Most of the time, I don't put too much about my work on my blog. However, I thought I'd say just a little about the leadership exhibited by one of the people on my team as she led an amazingly complex project to a successful conclusion this month.
What I observed (and, in fact encouraged) was the simplification of the project by doing a couple of things. One, was to stay focused on the end result -- eye on the prize, so to speak. Second, was to work the naysayers either into the game, or out of the way. One would be amazed at how much damage negative thoughts can do to project work. When people use words like "fail" or phrases like "there's no way we'll finish on time" it is debilitating.
Positive affirmations about the desired outcome aren't delusional and they're not just wishful thinking. They are very empowering and tend to send the team in the right direction.
It was also interesting to see how much emotion came into play. When folks get tired or frustrated, they often feel the bottom drop out from underneath them, or the wind die down in their sails. However, it's amazing how much resilience we have available once we know how to tap into it.
I saw my project manager keep the team focused, tap into their creativity, work toward a positive outcome, manage the naysayers, and at the end of the story have a happy ending -- the desired outcome.
It reminds me of a saying I heard from one of my colleagues: "You may believe you can, or you may believe you can't. Either way, you're right."
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
Air Travel
Recently, I went to London on vacation. Naturally (in this day and age) it involved air travel. The flight originated from RDU on 12/16, heading to Chicago for a connection to Heathrow. There was about a five-hour layover in Chicago, so there was plenty of buffer for things to not work right.
Anyone who travels by plane more than once a year is aware of the difficulties encountered in air travel. There is always something new and exciting to deal with. For example, you have to pack any carry on liquids into a transparent bag, and the containers must all be smaller than 3.5 fluid ounces of content.
Our flight from RDU to ORD was delayed, due to weather in Chicago. It was not delayed a little, but delayed a lot -- something greater than two hours. While this was not an issue for us, it put pressure on other folks who had connecting flights. Now, different people deal with travel stress in different manners. As one example, I was flying with a colleague and her family who were en route to India for three weeks vacation. They missed the connecting flight to Delhi, but the weren't freaking out.
Another example of someone on the plane is one where the situation wasn't handled well. This young lady engaged in a cell phone conversation from the plane while we were waiting to leave RDU (you know, one of those conversations that really should be held in private, not in front of 115 people on a plane). This lady spent about 20 minutes yelling at her significant other about how it was his fault that the plane was delayed, and how this was so disruptive to her life. The other 19 minutes were variations on the same theme, with the interrogative "do you understand me?" punctuating each cadence. This was clearly an example of someone who doesn't have a more global view about things.
I have the benefit of practicing yoga, and in generally I keep a pretty cool head about things, although I do understand the stress that can occur with travel as my most challenging trip was to Bangalore
The question naturally arises: "Is it worth it to get all worked up about travel?" We have to understand there are things out of our control, and we have to go with the flow. Contingency planning is valuable. However, for me, the answer was revealed based upon the following.
We boarded the flight for Heathrow, which was leaving late due to accumulated delays in Chicago. Other folks had to hurry to make this flight, some trying to return home to London. One such family was a man, his wife, and daughter who were returning from a week-long cruise. I was seated by the aisle and I often watch the other passengers boarding. This gentleman, probably in his 60's, was carrying a computer bag. I thought is was a little odd that he was hunched over just a bit.
The line was moving slowly, and this fellow made it to a place in the aisle just beside my seat back. I noticed that the man started falling backwards. I reached out to grab his right arm and try to stabilize him as I thought he's just lost his balance. The weight into his arm kept increasing as the fellow kept going back toward to floor. As his face came into view, I saw that this man was in serious trouble, most likely already dead. There is a vacant look in the eyes which communicate the absence of life, the exodus of the spirit.
Very quickly, we formed a team to do what we could to help this man. Fortuitously, the man sitting behind me was a medic, the lady sitting across the aisle one row back was a doctor. The flight attendants quickly brought oxygen and a ventilating bag, but they didn't have a defibrillator, which was a surprise. We worked with this man on the aisle floor beside my seat until the medics came. Unfortunately, he had no vitals. The medics took him to the jetway and tried to help him, but to no avail.
This man's wife and daughter stood in the aisle and saw their husband, their father pass away. I felt their grief, and could empathize.
In the aftermath, it turns out that this family had to make a dash across the airport to make their flight. While there is no evidence suggesting the stress of trying to make a flight can cause a heart attack (which is almost certainly what happened to this man) I do believe that stress can cause your body to weaken and leaves you vulnerable.
