April 30, 2004
Namaste Noble Warriors!
just a note to all fence sitters and their reservations about getting on the
official whole food program of WF: SUNRIDER HERBS!
Today is the LAST DAY you can join before a 20% jump in the wholesale prices
of the herbs, baby! Dr. Chen is clearing out the Temple, baby!
It's not too late to join the massive energy and knowledge of the Ilg SR Downline
but you must act today. See Direct Lines entry of Wednesday below to sign up
under a certified WF Teacher of your choice.
Now, onto some common but important questions from one of our newest
SUNRIDER's...
On Apr 28, 2004, at 2:41 PM, Sorensen, Scott A wrote:
Hey Zen Master!
Sorry, to keep bugging you about the Sunrider products. I ordered
some of the FD and the slim/action caps/Calli tea yesterday. What do
me when I quote you " Slim Caps can be a tough ride for many,contact
me for supervision if things get a bit much for you." I'm in the dark
on that one. Also, you said just to the phase one part on page 282 of
your book, can I still order the shake to mix up to make the ILG
Supreme? Another note on the Calli Tea, you said not to use it when I bike
or do my long runs, but instead use the FD. When is a good time to
drink the tea so it won't interfere with my workouts, or should I hold
off on the tea for 3 months or so?
Thanks again!!!
Scott
? Dear Herbal Warrior,
you are not bugging me. The only people who 'bug' me about SUNRIDER herbs
are the people who won't join but keep asking me how to get lean, feel strong, and
vibrate with the intensity of Polaris! I'm like, "You gotta get on the herbs, dude."
They respond, "Oh, I don't like MLM's" or "My doctor doesn't want me on herbs."
That is what bugs me. Not you. You are a member of our downline that has seen
and felt by direct experience the power of these super concentrated whole foods
from within.
On to your questions:
Slim Caps/rough ride =
Think of Slim Caps as a roto-rooter for the many feet of
intenstines in your body. Before SUNRIDER, you accumulated layers of extra-cellular
'gunk' along the GastroIntestinal (GI) lining due to consumption of processed foods and
beverages and other foods that are not in synergy with the physiologic workings of your
GI tract. Well, Slim Caps will function like strength training for the colonic/GI tracts. There
is a 'running' joke among new SUNRIDER's that Dr. Chen's herbs will make you very
familiar with your toilet. In other words, Slim Caps are going to start churning up the
accumulated and encrusted matter that is now caking your GI/colonic tract which in turn
is causing you to become malnourished since you are losing nutrient imbibing through the
armor of the hardened tract. Slim Caps will gently (if you LISTEN TO and APPLY
my 3-Phase to the herbs!) soften your stool, increase transit time, and essentially gift you
the largest blessing of long-term health and for that matter, the key secret to yogic powers;
clean bowels, baby! Most American dis-eases and all these weird 'syndromes' stem from
people feasting on way too much dairy, meat, processed, bio-engineered, and junk foods and
drinks. Follow my 3-Phase Approach to SUNRIDER herbs baby...you get clean, clear,
and POWERFUL fast while your body drops bodyfat and grows Lighter in more ways than one.
Slim Caps also fire up the respiration capacities of impacted fat that does not get burned
during Cardio training. Slim Caps burn up "old" fat, Action Caps burn up "new fat" as
we like to explain in SUNRIDER.
RE:Also, you said just to the phase one part on page 282 of your TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION
book, can I still order the shake to mix up to make the ILG Supreme? =
No. I want to to follow my directions. That is what the Teacher/Student or the Coach/Athlete
relationship is all about. You follow my directions. Otherwise, i lose track of where you are
and i cannot effectively guide you. Remember, i have hundreds of students. Do not complicate
things. Just follow the Proven Path of Transformation. I have trained thousands before you
toward very High levels of body/mind health and fitness. But only the ones that listen and follow
the guidelines are the Ones who Rise Higher the fastest and the safest and the most profoundly! You
will need to remain on Phase One; the Cleansing Stage for at least 3 months before your physiology
and subtle anatomy is clean enough and conditioned enough to handle the Life Force of Phase Two. Trust me.
RE: Another note on the Calli Tea, you said not to use it when I bike or do my long runs,
but instead use the FD. When is a good time to drink the tea so it won't interfere with my workouts,
or should I hold off on the tea for 3 months or so? =
Okay, first of all, it's not Calli "Tea"...it's Calli Beverage. Tea is just that; tea. Calli is an ancient
beverage created and used extensively for thousands of years and made famous by the
Shaolin Monks to sustain their meditation and combative workouts. Calli is extremely effective
at pulling out heavier toxins from cell basement membranes and will also increase agni (digestive fire) which
is why people can just drink Calli and lose bodyfat. Supremely effective at heightening mental chi,
Calli is the ideal drink for students, computer workers, writers, etc. I suggest using Calli Night at night so the
'adaptogenic qualities' of regular Calli don't get your mental chi too worked up late at night since most
Americans (particularly those who don't do yoga or meditate) regular Calli will tend to amp their
mind energy up. Calli Night, does the opposite. It is very soothing and calming to the chi, making it the
ideal before bedtime sipping beverage. No. Do not "hold off" on the Calli! Just drink Fortune Delight
during the day and on your bike rides, then enjoy Calli Night at..night.
May this help..
i bow to you in strength and spirit from the humble Source of WF,
coach ilg RYT/USCF
Director/SUNRIDER International
April 29, 2004
"The Path of self-elevation is a little crooked in the beginning. Even a sadhaka (a student of spiritual practices) with a strong heart
becomes nervous and confused. Remember this.
Whenever the mind is confused, the grace of God comes to the help of the seeker. By analyzing the confusion in the heart, it
disappears, and we begin to understand ourselves better.
Unconquerable awareness is the be-all and end-all of the sadhaka. It is never tired, never loses patience, never loses courage,
never gets confused, but forever remains awake."
- Sitamarhi, 29. 3.62 & 2.4.62
�
Namaste Noble Yogic Warriors!
Thank you for the strength of your Practice this week. It is your consistency of Practice that brings Light and well being to the world
and keeps our humble (but powerful) Studio open for others to begin to find what you now enjoy; greater health, more fit bodies,
and increased peace and inner power.
Don't forget... tomorrow night:
APRIL 30th, Friday 6:30 pm -7:30 pm:
Sunrider Herb Phase #1 with Steve
Cell Cleansing/Fat Loss...come, learn, share, then go see a movie
across the street!
Free
i feel blessed and very grateful for having all of you in my life,
dharma blessings,
coach ilg
owner/HP Yoga
Namaste Noble Warriors!
Recently, I was approached by a friend, Leena, to contribute to an interview on Wholistic Fitness senior Teacher, Quentin �Sugiyukako� Vaughan.
I thought you might enjoy it as well. I will let you know when the whole article is released. May it inspire your workout today.
�
AN INTERVIEW WITH COACH ILG
by Leena
"Emotionally, WF has provided me with equanimity and an ever deepening sense of moment by moment appreciation and compassion. My training lets me gobble up the difficulties of life like tasty morsels of soul food."
-Coach Ilg
#1. Quentin said you are the founder of Wholistic Fitness.� In your words, how would you describe this training and the purpose of it?
� Wholistic Fitness is a manifestation of my 'karma yoga' or my Service of Inner Duty to the world. Tagore, the mystic poet once wrote,"I have spent my life stringing and unstringing my Instrument, yet the song I came to sing remains unsung." I have always wanted the message of my life to
contribute something helpful, something healthy to the world. Even if no one chose to pay attention to my 'song' it does not matter, because karma yoga is about cultivating one's inner self, the soul. If the outer world LOVES Wholistic Fitness or despises it, it doesn't matter. Fortunately, Wholistic Fitness has helped thousands of people lead more balanced lives by making their bodies and mind more fit. Wholistic Fitness uses personal fitness training as a vehicle for spiritual growth and self-transformation. The study of Wholistic Fitness means engaging Five Fitness Disciplines (strength, cardio, yoga, meditation, and nutrition) combined with Four Lifestyle Principles (breath & posture, mindfulness, appropriate action, and practice) to attain a completely balanced body stabilized by a manageable mind and elevated by a sense of spiritual integrity.
