Preparing for the journey

As I sit here and take this quick post down, I sip my soy chai with delight while listening to my iPod spits out a slew of tunes. I took an amazing 30 minutes class with Elena Bower on YogaGlo this morning, which opened my heart and warmed my body for the day. Now at work, my mind is clear and my body is grounded to complete any last minute task before my journey to the east coast for the holidays. I will leave work early to run some errands with ease, and then pack my bags with flow and excitement. I look forward to seeing family and the snow! Sharing everything that Joe and I are doing and creating together. Have a Happy Holidays everyone, and a prosperous New Year! ox

Hand/Face Study post

Check out my most recent post in my movement blog HERE! I'm allowing the creative juices to flow and I don't want it to stop. We'll see what comes tomorrow. Maybe a video! In this particular post, I'm exploring hand contact, gestures and facial expressions. It's something I always use in my performance and movement art. Hope you enjoy!

(REALLY!) Receiving what the Universe provides

I can't believe just in the past 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days what's unfolded. I have to thank and bow to my supportive and loving community for their positive vibes, but also to the Universe. Although, there are times when I want to tell it, "Fuck You!", I still end up thanking it.

Why is it when we ask for things and/or certain people or relationships, that when it actually is presented, we may want to run the other way? "Be careful what you ask for" is a saying I've heard ALL my life and I used to connect it ONLY to the negative things that happened to me. But actually they weren't really negative, they just felt unpleasant at the time. When I look back, I can still say how unpleasant it was, but also ask, what did I learn from it?

As I have been asking for certain things throughout the past three months, it's been a trip to find myself awe-struck, amazed, and, even, aggravated. I say, aggravated, because it's the stirring of the pot that causes that feeling. But when I'm present and just feel it, I realize that this is EXACTLY what I've been asking for and it's been given to me, so why not just play? Why not go for the "ride"?

Now, I can ask, do I want this?

What I've been enjoying about this experience is the power of CHOICE.

I've been playing with choice in a way I never have.

I feel the freedom of saying "yes" or "no" in such a powerful way that once the choice has been made, I can move on.

I feel happy and peaceful with it.

I'm not attached.....

Witness me delve into the creative unknown!

BARE BONES BUTOH PRESENTS: SHOWCASE #23!

(Adventurous Shows for an Adventurous Audience)


WHEN:

Friday Nov 18, 2011, and Saturday, Nov 19, 2011
Both performances are at 8:00 pm



WHERE:
Studio 210
3435 Cesar Chavez St (at Valencia)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Studio 210 is located in the former Sears Building, inset from the corner of Cesar Chavez and Valencia Street. Accessible by: BART - 24th St Station; and MUNI - #12, #27, #14, #49. Plenty of on-street parking.


TICKETS:
Performances: $5-$20 sliding scale. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Additional donations are graciously accepted and gratefully appreciated.


WHO:
This time around, the performers are:

Ronnie Baker, Christina Braun (Saturday only), Darya Chernova (Saturday only), Ron Chornow, Michael Curran, Mark Deutsch (Saturday only), Coicoi Duncan, Liz Filippone (Saturday only), David Flaig (Friday only), Wolfgang Heinle, Luku (Friday only), Martha Matsuda (Saturday only), Ri Molnar (Friday only), Jeffrey Mooney (Saturday only), Angela Newsham, and Bob Webb.

Quite a line-up, wouldn't you say? Should be a couple of VERY GOOD SHOWS!

Surprise guest artists may also be performing as well. There are often last minute additions (local, national, and international artists) to the programing, it's that kind of show.


WHAT:
Bare Bones Butoh Presents is a performance Showcase for local, national, and International artists working in the areas of butoh, performance art, and/or ritual performance. It exists for artists to try out new material, show works in process, hone improvisational chops, and redo or revisit previous material. Bare Bones Butoh Showcases employ the grassroots ethic of working together to sustain an artistic culture. We are community building and performance all smushed together into two evenings.


Thank you for your time, and we hope to see you there.


Further info:
Bob Webb
bobwebb20@hotmail.com
510-284-7025

Heart Spirit Therapy

“Embrace Your Anger.” This was just one of the many powerful workshops I attended at the Heart Spirit Therapy Symposium, facilitated by The Golden Gate Integral Counseling Center in San Francisco on Saturday October 22, 2011. The event was free and open to all healing professionals--psychotherapists, yoga teachers, massage therapists, holistic practitioners, doulas, chiropractors, and lots of others. The day consisted of ten 30 minute sessions with a smorgasbord of topics, exploring the ways we connect with the heart and spirit to allow ourselves to heal. I was overwhelmed with joy, excitement, and eagerness to soak up as much information as I could, as well as connect with the amazing healers around me.

Being a yoga teacher and bodyworker myself, I attended “Yoga for Emotions” by Lexi Frank, and “Yoga for Trauma Healing” by Raia Kogan. These workshops really opened my eyes more to the “languaging” required when teaching and working with individuals, who have suffered from severe trauma. I learned how people who have suffered from severe trauma have little or no connection to their body, and a simple, but effective exercise to do in a yoga group is to let them feel their feet on the ground.

“Embrace Your Anger”, by Yael Melamed & Jyoti Kalmar, took me back to my Non-Violent Communication training days, which had both triggers for me, but wonderful insights to how I respond to anger, feel/experience it, and the strategies I use in a situation.

All the workshop facilitators were bursting with knowledge, wisdom and passion for their fields, that I wanted the workshops to be longer in length. I felt like it was a tease, but a great way to give a taste of what each individual is working on and contributing to the world. I hope Golden Gate Integral Counseling Center holds another event like this soon.

Golden Gate Integral Counseling Center offers quality, affordable counseling on a sliding scale basis and is a counseling center of the California Institute of Integral Studies (www.ciis.edu). Contact them today, www.goldengatecounseling.org.

How do you make yourself small?

This was the first question I read from my favorite blogs and websites, The Daily Love or TDL. Wow, what a way to stir the pot! Mastin Kipp, founder/author of TDL, talks about how we make excuses for why we can’t get what we want in life. Even when we allow ourselves those moments to dream about that dream job, house, car, vacation, relationship, business, etc., we make excuses as to why it can’t or never will happen. In the past, I always had an excuse for why I couldn’t do something.

While I was in Yoga Teacher Training, we had our Teaching Methods class, which was very challenging for me. I got so nervous standing in front of my teacher and classmates teaching a pose, that I started to shake, speak too low, sweat, and forget the main actions of the pose. I had a tough teacher, who would chime in A LOT to correct us, and I know now, all she wanted was for us to be the best teachers ever.

But I took it so personally, that I created the belief that I was a failure at everything and wasn’t good enough.

I also had a need to be understood, heard and loved, but my negative self-talk (aka Mind Chatter) would make me wrong for the way I was feeling (frustration, sadness) because I had another belief/story that it’s wrong to feel frustration, anger, or sadness.

Although I got teaching opportunities after my training, this belief (which affected everything in my life) still hung over me to the extent that I almost quit teaching. However, I know these beliefs started a long time ago, and through lots of personal growth work over the years, I realized these beliefs were not me and not true.

What we say and think about ourselves matters. I learned this through Marshall Rosenberg’s amazing process of Nonviolent Communication, which teaches us to openly and honestly express our feelings and needs without judgment.

He says “Every criticism, judgment, diagnosis, and expression of anger is the tragic expression of an unmet need.”

In other words, we tend to make ourselves or others wrong for feeling angry, frustrated, or sad, when really it all stems from a need not being met and that we may not aware of.

So what beliefs do you have? What statements/excuses do you tell yourself why something is? The ones I have heard myself say and others say are: I’m too old; it’s just too hard; I’m not good enough; I don’t deserve it; they won’t like/believe me.

These are the beliefs that hold us back from getting what we want and are needs met. But what we forget is that the Universe provides everything; and when we ask for those desires through affirmation or prayer, we need to feel that light and joy of possibility when we put it out there. That we are worthy and deserving. That we are not our thoughts, stories or beliefs. We are love, light and apart of this world.

So I invite you to track these thoughts or beliefs that you tell yourself. Write them down throughout the day, and then see what feeling or emotion is attached to it.

