Alot of people love this time of year - the Holiday Season. I love this time of year. I love the way stores & houses look decorated in lights as you pass by at night. I love the smell of evergreen & putting a tree up in our home. I enjoy the spirit of the season - goodwill & peace & giving. I enjoy spending time together with friends & extended family members that, in some cases, we only see once or twice a year. I love the anticipation of the first snowfall (or in the case of this year - the second snowfall).
But for other people, this time of year is very challenging. Feeling the loss dear friends or close family members make it difficult to embrace the joy of the season. Having family members or friends serving in the military & overseas also make it hard not to worry.
As a yoga teacher, I've always tried to be mindful that different significant days & times of year mean different things to different people. On any day, you can never know what someone is thinking or feeling (unless they share it with you) and I've found that Holidays heighten that.
The holiday season serves a good reminder to never assume anything about others. You can't know why someone dislikes a holiday...even when they give you a reason, there may be a bigger back-story that they aren't sharing. When someone cuts you off in traffic, or "takes" your parking space - it probably has nothing to do with you. Maybe they're on their way to the hospital to see a loved one for the last time. Maybe they have to get home in time for their babysitter.
In the spirit of the holidays, try reserving judgement of others & how they act. Actions taken by others are not necessarily actions against you. And often the people that we are quickest to judge are actually the people that most need our love.
This season, when you find yourself forming a criticism of someone or their actions - whether it's someone you know or a total stranger - pause for a moment. Instead of thinking, or speaking, or acting harshly - offer loving thoughts, kind words or a generous gesture. Remember that you don't know what's going on in another person's head or their life. And what they might need most, is kindness & love from you.
Sound crazy? So crazy that it might work. You might not see it work. You might never know if it works. But you will feel it. You will feel better. You will be part of spreading the spirit of the season.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
This is challenging
The style of yoga I teach - heated power yoga - can be pretty challenging. The room is heated to around 90 degrees, we move alot - it's a physically challenging practice, and you move your body in ways that are unusual & atypical in everyday life. I usually don't play music, so there's no distraction. It's just you, on your mat, in your body, with your breath.
At times, it can be uncomfortable. New poses, new sequences of poses (class is never exactly the same twice), the heat, holding poses longer than you might like. I remind seasoned students & new students alike to try walking their feet father apart, to sit their hips lower, to raise their arms higher. In essence, I encourage them to move out of their comfort zone & try something different - dig a little deeper. I also repeatedly remind students to rest when they feel it's needed. For many, this is moving out of their comfort zone.
Even though this style of yoga is challenging, it's not about pushing & doing more. It is about finding your strength. Your calm. Your center. You learn (I've learned) that if you can find these things within in you as you hold a challenging pose, if you can take rest when everyone else is moving, then you just might be able to find these qualities I your life when things get uncomfortable.
It is about taking your practice off the mat.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
At times, it can be uncomfortable. New poses, new sequences of poses (class is never exactly the same twice), the heat, holding poses longer than you might like. I remind seasoned students & new students alike to try walking their feet father apart, to sit their hips lower, to raise their arms higher. In essence, I encourage them to move out of their comfort zone & try something different - dig a little deeper. I also repeatedly remind students to rest when they feel it's needed. For many, this is moving out of their comfort zone.
Even though this style of yoga is challenging, it's not about pushing & doing more. It is about finding your strength. Your calm. Your center. You learn (I've learned) that if you can find these things within in you as you hold a challenging pose, if you can take rest when everyone else is moving, then you just might be able to find these qualities I your life when things get uncomfortable.
It is about taking your practice off the mat.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is tomorrow & with it, the start of the holiday season for many.
Thanksgiving Day - a day for Giving Thanks. A day of Peace & Grace. Pretty simple.
And yet, in my visits to the grocery store & those "big box stores" this week, what I have seen has been anything but peaceful & graceful...people arguing over parking spaces & yelling at the cashiers.
And tomorrow night, many stores will open around midnight to give people a jump start on Black Friday shopping deals. Pretty complicated, if you ask me.
It can be simple. It can be a day spent with others - sharing time, perhaps a meal. Giving thanks for what we have & sharing that with others.
It can be a day full of Peace & Grace. A time to pause & enjoy life.
And the thing about Thanksgiving, is that it doesn't have to be limited to a single day in the year.
Thanksgiving Day can be every day. Every day can be a day to Give Thanks for who & what we have in our lives. Every day can be a day of Peace & Grace. And every day we can share this with others - people we know & love or complete strangers.
Every day can be simply a day of Thanksgiving.
May you enjoy your Thanksgiving Day - may it be full of Peace & Grace. And may every day be Thanksgiving Day.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Thanksgiving Day - a day for Giving Thanks. A day of Peace & Grace. Pretty simple.
And yet, in my visits to the grocery store & those "big box stores" this week, what I have seen has been anything but peaceful & graceful...people arguing over parking spaces & yelling at the cashiers.
And tomorrow night, many stores will open around midnight to give people a jump start on Black Friday shopping deals. Pretty complicated, if you ask me.
It can be simple. It can be a day spent with others - sharing time, perhaps a meal. Giving thanks for what we have & sharing that with others.
It can be a day full of Peace & Grace. A time to pause & enjoy life.
And the thing about Thanksgiving, is that it doesn't have to be limited to a single day in the year.
Thanksgiving Day can be every day. Every day can be a day to Give Thanks for who & what we have in our lives. Every day can be a day of Peace & Grace. And every day we can share this with others - people we know & love or complete strangers.
Every day can be simply a day of Thanksgiving.
May you enjoy your Thanksgiving Day - may it be full of Peace & Grace. And may every day be Thanksgiving Day.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Snowstorm
I missed posting for a couple weeks because, a couple weeks ago, our part of CT was hit by a massive snowstorm - a nor'easter, a blizzard. Two feet of snow. Record numbers without power. No heat, hot water, electricity, cable, internet, phone service. A real white out, if you will.
We are fortunate - we have a generator, so being without power was only a minor inconvenience. We were still able to shower, cook & even watch TV (videos). And our electricity was restored pretty quickly - after only 4 days.
Other folks weren't so lucky. Many were without electricity for almost 2 weeks. Many people woke up in cold, dark houses, went to work (if they were lucky - it was warm there) & came home to cold, dark houses.
For us, the good thing about the storm was spending more time with extended family & friends. We invited people to eat with us & stay with us. There was more time to connect & talk & enjoy one another because we weren't rushing off to check our email or watch TV.
And when power was restored, it was a huge relief. Life is, obviously, so much easier with electricity - with heat, lights, hot water & phone service.
Going without modern conveniences made me realize, once again, how fortunate we are for all that we have. Being able to enjoy friends & family made me realize, once again, how fortunate I am to have these people in my life.
Gratitude is something I have written about before. It's worth writing about again. We get stuck in our heads & the challenges of our lives & forget about how much we really have & how lucky we really are. It shouldn't take a snowstorm for us to remember this.
Gratitude is the highest vibration there is. When you find it & feel it, everything shifts. Within you & around you. Try it. Look at who & what you have in your life right now. Find & feel gratitude.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
We are fortunate - we have a generator, so being without power was only a minor inconvenience. We were still able to shower, cook & even watch TV (videos). And our electricity was restored pretty quickly - after only 4 days.
Other folks weren't so lucky. Many were without electricity for almost 2 weeks. Many people woke up in cold, dark houses, went to work (if they were lucky - it was warm there) & came home to cold, dark houses.
For us, the good thing about the storm was spending more time with extended family & friends. We invited people to eat with us & stay with us. There was more time to connect & talk & enjoy one another because we weren't rushing off to check our email or watch TV.
And when power was restored, it was a huge relief. Life is, obviously, so much easier with electricity - with heat, lights, hot water & phone service.
Going without modern conveniences made me realize, once again, how fortunate we are for all that we have. Being able to enjoy friends & family made me realize, once again, how fortunate I am to have these people in my life.
Gratitude is something I have written about before. It's worth writing about again. We get stuck in our heads & the challenges of our lives & forget about how much we really have & how lucky we really are. It shouldn't take a snowstorm for us to remember this.
Gratitude is the highest vibration there is. When you find it & feel it, everything shifts. Within you & around you. Try it. Look at who & what you have in your life right now. Find & feel gratitude.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Get 'er done!
