It’s a new school year, a new season. We spent time this summer reading, taking coursework, watching videos, or reviewing (a lot of) repertoire as we programmed for our ensembles. We come back to our work renewed, “fresh.” But is this “freshness” our rediscovered self or a duplication of everything and everyone else out there? […]
Leadership
The Conductor as Yogi: Takeaways, then Getaways
For most of us, the performing season or year has ended or will end, soon. With a combination of celebration and relief, we look forward to the change that summer represents. But before getaways, let’s look at the takeaways; let’s tidy up the desk of our minds as we wrap up and make space for […]
The Conductor as Yogi: The To-Be List
“To know yourself as the Being underneath the thinker, the stillness underneath the mental noise, the love and joy underneath the pain, is freedom, salvation, enlightenment.” Eckhart Tolle It’s concert day. My to-do list has been updated regularly and I check it once, then twice (OK, more than that), to be sure all is in […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Timely Intersections
“The study of asana is not about mastering posture. It’s about using posture to understand and transform yourself.” B.K.S Iyengar A few weeks ago, I received an exciting message in my inbox from Yoga Alliance, the primary professional organization for yoga advocacy, standards, and research. YA regularly tracks legislation or regulations that can have an […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Holding Space
“Holding space” is the practice of allowing room for someone to release their thoughts, concerns, or fears without judging them or feeling the need to offer advice or fix the situation. This is a valuable skill in our professional and personal relationships, a way of honoring and showing compassion for others so they feel heard […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Root to Rise
“Root to rise” is a fundamental cue in a yoga class. Also phrased as “ground down to lift up,” it reminds us that before we can fully extend or expand, we have to be firmly rooted. We have to be grounded before we can grow, or we will find ourselves wobbling or limiting our potential […]