September 29, 2006
Cherry Blossoms and Healers Are Within...
why is it people seem to think the more healers, teachers, instructors, etc., they have contact with the more "holy" they are?
meanwhile..the Zen masters say if one spent their entire life looking for a perfect cherry blossom on a tree it would not be a wasted life.
- WF Teacher Haku
Following Milarepa's Route Through The Bardo
When you are strong and healthy,You never think of sickness coming,But it descends with sudden force, like a stroke of lightning.
When involved in worldly things, You never think of death's approach; Quick it comes like thunder, crashing round your head.
MILAREPA
"As we advance into the Journey of WF, the realization sooner or later must be attained; i did not create this Path for
just living longer or winning trophies or being "happy" here and there during our lives.
i created this Path as a Bardo Training! To confront the daily monotony and the day to day confrontations of our ego wishing to be comfortable is the Practice Grounds for Rising Above our predictable tendency to be scared stiff of death and our unWillingness to follow the Ancient Master's Pathways through death and into Enlightenment.
To me, genuine Personal Fitness is synonymous with Spiritual Fitness and to be fit spiritually means having a body that is radiantly powerful in ALL her dimensions and thus creates the springboard into spiritual fitness which is a million times more difficult than merely attaining a world class physical fitness. That is kindygarten compared to overcoming death! Yet, rare is the Personal Trainer or even the Teacher of Yoga that coaches his or her students into the Bardo Training preparations! Why push death away when you can TRAIN for it?"
- Coach Ilg
***
Photos:
1) free soloing a 5.8 route to test my meditation - mental control - in southern Utah last year. i can't Teach true meditation without willing to test my own Practice of it! And truly, no matter what the 'experts' might say, your meditation ain't shit unless you are Dancing your Mental Control with Death or high risk to the physical body. Everything else about training the waves of the fluctuating mind is just pretend. in this Path, we don't pretend. we do the DO!
2) on ice in the San Juans. leading an ice climb, especially on Colorado ice, is almost always a Bardo Training exercise; must be prepared to, "die on the lead." Thus, ice climbing is superb at extracting the common man from his addiction to 'worldly things.'
3) entering the Bardo Realm of Death Valley during the Furnance Creek 508, while setting a new course record.
We don't just TALK body/mind/spirit in WF;
we have friggin' been LIVING IT in world class ways since 1982!
Keep it real
Keep it grounded,
Keep it steady and firm in the Practice of WF!
September 28, 2006
Temple Haiku Guidelines
Most Noble Sangha,
i TRULY CHERISH all of your Haiku Poetry submissions!
keep them coming because on the next enhanced version of WF.com
i am having a slew of cool WF Forums for easy research and gathering of Students to exchange ideas, news, etc.,
and i will have a Temple Haiku forum as well!
however,
you must submit these 'zen poems' in the Traditional Manner.
do not make me do extra work.
here are the Haiku Guidelines to be followed with a couple of popular examples from our Tribe:
always write in parenthesis the number of syllables required for each line and the lines need to be:
first line: (5) meaning; 5 syllables - this line traditionally tells us what season/mood the author is evoking for us.
second line: (7) meaning; 7 syllables - this line traditionally 'sets us up' for the final line
third line: (5) meaning: 5 syllables - this line is traditionally the "ah HA!" line...the real PUNCH that takes us toward Enlightenment!
EXAMPLES:
Temple home awakes (5)
Noble Student flies back home (7)
aspen leaves clapping (5)
- coach ilg
***
Transformations bring (5)
Demons fire to the surface (7)
Let the pain heal me (5)
- WF Online Student Tobe
***
May your training sting (5)
May your Meditations sing (7)
If you ain't no punk! (5)
- coach ilg
September 27, 2006
Coach's LATEST USSSA Article and PROGRAM Now Published!
i bow to your Devoted Practice and offer you this article today as a Gift
from beneath the Sacred Peak
with
the visualization that
all "Two Legged Beings" get OUT this winter and DO THE DO!
enjoy:
www.snowshoeracing.com/home.htm
(scroll down, look right for my "RUNNING ON WATER" column!)
namaste,
the mountain yogi
SHANTIDEVA retooled for WF Warriors
Shantideva said:
If all the harms
Fears and sufferings in the world
Arise from self-grasping,
What need have I for such a great evil spirit?
and, several thousand years later, a feeble mountain yogi named coach ilg received an Insight after Meditation one day in Los Angeles:
(click to enlarge):
as we continue to Look Within, we will find that the Eternal Truths are only Echos From The Enlightened Ones...
so...Today; which do you choose, Oh Noble Warrior?
Concentration or Grasping?
September 26, 2006
SIDDHASANA; The Adepts Pose
i dedicate this DL entry to my MahaNidraRishi. i bow at your Lotus Feet.
"Especially since fracturing my spine, i have come to see the skeleton as the sherpa for the spine and not the spine as the caretaker of the skeleton. It has become my maxim therefore, to focus upon cultivation of the Ancient Forces within the spine, and let the skeleton and her associated muscles and actions, shift for itself."
- coach ilg
3 First Places in3 Different Sports so far in 2006
Above: Coach in a rare photo just exiting the Traditional Siddhasana (Adepts Pose). Perhaps you can pick up the expression of Laghava or 'bodily lightness' from Coach's body in this photo. Much of this Laghava, according to Coach, comes from his Practice of Early Morning Ritual unique to WF Online Studies and Laghu-Ahara or "scant diet" even in the face of high outdoor training volumes. Coach explains, "Yes, i am particular about getting my Students on the SUNRIDER Herbs because these herbs, when taken according to my 3-Phase Approach, act as precursors to the immense currents of Life Force (vayu) within the body. Even the Willingness to meditate on the Inner Forces is often lacking if one is not tapped into the fun energy provided by the 'Secret Herbs'."
***
"Press the perineum with the heel of one foot, place the other foot on top of the genitals. Having done this, rest the chin on the chest (thus engaging Jalandhara Bandha). Remaining still and steady, with the senses controlled, gaze steadily into the eyebrow center; it breaks open the door to liberation. This is called, Siddhasana."
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika I, 35
"Of all the eighty-four asanas (yogic postures), siddhasana should always be practiced. It purifies the 72,000 nadis (subtle channels which carry the Prana or Life Force)."
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika I, 39
"The yogi who meditates on the self or atma, takes moderate and pure food and practices siddhasana for twelve years (under the direction of the Teacher), attains perfection or siddhi."
- - Hatha Yoga Pradipika I, 40
***
It can take me hours to get into an elegant and energetically productive Traditional Siddhasana posture. Much frustration and pain comes with my Journey toward this most benevolent of all asanas. Once this amazing posture is somewhat dialed in however, then Meditation and Energywork comes as fast as whitewater rapids to the steadfast yogin who applies this posture and Ancient Insights gifted from the Divine cascade into the yogi as well.
How can something so 'simple' as getting into a meditation posture be so powerful a catalyst to the Inner Voyage? Well, a lot of it has to do with physiology. Just opening the hips enough so that the left heel pressures the neural complexity of Muladhara Chakra is tantamount. This chakra which is the gateway to overcoming the first big psychospiritual 'knot' known as BrahmaGranthi, which is the major intersection of the three big kahuna's of the Prana; Ida Nadi, Pingala Nadi, and Sushumna Nadi. I have taught you much about these Nadi's in prior DL's.
It becomes very exciting and in the least, stimulating, when you literally 'sit atop' and pressure these three rocketships of Enlightenment. While sitting in Siddhasana, the yogi is privy to witness and attempt to train an orgasmic array of electrical, pranic, and chakral energies all of which flow toward the brain. I mean, just softening the feet enough to sit in this posture for long periods force the meridians in the feet to nourish and break through blockages in the visceral organs which affect the metabolic life forever. Whenever i hear people say that if they had a million dollars they would "travel the world," i would like to be able to be a skillful enough Teacher to welcome them to the most fascinating, beautiful, unexplainably miraculous world travel there is; their own Inner World. And, exploration of this Inner World? Doesn't cost a dime. The only requirement for such Awakening of Sacred, Endless Joy seems a Herculean one to the modern man; the individual's Willpower to sit still and...just listen."
