"Be in the Now and You'll Know How"

Image via Liz on pinterest

Remember when I told you I was going to start weekly posts featuring each of Baron Baptiste's Eight Principles for stepping up to the edge?  You do?  Then you fail.  You are not in the now, you are in the past!

Kidding.  The old me would say that I am the failure for not holding to my commitment.  But, sometimes life happens and you have to be present and available to other things in the moment.  Plus, I no longer believe in failure anyway -- thank God.  I do believe, however, that you can only begin exactly where you are and today, my loyal followers (I had no idea you existed until last week!), I begin (again) with addressing the principles.  Here goes #2:

Be in the Now and You'll Know How.

No, you are not experiencing déjà vu.  Principle I, "You are either here now or nowhere," has a slightly different twist on the "now" thing.  Yes, you are catching on that the concept of being present is pretty darn important in getting to that edge.  Baron links this "now" principle very closely to the asana (physical) practice and the significance of tuning out distractions to be 100% in-tune with your body's voice.

How can you apply this to your own practice?  Think about a pose that you can't quite get.  Maybe you feel like you are not flexible enough or strong enough or confident enough to fully execute the position.  This leads to frustration.  Which leads to loss of focus.  Which leads to going nowhere.  Better get back here.  Now.

For the longest time the transition from prasarita padottanasana (wide leg forward bend) into sirsasana II (tripod headstand) was a foreign movement to me.  Being blessed with freakishly open hamstrings, my head easily slammed into the ground in the forward fold, setting me up with a solid base upon which to make the transition.  But I would get stuck there with my feet glued to the ground.

About a year ago, I was in a class led by the fabulously funny jokester and CPY teacher Jessica Kenny.  I decided it was sarcasm speaking when she instructed us into that forward fold and let us know that if our heads reached the mat, we had to take tripod headstand.  Good one, Jess.  I'll just effortlessly find the necessary balance and weight distribution upon on my head and two hands then use my core to magically lift my feet from the earth and over my head.  Oh, and I definitely won't fall and hit the person who is six inches away from me or anything.  Then I'll levitate.  No big deal.  The thing is, the transition really was no big deal for me at that point in my practice.  I had the flexibility.  I had the strength.  I had the balance.  What I did not have was the body awareness.  In order to hear my body, I needed my mind to shut up.

I decided that day that I would practice this transition at home after every yoga class.  I highly recommend practicing postures you are determined to master at home!  A few minutes in a class gives you a limited chance to work on the pose.  Especially if you find yourself distracted by defeat, fear, or over-interpretation of instruction.  You have to feel postures in your own body.  In my case, I was also keeping the safety of fellow yogis in mind.

The day that I finally found lift off was the day that I stopped using my brain.  My body was trusting my brain's suggestion that this was impossible.  Already beat after a powerful practice, I re-rolled out my mat in my bedroom, not really feeling like working on anything else at that point, took the forward fold without much thought, set up strong, and felt my feet come off the mat and into a headstand position.  I left it up to my body and my body totally got it -- and it suddenly became effortless and natural.  Now I eagerly await the opportunity in class to go upside down.  Even in the mat-to-mat 5:45pm classes!

In your practice, look at where you need to give your mind a break and let your body do the work.  Don't over-think alignment.  Trust your body on your mat.  Base the growth of your practice on intuition -- you will go where you need to when you are ready.

See you on the mat,

Liz (lizabramsyoga.com)

"We Are Either Now Here or Nowhere"

Image: via Liz on pinterest

As discussed in my last post, over the next few weeks I will be introducing you to Baron Baptiste's Eight Universal Principles for Stepping Up to The Edge.  Remember, at the edge we build strength and discover serenity.  It's time to get started with Principle I:

We Are Either Now Here or Nowhere.

Have you ever been to a yoga class and heard the teacher speak to being present?  Pretty much every class, right?  It's because it's kind of a big deal.  Is anything happening in the past?  No -- it no longer exists.  Is anything happening in the future?  No -- it doesn't yet exist.  So if you are spending your time in either of those places, nothing is happening.  Other than unwelcome feelings of worry, sadness, depression, regret, anxiety, or loneliness -- all generated by stories that you are making up in your head about what happened or what is going to happen.  Peaceful memories and adventurous goals are great things, but it is only in the present moment that we truly experience growth.  Where we build strength and discover serenity.

