Blog post #2: Tanya
Day 4-7 As the days go by, I am starting to get used to the routine of waking up early, going for YTT lessons and sleeping earlier. However, lessons are getting more challenging, with more drills and exercises to strengthen the body. I have never done so much yoga before and my body feels more ‘toned’. I am so thankful to Jessica pointing out my weaknesses I have to work on: (1) Locking of my joints- I believe I have this issue as a result of my gymnastics training. Back when I was training, my coaches would tell me to straighten my legs and knees. I did so by locking my joints and that was how I thought it was supposed to be. I also have hyperextension, which have also led to my joints locking. The only way I can overcome this problem would be to micro-bend my joints and put more pressure on the muscles around it. (2) Collapsed arch: I have always thought I either had flat feet or flexible arch. Well, it turns out that I have collapsed arch. Upon finding out this fact, I finally got to know why I often have difficulty doing any poses that require leg balancing and my tendency to roll my feet externally. As such, I would need to ‘scrunch’ up my arch. (3) (Very) tight hip flexors: While I knew that I have tight hip flexors, but I did not know the severity of it. Even as I was doing splits and lunges, it turns out that my hip is not squared. I have to be more aware! I guess I can’t escape the fate of doing more hip-opening poses and stretches… Moving on, teaching and cueing seem to be less intimidating for me but I would need to work on maintaining eye contact and voice projection. I would like to think that my ability to focus has improved, as the pranayama sessions seem to be a little shorter and I am more aware of my posture. After 7 days of training, I have a few goals I hope to accomplish by the end of YTT: Floating in to seated and floating out to plank, completing a full sidecrow-EKB 1-fallen angel-reverse sequence and my hands touching the ground in In the theory lessons, we also got to learn about the doshas (turns out I’m predominantly Pitta type) more breathing techniques and chakras (when I heard this word, I thought about Naruto…). In week 2 (this week), we got to learn more about sequencing. The 2 ways we can sequence are by theme (peak pose, targeted body parts, niche) or level (beginner, intermediate, advanced). Chakra is also involved in sequencing as the ‘template’ of sequencing would be from standing, seated, prone, supine and inversion. The other things we also need to consider include which body parts we need to engage and stretch. Most importantly, it would need to flow and not be awkward. Apart from the things I have mentioned, I found 8 limbs of yoga to be a very good tool for self- improvement and reflection. Ahimsa and santosha reminded me to be kind to myself, don’t compare myself with others, seek contentment in my own life by appreciating myself. I am who I am today because of my past selves. Svadhyaya reminded me to to self-reflect on my actions and not be quick to judge others. Isvara pranidhana and aparigraha reminded me to let go of negative emotions and simply go with the flow. To end of this blog post, I would like to give a shoutout to everyone in May 2021 YTT batch! I got to meet people from different walks of life and their presence made YTT even more enjoyable. Let’s continue to work hard and be better versions of ourselves! Tanya 200HR YTT
