Kaitlyn McConnell, RYT

Finding Your Edge

2009-11-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

One of my very first yoga teachers, Beryl Bender Birch said something in her DVD 'Power Yoga' that I have always remembered- "don't strain, don't sleep." Sometimes when I am practicing and mind wanders I hear her voice in my head reminding me of this, put some energy in the pose, explore, but know your limits. The longer we practice and as our bodies open up is it easy to go into autopilot, when this happens our practice can get a little stagnant and maybe even (dare I say it?) boring. BUT that doesn't have to be the case. When we work with our 'edge'- that place where we feel the work without injuring ourselves, there is always something new to learn and the boredom lifts instantly. When we involve our entire selves in the practice, make ourselves present in the practice we can learn and gain so much.

This also brings to mind one of my favorite sanskrit words which is 'svadhyaya' meaning self study. Practicing your poses is a form of svadhyaya- how is your body feeling today? are your hamstrings tight from taking that run? and on a deeper level- is my breathing deep or shallow, fast or slow? and on an even deeper level- where is my mind today? is it on my practice or somewhere else? can I bring it back to my practice when it wanders? and if you want you could take it EVEN DEEPER- how connected am I to the world around me? to the people around me? am I following my path? is the right path? and the list goes on and on and becomes more and more personal and therefore different for everyone.

In this way we not only practice our yoga but we begin to live our yoga, on and off our mats and at all times.

The fear of falling

2009-10-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in class, I fell. It was while I was doing headstand, I just sort of toppled over and did a somersault. I looked up and the assistant said "it's not really that scary, is it?"- rather than feeling embarrassed and shy about it- I felt exhilarated. No, it wasn't that scary, it was actually kind of fun.

It got me thinking- how do we move forward if we alway stay where we are comfortable? Taking risks is how me move forward, not just in our asana practice but in life. If we only did what we were comfortable doing how would we ever learn how to do anything? A new pose, a new instrument, a new language, anything, requires us to 'get it wrong' at least a few times before we 'get it right' so why is falling or failing or getting something 'wrong' such a scary thought? Maybe we don't want to be singled out or admit that we are, in fact, human. Whatever the reason (and I think it must be different for everyone) it is worth examining in our own lives.

So, in the next few days- try something that you've never done before- maybe it is scary or moves you out of your comfort zone but just like you do on your mat- see if you can stay with your breath and move through it. You might surprise yourself.

New Studio Opening Soon!

2009-10-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to share with you all that this studio and wellness center will be opening soon. Great teachers, massage, food and all sorts of other great stuff. I am scheduled to be teaching Wednesday and Friday mornings. Please come and support the community!

Click here for a link to the newly launched website.

Recipe Review: Butternut Squash Soup with Fennel, Ginger and Garlic

2009-10-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday seemed like a soup day so I FINALLY got around to making a soup I found on the 'Joyful Belly' website, an ayurvedic website with lots of recipes and useful info.

Here is a link to the soup.

Overall the recipe was good, but needed a little more something- maybe more garlic and ginger, the fennel seeds were a touch overwhelming. The only change I made was I but some bouillon in the water when I added it for a little flavor. I think with a little work this soup could be really good and it was easy and fast to make. It didn't say in the directions but I used my hand blender and pureed the whole thing. Chunks of squash in soup just don't work for me. Let me know if you give it a try- this soup has serious potential.

Rain

2009-10-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

"Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby." - Langston Hughes
I went to sleep last night listening to the rain drops on my window. Here in LA that doesn't happen very often so when it does I really listen. I love the meditative, calming quality of the drops hitting the windows and the roof.

Every time I step onto my yoga mat I take a moment to turn my attention inward, to let the rest of my day, my week, my life drift away so I can be present with my breath. Somehow when it is raining I have a much easier time doing this, I feel grounded, present and calm without even trying.

Autumn and Winter are natural times of turning inward. You can see this in nature, the leaves fall and the days get shorter, animals begin to store food and move toward hibernation. Even my cat seems to sleep even more (if that is possible) during the day.