For example, my past story was, “I’m not good enough. I feel sad and depressed because I have a need for acceptance, to be heard and understood.”

So be aware of the challenges in your life, but don’t let them stop you. We all have challenges, but we also have choices.

October Treat ~ $20 off any MASSAGE!

Long day at work? Stressed? Tired of the cold?

Here at Yoga Garden, we don’t think Halloween treats should only be for kids.

Combine the stress-reducing, healthful benefits of yoga with a relaxing and revitalizing massage.

Take $20 off any 60 minute or 90 minute massage (including prenatal massage) offered in our tranquil Wellness room.

Buy here or book an appointment now.

For more information on individual therapists - View Therapists here.

Use promotion code fall2011 when checking out to receive your discount.

(No limit. Must purchase before October 31.)

Massage location added!

As I'm embracing and welcoming change into my life ;-), I now offer massage at Momentum Chiropractic on Fridays 1:00pm-7:00pm, both 60 and 90 min sessions. Here are the details below:

Momentum Chiropractic
1360 9th Avenue (between Judah and Irving)
SF, CA
415-661-1772
www.momentumchiropractic.com

Contact me if you have any questions!

Embrace the changes with love

When change occurs, I can go either two ways: breathe through the rough, stormy waters or go into a deep, dark hole of depression. However, at times, I find myself in between these two junctions or trapezes. I feel like I'm standing in that limbo with my arms folded and a wrinkled up face asking, "Hmm, which way do I want to go right now?"

The old part of me wants to go to that familiar place of darkness and self-loathing. It wants to numb it with food or alcohol. It wants to just sit there and feel like there's nothing that can be done and it's always going to be this way. But then my other part wants to allow space, compassion and love. You're probably thinking why you wouldn't just go that way. But how many times have you found yourself in the middle? How many times have you stood in the crossroads contemplating? How many times do you think it's just easier to be "this" way?

I really want the space, compassion, and love. My body and soul yearn for it, while my mind plays the two scenarios over and over. I know transition and change. I've been there. The process is very familiar to me. I know we all handle it differently, and that deep down everything is and will be okay. It is just when you're in the midst of it, that it just doesn't seem possible.

The feelings that typically arise are overwhelm, anxiety, fear (of the unknown), lost, insecure, frustration, impatience, and sadness. Deep down, we want to be happy; however, there is some work involved. In the past, when I would read those self-help books about finding true happiness and joy in your life, I just wanted to skip right to the happiness and joyful state; or I would say, "Yeah right! I can never get that", "I'm too old", or "I don't deserve it." I didn't realize that I had to (actually) go through the dark periods to get to the light.

In Judith Lasater's book, Living Your Yoga: Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life, she quotes one of the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali, first book verse three, "Then the seer abides in its essence." In regards to the practice of yoga, Judith explains that Patanjali refers to yoga as being in "a state of wholeness", and when we can sit in our wholeness, "we can sit in our true nature." So, while experiencing a change or transition, why do we feel fear or bad about the way we feel? Well, for one thing, it's the unknown, and who wants to be there!?!. For example, imagine all the layers of an onion. The core of an onion is its wholeness. So when we think ourselves like an onion and there is a shift occurring, we begin to peel a layer, which is a layer of our past histories, experiences, beliefs and stories, most of, which may not be serving us anymore and holding us back from what we really want. That first layer is the first step toward your wholeness. Your true self towards freedom.

So what stories do you tell yourself as to why something is the way it is? Are they really true? Who would you be without those stories?

Find a quiet place and take about 15 minutes to write down at least five of those stories you may tell yourself. Then pick one that you say the most. Close your eyes and say that story or belief to yourself about 5-10 times. Note how your body feels when you say it to yourself. Feel the sensations and the emotions that come up. Be aware of any self-judgments. Allow your body to soften and relax even if it may feel uncomfortable or tense. Next, turn it around. What new story or belief do you want to tell yourself?

Here are some positive mantras or affirmations you can tell yourself when you're faced with a shift or transition:

* I always can make a choice.
* Change and transition is growth, and I welcome it with love and compassion.
* I trust myself.
* I take one step at a time.
* I have lots of time.
* I am perfect just the way I am.

When you say the positive mantras to yourself, really feel it in your body and note the difference. If you just repeat it over and over, and still feel tension or stress in your body, take a breath and pick a different one. Allow yourself time and space for it to come.

YOU ARE an amazing, powerful being, who can be what you want to be and do what you want to do. There is a wealth of possibilities and it all starts within.

New class. New changes.

Man! It's been awhile since I've written in my blog. Lots of changes and shifts happening and I will write about them later, I promise!

I wanted to announce a NEW yoga class that I'm teaching on Tuesday evenings.

Yoga Basics
Tuesday evenings
8:00pm-9:00pm
at the Yoga Garden of San Francisco

Yoga basics is open to anyone interested in practicing Yoga in a safe, beginner-friendly environment. Fundamentals of yoga practice are taught for all styles of yoga. These include standing poses, seated poses, and reclining poses, movements such as sun salutations, and beginning breathing techniques. Each class explores how to practice yoga in a way to best realize the benefits of health and well-being.

I'm so happy to be teaching, as well as providing massage, at the Yoga Garden. It truly is a wonderful community of teachers, students and practitioners of yoga. I hope to see you there!

Also, don't forget about the Massage Special for 2nd time clients! Receive $20 off when you book your 2nd massage with me!

Ignite, open, surrender!

I will be teaching Hatha Flow Yoga tonight at the Westside Arthouse, 7:30pm-9:00pm. Tonight we will use our core to ignite and awaken our energy, open the body and mind with twists and hip openers, and then surrender into our souls with gentle forward bends. Go to my yoga page for details, www.movingyogi.com

August Massage Special at the Yoga Garden!

Take advantage of this wonderful promotion for a massage at the Yoga Garden of San Francisco!

All current members, including Introductory Members, get $20 off a one hour massage now through August 31. No limit to the number available; must be used within 1 year from date of purchase.

Click here to book your appointment, and go to the "massage" tab.

Lymphatic Massage: A way to clear the clutter in your body

Have you been feeling tired or sick? Have you been traveling a lot this summer in the car or on planes? Has there been more stress in your life? Or, have you decided to let go of an old way of being and live a more energized, optimal way
of being? Lymphatic Massage is a wonderful way to de-clutter the body of toxins from the foods we eat, the environment that surround us, and even stress (physical, mental, emotional) that may throw our bodies and minds off balance.

The Lymphatic System works with the Immune System of the body as a detoxification system. We have many lymph node stations in the body that collect and move anything toxic or foreign out of the body. The toxins leave our bodies through mucous, sweat, and when we go to the bathroom. Unlike the Circulatory System, which has the heart to pump the blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, the Lymphatic System relies on stimulation through exercise, breathing, and, of course, massage/bodywork.

A Lymphatic massage will boost your immune system, give you more energy, and release any pain or discomfort in the body due to trauma (i.e. car accidents, surgeries, grief and loss). It also helps you process through a time of transition or change because when we worry or feel a little depressed, our bodies, especially the Immune System, are effected.

Lymphatic massage is my specialty and I have benefited tremendously from this work myself. If you would like more information or to book a Lymphatic Massage session, contact me today: 415-637-5825 or lizsfilippone@gmail.com.

Why I do yoga

This was a question I posed for myself in the previous post. As I practice yoga on a (almost) daily basis, I ask myself in the beginning of the practice, "Why do I practice yoga?", and then see where it leads me. Sometimes I forget I even asked myself this question, and continue on with my practice and day. Last Tuesday, when I taught my Hatha Flow class, one of the students talked about when and why she started doing yoga, and then asked me the same question. I bless this student for reminding me! I talked about when I was 21 years old, getting ready to graduate college, I began making changes in my life. I began changing the relationships I had with friends, family, and partners. I started to meet new people who had more awareness of body, mind and spirit and introduced me to different practices such as yoga, butoh dance, and meditation. I also discovered Whole Foods, and started looking at food a little differently too. But it comes back to yoga. It comes to the question, was it a coincidence that I began taking yoga classes during this transition in my life? Or was there a reason?

