As I've been driving around lately, I notice alot of people in a big hurry.
I'm fortunate to not have to do much driving on interstate highways anymore, so my daily travels take me mostly through residential neighborhoods, business areas, country roads & two-lane highways.
As I'm driving along, at or around the speed limit, a car will suddenly come zipping up behind me, tailgate me only until the driver can pass me & continue hurrying along. Sometimes I get passed where it's legal, other times - where it's not. And if I happen to be on a stretch of road with a travel lane & passing lane - I'm almost always in the travel lane getting passed.
Funny thing happens though...a 1/4 or 1/2 mile up the road, I often find myself at a stoplight, behind the car that passed me. We get to the same place at the same time. It's in the getting there that we have very different experiences.
And I know this, because I used to be that driver always in a hurry. Cruising along, pulling up behind that car going "too slow". So I imagine the inner dialog of the driver behind me going something like this:
"Are you kidding me?!? Is she really going to drive this slow? Does she know that she's in my way?! Doe she have any idea how crazy this makes me?!? This is ridiculous! She should get out of my way. She is totally pissing me off!"...and so on, until the driver can pass me....and then get stuck at a red light or behind another car.
Meanwhile, I'm driving along, enjoying myself. Taking in the scenery, the weather, enjoying my drive as much as I can. I'm not trying to agitate anyone.
The other driver does that all by himself (or herself). In the moment that driver comes up behind me, he has a choice...to slow down & enjoy the ride. Or succumb to frustration, anger & animosity. No one is doing anything to him. He's all on his own. And in those moments of frustration & anger - there's no joy.
We're on the same road...we even arrive at the same place at almost the same time. But our journeys are very different.
And really, it's a metaphor for life, right? Who is really doing what to you? Who is really responsible for making you angry? Who is really responsible for for making you frustrated? Most of the time...it's just you. Not anyone else. We're all on a journey - it's a choice. What do you want your jourey to be like?
You have that choice. To keep rushing along, pissed off at everyone who "gets in your way", passing them as you go. Missing out on the scenery. Missing out on joy.
Or you can slow down & enjoy the ride. Practice breathing & staying calm when you find someone (or something) blocking your way. Finding joy whenever & wherever you can.
And either way - I'll see you at the stoplight.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
When do you do yoga?
The other day in the studio, one of my students asked "when do you get to do yoga?".
I teach class at Sanctuary Power Yoga 6 days a week & I love it. And I love to take class in the studio with the other, wonderful teachers. And I love to practice in the beautiful space that does feel like a sanctuary.
But when I'm not teaching, I want to be with my family. So for the most part, I throw my yoga mat down on the floor at home & let my son watch one of his programs while I take myself through a physical practice.
Every time I get on my mat, I focus on creating the practice that I need that day. Some days it's fast & very physical. Other days, it gentle & nurturing. Some times, it's a long flow. Other says, only a few minutes to clear out & reset. Most times, I read my affirmations & inspirational quotes as I practice. And every time, it's a meditation in motion. And because I'm with my family - I love it.
Some days, in the middle of my flow, our son interrupts me for something he needs, or just to talk. And that's part of my practice too. If I feel myself getting frustrated because he's interrupting my practice I remind myself of what yoga is really about.
It's about love, compassion, breathing, staying calm & finding joy. It asks for our continued commitment & devotion, in spite of interruptions.
So when I start to feel frustrated, I remind myself to really practice yoga. To find the joy in the silliness of what my son has to say. Or compassion by giving him the help he needs. And then the commitment to get back on my mat & refocus & continue.
And all of that helps me remember to continue my yoga practice after I get off my mat, with all the people & situations I encounter as I move through the rest of my day.
So the answer to the question "when do you do yoga?" or better yet "how do find the time to do yoga?"....Mostly, I practice yoga (the asanas) on my mat at home. But always, I'm trying to practice my yoga everywhere I go & everything I do. And I hope to inspire others to do same.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
I teach class at Sanctuary Power Yoga 6 days a week & I love it. And I love to take class in the studio with the other, wonderful teachers. And I love to practice in the beautiful space that does feel like a sanctuary.
