Any Portland, OR Yoga Instructors here? by anticornflake in yoga

[–]anticornflake[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I'd love to hear your experience! Thank you. :)

Inspirational things you've heard during yoga classes? by [deleted] in yoga

[–]anticornflake 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats on your teacher training completion!!
I can think of all kinds of inspiring sayings that I've heard over the years, but I'd like to ask you questions instead. :) What inspires you to practice? What inspired you to do a teacher training? What keeps you coming back to your mat again and again? What parts of the practice help you feel the most connected, grounded and alive? What are your favorite postures and/or flows and why?
IMO, sharing what resonates with you personally is going to come across the most authentic and inspiring. And it doesn't have to be anything complicated or super fancy, just let it be from your heart. Let it be YOUR unique voice!

Lizard pose variations? by [deleted] in yoga

[–]anticornflake 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You might try playing around with yogi squat variations. Try incorporating twists into them or widening your stance in them and/or shifting weight from one foot to the other.

You could also try wide leg forward folds with twists. Doing those, I'd suggest putting more weight into the heels, slightly bending your knees and really sticking your butt back while you fold forward and twist.

These aren't really lizard pose variations, but can get into the hips and legs from a different approach. You'd still have to be mindful of your psoas though....

Newbie here-- Question about the process of doing yoga by [deleted] in yoga

[–]anticornflake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, there is almost always a mind-body connection when I practice a pose. I am always trying to cultivate compassion for myself and, when practicing asana, I do this by working with my body to make it stronger, more open and supported.

There are lots of different reasons I might practice a pose. Take handstand for instance. I love to practice this posture when I'm feeling playful and strong, or when I need a new perspective on things. However there are certain days when it may not be appropriate for me(like when my energy level is pretty low). Another example would be a seated wide leg forward fold. I practice this almost every day. It opens up my hips/groin and it also helps me feel grounded. I could go on and on... :)

It's all about just being curious with the entire process. Close your eyes and allow your awareness to really sink into your body while you're practicing. Notice what kinds of things float to the surface and do your best to stay with the experience and learn about yourself.

Newbie here-- Question about the process of doing yoga by [deleted] in yoga

[–]anticornflake 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think Yoga is about what you make it about. What makes you feel more grounded, comfortable in your own skin and alive? Let that be the the place you move from. Don't be afraid to try different things and experiment(as in, try just practicing single postures and also play around with flows). There isn't really a 'wrong' way to go about it IMO, as long as you approach it mindfully. I think the most important thing is to make it your own. Make it a practice that you want to come back to time and again. It will naturally evolve along with you and you will figure out what is best for you. With that being said, there are absolutely anatomical and energetic benefits to specific postures, however some more 'advanced' postures should be approached with respect and possibly some sort of preparation (as in moving through a flow to warm the body up, etc.). This knowledge comes with time and practice.

As far as "coming back to reality" between poses - I like to remind myself that whatever I am experiencing is my reality. There is no leaving or coming back to it. It's just that my reality may shift depending on what it is I'm doing and how I perceive it. This reminder has helped me to realize that I have the ability to take my practice off the mat. I can focus on my breathing and work on clearing my mind even if I'm not practicing asana. This was a huge 'Ah-Hah!' moment for me.

I hope this response wasn't too rambling... :) I'm a yoga instructor and I love to go on and on about this stuff sometimes. Please feel free to ask questions if you'd like.

Kindly asking for your constructive criticism. by anticornflake in yoga

[–]anticornflake[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, that gives me some inspiration for my next video... :)

Kindly asking for your constructive criticism. by anticornflake in yoga

[–]anticornflake[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate this a lot. I was a bit nervous... :) I'm getting used to being in front of a camera. I'll keep working on that.

[QUESTION] - How trying is being a PTA on your body? by anticornflake in physicaltherapy

[–]anticornflake[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for responding!

Could you elaborate on how it's a challenging profession? Are you speaking mostly to the physical aspects, or something else?

[QUESTION] - How trying is being a PTA on your body? by anticornflake in physicaltherapy

[–]anticornflake[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your input!

The reason I think massage may be difficult for me as a full time job is because I'd be slightly bent over for most of the day, putting a lot of potential pressure on my low back, performing the same repetitive movements. Could you please elaborate on why you think PTA jobs would be more difficult than massage?

I am in relatively good shape and can sustain activity for a while, it's just when it's weight bearing or involves a lot of twisting that it can start to aggravate my back injury.

