“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.
Showing posts with label Yoga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yoga. Show all posts
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
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 ~
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 ~
Sunday, August 7, 2011
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?"
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?"
Friday, June 24, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
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:
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!!!!!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
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:
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.
- 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.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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, February 22, 2011
A slow descent and rise
I'm getting more and more clear about what's alive for me. It's funny because I could feel it calling me over the past year. Massage is one of those things, which I'm doing already as I complete my clinic hours.
But the big thing for me is my movement practice: butoh and performance. It's been calling me for awhile now and I feel I need to answer it. I already began cutting back on my yoga teaching without really knowing why. I mean, I knew why. I just had too much judgment of myself about it. The "clear" is coming through with acceptance. Acceptance of what is. Right now I like teaching two classes a week. It's just interesting that I have realized now, that I've been making this slow descent away from it.
So, now it's about rising up to meet my movement practice. To spend more time with it. To embrace it and let it embrace me. To hold what fires me up and makes me feel alive. To be present with all I am while moving. To breathe. To love.
After taking the Katsura Kan workshop, that love came back to me. That drive to create, experiment, share, and teach. I will always incorporate my love of yoga with my movement practice because I really can't not. So let that love rise and feed me with all its glory and beauty, because it's gonna be fun rise to up and meet it.
But the big thing for me is my movement practice: butoh and performance. It's been calling me for awhile now and I feel I need to answer it. I already began cutting back on my yoga teaching without really knowing why. I mean, I knew why. I just had too much judgment of myself about it. The "clear" is coming through with acceptance. Acceptance of what is. Right now I like teaching two classes a week. It's just interesting that I have realized now, that I've been making this slow descent away from it.
So, now it's about rising up to meet my movement practice. To spend more time with it. To embrace it and let it embrace me. To hold what fires me up and makes me feel alive. To be present with all I am while moving. To breathe. To love.
After taking the Katsura Kan workshop, that love came back to me. That drive to create, experiment, share, and teach. I will always incorporate my love of yoga with my movement practice because I really can't not. So let that love rise and feed me with all its glory and beauty, because it's gonna be fun rise to up and meet it.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Moving forward
It was a hard thing to decide, but it's time to move on. I decided to drop my *Daly City yoga class, and pass the reigns onto another great, up and coming teacher. I'm still going to teach in San Francisco at 24 Hour Fitness and sub at the YMCA when needed. I'm also curious and open to see what other opportunities are out there in the yoga teaching world. I will miss my Daly City students, and do hope they continue their practice and going to class. This class was my first real teaching gig ever! So there's definitely a lot of history there, and growth within my teaching over the years.
So what next?
I feel 2011 will be about recharging, revamping and refreshing my practice as a yoga practitioner and teacher. I will take more workshops and trainings for myself, so I can continue to grow in my yoga practice. In a way, I feel I've neglected that most important part about being a yoga teacher: practice! It's time to focus my attention there and see where it takes me. I miss going to class, not just for the yoga part, but the community of other like-minded individuals and yoga enthusiasts. I miss that network. I feel the withdrawal and the craving. It's time to step back into myself and see where I'm at in all of it. I'm so excited, open, and grateful!
**Leeat Louvton will be taking over my class on Monday evenings at War Memorial Community Center in Daly City. For more information, go to www.doelgercenter.com and check out the class schedule.
Namaste!
So what next?
I feel 2011 will be about recharging, revamping and refreshing my practice as a yoga practitioner and teacher. I will take more workshops and trainings for myself, so I can continue to grow in my yoga practice. In a way, I feel I've neglected that most important part about being a yoga teacher: practice! It's time to focus my attention there and see where it takes me. I miss going to class, not just for the yoga part, but the community of other like-minded individuals and yoga enthusiasts. I miss that network. I feel the withdrawal and the craving. It's time to step back into myself and see where I'm at in all of it. I'm so excited, open, and grateful!
**Leeat Louvton will be taking over my class on Monday evenings at War Memorial Community Center in Daly City. For more information, go to www.doelgercenter.com and check out the class schedule.
