Elsie's Yoga Class

A bittersweet episode posted to you from San Salvador, El Salvador. The theme for this week's class is authenticity, in sanskrit, aucitya (I certainly hope that I spelled that correctly.) I used Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter and his sudden death as a jumping off point for my theme. What's so strange is that I recorded this class on September 28th and September 29th my grandpa passed away. I listened to what I said about Steve and thought, I could have used my grandfather instead. If there is a word to describe my Grandfather it's authentic. He was all that he could be all the time, and he continued to grow and become more until the very end.

LINKS:

the Lululemon party: email, [email protected], all you need to say is that you are rsvping for the party, give your 1st and last name to be put on the list! yeay!!! Get there early as the first 300 folks get a free gift bag :) The party is October 12th from 6-10pm

check out the Lululemon Beverly Hills Store and my ambassador page of course :)

the Sun Salutation Project: that's on Wednesday, October 11th, meeting at the store at 4:30, to walk up to Santa Monica Blvd. We will salute the sun from about 5-6pm. Please email me so we can know how many are showing up!!!! [email protected]

THE SEQUENCE:

hands and knees

downward facing dog

Uttanasana, Ardha Uttanasana x 3

Half Sun Salutes x 3

Sun Salutations x 3

Crescent Pose

Vira II

Trikonasana into Ardha Chandrasana

Parsvakonasana

Vashistasana

Wide legged Uttanasana with shoulder stretch

Pincha Mayurasana

Modified Hasta Padangustasana

Pigeon

Lunge with thigh stretch, into a curvy twisting lunge with thigh stretch

Ardha Matsyendrasana

Happy Baby

and finally the translation for the prayer:

O My God, this sick one that is here before You, has come here to ask you what he desires, and that which he thinks is the most important for himself. You, O God, help to have these words enter his heart: 'It is more important to be of a healthy soul.' Lord, may your blessed will be done in every way! If you want me to heal, then heal me, but if your will is different than that, may I continue to carry my cross. We ask you also for all of those that pray.

Somehow I feel I didn't do the prayer justice, for some of the juice was lost in translation. Oh well.

Yeay! Sorry about last week all. Got a little overwhelmed with my life ;) Here's some stuff I talk about in this week's episode, please you must check out some of this stuff:

Vic Hennegan (the music behind my intro)

Rachel Kann- www.inspirachel.com, http://www.myspace.com/rachelkann, itunes page to buy 'I know this'

I Know This [ poets be slammin ] - 12.03.01 - by: Rachel Kann

I know this,

This, I know:

all that I have, all that is me,

resides inside my poetry,

and every time

I write a rhyme

it might be the line

that sets minds free.

And also I know that I don’t know shit!

And the more I know, the more I realize it.

I know that for all the pain I’ve cried

there is the exact same balance of joy on the other side

of that coin

joined

with

the thinnest slip

of membrane

same goes for

crazy and sane

truth and lie

answer and why

because I know this:

this universe operates with a divine

tug of war teeter-totter,

bringing order and balance like the tide does to water,

like I know that each wave rolls back to the sea

retreating from me into deep green eternity,

and I know that I am free!

(...well, at least in my mind if I wanna be...)

I know that some things sound good to me in theory

but in point of fact, suck ass in actual practice,

like communism and pornography.

I know that its impossible

to really know

where anyone

is coming from

so who are we to judge ‘em?

I know that some

things are so dope they transcend their category

and its important to see the glory

in the ordinary.

Like, I know there’s Nag Champa,

and then there’s all other incense.

I can’t see putting Earl Grey up against any other tea,

Lash Out isn’t even on the same plane as other mascaras comparatively,

and I know there’s R&B,

and then there’s Otis Redding.

I know that most things

are much greater than the sum of their parts,

and that that’s the real definition of art.

Like, brownies are good, and so is whipped cream,

but you put ‘em together

and its this whole other chemical fucking thing,

like John Lennon and Paul McCartney singing harmony,

like masturbating as compared to an orgy...

