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Tandem Yoga FAQs

What is Tandem Yoga?

Tandem Yoga is an umbrella term for partner, contact and acrobatic Yoga. Tandem means a group working together, and Yoga means union, as in a pair of opposite forces uniting. In Tandem Yoga we work together to understand and experience this balance of opposition through our shared Yoga practices. This playful, heart-centered practice takes yoga to the next level.

What are the benefits of Tandem Yoga?

There are many benefits, some of which I talk about in a previous article (read: Tandem Yoga – Inversions).

Do I need a partner?

No, it really isn’t necessary. Many practitioners claim that it can actually be more challenging to practice with their significant other. It’s best to come with the idea that you’re going to have fun playing with friends. Of course, if you and your partner want to attend together that’s fine, but you should know in advance that you’ll have the opportunity to practice with a variety of people. Tandem practices are a great way to get to know a person for the first time.

Are there any Tandem Workshops just for couples?

Yes and they are advertised that way – example: Valentine’s Day. I also offer private Tandem Yoga sessions.

Can you recommend any videos?

Yes, you’ll find that there’s a lot of free material online if you search for ‘partner’, ‘acro’, ‘contact’, etc. For our purposes, I’d recommend that you start by watching the video “108 Seconds of Aero Yoga.” This includes a lot of the basic floor poses that are taught in Tandem Workshops:

Other questions?

Feel free to post them here or send an email to mindbodymandala@gmail.com

Yogaerobics is for Posers

Poser: noun

A person who poses
A person who likes to be seen in trendsetting clothes in fashionable bars, clubs, etc.
A person who attempts to blend into a specific social group
A puzzling or baffling question

I’ll start this rant with a little disclaimer:

“Everyone does not have to like everything.”

We all have our own share of experiences which form the basis of our opinions. That said, I’m going to be honest with you… I don’t like yogaerobics classes – I think they’re really boring. I know that saying this is a faux pas in some circles but I don’t care.

Some people will argue that sometimes you just need to move, so who cares how you do it? But if that’s the case, then why – out of ALL of the things you could do, then why choose yoga? If you just want to move then why not EXERCISE? Like running, or gymnastics or any other physical sport?

Part of the answer stems from the numerous studies in recent years highlighting the health benefits of yoga. They’ve been very effective in steering people towards trying yoga, but it’s only one piece of the yogaerobics puzzle.

There is so much money invested in blinding people from their true potential. People are being coerced into buying into the yogaerobics trend. Magazines and newspapers present us with well-crafted ideas of what it means to be socially accepted. If celebrities do it then it HAS to be cool, right? The groupthink mentality encourages people to become part of a scene. To create a scene is to create a market. (Mental health tip: don’t watch television).

The yogaerobics industry is designed to foster the “see and be seen” mentality. It plays upon people’s insecurities so they get wrapped up in their appearances, so they’ll buy $200 stretchy pants and brand name accessories. The overemphasis on the physical leaves little room for contemplation of the subtleties of the practice.

Even basic comprehension gets skimmed over in yogaerobics classes. I recently took a poll at a studio that specializes in vinyasa classes. I was curious to see how many people actually knew what the word ‘vinyasa’ means. Out of six classes only a few people knew that it means linking movement with breath. It was totally mind-blowing for me. I couldn’t help but wonder how did this happen? How did so many certified yoga instructors manage to create such a huge gap in the general public’s comprehension?

It’s been three years since I wrote this article and I’ve revised it to reflect my current viewpoint. The challenges I described back then are still prevalent today. I’m not sure if there’s anything to do about them (other than what I’m doing now). If you have any insights to share on this topic feel free to leave a comment in the box below.

Neo Yogis

So I’ve had this idea lately. It’s still developing, but I’ve been thinking a lot about the “McYoga” epidemic and how the neo yogis can survive it.