- coach ilg
September 25, 2006
Drabble
contributed by Temple Manager Ananda
September 24, 2006
BEGINNERS FRIGHT, BEGINNERS LIGHT
Below is actual counsel from a local yogini who came to her first HP Yoga Class. She had been doing "Bikram Yoga" for some time, however, this was her first immersion into well, you know; the HP Yoga intensity of focus. Beginners will always Teach us by allowing us to revisit our own first encounter with Yoga so i have edited this actual exchange - the first of several i did with her for free - so that we can reaffirm our own Practice intent. 
****
Namaste Coach!
I must say, I was quite discouraged after my first class. I shook uncontrollably and was definitely the weakest one in the room.
COACH:
Most Noble Yogini,
the very first thing i want you to know about your Journey into yoga is that,
'your yoga is YOUR yoga!'
the "shaking" comes from the amount of Prana or Life Force, hiting your untrained subtle anatomical vessels, known as 'nadis.' with continued Practice, the shaking will stop as your nadic fitness develops. hang in there!
What did i tell you before class? "Do not compare! Do not compete!"
Just pay strict attention to listening to the language of YOUR body, of YOUR breath!
You must come to your yoga mat with mind devoid of your past and future and enter the present...allow the 6,000 year-old Science of Yoga begin to work slowly and deeply; do NOT let your EGO thwart the slow science of Transformation; Trust in me to Guide you slowly, effectively, and safely. Most of all, Trust in the Path...and just BREATHE!
YOGINI G:
I can see how your class is so wonderful for the athletically inclined.
COACH:
i have taught 83 year-olds this style.
i myself was in a wheelchair, paralyzed.
do not assume this style is just for the "athletically inclined"!
the name; High Performance Yoga
means; Divine Action Union!
YOGINI G:
I wish I were more fit like that.
COACH:
you took ONE class!
quit the self pity right now, okay?
you are an infant in this Inner Work.
me too.
we help each other along the Way, okay?
just show up for class without expectation and allow this Proven Path to Elevate you!
YOGINI G:
I felt embarrassed - and I know we're not supposed to be watching each other, and it's our own thing, but I felt so self conscious.
COACH:
it will pass.
pay attention only to what matters most; the WITHIN!
YOGINI G:
What I really liked was the savasana. I hadn't been through such a powerful guided relaxation. Was that lavender you sprinkled in my face?
COACH:
well, i did not sprinkle it in your face...! ;-) yes, it was Lavender. i just wafted it above your nose.
YOGINI G:
You are a strong presence and a powerful inspiration. I don't know if you'll see me again - and not for me not wanting to try. I think I'm too old and infirm.
COACH:
oh Jesus! oh Buddha...oh Lord Patanjali!
get out the Violins for Yogini G!...
stop that egoic bullshit and GET TO CLASS!
NOTHING is more PRICELESS for your long term health of Self.
you will be VERY surprised at how fast you get stronger...i have been Teaching a looong time and trust me, you have all the potential in the WORLD!
do NOT GIVE UP; be a WARRIOR WITHIN and your whole family and life will respond in deep and powerful Ways!
YOGINI G:
Thank you so much for offering me the free class.
COACH:
do not thank me by your words; thank me by coming and sweating with me!
YOGINI G:
I wish you well as you expand your class - I already referred a friend to you. He is a marathon runner and I know he would feel right at home.
COACH:
head bowed...however,
you are the One whose Soul is knocking and knows that our little Practice Cave is your Tribal Home!
see you next Tuesday...
tough love in the Way of the Ancients,
coach ilg
NEXT CORRESPONDENCE THE SAME DAY:
Alrighty, Coach, if you're going to be THAT way about it -
I've been practicing Bikram Yoga since January, and I go 4 to 5 times a week. I thought I was strong. I felt strong. I know I'm flexible, but I don't have the brute strength you people do. I'm not an athlete anymore - I used to run (knees are bad now), I taught aerobics for 10 years, I hiked a lot, etc. Then I had five children, went through serious health issues including severe depression and a total hysterectomy, my marriage is in trouble and I'm very vulnerable right now.
I'm not feeling sorry for myself, thank you very much. I'm just acknowledging my limits. I would love to believe I could progress in your class, but after Tuesday I felt extremely inadequate. I definitely felt the power in your class. I feel that maybe I need to get stronger in some other way before trying again. I do very much admire you and I have no doubt that what you say is true. I just feel like a weakling little kid right now. Not self pity! Just reality.
It's weird, I feel like crying as I write this to you. I know you would be good for me. I know I need to go deeper into myself. I want to try. I'm afraid.
So there.
G
COACH RESPONDS:
Most Noble Yogini G -
cannot you See your denial weaving in and through your words to me?
you ARE feeling sorry for yourself!
and that is okay.
you co-created everything you are feeling now in order to...FEEL IT FULLY!
for countless lifetimes, according to the yogic view, you have been creating the circumstances of what you Feel right now, right here in your weak, imbalanced body and mind.
how many more lifetimes will you be content to keep this suffering?
that is up to you!
your difficult circumstances offer you karmic purification; you are living a Chakral Experience right now!
and guess what?
if you choose to Run Away and stay 'comfortable' in the pain, that is FINE!
in fact, you have infinite lifetimes to work out your karma (action).
in fact, you can spend the rest of this precious lifetime feeling sorry for yourself and your Choices thus far.
however,
the Self changes with every breath!
you came to me not out of coincidence...
you came to me because you have Awakened and are now Re-Membering (with) Your Tribe!
you are HOME!!!
i doubt if there is anything you can bring into my Temple that i have not Seen. i am a feeble Messenger from a very Ancient Path of Mountain Yogis...
fortunately for you, My Noble Shishya, our Path is very, very flexible.
however, for me to help you, you must do a very brave thing;
Empty Thy Cup!
Trust in the Path.
i can offer you many Ways to facilitate the spiritual threshold you are on and it is a VERY POWERFUL and UNIQUE THRESHOLD that you SHOULD NOT run away from or it will just come around again,
and again, and again...ad infinitum.
Now, if you are TRULY READY to keep this Glorious Awakening moving Higher and soooooo utterly beautiful and Sacred,
you write me back and say,
"Coach, my Cup is Empty. I am Here Now to Listen and allow myself to be Healed and grow Stronger and Higher."
otherwise,
i will see you in class and love you for being who you are, where you are, and how you got Here Now...
namaste,
your lovingly fierce Teacher
ps; you do not have a "bad" knee...trust me, your beautiful knee is doing the ABSOLUTE BEST she can! why call her "bad"?
ps 2; you have made no mistakes.
ps 3; that you feel like crying is not "weird." it is beautifully Natural when you have found a True Teacher that has no other motive than to Love Your Highest Self and help you move toward that Higher Self.
ps 4; so Here!
***
EPILOGUE:
Unfortunately, even after complimenting her first class and spending at least an hour of my time with her in complimentary facilitation of her fears, i have yet to see her again in my class.
Perhaps, she will Step Up and enter the Steep and Direct Path sometime later.
Perhaps not. i must live with the fact that i did not have the Skillfulness to appropriately Guide her to the Light of Yoga.
And Yogini G is just one of many hundreds with whom i have 'failed' to Skillfully Guide. This is what i must live with in my Heart. this is why i am a Feeble teacher of such a tremendous Path That Awakens so many people so quickly. this is why i must Practice forgiveness for myself each and every day. this is why i must Trust that God knows how much i truly wish only to Help, only to Serve, only to be able to capably and Skillfully shine a Light during Kali Yuga.
May all beings be happy and know the causations of true Happiness.
May all beings be freed from (fundamental spiritual) ignorance and know the causations of ignorance.
May all beings use this precious human lifetime to Rise Higher, to Swim Upstream, to climb their toward their Highest Summit...
head bowed,
the mountain yogi
photos by world class photographer, Marc Romanelli near White Rock, New Mexico
#1: Trikonasana
#2: Vrkasana
#3: transition sequence involving Eka Pada Bujasana
#4: Garudasana
September 23, 2006
It's All About Joy...JOY PREMIERES ON STAGE TONIGHT!
I swear our WF Tribe has the absolute coolest, toughest, best looking, stoic, versatile, leanest, and meanest babes on the planet! our very own Temple Manager Joy "Ananda" Kilpatrick is a world-class example of our humble yet powerful Tribeswomen.