With all the hours of studying and training I've received in the past ten years, "coincidence" has faded from my vocabulary. I believe there is a reason for everything that happens to us and around us. Yoga, being a holistic practice, supports me in those transitional, and sometimes, difficult times. Whether it's grief, loss, or depression, I find those times on the yoga mat very comforting. Even if I'm in resistance, I start doing some sun salutations and I'm immersed in the experience. It's a time when I can really be with thoughts and emotions--anger, sadness, frustration--and allow them to move through and out my body. It brings my attention to my breath, which supports the movement of energy. It's when we hold our breath a lot, or take quick, short breaths, that's how the tension continues to build up, so we are unable to move on.

I do yoga to relieve that tension. I'm sure most people do without realizing it. But in this last decade of practicing and teaching yoga, I really had to remind myself why I do this. There was a time when I loathed it, and it was a time when I wasn't present and in complete resistance. There was a lot of unacknowledged grief and self-doubt, which was so frightening to face. It was just easier to shut down. With a supportive community and with time, shutting down wasn't a way of being anymore. I was more open to being with the uncomfortable feelings more because I realized they would pass quicker if I just sat with them. I look forward to practicing yoga, and teaching! So how did this happen?

Compassion, love, understanding, and acceptance (to name a few). Yoga teaches us this. It brings us into our body, allows us to look at the mind, and connect with our soul. But we need to go through the dark periods, in order to get to the light. There's no joy, without sorrow. There's no happiness without sadness/anger. There's no yin without yang. It's all about balance, and this is what yoga offers us.

So, if you're a yoga practitioner or other practitioner of whatever passion/hobby/practice you do, why do you do it? What keeps bringing you back? Does it ignite your creative fire, and how do you contain it and then move it? How do you cultivate it in your daily life?

I invite you to take 5-15 minutes a day to answer these questions one at time. Don't feel you have to answer all of them at once. Or see what questions arise within yourself, but without judgment. A little self-reflection and inquiry can go a LONG way.

Namaste ~

Experiencing the Three Realms of Consciousness

I attended a yoga workshop with yoga teacher, Seane Corn, this weekend. I've taken workshops with her before, so I knew what I was getting into. I always get inspired from her workshops, podcasts, and other email blasts she may send out. However, each time I attend a workshop, I discover more about myself.

She talked about the Three Realms of Consciousness and how it can be applied to your yoga practice, specifically Vinyasa style, but any style will work. The Three Realms are:
1) Physical/Mental
2) Emotional/Energetic
3) Spiritual/Symbolic

The physical/mental is utilized in the physical practice of yoga, where one takes the time to understand their limitations in the poses; the benefits of the sequence of poses; and an awareness of alignment, so you're not just "dumping" into the poses. Once you've worked the body, the emotional/energetic aspect of the practice emerges. This occurs when, after moving and stretching the physical body (muscles, bones, connective tissues, etc.), old memories, traumas, experiences can be released. The spiritual/symbolic, to me, is different for everyone. It's that time when you make the "connection." You "get it." You may realize, Wow! I can let that go and take my power back. You connect with your intuition, the essence of who you are.

There were many things that came up for me, but mostly self-inquiry. It's something that has come up for me in the past, but I used to ignore it because I felt ashamed or a failure. The questions that arose, "Why do I practice yoga?" "Why do I teach it?" "What draws me to the practice?" "Why did I start yoga?' and "Am I open to being in the present, or do I shutdown?"

I don't have any answers, but these are great! Like I said before, I used to feel ashamed or a failure for thinking these things because it was those "times" when teaching yoga, I was not present. I was just moving through the motions because I thought I "had to." I went through a 500 hour yoga teacher training, I SHOULD teach!

So when these questions came up during the workshop, I felt grounded. I felt more open and willing to be with the inquiry and the emotions that came up. I felt okay. and this was huge for me.

We also delved into the Seven Chakra (energy centers) of the body. For me, this is where it all came together. It's amazing what you can find out about yourself when you apply this body of knowledge with yoga. For instance, tight or pain in the hips may be due to a block in the 1st or 2nd chakras (survival, relationships, sexuality, fear, abandonment issues). One of the best books to reference the chakras is Eastern Body Western Mind by Anodea Judith. Although, she doesn't apply it to yoga specifically, it's an amazing journey to understanding and having more compassion for yourself.

I'm going to stop for now, but I plan to continue a more deeper inquiry each time I practice yoga. Utilizing these three realms of consciousness and the chakras, I feel simple self-inquiry can take us a long way, even if the question is "what do I want to do?"

Mindful Choices

The Ooops!

Over the weekend, I made some "food" choices that didn't agree with me. I have a slight sensitivity to gluten, so when I overdue it with those types of food I know what to do. But I didn't think sugar would set me up for a full blown allergic reaction!

Friday night was my friend's 30th birthday. I was VERY good about spacing my drinks out and drank water; however, I made the mistake of drinking sugary, mixed drinks. Don't get me wrong they were very delicious! Fresh blueberry mojitos, mmmmmmm! I had 2 of those; an hour before those I had a mandarin vodka and sprite (that was mmmmm too). So I had a total of 3 drinks all evening, and I was the slowest drinker out of the 5 people I was with.

It was the next morning where it hit me hard, with the pulsing headache, low energy, and feeling like a bag o' bricks. I also felt dehydrated, which puzzled me for a moment because I thought I drank lots of water all evening and even more when I got home. But, of course, those drinks trick your body! By mid-late afternoon, I became super sluggish, so I rested, continued to hydrate, and ate fresh foods as meals. Although, I didn't have much of an appetite, so fluids it was.

I felt better Sunday morning and into the afternoon, but it was in the late afternoon where I made another mistake. After cat sitting in Berkeley, I headed back into the city to meet up with a friend. On the bridge, stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, I realized I was SUPER, FREAKIN' HUNGRY! When I got to the cafe where I was meeting my friend, I ordered a sandwich, which came with chips, and it was gone pretty quickly (The Oops!). An hour later, I still felt fine, and my friend and I went to visit another friend of ours. Later on, dinnertime came and where do we go? A burrito place. Of course, I'm looking at the corn taco (gluten-free), but then our friends start raving about the veggie burrito's amazing yummy-ness, so I gave in.

Bad idea!

I ate the whole thing :( Then about a 45 minutes later when I got home, I had a sneezing fit like no other. My nose clogged up, but there was nothing to blow out with a tissue. I sat on the couch, miserable, started to scold myself for eating what I ate. Lots of judgment there, but I said to myself, "hey, ya made a mistake eating that burrito. Oh well. Let's be extra mindful with our eating this week."

I realized the sugary drinks from Friday set me up for this reaction, as well as staying up late, hence, the lack of sleep. It lowered my immunity big time, and now I need to detox and cleanse.

The solution? Gluten-free diet this week! Also, no alcohol and no processed sugar. I'm eating fresh foods, Amazing Grass Green Superfood, nothing processed, for the rest of week. It doesn't help that I'm going to a wedding this weekend, but at least I know I can do something about it now and be more mindful about what I drink and what I eat.

The Insight
We all fall back on our vices and bad habits. It's okay, as long as we're aware of it. If we know something isn't good for us, we can really start to inquire within and begin to make more mindful choices around the behavior we want to change.

So when you encounter whatever vice/habit it is that may create discomfort or imbalance in your body (caffeine, sugary foods, nicotine, drama, etc) take a moment to pause;

-Take a deep breath;

-Notice how your body feels at the moment;

-Track all sensations in the body

Once you've taken that moment (and believe me it only takes a moment!), then make your choice, BUT without judgment. If you start to judge yourself, be with it. What are the emotions around the judgment? It can be uncomfortable, but if you want to make a change in your lifestyle, it's about confronting and acknowledging what comes up. Ask for support from a friend or health practitioner. You don't have to do it alone. There are others who feel the same way, and struggle with their own bad habits. Be the change you want to be.

New Yoga Class on Tuesdays!

Hatha Flow Yoga
starting on August 2
Tuesdays
7:30pm-9:00pm



This energizing and grounding style of yoga combines Vinyasa and Iyengar yoga. Vinyasa yoga links breath with movement and includes sun salutations; while Iyengar emphasizes alignment for stability and safety in the poses.

