Why We Always Say, "Honor Your limitations."
Atma Center Calendar of Coming Events
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THE YOGA CONNECTION
Teaching the Kanyas & Batuks
By Mantram (Mary Baird)
Primary guide and teacher of the children at the ashram in Rikhia, Swami Kriya-bhava Saraswati is a small but vibrant young woman from Australia beaming with enthusiasm and one- pointed dedication to her students. They are the Kanyas (girls) and Batuks (boys) of Rikhia "adopted" by Paramahamsa Satyananda over the past 11 years. Aged between 6 and 12 years, they numbered close to 1,000 as of the 2006 Sat Chandi Mahayajna attended by our Atma Center contingent this past November.
The children's classes at the ashram focus on English and Computer Skills aiming at readiness for higher education, as well as chanting, Kirtan and asana practice. Swamiji's mission has been to contribute to the betterment of Indian society--to enrich the lives of the surrounding villagers by providing at least one child from each family with the tools of yoga and with clothing, supplies, and educational experiences that will prepare the children to move themselves and their communities far beyond their previous state of impoverishment.
Eager to share her experience, Swami Kriyabhava said that as soon as she arrived at the ashram in Rikhia seven years ago, she fell in love. When she laid eyes on the children, she knew this would be her home and her life's work. When asked how she achieved such fluency in the Hindi language, she replied, "I had to learn it--it came to me easily by the Guru's grace so that I could communicate meaningfully with the children and their families, hear their stories." She wanted to connect with each child, to know their issues, to understand their culture and traditions, to find ways to unlock their amazing potential as learners and human beings.
Observing her constant interactions with these talented young children over the 5-day festivities, it became clear that Swami Kriyabhava has succeeded in touching their lives, leading them forward in the joyful pursuit of learning. One method she uses for managing such a large body of little ones is similar to what we here call "peer teaching." Since showing respect and adoration for elders is a deeply imbedded tradition in the culture, having the older more experienced Kanyas assist with the management of the younger children works well. Kriyabhava explained that like children any-where, there may be incidents or an "unruly" one in the bunch. Gathering a few older children to help problem-solve has been a good strategy. One thing NOT observed were adults running through the groups of children, shouting orders and reprimands!
During kirtans, all lead by a highly competent group of older Kanyas, some children would engage in a full-bodied expression of exuberance, dancing spontaneously upon the stage or at floor level in front of the crowd. Eliciting joyful and enthusiastic audience participation, clearly these children connected with our hearts!
Photos of children © Geoffrey Oliver Bugbee, 2006
Why We Always Say, "Honor Your Limitations."
Yoga Connection asked some of Atma Center's teachers to respond to this question from their own experience.
Most people don't really know what their limitations are and try to do too much, especially if others are "outperforming" them. I like to remind people that it doesn't matter what anyone else is doing because you aren't in that other person's body. [Atmarupa]
I think that encouraging people to honor their limitations is a big part of creating a safe environment, as well as a reminder that we are all in the same boat, we all have limitations. [Dharmaraj -- Paul Harms]
"Honor your Limitations" means don't hurt your-self, honor who you are at this moment in time, and don't let the ego get in the way. [Deb Klein]
I prefer to say, "Honor your body's wisdom," since that is the essence of what we mean. [Carol Ann]
This reminder is related to the assurance that Yoga is for every body. Students are not meant to "force-fit" themselves to certain standard positions. Rather, they are taught to use modifications, find ways to fit the practices to their unique bodies. [Mantram -- Mary Baird]
If you go at a slow, easy pace you will progress to that place of feeling good. Challenging yourself is okay, but not to the point of strain. Remember, your limitations change from day to day and week to week, so be AWARE of the changes and adjust appropriately. [Debbie D.]
Perfect Poses?
A recent Yoga Journal article, by Hillari Dowdle (April 2007), speaks to the topic of limitations. Over-zealous practitioners have sustained injuries in the form of "micro-tears" in their ligaments, the bands that connect bone to bone across joints. Why? Because these body parts are genetically determined and cannot be stretched beyond their limits. Softer muscle tissue can be lengthened, but we can't change our basic bone structure or other "fixed parts" that we're born with, like tendons and ligaments.
We can enjoy a new sense of freedom in our asana practice when we accept that every body is different and that we are not "limited" in the negative sense often attached to this term by our perfectionist culture.
Atma Center Calendar of Coming Events
| Mar 29 - May 9 | Six-Week Class Session |
| Apr 18 | Hip, Hip, Hooray! workshop, 7-8:30 pm |
| May 5-12 | Yogic Studies 1b intensive. For details on this or other upcoming Yogic Studies and Teacher Training Courses, click on Teacher Training on the menu bar above. |
| May 17 - 20 | Anusara Yoga Workshops with Jamie and Justin Allison. A senior certified Anusara yoga instructor, Jamie has been studying with Anusara founder John Friend since 1994. Justin received his Anusara certification in 2002 and has been assisting Jamie nationally and internationally at conferences, trainings and workshops. They are offering a "next level" and therapeutic class Thursday and Friday as well as a full Weekend Workshop (Friday-Sunday) open to all levels. Space is limited, so register now! ANUSARA YOGA is a uniquely integrated approach to hatha yoga in which the art of the human spirit powerfully blends with the science of biomechanics. This exceptional yoga system combines founder John Friend's Universal Principles of Alignment and the celebration of the heart in asana. |
| Jun 10 | Hip Openers Yoga Therapy workshop 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Space limited. |
| Jun 21-24 |  Dr. Swami Shankardev. Arriving this month from Australia for an extensive U.S. tour, Swami Shankardev returns to the Atma Center with several programs. His topics will include Combining Yoga, Tantra and Western Psychotherapy; The Emotional Component of Yoga Practice; Facing Life with Core Strength and a Calm Mind; and Satsang (question & answer session). Dr. Swami Shankardev- ananda Saraswati is a medical doctor who has studied psycho-therapy extensively and has written several books on yoga therapy. He is one of three Yoga Ambassadors who travel internationally on behalf of Satyananda Yoga. |
This newsletter is provided to you by the Atma Center, 2319 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. [216-371-9760 www.atmacenter.com] The Atma Center is one of three places authorized worldwide to offer advanced training in Satyananda Yoga through Yogic Studies and Teacher Training courses.