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!
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Community for Health and Well-being
As I began writing my current newsletter, I realized why community is so important in our lives. It really keeps us going through our daily lives. It inspires us to be better people. It helps our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Hundreds of years ago, people shared everything with one another. They supported one another during tough times, and no matter what, always had unconditional love. But then something shifted and that sense of community started to dwindle, especially now with computers, cell phones, iphones, blackberries, etc. Not that those things don't help us stay connected to our loved ones, but everywhere I look, people are texting, facebooking, and twittering. What happened to coming together in the flesh?! Or making the time to talk to someone on the phone who is long distance? I hear Skype helps with this one!
Of course, I'm not writing about social networking and technology here. I needed to presence that for myself right now before I got carried away. The whole concept of community is overrated. When we feel down or stressed out, do we really stop and think that we might need support? Do we feel we have to do it all ourselves? I guess that's what I'm getting at because, in the past, I felt this way. I felt like I had to do it all myself with no help.
After attending my massage school graduation this past weekend, community was everywhere, and I felt it. I felt the love, support, acknowledgments, and sense of identity. Community nourishes our sense of identity and sense of purpose so much. It inspires us to be our passions and be the best that we can be. It provides acceptance and appreciation, which our hearts yearn for. For instance, I got back to attending yoga classes this month. Although, yoga DVDs and home practice help feed my practice and teaching; however, just being in a room with a teacher, students and other like-minded individuals got me pumped and jazzed EVEN MORE! All I can say about it is "I want more, More, MORE!"
So what communities (including family) do you have in your life? Is there a passion you have in your life that you can share with like-minded individuals? People who share that passion and/or support you all the way?
Let me also ask, do you feel no sense of community (other than family) in your life? What is the result of this? Would your life be a little bit better if you had more community?
There was a time when I was depressed quite frequently. My story was that I had to do everything on my own. Once I began to release this story and belief with the help of a wonderful community of individuals, my depression decreased dramatically, and I had more energy to do what I was passionate about. I also realized how disconnected I felt from family. Once I connected with them more, my community around me built up more.
I would love to hear thoughts and comments from the questions I asked in this post. Feel free to email me if you want to comment privately, lizsfilippone@gmail.com.
In love and light,
-Liz
Of course, I'm not writing about social networking and technology here. I needed to presence that for myself right now before I got carried away. The whole concept of community is overrated. When we feel down or stressed out, do we really stop and think that we might need support? Do we feel we have to do it all ourselves? I guess that's what I'm getting at because, in the past, I felt this way. I felt like I had to do it all myself with no help.
After attending my massage school graduation this past weekend, community was everywhere, and I felt it. I felt the love, support, acknowledgments, and sense of identity. Community nourishes our sense of identity and sense of purpose so much. It inspires us to be our passions and be the best that we can be. It provides acceptance and appreciation, which our hearts yearn for. For instance, I got back to attending yoga classes this month. Although, yoga DVDs and home practice help feed my practice and teaching; however, just being in a room with a teacher, students and other like-minded individuals got me pumped and jazzed EVEN MORE! All I can say about it is "I want more, More, MORE!"
So what communities (including family) do you have in your life? Is there a passion you have in your life that you can share with like-minded individuals? People who share that passion and/or support you all the way?
Let me also ask, do you feel no sense of community (other than family) in your life? What is the result of this? Would your life be a little bit better if you had more community?
There was a time when I was depressed quite frequently. My story was that I had to do everything on my own. Once I began to release this story and belief with the help of a wonderful community of individuals, my depression decreased dramatically, and I had more energy to do what I was passionate about. I also realized how disconnected I felt from family. Once I connected with them more, my community around me built up more.
I would love to hear thoughts and comments from the questions I asked in this post. Feel free to email me if you want to comment privately, lizsfilippone@gmail.com.
In love and light,
-Liz
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.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Connection
I was chatting with a friend of mine yesterday about connection. The need for connection is so big within all of us, we sometimes don't see it. In many ways, disconnection from people is one of the main causes for suffering in the world. We need each other for support, love and community.
For the past few days, I had been REALLY cranky. I was blaming it on the San Francisco weather--fog, fog, and more fog. Then I blamed it on my packed schedule this week, and once it's done, I'll be fine. That's a little true, but there was definitely more. Joe left this morning for New York to go to his cousin's wedding. I would have liked to go along too, but it would've been too expensive. Besides, we're saving to move back to the east coast next summer, so the less flight purchases, the more in the bank. I realized yesterday how much this affected me. That he got to go home to see family and I couldn't. That he would be with his family on this joyous occasion. It triggered in me how much I miss my family, especially my grandparents, who have recently passed away. So much grief came up, I just let myself cry. I was grateful Joe was there with me. I was able to express these feelings and it was a load off. But then anger came up too. Anger around why my mom won't come and visit me in San Francisco. I have anger around the stories she has as to why she can't come visit. I even had anger towards my dad, who, for him, it's easy to come visit me. I know I can make requests for this, but first I want to be clear about my feelings. How I feel so disconnected when family don't come to visit me to see my life, my surroundings, my world. It's not that they've never come to visit me in the past. It's just I feel like I've gone back there more in the past 7 years. I have a need for consideration, connection and family.
