Private yoga instruction works very well for men who are coming a little late to the game of taking charge of their physical and mental/emotional well being. As my male clients can often attest, there are very few group yoga classes out there that address the specific needs of men in their age range (45-55). A man in this group makes a concerted effort to find such a class, and nine times out of ten finds himself standing alone in a room of 20 women in their 20’s and 30’s. The instructor’s goals for this group are not going to meet the man on his level; they are not going to address what he needs addressed. They will frustrate, disappoint, intimidate and overwhelm him.*

My primary private client is in his mid-forties, and works a 60-70 hour, very high-stress workweek. Like many folks on the less-active side of the fitness scale, he is chronically tight in the shoulders, back, and hips, and in addition suffers from chronic tightness and stiffness in the feet and ankles. He allows time for recreational sport about once a week at the most, and walks the dog, but his job demands a seated, chair at desk posture, watching a computer screen and clicking a mouse for many hours at a time. The pressure this posture puts on the respiratory and skeletal-muscular systems has far-reaching effects on his overall health and happiness.

Over the past several months, he has stopped his workday one day a week to practice yoga for 75 minutes. We spend a good portion of our time initially slowing and deepening his breath, often with him lying on his back with support under the spine to open the chest, with long holds in postures that open and stretch the muscles in the back, hips and shoulders. We balance this with poses to strengthen muscles in the upper back and legs that will support increased flexibility as it continues to come. When we first began to work together, he complained of pain in the lower back/tailbone that made it hard to do what he has to do all day: sit. Now he is pain-free. I see an ease and openness in his posture now that tells us his yoga is working for him.

There is a genuinely safe, individually appropriate space for men to begin addressing the effects of un-ending stress on their bodies and minds. Private yoga instruction offers a personalized approach, ideally worked into his work schedule in his own home, that helps him begin to take an active role in reversing the habits of health-compromising posture and breathing.

* A “Beginner Series” of yoga classes at a reputable yoga studio (rather than a fitness center or gym) is often the next best place for new students of any age, fitness level or body type. The Iyengar studios and classes in my opinion, offer the safest, best-trained instructors for the beginning student.

I’m not sure why that didn’t happen at the five-star hotel, but it did happen in Plano. A bit of a hike, but well worth the trip, Pranaa Ayurveda Spa and Yoga’s roster of services may have you scheduling treatments every three months for years to come just to sample everything they offer. Their head Ayurvedic practitioner, Ritu Bhala, is prepared to deliver Abhyanga, Swedana, Shirodhara and more in a serenely beautiful spa setting. Worth the extra pocket change is the full Ayurvedic lifestyle and nutrition consultation, where you will learn about your specific dosha, or constitution, and steps to take in your diet and Yoga practice to bring your body to its natural state of health and self-healing.

For Christmas last year I asked for a gift certificate to Pranaa (thanks awesome step-kids!). I booked an appointment for the Udvartan, an herbal body-scrub massage done with oils, sandalwood and chickpea powder, and dried herbs that stimulate the lymph system to detoxify the body while leaving my skin polished and silky soft. I booked an appointment for three months down the road for the Marma Point Massage, where Ritu, using generous amounts of warmed Sandalwood oil focuses her massage on the energy points in the body, including the scalp, temples, sinuses, stomach feet and limbs. Transcendent. I’m eager to add Shirodhana, the stream of warmed sandalwood oil poured directly across the middle brow, or Swedana, or traditional steam therapy.

In addition to the full roster of Ayurvedic treatments, Pranaa also offers a full range of Western facial and massage treatments and packages, as well as a full schedule of Yoga classes and workshops.

Pranaa Ayurveda Spa & Yoga

4017 Preston Road, Ste. 352 Plano TX 75093

Phone: 972-608-0402  * Email : info@pranaa.com * www.pranaa.com

MONDAYS – CHI Studio, near Fair Park in Dallas, TX

5:15-6:30pm Yoga Tune-Up: A beginner level class that covers that basics. All levels welcome. $10 Drop in.

7:00-8:30pm Vinyasa Flow: A breath-synchronized class that builds heat and challenges you in deeper hip openers, arm balances and inversions. $5 Donation.

On Tuesdays I teach a class to my Mother and one of her dearest friends. It’s private. Sorry!

On Wednesdays I’m teaching to my favorite teachers and staff at the Winston School in north Dallas. We’ve been practicing together now for almost three years. I am most proud of this group of women and what they’ve accomplished.

