. 

CONTACT: Amara Yoga & Arts

*Written by Bridget, Anni's comments in italic*

This class was a present to myself. I've been meaning to get to a yoga class, really meaning to, but somehow I keep not getting to one. My yoga experience is limited to DVDs (including the crazy-eyed prenatal instructor one) and a few classes at my gym here and there over the years. I found yoga very centering while pregnant with my now three-year old daughter and relied heavily on yoga breathing (pranayama!) to achieve my natural birthing experience. Even with this positive connection though, it was something negative that finally pushed me to just go. It was the combination of health woes, overwhelming stress, and not being able to run (my fitness staple) that made me stop and say, "I need something more!" I walked into this class two days before having surgery for two suspicious, possibly cancerous (not cancerous, whew! whew is right!!) lumps removed. I almost skipped out, but my dear friend Anni reminded me that sometimes when we least think we have the energy to do something, that's when we actually need it most. She was right. (I should take my own advice, lol.) 

I was vaguely familiar with Amara and found the space very welcoming with charming, handmade flags greeting us outdoors (Amara is also considered an art studio and they regularly hold Kids Arts + Crafts Programs—which is where the flags came from) and a bright, sunny space within. The props were easy to find and based on the shoes already by the door, I gathered that I was to leave my shoes there also. The staff was helpful and I was glad to see a familiar face in the instructor who I know professionally (B and I work at a performing arts center—our instructor also teaches dance. It was great to see Linda from the perspective of a student!). The space in the studio felt a little tight to me, but a full class is usually a good sign, right? (That's usual for a Saturday morning class—and actually, although the room was full, that wasn't tight at all—their practice space is quite spacious. But, as I've said in other reviews, I usually avoid Saturday morning classes, because I like a quainter class size). I thought the instructor provided a lot of interesting information and was able to adjust in a very constructive manner, which made me feel at ease and more able to stay in the moment. It definitely seemed focused on a beginner level that made the practice a bit more practical than spiritual, but still challenging at moments. (I'm gonna guess this was actually the style of teaching—it's true that they don't usually hit you with the chanting in your beginner classes, but I didn't really feel this was a basic beginner class. What made it beginner-friendly was that Linda was incredible at instructing the students into the pose and offering up variations for different skill levels.) And Linda's trick for staying in chaturanga using the strap was amazing! (True dat! Linda had us loop the strap and place it just below the elbows. This provides you with a structure to lean on that distributes the weight in chaturanga dandasana—giving you the opportunity to stay longer to manipulate the body into the pose correctly. It was incredible! It was the first time I could actually imagine my body being able to hold chaturanga with no feet or what really is the floating in between the poses. Imagining your body doing any pose, to me, is really half the battle). 

For me, I think the most important thing about this class was just getting over the hump of going, realizing that I don't need to be perfect to embark on a yoga journey, and recognizing that anything shared with a friend tends to be easier. 

Seriously, a morning of yoga with my lovely friend is so inspiring. If you're new to yoga—grab a buddy and stumble through it together. I went to my first yoga class to support my friend Katie, only to find out it was my calling. You never know what you'll discover! 

Thank you, Bridget, for not only going to a class with me, but sharing your experience with all of us. What you learned is why I like going to different studios. That little bit of awkwardness is a humble reminder that we aren't meant to be perfect. It allows me to be more forgiving to myself—and therefore others. For me, yoga has nothing to do with the physical practice—but it's the physical practice that opens me up to my own personal freedom. Very Karate Kid, wax on, wax off. :) 

They do a lot of kids art workshops, love these mandala flags!

Gotta Love the Welcome Mat

View of the Entrance from the Check-In Desk

View of the Tea Station from the Check-In Desk 

Group Practice Space

Hallway in the Back w/ Dressing Rooms & a Safe Place to Hang Personal Items 

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Yoga Circle | Chicago, IL

I'd like to start this entry with a disclaimer to all yoga teachers, which I should start wearing on my forehead: When you impart your wisdom on me it most likely won't sink in until about two days to two weeks later. I apologize for blank stares, not fully appreciating your teachings in the moment, and not saying anything that would imply I'm intelligent. I promise your efforts are not wasted, and when the light bulb goes off it's a wonderful moment... for me. lol. 

LOCATION: The past 24 hours was spent with my older sister living large in her exec hotel room at the Palomar Hotel (which, by the way, supplied their guests with a yoga mat, nice!)—I'm a lucky lady. That being said, I found the closest yoga studio, as usual. This was a 15 minute walk from the hotel, and very easy to find. Although the signage isn't obvious, if you know you're suppose to be in 401 W. Ontario, you'll figure it out. There wasn't free parking, but plenty of paid street parking in front of or near to the studio. 

