I’ve decided to give podcasting a try again. Here’s my latest recording.
As I listen, I can hear every mistake. Yet I’m not afraid. I know I’m setting myself free. š
Author: Claire
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Assume the position: Lotus pose
If you’re like me, you might be humbled by your yoga practice. There are some poses that I look at and think “Um…That‘s not going to happen. Not yet…” Meanwhile, there are others that are not too difficult. (Thank you, Warrior 2!)
And then there are the ninja poses. You know the ones. They’re like wolves in sheep’s clothing. You might see a photo of a pose in a book or watch it on a DVD, tell yourself, “I am so there!!” And then, when you try it, you realize that you’re about as flexible as a nail.
That’s me when it comes to the lotus position. I’ve seen it more than once, and every time I give it a shot, I come up with nothing but a big, fat fail.
“WTF is wrong with me that I can’t fold my feet like a pretzel in front of my crotch?”
I mean, really.
In lieu of lotus, I’ve taken to doing either a lazy version of bound angle pose, or a simple cross-legged posture. Still, I don’t want to give up. A few days ago, I found this video.
I have yet to do lotus perfectly. But at least I know that there are folks out there who offer tips on technique!
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Work It Out: Yogify
For the past little while I’ve managed to do a yoga workout every day. In addition to books, I have a couple of reliable DVDs. I also own a pair of yoga apps.
Last year, I downloaded Yogify, and purchased their Level 1 bundle.
Back then, I didn’t try any of their workouts. Not even their freebies.
However, on Saturday, I got the notion that I ought to get down to business. Yogify’s routines are divided into 3 categories–strength, balance, and flexibility. Under each of these, there are five workouts which vary in length, from fifteen minutes to an hour.
So far, so good. As for caveats, the only one I can think of is minimal. Specifically, the pace of each workout. Apart from the obligatory pauses for plank and downward dog, I feel as though Yogify leads users swiftly through routines–faster than what I’m used to on DVDS or other apps such as All-In Yoga.
Meanwhile, the postures seem realistic. Asanas such as half-boat pose may be challenging. But if they weren’t included in these early routines, an amateur like me might not have anything to strive for.
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Dear Podcasting Peeps
I got tongue-tied while I was trying to talk about this morning, so I thought I’d write it out for you.
If, like me, you haven’t used GarageBand in ages and are stepping into its newest edition, don’t be alarmed. The podcasting features are still available. (For what it’s worth, I have version 10.0.2.) Now, I know, I know. It doesn’t look like the capability is there. Don’t fret.
Seriously. Don’t be like me. I nearly had a heart attack. For Pete’s sake. I almost used Audacity.
If you’re in my shoes, I urge you to calm down and do a search instead.
Look to your left:
A good podcast always begins with a decent voice. I remembered that I used to record using the “Female Radio” setting. Hence, I did a search for “Radio”. Apparently it’s under GarageBand’s “Legacy” settings.
I’m not quite sure why.
Dear Apple:
People haven’t stopped podcasting. In fact, I bet that it’s the only reason that some people use GarageBand in the first place. Kindly keep that in mind when you go to concoct your software’s next edition.
Best,
Claire
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Guys, downward dog is the worst.
THE. WORST.
I’ve done yoga every now and then in the past, and now I’m trying to make it a regular part of my life.
There’s just one problem. I hate downward dog.
It’s a very basic pose, but I keep feeling like I’m doing it wrong.
Which just means that I have to work to make it my b!tch. Right?!?
Really, though.
Whenever I assume the position my feet never completely touch the ground, and my arms burn.
Still, I have to believe that I’ll get better.
If like me, you’re frustrated, here are a couple of links to tips on doin’ the ‘dog:
What Not to Do in Downward Facing Dog – from Fitsugar
What Yoga Beginners Need to Know About Downward Dog – via MindBodyGreen. I love the title of that article. It sounds like they’re preparing me to join a secret society. š
I look forward to improving!
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Unlocāed: Whatās up with my hair?
Same hair. Old photo.Well for one thing, itās loose again. In case we haven’t met, my name is Claire, and Iāve tried to loc my hair several times. Considering how fickle I’ve been in the past, I may try again in a few days or a few years. Who knows?
For now, though, my attempts are over.
Shortly after I came back home this spring, I started to undo my dreads. This decision was completely random. Unlike the last time, there wasnāt a declaration that āI miss my āfro!ā. I just put my hands in my head and said, “Time to take these out!”
Although I didn’t know why, I felt determined. (Thank God my mother pitched in!) We worked hard and finished after several days.