While this for me was a serious life lesson in why you shouldn't "kill yourself" to get to a flight, others missed the point. Helping this man caused a further delay in the flight, and other passengers were angry and stressed because of the further delay. Some people just don't get it, and that's sad.
Anyone who travels by plane more than once a year is aware of the difficulties encountered in air travel. There is always something new and exciting to deal with. For example, you have to pack any carry on liquids into a transparent bag, and the containers must all be smaller than 3.5 fluid ounces of content.
Our flight from RDU to ORD was delayed, due to weather in Chicago. It was not delayed a little, but delayed a lot -- something greater than two hours. While this was not an issue for us, it put pressure on other folks who had connecting flights. Now, different people deal with travel stress in different manners. As one example, I was flying with a colleague and her family who were en route to India for three weeks vacation. They missed the connecting flight to Delhi, but the weren't freaking out.
Another example of someone on the plane is one where the situation wasn't handled well. This young lady engaged in a cell phone conversation from the plane while we were waiting to leave RDU (you know, one of those conversations that really should be held in private, not in front of 115 people on a plane). This lady spent about 20 minutes yelling at her significant other about how it was his fault that the plane was delayed, and how this was so disruptive to her life. The other 19 minutes were variations on the same theme, with the interrogative "do you understand me?" punctuating each cadence. This was clearly an example of someone who doesn't have a more global view about things.
I have the benefit of practicing yoga, and in generally I keep a pretty cool head about things, although I do understand the stress that can occur with travel as my most challenging trip was to Bangalore
The question naturally arises: "Is it worth it to get all worked up about travel?" We have to understand there are things out of our control, and we have to go with the flow. Contingency planning is valuable. However, for me, the answer was revealed based upon the following.
We boarded the flight for Heathrow, which was leaving late due to accumulated delays in Chicago. Other folks had to hurry to make this flight, some trying to return home to London. One such family was a man, his wife, and daughter who were returning from a week-long cruise. I was seated by the aisle and I often watch the other passengers boarding. This gentleman, probably in his 60's, was carrying a computer bag. I thought is was a little odd that he was hunched over just a bit.
The line was moving slowly, and this fellow made it to a place in the aisle just beside my seat back. I noticed that the man started falling backwards. I reached out to grab his right arm and try to stabilize him as I thought he's just lost his balance. The weight into his arm kept increasing as the fellow kept going back toward to floor. As his face came into view, I saw that this man was in serious trouble, most likely already dead. There is a vacant look in the eyes which communicate the absence of life, the exodus of the spirit.
Very quickly, we formed a team to do what we could to help this man. Fortuitously, the man sitting behind me was a medic, the lady sitting across the aisle one row back was a doctor. The flight attendants quickly brought oxygen and a ventilating bag, but they didn't have a defibrillator, which was a surprise. We worked with this man on the aisle floor beside my seat until the medics came. Unfortunately, he had no vitals. The medics took him to the jetway and tried to help him, but to no avail.
This man's wife and daughter stood in the aisle and saw their husband, their father pass away. I felt their grief, and could empathize.
In the aftermath, it turns out that this family had to make a dash across the airport to make their flight. While there is no evidence suggesting the stress of trying to make a flight can cause a heart attack (which is almost certainly what happened to this man) I do believe that stress can cause your body to weaken and leaves you vulnerable.
While this for me was a serious life lesson in why you shouldn't "kill yourself" to get to a flight, others missed the point. Helping this man caused a further delay in the flight, and other passengers were angry and stressed because of the further delay. Some people just don't get it, and that's sad.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
It's Been a Long Time
I realize that I haven't posted on my blog in ages. It's not for lack of content, but more for lack of time. I've also been doing a daily journal as part of my yoga teacher training and as nice as it would be to just post highlights, some of the material isn't really ready for prime time.
As I try to catch up with the key events of the last few months, I'll share the trip to London and the story about Frank. I'll talk about the rally of some key people to make a tremendously complex project come to fruition. I'll talk some about preparing for the upcoming yoga class that I'm supposed to teach, and I'll also need to do a little sharing of pride in the key accomplishments of my daughter.
Ok, I won't wait for the latter. Straight A's and dean's list in the first semster at NWU! Not surprising, but still amazing!
I'll be back soon...