Sounds simple.  Just be present.  Easier said than done.  I get it.  We live in a fast paced world filled with constant distraction and stimulation.  It's downright impossible to be present while perusing your facebook newsfeed!  The good news is, you can develop the ability to bring yourself back to the present when your mind starts to drift.  Achieving now here instead of nowhere does take practice, but it is not an impossible feat.

I admit, there are days where as soon as I arrive at my mat, I'm ready to walk out the door.  A couple months ago, I started doing CrossFit and the intensity of the workouts can leave me feeling a little wilted.  To the point where just unrolling my seven pound Manduka mat is a feat.  Before I've even settled into Child's pose, I'm already in the process of psyching myself out, "how am I ever going to make it through 75 minutes of vigorous flow in a 90 degree room when my shoulders are so sore I can barely lift my arms above my head??"

By breathing.  That's how.

Image: via Liz on pinterest

When you focus on nothing but breath, it's downright impossible not to be present.  You may have noticed that every class at CPY starts off with a few minutes in a resting posture where attention to the breath begins.  This is not by accident.  When we start class by honing in on our breathing, we immediately start to shut out the crazy thoughts and stories running through our heads and find our happy place.  Have you ever been boiling-over angry or panic-attack stressed and encouraged by a friend or loved one to "just take a few deep breaths?"  That's good advice.  This simple action calms the nervous system, allowing us to regain composure and get back to the now -- where the magic happens.

Even on my most worn-out days, when I shift my thinking to my breath (instead of the intense burning sensation in my quads, for example), I am able to remain in postures until the teacher guides us out, not just until my brain says "get me out."  Focusing on the breath can take work.  I suggest starting by simply saying in your head "inhale" and "exhale" as you breathe in and out to get into a rhythm of linking movement with breath.  Another great option is to utilize a mantra that you can repeat when your mind starts to get distracted.  I personally like "here" (inhale) "now" (exhale).  This method keeps me from thinking about what is coming next and how tired I am.  Before I know it, I've powered through class and am basking in the glory of both serenity and strength.

As you go about your day or your yoga practice, if you find your mind starts to wander to a far away place, try using your breath as a tool that allows you to enjoy the present.  Hmmm.  It actually is that simple, right?

See you on the mat,

Liz (lizabramsyoga.com)

Living on the Edge

I will never forget my first yoga class.  I didn't really want to go.  I thought yoga was for wimps and weirdos.  I saw no need to relax when intense physical activities could reduce my stress and OM-ing seemed just a little too...out there.  You know, like the girl in this video:

While visiting my dear friend in Boston during the frigid month of January, my arm was twisted.  She had been going to the Baptiste Studio in Cambridge and was obsessed.  So much so, she had even purchased several books by this dude Baron who created this style of power vinyasa yoga.  She claimed it was changing her life, so I was intrigued.  She also mentioned it was in a 90 degree room -- sounded delightful on that cold day, but also a little scary.  Extreme heat can make me irritable and claustrophobic (so naturally, I chose Charleston to call home).  I like to live on the edge, so I put on my running clothes and took the mat towel she insisted I would need and pushed all fears and doubts aside.

The next thing I know, I'm in a room mat-to-mat with strangers, swapping sweat, movin' and grovin', and having the time of my life.  I can't recall a thing the teacher said, but if it was anything about experiencing detoxing, opening, centering or freedom during the practice, she was spot-on.  I walked out of that room feeling lighter, happier, and ALIVE.  Plus, that class kicked my booty.  I worked muscles I didn't even know I had.  Turns out, yoga can be physically intense.  Good thing I was open-minded (yoga would teach me about that later) too lazy to run that day.  The high I was on could not even be stopped by the extreme shock of sweat-drenched clothes and hair meeting the harsh bite of the Boston winter winds.

