Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Bumpy ride

The landscape continues to to change. Last week Linda Sama shuttered her Yoga Journey, joining another well-respected, provocative blog favorite it's all yoga, baby in the gone-but-not-forgotten category. It's getting lonely here in Old Timer Land. Both authors have very logical reasons for moving on...but I'm sad to see them go, and have missed their opinions during the discussions of 2011 (which, so far, sound a lot like the discussions of 2010/2009/2008/etc).

The departure of these dear friends and thoughtful minds from the conversation (at least in blog world), made me think about my own motives for continuing on with GTTSB. It certainly isn't a cash cow and does take up valuable time; the main reason, more than anything other, is that it has become a familiar habit that I can't imagine breaking. For me, this is like a yoga practice--I use it to smooth the lumps and bumps of daily living. Focus the mind and settle the thoughts.

In a sense, it is almost a journal, but one written for an audience. So, I must to use proper grammar and spelling and need to make sense in my ramblings. This is my written pranayama; if I am thinking hysterical thoughts--angry and unfocused--I have to center myself and become rational and reasonable. Not necessarily right, but at least I have to make sense. It's an exercise in making connections between all the varied elements of my life (yoking, doncha know) and forming a world view that is thoughtful and fair.

I'm flattered and a bit incredulous that I actually have an audience. In a way, blogging is very self-indulgent, so I am ever so grateful for all the connections I have made along the way and the voices I keep in my mind as I write (who might chuckle, who will recognize this picture, who will see themselves in my example).

I do feel there is starting to be a shift in focus and topic among the yoga bloggers, so it is fun to watch the scenery unfold: curvy yoga, recovering (from) yoga, saucy yoga, yoga intellectuals. I guess that's the privilege of senior status (so to speak), having been around for awhile I get to see how the new crowd reads the tea leaves.

You all rock. Blog archives rock. I'm glad to be one of you. Keep your seat belts on...


14 comments:

Unknown said...

Brenda: Glad that your "old timer" wisdom will be continuing on. Your blog title is apt - everything you write feels very grounded - down-to-earth, vital, and real. And thanks for the mention! :)

YogaSpy said...

I took a semi-hiatus from blogging during winter. Too busy with a Lonely Planet assignment. In my free time, I chose to practice yoga and asana, not to blog.

But I always had free-floating ideas that I wanted to express. Blogging is another type of release. It does take lots of time, however, as you noted.

Maybe it's a matter of moderation. If blogging becomes a burden or an obsession, it's not worth it. Yoga should be inwardly focused, after all.

Anyway, I'm back. Come visit!

YogaSpy
http://yogaspy.com

Anna Guest-Jelley said...

Glad you're going to keep blogging! Thanks for the shout out!

Yogadawg said...

Blogocide is always tough on those left behind but there is always the chance that they will rise from the dead like one well known blog that I know...

Anonymous said...

I may not always comment but I always read your blog, and I enjoy your level headedness. I too have notice a shift in the tone of Yoga blogs, while I do find some of the very funny, I hope it represents a shift back to when Yoga was a bit simpler.... people seem to be fed up with "aerobic feel " of some Yoga classes. I 've noticed a shift in myself also, I've been a yoga teacher for about 13 years and I've been doing Yoga for many more than that and I used to feel very upset that the shiny new Yoga studio down the street had way more people than my humble class, this year i've let that go and just focused on the lovely dedicated people who do make it to my class week after week.
Keep up the great blog!

Linda-Sama said...

thanks so much, dear! I have been overwhelmed and pleasantly surprised by the many messages of support I have received (shocked and amazed actually) and yet not so surprised by those whose silence is deafening. just sayin'.

My heart chakra was blasted open by people who sent me such sincere messages about how my voice is distinct and unique in this modern yoga world and that I should write a book because they feel it is needed NOW. I was floored by these sentiments. Who woulda thunk it? the power of words, eh?

I may be popping up where you least expect it so always be on the look out for The Sama! :D

Heather said...

I'm a new reader of your blog and I already agree with Carol - "grounded - down-to-earth, vital, and real" - just like the practice should be. Thanks for spending time to share with us all. Be well!

Jennefer said...

I just stumbled on your blog today and I am in love :) This post in particular was nice for me to read. I am just starting my blog and the reasons you list for continuing on with yours match many of the reasons I decided to start mine. The process of putting random thoughts and emotions into thoughtful words can be a powerful personal practice!

xoxo
Jennefer
www.running-and-other-things.blogspot.com

Brenda P. said...

Thanks, all. It's funny, cuz when I was trying to come up with a name for the blog, the husb. suggested I think of something that I always say in class. Something kind of cheeky. So I thought of GTTSB, just because I do say it all the time and it's about yer booty. Or booty bones, I guess.

But, as several of you noticed, it is sort of my style (which I hadn't really thought about). Just a few generations removed from peasant-hood, so I'm very close to the earth.

We'll miss you L-S, but--to paraphrase YD--you can't keep a good Dawg down (unless she's in Down Dog)...so I expect we'll keep hearing from you...xo

Y is for Yogini said...

Brenda! Wow, thank you for the saucy notation. :) I'm proud, happy, and humbled to be mentioned as one of the "different" voices. I have been a subscriber of yours for a very long time and I always look forward to your next perspective. Much love!

yogaman said...

Great wisdom Brenda, looking forward to lots more blog posts :)

Erica Rose said...

You rock! I always enjoy reading your blog. Keep 'em coming. :)

Sam said...

Thanks for sharing the yoga class memories with us.I am also going for getting the hatha yoga teacher training which will help me to get this experience.

Sam

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