You will gain stability, strength and flexibility, as well as breath and body awareness, which will improve your overall health. This class is all levels, and includes variations to fit your body's needs. Please bring your own yoga mat and water bottle.

Location:
Westside Arthouse
540 Balboa Street between 6th and 7th avenues
SF, CA
www.westsidearthouse.com
Street parking only (allow at least 10 minutes to find parking. Lots of parking on Funston street.)
MUNI lines #31, #5, #38, #21

Rates:
$15 drop-in
Get 15% off first class!

Save with a series!
5 class series $65 (good for 1 month)
10 class series $130 (good for 2 months)

More to let go...

Now that the melancholy is over, I'm just pure angry. It's all good. I've accepted it. I'm fine with being angry. To be angry is to be human. We get angry sometimes. We get sad sometimes.

For the past 5 days, it's been sad -> confused -> sad -> happy -> sad -> angry.

So what's next? God, I hope it's peace and joy. I want to create more peace, joy, and ease now. I want to brush off the anger like lint on my shirt. I want it to be as easy like a flick of a finger. But ya know what? It's not.

Deal with it.

Letting go of....

I'm feeling very melancholy on this foggy, wet Monday morning. I would like to say it's because of the weather; or that it's PMS. But I feel something within me that's letting go. Something that's not serving me anymore, but isn't exactly ready to leave. It's old. It's from the past. It's heavy.

It is an old way of being that needs acknowledgment; to be heard; to be understood; and to be loved. Although, I don't exactly know what it is right now, it's okay. I'm okay with that. There's no judgment. Just inquiry. Why does my abdomen feel fluttery? Why does my heart ache? Why can't I just let go?

That last question can really charge me, especially if someone asks me that from a place of anger or frustration. Is it really me, or is it something the other person can't let go of? Then again, it's okay to be angry; and it's unfortunate not everyone expresses their anger. It usually gets bottled up inside, and then explodes.

I wish I knew how to just "let go" of a feeling, thought, or situation. When I can't, that's when I know I need time to process the emotions because once I can do that, whatever it is that's eating me up, will evaporate and flow away. I will sit quietly and meditate, do yoga, talk to a friend, journal, or just cry.

I recognize my needs. I also do my best to recognize others' needs. But in any relationship, are we suppose to be mind-readers? I do my best to recognize this, but if I don't and it's important to that person, is it my responsibility to weed it out of them, or can the other play their part in expressing their needs?

These are just questions, and I'm asking them without blaming or judgment. I don't want to label anybody the "bad guy", so I can be the "good guy". That's not what it's about.

I feel we could all take more responsibility for our actions and emotions. I feel we could all be more open, honest, and authentic about how we really feel in the moment. Not a day, week, month or year ago. I feel it's important because we ALL matter. Everything we're about, matters, especially when we're in a relationship; at work; with our family; and to ourselves.

So my affirmations today are:

-I choose to learn
-I let go

These affirmations are from a VERY favorite blog I follow called The Daily Love. Click here to read the post that inspired me to write this one.

In love and light,
-Liz

Yoga Garden Massage Special!

Book a massage session with me before July 17 and get a great offer from the Yoga Garden of San Francisco!

I now see clients on Saturday afternoons noon-6:00pm. Right now, the studio is offering $60 for 60 minutes and $85 for 90 minutes until July 17. To book a session online, click here to go the Yoga Garden website. Click on the "massage" tab, then on the link to book session.
(you will have to create an account if you haven't visited Yoga Garden)

I combine Swedish, Lymphatic, Deep Tissue, Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy, and Structural Foot Balancing in my massage sessions.

I AM Worthy!

A statement such as the title of this post was never in my language at a time. In the past, I believed that I didn't deserve anything better. I believed that I was selfish for wanting more or something else than what I already had. Now, the more I'm grateful for what I have, MORE shows up! I believe we all deserve what we want, and if we want more, so be it!

I was inspired to write this post from a blog I follow called The Daily Love. The author/owner talks about how if we believe we aren't worthy or deserving of better things for our life (in relationships, health, career, etc.) , it can prevent us from moving forward toward how we want to be and live. It's all about owning your power, but most importantly, REMEMBERING that we have our own power. The power to choose and love whoever and whatever you want to do with your life. The power to CHANGE anything in the moment.

I am experiencing growth in my healing business. I asked for it, and the best part is that I'm receiving it and enjoying it. I catch the chatter when it says, "you don't deserve it" or "I'm not strong enough, so I can't handle it". When I hear that in the background, I know it's those old patterns and ways of being. I know that it's not ME. It's old stories that I picked up or learned over the years. I know of many times when I tried something new because I wanted to do it, and did it. When there are stumbles along the way, I know, now, to keep going. How are we going to know , if we don't try? Who cares what others think! Isn't it about what you/I/we want?

These are the experiences that feed our mind, body and spirit. They shakes us up, to wake us up! Aaahh, now that's refreshing!

What do you do to shake up your life?

If any of this (even a little bit) resonates with you, I invite to read more of the post on The Daily Love here.

Trust and you shall receive

For years, it was really hard for me to trust myself and the decisions I made. I usually just went along with what everyone else did because it was just easier that way. No one would say anything or question me. Then I met my husband and it all changed. When we are talking about what we want to do for the evening or over the weekend or what to cook for dinner, if he decided something, I would just agree. He immediately would pick up on this and say, "Well, what do you want?" I would respond, "What you said. That sounds fine." Then he would said, "No, really. What would you like to do/eat?" This would start to send me into anxiety mode and I would start getting all flustered. And for what? This was the question on his face, and in later years, the question reflected right back to me.

Of course, over the past 4-5 years, I've learned to really check in with myself when questions or ideas are presented to me. I also have learned not to say, "yes" to everything because, in the past, that led to overbooking my time, leaving me with no time for what I wanted to do. Even if it was nothing! But allowing myself time and space to think and feel about choices is just one of things that yoga offers us. It's that quiet time that we give ourselves in meditation that allows us to connect with that deeper part of ourselves. It's the essence and the spirit/soul. It's trust and love.

I am ALLOWING myself to TRUST my intuition MORE around what I want to do along my path. Because it is MINE. Right?

It's not my mom's, my dad's, that ex-boyfriend's, the governments; it IS all mine. It's about what I want for myself in my relationships, health, career and business. Not what I should have, or HAVE to do.

For instance, I had an interview at a health club for a Massage Therapist position. This health club is very exclusive in the San Francisco Bay Area, and being located in the Financial District, it caters to the corporate community. I was early for my interview, and as I sat drinking my peppermint tea, I people-watched. "Wow" I said to myself. In the past, I would have said, "What am I doing here?!" with a lot of contempt. I also would have had the nervous flutters of butterflies in my stomach, but instead I was relaxed, comfortable, and going-with-the-flow. The chatter said, "Something must be wrong!" But in my heart, everything was perfect. The interview went so well, they asked me back for a practicum to demo my skills. I walked out of there feeling so confident and joyful! Then I recalled that email the day before from another business contacting me to come in for an interview and demo, and I my joy factor went from a 10 to a 100,000!

I'm realizing how manifestation and intention works, AND I'm receiving it! When an opportunity comes along, I'm open. I'm VERY aware when the chatter may chime in, but I know it's not true and it's not who I am or want. I'm trusting what comes and I'm not afraid of failure.

I welcome all opportunity and possibility. I listen to my intuition and heart because that's who I am.

I am not my thoughts. YOU are not your thoughts.

Trust in yourself and you will receive what you asked or prayed to the universe or higher being. You deserve it. So believe it!

Gratitude to the MAX

I'm so grateful for all the birthday wishes I got yesterday. I really love facebook for that! It really makes you feel so special and popular when all the people you know in your life write wonderful things on your personal wall. It really made my day.

I'm also grateful for my husband, and all that I have: an apartment near Golden Gate Park, a great job, my cats, my car, my family. I was reading a post from one of the blogs I follow this morning and it was about loving everything that you have already in your life, and focusing on the good things. It was a great reminder, even though everyday I focus on at least one thing going well, I can find myself focusing on what I don't have or what's bad on some days. At least I can catch myself now when it happens. I can refocus and redirect my attention, and if it's difficult I get support from my wonderful community. We all fall into that every now and then, and it's okay! Sometimes we have to be in the funky feelings to get to the more joyous feelings. Allow yourself the space and time, but also be aware of how long the funky ones last.

