~ A Note from Coni ~

Is winter over yet??

Happy February to you all…

Just kidding about the winter thing!!!  This is just the kind of winter I love, short and sweet!!

We are so happy to report that classes are growing in both studios, our new student base is increasing; so all is well with the White Orchids!!

I feel strongly that we are really beginning to establish our place in the Tampa Bay area yoga world!  This is no easy feat, when you offer a style of yoga that is traditional, requires dedication, patience and respect.  If you think about it, these are traits that are sorely lacking in many aspects of our society.

I choose not to get into the political arena, but I hear these guys bantering about their values, their integrity…how they are going to bring this country back to the way it used to be, etc., etc., etc., really???  I think one of the coolest things about trying to follow the yogic lifestyle is that it asks that you try to live a life of truth and integrity; living through the lessons of the yamas and niyamas. Study the sutras and you’ll find a 5,000 year old plan for living in the world.

Tradition…can be an amazingly safe place!!!

Hey, Newt, Mitt, Ron…..maybe even you, Mr. Obama…ever thought about trying yoga?????  We are sending you an open invitation to White Orchid!!!

Now on to my real heroes!!  I would like to be the first to congratulate all of you who signed up and completed the 21-day challenge.  You guys are amazing…wow!!!  We will be contacting you soon to ask for your testimonials.  Check out our facebook pages for their stories.

No sooner did we welcome our first authorized teacher, Heather Serna, back from Mysore, India, then we sent off our next White Orchid teacher!!!  I ask that all of you send your strong, and positive energy to Ally Ford, who arrived in Mysore just a couple of days ago.  This is a huge sacrifice for Ally, and for her family, her husband, Scott, and their two beautiful children, Ian and Ila.  We know this will be an amazing journey for you Ally, but realize how your heart will ache until you are home with your family.  Be strong, live your dream, and embrace this beautiful opportunity to practice at the source of Ashtanga Yoga!!  We love you.

We are welcoming Lisa Schrempp; an authorized teacher from Arizona to White Orchid Clearwater for an amazing weekend workshop, February 11 & 12.  This unique workshop will blend the two traditions of Ashtanga Yoga and ayurveda together.  If you have never explored ayurveda, this is the time!!  This is one of the world’s oldest forms of preventative medicine.  Lisa will be available for private consults, on a first come, first serve basis.  Find out what your dosha is; and the best way to keep your body strong, healthy and disease free!  See the website for more info.

Finally, we are having two promotions for the month of February, starting with a Valentine’s Special – Buy $75 or more in retail and save 20% off your TOTAL purchase.  ALSO, bring a new student in to White Orchid with you and if they buy a 4, 8 or 12-class pass that day, you BOTH receive a White Orchid Logo Tee.

Thats it for now, happy Valentine’s Day to everyone! I look forward to seeing and practicing with you all soon.

Love to you,

Coni

~ Upcoming Events ~

~ Insights into Ashtanga ~

by: Coni Pappas

Tradition

Tradition….why is it so important???

I offered to write this months ‘ashtanga insight’ on the importance of tradition for a number of reasons.

First, for me, it was a no brainer!!  I come from a very traditional Greek family; the strong father, the stay at home mother.  I was raised in the Greek Orthodox faith…very traditional.  I won’t say that I didn’t fight against much of it as I was growing up…..it was difficult at times following the expectations of not only my immediate family, but also my huge extended family…myriad numbers of aunts and uncles, and cousins!!  I sometimes had to answer to them too.  But you know what I realized as I grew up?  Tradition is a safe place.  Knowing what is and what isn’t acceptable or expected gave me healthy boundaries within which I could make choices that would support my life as an adult.

This is not a ‘be all or end all’ answer; I’m not saying that.  But for me, especially now as I look back it was all good!!

I think that is why the Ashtanga method of yoga made such sense to me.  Once I questioned, and critiqued it and tried to understand it before I truly embraced it, finally accepting and surrendering to it….. I can’t express to you, what an immense impact it has had on my life, and on those walking this path with me.

