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.
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Update: Proactive with my biz
So I feel very productive as I will get my updated website going before Sept 20, and I contacted the Student Coordinator at my massage school to set up an appointment! Yiiippee! PROGRESS! Love it! I'm celebrating my progress so far, which is so important to do. In the past, I always felt like I had to do these ginormous tasks to feel a sense of accomplishment, when really it's those little things that are really huge.
I've also been feeling the shift in the cosmos, as mercury is still in retrograde, I can feel "off". But this time I feel more clear and motivated than I ever have been. It's doing those uncomfortable things, which is what makes it all clear. I've been doing the things--that I normally would complain and bitch about--with more enthusiasm and joy. I've also been very aware of my use of language so I can get closer to what I want. Instead of saying, "I want this or that, but I can't have it because I need this or that", I say "I have it" or "I am it". In other words, I'm working on eliminating the "lack of" out of my language/vocabulary/statements. I value the knowledge I have, and I share it with others. I am inspiration, joy and abundance. I am perfect just the way I am.
I've also been feeling the shift in the cosmos, as mercury is still in retrograde, I can feel "off". But this time I feel more clear and motivated than I ever have been. It's doing those uncomfortable things, which is what makes it all clear. I've been doing the things--that I normally would complain and bitch about--with more enthusiasm and joy. I've also been very aware of my use of language so I can get closer to what I want. Instead of saying, "I want this or that, but I can't have it because I need this or that", I say "I have it" or "I am it". In other words, I'm working on eliminating the "lack of" out of my language/vocabulary/statements. I value the knowledge I have, and I share it with others. I am inspiration, joy and abundance. I am perfect just the way I am.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Listening to our Body: Integrating body, mind and spirit
It's like the yin and yang; love and hate; knowing and not knowing; wanting and not wanting; forward and backwards. We are either in one or the other, or somewhere in between. For the past year, I have been working towards the positive, joyful side of things, even when they are not so good. Through this inner work, I have learned to not be so hard on myself when things happen. I have also realized that there are no accidents. Things happen for a reason. They happen in order to wake us up, to see an aspect of ourselves right in front of us. There may be certain people that show up in our lives that bring us joy or drive us crazy! It is when we ask the question, "Why?" in these situations. Why did this happen to me? Why can't this person just go away? Why did this person go away? There's nothing wrong asking why, but sometimes we get stuck there, we blame ourselves and others, put ourselves down, believe we don't deserve anything better or never will. We all have these thoughts, but do we really check into our bodies and feel? Do these thoughts really feel good? Are they serving you in order to move forward in life? Do you want to move forward? I could go on and on with this inquiry, but I am choosing not to because we all know what we want. Once we listen to our bodies and minds, it's when our spirit, our true selves begin to shine through.
Being in the thick of it
It was this past weekend when I had an awakening. An Ah-Ha moment. A realization. Whatever you want to call it. For the past few months, my menstrual periods were very heavy and lasted longer than 10, sometimes, up to 14 days. I decided to do something about it, so I went to see my doctor. I got blood work done and she decided to schedule me for an ultrasound to do an overall check up. My blood work showed that I was anemic and then the ultrasound showed a thickening in the lining of my uterus which part of it turned out to be a polyp, along with that, a cyst on my right ovary. So my doctor told me I needed a D & C (click here for more info), removal of the cyst and an IUD to keep the lining of my uterus thin. This was a mouth full. This was a lot! When I left the office, I cried. I felt like I did something wrong. The next day it was "I did this to myself". "I am unhealthy". "Why did this happen to me?!"
Then it was in my therapy session that I began to feel what my body was feeling. Having a therapist trained in somatic and other mind/body studies was very beneficial for me at that moment. She asked me to check in with that area (2nd chakra), where our reproductive organs live. A surge of resistance came over me. It was as if my consciousness wanted to completely cut itself off from that area. In the past, I had some trauma around this area and a lot of it is still stored there. Even though, I have done a lot of healing around it, it still can surface. The body memory will always be there. As I resisted, it persisted. I began to allow some of it out and my body began saying, "ugly, gross, and unhealthy". Of course, in my mind, I knew this wasn't true. For years, I was always up in my head about things that happened to me and here was my body telling me things! I was grateful to acknowledge this because it was obviously a part of me that was getting triggered, but a part of me that I had chose to bury away.