Namaste!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Listening to Our Body...Again
I reread this post I wrote back in February. Boy, was there some "stuff" going on! I'm re-realizing that the body never lies. We need to listen to it and be with it, which is what yoga and massage has taught me. I recently had an Aura Balancing session (energy/chakra balancing) from a good friend of mine, who is an energyworker, clairvoyant and life coach. I went to her because I felt very blocked in areas of my body, especially my throat and chest area. For the past few weeks, I've been grieving loss. Loss of people, and parts of me that I have needed to let go of. As my yoga practice has involved Yin and restorative postures these days, being still and quiet has allowed this grief to surface and be free of my body. I've learned new ways to ground myself and protect myself. In the past, I always took on other people's "stuff", and what I mean by stuff is their moods, emotions, experiences, presence, etc. Let's just say "vibes". Have you ever walked into a room, or encountered a person, and felt something off or shift? It's like the air stretches or changes volume around them, depending on what's going with them. Sometimes those people or places have a positive vibe, and sometimes they don't. For a long time, I was a sponge and would absorb all the negative vibes from people and places. Instead of letting it go, I took it on for some reason.
When I was younger, it was a way to relate to people or to feel that I belonged. Over the years, my body's energy became drained, and now, it's done with that. There are other ways-healthy ways-to relate with people. There are healthy ways to be with people, who aren't exactly in a well-balanced state, but that doesn't mean you have to go there too! We can meet them where their at with distance and still be in close proximity. I want to share a great grounding-meditation exercise to help protect yourself from any negative vibes you may encounter throughout your day. It's also just a great way to unwind. As a yoga teacher, massage therapist and coach, if you're constantly around different people throughout your day, and can leave you energized or drained. Something to think about and be aware of, especially around the holidays.
Take 5 or 10 minutes to do this exercise:
First, find a quiet place and sit either in a chair or on the floor. You want your feet on the ground. Close your eyes and take a few deep, belly breaths. Extend both arms straight up toward the sky with palms up, and then bring them down slowly to the sides like your drawing a circle around you. Imagine a sphere of space (this is your aura) five feet in front, above, below and the sides of you. Then place all your energy and the energy you may have picked up from others or places and send it above your head down through your crown, third eye, throat, chest/heart, abdomen, pelvis, until you get to the tip of tailbone. Place all that energy in a ball with any color that comes to you (something soothing). Imagine a cord of that color from the ball, and send the energy down into the ground so deep it gets to the earth's core and say to yourself or out loud, "I release this energy to the earth." Then imagine a crystal, white ball of clean, bright light and send that back up the cord letting it cover your feet, legs, pelvis, trunk, neck and head, then allow it to burst over your head, covering your aura. Feel this new, earth energy soothe your whole body, mind and spirit. Then find your feet and take a few long, deep belly breaths.
Try this at the end of the day before you go to bed and then again in the morning. I find sometimes I do it in the middle of the day, depending on what kind of day I'm having. If I'm inspired by affirmations or yogic chant phrases at the end such as, "so hum", which means, "I am that". I say it over and over again to myself or out loud and just sit with it, allowing my mind to quieten. The more you do this exercise, the easier and quicker you feel grounded and clear. If you have any essential oils from trees such as cypress or frankincense, rub some into your palms and wrists before you do the exercise, breathing in the aroma from the oils. It's a nice treat to add to the whole experience.
I know I just ranted about other people's energy, but it really can effect us if we are not aware. Overtime, our energy can become stagnant for a variety of reasons--age, illness, injuries, etc. But can you remember when that part of your body began feeling that way? What was happening in your life at the time? Who was there? Some interesting queries to consider.
Namaste
Monday, November 8, 2010
Yoga teaches awareness
I really appreciate this article because I've been SOOOOOOO aware of my emotions. I'm discovering new possibilities within myself, while listening to the chatter, and feeling the emotions that come up. Yep, that's a lot. But it's okay. I thank yoga for guiding me. I don't know what I would do without it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(From YogaJournal.com Daily Insight)
Awareness Techniques
Usually, the first way Westerners learn to build awareness in yoga is by practicing the poses. But the myriad instructions heard in class aren't just designed to improve your asanas. They give your busy mind something to focus on and therefore keep you in the present moment. For people with anxiety, this is a particular blessing.
Complex instructions also force you to tune in to the subtle shifts occurring in your body. As you become more aware of these changes, you'll begin to notice subtle alterations in your mind and in your mood, too. You'll feel in a tangible way how the body and mind are connected.
As you continue to hone moment-to-moment awareness of your body, breath, emotions, and thoughts in your yoga practice, you'll bring that awareness to your daily life. When you're paying attention, you're more in touch with your thoughts and feelings as they arise in the moment, which is half the battle of resolving them. In other words, when you're able to identify that something is wrong, you can address that particular issue in the moment, rather than ignoring it and unleashing it later in some painful way.