As I try to catch up with the key events of the last few months, I'll share the trip to London and the story about Frank. I'll talk about the rally of some key people to make a tremendously complex project come to fruition. I'll talk some about preparing for the upcoming yoga class that I'm supposed to teach, and I'll also need to do a little sharing of pride in the key accomplishments of my daughter.
Ok, I won't wait for the latter. Straight A's and dean's list in the first semster at NWU! Not surprising, but still amazing!
I'll be back soon...
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Yoga and Anatomy
I had most enlightening experience yesterday as we studied anatomy in our yoga class. It appears that there are two key inhibitors to poses that are very revealing. These are compression and tension.
Compression describes where two bones come together in the context of a posture, and create a physical limit to movement. Tension describes where a muscle, tendon, or tissue grouping is tight and restrains further movement into a posture. While compression doesn't have a rememdy, tightness can be addressed by moving more deeply, and carefully, into a posture over time.
Consideration of compression versus tension as limiting factors in a posture is most enabling from both a personal and from a teaching level. While there are some movements that can be made by the body which will demonstrate compression in a manner which is visible (e.g. raising the arm forward, and watching for the shoulder rotation) there are many occasions where there is verbal feedback required. A student can tell you where they feel the posture, and this will describe whether there is compression or tension.
Interestingly, the downward facing dog is a pose where most joints are involved and provides one general posture to discover compression in joints, and for tension in the hamstrings. I learned that it is hamstring tension in my down dog that is the limiting factor in this pose for me. When a teacher wants the heels on the floor, my hamstrings hold me back. It's not compression in my ankles because I can do a squat with completely flat feet.
Compression describes where two bones come together in the context of a posture, and create a physical limit to movement. Tension describes where a muscle, tendon, or tissue grouping is tight and restrains further movement into a posture. While compression doesn't have a rememdy, tightness can be addressed by moving more deeply, and carefully, into a posture over time.
Consideration of compression versus tension as limiting factors in a posture is most enabling from both a personal and from a teaching level. While there are some movements that can be made by the body which will demonstrate compression in a manner which is visible (e.g. raising the arm forward, and watching for the shoulder rotation) there are many occasions where there is verbal feedback required. A student can tell you where they feel the posture, and this will describe whether there is compression or tension.
Interestingly, the downward facing dog is a pose where most joints are involved and provides one general posture to discover compression in joints, and for tension in the hamstrings. I learned that it is hamstring tension in my down dog that is the limiting factor in this pose for me. When a teacher wants the heels on the floor, my hamstrings hold me back. It's not compression in my ankles because I can do a squat with completely flat feet.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Yoga Teacher Weekend
I'm totally psyched as this weekend is my yoga teacher training weekend. I'm over in the condo and getting ready for the all day Saturday and Sunday class. This has been on my mind since I left class one month ago, and I'm thrilled to be going to class in the morning. It will be great to see everyone, hear how they've progressed with their assignments, and just to enjoy the company in this great learning experience.
Jenn is going to see Stephen Colbert tonight as part of the Northwestern homecoming activities. The 42 year-old Colbert is a graduate of NU, and I'm sure Jenn is going to do all she can to move in close. I know that Jenn is skilled in such matters as she easily got backstage passes for my at the Tower of Power concert at the Carter Barron theater in Washington, D.C. I know that I'll hear all about this tomorrow. If my cell phone rings in the middle of the night with a call from Jenn, I'll be sure to answer -- it may be her calling to give me a direct connection to truthiness.
And, if you have a taste for something exotic, try the Dagoba Lavendar. I think I got a head rush after the first bite as the interesting flavors sent all kinds of sensory messages to the brain.
Jenn is going to see Stephen Colbert tonight as part of the Northwestern homecoming activities. The 42 year-old Colbert is a graduate of NU, and I'm sure Jenn is going to do all she can to move in close. I know that Jenn is skilled in such matters as she easily got backstage passes for my at the Tower of Power concert at the Carter Barron theater in Washington, D.C. I know that I'll hear all about this tomorrow. If my cell phone rings in the middle of the night with a call from Jenn, I'll be sure to answer -- it may be her calling to give me a direct connection to truthiness.
