Yoga & Ayurveda Blog

“Yoga Immersion” was the first in a series of trainings offered at Yoga Awareness this past week in downtown Honolulu.
Our instructor Tedd Surman focused on Kriya yoga—the most ancient form of yoga and one of its foundational teachings; “the Indian philosophy of ‘attention and ease’ which is fundamental to a healthy and transformative Yoga practice.” “Attention and ease” does not seem to fit within most of American concepts of exercise (and life)—rather we seem to prefer the adage “no pain, no gain.”
I have to admit my first yoga class in 1997 could be considered painful, practiced in a 105-degree studio for 1.5 hours. This daily regimen of intense poses was my version of “cross-training” I used to complement long-distance trail running. As an extremist in many ways, I thought “ease” meant EASY, and next to REST, meant LAZY--four letter words in my book. I liked to push myself. Indian philosophy—let alone transformation of the mind—belonged with my graduate school research projects outside the yoga studio.
Over time I lost interest in competitive, hot studios and preferred yoga practice alone in a quiet mirror-less room where self-criticism might dissipate. Exploring different postures, I found myself asking, “Why do I find steadiness and peace in yoga and how do I maintain it after I walk off my mat?? After 200 level teacher training in 2011 I was still looking for more answers.
It has taken many years to find the place in which to deepen my studies and people who can facilitate the process. Yoga Awareness trainings provide attentive instruction by Tedd and a safe environment in which students challenge ourselves. As our postures are deconstructed and infused with aligning energy I find “attention and ease” attainable with diligence and focus. “Yoga Immersion” brings with it a sense of homecoming.

Melanie Mchugh Barclay
HONOLULU, Hawaii
Posted Date : 14-08-2018
Credited to: Melanie McHugh Barclay
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