Your practice can shift reflect this and nurture you this time of year, take some extra time in Savasana, hold your standing poses a little longer, get grounded by really feeling your feet or whatever part of you is connected to the floor. Listen to the shifts in your body as we move out of Summer and into the colder months.

It's also a time for eating warm foods and drinking hot apple cider and tea, keep yourself warm. Make some soup, enjoy a cup of coffee with friends or a good book.

This is by far and away my favorite time of year. Maybe its because I grew up in Seattle and the Autumns up there are so beautiful, maybe its because I get to bake everyday if I want to, but whatever the reason I just feel good this time of year.

What is your favorite thing about Autumn? I am sure we would all love to hear it :)

Peace and Light,
KM

Not Exactly Yoga Related...

2009-10-12T12:30:00.001-07:00

I know these aren't exactly yoga related but I wanted to share them with you all. Best day of my life. Thank you everyone for all your love and support while I was away.

Peace and light,
KM

PS- would also love to give a shout out to our amazing photographers, if you ever need pro photos for anything check them out- www.brightenphotography.com, they totally rock :)

The Importance of Savasana

2009-10-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

I once had a teacher tell me that every pose we practice during class is just a warm up for Savasana. A chance to work out the kinks and holdings and tightness in our bodies and our minds so we can relax completely and comfortably at the end of class.

On a physical level, Savasana gives us a chance slow our heart rate down after a challenging class, to let our breathing level off. Every muscle in your body has a chance to let go and soften. As a result, it releases stress so we can leave class feeling calmer than when we walked in.

On a mental level, Savasana is a sign that class has come to an end, as all things do. A chance to wipe the slate clean, let go of the past, not worry about the future, just be in the present.

We spend so much of our lives our lives doing, moving, working, sending our energy out into the world (which is not a bad thing) but it is always important to find balance and taking a break, letting yourself slow down in Savasana is a way to bring us back to a balanced place.

I would love to give you all a homework assignment to take a 5 minute Savasana every day and see how it effects your lives. Do it for a week. This assignment, if you choose to accept it- could have a profound influence on your lives. If you do try this, report back, let me and the other readers know how it goes.

Peace and light.
KM

Namaste and Anjali Mudra

2009-10-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

Just a little yoga trivia for you: at the end of class when we press our palms together in front our hearts and repeat 'Namaste' to each other I rarely take the time to share what that actually means so here you go:

The literal translation of 'Namaste' is "The light inside of me honors the light inside of you." It is a word of deep thanks to your teacher, the people around you and to yourself for getting to class and committing to your practice.

'Anjali Mudra' is the bringing together of your hands in front of you heart. It is a way to center, to reconnect, a bringing together of the right and left sides of your brain. In yoga, our energetic or spiritual center is at the center of the chest and this mudra is a way to connect to that.

So- when we say 'Namaste' with our hands in Anjali mudra we are saying thank from our heart center. A heartfelt thanks for our practice, our bodies, our breathe and our minds.

Great Resource for Fall Recipes

2009-09-28T17:49:00.001-07:00

I came across this great resource today for Ayurvedic recipes for Fall, all are Vata reducing and as fall is a Vata season we could all use a little more of that (for more information on Ayurveda or what that means email me or look online, there is a ton of information). These recipes are calming and comforting, perfect for a cold night in (relatively speaking if you live in Los Angeles).

Enjoy- I hope to make one (or more) of these soon and will post a review once I get around to it.

http://www.joyfulbelly.com/recipology/search.php?TIME=Lunch%2FDinner

Peace and Light

Dalai Lama in Long Beach Sept 25

2009-09-24T13:56:00.001-07:00

I have 2 free tickets to see the Dalai Lama talk on the Four Noble Truths tomorrow at 9:30am or 2pm that I won't be able to use- send me an email if you want them!

I am back

2009-09-23T10:53:00.001-07:00

Returned from our 3 week getaway about a week ago, it is so nice to be back and to see you all. You were missed while I was away.

