What is empowerment coaching and why do I need it? And pose of the week: karṇapīḍāsana

by | Oct 22, 2021 | beginner, Off the Mat, self-care, Uncategorized, yoga practice | 0 comments

 

 

WHAT IS EMPOWERMENT COACHING AND WHY DO I NEED IT?

Life coaching is used to improve performance, achieve preset goals, and obtain desired results in all areas of life. The coach will use a broad range of communication skills, including listening, asking powerful questions, making insightful comments, offering encouragement, and positive feedback. Coaches also serve the role of providing structure and holding accountability with clients around the things they say they will do to achieve their goals.

Annie is trained as a co-active whole life coach and Ayurveda therapist and massage therapist, with 20 years of experience as a yogi and teacher. Annie is a non-denominational ordained minister.

Kari is trained as a Baptiste Empowerment Coach, a professional chef, and has practiced and taught yoga for 6 years. Kari is an ordained minister.

Annie and Kari are ready to support you in changing your life. 

It starts with the yoga, 3X a week or more for life-changing results. But it goes deeper than asana practice. Why are you on your mat? What are your health goals? What personal goals and relationships are you working on this year? How does the work you do in the studio make the work you are doing elsewhere come together? Let’s dive in together and see where it takes us. You can choose a coach to stick with or switch back and forth between Kari and Annie.

Maybe you don’t need a coach. Maybe you are doing all the things and are content with your situation and there is nothing you want to change right now. We will be here later if something comes up.

Every unlimited member receives a monthly 30-minute empowerment coaching session beginning November 1st.  If you are ready to give it a try, here is the link to book your first session!

 

POSE OF THE WEEK:
karṇapīḍāsana–Deaf Yogi’s Pose/Ear pressure pose

LEARN SANSKRIT WITH KARI:
Sanskrit is an Indo-European language that dates back thousands of years. Sanskrit, no longer used colloquially, is an intricately designed language system that has remained intact over time. The same Sanskrit that we learn today can unlock wisdom from antiquity.

This week we explore the pose karṇapīḍāsana–deaf yogi’s pose. 

When reading Sanskrit in English translation, the dot underneath the letters “n” and “d” means you produce the sound by placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth. The lines written above the vowels indicate the vowel is long and therefore extended an extra beat when spoken.

karṇa means the ear.
pīḍa means pressure.
asana means seat or pose.

This pose literally translates to “ear pressure pose.” 

  Benefits of Deaf Yogis (ear pressure) pose

  • Stretches and strengthens the entire spinal column.
  • Gives strength to the lungs and is beneficial for asthma patients.
  • Stimulates the abdominal organs, and thyroid gland.
  • Stretches the shoulders and muscles of the spine.
  • Moderates hypertension.
  • Reduces the symptoms of menopause.
  • Helps to alleviate fatigue, stress, insomnia.
  • Helpful in backache, infertility, sinus disfunction.
  • Good for oxygenating the heart and brain

1.  Karṇapīḍāsana–full expression

In the full version of the pose the knees touch the floor and press into the ears, hands reach for the feet.  Most people can’t reach that far so go where you can. Hands can also be placed on the lower back for support, interlaced behind the back, or grounded on the floor as in the photo.
 

Feet touching floor

2. Modification with blocks

Modifications with blocks and other variations can help you get the benefits of this pose even if you can not close off your ears with your knees. Keep your eyes closed to go inside and be still with yourself in this pose.
 

Blocks under shins

3. Modification with open legs

 Another modification for this pose may include opening the legs wider to stack the shoulders over the hips.
 

Open the legs wider