�
#2.� What made you start Wholistic Fitness and how has if affected you as a person physically, emotionally, and mentally?
� I never really 'started' Wholistic Fitness (WF). It has been the workplay of my soul for many lifetimes. This I know. I'm just letting it sing through me as best as possible. But what I am able to write about, speak about, and teach is just a tiny fragment of the immense information that comes through me, particularly during my meditations and sleep states. In 1982, I formally introduced Wholistic Fitness after meditating on my own Teacher's counsel and encouragement to lead a spiritual life doing what I love best. For me, that meant never losing, no matter what, my basic love of having fun in the outdoors, moving and breathing in my body. I have sacrificed many things in order to 'play' every day, but I certainly would not have it any other way.
How WF has affected me physically? Well, 5 World Championships in 4 different sports is on my resume, a feat no one has yet repeated. At 42 years old now, I can still outperform nearly any athlete regardless of age. For instance it is very difficult to outperform me physically across the physiologic realms of ultra-endurance, endurance, strength, power, agility, flexibility, mind control, and mastery of food and water. In fact, I have yet to meet the athlete who can keep up with me in these many disciplines on very little food or water intake. This is what a Master Student of Wholistic Fitness attains; physical balance led by mental discipline.
Emotionally, WF has provided me with equanimity and an ever deepening sense of moment by moment appreciation and compassion. My training lets me gobble up the difficulties of life like tasty morsels of soul food.
Mentally, WF has strengthened my capacity to navigate the inner realms of the constituents of my mental fabric. I have climbed some of the most difficult mountains in the world. Often with no rope or safety measures. I have over 75 climbing first ascents to my credit. Yet, climbing the mountains of my mind remain and will remain by far, the most fascinating, difficult, and joyful ascents I have yet to attain.
#3.� Over the past 12 years you've watch Quentin incorporate the wholistic fitness training in his lifestyle.� How would you say it changed him?�
� Not much. He is a very feeble student.
Just kidding! I reserve my deepest bows to my beautiful Q. The first name I gave him was, "Never Quittin' Quentin." He has, in the absolute Highest of Ways, continued to live up to that name. You see, along the Spiritual Journey, talent does not matter. Intellect does not matter. Material possessions are more of a hindrance than a help. What matters most in the Spiritual Journey are these qualities; Love, Faith, and Perseverance. Quentin is a Master Student and a Teacher of my Path because no matter how hard life has come at him, he has always demonstrated the leading quality of a WF Warrior; Elegance in Difficulty.
�
#4.� Through this journey, where have you seen the training of Wholistic Fitness�come in handy or taken advantage of?
� Well, a fraction of my personal exploits and adventures have been documented in various magazines, books, and throughout my five books and in my online journal; DIRECT LINES at www.wholisticfitness.com
The training of WF has not just allowed me to survive but actually feel amazingly Blessed by experiences that most people might consider 'bad luck' such as bankruptcy, a broken back, paralysis, loneliness, depression, divorce, and a host of other challenging circumstances. As I sit here answering these questions, it is my training as a WF Warrior that makes me tingle with Joy as I know I am making myself a better person by not running away from such things, but using them to grow in multidimensional ways. WF has enabled me to feel brave and soft and strong and kind.
�
#5.� As the author of Total Body Transformation, who would you recommend to read the book and why?� What do you�think one can benefit from the book?� (By the way, I have a copy.)�
�
� EVERYONE would benefit from reading TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION. Then, if everyone would actually do the 4 workout plans in the book, the entire planet would be spiritually awakened! But seriously, I never write a book unless I truly, deeply feel that it can help benefit humankind. I don't like writing books that much. I would much rather be out skiing or riding my bicycle! TBT took me about 4 years to write, so you BETTER enjoy it! TBT is a guidebook for self transformation through personal fitness. It will help anyone start to erase their negative tendencies and lead a more empowered, balanced, and joyful life. Maybe even a more sacred one. Not bad for $24, wouldn't you say?
thank you for your questions!
i bow to you,
coach ilg, RYT/USCF
founder/www.wholisticfitness.com
April 28, 2004
Dear Coach -
so, your Avalanche are down 3 games...your team's gotta win four straight now...what do think?"
- S.H. Vancouver
Dear S.H. -
we got 'em right where we want em, baby!
namaste,
coach ilg
?
Those of you who are, for one rationalization or another, still sitting on the fence about joining SUNRIDER herbs, you better git off the sitting.
Dr. Chen is thinning out the herd...anyone who is NOT a SUNRIDER member by May 1st (only costs $20 one time fee to join) is going to suffer the consequences of a 20, yes, 20% jump in the wholesale cost of the herbs.
Dr. Chen don't mess around. He will NOT compromise the intense expense of preserving the ancient wisdom of the herbs he uses which means growing and buying and cultivating the most premier plants on Ma Earth, then formulating, enhancing, and most of all intensely concentrating the herbs (sometimes 12:1 ratio of raw herbs into product).
Like WF and HP Yoga, SUNRIDER herbs are a Path for Finders, not Seekers. So, if you are tired of dinking around with all the other crap out there and ready for genuine regenerative whole food nutrition that will empower your billions of cells with energy and purity, then go to:
www.sunrider.com
and hit JOIN NOW as a Preferred Customer.
at this late juncture and in order to get into my email updates, usage, and guidance then use one of the following WF Teachers info when the icons as for your Sponsor:
WF Teachers:
? Joseph Sheader
email: jomanjitrain@earthlink.net
SR ID#: 001247151
? Chris Roche
email: fit4adventure@cs.com
SR ID# 008003495
? Joy Kilpatrick
email: joykilpatrick@aol.com
SR ID# 008028188
? steve ilg
email: ilgtrain@pacbell.net
SR ID#: 0000 81735
you do NOT want to miss this ship that is heading out of a very economical port, you know what i am saying?
you can also order the herbs immediately upon joining. i suggest everyone start with my PHASE ONE: Cell Cleansing which is described on page 282 of TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION.
jao!
i bow to your devotion to non-violent, regenerative, herbal whole foods...
in strength & spirit,
coach ilg RYT/USCF
April 26, 2004
Noble Warriors -
the new issue of Organic Athlete is out...so check it out and better yet,
join WF Student's Bradley's brave campaign to turn more athletes toward wholeness..
the new stuff is at:
http://www.organicathlete.org/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=30
here is the main link:
http://www.organicathlete.org
namaste,
coach ilg
Namaste Noble Warriors!
i would like to dedicate today's entry to my ultra racing bro and huge supporter of Wholistic Fitness and High Performance Yoga, Ron Jones of High Performance Health. He made today's LA Times (visit the link below). Ron and i use our brohood to vent about how ()*&()*& difficult it is to get most American's back and breathing into the absolute priv�i�lege of their bodies. To insult the body/mind with chronic lack of exericise and poor food choice is to chroncially abuse the Sacred Gift of life.
i bow to you, RJ...
hey,
ripples make waves, baby!
may all beings breathe into their bodies and feel the rush of the Divine...
coach ilg
���
Fitness Friends,
I made the LA Times Health Section today along with my Wellcoaching client Cindy Wilson.� Cindy went from 260 to just 206 since September�NO diets and NO bogus exercise gizmos!� Cindy changed her behaviors with the help of my Wellcoaching to become physically active every day and to eat with balance, variety, and moderation.� Cindy has lost weight every single week since September with the exception of only one�her consistency and dedication to change is paying off in improved health and well-being!� Bravo Cindy!� When a person wants to change from within, Wellcoaches can be an important part of the support system for changing.�
To learn more about Wellcoaching and view above article, please read link below:
http://www.ronjones.org/Personal/PressCoverage/GetALifeWhileYouGetInShape.html
In enduring health,
Ron
Ron Jones, MS
ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor
Licensed Corporate Wellcoach
www.ronjones.org�
"High-Performance Health"
April 25, 2004
"Dear Coach -
...that one encounters very few TRUE TEACHERS in the course of a life journey, and that i would really rather travel to tarzana than venice, or tibet.
namaste,
macbabz"
"Blinded by ignorance and egoism, you have lost many opportunities in your past lives. Intoxicated by these, you shut your eyes to real grandeur. Before that also, in several lives
you tried to dedicate your self to yoga and samadhi (meditation), but it was only when you were
defeated by life. Now the sky is clear; the path is lighted and the green flag bears this
inscription: "Brave warrior, go forward, forward."
