new yoga possibilities for the new year

Happy new year! After a break from teaching yoga (and blogging about it) for nearly 18 months, a new impulse is blooming into full flower. Over the last few months I have noticed that there are many people who want the benefits of yoga in their lives, but can't seem to make it happen for themselves. Either they can't find a true beginner's class that really gives them the attention and focus they need, or, perhaps they aren't interested in learning yoga from a book or DVD. There are also those who have a little bit of experience in yoga, but not enough to feel comfortable in a higher level class, and not enough knowledge or motivation to sustain a home practice on their own.

I love teaching yoga to beginners because Kripalu yoga is geared towards supporting practitioners wherever they are on the path of yoga: new or experienced, able-bodied or needing modifications and accommodations, flexible or not so much, younger and older alike. I also love to be a part of the excitement and gratification that comes from exploring what yoga has to offer to someone new to this ancient and beneficial practice.

At the same time, as a yoga teacher, I have found it challenging to teach a group of beginning students the basics of yoga, including self acceptance, breath work, postures and philosophy, while giving each person in the class the attention and help they need to really learn yoga safely, fully and with compassion and joy.

I've come to the conclusion that the best way for me to really teach yoga to someone who has never practiced before, or, has learned yoga in ways that lack fun and satisfaction, or worse, may lead to injury, is to offer individual sessions, in the comfort and ease of home.

I am happy to share that I am now offering individual yoga consultations in the Ann Arbor area to help bring yoga into the lives of those who want it, through one-on-one attention and support. Whether someone wants to build their own home practice, reach a comfort level in yoga to be able to attend classes and feel safe and comfortable, or more, I am available to help determine and meet yoga goals.

With a background as a certified Kripalu yoga teacher, a professional massage therapist, and a masters of social work with many years of clinical experience, I will help clients understand how to gain the benefits of yoga in a way that works specifically for them, while addressing physical, emotional and motivational blocks that could hinder success.

Does this sound like a good idea to you, or possibly to someone you know?

I offer a complimentary phone call to determine if my services fit you personally, a discussion of what you want to achieve, how much support you may need, scheduling logistics and fees.

Please contact me at yogalisagottlieb@gmail.com for more information and to set up a phone consultation. I look forward to hearing from you.

~Lisa

the fields lay fallow

Deep into our Michigan summer, it may seem odd to use an analogy of rich earth at rest. Yet, this is where I find myself in terms of teaching yoga. I am noticing a shift in how I am relating to being a Kripalu yoga teacher. My personal sadhana is calling to me more strongly, with a clear message to bring my focus inward. As a result, I am not currently teaching any classes. Pleasecontinue to feel free to email me at any time: yogalisagottlieb@gmail.com.

Thank you for your understanding, and enjoy the wonderful bounty of this luscious season's harvest, ~Lisa

Spring Kripalu Classes

SCHEDULE CHANGE:: Sunday's class is now from 3:30-4:45p

Monday, Wednesday and Sunday classes are all on for this 8 week session beginning tomorrow evening. Drop-ins welcome as room permits. Looking forward to seeing you,
Lisa

New kripalu yoga classes begin April 19

With the coming of spring, I am pleased to announce a new series

of Kripalu yoga classes in my home studio.

Monday and Wednesday evenings 5:30-6:45

Sunday afternoons 3:30-4:45

Please pre-register for classes. The fee for classes is $64. for one class a week, $120 for two, and $150. for three. Because classes are scheduled in 8 week sessions, there will be more opportunity to build on previous classes and delve more deeply into posture and breathe exploration. Drop in classes are $10 each and are an option as space permits.

Please contact me to register, or if you have questions or concerns:

yogalisagottlieb@gmail.com

I'm looking forward to sharing spring time and yoga with you,

Lisa

changing my mind

For the last month or so I've taken a break from teaching yoga to the teens in the substance abuse treatment program in the juvenile jail where I also work as the school social worker. I was losing interest in teaching yoga where there was resistance and disruption, and there was a lot of resistance and disruption. Pretty much every class. I was spending more time trying to maintain a level of compliance with basic facility rules and keeping the insults and name calling at bay than I was teaching yoga. Compared to my home studio classes, which are positive and energizing, the classes at work were dread filling and demoralizing. It seemed to me that only a few of the kids really liked the classes, and the kids who didn't made it miserable for everyone else. I tried lots of different approaches and plans to increase engagement, but it wasn't improving. It just got too challenging, and, worse, it started to make me feel badly about yoga.

