On the Mat: Learning the Language
This week I have been on a creative development retreat. Aside from reading, writing, and adventuring, I also have been reawakening my Spanish language studies from years ago. It has been humbling, yet also empowering to remember vocabulary and verb conjugation rules I once knew well. Learning another language is fun! This got me to … Continue reading
Off the Grid: Coffee with Josef Albers
I just offered myself a challenge on the first day of Spring. Could I take an “Off the Grid” retreat for 10 days while staying here in New York City? I can report that it is going about 65% well with a positive attitude that this percentage will rise as the days go forward. Habits … Continue reading
On the Mat: Where You Are When In Flux
In the last post, we learned about the instabilities we might experience as inhabitants of the earth when the seasons transition to Spring in our region. Changes and new growth are happening but not without hard work. We might feel a bit unstable as a result of fluctuations in temperatures and weather patterns. As … Continue reading
Almost-But-Not-Quite-Spring
Happy almost-but-not-quite Spring! Nothing like an unexpected snow flurry just two days after a bright sunny day when many of us sat at outdoor cafes to remind us that Spring is almost-but-not-quite here. One day I don a lighter jacket and scarf and the next, full sleeping bag jacket coverage. Ayurvedically-speaking, seasonal transitions are a … Continue reading
Study Sessions: Ida Saki
Mindbodybrew is ultimately about providing a space for written reflection at every step along the yoga path. We hope that by sharing assignments from our Teacher Trainees, we can expand their deep investigation into community-wide dialogue. The following was written by Ida Saki, in response to her Buddhist philosophy and meditation studies with Ethan Nichtern. … Continue reading
Learning One-to-One Using a Two-Way Transmission
Did you know that yoga was classically taught one-to-one? The tradition of teaching was followed because each person required yogic guidance unique to his/her mind, body, and philosophical curiosities. It was an honored arrangement between master teacher and student requiring careful selection for both parties to create a healthy partnership for lifelong learning. “Direct transmission” … Continue reading
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