- Mohghyr 16.3.61
and now a missive from WF Teacher Sheader:
My beautiful Wholistic Fitness tribal brothers and sisters,
I want to let you know how grateful I and my son, young warrior Kerry, are
for your support & generosity in helping us get the Philippines for his
World Martial Art Championship in Eskrima Kali.
More than any other source the bulk of donations have come from the WF
Sangha! That says so much. In fact, we are about two-thirds there in our
fund raising.
We still have a few days left to finish our fund raising and get our tickets
so it certainly is okay with Kerry and I if you want to contribute still.
Kerry will be writing to each one of you expressing his gratitude.
At this point, as he finishes his track season, his training is coming a
long...2-4 hours a day. I will get some pictures up in DL in the coming
weeks and hope to bring some back as well.
The tournament will be in Cebu City, the Philippines, June 23-25th. In spite
of this area of the world being a risky place to travel right now we are
confident that with our WF practice, the energy of the WF tribe with us,
and divine presence that exists in all people we will have a go(o)d time
with just enough adventure to tell stories.
In peace and presence,
WF Teacher Joseph "Haku Hatsuiku" Sheader
home (970) 263-4509
email jomanjitrain@earthlink.net
2014 north 20th St.
grand junction co 81501
usa
To satisfy you DL readers who seem to think that feeble ilg did not have it going on in the 80's! This promo shot for my first book, THE OUTDOOR ATHLETE was actually taken in 1985 for a Great Harvest Bread Company advertisement who was one of my climbing sponsors during that era. Got to love the socks with the climbing shoes! What you can't see is that my hair had these awesome (gruesome?) neon blue and blonde streaks in it and as was my hallmark, all my fingernails were painted with Tibetan spiritual symbols. You have to admit though, you can't go wrong with an eagle feather earcuff, baby! Back then, only wussies used ropes. Here, i am about 20 feet off the deck up on Flagstaff Mountain near Boulder, Colorado.
April 23, 2004
ULTRA RACING INPUT...
Noble Warriors..
for you Ultra Endurance Athletes, here is some counsel to WF Student Timari as she prepares for a 24-hour solo mountain bike race in Idyllwild, California tomorrow. I'll see if we can get a picture of Tim and a race report from her after her event...
���
hey coach,
i was just mailing you to ask, yet again, how many Sunrider Action Caps do i want to take during the race, and when? and how far apart, etc? if you could please let me know i would appreciate it. and i promise to be more mindful next time when you give directions!
Teacher Q's HP Yoga class was great last night! my shoulder feels way better! i just made sure to breath into it at all times. i really enjoyed Q's class!
now, it is all about racing baby! tomorrow at high noon
love you!
tim
�
Noble But ForgetFull Student Tim -
yes, i gave you some Light yesterday and Teacher Q's personal Practice is firm, thus, the Transmission
has been made into your noble efforts...all is well for your race. be sure to tell Q your in-joyment of his class!
during the race: if your nutrition has been on par before the race, let the first 4 hours go by, then start taking WITH PLENTY OF WATER and FORTUNE DELIGHT so the gel cap dissolves entirely and does not get stuck in your mouth,
4 Action Caps every 4 hours.
thus, think "4"
4 hours into the race, take 4 caps
then, every 4 hours of the race, take another 4 caps.
doing this will keep your thermogenic fat burning capacties as well as cell respiration at peak
functioning...you will not bonk, you will feel energized, your energy will be very steady state...
that is how a thermogenic feeding ultra endurance athlete performs best...
stay away from the commerical foods and drinks as they tend to cause myriad blood sugar
and digestive enzymatic confusion causing the body to spend precious physiologic energy
which should instead be contributing to one thing: FORWARD MOMENTUM!
i bow to you...
coach 'ultra' ilg
Noble Herb Eaters...
i forgot which one of you asked me the difference between Vitashake and NuPlus
and then the differences between NuPlus's Simply Herbs, Naturally Plain, and Regular.
the questions began when i stated that i use NuPlus Simply Herbs for my second (or third)
Ilg Supreme per day. Finally, someone wanted to know the difference between Sunny Dew and
SunNectar.
i shall clarify these questions below:
�) Difference between VitaShake and NuPlus
VitaShake is a superior, more wide spectrum whole food nutrient powder than its precursor
but still fantastic product; NuPlus (once known as 'Nutrien'). The herbal profile in Vitashake
comes from higher quality herbs and the concentration factor is even greater than 10 lbs of raw
herbs to create 1 lb of product. this intense concentration of all SR products is a key factor
of SR's ability to transform weakness into strength and brittleness into supple strength. the impact
of the concentrated herbs upon the chi flows of the internal body is what ignites long-term health
and the vivid energy that hallmarks the devoted Sunrider herb eater.
�) Difference between NuPlus Naturally Plain, Simple Herbs, and Regular.
Naturally Plain still has some fruit fiber, although very little. Very easy to digest. Great for seniors/kids.
Simply Herbs has absolutely no fruit fiber in it...very, very easy to digest. Great for seniors/kids. Can
even flow through a sports water bottle! Ilg Supreme on the run, baby! The ultimate anti-bonk fluid.
Regular (No Beans) Bulk
No beans...that's the difference. Ingredient list on the SR web site.
And that ain't no beans!
�) SunNectar/Sunny Dew - when would one use this instead of Sunny Dew?
SunNectar is the original formula. It's texture is thicker. more anti-fungal. Use SunNectar When you don't want the "licorice" taste...both have the same benefit. Some people like the taste of Sunny Dew, some the Sunectar. Trish, for example, likes SunNectar in her hot Calli & Sunny Dew in the Fortune Delight but switches them around depending upon her mood. I tend to go for SunnyDew 3 months in a row, then
i enjoy bringing in the Nectar, baby!
And, as with any of the SR products, get it in you or on you and it will work.
�) My SUNRIDER HERB Lecture on Phase I; Cell Cleansing/Fat Loss on FRIDAY, April 30th at 6:30 pm at the HIGH PERFORMANCE YOGA STUDIO. Be there and bring your questions and friends. Free.
Steve Ilg, RYT/USCF
author/TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION
director/SUNRIDER Herbs
read DIRECT LINES; Daily Meditations From Coach Ilg available all the time, updated all the time at www.HighPerformanceYoga.com or www.WholisticFitness.com
Noble Coaches,
Two coworkers/friends have joined the gym--and have
been dedicated in their practice--because they are
inspired by my Work with you. They hadn't exercised in
many years. Another has started taking yoga with me,
and noted that my going keeps her going. My dad, 62
next month, started working out again, inspired by
this Path.
Their transformation is a thing of beauty.
I bow to your Life's Work.
Student Doreen
Noble Warriors,
i hate to tell you but it is coming evident now that
Hell has surely frozen over...
the Av's lose to the San Jose Sharks in Game #1
and
Lance wins a stage in the Tour of Georgia..by SPRINTING!
Dharma Blessings within your workouts today,
coach ilg
April 22, 2004
Coach Ilg...
Your book has been like a bible to me.
- Scott
When we kill animals to eat them, they end up killing us because their
flesh, which contains cholesterol and saturated fat, was never intended for
human beings.
-William Clifford Roberts, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The
American Journal of Cardiology
April 21, 2004
Namaste Noble Wholistic Fitness Warriors!
to me,
genuine fitness has all-ways meant 'fitting into'
the flow of our life, our planet, and our Highest Aspirations...
the mass slaughter of animals for fast food consumption is more
than a dis-grace.
it is to me, the manifestation of the Collective Weakness...
the mutual unwillingness of our society to work within themselves
and develop sensitivity and compassion.
Fast food corporations long ago infiltrated our schools to help create
a 60+% contribution to the overfatness of our national Tribe.
