T’Om’ Selleck, get it? Ok, I’m just being cheesy…
Last Thursday night I went to my usual 6-7:30 p.m. yoga class, which is a practice class before my teacher training session. I was all geared up to go through some massive Kundalini with the pixie sprite yoga teacher, but alas, she was sick and we had a sub. I’ve had this sub once before and she got major points for showing up to teach in a Tom Selleck t-shirt. I really like it when a yogi isn’t deadly serious all the time. A little levity goes a long way. Although she had a really sparkly personality, she was no joke about the asana she was having us practice.
An hour and a half later, we had a little bit of time before teacher training started, so we ran across the street to get some nourishment, which we typically do as the teacher training Thursday sessions have thus far been lecture classes. Unfortunately, this was a practice class. Now, I’m all about the practice. The more the merrier, but I was starving. I hadn’t even had a chance to uncork my kombucha or shove more than 2 or 3 almonds in my face.
Once I got past my hunger grumpiness, it ended up being a pretty fascinating practice. We learned, via movement, about the 5 Prana Vayus (the 5 vital currents that are continually moving through us and the universe in all directions):
- Apana: downward energy
- Prana: upward energy
- Samana: inward energy
- Udana: outward energy
- Vyana: expansion in all directions, all-encompassing.
To illustrate these concepts, we paired movement that matched the direction of energy. It was a fantastic way to reinforce what we were learning. Fascinating stuff in general!
Then, we learned about the bandhas. I’ve used the bandhas before, but I never really grasped their implication in the blocking and redirecting of energy. Even more fascinating! We also did asana to incorporate the bandhas. Let me tell you, downward dog is a whole different beast when you’re engaging your mula, uddiyana, and jalandhara bandhas at the same time! I love this idea of harnessing the energy and reversing its course and directing it where I want. So awesome.
Hey there. I’m enjoying reading your blog, particularly your explanations of these elements of yoga. I can’t help but feel that in the act of writing you are reinforcing your own learning and understanding of it all. In this regard, you may be in “teacher training,” but IMO you’re already working as a teacher. (And, isn’t that the best kind of teacher of all? The one who is constantly still growing and learning themselves?) Good stuff all around! I hope you and E are having a lovely holiday season so far:)
Thank you, MRD! I do find that the act of writing is reinforcing what I’m learning. And wow, is there a lot to learn! Just reading doesn’t help me absorb as much. I also know this will be a lifetime of learning…The best thing a yoga teacher ever told us is that there is no “being good at yoga.” You’re always constantly learning and growing. It’s an awesome journey! Hope you guys are having a great holiday season as well! The santa pics were adorable. Best to you and J!