Author Archive | Christina Bryza

Over and done and just begun–that’s how I feel about the conclusion of teacher training, which really just marked the start of a lifelong journey of learning, healing, and sharing. I can’t quite bring myself to say something ended, even though I know it did. I know that next weekend, I won’t be spending nineteen […]

I was all but certain I would complete a full class last night: The only thing that could have stopped me was myself, and lately I’ve been careful to keep out of my own way. So I wasn’t really surprised to be ringing the Tibetan singing bowl at the end of class. But I was […]

Graduation is in four days, and if I don’t successfully teach a complete class tomorrow, I’ll have to return my diploma after the ceremony. And it will be okay. Take that, my Type A personality traits! I’ve chosen santosha (aka contentment) and isvara (aka surrender) over fear and anxiety, and it is a blessed relief. […]

Such a simple question, and the answer means so much. We had a quiz on the sutras today, and I didn’t have much time to study: Last night I spent ten minutes reviewing class handouts and notes while I ate dinner, this morning I looked up a couple websites while waiting for the bus, and […]

“Take the class through a collective breath, and then I’m going to take over.” The voice was gentle and kind, and yet I almost had to choke back tears as I did as I was told, asking everyone to take a full, rich inhale and heading toward the back of the room as I haaaaaaaahed […]

I’m writing this post primarily to document two events of personal interest that transpired in the last twenty-four hours. So please forgive the lack of structure or theme. (Or don’t read any further.) Firstly, chair pose: I have no problem doing it but have been really struggling to teach it. In the sequence I must […]

I’ve been unusually aware of the fleeting present, lately. This past weekend of yoga training was painful and sad, in the best of ways–if that makes any sense. Early a.m. Bikram led by one of Bikram’s longtime colleagues was definitely one source of sorrow and sweet, sweet release. Plenty of students in my training are […]

I saw a play tonight that I really enjoyed. The theater was small, and I gained renewed appreciation for the bravery of an actor: making the choice to expose your soul, if you are any good. To share your heart and voice with a group of strangers and friends. Communicating takes courage. Tomorrow night’s training […]

So I’m teaching again in a couple of days, and I’m taking tonight to study. Some time to reflect, refresh, and restore. Because for a practicing yogi, I haven’t felt very relaxed recently. But, thankfully, tonight I’ve reached a turning point. I knew it would come; they always do. But being patient isn’t always easy. […]

I.   LOVE.   YOGA! That sentiment should be beyond evident if you’ve ever read a word of my blog, but it’s never felt truer than tonight. I taught a full (half) class! All by myself! I’m actually glad I didn’t get through the whole thing–I knew I wouldn’t, such is the structure of tandem […]

I woke up today like a kid on Christmas morning, eagerly checking the training calendar to see if I’d been scheduled to teach. And I squealed just like a child when I saw I was on the roster: As of 10 p.m. tomorrow, I’ll have made the transition from trainee to teacher!!! Well, technically I’ll […]

I just did my very first set of at-home sun salutations and I sincerely hope I have the discipline to make it a daily practice. For one thing, it only took about five minutes. And for another thing, I feel amazing! Equally amazing is that in all my years of yoga, it was not until […]

It’s a good thing I’m so interested in learning about kids, because on Sunday I certainly acted like one. And I’m glad, because I felt my feelings and released them and once I’d been counseled I was filled with absolute calm. It was a peaceful catharsis and I am grateful for it. But still. I’m […]

I don’t want to be too dramatic, but I miiight have found my calling. I learned about kiddie yoga at a training session this weekend and I loved every minute of it. Of course I can’t know for sure until I actually work with some children, but pretty much everything about this aspect of yoga […]

At the end of the yoga class I took tonight, the teacher read a quote by George Bernard Shaw. “I am of the opinion,” he said, “that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.” I resonate so strongly […]

It can be the hardest thing, doing nothing. Allowing your mind to race but not chasing thoughts, allowing the urge to fidget but not giving in to movement. I can move my body, but I choose not to move my body. It is this physical decision that paves the way for calm, for when I […]

As allergy season approaches, the best advice I can offer is to use a neti pot. This simple method of natural cleansing will do wonders for your sinus passages. Firstly, the flow of water assists in the removal of debris, allowing for better breathing. Secondly, the salt in the water kills bacteria, aiding the immune system. […]

Over the last week or two I’ve been becoming brave. I still have fears and doubts but I am taking action anyway, behaving “as is,” because, well, I am. I am a giver and a teacher and a leader and a lover of life. Yoga is for everyone and I want to share my personal […]

All I knew about Anusara yoga before tonight, I’d read in a NYT article about its founder. I’m a huge believer that alignment is a crucial aspect of asana, if not the most important part of a physical practice, so I liked that the Anusara style puts major emphasis on alignment. I also support the […]

Tonight I taught my first class ever! To myself! I ended eleven minutes early and I know I forgot superhero pose and I forgot to offer the bind at the end of left side angle series and I don’t recall offering it all during the crescent prayer twists but whatever, I talked for fifty minutes […]