I know that everything

within this

surface glimpse

of reality

is infinitely

simple and perfectly

complicated,

and I know that being jaded and over it

is way overrated

and I know that the colors of this world only seem faded

in direct relation

to the darkness with which your mind’s eye is shaded,

and you made it

that way.

And you can choose to change your vision’s prismic range. Today.

And I know you got to help a friend who’s down.

And I know that no matter where you end up,

you’re still from your hometown.

And I know you got to know how

to listen to the sound

of your own heartbeat in the dead quiet of night sometimes,

and I know that can be so frightening...

...but I also know that

the deepest darkness is always the most enlightening,

and I know that fresh cold cantaloupe

tastes like the perfect first kiss,

and I know that

Lao-Tzu, and Moses, and Mohammed, and Buddha, and Allah, and Jesus, and all those dudes

knew some deep ass shit,

But I also know that we all hold

the same eternal truths in our hearts deepest pit.

It’s because

I know that we are made of the same stuff

as the sun

and moon

and farthest star

and that all that we are

is manifest energy

and that we already have everything we could ever need

if we could just begin to see clearly,

and I know that the world will continue to spin,

and I know that one day... you will let me in

and we will begin

to love in

a fashion

I couldn’t fathom

existed

and we will laugh at the fact that we ever resisted

this blissful togetherness,

and the sex will be off the charts!

‘Cause we’ll both be super freaky,

but we’ll be fucking from the heart

‘cause our loving

will be a something

where the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts,

(we are artists, after all, so what would fate have as make besides art?)

And I know that outside of this space time frame,

we are one and the same

we’re a part,

not apart,

so I know I can wait patiently for it to start,

and far out,

I may seem to be,

and maybe you so me as wacky,

but baby, the fact be,

that I am a poet,

and as all true poets do,

I’m mainlining the spiraling spherical

truth of the universe

turning it out and into lyrical

wholeness.

And

I know this.

This, I know.

LA Podcasters

Portable Media Expo

Sundown Lounge

Here's the Class sequence:

Warm ups

half sun salutations x 2

sun salutations x 2

Crescent x 2

Deep Lunge with Chattarunga Arms

Twisting Downward Facing Dog

Parsvakonasana/Side Angle Pose

Trikonasana/ Triangle Pose

Ardha Chandrasana (half moon pose) into standing splits variation with hips squared into a twisting lunge into Vashistasana (side plank pose)

Handstand

Standing Hip Stretch

Wide Uttanasana Twist

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana/Pigeon

Pigeon twist variations

Parsva Bakasana

Standing hip stretch with twist (optional arm balance)

Lunge thigh stretch with twist

Dhanurasana/Bow pose

Urdhva Dhanurasana/Upward facing bow x 3

Marichyasana A

Ardha Matsyendrasana

Supta Padangustasana

easy twist

To remember and honor, that's why I chose to participate. I read another blog, the happy catholic and was intrigued about this project to honor 911 victims. I went onto the website and clicked on the button to take me to the victims that still needed bloggers. What I received was a cry of the heart, names, scrolling down, as if looking up at me, longing for expression. I looked at all the names and travelled down the list, my eyes still, my heart taking in the people behind the names. As I looked upon the names I began to recognize the importance and the deep commitment that it took to give these names a face, a story, a remembrance. I debated whether or not I could be a part of this process. To be honest, I didn't think that I wanted to make the commitment, too much responsibility, too much stepping out of my comfort zone. One name struck at me. It was a woman's name, long, latino in origin, (if I remember the name, I will write it), it struck me because it was such a long name. I clicked on it. She was a mother, and her country of origin was El Salvador. I broke down and cried. I'm from El Salvador. I had no idea that there was someone from my country who had died in this tragedy. I felt at that moment that I needed to do this, I took it as a sign from this name to participate. Everyone needs a voice, and even when we are gone, our hearts still beat in the world. They give us power, desire and a dense need to express love and community. I wanted to get her. This woman who seemed to have reached out to me, she was like me, we already had something in common. I wanted a commonality. I found difference and what a gift that was.

