Kirtan Intensive, Yoga on High, Columbus: Offered by someone really passionate about Kirtan; a small group, so time for questions and personal touch, learned more in depth about the deities and stories. I do wish we could have spent more time learning harmonium (we all brought them per instruction) but since we spent so much time on deities, didn't get to play them much...bummer!
Sienna Sherman Weekend Retreat, Yoga Springs Studio, Yellow Springs: It was so nice to devote an entire weekend to Yoga. It was the only time I was able to do this during the year and it was an absolute luxury. I love carving out this space and spending it immersed in Yoga and Meditation without anything else to think about. It was very intense physically, so I felt strong and detoxed afterwards. Though it was sometimes SO intense and heavy on the very advanced poses, that it was easy to become frustrated and worn out. But, she sang the most beautiful Hari Om melody that sounded like a lullaby. I actually went up afterwards and had her repeat it so I wouldn't forget. I sing it to Bodhi now sometimes when she goes to sleep.
David Swenson Yoga Sutras, Yoga on High, Columbus: By far my absolute FAVORITE Yoga on High event I've ever gone to. This was my first time studying with David and he is an amazing, natural, funny teacher who knows how to tell a good story! He taught us about the Yoga Sutras and explained it in a way that had me on fire about sometime I've been studying for years. He just took it to a deeper level and gave such great examples. He inspired me so much that it made me start including a section on Yoga Sutras in my Philosophy class based on this lecture! I would love to study with him again.
Angela Farmer - Day for Women, John Bryan Center, Yellow Springs: She is a graceful, commanding, intimidating, beautiful elder goddess who I had to pinch myself every few minutes to assure myself, Yes, you really are studying from one of the greats, one of the American pioneers, one of the first women to bring and teach Yoga to the West. Yes, she's right here in front of you. And she is funny in a dry way, worldly, and very fierce. Not warm necessarily, but just right and keenly perceptive about just about everything. It was an intense day, very centered on the emotional essence of women. She had us unfold in free movement, write in journals, and do creative visualization. Little asana was done, but much transpired.
Laurel Heffner - Sivananda Retreat, Center for Spiritual Living, Kettering: Laurel, whether she knows it or not, has truly become a Guru to me. The most down to earth, knowledgeable and funny woman. I adore her. And I adore what she gives in Yoga. Her take, experience and lens of Yoga just vibes with mine completely and she is a light and grace in the world of workout and commercialized Yoga and Pilates turned Yoga instructors because she brings it back to its heart, to its spirituality, to its essence, to India, and to its gurus without hesitation or apology. This all day retreat was devoted to celebrating Sivananda, the teacher of my teacher, Satchidananda. I wrote about this experience already, but had to mention it as part of my Year in Review, since of all of them, it was the most powerful to me. She will be offering another in March on Swami Chitananda and I am counting down the days.
This year has been empowering for my Yoga practice. I realized fully and clearly that I do not need to travel across the country (or out of the country) to attend a good Yoga retreat and/or training and deepen my practice. Because I am so lucky to live where I do, I can take an afternoon, evening, or when I am very lucky, a whole weekend and deepen, unfold, experience, absorb, breathe it in, and bring it back to my mat and my crazy life. Someday I will take the trips to Kripalu and other far and away ashrams again, but right now I don't want to be away from Bodhi for too long and who can afford all that travel and expense? Since Yoga comes from within anyway, it only makes sense to not have to travel too far for a little insight.
Speaking of my little Yogi, she now does her own downward dog on the mat with her head on the floor, looks between her legs and laughs at me. Every day is a gift and a chance to live my sadhana. Some days, working full time, trying to be a present and dedicated mom and partner, and all of the rest of life is difficult, challenging and I am as far from a Yogi as you can imagine. Other days, I feel like I am somewhat on track and actually getting the hang of it. And on those days, I can't imagine a life without Yoga. I am looking forward to what this year brings!
