Day 1 cont...

When I'm packing for a yoga conference or workshop I'm often an emotional, insecure mess. I spend way more time than necessary thinking about what pants I'll wear what days with what tops based on what type of practice (or practices) I'm scheduled for each day. I worry not so much about looking the part or fitting in, as NOT sticking out. For example I think about how best not to make a spectacle with my saggy baby belly bulge during a class with sun salutations. I don't know why, but getting ready to attend a conference always brings up this "I don't look like a yogi" thought in my head. You know...like those yogis you see on the cover of magazines, books, and promotional materials. I'm not sure why that is because it doesn't much cross my mind in the comfort of my own yoga community.

I'm happy to say that insecurity once again has melted away with the actual start of conference. I love watching the myriad of people in attendance. Bodies of all sizes and shapes. People of all ages with varying years (or even sometimes just months) of experience. Those committed to one specific type of practice, and those who "shop around" when it comes to practice style. Those who teach and those who don't. We're such a diverse, yet uniquely connected group of individuals. It's a wonderful thing.

As a teacher I go to conferences and workshops to gain insight and knowledge. Often while that growth is happening I also find a sense of reassurance for the work I've already put in to this practice as a student and teacher. For the techniques, tips, and teaching style I've developed over the past 5 years as I combine knowledge gained with lessons learned from my own body and the bodies of my students. That was very much the case this afternoon in the second half of my Intensive on Yoga and Women Cancer Survivors. While today's class, and more in depth training offered at OM Yoga, was specifically designed to target survivors of breast cancer, many of the considerations that should be taken can also be applied to individuals with other special considerations. Much of the gentle opening work we talked about today, some of the propping and modifications demonstrated, we currently do in our regular Gentle Yoga class at the studio. It was nice to feel like even if we don't necessarily have the population to support a class specifically for breast cancer survivors, we do offer a class, that with a few minor adjustments, can provide an environment for health and healing for individuals who are/have battled the disease.

I think for me personally, as someone who has not dealt with breast cancer on a intimate level, today's class was a nice eye opener to all the complicated layers of treatment and recovery a survivor deals with over YEARS once a diagnosis is made. And it was nice to hear from women, survivors and those currently undergoing treatment, who carry with them so much strength and hope. So much knowledge based on their personal experiences. Most shocking for me was the information on reconstructive options for women who care to make that part of their treatment if mastectomy is elected. I had no idea the number of options available OR the extent to which those procedures themselves could damage and weaken the body. It really made me think about what I might choose should I be faced with that choice.

At the end of class today Cyndi (on the left) and Tari (on the right), a 8 year survivor herself and today's main presenter, were kind enough to take a moment for a photo op.


I explained my little blogging project here and shared the Happy Daisy URL with them. Ladies, if you're reading, thank you for a lovely day of connection and growth!

This evening I took the opportunity of a open night to run away to nearby Madison for supper and conversation with my dear friend Marie. We also hit the Coop so I'm well stocked with lunch items for the next few days. What ended up in my basket you ask? Well, I am in Wisconsin and I do love me some squeaky cheese curds...

It's time for bed as tomorrow is a new day.


namaste