The owners of these fast food companies are worse than drug pushers.
They should be taxed to help pay for the medicial onslaught of needs that
overfat and underexercised people create and require.
Write a letter to your school(s). Tell them to place whole foods on the menu
and get rid of soda drinks.
Then, enjoy your cruelty and preservative free Sunrider herbs and other natural, organic whole foods. It's go(o)d to do so.
that is all.
for Now.
Namaste along the Endless Warrior's Way...
coach ilg
founder/Wholistic Fitness
April 20, 2004
dear coach,
greetings from Georgia, all here is humming with the good vibe of WF thanks to you and teacher Haku. being born and raised in Detroit myself, it is extremely hard to for me to have a favorite Av's fan but you rise above it all. in that spirit i was wondering about the possiblity of a friendly little WF type wager when the Wings and Av's meet in the next round (conference finals). are you in?? don't know what the stakes should be, i'll leave that open to negotiation. let me know what you think.
SR questions - if i'm taking Veros do i also still take the beauty Pearls? what is a good dosage for Veros?
humbly,
WS Moses
Moses
���
Dear WF Student Moses!
great hearing from you. always interesting to see who writes in after i talk hockey on DL! all the crazies come out of the would-work!
yogis don't wager...besides, agreeing to a wager would imply that the Wings actually have a chance this year against us...NOT!
Yes, take Beauty Pearls even on Veros. It's when females are on Bella that the Pearls are redundant.
Veros is Food For The Kundalini in my experience. So the dosage must be dovetailed around the maturity of one's Pranayama Practice, otherwise
that much CHI in the sexual center could be a bit, uh....distracting and possibly dangerous if one is not being well supervised in Pranayama. a safe effective dose for a WF Student like you would be 2 caps in the am, and 2 in the mid day.
keep in contact with me on this, however.
go Avs!
proud of you!
love,
coach
Noble WF Fans and Friends in Vancouver...
i am sorry about Game 7 last night.
ouch.
the herbal formula, Beauty Pearls and/or Ese from SUNRIDER Herbs very good for calming emotional stress, particuarly from lost Game 7's. i know. i am an Av fan.
once you get the chi back to watch hockey again, please root for the Av's. we gotta keep the Cup away from those teams that come from where no ice forms.
chin up
chi up
spirit strong...get out and do some Cardio...all will fine again soon...
i bow to your team,
coach ilg
author/The Winter Athlete
April 19, 2004
Hi coach.............hope all is swell down your way. Got a question
for you..............
I just had my first ( to establish a baseline ) bone density test . It
came back alittle low----what they call osteopenia---moderate in lumbar
area and mild in femur. I'm taken by surprise given all the exercise i
do. Anyway what is is----for this moment anyway huh ?
What should i add from SR for this and in what amounts----i do not now
and haven't ever taken calcium supplements ? Thanks for your
input on this
blessings student shelli
Noble Shel -
do not worry.
however, i am glad you asked.
yes, women in particular after mid-thirties should regularly
be aware of bumping up a HIGH QUALITY calcium intake.
regular concussive exercise such as hiking, power yoga(where you jump the
feet up to the hands), strength training (squats), even calensthetics or plyometric training is needed to
keep the joint bed strong with synovial fluid responses and bone mass integrity.
even world class cyclists suffer from bone mass loss because they never do anything
concussive on their bodies so their bones weaken. that is why in WF we do it all, baby:
strength training, cardio, yoga, etc.
bring in some "Herb Cal"
(#242501, 90 caps for $13)
on your next SR order.
i take 1-2 caps each day.
i suggest for you, to re-establish some bone regeneration
taking 2 caps (together) but not more since anything much more above
2000 mg is not likely to produce increased effects and might
cause the body to work needlessly to shuffle about the extra
intake.
i am forwarding this to the WF Sangha for everyone's consideration.
love,
coach ilg
coache',
�
i saw the yoga segment
on E!Entertainment last night ...
nice soundbite..very nice.....
�
next time it's your turn!
namaste',
student dansan
�
Do not think that the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth.
Truth is found in life and not merely in conceptual knowledge.
Be ready to learn throughout your entire life and to observe reality in yourself and in the world at all times.
Thich Nhat Hanh
April 18, 2004
Namaste Noble Ones -
in the beginning of our awakening into spiritual fitness, we begin befriending the breath. as we mature through the Five Disciplines of WF; strength, cardio, yoga, meditation, and nutrition we inevitably find the beginning of the Endless Breath. it is then, with that Divine Touch of conscious inspiration through breathing that our Practice takes on the true flavor of a Warrior's Journey. motivation for workouts are, from that point onward, taken ever deeper inward. workouts turned within is what WF is all about.
may the grace of conscious breath dance within your day...
i bow to you,
coach ilg
ps; of minor note...there might be a couple of seconds of an interview of your feeble coach on E! Entertainment's show tonight called, "Tipped For Success" or something to that effect.
April 17, 2004
Dear Coach Ilg -
I have participated in 2 HP Prop workouts and 2 of Joy's mixed flow. Wow! You both know how to take Yoga to a better level. I love your classes, and try to make it to one or the other (Tuesday or Thursday) each week.
I am hooked, thank you, I have become a lot stronger in the last 4 weeks and I am learning how to take care of my mind and body to help me through a few problems. Thank you,
NM, Calabasas, CA
���
Dear Teacher -
I left a small token of my affection for you all
of a Ganesh candle and little I-Ching book
at your beautiful studio...I will always cherish every
moment that I am blessed to be your student.
Namaste
xo
sue
��
Once again, I cannot thank you enough for your advice and guidance. I can feel my mind and body starting to stir. My awareness is increasing...I pray that the awareness will lead to more compassion, less selfishness and a release of control. I am blessed to have you in my life.
Your devoted student.
Melissa Kai �
��
Yogi Steve
I want to thank you for the gift that you give to me on a weekly basis, yoga has begun to transform my life. This Thursday in class I had some break through's and it was exciting.
I appreciate your hard, inspirational practice,
Yogi Barry
���
Namast� Coach,
I can't begin to tell you how beautiful and inspirational
class was last night. It truly was the best ever in the 5 years that
I've known you. Perhaps it was me?
The poem brought tears to my eyes.
I'm apologize for not staying to chat after class, but I had to savor
the remaining moments that the class had instilled in me.
I drove home with such a focus and in silence. No radio, no cell phones
or pagers ringing ----- just the silence of the evening. "That is
all."
I bow to you,
Student Fusano
April 16, 2004
Dear Friends:
Last fall, 26 individuals from the cancer community joined me on an inspiring journey across America from Los Angeles to Washington, DC.� This year, I'm looking for 20 cyclists who have been touched by cancer to join the Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope(tm) Team to help inspire and invigorate interest in cancer research.
I'm partnering with Bristol-Myers Squibb, the company who provided the drugs with which I was treated, to lead the Tour of Hope.� The Tour will kick off in Los Angeles on October 1, 2004 and reach Washington, DC on October 9.� The Tour of Hope riders will stop in cities along the way to share their personal stories that bring to life the importance of cancer research.� I'll join the team at the start, finish and for selected segments along the way.�
The cross-country ride is only one of many ways to become involved in the Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope.� Consider joining us in Washington for a fundraising recreational ride at the grand finale on October 9, or as a volunteer at locations along the route.�
The 20-member Tour of Hope Team must have the cycling ability and physical endurance to complete the 3,200 mile trip, which will involve cycling in 100-mile relays each day for� 8 days, riding day and night. Equally important is a passion for furthering cancer research.� The team will include cancer survivors, caregivers, physicians, nurses, and researchers, who will train for 16 weeks under the guidance of Carmichael Training Systems.
Please forward this message to your friends and help spread the word about the Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope.� If you're interested in being a part of the 20-person team, visit www.tourofhope.org and apply.� All applications for these 20-rider spots are due by April 20th.