But when I'm not teaching, I want to be with my family. So for the most part, I throw my yoga mat down on the floor at home & let my son watch one of his programs while I take myself through a physical practice.
Every time I get on my mat, I focus on creating the practice that I need that day. Some days it's fast & very physical. Other days, it gentle & nurturing. Some times, it's a long flow. Other says, only a few minutes to clear out & reset. Most times, I read my affirmations & inspirational quotes as I practice. And every time, it's a meditation in motion. And because I'm with my family - I love it.
Some days, in the middle of my flow, our son interrupts me for something he needs, or just to talk. And that's part of my practice too. If I feel myself getting frustrated because he's interrupting my practice I remind myself of what yoga is really about.
It's about love, compassion, breathing, staying calm & finding joy. It asks for our continued commitment & devotion, in spite of interruptions.
So when I start to feel frustrated, I remind myself to really practice yoga. To find the joy in the silliness of what my son has to say. Or compassion by giving him the help he needs. And then the commitment to get back on my mat & refocus & continue.
And all of that helps me remember to continue my yoga practice after I get off my mat, with all the people & situations I encounter as I move through the rest of my day.
So the answer to the question "when do you do yoga?" or better yet "how do find the time to do yoga?"....Mostly, I practice yoga (the asanas) on my mat at home. But always, I'm trying to practice my yoga everywhere I go & everything I do. And I hope to inspire others to do same.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Choices
My brother has an allergy to some foods. Not deadly allergies, thank goodness. But a few foods, that when he eats them, he just feels really sick & lousy. Sometimes he says he "can't" eat them. More often, he says he chooses not to eat them. He chooses, instead, to feel better.
I also have a food allergy - a food that I absolutely can't eat. But then I have those foods that I know I shouldn't eat. When I avoid them, I just feel better. Most of us experience this with one food or another.
And yet, I sometimes choose those not-so-good foods. I eat them, and feel lousy.
And then wonder why I made that choice. Why I didn't instead choose better food & feeling better.
You know the choice...between fast food & fresh food, say. The fast food is kind of fun & yummy going down. But afterwards, it doesn't feel so good. The fresh food - leaves you feeling fresh & light.
It's similar with thinking. For some reason, we more often choose to think & talk about the negative. Just look at the evening news...not alot of love & light there.
When everyone is standing around gossiping, it can feel kind of fun & exciting to be part of that. You feel included & almost like you're acquiring some special information. But afterwards, it doesn't usually feel good. Especially if you said some not-so-nice things about someone.
When you have that choice, to think or speak or act in a way that isn't positive...pause for a moment. How do you want to feel? We all want to feel good...in the moment & later. Choose to feel good. To feel better. Say to yourself " I am full of love & kindness. I accept only loving & kind thoughts. I act & speak in a loving & kind way. And I attract to me others who are filled with love & kindness".
This is the beginning of choosing to feel better. That, and fresh food:)
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
I also have a food allergy - a food that I absolutely can't eat. But then I have those foods that I know I shouldn't eat. When I avoid them, I just feel better. Most of us experience this with one food or another.
And yet, I sometimes choose those not-so-good foods. I eat them, and feel lousy.
And then wonder why I made that choice. Why I didn't instead choose better food & feeling better.
You know the choice...between fast food & fresh food, say. The fast food is kind of fun & yummy going down. But afterwards, it doesn't feel so good. The fresh food - leaves you feeling fresh & light.
It's similar with thinking. For some reason, we more often choose to think & talk about the negative. Just look at the evening news...not alot of love & light there.
When everyone is standing around gossiping, it can feel kind of fun & exciting to be part of that. You feel included & almost like you're acquiring some special information. But afterwards, it doesn't usually feel good. Especially if you said some not-so-nice things about someone.
When you have that choice, to think or speak or act in a way that isn't positive...pause for a moment. How do you want to feel? We all want to feel good...in the moment & later. Choose to feel good. To feel better. Say to yourself " I am full of love & kindness. I accept only loving & kind thoughts. I act & speak in a loving & kind way. And I attract to me others who are filled with love & kindness".