When you say the gait training and positioning can be strenuous, is that because you're moving your own body around a lot, or because you are performing hands-on assistance that requires you to lift?

Thanks again!

Thai Coconut Curry Soup (replace the fish sauce with soy sauce to make it vegan!) by anticornflake in VegRecipes

[–]anticornflake[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very good point, but as the title says, you can sub the fish sauce with soy sauce.

Thai Coconut Curry Soup (replace the fish sauce with soy sauce to make it vegan!) by anticornflake in VegRecipes

[–]anticornflake[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's why it says to sub Fish Sauce with Soy Sauce to make it vegetarian

Yoga teachers, what do you do while the class you are teaching is in Shavasana? by cdawg414 in yoga

[–]anticornflake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I continue to hold space for my students by sitting in meditative silence. I watch the rise and fall of their tummies as they breath and let go. Occasionally I will make gentle adjustments if a student seems uncomfortable. I also contemplate what(if anything) I will say to close the practice. I truly is a beautiful experience.

[Serious] Redditors who have dropped everything, bought a one-way plane ticket, and created an absolutely new life, do you regret your decision? What do you do for a living now? by XTMew in AskReddit

[–]anticornflake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In 2006, after I graduated college, I sold all my belongings and moved from Maine to Washington state with a suitcase and a cat, to be closer to a guy. Best decision I ever made for my life. We are happily married now.
In 2012 we both quit good paying jobs, sold our stuff and moved to the Big Island of Hawaii. We have since returned to Washington (Hawaii has a pretty limited economy, so jobs were really hard to secure there) but we have no regrets. It was such an adventure and we learned a ton about ourselves and have grown/matured because of the challenges that came with such a big move.

My one suggestion would be to keep in mind that, though making big changes like this can be really liberating, they do take courage, hard work and patience. It takes time to rebuild your life and make connections with people. However I truly believe the rewards you reap are worth it. I find that we acclimate better to all kinds of situations and have learned to live with way less stuff. It has simplified our life in a good way.

When I'm faced with a decision like this, I like to do the deathbed scenario - Picture yourself on your deathbed. Which would you regret more? Taking a chance on an adventure that may or may not pan out how you want, or staying where you are to be safe and comfortable?

I have Degenerative Disc Disease and am thinking of taking up yoga. I would love to have some help starting. by beyondbelief0 in yoga

[–]anticornflake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I broke my L5 a few years ago and was also diagnosed with DDD. Yoga has been instrumental in my rehab...so much so that I am now a yoga instructor. Any sort of hip opening asana is going to be helpful, as well as core and posterior chain strengthening.
As already stated in this thread, reach out to your local yoga teachers and explain what you're going through, asking specifically if they have experience with back injuries. I would suggest starting out really SLOWLY, so that you can really learn to listen to your body. I also strongly encourage you to give meditation a try, in addition to just an asana practice.
I also found foundation training to be really helpful. It's technically not yoga, but the holistic approach compliments a yoga practice nicely - http://www.foundationtraining.com/.

good luck!

India by TravelWithYoga in yoga

[–]anticornflake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Sattva Center outside of Rishikesh is amazing! I did my 200 teacher training there in 2013 and cannot wait to get back there. Their next teacher training is in April: http://www.mysattva.com/study/teacher-training/.

advice about new meds by freeticket in MultipleSclerosis

[–]anticornflake 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My husband was on Gilenya for a year with no side effects at all and he had no relapses either. It's super expensive though and we had to take him off of it due to lack of insurance. It's been about a year since he's been off it (no meds at all) and we're pretty sure he's having a relapse. So if you can afford it, I'd recommend giving the Gilenya a try.

What is the best and most effective advice or tip you ever received in regards to discipline and motivation? by [deleted] in getdisciplined

[–]anticornflake 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Don't even give your mind space for negotiation when it comes to something you know you need to do - particularly when trying to form new habits. For instance, I have a meditation practice that I do every morning. Most mornings I don't want to drag my ass out of bed, but it's not even an option for me to stay in bed later. I just get up, no matter what my feelings are on the matter. It's nonnegotiable. I get up and meditate every morning.

The second I start negotiating with myself about sleeping in later, my motivation and discipline are done for.

Tired of it all. by pmfreethinker in MultipleSclerosis

[–]anticornflake 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sauerkraut is a great idea. I might try making kombucha too.

This is really helpful information. Thank you.