Sincerely,
Lance Armstrong
Cancer Survivor
Tour de France Champion
April 15, 2004
Namaste Noble Warriors!
for those of you back East that want a High Performance Yoga chi hit in real time, bookmark this website of WF Teacher Chris Roche's new yoga studio; The Twisted Sage:
http://www.twistedsage.com/index.htm
then go take a class!
one of only Four Certified Wholistic Fitness Teachers in the world, Teacher Roche embodies the spirit and unflagging passion for multi-disciplined fitness that supports spiritual advancement over the course of one's life. to be able to take a HP inspired yoga class from him is surely not to be missed.
�
just back from another amazing gorgeous 2.5 hour road ride up in the Santa Mountains. the Santa Monica mountain are the refuge of my mountain spirit these days.
getting into them, only takes several minutes of dealing with Ventura Boulevard and her snarls of traffic. but usually, those serveral minutes contain more than a few life-and-death encounters with angry, speeding cagers (car addicts).
perhaps it's Tax Time, increased Gasoline Prices, or maybe just the plantary alignment fueling the ever present angst among the cagers, but two very close calls have nearly caused me to experience anger arising toward the cagers. on Monday, just before my right hand turn to start the steep and spirit deep climb of my beloved Tuna Canyon, a "Prime Time Shuttle" van veered off of the Pacific Coast Highway onto the shoulder upon which i was riding and damn near put my ass into Prime Time at 70+ mph.
then, today, get this...i am NOT making this up...i was putting on my Lance Armstrong best, cranking up Old Topanga Canyon stoked after a 13 minute climb up the 6k climb of Stunt Road, when i sensed yet another speeding car addict coming up fast behind me on the narrow mountain road. moving over once again into my 'gutter of nobility' as far as i could, sure enough this metallic, tire squealing flash comes flying past me going WAY TOO fast for the 35mph mountain town speed limit.
after steering back onto the road pavement, glad to be upright, i caught a glance of the Porsche Canterra (sp?) that nearly disposed of me. the personalized licensed plates read,
get this...
"NMASTE"
how ironic would THAT be?
i can see the obit now:
"Steve Ilg, former State Champion cyclist an Registered Yoga Teacher, killed by a Porsche sporting "NMASTE" plates while riding his bicycle in the mountains."
please tell your car-driving friends and family who do not Practice or ride bicycles to slow down.
as Gandhi taught, "There is more to life than accelerating its speed."
that is all.
i bow to your Practice and sensitivity.
coach ilg
�
Steve -
I sold my car and commute by bike to work everyday.
Namaste!
Barry Brolley
April 14, 2004
�
coach Ilg,
After class yesterday I was speaking with my incredible Yoga teacher, Joy, about some of the benefits I have seen from my short three months of practicing HP Yoga. Aside from the obvious physical changes my body is going through, and the feeling that I am dealing with the stress of everyday life better, there has been another great benefit that I wanted to share with you.
Being raised Buddhist, as a child I was often at the temple fidgeting as I struggled to sit in, what was for me, an uncomfortable position during prayers and chants. I was often in too much pain to fully appreciate the spiritual and meditative aspects of what I was doing. The prayer posture (both legs bent to one side, hands at the heart) remained a painful and difficult position to hold even as an adult. I needed assistance just getting to my feet and walking after a long Buddhist ceremony at my wedding.
I had been saying to my wife that if I had practiced yoga as child, my Buddhist practice would have been stronger. This was confirmed for me this past week when my parents came into town for a visit. I took them to a Cambodian Buddhist temple they like, to see the head monk. He led us in a long prayer session for my father. For the first time ever, I felt no pain. I sat up straight as a board, and was really able to focus on the moment, the prayers, and the chants. It was really great. My mother even commented on how I appeared.
I thank you and Joy for this. It would seem appropriate that as I write this, my family prepares for more ceremony and prayers, as tonight is Cambodian New Year.
I bow to you both, Vic Nol
April 13, 2004
Hello Coach,
I was on a post yoga bike ride on the single speed Easter morning when I had an interesting thought.� For me WF practice has been nothing more than a return to how I acted, trained, and felt between the ages of 10 and 14.� I remember not only playing all day, but doing a little of everything.� Playing catch with my brother, water skiing, going to wrestling practice, taking naps, swimming, and eating when I was hungry.� I also remember being really happy and content at that time in my life.� Pretty interesting!
take care,
Joe
BICYCLE PEDALS?
"Coach, Warrior, Leader,
I recently purchased a new MTB (mountain bike). Havent ridden in MANY years, I had forgotten how much I love to ride. You inspired me to get off my A#$ and start riding to work! I currently am using toe clips (old fashioned) they are what I began and ended on. I was never honestly interested in 'clipless' pedals but I am starting to reevalute my thinking. Could you please, please, please, post a comparison on DL between toeclips and clipless pedals on MTB's. Do they really make a difference?
Thanks so much. Scott A Richardson"
�
Noble Cardio Commuter Richardson -
first and foremost, allow me to bow as deep as my padmasana will allow...THANK YOU
for DOING THE NOBLE WORK of getting the (*)&$# out of the car and using your
self-and-spirit to power yourself to work!
HA! another one saved from car addiction! THANK YOU! FATHER SKY THANKS YOU!
YOUR HEART AND LUNGS AND LEGS AND SPIRIT THANKS YOU!
the difference between toe clips and clipless (horribly confusing terms) pedals is this:
toe clips - keeps your bicycle as powerful as my 1995 Metro GL (not very)
clipless - keeps your bicycle as powerful as a 2005 Porsche (very)
the primary reason for this is that using toe clips underutilizes about 70% of the pedal stroke. relying on toe clips is like relying on doing half a Jumping Jack for fitness. it's not very effective. when you make the switch to clipless pedals (the 'click in' or 'ski binding like' style) suddenly you call into play your hamstrings for the upstroke, the hip flexors for the 11:00 am - 1:00 pm range of the pedal circle, and the front and rear calves contribute to the lower sweep through...thus, the clipless cyclist enjoys learning the Art of Spinning Circles (Just watch Lance Armstrong ride a Time Trial...he's pretty good at it.) Clipless pedals allows you a full command of the pedal stroke instead of just a small portion of it. Result? you go faster, further with more economy of energy. Result #2: you get to see more places, feel more fresh wind on your skin, and maximize your cardio/nadic fitness like nobody's business.
Caution: a person's first experience in clipless can be fraught with trauma! the 'suffocating' feeling of being 'locked into' the pedals will surely pass for the Warrior who is determined. Beginners may enjoy using a particular type of pedal called, "Egg Beater Pedals"...an example of one can be found here:
http://www.cambriabike.com/pedals/crank_bros_triple_ti_egg_beater_pedal.htm
Having introduced scores of beginners to clipless pedals, i TAF this product has the easiest entry and release mechanism. well worth the price and it can be used on both road and MTB's with alarming ease.
beginners can also put their bike into a stationary trainer of some sort and just practice clipping into and out of the clippless affair hundreds of times before venturing out into the snarls of traffic and asphalt and rocks and things. practicing on a grassy field is smart too.
with time, like any outdoor sport, the joys of clipless pedals soon rise above the Fear and soon enough you will wonder why the hell you spend so much of your cycling life without them!
since my retirement from competitive cycling, i now enjoy Egg Beaters on Grunt (my Kona MTB) and use Speedplay pedals on Sudhamani (my Trek road bike.)
may this help...
keep the rubber side down, baby!
see you on the 'cobbles'...
namaste,
coach ilg
United States Cycling Federation Expert Coach
��
April 12, 2004
Dear Coach Ilg -
I appreciate your comments in the recent WF - DL about night sweats. I
initially thought "oh my - I'm too young for menopause" when I went
through a similar phase. What you said made a lot of sense! Thank you
for your wonderful insights. Student C
Teacher Ilg,
Namaste.
Thank you for the report in DL today on Student Ludgate's progress. It made me feel better. And to know to let all things flow. In my cycles with Teacher Sheader, I would get really down on myself if I could not "perform" to my expectations. This may have been the lesson Tahoma was trying to teach me this past summer also. So, if I don't crank 4 sets of 15 on the pullups, no big deal. The practice is what is important. On my private intensive this past July with Teacher Sheader, we went on a trail run in the nearby canyons of Grand Junction. It was about 106 degrees. I was really demoralized when I had to totally stop running ( as I had been doing so well in my home territory). But now, after reading about other WF Warrior's practice - I see and feel the lesson! Thanks again!