Awakening
When the weekend came, I was feeling great because I had the Yoga Journal Conference to look forward to. My intention for the weekend was to be inspired and find connection in myself and others. The three workshops I attended were so interrelated; I didn't even realize it until after I took them. The first was about tuning into your energy centers (chakras) with asana (poses) and mantras. As I made the sounds for each one in the corresponding asana, I began to feel shifts and energy move. It was a very healing sequence of asana because the teacher had us focus on something that related to ourselves and that chakra, whether it was a person or a life experience. Then we would make the sound, breath and let whatever or whoever it was go. Then the second workshop was Yin Yoga, a style of yoga where you hold a pose (all floor poses) for 3-5 minutes, in order stretch the connective tissues, stimulate meridians and have a more quiet, inward practice. We did a lot of hip openers, allowing me to surrender and let go into the pose. When savasana came, the teacher had another teacher sing a beautiful Tibetan chant. The emotions that began to surface felt like a wave inside my abdomen, and then I was crying. I felt safe knowing that this was the healing process, plus I was in a room full of yogis on their own path. After a two hour break, I went to my third and final workshop, which was called "Body Prayer: Entering the Temple". The title says it all. Throughout the yoga practice, the teacher spoke about how we are all one, mind-body-spirit. That there is no separation. We are all similar beings striving for love, connection and community; that we need to let go of our judgments on others and ourselves in order to live our lives. I got choked up during the short lecture, and then while in pigeon pose, I began to ride that wave from the previous workshop. Another juicy hip opener, but then again, the whole practice was hip openers. This area that I disconnected myself from began to shine and speak to me. I suddenly felt whole. I felt light. I felt like I could do anything. Say anything. Love myself. Love this area that I ignored for so long.
Moving forward
I want to clarify that this process can take time. I have been learning to listen to my body for years. Yoga is what really began this journey. My dance and movement training became the catalyst, the self-expression of all the inner conflicts and emotions. My holistic health training provided many tools on feeling my emotions, listening to my needs, the body's sensations and the mind. Then, finally massage training, being a total body experience, also supports the integration of the mind, body and spirit. As I move forward, I realize by going through my various trainings, it was about connecting with me as a whole person. Learning to see the beauty and the positive in others and day-to-day experiences, whether you're at work, school, walking down the street. When I started my holistic health program back in March 2008, we had to create our life's purpose. My life purpose was, "I am love and acceptance". This still rings true for me because through this whole experience, I have begun to see that loving what is moves us through the dark and the fear a little more easily. Acceptance goes along with love. We love our family, friends and partners no matter what choices they made in their life. But remember that, it is all a process and it may take our whole lives to get there. I know I have a long way to go. But if we begin to, at least exercise our consciousness by playing with these concepts, little by little we begin to make baby steps towards what we want and let our spirits shine.
Being in the thick of it
It was this past weekend when I had an awakening. An Ah-Ha moment. A realization. Whatever you want to call it. For the past few months, my menstrual periods were very heavy and lasted longer than 10, sometimes, up to 14 days. I decided to do something about it, so I went to see my doctor. I got blood work done and she decided to schedule me for an ultrasound to do an overall check up. My blood work showed that I was anemic and then the ultrasound showed a thickening in the lining of my uterus which part of it turned out to be a polyp, along with that, a cyst on my right ovary. So my doctor told me I needed a D & C (click here for more info), removal of the cyst and an IUD to keep the lining of my uterus thin. This was a mouth full. This was a lot! When I left the office, I cried. I felt like I did something wrong. The next day it was "I did this to myself". "I am unhealthy". "Why did this happen to me?!"
Then it was in my therapy session that I began to feel what my body was feeling. Having a therapist trained in somatic and other mind/body studies was very beneficial for me at that moment. She asked me to check in with that area (2nd chakra), where our reproductive organs live. A surge of resistance came over me. It was as if my consciousness wanted to completely cut itself off from that area. In the past, I had some trauma around this area and a lot of it is still stored there. Even though, I have done a lot of healing around it, it still can surface. The body memory will always be there. As I resisted, it persisted. I began to allow some of it out and my body began saying, "ugly, gross, and unhealthy". Of course, in my mind, I knew this wasn't true. For years, I was always up in my head about things that happened to me and here was my body telling me things! I was grateful to acknowledge this because it was obviously a part of me that was getting triggered, but a part of me that I had chose to bury away.