Here are a few pictures from our trip. It was amazing, I am still getting used to being back. We had some delicious wine throughout Napa and Sonoma and the Russian River Valley. The rows of grapes covering the landscape was so calming to look at.
This was taken at Sand Dollar Cove just south of Big Sur, amazing surfing (so I hear, I don't surf) and it was one of the most striking views I have ever seen. We were there at mid tide but when the tide is out apparently there are sand dollars dotting the coast line.
San Francisco, an amazing city with amazing people and amazing food. Thank you to the friends we saw while we were there, we love you. Our first day there we rented bikes and rode along the coast to the Golden Gate Bridge (well, we didn't make it quite that far, but we got close).

Sunday night at Qi will restart in September

2009-08-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

But until I get back from my honeymoon and such it will be cancelled.

Thanks everyone!

I will not be teaching August 23- September 11

2009-08-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

A few of you have asked my schedule while I am away so here are all the dates, with subs listed where I have them:

Sunday August 23 at YMCA 10:30am- Ninon subs

Sunday August 23 at Qi 5pm- either cancelled or will be subbed

Tuesday August 25th at YMCA 7:15am- Nikki subs

Thursday August 27th at YMCA 8am- Howard subs

Friday August 28th at Goda 6:30pm- Calysta subs

Sunday August 30 at YMCA 10:30am- Ninon subs

Sunday August 30 at Qi 5pm- either cancelled or will be subbed

Tuesday September 1 at YMCA 7:15am- Nikki subs

Thursday September 3 at YMCA 8am- Howard subs

Friday September 4 at Goda 6:30pm- Jewel subs

Sunday September 6 at YMCA 10:30am- Ninon subs

Sunday September 6 at Qi 5pm- either cancelled or will be subbed

Tuesday September 8 at YMCA 7:15am- Nikki subs

Thursday September 10 at YMCA 8am- Howard subs

Friday September 11 at Goda 6:3opm- Jewel subs

**BACK TEACHING ALL CLASSES STARTING SEPTEMBER 13**

Thanks everyone- please continue your practice while I am away

Knowing when to back off

2009-07-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

There are days, and for me, super hot days are one them- that (I believe) listening to what your body needs is more important than getting in another sweaty vinyasa practice just because it is on your 'to do' list. Today for me is one of those days- it is warm out and I need to cool off, not build more heat so that I can find a place of balance rather than throwing myself further out of balance. Lots of forward bends and cooling inversions such as taking your legs up the wall can help you feel more grounded and cooling. I read somewhere that yoga should untie your knots, not make them tighter. You know your body better than anyone else and only you can judge when you need to back off or push forward. Finding your 'edge'- that place between hard work and relaxation so that you can find strength and ease simultaneously in your practice is a major part of your practice. I like to think of my practice as a mirror for the rest of my life- if I am not taking care of myself in my yoga practice maybe I need to explore where I might not be taking care of myself in other parts of my life.

Renegade Craft Fair

2009-07-13T09:54:00.001-07:00

This weekend I was lucky enough to check out the Renegade Craft Fair here in Los Angeles- you can get more info here if you want. As a beginning crafter it is so inspiring to see some of the beautiful jewelry, clothing and artwork that are created by hand. There must have been at least 100 vendors with products ranging from beautiful letterpress cards to some of the most amazing jewelry I have ever seen. Having time to chat with the artists was so inspiring- I have so many ideas running around in my head- now to find the time to make some of them a reality!

Great Article on Cooking and Yoga

2009-07-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

This article really struck a chord w/ me today. If you have some time it is worth reading.

New Class on Sunday in Venice

2009-06-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

Starting this weekend- a perfect way to wind things down and prepare for your week- a 1 hour candle light restorative yoga and stretch class, appropriate for all levels.

Class will be held at Qi studio on Abbot Kinney (2321 Abbot Kinney Blvd # 102
Venice, CA 90291) from 5-6pm.

Rates are $18/class or you can buy a class package which brings the price down to about $16/class (depending on which series you buy).