Immediately upon returning home, before considering a much needed shower or electrolyte replenishment beverage, I was online looking up yoga studios in NYC (where I lived at the time) and ordering a green yogitoes towel that represented the heart chakra in honor of my new love interest.  Turns out, I'm a weirdo.  After showering and chugging a gallon of water, in my new-found zen state I got cozy with one of those books: Journey Into Power by Baron Baptiste.  I flipped through the pages reading an excerpt here and there, but then threw it aside in favor of wine and cheese.  

image: baronbaptiste.com

My yoga practice never stopped after that first class, but I was not reacquainted with the book that would truly inspire transformation my life until I participated in Yoga Teacher Training at Baptiste Affiliate Studio Charleston Power Yoga (an amazing experience I can't wait rave about another day).

In the book, Baron discusses his "Eight Universal Principles for Stepping Up to the Edge."  He says these principles will "do for your mind what a map does when you are lost on a road."  You may be wondering what the big deal is about living on the edge or think that sounds dangerous.  Personally, it's my favorite place.  It's staying in a pose when your legs are screaming at you to come out of it.  At the edge, we build strength.  It's showing up to a yoga class for the first time, even if you don't think you want to be there, and falling in love.  At the edge, we find serenity.

Image via Liz on Pinterest

Over the next eight posts, I will be discussing each principle in detail to help guide you on a journey to your own personal edge.  Whether you are a beginner or experienced yogi, these principles will speak to you.  Even if you've read them a thousand times before, as you grow in your life and practice, they will find new meaning.  In the same way that every time you show up for a yoga class, you get something different out of the experience.  If you've never done yoga before, you'll just have to trust me on that one and get to Charleston Power Yoga downtown on King Street to believe it for yourself.

See you on the mat,

Liz (lizabramsyoga.com)

Turn Your Fear Upside Down!

Image: fridgedoor.com

When I was in college, a friend of mine had the amazing opportunity to study for a semester abroad in Ireland.  Lucky, right?  Well, she didn't think so and emailed me a sob-story about the terrible time she was having sitting in her apartment alone most evenings spending energy missing friends and family back in the states.  She was missing a lot more than that -- new experiences, new friends, new drinking games -- all being missed!  She was dropped outside her cozy little comfort zone and didn't know what to do.  She was scared.

This was back in a time when people sent snail mail, not facebook messages, so I went searching for a card to carry some cheer and encouragement to her across the pond.  I found the magnet pictured above and purchased two immediately.  One for me, one for her.  She finally tried her first Guinness and "do one thing every day that scares you" became my permanent motto for life.

All week, I have been endlessly discussing this weekend's super exciting inversion and arm balance workshops with Briohny and Dice with fellow my teachers and students.  There is a common theme going on with those who have not yet secured a spot: FEAR.

I can't send you all a magnet, or I will not be able to afford to attend any of the workshops myself, but I can tell you that if you are resisting signing up out of fear, you are missing out!  There is a workshop for everyone and there is still space available in all sessions.  What is holding YOU back?  These are the most common excuses in circulation:

"I'm afraid I can't do arm balances or inversions." or "I'm afraid of going upside down."

Spend your Saturday morning (10am - 12pm) learning the steps to saying "I can."  Intro to Flight is perfect for those resistant to flying and balancing on their hands and those who have just started to play with the idea.  In this workshop, basic postures will be broken down and made accessible for all by laying a strong foundation that starts with proper alignment and how to enter and exit postures safely.

"I'm afraid I'm not strong or flexible enough to do these fancy postures."

Bend Your Inversions on Saturday afternoon (1pm - 3pm) will focus on building strength and opening in the chest, back, abs, quads, and hamstrings.  If you love backbends and balancing, this is the workshop for you.  Even if you are new to inversions, you will benefit from this (or any) workshop from the powerful instruction, energy and support from fellow students, and my #1 supporter that will not let you fall: the wall.  You do not need to be able to invert in the middle of the room!!  The wall is a great tool for building confidence while learning.

"I'm afraid of going alone."

