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Saturday, January 28, 2017

Saturday, January 28, 2017
Had a yoga date set with an old student of mine this morning where we both went to Big Bend Yoga Center in St. Louis and took an instructor led class by the wonderfully talented Michael Shabsin (Attorney by day and Yogi master by night). lol

This was my second time taking a class of Michael's and he has an extraordinary ability to "lead you and not lead you".  I know that sounds sugary and ridiculous, but, as he moves you/corrals you/leads you, he leaves margins for your own practice and your own body to be the ultimate guide that must be followed (meaning that you're not pushing yourself into something that's dangerous or unsafe for your ability level).

The class incorporated vinyas flow into the later half and we went through a series of wonderfully challenging vinyasas incorporating a jump from chatturanga into crow (displayed at left), into a headstand, back to crown, and then a jump back into chatturanga.  Video here of a demonstration of a crow to handstand (we tipped forward onto the crown of our heads for a tripod/headstand which is easier than the demonstration in that video).

I'll throw some more "sugar" and "goo" at you and say that, his classes have a rejuvenating quality to them that is very different from my personal practice.  There's always more to learn and always more room to grow.  Looking forward to a nice day of rest tomorrow.

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