Awakening
When the weekend came, I was feeling great because I had the Yoga Journal Conference to look forward to. My intention for the weekend was to be inspired and find connection in myself and others. The three workshops I attended were so interrelated; I didn't even realize it until after I took them. The first was about tuning into your energy centers (chakras) with asana (poses) and mantras. As I made the sounds for each one in the corresponding asana, I began to feel shifts and energy move. It was a very healing sequence of asana because the teacher had us focus on something that related to ourselves and that chakra, whether it was a person or a life experience. Then we would make the sound, breath and let whatever or whoever it was go. Then the second workshop was Yin Yoga, a style of yoga where you hold a pose (all floor poses) for 3-5 minutes, in order stretch the connective tissues, stimulate meridians and have a more quiet, inward practice. We did a lot of hip openers, allowing me to surrender and let go into the pose. When savasana came, the teacher had another teacher sing a beautiful Tibetan chant. The emotions that began to surface felt like a wave inside my abdomen, and then I was crying. I felt safe knowing that this was the healing process, plus I was in a room full of yogis on their own path. After a two hour break, I went to my third and final workshop, which was called "Body Prayer: Entering the Temple". The title says it all. Throughout the yoga practice, the teacher spoke about how we are all one, mind-body-spirit. That there is no separation. We are all similar beings striving for love, connection and community; that we need to let go of our judgments on others and ourselves in order to live our lives. I got choked up during the short lecture, and then while in pigeon pose, I began to ride that wave from the previous workshop. Another juicy hip opener, but then again, the whole practice was hip openers. This area that I disconnected myself from began to shine and speak to me. I suddenly felt whole. I felt light. I felt like I could do anything. Say anything. Love myself. Love this area that I ignored for so long.
Moving forward
I want to clarify that this process can take time. I have been learning to listen to my body for years. Yoga is what really began this journey. My dance and movement training became the catalyst, the self-expression of all the inner conflicts and emotions. My holistic health training provided many tools on feeling my emotions, listening to my needs, the body's sensations and the mind. Then, finally massage training, being a total body experience, also supports the integration of the mind, body and spirit. As I move forward, I realize by going through my various trainings, it was about connecting with me as a whole person. Learning to see the beauty and the positive in others and day-to-day experiences, whether you're at work, school, walking down the street. When I started my holistic health program back in March 2008, we had to create our life's purpose. My life purpose was, "I am love and acceptance". This still rings true for me because through this whole experience, I have begun to see that loving what is moves us through the dark and the fear a little more easily. Acceptance goes along with love. We love our family, friends and partners no matter what choices they made in their life. But remember that, it is all a process and it may take our whole lives to get there. I know I have a long way to go. But if we begin to, at least exercise our consciousness by playing with these concepts, little by little we begin to make baby steps towards what we want and let our spirits shine.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Feet
Feet are my new passion in life. Well, at the moment, my own feet. I had my first weekend of Structural Foot Balancing class and I have to say it open my eyes! I knew that when we have foot problems it can affect the rest of the body, but not the other way around. With the help of my fellow students, I found so much more space, circulation and relief in my feet. Tingling, pulsing, breathing!
On my right foot, I broke part of my big toe when I was about 10 years old at a slumber party. The cracks and creeks that occurred were indescribable. It was like a new foot was emerging. I guess you can say I'm having "re"-growing pains ;-) I just can't believe that the bones in my feet were that crunched and squished together!
I feel pretty committed to my feet now. I'm thinking of the shoes I wear and how I feel/think about my feet. In the past, I used to think I had ugly, flat, narrow feet. I'm totally re-thinking how I treat my feet and the shoes I put on them. I want to share this foot stuff with others and I hope to inspire them to love and care for their feet.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Build Strength from the Inside Out
I just love the daily emails I get from Yoga Journal. I just sent this one to my yoga students. I don't always stress that they should practice at home, but deep inside me, I hope they do a little. My intention is to share the knowledge from this article in hopes of inspiring and motivating my students to begin a home practice of their own. I know when I began a yoga practice I didn't do much at first. But then the more I did it, the more I did! I love to teach because it meets my need for connection and community. I hope in some way, me sharing this knowledge and experience meets theirs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(From yogajournal.com daily insight)
Many of us come to yoga to build strength. There's no question that when you're physically strong, you're better able to handle the demands of your day with grace and ease. But you can build endurance and power through almost any athletic pursuit. The beauty of practicing yoga is that it builds inner strength—which you need to ride life's emotional currents with faith and equanimity—even as it tones your body.
One way to build inner strength is by practicing regularly, whether you're feeling inspired or not. That simple act develops your capacity for commitment and for not letting the rest of life get between you and what you know to be essential to your well-being. By being true to yourself in your yoga practice, you enhance your ability to be true to yourself in other situations.
Of course, maintaining a consistent home practice is, in itself, an exercise in strength. At home, the notorious obstacles of procrastination, distraction, and skepticism come up all the time. To help dispel these stumbling blocks, choose a regular time and create a sacred space for your practice. It also helps to have several sequences on hand for those days when you're unsure of what to do next.
