Southern Yogi

Fresh Start

2010-04-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Wordpress, where have you been my entire blogging life??

I decided to make a move over to wordpress from my Blogger Account! Many reasons; but the main reasons is the additional features Wordpress allows such as "pages" so I can provide future students with my schedule! Another reason is a fresh start. Next month I will be graduating from my training. I know this will not be the end of my yogic path and learning opportunities. I am considering signing up for my 500hour with Stephanie and there are many many workshops in the future!

But, I wanted a fresh start with a nice neat new blog!

I am excited; because the future is wide open and many things are starting to change around me. I hope to start teaching more classes around Newnan after my training is complete. I head up to Asheville this weekend for the 8th weekend/month of training. It is our last weekend of actual asana and practice.

This weekend will include:

Sutra Discussions

Gentle Yoga class

Master Flow Yoga class

Student Teachings

Meditation and Silence from Saturday evening until Sunday morning at 8:30 am

More Meditation

Pheonix Rising Yoga

In May we go back to take our final exam (totally paranoid about that) and for graduation.

Also remember to check out Asheville Yoga Blog! I will be submitting posts from time to time. I recenlty published a brief piece on Spring Cleaning your Yoga Mat!

Yoga, yoga yoga...

2010-04-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

Had a pretty awesome mysore practice this morning. Nothing crazy Asana wise; although I am improving on my transitions and dropbacks (I need to work on both a little more on my own time outside of the practice)
Starting to see the same people every mysore morning and that is refreshing. A fellow student was talking about her pups this morning. One boxer and one french bulldog; thus we immediatly bonded over furry babies. I love my furrbaby. I need to post some new photos of her. She is stinkier and cuter than ever...

I felt amazing after practice; my wrist was a little wonky in the beginning but really grounding evenly through the palm helped stabalize it a bit.
After a super sweaty practice I cleaned up and headed to work. On my way out I ran into an old fellow monday night mysore student (from over a year ago when we would practice mysore in the little room with 7 of us shoved in there--it was our own little monday night meet up...and it was awesome) It was good to see her. Then I ran into another dear friend; one that I traveled with to Islamorada a few years ago in hopes of practicing with Guruji but he fell ill.
It was great to see her. The community around a studio is pretty amazing. I think I've been practicing with M and the studio since 2007. Such a great yoga family.

This weekend:
Saturday - Teach at 11 and 12, Dogwood festival with Denver & JP
Sunday- Mysore practice at 10, Assisting class at 12

I need to put the final touches on my final paper, gathern my homework for teacher training next weekend! Only 2 more weekends (April & May) and I graduate! :)

Intense back bends...

2010-04-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!

Mysore this morning was intense. It started just fine; although I was a bit distracted with having to blow my nose a few times during practice...gotta love allergy season!

I was given some good tips for my chattarunga (a work in progress!) When doing it right it feels so right but it is so hard!

Back bending was intense today...seriously intense. I was short on time so after my last backbend my teacher told me to do shoulder stand and the savasana. After class and my whole drive to work I was super shaky and emotional. First time that has happened. Weird.

Not much else! This coming up weekend is the Dogwood Festival. Denver & I love going every year to look at the amazing artists and photography. So we will probably do that one day this weekend.

Ashtanga Inspiration

2010-04-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to ArkieYogini for sharing her experience of the Old Shala Workshop at Miami Life Center.

This video is great! It has given me a few tips to work on; as I still am stumbling with my jump backs and jump throughs.

Yoga Blog roll

2010-04-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

I would have never found this blog list without the help of Joy of Yoga! This awesome extensive blog roll list is great (not because I am on it...) but there are a ton of great blogs and sites listed.

I was surprised to see I made the list, that is really nice!
So in yoga news; I am putting the finishing touches on my final paper for teacher training. My subject is Yoga and Buddhism. I am also building my sequence to teach, learning my sun salute (which is funny because I was assigned Ashtanga Surya Namaskar A- one I do know pretty well. Although I was kind of liking the Traditional Sun Salute- reminds me of Dharma Mittra's classes.

Today I made it to morning mysore practice at Balance...it was a rough practice today and I know it was because of lack of sleep and I was just due for an off practice. It was time. So I am glad that is out of the way! :)
I was a ball of mush once I got to backbending; but I made it through. Thank goodness!

I think I am doing something wrong in two things (and need to talk to my teacher about it) Chattarung- done the right way is feeling better; it is harder, but I still feel a bit of pain in my upper right arm. My headstands have been a bit "off" and I think it is tweaking my neck muscles. They are pretty sore today...so I need to be more mindful and pay attention.

Not much else to report. Besides the city of Atlanta was in a nice yellowish-green fog today. My silver car has a new paint job. Love the spring in Atlanta; and the Pollen is just a by-product. :)

Finally back on my mat

2010-04-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

Mysore practice....after a week off!
Today I made it to the studio for practice; I haven't done a full practice in well over a week due to this cold. Today I felt ready. I had a few coughs and just a few times I had to slow down to remember how to breathe out of my nose...since I haven't been able to do that in a week as well!
The treat was that there were two teachers today; and a larger group of mysore students. So that was a nice surprise. Another suprise was that even though I haven't practiced the full series in over a week; I didn't loose too much ground. My body opened back up pretty quickly. My jump back/throughs were a bit rusty- but they are still works in progress :)
But the main asanas were not incredibly difficult. I was able to bind on both sides of Marichyasana D (with help from my teacher of course) and dropbacks were okay; a little intense today. But my teacher said she made me work a little harder with them than normal. :)
Felt great to practice; and so many familiar kind faces in the room.
Also practicing with the windows open and it 80 degrees outside is pretty darn nice! At the end of practice I felt better; able to breathe better too!

Being sick this last week was a reminder how attached I am to the physical practice of Yoga, and a reminder that there is much more to the "practice" than just asana.

Theres a new blog in town...

2010-04-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I am a huge supporter of the Asheville Yoga Center. My relationship with AYC began last May when I enrolled in the 5-Day Vinyasa Teacher Training. I distinctly remember the first few days calling my dear friend and saying "I am not sure...I don't know..." about the studio, the teacher, etc...
By day 5 my world was turned upside down, I was also very touched by Stephanie as a teacher. After a lot of thinking and debtaing and discussion I managed to sign up for the 9 month teacher training that began in October of 2009. In just two months 25+ teachers will emerge from AYC.

Well, as the family continues to grow so does AYC! They just annouced their plans to build a truly green yoga studio! They are expanding their space to include a new building. If you know much about AYC; they bring amazing teachers to the Southeast; from Cora Wen, Doug Keller, Rod Stryker, Bryan Kest, Doug Swenson, David Swenson and Chandra Om...just to name a few!

Their plans are to build another space in order to have regular weekend classes; alongside the amazing workshop weekends!
Congrats AYC!

You can follow along with the AYC community on their new blog. Follow along with the construction of the new green studio and also read some inspiring articles or yummy recipes.
I really enjoyed Attaining Imperfection on and off the mat by Ann Ferguson.
AYC is creating a wonderful online community that is a true reflection of what goes on in the studio with the famous cloud wall (as pictured below)

My teacher & inspiration- Stephanie Keach

Other ways to follow AYC: Facebook and Twitter
If you are in the Southeast and want to attend some amazing workshops check out their site; also their teacher training is pretty awesome!

Ginger

2010-04-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! It is sun shining and 70+ degrees outside today.
Along with spring I have what I believe is my very first chest cold. I don't remember ever really having one before. Most of my colds are always sinus related.
So this has been a difficult 2-3 days. Yesterday I officially lost my voice. Today it is still very manly sounding and comes and goes. Doesn't work well with the phone calls I make for work.

Today I made some homemade ginger tea and that seemed to help with the discomfort a bit.
I will make another pot in a moment.
Very simple:
Grate or cut fresh ginger
Use filtered water
Place into pot and bring to boil
Cook on low/medium 10 min
Cover and remove from stove to steep for an additional 10min
Mix in Honey and lemon if you desire. Honey is great for soothing your throat as well; and raw honey is best.

**It can be pretty spicy!**

Not much asana this week. My body craves it but I can't truly breathe...so with advice from a friend I've done legs up the wall and meditation. That has been my practice this week.

Pitta...all the way

2010-03-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

So training this weekend was interesting! Filled with so much information and a little asana. The training is winding down. One more weekend of Asana and learning. Then our final weekend with our exam and one on one's with Steph!

So the weekend ended with Vishnu Das- a lecture and exercise on Ayurveda. I was SO inspired!
When we did out little worksheet and discussed our Constitutions...it was almost comical for me personally. I have an Ayurveda book (strange enough it is the one by Vishnu Das Teacher! I got it last year thinking I would take a course and the book was required reading...but I never followed through...but it entered back into my life...INTERESTING) and I haven't read it yet!
But I've done a few of the Ayurveda tests in the past. So I grouped up with a fellow trainee and we helped each other verify our own opinions.
Get this
4 Vata
30 Pitta
3 Kapha

I am like full-blooded Pitta...and Vishnu agreed. (Well he actually said that: and after he looked at my hands) It is comical...because for my constitution I do everything Opposite that I should do and "over stoke" my pitta/fire.
I have some reading ahead...I just feel it :)

If you are Pitta Dosha predominant, you are very intelligent, logical and perceptive, although very critical too. You are also prone to fiery emotions such as irritability and anger and have no problem expressing them. You can be very convincing and articulate. You possess a strong will and are dignified, yet you also experience righteous indignation easily. You make a good leader and are helpful and kind to your friends and followers, but you can be cruel and unforgiving to your enemies.

With a Pitta predominant constitution, you tend to be bold and adventurous, inventive and ingenious. You are not very sentimental, have good discrimination and also a good memory. You enjoy power and would like to spread your name and fame around the world. Try to remain calm, especially in the summer, and cultivate felings of peace and compassion. Meditation is a must for you.

When aggravated, Pitta Dosha can cause an aggressive, controlling and destructive behavior, along with feelings of hatred, jealousy and vindictiveness. Pitta type of disorders include hyperacidity, ulcers, skin eruptions, colitis, Chron's disease, chronic fatigue, liver problems and many inflammatory conditions. Pitta governs digestion, assimilation, absorption, body temperature and metabolism.

So Friday I made it to the Jivamukti class with Stephanie Johnson at AYC. She has a really nuturing tone to her class. She was tough yet kind. The class also kicked my butt :)

Friday evening I headed to training; we had the lovely Shala. She was wonderful (as always) and we did a flow class focused on shoulders and wrists. Followed by our group relaxations we had to lead. Then final meditation.

