Round up

Ay yo.

Here's a blog that combines my two great interests in life: yoga and writing. But I'm not writing, and not really practicing. The best I can offer is a roundup of what I've been doing to fill my time and pay my bills in Beijing.

I have no yoga community in Beijing; in fact, I am my own yoga community. My job thus far in this city is bringing yoga--my own yoga--to people in their homes. I do 1:1's and small group classes, teaching in living rooms or closed patios. So far there are four one on ones and a group of four together. What I teach is based entirely on who shows up. Kira's phrase that's basically become my business practice. I go to my sessions with outlines of a class, but upon arrival we move how the spirit moves us, so they say. With one client, the spirit moves her not to move, but to talk. I have to dig into 'teacher' mode to get her to inhale rise up, exhale swandive, inhale half lift.

Another client wants a workout. I showed up with a C2 routine, and while she is physically capable, her practice is riddled with bad habits. How do I correct her? I just did, at first with a shaky voice and then with more confidence.

Other clients want help with core strengthening. It's never ending, that quest for a six pack stomach. I teach and demonstrate and hope no one notices the places where my belly is soft. I mention bandha's, I mention the transverses, Richard Freeman, the 'cosmetic ab crunches', and wonder if I know what I'm talking about.

I miss my studio in Boulder, and I miss my studio in Ojai. I've been to a few classes here, but found them uninspiring.

Not to complain. But I am, I suppose. Just a little yoga lonesome.