And, if you have a taste for something exotic, try the Dagoba Lavendar. I think I got a head rush after the first bite as the interesting flavors sent all kinds of sensory messages to the brain.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Back Home
It was so nice to see Jenn over the weekend. We took her to one of her favorite spots -- the grocery store! She was delirious with ecstasy, shopping and buying things she loves like pita and hummus, interesting mixes of fruits and nuts, cereal, and tupperware to store things in the room. She is doing well and making lots of friends. From what I can see, she will be a leader among the pack. I can tell that she has emotional maturity that is ahead of many of the freshman.
I'm both surprised and not surprised at the drinking on campus. I attended a keg and egg party, and I suppose it's perfectly natural to drink beer at 9:30 in the morning before a football game. Maybe because the team at NU isn't that good, the alcohol makes the game more interesting? I just think the drinking is part of the scene.
In years gone by, I have consumed a more than modest quantity of alcohol. These days, I rarely drink because it tends to slow me down a bit. I'm not a teetotaller, and I'm not on a crusade to stop people from drinking. But, even I was not one to drink in the morning. And, I would have thought that the urge to binge would have passed along with high school, but not everyone has gotten this out of their system.
Overall, it was fabulous to see Jenn, and I'm very happy that she loves what she's doing now, and where she's doing it.
I'm both surprised and not surprised at the drinking on campus. I attended a keg and egg party, and I suppose it's perfectly natural to drink beer at 9:30 in the morning before a football game. Maybe because the team at NU isn't that good, the alcohol makes the game more interesting? I just think the drinking is part of the scene.
In years gone by, I have consumed a more than modest quantity of alcohol. These days, I rarely drink because it tends to slow me down a bit. I'm not a teetotaller, and I'm not on a crusade to stop people from drinking. But, even I was not one to drink in the morning. And, I would have thought that the urge to binge would have passed along with high school, but not everyone has gotten this out of their system.
Overall, it was fabulous to see Jenn, and I'm very happy that she loves what she's doing now, and where she's doing it.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Back in Chicago
We came up to Chicago to visit Jenn for parent's weekend. It is just fabulous to see Jenn and know how well she is doing with school and in her new social setting. Even though the dorm is prone to partying, which does not set the stage for slumber, Jenn does seem to find a nice mix of both. It's great to see that she has a lot of friends, and to know that she's having fun an achieving in her academics as well.
We went to the Northwestern/Purdue football game today. I expererienced first-hand a keg and egg party. The marching band for Northwestern was quite good. The football team is now 2-5 for the year.
I found a few minutes in the Apple store, and keep eyeing the new iMac. The notebooks are really nice, and the pros with the 30" screen are also incredible. But I think my intro Mac could be the 17" iMac. I believe it comes with Garage Band 3, and this would keep me intrigued for many months. This would be in addition to just playing around with the computer and learning about the capabilities of the Mac.
There is an amazing shop in Old Orchard, L'Occitane (de Provence), which has the most incredible collection of products that smell wonderful. It is a French version of Bath and Body Works. I was drawn into the store by this incredible honey incense, which was buring outside and detectible about 150' from the store entrance.
Tonight, Saturday night, is not going to be a big night on the town. Jenn came out to my sister-in-law's house with use and will get a peaceful night's rest. I promised that I wouldn't stay up all night raising heck until 5:30 in the morning.
I finished reading Meditations from the Mat on Thursday. It's a really enjoyable book with 365 chapters (one for each day of the year). The book is divided into eight sections, corresponding to the eight limbs of Yoga. Each day opens with a quote from a rich variety of sources (including yoga students of the author, Rolf Gates). Gates then follows the quote with a short writing from his own experiences. I would recommend the book just for the bibliography, with the quotes and writings being a wonderful bonus.
The Windy City was supposedly named for the movement of air by the politicians, but in Evanston the wind is legitimate. I'll look forward to returning home, but will miss Jenn all over again.
We went to the Northwestern/Purdue football game today. I expererienced first-hand a keg and egg party. The marching band for Northwestern was quite good. The football team is now 2-5 for the year.
I found a few minutes in the Apple store, and keep eyeing the new iMac. The notebooks are really nice, and the pros with the 30" screen are also incredible. But I think my intro Mac could be the 17" iMac. I believe it comes with Garage Band 3, and this would keep me intrigued for many months. This would be in addition to just playing around with the computer and learning about the capabilities of the Mac.
There is an amazing shop in Old Orchard, L'Occitane (de Provence), which has the most incredible collection of products that smell wonderful. It is a French version of Bath and Body Works. I was drawn into the store by this incredible honey incense, which was buring outside and detectible about 150' from the store entrance.