Consumerism and materialism have done a number on watering yoga down. The evolutionary force of yoga is being overshadowed by the superficial results. The many recent innovations are wonderful but at this point it’s yesterday’s news. You wouldn’t know that from looking at a copy of Yoga Journal. Speaking of which, I flipped through one recently and didn’t find a single thing of interest in it.

Not even one.

I see gifted teachers falling into step with the politically correct monoculture (hey, everyone has bills to pay). The teachers who have stayed true to the call are widely dispersed. Some of them stay well underneath the radar. I can understand why.

The yoga market is a slippery slope.

On the flip side the iron is hot right now. Yoga has become a household word and people are ready to dive in. But they don’t necessarily know which pitfalls to avoid. These are revolutionary times and there have been some recent explosions in the yoga world.

It’s easy to get disillusioned and cynical but I do believe that within the widespread interest lies a seed of greater possibility. We are experiencing a resurgence of ancient wisdom in a technological era. It’s a blessing to be alive in this information age. We are part of a shift in the collective consciousness and people are waking up.

The potential for personal evolution is mind blowing and it’s all the more reason to meditate. But we have to shed the extraneous distractions and resist segregating ourselves.

Let go of the petty story lines.

It doesn’t matter whether or not you eat meat.

The greatest style is no style.

Enough with the New Age elevator music.

You’re not your fucking lululemons.

Let yoga be the discipline of freedom that it IS.

Pure Perception

I do some of my best thinking in the shower. Puzzles have a way of coming together for me in there. Such as how to explain my view of Pure Perception.

What interferes with our ability to have free, inspired thought?

To start, consider the impact of our consumer culture: TV, magazines, mainstream news. Hollywood and media icons.

We’ve been taught to view these things as entertainment.

For many people, television is a form of daily meditation. And yet so much of what’s on television is mediocre at best.

Next, consider the experience of standing at the checkout counter in your local grocery store. The tabloids are brain numbing – filler for the mind the way McDonald’s is filler for the body.

These things do nothing to uplift, enlighten or educate people. Instead they fuel our lower tendencies.

Extracting ourselves from mind-numbing influences is essential for inspiration. This can be challenging to do when we’re surrounded by the influences of our cultural engineering.

It is possible to re-pattern our thinking and perspectives. It just takes time and energy, which doesn’t fit with the quick-fix mentality a.k.a. mall mantra:

“Give me, Love me, Buy me, OM.”

Lack of Self Worth

Negative belief systems also interfere with pure perception. Mainstream culture does very little to support people in feeling whole. The focus is on fueling states of conflict, discontent, and a sense of striving for something that is impossible to attain.

So what does an alternative look like? And what does neutrality feel like? Most people can relate to this as the experience of being in nature – feeling calm, quiet, and receptive.

(I go more into detail about environment in Creating Space.)

The state of pure perception is subtle but can be very vivid within the right circumstances. It involves creating a gateway for clarity and inspiration. This allows us to connect with our humanness, our creative selves and our highest sense of purpose.

What’s your biggest challenge with staying open to inspiration? Feel free to leave a comment in the box below.

Inspiration – Sri Yantra

The Sri Yantra is the symbol of Hindu Tantra. This sacred geometrical symbol is a visual representation of the energy pattern of the universe and the goddess Tripura Sundari.

The Sri Yantra design consists of:

• 9 interlacing triangles which create 43 smaller triangles

• a lotus of 8 petals

• a lotus of 16 petals

• a square representing the earth as a temple with four doors

The interlocking triangles represent the union of divine Masculine and Feminine energies. The four upward pointing triangles represent Shiva as the Masculine, and the five downward pointing triangles represent Shakti as the Feminine.

Tripura Sundari translates as the “beautiful goddess of the three cities.”

The three cities represent:

• The trinity of matter, energy and thought

• Our three bodies: physical, astral and causal

• The three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming and deep sleep

The three cities are symbolized by the three lights of fire, sun and moon.

Tripura Sundari represents the highest form of beauty – the light of consciousness.