Along the way, I learned that my drive was driven by destiny.
In the past Iāve been put off of dreads because I’ve had problems with build-up. (Once I gave up after finding lint from a scarf in one of them.) Sadly, this time around was no exception. As we undid the twists at the nape of my neck, we made a discovery. One loc in particular seemed to have absorbed every piece of dust that had crossed its path.
At first I was disgusted.
I didnāt get it. I was careful! Iād done my best to follow the (un)written rules of dreadloc care:
I had a black satin pillowcase and slept with a scarf (to avoid oddly-coloured lint while I slept). I only washed my hair with transparent shampoo. As for products, I hadnāt used any that I could think of…Except for perhaps a light hair oil, maybe once or twice…
I didnāt understand what couldāve turned my head into Dirt Central. I still donāt.* Especially since I was facing–what I thought was–a worst-case scenario. Iād had buildup before. But not like this!
Quite honestly, a part of me felt defeated. Since my last big chop, my hair had grown to the point where taking care of it had become a bit of a chore. In order to ease some of my workload, locs felt like the next logical step.
I also felt angry and ashamed. During the months that my locs were developing, someone I know seemed a little too fond of telling me, āYour hair is dirty.ā Since this person doesnāt like natural hair, I just thought they were being rude.
Boy was I wrong!
So now what?Well, Iām right where I didnāt want to be–dealing with loose medium-length hair. (If you need a reference, itās about as long as it was in the photo at the top of this post. Stretched it reaches my shoulders.)
I didnāt think Iād have the patience to deal with my crowning glory again, but it doesnāt matter. Because now, I have to.
These days forces seem to be conspiring to teach me lessons about patience. It looks like my hair is just another part of the plan.
Iām curious. Have any of you tried to loc your hair and wound up frustrated? Feel free to tell me about it!
*Even today, every now and then I wistfully contemplate getting locs again. I wonder what Iād have to do–keep my hair covered 24/7? -
I’ve been working…
On my Tumblr.
Long ago a friend suggested create a writing portfolio. I’m still deciding where it will be.
As for this post, a few weeks ago I started studying copywriting via Skillshare. I’m behind–and I’ll post about why soon. š But as soon as I started, I was inspired to create some fake advertisements.
Check them out!
I can’t take credit for the photos in either of these. I found them on Flickr.
a4gpa took the photo used for the ad above and shared it with an Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike license. Just looking at it inspired me. I wonder if a place that’s as funky as Stretch Studio actually exists–even if it’s not in Toronto.
In this piece, I used a shot by Pedro Szekely, who presented his work under an Attribution 2.0 license. It’s such a gorgeous shot–it almost broke my heart to crop it.
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“Duck, duck, duck…Goose.”
Happy Saturday!
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Schooled.
This is one of those random stories I was talking about…
I was about 34 and in his office.
He, on the other hand, couldn’t have been more than 27.
This wasn’t the only time this would happen to me. Chastized, scolded, treated as an underling, when in fact, I was someone’s elder.
To what did I owe this encounter?
Somehow, it had gotten out that I had called Mrs. Smith–the teacher I had been summoned to replace. The subject? French.
Years ago, I’d known it well enough to have kept a drunken Quebecois man at bay. Yet to contend with a room full of teenagers…?
Something in the day’s instructions had given me pause.
So I picked up the phone.
Our exchange had been light, airy–even sunshiny.
“Have a lovely time with my kids!”
“Thanks!”
“Let me know if you need anything else!”
But here I was, sitting on the opposite side of the vice principal’s desk.
For some reason, the fact that I’d dared to call a colleague was alarming.
I was being reprimanded. I was there without cause, and I was in shock.
I held my tongue. For a second, I considered the expression on my face. Did I look afraid? I was.
Any misstep with these people could mean the end of my career.
All the while, I had wanted to defend myself…
Did you know that I used to go here? If you look closely enough at the photos of the alumni in the hallway upstairs, you’ll find me. (I’d wanted to add “…before you were born….” to my imaginary rant. I’d wanted the VP to feel the weight that the phrase could bring, even though it wasn’t accurate.)
Did you know that some of the teachers and staff who knew me still work here?
This school was every bit my turf as it was his.
And then there was the question that I wanted to ask most of all…Why are you talking to me like I’m 12? I’M A PROFESSIONAL!! I hadn’t called Mrs. Smith so I could ask her how to bake a pie. I know how to speak to my colleagues. I may be sweet, but I am not a fool.
There are a few things that I reckon I will miss about my non-career as a teacher. The rudeness of some of my coworkers is NOT one of them.
claire.she.goes 