Yoga Instead

Here’s what I wrote in my column for the local paper, The Concord Journal, dated 9/11/08:

According to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, “Practice becomes firmly grounded when well attended to for a long time, without break and in all earnestness.”  This is my goal with respect to my own yoga practice.  I hope I am inspiring this in my students–if nothing else, by setting an example with my regular practice of meditation, Ujjayi breathing, and asana (poses), plus attending weekly yoga classes.

Students who come to class faithfully enjoy the benefits of moving forward through the 12 themes we teach, building on their own practice step by step, as each lesson plan is carefully structured.  The steadiness of regular attendance combined with home practice gives the most reward.

Photo by J. Hallowell

As a bonus, students form relationships with their “yoga buddies” week after week, sharing a unique connection.  So, looking at the big picture, the continuity of regular yoga practice builds a more conscious community.

I am honored to be able to make my small contribution as a Svaroopa® Yoga instructor.  I value my students and especially appreciate those who come to class regularly, and I look forward to others joining us, in our journey of discovering the quiet stillness within…and the ease and flexibility of body and mind.

Namaste, Jane

My students were lying down in Shavasana in class today as I talked them through Guided Awareness and Ujjayi Pranayama (a type of yogic breathing).  After this, they sat up, ready for the first pose.

Photo by J. Hallowell

One of them was smiling from ear to ear and was radiant from the inside out.  She looked like sunshine.  Her face had changed completely.  I couldn’t believe it!  It felt so good to be able to facilitate such elation and vitality…and this is just one example of why I love teaching yoga.

Namaste, Jane

Jane Hallowell, Yoga Instructor

Are you one of those people who sat at a computer at work and didn’t notice any discomfort in your neck until 20 years passed by?  Or maybe you were a dancer and overstretched for so long, your hips hurt?  Or perhaps your back muscles are so tight and sore, they are numb, and you didn’t know this until you had a massage.

This indicates that oftentimes, we aren’t aware of what’s going on in our bodies until the damage has been done.

Svaroopa® Yoga facilitates awareness, tuning us in to the subtle nuances in our bodies that might lead to future pain or illness.  Also, it can diminish or get rid of current ailments.

In order to facilitate awareness, the teacher will ask students to notice how they feel before moving into a pose, after doing one side, and after doing both.  Some say they don’t know.  Some know there are changes but can’t articulate them.  Others can describe the changes in detail.

As far as my own story goes, it wasn’t until I started taking this style of yoga that I began to notice how often I clenched my teeth and how tight and sore my jaw was.  I became aware of this tension that in years previous, I didn’t even know existed.  Once I became more perceptive, I began to relax my jaw consciously every time it tightened up.  After training for several years, the tension released gradually.  Now, I don’t even have to think about it.

Eight years after my first class, I have become so much more aware of my physical body.  In the process, I’ve gotten rid of neck and shoulder, lower back, and wrist pain plus plantar
fasciitis.  I’m healthier and stronger now at age 62 than I was ten years ago.

Plus there’s a bonus.

Beyond body awareness and the physical practice of poses, there is so much more.  I have discovered this through Ujjayi Pranayama (a type of yogic breathing) and meditation.  Many have described the “so much more,” but for now, I would like to leave it to you to try Svaroopa® Yoga or continue with your own regular practice and experience for yourself the life-changing adventure that lies ahead.

Namaste, Jane

Photo by J. Hallowell

I’m teaching a yoga class throughout the summer on Saturday mornings, 9:30-11:00 at Be Well and Beyond in Acton, MA.  978-263-5771.  Please join us, and enjoy a relaxing experience as you unwind from your busy work week.

Namaste, Jane

Wellfleet - Photo by J. Hallowell

As a Svaroopa® Yoga instructor, I try and help students bring yoga into their daily lives. Of course, attending class and practicing at home regularly is the place to start.  But beyond that, how we approach the practice initially is a reflection of our emotional state of mind.  And with continued practice, we can actually change and improve our state of mind.

Approaching the practice with correct propping and alignment facilitates releasing muscle tension and letting go.  Everyone’s body is tight or sore in different areas; and so, everyone needs different propping.

In Sukhasana, if a student uses fewer props than needed, the knees will be higher than the hips; and so, the leg muscles will have to grip in order to hold the pose.  On the other hand, if the student is aligned properly by sitting on enough blankets so the knees are the same height as the hips (or slightly lower), he/she can sit with ease.

In Lunge, when the wrists are either ahead of the shoulders or too far out to the side, the body compensates for misalignment by holding tension; consequently, forcing to maintain the pose.  When the wrists are aligned correctly: i.e., directly under the shoulders, muscle tension will release and let go.

The more we resist using enough props or practice with improper alignment, the more the muscles around the tailbone will resist letting go, and the more resistant and forceful we will be in our daily lives.  With correct propping and precise alignment, the tailbone will release more.  As the deep spinal muscles along the tailbone soften, we open up physically as well as mentally and emotionally.  Thus, we will naturally rid ourselves of resistance and forcefulness, and live in a state of ease, enjoy life more, and simply, be able to let go.

Namaste, Jane

I'm on the left.

Here are my students (and me, too) having a tea party on Memorial Day weekend. FUN!

What's a tea party without chocolate cake?