Yoga Jenny

I’ve been a bad yoga teacher. A very bad yoga teacher. I’ve not practised what I preach. Remember in my last post I talked about everyone being able to fit in 15 minutes of  yoga practice every day? Well, I haven’t.

Since December it’s all been a little crazy with family stuff, a new job and mucho college work and I’ve only really managed to practise at home once or twice a week. Rubbish, eh? And I can’t count teaching as I’m demonstrating and watching you lot, not actually ‘doing’ the class! Oh well, I am only human, I guess. And I have been swimming and running!

Part of the problem is space. And a suitable environment. As I sit and write this – during my first whole weekend at home since before Christmas – I’m surrounded by piles of washing, paperwork and dirty coffee cups. It doesn’t take much to fill up a one-bed flat, especially when you have a messy husband. (Sorry, Seb, but you know it’s true.) Am I making excuses? Yes. And if I’m honest it’s as much about having fallen out of the habit of a regular set-timed practice as it is about the confines of modern city living. So what to do? Well get right back in the saddle! Or on the mat, in this case.

The sun is shining and I have the whole day to get on top of things so next on my list, after writing this blog, is to tidy up the living room and do some yoga!

Then I’m going to eat the biggest lunch ever…

Sometimes I just don’t take my own advice. Having made the decision in July to flesh out my week with courses, thus adding to my ’skills’ and hopefully making me more employable, I now find myself overloaded. Duh. I do have the time – between teaching yoga and the odd freelance editing/writing shift – but the ‘mix’ of information is making my head spin! After a long weekend in London doing an IST (In-Service Training) yoga course and a ton of anatomy stuff, I had to shift gear more than a little for my web design course, and then again for for my graphic design course. As for my drawing and printmaking courses (those were supposed to be just for fun :0) – frankly, I don’t have the head space for that homework!

When I teach yoga, I tell my students ‘little and often’. ‘Ten to 15 minutes a day will make all the difference,’ I say. And it’s true, not just for the postures but also with breathing exercises or meditation. Far more beneficial than two hour-long classes a week – though, of course, both would be ideal

I’ve now realised I need to apply that philosophy to my coursework. Obviously 15 minutes is not enough to, say, design a banner, but earmarking half an hour or so each day to do an online tutorial or play with a particular tool in Photoshop will surely be beneficial. And at the end of the week when I am trying to create that banner, I’ll be far more ‘in tune’ with the process, understand more what I’m trying to do and how to do it, and generally be more well-equipped to handle the next stage of learning.

It’s the same for yoga – spend ten or 15 minutes a day doing a couple of sun salutations and two or three postures and you’ll get much more out of that hour-long class…

Yes I know it’s rained quite a bit but you can’t deny there’s been plenty of sunshine too this year. And although I do miss being an employee and the benefits of regular income, holiday pay, sick pay, cheap canteen food and office jocularity (rare, but it happened), I am really LOVING the chance to get to the beach when the sun suddenly pops out from behind the clouds. Is that an excuse for not keeping up to date with this blog? No, not really. There are no excuses for that, I know. If you’re envious of my freelance, self-employed status this is probably a good time to remind you that such freedom comes at a price; yes, I am indeed a little skintaroony, and although it’s nice to have loads of time on my hands while the sun is shining, come winter I may see things a little differently. But hey, until then, may the sun shine and may all seem good in the world of Yoga Jenny.

My yoga classes at BMC are going well – can’t believe we’re nearing the end of the courses already! I’ll be offering another free taster or two at the end of September, before the Oct courses begin, so keep an eye on this site for more news of those. I know I’ve been talking about running a lunchtime class in the centre of town for a while now but, sadly, I can’t see that happening any time soon as it’s simply not a viable option; finding the right space at the right cost is proving a little tough! So, for now, I’m concentrating on finding companies or organisations that have a space and enough interested bods to warrant running a class on the premises. For the employers it’s a way of offering something positive to staff at no cost and very little effort to themselves, and for the employees it means a chance to improve their health and well-being without having to travel or fork out very much. So far, Brighton Council has taken up the idea and I’ll be running a couple of courses for its staff at Jubilee Library in the near future. If you think an early morning or lunchtime class would go down well at your workplace, and you have a little-used boardroom or meeting room, email me and I’ll pop by for a chat/look-see. No obligation!

Right, that’s enough idle chit chat from me, it’s a gloriously sunny Sunday afternoon and according to the BBC it’s going to rain for the next three days so I’m off out while it lasts!

Yoga Jenny x

I know some people find the idea of getting their socks off in front of strangers a little unnerving but, trust me, do it once and you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about. If fact, I’d go as far as to suggest that you’ll find it liberating. After years of being ignored and unappreciated, your feet will flourish quickly if given a little fresh air and some space in which to spread their toes. And if your feet feel happier, you’ll feel happier – you’ll stand and walk more easily, with a confident stride and a sense of lightness. 