Tonight, for the first time since leaving LA, Joy will be taking the Stage in the premier of:
you can bet your best bottom bracket that i will be right there, front row, watching my Beloved strut her well-trained, 20+ years of professional acting stuff on stage. i have been absolutely enchanted by her pro level transformation of spirit as she steadily prepp'ed herself for this demanding, emotional role of "Mutti" a Jewish mother during the Holocaust who must face the horrific realization of the Nazi's coming to take her children away from her into the hell realm of the concentration camps. here is a photo of Joy during a scene from a local newspaper reporter who, understandably, was absolutely enthralled by Joy's commanding presence on stage; check out the CHI in Joy's face!:
it has been deeply moving for me to watch this professional actress immerse herself into Mutti. all, and i do mean ALL, of my former "Significant Others," have always lost track of their own Sense of Self when caught in the steve ilg/WF Temple vortex which, unless you actually work each day at this Humble, Powerful Helm, you have zero idea of just how intense our Vortex is on individual spirit (Atman). Joy is not only keeping her creative self and independently based Bliss intact by taking the stage again, she is also using for the first time in her acting career all the CHI accumulated by her own WF, HP Yoga, and SUNRIDER Herb Practice over the past 3 years:
that this amazing woman, the daughter of a Marine hero who literally grew up in a martial art dojo and went on to become a leading lady of stage, dance, and film has chosen to devote her unlimited capacities and chi to further my humble Path of WF touches me in the deepest fibers of my soul.
shown here with Patrick Stewart on the set of "SAFE HOUSE," our Beloved Temple Manager is set to take the Stage by storm tonight and if i were you?
i'd book a ticket and get your butt to Flag before the play ends on October 14th.
ticket info:
www.theatrikos.com
or call:
928-774-1662
(do NOT email joy or myself regarding this event!)
more on my Grand Canyon trip coming up next on DL!
photo above: yesterday, Joy and i visited a local vintage clothes shop and sure enough, Brahman manifested this 40's period dress which is PERFECT for the role of Mutti. Joy was sooo stoked. To me, her finding this dress right before Opening Night must have felt like me getting hooked up with a full on carbon fiber new racing bicycle before a race! the Art of Coupleship truly lies in drawing upon our own Bliss Paths and relating them to our Loved One. This creates an intimate standing-under of our Partner and instead of feeling threatened by our Partner's choices to pursue that which Moves and Nourishes Their Soul, it STRENGTHENS and ELEVATES the relationship.
hey Ananda...
Break A Leg, baby!
om so ti,
your loving coach, Teacher, friend, colleague, training bro, fan, pea-mate, and Partner...
steve
September 22, 2006
An Autumn Birthday Gift From Coach to Prakriti
"Everything can be used as an invitation to meditation. A smile, a face in the subway, the sight of a small flower growing in the crack of cement pavement, a fall of rich cloth in a shop window, the way the sun lights up flower pots on a windowsill. Be alert for any sign of beauty or grace. Offer up every joy, be awake at all moments, to “the news that is always arriving out of silence.”
Slowly, you will become a master of your own bliss, a chemist of your own joy, with all sorts of remedies always at hand to elevate, cheer, illuminate, and inspire your every breath and movement."
- Sogyal Rinpoche
willows, flowing stream (5)
Nature's sultry tongue speaks verse (7)
Squat! and hear the theme! (5)
- coach ilg, 9/17/06
this spontaneous Haiku came to me while i was yogi squatting in Bright Angel Creek, surrounded by the 1.7 billion year old "Vishnu Schist", bottom of the Grand Canyon.
as a child, growing up with my wolf, Apache, in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, sun splashed alpine creeks - not at all unlike Bright Angel Creek - were among my most potent Spiritual Teachers at that formative time in my young life. Today, the rocks and myself are a bit older, yet the Dharma Lessons carried by such unsullied creeks ring as clear and sharp and youthful to my ever evolving Soul (Atman) as ever...even moreso as age seems to round off my rough egoic edges like the river stones themselves.
Having incarnated into and trained in the great Lineage of Avalokiteshvara, who was one of Shakyamuni Buddha's foremost and highly skilled students, the quality of Compassion has and allWays remains the driving force behind my SvaDharma (Ones Sacred Duty to be performed in this lifetime). It was the passive meditation of squatting in such beautiful mountain streams that, ironically, became my own "Stream Entry" into realizing my spiritual Lineage. Literally immersed each wild day in Prakriti** taught me that Great Beauty happens unexpectedly yet must arise from an endless Practice of attention* and humility.
Like Truth, beauty is allWays a surprise when she visits our personal Lodge. She is cultivated from tilling the fields of our mind, body, and spirit through daily Conscious Practice and staying on this side of Peace throughout all the challenging circumstances of our daily life. Sacred Happiness arises when you finally choose to join Grandfather Sun and Grandmother Moon in their laughing upon your family's grave and in the plaintive smile which grows across our own faces as we remember playing with the creeks and animal companions of our childhood when we were still close to our True Source.
Because of my Lineage and formal Training, i have only Compassion for those who either ignore their innate fitness or keep their fitness enslaved to things like Stairmasters and Barbells and yoga sticky mats. My Heart opens toward those who do not do what it is required to unchain their Noble Fitness Efforts to play within the Grand Canyons and High Mountains of our precious lands...who know not their own limit of hiking upon blistered feet and laughing through sun cracked lips. For, to me, when i backpack into the wildness, all my Pain becomes purified through a reMembering of my Divine Intent. during such recollections, i know in my Heart of Hearts that somewhere back in High Colorado,
a Glacier Lilly opens silently
without fanfare
and
wingbeat by wingbeat
Raven glides an updraft
knowing
yet
not knowing.
get out and do the Do...
life is short
your Wholistic Fitness is your Freedom
om so ti
coach ilg
photos:
#1) flower garden arises from a former desert; my parents home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. by coach
#2) willow patch; Bright Angel Creek. by coach
#3) my little brother Craig, dancing his own limits as he rounds yet another of the dozens of switchbacks up the Bright Angel Trail out of the bottom of the Grand Canyon last week. by coach.
#4) after my 'favorite' September Sweat; Inline Skiing. by Ananda.
* = thus the 4 Noble WF Lifestyle Principles
** = Shakti Consciousness manifested as Nature in the form of the three Gunas (see prior DL Dharma Teachings); sattva, rajas, and tamas
September 21, 2006
Sacred Workout Complete; Coach returns from the Grand Canyon
Namaste Noble DL Readers!
did you miss me? 
oh man, once again, thanks to the multidimensional fitness afforded to me by my own Practice of WF,
i was able to drop into and out from not only the Grand Canyon in a Sacred Way, yet also, i was able to use this backpacking trip as a wonderful ReConnection with my little brother Craig, who was self-admittedly; "Waaaaaay out of shape and scared stiff," of backpacking into the very bowels of the Grand Canyon which he had NEVER EVEN SEEN before!
coming up in DL i will tap you into some of the WF Techniques and Teachings and outdoor equipment that i used to safely and strongly provide an AMAZINGLY RICH experience for myself and my brother. 
it has been probably 30 years since i shared a backpack trip with my little brother. as a young, first time father, my little brother found a new ignition switch during this trip to respark his own fitness of body, mind, and spirit.
after i catch up a bit with my WF Online Students and my SUNRIDER Herbal Warriors, i will be right back with you, providing more fun pictures and LOTS of valuable outdoor wilderness and internal spiritual Teachings and Sharings...
it feels go(o)d to back at the Humble Helm of the world's most amazing and unique Path of Personal Fitness; WHOLISTIC FITNESS!
see you soon right here in the Tribal Cave of WF: DL!
with blistered feet and soaring chakras,
i bow to you,
coach ilg
photos:
#1; coach pumps his fist after a new PR in "Wilderness Jacks." what, exactly, is "Wilderness Jacks"? coming up in DL!
#2; my 'little' (6'4") brother Craig "Two Man" Ilg at our campsite, not looking too totally stoked about my 'Zen Rice and Tuna" meal i made for him after his WARRIOR HIKE up the AMAZINGLY Clear Creek Trail
#3; Bright Angel Creek, a refuge of icy clear water which feeds into the Colorado River right beside our campsite.
#3; the awesome flow of the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon as we begin the 9.3 mile, 4,000'+ climb back to the South Rim on Day 3.
September 15, 2006
Coach Hikes The Canyon as Joy Returns To The STAGE!!!!