External beauty is but a reflection of our inner light. The light of divine beauty can never be permanently contained in any object and will never die.

We can raise our awareness of divine beauty when our minds are clear and calm. This allows for pure perception. When we release self-defeating thought patterns we can delight in seeing all of the beauty in the universe as a reflection of true consciousness.

Where has your light been shining lately? Feel free to leave a comment in the box below.

Resources: Tantric Yoga and the Wisdom Goddesses by Dr. David Frawley

Tandem Yoga Benefit

On Saturday I had the opportunity to teach a Tandem Yoga benefit class at the Yoga House in Kingston, NY. I’m so appreciative of the group that came together for this community event at the Yoga House. Special thanks to studio owners Jacqui Potente and Leigha Butler for hosting such a fun experience.

This fundraiser was part of the LuvMat Yoga Empowers Project with all proceeds going to Off the Mat Into the World’s Global Seva Fundraiser for Haiti. Seva is the spiritual practice of selfless service, stemming from the Bhakti and Karma paths of yoga. The essence of seva is part of why I enjoy Tandem Yoga, as it naturally illuminates the heart and inspires compassionate action.

Tandem Yoga Benefit Assist Tandem Yoga is an umbrella term for partner, contact and acrobatic yoga. Through the practice of “balancing Earth and Sky” we explored the relationship of opposition within ourselves and our shared yoga practices. We created a solid foundation through clear communication, safety and support, and balanced this with lighthearted laughter, playfulness and enjoyment of sharing our yoga practices.

This was an all-levels class and I was especially honored to work with people who were new to Tandem Yoga. The questions and insights that everyone shared were amazing! We talked about the importance of trust and learning to let go, as well as the adventure of “playing the edge” or challenging our sense of limitations.

One lady suggested how this practice is great for parties. She reminded me of when I first started teaching partner yoga some ten years ago. To this day I still enjoy “climbing” my friends at parties. I loved hearing about how some of the students plan to share these Tandem Yoga practices with their friends.

Thanks again to everyone who helped make this benefit such a great success!

St. John USVI

March 9, 2011

Chi is my Co-Pilot

“A genuine smile distributes the cosmic current, Prana to every body cell. The happy man is less subject to disease, for happiness actually attracts into the body a greater supply of the Universal life energy.” – Paramhansa Yogananda

I’ve never seen the ocean turn purple before. The sky is a lighter shade of violet smeared with gray clouds and the final sweep of the sunset. Across the bay the islands are beginning to light up. As I’m writing this entry the color of the water changes to indigo.

I’m sitting in my friend Sunny’s apartment on St. John. It’s been almost a week since I arrived in the Virgin Islands. The energy of this place is tangible. A few hours ago I ate a bowl of potato leek soup that I helped Sunny prepare. It left me feeling totally buzzed. She asked me if I wanted to go to a party with her.

“Will there be people there who I can do Tandem yoga with?”

Probably not. So here I am, writing to you and enjoying the sunset. I have to say it’s pretty awesome here. I’ve been practicing yoga every day in Sunny’s kitchen that sits high up overlooking the water. We sit on her porch in the mornings watching the basil and tomatoes grow. Sunny tells me the names of every island in the bay. Hummingbirds and iguanas come to visit us.

I am happy… being… here.

This is the perfect place to write about chi. I’ve been working as a freelance writer on a book about health and energy practices. One of my assignments is to write about what chi (life energy) means to me.

Chi is all around me. It’s inside of me. It’s the feeling of looking at clear turquoise water. It’s the after-effects of hiking up the incredibly steep (!!!) hills. It’s in the sensations in my body when I meditate. It’s the fresh juice from Sunny’s Champion juicer, a sunset swirl of carrot, beet, apple, ginger, lemon. I feel it when I’m laughing.

The sky and the water have turned to black. In the distance the hills are glowing orange and white. The crickets are singing and the evening air is soft and inviting.

I wish I could practice yoga here with all of you.

