Day 2, Like Candy...

I came to yoga through exercise science and a growing interest in the mind-body connection. I came to exercise science through a fascination with the human body and a desire to help people. So my session to day with Julie Gudmestad, P.T. on Body Mechanics & Yoga was like candy for my being. (Julie actually stated it that way at the end of class when I thanked her for a great day. I thought it was indeed a great way to describe how I feel about anatomy based learning opportunities!) I get all giddy with mention of words such as "the articulating surfaces" and "facial release". Yes, I am a geek in that way. It's also one of the reasons I am totally in love with the practice of asana.

Julie's knowledge as an physical therapist with 30+ years of practice and an Iyengar trained instructor is amazingly broad and deep. She lead our session with that typical no non-sense approach Iyengar instructors seem to have. An approach that while it might not fit my personal style of teaching, I adore and appreciate when it is my turn to be the student!

We covered a lot of information in relationship to various asanas and how they affect joints and soft tissues. As always I'm walking away with a hand full of new "tricks in my bag" that I hope will help me better serve my students and their quest for a pain free, injury free, life long practice. I very much look forward to future opportunities to learn from Julie. Some day I may have to make my way to Oregon for her week long training. I get weak in the knees just thinking about a whole week of asana and anatomy work!

Also on today's schedule was a noon panel discussion on the business of being a yoga instructor. An hour's panel discussion didn't do much more than scratch the surface of the topic. But it was interesting to hear various views by the panelists who make their living in the world of yoga...a little bigger and broader than I currently do.


This afternoon after the end of our session I ran into town to grab some light supper and take a walk around to check out the scene. The beach was a bit cool, but still a beautiful sight.


On my way back to my car I happened by this shop. I couldn't help but snap a couple pictures as I thought about my RAGBRAI crew...



I'm ready for summer!

As I finish this up people are starting to gather for the opening keynote by Rodney Yee. It's quiet exciting to finally be seeing in person the teacher who was such a foundational part of my early days of practice through his videos and publications. I'm equally excited about his topic of discussion this evening. That being our role as teachers of yoga. I'll of course let you know how it goes!


namaste