Tonight, Saturday night, is not going to be a big night on the town. Jenn came out to my sister-in-law's house with use and will get a peaceful night's rest. I promised that I wouldn't stay up all night raising heck until 5:30 in the morning.
I finished reading Meditations from the Mat on Thursday. It's a really enjoyable book with 365 chapters (one for each day of the year). The book is divided into eight sections, corresponding to the eight limbs of Yoga. Each day opens with a quote from a rich variety of sources (including yoga students of the author, Rolf Gates). Gates then follows the quote with a short writing from his own experiences. I would recommend the book just for the bibliography, with the quotes and writings being a wonderful bonus.
The Windy City was supposedly named for the movement of air by the politicians, but in Evanston the wind is legitimate. I'll look forward to returning home, but will miss Jenn all over again.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
October, Already
It's been quite a while since I've written. Studying for the Yoga has kept me busy. In order to be prepared for the class later this month, I've created a set of things that I must do each day to accomplish the work. In addition, French class resumed and I took the time to read The Namesake for our book club. I also resumed some piano practice, so overall I'm quite busy.
One of the Yoga assignments is to read the book, Meditations from the Mat which is an excellent book by Rolf Gates. It examines the eight limb path of Yoga by dividing into sections, and providing a daily reading for each day of one year. We're reading the book in a month, but that's okay.
I hear from Jenn frequently, and am very happy that she is doing so well in school. While I miss seeing her on a daily basis, I realize that she's doing the best thing she could be doing for herself right now. Jenn is taking advantage of the opportunity to learn and grow, and I'm very pleased that she is engaging in this wonderful experience.
One of the Yoga assignments is to read the book, Meditations from the Mat which is an excellent book by Rolf Gates. It examines the eight limb path of Yoga by dividing into sections, and providing a daily reading for each day of one year. We're reading the book in a month, but that's okay.
I hear from Jenn frequently, and am very happy that she is doing so well in school. While I miss seeing her on a daily basis, I realize that she's doing the best thing she could be doing for herself right now. Jenn is taking advantage of the opportunity to learn and grow, and I'm very pleased that she is engaging in this wonderful experience.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Yoga Teacher Training
I began my training this weekend, and it was truly fabulous. There are 15 students in the class and our instructor, making a sweet 16 of the group. One of the many things I've always liked about Yoga is that it attracts interesting people with a lot of positive attributes. Everyone in this class is interesting and contributes to the institutional learning base that makes this experience valuable.
After a 12-hour session on Saturday and a seven-hour session on Sunday, I have already noticed a change in my approach to Yoga. In class tonight, a flow class, I found myself looking around the room in the beginning of class. I found myself scanning the people in the room, observing how they were sitting and their initial posture. My thoughts raced back to reference the material I'd learned over the weekend and I started thinking about the things I might say or do to help the students be more comfortable in class.
It became more difficult to observe my classmates as we began our movements. Rebecca continues to bring new and refreshing "dances" to the class. Some of the postures are advanced, and I found a new internal thought process occuring as I explored both sides of my edge. I am more thoughtful of moving into the postures carefully and am starting to become more aware of the movements and the involvement of the body. (I have to do a deep analysis of 35 postures by next month, so it's really important to be aware of the muscles and joints, how they work, and which way they move to support the movements and postures.)
Having been away for several weeks, I haven't taken this class for a while. It was joyful to see Rebecca demonstrate the postures and to lead the practice. While in Chicago, I took classes with three teachers, and all were very good. I spent the weekend with 15 others who are thoughtful and diligent in their practice. Rebecca has a special way of taking the poses and moving between them, and she will always serve as a role model for doing a truly beautiful Yoga.
After a 12-hour session on Saturday and a seven-hour session on Sunday, I have already noticed a change in my approach to Yoga. In class tonight, a flow class, I found myself looking around the room in the beginning of class. I found myself scanning the people in the room, observing how they were sitting and their initial posture. My thoughts raced back to reference the material I'd learned over the weekend and I started thinking about the things I might say or do to help the students be more comfortable in class.
It became more difficult to observe my classmates as we began our movements. Rebecca continues to bring new and refreshing "dances" to the class. Some of the postures are advanced, and I found a new internal thought process occuring as I explored both sides of my edge. I am more thoughtful of moving into the postures carefully and am starting to become more aware of the movements and the involvement of the body. (I have to do a deep analysis of 35 postures by next month, so it's really important to be aware of the muscles and joints, how they work, and which way they move to support the movements and postures.)