Namaste Noble Warriors!
i am off to go backpack the Grand Canyon with my little (6'4") brother, Craig! i will be back steering the wheel of the Humble Helm by Wednesday. i will do my best to take some killer photos of our immersion into one of the most powerful places on Turtle Island, so enjoy the Archives and keep your Practice STRONG! 
YES! the RUMOR is TRUE!
our Movie Star Turned Mountain Gal, Joy "Ananda" Kilpatrick is returning to the stage...nope, not Hollywood this time, right here at our great little playhouse called, Theatrikos! 
so tell you what, why don't you plan on coming over to Flag and see the GORGEOUS Autumn Aspens turn color and while you are here, catch our own Ananda on the Stage!
here is some information however you can also visit: www.Theatrikos.com
September 23 through October 14, 2006
“And Then They Came For Me:
Remembering the World of Anne Frank”
By James Still
Performances to be held on:
September 23, 28, 29, 30, October 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 8 p.m.
September 24, 30, October 7 at 2 p.m.
Call 928-774-1662 for ticket reservations
"And Then They Came For Me…” is a unique theatrical experience: a multimedia play that weaves videotaped interviews with Holocaust survivors Ed Silverberg and Eva Schloss with live actors recreating scenes from their lives during World War II. Part oral history, part dramatic action, part direct address, part remembrance...the ensemble driven “And Then They Came For Me…” breaks new ground and has been acclaimed by audiences and critics in productions across the United States.
Joy gives voice to the enduring character of Mutti, Eva Scholoss real life mother.
Joy's Brief Bio:
* Joy Kilpatrick (Mutti)
Joy is honored to be making her Theatrikos debut with this passionate group of actors and artists. Humbled to give voice to such a brave and enduring character, joy would like to thank Randi Klein, the director, for this opportunity.
Joy received her BFA from the University of Miami before continuing her Acting studies with the Burt Reyonld's Institute for Theatre Training, a one year internship which gave her the opportunity to work with such Stars as Burt Reyonlds, Charles Nelson Reilly and Dom DeLuise. Joy then took oversea study at the National Theatre in London on Scholarship. Upon returning to the states, she has had the honor to work as a professional actress in stage, television and film. Her most recent film credit is playing Patrick Stewart's daughter in SAFEHOUSE. She has also written and instructed a Yoga Video for Peter Pan Productions, titled: Quick Fix Power Yoga, which now Airs on Exercise TV®. Joy recently relocated to Flagstaff from LA with her beloved partner and their two amazing cat beings to experience a Higher quality of Living. Joy now devotes her time to teaching Wholistic Fitness® and Yoga. "May all beings be free from suffering."
• Member of Actors Equity Association
***
photos:
1) Coach at the Grand Canyon
2) Joy at 23 when she won the Carbonnell Aware for "Best Supporting Actress in a Musical"
What The World Needs...
"What the world needs more than anything is bodhisattvas, active servants of peace, "clothed," as Longchenpa said, "in the armor of perseverance," dedicated to their bodhisattva vision and to the spreading of wisdom into all reaches of our experience. We need bodhisattva lawyers, bodhisattva artists and politicians, bodhisattva doctors and economists, bodhisattva teachers and scientists, bodhisattva technicians and engineers, bodhisattvas everywhere, working consciously as channels of compassion and wisdom at every level and in every situation of society; working to transform their minds and actions and those of others, working tirelessly in the certain knowledge of the support of the buddhas and enlightened beings for the preservation of our world and for a more merciful future."
- Sogyal Rinpoche
"What the world needs more than anything is for her Two-Legged's to pay attention to and cultivate their Conscious Breath and Posture. WF Lifestyle Principle #1; Breath and Posture. This first, most pivotal Lifestyle Principle of my work can also be Seen as "Pranayama and Asana". That is, the WF Yogi's numero uno duty is to Breathe Consciously throughout their day and to find a "comfortable seat" - which is what 'asana' means - within the dynamic circumstances of their day."
- Coach Ilg
creator/Wholistic Fitness Personal Training System
"The Mt. Everest of Personal Fitness."
photos:
#1) Temple Manager Joy "Ananda" Kilpatrick finding her "comfortable seat" during Utthita Vasisthasana on Miami Beach.
#2) Coach stops during a recent mountain trail run to take advantage of some pretty potent alpine Prana to crank off a quick "Pranayama Appetizer." Just stopping during our busy days to simply breathe consciously seems to have become very Elite Yogic demeanor during Kali Yuga! WF is one of the few styles of yoga that prioritize Pranayama; just like the Ancient Enlightened Masters instructed. Funny how so many new yoga "Teachers" and their students are not willing to follow the Ancient Path. Our very FIRST Guideline in our humble, Powerful Path is "Breath and Posture," for where there is no conscious breath (prana/apana) there is no life!
September 14, 2006
And You Wonder WHY You Should Do An WF Private Intensive?
And What, you think i am just LYING to you about the Pranic Amplification that hits your cells if you come to the Sacred Peak and TRAIN?!
What, you think i moved here for the scenery? Well okay, maybe a LITTLE for that reason, however, my Teachers instructed me to move here for a very specific reason; the quality of the Pran here is pure and specific enough to virtually BEAM a specific form of Prana into the vyanic field of our body's cellular structure. Hell, you don't have to believe me and all my antics...
why not listen to one of the Wise Warrioress's that made pilgrimage to the Sacred Peak and is now REAPING the multi-layered benefits that runoff like spring water from a WF Private Intensive. i give you WF Student Amy of Oregon (see photo above taken during her and Todd's recent Intensive):
***
Most Noble Coach and Ananda,
I was thinking of you both while I was lying in bed on Monday night and how I would construct an e-mail to give you updates on my practice and progress since our intensive. I woke up Tuesday morning with vivid memories of us levitating in my dreams. What fun that was! I could FEEL the energy creating the movement! I haven’t been able to duplicate it in the waking state yet. I’ll keep trying!
My energy level has been soaring since Todd and I left the Two Tree Manor in August. I have been practicing seated meditation on most days of the week as well as active meditation through HP yoga and running. I am absolutely astounded at the energy levels I have been able to sustain. I ran 20 miles last weekend in 2:37 (a 7:45 pace). I felt kick ass (sorry, had to use the language for descriptive purposes). I still had enough energy to complete two top rope climbs with my brother that afternoon. To my surprise, I wasn’t even hungry that whole day! Talk about prana flowing! My appetite for food has been suppressed since then.
I honestly could not understand how coach can perform at such super human levels with such a small amount of food! I had been pondering that since I left Flagstaff. Now I know! Wow! Wow! Wow! That is all I can say. I feel better than I have in years (not that I was feeling bad before). I have cleaned up my diet since I am no longer craving carbohydrates. I feel awesome. Meditation is so powerful!
I am seeing the world through different eyes. I feel like my sense of reality is changing. I can only hope that I am shifting out of the realm of daily awareness and entering something much more grand, even if only for glimpses. I can’t wait to see what is next.
I will continue to train for the San Francisco Marathon on October 22nd. I will let you know how that goes.
You are both always in our thoughts and in our hearts.
Namaste,
“Vyanic Princess” Amy
Running Into Shakespeare - "In me thou see'st"
The hummingbirds have left.
Four days before the first overnight freeze.
How do they know
what they know?
Why have we lost such inner science of Self?
Whom Taught YOU to know, what you "know"?
Yesterday evening, Ananda and i took our Practice to another of our backyard trails known as
"Upper Oldham"...a narrow slice of alpine trail that twists and turns upon itself as it snakes its way up
the steep slope like the Princess Kundala Herself snaking Her Cosmic Way up Sushumna. It would take me nearly
22 minutes to run up and into the trail's summit alpine meadow still bejeweled by wildflowers hanging on for dear, dear life.
no small feat, bringing your feet up this route;
it climbs from 7,600' to 9,000' in a mere 1.5 miles!
i devoted my sweat last evening to the Autumnal Gods, and
though my spinal injury still sears my body with pain while running,
i surrender the Pain as karmic Purification to Brahman and His Dance That Is..
oh, i can only trust you enjoy Shakespeare
and true chi running...
May your Practice be Blessed and strong and fleet on this Day of Days...
You are Beautiful,
om so ti,
coach
***
all photos by Ananda except the opening photo and the second to last which were taken by coach
***
"That time of year thou mayst in me behold
When yellow leaves, or none, of few, do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Bare ruined choirs where late the sweet birds sang.