March 28, 2011

Reflections

“Thirty spokes converge upon a single hub;

It is on the hole in the center that the use of the cart hinges.

We make a vessel from a lump of clay;

It is the empty space within the vessel that makes it useful.

We make doors and windows for a room;

But it is these empty spaces that make the room livable.

Thus, while the tangible has advantages,

It is the intangible that makes it useful.”

– Lao Tzu, The Tao Teh Ching

I’m inhaling another sunset here in the City of Love. For the past month I’ve been awake at dawn almost every morning. This is what happens whenever I’m in the tropics. Before coming here I received a Reiki treatment from my friend Mandy. She predicted that this place would feel like home to me. It has in ways that I didn’t expect. St. John feels like a hybrid of Maine, Hawaii and Colorado.

It’s another world here. People drive on the left side of the road which does a number on my dyslexia. There are no fast food restaurants or strip malls. The internet is limited here so I’ve been reading a wonderful book called “The Enzyme Factor – How to Live Long and Never be Sick” by Hiromi Shinya.

Very rich food for thought.

I’ve taken to calling this trip Sunny’s Island Boot Camp Adventure. We’ve been hiking, snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding. We practiced yoga with friends and went dancing. Every night is Friday here.

Sunny has been teaching me about the history of the island and about the slavery uprisings. One morning we hiked to a sacred pool on Reef Bay which sits below the largest waterfall on the island. On the rocks surrounding the pool are petroglyph carvings made by the Taino, the early inhabitants of St. John.

This was a place of ancestor worship. The petroglyph symbols are positioned to reflect in the water so as to represent the inter-dependency of the spiritual and physical worlds. I wanted to meditate there and will go back sometime when there are less tourists.

Three more days until my gypsy caravan moves on. I’m looking forward to coming back. There is an amazing retreat center here and a wonderful community who I would love to continue practicing with.

Retreat Musings

“Your work is to discover your work.

And then with all your heart give yourself to it” – Buddha

A few days ago I realized that I’ve never had this much time to myself. For the past few months I’ve been housesitting a lot. It’s kind of like sharing a personal yoga retreat with some very lovely canine company. There’s probably an untapped market for these kinds of “doga” retreats…

I’m just so grateful to have this incubation time. I’ve been able to focus on my projects without a lot of distraction. And I’ve been enjoying the feeling of being in sync with my own rhythms. After being in a fairly solitary space I’ve noticed how much I appreciate human interactions. When I go out for a bike ride I find that I pay more attention to people. I also smile quite a bit.

Smiling (like yawning) can be contagious.

Riding a cruiser bike puts me in the best mood. I gave up owning a car three years ago. There’s just something so liberating about riding a bike.

I started teaching again last month and it’s been wonderful. Giving myself some time off always makes teaching feel much more vibrant. A big part of this is because I’m in a place where I can actually recognize (and act from) my own rhythm. I also have a renewed appreciation for practicing with people.

It feels like I’m learning how to live all over again.

It’s very much about the baby steps. In the past I would have resisted having so much alone time, but now I can see the value of it. Alone time makes it easier to notice what’s happening within and around me. I have more clarity with navigating the doors that open or close, and a better awareness of when to push or back off. I can trust the ups and downs of life just by accepting that everything is a learning opportunity.

It’s in the little things too… like not rushing to drink a cup of tea. Or noticing that I’m not really engaged in a show that I’m watching. This usually means that there’s something else I’d rather be doing. I just have to stop and ask myself what that is.

I make mistakes too.

Like not putting on sunscreen before going to a yoga class on the beach and ending up looking like a tomato for a couple of days. It’s all a part of the learning process. I’ve also been enjoying the more subtle aspects of my practice… like unraveling body memory imprints or the messages in my dreams.

I believe that we all have an abundance of innate wisdom available to us. One way to start is by opening up to ourselves in a quiet place. This isn’t always the easiest thing to do, so just try noticing when life feels like a routine instead of a practice. I’ll do it too.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts.