Ten Days of Silence

After completing the our 200 hour Immersion and Teacher Training in April, Focus Yoga student (and the friendly face you see at the front desk most mornings!) Jess Smiley treated herself to something special, and unusual: a ten day silent retreat at the Vippassana Center of Illinois – just outside of Rockford, IL.  Yep, no talking for ten days. Now that she can speak again, what is she saying about this experience?

FY:  When you and I first chatted about this experience, you mentioned that the center wanted to help create the experience of the "monk" for "householders". Can you explain that?

Jess: Traditionally, monks and nuns had the ability to meditate because they had no other responsibilities. The center wanted to give householders (that is, those that have a family, job etc.) the same opportunity to live as a monk or nun for 10 days.  In order to be able to freely renounce all worldly things for the full 10 days, there is no charge for anything at the center. When we pay for things, the ego gets involved. We can dislike the food, accommodations etc. because we are paying for it. They called it "taking up the beggar’s bowl". If it is freely given to us, we are grateful and the ego can rest aside. We have no daily responsibilities. Our only work is to meditate and take rest.

What was a typical day's schedule like?

We woke to a gong at 4am, and meditated from 4:30 – 6:30am. Breakfast was served at 6:30 and we could rest until 8. Then back to the meditation hall for a group meditation from 8:00 – 9:00am (those were hard because we committed to one position and were asked to not move at all for the group sittings). 9:00 – 11:00am was meditation with instructions – we were usually allowed to meditate in our own room if we wanted. 11:00 – 1:00pm was time for LUNCH and REST! Best part of my day!! This was our big meal, plus time we could take to walk or sit outside by the pond or in the sun. 1:00 -3:00pm was Group Sitting, no moving. 3:00 – 5:00 meditation with instructions, again we were offered to meditate in our own room or in the center, our choice.  5:00 – 6:00pm, Tea and rest. 6:00 – 7:00pm, Group Sitting, no moving. 7:00 -8:00pm, evening DVD discourse (this was a teaching given by S.N. Goenka, the teacher responsible for starting Vipassana Meditation Centers).

Why weren't you supposed to talk between meditations?

Silence was mainly for protection both for yourself and others. As we meditate, deep issues arise and in talking we can sometimes unleash our stuff onto others. The other reason was that we took 5 precepts at the start of the meditation. One was to not tell lies. We often exaggerate or leave something out when we talk so not speaking spares us from even accidentally speaking something false.

Did you really not talk for 10 days? What was it like to go so long without being able to exercise those vocal muscles?

Every other day the assistant teacher would check in with you to see if you had any questions about the technique. We could speak to her if needed.  I spoke once, on day 3 :) We could also talk to the student manager if we needed anything ie toothpaste, soap etc.

Did not talking make your meditation easier?

Oh yes! Not speaking was the easiest part about being there.  It made the transition from our rest periods into meditation time seamless.

How did not talking affect your mind, both during and after the practice?

At first I noticed just how chatty my mind really is! I felt like I traded talking for thinking. As I learned to still my mind for these long periods of time, I found it easier to engage in the meditation technique. By not talking, the transition was quicker. I stayed inside my own body the entire time. By the end of the week, I was moving in meditation. Every step, every action was thoughtful and I was aware of everything I did and felt.

Was there a special meditation you were to practice?

Yes, we practiced a technique called Vipassana. It begins with anapana meditation (breath awareness) leading into total observation of the body’s sensations, disciplining ourselves to refrain from identifying with the sensation, pleasant or unpleasant…it didn’t matter. We practiced a lot of equanimity.

How did it feel to talk again after 10 days? Did you want to stay silent, or was it like uncorking a dam?

They use the 10th day as a “shock absorption” day and for good reason. It’s really weird to start talking. We’ve just gone through some of the deepest mind “surgery” and it’s hard to jump right back into daily conversation. Gratefully, everyone around you has just had the same experience, so it made talking a little easier. When I got home, I just wanted to be quiet.

What are the biggest differences you've noticed in your mind or practice since having this experience?

I have more control over my mind. I’m definitely a lot quieter in my thoughts. I have equanimity towards the sensations I feel during my practice and meditation and realize that every sensation pleasant, or not so pleasant is temporary and I am able to endure it all. I’m also getting better at letting go of craving the “good” sensations and averting the “bad” ones. I’m much better at seeing things AS THEY ARE, not HOW I WISH THEM TO BE which keeps me planted right here in the present moment. I find it much easier to be truly still and I notice the wisdom that rises within that stillness. I found this technique to be so powerful, practical, and attainable that I will continue to practice it as well as teach it to anyone who wishes to learn!