STUDIO:  I'm impressed, when I walked up to a typical city building you'd find near the magnificent mile I assumed corporate-y aesthetics to appease all the different businesses inside. But this was more like the cool, brick loft you've always wanted to own. Entering the building it was a bit confusing. As I walked up a half story to find the elevator I wondered where the stairs were—but they weren't obvious to me. Once on level two I was glad I knew it was room 210, so I could navigate the space like a hotel. Although, when you get to the door, you know you're at the right place. The door was locked, so I assumed the instructor wasn't there yet and took a couple pictures. Luckily the instructor came out and found me standing there—she started setting me up with forms, payment, and explaining the space. The bathrooms are actually down the hall outside of the studio—so I would recommend using them before you go to the studio... which is always locked. After I set up inside I heard the doorbell and realized there was no need to be standing outside the door from the get go. Inside is a small check-in desk with a hallway down to two rooms for practice. Off the hallway is also a changing room. The inside was warm, eclectic in the little discoveries of decor, and set up for Iyengar-style with lots of props, including wall props. Did not see that coming—but I'm excited to explore. And, for the record, when I left the studio, I followed one of the students who went for the stairs—ahhh, if you enter the building and immediately turn left, you'll eventually get to the stairs. I turned right towards the half-story stairs in front of me (which takes you to the elevator). 

CLASS DESCRIPTION:  Level 1-2: (Level 1) On-going classes for beginners. Emphasis on developing the fundamental postures. (Level 2) Introductory experience a pre-requisite. Basic postures are refined and intermediate poses are introduced.

INSTRUCTOR: Brooks: Brooks reveres yoga, and sees it as an art and science of celestial proportions that also connects deeply into one's earthly nature. Her classes present an opportunity to explore physical and psychological space. And you are likely to hear a poem. Learning yoga started in childhood when her grandmother saw it as a way to cool the grandkids down before bedtime, and the fires of inquisitiveness that started as seemingly small flames grew into an inferno of epic proportions in her life story—Brooks now teaches yoga full-time! She feels blessed to have learned from many gifted and inspired teachers. A workshop with Yoga Circle director, Gabriel Healpern, had a strong influence, and Brooks came to the Yoga Circle in 2002 where she continues to assist in Gabriel's gentle class weekly, in addition to teaching her regular classes. She is in awe of the voluminous knowledge, and practical wisdom available in the approach to yoga that BKS Iyengar's technique presents. She continues to train with certified Iyengar yoga teachers at Yoga Circle in classes and workshops, and blogs regularly about her personal experience and studies of yoga at brookshall.blogspot.com. 

CONTACT: Yoga Circle

I'm going to start off with the images, because I just adored this space—plus I want you to see what I mean by Iyengar-style room: 

Oh, THAT doorbell, I'm just now seeing it in this picture for the first time, oops

This was the second practice space, we used the bigger room

This is what I mean by Iyengar-style—a pleasant surprise

Cool loft meets yoga studio with lots o' props

I had to include this little detail—put a bird on it! 

I have to admit, I was intimidated... my quickest advice for that moment when you walk into a studio and feel like you're in over your head: Copy what everyone else is doing. If they grab certain props, you do the same. If they set them up differently than you're use to, just do it the same as the others. Any time I haven't done this, I end up wishing I did. It's never set me up for failure, but I have to remind myself that I don't know all there is to know about yoga (duh!)—so it's worth breaking my habits and usually discovering more about my practice by falling in line. 

Brooks. Is. Awesome. She was welcoming from the get go, showed me the space, explained the bathroom location, and after warm-up realized I may have not done this style of yoga and asked if I was comfortable. I couldn't feel more comfortable, thank you so much, Brooks!! 

We started off in a seated position, did our three Oms, and then an invocation to Pantanjali (a call and response chant—luckily I was provided with a cheat sheet, since I didn't know the words). Before we went into standing positions we did some floor stretches, and I remembered the class I took in Hawaii. It was Iyengar-style too (gasp, I lied to you! sorta), but without as many props—if I remember correctly—definitely not the wall props. I digress. I remembered the use of the wall to feel your shoulder blades and alignment while sitting in Dandasana (Staff Pose) and, again, how tight my shoulders really are. Although, I think there's been progress in my right shoulder, h'zah! 