What are you grateful for in your life?

Neal's Yard Remedies All Summer Sale! Everything 20% off!

30th ANNIVERSARY SUMMER SALE
ALL BATH & BODY
BABY CARE
HAIR CARE
MEN'S

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE PRODUCTS ON SALE! BEST OFFER EVER!

TO ORDER, CLICK HERE.

Neal's Yard Remedies Mix 'n Match Summer Sale!

SUMMER MIX 'N MATCH
Limited Time Only
June 1-30
Terms & Conditions: Limit 5 pairs per customer. While supplies last.

Choose any two favorites
and get 20% off the pair

I have been LOVING the Body Lotion out of the Frankincense line. Also, at my recent Facial Party, one of my guests tried the Hydrating Cream and ended up purchasing it. Click here to see more products and offers!

Frankincense
Hydrating Facial Mist

$18.00 / 1.52 fl.oz
PLU 0354

Looking Good,
Feeling Younger book
$11.60
PLU 9983

Frankincense
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$34.00 / 6.76 fl.oz
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Frankincense Eye
and Lip Serum
$40.00 / 0.34 fl.oz
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Frankincense
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$29.00 / 3.38 fl.oz
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Frankincense
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$65.00 / 1.76 oz
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Frankincense
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$42.00 / 1.76 oz
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Frankincense
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$60.00 / 1.01 fl.oz
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Frankincense
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$45.00
PLU 7485

Back from vacation

I love vacation! You feel so refreshed and rebooted when you come back. In fact, I realized most people don't take ENOUGH of them!

I went to three different locations: LA (UCLA Butoh Symposium); Newport Beach Coast, CA; and Las Vegas, NV. I probably would've preferred Vegas before Newport Beach, but you can only plan things so much.

The Butoh Symposium was such a haven of artists, history, discussion, and practitioners of this mysterious movement practice that I love and loathe. It actually made me question my relationship with Butoh more. What is it about this practice that keeps me coming back? (I'll write more about this on my other blog. )

Newport Beach Coast was the epitome of relaxation and fun. I stayed with my Dad at his timeshare, along with my stepmom and their two friends. It was all about R&R: sitting by the pool reading, swimming or soaking up the sun; walking along the beach or hiking along the coast; watching the different birds fly around outside on the patio while overlooking the pacific ocean; shopping; watching the Boston Bruins on satellite cable TV; and then just chatting with family and friends about whatever while sipping on a beer or glass of wine. It was wonderful and so needed!

Las Vegas was crazy. It was my second time and it felt the same exact way as the first. Overstimulation and lots of people! It's still fun because everyone around seems like they're having fun too (unless you gambled all your money away). Thank God we were there for the Punk Rock Bowling Festival. A great music festival with all sorts of punk genres--pop or hard. The majority of the shows were outdoors, but I'm glad the night I went it was a cooler, overcast day. The remainder of the time I was there, the temp was in the 90s and sunny! However, I could never live there. I realized my body doesn't do well in that climate. My skin is still trying to heal from the dryness from the air there.

Vacation is important. It's necessary for the mind, body and soul. We all need a break from work-life, whatever and however that may look. We deserve it and need it.

When was the last time you went on a vacation?

Release tension in the shoulders while sitting down!

Integrating the Breath || Massage Therapy Articles

This article from massagetherapy.com offers a very easy, safe and comfortable way to release tension in the neck and shoulder area. This is great for people who sit at a desk all day or have been sitting for long periods of time. It integrates breath and movement, two of my most favorite things to do to release tension in the body.

Try it out!

Neal's Yard Remedies Facial Party!

I will be hosting a Neal Yard's Remedies facial party on Sunday, June 5 from 2:00pm-4:00pm and I want you to come!

In the past 3 years or so, it's been very important to me to know what exactly I'm putting into my body, as well as on my body, to reduce toxic overload/build-up. Neal Yard's Remedies (NYR) products are free of chemicals, synthetic fragrances and additives/preservatives, and they don't test on animals :) In other words, they're made from natural ingredients from the earth.

So, I invite you to check out my link: https://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/LizFilippone, and read the "About Us" section. This will tell you more about why I love these products so much and want to share the benefits with you.

This is going to be a fun event, and there's no obligation to buy anything. Just try it out. The facial party will be held at my friend and colleague's house in Daly City:
538 Winchester Street, Daly City, CA 94014.
BART (Daly City) and 280 N/S are down the hill
Street parking is also available

Let me know if you'll be attending and bringing anyone with you because you're so welcome to do so. The more the merrier! Also, there are some sales going as well: Buy 3 get a 4th free until May 31, AND Summer Sale Now-July 31 20% off everything!

Let me know if you have any questions. Email lizsfilippone@gmail.com.

Be Kind to Yourself: Taking time for self-care

In the past, I used to be sooooo hard on myself, especially the times when I said I was going to do something, and then forgot about it or just didn't do it. At the time, I didn't know why. But in the past 2 years learning about the Power of Intention and being more authentic and true to myself, I realized that if you want something to happen and it feels good in your body and whole being, it will happen or you will do it. It may not happen right away, and it depends on what it is. I would put such high expectations on myself, or tell myself things that really weren't true. For instance, if I didn't practice yoga an hour a day I wasn't good enough to be a yoga teacher. When I read that statement now, I say, "Come on!" Now, I look at the big picture. I look through a set of eyes with a wider vision. Also, we all forget to do things, even if we had the best intentions. It's okay! If someone gets upset with you about it, it's not you. It's their own frustrations and stories coming out. Be kind to yourself! Take a step back, ground your feet into the earth and breathe. Is the world really going to fall apart if you forgot/didn't do this or that?

No, really. I want you to ask that question to yourself when you find yourself getting reactive. I do ALL THE TIME.

A great way to not overwhelm yourself and your day is that when you make that "to-do list", after you have read it through, ask yourself, "is this do-able?" You may need to edit the list down a little, or just do the most important task that needs to be done, such as pay rent, bills, etc. On my daily lists, I always put down something for self-care. Something that will nurture my whole being: mind, body and spirit, so I feel grounded and energized to do the next thing or the things I love to do. This could be: take 5 minutes sitting quietly and breathe; write four things you're grateful for right now in your life; listen to or read something inspirational; do 5-10 minutes of stretches/yoga; listen to some music; or go for a walk. It can be anything. If you work 9-5, set aside certain times of the day, where you leave your desk and go to a quiet, private spot, even if it's your car! I always recommend this to my students and clients, especially those who have jammed, packed days or who tend to forget about their own needs throughout their day. The more we ignore what our bodies tell us, the more dis-ease can manifest.

As one of my yoga teachers, Joe Naudzunas said, "if you can find the time to brush your teeth, you can find the time to do some yoga poses." It sounds so simple. But you'll find that the more you take care of yourself, the more ease and flow will be your day, everyday.

Namaste.

Vacation

Oh my! I can't wait for vacation this week. It's been a long time since I had a real vacation. This isn't a going-back-home-to-visit-family vacation, I'm actually going somewhere different and beachy! To me, when you're on vacation the weather is very warm, even hot. You get to wear sandals all the time, sun dresses, bathing suits; you're sitting by the pool or ocean; you eat out and outside; then you sit outside with whoever and wherever you're staying with a beer or margarita. There are no obligations; only your purpose for being on vacation.

My destinations:

Thursday-Sunday: Butoh Conference and Symposium at UCLA

Sunday (eve)-Thursday (eve): Newport Beach, CA

Friday a.m.-Monday a.m.: Punk Rock Bowling Festival in Las Vegas

Those are the destinations. The way I choose to spend the time is up to me. Lots of fun, connection, creativity, and R & R. It's so close, I feel like I'm already there.

Intention of the week

Get myself a pedicure!!!!!!!!!

More accomplishments and celebrations

Although I didn't entirely complete my intentions for April, I've accomplished more than I thought. I did call the NY State Education Dept and get info about transferring my massage hours there, so that was great and, also relieving! I also partially finished the questions on "Culivating your own practice", so there's another check+.

