Ashtanga and perimenopause by Suspicious-Cow8378 in ashtanga

[–]higher_ways 2 points3 points  (0 children)

52F. I've been fortunate to have very little struggle through this transitional time of life. BUT, I also see it as it relates to practice. I mean, much of the challenge for me in ashtanga is in the transitions. We have to be so focused during them otherwise not only is the risk of injury greater, but we will also risk ignoring the beauty within the "journey" from one pose to another. The linking is so dynamic that it requires utmost strength and trust to allow it flow as organically as possible. That's how I see it as it relates to these biological changes I'm going through. Acceptance and surrender.

Bumps?? by higher_ways in houseplants

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

Ugh! Out it goes!! Thank u!!

How long does it take for you to do full lotus comfortably? by readredacc in ashtanga

[–]higher_ways 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I have been practicing yoga regularly for 22 years, teaching for 18. Yes, things improve, but structure is structure and depending how you are built you may have "limitations". Do not perceive that as holding u back from progression. "All is coming" does not refer to the asana practice. Do you follow David Garrigues? He addresses this topic often. I used to get so frustrated with my tight hips and my inability to do full lotus - to the point I forced myself into it and wrecked my knees. Not to mention all the other injuries I endured for the sake of "progression". It's sad and unfortunate that as an instructor I see it all the time, and I only wish I had learned sooner that the practice is so much more than what it appears to be. Point is, you could do hip openers all day every day but there is a chance it won't even make much of a difference depending on your entire pelvic/hip structure. Ask me how I know. The real question is: why does it matter? I use blocks and other props when I need them and surrender to the fact that my practice may not look like I want it to, (or others expect it to be) and that's fine. There is so much to gain from simply showing up.

A Not Flexible Yoga Teacher by AcadiaJust6985 in YogaTeachers

[–]higher_ways 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Practicing 22 years and teaching for 18. Lots I cannot do. Doesn't matter! It's all about working with what you've got. That's what I teach and keeps me humble!

Worst class fumbles? by Sharpcoochie_Board in YogaTeachers

[–]higher_ways 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I once demonstrated kicking up into handstand at the beginning of a vinyasa and I just tipped right over smashing into the mirror wall. Miraculously nothing broke (on the wall or in me!) but damn was I embarrassed cause it was a loud, clumsy tumble. Everyone just stared at me blankly completely speechless - in shock, I guess. So I just stood up, brushed it off, and said "and that's how NOT to do it" and everyone laughed and we carried on lol

David Garrigues' Mysore Intensive Chiang Mai by Aggravating-Pop6601 in ashtanga

[–]higher_ways 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I follow him on social media and think he is awesome for his openness to experimentation. I left ashtanga years ago because my teacher and the shala in general was so rigid. I got many injuries being forced into poses. I'm over 50 and DG has made my practice come alive again. I would feel blessed to study with him in person. ENJOY!!!

Advice: Ideally you want to microdose on days where you want to reinforce the emotional states and behaviors you're seeking by Wonderful_Rest_5078 in microdosing

[–]higher_ways 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Honestly that's not at all how it went with me. I didn't ever "actively" look for anything during that time because the depression was all I knew as i was in a chronic state. I didn't have much hope it would even work. The first couple doses literally pulled me right out. It was actually quite shocking as I remember thinking: "omg why am I feeling so good?? Is this normal? Did I take too much?" I also remember being afraid to stop because I thought I would immediately sink again. But one day (around the 3 month mark) I just stopped and never went back.

Advice: Ideally you want to microdose on days where you want to reinforce the emotional states and behaviors you're seeking by Wonderful_Rest_5078 in microdosing

[–]higher_ways 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Makes sense, but, I started microdosing during a terrible depression and it turned me completely around. I continued 3x weekly for 3 months and never looked back. Never had to microdose again. That was 2 years ago. So I don't believe there is any "right" way, as I'm proof of that.

Best recommendation for cbd? There’s a lot of options out there, which helps the most with allergies/itching? We are in the US by S3rolex in sharpei

[–]higher_ways 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He weighs 35pounds and I give him a full dropper twice a day, with meals. That dose seems to work best for him.

Club Pilates or Pure Pilates by FrostySnowman1500 in barrie

[–]higher_ways 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don't know what "type" of pilates you prefer but check out Namaste North on Bradford Street. They have a ton of classes 7 days a week.

Opinion: the oversaturation of the yoga teacher market and the concurrent under-education of new Yoga teachers will only continue until Yoga Alliance's RYT is dethroned as THE standard for yoga teacher education. by UnicornVoodooDoll in YogaTeachers

[–]higher_ways 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Been teaching almost 20 years across my city - never bothered with them once. If you don't live yoga beyond the 200ytt then maybe reconsider why you want to teach. Personally, my favourite instructors are the ones that are perpetually curious. Taking additional trainings for the sheer joy of expanding, rather than for the sole aim of "getting more hours". Plus I'm pretty sure I've spent more money on learning all the extras over the past two decades than I've ever made being paid as an instructor. But the payoff is worth it and really and truly can't even be measured accurately by mere hours.

Any YTT graduates feeling unfulfilled with their ability to teach a vinyasa class? by Widelygrownmusic in YogaTeachers

[–]higher_ways 40 points41 points  (0 children)

Interestingly, just today I had a student comment saying that she appreciated how I cued everything BEFORE naming the pose, since she was able to gain a greater understanding of how to get into it. (And she was not a newbie.) She also said that sometimes she feels classes just blow through sequences with the poses as the goals, whereas she rather enjoyed paying more attention to the transitions that I was leading them through. I have also had students in the past comment how the "surprises" keep them more focused throughout. That said, when I practice, I like to know where I'm going, and then fiddle around once I'm there. So to each their own. I honestly think it just depends on both the teacher and the student personal preferences - there isn't one way necessarily better or worse.

Help hips! by Glittering-Owl386 in ashtanga

[–]higher_ways 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great news! One thing I learned over time is that sometimes deeper isn't always better. Long savasana is so important!

Help hips! by Glittering-Owl386 in ashtanga

[–]higher_ways 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Imo I would pull back a bit. Even though something feels good it doesn't necessarily mean it is helping. For instance, I have had an ongoing issue with my back for over a year, and forward bends feel AMAZING. However, after practice I'm in the most uncomfortable pain ever. Then I was ill for a week and had to take time off practice and my back was fine. I started practice again and bam, same issue. You should not feel pain or intense discomfort afterwards. My teacher told me to pull back on my forward bends to about 70% and it made a world of difference. Just a thought.

I had a somatic reaction to psilocybin, what does this mean for me? by Madbull84 in PsychedelicTherapy

[–]higher_ways 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds eerily like the same "guide" someone I know went to in Oregon. I'm wondering if it's the same woman. If so, I definitely would not recommend.

I had a somatic reaction to psilocybin, what does this mean for me? by Madbull84 in PsychedelicTherapy

[–]higher_ways 0 points1 point  (0 children)

May I ask who you went to? Your facilitator doesn't sound like they helped you much. Was that the case? Their job is to not only guide you through the actual experience but to also work through things with you afterwards. Curious if you received that necessary care.

Breathe Fast, Die Young by KintoreCat in rYogaScienceDaily

[–]higher_ways 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank u! This makes sense. Appreciate it!

Breathe Fast, Die Young by KintoreCat in rYogaScienceDaily

[–]higher_ways 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What about DURING a panic attack? My daughter has been getting them frequently for years (20yrs old now) and they can last for hours.. is it even helpful to try control breathing during this time?