Yoga = community.  If you are new in town or have been practicing at CPY for awhile and have never said hello to a fellow yogi at the studio, now is your chance to build your network and make new friends with like-minded interests!  Sign up for Partner/Acro Yoga and you'll automatically be given a new BFF for Sunday morning (9am - 11am) and beyond.

"I want to be able to do this (watch video) but I'm afraid because I can't nail and hold my handstand away from the wall every single time.  Maybe in 10 years I'll be there."

 

Ok, so that is my own personal excuse.  Maybe it will take me 10 years to flow effortlessly on my hands.  I'm not putting a deadline on it, but I am going to take action steps to achieving this goal and the first of many steps is attending The ABC's of the Inverted Yoga Practice on Sunday (12pm - 2pm) to deepen my understanding of where every bone and muscle in my body is and needs to be while upside down.  Not being able to do XYZ right now is exactly why you and I both need to attend a workshop.  If you do not try (and fall down and try again and again), how will you ever know where you can go and how will you ever get there?  Exactly.

You may not master your first or an advanced posture during the workshop, but you will be given all of the tools you need to successfully make them a regular part of your practice and, even if it requires assistance, you WILL get into some postures!  This inspiring duo will help you develop enhanced body awareness, build strength, and move past mental blocks and fear.   

Still scared?  Good.  Now you don't have to come up with something to do that scares you this Saturday or Sunday.  Give up excuses, step out of your comfort zone, and turn your fear upside down by signing up now!

See you on the mat,

Liz (lizabramsyoga.com) 

CPY Shines in Jacksonville with Baron Baptiste

What do you get when 23 CPY flow junkies hit the road for Baron's master class in Jacksonville? A big fat YES! Clad in orange tanks and a sheen of glowing sweat we were hard to miss as we chataranga-ed our way into Baron's heart. Who doesn't love a gang of traveling yoginis, and Ray of course:) If you've never taken a class with Baron, put it up high on your bucket list. He is a powerful, grounded, authentic teacher and being who speaks into each and every student in a way that let's you know he sees you, he's connected, and he's inspiring! We opened our hearts to possibility with each and every backbend and had so much fun sharing the space with 150 other Southern Baptiste Power Yogis. We are ready NOW for Baron to Light up our amazing community, and once we focus on something, we can't be stopped. Check out Charleston Power Yoga on Upper King St for sweaty asana and powerful transformations 32x a week. And stay tuned, we have a feeling Baron might just decide Charleston is worth checking out, and not just for our Shrimp and Grits. www.charlestonpoweryoga.com

Buy Local at Charleston Power Yoga

This Upper King St Power Yoga Studio is owned by two local gals, Beth Thomas and Sarah Frick, who also happen to be lovers of all things local. As members of Lowcountry Locals First, they know what it means to open a business without corporate backing or big wallets, and they go out of their way to eat local, shop local and even stock their retail with locally made items! Stop by their retail boutique before/after classes or 11-4 on Saturdays to pick up an Easter gift, birthday/wedding gift, or a little something for yourself! Their local lines include Rewined soy based candles created to represent your favorite wine varietal, Rose Knot handmade yoga mat bags created from recycled fabrics in fun, funky prints, and Theodosia Jewelry featuring delicate gold chain necklaces with jewels or yoga pendants. Visit Charleston Power Yoga at 557 King St beside Midtown Bar and Grill to get your sweat on, and support some local artists while you're there. And remember, first class is always free for locals!
www.charlestonpoweryoga.com

Proud Mary and Africa Yoga Project

Two of our favorite passions have come together, shopping and Yoga, thanks to Harper Poe of Proud Mary. Harper, one of our flow junkies, started Proud Mary in 2008 when she returned from volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in South America. She was inspired to combine sustainable design business and social change together and since has created an outlet for shoppers to purchase unique, handcrafted goods from artisans in developing countries, and 10% of the Market sales go to support like minded organizations. Harper has chosen one of our favorite organizations, Africa Yoga Project, to receive 10% of Sales on products from Mali. AYP creates empowerment and transformation through Yoga and trains amazing teachers in Africa who are being the change every day! Check out Proud Mary's Market and give back while getting some amazing, unique, sustainable products you will love!

www.charlestonpoweryoga.com