IN THIS ISSUE
Block Steady
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1742
Home Practice 101
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1582
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(From yogajournal.com daily insight)
Many of us come to yoga to build strength. There's no question that when you're physically strong, you're better able to handle the demands of your day with grace and ease. But you can build endurance and power through almost any athletic pursuit. The beauty of practicing yoga is that it builds inner strength—which you need to ride life's emotional currents with faith and equanimity—even as it tones your body.
One way to build inner strength is by practicing regularly, whether you're feeling inspired or not. That simple act develops your capacity for commitment and for not letting the rest of life get between you and what you know to be essential to your well-being. By being true to yourself in your yoga practice, you enhance your ability to be true to yourself in other situations.
Of course, maintaining a consistent home practice is, in itself, an exercise in strength. At home, the notorious obstacles of procrastination, distraction, and skepticism come up all the time. To help dispel these stumbling blocks, choose a regular time and create a sacred space for your practice. It also helps to have several sequences on hand for those days when you're unsure of what to do next.
IN THIS ISSUE
Block Steady
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1742
Home Practice 101
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1582
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Books for Inspiration
As I was creating my monthly newsletter, I thought about how cool it would be to list some amazing inspirational books on a monthly (or bi-monthly) basis. These are books that have either opened my eyes or turned my stomach (in a good way of course). So here are some books to enliven the spirit this month:
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hays
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Ask and It Is Given by Esther Hicks
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hays
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Ask and It Is Given by Esther Hicks
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Friday, February 27, 2009
I actually did it....
I have to celebrate that for so many years of dreading the idea and totally putting it off my list of possibilities, I got up at 5:15 a.m. and went to the gym! I was going after work which was okay, but I've begun to realize it's more crowded and I sometimes don't feel the motivation the way I did this a.m.
I had to celebrate that because when people I know tell me they get up way before work to work out it would make me cringe. But the fact that it improves my mood, energizes me and keeps me in shape, this is great!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Returned with a lot
Well I had a nice trip home to the east coast. Despite the frigid weather, it really was beautiful to see the trees caked with ice. I guess it was nice because it didn't impede on my plans ;-) hee hee.
However, this time I really felt connected to my roots and where I grew up. I had a twinge of this before when I was visiting in September. I don't know what it was or is for that matter. I know we all miss where we come from at times (some of us do) and it's normal to think, "Gee, maybe I want to move back here sooner." That's what I was thinking towards the end of my trip. of course, the weather can be a downer, but that's not what it should always be about.
This year I really want to change my relationship to money which has been very negative most of my life. "There's not enough!" my mind used to shout endlessly through my head. But going back to moving back to the east coast, it struck me that I'm learning so much at school and starting the massage program in 5 months (yiippee!), that I could bring all of it with me! There's not many wellness centers on Cape Cod (where I grew up) and I would love to share the knowledge. Teach people what they're missing out on...let them know that they have the power to change. I start the massage program in June, but in a way I'm thinking of starting early.
If you know the Law of Attraction, you know that what you think is what you get whether you want it or not. I've definitely got the vibrations running through me and it gets stronger everytime I think about moving back east. I just have to breath, love and accept.
However, this time I really felt connected to my roots and where I grew up. I had a twinge of this before when I was visiting in September. I don't know what it was or is for that matter. I know we all miss where we come from at times (some of us do) and it's normal to think, "Gee, maybe I want to move back here sooner." That's what I was thinking towards the end of my trip. of course, the weather can be a downer, but that's not what it should always be about.
This year I really want to change my relationship to money which has been very negative most of my life. "There's not enough!" my mind used to shout endlessly through my head. But going back to moving back to the east coast, it struck me that I'm learning so much at school and starting the massage program in 5 months (yiippee!), that I could bring all of it with me! There's not many wellness centers on Cape Cod (where I grew up) and I would love to share the knowledge. Teach people what they're missing out on...let them know that they have the power to change. I start the massage program in June, but in a way I'm thinking of starting early.
If you know the Law of Attraction, you know that what you think is what you get whether you want it or not. I've definitely got the vibrations running through me and it gets stronger everytime I think about moving back east. I just have to breath, love and accept.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Creating for 2009
So it's 2009! Wow, how time flies. There are many things that I'm grateful for and would like to celebrate for 2008:
-I completed my Holistic Health Practitioner Program Talk (20min in front of 50 people!)
-Work on my business newsletter and website
-Practice Yoga
-Didn't judge myself after my husband reacted to something I said (Big One for me!)
-Celebrated my 1st wedding anniversary with my awesome husband
-My cold is going away
-I have a job!
