I have a very strong attachment to my yoga mat. He's natural rubber, PVC-free, eco-friendly, biodegradable, and one of my favorite colors in the whole world—plum. He protects my feet from germs and/or sweaty puddles remaining from previous yoga classes. When I carry him home on a smelly, crowded train, I hug him close to my body—protecting him from the cold, harsh world.

I unroll my friend in a specific way, with the small, square label in the top left hand corner. I roll him back up the same way each time—slowly and carefully, so the edges are even and tidy. It's a little ritual that signifies my mini-vacation has come to an end, and I must return to my life.

In fact, I haven't been so attached to an inanimate object since I was a toddler toting around my precious Blankey. So when my well-intentioned teacher asked me to abandon my dear mat for a series of standing poses, I was not pleased. It was reminiscent of the times when my mom ripped Blankey from my hands to wash him. I would spend what seemed like hours (but was more likely a few minutes) jumping up and down as I helplessly grasped for Blankey, which had been maliciously hung out of my reach on the laundry line. In yoga class yesterday, I stared longingly at my mat, as I struggled valiantly to remain upright in Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) on the ice-skating-rink of a rug.

There's a moral to this story. The fact that I found it SO hard to remain upright in standing poses on the carpet taught me that I haven't been engaging my muscles enough in my daily practice. This is a valuable lesson because now I know where I should be focusing my attention when I practice—and it's not on the pretty color of my mat. Maybe, just maybe, I should try practicing without my mat for a while so I can learn to stand strong in my poses all by myself. I'm a big girl now!

Posted by Erica Rodefer at 06:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

The only thing more gratifying than watching your students get stronger, is watching their confidence build as they progress.

I don't know what it was, but during my class yesterday my students all seemed to be beaming! Their Plank Poses (one of my students coined the modified version with knees down "Broken Plank") were steady, their Chaturangas were smoother, and they moved into beautiful Down Dogs with ease. I deviated from my plan quite a bit to give them an extra challenge—and they were up to it! Obviously, I am proud of the progress.

But what I'm most proud of is how they seemed to be having fun whether their poses were perfect or not—which, as far as I'm concerned, is what it's all about. Yay!

Posted by Erica Rodefer at 10:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This week, I'm thrilled to report that I introduced my girls to Bakasana (Crane Pose) for the first time. I was incredibly nervous about this because I remember how I used to feel when teachers taught this pose before I was ready for it—bad. And I want yoga to be a self-esteem booster for my teenage students, not have the opposite effect.

Despite my reservations, I knew a few of my students have been practicing regularly and might be up for the challenge. I think I was right.

After doing a lot of asanas that teach keeping the arms strong, and pulling the belly in—Cat/Cow, Down Dog to Plank, modified Vasistasana (Side Plank Pose), and Malasana (Garland Pose)—it was time. I demonstrated Bakasana standing on the edge of a block. Then, I talked them through it. I watched with anticipation, offering suggestions and hints along the way.

Guess what?! At least one or two of them flew, if only for a second! I think it was more fun for me than them! The icing on the cake: After class, one of my regular students asked me if we could try it again next week. I think I'll call this one a success story!

Posted by Erica Rodefer at 06:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)