This is the beginning of choosing to feel better. That, and fresh food:)
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Gift
Last night after class, a student stopped me & thanked me for class. She had very kind words to say & I was touched - I always am when I hear from students. It reaffirms for me the reason why I teach yoga.
I was still very much in the zone of teaching. I thanked her & said simply "it's a gift" - meaning, my teaching.
I didn't think about it all until later. There were other students leaving & students coming in for the next class.
When I did think about it much later, I felt almost embarrassed about what I said...about saying "it's a gift". There were other people around who heard our exchange & I suddenly became self-conscious & concerned that what I said might have come across as egotistical or insincere.
For me, when I teach & am really "in the zone", it is a gift. It's effortless. I am filled with pure joy & love for what I am doing & the people that I am with. It's not something that comes from me it's something that flows through me - it comes from source, the divine.
Wayne Dyer talks about it. About sitting down to write his books, being connected to source & having words effortlessly come to him. How easy & simple it is, when you are tapped in.
It is a gift. It's the feeling of receiving a gift & then sharing it. And the most effort is in staying open & receptive & trusting in what you a receiving. This is what I feel when I teach. This is how I felt when I was thanked by a student.
It was later, when I started "thinking" about it, that I felt that twinge of self-doubt.
The irony of all this is that in class I was speaking about the youtube video "Jessica's Daily Affirmations". If you haven't seen it, it's a 3 year old girl, in her pajamas, in front of a mirror, saying "I am great! I love everything! I can do anything good!"...and she goes on like this for almost a minute.
She's still tapped into source. She still trusts herself & all the gifts that she is receiving. She trusts that she is great (we all are!) No self-doubt. Not at all self-conscious. That's something, unfortunately, we are taught to feel as we grow older.
When you love what you do & are sharing it with others, it is a gift. And we are all gifted in different ways. It is something to embrace, to enjoy, to love & be grateful for. It is something to share & simply feel great about.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
I was still very much in the zone of teaching. I thanked her & said simply "it's a gift" - meaning, my teaching.
I didn't think about it all until later. There were other students leaving & students coming in for the next class.
When I did think about it much later, I felt almost embarrassed about what I said...about saying "it's a gift". There were other people around who heard our exchange & I suddenly became self-conscious & concerned that what I said might have come across as egotistical or insincere.
For me, when I teach & am really "in the zone", it is a gift. It's effortless. I am filled with pure joy & love for what I am doing & the people that I am with. It's not something that comes from me it's something that flows through me - it comes from source, the divine.
Wayne Dyer talks about it. About sitting down to write his books, being connected to source & having words effortlessly come to him. How easy & simple it is, when you are tapped in.
It is a gift. It's the feeling of receiving a gift & then sharing it. And the most effort is in staying open & receptive & trusting in what you a receiving. This is what I feel when I teach. This is how I felt when I was thanked by a student.
It was later, when I started "thinking" about it, that I felt that twinge of self-doubt.
The irony of all this is that in class I was speaking about the youtube video "Jessica's Daily Affirmations". If you haven't seen it, it's a 3 year old girl, in her pajamas, in front of a mirror, saying "I am great! I love everything! I can do anything good!"...and she goes on like this for almost a minute.
She's still tapped into source. She still trusts herself & all the gifts that she is receiving. She trusts that she is great (we all are!) No self-doubt. Not at all self-conscious. That's something, unfortunately, we are taught to feel as we grow older.
When you love what you do & are sharing it with others, it is a gift. And we are all gifted in different ways. It is something to embrace, to enjoy, to love & be grateful for. It is something to share & simply feel great about.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Where are my keys?!?!
Last week, as I got ready to leave for the studio, when I reached for my keys, they weren't in their "usual" spot.
Hmmm.....
I checked all the alternative spots - not there.
Then the rest of my house got involved in the search. We checked everywhere that we could think of- no keys.
I decided they had to be in my car from the night before. I said my good-byes, walked to the car - no keys.
Back to to the house! We looked again. No keys to be found anywhere.