There was a period of time, recently in fact, when I would go to bed at night thinking about all the things I would accomplish the next day.
Literally, I would lie in bed thinking "ok, tomorrow, I'll get up, shower & eat & get out of the house & get STUFF done!".
And then the next morning would roll around.
And I'd get up & my son would want to sit on the potty & have stories read to him.
And then we'd get a banana & I'd check my email.
And then I'd throw some clothes in the washing machine & empty the dishwasher.
And then my son would want me to play with his trains with him.
And then we would talk our dogs for a walk.
And then I'd take a shower & we'd have breakfast.
And then....
Well, you see how it goes. Next thing I know, it's almost lunchtime & we'd "wasted" half the day.
At some point, I took a look at my thinking. My need to "get out of the house & get stuff done".
I'm not sure where it came from. Maybe years of getting up & out of the house to go to a 9 to 5 job? Maybe years of societal conditioning? Maybe just me...
But once I started looking at it, I started to let it go.
I started practicing (again) living in the moment. (I've been trying to practice this for as long as I've been teaching, but sometimes I forget).
Having an idea of things that need to get done in a day, but also having the flexibility & ability to go with the flow. Remembering that I am fortunate to have the time to spend with my son. Waking up & enjoying being awake & at home. Knowing that we'll get where we need to go, but more importantly, enjoying whatever the route is that takes us there.
We put alot of pressure on ourselves to "get stuff done". And most of the time, we will accomplish what we need to do. But we can often accomplish it without the added stress that we usually create ourselves.
It's easy to get sidetracked. The practice is to enjoy being sidetracked (or at the very least, to stay calm & centered when it happens). The practice is to enjoy the unpredictability of life - each moment of it. Once that moment is gone - it's gone. So enjoy it.
"Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone" - Lin Yutang
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Literally, I would lie in bed thinking "ok, tomorrow, I'll get up, shower & eat & get out of the house & get STUFF done!".
And then the next morning would roll around.
And I'd get up & my son would want to sit on the potty & have stories read to him.
And then we'd get a banana & I'd check my email.
And then I'd throw some clothes in the washing machine & empty the dishwasher.
And then my son would want me to play with his trains with him.
And then we would talk our dogs for a walk.
And then I'd take a shower & we'd have breakfast.
And then....
Well, you see how it goes. Next thing I know, it's almost lunchtime & we'd "wasted" half the day.
At some point, I took a look at my thinking. My need to "get out of the house & get stuff done".
I'm not sure where it came from. Maybe years of getting up & out of the house to go to a 9 to 5 job? Maybe years of societal conditioning? Maybe just me...
But once I started looking at it, I started to let it go.
I started practicing (again) living in the moment. (I've been trying to practice this for as long as I've been teaching, but sometimes I forget).
Having an idea of things that need to get done in a day, but also having the flexibility & ability to go with the flow. Remembering that I am fortunate to have the time to spend with my son. Waking up & enjoying being awake & at home. Knowing that we'll get where we need to go, but more importantly, enjoying whatever the route is that takes us there.
We put alot of pressure on ourselves to "get stuff done". And most of the time, we will accomplish what we need to do. But we can often accomplish it without the added stress that we usually create ourselves.
It's easy to get sidetracked. The practice is to enjoy being sidetracked (or at the very least, to stay calm & centered when it happens). The practice is to enjoy the unpredictability of life - each moment of it. Once that moment is gone - it's gone. So enjoy it.
"Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone" - Lin Yutang
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Connection
When I opened my studio (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/), I heard alot of "you've got to get on facebook. You've got to start a blog". I had never been a fan of FB & rarely read blogs. But I'm all about getting the word out about heated power yoga in Northwest CT, so I jumped in.
The first time I hit the "publish" button for this blog - it was scary. Suddenly, what I thought, felt, believed was out there for EVERYONE to read.
Blogging & Facebook are still amazing to me. I do check FB almost everyday to see what's going on & how I might be able to promote the wonderful things going on at my studio. And I see how you could get "sucked in" & waste your day away. I'm amazed at the details that people share about the themselves & the things that get written, posted & shared.
It seems that as we become more separate from one another, more & more we seek out this artificial connection. Our friends on FB are strangers. We read & judge intimate details of strangers' lives. And more amazing than what is written on FB & in blogs are the comments posted about them.
People judge, criticize & ridicule. Others applaud & encourage. They become involved & entangled in strangers' lives online (kind of like reality television!). And while they sometimes know the blogger or the FB friend personally, other times the blogger or friend is, again, a complete stranger.
Yoga is about connection. With your breath, your body, your heart & spirit. Yoga is about community. Connecting, in real time, face to face, in person, with others. Yoga is about acceptance - of yourself, just the way you are. And of others.
Blogging & FB are great marketing tools. They're great ways to spread information & ideas quickly. But they are no substitute for real life connections, with real life people that you know, or could get to know. Instead of investing your time & energy in someone else's life online - invest in yourself. Turn off your computer & get into a yoga studio. Make a connection & maybe a real friend.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
The first time I hit the "publish" button for this blog - it was scary. Suddenly, what I thought, felt, believed was out there for EVERYONE to read.
Blogging & Facebook are still amazing to me. I do check FB almost everyday to see what's going on & how I might be able to promote the wonderful things going on at my studio. And I see how you could get "sucked in" & waste your day away. I'm amazed at the details that people share about the themselves & the things that get written, posted & shared.
It seems that as we become more separate from one another, more & more we seek out this artificial connection. Our friends on FB are strangers. We read & judge intimate details of strangers' lives. And more amazing than what is written on FB & in blogs are the comments posted about them.
People judge, criticize & ridicule. Others applaud & encourage. They become involved & entangled in strangers' lives online (kind of like reality television!). And while they sometimes know the blogger or the FB friend personally, other times the blogger or friend is, again, a complete stranger.
Yoga is about connection. With your breath, your body, your heart & spirit. Yoga is about community. Connecting, in real time, face to face, in person, with others. Yoga is about acceptance - of yourself, just the way you are. And of others.
Blogging & FB are great marketing tools. They're great ways to spread information & ideas quickly. But they are no substitute for real life connections, with real life people that you know, or could get to know. Instead of investing your time & energy in someone else's life online - invest in yourself. Turn off your computer & get into a yoga studio. Make a connection & maybe a real friend.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Dreamers
We ask children all the time "what do you want to be when you grow up?"
And the responses vary greatly - doctor, actress, astronaut, scientist, clown, hairdresser, surfer, yoga teacher...
Kids dream big & their plans for the future reflect that.
Most responses are met by adults with enthusiasm, if not occasional wonderment ("where did they get that idea"??!!).
A funny thing happens as we grow - those big dreams, those interesting responses, get met with more wonderment & less enthusiasm. And in some cases, the plans flat out get dismissed.
Big dreams become silly or unrealistic. And being a dreamer becomes impractical.
But what about the Wright Brothers. Who would have thought at the time that people flying was possible?!? What about all the children over time who HAVE grown up to be doctors, actressess, astronauts, scientists, clowns, hairdressers, surfers, yoga teachers...
And the responses vary greatly - doctor, actress, astronaut, scientist, clown, hairdresser, surfer, yoga teacher...
Kids dream big & their plans for the future reflect that.
Most responses are met by adults with enthusiasm, if not occasional wonderment ("where did they get that idea"??!!).
A funny thing happens as we grow - those big dreams, those interesting responses, get met with more wonderment & less enthusiasm. And in some cases, the plans flat out get dismissed.
Big dreams become silly or unrealistic. And being a dreamer becomes impractical.
But what about the Wright Brothers. Who would have thought at the time that people flying was possible?!? What about all the children over time who HAVE grown up to be doctors, actressess, astronauts, scientists, clowns, hairdressers, surfers, yoga teachers...
All these adults had dreams as children. Dreams that they realized. They were dreamers - they are dreamers. An thank the Universe for them & their dreams. Where would be today without them?
If we can dream it, we can create it. We just need to believe - in ourselves & the power of the universe.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
If we can dream it, we can create it. We just need to believe - in ourselves & the power of the universe.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Run Away!?
We have two dogs. When it comes time to put on their leashes & take them for a walk (which they love!), one dog runs away from us.