I have watched many, many people come into Ashtanga classes with the type of personality that is most comfortable with being able to control things.  Oh boy…they are the first to begin the criticisms, “it’s boring to do the same series every day”, “I love music in my yoga class”, “it’s not healthy for your body”, “it’s too intense”…blah, blah, blah… Sorry, but if these same people would just let go…give it some real time and intention… what they would find is relief.  How cool is it to just let the practice teach you, guide you and change you in just the way best for you.

I’m reading a book: Yoga Tradition; by Georg Feuerstein, PH.D.

In the first pages, there is a blessing from a guru, now passed on.  In this blessing he states: that ”yoga is not something we do, but something we become and are”… he goes on to say; “tradition is the best of the past that has been preserved”.

For me, that says it all.  To practice a style of yoga, like Ashtanga; a style of yoga that has changed very little since our guru; Sri K Pattabhi Jois developed it, through the teachings of his guru Krishnamacharya.

There is basis for each asana, there is reason for the style of breath we use, there are ways to focus the mind and the body, through the bandhas and the drishtis.  This is no haphazard, freestyle yoga of the west.  This is the best of what India has given us in yoga.

This is not a physical practice……….this is a spiritual practice. And it’s beautiful, and it’s pure, and it’s true.

It will make your life more pure, more spiritual, more true….. If you just let go, and allow it.

Namaste!

~ A Note from Coni ~

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!!!!!

I had started writing this foreword last night: but wow….did things change this morning!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HEATHER; TAMPA BAY’S FIRST AUTHORIZED ASHTANGA TEACHER!!!!!!!!  WE ARE SOOOOO PROUD OF YOU.

I received the phone call early this morning from Heather informing me that she was just blessed by Sharath, grandson of our beloved Guruji; to teach Ashtanga.  For those of you not familiar with this, let me explain.  Ashtanga is one of the oldest and most traditional styles of Yoga taught today.  There is but one way to gain the blessing to teach; that is through years of dedication and returning to Mysore, India (usually 1-3 months at a time) to practice at the ‘source’: KPJAYI.  Now that Guruji has passed, Sharath is the only one in the world that can make this decision.  He did that yesterday for our Heather.  This is an amazing accomplishment for Heather, and we at White Orchid are also being greatly blessed to have a teacher return to our shalas with this distinction!

Please join us in sending your positive energies to Heather.  Be sure to come and congratulate her in person at the shala upon her return in a few weeks!!

So, as I said, I had begun writing this last night. My topic this month was about CHANGE. Perfect example of how a life can change so quickly!!

If I have learned one thing from my years on this earth, it is that change is nothing new…change is the only constant… change is good….or it can be.  It all depends on your perspective I think.

My own personal perspective has changed drastically over the years.  Staying in the comfort zone of what you know, what feels safe…never opening to the “what ifs” of life; is not really living.  It’s in those places that scare you…. those thoughts and ideas you never really considered, those possibilities you didn’t explore…that’s where the real living is!!

My wish for you all, in this New Year…is that you venture out, take that chance, imagine your life as you would like it to be.  Change what is not working for you, and explore new possibilities!

There really is something to all this “manifesting” theory, you know!!!

These are exciting times for White Orchid, as well.  As we settle into our newest location in Tampa, finding our fit there has been very eye opening!  We are happy to see a core group of dedicated Ashtangis growing and blossoming there!!  Clearwater is growing amazingly well, it seems we have found our niche there!!

Much in the planning stages for the New Year; stay tuned for that as things develop.

In the immediate future: We are so thrilled to welcome Greg Nardi back to White Orchid. Greg will be here for a weekend workshop January 7 & 8, in our Tampa location.  This workshop is filling up quickly.  Please call the studio to sign up and don’t miss this opportunity to work with one of the best teachers in the country!!!

On Monday, January 9th, we are offering a 21 day challenge. Practice yoga (any class) 21 days between January 9 & 31.  You’ll receive a free week of classes, two passes for your friends, and a White Orchid logo t-shirt!!  Check it out on the website; great deal, and a great way to jump start this New Year!