Having been away for several weeks, I haven't taken this class for a while. It was joyful to see Rebecca demonstrate the postures and to lead the practice. While in Chicago, I took classes with three teachers, and all were very good. I spent the weekend with 15 others who are thoughtful and diligent in their practice. Rebecca has a special way of taking the poses and moving between them, and she will always serve as a role model for doing a truly beautiful Yoga.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Milton, WV
Currently driving through Milton, WV on the way home. We have about 323 miles to go, which if driven straight through gets us home about 12:30. If we continue, it will have been a straight through drive from Chicago. We've been through heavy rain and heavy sunshine along the way.
Jenn called and is busy at school. She said it's noisy in the dorm, but suspects that this will settle once folks start their studies -- which begin in earnest next week.
Jenn called and is busy at school. She said it's noisy in the dorm, but suspects that this will settle once folks start their studies -- which begin in earnest next week.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Jenn's in School
We got Jenn settled into her dorm today. She was so excited about moving in that she didn't sleep much last night. Her room is nice and she and her roomate quickly created a home for themselves.
I have officially started missing Jenn today, but I'm not worried because I know that she's going to have an amazing time at school.
I have officially started missing Jenn today, but I'm not worried because I know that she's going to have an amazing time at school.
Bears Pitch a Shutout in Green Bay
Huh? This was the front page headline in the Chicago Tribune today.
I tried to find the online article to post, but I think this one has been edited hence.
And in tennis, I did watch the U.S. Open men's final with Andy Roddick's second cousin, a nice young lady who is a friend of my niece.
I tried to find the online article to post, but I think this one has been edited hence.
And in tennis, I did watch the U.S. Open men's final with Andy Roddick's second cousin, a nice young lady who is a friend of my niece.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Monday
I did not get to do the double-header at the gym today due to timing. My daughter explained that the mat pilates class would probably blow my abs and leave me without the support needed for Yoga class. She is very wise, and I'm sure this was a good call -- although my abs are in very good shape after training for the last 3 1/2 years.
The Yoga class was spectacular with a most interesting, talented and unique teacher. Karolina provides a fresh approach to vinyasa, including a Nia opening dance. I haven't done a dance opening to Yoga for a while, and this was a fun way to warm up. The class ended with shavasana accompanied by a story which provided a connection from our current state, our desires, and a path to a desired outcome. This might sound a little off the normal course, but I assure you that it's most effective.
The studio has mirrors on three walls. While many Yoga teachers suggest looking past the mirrors, I find it helpful for alignment and adjustment of poses. The visual cues are very powerful. In addition, I have been practicing some tall mountain poses and working toward doing them with my eyes closed. Anyone who has tried a balance pose with their eyes closed knows that this adds an additional challenge. The thought crossed my mind that the feedback one receives from visual cues may be faster than than the feedback received from our inner ears. I believe that with practice that the balance poses with closed eyes can improve, and this probably makes the same poses with eyes open even easier.
Tomorrow, we take Jenn to campus. I'll miss seeing her everyday, but I will take comfort that she's close to family and that she is very sensible. We agreed to stay in touch by phone, and it's only about a month before we'll be back for parent's weekend.
The Yoga class was spectacular with a most interesting, talented and unique teacher. Karolina provides a fresh approach to vinyasa, including a Nia opening dance. I haven't done a dance opening to Yoga for a while, and this was a fun way to warm up. The class ended with shavasana accompanied by a story which provided a connection from our current state, our desires, and a path to a desired outcome. This might sound a little off the normal course, but I assure you that it's most effective.
The studio has mirrors on three walls. While many Yoga teachers suggest looking past the mirrors, I find it helpful for alignment and adjustment of poses. The visual cues are very powerful. In addition, I have been practicing some tall mountain poses and working toward doing them with my eyes closed. Anyone who has tried a balance pose with their eyes closed knows that this adds an additional challenge. The thought crossed my mind that the feedback one receives from visual cues may be faster than than the feedback received from our inner ears. I believe that with practice that the balance poses with closed eyes can improve, and this probably makes the same poses with eyes open even easier.