At this point, I HAD to leave for the studio. There were going to be students waiting for me for class. My Mother let me borrow her car. One problem remained - without my keys, I couldn't get into the building or into the studio.
As I drove to studio, I called my landlord, who put me in touch with another woman who worked in the building - she was able to let me into the building & into the studio. Class started on time & it was a great morning.
When I returned home, I looked in my car again & there were my keys. They had fallen down beside the seat. I had been rushed when I looked previously.
I practiced alot of yoga that morning. As much as I wanted to get frustrated, angry & throw up my hands in defeat when I couldn't find my keys - I stayed calm, kept breathing, and stayed focused on getting to the studio to teach yoga to a great group of people. And it was another reminder to slow down & really focus, even when it feels challenging. (If I had done that, I would have found my keys the first time - no self-judgement, just observation).
When I left the house without my keys, I didn't really have a plan. But I didn't get worried - with or without keys to the studio, I knew everything would be ok. And it was.
Later that day, when I told someone what had happened, she said "I guess you had a bad morning". Funny thing...I didn't have a bad morning. I simply couldn't find my keys. It could have been a big deal, but it wasn't. And I never allowed my mood to be altered by the fact that I couldn't find my keys. It was what it was. And everything was ok.
This is yoga, off the mat. This is why we practice breathing, staying calm & focused as we move in & out of challenging poses. This is why we practice observing how our bodies & minds behave on our mats. So that we can take that practice into our everyday lives & feel how a simple thing like loosing our keys doesn't have to turn into having a "bad morning" or "bad day". And it is empowering to find that other people & events don't have control over how we feel & act - all of that is within our power, with practice.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Hmmm.....
I checked all the alternative spots - not there.
Then the rest of my house got involved in the search. We checked everywhere that we could think of- no keys.
I decided they had to be in my car from the night before. I said my good-byes, walked to the car - no keys.
Back to to the house! We looked again. No keys to be found anywhere.
At this point, I HAD to leave for the studio. There were going to be students waiting for me for class. My Mother let me borrow her car. One problem remained - without my keys, I couldn't get into the building or into the studio.
As I drove to studio, I called my landlord, who put me in touch with another woman who worked in the building - she was able to let me into the building & into the studio. Class started on time & it was a great morning.
When I returned home, I looked in my car again & there were my keys. They had fallen down beside the seat. I had been rushed when I looked previously.
I practiced alot of yoga that morning. As much as I wanted to get frustrated, angry & throw up my hands in defeat when I couldn't find my keys - I stayed calm, kept breathing, and stayed focused on getting to the studio to teach yoga to a great group of people. And it was another reminder to slow down & really focus, even when it feels challenging. (If I had done that, I would have found my keys the first time - no self-judgement, just observation).
When I left the house without my keys, I didn't really have a plan. But I didn't get worried - with or without keys to the studio, I knew everything would be ok. And it was.
Later that day, when I told someone what had happened, she said "I guess you had a bad morning". Funny thing...I didn't have a bad morning. I simply couldn't find my keys. It could have been a big deal, but it wasn't. And I never allowed my mood to be altered by the fact that I couldn't find my keys. It was what it was. And everything was ok.
This is yoga, off the mat. This is why we practice breathing, staying calm & focused as we move in & out of challenging poses. This is why we practice observing how our bodies & minds behave on our mats. So that we can take that practice into our everyday lives & feel how a simple thing like loosing our keys doesn't have to turn into having a "bad morning" or "bad day". And it is empowering to find that other people & events don't have control over how we feel & act - all of that is within our power, with practice.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Sunday, February 12, 2012
What's with the stuff?
When I was in my 20s & early 30s, I was all about stuff. I wanted the right stuff to wear. Stuff for my apartment. Nice stuff to drive. I saw cool stuff that other people had & wanted to get it. I had stuff stuffed into my closet. Stuff in cabinets & on shelves. I had alot of stuff. And I wanted more.
There was a period of years where I moved almost once a year. And every time I moved, I packed up my stuff & took it with me. For a while, my stuff was in storage - but I still had it. I liked it. My stuff made me feel good.