-I cooked xmas dinner with my husband for 7 friends
So that's 8 things and I know I could go on. But when I woke up this a.m. I began to reflect upon what I want to create this year. I want to create more abundance in my life of connections with people, income and celebration. After completing the Holistic Health Program, I realized how I don't celebrate or acknowledge things about me. Even the little things such as I got out of bed this a.m. That's big for some people! It helps us really be in the present, especially during those times when we get caught up in that negative self-talk (what if this happens...I should or should not do this or that...there's just not enough...). It's also a great thing to do when practicing yoga. As I was practicing this a.m., I would pause in a pose, be with my breath which connected me to the present moment. Even if it was a pose I was struggling with, I was with it. Not against it. We should celebrate the good with the bad; the positive with the negative; the stress with the calm; the happy with the sad/angry. It's very humbling and healthy.
So I invite everyone to celebrate life and prosperity this year. We deserve it!
oxoxoxo
Liz
-I completed my Holistic Health Practitioner Program Talk (20min in front of 50 people!)
-Work on my business newsletter and website
-Practice Yoga
-Didn't judge myself after my husband reacted to something I said (Big One for me!)
-Celebrated my 1st wedding anniversary with my awesome husband
-My cold is going away
-I have a job!
-I cooked xmas dinner with my husband for 7 friends
So that's 8 things and I know I could go on. But when I woke up this a.m. I began to reflect upon what I want to create this year. I want to create more abundance in my life of connections with people, income and celebration. After completing the Holistic Health Program, I realized how I don't celebrate or acknowledge things about me. Even the little things such as I got out of bed this a.m. That's big for some people! It helps us really be in the present, especially during those times when we get caught up in that negative self-talk (what if this happens...I should or should not do this or that...there's just not enough...). It's also a great thing to do when practicing yoga. As I was practicing this a.m., I would pause in a pose, be with my breath which connected me to the present moment. Even if it was a pose I was struggling with, I was with it. Not against it. We should celebrate the good with the bad; the positive with the negative; the stress with the calm; the happy with the sad/angry. It's very humbling and healthy.
So I invite everyone to celebrate life and prosperity this year. We deserve it!
oxoxoxo
Liz
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
One Step at a Time
(From Yogajournal.com)
Gosh! I've totally been one of those people. But, now I use it for inspiration.
Do you ever look at an advanced yoga practitioner in an awe-inspiring position at your yoga studio or in a magazine and think to yourself: "I would never be able to do that!"?
Join the club! Most yoga students can relate to being envious, overwhelmed, or even discouraged when they see someone doing what seems to be an unobtainable pose. But instead of concentrating on your own shortcomings, next time try to focus on the potential you have in your yoga practice—if not physically, then certainly spiritually.
Although there will always be exceptions, most accomplished yogis didn't come out of the womb with the abilities they display in those awesome postures. They used yoga as a tool to gradually improve their flexibility, strength, and concentration—just like you. And remember, yoga isn't about being able to shape your body into a pretzel. It's about what you learn about yourself while you practice that matters.
IN THIS ISSUE
The Wellspring of Joy
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/1157
Polishing the Mirror
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2523
Gosh! I've totally been one of those people. But, now I use it for inspiration.
Do you ever look at an advanced yoga practitioner in an awe-inspiring position at your yoga studio or in a magazine and think to yourself: "I would never be able to do that!"?
Join the club! Most yoga students can relate to being envious, overwhelmed, or even discouraged when they see someone doing what seems to be an unobtainable pose. But instead of concentrating on your own shortcomings, next time try to focus on the potential you have in your yoga practice—if not physically, then certainly spiritually.
Although there will always be exceptions, most accomplished yogis didn't come out of the womb with the abilities they display in those awesome postures. They used yoga as a tool to gradually improve their flexibility, strength, and concentration—just like you. And remember, yoga isn't about being able to shape your body into a pretzel. It's about what you learn about yourself while you practice that matters.
IN THIS ISSUE
The Wellspring of Joy
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/1157
Polishing the Mirror
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2523
Friday, November 21, 2008
All Together Now
(From Yoga Journal.com)
All Together Now
Have you ever wondered why public classes are so popular? Yoga is something that, once the foundation is built, everyone could do at home on their own. It's true that we get individualized instruction at a yoga class. And yes, we learn different things from our teacher and other practitioners that we might not discover in our own home practices. One of the biggest reasons many of us enjoy going to class is because it's inspiring and uplifting to share our practice with others. It's exciting to synchronize our movements with those of our classmates, and when we enter a room that's filled with energy, we in turn feel energized.
Even if you never speak to the person on the mat beside yours, there's something magical about connecting with other people to practice. Although every class won't be a perfect fit for our individual needs, we sacrifice to enjoy the company of others.
The next time you attend a public class, why not take a moment to be grateful for the way that the other people in the room enhance the experience of your practice.
