May 17, 2013 | 5:33 pm

Orthodoxy. And when to throw it away.

Posted by Michelle Azar

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As many of you know, I am (was?) a rigid Ashtanga Yoga practitioner. Never mind that I never got much past the beginning of second series (there are six)  or that I have yet to travel to Mysore. It consumed my life, or at least my mornings, for a long time.

Yesterday during my practice, I felt that 12 year old deep pain in my lower back. Funny, the same age as my daughter is old… The teacher saw me wince and came over. Her suggestion was to modify by taking some of the second series back bends. This sounded perposterous to me. Not only did I think it was “prohibited” to be skipping about like that,  making your practice a “best of’s” routine, but I figured if the postures were in a different series altogether they would be more difficult and thereby inappropriate for a day of pain.

She went on to site a well respected ashtanga teacher who used these postures as restoratives. He called them “research postures” which to my rigid or more orthodox ear sounded like a cop out. But I went with it for the rest of the practice; after all, another piece of being a “good ashtanga student” is to follow the rules set by that teacher in that room.

I cannot say I walked out in NO pain, but I certainly did not hobble out, as I sometimes do! The asanas she gave me were able to target and prepare the tighter spots for what is to come, and for the healing that we all deserve.

The bigger release, though, may have been from my attachment to structure. Sometimes, rules ARE truly MEANT to be broken. To be toyed and tooled and perhaps made more uniquely relevant. I am glad I went, and did not use my pain as a tool to remain safe, which sometimes only brings more pain, physical as well as mental. The psychological relief I feel today is just as important, if not more. My practice is my practice, regardless of the asanas I accomplish, or the order in which I accomplish them.

I think this might be the same in some other areas of our lives. Religion, or other ideals to which you attach wholeheartedly. I find a great comfort in practicing strictly, as long as that is accompanied by present mindfulness.

May your weekends be mindful, abundant and free,

Michelle

May 6, 2013 | 4:50 pm

Torah Flight

Posted by Michelle Azar

I watched as my Torah portion flew out into the street. The pages were in the basket of my bicycle as I rode to Milky’s on Friday afternoon to study in advance of chanting this Shabbat. Milky’s boasts frozen yogurt with lots of choices for their special food needs clientage like myself, and since my need for  exercise was in conflict with my need for sugar, I thought studying my portion there would be the happiest spot.

When I felt prepared enough, and too shy to go back to the trough for a second helping, I climbed on to my bicycle for the short ride home. The gust of wind caught me and my printed copies of Behar by surprise, and my parasha flew right out of my basket and on to Pico’s busy street.

I had a fleeting thought to follow the pages into the traffic. I grew up hearing what a sin it was to throw away ANY document with Hebrew written on it. I could see myself in the middle of the street, dodging cars to save the poor alphabet. I saved myself instead , and watched the dance between wind and cars and printed page of Torah in great despair.

I had great ambivalence riding away. I trusted that I would not be smote down for leaving the printed words on the street. I even tried to imagine that since it was in such a Jewish area, the pages might be retrieved by someone else who needed the lesson of this week’s portion. The reading was about Shmita, giving the land rest after 7 years of work. I am a big believer in rest. I really, really like doing nothing. I do get carried away with it sometimes and can’t get myself to do ANYTHING after a good long nothing. Then I get super mad at myself  so it becomes not at all restful but fraught with all sorts of complications. I thought, how smart to set rest up as mandatory, a real-time for real appreciation for all that you already have.This way it is not a reaction to sheer exhaustion, and it builds in gratitude. The problem is knowing patience as well. Knowing how to identify the time in this day and age in our non-aggregrain village of Beverly Hills perhaps, when the metaphorically 7 years have passed. When it is time to again put in the toil to reap anew.

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April 22, 2013 | 2:45 pm

Why Jews stand on their heads

Posted by Michelle Azar

There is still room tonight for Jewish Wisdom and Wellness discussion: WHY JEWS STAND ON THEIR HEADS.

I will be speaking on panel with other instructors moderated by Rabbi, Anne Brener. We will talk about our own journeys, give some examples of the yoga we enjoy practicing, and take questions as well. RSVP’s are required, click on this link.

Thanks in advance for your continued interests,
Michelle

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April 17, 2013 | 11:26 am

Bathing in Sound

Posted by Michelle Azar

I lay on my mat at OMKAR 108 YOGA in Culver City this past Sunday being sung to by the buttery voice of Prandithi. I hear the Sanskrit words I have grown to love. The sounds of the consonants I have learned, the rich tones from the Tibetan bowls resonating in my chest, and the tingling of the triangles that bring me back to my first yoga retreat in Palm Springs. And I realize how far I have come in my tolerance of all things new and different.

Having grown up in a Jewishly inspired household, I had shunned all things that seemed antithetical to the basic tenants of Judaism- you know, like chanting in another language while sitting in front of little idols, that sort of thing. The obsession I developed for the yoga postures, led me to the study behind those postures, which invariably lead to a discussion (or two) of religion. Of worship.

I will be speaking about this subject this coming MONDAY NIGHT, APRIL 22 as part of the Kalsman Institue’s Wisdome and Wellness week. Please sign up for what is sure to be a very interesting panel of instructors, with dinner at 6 pm,  moderated by Rabbi Anne Brener. We will talk about our own journeys, give some examples of the yoga we enjoy practicing, and take questions as well. RSVPs are required, click on the link below.

Click here.