Read the full articles:
* Feel Happier (http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/2562)
* Asanas for Anxiety http://www.yogajournal.com/health/2085
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(From YogaJournal.com Daily Insight)
Awareness Techniques
Usually, the first way Westerners learn to build awareness in yoga is by practicing the poses. But the myriad instructions heard in class aren't just designed to improve your asanas. They give your busy mind something to focus on and therefore keep you in the present moment. For people with anxiety, this is a particular blessing.
Complex instructions also force you to tune in to the subtle shifts occurring in your body. As you become more aware of these changes, you'll begin to notice subtle alterations in your mind and in your mood, too. You'll feel in a tangible way how the body and mind are connected.
As you continue to hone moment-to-moment awareness of your body, breath, emotions, and thoughts in your yoga practice, you'll bring that awareness to your daily life. When you're paying attention, you're more in touch with your thoughts and feelings as they arise in the moment, which is half the battle of resolving them. In other words, when you're able to identify that something is wrong, you can address that particular issue in the moment, rather than ignoring it and unleashing it later in some painful way.
Read the full articles:
* Feel Happier (http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/2562)
* Asanas for Anxiety http://www.yogajournal.com/health/2085
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Five Ways to Make More Time for Yoga
I had to share this wonderful information from a blog I follow; in fact it's a great reminder to myself that I really can practice yoga ANYWHERE! A little really does go a long way, and if you keep up with it, you'll find yourself practicing yoga a little longer each time.
Enjoy and be well!
From: Top Five Tuesdays
5 Ways to Make More Time for Yoga
September 14, 2010
by Erica Rodefer Winters
1. Write It In Your Calendar, To-Do List, (And Set an Alarm!) In my experience, when something becomes a habit it's easier to stick to. So if you want to be at yoga class every Tuesday at 6 pm, have your computer or phone send you a reminder at 4:30, and again at 5, and 5:15. And don't let anything else get in the way!
2. Expand Your View of What Yoga Is. If you feel like you don't get enough yoga in, it might be time to think about all the little things you already do in your normal life and infuse them with mindfulness and breath. The five-minute break you take to chat with your friend in the office might not be what most people think of as yoga, but if it helps you become more balanced and aware--it's yoga.
3. Practice While You Drive, Stand In Line, Sit at Your Desk... And So On. If you need to stretch to feel like you've done yoga, there's no reason you can't do that in little spurts all day long! Practice Tadasana while you stand in line at the grocery store. Take breaks from your computer every hour to do a shoulder opener and a twist. The possibilities are endless. (If you need more examples read my blog post "Yoga Everywhere, and I Mean Everywhere!")
4. Make Yoga Top Priority. There will be days when the thought of peeling yourself off the couch and away from your favorite reality TV show is a struggle. When this happens, remember how great you feel after yoga--you feel energized and more balanced. That's way more important than So You Think You Can Dance or what someone you've never met has to say to Twitter, right?
5. Forgive Yourself. Don't forget that a big part of the practice is letting go of attachment--and that includes the attachment to your daily asana practice! So when something comes up that throws you off schedule and you just can't make it to the mat, try not to beat yourself up about it. It's part of the flow of life. Yoga isn't going anywhere, and neither are you. Try it again tomorrow!
Enjoy and be well!
From: Top Five Tuesdays
5 Ways to Make More Time for Yoga
September 14, 2010
by Erica Rodefer Winters
1. Write It In Your Calendar, To-Do List, (And Set an Alarm!) In my experience, when something becomes a habit it's easier to stick to. So if you want to be at yoga class every Tuesday at 6 pm, have your computer or phone send you a reminder at 4:30, and again at 5, and 5:15. And don't let anything else get in the way!
2. Expand Your View of What Yoga Is. If you feel like you don't get enough yoga in, it might be time to think about all the little things you already do in your normal life and infuse them with mindfulness and breath. The five-minute break you take to chat with your friend in the office might not be what most people think of as yoga, but if it helps you become more balanced and aware--it's yoga.
3. Practice While You Drive, Stand In Line, Sit at Your Desk... And So On. If you need to stretch to feel like you've done yoga, there's no reason you can't do that in little spurts all day long! Practice Tadasana while you stand in line at the grocery store. Take breaks from your computer every hour to do a shoulder opener and a twist. The possibilities are endless. (If you need more examples read my blog post "Yoga Everywhere, and I Mean Everywhere!")
4. Make Yoga Top Priority. There will be days when the thought of peeling yourself off the couch and away from your favorite reality TV show is a struggle. When this happens, remember how great you feel after yoga--you feel energized and more balanced. That's way more important than So You Think You Can Dance or what someone you've never met has to say to Twitter, right?