Now, it's not that she doesn't want to go for a walk. In fact, she gets super excited about it. She barks & runs around - runs over to us & the door. Then as soon as you reach for her to put on her leash...she dashes off.
(And yes, I realize this could probably be addressed with proper training - but that's another story altogether).
The other day, as this was going on, it occurred to me that people do this too.
We want something. We talk excitedly about wanting that something to happen. We imagine it happening. We wait & wait for that something to happen.
And then when it happens - when what we've been waiting appears before us...we run away from it!
For instance...I've had more than one friend complain about having lousy luck with men. And talk about wanting to find a "nice" guy.
And then when she meets that guy & goes out with him, she decides he's too nice - that there's something wrong with him. She runs away.
When we ask for something & talk about & get excited for it & imagine how it will feel - we set the wheels in motion to bring that something (or someone) into our lives.
But we're so surprised, and sometimes frightened, by our ability to create what we want, that when it appears, we back away from it.
We think that we don't deserve it, or that we should have to work harder for it.
When we ask for something - we need to be ready to receive. We need to be open & realize that we don't have to struggle for what we want. We just need to believe that we are deserving of it.
And then accept & enjoy it.
Now, it's not that she doesn't want to go for a walk. In fact, she gets super excited about it. She barks & runs around - runs over to us & the door. Then as soon as you reach for her to put on her leash...she dashes off.
(And yes, I realize this could probably be addressed with proper training - but that's another story altogether).
The other day, as this was going on, it occurred to me that people do this too.
We want something. We talk excitedly about wanting that something to happen. We imagine it happening. We wait & wait for that something to happen.
And then when it happens - when what we've been waiting appears before us...we run away from it!
For instance...I've had more than one friend complain about having lousy luck with men. And talk about wanting to find a "nice" guy.
And then when she meets that guy & goes out with him, she decides he's too nice - that there's something wrong with him. She runs away.
When we ask for something & talk about & get excited for it & imagine how it will feel - we set the wheels in motion to bring that something (or someone) into our lives.
But we're so surprised, and sometimes frightened, by our ability to create what we want, that when it appears, we back away from it.
We think that we don't deserve it, or that we should have to work harder for it.
When we ask for something - we need to be ready to receive. We need to be open & realize that we don't have to struggle for what we want. We just need to believe that we are deserving of it.
And then accept & enjoy it.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Are you Ready?
We recently posted information about our 2012 teacher training program on our website (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/announcements.htm), and since then I've been getting alot of questions.
The general thread that runs through many of the questions runs along the lines of "I'm not good enough/my practice isn't strong enough/ there's alot I don't know & can't do - am I ready?"
When I began teaching, there was no Yoga Alliance certification program for teachers. There were programs out there - but completing a 200 hour certified course wasn't a requirement for teaching yoga.
I can remember standing in the lobby of the studio where I had been practicing regularly, when the owner asked me if I had ever thought about teaching yoga.
My immediate reply was a long-winded answer about wanting to attend this retreat & that immersion program in preparation for teaching...about wanting to be ready first.
As I finished speaking, I noticed the sign on the board that said something to the effect of " yoga teachers wanted".
He meant - had I thought about teaching NOW.
I had thought about teaching, but in an abstract, distant-future way. Was I ready to teach - no way. But was I going to pass up this opportunity - no way.
(and thank goodness I didn't, because it was the start on the path to where I am today).
And so I started teaching power yoga. I did some informal training, attended various retreats & seminars, but most of what I learned, I learned as I taught & took class from others. I learned what to do...and equally important, what not to do.
(and thank goodness for all those kind students who suffered through my early classes).
He meant - had I thought about teaching NOW.
I had thought about teaching, but in an abstract, distant-future way. Was I ready to teach - no way. But was I going to pass up this opportunity - no way.
(and thank goodness I didn't, because it was the start on the path to where I am today).
And so I started teaching power yoga. I did some informal training, attended various retreats & seminars, but most of what I learned, I learned as I taught & took class from others. I learned what to do...and equally important, what not to do.
(and thank goodness for all those kind students who suffered through my early classes).
When I started teaching, there were alot of poses I couldn't do...there are still poses I can't do. And there are poses I might never be able to do.
When I started teaching, I hadn't been practicing all that long - there was alot I didn't know. And there's still more that I want to know - I believe you never stop learning.
When I started teaching, I wasn't ready. But I'm not sure when I would have felt really ready - there's always more in this practice to learn & try & do.
So when people ask me this question - about being ready - I always say, it's not about what you can't do, it's about what you can do.
If you can get on your mat & work with your body with where it is today - you're ready.
So when people ask me this question - about being ready - I always say, it's not about what you can't do, it's about what you can do.
If you can get on your mat & work with your body with where it is today - you're ready.
If yoga brings you joy & light & you want to spread that joy & light - you're ready.
If you're ready to look inside & get to know yourself really well - you're ready.
If getting on your mat challenges you & you wonder how you can stay calm & centered on (and off) your mat - even then, you're ready.
It's not just about teacher training - it's about anything in your life that you want. If you wait until everything in your practice is just right....until everything in your life is just right - you may never be ready.
It's not just about teacher training - it's about anything in your life that you want. If you wait until everything in your practice is just right....until everything in your life is just right - you may never be ready.
What you learn on your mat, is that you are often ready...even when you think you aren't.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Monday, September 19, 2011
YES!!
Every where you go, it seems you see signs that tell you what you can't do:
"no parking"
"no left turn"
"no loitering"
"no shirt, no shoes, no service"
One of my friends owns a toy store (Toy Jam - check it out!) and she commented about this. She said she tries to avoid these kinds of signs in her store because of the negative energy that she feels goes along with them. She's absolutely right.
It doesn't end there. Undoubtedly, at some point in your life you've been told what you can't do:
" no, you can't - you're too short/tall"
"no, you can't - you're not smart enough"
Enough of that, right!!
One of the things that I love about yoga is that it's all about "YES".
"YES - you CAN"
Yoga teaches that you can do it - whatever "it" is.
Whatever your age, size, shape - you can practice yoga. It is accessible to every-body.
It is a practice of saying "yes" to yourself.
Whether it's "yes, it's ok for me to rest now" or "yes - I can try a handstand today & I don't care how I look".
Once learn to say yes, the possibilities are endless...on & off your mat!
"no parking"
"no left turn"
"no loitering"
"no shirt, no shoes, no service"
One of my friends owns a toy store (Toy Jam - check it out!) and she commented about this. She said she tries to avoid these kinds of signs in her store because of the negative energy that she feels goes along with them. She's absolutely right.
It doesn't end there. Undoubtedly, at some point in your life you've been told what you can't do:
" no, you can't - you're too short/tall"
"no, you can't - you're not smart enough"
Enough of that, right!!
One of the things that I love about yoga is that it's all about "YES".
"YES - you CAN"
Yoga teaches that you can do it - whatever "it" is.
Whatever your age, size, shape - you can practice yoga. It is accessible to every-body.
It is a practice of saying "yes" to yourself.
Whether it's "yes, it's ok for me to rest now" or "yes - I can try a handstand today & I don't care how I look".
Once learn to say yes, the possibilities are endless...on & off your mat!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Where were you?
I remember when I was young, and my mother would talk about the day President Kennedy was shot. Whenever she talked about it, she always said she could remember where she was & what she was doing. She said that was something she would never forget.
At the time, I don't think I got it. For a long time, I don't think I got it.
Then September 11th, 2001 happened. I remember, like many of you I'm sure, where I was & what I doing on that day. When I first heard the news of what had happened & as events unfolded.
I remember the sorrow. I remember the fear & uncertainty & the disbelief. I remember the anger.
When I remember what happened, my heart goes out to all those who were lost that day. My heart goes out to all those who lost someone that day. My heart goes out to all those who were touched by what happened that day.
When I remember that day, my heart is filled with sorrow for the past....and my heart grows & expands & is filled joy & hope for the future.
As a teacher & student of yoga, Sept 11th reminds me that we can remember what happened, and remember all that was felt. But also that we can let go of the anger & the fear & open our hearts to love.
Anger & fear divide us. Divide us from one another & from our true selves. They encourage more fear & more anger & eat away at us.
Opening our hearts to love, means opening our hearts to others, and reminds us that we are more alike than different. Opening our hearts reminds us that we are all beings of love & light. And that we need one another to survive.