Hollyhock Hill Farm visit

by Judi Harvin
Many yogis are devout vegetarians. Some do include meat in their diet for a variety of reasons, but find conflict when studying yoga philosophy, mainly the yamas and niyamas, or yogic codes of behavior. How is the ethical, meat-eating yogi to practice ahimsa (non-violence)?

One way is to be aware of how the animal you plan to consume is raised. I won't address the horrors of factory farming here, just know that being raised in a CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) ain't no day at the spa for these poor critters. I try to avoid supporting this treatment of animals with my $$$, for ethical and health reasons both.

Joe and Doug view one of the farm fields. I forgot 

the details, but this looks like potatoes to me.

Because my family does choose to include some meat in our diet, I've searched for local farmers who treat their animals well. This includes access to sun, fresh air, space to stretch their legs and move. I like supporting small farmers who are trying to do it right. That's how I found Joe Reaver of Hollyhock Hill Farms.

I've purchased my chicken from Joe for years, and finally, this weekend, got a chance to see his farm in person. Joe gave my husband and I a tour while we were picking up meat directly from him. (It's really great to be able to see the farm you buy your food from in person!) Here you'll find a few photos of his slice of heaven just outside of Sterling, IL. Joe raises produce, poultry, and eggs, and would love to make a delivery to us. Email me at focusyoga@ameritech.net if you are interested.  See more information about the farm, as well as a price list at www.hollyhockhillfarms.com.

Field of greens... 

The chicken spa. These are the laying chickens. 

Hard to see in this photo, as most of them are resting 

in the shade of the pine tree. One appears ready to 

take a dip (I suspect just a drink).

These are young turkeys. They are now in this 

open air pen, because if put with the chickens at this 

young age, they would be bullied too much. 

When they are older and wiser, they will get to soar 

with the big girls.

Hanging out by the water cooler.

Will We Be Practicing at 83?

By Judi Harvin

Virginia and Judi

At age 83, Virginia Cizek is almost assuredly the most senior student at Focus Yoga (not asking our students for age, I can’t verify that, but I’m just betting). Virginia joined us for the first Gentle Yoga class taught by instructor Sue Chilton in April, and along with the other dedicated students, has been attending that class regularly since. This is her first experience with yoga, maybe just a little surprising if you consider that I own Focus Yoga, and Virginia is my mother! 

FY: How many classes have you taken so far? 

Virginia: 4 or 5

What kind of exercise were you doing before?  

I never took a formal exercise class before. At home, I practice exercises on the ball for my back and stomach. I’ve had low back pain off and on for years.

Were you nervous to attend your first class?  

I didn’t know what to expect, it was all a surprise. I was a little nervous. The other women there had had some classes and knew what Sue was talking about, but I really had to keep my eyes open to see what she meant. I understand better now what’s coming next, but I still have to watch. After my first class the backs of my legs and calves were a little sore, but that wears off. 

You must have liked it, because you keep coming (and I know you wouldn't if you didn't like it!) What do you like about the class?  

Everything gets exercised, even my toes. Sue starts with the toes and works all the way up to neck, head shoulders. We exercise everything.

What’s the hardest part of the class for you? 

I’m not used to having my eyes closed. I’ve never been able to balance, and at 83, I doubt that’s going to get any better. I also have a problem with meditation. I can’t concentrate. I try. I think it’s getting a little better. 

I sit in the back office working and hear a lot of laughter coming from the studio. What’s that about?  

Oh, class is very informal. If one of us can’t do something, we make a little joke and Sue comes and help. We aren’t self-conscious at all about not being able to do everything. 

Everyone is friendly and when I can’t do something, they stop and I stop. Like the other week, we were up against the wall standing on one foot, with the other foot against our ankle. Sue said to take our hands away from the wall....no way can I do that, so I don’t do it. I have trouble with balance.

So, you’ve had about 5 classes now. Are you going to stick with it?  

Yes. Every week I understand more about what the teacher is doing. I really like the fact that the class covers the whole body.

Teacher Feature: Theresa Mikuls

Focus Yoga instructor Theresa Mikuls offers time each week to a very special group in the LaGrange area struggling with homelessness. Here, she tells us a bit about her journey and the work she does.

FY: Tell us about your interest in teaching this special population.

Theresa: Since starting my yoga journey it has been a dream of mine to  teach yoga to the homeless. I started a class about 5 months ago called Karma Yoga that meets in a church in La Grange.  The class meets one hour a week and I teach a combination of meditation breathing and asana.

FY: What made you interested in this? 

Theresa: I came from a family of 7. I was nearly homeless when my father died and my mother lost her mind. My siblings and I were divided up between both sides of the family. Eventually my maternal grandmother gathered us together and we lived with our grandmother and grandfather on their farm. I have always been grateful to her for providing us with a home. So 14 years ago I began working as volunteer with a local homeless program.