IN THIS ISSUE
Bring Connection Home
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1455
Not All Yoga Is Created Equal
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/165
All Together Now
Have you ever wondered why public classes are so popular? Yoga is something that, once the foundation is built, everyone could do at home on their own. It's true that we get individualized instruction at a yoga class. And yes, we learn different things from our teacher and other practitioners that we might not discover in our own home practices. One of the biggest reasons many of us enjoy going to class is because it's inspiring and uplifting to share our practice with others. It's exciting to synchronize our movements with those of our classmates, and when we enter a room that's filled with energy, we in turn feel energized.
Even if you never speak to the person on the mat beside yours, there's something magical about connecting with other people to practice. Although every class won't be a perfect fit for our individual needs, we sacrifice to enjoy the company of others.
The next time you attend a public class, why not take a moment to be grateful for the way that the other people in the room enhance the experience of your practice.
IN THIS ISSUE
Bring Connection Home
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1455
Not All Yoga Is Created Equal
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/165
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Mission Accomplished
Wow what a weekend I had! I graduated from the Holistic Health program and now a Holsitic Health Practitioner! Yay! I survived my 20 minute talk and graduation ceremony. It was such a full weekend of love and appreciation from students, faculty, family and friends. I was amazed at how natural and smooth my talk went. I think being a yoga teacher helped a lot and of course, I had the most supportive audience ever! But my teacher's feedback was very warm and constructive. It was like I could do it again and I can't wait to do it again! Now it's just to sit back and bask in all the love.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Leave Judgment Behind
From Yoga Journal Daily Insight: This one is so important to me...
When situations make us feel uneasy, we often blame ourselves or others. But if we learn to discern rather than judge, we begin to see our feelings for what they really are. You can't win with your inner judge: It even judges itself for judging. Sometimes that judgmental state feels like a sword driven right into the delicate fabric of your consciousness.
Any feelings of love, relaxation, or peace that you might have been nurturing are chopped to bits. Whether you're judging others or yourself, it's impossible to aim negative judgments in any direction without experiencing the sharp edges of judgment within yourself. Doubly so, in fact, since the faults we judge most harshly in other people usually turn out to be our own negativities projected outward.
IN THIS ISSUE
Judgment Calls
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/1631
Breathing for Relaxation
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1468
When situations make us feel uneasy, we often blame ourselves or others. But if we learn to discern rather than judge, we begin to see our feelings for what they really are. You can't win with your inner judge: It even judges itself for judging. Sometimes that judgmental state feels like a sword driven right into the delicate fabric of your consciousness.
Any feelings of love, relaxation, or peace that you might have been nurturing are chopped to bits. Whether you're judging others or yourself, it's impossible to aim negative judgments in any direction without experiencing the sharp edges of judgment within yourself. Doubly so, in fact, since the faults we judge most harshly in other people usually turn out to be our own negativities projected outward.
IN THIS ISSUE
Judgment Calls
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/1631
Breathing for Relaxation
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1468
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Breakthrough
I hope I get over these jitters about graduating now and over with! We have to do these 20 min talks and some of us got to practice our introductions last night in class. These have to be memorized which mine wasn't but oh well. My topic hits such a personal space for me I began to cry and show emotion. I was so grateful to have so much support in the room in front of me. It truly was a breakthrough for me and I got great feedback from everyone. I couldnt' go to sleep right away last night, so now that leaves me pretty spent, but energetic to really practice my talk. My biggest fear my whole life was showing "me"-being seen. My intention is to be truly authentic and express from that place of truth and emotion. I will accept myself with anything that comes up and be grateful and appreciative. Aaaahhhhhh....it feels good.....
Monday, October 13, 2008
New stuff is good stuff
So many changes have come, gone or are still in the process. I feel change is always happening. We have mini-deaths and mini-births happening simultaneously without even realizing it. I'm enjoying my new teaching position at 24 hour fitness! I never though I'd find myself teaching in a gym, let alone using it! I always had a judgement about gyms because my first experience was at college and it was always a big fashion show everytime I went there (it was also free too). I was also in a different head space back then (7 years ago) and compared myself to all the skinny girls wearing themselves out on the treadmills. Exercise is so important, not just for your physical health, but mental health as well. I feel now when I go to the gym, I'm going for me and there happens to be a bunch of other people going as well, but for their own reasons and desires.