Today, and every day, practice opening your heart. Love yourself. Send an offering of love to those in need. Send an offering of love to people you know & people you don't. To people who you like & love. And people who you don't.
"Love & compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive." - Dalai Lama
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
At the time, I don't think I got it. For a long time, I don't think I got it.
Then September 11th, 2001 happened. I remember, like many of you I'm sure, where I was & what I doing on that day. When I first heard the news of what had happened & as events unfolded.
I remember the sorrow. I remember the fear & uncertainty & the disbelief. I remember the anger.
When I remember what happened, my heart goes out to all those who were lost that day. My heart goes out to all those who lost someone that day. My heart goes out to all those who were touched by what happened that day.
When I remember that day, my heart is filled with sorrow for the past....and my heart grows & expands & is filled joy & hope for the future.
As a teacher & student of yoga, Sept 11th reminds me that we can remember what happened, and remember all that was felt. But also that we can let go of the anger & the fear & open our hearts to love.
Anger & fear divide us. Divide us from one another & from our true selves. They encourage more fear & more anger & eat away at us.
Opening our hearts to love, means opening our hearts to others, and reminds us that we are more alike than different. Opening our hearts reminds us that we are all beings of love & light. And that we need one another to survive.
Today, and every day, practice opening your heart. Love yourself. Send an offering of love to those in need. Send an offering of love to people you know & people you don't. To people who you like & love. And people who you don't.
"Love & compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive." - Dalai Lama
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Friday, September 2, 2011
Opportunity Knocks
I had a teacher in High School who, before an exam, would say "this is not a test, this is an opportunity".
At the time, I didn't really appreciate the remark. After all, in most cases I was worried about the test & wanted only to get a good grade (this was before I found yoga).
Still, it was a phrase that many of us used & repeated at the time. Even if mostly in jest. And it's a phrase that has stuck with me for more 25 years.
Now when I think of experience & the phrase, I get it. It was in fact an opportunity - to show I was prepared, that I could handle the pressure of the moment & that I knew my stuff, amoung other things.
I've thought about this phrase when practicing yoga & have even related the experience of hearing it in High School to my yoga students at Sanctuary Power Yoga (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/index.htm).
When faced with a challenging pose, one that you find difficult or just plain don't like - you're presented with an opportunity.
You have the opportunity to breathe, to stay focused & calm, and to make it through that moment with ease & Grace.
In a challenging moment in your life, when faced with a challenging boss, a difficult family member, crazy traffic - you're presented with an opportunity.
You have the opportunity to breathe, stay calm & focused & make it through the moment with ease & Grace.
So, next time you are presented with an opportunity...what will you do?
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
At the time, I didn't really appreciate the remark. After all, in most cases I was worried about the test & wanted only to get a good grade (this was before I found yoga).
Still, it was a phrase that many of us used & repeated at the time. Even if mostly in jest. And it's a phrase that has stuck with me for more 25 years.
Now when I think of experience & the phrase, I get it. It was in fact an opportunity - to show I was prepared, that I could handle the pressure of the moment & that I knew my stuff, amoung other things.
I've thought about this phrase when practicing yoga & have even related the experience of hearing it in High School to my yoga students at Sanctuary Power Yoga (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/index.htm).
When faced with a challenging pose, one that you find difficult or just plain don't like - you're presented with an opportunity.
You have the opportunity to breathe, to stay focused & calm, and to make it through that moment with ease & Grace.
In a challenging moment in your life, when faced with a challenging boss, a difficult family member, crazy traffic - you're presented with an opportunity.
You have the opportunity to breathe, stay calm & focused & make it through the moment with ease & Grace.
So, next time you are presented with an opportunity...what will you do?
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Imagine
On my way to the studio (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/), I pass a church with a sign out in front.
A few weeks ago, when it was really hot, the sign read "Think it's hot? Imagine Hell."
It got my attention.
But I'll be honest, I didn't really know what to do with something like that.
The first thing that came to my mind, and what I said to my husband when I later told him about it, was "really?".
Really? You want me to imagine Hell? You want everyone who drives by & reads the sign to imagine Hell?
Now, I don't want to get into a debate about religion. That's not what this is about. I'm not criticizing. I'm questioning.
Because I'm confident that there are plenty of people in our town, in our city, in our state, in our country, in our world - who will tell you they don't need to imagine Hell because they are living in it. And I'm confident that there are plenty of other folks out there who will say they've seen it.
For me, it's a matter of deliberate creation. I want to imagine what I DO want to experience (not the other way around). Through my imagination, I want to create what I want to see & live.
A few weeks ago, when it was really hot, the sign read "Think it's hot? Imagine Hell."
It got my attention.
But I'll be honest, I didn't really know what to do with something like that.
The first thing that came to my mind, and what I said to my husband when I later told him about it, was "really?".
Really? You want me to imagine Hell? You want everyone who drives by & reads the sign to imagine Hell?
Now, I don't want to get into a debate about religion. That's not what this is about. I'm not criticizing. I'm questioning.
Because I'm confident that there are plenty of people in our town, in our city, in our state, in our country, in our world - who will tell you they don't need to imagine Hell because they are living in it. And I'm confident that there are plenty of other folks out there who will say they've seen it.
For me, it's a matter of deliberate creation. I want to imagine what I DO want to experience (not the other way around). Through my imagination, I want to create what I want to see & live.
"Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world"
-John Lennon
Living for today
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world"
-John Lennon
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Headstand
I can remember taking class as a new teacher & watching a seasoned yogi come gracefully & effortlessly into a basket headstand, without ever bending her legs - they just floated up off the floor. And I remember thinking "I want to do that".
I can also remember, around that same time, standing in the lobby of the studio where I had just started teaching, talking to a seasoned teacher about wanting my own studio one day. I had just started teaching already I knew it was what I wanted. This was over 10 years ago.
Since I started practicing yoga, I have always maintained my practice. Sometimes practicing as much as 90 minutes a day, 6 days a week. Sometimes as little as 30 minutes a day 2 days a week. But always, maintaining my practice.
In the last 10 years, I have had several jobs, taught at several different yoga studios & managed a couple. Throughout it all, I maintained that I wanted & would have my own studio.
So many times I tried that headstand & just couldn't "do" it. I thought "well, I need to give my body some time".
In the past few years, I've had a couple of opportunities to open yoga studios present themselves to me - but each time it wasn't quite right & I couldn't make it work. And each time that happened, even though I was a little disappointed, I always thought "well, it's just not the time yet".
Everywhere I went - I took my yoga mat with me. I once forgot it in the airport & bought another one when I arrived at my destination, even though I already had 3 mats back at home.
Everywhere I went - from Vermont to Florida - I found vacant spaces that I thought would be great for a yoga studio.
I have never given up my belief in the benefits of this practice. Even when I couldn't "do" much of the practice. I stayed patient & practiced what I could.
And even when it seemed impossible that I would have my own studio, I never gave up the belief that it would happen. It was ok - I stayed patient & thought about how it would feel when it did happen.
And one day, when I wasn't thinking about, I mastered that basket headstand. My legs just floated up off the floor.
And then, when I least expected it, there was my yoga studio (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/). Everything I imagined & more.
You can now find my blog at the Register Citizen: http:http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Friday, August 5, 2011
Why rush?
"Nature doesn't rush. Life doesn't rush. Only humans rush".
I heard another yoga instructor say this a few weeks ago & it stuck with me.
I gave up rushing some time ago. I'm not sure exactly how it happened.
Here's what I remember: that feeling of being in my home, looking at the time & thinking I needed to leave right now or I would be late to teach. That feeling of needing to get everything together right away so I could get going...that desperate feeling of needing to find my keys, my phone, my wallet...everything I needed to have in order to get out of the house.
I remember the last minute, frantic searching - not being able to find what I needed - only to finally realize that what I was looking for was already in my bag or in my car.
At some point I realized that the rushing was counter-productive. When I was rushing, I was disconnected from what I was doing. I was thinking about where I was going, instead of focusing on where I was. I was thinking that I would never get it together in time, instead of realizing that I had all the time I needed. At some point I realized that the time I spent rushing around like a crazy person, snapping at my family, could just as easily be spent calming getting my things together.
Rushing is really about not being present. When you're rushing - either yourself or a process - you're focused on the future. You're giving your attention & energy to where you think you should be, instead of experiencing where you are.
