Is it really possible to set aside our expectations for yoga? For me, it's a lofty ideal. It would be great to wake up and not think about what I want to happen--be it in my writing classes, when I go out to dinner, and, especially, with yoga.
I do strive to set those expectations aside in my practice, but with the Esak Garcia workshop coming up, I can't help but get a little excited and just hope certain things will occur. Maybe I could just reframe and call it "goal-setting" ;-)
The workshop begins with a class taught by Esak. Then, we have a short break, followed by a seminar/posture clinic/whatever that goes until 4:00. Goal #1: don't sit out any of the postures and just enjoy the class and new instructor.
I know it will be impossible for Esak to go over all 26 postures, and I'm sure I'll get a lot out of the discussion of whatever postures he chooses to discuss. Goal #2: appreciate insights into whatever he chooses to have us work on.
OK. My lofty "appreciate what's offered" ideal ends there. Here's what I want! I'm really hoping he has us work on Half-moon. I can't seem to get enough of teachers telling me not to get scared in Standing Backward Bend, and I've already posted about my curvy spine in Half-moon. I've never had a teacher single me out and tell me they could see I was capable of much more, but I know I'm capable of so much more. I can't seem to push myself enough here by adhering to the corrections given to the class. I need to kiss my fear of those poses goodbye, and a little one-on-one might just do the trick.
There are other poses I feel a little... blank about. By blank I mean that I simply have no idea what I'm doing and wonder if I'm getting anything out of them. In Standing Separate Leg Head-to-knee pose I have no idea what my hips are doing, yet the dialogue is specific about "right hip forward, left hip back." I'm also afraid of injuring myself on the forward bends, so Seated and Standing Separate Leg Stretching poses would be great to work on.
That said, regardless of what Esak chooses to do, I'm really looking forward to the workshop and spending a whole day on yoga. I'm going to take lots of notes, bring a camera, and hang out wiht my mat buddy. Only 20 people or so have registered at this point, so we should get some individual attention. You know I will share any insights I gain from this!
6 comments:
Oh, a workshop with Esak Garcia! That is exciting! This is a situation where I would have expectations as well. When I took my private class with Ida Ripley I had them even though I tried not to. I got everything out of it that I wanted and more! I'm sure with such an experienced teacher you'll have an amazing day! Have fun and ask lots of questions!
You're in luck, posture clinics are always front-loaded - always running out of time and energy towards end of floor series. If you have questions - ask. If you want him to pick apart your pose - ask. He'll do it. Always plenty of individual attention in a posture clinic but don't be shy. Everyone learns by watching the teacher correct the individual. Esak is great and totally inspirational.
I'm excited for you! What a great re-framing to look at it as "goal-setting." I second what Anna says - just ask! It seems like that's really encouraged in the "real" posture clinics (compared to mine :P).
(E-mail coming your way at some point today; sorry if I seemed all Creepy McCreeperson.)
I love workshops! I took a Craig Villani one. It was the best! I can't wait to read your post workshop post.....
(yes, we are total yoga dorks!Julianna would be proud!!)
Siiii, ask questions, lots of questions. That's what I did when I took posture clinic with Raj and Joseph Encinia. Also, don't forget the camera :-) Have fun E !! I wish I could have made it!! Can't wait for your posting :-) Of course, expectation are inevitable in this context!!!
Thanks for your support! Your encouragement to be assertive is just what is needed.
So you did a workshop with Joseph, Cirita? We'll have to talk when we finally meet!
Can't wait for your email, McCreepy ;-)
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