I am not a purist.

I've been practicing many types of yoga for over 10 years. I began my journey with Hatha. Then went through training to practice yoga therapy for children with special needs. My own yoga practice intensified through jivamukti and power yoga. I've never considered myself a purist. In fact, one of my favorite parts of teaching yoga is finding or creating a great sequence to further one's practice.

Everything changed, in a way I hadn't quite expected, when I traveled to Mysore, India to study Ashtanga.

My cousin, Angelique Sandas (find her blog!) is a certified Ashtanga yoga teacher. I tagged along with her on one of her biannual Mysore trips. She is a purist. She, as Ashtangis do, dedicates her practice to Ashtanga. She honors the sequence of series as presented by Sri Pattabhi Jois. Well, I warned her before we went to India, "I am not a purist." (She smiled.)

Even as my body began to transform in India, as my practice began to transform, I watched all of the other students from around the world coming to this very special place to practice, and saw myself as outsider, as a watcher. I am not a purist. Toward the end of my trip I began to feel like one "of them". Watching new students arrive, seeing them go through the transition and transformation that I went through. Still, though, I did not see myself as a purist.

Now much time has past. Winter turned to spring, to summer, to fall. My life has changed quite a bit too. I have gone from stay at home mom to full time special education teacher. I am trying to find my way to my new normal. Its been very difficult. I miss being home with my son terribly. And for some silly reason, I though I would finally have time to dedicate to my own practice since I wasn't teaching yoga anymore. Silly me.

What I am finding though, that the time I do create to practice yoga, I am only practicing Ashtanga. I have no desire to attend any other style of class. I am only seeking out Ashtanga teachers, and more specifically ones who practice Mysore style. But, I repeat, I am not a purist.

Or am I? Why do I only desire to practice Ashtanga? Why do I get irritated in class if a teacher isn't practicing Mysore style? Perhaps my experience has led me down a path that I did not anticipate. I always say that yoga calls you to the mat. If you find yourself practicing, its not a coincidence, you have been brought there for a purpose, to do work. Ashtanga is calling me. In a very purist kind of way.

I stand by my statement, and am curious to see how my yoga path unfolds. I feel India calling me back. I don't know how or when that calling will be fulfilled.

I am not a purist. Or am I? I guess only the future will tell.

Birth Matters

Today I had the opportunity to attend a wonderful event at The House called Birth Matters. It was an expose’ of mother’s groups, doulas, home birth providers, physical therapists, massage therapists, lactation specialists and many more. I was there with Creative Therapeutics, the place where Exceptional Yoga calls home, sharing information about the Prenatal Yoga and Mommy & Me classes I currently teach. There were many amazing women there – women who have had a great difference in many other women’s lives.
When I came to DeKalb (the 2nd time) in 2008, 6 months pregnant with Holden, I tried desperately to find a home birth provider. I was not aware of the many resources available and did not know how to find them. Although I am grateful I was able to find a way to have the natural, intervention free birth I desired, I drove all the way to Oak Park to a Midwife’s group to do it!
As I think of my friend who is days away from having a successful VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), proving doubtful doctors and nurses and naysayers wrong, I am in awe of this beautiful movement happening right here in DeKalb. Women coming together from many different aspects and walks of life all toward one purpose: assisting women in achieving the birth experience they desire.
There is an empowerment movement happening, and women are taking charge of their health – prenatal and postnatal. At a time when many medical practices are moving in a “standard of care” direction, it is great to see so many coming together to resist that depersonalization of the birth experience. I hope this evening there are many expecting moms sitting at home smiling, thinking of the wonderful connections they made today, looking forward to having the beautiful and unforgettable birth experience they wish for.
Namaste’