This feeling of disconnection is still there, but it's okay. I know I'm still in the middle of "it". Since Joe will be away for 5 days, I will take this opportunity to process these feelings, and connect with people in my life and community. It's important and vital to my health right now on a physical and emotional level. I just REALLY MISS MY FAMILY!
For the past few days, I had been REALLY cranky. I was blaming it on the San Francisco weather--fog, fog, and more fog. Then I blamed it on my packed schedule this week, and once it's done, I'll be fine. That's a little true, but there was definitely more. Joe left this morning for New York to go to his cousin's wedding. I would have liked to go along too, but it would've been too expensive. Besides, we're saving to move back to the east coast next summer, so the less flight purchases, the more in the bank. I realized yesterday how much this affected me. That he got to go home to see family and I couldn't. That he would be with his family on this joyous occasion. It triggered in me how much I miss my family, especially my grandparents, who have recently passed away. So much grief came up, I just let myself cry. I was grateful Joe was there with me. I was able to express these feelings and it was a load off. But then anger came up too. Anger around why my mom won't come and visit me in San Francisco. I have anger around the stories she has as to why she can't come visit. I even had anger towards my dad, who, for him, it's easy to come visit me. I know I can make requests for this, but first I want to be clear about my feelings. How I feel so disconnected when family don't come to visit me to see my life, my surroundings, my world. It's not that they've never come to visit me in the past. It's just I feel like I've gone back there more in the past 7 years. I have a need for consideration, connection and family.
This feeling of disconnection is still there, but it's okay. I know I'm still in the middle of "it". Since Joe will be away for 5 days, I will take this opportunity to process these feelings, and connect with people in my life and community. It's important and vital to my health right now on a physical and emotional level. I just REALLY MISS MY FAMILY!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
I'm peforming this weekend 9/25 and 9/26
BARE BONES BUTOH PRESENTS 15
A Benefit for Bare Bones Butoh Itself! Sometimes you have to feed the kitty to keep the purr going.
WHEN:
Friday Sept 25, and Saturday Sept 26, 2009
Both performances are at 8:00 pm
Please arrive early as we will be starting as close to on time as possible.
WHERE:
Studio 210,
3435 Cesar Chavez St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Studio 210 is located within the Old Sears Building - 3435 Army is writ large over the top floor of the building (yes, there's a story behind that), the building is inset from the corner of Cesar Chavez and Valencia Street. There is plenty of on the street parking. It's four blocks from the 24th St BART Station. MUNI Buses #27, #26, #14, or #49 will drop you off one block or less from our door.
TICKETS:
$5-$20 sliding scale, No one turned away for lack of funds.
Additional donations are always graciously accepted and gratefully appreciated.
WHO:
Both nights: Darya Chernova, Michael Curran, Qayyuma Didominico, Angelina La Miette, Mara Poliak, Liz Saari-Filippone, Bob Webb, and Isabell Zeviar.
Friday only - Addy Bigelowe, Ahron Wheels Bolsta, Christina Braun, Deia de Brito, Mark Deutsch, Martha Matsuda, Ri Molnar, and Constance Taylor
Saturday only - Laurie Buenafe Krsmanovic, Iu-Hui Chua, Joy Cosculluela, Jennifer Gwirtz, Kazoo, Karen Anne Light, William McIntyre, Christian Nagler, Bill Noertker, Terre Unite Parker, David Ryther, Rajendra Serber, Aaron Wacks, Abigail Wick, and Sergey Yashenko.
Quite a stellar line-up!! Lots of bang for your buck!
Plus, there are often last minute additions to the programming - local/national/international - it's that kind of show.
WHAT:
Bare Bones Butoh Presents is a performance showcase for local and International artists working in the areas of butoh, performance art, and/or ritual performance. It exists for artists to try out new material, show works in process, hone improvisation chops and redo or revisit previous material.
Hosted by a veteran group of Bay Area Butoh performers, Bare Bones Butoh Presents employs the grassroots ethic of working together to sustain an artistic culture.
Thus far in its over three year (!) history, every Bare Bones Butoh Presents show has been a Benefit Performance. BBBP serves not only as a performance outlet, but also as a fundraising platform which supports local Butoh and Performance Artists in need. Our 15th presentation is no exception. All proceeds from these performances go towards the organization itself, in order to help these shows to continue. Please feel free to donate freely.
Bare Bones Butoh Presents is community building and performance all smushed together into two evenings.
We hope to see you there.
For more info on Bare Bones Butoh Presents:
Bob Webb
bobwebb20@hotmail.com
A Benefit for Bare Bones Butoh Itself! Sometimes you have to feed the kitty to keep the purr going.
WHEN:
Friday Sept 25, and Saturday Sept 26, 2009
Both performances are at 8:00 pm
Please arrive early as we will be starting as close to on time as possible.