Hope to see you there :)

I need your opinion

2009-05-28T10:47:00.001-07:00

Hello Friends and Yogis :)

I hope you are all having a lovely week. I am in the process of developing a Sunday afternoon class on Abbot Kinney and would like to hear back from you, especially if you live on the west side and this is a class you are interested in taking.

The class will most likely be 1 hour long and geared towards students who want to wind down their weekend. I am thinking from 5-6pm so there is still plenty of evening left after you leave class.

My question is this, at the end of a weekend are you more likely to go a class that is more flow/ vinyasa based or would you prefer having some time to slow things down and really stretch in a more restorative style class?

Any thoughts would be appreciated, hope to see you all soon.

Peace and Light,
Kaitlyn

To Guruji-

2009-05-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

"It Felt Love" by Hafiz
How
Did the rose
Ever open its heart
And give this world
All its
Beauty?
It felt the encouragement of light
Against its
Being,
Otherwise,
We all remain
Too
Frightened.

Thank you Pattabhi Jois for opening your heart and giving this world your beauty, you will live on in the hearts of millions.

Namaste

LA's Best Friends Organization

2009-04-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take a moment to tell you about a wonderful organization, LA's Best Friends (more info here). A good friend of mine is helping them organize an auction and I will also be helping out by donating a private yoga session. If you have some time, check out the website, they have lots of really fun sounding fundraisers coming up (casino night anyone?) and you would be giving to a wonderful cause.

Making Soap

2009-03-25T11:23:00.001-07:00

Last night I took a class on soap making at the Urban Craft Center in Santa Monica. This was a completely new experience for me, and one I hope to repeat again in the new future. We made lye based soap with Olive Oil, Palm oil and Coconut oil- no animal products (I didn't realize that some soaps contain animal products but I am newly committed to buying only vegetarian soap). I added whole lavender and some chamomile flowers and I have to say it came out beautifully! It was great fun and I met some really nice people. The craft center itself was opened by a woman from Seattle and it offers great classes as well as studio space with sewing machines, paper cutters, anything you could possibly want to spend an afternoon crafting. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area. I have already made a few throw pillows and a curtain for our apartment and I am plotting what to make next.

Great place to go in LA

2009-03-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

I know that I sometimes get caught up in the idea that LA has little to offer when it comes to nature, couldn't be farther from the truth and here is proof. A few months ago I went to Hungtington Gardens in Pasadena when my brother and his girlfriend were visiting. We had an amazing time and could have spent an entire day there wandering through different gardens. Here are a few pictures we took while we were there. Not that Spring is officially springing it might be a nice time to go and visit.

Spring is in the air

2009-03-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

The transition from Winter to Spring can be challenging. We know it will warm up soon but it isn't quite here yet. It's lighter longer in the evenings (thank you daylight savings) but still dark when we get up in the morning. If you are prone to sinus infections, allergies, etc this can be the time they cause problems.... BUT... it is also a great time to get rid of the old and usher in the new. Add some spice to your life, change things up a bit. Now is the time to clean out the closets and get rid of the stuff we don't need, and that does not just apply to our physical homes but to our bodies as well- what have you been holding onto in your mind and your body that you can let go of? What do you want to change? Have the New Year's resolutions faded into the past? Now is the time to re-commit. Can you add another yoga practice into your week? Can you find time to breathe in some fresh air? Yes, you can. Make a commitment to yourself to start fresh. In nature, Spring is the season of change, how can that translate to our bodies?

Why no ashtanga on moon days?

2009-02-24T11:22:00.000-08:00

I have heard this question a great deal lately and wanted to share this link with you that had great information: http://www.ashtangayogacenter.com/moon.html

Happy New Moon Day to you all!

Continuing with Asthanga

2009-02-19T11:53:00.001-08:00

As I move into week 3 of my Ashtanga practice I feel renewed and re-inspired. I am in the Mysore room 3 times a week (might add one more day if I can switch around my schedule a bit) and I know this is where I am meant to be. I am not going to continue the blog updates about this practice but if you want to find me you know where to look :)

Have a wonderful weekend and I hope to see you soon.