May your practice remain strong and focused.
Namaste,
Student Scott Adams
{Coach Ilg's Note; Scott Adams is a Warrior Level WF Online Student from New Mexico taking studies under Teacher Sheader. Due to Scott's tremendous consistency of Practice over several years, he will be interviewed by me for his Master Student Inka sometime this year.}
April 11, 2004
Namaste Noble Warriors!
As much as i love Peter Rabbit, all HP Yoga Classes will continue on as
normal today. Yogi's consider each day a holy-day, none more special
than any other. Exception; Stanley Cup Playoffs when the Colorado
Avalanche are in contention (again) for the Cup. Now THEM are Holy Days!
;-)
FROM NEW ONLINE STUDENT STARLING
(who is taking Study under Coach Ananda):
"Man finds himself only in nature, for that is his
blueprint"
--Yoga magazine (I don't know original author)
That quote sums up my 45-minute run, followed by Ai
Imawa and a 30-minute walk. That door to the Divine
swung open again.
Dear Coach Ananda,
All is well. Better than that. Blissful.
I forgot to mention that about two weeks before I
began WF I started having heavy night sweats, which
continue to occur. Then sinus trouble came. But so did
quantum leaps in my health. My doctor says he sees a
lot of this in his patients who are getting healthy,
expelling toxins. It's true I haven't felt this go(o)d
in as long as I can remember.
I believe the WF breathing exercises are taking me
light years ahead in healing--energy, sinuses, and so
much more.
I bow to you both,
Student Starling"
{NOTE: regarding New Student's Starling's 'night sweats.' in my
personal and professional experience, 'night sweats' are common
in the first few years of WF Training. due to WF's impact on the physical,
energetic (chakral/nadic) and spiritual systems...the body/mind will tend to
process unneeded and/or undigested emotional/karmic loads during sleep as well
as using these sleep states to re-wire the nadic system which can cause
heat as the Student's neuroelectrical capacities clear and become empowered. -
coach ilg"
April 09, 2004
********
A DL SPECIAL EVENT!!!!!!
*******
Noble Warriors -
i have not done this for a while...but with the new DL readers coming in, here is an actual Teacher/Student exchange between myself and Online Student Alan Ludgate in NYC. My input, inserted within the text of his Cycle Summation (which is due every 5th week from our Online Students) is preceded by this ��� symbol.
as you will soon gather, if you become a WF Online Student, we ain�t just talking about sets and reps or fat calories versus carb calories. Student Ludgate is into his 2nd full year of Online Training and has completed one Private Intensive with myself here in LA.
this normally private exchange has been offered to the worldwide DL Sangha by Student Ludgate in our shared vision of possibly inspiring and/or helping some other noble fitness warrior in their own journey toward Higher Fitness. this is the Real Juice...the Sap of what makes the WF Tree so strong and yet so supple...it�s all about the Student�s willingness to take the workouts within.
in-Joy this sneak peak into the personal training of a very Noble Warrior... and keep your own Practice strong and whole...
i bow to you,
coach ilg
���
Coach's Input on Student Ludgate�:
WHOLISTIC FITNESS TRAINING CYCLE SUMMATION SHEET:
RE: �STRENGTH TRAINING: �Great month of strength training. �The gym was an oasis in a turbulent sea. �With everything going on in my life right now (new baby, etc.), my mind was often all over the place on my walks to the gym. �However, almost without exception, once I hit the gym floor I was focused, energized, and sweaty! �Self-designed program as follows:
Week 1: EEE-GAD full body workout + Yang Day workout
Week 2: FR Yin workouts
Week 3: EEE-GAD + Yang Day workout
Week 4: FR Yang workouts
� I LIKE that choreography! geez, i taught you well! ;-)
{note; FR stands for Frugal Realm....see my book TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION for this all engaging program!}
RE:
Thoughts / comments:
* Reunited and it feel soooo...yeow! �It has been many months since I did the EEE-GAD workout, and since I had any program that called for leg extensions. �Doing those staccato supersets definitely brought me back, and made me dig deep
* Speaking of old friends: �or old sensations, anyway. �The 10 x 10 calf raises in the FR Lower Body Yang program never cease to amaze. �I was literally seeing spots by the last few sets, and five days later my calves are still fully stimulated, to the point it is virtually impossible for me to get my heel to the floor during down dog.
� that is right on WF Dharma...see, if more Yoga Teachers would work out like we do, they could bring their own Edge much closer and do the real Yogic Work of breathing into the limitation. however, this would require a smashing of the ego as their formerly lithe bodies are stiff with acidic muscles. you are learning our Way very well.
RE:
* Really feeling an increase of strength to weight in my Dips - I'm starting to really feel the power. �In my last Yang Day workout, I did 9 and 6 reps for my two sets, both personal bests.
* Not feeling the same power in my Yang Day pull-up sets. �I have been stuck on 5-6 reps for the first set and 3 for the second for quite some time.
� you might remain at this number for years.
Pull Ups very difficult. though i used to be able to crank off dozens at a batch
once past 10 reps, it's always Hell Zone to get 'em done.
RE:
* Overall leg strength developing deep in the core, with really solid work on my squat / leg press work.
* Ab strength and endurance remains an issue, particularly on leg raises
* Facing a physical and psychological challenge in my bench press. �My form feels good, but my strength (as measured by resistance / reps) has not moved forward. �I am convinced the issue is as much mental as physical, as ego concerns over how much I can bench do battle with ego concerns over not being able to get the bar off my chest and having to call for help. These twin concerns seem to burn a lot of energy, but don't lead anywhere.
� we shall attack the Bench Press Dragon if you wish in your new program.
do you wish?
RE:
�CARDIOVASCULAR TRAINING: �Up and down in this discipline. �Had one really fun and snowy hike before winter loosed its grip on the city (total people seen in 1 1/2 hour hike: 3). �Good intensity on interval workouts, which for a change of pace I did on the Stairmaster, my old nemesis. �Definitely got the heart pumping and the legs wobbling.
�That is the up. �The down is in getting in the work. �Cardio is consistently the discipline I am most likely not to find time for. �Yoga, meditation, and strength training all seem to flow naturally in the current of my day. �Cardio, does not. �I find the work incredibly rewarding, and am always glad ex-post that I did the work, but getting out the door is a daily challenge. �My goal this cycle was to do 2 cardio sessions per week. �I only achieved that goal once.Don't know why this particular dragon is so difficult to slay.
� i do.
cardio, if to be done consistently, requires a major overhaul of one's lifestyle. sometimes, the dedicated Warrior has to change jobs or income just to get it done. few are willing to go to such outer worldly sacrifices for doing something as 'foolish' as cardio. however, without working up to 6-8 hours of cardio per week, the subtle anatomy (the nadic system) is not going to be well prepared to handle the advancement of Pran (life force) in later WF Studies...thus, i will not be able to take you as High as you could go in this lifetime. it all boils down to your choices. for me, i risk Bankruptcy every day of my life in order to serve my inner world. to me, my priority is the inner, not the outer. Cardio volumes truly test the Warrior's priorities in this lifetime. i will all-ways dedicate my Work with you to make the BEST and MOST EFFECTIVE USE of your available training time. however, YOU must be in charge of what you consider AVAILABLE training time! oooof. big contemplative material here!
RE: �Note �Bodyweight gain/loss: �Body weight stable in a range from 144 - 146, with body fat measured a month ago as 8.3%
� impressive statistics! you honor this Path! well done!
RE:
�YOGA:
General comment on solo practice: �really loved the change of pace of doing the 1:00 holds on each asana. �This time allowed me to really dig deep in the pose, and to really crank up the Ujjayi breathing. �By far the biggest leap forward in really locking in the Ujjayi. �Some spotty success bringing Mula Bandha consciously into the picture - I continue to find that lock difficult to maintain.
� i know. years are required. in upcoming cycles however, i know some key techniques that will help you lock onto Mula. keep bringing Awareness to the 'seal' sensation within the pelvic floor for right now.