On Thursdays I’m currently teaching two kids’ yoga classes. Talk about a challenge.

I’m also about to start subbing up at the Gold’s Gym in Garland the next several Saturday mornings from 11-12pm, and Thursdays in November from 7:15-8:15pm. I love this class. They are the friendliest bunch of dedicated gym-yogis I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with.

I like it that my regular classes leave me the flexibility to sub teach a lot when I can. Let me know if you’re interested in starting your own private class! Either at CHI Studio or a location you have available.

Finally, here’s an upcoming event you might be interested in:

Dirt Cheap Yoga’s Chandra Namaskar: Moon Salutations

Maybe I’ll see you there…

I got to take a class led by a childhood friend of mine last Wednesday evening at the Cosmic Cafe here in Dallas. Robin Riddle recently received her yoga teacher certification through the Dallas Yoga Center and teaches this one public class every week. The class and Robin’s teaching style are soothing, quiet and almost meditative. I found myself able to do practically the entire class with my eyes closed. I’ll be back.

The 6-week series will start April 21st, and run for 6 consecutive Wednesday evenings, from 7-8:15pm.

Go to my Beginner’s Yoga Series page for more information and to register.

One of the bonus features is the extended interview with B.K.S. Iyengar, who gives us this little gem, speaking of the physical work, the asana practice, as preparatory work for the spiritual: “It is a preparation, but everything is inherent in it.” This is my favorite moment of the film. Mr. Iyengar began studying Yoga because he was a very sickly child. He practiced Yoga to improve his health and it wasn’t until after years of practice, when he reached his twenties that he felt restored and strong. When asked about his learning of and interpretation of yogic philosophy, he replied that he didn’t really embrace it until later in life, in the 1960’s, largely because it was impractical to his goal of getting well when he was younger. “Who has time for philosophy when you’re ill?” If you’ve read “Light on Yoga” you understand Iyengar’s approach to Yoga asana practice as a tool that promotes good health, strength, physical vitality.

But “everything is inherent in it.” I take this to mean asana practice is, or can be, about more than physical preparation. I take it to mean the exercise of yogic philosophy can happen within the physical practice. Iyengar teaches us that Yoga is the union of body and mind with the soul. In a way, that union can happen whether we are aware of it, or whether we try to achieve it or not. This is the happy irony of a Yoga practice and is also something reflected in the film: we try so hard, we reach for, strive for, yearn and move toward what we think we are supposed to achieve and the Indian gurujis smile and laugh at our labors.

“Everything is inherent in it.” It’s not out there, waiting for us to reach it. It’s in us. It’s in our practice. Just keep practicing.

Yoga Mannequin - Vrksasana

Putting aside for the moment my ongoing series on Jung and Yoga (series?! But there’s only one article!), I wanted to share some thoughts and some resources on yoga apparel. That’s right: yoga clothes. One of the most talked about issues in the yoga community I’ve found is the affordability factor: not only of yoga classes, but also the high cost of some of the clothes suitable for a comfortable yet challenging and confident practice.

Lower-cost apparel: You might think that a big-box retailer like Target (that stocks brands such as Champion sportswear (produced by Hanesbrands, Inc.) would be the go-to place for inexpensive, easily replaceable yoga basics like bra-top camisoles, leggings and light-weight tees. Ditto for Wal-Mart and perhaps some of the others. Their yoga wear is well-made, stands up to a lot of wear and washing and it fits the tighter budget. But lower-cost usually means materials procurement and manufacturing are outsourced. Outsourced usually means environmental or human/worker rights abuses. Do a little research the next time you need tank tops or a pair of yoga capris and are thinking cheaper is automatically better.

“But cheaper is what I can afford. How can I shop and keep a conscience?” For all their alleged faults, Target/Champion and WalMart also stock Danskin, a sweatshop-free company that also makes some of the best plus-size sportswear. Gap, Inc. (Old Navy, Banana Republic, and now Athleta) has for years been taken to task for worker abuse and child labor violations in the countries where it manufactures its brands. In 2008, they came up with a plan you can read here. Perhaps they are doing the right thing. I hope so because Old Navy also puts out very quality, low-cost yoga apparel.

Other options include thrift and 2nd hand clothing shops, which are great resources for tanks and t-shirts (not so much for pants).

Higher-end apparel: Pricier apparel is sometimes pricier because the materials are different or more expensive themselves. Organic and natural fibers have no synthetics or dyes and will allow the body to breathe easier. High-tech materials are more expensive to produce. Again, invest up front in these and they will last longer than inexpensive wear.