In me thou see'st the twilight of such day
As after sunset fadeth in the west,
Which by and by black night doth take away,
Death's second self, that seals up all in rest.
In me thou see'st the glowing of such fire
That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,
As the deathbed whereupon it must expire,
Consumed with that which it was nourished by.
This thou perceiv'st which makes thy love more strong.
To love that well which thou must leave ere long.
- William Shakespeare
September 13, 2006
Coach Lombardi Meets Ram Dass
The NY TIMES says of coach ilg; "This Yin-Yang version of Vince Lombardi has few rivals..." his peculiar yet undeniably effective form of personal fitness training "...is like Coach Lombardi meets Ram Dass."
+
=
?
***
"Most modern athletes, performers, and leaders -though they be of our Warrior Clan,
still have little notion of where their Highest Victories lie. The modern athlete has lost track of
where his true podium lies. The modern performer has confused their stage presences, and our
so-called Leaders in politics and business have grown indeterminate in their spiritual integrity thus
confuse material wealth with genuine wealth. Such dissolution of Nobility and Character arises
because - essentially - we have "kids" having kids. Lack of spiritual growth imprints, cellularly, onto our children's children children. Coupled with this growing genetic mutation toward Entertainment instead of InnerAttainment, is a horrible dearth of Dharma Teachers - authentic Dharma Teachers - living on Turtle Island. Where there are no Dharma Teachers, there breeds cesspools of spiritual ignorance within the very fabric of our species.
So, we are poised at a spiritual cusp. Unfortunately, the predominant attitude propagated through the Mainstream's spiritual slumber is basically:
hey,
everybody is going to die anyway,
so you might as well:
1) be happy,
2) have fun,
and
3) Screw working on your Inner Self; enjoy the sense pleasures of the Outer Directed World!
Sadly, these 3-Points all veer away from the real purpose of taking a precious human incarnation;
Going For The Ultimate Victory of the Human Race; ENLIGHTENMENT!"
- coach ilg
om so ti,
your fiercely loving coach
Today's DHARMALINKS to deepen your Practice:
www.vincelombardi.com
www.ramdass.com
September 12, 2006
Pain IS a Picnic; So SLOW DOWN!
"Whenever we are brave enough to create the time to go
slowly, i mean really, really, REALLY slowly into our Pain
- be it physical pain, emotional pain, or mental pain -
we are granted inSights which begin to purify that Pain
thus bringing Transformation of it."
- coach ilg
a no surgery/no drugs conquerer of a fractured spine and smashed pelvis
accordingly to Wikipedia, the word Picnic means:
PICNIC is an acronym which stands for "Problem In Chair, Not In Computer".
"It is most commonly used by experts to describe to one another that the problem was not in the computer but was instead caused by the user operating it."
based upon my own lifetime of pain, i observed that many people try to turn Pain into a Picnic, instead of a Warrior's Chance To Rise Above. in other words, it's not the Vehicle of Pain that is the "problem," rather it is the Driver Within The Vehicle that has to step up and look within to reDisCover their innate Tools and Strengths and Wisdom to transform the Pain.
instead of looking within however, we often default to externals; drugs, surgery, pills, various doctors and healers, blah, blah, blah. we have become habituated to looking outside our selves for the 'answer' to our pains. thus, in a sense, we've made Pain our picnic; an endless smorgesbord of Seeking instead of buckling down, looking within, and FINDING!
oh, the actual meaning of picnic relates to "pick" and refers to "a weapon and a fish."
have an Inner Picnic from your strength and spirit today!
and question EVERYTHING!
even the word "picnic" and realize that EVERY WORD, EVERY THOUGHT, EVERY BEING
leads right back to the miraculous interweaving of Dharma.
om so ti...
your 'picayune' coach
photo; the WF Temple 'picnic' bench is situated so that visiting Students can enjoy a quiet moment gazing upon the Sacred Peak. how long has it been since YOUR last 'picnic'?!
September 11, 2006
DL IS SMOKING!
Most Noble Coach Ilg-
Thank you for the most recent pictures of The Sacred Peak- they filled my heart with joy.
And thanks for your explanation and letter in response to my previous question about the WF logo...
and for the last bunch of DL's! They smoked! i was away and internet impaired for the last several weeks and really enjoyed gobbling them up today upon my return home and internet land access.
namaste' and good luck fighting the demons of ignorance so prevalent in our society,
steven weiss
(of Clan Haku)
Teachings From My Sensei; Singletrack Sartori
on the Sacred Peak (5)
mountain biking with Sensei (7)
he Sees lines, but where?! (5)
yesterday i got schooled again by my Sensei of the Singletrack, "Tattoo Bob."
his curriculum for me and another bro from Prescott this morning:
a 3-hour, billionjillion vertical feet of climbing and
extreme descending over terrain more suitable for rock climbers, not cyclists.
after an hour of Zone 3 climbing up "Sunset Trail" - a famous slice of technical singletrack that pierces
a God-Gifted Temple of wildflowers and alpine hanging meadows.
the only sermons up here are those given freely by the birds who ask for no "offerings" of money or affiliation of your soul.
then, came the 5 mile drop-like-a-brick descent of "Little Bear Trail" which
features a focus-enhancing 800' abyss on your right and an elbow tearing
cliff on your left. the tiny trail is etched like an Etch-A-Sketch line into the
exfoliating cliff face.
having just threw down one of my best mountain bike rides of my life the day before,
i was on-form and shredding like a mighty aerobic Zen Master who actually does this type of
outdoor stuff instead of sitting around perched on puffy cushions like potted plants.
i was in the Zone, baby...right on the wheel of my Sensei witnessing and attempting to imprint upon my own cellular make up
his deft flicks and flairs of his body, breath, and bike as we soared down, down, down the steep and rocky path.
having already dropped our other companion, there in the early morning light, only my Teacher and i,
sweating a scintillating precious sartori upon the world class singletrack. we only really get Moments in life.
so it's important to fill our lives with quality Moments.
this was such a Moment.
it was then that my Teacher granted me a private exposure to one of his "Jedi Moments."
a moment so suspended in Pranic Flow and
non-comprehensible intellect, that if i did not Know better, the whole sequence of events could not
possibly have happened.
at least not on this Plane.
i recall the zen of being fearlessly dialed onto Sensei's rear wheel as Mother Earth kicked and clapped at our warp speed
down the twisting trail.
i recall a throbbing Mula Bandha and rhythmic breathing as i sustained this shredding at a Level significantly
higher than ever before.
i recall Sensei floating up and over a sudden rock-filled, tree-rooted headwall rising like Shiva's fist curled in front of me.
i recall practicing what i Teach; "See yourself through the obstacle," as i almost magically it seemed,
cleaned this sudden dangerous section which i would normally have dismounted and walked up.
then, like coming over a roller coaster high point, another jaw-dropping section of the descent as the void yawned at my right shoulder.
i recall seeing Sensei, just ahead of me, suddenly and without warning, simply vanish in a puff of light and dust, in the way the Road Runner would disappear from the Coyote in the cartoons.
i recall hitting my brakes and skidding, nearly out of control and very nearly off the cliff and into the abyss.
i recall seeing what made me hit my brakes so hard.
there was a huge, fallen tree directly over the trail, with a debris of branches, bark, and shattered rock protecting it like a moat.
there was absolutely, positively no ridable line through this obstacle.
to go left would smack you at a high speed into the cliff band.
to go right would send you like a skyrocket off the mountain and into the ravine far below.
there was, where the tree had snapped off, a tiny space of about four inches which hovered off the right edge of the trail.
i examined this spot carefully, for to me, in that glistening Temple of Sweat and Singletrack morning,
my Teacher had performed a siddhi.
a power.
a miracle of No Mind.
an epitome of Zen in Action.
i saw no tire tracks from his passing over/through/around this obstacle.
as i dismounted and climbed rather ungainly with Gunther (my bike) over the obstacle and wishing the tree Ai Imawa,
i shook my head.
my Teacher has done such siddhi before me a number of times.
this one, however, took the Pranic cake.
i swear he Shape Shifted with the Blessings of the Kachina Gods up here and just rematerialized on the other side of the fallen tree.
after i rejoined him at a secluded Secret Spot several heart thumping miles later, i asked my Sensei about his siddhi through the tree.