I also accomplished more with my massage program hours at the New Living Expo last weekend. It was a wonderful event, full of inspirational speakers, classes, and exhibitors, ranging from raw food enthusiasts to psychics and other healers. My school had a booth so I volunteered and tacked on some hours to my program, plus got free admission to the Expo too! So, Woo Hoo to that! In addition, I completed my biz 1 module on Wednesday, when I made up a class I missed, which was the BEST one I got to attend. There were three speakers, who came to talk to the students about opening up a healing center and being an entrepreneur in the healing arts. I got so much information and inspiration from these speakers, I didn't know what to do with myself after the class. I felt more clear about some things about what I wanted my healing practice to look like. Being very clear and honest with what you want will get you there so much quicker! I think this is totally true with anything you're passionate about.

One more thing I want to celebrate is having a mellow weekend ahead of me. I don't have a lot of obligations, and I can really take it at any pace I want. The pace I chose: slow. I'm all about the present these days, so slow works so much better.

Have a great weekend!

Inspirations

I've done so much cleansing (energy cleansing) I don't know where to begin. I think it's funny I've been doing a cleanse, when a little while ago I said I didn't want to do a cleanse or detox, but I guess the Universe didn't mean the "food kind."

For the past month, I've been receiving weekly energy sessions, in exchange for Reflexology to complete my case study for my massage program hours. Let's say I've been REALLY getting into my body and soul/spirit. The following things I have been acknowledging and letting go of because they don't serve me anymore:

• money stories -- BYE BYE!
  
• religious/catholic stories (ie. "I'm going to hell" was the biggie!)
• fears, in general (especially about moving back to the east coast)

I definitely want to go into detail about each and every one of these things and I will. However, I want to express my inspirations, which are like my monthly intentions, but I want to do it without any meaning to it. In other words, just say what they are without any attachment or expectations, which I feel I've done a lot of, especially around my movement work, yoga and massage practices. After clearing, cleansing and letting go of this old energy, there's more room for inspirations. This is so very exciting for me, so let me dive right into it:

1. Movement work/practice - allowing myself to play with it without putting meaning or labeling to it. Over the past 3 years doing solo work, I feel my performances had to have meaning to it. My chatter was, "it has to mean something" or "it should mean something" and "people will think it's boring." I'm so done with that because I know what I do is wonderful, expressive, and engaging to others. Like art.
   
2. Yoga practice - allowing myself to play and create as I go along with my personal and and teaching practice. As with my movement practice, I can get stuck by the chatter. However, lately, I've been starting my yoga practice and classes with personal intentions and/or dedicating the practice to yourself or other people in your life. I want it to be a joyful, celebratory experience for me and others.
3. Massage practice -- I always want this to be FUN! Also, a wonderful way to connect with others and share my knowledge. Also, as I'm still completing program hours, I want it to continue to enrich me and provide more and more knowledge, so I can be the BEST Massage Therapist EVER.
4. Moving to the east coast -- being present to everything that comes up, especially the fear of the unknown. Although, I'll be surrounded by family, I want to always self-connect to my true being and allow myself quiet, meditative time when needed. Also, I want to remember I can still and always connect with my west coast community whenever I need to. They will always be with me. But, once again, I want the experience to be FUN!!!!!

So "FUN" is what I'm creating here. No matter what happens, allowing the experience to be fun because we're always learning as we go, and carrying knowledge from past experiences. I'm creating presence. It's not meant to hold us back, but to help us grow and transform. What holds us back is the chatter, or the "shouldas" or "what ifs." Thank you, but I'm good.

5 Questions for Yogis to Ask Themselves from Yoga Journal Blog

5 Questions For Yogis to Ask Themselves | Top Five Tuesdays | Yoga Blog | Yoga Journal


I have been asking myself similar questions this year. Falling off the wagon can be so easy (for me), but getting back is not so easy, especially if you've been off it awhile! I've started to get back into my yoga practice and study one baby step at a time. I even cut down on the teaching as of this year because I was feeling so drained from teaching a class. I also started opening up a yoga book here and there. I really appreciated this blog post from Yoga Journal (see full post by clicking the link above). It was no accident I read this. As I've mentioned in previous blogs, I miss my connection with yoga! I know I lost my intention and purpose along the way somewhere, and that's okay, we all do! But it's time to reconnect that spark again.

As for the final question below, "when you take a step back to think about your practice as a whole, what questions do you ask?" Lately, for me, it's been, "why am I still doing this?" "Why do I still get onto my mat?" "What is this doing for me?"

If your a yoga student, practitioner, and/or teacher, do you fall off the wagon of practicing and attending classes? What do you do about it? Check out the questions below from the Yoga Journal Blog:

1. What is the real intention behind my yoga practice?

2. Am I getting the results I'm seeking from this style/school/teacher/class? Should I even worry about results?

3. Do I really feel better after I practice than before? Am I more energized or less? Is my mind calmer and less stressed? Is rushing to get to the studio more trouble than it's worth?

4. Am I too comfortable with my current sequence/teacher/studio? Is it time for a change? Should I force change or let it evolve naturally?

5. Should I devote more time to my yoga practice or explore new ways to de-stress?

When you take a step back to think about your practice as a whole, what questions do you ask?

April Intentions

Man! Before we know it, April will be over! Ha! Even though, I will be continuing many of my intentions from last month, I wanted to set some new ones for this month:

• Call NYS Education Dept regarding massage license transfer (this one is going to be such a HUGE process, I need to do this in baby steps!)
• Attend a yoga class
• Purchase SD card for my Macbook laptop, so I can transfer video easily
• Finish questions on "Cultivating a Private Practice" for movement group/practice

Since we're into the second week of April, I feel this is a good, do-able amount for me. I've been REALLY good about not being hard on myself and I want this to continue. I'm all about the flow these days.

Rekindling an old relationship

With yoga. I've had this itch and it's I'm missing my relationship with yoga. Although I don't want to dwell in the past, I remember being SOOOOO excited about practicing and going to class at the end of the day. The other night I came home from teaching a yoga class. It was about 10pm and I was still quite amped from the class, so I grabbed a book off the shelf, "Light on the Yoga: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali" by BKS Iyengar. I remember reading this book in teacher training as it was required. At the time, I looked at this book as, I HAVE to read this, so I'll just plow through it to get it done. HA! I was 26 years old and had been living in San Francisco for almost a year. I was definitely in a different state of mind altogether. I still wanted to make more friends, party, etc. So I wasn't quite into "that part" of yoga.

Don't get me wrong! I valued and still value what I learned in teacher training, and don't regret the experience one bit. But as I sat on the couch the other night and read the first sutra with translation and description, I said out loud, "OOooooohhhhhhh! That's what's going on." I totally laughed at myself, but felt a spark in myself. I love reading something for the second time because you always catch something different you didn't the first time. The spark was to practice more, EVEN IF it's for 15 minutes. I know I've blogged about this before, but the more I think about it and feel how great I'm going to feel, I know it's gonna happen.

I want to be easy on myself. If I think I can only do 15 minutes, then I'll start with that and see where it takes me. I won't say, "I can't do it if I only have 15 minutes." Screw that attitude! I'm going to do what I can and love it! I want to read a Yoga Sutra a day; practice a pose that I know is challenging for me; and be present for everything that unfolds.

I want to breathe, be in my body, and love my body. That's what yoga means to me. And, boy, do we have a lot of catching up to do on the mat.

Intentions accomplished!

So I feel like I accomplished ALL my March Intentions, which is a milestone for me! I'm so excited that it worked, I can't wait to create some April Intentions. I think the biggest milestone for me was getting my massage license application completed and sent out. It involved so much motivation and work for me because it can be really easy for me to get overwhelmed and procrastinate. I also kept my butoh/movement practice momentum going as well, a very important part of my health and growth as a movement practitioner and bodyworker. Although, I will continue to practice these intentions, it's nice to know that when I created them, they happened.

The power of intention is amazing! It really works when you know what you want, and can feel the feeling of it being done already.

Stay tuned for my April Intentions......