I was blessed with the opportunity to honor Michael Morgan Taylor (Mike or otherwise known as Mouse). He was different than I. I worried, as I felt no commonality. He was a man, number one, a bond trader at Cantor Fitzgerald (please forgive me all bond traders, but I have no idea what that is). He's from Western Pennsylvania. I've never been there. For a moment I thought, what am I going to do? I have no point of reference from which to begin. Then I softened. I allowed myself to see Michael M Taylor. I looked at the picture on the site, letting go of preconceived notions of who, how or why. I let myself open to know him. As I gazed on his face and his huge smile (this was the picture I saw first) I found comfort. I committed myself to knowing. I followed all the links that I could for Mike. I read, quickly, as an overview. I knew that there was much more to Mike than what I read. Would I be able to say enough? And then, the angels began to appear. John Davies, Mike's friend from 2nd grade reached out to me. He was kind enough to share some stories of Mike (Mouse, his nickname), and he began to come alive to me. Then Mike's sister Mary Kaye contacted me. Just the fact that she did helped me settle. I am a sister. I have two brothers. I know. So, from my heart, here goes...

Honoring Mouse

From the get go it seemed to me from what I have read about Mike, he knew his preferences, his values, his loves, his interests and most definitely who he wanted to be, not what he wanted to be, but who he wanted to be.

Little things made him happy, the simplicity of one liners ("One of his golfing buddies asked him 'Mike, where you been all summer?' and he replied 'I�ve been in love.' *), the desire to refine a golf game ("He scored the best round of his life over the Labor Day weekend, shooting a 73." *That was the last weekend his parents got to see their first-born child.), the thrill of computers ("for Mouse, not being technical was a hanging offense" ***), the loyalty to a basketball team ("Boy, did he love Duke basketball. He rarely missed a televised game" *), and ahhh, the exquisite taste of fine wine ("One way to know Michael M. Taylor is to consider the eight-inch stack of index cards he dutifully prepared after deciding to get serious about wine. On the cards he recorded his impression of every bottle he tasted. As his pursuit of fine wines advanced, Mr. Taylor started his own collection. It now numbers more than 600 bottles." **).

Even when he was little there was an inner depth, a desire that sprung out of him like a burst of light, longing to express and to share, in mischievous ways ("The first real memory I have of Mike was in sixth grade. We were sitting in Mrs. Fleck's science class. Mrs. Fleck was a tall skinny older woman a few years from retirement. On the page of the science book that we were looking at, there was a picture of algae through a microscope. Mike pointed at it and said in his high squeaky voice, 'looks like Fleck.' We were both almost thrown out of the class because we were laughing uncontrollably." ***) His mind always moved quickly, from one thing to the next, sharp, often it seemed that as those around him were still on step one, Mouse, was already nearing the end of the journey. He had found his own way of getting there. It wasn't a serious inquiry into things for the sake of things, it was a desire to know more. He recognized that there was always more, from a very young age. When Mouse took on a new 'obsession' whether it be golf, wine, computers, or love, he did it fully, one hundred percent, no more, no less.

As much as he loved mastering these 'obsessions' the part most savored was when things were just a little bit off, the slight bitterness behind a sweet wine, an almost perfect game of golf, lost only in the last putt, due to the unseen angle on the green, getting a Porsche and not knowing how to drive a stick. ("I can still see him at lunch salting his Fritos. I don't know why I remember that, but it always struck me as funny that Fritos weren't salty enough for him. He'd pour in some salt and then shake the bag until they were coated." ***) Yep, these things make life so much more juicy.

Mike strived for perfection, his mind clear and sharp, yet his heart soft and yielding. It seems to me that he took in people, really took them in. He saw what was possible within them and helped them to also be more ("In a highly competitive business, he helped others get established. 'People in the business tend to chase after people who are already good,' said Jerry Bias, a friend. 'I was just getting started and he encouraged me.' " **) From what I have gleaned of what I have read about Mike, he didn't hold back. I may be wrong, but I don't think that on September 11th he had many regrets, if any.