FY: What is class like?

Theresa: I bring soothing music, light incense and start with the students sitting in chairs. We practice lots of stretching and then stand and do simple asana using the chair for balance. Eventually I bring them onto their backs for stretching and twisting. Depending on previous injury sometimes the most I can do for them is to have them lie on their backs with their legs on a chair. They are amazed how good this can feel.


FY: Are your students consistent?


Theresa: I have a small group that return each week. New people join and some people leave during the sessions. One person left literature on how yoga comes from the devil.


FY: How do you bring the “mind” aspect to class?

Theresa: I avoid any counseling, social work, or religious preaching. Instead, I talk about their true selves as they are wise, kind, and loving spirits.  I ask them 3 questions: Who are you? What do you want? How can you serve?
     Then, I break down the concept of who you are (mother, brother, child etc). I instruct them to ask the Universe for something.
     I conclude with knowing who we really are allows us to find out what we are truly good at and then we can serve others, fulfilling our dharma.
     Life, again is very messy. After class many of my students can be seen outside sharing a smoke!

FY: Theresa, thank you so much for sharing with us!

On behalf of myself and all of the instructors here at Focus, I just want to say a heartfelt Thank You to all of our students, and Focus family.

We opened our front door to students five years ago this month (I think it was March 6). Our lovely Anne Unger taught the first class. The original instructors were myself, Anne, Lisa Musial, and Susan Diederich. I’m happy to point out that our original group is still very actively teaching at Focus. We've grown by many more talented, passionate teachers. I am in awe of the dedication and enthusiasm of our instructors; it infuses the energy of our studio in a way that is palatable to all who practice here.

And speaking of all who practice here; and I know each of the instructors agree; the dedication and enthusiasm of our instructors is directly fed by the enthusiasm and appreciation of our students. Your openness in sharing how our efforts are positively affecting your lives motivates us daily. Your willingness to share ideas of how else we can serve your practice truly makes the studio a community effort, a family.

So, thank you to our students, thank you to our instructors, cheers all around! Raise a glass of herbal tea to the entire Focus Family, as we continue to grow and practice yoga together. I hope I see many of you this Sunday so we can celebrate in person.

Judi

Don't forget to come to our Birthday party Sunday, March 11; 4:30 - 6:30pm!  There will be crystal bowl sound healing sessions, aromatherapy scalp massages, raffle prizes, food and fun...there is no cost for this event.  Hope to see you there!

Teacher Feature: Kim Wade

Focus Yoga instructor Kim Wade recently attended an idyllic yoga retreat in Costa Rica. For those of you who always wondered just what a week spent in a heavenly spot of the world, practicing yoga, having yummy, healthy food prepared for you is like, read on...

FY:  Can you tell us little bit about where you went and what the retreat was?

Kim: I was in Puerto Jimenez (about 1 hour from San Jose). It's located in the southern part of Puntarenas Province.  It is the largest town on the Osa Peninsula and is right in the heart of the jungle. The retreat was hosted by Rich Logan and Dani Byrne McGuire and the focus was "Fire and Water".

FY:  What was a typical day like for you on this retreat?

Kim: Here’s what a typical day looked like: 

6:30am We would wake up to monkeys howling, then have a morning snack of fresh granola, greek yogurt and coffee.

7:00am Our first yoga class (classes were book ended each day between Rich and Dani)...We were in an open window yoga studio in the middle of the woods.

8:30am Breakfast was vegetarian or vegan selections and all natural organic food. After breakfast, we had free time until 12:30pm. This included a choice of facials, massages, hiking, swimming, surfing, or paddle boarding...just about anything you could think of to do!

12:30pm Lunch was served to us and consisted of fresh tuna and other amazing selections.  We would end each meal with applauding (the food was THAT good!)

4:00pm We did yoga until it got dark.  You had to bring a flashlight so you could find your way back.

5:30pm Dinner was an elegant, five-star cuisine, yum!  I know I keep mentioning how good the food was, but it was so good!

Nightlife: We had kirtans on the beach or in the studio, salsa dancing lessons, midnight swims, lawn chair chats with fellow yogis, star gazing, music with the locals and lots of laughing!

FY:  What did you get most out of this retreat?

Kim: How valuable it is to be in the present moment.  Surrendering into the “now” rather than having to control the trip to “get the best of it”.  The environment was so harmonious and balanced.  That made it safe to really let go and I felt my heart was broken open.

FY:  Wow, what a powerful impact, and the retreat itself sounds absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing! 

Kim will be hosting this retreat next year!  Be on the lookout for information.

Kim teaches classes at Focus on Mondays and Wednesdays.  Also, check out her website at http://www.innergazeyoga.com