What is Yin Yoga?
In the Yin Yoga practice we set the body up in shapes where we can spend some time (traditionally 2-5min). The time we spend allows body to ease and get comfortable in this shape. This lets the larger muscle groups release effort, and makes room for easing the connective tissues.
Ideally we’re experiencing some amount of sensation, and as we spend time in these shapes the sensation may shift or intensify. Sometimes we’re able to sit with that and see what happens next, and sometimes we need to adjust so that we can stay in some version of the shape comfortably.
What on Earth is the GYROKINESIS® Method?
What on Earth is the GYROKINESIS® Method?
Trust me, I initially asked a very similar question - GYRO-ki-huh?!?!
As described on the GYROTONIC website:
The Gyrokinesis Method is a movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences. It is an original and unique method, which coordinates movement, breath and mental focus.
As described by my teacher, Ann Fonte:
Borne out of teaching yoga for dancers in the 1970’s, Juliu Horvath developed the Gyrokinesis Method because yoga wasn’t addressing all of the things he wanted to in his own body and for his students. It’s about opening up and connecting with the spine, awakening the body and all the senses. “More often than not, my students leave feeling taller.”
As understood in my own body:
I’ve always felt that we can each find something to complement or balance out our yoga practice – some people are drawn to Pilates, some folks run, some lift weights – to each their own. The fluid motions and space created by the Gyrokinesis practice really makes sense in my body. In my mind our Yoga and Gyrokinesis practices are very much related, and occasionally I throw some Gyrokinesis exercises into my yoga classes when they feel appropriate. It has helped me to look at actions in my body differently, and helped me to connect to the way I move and breathe in my practice as well as my day-to-day.
The first time I took a class a number of years ago, it didn’t make sense/feel awesome in that first practice, so I didn’t go back for a time. Then, in 2017, I took the class again and it just CLICKED! All of a sudden I couldn’t get enough of this new work I could do through my body. Besides different styles/focuses of yoga, this is the first new physical practice that I’ve studied in the 12+ years I’ve been teaching – I love it, highly recommend trying it, and love to talk about it if you have questions.
So, should I try taking a Gyrokinesis Class?
Why not?!? I think that the movement can feel a bit strange/not quite in-sync initially, so I’d recommend taking a few classes before you decide whether you’re fussed about it or not. And if all you get out of it is a few hours of attention to breath and body, there’s nothing sad about that!
Who is a Gyrokinesis Class good/beneficial for?
Better question: Who ISN’T a Gyrokinesis Class beneficial for?!?!? One of the things I love about this practice is how accessible it is! And accessible does not mean “easy” – some of it is done seated on a stool, some standing, some floor work, but all of those pieces of the class can be modified if you need to. The movements don’t have to be huge, or super fast. Breath work is always beneficial (in my opinion), so you’ll feel good after that work as well. It’s worth giving it a shot!
Where can I take a Gyrokinesis Class in Boston?
Currently, I teach weekly classes only at the Equinox Sports Club on Avery Street in downtown Boston. These classes are included in the Equinox Membership, so unfortunately we don’t do day passes/drop-ins. However, I’ve been to several other studios in the greater Boston area that I’d recommend you check out:
Miscarriage is a Bitch
Miscarriage is a Bitch
I mean, it’s true.
And sometimes it’s a particular kind of hell that no one seems to understand.
Right after my miscarriage in the summer of 2018, I was so grateful that it has become a more widely spoken about topic – it made it easier for me to text both of the studios where I was teaching that day, with a simple, “Hey, this is what’s happening, and I can’t come in to hold space for other folks right now”.
That was all I needed to say, and I will be eternally grateful for it.
It has been interesting to speak with other mums about it (although, truthfully, I was super glad that at the time I didn’t have any doula clients, because that would’ve been really hard for me).
Some of us choose to grieve by taking control - focusing on the next window of opportunity to get pregnant again, and letting that be what to focus on rather than simply needing to sit with it.
Some of us grieve with group support - maybe a group or selection of friends who is able to listen and hear what we’re going through. Likely a number of them have experienced the same thing. Or, actually, I found out that there are a lot of organized support groups, for folks who need to gather and share stories in order to heal.
I did NOT want to hear from those folks.
When friends or family would find out, they’d share a story of their own. Or their mum or sister or friend. And I could see that as a way for them to connect and sympathize, and open up space for me to be able to share how I felt and help me to process.
But it didn’t help.
Maybe one of the most, let’s call it ‘selfish’, moments of my life, when I wasn’t able to put someone else before myself. I did not care that you or so-and-so had also experienced this loss. It did not comfort me to hear (again) that miscarriage happens for 1 in 4 women. It did not lesson my pain to hear that “at least it happened early on”, or “at least you know you guys can get pregnant”, or “at least it was the first time you’d really tried - it’ll happen again”.
Miscarriage is a bitch.
I was at Life Alive, ordering my lunch, and the girl at the counter asked me how I was as she greeted me. But not the cursory “how’s your day, but I don’t really care, I just want to take your order and continue with my work” question. She meant it. I almost lost my shit right there at the counter.
And I’ve been fortunate enough that, up until this point, I have yet to come across something in my life that cannot be solved with friendship and wine. I was at a loss for how to not be in such a state all the time. I would squash it down to teach, and was able to make focusing on others a workable “solution” for myself…but then the quiet moments would really suck.
Learning How to Heal
I was at a follow-up with my midwife, and when she asked how I was doing I actually let it out that time…a lot. And when she first mentioned meeting with a group, looking back I can see myself trying to bottle it back up. “No, I’m good. I’m fine. Not necessary. I’ll figure it out - nothing that can’t be solved with wine and friendship, right?”