His heart was full. He had found love, his work was fulfilling and he was embarking on tasting more of the world around him. Michael's heart beats each time a young boy cracks his friends up with a smart remark at a teacher, when good friends delve into the subtleties of a glass of wine, when the crowd cheers as the Duke basketball team scores the winning basket. These everyday moments, the simple, hold the most sacred memories of those who love him. Through the love, alive in those still here, Mike shines bright. His life was unexpectedly cut short. I wish Mike would have had the opportunity to continue to delve into the sensations and experiences of this world, to continue to live as brightly as he did, and yet, even though it seems so unfair that he is no longer here, I have to say that his presence is tangible. He lived, and he lived fully, that is perfection.

Here are some links to the full articles that i quote from:

*Duke Magazine: In Memoriam

** New York Times Article

*** "Stories of Mouse" by John Davies, sorry y'all no link to these. (John, if you want to share these stories, maybe we can find a way to put them up)

september11victims.com

Here are more very important links:

the incredible D.C. Roe (the one who started this incredible project)

2996 Tribute to the Victims of September 11 (please come check out the site!)

A direct link to the list of Victims and Bloggers (read about all the other victims and their inspiring lives)

So here's the info about the class: It's a level 1 class, great for beginners. If you have never done yoga it would be so great to just attempt to practice this class, either as a way to honor Mike or maybe someone else that you choose to remember, even if you have no idea what's going on ;) Why not?

We use a block, for a supported backbend (supported bridge pose) If you don't have a block, you can either just do bridge or even just chill out on your back.

the Sequence

cat/cow

warm ups

Arm Salutations x 5

Surya Namaskar x 3

Crescent Pose

Salabasana with arms interlaced behind the back

Tree Pose

L Pose at the wall (inversion)

Warrior 2

Wide Legged Forward Fold/Prasarita Padotanasana

Squat/Malasana

Deep Lunge

Pigeon

Ardha Bhekasana/Half Frog pose

Dhanurasana/bow pose

Salabasana Variation

Supported Bridge Pose with block

Easy twist on the back

Happy Baby

Savasana

Hope you enjoy celebrating Life!

Micheal, I hope you smile at all of us doing these crazy things ;) Hope you get a kick out of it! I wish that I could have met you.

My love goes out to all those who loved and cared for him, may his light always shine within your hearts. As we remember Mike, we remember all those who perished.

2,996 is a tribute to the victims of 9/11.

On September 11, 2006, 2,996 volunteer bloggers are joined together in a tribute to the victims of 9/11. Each person is paying tribute to a single victim.

We honor them by remembering their lives, and not by remembering their murderers.

I'm part of an amazing project called:

2,996: A Tribute to the Victims of 9/11

Bloggers honor the innocent victims of that awful day...

Each participant (blogger) clicks on a little button and recieves the name of the person which we are to honor. It's incredibly challenging as we really have no prior knowledge of this person.

My tributee is Michael M. Taylor.

I decided, since I have a podcast to use it as another way to honor and remember Mike. Today I post my usual weekly class, with my theme dedicated to Michael. It's a level 2-3 class, a bit on the challenging side for those who are beginners, but remember, you can always listen to the 1st 10 min of the podcast to hear that which pertains to Mike. I will post another class tomorrow, a special class, on September 11th, also dedicated to Michael. Tomorrow's class will be a level 1 class, perfect for most everyone, so we can all honor Mike together, in a new way :)

Tomorrow's post will include more about Michael, so please, stay tuned!

Also, if y'all want to read about the rest of the amazing people that we lost on September 11th, here's a link to the other bloggers: http://www.dcroe.com/2996/?page_id=2

The Sequence:

warm up poses,

Surya Namaskar x3/Sun Salutations x 3

Parsvakonasana/Side Angle Pose

Virabhidrasana II into Reverse Warrior/ Warrior 2 into Reverse Warrior

Trikonasana to Ardha Chandrasana to Trikonasana/Triangle to Half Moon to Triangle

Uttanasana/ Forward Bend

Handstand/Adho Mukha Vrksasana

Vrksasana to Vira III to Crescent Pose, to Pavrita Parsvakonasana, to Urdhva Prasarita Ekapadasana to Uttanasana/ Tree Pose to Warrior 3 to Crescent Pose to Twisting Lunge, to Standing Splits to forward bend

Malasana/Squat

Parsva Bakasana/Twisting Crane

eka pada rajakapotasana prep/Pigeon prep

Monkey Lunge

Ardha Ustrasana/Half Ustrasana

Urdhva Dhanurasana/Upward Facing Bow x3

Agni Stambasana/Fire log pose

Ardha Matsyendrasana/Lord of the fishes twist

Supta Padangustasana/Hamstrings stretch on back

Happy Baby

Savasana

Stayed Tuned for tomorrow everyone, more about Michael Morgan Taylor :)

We use a couple of yoga props in this class! a block and a blanket!