"Oh that? Well, you know, i just don't like to get off my bike. Clearing that tree without stopping my Flow is kinda like in the Martial Arts, you know...i just didn't think about it. i think i backpedaled to get my inside pedal up, bunny hopped sideways, and kinda shot my front tire through that space...i dunno."
"Sensei," i attempted to re-Mind my Teacher, "you were going about 23 mph! how do you do all that in a flicker of an instant."
With impeccable Animal Medicine timing, a beautiful Northern Flicker flew like poetry to a perch on a nearby snag overlooking the entire Hopi lands far, far below the Great Peak.
"Hey," my tattoo'd Teacher smiled kindly at me, "dat's what this shit is all about, brother. Go with the Flow, baby."
It was then that our other companion caught up to us and skidded to a stop before us, breathless and smiling. He looked at me knowingly, for he has ridden these mountains with Sensei far longer than i and asked me,
"He cleaned that tree, didn't he?"
It was my turn to smile as the Northern Flicker flapped into the growing thunderhead,
"Yup. He sure did."
Soon enough, after some easy DharmaTalk which spilled without effort and with much sacred joy from our mouths from our overlook, we remounted our bikes and headed still down and up and up and down with many, many more obstacles for me to Practice my skills upon.
In mountain biking, it's the obstacles that make it so much fun.
in life as well, though we seldom are skill-full enough to realize it, it is in-Deed the Obstacles (karma) that make our short lives here such a wild and woolly trip until our final exhale.
***
on the final descent, i was honored and thrilled to show my Sensei a brand new mountain biking trail - another of the fabled Flagstaff Secret Mountain Bike Trails - that had just been completed a week or so ago. during one particularly sketchy and dangerous rock garden section, i looked up only for an instant so i could witness the superb descending skills of Sensei, hoping to perhaps assimilate via osmosis some of his talent for getting through this incredibly steep, rutted, rooted mine field of a boulder slope.
instead, the only thing i assimilated was an ass over elbows, headlong fall off my bike and into a rock.
my right hand is hurt, my left knee has a contusion from both rocks and bike frame and it hurts to type.
in the outdoor sports, the Teachings come fast, hard, and painful.
it was from this necessity of focus within the extreme outdoor sports that i created the science of Wholistic Fitness and her subDiscipline of High Peformance Yoga.
it is this instrumental requirement for sustained concentration for hours and hours through high intensity effort that imparts the unmatched Transmission of our little known, yet pretty potent Path beneath the Sacred Peak.
May your own Practice be gifted with insight and a ton of sacred fun...
i gotta go put ice on my hand...
love and light,
your mountain yogi
photos:
1) southwest singletrack. HP yogi ben.
2) coach practicing within the Temple Training Grounds. HP yogi ben.
3) Gunther's dashboard. coach.
4) WF Temple Manager Ananda, practicing the tough Teachings of WF. coach.
September 10, 2006
OFFICE WARRIOR WORKOUT; Another Coach Ilg DL Subscriber Special!
The Sacred Peak, this morning.
It's that most magical time of the year for me.
Autumn is coming! Flagstaff only averages 25 days per year of 85 degrees or higher, yet has 206 days with temperatures below freezing.
Each morning, the dew freezes up on the summit of the Sacred Peak, glistening as if winking to me, "Go(o)d Morning, Coach! Ready to play with me again today?"
Answer is:
YES!!!!
yesterday evening, taking a break from Serving the Dharma through online coaching and serving myself some Iron Temple Pranayama!
yup,
sure 'nuff...
It's the time of year for "Falling" into WF Shape in a Big Way!
After a season of racing bikes, now is the time to see if any of my bike racing competitors can hold my wheel as i ramp up the cross training intensity with strength training, plyometrics, asana, rock climbing, sustained mountain bike ascents and extreme descents, trail running, and ski-specific training.
come and catch your old coach!
see the above photo?
this muscle pump came from only 5 minutes into my "OFFICE WARRIOR WORKOUT" using only old school dumbbells. and, remember, i am only several days into my off season from bike racing against the best sport-specific bike racers in the state. that is what i so LOVE about the Practice of WF;
the WF Warrior can change their body shape to suit their Dream Chasing, we are not like Tennis players that may be world class with one arm while their non-dominant arm hangs like a withered branch from their twisted back torsos! Balance throughout the body equals balance throughout the mind. such physical balance leads naturally and powerfully into an ideal foundation for meditation as we grow older.
often, like you, i have only 15-20 minutes to train in the gym. fortunately, with unique WF copyrighted techniques such as the infamous "Staccato," "Envelope," "3-Stage," and "Shivaya" those few minutes provide the WF Yogin with a WICKED pump, resolidification of internal locks like Mula Bandha, superb pranayamic conditioning (using Ujjayi and 'Bhastrika Blows' techniques between sets), and a fantastic CHI CHARGING WORKOUT that blows all the crap and clutter out of our minds and body...
whatever yogi says that a Bench Press is not as Sacred as a Chaturanga is certainly not from our TRIBE!
Here is my OFFICE WARRIOR WORKOUT that provides me a SUPERB STRENGTH TRAINING EFFECT within 20 minutes or less; ONLY FOR DL SUBSCRIBERS!
***
OFFICE WARRIOR WORKOUT!
- all exercises can be found in my various books; Study the Sacred WF Scripture!)
equipment needed;
• a couple of pair of dumbbells (moderate to light; i use 40lbs - 20lbs)
• flat bench
• medicine ball (moderate, i use a 9-10)
Recovery Between Sets:
3 Ujjayi Pranayams into 3 "Bhastrikra Blows" which is a long slowly drawn nasal inhale to fill the chest and abdominal cavities like a blacksmith's bellows, into a forceful exhalation (rechaka) while gripping Mula Bandha. should be done seated, on the edge of the bench, with chin in Jalandhara.
#1) Medicine Ball Crunches (for core/abs and pranayamic effects)
instead of counting reps, do the WF Syllabic Mantra; Om Ma Ni Pahd May Hung
do the Mantra for Standard Form, then right elbow to the ball, then left elbow, then alternate. 3 sets.
#2) DB Presses into DB Flyes (for chesta nd pranayamic effects)
do one round of WF Mantra for each linked up by a Ku Top Position for a total of 4 grueling sets! (Online Students; use extreme yin foot position for the former and Star Drive leg position for the latter).
#3) Crane Pose or Handstand or Dolphin Levers (for back and pranayamic effects)
sustain one of the above or use them as a tri-set for a WF Mantra round each.
#4) DB Side Lateral Raises into Front Lateral Raises (for shoulders and pranayamic effects)
two rounds of WF Mantra for each linked up by a Ku Bottom Position for a total of 2 enlightening, deltoid engorging sets!
#5) Seated Alternating DB Curls into Seated DB Curls. (arms, postural strength, and pranayamic effects)
two WF Mantra rounds of the former followed by one round of the latter linked up by a forearm bulging Ku Bottom Position!
that's all Oh Noble WF Yogin! if you want some more "gun work" finish off your biceps with some Concentration Curls!
to get your legs; get the hell outside and ride your bike or go for run or do a walk with some Staccato Technique Jump Squats once every five minutes!
to get your triceps; do your HP Yoga!
LIVE THE PATH!
LIVE THE PRANAYAMIC PATH OF WF!
***
the above is intellectual property of Coach Steve Ilg and is NOT to be republished in ANY way, shape, or form except for YOUR personal use.
coach ilg and his staff is not liable for your pursuit of the above workout; this is merely a workout that i have found effective both personally and professionally.
do NOT send me questions on the above workout UNLESS you are an Online Student of WF. this is for respect of Coach's time and also for liability purposes.
September 09, 2006
A Coach Ilg Approved, "Ai Imawa Workshop"!
"God doesn't give you answers, he gives you options."
WF Teacher Roche option-seeking in the Ai Imawa Posture, Mother Earth/Father Sky
***
With Coach Ilg's Blessings,
WF Teacher Roche will present:
“Exploring the Life Force”
September 17: 9:30a.m. - 3:30p.m.
Workshop fee is $75 if registered by September 8 -- $85 after the 8th.