WHERE:
Studio 210,
3435 Cesar Chavez St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Studio 210 is located within the Old Sears Building - 3435 Army is writ large over the top floor of the building (yes, there's a story behind that), the building is inset from the corner of Cesar Chavez and Valencia Street. There is plenty of on the street parking. It's four blocks from the 24th St BART Station. MUNI Buses #27, #26, #14, or #49 will drop you off one block or less from our door.
TICKETS:
$5-$20 sliding scale, No one turned away for lack of funds.
Additional donations are always graciously accepted and gratefully appreciated.
WHO:
Both nights: Darya Chernova, Michael Curran, Qayyuma Didominico, Angelina La Miette, Mara Poliak, Liz Saari-Filippone, Bob Webb, and Isabell Zeviar.
Friday only - Addy Bigelowe, Ahron Wheels Bolsta, Christina Braun, Deia de Brito, Mark Deutsch, Martha Matsuda, Ri Molnar, and Constance Taylor
Saturday only - Laurie Buenafe Krsmanovic, Iu-Hui Chua, Joy Cosculluela, Jennifer Gwirtz, Kazoo, Karen Anne Light, William McIntyre, Christian Nagler, Bill Noertker, Terre Unite Parker, David Ryther, Rajendra Serber, Aaron Wacks, Abigail Wick, and Sergey Yashenko.
Quite a stellar line-up!! Lots of bang for your buck!
Plus, there are often last minute additions to the programming - local/national/international - it's that kind of show.
WHAT:
Bare Bones Butoh Presents is a performance showcase for local and International artists working in the areas of butoh, performance art, and/or ritual performance. It exists for artists to try out new material, show works in process, hone improvisation chops and redo or revisit previous material.
Hosted by a veteran group of Bay Area Butoh performers, Bare Bones Butoh Presents employs the grassroots ethic of working together to sustain an artistic culture.
Thus far in its over three year (!) history, every Bare Bones Butoh Presents show has been a Benefit Performance. BBBP serves not only as a performance outlet, but also as a fundraising platform which supports local Butoh and Performance Artists in need. Our 15th presentation is no exception. All proceeds from these performances go towards the organization itself, in order to help these shows to continue. Please feel free to donate freely.
Bare Bones Butoh Presents is community building and performance all smushed together into two evenings.
We hope to see you there.
For more info on Bare Bones Butoh Presents:
Bob Webb
bobwebb20@hotmail.com
Monday, August 24, 2009
Connect through Community
What a concept! I wish I had more time on my hands to create a spiritual community, but I know in a way I already have. I know I have connections with like-minded beings and it's very strong. I would love to create a way to bring them all together and share about life. I know why I'm so busy these days, but is everyone conscious of it? I didn't use to be and then it was a slap in the face when I figured out why. I realized I needed people as much as they needed me. We all need each other! We need the support, love, friendship, companionship, relationship, connection, community, gatherings! I feel like a lot of us "break down" because we don't get enough of it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(From yogajournal.com daily insight)
As social creatures, humans benefit from turning our sociability to higher ends. The Buddha, after all, did make the sangha, the spiritual community, one of the three cornerstones of his path; and Christ told his disciples, "When two or more are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." As these words imply, a group practicing together creates a mystical field, a field of grace. The Sanskrit name for that phenomenon is satsang, usually translated as "truth-company," or being in the company of the wise. And satsang, according to several texts of yoga, is one of the great doorways to inner freedom. As is the case with meditation and asana, the more you practice satsang, the more likely you are to experience its power—and you don't have to join an existing community in order to do this. Some of the most powerful satsangs are the ones we create informally.
An informal satsang group should be small—five to seven is a good number, and you can easily form one with three, two, or even just one other person. All it takes is (1) a decision to have a spiritual dialogue; (2) some sublime and true words to spark your insight; and (3) a shared agreement on the ground rules.
IN THIS ISSUE
Come Together
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2302
Community Support
http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/1020
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(From yogajournal.com daily insight)
As social creatures, humans benefit from turning our sociability to higher ends. The Buddha, after all, did make the sangha, the spiritual community, one of the three cornerstones of his path; and Christ told his disciples, "When two or more are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." As these words imply, a group practicing together creates a mystical field, a field of grace. The Sanskrit name for that phenomenon is satsang, usually translated as "truth-company," or being in the company of the wise. And satsang, according to several texts of yoga, is one of the great doorways to inner freedom. As is the case with meditation and asana, the more you practice satsang, the more likely you are to experience its power—and you don't have to join an existing community in order to do this. Some of the most powerful satsangs are the ones we create informally.
An informal satsang group should be small—five to seven is a good number, and you can easily form one with three, two, or even just one other person. All it takes is (1) a decision to have a spiritual dialogue; (2) some sublime and true words to spark your insight; and (3) a shared agreement on the ground rules.
IN THIS ISSUE
Come Together
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2302
Community Support
http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/1020
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