When you are present - all of your energy & attention are on what you are doing at the moment. Focused on accomplishing what you need to do right then & there. One thing at a time. When you keep your breath calm & even, you can stay calm & balanced. Focusing on what you need to do at that moment helps get it done.
This is what yoga has taught me & this is what I try to teach my students. To breathe. To focus in on what you are doing RIGHT NOW. Take it one breath, one thing, at a time. Let go of where you think you should be, or even where you want to be. Embrace this moment. Don't try to rush through it. Even when it's challenging. Take a class at my studio (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/aboutus.htm) & see what I mean.
Remember, because it's true..."nature doesn't rush. life doesn't rush..." and you don't have to either.
You can now read my blog at the Register Citizen: http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
I heard another yoga instructor say this a few weeks ago & it stuck with me.
I gave up rushing some time ago. I'm not sure exactly how it happened.
Here's what I remember: that feeling of being in my home, looking at the time & thinking I needed to leave right now or I would be late to teach. That feeling of needing to get everything together right away so I could get going...that desperate feeling of needing to find my keys, my phone, my wallet...everything I needed to have in order to get out of the house.
I remember the last minute, frantic searching - not being able to find what I needed - only to finally realize that what I was looking for was already in my bag or in my car.
At some point I realized that the rushing was counter-productive. When I was rushing, I was disconnected from what I was doing. I was thinking about where I was going, instead of focusing on where I was. I was thinking that I would never get it together in time, instead of realizing that I had all the time I needed. At some point I realized that the time I spent rushing around like a crazy person, snapping at my family, could just as easily be spent calming getting my things together.
Rushing is really about not being present. When you're rushing - either yourself or a process - you're focused on the future. You're giving your attention & energy to where you think you should be, instead of experiencing where you are.
When you are present - all of your energy & attention are on what you are doing at the moment. Focused on accomplishing what you need to do right then & there. One thing at a time. When you keep your breath calm & even, you can stay calm & balanced. Focusing on what you need to do at that moment helps get it done.
This is what yoga has taught me & this is what I try to teach my students. To breathe. To focus in on what you are doing RIGHT NOW. Take it one breath, one thing, at a time. Let go of where you think you should be, or even where you want to be. Embrace this moment. Don't try to rush through it. Even when it's challenging. Take a class at my studio (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/aboutus.htm) & see what I mean.
Remember, because it's true..."nature doesn't rush. life doesn't rush..." and you don't have to either.
You can now read my blog at the Register Citizen: http://www.registercitizen.com/blogs/life/
Friday, July 29, 2011
Impeccable Speech
I recently read over The 4 Agreements. What I enjoyed most, were the parts that talked about shifting perception of the way the world works & the way the agreements can help with that.
The first agreement, be impeccable with your words, resonated most with me.
This is something that I have been practicing for some time. And it is, well, a practice for me.
I'm working on pausing before I speak. Not that I need to think about what I want to say. Just that I need to pause. I want to be active in what I communicate, not reactive. I want my words to be clean & honest & have meaning for me & the person I am talking to. I want to be connected when I speak.
As a yoga teacher, impeccable speech is critical. Students don't need to hear alot of words from a teacher. In fact, they often don't hear alot of what is said because they are so immersed in the practice. Students don't need words to just to fill space & time. A teacher's words should move students - physically, energetically & emotionally. They should land gracefully & lightly, so as to empower & even inspire students.
When I teach at my studio (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/index.htm), it is a full-on, in-body on experience for me. I am completely present for every moment. I'm not thinking - I'm in alignment & I'm delivering what I receive from Source & the Universe. If you don't know what I'm talking about, the best way to describe it, is that it's the exact opposite of an out-of-body experience.
And this is what I am striving for in my interactions with others on a day to day basis. To clear out all that extra "stuff" that's floating around & be completely engaged & present as much as possible. To make every word count. To make every moment count.
It's the act, or really the practice, of taking my yoga off the mat & out of the studio & using it where it matters most...In my every day life.
The first agreement, be impeccable with your words, resonated most with me.
This is something that I have been practicing for some time. And it is, well, a practice for me.
I'm working on pausing before I speak. Not that I need to think about what I want to say. Just that I need to pause. I want to be active in what I communicate, not reactive. I want my words to be clean & honest & have meaning for me & the person I am talking to. I want to be connected when I speak.
As a yoga teacher, impeccable speech is critical. Students don't need to hear alot of words from a teacher. In fact, they often don't hear alot of what is said because they are so immersed in the practice. Students don't need words to just to fill space & time. A teacher's words should move students - physically, energetically & emotionally. They should land gracefully & lightly, so as to empower & even inspire students.
When I teach at my studio (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/index.htm), it is a full-on, in-body on experience for me. I am completely present for every moment. I'm not thinking - I'm in alignment & I'm delivering what I receive from Source & the Universe. If you don't know what I'm talking about, the best way to describe it, is that it's the exact opposite of an out-of-body experience.
And this is what I am striving for in my interactions with others on a day to day basis. To clear out all that extra "stuff" that's floating around & be completely engaged & present as much as possible. To make every word count. To make every moment count.
It's the act, or really the practice, of taking my yoga off the mat & out of the studio & using it where it matters most...In my every day life.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
End of the world???
A while back, there was alot of talk about how the world was going to end. Maybe you saw the story...some man, somewhere, predicted it. But his math was off & he was wrong...again. Apparently he had made the same prediction back in 2004.
I actually didn't know anything about it until I heard it from someone else. I don't read the paper or watch the news - I haven't for years. Too much gloom & doom. It's not that I'm not aware of what's going on the world, or don't want to know what's going on. Its just that it's portrayed with so much drama. So much negativity. The facts are one thing, but the constant replaying & dramtization is more than I need. Somehow its shifted from being news to watching the Maury Povich show or Judge Judy (no offense to either of these).
That's exactly what happened with the end of the world prediction. It was all over the news for days. Do we really need to give so much energy to the negative that's out there? Its the law of attraction - like attracts like. We talk about, dramatize & give free publicity to negative news...and no surprise, we see more & more of it.
I was reluctant to even talk about it here. My intention is to draw attention toward better things.
How about some publicity for the good that's going on out there? For people everywhere who are stepping up & helping out to try & improve our world? That's what I want to hear about. And that's what I want to talk about. And maybe that will inspire more people to do more positive things - to make a positive shift.
At my yoga studio (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/index.htm) & others around the world, this shift is happening. Sometimes it seems very small & very quiet. But more & more people are stepping up. You can do it too. Step into the studio, find your center & then leave & spread your light. Talk about the good things going on around you. Do something nice for someone. Create shift within & around you & be a part of creating a better world.
I actually didn't know anything about it until I heard it from someone else. I don't read the paper or watch the news - I haven't for years. Too much gloom & doom. It's not that I'm not aware of what's going on the world, or don't want to know what's going on. Its just that it's portrayed with so much drama. So much negativity. The facts are one thing, but the constant replaying & dramtization is more than I need. Somehow its shifted from being news to watching the Maury Povich show or Judge Judy (no offense to either of these).
That's exactly what happened with the end of the world prediction. It was all over the news for days. Do we really need to give so much energy to the negative that's out there? Its the law of attraction - like attracts like. We talk about, dramatize & give free publicity to negative news...and no surprise, we see more & more of it.
I was reluctant to even talk about it here. My intention is to draw attention toward better things.
How about some publicity for the good that's going on out there? For people everywhere who are stepping up & helping out to try & improve our world? That's what I want to hear about. And that's what I want to talk about. And maybe that will inspire more people to do more positive things - to make a positive shift.
At my yoga studio (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/index.htm) & others around the world, this shift is happening. Sometimes it seems very small & very quiet. But more & more people are stepping up. You can do it too. Step into the studio, find your center & then leave & spread your light. Talk about the good things going on around you. Do something nice for someone. Create shift within & around you & be a part of creating a better world.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
What do I need to do....
People ask me all the time "what do I need to do to take a class at your yoga studio?" (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/).
And my response is simple "Just show up".
Sure, it helps if you wear comfortable clothes & bring a yoga mat, towel & water - but that's the easy stuff.
It's the showing up part that's challenging.
You can "show up" for anything...for work, a concert, dinner, a wedding, a recital, a date. We say it alot "sure, I'll be there - I'll show up for that".