RE:
�HP Series A-Modified x 3
�HP Series B x 1
HP Series C x 1
Great openers...really feeling the heat
�Do the following Cycle holding each for 1:00
Dolphin Pose: Really feel the 'dynamic tension' when I walk my feet closer to my hands in this pose.
childs pose for three slow Ujjayi breaths
Dolphin Levers: This is a 'tenacity' check and a calm mind check, as I work to keep my breath deep and even and the lever movements smooth and natural.
childs pose for three slow Ujjayi breaths
Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana (both sides): Big challenge maintaining this pose for the full minute. �The checklist for this pose is so damn long it can feel like I'm spending the entire 1:00 moving through a checklist: "Back foot flexed and parallel to earth / front leg locked out / light fingertips on the earth / TWIST and look to the sky" etc. �Lots of good work processing here, but not ready for prime time.
childs pose for three slow Ujjayi breaths
Ardha Chandrasana(both sides)
uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
Oops...getting sleepy! �Similar feedback as the parivrita pose. �There is a lot to think about, with a particular challenge for me being to stack my hips without leaning onto my fingers or losing the elegance of the "T" posture.
� YES!
you are regulating your Mental Energy by having to FOCUS
it onto the techniques of the poses....THIS IS THE CHAINING OF THE MIND!
SUPERB WORK!
remember, it is NOT what the outer pose looks like;
it's what is happening within.
and what i TAF is happening within you
is the KEY INGREDIENT to all spiritual success;
CONCENTRATION!
RE:
childs pose for three slow Ujjayi breaths
Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana Sometimes it is easier for me to lock in the pose the second time, sometimes it is tougher to maintain.
(both sides)
childs pose for three slow Ujjayi breaths
Parivrtta Utkatasana(both sides) I love the way this twisting son of a gun makes me feel! �Really able to crank the twist and the Ujjayi.
childs pose for three slow Ujjayi breaths
�Parivrtta Trikonasana (both sides) �More twisting, more opening, more aaaahhhh! �
childs pose for three slow Ujjayi breaths
�Prasarita Padottanasana �This feels so good in my low back, it should be illegal.
� i could charge you extra, if you wish!
;-)
i know...i know...how can we do better at getting this Stuff OUT THERE to all the fat, aching Americans?
our National Tribe is overeating and under exercising themselves to death!
RE:
�Bakasana �Biggest step forward for me this cycle. �After 1 year of effort, I finally found sweetness and balance in this pose. �Not able to maintain that balance for the full minute, but I am really finding my center and my strength in this pose. �I love it! �Biggest challenge is not letting my ego get caught up in the "achievement". �I know intellectually that all the times I fell in this pose were equally important and helped me grow, but it is tough not to feel a little cocky when I nail this pose.
� well done!
in-Deed, Bakasana is a gateway posture for many new fun inner things! keep cranking!
RE:
childs pose for three slow Ujjayi breaths
�Lunges: Crescent Lunge with hands in Namaste (Anjaneyasana).
Hold for 30 seconds, then for the next 30 seconds, �drop rear knee down
to tap the earth on inhales, extend it on the exhales. do not FLINCH
the depth of the front leg! �Well, that was...interesting! �Terrific challenge of tenacity / steadfastness / focus, as I use my breath to fight back against the sensation in my legs and the complaining from my ego.
�do both legs then:
childs pose for three slow Ujjayi breaths
Dhanurasana (with a Belt if needed) 2 x1:00 � arms over head, reverse
grip, the belt needs to be big enough for you to bow!!! �A terrific release for the spine, and challenging work for my legs.
Halasana �Oh that feels good! �Difficult for me to open up fully when I do this practice first thing in the morning, but otherwise pure good stuff.
Salamba Sarvangasana �I know this is one of the pivotal asanas in all of yoga, but I often feel I'm missing the essence of the pose, as for me it is rarely deeper than the pure physical act of sticking my toes high in the air.
� i have an option for next cycle that will help.
RE:
�Savasana for at least 5 minutes.
�4) How did the pranayama go?
Good efforts / mixed results. �I feel my passageways are opening, and the pure breathing cycles are progressing nicely. �It is much slower going on the Mula Bandha. �Thanks to our intensive, I now have internalized the sensation, but achieving that sensation �happens only intermittently. �In particular, moving the grip of Mula Bandha from the right side to the left side of the urogenital triangle is a big challenge. �That said, baby steps are being made.
� baby steps is how i climbed some of the most difficult mountains in North America.
jao!
RE:
�5) Svadhyaya � list a few points that came up with the questions. �
How do you get into struggle? �How do you get out of struggle?
See my last e-mail for my notes on Svadhyaya practice. �Some of the key themes are that I get into struggle when I get out of balance or when I am unable to conquer my own inertia, and I get out of struggle by simplifying, being patient, and doing the work.
�MEDITATION:
�6) How is your Zazen these days?
�how did the �om� dancing go?
Zazen not so good these days. �The "om dancing" has me tripping over my own feet. On a select few occasions, I felt myself deep into the Om, enveloped and comforted. �Most of the time, my mind was either racing a mile a minute or sliding into sleep. �This is no doubt attributable in part to the fatigue of new fatherhood, but mostly it is the struggle to maintain focus without the strict structure of breath counting.
� thank you.
go(o)d Awareness of your mental machinations.
we will resume more Work with regulation of the breath waves before
trying to regulate the mind waves.
i just needed to hear that honesty from you.
well done!
RE:
�7) Describe your leg position progress �in Zazen over the course of
this cycle: �No conscious effort to work on leg position, and no specific progress noted.
NUTRITIONAL:
�8) Describe EXACTLY what you ate yesterday and the manner in which you
ate it.
�Include all herbs and fluids.
Sunday:
* Ate herb-cal and herb-C tablets upon waking. �Mixed and drank 1 Ilg Supreme, and headed to the gym
* After the gym, drank 1 shaker bottle of FD + Sunny Dew, and had a big bowl of Kashi while playing with my boyz.
* Had Sunday lunch at the in-laws: chicken, sweet plaintains, rice and beans, avocado and tossed salad. �Drank 1 beer
* Had 1 glass of water at a friend's house
* Had 1 shaker bottle of FD + Sunny Dew upon arrival home (feeling very dehydrated)
* Had evening meal / snack of soy noodles + mesclun salad, with cup of Calli night and 1 beer, while watching the Oscars with my wife.
�9) Summarize your Jiva Khyati �practice. �List what you feel needs
most attention during the Next Phase.
Great dance of fatherhood and warriorhood. �Loved the work, made strong effort, accepted results and the need to be flexible and let the dance move through me, rather than imposing my calendar and pre-conceptions on the dance. �Areas for attention:
* Upper body strength, especially as manifested in bench press,pull-ups, and leg raises
* Zazen focus, finding the "om dance" wherever it may be
* Slaying the dragons that stand between me and my cardio workouts
* Practicing simplicity, patience, and compassion, especially in my family life
Well, Coach, there you have it. �I'm off to bed, with visions of my next cycle dancing in my head. �Have a great week, and I'll catch you on the flip side.
Love-
Allan
Riding the wave of receiving his Warrior Student Inka (see yesterday's DL), i invite you to visit Steve Mackel's emerging new website at:
http://www.eteamz.com/trithis/
You will see what a fun, positive Vibe he is choosing to put forth into the UniVerse to help others grow in their Fitness endeavors. he brings many of those athletes pictured to my yoga class. i bow to his enthusiastic embrace of WF, HP and his inclusion of TBT in his Links page. This is a modern day Warrior, honoring in modern day Ways, one's Teacher(s). an Appropriate Action which is missing from most Americans these days.
Steve's next event is in August, is a Half Vineman Triathlon where he will attempt to break his 5:30 pr. With what i have cooking inside of him? that baby is already shattered! jao Steve!
April 08, 2004
"What if the destiny of humans is loving kindness?
What if our journey is to enjoy inner silence
without aspiration
minus ambition
and
for-giving?
May your Fitness Practices
be centered upon solititude."
