assist during waterfall pose

My ACCESS Journey: Week 3

I acknowledge that I have to do the work, no one else is going to get through these 250-hours for me. Completing this program is something I really want. The drive I have to see this program through to the end has motivated me to find access to tools that will help me with time managing my work/ study/ life balance.

J’s ACCESS Journey: Week 3

What is the ACCESS program uncovering for you?

ACCESS has given me the tools to identify my struggle with time management. A good work/life balance can be hard. It takes extra energy and focus and making the time to study the material for the program. Once I was able to acknowledge my challenge with managing my time best, I found it more encouraging to hold myself accountable to get better. 
I made a commitment to myself and the program. I acknowledge that I have to do the work, no one else is going to get through these 250-hours for me. Completing this program is something I really want. The drive I have to see this program through to the end has motivated me to find access to tools that will help me with time managing my work/ study/ life balance.

What was something unexpected from weekend 3?


We got into some inquiry talk about living above or below the line, in times of reactivity. My understanding of this concept is that our “line” is our ego and authentic self and when we are above this line, we experience feelings of abundant, light, secure, and happy. However, when we make the choice to dip below this line, we experience negative emotions like resentment, jealousy, guilt, and anger.

It all comes down to the power of choice.

After we had this discussion, I found it applies to all aspects of my life. I was able to apply the above/below the line thinking in situations where I normally would have reacted, but held my power of choice and stayed above the line. I was not expecting the inquiry work to be so relatable and applicable. The inquiry work can be the hardest part because it allows me to look at myself and my own habits from different perspectives. 

How do the tools you accessed this weekend apply to your daily life?

The above/below the line talk led me to think more about how I am going to let my own ego affect me. Its helped me be more aware of my feelings and shift my perspective so I can stop creating any stories that would keep me below that line. Thinking about this line keeps me accountable for myself.

Did you discover anything surprising about yourself this past weekend?

I actually did discover that I can do a handstand! That discovery was really exciting for me because that is something I have been working towards for a long time. When we practiced handstands, we were shown various adjustments to make that made getting into it so much easier. Since then, I have been practicing them every day! Even during my practice in the studio I will throw in a couple of handstands here and there – BECAUSE I CAN NOW!

What from the past weekend did you enjoy the most?

I really enjoy the practice teaching portions of the training weekends a lot. The repetitive, verbal practice is how I learn best. When we practice teach, our training group is split into smaller groups of 3 or 4 people. Within the small groups, one person teaches, one or two people practice, and one person assists. We rotate roles every 25 minutes so everyone has the chance to practice teaching and assisting.

Although intimidating at times, I like that the program leaders walk around the room to observe as everyone is practice teaching. They coach you by giving you pointers and things to work on in the moment. They challenge you to help you grow and see things from a different perspective.

What did you find to be the most difficult?

Practice teaching was the most enjoyable AND the most difficult thing we did during this session. The instructors wanted us to add in Baptiste’s Five Pillar language in between calling the pose. For example, while we called the poses of the sequence, we would have to look at the bodies practicing and identify which of the Five Pillars they could benefit from in that moment. Like focusing on ujiyii (breath) or maybe they’re losing balance, so giving the cue for drishti (focus). It is surprisingly hard to recall what pose is coming next in the Journey Into Power sequence while adding in to use these tools. That’s why they say, “Practice makes perfect”!

I can feel the transformations happening already within my life and my own yoga practice. I like being challenged to work harder and go out of my comfort zone. I am pushing boundaries in my life that I had in place because I was afraid of what self-discovery might bring. Each session of ACCESS, I push my own comfort boundaries more and more, discovering parts of myself I have never met before. I can’t wait to see what session 4 brings. In the meantime, you can catch me practicing in the studio!

Continue to follow J through her ACCESS program by staying connected to the blog! Click here to learn about the E.L.I. ACCESS program, see upcoming program dates and apply.

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