St. Anthony

Yoga blocks

Yoga blankets

Douglas Brooks

Anusara Yoga

Immigration Tales Podcast

The class is a level 1 class (good for beginners) an hour and 15 min, you can skip the first 11 min to get straight to the class itself. The first 11min are my intro, setting the theme and meditation, so those of you who only want that, go ahead and listen!

The sequence:

Table Top Pose/Hands and knees

Adho Mukha Svanasana/Downward Facing Dog

High Lunge/Straight Legged Lunge

Uttanasana/straight legged forward bend Uttanasana into Ardha Uttanasana x3

Tadasana

Half Sun Salutations x 3

Surya Namaskar C variation x 2

Downward Facing Dog

Balasana/Child's Pose

AT THE WALL

Pincha Mayurasana Prep/Forearm Balance Prep

TO THE SIDE

Parsvakonasana/side angle pose

Prasarita Padotanasana/Wide legged standing forward bend

Vira II/Warrior 2

Uttanasana/Straight legged Forward bend

TOP OF THE MAT

Tadasana

Standing Knee to chest

Modified Hasta Padangustasana sequence (with leg bent)/ standing knee to chest sequence

Squat

Deep Lunge

Agni Stambasana/firelog pose or double pigeon

Downward facing dog

Ardha Bhekasana/half frog pose thigh stretch

Balasana/Child's pose

Restorative backbend, with rolled up towel underneath shoulderblades

Sukhasana Twist/Easy seated twist

Nadi shodhana/alternate nostril breathing

Savasana

Whopeee! a level 2-3 class! Alright, it's a bit more challenging! If you want to only listen to my intro, theme and meditation, listen for the first 10 min. If you want to get to the class straight away, skip the first 10 min. The yoga journal that I refer to: matrika yogaMy beloved teacher: Douglas BrooksThe Sequence:Warm Up1/2 Sun SalutationsSurya Namaskar x 2ParsvakonasanaTrikonasanaCrescent Pose into Urdhva Prasarita Ekapadasana with hips squared into Lunge twistTwisting Adho Mukha SvanasanaVira II into Reverse ViraEka Pada Rajakapotasana prep(at the wall)L pose at the wall/ One handed L pose at the wallStanding hip stretchStanding Baby CraddleSquatBakasana on forearmsBakasanaEka Pada Rajakapotasana with thigh stretchArdha BhekasanaLunge with thigh stretchArdha UstrasanaUstrasana x 2Urdhva Dhanurasana x 3Supta PadangustasanaJathara Parivartanasanaeasy twistApanasanaSavasanaHave fun!

The class runs about 1:15. Basic level 1 class, warm ups, sun salutations, standing poses, hip openers and thigh stretch, backbends and cool down. After my intro, if you only want to hear my opening and the mediation, it's the 1st 7 min, if you only want to do the class itself, skip the first 7 min!

The class itself runs about 1:15. 2 new things are introduced, an inversion (L pose at the wall) and Urdhva Dhanurasana (a deep backbend with arms and legs straight). The class includes, a warm up, sun salutes, standing poses, inversion, hip openers, backbends, cool down and savasana.

The 2nd Episode!!!! This time just an hour class. It's a level 1-2. It includes sun salutes, standing poses, hip openers, twists and a backbend.

Welcome to Elsie's Yoga Class: Live and Unplugged. Just a few minutes of your time to give you a bit of an introduction about what you can expect from the podcast!

Please send me feedback!

[email protected]

www.elsiesyogakula.com

310 651 6238

thanks for downloading!