Saturday was Anusara with Joe Taft. His class was focused on Psoas...if you've read my blog you know I have sciatica caused by my piriformis on my left side. (I've had an x-ray to rule out spinal issues and soon after saw Gina Minyard who helped me understand my issue)

The class was wonderful and I highly recommend practicing with Joe if you are interested in Anusara!!

Saturday we also had Dr. Biddle. He was interesting (to say the least) and had treated many "recovering Vegans and vegetarians" I will leave it at that. He was very funny, and direct and interesting to listen to!!

Sunday started with Marion...our last anatomy class. She is so wonderful at explaining anatomy. Seriously for anyone who hasn't taken an anatomy class this stuff is like an unfamiliar language.
However, Marion helps break it down for the "lay" people!!!

After lunch we haad Vishnu Das. Whom I mentioned at the beginning. Serioulsy, just take a moment and take the quiz on their site. Just look at it!

So...while heading out of class I started getting the allergy symptoms. Itchy throat, itchy eyes, etc...
About 20-30 min into my drive I was MISERABLE! I had a horrible reaction.
I took several benedryl. As of right now Iam still suffering. Itchy eyes, ears, nose and sore throat.

I feel like crap!

Ok...time for more benedryl, hot tea....and hopefully sleep if I can breathe!
P.S. Can't believe we only have 2 weekends left at training..... wow!
Here are some photos!

mark leading us in asana (above and below)

Ready for Chanting with Steph! (Don't I have the most beautiful amazing yoga teacher...Serioulsy!!!) And...she is an amazing singer!

A new week and a new Asana

2010-03-22T06:40:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday!
And we are greeted with light snow in Atlanta! How odd!!
This morning headed to mysore practice. It was yummy...again. I know that typically after a good practice; the next one seems a bit "rough" but today was pretty good.
Also, the mysore community at balance seems to be growing. I think when I left the room had 6 people. That is pretty good.

My practice was sweaty (as usual...) and my body felt pliable. I think not eating after 4:00/5:00 is making a difference in my morning practice.
Still working on my "jump throughs" I will get it one day.
Lets see...getting my head closer to the floor on Prasarita Padottanasana A which means my hamstrings are waking up :)

Was able to "touch" my hands in Marichyasana D but I can't balance and bind without my teacher. But the thing is that I was able to tough on both sides. So that is showing consistent progress. The thing is that it is a tough tough twist for me...but honestly it feels pretty awesome on my spine.

Hmmm...what else about practice; Oh yes!!!! My teacher moved me onto a new asana. No more stopping at Navasana. lol
So worked Bhuja Pidasana Always fun to work on something new and challenging. Then onto backbending...which was wonderful. I love backbending. One day I will be able to come up on my own....one day.

So, this week will be busy. I finished both of my papers for training; Breathing book review and Yoga & Hinduism. My brain got so overloaded when I was doing the 2nd paper. Goodness!

Friday I head back up to Asheville. May is going to be here so quick!!
Okay, lots to do! Enjoy your Monday.

Mysore- quick post...

2010-03-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

This morning I made it to mysore practice. Twice this week; that felt awesome!
I can see when I go to the studio more than once for mysore in one week; I seem big progress. Mainly because my teacher is hands on and there to help me into the poses she knows I need help in.
I can see changes...
Denver and I are not eating after like 6:00pm too. We noticed we've been eating sooo late. So that is making my morning practices a bit lighter as well.

Today I did bind on one side of Marichyasana D! My teacher also helped me through the entire backbending sequence; I've never done that...
And I bound on Padmasana (for about 5 seconds them my right hand slipped) but it is interesting to see the changes!
The last 2-3 practices have been nice; but I am not getting attached... Because nothing is ever linear!

Practice, Practice, Practice...

2010-03-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

Reminder from my teacher:
It's a lot of work to travel down this path and you have to: 1) Have faith in it. Believe in it. See how others have benefited from it and keep reminding yourself that it works! 2) Choose to do the work and stay with it. Doubt in the practice and in yourself will get you no where.

Thought I would share. :) As she is always very inspiring to me.
Which is interesting because she sent me this some time last week. And on Sunday evening I attended Sangha where we talked about the 5 Hindrances in Theravada Buddhism: Sensory Desire, Ill will/Anger, Sloth and Torpor, Worry/Restlessness, Doubt.

I seem to always make it up to....Worry and doubt. Those are my 2 hindrances that I never get past. I think I have a good hold on the first 3 (although the sloth likes to appear from time to time) :)

On a different note: Friday morning I made it to the studio for Mysore practice. A few days away from the practice and I was worried. But it was a pretty good practice. I had some pretty good binds and dropbacks. Plus got my nose to my knee in the Janu's.

Saturday night we had the Partnering for Humanity Event. It went pretty well! It was a fun partner class and my partner was Rawls!

Sunday was a bit of a lazy morning. Then we headed to Sangha. It was a blissful hour long meditation and 2+ hours of dharma teachings. I really enjoy being in Bhante's presence; and being there with my husband is a great way to strengthen your connection.

This morning I was up and out the door at 5:30 for Mysore again. Even though it was a moon day. My practice was pretty good; it was definitely what I needed!

Some little accomplishments in Utthita Hasta Padangustasana; Reached my nose to my thigh in that! Plus my nose to my thigh in Paschimottanasana. So for me that is huge. I am more "back bendy" I have a sway back and those types of moves don't harbor me that much. But forward folding for me...has been difficult. The hamstrings say NO! But with consistent practice they are opening up a good bit; but it takes those 10 sun salutes in the beginning to get them going!

I was also able to touch both toes in Badha Padmasana! (Bound Lotus)

Little by little my body is opening back up to the primary series.

However, I am on this antibiotic that is making me feel so FUNKY! Dislike dislike, but it is the only that does the job :(

Other than that...life is good. Busy! I need to put the finishing touches on my 2 papers due! And Study!! Okay--happy monday!

Winding down...

2010-03-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

Weekend 6 of training is complete; only 3 more left! I go back again this month, and then once in April and we Graduate in May. Just can't believe it!
I really need to set aside some time to study anatomy more.
I also have 2 papers to write and lots of evaluation, assisting and teaching to do.

The weekend was fun. I went up early for Jivamukti class. That class was awesome.
Discussion on one sutra we were focusing on during class; a kick-butt asana practice, good music, pranayama and meditation. Just wonderful!
Friday night for training we had to lead our groups in meditation. That was nice.
Saturday was kids yoga and then Kundalini and Bikram.
Sunday was Shala's master class that was soo well rounded and wonderful. Then some more adjustment work and sequencing games.
We closed out with some time with Stephanie and chanting.
It is sad it is getting so close to being complete. Yet wonderful all at the same time.

So many ideas floating around in my head of what I want to do...

This morning I woke up and got on my mat. It was what I needed to start the week off right!

Celebrate!

2010-03-02T09:37:00.000-08:00

Well today has been lovely so far...31 feels good.
I woke up later than I would have liked; but the overcast made my room so comfy.
Right now it is snowing outside my home office window..and it looks cold.
When I strolled into my office on my desk I was suprised by the cutest hello kitty bag!

My husband spoiled me with new books.
I've been looking at this one for sometime.
Mindfulness in Plain English. Denver has/is reading some other books by Bhante Guaratana.
Plus this is recommended on Sarah Powers reading list. So I wanted to add it to my Dharma books collection.

Then he found this book; One Nights Shelter. It is one you can't find in stores. He located a used version on Amazon. This is by Bhante Yogavacara Rahula. He runs the Bhavana Society with Bhante Guaratana. When we go to Sangha and mediate with "our" Bhante at the Vihara he has mentioned Bhante Yogavacara Rahula. it was after he realized I practiced and studied yoga. He said that Bhante Yogavacara Rahula was a funny guy and yogi. He mentioned this book and I was so happy Denver got it for me. It is an Autobiography of how Bhante Yogavacara Rahula "finds the path of Yoga and Buddhist Meditation, escaping the jungle of a Vietnam Veteran's trauma, of drug taking and dealing, of jail in Afghanistan, of an uprooted desolate life style... One Night's Shelter is an entertaining adventure book and at the same time a straight forward introduction into the Buddha's Teachings."

As if I wasn't spoiled enough! Nicole sent me a wonderful gift!!
A copy of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - By Edwin F. Bryant
Nicoel talked highly of Edwin F. Bryant from her teacher training with Dharma Mittra.
It is such a sweet gift and a wonderful addition to my yoga/buddhist studies.
It is also just a beautifully put together version

I am on book-over-load! I still have several to finish for Teacher Training. But lets just say I have reading material to keep me busy until 2010! And the hard part is I want to read them all NOW! :)
Oh yes and I have my very own minature Probert thanks to Nicole :)
If you need to know who Probert is in real life take a look at him here and here (the cutest face EVER) well besides Chai of course... no person or dog can out-cute this face:

Off to enjoya mexican feast my husband is cooking....

Last day as a 30yr old :)

2010-03-01T09:25:00.000-08:00

This morning I hit my mat for mysore practice at Balance yoga. My last practice as a 30year old. Tomorrow when I get on my mat I will be one year older....which is odd because I don't feel over 23-25 years old...

Anyway, this morning was a good turn out. About 6-7 of us I think. I was able to use my new Manduka Mat. It was a birthday present and the last mat that will need to be purchased for my use. It will take a few practices to get that slick layer off the top. Luckily the yogi toes is now getting used. It has been out of comission for awhile.

Anyway, my practice was good. I was able to bing in Marich. C on both sides; which was a first. I kept my practice a little light; just stepping back rather than jumping back (for most vinyasas) saving some of my energy; and trying to build stamina.
Made it to backbending; was able to do 3 on my own and with help managed 3 drop backs. It was intense; but felt great.

So this weekend I head back to Asheville for weekend 6 of training. We actually have a training weekend twice this month! I finished my paper and I am almost done with Miracle of Mindfulness by TNH.

So I am looking forward to the weekend. I can't believe we are almost done. In May it will be complete. I am debating on driving up early on Friday to attend the Jivamukti Class at AYC. My housemate went last time and said it was a really really good class. So I think I want to try it. I don't think anyone in Georiga offers Jivamukti Classes. I have the book and DVD (christmas present) I find it interesting and alluring for some reason. Perhaps because SKP Jois was one of Sharon and David's teachers. And when we went by their studio in NYC it was just captivating. There was a mix up when we went to the studio and we missed the class we intended to take. So we opted for tea in their cafe.
PLUS I like Sharon's book a lot. Yoga and Vegetarianism.

Well...lots of work to do and need to enjoy the rest of my day!
Hope you do the same!

Heavy...

2010-02-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

This week has been so intense. My weekend was intense, my office has been intense. Just so much "intensity"
I think that affected my practice a bit today during mysore practice at Balance. I was present; very sleepy and very heavy.
M and I taked after my practice and it did occur to me that it was probably due to my 9:30pm dinner...that is what I get for working until 8:30pm at the office. No more of that!

My practice was heavy; like I mentioned. Once I got to Surya Namasakar B I knew it was going to be that kind of practice. But of course I received some great tips to work on; like the cycling of my feet. Something I've worked on for a long time. As a child I walked with my toes pointed out (imagine heels together and toes pointing out...kind of like a V) Well apparenlty my mom had to buy special shoes and all... Well that has carried over with the external rotation of my thighs in everything I do...sitting, standing, etc... Which contributes to my sciatia flairups...
And I think it also carries over to my practice. Like trying to pin down my pinkie toes in updog or in triang mukhaikapada paschimottanasana.

I think there is a disconnect between my brain and my tailbone and my brain and my pinkie toes. :)

I've been working from home today. Tonight I am headed to Decatur to work on a yoga project. I will give more info on that later.
Okay more work to be done. Updates this weekend :)

Mat time...

2010-02-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

"Today I realized... I know where home is."

I've begun to offer up my practice daily as merits and to others who need healing, love, compassion, for those that suffer. I am trying to be unattached to the outcome/fruits of the practice. Otherwise ego is invovled. This method is working for me. Making me happier on my mat and not trying to "attain" anything.

With that in mind--this morning I was up and out the door by 5:00am. I made it to Balance for Mysore practice. Alongside a fellow friend/Ashtangi- which is always inspiring. She was acutally doing a full vinyasa between posese; which I don't normally pay attention to what others are doing. I am pretty centered (most of the time) but I noticed she was adding in more vinyasa ala Lino style.
It was inspiring.

My personal practice on my mat felt great. I can't tell you what it looked liked but I felt pretty awesome after! We worked on Marichyasana D more and slowly my upper body is opening and my darn shoulders are very tight! I never really noticed that until I started realizing binding is becoming more and more difficult (which has to be from typing at a computer all day).
Teacher did tell me to do Navasana...so we are moving on bit by bit in Primary.

Today I also did 4 Urdhva Dhanurasana (backbends) and my 5th one being a dropback.
During the backbending she made me pay closer attention to bringing my elbows towards one another while pushing up rather than "splaying" out to the sides as I normally do. This caused for a little more intensity and fired up my shoulders but it felt like the "right" way to get into it.
My dropback was fine...however I think I almost knocked my teacher over when I came back up! Oops!!

All in all a nice practice. My mantra still is and may always be "tuck the tailbone" or lengthen the tailbone to the floor (which ever version you like best) My tailbone has a mind of its own I swear!

But for me how I judge my practice (if there is such a thing) is how I feel internally after. I felt awake, clean, better, happier. So that to me equates to a great practice.
It was hard work...but worth it.

Tonight starts my assisting in the Friday night Intermediate class. I will just observe tonight and the next 6 classes I will be assisting/adjusting as the teacher directs. This is "homework" for my Yoga Teacher Training Certification. I have until May to assist at 6 classes, plus I have to teach at least 2 classes a month on my own. And there is lots of reading to finish up on, studying anatomy, 1 paper on the Endocrine system, 2 more book reviews and my large 5-10 page paper. All of this in the next 3 months.

*********************************************************************************
I have to say I've gone back and forth on styles/practices for the last 2 years. I've questioned every form I've practiced. When I start to think I've made up my mind or I think I've "figured it out" ...well that is when little things have a way of unfolding and showing what you really need.

Something clicked for me yesterday....Sometimes I don't need to question everything. Just like the Zen approach to meditation; I just need to sit. I need to sit and be still and calm my moneky mind.

Well the same thing with yoga practice. The Ashtanga Primary Series is referred to as Yoga Chikitsa, which translates as Yoga Therapy. The therapy is pretty simple to understand yet hard to execute. Asana (including Bandhas), Breath, and Dristi (gaze/focus)
So really just 3 things to remember. That is a stripped down very basic over view.
But really, I just need to show up, I need to sit with it, I need to be still within and let it happen.

Birthday Celebrations!

2010-02-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

In my house the next two weeks are Birthday Celebrations! No real parties or gifts, but my husbands birthday is this Saturday!

I teach 2 classes on Saturday but then we will probably head to the movies and maybe dinner? I'd love to get some friends together for maybe Green Sprout!
In one week and a few days I will be celebrating my 31st!

For my birthday the only thing I would like from my family or friends...is yoga! Of course lol!

Class Card at Balance Yoga and maybe the Matthew Sweeny- Ashtanga as it is book Which you can buy at Balance too! or at Amazon Or class card at Ashtanga Yoga Atlanta (pretty much the only other studio I go to from time to time)

I am not asking for gifts...I don't expect any either. But in case the family is reading and is inspired to get me something...there you go!

So 31....I can't believe it because most days I still don't feel over 25. I do sleep more and do more married-lady stuff. But on the inside I feel 25.

ZEN SPIRIT

2010-02-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

TRADITIONAL ZEN SPIRIT

The most important things in our practice are our physical posture and our way of breathing. We are not so concerned about a deep understanding of Buddhism. As a philosophy, Buddhism is a very deep, wide, and firm system of thought, but Zen is not concerned about philosophical understanding. We emphasize practice. We should understand why our physical posture and breathing exercise are so important. Instead of having a deep understanding about teaching, we need a strong confidence in our teaching, which says that originally we have Buddha nature. Our practice is based on this faith.
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According to the traditional Buddhist understanding, our human nature is without ego. When we have no idea of ego, we have Buddha’s view of life. Our egoistic ideas are delusion, covering our Buddha nature. We are always creating and following them, and in repeating this process over and over again, our life becomes completely occupied by ego-centered ideas. This is called karmic life, or karma. The Buddhist life should not be karmic life. The purpose of our practice is to cut off the karmic spinning mind. If you are trying to attain enlightenment, that is a part of karma, you are creating and being driven by karma, and you are wasting your time on your black cushion. …
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Before Bodhidharma, the study of Buddha’s teaching resulted in a deep and lofty philosophy of Buddhism, and people tried to attain its high ideal. This is a mistake. Bodhidharma discovered that it was a mistake to create some lofty or deep idea and then try to attain it by the practice of zazen. If that is our zazen, it is nothing different from our usual activity, or monkey mind. It looks like a very good, a very lofty and holy activity, but actually there is no difference between it and our monkey mind. …
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When we have the traditional spirit to follow the truth as it goes, and practice our way without any egoistic idea, then we will attain enlightenment in its true sense. And when we understand this point we will make our best effort in each moment. That is true understanding of Buddhism. So our understanding of Buddhism is not just an intellectual understanding. Our understanding at the same time is its own expression, is the practice itself. Not by reading or contemplation of philosophy, but only through practice, actual practice, can we understanding what Buddhism is. Constantly, we should practice zazen, with strong confidence in our true nature, breaking the chain of karmic activity and finding our place in the world of actual practice.

Excerpts are from Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, by Shunryu Suzuki, Weatherhill, 1973, p.99-102.

This was received in my monthly Zazen email....it was interesting enough to contemplate. But I suppose if I am contemplating it I am creating karmic life or ego-centered ideas. But it is how I am wired...I question everything. I suppose I should just sit on my zafu.

The practice of Zen Buddhism interests me. I like it; and I like Theravada as well.

Zen is simple...really really simple yet difficult (and you know what I mean if you've ever sat on your Zafu for 2 hours straight)

Ashtanga

2010-02-14T13:35:00.000-08:00

What a weekend of weather!
Friday evening I had plans to attend Kino MacGregors Demo, meditation and discussion. But 4 inches of snow in my driveway and the roads surrounding my home decided I had a different set of plans :(
I was able to make it to Kino's Mysore class today at balance
It was a packed studio and I was lucky enough to practice next to my teacher M.
My actual practice was okay. I did realize at one point I had forgetten 2 postures.
Oh well, I reminded myself...non-attahment and keep going.
I was the first one completed in the room. My practice runs about an hour since I stop at Marichyasana D. I asked M before class if I should only practice up to Marich D and she said yes.
So I went onto closing and then I was done. It was great to practice among friends and with my teacher and with Kino whom just fills a room with light.

I was sad that I didn't attend the entire weekend like I had hoped. But lack of funds kept me from signing up and it sold out pretty quick.
I am blessed enough to have been there today.

After practice I went to Whole Foods and grabbed a quick bite and headed home. I did come home to some sad news. But "this too shall pass" and I will deal with the sadness.

I am looking forward to a good week. We are looking at getting MORE snow in the morning too!

Be Safe & stay warm!!!

Pure Joy

2010-02-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful weekend!!

Friday I drove up to the beautiful Mountains for Yoga teacher training part 5. We only have 2 visits in March, 1 in April and one is May. Then We graduate!! It is flying by.

Friday & Saturday we spent with Shala. She is truly wonderful.
Friday we did our typicaly check in then we did some restorative/yin poses and then discussions on the Gita.

Saturday was yin/yang class, more Gita/Vedas discussions, The sutras discussions, working with forearm balance, before lunch we did a 20 min Yoga Nidra. After lunch was a video of Sharon Gannon & David Life. Then later that evening was an introduction to Chakras and a yoga sequence and meditation for the Chakras.
The visual meditation was wonderful.

Saturday most of the ladies headed out for Thai food. I went back to our house. Ate some food and took a lovely hot shower and read. It was nice getting a few quiet solitude moments in the hectic weekend.

Sunday we worked with another teacher in the Iyengar Tradition working on shoulderstand and headstand.

Then we got to spend some time with Stephanie; whom I adore more and more each time we work with her. She cranked up some fun music and we did a master inversion class working with forearm balance (pincha), Handstand and headstand. Lots of flow and hips in there too!

Then we ended with the Gayatri mantra (which we always do when Stephanie ends the weekend)

I am sure I am missing something...but it was a great weekend.
I only got one photo!

Stephanie is truly amazing, to me anyway. She is a jewel in my yogic path. I am lucky to have found so many wonderful people. She will always have an impact on my practice.

So, I said good-bye to Asheville for a few weeks and headed home. I listened to my saints play on the radio and made it home just in time for that insane on sides kick. My husband, Chai and I hung out and enjoyed the victory. Received calls and texts from family memebers. History was made :)

Discipline

2010-02-04T06:12:00.001-08:00

I've never practiced with Doug Keller. But someone posted on Facebook about his book Yoga Yoga as Theraphy

I know he is part of the 500hr training AYC holds. So I searched for him on youtube.

I like this interview and the best little jewel I got out of it is at the very end:

"Discipline is remembering what you want"

Workshops, Mexico...a girl can daydream

2010-02-04T04:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to Mysore at Balance.
Not a lot of changes in my practice. Still working up to Marchi. D. Can't bind yet!
But I was given lots of wonderful tips to work on in my practice from my teacher.
Things that you always notice you are doing; but becoming habits and not good ones.
Like my tailbone (that thing has a mind of its own!) and some good suggestions for improving my chattarunga.
Today, My hamstrings are reminding me what Mysore practice feels like.

Speaking of Ashtanga Balance has some new people on their workshop list this year!!!
Check it out; Kino next week, Tim Feldman this Summer and Paul Dallaghan in May!
If only money grew on trees I could spend my time going to so many amazing workshops.

Also AYC has a HUGE list of people this year. Some of which include: Chandra Om, Bryan Kest, and Doug Keller.

And what I wouldn't give to go to Maya Talum for a week with Stephanie during Thanksgiving!!
But we will see where the cards fall.
Work is picking up and if things continue it might might might (slightest of slight chance) actually work out where I can go?? I am staying open to the idea.

Plus I have to travel to the great midwest this year (Chicago) to see dear friends and my little niece and nephews too! So I will roll with the punches and see what turns up!

So, remaining present--back to the now- I woke up with a major headache (sinuses) and decided to work from home today. Right not I am enjoying coffee and catching up on emails. About to do a short yoga practice and then get to work.
Lots to do before I head to Asheville tomorrow for week 5 of Teacher training. Officially we are over the 1/2 way mark. Can't believe it.
Lots of changes in these last few months (more internal than external)

Operation Lotus

2010-02-01T08:38:00.000-08:00

There are many pieces of wisdom in the piece below. Written by an amazing yogini; Kino MacGregor of Miami Life Center.

She will also be here in Atlanta in just a few weeks!

So read on and enjoy the MANY jewels in this piece.

Operation Lotus by Kino MacGregor

The experience of your first yoga class feels like embarking on a mysterious adventure into a whole new terrain. As your curiosity peers into the incense-filled hallways lined with Ganesh and Shiva the open-hearted calm beckons you to travel into your own sacred inner realm. The seductive power of yoga is an addictive calling to go deeper into yourself. Once you experience first hand how magical yoga is, all resistance becomes futile.

Regardless of your intention when you plants the first seeds of your lotus flower the transformative power of this ancient spiritual science works on a deep level of your being. Many people start yoga for fitness reasons only to find that yoga changes their lives in ways far beyond the physical. Even if you are not a true believer and only wish to receive the physical health benefits of yoga, merely attending a yoga class regularly will have a lasting impact on your life. The beauty of the physical yoga postures is that you do not actually need to believe in them in order for the healing power of yoga to work. Hatha yoga approaches the transformation of the human spirit from the body first and then works its way subtly through to the mind and soul. The body itself is an avenue to the spiritual that works from the inside out. As you water the seeds of padmasana the full blooming lotus opens in your mind and soul.

Entering the new world of yoga is the first conscious step to live a more peaceful life. The initiatory phase of yoga is your chance to powerful create your life moment to moment and live your highest potential every day. As a neophyte it is important to remember that it is natural to feel overwhelmed when you realize just how demanding spiritual discipline really is. Rather than a recreational activity that you can keep separate from your life, yoga asks you to transform your whole life to abide by yogic principles. If at first you find yourself drawn to the physical display of power in advanced asana you quickly see that the heart of yoga reaches far deeper than the postures themselves. Indeed the asanas are only used to purify the body, practice meditative states of unified consciousness and prepare the physical form to be a home for divinity in the world of mind and matter. The more advanced asanas are not ends in and of themselves. Instead the real work of yoga happens on the inner body and is actually the seed of your own enlightenment beginning to flower.

Like a open invitation to the spiritual path yoga never places commandments on practitioners from above. When you start practicing yoga the body itself becomes more sensitive and then asks you to live a more pure lifestyle. While the moral and ethic codes of a yogic lifestyle ask practitioners to be an instrument of kindness, compassion and healing in the world, the choice to live a peaceful is meant to be a sincere feeling that each practitioners feels for themselves before acting upon it. Practicing asana makes the body more sensitive so that you feel more clearly the impact that unhealthy behavior, negative thoughts and destructive emotions have on you. Yoga never tells you what you can and cannot do. It is a path of liberation not bondage. It is a path of direct knowingness rather than rules and edicts. The practice of yoga itself opens your body and mind to desire wholly a new way of being, living and interacting with yourself and others. It is the heightening of your own awareness that facilitates the transformation. You change not because your teacher tells you to but because yoga opens the door to a new way of being that you choose to walk through with joy, ease and grace. The journey into the lotus heart of yoga is a lifelong spiritual practice that bears flowers in this life and beyond.

Faced with the seemingly insurmountable goal of ultimate enlightenment many new students doubt their ability to ever progress along the arduous path of yoga. They look at their teachers or other accomplished practitioners and wonder how they will ever get from their relative feeling of confusion to the clarity, grace and precision they see in the masterful art form of yoga. Yet small seeds do not doubt whether they will become trees. They trust the natural process of evolution and growth that takes them from seeds to sprouting seedlings to flowering, fruitful trees. With proper nutrients, care and love the flower of your inner lotus is sure to grow to maturity in the fertile soil of your own consciousness. Every accomplished yogi today has benefitted from the guidance of their teachers and been nurtured by the yoga community. Every yoga teacher today has also nourished their own journey with their own dedication and devotion. If you are a new students of yoga remember that you hold the key to the power of yoga. It is in your own heart that the seed of spiritual investigation must take root, watered by the flow of your own consciousness. When you embark on your own operation lotus know that this journey is timeless one that never ends, only deepens. Small treasures abound when you attempt challenging postures that seem impossible that with time, dedication and guidance evolve into possibility.

Flow with the breath, be mindful, no judgement

2010-01-25T06:56:00.001-08:00

What a weekend. My home team; the New Orleans Saints; are going to the Super Bowl!!! :)
History in the making!

I stayed up past my bedtime then was up at 4:30 am. Headed out the door by 5:00am for Mysore practice at the Studio.
It was a pretty busy room this morning.

I set an intention for this practice: Flow with the breath, be mindful, no judgement.
I repeated this often to myself. It helped keep my practice lighter.

I didn't eat dinner late and I could tell a bit of a difference in my body. I re-read David Swensons book recently and reviewed some of his tips on Jump Backs and Forward.

With instruction from my teacher I am still only practicing up to Marichyasana D.

I can't fully bind yet. So, she really wants me to get that prior to moving into the next postures.
So I am keeping with it...and not judging. Apparently my shoulders are just too tight.
But..no judgement. Just keep working through it :)
Backbending today was good. I was tempted to try dropbacks; because I dreamed about them last night. How lame am I to dream about my yoga practice! lol
I love it...can't help it.

So the rest of the week is home practice. Lets see if I can keep up with my intention for the entire week: Flow with the breath, be mindful, no judgement

National Yoga Day

2010-01-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

Today was a great turn out.
Started at 9:30 and went until 4:30.
Intro to Yoga - I took this class; it was lovely.
Yin/Yang Class-More Yang than Yin. But nice.
Intro to Mindful Meditation- Really relaxing meditation
Intro to Vinyasa Yoga- I taught this class. Since it was expanding from the other classs we really built up heat and played around with some fun invesios.
A discussion on Mindful Eating
Ended with 15 meditation.

A really great day!

Mysore, National Yoga Day and Haiti

2010-01-18T10:04:00.000-08:00

The weekend was nice. Relaxed, cleaned the house, got another anatomy book to study for teacher training, finished one of my papers for teacher training. :)

This morning I was up at 4:45 and rolled out of bed and was out the door by 5:15. Headed to Mysore practice.
I was the 2nd student there this AM. I like it when it is nice and quiet. :)
I had to bring back my old orange Jade harmony mat; the travel mat from Jade is good, but not enough cushion for Ashtanga. Tops of my feet were getting bruised when I try to jump through because there is no cushsion.
So I pulled out my trusty older Jade Harmony mat- the thicker one that has been around for 3 years. It is flaking and such, but it did just fine.
I told myself if I keep up with Mysore practice once a week until my 31st Birthday on March 2nd then maybe (if I can afford it) I will finally buy that Manduka Pro mat. They sell them at the studio and I do not want to buy the mat unless I know I will get use out of it.
My harmony mat is fine for daily hatha- but if I intend to keep with a vinyasa/ashtanga practice I need a thicker heavy duty mat. My teacher is going to keep me accountable as well :)

I am in a much more upbeat mood when I go to Mysore classes; I have no clue why.

So practice was sweat inducing and pretty difficult. When Marsha assisted me in urdhva dhanurasana it was intense. I came out after 3 of them and told her I could remember when I could crank out 5 of these and not be THIS tired. But after 3 I was exhausted.
Seriously I am a believer in the "if you don't use it you lose it"

I mean I suppose if you do Ashtanga daily you are getting in all those crazy hard poses and build up endurance.
My endurance is just gone! But I am building it back up.
Don't get me wrong! I love doing yin at night, I love the Jivamukti DVD too. I also balanced such a raja based practice with nice long meditations the last 2 practices and it is a really good combo for me.
After practicing Ashtanga the last day of training a few weeks ago at Asheville Yoga Center; it sort of re-lit my fire and passion for it.
And reminded me that I have an amazing teacher close by that I should not pass up the opprotunity to practice with.

So that was practice today. Now lets see what I do when I get on my mat tomorrow at home :)
I am subbing a class tomorrow night atLotus at 6:30 I think it is a hatha heart focused class. I am going to teach vinyasa and work in a lot of chest openers.

Then on Friday night I am teaching the lovely group of ladies in Atlanta. Then Saturday is National Yoga Day. I am teaching Intro. to Vinyasa at Lotus for donations only going to the Humane Society!!! Plus these help towards my teacher training hours. So two great causes!!

I am also in the works of maybe doing a donation only class at Balance Yoga Atlanta one Saturday for donations to go to Haiti disaster fund. That might be happening next weekend? I'll let you know if that works out or not.

So lots of yoga stuff.
Today I am working from home. So time to get back to it! Hope you had a great weekend.

Lose it....

2010-01-15T07:55:00.001-08:00

This morning I rolled out of bed at 4:45 AM. Well I woke up at 4:15 sooo thirsty so I got up and drank a ton of water. Then I was really UP at 4:45 getting dressed and ready to head to Atlanta.
Walked Chai, grabbed my tea and headed to Mysore Practice at Balance Yoga Atlanta.
The drive up was about 50 min. which is enough time to drink tea and wake up.
I was the first one at the studio so Marsha and I have a moment to catch up and talk about my lack of Primary series practice lately :)
So we decided I would work up to Marichasana C. Since I can't fully bind in that yet.

My actual practice was a bit on the sluggish side. I should have expected it though. I tried to stay positive because even being there was an accomplishment. Some progression in poses some steps backwards in others. But it happens.
When you don’t use it you lose it. And in my personal home practice I noticed I am not “using it” as much as I used to in Ashtanga.

So at the end of practice ever student gets a yummy gift of a cool peppermint towel. A wash cloth they soak in water with peppermint oil and place in their fridge. It is nice when you are sweaty and going into Savasana.

One good thing is I was able to make it to 20 breaths in sirsasana (headstand) and come down with straight legs. :)
Practice, practice, practice.

So I am at the office working away.
TGIF!

Snowy mountain tops and lots and lots of yoga!

2010-01-11T15:59:00.001-08:00

This past weekend was the 4th weekend of our 9 month teacher training at Asheville Yoga Center.

It was SO much fun and both physically and mentally draining. In the good way. From discussion on Nutrition, Ashtanga Yoga, Anglea Farmer, Restoartive and so on.

But the training was awesome. My favorite weekend yet. From beginning to end it challenged me. And we eneded with a full primary series class. Wow. Stephanies approach to that practice is so light hearted. I mean it is a sweaty demanding practice regardless of who teaches it. But she made us giggle and laugh several times through and that made is a little more exciting.

My jump backs and everything was no way in tip top shape. I can tell I've not been practicing the Primary Series as much as I had hoped. But things are shifting and I am not going to fight it. I am trying to really embrace this training. It will be over before I know it and I want to gain whatever is avaialable.

However, it made me wish I lived in Asheville. I literally daydreamed about how it could actually work out. But we have 6 acres here and the whole trip reminded me to make the most of what I have in my life. Denver and I are talking about some ideas for our land. After this weekend I am really really considering doing a Hoop house this spring? With all the veggies we could think of!!Denver has a really good green thumb. (Not me!)

So this weekend was everything I truly needed to get grounded and back on track. The weather was so cold and it snowed very lightly but the remains from the previous weeks snow storm was very visable.

I truly love Asheville. It is a place of many happy things thus far. Looking forward to the next few months!

So a few pictures from the weekend:

Stephanie showing the Ashtanga Float forward

Student assits in the floating forward

Beuatiful Camel pose

Bow Adjustments

Trusting the Flow....

2010-01-02T17:28:00.000-08:00

Now more than ever I am turning inward; truly listening to that inner voice (not the voices in my head silly!) But my true voice, true self?? It was brought about through my teacher training over the last few months.

Slowly opening up more. Listening more. Trying to be receptive.

But now more than ever I think I need that part of myself. I think that part of me is needed to keep the peace in myself to keep the balance in my life. Some days I want the Ashtanga Practice. Some days the Flow is nice. But, I am just at a place in my practice where things are shifting and I am doing my best to trust.

I am hopeful for 2010 and looking forward to finishing my training by May. It has been transformative thus far and I am curious where it is taking me.

Resolutions

2009-12-30T15:47:00.000-08:00

So Tomorrow is New Years Eve and a Full Moon tomorrow as well (no practice for those Ashtangi's out there)

In the spirit of a new year, a new outlook or resolutions you might want to try and check out World Yoga Practice Month .

I joined in last year and it was a lot of fun. It is good to have other yogis in your corner and helping you to commit to a daily practice!

Also on Jan 1 starts the 21 day kick start.
"this program is designed for anyone who wants to explore and experience the health benefits of a vegan diet. The Kickstart will give you an all-access pass to"

I have been a vegetarian for 6 years (I think that is right) and I was vegan for 1 of those 6. Over the last year I was eating dairy and eggs again. Mainly out of laziness. I have no other excuse.

But with that came weight gain, allergies, low energy levels. So for myself I am going to go back Vegan. My husband is Vegetarian and is being supportive (so far)

But this is something I know works for me, my health and my yoga practice as well.
So if you ever wanted to give it a try why not now!
I am looking forward to a great 2010!

Living Your Yoga

2009-12-27T08:57:00.000-08:00

I had to do a book review for my Yoga Teacher Training. I choose Living Your Yoga by Judith Lasater. I've read many yoga books. I could have done it on a book I've already read or on an asana book. But I choose this one. For many many reasons.
But here are a few key parts I enjoyed and watned to share:

“The practices of yoga, which include poses, breathing, meditation, and self-awareness techniques, are difficult in and of themselves. It is also difficult to practice consistently in the midst of our busy lives. In order to commit ourselves to practice, we must have faith that they will be fruitful and accomplish their intent, which is to help us turn towards ourselves and recognize our essential wholeness.”

Another Piece I really really enjoyed:
The Real beginning of spiritual practice is evident when we accept responsibility for ourselves, that is, when we acknowledge that ultimately there are no answers outside of ourselves, and no gurus, no teachers, and no philosophies that can solve the problems of our lives. It is our dedication to living with open hearts and our commitment to the day-to-day details of our lives that will transform us. When we are open to the present moment, we shine forth. At these times, we are not on a spiritual path: we are the spiritual path.

Also:
If there really are no answers outside of ourselves, then we must learn to turn toward ourselves and be comfortable in doing so. Abiding practice can remind us that there is nothing we need to be whole that does not already exist within us.

Contemplation for the day.
Much Love

Merry, Happy, Full...

2009-12-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!
Today was really nice. Low Key and fun.
Got up early, opened gifts, made breakfast and relaxed.
My husband got me some sweet gifts. A beautiful buddha for my yoga space, the Dhammapada, A Jivamukti DVD and the Jivamukti book, David Gray's new CD, A flameless candle for my shrine in my yoga space, and some peppermint bark :)

Then showered and started cooking. On the menu:
Chocolate Pie
Sugar Cookies
Tofurky
Homemade garlic mashed potatos
Gravy
Stuffing
Sweet Potato Casserole
Greenbean Casserole

We listened to music while cooking.
JP stopped by for food and presents. I received a book about Gandhi. Denver got Broncos gear and a Dharma book as well.

Right now Denver is snoring next to me on the sofa and chai is curled up by the fire.
Tomorrow I will get back on my mat early, then we are off to catch movies with JP. Sherlock Holmes :)

Enjoy your long weekend.
Looking forward to 2010

Basics

2009-12-23T07:17:00.000-08:00

Last night I dropped-in on the basics ashtanga class at Balance.
It was a review of the Ashtanga Sun Salutes and Standing Postures. I really enjoyed how each pose was taken a bit slower with a bit more concentration on getting into the pose instead of quickly.
It reminded me of my first taste of Ashtanga. I had signed up for the 6 weeks basics course that Balance offered. Going to the class two times a week for six weeks. That seems ages ago yet my practice feels like I've started over at the beginning. I am almost considering signing up for the basics course again! But the finances are there right now.

Practice was good. I enjoyed it alot.
After practice my teacher and I grabbed a bite at Whole foods and chatted a good bit. She is always very inspiring to me.

I do have sad news though; I am not going to be able to go to the Week yoga workshop with Kino & Tim next year. I just can't justify the money for traveling to Miami and staying a week. I am sad, but know I will have other opportunities. I am hoping I can atleast attend some of Kino's workshop at Balance in February.

Well, Christmas is upon us!
I am off of work Thursday & Friday. I might do a bit of work from home this weekend. But 4 days to be with my husband and pup.
Tofurky, Homemade mashed potots, practice, movies, reading. I am all about enjoying this 4 day weekend.
Okay much to do at the office. Must be productive.
Happy Holidays!

Flow Yoga

2009-12-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

Here is an article I found online by my teacher Stephanie Keach. I enjoyed her definition of Flow Yoga. Considering alot of people are always curious about the differences between the styles and types of Hatha Yoga.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Flow Yoga

by Stephanie Keach

I am frequently asked "What is flow yoga?" "How is it different from hatha yoga?" I have been teaching flow yoga for 18 years, so my answer will vary from someone else’s answer. Yoga is a path of transformation, to be learned systematically, through meditation techniques, concentration techniques, breathing techniques, selfless service, devotional practices like chanting and praying, or through Yoga poses (hatha yoga). Most of us here in America learn it through this Hatha Yoga path. (Hatha yoga is a general term used to describe all the styles of yoga we do here in America: ashtanga, iyengar, anusara, kundalini, flow, power, etc). Flow yoga is a style of hatha yoga that I was drawn to immediately because of its fluid nature of linking movement with breath. Whether moving the body in and out of a pose, or just lifting the arm on the inhale and lowering the arm on the exhale, it made perfect sense to me to use the breath as the impetus for movement, rather than my thoughts. Yoga is, after all, a system designed to help us overcome the "monkey-mind": that very popular state of mind where rambling thoughts of the future and/or past just go on and on and on. This chain of rambling thoughts is said to lead to suffering, in many eastern traditions, including yoga. Yoga helps us to develop awareness of our thought patterns: even while doing some twisty yoga pose, we can still observe our thought patterns. Say you are sitting on the ground, stretching out the hips, and you notice the girl next to you has her face to the floor, and your face is far away from the floor. Here is where habitual thought patterns might creep in, like, "Oh my god, look at how flexible she is! I shouldn’t be doing yoga, I suck, I am too fat, too stiff, too neurotic, etc." What we don't realize at first is that these voices have been ricocheting around our heads for years, sometimes 20, 30 or 50! These kinds of negative thought patterns only stop us from growing spiritually, and especially stop us from becoming loving and kind humans, which is the ultimate goal of all spiritual traditions. However, once we realize we have these negative thought patterns, we can begin to recognize them, at first in yoga class, but later in life, at the store, or wherever. Once we start to see these patterns more clearly, then we can make the conscious choice to let them go and not continue to feed our thought energy into them. Eventually, the voices lessen and lessen, allowing more room in our thoughts for kind thoughts, generous thoughts, loving thoughts. With this understanding, yoga is really for everyone, regardless of body shape, size, flexibility, etc. It all really comes down to deep self-reflection and changing those parts of us that no longer are pure and true. I love to teach this philosophy while helping people out of pain through the yoga poses. Over the years, I have seen just about every ailment and injury, and have seen how yoga significantly or 100% fixes the problems! It is truly amazing what right effort can produce.

Holiday Check-In

2009-12-18T17:56:00.001-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in some time!
Happy Holidays!!!
My new job started this week. Training went well. Now I am in my actual office starting on Monday.
Granted it is a short week and I am looking forward to that!
Yoga training is going well; lots of changes within my personal practice. But all wonderful thus far.
Tyring to get a handle on my eating habits. Seems to be my number one obstacles: Making the ample time for asana, meditation and pranayma as well as healthy eating habits.
I am hoping by the end of my 9 month training these 2 things will have sorted themselves out.
Other things are sorting themselves out like my style of practie and meditation.

Meditation has been my most "progression"
I am enjoying meditation at home and also with Bhante at the Sangha. So all in all that is a plus.

So the holidays. Just me, Denver & Chai. Our tiny family.
Lots of food and hanging out. It will be nice.
And you? Any great holiday plans?

Seeds of Understanding

2009-12-12T11:35:00.001-08:00

I am chewing on this for today. I think it applies to my Dharma practice and my Asana Practice...these two things I try to merge.

The gentle spring rain permeates the soil of my soul.
A seed that has lain deeply in th heart for many years just smiles.

Allow the rain of the Dharma to come in and penetrate the seeds that are buried deep in your consciousness. A teacher can not give you the truth. The truth is already in you.
You only need to open yourself--body, mind and heart--so that his or her teachings will penetrate your own seeds of understanding and enlightenment. If you let the words enter you, the soil and the seeds will do the rest of the work.

From The Heart of Buddha's Teaching- Thich Nhat Hanh

Shrine at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara I attend. It is very large and so beautiful.

Flo(w)

2009-12-11T16:14:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I like to get on my mat and just flow. No sequence, no guidelines. Just the breath, some alignment and music. Having fun.
I am beginning to notice that I am truly enjoying those practices more and more.
It is always amazing how sometimes our practice guides us...we do not guide it.
I love Ashtanga; but lately the Flow has just felt right.

Faith

2009-12-10T07:32:00.000-08:00

Well I've finally given in to the fact that I do indeed have a head cold.
I've been in denial for a few days thinking it was just allergies. But, it is not.
So today I am making lots of hot tea with Ginger, drinking emergenC and going to use my netipot (which I should have been doing since the beginning of the season)

I can tell my body is now officially worn down; but my brain has a huge to do list and so many things I want to accomplish. Oh well, the body wins in this one.

Last night my husband & I did go to meditation with Bhante. There was a larger group last night which was wonderful. But the room was very cold (or it could be that I was getting worse)

We had a very long seated meditation (about 2 hours with one break) and Bhante was very talkative last night. He actually answered some questions I have had in my mind lately; which is always suprising when he does this.

For our training we have to do a book review on a "breathing" book not on our required reading list. As there are not a ton of pranyama books or breathing books available. My husband recommended one by Thich Nhat Hanh; Breathe, you are alive! I wasn't sure if this would "qualify" as breathing book. It is definitly a book about mindful breathing and meditation rathern than Pranayam. But we are reading a very in-depth book on Pranayama called The Breathing Book by Donna Farhi

Also, for my training we are required to read another Yoga book that isn't in our required reading & do a book report on it. I have read many yoga books; mostly on Asana.
I recently picked up Living your Yoga; Finding the Spirtual in Everyday Life by Judith Lasater, Ph.D., P.T.

We have read many articles by Judith as part of our Training. I've liked them very much so decided to look her up. I was lucky to find this book at a local store; I've only seen this book online.
So I decided to do my book report on a yoga related book that is not asana. Since there are so many and really; writing a book report on an asana demonstration book would be boring to write & read!

There was a paragraph I really liked:
In verse twenty, book one, of the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali states the importance of faith to spirtual practice: shraddha-virya-smriti smadhi-prajna-purvaka itaresham, or "Wholeness is preceded by faith, energy, mindfulness, union and awareness." The practices of yoga, which include poses, breathing, meditation, and self-awareness techniques, are difficult in and of themselves. It is also difficult to practice consistently in the midst of our busy lives. In order to commit ourselves to practice, we must have faith that they will be fruitful and accomplish their intent, which is to help us turn toward ourselves and recognize our essential wholeness.

I am enjoying this book. It is different "yoga" book. I had several to choose from but for some reason this one seemed to fit for this training.

Chemistry of the Heart

2009-12-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

Kino MacGregor Podcast- One question raised regarding finding a teacher and this vibrated with me so much:

"The teachers are around us. When we find a Yoga teacher, a higher teacher- there is a chemistry, a chemistry of the heart. When you see them your heart opens and you trust them for reasons you don't understand. You are a better person in their presence and your practice is better. It isn't about them (the teacher) but about the space and experience they represent."

Another bit I liked:
"If you get too caught up in the technical details of the experience. It is like we are focusing on the problem instead of directing the mind to the solution. In terms of your yoga practice; sometimes we can over think the technical application of the how and sometimes we just need the feeling of it in order to move into a whole new way of moving the body.

Same thing with our life; sometimes if we focus on the practical details we literally spend time on the problem and if we just focus on the solution or the feeling of everything working out then the practical details will sort themselves out. Not that we are not going to do them, it is just that the solutions will fall into place more naturally"

Chitta Vritti

2009-12-08T05:20:00.001-08:00

Sutra 1-2 The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is yoga.
Yogash chitta vritti nirodhah: Yoga is the restraint (control, mastery) of the modifications (changes, movement, thought-forms) of the mind field

The weekend in Asheville was wonderful.
Friday and Saturday we did a lot of Anusara with Barbara Hall.
I had fun playing around with handstand and alot of the principles of Anusara .
Sunday we started with a master class by Stephanie and that was really fun (as always)
We did adjustments and partner stuff throughout the weekend.
Sunday evening we did Iyengar. 1.5 hours on shoulder stand. We did this in groups of 3.

This did remind me that Iyengar is not for me. While I know there are amazing aspects of this practice I like to bring into my practice and his books are wonderful.
The actual practice just doesn't inspire me to get on my mat for some reason.
This was my 3rd time dabbling in Iyengar.

So every weekend I go to Asheville we play around with different styles, the history, anatomy and always going over the sutras and 8 limbs of yoga.

However, I return home confused, conflicted and unsure.
My personal practice is steeped in Ashtanga as taught by SKP Jois (although my direct teachers are Marsha from Balance here in my town and also Kino MacGregor - I've only practiced with her twice but consider her a huge influence on my practice)
Regardless, I find that Ashtanga is what challenges me... and sometimes it challenges me to the point of pure frustration.

So, in this training we are required to journal our daily asana, meditation and pranayama practice.
This was what I wrote today:

"Started with Primary series. I got through the sun salutations and all the way to Paschimottanasana. Then I just stopped. I couldn't go any further. I grabbed my eyebag and went into savasana. I realized i was not in my practice. I was thinking of my teachers and if I would ever impress them. This bothered me and therefore I stepped out of my practice and into rest. Then went into my meditation to clear some of this fog.
The fact that this thought had been my focus during the practice upset me. Why after so long am I still striving to impress anyone?

I am disappointed my head got in the way of my practice. It seems as if I can't figure it out. I try to fit myself into a box or lable. Why do I feel compelled to have to label myself as an "ashtangi" or why do I feel that I need a label at all.

How come other people just know. They've found their practice and never deviate from it. They never question it...they just know. Am I just letting the "head stuff" get in my way.
It is really starting to bother me. I am getting on my own nerves with this and not sure how to get out of this mindset"

Not sure what I got from this, I know I did get frustration. I know by my 7th sun salute I was already fatigued. And that frustrated me.

Some days I overthink things way too much. And today might be one of those days :)
Sometimes our practice is more than just the physical element. It challenges us on different levels.
Why do I stress myself out over such small things like my practice..

Ashtangi's and the Moon

2009-12-02T13:27:00.001-08:00

So today is a full moon. In Ashtangi land there is no practice on Full or New Moons.
You can read about that here
So do you Ashtangi's abide by this rule? Do you fully enjoy your moon days off?
I am thinking of a simple flow practice this evening and meditation.
Then tomorrow back to Primary Series.

Doorways

2009-12-02T05:43:00.000-08:00

Most of us are practicing being outer focused first, tending to the needs and requests of others before ourselves. Then somehow, it seems that there isn’t enough time left over for ourselves. That’s because we’re doing it backwards. To truly love and be friends with others, we must practice loving ourselves well and fu...lly on a daily basis. —SARK, American author and artist

It is December!

I do love this time of year. Granted it doesn't get bitterly cold in the South. But the weather is still changing, I can feel an end to this year approaching and new one creeping up.

I like that feeling.

Looking back on past 11 months of this year...my personal life has had its ups and downs. My marriage is great (which has taken a lot of work to get to this point and I am very grateful for that)

But my job, my practice, my family and so on. All of that was in a constant state of change. Granted everything around us is always changing. But these aspects of my life were much more noticeable.

I have to make some decisions recently that were in the best interest of my wellbeing.

Having so much on my "to do" list left very little time to concentrate on the things that are very imporant to me such as my new job, my yoga practice, yoga teacher training, my family (as small as it may be it takes work!)

So after weighing my options and a lot of thinking- I've decided to step away from Teaching at Lotus. The studio is beautiful and a great place to practice yoga/meditation at in Newnan. I hope it continues to build a great base for the community. I hope to also be around to see them grow!

I have a lot on my plate and it is causing me to short change the things that really need my attention. I hope to return to teaching in the future. Perhaps just one day a week. But I do not intend to take on a full teaching schedule at this time. I need to be realistic and do what I know I can comfortably handle. After all I do not want the students to be short changed nor do I want to short change my personal practice or studies.

Right now I am hungry to study and learn.

So I am sad to leave that yoga bubble of like-minded people and such a beautiful space. But, I have to be honest with myself.

In other news, I am excited for this weekend. Headed back into the mountains of Asheville to learn Iyengar & Anusara. Should be fun and looking forward to checking in with all the other yoga trainees!!

Holidays, Mysore Practice and Training

2009-11-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for the Holiday Season!? Chai wants to know? We are...because we don't do much really. And we like it that way.

