Practice Notes

Using a mirror for Headstand made me realize I need to use my triceps more. I was away from the wall and didn't even think about being afraid of falling because I was so focused on opening the chest and pulling the shoulder away from the neck. This action really stabilized the pose. I'll have to focus on the legs next time.

Just Another Day Floating in California

I floated again this morning which is the second time I've floated. I went to the Iynegar Institute for a Level 3-5 2 hour class with a teacher by the name of Janet. The class went well, very well and was centered around Virasana. Janet's teaching reminded me of Kathleen because it was more about focusing on the actions of one or two poses instead of working on a variety of poses in order to warm up for a more intense pose. Patrina's classes are more like the latter and always involve Headstand and Shoulderstand. Both are good classes, but very different. Even though I only had 4 teachers (2 continuous and 2 for one day workshops), I really enjoyed Janet and she is probably one of my favorites. Patrina is great, but very competitive and intense which is exactly what I need, but can be very draining. It's too bad I live in Chicago and can't take advantaged of all the wonderful teachers the Institute has to offer. I've been thinking about taking classes to teach. There is a 1 year and 2 year program. Would be nice to start seriously considering it and asking my teacher if she thinks I'm ready and see if that is something I should do with my life.

So, floating went really good this time. Very subtle and mellow. Last time which was my first time ever floating was extremely intense. I faced so many fears like death and loneliness and questions about the meaning of life and time. I also got up 3-4 times while floating. I felt like I was in the womb or outer space. It was a definate trip. This time was nothing like that and I'm wondering if it had anything to do with Saturday night in Dolores Park. After that freak out, I felt so good and observant of everything, like life was what I made of it and I am completely in control of my actions, feelings, and choices. If I'm negative, so will be my life. I also felt like I was watching myself watching life which was intense on so many different levels. Yogis, philosophers are always talking about the third self or third eye and never understood it. I also faced me being so "uptight" and trying to let go. Could this be way my floating session was so mellow and chill? I was already ok and tackling some of the "heavy" stuff previous? I hope I take more out of the last few days instead of forgeting about it all once I go back home. I hope I can really let go and be ok. But I felt that way, in the tank. I felt so empty and calm.