For standing poses we used a chair a lot and a new prop for me, the quarter round block. This was fantastic for arch support—and this is where my disclaimer comes in. When I walked into the studio, Brooks saw my form and I didn't check off any ailments, but asked again anyway (smart teacher, bad student). So I mentioned that my ankle has been swollen for a week or so (I blame the heels I picked out for my little sister's wedding), but that it never hurts, just a little stiff. The whole class revolved around feet! It wasn't til I was driving home that I realized it. So, I apologize Brooks, for saying "Oh yes, feet up the wall felt fabulous for my ankle" when in reality... the whole class did! What is sanskrit for that pose where you put your foot in your mouth? Vacant'asana? ANYWAY! The quarter round block... We stretched our toes out on it, we used it under our arches in standing poses—it was great for the simple awareness of how your foot should be activated. 

Another lovely standing pose moment was when Brooks stopped to bring our attention to the length needed in the forward leg when doing Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle). Before every pose, Brooks would lead by example, and she was really great at showing the subtle shifts in the body to get into the pose correctly—this example specifically. Going into the pose again I was able to open up even more and go further into the pose, it was excellent. 

Once we were laying down on the mat we did some leg stretches, but were instructed to put the strap over different parts of the foot—first, just beneath the toes. Oh! This reminds me—Brooks referred to it as Barbie foot, and then went on (it was really funny, actually) about how there is a new yoga instructor Barbie coming out—and she has a chihuahua... what? Ok. Moving on, Barbie foot, when you stretch the leg with the strap in this position it stretches the front of the leg more... second location was right near the heel, which stretched out the back of the leg more (note to self, I need this for my calves), and last was in the regular placement near the center of the foot—which equally activates both sides of the leg.Very cool. 

The only downfall of the class was I didn't get to use any of the props attached to the wall—but with all the focus on our feet, I definitely can't complain, because it's exactly what I needed. 

We did so much more, but I've lost track... I mean, let's be honest, I am all over the place in this post, lol (and sorry). I'll end with the same poem Brooks read to us at the end of our sivasana. 

Thank you Brooks! 

Yogis, I highly recommend this studio and Brooks' classes.

Wild Geese

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body

love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain

are moving across the landscapes,

over the prairies and the deep trees,

the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting --

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.

~ Mary Oliver ~

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Living Yoga Center Update!

Living Yoga Center (hey! they have a newly designed site, nice!), the studio I practice at when I'm not on the road has switched owners. Deb, the founder of the center has handed off the baton (gong? yoga mat? bolster? no, she's a runner also, baton works) onto to Steve (one of the instructors at LYC) & Sharon—loving yogis that will take good care of this space and all of us.

They've made some exciting updates in the aesthetics, which I've photographed below. I'm excited to meet new teachers and try new classes (while still enjoying my regularly scheduled program). If you'd like to read a review of my first time going to LYC, you can locate that here.

Love to everyone at LYC—excited to witness this new part of the journey!
namaste

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Dahn Yoga | Schaumburg, IL

This may be obvious to you, but this was my recent eye-opener during my last class. I love checking out new yoga studios, because it's like traveling. You have no idea what you're getting into, you get to see/do something new, experience something you've done before (like eating, or um, yoga) but in a whole new atmosphere with someone else's influences. It's awkward, but exciting. And when you're done, you're a new person. You've connected with strangers. You're re-energized. And at the same time, you love the comfort of your home that maybe you take for granted until you've been away from it.

LOCATION: What's that? Waze is free on my iPhone? GPS, welcome back, I missed you. And since my last experience, you've gotten your social on and with way cuter icons. Bravo! Getting to this strip-mall setting was easy, thanks to said GPS. Plus they had a huge sign that said YOGA over the door. 

STUDIO:  Simple check in area with a place for shoes, lots of reading materials and local pamphlets. I filled out the waiver form, and one of the ladies showed me to the practice space—asking that I bow to honor the room before walking in. The room itself was also basic, artwork on the walls but no yoga props. There was a basket of socks—was I suppose to put those on? I even left my yoga mat in the back of the room because I apparently didn't need it. The floor was padded, so it was comfy to walk on. 

CLASS DESCRIPTION:  Develop strength, flexibility, proper breathing, and energy sensitivity with our daily yoga classes.
Our classes vary throughout the week for a more dynamic practice experience. Each class will help you shift your focus from outside to within yourself. Through our signature breathing postures, you will gather energy in your core, leaving you feeling strong, calm, and fresh.