I hope to see some of you there,

In peace and understanding,

Michelle

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April 10, 2013 | 10:32 am

Happenings

Posted by Michelle Azar

I miss matzah. I actually miss it.  One would thing a week that dry piece of cardboard might be enough, so it makes me wonder… what am I really missing? The “food” itself or the surroundings?

This Passover was spent with family, ALL family really, from the newly born to the super extended loved ones; members of all ages and locations were present at one point or another. It was a rich and emotional week. As is the holiday’s theme, I felt the heights of freedom and joy, right alongside those of constriction and obligation. Being out of your environment can be stressful, and magnificent. Perhaps, being with Family also delivers some of  the same feelings… Now, back within my four walls, I am comfortable but longing too for the tastes of those surroundings.

Today’s moon day offers me pause. It is important to notice the pain of longing and then recommit to the life you chose to lead.  Finding markers, ways to other act significantly in community with our groups, small and large, are ways I try to reconnect me. There are events coming up the next two weeks that I will attend with my family, and I hope to see some of you there  as well.

Sunday, April 14: Walk To End Genocide at Pan Pacific Park. This phenomenal event also offers music, food, drum lessons, and a great amount of information. We ALL left last year feeling very proud to have participated, to give much-needed support to the survivors of genocide and mass atrocities in Sudan and Congo. When you walk, you help build a school, empower a woman, protect a child, support a community.

And later that day, one of my ashtanga teachers, the lovely Pranidhi, is hosting a Sound Bath at OMKAR 108 Yoga in Culver City  from 4-5:30pm. It will be an afternoon of gentle pranayama, chanting, meditation, and a long, deep savasana accompanied by Tibetan singing bowls. Here’s a link to the FB event also.

The following Sunday, April 21, is the PARKINSON’S WALK in Santa Monica. We have participated in this since my girls were in strollers, as we have many close friends afflicted. Please join us in showing your support, or sponsor/donate if you cannot come. Any amount is helpful.

And lastly, I will be speaking on a panel: IS YOGA KOSHER? Come hear what it is all about MONDAY APRIL 22.

Below are the links. OUR PRACTICE SCHEDULE WILL CHANGE ONLY FOR TOMORROW 4/11:

FLOW  at 9:30 AM ONLY

See you soon,
Michelle

Walk to End Genocide

PARKINSONS WALK
Please click here to sign up to my team!

Monday, April 22:  Is Yoga Kosher?

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March 15, 2013 | 11:02 am

Mindful Morning

Posted by Michelle Azar

A friend gave me a little list of affirmations. I printed it out. Read the first one, and stopped. It was a simple notion about unconditional love. A phrase that always trips me up. For reasons I have spent great amounts of time and money figuring out. I thought how interesting that this phrase would be the first on the list, something that offers me such challenge. I made a mental note to think about that one later, and moved on to my emails.

The first one I read was from an old friend. I noticed immediately how my breathing changed.  Familiar feelings of inadequecy bombarded me so that I had to take a seat on the floor of my  small closet. The connection hit. Here was a trigger moment to give that first challenging affirmation a chance .

We are often granted opportunities rather than the actual things we think we want. I loved this idea- “OPPORTUNITIES ARE USUALLY DISGUISED AS HARD WORK, SO MOST PEOPLE DON’T RECOGNIZE THEM.” (Ann Landes)

I was lucky enough this morning to be given the gift of connection. Painful as it is sometimes to rehash and relearn, it is quite fulfilling to have those moments when the mind’s meanderings can come into the light and be investigated. I am grateful for the daily asana (posture) practice, as it has lead me deeper to an inner practice.

Hope you have a good couple weeks of inner practice. I will be gone from:

TUESDAY MARCH 19-SUNDAY MARCH 31.

In gratitude,

Michelle

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March 8, 2013 | 2:04 pm

Password

Posted by Michelle Azar

“Mommy?” called my sweet seven-year old from her tuft of tulle. “Do you think I should have a password now to come into my bed?” She was nestled within the new pink canopy around her bed. It has been difficult for her to fall asleep, so we put up a little protection against the shadow forces of slumber.

“Absolutely, a password sounds like a good plan,” I told her not realizing it was now going to be my turn to guess. I hate guessing games, especially when bedtime is lurking.

Just as I was starting to get impatient, she giggled. “My password is I AM THE BEST!” I melted. What a smart way I thought to protect against that which scares us. Wrap yourself in pretty color and texture, and then further arm yourself with the simplest sentence of self-love.

My wish for myself and those around me this week is to reignite our own in the face of all that discourages us.

Practice this coming week remains in tact.

Next week however, WE WILL BE OFF from MARCH 19-MARCH 31

March 18        WE WILL MEET AS SCHEDULED FROM 9-10am

In peace and pink tulle,

Michelle

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March 4, 2013 | 1:03 pm

Yoga Schedule

Posted by Michelle Azar

Summer sun feels like its coming. Hopefully that heat can warm us up, opening our minds and bodies for a new asana or two (and if you don't know what asana means, get yourself to class!)

Lots of new times to practice! And please let me know if you would like the restorative class to come back, and at what times.

Our current schedule is as follows:

All classes at:

Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, 8844 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90211.

MONDAYS 10-11 AM
TUESDAYS 6:30 -7:45 PM
WEDNESDAYS 10-11 AM
THURSDAYS 9-10 AM

When it has been a while since practicing, the best way to get back in is offered by the shift in light, in temperature. Let that shift also shift your perspective, toward yourself and your goals.

See you soon!

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