Shmini-Asana

A passage from my yoga journal

4/6/13: Tiffany @ BlackDog

Heard interview w/scientist studying the mind. He said "You are what you think." Recurring thoughts create pathways and become natural, unintentional way of thought. So if always have negative thoughts, then you become a negative thinker about everything, even novel situations. On the mat we move to realign so that over time our bodies are naturally aligned the way we want them. In meditation, we observe thoughts without reacting; Like watching clouds passing by. Don't try to fix the clouds into different shapes. Just notice the shape and let it pass by. By noticing the shapes and recurring patterns of the clouds, you will mull over it in a healthy way until you see possibilities to create new shapes. (Caution not to obsess & be unhealthy). Bringing thoughts to consciousness is a great motivator for change even though it’s seemingly such a subtle action. On the mat I notice physicality of my body. I become aware of how my body is physically at the moment without trying to change it. The poses are an exploration for me. The consciousness motivates change. I become aware of new possibilities off the mat.

Examples:

I observe on the mat that my head does not reach the ground in savasana, neck is not aligned in triangle, & crescent. Then I become motivated throughout the day to press my neck into alignment. I find that the pillow behind my head is not always serving me.

If I become conscious on the mat that I don't have inversion balances, then I become motivated to explore and dissect why that is. I begin to adjust my balance and posture off the mat. Standing against a wall in my office, playing with head/hand stands in the tv room and bedroom. Holding military press in the weight room. Floating legs up from down dog. Pressing ribs to thighs, etc .

Tiffany brought several twists throughout today's practice. Twists take an incredible amount of effort. They invite the creation of new mental and physical pathways because they exercise the mind as well as the body.

Today is 26th Torah portion of the year. Shmini in Leviticus involves kashruth. I'm reflecting on being midway of the spiritual year. Like a fulcrum, the perspective illuminates balance. Observe the past 1/2 of the

year. To become newly conscious of where I am now, at the 1/2 way point, and to look the other direction toward the future 1/2 of the year. Does becoming conscious of the past 1/2 year motivate any change for the next 1/2 of spiritual year? On a teeter totter, the fulcrum is consciousness at the present. The board is time, with 1/2 on each side if the fulcrum. What is on top of the board? How about the mitzvah of kashruth. Food, what better subject to weigh the spiritual with the physical? The religious with the secular. The ethical with the pragmatic. Food is so rich in its multiplicity. Sustainability, nutrition, indulgence, body image, comfort, labor, treatment of animals, treatment if earth, treatment of labor producing the food, wine, economy, cheap/subsidized/expensive, drugs, medications, starvation, gluttony, waste, and taste. Ethical decisions are difficult and often conflicting. What is the path to holiness? When is what we digest sacred, when is it profane? Consciousness subtly motivates change.

Interestingly, Bek wants the least to do with religion these days, but she’s also the holiest person I know regarding the mitzvah of kashruth.

I think twists are like balance poses - exercising the mind and body. The entire class was huffing and puffing. The experienced, the strong and even the 'bendy' people were challenged. I think twists are the great equalizer in our society.

Anusara Problems & Founder Syndrome

The leader of Anusara has been accused of some terrible stuff.  Scoundrel behavior involving sex, pension improprieties, occult participation and drugs.  The alleged behavior was conducted as an individual, teacher and as an employer.  He has made general apologies.  Key people are leaving the community.  Teachers are doing soul searching for what they should personally do.  Reading the open letters of insiders has been very touching and surprisingly, inspirational.  Personally, yoga and Anusara in particular, has been extremely important to my health and happiness. Not a day goes by that I am not grateful for my Anusara teachers. What they taught me on the mat has physically improved my life and positively influence my growth as a person.

My vocation of non-profit management has something to say about my avocation for Anusara yoga.

Sometimes it is the founder that is the greatest threat to organizational survival.  Yes, it's ironic that the very person responsible for bringing the organization to it's height and prosperity will cause it's unwelcome and untimely demise.  

Whether or not Anusara Yoga continues as a practice depends on the leadership of Anusara.  If the leadership means John Friend, then shame on Anusara leaders and to John Friend for allowing the teachings to be so founder dependent.  

Generally speaking, an organization that has not realize it's mission and still offers a unique and valuable service that can't be performed more effectively than another, has a responsibility to ensure it's continuation.  Navigating not only survival, but excellence takes management reflection and action.  

We all know that most new organizations fail.  It's not easy to build an organization.  It's also a challenge to keep them going.  I have been in the trenches and at the helm of some very big organizational changes. 

Changes are exciting and tough.  It's taxing enough to implement changes, let alone strategize a successful outcome. 

Recommendations: 

• Keep your mission in the forefront and crystal clear for every decision in the times of great organizational stress.   
• Ask a lot of questions and do a lot of listening.  
• When taking action, stick to sound management action principles of: 1. Assess situation 2. Set measurable goals 3. Implement and measure results 4. Assess and then reset goals as necessary.
• Encourage people involved to take at least 1/2 day each week away.  My favorites: attend a religious service, play with a pet, read fiction, spend time with a loved one, get on the yoga mat, garden, cardiovascular exercise, explore music, journal writing, walking without a destination. 
• Founders and long standing top leaders that leave the organization should leave town and be silent.  This I learned from a beloved retiring Rabbi.  
• Identify all your stakeholders.  Prioritize them in concentric circles. Communicate quickly, clearly and appropriately to each separate stakeholder circle. 

There are some very good resources to understand Founder's Syndrome.
from Foundation Group
from Creating the Future
from Blue Avocado