5. Forgive Yourself. Don't forget that a big part of the practice is letting go of attachment--and that includes the attachment to your daily asana practice! So when something comes up that throws you off schedule and you just can't make it to the mat, try not to beat yourself up about it. It's part of the flow of life. Yoga isn't going anywhere, and neither are you. Try it again tomorrow!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Power to the Peaceful Festival
It was a foggy start, but the sun burst through it on such an amazing day. On Saturday, it was the 12th Annual Power to the Peaceful Festival in Golden Gate Park. It was my second time attending, but also my last :-( Since I'll be moving back east next summer, I'm so grateful that I managed to surround myself with such inspirational, celebratory people, music, and events.
At 9am, I gathered with about hundred other people for the community yoga class in front of the main stage. It was taught by four--pretty well-known--yoga teachers, including many assistants, who wondered among the students offering adjustments. It was still pretty foggy, but you could see the sun making it's way through. However, when Nicki Doane guided us into sun salutations, the sun pierced through the fog so powerfully, we all began hootin' and hollerin'! It really was the most perfect moment, and I could feel the pulse of energy throughout the crowd. At one point, I honestly got teary-eyed because of the beautiful, inspiring words that the teachers spoke and expressed from the bottom of their hearts. It was also the anniversary of 911, so that was acknowledged by all.
I wish I got more pictures of the teachers, but I will hold all their wisdom, kindness, and support in my heart.
Then right after savasana, which ended at 11am, the festival began. An African drumming band opened with such loud, harmonious beats, everyone stood up from their yoga mats and began dancing. Although I came to the class and festival by myself, I did not feel alone. Two women that were next to me expressed their appreciation for being able to practice yoga with me and everyone. I also ran into another fellow yoga teacher who was a few people down from me. So the connection and community was flowing everywhere and through everyone. I felt loved and loved everyone.
I decided to wander back to the vendors and food ;-) I really WISH I could remember the place, but I went to an Indian Food vendor and got a samosa and chai tea. It was Mmmmmmm Good! I enjoyed browsing through the clothing vendors as well.
My last wander was with the Acroyogis. I've been able to experience and observe their most fun and healing work. It's partner yoga, but can include acrobatics and thai massage. I HIGHLY recommend it!
As I made my way back home through GG park, I got a little emotional again. I kept thinking I'm never going to experience anything like that again. I won't ever see those people again. But what I realized is that I was present in each and every one of those moments I had there. I allowed myself to be open to connection with strangers, and be with that community and purpose. It was beautiful and I am inspired.
At 9am, I gathered with about hundred other people for the community yoga class in front of the main stage. It was taught by four--pretty well-known--yoga teachers, including many assistants, who wondered among the students offering adjustments. It was still pretty foggy, but you could see the sun making it's way through. However, when Nicki Doane guided us into sun salutations, the sun pierced through the fog so powerfully, we all began hootin' and hollerin'! It really was the most perfect moment, and I could feel the pulse of energy throughout the crowd. At one point, I honestly got teary-eyed because of the beautiful, inspiring words that the teachers spoke and expressed from the bottom of their hearts. It was also the anniversary of 911, so that was acknowledged by all.
I wish I got more pictures of the teachers, but I will hold all their wisdom, kindness, and support in my heart.
Then right after savasana, which ended at 11am, the festival began. An African drumming band opened with such loud, harmonious beats, everyone stood up from their yoga mats and began dancing. Although I came to the class and festival by myself, I did not feel alone. Two women that were next to me expressed their appreciation for being able to practice yoga with me and everyone. I also ran into another fellow yoga teacher who was a few people down from me. So the connection and community was flowing everywhere and through everyone. I felt loved and loved everyone.
I decided to wander back to the vendors and food ;-) I really WISH I could remember the place, but I went to an Indian Food vendor and got a samosa and chai tea. It was Mmmmmmm Good! I enjoyed browsing through the clothing vendors as well.
My last wander was with the Acroyogis. I've been able to experience and observe their most fun and healing work. It's partner yoga, but can include acrobatics and thai massage. I HIGHLY recommend it!
As I made my way back home through GG park, I got a little emotional again. I kept thinking I'm never going to experience anything like that again. I won't ever see those people again. But what I realized is that I was present in each and every one of those moments I had there. I allowed myself to be open to connection with strangers, and be with that community and purpose. It was beautiful and I am inspired.
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