- coach ilg
Coach Ilg,
Enjoying the DL very much--always something to learn
and feel. I'm still benefitting greatly from my
Intensive. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
With love and dedication,
Student Bryan
���
New Student Mackel earns Warrior Student Inka!
At the conclusion of my Tuesday night Slow Flow class, i presented a Warrior Inka Mala Necklace to the ever devoted and passionate endorser of All Things WF, Steve Mackel of Pasadena, CA. The Warrior Inka is awarded by me to WF Online Students who have studied faithfully all 5 Fitness Discplines, have demonstrated an incoporation of the 4 Lifestyle Principles, and have attended at least one WF or HP Special Event such as a workshop, retreat, etc. Steve, who puts in an incredible effort to make it to my classes and brings along a huge and loving crowd with him, is a fantastic triathlete and triathlete coach in his own right. Steve's beautiful and very fit wife, Michelle, is a subsititute teacher for our humble Practice Cave. WS Mackel is now launching into his second year of WF Online Studies with his hallmark enthusiasm. "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." - Emerson.
i bow to you, Warrior Student Mackel!
���
An HP Yogic congratulations to Steve Marlowe of Encino, CA (see page 220 of TBT). After an off season that was changed only by the addition of 1-2 HP Yoga Classes per week, Student Marlowe has already won a 3rd and 1st place at the Encino Velodrome in the Omnium event. Before HP Yoga? The podium was always a distant dream.
HP Yoga works...
It's a proven Path for over 20 years across all sports, all occupations, all health challenges.
All you gotta do?
Show up, baby. Do the Practice and let NOTHING stand in your way.
Do that?
Podium placings fall into your lap.
i bow to Steve Marlowe and my worldwide Tribe of HP Yoga Warriors!
keep it strong and sincere,
coach ilg
creator/High Performance Yoga
April 06, 2004
Sweet Coach,
What a beautiful and generous Spirit.
Your Thank Your Verse is very moving. And I am enjoying your "TBT" book so
much. Full of priceless gems. Amazing Clarity and Direction. Your Guides
are the Tops! My finding you was surely Serendipity at work.
Om, Love, Namaste
Amber
Hi, Coach!
Forgive me for taking so long to thank you for the
new book!
I well remember July 9, 2001, when I received news
that you were going on sabbatical to write the book.
I continued my preparation for Mt. Rainier with
Teacher Q, and I cruised to the summit with ease. If
I hadn't blistered my feet, I would gladly have
repeated the full climb the next day. What a
difference from my snotty, wheezy, anxious first
attempt six months earlier!
Anyway, I wish you could see all the places that
Wholistic Fitness has taken me since! I've made
multiple treks deep into the Gila Wilderness. The
tough approach to Gannett Peak, Wyoming was a joy.
The climb was even better. WF helped me stay focused
(and safe!) during a gruesome climbing disaster at
Orizaba. "Summit or plummet" took on added meaning
that day.
You'd think I would have listened sooner, but I
finally took your advice and took up road biking last
year. Now I'm gleefully cranking out centuries, and
heading to northern Italy in June for a cycling
climb-fest the Alps and the Dolomites.
Coach, thank you again for your influence in my life.
While I'm still a novice, it is actually a testament
to how effective WF really is. If a modestly
disciplined guy like me can schlep his way through WF
fundamentals to this level of health, then anybody can
do it!
Namaste,
John Guinn
Steve,
In Direct Lines today Student Tim referenced an article in Mountainbike.com that cited the NY Times as saying yoga was dangerous. If one reads the article it can be seen that the author referenced an article that dealt specifically with Bikram yoga and it's use of heated rooms. You have mentioned, and I concur, that Bikram and "hot yoga" can lead to injury. I think it is important to see the actual article and how the author who referenced the NY Times goes on to say exactly what any wise or thoughtful person would say, yoga is not a competitive endeavor and it demands the utmost in personal responsibility.
While I am no yoga master I have been doing yoga poses and breathing since I was a child, although I had no idea they were asanas, I was just doing what felt good ( karmic unfolding?). It's no big deal, and I don't work for mountainbike.com, but I think the statement of Student Tim misrepresented the editorial. To be fair to mountainbike.com it might be nice to mention this fact.
Great training going on in Georgia right now and we are all looking forward to watching the Tour De Georgia unfold on our home turf.
Keep up the good work.
Peace,
Steven Blondeau
Winder, GA
"I have lived on the lip
of insanity, wanting to know reasons,
knocking on a door. It opens.
I've been knocking from the inside!"
Rumi
April 05, 2004
Q & A: YOGA BAD FOR YOU?!
hey coach,
was just on mountainbike.com and in their Boulder Report, they mention yoga and it not being a competitive sport. just thought i would point you in the direction of it because it gives yet another lead from the new york times apparently (which i couldn't access, but maybe you can). the article in new york times is apparently saying that yoga is being thought to be more and more harmful. more or less goes down to people getting injured in yoga classes. i think it would be an interesting article (just for reference sake) b/c apparently there are alot of yoga teachers who, unlike you, are having injured students. let me know what you find out!
love,
student tim
���
Noble Student Tim -
do not worry about such articles.
there have been and will be many more of such blankets thrown over
the drum of what is Real.
the "wave" of yoga that is currently sweeping America
and offers such things as Weekend Yoga Teaching Certifications
and �franchise opportunities�
and other such lower chakra blabber
shall soon pass.
when the glitz fades
like all other ancient Arts,
a core of wise warriors shall remain
smiling as ever as the commerical tide ebbs.
so too, will their
Teachers of high integrity.
Student Tim
just keep true to Your Practice
and let the outer world
chatter on and on
and on
and
on
"Here is the new rule: break the wineglass,
and fall toward the glassblower's breath."
- Rumi
we have an ocean to explore within
WF and HP Yoga...
let us in-Joy that for Now.
i bow to your caring and loving kindness...
love endlessly,
your feeble coach ilg
April 02, 2004
"What you have been conditioned to accept as 'sweat'
i have come to Know as
as the Juice from
the Divine."
- coach ilg
Noble Ones -
off to June Mountain for our HP Yoga/Ski Workshop...
i will be updating DL and your programs/correspondences if online
access and functioning is
possible.
sweat your prayers, baby...
God listens closest to those who sweat mostest.
love,
your feeble coach
April 01, 2004
Noble Warriors..
As many of you have heard, the founder of PowerBar, Brian Maxwell, sadly passed away recently. Brian was a friend of mine and occasional training partner when i was a mountain runner. I established most of the original PowerBar accounts up and down the Front Range and Four Corners in the mid eighties.
To his wife...i devoted today's DL:
�
Dearest Jennifer -
i recall early Boulder, Colorado spring days, not unlike this one,
when your husband Brian was so psyched about his 'energy bars.'
i ran with him once up Mt. Sanitas, i think it was, and the dude would NOT
stop talking about his energy bar dreams to help athletes perform bettter.
he turned those horrible vats of original oatmeal-dusted goop
into the PowerBar empire.
that takes skill, wisdom, perseverance, and ongoing bravery within the fabric of faith in oneself.
he done go(o)d.
i bow to you and your family's suffering
i bow to the beauty of your warrior husband
i bow to the many he has helped inspire ever Higher
i humbly bow to the mysterious Ways in which the Lord works.
may all beings experience the powerful happiness which you and Brian shared.
now that happiness dances in your heart.
i don't know in how many extreme and epic adventures PowerBars have saved my life.
always know in your spirit, that Brian's presence upon this Earth helped many people
do, see, and enjoy things about themselves they may have never be able to do without
his contribution to fitness and sport performance.
i am off to ride my bike,
have a PowerBar (original Malt Nut, of course)
and dedicate my ride to your loving warrior husband.
endlessly yours,
steve ilg, ryt/uscf
PB Team Elite Member since 1985
www.HighPerformanceYoga.com
�NOTE FROM POWERBAR:
PowerBar is encouraging you to send your thoughts to the family via e-mail at themaxwells@powerbar.com
PowerBar Team Elite
2150 Shattuck Avenue, 10th Floor
Berkeley, CA 94704
P:510.665.2471
team.elite@powerbar.com
www.powerbar.com/pbsports/teamelite
Be great.