But then she recommended one-on-one Talk Therapy…and I had to sit with that for a second. I don’t tend to see much of a stigma around talk therapy, it’s just not something that I had considered. I’ve always healed addressing things more physically – my yoga practice, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy – so this was a new realm for me.
So I’m meeting with someone.
I’m lucky to feel comfortable speaking openly with a lot of people in my life – my partner, my family, my friends – hashtag blessed (insert eye-roll here).
But, while this person of course has my best interests and healing at heart, she is there just to listen. And she isn’t trying to fix or change. And it doesn’t matter what I need to talk about. She helps to reflect back what I’m saying and what I’ve said and how I’ve said it to help me understand what I need.
And I think I like it.
I’m still not always sure. And we’re certainly not done. But, often, I do feel better. And that’s something.
I guess I just wanted to share. I’m not that fussed about Facebook posts, but wanted to add my experience to our growing conversation and understanding of miscarriage. And to let my students and clients know that, as teachers, we go through the same shit!
And that if you’re in the state of only being able to repeat to yourself:
Miscarriage is a bitch!
…that I hear you!
Much love,
Lindsay
What Is the Benefit of Private Yoga Sessions?
What Is the Benefit of Private Yoga Sessions?
Public/group yoga classes are a wonderful way to continue your practice and make yoga accessible to a much larger base of students. There is something really beautiful about a group of potential strangers coming together with the intention to calm, make space, strengthen or disconnect from our crazy lives, even if just for a short while. The shared energy of a room can help you even out a bit, whether you need to calm down or build some energy.
Traditionally, yoga was taught as a one-on-one practice – you studied with a teacher, who taught individual asanas (shapes/poses) as you were ready to learn the next one. This allows you to learn at a pace that suits your individual body.
We all come to these group classes with different body stories – someone (likely more than one) has a sore low back, someone has neck/shoulder issues, someone is training for a marathon, someone is in their second trimester – and while we can all benefit from the practice we're sharing, it helps to really have a sense of how to listen to body and give it what it needs.
“My approach to Private Yoga Sessions is that they are a way for us to connect to and understand our body – we learn to listen, so that when we’re practicing on our own or in a group class we’re able to take care of ourselves.”
Benefits of Private Yoga Sessions
Private Yoga Session Individual Attention
We're able to take a deep dive into your practice - looking at how your body moves through different poses/shapes, making sure that there is a balance of effort and ease through body, and giving you ample time to ask questions and get them answered.
Make Scheduling Time for Yoga Easy
We'll be able to work yoga into your schedule, so you don't feel like you're rushing to get to a particular class on time.
Private Yoga Sessions are Great for Beginners
Often stepping into. a group class can feel intimidating when you first start practicing. Private yoga gives you a basic understanding of how your body moves and an introduction to the shape names in English and Sanskrit. This way, you aren't standing in class thinking "I'm sorry, what did you just say? Where does my foot go?"
How Much Do Private Yoga Sessions Cost?
My rates vary depending on where we practice. If you're a member at Equinox Sports Club, they offer Single Sessions or Packages depending on how often we decide you want/need to practice. If we are practicing in the Greater Boston Area (i.e. your home, a community space in your condo building, etc), it depends on where you're located and when we're practicing.
Have particular questions about pricing?
What's the First Step to Schedule Private Yoga Sessions?
It all starts with a conversation – once I know what you're looking for, I can recommend a good place for us to start and help you understand what practicing together will mean.
Ready to Start or Continue Your Yoga Journey?
What Inspired Me to Become a Birth Coach?
What Inspired Me to Become a Birth Coach?
Inevitably, in a weekend workshop or training I can rarely pay 100% attention for the whole 6-8 hours each day. But the first weekend that I took of Pre Natal Yoga Training, I was sitting on the edge of my mat the entire time!
I was amazed to understand in depth what happens as we progress through pregnancy, and the exciting possibility that I could help women feel more comfortable and empowered that their bodies are meant to do this amazing thing.
I always thought I'd wait until I had had my own birth experience before I started working as a doula. But one of my closest friends from college came to me Fall of 2013 – she had beaten me to the punch. "You're helping me with this!"
And so it began.
I have had the great honor to help friends, students, and relative strangers (although certainly not after the fact :o) on this crazy beautiful day in their lives.
If you'd like support throughout your pregnancy and potentially on the day of your birth,
Want to know a bit more about what my Birth Coach support looks like?
What Kind of Support Do I Get With a Birth Coach?
What Kind of Support Do I Get With a Birth Coach?
I look at supporting you through your pregnancy and birth similarly to the way I approach supporting my students in a yoga class – we take it one day at a time, and just address what comes up.
The earlier we decide to work together, the longer I'm able to provide you with support and the better we get to know each other as your pregnancy progresses.
During your pregnancy, some of the ways I provide support are:
Recommend reading materials – what to read, what to avoid.
Keeping you away from Google – just don't. Trust me!
Suggesting classes for both you and partner to help you prepare for labour.
Suggesting ways to take care of body as pregnancy progresses
If you're able to make it to a weekly (or bi-weekly) yoga practice with me, it is a great way to touch base and see how things are going.
When you go into labour, what does that support look like?
Let me know when you come to the conclusion that it is more than Braxton Hicks, and we'll stay in touch for your early labour to see how things go. I will meet you either at home or at the hospital (depending on how your body and baby are doing), and then be there to support both you and partner through the labour.
After the birth, I can stay around to help until you're moved into recovery. Some families like to have a bit of alone time after the birth, in which case I'll give you a big hug and touch base with you in the next day or so to check in.