Here are some links to some of the boutique brands:

Athleta – owned by the same group that owns Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. It appears that Athleta still manufactures here in the U.S., but you can click here to read Gap, Inc.’s efforts to be a more socially responsible company.

BePresent – they of the very pretty logo you often see on the waistband of their split leg yoga pants.

Gaiam – A complete natural and organic lifestyle company. They also manufacture inexpensive yoga props (mats, bolsters, straps, etc.) you can find at Target.

Lucy -I have not tried any yoga wear by Lucy, but hear good things. They also offer an instructor discount.

Lululemon - Vancouver, BC based company that often holds in-store yoga demos and offers an instructor discount.

prAna – another very eco-conscious manufacturer of active and casual wear. Shop their online outlet for good deals.

Factors to consider in your own purchasing decisions:

1. How active are you? Power yoga junkie? Do you cross-train and incorporate other activity into your routine? If so, you probably already have a handle on yoga and other sportswear that allows the body to wick away moisture. Both lower-cost and boutique brand yoga apparel is out there for you. On the other hand, some folks swear by 100% cotton for moisture absorption.

2. What’s your budget? Can you spend a lot up front or a little over time? Higher-end gear is an upfront investment that will last longer (sometimes) than lower-priced yoga wear.

Know of other yoga outfitters? Smaller or locally based? Let us know in the comments!

Photo by H. Cartier-Bresson from the cover of "Memories, Dreams Reflections"

I’ve been reading Carl Jung again. June Singer’s “Boundaries of the Soul: The Practice of Jung’s Psychology” is an excellent Jung primer (originally published in 1972; Singer died in 2004 when she was well into her eighties). It is an in-depth exploration of Jung’s work that is full of insight from the point of view of a practicing Jungian analyst. I’ve read Jung’s memoir “Memories, Dreams, Reflections” many times over, but reading almost any of his technical work can be a daunting task, to say the least and sadly there are very few books that take the reader through the full spectrum of Jung’s fundamental contributions to the field of psychology. I’m enjoying it as much as any of the very good fiction I’ve read in the last year or so.

What is it about Jung’s work that is so captivating? I’ve always felt something fundamentally true about Jung’s concept of “individuation,” a term coined by Jung to describe the process by which we become psychologically “whole.” It allows for the unease I’ve long felt with myself, the self-doubt and suspicion that I’m not living in the fullest, truest expression of myself; that there is work still to be done, insight yet to be gained. Jungian psychology posits that obstacles can be recognized and worked through by analyzing not only the conscious memories of significant events that have helped to shape your personality, but also the symbols of psychic processes revealed in your dreams.

At this particular point in my life my attraction to Jung is largely informed by my Yoga practice and my next few posts here will explore some of Jung’s work as it relates to the work of a personal Yoga practice. The discipline of Yoga as described by one of my favorite teachers, is a “journey toward understanding the self.” The Yogic journey, like the path toward individuation, is lifelong work, and involves mastery of the body and stilling the fluctuations – the “busyness” – of the mind. And I love that quote because it speaks so plainly of what I’ve always felt is what a Yoga practice truly reveals and gives to the practitioner: a way to know who you really are. And it does this by teaching you to look outside yourself and to acknowledge and develop the witnessing mind, detached and purely observant, without judgment. But is the true goal of Yoga — Samadhi or liberation from the constraints of the ego — compatible with that journey? Is it enough to gain that understanding of the self without ultimately losing the self?

It is this tension I want to explore by examining Jung’s writing about Yoga, and Kundalini Yoga in particular. I’d like to find a way toward answering the question, “in what practical ways can our Yoga practice (or any meditative practice) contribute the process of individuation?”

Join us from 12-1:15pm Monday, 12.21.09 at CHI Studio for a special Winter Solstice Yoga class.

We’ll begin with low lights and more restorative (yin) asana including supine postures and forward bends. We’ll move gradually toward opening the front body, releasing the light of the heart center through chest openers, back bends and slow-moving Sun Salutations (yang). After savasana we’ll end our practice with a seated meditation honoring both the seasonal and personal transformation and balance of the Solstice, surrounded by glowing candlelight.

This class is suitable for all levels of yoga practitioner. Beginners are warmly welcomed. Come join us for the perfect, no-stress opportunity to honor the spirit of the season.