In Clearwater, we are offering our very popular Intro to Yoga series.  We are also, offering an Intro to Meditation series during the month of January!

In both studios; we are starting a once a month 2-hour session; called WHAT TO EXPECT IN A MYSORE CLASS.  We want to de-mystify and express to new students, that Mysore style is the way Ashtanga is meant to be taught.  There is nothing to be intimidated about. Please consider trying these sessions to help you feel relaxed and prepared to begin a most beautiful experience of the gifts of Ashtanga Yoga.

We will begin new Children’s yoga at our Tampa location.  If you haven’t seen the blog on FB about the immense effect Yoga is having on children.  Please check it out!!  No better way to help them begin the journey of a peaceful existence in what can be a very difficult world!

On January 21; we are hosting a Sound Healing journey with Eluv.  If you have not had this experience, please…. Check the website for information.  This is a fantastic way to clear the negative energies and make way for the positive in the New Year.

Finally………. Ally begins another weekend formatted 200-hour yoga intensive this April, at our Tampa location.  Please review the page on the website for dates, topics and more. This is a life changing experience; whether you want to teach Yoga or not . There is an early bird, discount of $200.00 if you register by February 4th.

I think that’s it for now.

Have a wonderful start to the New Year. We hope to see you at the studios, and would be honored to guide you on your journey of Yoga!!

Bless you all, and my love to you,

Coni

~ Upcoming Events ~

 Greg Nardi Workshop ~ January 7 & 8, 2012

Tampa

Saturday, January 7

9:00-11:00am ~ Guided Full Primary ~ $25

1:00-3:00pm ~ The Jewels of the Lotus ~ $45

Sunday, January 8

9:00-11:00am ~ Mysore Style ~ $25

1:00-3:00pm ~ Understanding the Yoga Sutras ~ $45

~ Insights into Ashtanga ~

by: Lisa Haag

Misconceptions

If I heard 6 years ago what I hear now about Ashtanga yoga sometimes,  I may have never gone to a class.

“Ashtanga hurts people and it’s boring”.

There are lots of other things I hear, but those are the hot buttons for me.

Let me give you a little background about myself.  I was a fitness instructor and personal trainer for 10 years.   What once brought me joy, was burning me out.  In an area where superficial things started to seem more important than health, safety, and authenticity, I was being turned off.  I was too tired to continually try to convince people that safety was more important that the speed of the music, and that the physical appearance of an instructor didn’t mean they would look the same if they took her class … misconceptions….so i quit…vowing NEVER to teach anything again…tiring of the hard sell on safety and health…so ironic..I know.  My health suffered I’m sure because I stopped doing any physical activity,  but I was happier.

Seven years ago I had the joy of my life.. my daughter Sophie.  What I thought I would fail miserably at, turned out to be something I excelled at!  I like to say I had postpartum elation.. when I thought for sure I would have the opposite. …. Again, a misconception…… Funny how I prolonged something so long because I was convinced that I would suffer just like so many people I knew.  I do consider myself fortunate.  Postpartum depression is very serious   Several months after I had her, I started getting severe migraines and knots in my neck like never before.  I entered the gym with a new focus.. I worked out with a drive like never before.  I was in pain.   I never had a pain that didn’t go away..ever.   After several months of little relief and even worse headaches that lasted weeks, I went to see a doctor.  My life in the last six years has been one methodical scientific study after another.  I was not going to live in pain.  I did not believe chronic pain existed … funny how the theme of “misconceptions” comes up again.  Yet while my daughter napped I would lay on the floor and wrap my head in ice packs so that I could feel ok when she woke up.  In the morning  I would ask my husband to lift my head off of the pillow sometimes so I wouldn’t pull a muscle in my neck….but no…..I didn’t believe in chronic pain…those people were crazy.