Indianapolis, Indiana
CITYOGA Downtown
Chris Roche presents “Exploring the Life Force” at CITYOGA. This workshop will explore UniVersal Energy, known as Chi (Asian Arts) or Prana (Yogic Sciences):
Learn to recognize, feel, and understand more deeply the concept of Life Force
Dis-cover how to cultivate, harvest, and direct this potent Energy via physical activity, pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, and nutrition
Learn to apply the awareness of Life Force in your Yoga Practice and daily life
Never Before Taught in Indy – The Taoist Practice of Ai Imawa!
FOR MORE:
http://twistedsageblog.blogspot.com/2006/08/september-workshop-scheduled.html
No Herbs For Your Children?
Noble WF Online Student Alan Ludgate of New York, is one of the many Father Warriors in our Tribe that KNOWS the vital importance of introducing his children to the regenerative POWER of the SUNRIDER Herbs! Below, Student Wendy has run into a "Kali Yuga Snafu" (spiritual dark age f^%k up). Her pre-school will not "allow" her child to bring her health giving SUNRIDER herbs to school with her! Can YOU possibly help this young mother attempting to simply feed her child the healthiest food possible in this Obesity Stricken society?! Man, when WILL the Outer World WAKE UP?!
***
Namaste Noble Herbal Warriors!
you know, it is a sad, sad, very sad spiritual dark age
when a young mother is not "allowed" to send her child to school with
accurate, healthy, and immune-building nutrition.
instead of not allowing her child to drink her "herbies," the school superintendent
should be EMBRACING the presence of SUNRIDER herbs for ALL the children!
send me an email if you can help out Wendy and her child.
until then,
know that it is a great Blessing of our incarnation
to be able to order and eat these foods so conveniently
and even get PAID for doing so!
i bow to you from beneath the Sacred Peak,
coach ilg, ryt/uscf/cpt
Lead Director/SUNRIDER Herbs
***
Dear Coach Ilg and Ananda,
I Trust this note will find you both well.
Ran into a challenge today. As I beamed with happiness last week telling you how my 3-year old daughter Jesse drinks a water bottle full of her "herbies" each day at school, I must have spoken too loudly.
Today I received a note from school telling me that "only water is allowed in the water bottle." Feeling crushed. She's been so healthy.
Wondering if somewhere 'out-there' amongst the Great Ilg Downline there may be :
1) an M.D. in the state of IN willing to write a note stating that she may/must have her herbs in her water bottle,
and/or
2) someone who may know whom I should write to in order to begin to effect change for all children in this regard. (essentially, the state IN if you choose to work/place your child in pre-school/daycare you forfeit your right to choose how/when/what to feed your child.)
Any ideas?
With Much Gratitude,
Student Wendy
September 08, 2006
thank you...
hello Teachers of my numero uno WAY......
Beautiful photos and capturing the Spirit of the Days with Student Shawna
love to You for all you do and how "Joy-and-Steve-fully" you serve us all,
ss
Special Bow To KO!
A special Teacher to Teacher bow to my staff Teacher of WF Online; Chris "Kokanda" Roche
for preparing his charge, Student Shawna, so amazingly well.
Student Shawna's allegiance to the WF Path under your capable and giving spirit paid off in deep and Auspicious Ways during her Intensive with Ananda and i. thank you, WF Teacher Ko, for the countless Acts of Service that you do each week for (y)our Students.
"Ripples make waves,"
coach ilg
ps: i am ONLY going to assume at this point, that WF Teacher's KO blog is on your Daily Visit list:
http://www.twistedsageblog.blogspot.com/
3 Haiku's For Departing Intensive Student Shawna...
First Haiku For The Buddha;
Second Haiku For The Dharma;
Third Haiku For The Sangha...
all photos by Coach or Ananda
***
weary Student hikes (5)
Tribal Mantra her backpack (7)
Sacred Peak becomes Bardo (5)
Temple home awakes (5)
Noble Student flies back home (7)
aspen leaves clapping (5)
Personal Training? (5)
i've raised the Standard so high (7)
only few can See (5)
Most Noble and Cherished Student Shawna who was brave to take pilgrimage beneath the Sacred Peak to deepen your Online WF Studies...The WF Gods smiled upon your Bravery and we all bowed to your Gumption.
On behalf of our Humble Temple H(om)e...
thank you for gracing us with your beautiful Spirit...
on behalf of Ananda and the Temple Cat Beings...
om so ti,
coach ilg
September 07, 2006
Student Shawna Shouts Out
Noble Sangha,
i attempted to post this late last night, however, Blogger was not Bloggin'
we are off to the Sacred Peak!
head bowed, breath pranic,
coach ilg
***
Hey Indiana!
Since she has such a strong following, i just wanted to Indiana know that your beautiful WF Online Student Shawna Shaub has inDeed
survived Day One of her WF Private Intensive with astounding CHI:
i tried to get her to write a few words to you all,
however,
as you can probably guess by the pics above and the late entry of this update (oh well, looks like Blogger ain't gonna let me Publish again...anyway, it is nearly 12:30 am),
uh,
she is a wee bit weary.
she is a CHAMPION and i bow to WF Teacher Ko and his fantastic training of her and all of her family and friends
should be VERY proud of her.
Shawna is REPRESENTING INDY big time here in the high altitudes!
tomorrow, she is going for an ascent of the Sacred Peak...
Ananda and i are honored to work with this beautiful Being taking pilgrimage to the Temple H(om)e.
Shawna honors this Path.
om so ti
coach ilg
September 06, 2006
Don't Give Up; Noticing A Busy Mind Is A Blessing!
When people begin to meditate, they often say that their thoughts are running riot and have become wilder than ever before. But I reassure them and say that this is a good sign. Far from meaning that your thoughts have become wilder, it shows that you have become quieter and are finally aware of just how noisy your thoughts have always been. Don’t be disheartened or give up. Whatever arises, just keep being present, keep returning to the breath, even in the midst of all the confusion.
- Sogyal Rinpoche
Just as a massage calms the neural system of the body,
so too does a consistent pranayam and meditation Practice,
such as WF's unique; "Early Morning Ritual",
calms the chaotic fracturing of arising thoughts.
"Normally we pay no attention to the arising and disappearing of thoughts in our mind, and just act on what is passing through at the moment," teaches my beautiful Lama Karma Rinchen of Santa Fe. In Wholistic Fitness, i have created many Lifestyle and Fitness techniques to get you and i to simply 'watch the mind," and begin to truly See what is passing through. i use this image of a dying Aspen leaf floating downstream in an alpine creek to "watch the arising thought pass through."
"It is easy to reach me, Arjuna," teaches Krishna to the Warrior in Chapter 8 of the Bhagavad Gita, "for the yoga practitioner, steady in practice, who thinks of me constantly and has no greater attachments." In other words, Enlightenment is a certainty for those yogis who surrender their actions, thoughts, and self to the Lord. For most of my life, i related my notion of Lord to Prakriti...the Shakti energy of Mother Nature. I love God, i just know Him/Her by another name; Nature.
May your Practice be strong and sincere and full inSight today.
i am in a Private Training Intensive with our Starlet Student of the Year; Shawna Schaub for the next two days.
have YOU scheduled YOUR WF Private Intensive for 2007, yet? Prices will increase next year for these one-of-a-kind Experiences Beneath The Sacred Peak!
photos by coach:
1) WF Online Student, Warrior Tobe, practicing "Mind Watching" during a recent WF Private Intensive
2) WF Temple Manager Ananda prepares for a bodywork session on "Red Fox Deck" at the Temple H(om)e
3) Aspen Leaf/Mountain Stream
4) Sacred Peak cirque during a twilight mountain run
September 05, 2006
WF Road Warrior; Student Mackel shows us the Way of the Road Trip
Coach,
I'm back and on fire after an incredible Walk About in the Southwest. Everything we did was the best. The best mountain bike rides, backpacking, car camping, yoga, tai chi, and finished by seeing Buddy Guy at the Hard Rock in Vegas.
Utah rocked and attached are a few pictures.
My Saturday long runs are getting g(o)od. Off to make an Ilg Supreme then my Brick. Doing hills and yoga tonite.
Namaste my Coach,
NWSM
Pictures by NWSM:
1. NWSM Alternate Nasal Breathing after swim in Virgin River Narrows
2. Big Spring, in the Zion Narrows, Water Bottle Neti
3. Narrows overnight campsite, "The Cave" yoga
4. Navajo Lake/Virgin River Rim trail. 15 miles of single track like this.
5. On the road with Yoga Toes, Cedar Breaks, UT
September 04, 2006
Falling Into Truth
working out some moves on a 5.12a sport climb yesterday (yellow route). i fell three times on this route before climbing it. i see falling as a way toward Mastery, nothing less. just as the sailor cannot be afraid to lose sight of the shore if he wishes to discover new terrain, so too must the yogi be fearless in his or her Search For Truth (which usually is nested in our Weaknesses and Unconscious Patterns and Tendencies).