Our feet are the key for good weight distribution – if our bodies are skyscrapers, our feet are the foundations, and the relationship they have with the ground affects the stability and alignment of every storey. Strong, flexible feet are far more able to support that heck of a bodyweight that’s being forced down on them every day. Knees, hips, back, shoulders and a huge, heavy head balanced on top – get your feet working and take the strain off everywhere else. 

For that first barefoot moment, get a friend to join you (there’s safety in numbers) at one of my free, yes FREE taster classes this week. Once those tootsies see the light, there’ll be no holding you back and before you know it you’ll be wearing Birkenstocks to the office. 

See the classes page for details.

The sun’s been out – a rare and beautiful thing and one I’ve been trying to make the most of. I’ve been out every day, even if it’s just for a short walk, and I’ve upped my running sessions along the prom (I’ve signed up for the 10k at Stanmer Park in July – eek!). Of course, if it’s too hot it can be hard to motivate yourself to do anything – so well done to those who’ve still made it to the yoga classes over the past week or two  

This week I’ve added swimming to my list of activities. A friend who doesn’t like any other form of exercise (not even yoga, despite my best efforts) needed a bit of support to kick-start her fitness plan so, for one week only, I’ve said I’ll swim with her every day. We’re only three days in and I’m shattered! Admittedly I’ve been running and doing yoga too so my poor body is definitely working overtime. It’s been interesting as I’ve noticed that swimming is working some muscles that I don’t target with my yoga practice (something I aim to remedy asap) and physically I can already see the results. Though I do feel the need to stretch even more!

So will I keep up the trips to the pool after “swim week”? Well, once or twice a week would be good – the variety’s been nice – but it certainly takes a lot more time to walk to the pool, change, swim, shower, change, dry my hair and walk home than it does to do some yoga in my living room! And that’s extra time I could be spending on the beach. Barbie anyone?

…that’s me. Unsurprising really, seeing as I’m getting hitched in just a week. Eek! As well as finalising wedding arrangements, I’m busy sorting out my little flat so that I can get a tenant in asap after the honeymoon, and I’m keeping an eye out for possible work opportunities. Oh, and I’m publicising my new yoga courses!

Seeing as I’m no longer commuting three days a week, getting back to Brighton at some ridiculous hour, I’ve decided to put the feelers out for another evening course at BMC, this time on Thursdays at 6.30pm until 7.30pm. I few people have mentioned that they’d love to do a course but that Mondays are a bad day for them so hopefully I’ll get a few takers. The lovely Luke at Wired Sussex has agreed to advertise the courses on the site’s event page, and has put a link to the listings on Upcoming – thanks Luke! And the regulars on my Monday night course have kindly volunteered to distribute leaflets at their places of work – thanks guys!

I’m also offering a beginners’ course (on Mondays at 7.15pm until 8.15pm) so if you’re convinced you’re the stiffest person on the planet (you’re not, you know) or have never done any kind of yoga, or indeed ANY mat-based group exercise before, this is the group for you. The idea behind ‘geek-friendly’ yoga is that as well a being tailored to those physically attached to their keyboard, it brings together like-minded people; it’s a chance for geeks to be sociable and healthy at the same time So grab one or two colleagues and sign up for a course… I’ll look after you, I promise.

In my case, they’re definitely going more than coming right now. As a late Christmas present, Metro made me redundant. Thanks Metro. I’m a little sad as I really did like my job there and the people were lovely. But I’m even more sad about having to cancel my yoga classes at the Associated News building -  I had two great groups of people who had signed up for ten weeks and I had to just stop the course and refund them all. Am sooo sorry guys! Although I would love to continue (thanks for the request, and all your kind messages), it simply isn’t worth my while travelling to London twice a week teach a one hour class. So that’s not one job I’ve lost but two, or even three if you count the classes separately. How careless of me.

So now what? Well, it’s a good excuse to push the teaching in and around Brighton, which is what I wanted to do anyway at some point. I’d like to do something similar to at Associated – the staff classes went down really well there. If anyone knows of a big office building with space inside for a yoga class, let me know!

And, no, I haven’t forgotten my NY resolution to update this blog more… and yes, I do know I missed a whole month but what with being made redundant and trying to sort my wedding (it’s in five weeks… aargh!), I’ve been a little preoccupied. Yoga has, of course, helped me stay calm, focused and positive over the past six weeks. Along with good advice from supportive friends and a glass or two of red wine…

Sometimes you need exclamation marks…

Just had a lovely night eating mince pies and drinking a LOT of mulled wine – ’twas a little gathering round mine, including a few yoga lovelies from my classes. I love Christmas. No really. LOVE it. Dec 1 and on goes the Doris Day Christmas Album, swiftly followed by a bit of Nat and Dean. And has anyone else got the Sufjan Stevens Christmas album? It was around last year and is very cool. Bit more up to date too!