I also will be changing my Daly City yoga classes around a bit and even adding workshops in here and there. Although I would love to add another day in Daly City, I will be starting massage school in January so I'm alternating a new class on the Monday I usually teach at War Memorial. First session of the year 2009 will be Beginning and then the next session will be a continuation of Yoga Beginnng. It will switch back and forth. I feel a lot of my regular students (and me!) need to progress and grow in their yoga practice. It's going to be fun and different. For this December, Relaxation Yoga for the Holidays, a 4 week series. It's for everyone to escape or take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
So, yes, a lot of stuff, but good stuff! I'll also be graduating from the Holistic Health program at World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts the weekend of November 7th! I look forward to supporting people as a Holistic Health Coach in getting what they want; helping them live their optimum lifestyle; offering nutritional support and lots of other wonderful, juicy things. My yoga training and background has also been a wonderful suppport for me through this whole process and I can't wait to share w/ everyone!
All the best,
-Liz
I also will be changing my Daly City yoga classes around a bit and even adding workshops in here and there. Although I would love to add another day in Daly City, I will be starting massage school in January so I'm alternating a new class on the Monday I usually teach at War Memorial. First session of the year 2009 will be Beginning and then the next session will be a continuation of Yoga Beginnng. It will switch back and forth. I feel a lot of my regular students (and me!) need to progress and grow in their yoga practice. It's going to be fun and different. For this December, Relaxation Yoga for the Holidays, a 4 week series. It's for everyone to escape or take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
So, yes, a lot of stuff, but good stuff! I'll also be graduating from the Holistic Health program at World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts the weekend of November 7th! I look forward to supporting people as a Holistic Health Coach in getting what they want; helping them live their optimum lifestyle; offering nutritional support and lots of other wonderful, juicy things. My yoga training and background has also been a wonderful suppport for me through this whole process and I can't wait to share w/ everyone!
All the best,
-Liz
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Why do we envy?
Nothing to Envy
Because we want to keep it hidden, envy can be particularly difficult to deal with. How many of us are willing to cop to the heart-twisting feeling that pops up when a friend calls to tell you she's just received a fellowship, or the sense of injustice that clouds your first glimpse of your wealthy friend's fabulous new apartment?
Envy so often looks like something else—resentment, perhaps, or a sense of dissatisfaction with your own life, your own income, your own family. For many people, envy simply merges with an overall feeling of not being quite good enough. Because envy is rooted in the feeling of lack or deficiency, the assumption that there's not enough to go around, its best antidotes will be practices that activate your own feelings of natural abundance.
Forget about the person you envy. Forget about what she has that you wish were yours. Look instead at the energy that feeling is made of, and you'll notice that nothing in the feeling has any real solidity. Perhaps, at that moment, you might open to the insight that the energy forming and dissolving within your mind and heart is not really separate from the energy around you. Perhaps, at that moment, you might realize that the person you envy is not really someone separate from you; that you lack nothing because you are, at your deepest core, part of a vast field of energy that contains potentially everything you could ever want or need.
IN THIS ISSUE
Nothing to Envy
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2545
Because we want to keep it hidden, envy can be particularly difficult to deal with. How many of us are willing to cop to the heart-twisting feeling that pops up when a friend calls to tell you she's just received a fellowship, or the sense of injustice that clouds your first glimpse of your wealthy friend's fabulous new apartment?
Envy so often looks like something else—resentment, perhaps, or a sense of dissatisfaction with your own life, your own income, your own family. For many people, envy simply merges with an overall feeling of not being quite good enough. Because envy is rooted in the feeling of lack or deficiency, the assumption that there's not enough to go around, its best antidotes will be practices that activate your own feelings of natural abundance.
Forget about the person you envy. Forget about what she has that you wish were yours. Look instead at the energy that feeling is made of, and you'll notice that nothing in the feeling has any real solidity. Perhaps, at that moment, you might open to the insight that the energy forming and dissolving within your mind and heart is not really separate from the energy around you. Perhaps, at that moment, you might realize that the person you envy is not really someone separate from you; that you lack nothing because you are, at your deepest core, part of a vast field of energy that contains potentially everything you could ever want or need.
IN THIS ISSUE
Nothing to Envy
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2545
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
I can relate
"Whatever you're thinking about is literally like planning a future event. When you're worrying, you are planning. When you are appreciating, you are planning...What are you planning?"
Excerpted from a workshop in Silver Spring, MD on Saturday, April 19th, 1997
www.abraham-hicks.com
Excerpted from a workshop in Silver Spring, MD on Saturday, April 19th, 1997
www.abraham-hicks.com
Friday, May 2, 2008
Nia Rocks!
I just took a Nia class last night at City Dance in SF. It was my 2nd time taking one and I couldn't believe the energy that was pulsating out of me. Nia is a low-impact aerobics including dance, movement, martial arts and yoga. I also hadn't gotten my heartrate up like that in a long time and all I can say is WOW!
I so recommend this to anyone who just wants to move and have fun. I took my class with Monica Welty and she teaches all over SF.