On a deep level I felt ashamed that I couldn't figure out how to engage the uninterested kids, so I did what I usually do when I am unwilling to explore something painful. I took an all-or-nothing approach and just avoided the issue by not teaching any yoga to any of the kids. Over the last month, a few of the kids have occasionally asked about yoga class, but I didn't have the energy (likely based on my unwillingness to look more closely at what was coming up for me) to discuss it much more than saying I was taking a break from teaching.

Then, yesterday, something interesting happened. I was subbing in math class with the kids in my yoga class, and a kid who had just returned to our facility after a few months away asked me if we were still doing yoga. Half the class chimed in with a chorus of, "yeah, we want yoga back", and "why aren't we doing yoga anymore?" Suddenly the time seemed right for me to get honest, and tell the kids that I loved teaching yoga too much to associate it with dread and unhappiness. After some conversation about how they felt, and what they wanted, I asked the group if I offered class again, how many would be interested if it was an option. All but one said they would.

A few things have changed in the last month. A couple of really negative kids left, and a few new kids have come in to our program. The energy of the group feels more positive and functional than it has in the past. More importantly though, something in the discussion yesterday allowed me to delve into my feelings, share them with the group, and make a new plan. I gave myself permission to change my mind, and trust that it could be ok.

This morning I taught yoga class to the group for the first time in over a month. It was a good class. Nothing spectacular--no amazing transformations, blissed out prana energy, or deep meditation. But it was good enough! Plenty good enough for me.

remembering audrey simon

Following is a letter I sent out to some friends and loved ones who all had their lives touched by the power and love of my beloved friend Audrey Simon, who passed away two years ago today:

I woke up this morning thinking of Audrey, seeing her face in front of me. It's hard for me to believe it has been two years since her death. I think about her nearly everyday, as I know many of you do. I still miss her tons, but what used to feel like a raw wound has healed to become a bittersweet longing for her company.

I missed Audrey's birthday celebration this year-- my daughter Zoe had emergency appendectomy surgery a few days before, and the timing didn't work out. So, today, I'm aiming some love in her direction.

There are many things I like to remember about Audrey. Her fierce loyalty and support, her strong and sometimes wacky ideas, her generousity in all things, her mindblowingly delicious meatloaf that I still make on a regular basis (her generousity included sharing her recipe with me), her healing words and touch, her empathy, her inclusiveness, and her deep care for others are just the beginning of my list.

There were a number of times over the few years before Audrey died when we talked about her, Zoe and I going to Paris together. She knew Zoe and I were saving frequent flyer miles for a trip, and we thought it would be great fun to all go together. I regret that we didn't make it happen.

About 8 months ago, Zoe and I booked our tickets, rented a little apartment in the heart of the Marais district, and last week we went to Paris. On nearly our last night there, Zoe and I decided we would dedicate our evening to the memory of Audrey, with our only firm plan a boat ride on the Siene, some red wine and a rich, gooey pastry. We walked out into the still warm evening, and as we crossed over the river on the Pont Sully towards the Ile St. Louis, we looked out to the east and saw a massive, deep orange, luciously full moon rising over the bumpy silhouette of the Paris skyline; the sky a rich blue hue behind it. We turned and looked to the west and saw the twinkling lights of the Tour Eiffel off in the distance, the sky still pink and lavender behind it. I felt a little shiver down my spine, and laughed with Zoe over the magic of the Parisian moment that was all about Aud.

On this anniversary of Audrey's passing, I'm sending out prayers of loving kindness to all, with the spirit, love and energy of Audrey shining through. It would be a real pleasure to hear from you sharing a memory, a thought, or an appreciation of Audrey on this day. I know I don't have everyone on my email list who might want to share this message, mostly out of a lack of organization than anything else, so please forward it if you like to anyone I haven't included that you feel would like it. Love and happiness, and a big smooch to Audrey, Lisa

Sometimes when I'm really missing Audrey's voice, I go to this little video from Carisa Walker:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdy4kLQw1LE

Enjoy this wet spring day, L

paris & home

Still catching my breath and finding my feet after our week in Paris. Lots of photos and commentary soon. In the mean time, be well, be happy, be peaceful.
~Lisa