Driving with the Brakes On

I just pulled in my driveway.   As I stopped the car to grab the mail, I set the parking brake.   As I continued my slow journey up the drive to the garage, I realized the brake was still on.   Have you ever driven with the brakes on?   You can feel the drag inhibiting movement!

Well, today, I sensed my body's brakes more fully - the brakes that turn on in my right leg and hips to inhibit my full movement potential.   What a great realization!   I am so grateful to be studying with Iyengar teacher, Betty Larsen and her partner, John Charping.   I highly value their clear teaching and generosity as I am learning new ways to access my body.  I do have to admit that at one point, Betty did have me literally on bended knee and questioning my muster.


As I think about these braking mechanisms in our body, I wonder their reasons.

Is it fear?
Fear of physical pain?  Mental pain?
My body's protection of something that has yet to be revealed to me?
Or can I fall back on my joint dis-ease as primary culprit?

We not only have brakes in our physical body, but also in our relationships with others and our selves.   I can think of all the times I held back, stopped short of giving and loving more fully.

As I study with senior teachers who so easily give what they love, I gain more insight into this practice.

Offering thanks to all the teachers who have come before me.

Iyengar Teachers - Local!

Once a month, from January through April, we have the opportunity to study breath and/or asana with Iyengar teachers, John Charping, PhD. and Betty Larsen, Iyengar Certified.   They will be in the Jacksonville area at the Palm Valley Community Center on the following dates.

Developing Inner Calmness - $75 for all 3 or $30 per session
January 30, 1 - 3:30 p.m.
February 27, 1 - 3:30 p.m.
April 10, 1 - 3:30 p.m.

Moving Inward toward Self Discovery - $60
March 12, 1:30 - 6 p.m.

John & Betty are phenomenal teachers - with over 30 years experience.   El Grabar is the hosting teacher & you may contact her with questions.   (904) 534 - 8546 or email El.  Registration flyers with more details are also on my website.   At my site, please click "workshops."   www.longlisa.com

These workshops are appropriate for all levels.   John teaches breath like I have never before experienced.   I guarantee you will have a new and deeper appreciation of fundamental breath work (really good, too, not only for advanced practitioners, but also those who struggle with breath or are new to breath!).   He has distilled years of studying & practicing into a powerful & beneficial practice.   Betty's asana teaching is beyond top-notch.   Her knowledge, details, and sequencing combined with a wonderful disposition will infuse your understanding.   I have had the pleasure of studying with them and am completely smitten.

A local event with highly experienced teachers as your guide in a light & intimate setting - you couldn't ask for anything better!