I'm so glad I went because I knew I needed it. I have been too much in my head in this week and felt disconnected from people and myself. So bringing movement, music and community into my life again was the best thing ever!
My intention is to continue to create community, connection, movement and play into my life and in others.
Namaste.
I so recommend this to anyone who just wants to move and have fun. I took my class with Monica Welty and she teaches all over SF.
I'm so glad I went because I knew I needed it. I have been too much in my head in this week and felt disconnected from people and myself. So bringing movement, music and community into my life again was the best thing ever!
My intention is to continue to create community, connection, movement and play into my life and in others.
Namaste.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
After a yoga hiatus....
Get Your Groove Back
Setbacks are common in asana practice. A difficult pregnancy, an injury or illness, or an emotional upset can take the steam out of a once-joyful practice. There are times, too, when life just gets in the way. With children to raise, aging parents to care for, and jobs and chores to do, committing to yoga isn't easy. But even those of us with lapses of months or even years can make a successful return to the mat. By taking time to examine the reasons you stopped and your motivations for returning, you can ensure that this time around, your practice will prove fluid and flexible enough to remain a permanent part of your life.
If it's been a while since you've seen your mat, try the following:
Identify and address your reasons for having left yoga, so those same issues won't thwart your attempts to return.
Make adjustments. If a major life change precipitated the end of your yoga routine, you may have to make significant alterations to succeed at a new start.
Set goals. Once you've explored your history, you can begin to specify your present intentions, whether this means greeting each morning with a Sun Salutation or attending a weekly studio class.
Find your community. Discovering a place to call home can bring joy and longevity to your practice.
Accept support. Make good use of your personal network by accepting any encouragement that friends and family offer.
IN THIS ISSUE
You Can Go Om Again
http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/1637
Setbacks are common in asana practice. A difficult pregnancy, an injury or illness, or an emotional upset can take the steam out of a once-joyful practice. There are times, too, when life just gets in the way. With children to raise, aging parents to care for, and jobs and chores to do, committing to yoga isn't easy. But even those of us with lapses of months or even years can make a successful return to the mat. By taking time to examine the reasons you stopped and your motivations for returning, you can ensure that this time around, your practice will prove fluid and flexible enough to remain a permanent part of your life.
If it's been a while since you've seen your mat, try the following:
Identify and address your reasons for having left yoga, so those same issues won't thwart your attempts to return.
Make adjustments. If a major life change precipitated the end of your yoga routine, you may have to make significant alterations to succeed at a new start.
Set goals. Once you've explored your history, you can begin to specify your present intentions, whether this means greeting each morning with a Sun Salutation or attending a weekly studio class.
Find your community. Discovering a place to call home can bring joy and longevity to your practice.
Accept support. Make good use of your personal network by accepting any encouragement that friends and family offer.
IN THIS ISSUE
You Can Go Om Again
http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/1637
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
My weekend of classes and The Work
I just learned about The Work by Byron Katie. She wrote "Loving What Is" which pretty much says it all.
From the website www.thework.com:
"The Work is a simple yet powerful process of inquiry that teaches you to identify and question thoughts that cause all the suffering in the world. It's a way to understand what's hurting you, and to address your problems with clarity.
People who do The Work as an ongoing practice report life-changing results."
It's truly amazing stuff. However, a lot of "stuff" came up for me while doing this process (me and everyone else in class). I couldn't believe how much resistance I had towards this practice. The questions that you ask yourself are so simple, yet incredibly difficult. It's scary when you go to that place of suffering and begin to experience it again.
After class on Sunday, my mind was racing, so I had to go for a nice, long walk and get some fresh air. However, a lot of things carried over onto Monday but I realized it was just my mind talking shit again. Some tears did come up again but I felt like it was the last of them for awhile. It's like when you hold back tears and all of sudden they well up again the next day or next week or month.
All I can do is breath.......
From the website www.thework.com:
"The Work is a simple yet powerful process of inquiry that teaches you to identify and question thoughts that cause all the suffering in the world. It's a way to understand what's hurting you, and to address your problems with clarity.
People who do The Work as an ongoing practice report life-changing results."
It's truly amazing stuff. However, a lot of "stuff" came up for me while doing this process (me and everyone else in class). I couldn't believe how much resistance I had towards this practice. The questions that you ask yourself are so simple, yet incredibly difficult. It's scary when you go to that place of suffering and begin to experience it again.
After class on Sunday, my mind was racing, so I had to go for a nice, long walk and get some fresh air. However, a lot of things carried over onto Monday but I realized it was just my mind talking shit again. Some tears did come up again but I felt like it was the last of them for awhile. It's like when you hold back tears and all of sudden they well up again the next day or next week or month.
All I can do is breath.......
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