Tag Archives: off the mat

I (heart) SLC

Posted on by Nadine Johnson
Reply

I really do!

I’ve been lucky enough to go to Salt Lake City twice a year for the past 6 years.

I’m there during the winter (30F) and summer (95+F).

But, it’s a dry heat!

On this last trip, I stayed a little longer than usual.  I got to teach several yoga classes.  I sauntered through the aisles at a trade show instead speed walking, attended multiple seminars and ventured out!   I even took the train.

I think I like Salt Lake because it takes me out of my comfort zone.  Mormonism isn’t historically diverse.  Some of the more dogmatic beliefs can be seen as, well, backwards.  Especially to a San Franciscan.  Years before, SLC was a nothing more than a connection airport.  My experiences were similar to traveling through parts of the Middle East—I was treated as inferior because of my gender and skin colour, and even considered suspect as a woman traveling alone.

I thought Utah sucked.

We do this every day.  We embrace someone else’s opinion as our own.  We listen to gossip.  We treat others poorly or unfairly based on a history that should be acknowledged but left in the past.  How often do we judge an entire group or place based on a single experience?

The amount of baggage we all carry makes it impossible to move forward.

As my yoga life moves into a different stage, I’ve paid more attention certain things.  In my practice, I’ve been more honest with myself about where I have limits and where I have laziness.  In my teaching, I’ve started looking more closely at the students’ experience.  I’m still trying to figure out how to help students get real about their own limits and laziness.

A lot of people tune out in the middle of class—start picking at their toes, staring out the window, adjusting the outfit, staring at other people, going to the bathroom, getting water.  The list goes on and on….  These students are, typically, the most vocal after class.  As I mentioned in an older post, people love or hate me.  There’s no in between.  I used to be shocked by bad comments from students with no focus or humility on their mats.  Now, I almost expect it.

Lucky for me, the number of students who understand and appreciate what I do out-weigh the “toe pickers”.

And, I (heart) my students too!

Are we alone?

Posted on by Nadine Johnson
2

I’ve been eavesdropping on Olympic coverage this week. Most of you know about my torn ACLs.  That’s why I practice yoga.  And, many of you know I tore my right ACL while fencing in high school.

I’m a left-handed fencer; which immediately puts thought of future Olympics in coach’s heads. Most people are right handed, so we’re hard to beat. Put out your left the next time you shake hands…that reaction is why lefties tend to win. Coaches also love having us spar with any right handed superstars. Keeping them on their toes and ready for anything!

Fencing is my sport of choice in the Olympics. Track, swimming, blah, blah, blah…not interested.

When Shin A Lam lost the gold medal this week because of a clock error and stupid (yes, stupid) decision on appeal, I cried.  A few WTFs went flying too.

Because of the rules, she had to sit on piste, all alone, during the appeal.

30 minutes.  We all watch her emotions ebb and flow.

I couldn’t help but think about personal disappointment (my ACL!!), heartbreak and aloneness.  30 minutes!

So often, things happen and we retreat to that safe zone in our own heads.  We isolate ourselves mentally or, even, physically.  The great thing about this shot, from Getty Images, is that you can almost see the thousands of people directly behind her in the stands.  She’s not alone.  I was right there with her and so were millions of others around the world.  We all supported her.

I guess the Olympics are like life…

Once upon a time…

Posted on by Nadine Johnson
Reply

I’ve always been shy…seriously.  I started teaching not only out of frustration with the quality teachers I encountered as my practice advanced, but to open up more.

It’s worked…sorta.  I’m now an ambivert.  Well, one step at a time, right?   But, I like to think that I’m still shy.  I stopped wearing my hair over my face.  I don’t hide behind glasses that I don’t really need, yet.  But, my story about myself remains the same.

At work, I talk a lot about the story.  In design, and especially in marketing, we identify what story the consumer wants to hear.  Not just about the product but about themselves.  Companies like Apple and Whole Foods have mastered this.

But, it isn’t just a corporate thing.  We all do it everyday with one another:

“I didn’t tell you because I thought it would hurt your feelings.  I did it for you”

= I’m a giver.  I’m a good person

translation:  “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to risk that you wouldn’t like me anymore”

= If you don’t like what I’ve said, I’m a bad person

“Well, maybe we should meditate on this a little while longer. (awkward pause)   ‘Cause…I just…well, I don’t know what you think about this but…(sigh)…well…(awkward pause)  Well, maybe we should meditate on this a little while longer.”

= We’re in dialogue.  I’m a good person

translation:  “I’ve already made up my mind but don’t want to commit.   You tell me what you’re thinking first”

=   I don’t want to compromise.  I’m a bad person


Over the last few months, I’ve had several conversations that have not been truly honest.  People aren’t lying to me on purpose…I think.  They’re just trying not to tell the truth.  They’re not taking the risk.

The funny thing is that I like people more when they tell hard truths.

This has forced me to take my yoga off the mat in a good way.  Not an easy way, but a good way.

It ain’t chocolate!

Posted on by Nadine Johnson
1

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the benefits of my practice and my teaching. Many have already heard the story about my very first yoga class. Baggy sweats…oversized tee…socks! And, those sun salutations! Torture!

It’s my fault for walking into a level 2-3 class.

I came to yoga to loose weight and help my knees. I was resigned to be a BBW for life and just wanted to be a healthy size 14. The weight came off when I wasn’t paying attention and my ACL-less knees work better than before. But, the biggest benefit I’ve gotten in the practice is dealing with my own bullshit.

Since I’ve started teaching, I’ve had some interesting experiences.  One of the greatest lesson from teaching is that I know that what comes up in the class comes from within—each of us.  I’m not creating what comes up.  Now, I’m not saying that I lack ego…it’s just not present in my yoga-teaching or practice.  The good, the bad and the ugly that happen are outside of me and I’m there to help create a safe space for it to exist.

I overheard my grandfather tell someone, “don’t let them hand you shit and tell you it’s chocolate”

Can’t be more direct than that!

This picture from designboom.com just sums it up for me.

How often do we sling our own bullshit, ego, etc at someone else and expect them to receive it as chocolate, love, or compassion?

As a student, I find myself looking around the room occasionally.  I know, I know…I’m supposed to be SO focused that the rest of the world disappears.  Yeah well, sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn’t.  So, when I’m looking around the room, especially in level 3-4 classes, I’m surprised by amount of ego on the mat but love the earnest effort.  People yank their legs into full lotus, strain tendons to get that bind and other very painful looking things.  I try to remind students, when I teach, that everything takes time.  There is no magic pill for anything, especially yoga.

One of the greatest gifts yoga has given me is a little more patience.   Take it all one day, one breath, one millimeter at a time.  My ego, my bullshit, has to step aside for that to happen.