5 Reasons Why I Won't Detox This Year from Yoga Journal Blog

5 Reasons Why I Won't Detox This Year | Top Five Tuesdays | Yoga Blog | Yoga Journal

I thought about doing a cleanse myself, but when I read this list from the Yoga Journal Blog (click on link above), I agreed and resonated immediately with the first point. The only cleanse I've done, once a year for the past 4 years, is cut out wheat, gluten, and dairy for a couple weeks/14 days. There is a 3 day hump you have to get through, and then your body starts its "adjustment period." It's different for everyone, and I think you have to try the different types of cleanses out there to find out. I've also learned from yoga teachers and holistic health practitioners that it's important to be with those feelings and thoughts about depriving yourself of food. What emotions come up about abstaining from your favorite foods that may contain sugar, caffeine, high fructose corn syrup. dairy, wheat, etc.?

It's important to check in with yourself about cleansing, and talk to a health professional who would be able to guide you. What are your thoughts on cleanses and detoxing?

1. It's a little too much like a crash diet. I'm sure cleansing feels GREAT for some people, but my experience was that it felt a little too much like a punishment--like I had to deprive myself because I'd eaten poorly the rest of the year. Plus, if you buy into the part of yoga philosophy that says we're perfect the way we are (including our flaws), cleansing seems like a moot point.

2. I trust my body to "cleanse" on its own. My yoga practice has empowered me to trust my body's strength, wisdom, and defenses. I also believe that if I pay attention to my body's signals, I should naturally gravitate toward "clean" foods, anyway. Mindful eating seems a lot more balanced to me that a restrictive diet.

3. My intentions weren't quite right. I pondered the idea of another cleanse because I love the idea of releasing toxins from my body. But when I was really being honest with myself, that's not the biggest reason I considered it. First of all, my teachers and mentors cleanse every year. I look up to them, and I want to be disciplined and serious about yoga like they are. Second, it's a way to lose a few unwanted pounds. That's not the purpose of a cleanse, and if it's even in the back of your mind I think it could be a very dangerous undertaking.

4. I don't have the support system in place right now. The last time I tried a cleanse, I did it with a friend. Through the entire experience we chatted about what we were going through, compared notes, and supported each other. This was my saving grace, and I don't think I could have done it without the extra support. This year, I'm on my own--and I know that's not a recipe for success for me.

5. There aren't enough yummy fruits in season in the spring. The last cleanse I did called for eating only fresh fruits and veggies for several days. I didn't really crave things I wasn't supposed to eat, but I found myself really hankering for juicy peaches and watermelons. But, alas, these things weren't in season yet!

Are you planning to cleanse this year? Why or why not?

Emotional Storage Space

Last week, I received some bodywork/energy work and had an emotional release during the session. I felt better, but it didn't last. The very next day my throat started getting sore. I felt fine otherwise; no fever, or other cold-like symptoms. I decided to just watch it and see what happens.

The week went on, the sore throat got worse, but still, no other symptoms. I came to one conclusion that this was more energetic/emotional than an actual microbial infection. I was having memories from middle school; the sixth grade. I had reoccurring tonsilitis; and my parents just got divorce. I know at the time I was storing a lot of anger and grief about that, and at the time, didn't know how to express it. But now I'm so much more aware and have the tools to support me with expressing my emotions and needs. I know as an eleven year old, I was needing some understanding!

Then I received a lymphatic massage session on Saturday, which drew me to my other conclusion. I felt LOTS of stuff move, and even felt nausea for a moment. Also, every time my practitioner worked on my left hip side (pelvic/ovary area), which is a lymph node station, my body would tense and resist. Afterward, I received some coaching, which was really nice. I got clear on some other things I've been holding on to. I've held a lot of fear in my pelvis. Fear of being feminine. Fear of my intuition. Fear of my power. My practitioner pointed out to me that I could be going through a mini-death; a transition from an old way of being to a new way of being: Being a mother. In the past, I used to hold a lot of fear around being a mom and being pregnant. My chatter was, "how can I take care of someone else, when I can't even take care of myself?", "I'm too screwed up to be mom", or "I wouldn't be a good mom because I don't take care of myself or my relationships." I know I'm not the only one who has this chatter. I realize now that a lot of women have the same fears.

I want to be more aware and committed to nurturing this part of myself. I want to acknowledge that old way of being and embrace, accept and love the new way of being. I feel it in my body that I want to have a baby. It feels joyful, happy, and my right.

According to Anodea Judith's book, "Eastern Body, Western Mind", she explains the seven chakra centers as our seven rights. Since this past week was about my 2nd and 5th, the 2nd chakra (lower abdomen/pelvis) is the right to feel; and the 5th chakra (throat area/mouth) is the right to speak. In the past, there were many reasons why I didn't feel/think I had the right to feel or speak up for myself or express my emotions. But now I want to celebrate them! I want to move that energy in a positive, healthy way. I'm done with storing and hiding it away. I want it to be present.

Do you have a storage space in your body?

5 Ways to Take Yoga to the Office

5 Ways to Take Yoga to the Office | Top Five Tuesdays | Yoga Blog | Yoga Journal

Well said! I totally take this practice into consideration at my office job. I do see other coworkers do it, but not a lot of them! I teach yoga at work once a week at lunchtime, and in my ideal world, I would probably teach yoga there everyday! But, of course, at least I'm grateful to be able to share it once a week, and emphasize how important it is for your body, mind and spirit to step away from the desk, stretch your muscles, go for a stroll around the block, and breathe.

I know we have busy times at work, but could we take 5 minutes each day to do any of the following?

1. Stretch often. There are lots of poses you can do right in your desk chair. My favorite desk stretches are seated twists (using the arm rests for extra traction), Cow Face Pose, and--when no one is looking--seated Cat-Cows and Tolasana from my desk chair!

2. Surround yourself with inspiration. I have an inspiration board up on my cubicle wall with quotes, notes from friends, and pictures. When you're surrounded by things that inspire you, it uplifts everything you do.

3. Listen to kirtan. I love listening to music while I work, but songs with lyrics are distracting when you work with words. Kirtan is soothing and reminds me of my yoga practice, and the fact that I don't understand the words is a bonus because I can just enjoy the vibrations.

4. Take advantage of trips to the bathroom, water cooler, and the printer. I walk slowly, take everything in, and make it into a walking meditation practice.

5. Take a deep breath every time you get an email. This is my trick to manage stress and communicate mindfully.

What creative ways do you practice yoga at work?

Namaste.

Community for Health and Well-being

As I began writing my current newsletter, I realized why community is so important in our lives. It really keeps us going through our daily lives. It inspires us to be better people. It helps our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Hundreds of years ago, people shared everything with one another. They supported one another during tough times, and no matter what, always had unconditional love. But then something shifted and that sense of community started to dwindle, especially now with computers, cell phones, iphones, blackberries, etc. Not that those things don't help us stay connected to our loved ones, but everywhere I look, people are texting, facebooking, and twittering. What happened to coming together in the flesh?! Or making the time to talk to someone on the phone who is long distance? I hear Skype helps with this one!

Of course, I'm not writing about social networking and technology here. I needed to presence that for myself right now before I got carried away. The whole concept of community is overrated. When we feel down or stressed out, do we really stop and think that we might need support? Do we feel we have to do it all ourselves? I guess that's what I'm getting at because, in the past, I felt this way. I felt like I had to do it all myself with no help.

After attending my massage school graduation this past weekend, community was everywhere, and I felt it. I felt the love, support, acknowledgments, and sense of identity. Community nourishes our sense of identity and sense of purpose so much. It inspires us to be our passions and be the best that we can be. It provides acceptance and appreciation, which our hearts yearn for. For instance, I got back to attending yoga classes this month. Although, yoga DVDs and home practice help feed my practice and teaching; however, just being in a room with a teacher, students and other like-minded individuals got me pumped and jazzed EVEN MORE! All I can say about it is "I want more, More, MORE!"

So what communities (including family) do you have in your life? Is there a passion you have in your life that you can share with like-minded individuals? People who share that passion and/or support you all the way?

Let me also ask, do you feel no sense of community (other than family) in your life? What is the result of this? Would your life be a little bit better if you had more community?

There was a time when I was depressed quite frequently. My story was that I had to do everything on my own. Once I began to release this story and belief with the help of a wonderful community of individuals, my depression decreased dramatically, and I had more energy to do what I was passionate about. I also realized how disconnected I felt from family. Once I connected with them more, my community around me built up more.