Eventually a physician told me to try yoga.  Since most of my headaches stemmed from my neck, maybe it would help.  So I did.  I tried several types of yoga and I loved the way I felt when I left.  My neck was slowly starting to feel better, but I think that the peace of mind after a class coupled with my joy of being a mom was what saved me from what can happen to people with chronic pain…depression. I started to realize a trend.. I had misconceptions/ fears about depressions…I listed to what others said and was convinced that certain things in my life would lead to depression..   But the reality was ugly, While I was far from depressed, I was in some serious chronic pain …..  But I was just so happy…to a fault.  So many people never realized and won’t realize until they read this that I was in excruciating pain almost constantly … for years.  Even my own husband didn’t know how bad it was.

After a couple of years of dabbling in yoga, I walked into a class where this soft spoken petite Indian lady was filling in for the out of town teacher.  I didn’t know what was about to happen to me.  I know my alignment was off, my breathing was erratic, and I knew I wouldn’t move well the next day… but I felt like super woman.  I could turn my head, my chest felt open, I felt like I hadn’t felt in a VERY long time.  I asked her “what was that”???  and it turns out it was part of the Ashtanga primary series.  I was hooked.  I knew that I wanted that feeling again, that feeling of dissipating pain, that feeling of eace, that feeling of hope that I may not be in pain for the rest of my life.

So can you see why if I had heard what I heard now…that Ashtanga hurts people..that me of all people would have avoided it with a 10 foot pole???

I can tell you that nothing could be further from the truth for me.  I entered that class and many others a VERY weak broken physically hurting person.  I took what ever Ashtanga classes I could find…sometimes going to up to six different studios… Ashtanga was not hurting me..far fro it.  I was getting better,  Another thing you need to understand  is I don’t live in Tampa, I live in Land O Lakes.  Where is that?  Not close to much.  SO when I say I went to many studios.. I drove…up to 30 minutes most times.  I had many teachers that taught what Ashtanga they knew to the best of their abilities and did a great job, I credit ALL of them for the journey to health I was on….. And then one day as a treat, I went to White Orchid…55 minutes away..  Well, that is when I crossed over the line to what some would say is crazy.  I started driving 55 minutes to White Orchid,  first once a week, then twice.  I started learning about Mysore, authorized teachers, the training that the White Orchid teachers went through..and my practice started becoming refined, my body was becoming less weak.  My pain started deminishing. Mentally, I was getting stronger than ever.

So was I crazy to drive that far..some would say “yes”.  But when you are in chronic pain you do crazy things, right? Some go for drugs..I drove 55 minutes to yoga.  To me, that was the better option, and the only option.

People start to ask you about yoga when they know you are dedicated to something…especially when you drive so far to go to it.   This made me aware of something, not only was I a believer in the safe methodical sequence that Ashtanga provided, I was also aware that others were not going to drive as far as I was..  I wanted to help.  I wanted others to feel what I was feeling.  After 9 years the desire to teach was returning.  I felt passionate for what Ashtanga you was doing for me and wanted to share it with others.

So we fast forward to now.  I am teaching at White Orchid Yoga, both locations..  I am thrilled.  I love what I do.  I love sharing this with others.  I have a consistent daily Ashtanga practice.  I feel great more times than I don’t.  I am doing postures that I never thought would be possible with the medical issues I have.  People in my life wonder why I am so  peaceful.. I know along with my faith in God, and my incredible family, its the Ashtanga Yoga.  It has changed my life.  It will most likely partner with wester medicine, but even the physician that has seen me the longest is so impresses with what the Ashtanga has done for me.  I am his posture child for neck pain.

On the down side, I am also hearing the misconceptions.  Only this time, I am not quitting.  I am going to stand up for what I feel is right.  Ashtanga yoga does not hurt people and it is far from boring in my experience.

Can you hurt yourself in Ashtanga? Of course.  Do I?  Yes.  When?  When a student (could be me) does a posture incorrectly or before the body is ready.  Can you hurt yourself running, in fitness classes,  or lifting weights and why?  Of course! and for the same reasons.  And I can speak to this because I have been there. I rest my case.

Namaste!