***
hi Steve and Joy,
Sara and i both thank you so much for the climbing gym experience yesterday. i hadn't climbed since 2001, and it felt great.
Here are some pictures of the day.
- ben
There is wisdom behind why i inCourage my Students to climb...
HP Yogini Sara applies the HIGH Performance into her understanding of High Performance Yoga!
i climb because i know that the Search for Truth is not for the faint hearted. Practicing some crack climbing technique in preparation for Indian Creek Canyon.
Each time the losses and deceptions of life teach us about impermanence, they bring us closer to the truth. When you fall from a great height, there is only one possible place to land: on the ground—the ground of truth. And if you have the understanding that comes from spiritual practice, then falling is in no way a disaster, but the discovery of an inner refuge.
- Soygal Rinpoche
Ananda palming the arete on a 5.9+
photos by HP Yogis Ben and Sara
September 03, 2006
Our Newly Certified Tribal LifeGuard Shel!..."who 2 years ago could not swim across the pool without major shoulder pain."
Me warming up with 5 laps of gratitude!
Before i started......visualizing and breathing.
Alternate nostril breathing to reset myself.
Going down to 11 feet to get the brick.
You'll notice my hands holding the brick so the 25 meter trip to the pool's edge must be done with my legs and WF Chi.
Reaching out to test where i am so i don't collide with the lane markers.
Coming in to the pool's edge and starting to prepare for my landing.
Notice when i put the brick on the edge which will signify the end of the test i am using my non-dominant hand!
The certifying guard and one heck of a very Happy ss.
***
Thank you so much Coach for all your help and support. I do not quit. I challenged my fears, built up the lung and leg strength i was lacking, and worked on my technique. When i was carrying the brick that 25 meters i kept visualizing that it was YOU i was saving. After trekking me up and down mountains, on foot and on bike, and getting me up and down the climbing walls it's the least i could do for you !! No way was i not going to get you out of that pool alive...
Life is g(o)od when you go for it !
love from this fifty something WF Warrioress who 2 years ago could not swim across the pool without major shoulder pain. Long live Yoga, Sunrider Herbs and WF----
i Salute the Extraordinary Teachings of one very humble Coach
September 02, 2006
Does It Matter?
Coach,
First I would like to say that I was extremely touched by your words on DL.
It confirmed the type of person you are on a personal level and for that I am
greatful. I wanted to write to you today (the first day of THE cosmic yang) to
ask more or less why things work out the way they do. I know there is probably
no real answer but I find it miraculous how and when things happen in life.
About a year ago I was in a 4 year relationship with a extremely nice and smart
girl. She soon wanted to get engaged. Recognizing that I was only a sophomore
in college I did not act on that right away. Then the beginning of that spring
semester, I was assigned a seat next to this beautiful girl (we'll call her
girl X) in one of my classes. From the very first day of talking with her to
the last day of that semester was a true joy. She was striving to be an
acupuncturist (my mother is an LaC), she also regularily did yoga,
crosstraining, and meditation. There was an attraction not neccessarily to
date her but a self realization that my past 4 years, while nice, had been
stagnant and filled with false contentment. Soon after meeting her, I broke up
with the g/f and started doing yoga in an attempt to spend more time with girl
X. Soon summer had come and we parted ways. When I was first introduced to
yoga, I had gone with a firend that would usually go on about how she's going
to hot room yoga and I'd say "cool" (thinking to myself, oh I guess girls do
that kind of thing). My mind soon changed as I was introduced to my first
session in the wheelhouse of pain (and pleasure)! Lifting weights and playing
basketball had always been a part of my life but yoga was something that
brought the balance that I was looking for but did know how to attain. From
there I looked for a way to combine my love for strength training with my new
found love for yoga. One day I searched for yoga articles on bodybuilding.com.
Sure enough there was a Q&A article on yoga. A guy had asked the question: how
do I combine weights and yoga? The kind woman answered by recommmending two
books REAL MEN DO YOGA and TBT. I picked up both books before leaving for
summer vacation. Through the knowledge I have gained form your book among
other readings ( some of which you had recommended in your book ) has made me a
better person. To top it all off, I saw girl X today on a beautiful day in
Tucson and had an wonderful conversation on wholistic fitness and I couldn't
help but name drop ( "you don't know wholistic fitness until you've been abused
by the ilg train"). Just kidding. Anyways, I guess my conclusion/question is
that if I hadn't chose to take that class, asked to go to yoga with my friend,
talked to girl X outside of class, parting ways with the g/f, bought your book,
strive to make improvements in my life...then I would be living a life that
would in many ways an unmotivated, selfish, superficial, and reserved one huh?
After writing all this to you I am truly appreciative of the unbelieveable
events that have transpired in life (go(o)d and bad) that have led to this
moment...Truly a miracle.
from an eternally grateful student
I bow to you coach
namaste
Sike
COACH RESPONDS:
Noble One On The Path,
what does it matter how you got Here Now?
the point is you were working on yourself (doing yoga) and whenever we
work on ourselves, God begins sending us angels, signs, and inSights to
help us stay Awake
and
Rising Higher toward Him.
so, i say to you, Beautiful Warrior Who Has Awoke:
"Just Listen
and
keep your Practices strong and sincere and surrendered to the Go(o)d within."
om so ti,
coach ilg
Student Haiku Of The Day; Ganesha rises!
WF Online Student and Most Valuable SUNRIDER Goddess of the Year; Shawna Shaub. Student Shaub will be visiting the WF Temple this week for her Private WF Intensive.
***
Namaste El Coache,
upon completion of her Go Ju Ganesha, Cosmic Yang, and Inner Space program cycle tri-set, a haiku from Student Shawna. in-Joy:
Obstacles have moved (5)
Strength increased from deep within (7)
Creativity (5)
she also shared this:
"i have named my camera "Ganesha"
Gassho,
ko
September 01, 2006
WARRIOR UP: Help John!
john bachar on his famous route, The Gift (5.12c)
***
in the eighties, John Bachar was one of my role models for free soloing (unroped climbing of difficult routes). his training regimes would completely dismantle all of us who attempted to mimic them. i had the great fortune of visiting and hanging with him in Camp 4 in Yosemite. there was always a huge entourage of scraggly climbers and not so scraggly girls flocked around his bronzed,chiseled body and blonde locks. John's free solos of absolutely intimidating spires inspired me and hundreds of others back then, to push our own Training and Performance. back in Eldorado Canyon, me and my climbing buddies would be leading (roped) some heinous rock climb hundreds of feet above the canyon floor, petrified to move up or down one more inch. all the time, in our minds, we knew what so many others knew,
"Oh yeah, Bachar totally free soloed this route on sight."
when John offered $10,000 to anyone who, "could follow me for a day," i wussed out like the rest of the world. there ain't many humans on this planet that i am afraid to follow for a day. John was one of them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bachar
On Sunday, August 13th, Steve Karafa, President of Acopa Climbing Shoes became victim of a tragic accident on the way home from the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show. John Bachar was also injured in the accident and is expected to make a full recovery. Unfortunately, he is without medical insurance and will be facing tremendous medical expenses. Mammoth Mountaineering Supply has set up a donation fund to help him cover his medical bills. If you feel like helping out, please either send donations to:
Mammoth Mountaineering Supply, ("John Bachar Fund"), PO BOX 2297, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 or contact Dave (dave@mammothgear.com) to find out how else you can help. Donations can also be made to the American Alpine Club for the John Bachar Fund. People can either mail checks to:
John Bachar Fund
American Alpine Club
710 10th St. Suite 100
Golden CO 80401
You can also donate online at www.americanalpineclub.org. Click on "support us" and you can donate.
Tell John that, "Coach ilg sent me, and it is an honor to help out a Warrior who inspired my coach."
you would have dug hangin' out around a Camp 4 campfire with John and go bouldering beneath the moon rising over Half Dome...help my bro out.
thank you for your Warrior Metta.
om so ti
coach ilg