I would love to hear thoughts and comments from the questions I asked in this post. Feel free to email me if you want to comment privately, lizsfilippone@gmail.com.

In love and light,
-Liz

Acknowledgment is in order!

It's been an amazing experience attending the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts. I have been blessed to meet the people I've met over the past 2 years I've been attending classes and trainings, and I will continue to keep my connections there.

I had the pleasure and honor of being acknowledged and celebrated at graduation yesterday. All that hard work and time really has paid off. So I acknowledge myself for my love and desire of healing work through massage and coaching. I acknowledge my confidence because there was a time in the past I felt I didn't have any. I also acknowledge my husband for his patience, support and sense of humor because I don't know what I would have done without it!

So I want to celebrate this week. ME! For committing myself to the massage program and all that it is. Being in that community yesterday inspired me more and more. I can't say what it is specifically, it's a general feeling of empowerment and confidence. But HUGE! I'm looking forward to what unfolds ahead, and receiving it openly.

WOOO HOOOOO!

Releasing and going with the flow

I'm celebrating because a lot of my March Intentions are happening! This week: I attended a wonderful yoga class last night at Divine Essence Yoga in Potrero Hill; also did a yoga dvd; I ran 5.2 miles one day; I completed one of my papers for a massage class; I spent quality time with my hubby a few times this week; I've celebrated something I'm grateful for everyday; and I've been super present with my emotions and reactions. I would love to give an example of everything, but, quite honestly, I could do a blog post for each of those things! One day.

I received a massage yesterday by a friend and fellow classmate. I didn't think I needed it as much as I realized. She integrated swedish, deep tissue and Vibrational Healing Massage. The Vibe work is what REALLY helped me release a lot. There is an area of my back where it gets knotty, and when Massage Therapists go over that area, it jumps like an electric charge. It doesn't hurt, and I always reassure them of this. The area my friend worked on was on the left side of my spine, by the erectors and lower ribs. The knot was so tight and sharp. But she continued to do the finger-work from the Vibe technique on this area. I continued to breathe, make sounds, and even voiced some things that came up such as, "It's time to go", "You're no longer serving me", "I want softness." Then the release happened. I began to cry very hard and I let myself go to release all the energy around that area. My friend kept working there and guiding it out. My legs and feet tingled. After I cried, I felt fabulous!

It all made sense to me, and even more now. As I had set those intentions (in a previous post), things began to happen. I decided to go with the stream of the river, instead of against it. Also, that spot in my back has been a collection bin of things of the past, old patterns, and a general holding.

It feels good to move it out, and move on. What things of the past are you still holding on to? If you could let them go, how would you feel? What would your life be like?

5 Signs You Might Take Yoga Too Seriously

This blog post from the Yoga Journal Blog, Nectar, cracked me up! 5 Signs You Might Take Yoga Too Seriously | Top Five Tuesdays | Yoga Blog | Yoga Journal.

I know why because I used to be like that! It took awhile to let go of some of these beliefs, especially #3 and #5. Although, I know now I didn't believe it truly, I believe I took on some of my teachers' beliefs and philosophies about that style of yoga, especially in teacher training. Then with #5, I went to a vinyasa-style class, had a blast, but then swore I would never do that again and stick with one style.

Come on! Yoga is yoga. There are many different styles and that's great, but to each his own. There's a style for everyone. I, personally, love practicing and teaching vinyasa/flow style, but I incorporate lots of tools and techniques from my style of training, Iyengar. I can't help but LOVE the focus of alignment and action in the poses. I've studied with teachers, who do the same as well.

So check these signs out. If you've been practicing yoga for many years, you'll get a kick out of it (I hope ;-):

1. You're mortified when you fall out of Tree Pose in class.

2. You feel an uncontrollable urge to correct people when they pronounce Sanskrit words with an American accent. (You also have to bite your tongue when you hear your 5-year-old niece refer to Baddha Konasana as Butterfly.)

3. You think your teacher, your studio, or your philosophy of yoga is the only right one. You use air quotes or roll your eyes every time you say "fitness" yoga.

4. You freak out if someone takes your place at the front of the class or puts his shoes in your cubby in the lobby.

5. You felt guilty when you take a Pilates class, and vow never to "cheat" on yoga again.

March Intentions

• Complete one homeplay assignment for massage per week
• Complete and send in application for massage license
  
• Attend a yoga class or do a yoga dvd once a week
• Run 3 (or more) miles 3-4 times per week
• Celebrate something I'm grateful for everyday
• Spend time with butoh/movement practice--either discussion and/or with exercises once a week
  
• Spend quality time with hubby--dinner, movie, walk, etc.
• Be mindful of my emotions and reactions

This sounds doable. Otherwise, it's not gonna happen.....

5 Lessons That Changed My Practice | Top Five Tuesdays | Yoga Blog | Yoga Journal

What an amazing concept! Although, I don't practice as much as I would (ideally) want to, these five lessons are really inspiring. Even as a yoga teacher! In the past, I remember not having any expectations about a yoga class because as a beginner, I really didn't know what to expect. Then when I got serious and started a teacher training, my view shifted. I won't say it was necessarily negative or positive, it just shifted. I also believe that I reached a point in my training when all it became to me was work and not fun or inspirational anymore. Now, I'm finding that inspiration again!

5 Lessons That Changed My Practice | Top Five Tuesdays | Yoga Blog | Yoga Journal

1. No Judging Allowed. My yoga sessions never turn out exactly how I expect them to--I never know what I'm going to get until I get on my mat. So, for me, it's important to leave my expectations at the door and be present with whatever happens. Approaching each experience as an interested observer and not allowing it to affect my perception of myself and/or my abilities has been key in my yoga practice.

2. Keep Trying (and Failing). Perseverance is an important part of the practice. In fact, it might be one of the most valuable life lessons I've learned from my time on the mat. Getting discouraged or frustrated doesn't help--and trying again and again is a sign a strength on the yoga mat and in life.

3. Give Yourself Permission to Be Different from Everyone Else. When I realized that yoga is an individual practice, it totally gave me permission to modify poses, use props, and take care of myself. What other people in the studio were doing, even my teachers at times, became irrelevant. Yoga is my own personal refuge and my practice time is too precious to spend it looking over my shoulder at that amazing pose on the other side of the room.

4. Relax, But Not Too Much. As a beginner, I was drawn to the laid back, do-what-you-feel-like vibe. But the more I practice, the more I realize how important discipline is. It takes a lot of discipline to come to the mat over and over again--and it takes even more to keep trying even when things are tough. There are plenty of times to back off, slow down, and be easy on yourself--but there are also times to challenge yourself. Finding that middle ground is an art form that I'm still perfecting.

5. Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously. It's easy to get caught up in the seriousness of the practice sometimes. The yamas and niyamas, for example, are serious business. But, like the poses themselves, the philosophy is a practice. There will be many failures along the way. Learning to see the humor in it all has been a saving grace.

my audience

wow. today is all about the venting and blabbing....

as i looked at my last newsletter, i wondered who is my audience? who do i want to send and offer my knowledge and tools? i honestly believe i still don't know, but i'm okay with that right now. however, i know one of the things to have a successful business is to know your audience/population that you're serving. so i guess i need to reevaluate. cool! i'm glad i realized this now. i'm happy for myself that i came to this conclusion. i'm not judging or beating myself up. in fact, i think i want to look back at some old notes from classes i took about this subject. review and rekindle the mind, body and soul.

i remember from my holistic coaching program, my life's purpose: i am love and acceptance. perhaps i have new one brewing: i am contribution, inspiration, and joy!

hey, now that feels good. let's do more: i am connection and integration. well, that's actually the first line of my mission statement. but that still counts because it's true!

i am compassion and abundance. that one doesn't feel as true to me, and it may be the "abundance". I associate this word with money too much, even though i know deep down that's not what its all about. but, hey, something to inquire within.

so this was a great vent because i know now i won't feel the need to rush getting my march newsletter out. this year has been a lot about self-evaluation, self-inquiry and self-care. i'm more present with myself, and i hope this will guide me in connecting and attracting MY audience.

:)