I’m doing a final pre-Christmas yoga drop-in class this Monday – I asked and a few people were keen so it’s definitely going ahead. I may insist they wear santa hats I’ll be carrying on with the Brighton courses in the new year – most people are continuing and a few of the beginners are moving on to the general course with them – which is great news. I’m offering another beginners’ course so let me know pronto if you want to join – it start Jan 5. Make it a New Year’s resolution!

I’d love to start drop-ins again but right now it’s a bit too much to organise, what with sorting out a venue, flyers, emails, blah blah blah. And while I’m working in London, I don’t really have the time. Shame. It’s a bit sad that I end up doing more promoting than I do actual yoga – reminds be of being in a band: we spent more time doing a fanzine and website than we did performing! Ah, the good old days. So for now, at least, I’m going to stick with the courses for yoga – I’m even making the classes in London into a course just so I can keep a handle on numbers! I’m off for a few weeks in March (getting married) so maybe I’ll shake things up a bit when I get back – but that’s a way off yet!

Last blog I promised to update the site more often. I’ve failed miserably, I know. But the intention is there! Maybe I’ll make that one of my New Year Resolutions…

Have a fab Christmas everyone!

Jen xxx

In response to Jen’s question re later midweek classes in Brighton – I did consider doing Tue and Thu 8pm classes in town but as I’m also commuting (everyone’s doing it, don’tcha know) I’d be worried that a delayed tube, train or bus – which, from experience, is not wholly unlikely – would make me late. Not the end of the world if you’re a student – not so great if you’re the teacher! So, for the time being, I’m teaching in London on those days. But never say never! Nice to get the feedback – and if I’m ever able to stop commuting, or cut it down even more, then I’d def do a evening class here.

On the subject of classes, I’ve decided to cancel my Fri morning ones at the BMC as I’m simply not getting enough people. I may give it another go in January (when everyone wants to be fit and healthy again) so any feedback re times etc is welcome. I’ve also been toying with the idea of a Saturday morning class…hmmm….let you know what I decide! And, of course, I’ll be doing another beginners’ course.

The courses definitely seem to work better – not only for me, as I know I’m not coming out for nothing, but also for the people who’ve signed up; they’re more likely to come as they’ve already paid, there’s a nice sense of community within the groups, and there’s a sense of progression, which it’s hard to get with a drop-in.

I’ve also been doing some 1-2-1s which has been really interesting as everyone’s sooo different! Not just in physical ability but also how they approach things mentally. Or not I get the feeling I’ll always be learning in some ways…

Well, tonight it’s the last class of my first-ever 6-week beginner’s course in Brighton, and it’s been fun! They’re a great bunch of people and it’s been nice to get to know them – and to hear them get to know each other – there’s generally a noticeable amount of chatting before and after class The course has also been a real learning experience for me as I’ve discovered that certain ‘beginner’ and key postures, such as cat and downward dog are really problematic for heavy computer users, so I’ve been trying to do lots of warm-up exercises that get the wrists and shoulders to start working. I’m now determined to understand the specific issues computers users face and to try to tailor classes to benefit them because, after all, there are a lot of geeks around these days!

As for the people on my course – I have seen a real improvement in everyone; they’re starting to connect with their bodies and pay attention to them. I’m hearing things such as: ‘I’m noticing that I stand with my weight in one hip,” and ‘I didn’t realise that I couldn’t straighten my fingers fully,’ which is great because by noticing these things we can then begin to change them – slowly, surely, little by little, and it all helps. For example, if you can exercise and stretch your fingers fully and get to the point where you can spread you fingers and palms on the ground, it will make postures such as Downward Dog much easier as the weight won’t be sinking into the wrists – and then you can enjoy the fantastic numerous benefits of this key posture. And it really does become a resting pose. Well, sometimes The great news is that everyone wants to carry on and do the continuation course so hopefully that means they’re enjoying it and feeling the benefits. As well as the continuation course I’ve decided to offer a new 6-week beginners’ course (see classes page for details) but whether it runs or not will all depend on numbers, so we shall see!

A little footnote: I was away for a week recently on a yoga holiday (just can’t get enough!) and will be putting a link to some pics of our ’sunset yoga’ sessions (as soon as I figure out how) for no reason other than to make you jealous…

And I’ll be making a concerted effort to update my blog much more often!!!