At some point, a shift happened. I started practicing & teaching yoga more. I took a good look at all my stuff. The stuff that I hadn't used or worn in years, but had wanted to keep because it made me feel good. It was just taking up space. I didn't need it anymore. I realized that it might be more useful to someone else. I started giving my stuff away.
I gave away alot of stuff once I started. Instead of thinking "well, I might need this one day". I thought "someone else might need this now". I had less stuff. But I had more space. Yoga helped me realize I didn't need stuff to make me feel good.
Don't get me wrong, I still think I have too much stuff. But it's no longer all about the stuff. Sure, I see cool stuff & think "it'd be cool to have that stuff". But then I realize I really have everything I need. And then some.
My life is full - full of love & joy, abundance. Full of friends & family. And I am full of gratitude. Once I started to get rid of the stuff, once I made some room, I could see this.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
There was a period of years where I moved almost once a year. And every time I moved, I packed up my stuff & took it with me. For a while, my stuff was in storage - but I still had it. I liked it. My stuff made me feel good.
At some point, a shift happened. I started practicing & teaching yoga more. I took a good look at all my stuff. The stuff that I hadn't used or worn in years, but had wanted to keep because it made me feel good. It was just taking up space. I didn't need it anymore. I realized that it might be more useful to someone else. I started giving my stuff away.
I gave away alot of stuff once I started. Instead of thinking "well, I might need this one day". I thought "someone else might need this now". I had less stuff. But I had more space. Yoga helped me realize I didn't need stuff to make me feel good.
Don't get me wrong, I still think I have too much stuff. But it's no longer all about the stuff. Sure, I see cool stuff & think "it'd be cool to have that stuff". But then I realize I really have everything I need. And then some.
My life is full - full of love & joy, abundance. Full of friends & family. And I am full of gratitude. Once I started to get rid of the stuff, once I made some room, I could see this.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Choose your medicine
"In many shamanic societies, if you came to a medicine person complaining of being disheartened, dispirited, or depressed, they would ask one of four questions. When did you stop dancing? When did you stop singing? When did you stop being enchanted by stories? When did you stop finding comfort in the sweet territory of silence?"
~ Gabrielle Roth
Think about it...these days, if you went to your Doctor complaining of being disheartened, dispirited or depressed, you'd probably be prescribed a pill. In fact, you could probably tell your Doctor which pill you want (at least, that's what all the commercials say "...tell your Doctor").
There's a pill for everything - whatever ails you, there's a pill out there that will take care of it. And that's not to say that I'm not tremendously grateful for modern medicine, because I am. It's just that a pill, the quick fix, isn't always the answer.
The practice of yoga is just that - a practice. It takes time. It takes commitment. It takes self- discipline. It requires you to sit with yourself, in silence. To face your deepest fears. To embrace your whole self fully.
When I read the above quote, I thought "this is what yoga is all about". Yoga is a dance. Your spirit sings. You become re-enchanted in the story of yourself. You take comfort in the sweet silence of your quiet mind. Whatever you feel you are missing from your life, I believe yoga can help you find it...within yourself.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
~ Gabrielle Roth
Think about it...these days, if you went to your Doctor complaining of being disheartened, dispirited or depressed, you'd probably be prescribed a pill. In fact, you could probably tell your Doctor which pill you want (at least, that's what all the commercials say "...tell your Doctor").
There's a pill for everything - whatever ails you, there's a pill out there that will take care of it. And that's not to say that I'm not tremendously grateful for modern medicine, because I am. It's just that a pill, the quick fix, isn't always the answer.
The practice of yoga is just that - a practice. It takes time. It takes commitment. It takes self- discipline. It requires you to sit with yourself, in silence. To face your deepest fears. To embrace your whole self fully.
When I read the above quote, I thought "this is what yoga is all about". Yoga is a dance. Your spirit sings. You become re-enchanted in the story of yourself. You take comfort in the sweet silence of your quiet mind. Whatever you feel you are missing from your life, I believe yoga can help you find it...within yourself.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
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