Clearlake >> Many people use art as a relaxation technique. Others turn to exercise practices like yoga. It’s not often that these two methods interact, but today, Marion Kaiser will be doing just that with her first yoga and art mandala workshop.
Kaiser will lead a class in a simple yoga routine which will focus on relaxation. While they move through the poses and breathing exercises, yoga will help participants gain insight into themselves and their lives, Kaiser explained. By the end of the yoga sequence everyone should be in a relaxed state, which is the perfect time to create a mandala, a circle which has been used in many traditions across time to meditate and heal.
“Basically when we create art, and especially the mandala, it allows for the creative brain to come out and play,” Kaiser said. “Art is a creative process where we tap into our inner wisdom.”
There are many different ways to create a Mandala. Kaiser will have class participants draw one in whatever way they choose, which will allow them to see what colors and designs they’re attracted to. They can take the drawings home and save them as a reminder of the feelings they tapped into during the class.
“The mandala is a moment in time, it’s how you are in that moment,” Kaiser explained. “It can serve to remind you of the quality you came into contact with.”
This afternoon’s workshop, which takes place at the Clearlake Methodist Church, is the first of what Kaiser hopes to be a series. With each workshop she plans to focus on a different theme. On Saturday that theme will be Ahimsa, a yoga code of conduct meaning non-violence, to both yourself and others. Kaiser will guide the class through various yoga poses to help them dispel unkind thoughts and gain insight into how they treat themselves. These include simple questions regarding self-care, such as, “are we getting enough sleep” and “are we eating the right foods?”
Participants need not possess artistic ability or a strong background in yoga. Kaiser encourages anyone of any ability to attend the class.
For years Kaiser has been brainstorming these art and yoga classes as a way to combine her two greatest passions in life. She’s been creating various types of art for years, from quilting to rock painting, as well at teaching art to children. “This has been a real vision for me to choose the sacred spiritual symbol of the mandala,” she said. “It really represents us at the center. We’re the center of our own universe in a way.”
A certified yoga instructor, Kaiser found the practice after a motorcycle accident at the age of 23 left her with chronic pain. She experienced a long course of physical therapy, but never felt as though the exercises relieved her pain.
“It wasn’t until I found yoga that I really made some headway into feeling better,” Kaiser said.
In the beginning, however, she couldn’t hold many of the positions due to her accident, and the instructors didn’t give her enough assistance when it came to adapting the poses. So she decided to become a teacher herself. Pushed by her own experience, her aim was to create a safe sequence appropriate for any person. She removed all intimidation from the practice. “It’s amazing how insecure we are as people,” Kaiser said. “It’s an act of bravery just to walk into a class sometimes.”
Since yoga isn’t really yoga unless it’s practiced three times a week, she added, she always strives to create routines simple enough for students to exercise on their own. Which is why the Mandala workshop will center on relaxation and tapping into a sense of self.
By focusing on non-violence, students have the opportunity to delve deeper into Ahimsa than is normal during a yoga class. It’s the perfect starter workshop for those new to the practice. “It’s nice when you can feel good in your own body and not necessarily be there for exercise,” Kaiser said. “These relaxation techniques, they’re simple and easy to learn and experience.”
People may just walk away from the class ready to convert to the lifestyle of a yogi. And Yoga is certainly a lifestyle, not just a combination of poses and breathing techniques. It allows people to strengthen their muscles while also addressing the nervous system, Kaiser said. It’s common to hear instructors remind students that their every muscle, joint and limb is connected. More specifically, they link up through the spinal column, which yoga strengthens.
“There’s two sides to the autonomic nervous system: flight or fight and the other side is relaxation,” Kaiser said. “In modern society we’ve got that fight or flight response employed way more than is healthy. Yoga is a practice that balances the two sides of the autonomic nervous system.”
While the workshop will send participants home with a physical piece of artwork — the mandala — yoga is a creative process in general. “Our body in itself is an expression of art,” said Kaiser.
The mandala workshop is from 1 p.m. -4 p.m. today at the Clearlake Methodist Church located at 14521 Pearl St. Those interested in attending should call Marion Kaiser at 533-7653. The class is $30 for those who pre-register and $40 at the door. Show up early, bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
