Page Lee
Anyone doing #newyearsresolution? My perennial favorite is develop a daily #meditation practice. I’m not there yet, but getting closer every year! And also, visit more #museums. I bought a membership to the Mint Museum in #Charlotte that has reciprocal benefits with museums all over the SE. gotta check some of them out! Here is a fabulous collage by Romare Bearden I saw last week at the Mint Uptown.
Jan 5, 2023 at 7:11pmWeb
Show threadAaron C. RobertsJan 5, 2023
@Firebird I wouldn't say "resolution" - but I have returned to a daily practice of mindfulness practice and #yoga. It's important to put the work into ourselves equally, if not more, than we put out into the universe. Observing the absence of this in my daily routine the past 6 months, my loss of energy, increase in frustration, all illuminated the need to bring this back into my life.
Show threadPage LeeJan 5, 2023
@aaroncroberts Yes, and it feels so good after the rush of the holidays! Maybe re-commitment is a better word than resolution? I count yoga and mindfulness practice as meditation since they both incorporate aspects of traditional meditation. Today I did a short asana practice and instead of traditional seated meditation, I needed up staring at the beautiful oak outside my window. I’m pleased with the effort.
Show threadAaron C. RobertsJan 5, 2023
@Firebird I have focused on Ashtanga fundamentals in Yoga, series 1. It's about an hour long sequence, and is the origin for most of the current practices in the West (meaning US). After starting this journey a few years ago, following the loss of my sister, I have been pouring myself into this topic. If you have the chance, do some reading of Patanjali, or others, about the Yoga Sutras. The combination of philosophy with the practice changed everything for me. Thich Nhat Hanh is also excellent
Show threadPage LeeJan 5, 2023
@aaroncroberts I have taken some Ashtanga classes but it didn’t appeal to me as a serious practice, but who knows, maybe I will try again one day! One of my fav teachers specializes in it now. These days I mostly practice at home. Yoga is sometimes like brushing my teeth. I can’t imagine not doing it, but I’m not trying super hard either. I’m so glad that Ashtanga has been a positive force in your life! I have many friends who are also devotees.
Show threadAaron C. RobertsJan 5, 2023

@Firebird You used that word! Devotee! lol.

The only thing I am devoted to is looking inward, being present, and being here, now. As far as Ashtanga being serious, but I have had the opposite experience with #yoga. Ashtanga seems the most serious, while the rest seems watered down and aimed at the beginner. The official practice of Ashtanga is the most challenging and focused form I've been exposed too. I started with the late Leslie Fightmaster: https://youtu.be/A70CuhVdqDQ

1 Hour Ashtanga Yoga Inspired Vinyasa (Seeking Good)

YouTube
Show threadPage LeeJan 5, 2023
@aaroncroberts I’ve been practicing for awhile. When I started, most of the teachers were serious, even if they were unaffiliated with a particular lineage. I did quite a bit of Anusara, but my main teacher taught vinyasa flow with a big doses of chanting, breath work, and love. She did a weekly 1-1/2 hr deep stretch class that was amazing…. It’s hard to find teachers like that anymore. I actually have a 200-hour teacher certification, which is how I know it’s pretty much a joke.
Show threadAaron C. RobertsJan 5, 2023
@Firebird I have never had a teacher. While I know it's something I should change, it's still something deeply personal to me. I suffered an exploded calcaneous (google it) in my right leg and didn't walk for more than a year. 10 years later and I still have daily challenges. #Yoga redefined my life and has helped some far more than just being PT. Knowing my limitations, I started alone at home. A few years into this journey and I feel it may be time to seek a Teacher.
Show threadPage LeeJan 5, 2023
@aaroncroberts It sounds like you know your body and limitations and found something that works for you. Some studios offer daily Mysore-style Ashtanga classes where you practice the primary series in a group but at your own pace. The teacher gives individual feedback but doesn’t lead the class in the traditional manner. Maybe the best of both worlds? I’ve never tried it, but it’s seems like it gives more room for personal reflection during practice.