Yoga Journal - San Francisco Conference 2009

A Historic Day: A New Age

Tomorrow is a big day, and I'm not talking about Barrack Obama's inauguration! On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, the Goddess that IS Desiree Rumbaugh turns 50! One of the first yoga teachers to be certified in the Anusara Yoga method, Desirée is a gifted teacher. As John Friend said, she's in that class of people who only need a one name introduction: DEZ!

Desirée spent her birthday weekend here in San Francisco doing what she loves to do, teaching yoga and inspiring her students to realize the potential that lies within them. Whether that's the ability to touch their heads to their toes for the first time, heal their own injuries, or live a resilient and vibrant life -- she not only talks the talk -- she walks the walk.

All of this made her workshop—Late Bloomers: Over 50—all that more poignant! Those who were expecting to be led in a gentle flow were quickly engaged in strength-building asanas. Desirée explained that as we age we lose our flexibility more quickly than our strength. To reestablish our flexibility we MUST build and engage our strength. From push-ups to core work, she put us through our paces with the discipline of a drill sargent. She continued, "You do not have to give up any class of poses simply because you're aging. When you limit yourself, you limit your teaching." Dez at 50.jpg

Later that evening, there was a small birthday celebration for Dez which included a Japanese Bath House adventure (another story . . . seriously) followed by some southern Indian food (as if I would know the difference between northern & southern Indian cuisine). Sitting across the table from this strong, spirited woman, it was hard to imagine she was about to turn 50! I'm not sure the AARP is ready for Desirée!

Especially when she was trying to lick that gelato off the end of her nose.

Posted by Pamela Walsh on January 19, 2009 08:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yoga at Home: Everything You Need to Practice on Your Own

I grant myself permission to buy new magazines whenever I go vacation. This is a little indulgence that I enjoy, whether it's a road trip down to the beach or a non-stop flight to destinations far & near. And so as I prepared for my flight to San Francisco yesterday, I decadently perused the newsstand at the airport with reckless abandon.

After browsing the latest issue of People, (okay, that might be just a little too indulgent) my eye caught the cover of a Yoga Journal that I had not yet seen. I've been a subscriber for a few years, but this was one of the "special editions" that are periodically issued separate from the regular subscription: "Yoga at Home: Everything You Need to Practice on Your Own."

Touted as the "2009 Complete Guide" from the editors of Yoga Journal, this magazine sports a price of $8.99, which definitely puts it into the "decadent" category as far as impulse magazine buying goes. As I picked it up, the gate attendant announced my flight. I quickly pulled out a $10 bill, purchased the magazine and hurried onto the plane.

I rationalized the purchase as being "work-related research." Yeah, that's the ticket. And who among us hasn't struggled with establishing a home practice? I found with my purchase that age-old question, "What should I do?" was answered in sequences, photos and languaging that's easy to follow and understand. Several of the sequences are outlined by teachers who are presenting here at the San Francisco conference, and include:

~ Forward bending practice with Yin Yoga's Sarah Powers
~ Restorative practice with Judith Hanson Lasater
~ Standing poses with Anusara Yoga's Desiree Rumbaugh
~ Backbends with Rodney Yee
~ Down Dog in De "Tail" (get it, dog-tail) with Jason Crandell
~ Beginner's Guide to Inversions with Aadil Palkhivala

Additionally, there are practice sequences from other great teachers for inversions, twists, abdominals, block work for strength, and even a beginner's primer "Meditation for Everybody" by Frank Jude Boccio. As I thumbed through the pages, I was inspired and pleased. Inspired to see so many great do-able sequences, and pleased that my indulgence yielded a worthwhile investment.

Do yourself a favor ... go indulge!

Posted by Pamela Walsh on January 16, 2009 05:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Desiree Rumbaugh Classes

Desiree Rumbaugh teaches from the experiences of more than two decades of practice and five decades of life. She was one of the first students to study with John Friend and become certified in his Anusara method of yoga. Desiree travels the world offering workshops that are innovative, transformative, challenging, and compassionate.