Physically showing up is the first step - that's what most of us are referring to when we say it. And that piece alone can be pretty challenging, depending on what else you have going on in your life.
When I talk about showing up, I mean really showing up. That's a huge piece of what this yoga practice is about. Showing up. Being present.
You know what it's like...you're talking with someone, there standing right in front of you, looking at you. But they're not there. Their mind, energy, attention is with someone or something else. Physically, they showed up. But that's as far as they got. And it doesn't feel so great to be on the receiving end of that.
It happens to all of us. We live busy lives. There's alot going on & plenty to think about, plan for, worry about.
Like I said - just physically showing up can be really challenging. Especially for your first yoga class. Especially for your 1001st class. Especially for dinner. Especially for work. Especially for....
But when you physically show up & then practice being present, when you really SHOW UP - it's powerful. It's a shift. It's a transformation that happens within us & around us. It is noticeable.
On your mat, in the studio, is a great place to practice showing up because it's a supportive space that cultivates the art of being present.
But like any piece of this practice, you can practice showing up & being present any time, anywhere.
Like right now.
And my response is simple "Just show up".
Sure, it helps if you wear comfortable clothes & bring a yoga mat, towel & water - but that's the easy stuff.
It's the showing up part that's challenging.
You can "show up" for anything...for work, a concert, dinner, a wedding, a recital, a date. We say it alot "sure, I'll be there - I'll show up for that".
Physically showing up is the first step - that's what most of us are referring to when we say it. And that piece alone can be pretty challenging, depending on what else you have going on in your life.
When I talk about showing up, I mean really showing up. That's a huge piece of what this yoga practice is about. Showing up. Being present.
You know what it's like...you're talking with someone, there standing right in front of you, looking at you. But they're not there. Their mind, energy, attention is with someone or something else. Physically, they showed up. But that's as far as they got. And it doesn't feel so great to be on the receiving end of that.
It happens to all of us. We live busy lives. There's alot going on & plenty to think about, plan for, worry about.
Like I said - just physically showing up can be really challenging. Especially for your first yoga class. Especially for your 1001st class. Especially for dinner. Especially for work. Especially for....
But when you physically show up & then practice being present, when you really SHOW UP - it's powerful. It's a shift. It's a transformation that happens within us & around us. It is noticeable.
On your mat, in the studio, is a great place to practice showing up because it's a supportive space that cultivates the art of being present.
But like any piece of this practice, you can practice showing up & being present any time, anywhere.
Like right now.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Tailor's Chalk
When opening my yoga studio (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/), I decided to paint the walls of the studio "Tailor's Chalk". It sounds a little corny, but I had a vision of how the studio would look with this color on the walls.
What I love most about this color is that my very good friend, mentor & teacher is named Taylor. Spelled differently, but sounds the same. Even my husband made the connection when I told him the name of the color.
When I selected the color, it just felt like the right choice - like I said, I had a vision. But when I painted a small area of the wall, I was unsure. It looked too white - I thought it might be too stark for the studio. That the walls might need a warmer color.
Then one day while I was working in the studio before the opening, I literally had an epiphany...that's all I can call it. "I'll put it on with a rag!" My husband was skeptical. I am not a super painter, to say the least, & didn't really have any experience with this technique.
But I tried it on a section of the wall & it worked. It looked great. It still looks great! Not too stark - just right. It was the right color after all.
And this especially made me think of my friend, Taylor. She would have said from the beginning - trust your instinct, your intuition, and it will all fall into place.
That's how this studio came into being. By trusting my intuition, my instincts. And even more importantly, the Universe. And the reason it makes me think of Taylor, is because I have learned so much about this from her & her family & the way they live their life.
You can read more about how Sanctuary Power Yoga came into being on Taylor's blog: http://www.super-mom.com/meant-to-be. And you can come in & check out the paint color any time!
What I love most about this color is that my very good friend, mentor & teacher is named Taylor. Spelled differently, but sounds the same. Even my husband made the connection when I told him the name of the color.
When I selected the color, it just felt like the right choice - like I said, I had a vision. But when I painted a small area of the wall, I was unsure. It looked too white - I thought it might be too stark for the studio. That the walls might need a warmer color.
Then one day while I was working in the studio before the opening, I literally had an epiphany...that's all I can call it. "I'll put it on with a rag!" My husband was skeptical. I am not a super painter, to say the least, & didn't really have any experience with this technique.
But I tried it on a section of the wall & it worked. It looked great. It still looks great! Not too stark - just right. It was the right color after all.
And this especially made me think of my friend, Taylor. She would have said from the beginning - trust your instinct, your intuition, and it will all fall into place.
That's how this studio came into being. By trusting my intuition, my instincts. And even more importantly, the Universe. And the reason it makes me think of Taylor, is because I have learned so much about this from her & her family & the way they live their life.
You can read more about how Sanctuary Power Yoga came into being on Taylor's blog: http://www.super-mom.com/meant-to-be. And you can come in & check out the paint color any time!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Show up & Breathe
I have a juicer that I used every day for about a year to make green juice (kale, cucumber, apple & lemon - an acquired taste, my husband would say).
Then I got pregnant & couldn't stand the sight of green juice, let alone the taste.
Now our son is 2 & I keep trying to get back on track with the juice:)
Before our son, it always seemed really easy. At the time, were living in a studio apartment & I was teaching quite a few 6am classes every week. My husband basically works nights, so some mornings I would even get up extra early & juice in the bathroom so the noise wouldn't wake him.
Since our son was born though, juicing has been challenging. Keeping the produce stocked in the house, finding the time to juice & keeping the juicer clean.
It's the same process as before, but somehow, it seems more complicated.
Now, it may be that my life has more moving pieces than before - our 2 year old son who is always moving! My own yoga studio to manage (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/). But I love to drink green juice - it makes me feel better & I know it is great for me. And honestly, its not complicated & it doesn't take long.
So what is it? Recently I've stopped thinking about it. Instead of creating obstacles & excuses, I just do it. Keep the produce stocked, wash, cut, peel & juice. And clean up afterward. No big deal. It only takes about 5 minutes from start to finish.
And suddenly, juicing is simple again.
It's like that with alot of things in life. We make them more complicated than they need to be. Our thinking mind creates reasons & stories & excuses about how complicated it is & why we don't have time & why it's ok to not have time & why other things are so much more important...so on & so on.
I see it all the time as a teacher of yoga. The practice I teach is so simple - show up & breath & the rest will follow. Keep it simple - a commitment to yourself. You don't need special clothes or a fancy mat - you don't need to stand on your hands or wrap your leg around your neck. Show up & breathe.
Now that may mean only 5 or 10 minutes on your mat at home some days. But other days that may mean a 90 minute practice in the studio.
Once you quiet your thinking mind, once you feel that commitment to yourself - your body, spirit & mind - it becomes simple. Even when the rest of your life seems very complicated (and that's when you need your practice the most).
Show up & breathe. That's your practice. That's your life.
Then I got pregnant & couldn't stand the sight of green juice, let alone the taste.
Now our son is 2 & I keep trying to get back on track with the juice:)
Before our son, it always seemed really easy. At the time, were living in a studio apartment & I was teaching quite a few 6am classes every week. My husband basically works nights, so some mornings I would even get up extra early & juice in the bathroom so the noise wouldn't wake him.
Since our son was born though, juicing has been challenging. Keeping the produce stocked in the house, finding the time to juice & keeping the juicer clean.
It's the same process as before, but somehow, it seems more complicated.
Now, it may be that my life has more moving pieces than before - our 2 year old son who is always moving! My own yoga studio to manage (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/). But I love to drink green juice - it makes me feel better & I know it is great for me. And honestly, its not complicated & it doesn't take long.
So what is it? Recently I've stopped thinking about it. Instead of creating obstacles & excuses, I just do it. Keep the produce stocked, wash, cut, peel & juice. And clean up afterward. No big deal. It only takes about 5 minutes from start to finish.
And suddenly, juicing is simple again.
It's like that with alot of things in life. We make them more complicated than they need to be. Our thinking mind creates reasons & stories & excuses about how complicated it is & why we don't have time & why it's ok to not have time & why other things are so much more important...so on & so on.
I see it all the time as a teacher of yoga. The practice I teach is so simple - show up & breath & the rest will follow. Keep it simple - a commitment to yourself. You don't need special clothes or a fancy mat - you don't need to stand on your hands or wrap your leg around your neck. Show up & breathe.
Now that may mean only 5 or 10 minutes on your mat at home some days. But other days that may mean a 90 minute practice in the studio.
Once you quiet your thinking mind, once you feel that commitment to yourself - your body, spirit & mind - it becomes simple. Even when the rest of your life seems very complicated (and that's when you need your practice the most).
Show up & breathe. That's your practice. That's your life.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
T-town
My studio (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/) is located on East Main St. in Torrington, CT (the website address is Franklin St - that's our entrance in the back of the building).
I recently read an article in the local paper that talked about the location of a municipal parking lot relative to Main St., Torrington. The point of the article was to address complaints about lack of parking on Main St., and the article showed that the walk from the parking lot to Main St. wasn't much father than walking thru one of those big "box" stores. What surprised me was the critical response that this article drew from readers. (I'm intentionally not going to get into that here).
I moved back to Northwest CT few months ago after living in the Boston area for years. For years, I drove 60-90 in minutes in traffic into Boston to work & teach. Now I drive 10 minutes to teach at my studio (no traffic!). Have you ever tried to find a parking spot on a busy day in Boston?! Have you tried crossing the street in Boston?! Yikes!!! For me, parking & walking in Torrington is no big deal. I walk from my studio to the stores on Main St. every week. I walk to the Library, which is next to the Municipal Lot. I walk with my 2 year old - we go for smoothies & the talk with other business owners. I like being "downtown".
Torrington was a thriving factory town at one point in time. Over the years, Main St. Torrington has gone the way of Main St. America. Stores have moved out, some storefronts are vacant. People choose to shop on-line or visit big chain stores. There's not alot of foot traffic. Main St. Torrington, like many Main Streets across the country, is not what it used to be.
But, Main St. Torrington also has some real bright spots. There are some great stores & restaurants - all owned by really great people. And there are alot of people who see the potential in the town & who are making an effort to improve it, as best they can.
Like I said, compared to Boston, driving, parking & walking in Torrington is a piece of cake! And Torrington has some great people with great businesses. They've been supportive of us & the studio & for that I am truly grateful. I could never have opened this studio in the Boston area. For me, while Torrington does need improvement, it is also a place that holds great potential. It may never be what it was, but who knows, maybe it can be something better. It just depends on how you look at it.
It's like anything in your life. The way you see things is everything. It doesn't matter where you live or what you do. If you want to feel better & be happier, look for the bright spots. Find gratitude whenever you can. A little shift in the way you see things makes a big difference. You'll create a shift in your life. You will feel better & happier. You'll find more to be happy about, more often. And then that shift will be felt & shared by others.
Gandhi said "be the change you want to see in the world".
I recently read an article in the local paper that talked about the location of a municipal parking lot relative to Main St., Torrington. The point of the article was to address complaints about lack of parking on Main St., and the article showed that the walk from the parking lot to Main St. wasn't much father than walking thru one of those big "box" stores. What surprised me was the critical response that this article drew from readers. (I'm intentionally not going to get into that here).
I moved back to Northwest CT few months ago after living in the Boston area for years. For years, I drove 60-90 in minutes in traffic into Boston to work & teach. Now I drive 10 minutes to teach at my studio (no traffic!). Have you ever tried to find a parking spot on a busy day in Boston?! Have you tried crossing the street in Boston?! Yikes!!! For me, parking & walking in Torrington is no big deal. I walk from my studio to the stores on Main St. every week. I walk to the Library, which is next to the Municipal Lot. I walk with my 2 year old - we go for smoothies & the talk with other business owners. I like being "downtown".
Torrington was a thriving factory town at one point in time. Over the years, Main St. Torrington has gone the way of Main St. America. Stores have moved out, some storefronts are vacant. People choose to shop on-line or visit big chain stores. There's not alot of foot traffic. Main St. Torrington, like many Main Streets across the country, is not what it used to be.
But, Main St. Torrington also has some real bright spots. There are some great stores & restaurants - all owned by really great people. And there are alot of people who see the potential in the town & who are making an effort to improve it, as best they can.
Like I said, compared to Boston, driving, parking & walking in Torrington is a piece of cake! And Torrington has some great people with great businesses. They've been supportive of us & the studio & for that I am truly grateful. I could never have opened this studio in the Boston area. For me, while Torrington does need improvement, it is also a place that holds great potential. It may never be what it was, but who knows, maybe it can be something better. It just depends on how you look at it.
It's like anything in your life. The way you see things is everything. It doesn't matter where you live or what you do. If you want to feel better & be happier, look for the bright spots. Find gratitude whenever you can. A little shift in the way you see things makes a big difference. You'll create a shift in your life. You will feel better & happier. You'll find more to be happy about, more often. And then that shift will be felt & shared by others.
Gandhi said "be the change you want to see in the world".
Friday, June 10, 2011
Pennies Make Dollars
I see pennies everywhere I go. Mostly on the ground, in the parking lot, on the sidewalk, at the carwash. And I'll always stop to pick one up. Even the icky, dirty ones.
My mother always said "pennies make dollars". And she was right. When I added up all the pennies in our coin jar, where we deposit our spare change, we had collected over 1000 pennies - that's more than $10!
When I see a penny a on the ground, waiting there for me, I see it as a sign of abundance. A gift from the Universe. I know it's not the winning mega millions ticket, but it's nice surprise & it never fails to make me smile. It's even better if I'm with someone & I can give the penny to that person (you know, "find a penny pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck. Give that penny to a friend & your luck will never end).
Abundance is all around us & within each of us. The leaves on trees, the flowers in bloom. The food you eat, the bed you sleep in. The people in your life. The strength, joy, humor, compassion & creativity within you.
Abundance can be easy to overlook, just like it's easy to overlook those pennies.
Take a moment & take inventory - of all that you do have to be grateful for. Like attracts like. A feeling a gratitude for the abundance in your life attracts more abundance.
Just like pennies make dollars.
My mother always said "pennies make dollars". And she was right. When I added up all the pennies in our coin jar, where we deposit our spare change, we had collected over 1000 pennies - that's more than $10!
When I see a penny a on the ground, waiting there for me, I see it as a sign of abundance. A gift from the Universe. I know it's not the winning mega millions ticket, but it's nice surprise & it never fails to make me smile. It's even better if I'm with someone & I can give the penny to that person (you know, "find a penny pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck. Give that penny to a friend & your luck will never end).
Abundance is all around us & within each of us. The leaves on trees, the flowers in bloom. The food you eat, the bed you sleep in. The people in your life. The strength, joy, humor, compassion & creativity within you.
Abundance can be easy to overlook, just like it's easy to overlook those pennies.
Take a moment & take inventory - of all that you do have to be grateful for. Like attracts like. A feeling a gratitude for the abundance in your life attracts more abundance.
Just like pennies make dollars.
Friday, June 3, 2011
What Time Zone Do You Live In?
I am fortunate that my yoga teaching schedule at my studio, Sanctuary Power Yoga (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/), allows me to spend most of my time with our two year old son. Unfortunately my husband, who works full-time, doesn't get to spend as much time with us as he would like.
On his days off, my husband jokes that it takes him a while to adjust to "two year old" time. If you have small child you know what this means.
This means, you can't just get your shoes on & head out the door for a walk with the dogs.
It means you have to stop & check out the dinosaur that was dropped & forgotten under the table the night before.
It means as you're putting on your sweater, you have to zip & unzip & re-zip it several times.
It means you need to stop & grab the banana on the table & take it with you.
It means you have to stop & smell grammie's flowers.
It means you have to stop and check out the tractor next door...every time you walk by it.
Basically, when you're on two year old time, it means that everything slows down. Way down.
Now, you have a choice. You can try to speed things up, but that generally creates a struggle & unhappiness for everyone involved.
Or, you can go with the flow. You can embrace this new time zone. Where things don't get done quickly. Where things are often left undone (dishes, dirty laundry) because your child wants your attention & wants to play with you & he really doesn't think it matters if the house is tidy or not.
I love two year time. I know our son won't be two for very long - he grows & changes every day - all children do. So I adjust to his time zone.
And the truth is, I think most of us would be alot happier if we made the time switch. There'd be more stopping to smell the flowers, more holding doors open for others, more enjoyment of the little things in life.
Yoga asks us to do what most two year olds ask us to do...slow down. Relish waking up. Embrace the people in your life. Take in the beauty in the day around you. Enjoy this minute in your life.
Try it. Take a trip to a different time zone. Be grateful for this moment...this moment is your life.
On his days off, my husband jokes that it takes him a while to adjust to "two year old" time. If you have small child you know what this means.
This means, you can't just get your shoes on & head out the door for a walk with the dogs.
It means you have to stop & check out the dinosaur that was dropped & forgotten under the table the night before.
It means as you're putting on your sweater, you have to zip & unzip & re-zip it several times.
It means you need to stop & grab the banana on the table & take it with you.
It means you have to stop & smell grammie's flowers.
It means you have to stop and check out the tractor next door...every time you walk by it.
Basically, when you're on two year old time, it means that everything slows down. Way down.
Now, you have a choice. You can try to speed things up, but that generally creates a struggle & unhappiness for everyone involved.
Or, you can go with the flow. You can embrace this new time zone. Where things don't get done quickly. Where things are often left undone (dishes, dirty laundry) because your child wants your attention & wants to play with you & he really doesn't think it matters if the house is tidy or not.
I love two year time. I know our son won't be two for very long - he grows & changes every day - all children do. So I adjust to his time zone.
And the truth is, I think most of us would be alot happier if we made the time switch. There'd be more stopping to smell the flowers, more holding doors open for others, more enjoyment of the little things in life.
Yoga asks us to do what most two year olds ask us to do...slow down. Relish waking up. Embrace the people in your life. Take in the beauty in the day around you. Enjoy this minute in your life.
Try it. Take a trip to a different time zone. Be grateful for this moment...this moment is your life.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Mirror, mirror on the wall?
One of the first things we did when we took over the space that is now Sanctuary Power Yoga (http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/), was to take down mirrors that lined two walls. Since opening, I have quite a few people (people who had been in the space before) ask me why I took them down.
For me, this yoga practice is about feeling. When you're on mat - feeling your breath move through your body. Feeling your feet firmly planted on the ground. Feeling if you need rest. Noticing how a pose feels in your body. Feeling yourself in the flow, in the moment. And most important to me - feeling if its right for you.
Mirrors can be useful, but they're also distracting. Our attention is drawn to how we look. How other people look. How we compare to other people. Does our body look right in a pose?
I often tell students, it doesn't matter how a pose looks, it's how it feels. Even if you're new to yoga, if it feels right for you - go with it. It doesn't have to look a certain way. It doesn't have to look like the pictures in the yoga magazines. It just has to feel right. And you have to learn to trust that.
Learn to trust what you feel on your mat - what you feel in your body & your heart & your spirit. And then you can learn to trust that in your life. Your life doesn't have to look a certain way. It doesn't have to look like anyone else's life. If it feels right for you - trust that.
For me, this yoga practice is about feeling. When you're on mat - feeling your breath move through your body. Feeling your feet firmly planted on the ground. Feeling if you need rest. Noticing how a pose feels in your body. Feeling yourself in the flow, in the moment. And most important to me - feeling if its right for you.
Mirrors can be useful, but they're also distracting. Our attention is drawn to how we look. How other people look. How we compare to other people. Does our body look right in a pose?
I often tell students, it doesn't matter how a pose looks, it's how it feels. Even if you're new to yoga, if it feels right for you - go with it. It doesn't have to look a certain way. It doesn't have to look like the pictures in the yoga magazines. It just has to feel right. And you have to learn to trust that.
Learn to trust what you feel on your mat - what you feel in your body & your heart & your spirit. And then you can learn to trust that in your life. Your life doesn't have to look a certain way. It doesn't have to look like anyone else's life. If it feels right for you - trust that.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Perfect
This blog is about taking my yoga off the mat. For yoga on your mat with me, visit my studio, Sanctuary Power Yoga, in Torrington, CT: http://www.sanctuarypoweryoga.com/ & find us on Facebook.
I use the word "perfect" alot...
"we don't have cream, is milk ok?"
"perfect"
"do you need a cast iron skillet, or will this do?"
"perfect"
My sister-in-law told me she liked the sound of it so much, she started using it in her business as a realtor
"we'd like to meet you at 2pm instead of 3pm"
"perfect"
I'm not sure where I picked it up or when I started I using it, but it works for me. Sometimes I even catch myself saying it when I'm talking to myself!
But today I began thinking about how I have heard other people use it.
"he has the perfect life"
"she has the perfect body"
"I want everything to be perfect when they get here"
What does it really mean? "perfect"
I couldn't help myself...I checked the dictionary.
"exactly fitting the need in a certain situation or for a certain purpose" This is how I use the word. When something works just right for me. When it flows & fits, in that moment.
But it also said "entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings" This is how I have heard it used. But really, what does that mean? We all have flaws, shortcomings, and yes, even defects. Sometimes you can see them, sometimes you can't. And when you create the expectation for something to be perfect in this sense, I can help but think your setting yourself up for disappointment. Because there will be flaws or defects. Sometimes we even create them in our minds just to find something wrong with the way things are.
Its not that I don't believe in "perfect" - I believe in "perfect" in the moment. And in relishing that sense of how it feels to find just what you need, just when you need. Not in trying to create something perfect, but in allowing perfect to occur.
Finding the parking you need just in time. Finding just the time you need to practice. Finishing your blog just in time for bed.
Perfect.
I use the word "perfect" alot...
"we don't have cream, is milk ok?"
"perfect"
"do you need a cast iron skillet, or will this do?"
"perfect"
My sister-in-law told me she liked the sound of it so much, she started using it in her business as a realtor
"we'd like to meet you at 2pm instead of 3pm"
"perfect"
I'm not sure where I picked it up or when I started I using it, but it works for me. Sometimes I even catch myself saying it when I'm talking to myself!
But today I began thinking about how I have heard other people use it.
"he has the perfect life"
"she has the perfect body"
"I want everything to be perfect when they get here"
What does it really mean? "perfect"
I couldn't help myself...I checked the dictionary.
"exactly fitting the need in a certain situation or for a certain purpose" This is how I use the word. When something works just right for me. When it flows & fits, in that moment.
But it also said "entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings" This is how I have heard it used. But really, what does that mean? We all have flaws, shortcomings, and yes, even defects. Sometimes you can see them, sometimes you can't. And when you create the expectation for something to be perfect in this sense, I can help but think your setting yourself up for disappointment. Because there will be flaws or defects. Sometimes we even create them in our minds just to find something wrong with the way things are.
Its not that I don't believe in "perfect" - I believe in "perfect" in the moment. And in relishing that sense of how it feels to find just what you need, just when you need. Not in trying to create something perfect, but in allowing perfect to occur.
Finding the parking you need just in time. Finding just the time you need to practice. Finishing your blog just in time for bed.
Perfect.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Grand Opening
The Grand Opening for my yoga studio, Sanctuary Power Yoga, is this Sunday - just 3 days away. Super exciting. Things have happened so quickly for this to occur, it amazes me. We began work on the space only 3 weeks ago or so...painting, installing doors, rerouting the heat, putting up coats hooks - you get the idea. We haven't had alot of time to get things done. We have a 2 year old son who is with me most of the day (my Mother watches him for us when she is not working) & my husband works in Boston during the week, so can only help out 2 days a week. We are doing all the work ourselves.
I've heard alot of "will you get it done in time". Some people have been nervous about us finishing in time for the Grand Opening. Not me. Even with only a few days left, I know everything will be just right when we open. Everything has flowed so smoothly for this to happen. I have dreamed of having my own studio since I started teaching 10 years ago. 10 years of visualizing, imagining & attracting everything I need for this to occur. And it all has fallen right into place.
I am beyond excited for our Grand Opening & I know it will be amazing!
I've heard alot of "will you get it done in time". Some people have been nervous about us finishing in time for the Grand Opening. Not me. Even with only a few days left, I know everything will be just right when we open. Everything has flowed so smoothly for this to happen. I have dreamed of having my own studio since I started teaching 10 years ago. 10 years of visualizing, imagining & attracting everything I need for this to occur. And it all has fallen right into place.
I am beyond excited for our Grand Opening & I know it will be amazing!
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