What a lovely long weekend filled with the beginning of the holidays.My husband and I are a tiny little family...me, him and the dog (Chai)

So I cooked a really good Vegan/Vegetarian Meal of: Tofurky, Greenbean Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Home Made Mashed Potatos, Stuffing, Vegan Gravy, Pumpkin Pie.

Then we put up our Christmas tree.

Besides that- we relaxed, cleaned, watched movies and read a lot.

On Sunday I went to Mysore with Ashtanga Yoga Atlanta held at Yoga Samadhi

It was a packed mysore room (for our Atlanta Ashtangi's- we are a small group I believe)

But the teacher was wonderful. Some really good assists. I always enjoy the energy of Msyore Practice. It is one of those things where at times I think "Why do I do this to myself" and then I remind myself..."because in at the end of practice you feel amazing. Clear headed, light and blissful. So it is worth the sweat and work" And it truly is.

Nothing beats the high of Ashtanga yoga (for me anyway) I am a totaly yoga junkie lol.

I have teacher training this weekend. Headed back up to Asheville and living in the yoga bubble for 2.5 days. That is always wonderful. This weekend is focused on Anusara and Iyengar styles. So I am looking forward to seeing a little more in depth of these practices.

I've taken Iyengar classes and I took an Anusara Fundamentals 6 week course. So this will be a nice refresher on both styles.

Okay...well much to be done. Enjoy your week!

Thankful

2009-11-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

Thankful for so much! Thankful for 4 days to spend with my family-- Denver & our furry child Chai.

Pumpkin Pie in the oven, now working on sweet potato casserole then the Tofurky.

I intend to get on my mat too at some point to give thanks for a practice that keeps me grounded and grateful.

♥ Much love.

Practice & Tofurky

2009-11-25T06:21:00.000-08:00

Today's practice was difficult. Mentally and physically. I over slept--again. Which rushes my practice and I highly dislike. And I didn't make it to mysore at Balance.

I finally stopped goofing around and got on my mat. Unsure of what I would start with--I did the primary series up to Navasana with only a vinyasa between seated postures.

Forward folds were tough today. By the time I got to backbending I could only complete 3 that were decent.

In closing Halasana (Plow) was difficult. I think my upper back must not have been warmed up enough? Meditation was fine. It was better than asana.

However, I did realize that by the end I was shocked how fast the time went by and that my upper arms were tired. So at least I pushed myself.

I really need to get a handle on my schedule- but that is typical for me.

Tonight we go to meditation with Bhante which will be a nice way to prepare for Thanksgiving tomorrow.

I intend to get up and practice. We also have 2 Tofurkey's in the fridge. Because my husband loves them so much! He likes to make tofurkey sandwhiches.

Not much else to report. Lots of reading to do this weekend!

Choosing Peace

2009-11-24T06:29:00.000-08:00

Have you ever come across an article that took you for a turn or created a turning point for you? I have a few. One of which is related to my practice. I had been practicing Ashtanga for a few months and I really got hooked on yoga magazines as I was trying to learn as much as possible.
I picked up Yoga Mind Body Spirit in December of 2007

I remember reading an article by Kino MacGregor. At that time I had no idea who she was. But the Article Title "Choosing Peace" stuck out to me as well did a photo of her in a crazy variation of bow. At that time I was still very new to the practice.

I read this article and it triggered something in me. I had been frustrated with my progress on my mat (which has happened several times since then....) I get frustrated with something and typically give up..walk away...quit.

That applies to everything. Social Situations, relationships, so on.
So this article has been one that I go back to often.

Choosing Peace
by Kino MacGreggor
You create your reality by the thoughts that you think. Your attention is itself responsible for your life experience. No matter how awful the traffic jam is, how loud your neighbors are, how inconsiderate people may seem, how delayed the airplane is, you are the one who is in control of your reality.
Regardless of what type of experience finds its way into your life, you always have power over your reaction to reality. In doing so, you are the true master of your own fate. Think that life is awful and it is...for you. Think that people are careless, blind and ignorant and they will be...to you. The power of positive thinking is a common topic of conversation, books and seminars in our post-new age, twenty-first century world. Most of us agree that it’s a good idea to concentrate our thoughts towards a positive goal, rather than lull around in the doldrums of complaint and whine. The real question lies not in the debate about whether we can create our own reality or not, but rather in the how.
Enter the five thousand year old tradition of which you take part when you practice yoga. Yoga is a true science of the mind where you actively practice choosing a peaceful response to distressful situations, thus giving you the tools for creating your reality in each moment. When you practice yoga, you watch your mind’s reaction to touching the borders of your physical reality. Your inner dialogue in postures that seem impossible to you parallels your reaction to life situations that push the boundary of your comfortability. Pushing these limits brings up fear, anger, sadness, frustration, and numerous other insidious emotions.
It is easy to let your mind spin away into these temptations, however, with regular practice you will have the strength to remain calm, focused and aware. It’s like the difference between scratching an itch automatically and feeling the itch, then choosing not to scratch. As you remain calm, you are able to choose a peaceful response to your experience and thereby create your own reality. Wayne Dyer says that it is always possible to stop any life experience and say to yourself, “I can choose peace over this.” Yoga gives you a forum to practice saying to yourself that you acutally can choose peace over the patterns that you’re practiced in the past. You finally have the strength to stop scratching those pesky itches.
Your thoughts are crystal clear in between your breath, posture, and drishti. With no one else to blame, no where else to run, nothing left to do, start where you are, in the center of your created life experience and begin the dedicated, devotional path towards creating a peaceful life in the present moment. One breath at a time.

After being inspired by this article and Kino's words I quickly went on a google hunt. I found Miami Life Center
I thought if I ever ended up in Miami I had to practice there. Well later on in 2008 a group of friends decided to take a trip to attend the grand opening of the Yoga Shala in Islamorada .
We found out it was cancelled the week prior---but the condo was paid for and we all had the week off. So we went anyway.
We all agreed to head to Miami for one mysore class with Kino. Here we are after a sweaty mysore practice in the Miami heat March 2008. Nearly 2 years ago.

Do your practice....

2009-11-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

"Do your Practice and All is Coming" SKP Jois
A very beautiful, meaningful, special and wonderful reminder from A Lotus Girl
This Pendant has helped raise $1300 for Operation Shanti

Well I did 1/2 primary series today. My mind wasn't up for it, my body was also a bit rebellious.
I wanted to go further past Navasana. But I knew I would compromise the closing sequence so I refrained.
I noticed I NEED to keep a daily routine- as far as getting up at the same time. I find that when I don't my entire day is just thrown off and I spend a lot of time trying to catch up. Sometimes the extra 30-60 min of sleep isn't worth it.

In 2 weeks I am back at Teaacher training. In those 2 weeks I need to finish 2.5 books!
I did finish my first paper- a biography of a yogi and I chose SKP Jois. I re-read Yoga Mala and some other online interviews/articles to get some additional insight.
I think I have 5 more papers to write. Each is 1-2 pages but the big paper is 5-10 pages.
My topic is going to be Yoga & Buddhism. I am reading The Heat of Buddha's Teachings from Thich Nhat Hanh.
SO.MUCH.READING
And I am a slow reader :)
Okay off to relax for the evening.

Notes on my Practice...it is a LONG Post you've been warned

2009-11-19T05:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to Mysore practice at Balance. It was great to see my teacher there. She & I talked earlier this week- we talked through some of my roadblocks with my teacher training & my practice. I am very lucky to have a teacher I admire and enjoy studying with so close to home.

I did get some pointers to work on during my home practice. One I keep hearing over and over from several different teachers "tuck the tailbone or lengthen the tailbone to the floor" which ever version you like best.
It seems (and I have noticed in my pictures and videos) that I have a sway back. My tailbone is always out there waving hello to the passers-by.
I mean it takes ALOT of concentration for me to lengthen it to the floor. It almost feels weird to my spine. I suppose this is an engrained habit that is going to be hard to break. And Of course I need to ensure I do not over tuck it taking the natural curve out of my lumbar.

Anyway, practice was sweaty. We agreed I will keep up with 1/2 primary (working up to Navasana then closing). This way I can build my strength and really focus on the quality of those asanas rather than moving through the entire Primary series exhausted and compromising form. So little by little as I gain my strength in the Primary series we will add more and more.

I can't explain why I found myself back in the Mysore practice or at an Ashtang studio. I mean I've tried lots of other styles when I thought Ashtanga wasn't for me. I can't explain what keeps drawing me back. So I try not to over analyze this anymore. Ashtanga is what is getting me on my mat every day...so why over think that (right Nicole?)

I am also giving myself one full year to dedicate to the Primary series. In November 2010 a group of us are going to for a week long practice with in Miami Kino Macgregor and Tim Feldman.
So I have a year to dedicate to this practice and I am not going to give up again. Seriously if I start questioning this practice again because my mind starts telling me "You can't do this practice it is too difficult" "why are you here" and so on...I want you guys to say No. You made a promise to yourself now keep it. Give me tough love! :)

So the reason I want to stick with this is:
a) I always give up when the practice starts getting to intense, or an injury- which in my head gives me full persmission to just walk away from primary series. But I shouldn't. I should just modify and adapt rather than throwing it out the window.

b) I've never stuck with a truly dedicated Ashtanga practice. Always letting my ADD or monkey mind swing me in another direction either due to boredom or frustration

c) By the time November 2010 rools around I want to really reap the benefits of a full week of mysore practice and workshops with 2 amazing Ashtanga teachers. I want to show up with my practice (at whatever point is will be at during that time) and just lay out at thier feet saying "here is what I've got to work with". I want to be able to gain something from this experience. I have a full year to work with. This should allow me to show up and gain some insight. Raher than showing up withe a 1/2 assed attempt to my practice (does that make any sense?)

In other Ashtanga related news I was able to purchase this amazing Pendant. The idea behind this pendant is so sweet and I was happy to finally be able to contribute as well as be reminded of SKP jois message. "Do YOUR practice and all is coming." See I take that transalation as Your practice. Be it meditation, asana, kindness, etc...Just do your practice and everything will fall into place.

So in other yoga related news I am asking for this for my Christmas present
Not sure if I will find it under my tree but it was worth a shot to ask for huh?

And, I was asked to lead a gentle yoga practice during the break session of a Zazenkai. I intend to do so at their next one. Just some gentle asana to help with a full day of sitting meditation. I was honored that they asked me.

