Monday, December 14, 2015

A lifted Heart and open Throat are my path to forgiveness.

I have been practicing Yoga with for over 20 years now... It was probably 10 years ago or so when fellow practitioners started asking me to teach them..I had become so introverted in my adult life due to trauma in childhood and adolescence that I just couldn't imagine that I would ever be brave or feel free enough to teach.

I have two beautiful bright children after multiple miscarriages.. and my husband and best friend in the world was my high school heart break... These are merely 2 examples of a pattern I've noticed throughout my life of struggle ending in immense joy...

Ive come from politely avoiding teaching opportunities even after 300 hours of training with Rodney and Colleen to taking on a handful of private clients and two group classes in my home studio. This has really freed me in a way that's dreamlike.... This practice of learning to prepare an offering and especially the connection with the people that I teach is so profound... Most of my students have been with me for over a year now and are loving my humble offering.... So, once again I'm reaching toward the other side of struggle and I am having moments of such joy...

Throughout the last few years of Rodney and Colleens influence, teachings and adjustments Ive come to realize that I hold so much tension in my throat and jaw...And that back bends and breath awareness release that gripping that has hindered my voice for far too long....


Supported Childs pose over a bolster ( resting the head on one side & the other)

mini sun salutations~

Full sun salutations incorporating backend and throat opening in Urdvha Hastasana

Lions Breath

thread the needle R&L

baby (cobra) Bhujangasana

Full Bhugangasana

Shalabhasana (Locust)

Dhanurasana (bow)

Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana (upward facing dog)

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge)

Urdvha Danurasana (full Wheel)

Fish pose

Savasana





ReplyDelete
Replies
  1. story is so real, raw, and perfect for the teaching. need more cool down and maybe more things specifically for the throat such as tv watching or chin on a block and maybe wring it out by adding shoulder stand. Also, seth bandha isn't a warm up for urdvha danurasana and would even be good to put a transitory pose in before bridge as it is pretty cooling after all the fiery backbends. Do you notice other areas of your body that hold tension from the early trauma. your practice is so beautiful and so is your offering.
    Delete
Posted by at

11 comments:

  1. UnknownDecember 17, 2015 at 3:27 AM

    Your story is beautiful, tender, and inspiring. When it comes to tension in the throat...my "energy doctor" / "chakra cleanser and balancer" gave me the tools (tapping, oils, and affirmations) to allow myself to communicate. Try saying out-loud, "I EASILY EXPRESS MYSELF,” over and over while tapping your 5th chakra. Maybe it will help?

    http://www.thelaratouch.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 18, 2015 at 12:39 PM

    Lion's Breath works perfectly in this sequence, and I enjoy your sweet story. --Denise

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hania El-TamerDecember 19, 2015 at 6:45 AM

    Beautiful story Raphaela!

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownDecember 23, 2015 at 8:09 AM

    I really love this Raphaela. The practice is beautiful and very vulnerable. It seems like you create a safe place for yourself and your students to open up and thats very special. I can relate to the feelings of introversion in adulthood and it can be so difficult to open up (which might be why I haven't been able to get over my fears of this blog bc its opening up to a lot of people!). Your practice and dharma made me relate to you and feel safe with you, it's really nice.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownDecember 28, 2015 at 4:20 PM

    I can relate well to this as I have often been told by teachers that my throat chakra is what I need to work on. I am often fearful of presenting but becoming a yoga teacher in a small venue, like yourself, has slowly helped to build my self-esteem and confidence. I so enjoy all of the throat opening exercises in your sequence!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hilary ChasinDecember 29, 2015 at 8:46 AM

    Raphaela, it's been so nice getting to know you on our train rides home. While your voice in class is among the quieter ones, your thinking, practice, and love of Yoga runs deep. Thank you for sharing this intimate portrait of your own practice. Namaste

    ReplyDelete
  7. Julie Flynn BadalJanuary 1, 2016 at 1:09 PM

    Thank you for sharing your evolution as a practitioner and teacher. So inspiring!

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownJanuary 2, 2016 at 11:29 AM

    How the blessing of your children must continue to feed and free your teaching!

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownJanuary 4, 2016 at 5:29 AM

    It is inspiring to see how you have found great blessings out of struggle. I am sure your students appreciate all that you share with them. I find shoulder stand really powerful for me and working on Vishudda.

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownJanuary 4, 2016 at 5:25 PM

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful side of yourself and your life. I really love the Lion's Breath included in the sequence.

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownJanuary 5, 2016 at 6:21 AM

    Thanks for sharing your story with so many. This for me makes me feel safe too. Much love

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)