Tomorrow, we take Jenn to campus. I'll miss seeing her everyday, but I will take comfort that she's close to family and that she is very sensible. We agreed to stay in touch by phone, and it's only about a month before we'll be back for parent's weekend.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Hooked on 24
One of the nice things about vacation is that you have a few extra moments to do things that you normally wouldn't do. The show, 24 is most interesting and, yes, addictive. We're watching the show on DVD which allows one to traverse the 24 hours without the 20 minutes or so of commercials. Using the DVD is probably the best way to watch a series -- sort of like a long movie. The last time I did this was on the series Sports Night. And this was also on a vacation.
I'm going to try not to sweat a few idle hours. In fact, I'll do a double session tomorrow with this most fabulous instructor. The first session is mat pilates for 50 minutes, which I've never done before. This is followed by a 25 minute break then a 75-minute Yoga session with the same instructor.
I'm going to try not to sweat a few idle hours. In fact, I'll do a double session tomorrow with this most fabulous instructor. The first session is mat pilates for 50 minutes, which I've never done before. This is followed by a 25 minute break then a 75-minute Yoga session with the same instructor.
Hollywoodland
I wasn't really familiar with the original suicide, but I'm told there was no revelation in this film. It seems that the investigations in the past that didn't reveal anything are not likely to be enhanced via screenplay.
The characters were interesting and well-portrayed, but the pacing was a little slow. I also found the ending uninspired, although I am not going to talk about that here -- just in case.
The characters were interesting and well-portrayed, but the pacing was a little slow. I also found the ending uninspired, although I am not going to talk about that here -- just in case.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
The Windy Suburb
The weather here in the Chicago 'burbs has been incredible this week. Temps in the low 70's, clear with blue skies. With my bio clock still on EDT, I've been waking up around 5:30 in the morning here. There's only so long that you can lie in bed and think happy thoughts, so I found my way out to enjoy the sunrise with a book.
Today, the winds are picking up and the blue is turning to gray. That's okay. As I'm not necessarily and outdoor person, the weather is mostly the domain of the forecasters (and some of my customers who predict the weather with powerful computers).
Speaking of work, I did have the opportunity to release some tension of those who aren't on vacation. Swooping in on the occasional conference call with a clear head allows for quickly identifying the missing pieces and helping the team stay focused on the true objectives (which should never be the escalation of interpersonal conflict over silly stuff). The vacation mindset is a great one to keep. But, like sleep, you can't make deposits and withdrawals from the tolerance bank.
Today, the winds are picking up and the blue is turning to gray. That's okay. As I'm not necessarily and outdoor person, the weather is mostly the domain of the forecasters (and some of my customers who predict the weather with powerful computers).
Speaking of work, I did have the opportunity to release some tension of those who aren't on vacation. Swooping in on the occasional conference call with a clear head allows for quickly identifying the missing pieces and helping the team stay focused on the true objectives (which should never be the escalation of interpersonal conflict over silly stuff). The vacation mindset is a great one to keep. But, like sleep, you can't make deposits and withdrawals from the tolerance bank.
Friday, September 08, 2006
More Yoga
I had a great Yoga class today. The teacher, a young woman from Poland who descended from a family of gymnists, guided the class through a very interesting series of vinyasas. She offered a joyful and light-hearted approach to the class, and finished the session with the gentle distribution of spearmint/eucalyptus oil along the forehead and temples.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Yoga in Chicago
In addition to being a visiting "expert geek" and helping with electronic esoterica, I enjoyed doing a 45-minute meditation class followed by a 75-minute Yoga session. This was my first formal meditation class, which included a warm-up followed by 30 minutes solid. It was pretty intense sitting still for the half-hour, although I was entirely willing to release the layers of work, travel, and the chaotic nature of being away from home (and staying with family).
The weather here is really wonderful. Clear, dry, and low 70's.
The weather here is really wonderful. Clear, dry, and low 70's.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Mobile Blogging
Riding through Columbus, Ohio, and blogging along I-70!
The wireless adapter doesn't connect real easily while moving, but once the connection is established it holds up pretty well.
There is broadband in Columbus and the download rate is up to 1MBb/s.
The wireless adapter doesn't connect real easily while moving, but once the connection is established it holds up pretty well.
There is broadband in Columbus and the download rate is up to 1MBb/s.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
New Gizmo
I picked up a Verizon broadband adapter for the computer today. With the forthcoming trip to the midwest, I wanted to try this on the road. While I don't expect to get broadband the entire way, I'm curious to see if I can do internet on the highway. I expect to be able to connect while stopped, but the true test will be connectivity while moving.
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