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......
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
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?
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?
Monday, March 28, 2011
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?
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?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
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?
Namaste.
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.
Namaste.
Monday, March 14, 2011
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
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!
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!
Friday, March 11, 2011
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?
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?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
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 ;-):
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.Thursday, March 3, 2011
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
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
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
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.
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