July 2, new technologies, new bugs to work out.

[Sisina]

Today I decided to give a practice podcast a try, as I've been collecting them on Itunes, but never actually listened to one. This was a Jivamukti style 20 minutes practice, and I enjoyed it very much for the most part, though the beginning Suryas were far too fast, made more rattling by some unfamiliar variations. Otherwise, I really liked the sequencing, and the balance of effort - it asked a lot, but not unrelentingly so. The bugs were purely in my tools - I really need an armband for my IPod, as well as an interchangeable headphone cord, I kept getting tangled, pulling out the headphone jack, or the IPod was just were my body needed to fold (using a belt clip). Those can all be addressed easily enough, but all in all, the podcasts seem to be a great way to vary up my practice. I've even found lectures on the sutras, which will address the outside-asana aspects.

I found myself in what I have to call my best Warrior 2 ever - my feet felt deeply planted in the floor, but the rest of my body felt weightless, expansive and open, growing from those roots. The effort was there, but didn't feel pressed, instead the effort was a lifting out. I don't know quite what I was doing right, but it felt good to find it.

[Chris]

I like podcasts, too, but I don't like the wires. I use an old set of computer speakers and play the podcast through them.

Your Warrior 2 sounds wonderful. I wish my arms would feel weightless ... even after months of practice, a long hold Warrior 2 is one of the most challenging poses for me. It's kind of a mystery to me, because the others in my classes do not seem to have a problem with it. Oh well, I guess that's what makes the practice my own.

[Yogamum]

Every time I try to practice with an iPod, it's a disaster and I end up all tangled. If you figure out the logistics, let me know!