INSTRUCTOR: I have no idea. How embarrassing! I go to the class, I'm so thrown off by being completely out of my element. No one introduces me to anyone, we hug goodbye but never exchange names. I realized this driving back to the hotel, and thought, "No worries, I'll look it up on their website." Nothing on their site. Crap. 

CONTACT: Dahn Yoga

My first time running into Dahn Yoga was looking for places to check out in Hawaii (a class I never made it to). This chain of studios describes themselves to be Yoga meeting Taiji (which I took for a few years prior to yoga), but the website has everyone in traditional karate uniform (karategi). What? There's no details on what to wear, props needed, or even a break down of different classes. But they use the word yoga enough, that when I ran into this experience again in Schaumburg, I had to check it out. 

From the second I walked in I knew I had no idea what I was getting into. Everyone was wearing white t-shirts and black pants (not karate garb!). Me, I was wearing an orange tank top and gray yoga pants. My nails were all frenched up for my sister's wedding the next day... I stuck out like a sore thumb. All three ladies even looked at me like I obviously walked into the wrong studio. I enjoyed confusing them, to be honest. I signed my waiver form and she walked me to the studio door. As mentioned before—there were socks (possibly offered, I'm not sure) and my yoga mat was left untouched. I was so uncomfortable, thank goodness I was in a room of strangers. They had already started doing the tapping. 

This actually reminded me a lot of my taiji classes, you stand with legs hip-distance apart. And imagine you're rhythmically pounding your chest like an ape—but instead you do this just below your belly button [3:00 in the video placed below]. We had to hit our belly 400 times, each taking turns counting.

Next we had to walk in a circle around the room, paying attention to the placement of our foot (specifically the ball of our foot). We reversed this and then took it into a jog. I was happy to not be wearing socks at this point, because the other ladies were sliding all over the room. 

From there we did some meridian stretching—nothing was really discussed on form. In fact, at one point I wasn't sure if it was a good pose form my irritable sacrum. But they were basic bends left to right, forward and backward to open up the spine and joints. 

I think next we did the whole body tapping, which is you just slapping your entire body, which wakes up the circulation. We also included rubbing our hands together quickly, to generate heat. Then you place your hands on areas for healing—we did this in taiji too. 

What stood out the most was the energy meditation and brain wave vibration. We all were sitting down on the floor, which ever way comfortable for each person. Our teacher took us through an energy meditation. Closing the eyes you imagined a ball of energy, placing your hands around it. As she walked us through it we adjusted the size of the energy. Personally, I really connect with meditation like this. Maybe it's the years of having a father acupuncturist influencing me plus previous taiji classes, but I'm fully aware of the energy running through our body and how it can be used to to heal. I'm not sure if I can do that all with my brain (yet), but I've seen it work miracles through needles. 

Then things took a twist on me and we went into brain wave vibration—suddenly Kodo-like drum music was playing loudly and we were asked to shake our bodies to it. Shake our hands out. Shake your head back and forth (like you're saying no). Move to it in your own rhythm. I kept my eyes shut and just went for it. Losing my rhythm here and there was definitely connected to losing my focus inward. I felt silly, but just kept reminding myself to not care. Let go to fully experience this class. The instructor prompted us further to release all the anger from our past through our voice. Sorta like an om, maybe? For me it was, at least in sound. Then the guy behind me let it out—I mean, that had to be a lot of anger from the past. I loved it! It allowed the rest of the room to let go more. I wasn't going to scream like him, but my little om definitely got louder. We just repeated this for a while and then faded out with the drum music. It was wild. Did I mention how uncomfortable I was? Which I welcome, because that means I was challenging my brain to do something it didn't think it could do. I usually like to do this in the form of a twisted up yoga pose that I can't quite get into (yet), but this new experience definitely jolted my perception for a good chunk of the day—heck, it still is, who am I kidding? 

We ended with some breathing exercises that moved us into sivasana. And it was done. Crazy. 

If you're looking for traditional yoga—I wouldn't recommend this. Though it offered the same intentions behind yoga, I wouldn't want it to replace one of my weekly classes. If that makes sense. And though it also offered up some familiar warm-ups in taiji, it didn't teach any traditional taiji moves either. It didn't disappoint me, it helped me some with meditation, but mostly I think it's strength was in rocking me out of my comfort zone... literally! I think Dahn yoga just suffers from not being able to define itself to strangers, and I would lose the karate outfit images—that still confuses me. 

Maybe this video can offer up a better explanation for you—maybe.

 

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