In other news my allergies are worse then they have ever been. Seriously. I am debating on going to see an allergist. I was tested last year to see if my allergies changed, and they have. But the past 2 weeks I've been waking up severly congested and havnig to live on Benedryl. Not good I know. But it is a requirment to be able to breathe and function. So far the ONLY medicine that is helping with this is Benedryl. So I am so sleepy most of the time.
Last night during our meditation with Bhante it took every ounce of energy I had to remain present and awake. I wanted to sleep so badly. So it didn't affect my meditation and I was not able to gain much from it rather than the idea that I need to see an allergist and get this under control. I mean this morning I woke up with my entire right nostril closed and unable to breathe. That is not how one should wake up!
And I can not continue to walk around in a zombified state either.

Sorry for such a long post, but my fingers kept going on the keyboard. :)
Have an amazing day!

Mysore

2009-11-18T06:11:00.000-08:00

Today I hopped out of bed at 5:00AM and headed to Atlanta. I had a nice sweaty Mysore practice. I Only did the primary series up to Navasana. By the time I got to backbends my upper body was exhausted. My techer gave me some wonderful adjustments and some advice on things to work on during my home practice.

I really like getting to Balance once a week for mysore. It helps keep me grounded.
Okay on with the day!
xoxo

Back from Asheville and back to my routine.

2009-11-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

The weeekend in Asheville was wonderful. Learned lots of helpful adjustments, sequences, played around with different variations of Sun Salutes, did Viniyoga one evening, Yin Yoga, a master flow class, watched videos on Krishnamacharya and BKS Iyengar.
Now to work on my papers, reading assignments and keepnig up with daily asana, mediation and journaling practice.
The whole experience is pretty fun and awesome.
I took Monday off from practice. With it being a Moon Day and getting back to work and my rountine. It was nice to take the day in stride.

This morning however it was back to the mat. I decided to do 1/2 primary. Mid way through Surya Namaskara B I was already becoming tired and heavy...weird.
But I kept going. Since my toe is still acting up I skipped over Janu C and I've been stepping back through my vinyasas rathern than jumping.
All in all not a bad practice. My backbends were tight and Navasana was exhasuting. I could feel the ab work we did this weekend for sure!
Meditation was such a nice ending this morning.

Not much else to report. I have 3 weeks to read 2 books. So I better get started :)
I am teaching Vinyasa Flow on Monday & Thursdays at Lotus Yoga come by if you can.
I like teaching. We keep working towards getting the word out about our tiny yoga bubble.

Road Trip= Teacher Training Part 2

2009-11-13T05:09:00.000-08:00

Packed up and ready to head to Asheville for the weekend for Yoga Teacher Training. Can't wait to be back in the mountains and in the "yoga bubble" ♥

Training-in-progress ॐ

2009-11-11T05:32:00.000-08:00

The rain keeps pouring down here in Georgia. I beleive my driveway and yard is forming into a pond.
But seriously- we live in the country on 6 something acres of land. We have a long gravel driveway with a gravel parking area...and I beleive there is no gravel left. Just mud. So we need to look into getting that fixed.

This week has been busy. I am looking forward to heading to Asheville on Friday. Teacher training runs from Friday-Sunday. I really love being there. If I could---I'd move to Asheville. I love the area and everything about it. I am also hoping to eat some yummy vegan dishes at Rosetta's Kitchen (thanks Nicole for the tip) The great thing is that they are open late! Our training lets out around 9:00 PM on friday so I think this would be a nice way to end the evening.

In other yoga-teacher-training news. I have 6 papers to write. So Far I believe I've nailed down 2 of my topics.
Biography on SKP Jois
My very large paper about Yoga and Buddhism

I have several other papers to write like book reviews and such. But these are my first two and larger papers. So I need to at least start an outline.
Since I decided to do the biography on SKP Jois I was re-reading Yoga Mala. Since I haven't read this book since I first started Ashtanga years ago--it makes much more sense to me now.
I am not an advanced Ashtanga student by any means. I can only comfortably complete 1/2 primary without complete exhaustion. Granted I believe that will improve with constant practice. But regardless of the styles I try...I always land back at Ashtanga...and I can never understand why so I've stopped trying to.

Also, I am reading the Yoga Sutras (Sri Swami Satchidananda's translation)
I read book one in the past. I am re-reading book One and starting book two. Not a light read. But something you can pick up and digest bits and pieces each time.

Overall I am really enjoying diving into practice, study and training in general.
This Sunday I also assist Stepahnie in her Mast class. That will be a new experience!
Much love!!!
Off to get some work done. ॐ

ॐ Practice ॐ

2009-11-09T06:18:00.000-08:00

This weekend was nice. Lots of reading for my teacher training. I finished Erich Schiffmann's book and I am reading part 1 & 2 of the Yoga Sutras by Sri Swami Satchidananda.
Plus starting my outlines for several papers I have to write. Which I haven't written papers in sooo long.

Practice wise; things are moving along. Today I missed going to morning mysore practice at Balance. Instead I did a home practice. Only 1/2 primary series (as I over slept)
Tonight I am teaching a vinyasa flow class at 6:30 at Lotus.
I believe the classes are going to pick up. The businesses on the "square" which is where the studio is located; we all had a Holiday open house. They do this every year. Mind you the "Square" is about 6-7 blocks of businesses. So, I printed out about 30-40 flyers of our schedule and "Your first class is free" coupons. I believe we ended up giving all of them out.
Lots of couples came in to. Makes me consider doing a partner yoga workshop one day.

Anyway, lots to do!
I head back to Asheville on Friday for weekend 2 of Teacher Training and I can not wait to be back in the yoga bubble! ॐ

Opening, Mysore & my Anniversary!

2009-10-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

So the grand opening of Lotus went very well last night. I believe there were 30-40 something people coming and going through out the night. It was a lovely evening with really lovely vegan food.
The space looks amazing and we met a lot of the wonderful business owners in the are and some new potential students!
I am very excited and looking forward to being there and taking classes!
Here is one of the only photos I did get of the evening (there was another photographer there)

Elizabeth, Anne, Yvette & Me.

I got home late; in bed by 12:00 something. I was up again at 5:00am this morning and headed to Mysore at Balance.
My teacher was there and the studio was buzzing with lots of ujjayi breathing. And pretty warm too. I started my practice and could tell my body was a bit tired from only 5 hours of sleep. So I only did 1/2 primary up to Navasana then went into closing. I had a lovely adjustment in my backbending.
My new mat did a great job. It did get a bit slick bc it was the first class I've used it at. So I washed it today with some teatree oil and water to get that slickness off and it should be find by next weeks mysore practice.
I plan/hope to get there once a week for mysore (while keeping up my daily practice at home on the other days)
It was great to practice so early and be home in time to work by 9:00. I really love that!

This weekend also marks my 6th Wedding Anniversary and 9 years with my husband.
I <3 you Denver!

Ashtanga- already planning 2010

2009-10-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

Soo Excited!
My teacher emailed me today and we signed up to go together next year!
I've only practiced with Kino twice. Once at Miami Life Center when we went to Islamorada to practice with SKP Jois- but he fell ill.
Then in Chicago Last year for a weekend workshop. I am so excited to not only be going but to be doing so with my Ashtanga teachers. How awesome!!

11/28/2010 - 12/03/2010
ONE WEEK YOGA WORKSHOP with Kino and TimNovember 28th - December 3rd, 2010

12 Students. 2 Teachers. Mysore Old Shala Style.
In the early days of daily yoga practice in Mysore, India, our teacher, the living master of Ashtanga Yoga, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and his grandson Sharath, taught in a tiny room with flourescent lighting in groups of maximum 12 students at a time. In this workshop you will experience the unique combination of two teachers and a small class. This is the perfect opportunity to deepen your already existing practice and experience a taste of old India right here on Miami Beach.
This one week practitioner intensive includes morning Mysore practice with an intimate group of up to 12 students and afternoon introductory and continuing education workshops on the foundations of Yoga - Pranayama, Meditation, Chanting & the Yoga Sutras.

Yoga related updates (what else would you expect?)

2009-10-28T09:57:00.001-07:00

Hi internet land!

How has your week been? Things are good her in Georgia. The weather is changing and fall is really upon us. I love Fall!

Some updates:

I received my new Jade Harmony Travel Yoga Mat! I won it by entering a Yoga Joke Contest.

My joke was: Why couldn't the yogi vaccum his carpet? He lost all his attachments!

Silly I know but it got a few laughs and I ended up with a brand new nice lovely mat. I mean for a yogi a new mat is exciting!

I've had my previous Jade mat for about 3 years. I was told by a good friend that the quality was great. She was right. It is the ONLY mat that takes the ware and tear of an Ashtanga/Vinyasa practice (for me anyway)

Here we are:

Also, tomorrow evening from 7-9:30 is the Grand Opening of Lotus Yoga & Meditation.

The only yoga & meditation in Newnan...and in the surrounding area to my knowledge.

It is a cute place with great charm. I will be teaching a few beginner vinyasa classes.

There are 3 other yoga teachers and I hope the community embraces the center!

Check out the cute cute website: http://www.lotusnewnan.com/

Okay- I am off my lunch break now. Back to work.

This weeks practice so far...

2009-10-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

So we are journaling our daily yoga/meditation practice. Thought I would just share some notes here. This wont be a daily post. Just a starting point to reference.
Just some notes from my practice this week:

Monday:
Asana 30 min
Did a varied vinyasa pracitce incorporating Sun Salutes (low lunge) with vinyasa in between. Also working in Shalabasana.
Trikonasana and Parvritta Trikonasana.
Utkatasana into Squatting
Dandasana
Pashimottanasana twice for low back pain
Janu A
Pigeon on both sides
5 min. sivasana

10 Min Seated meditation counting the breaths

Tuesday: Took my 1 day off for this week (too busy with work)

Wednesday:
Asana 45 min
Seated Neck rools
Cat/Cow
Down Dog with kapalabhati breathing
3 Sun Salutes - 1 moving into Prayer Twist (Parsvakonasana)
In between sun salutes I did a vinysasa incoporating Shalabasana (this is my assigned pose)
Squat 6 breaths
Trikonasana
Parivritta Trikonasana
Vrikasana (Tree)
Vinyasa into Bow 2 times
Paschimottansana (forward fold)
Janu A
Ardha Matsyendrasana
Gomukasana to Navasana
Urdhva Dahnuransana 3 times
Forward fold then Baddhakonasna
Shoulder Stand
I worked on Sirsasana and Pincha

Meditation 10 min. mediation in easy sitting pose counting breaths from 50 to 1.

Notes from today: Upper back was very tight and tense. Did not allow for me to move into Plow Pose. Forward folds were rough.

Yoga Teacher Training- Weekend 1

2009-10-19T20:16:00.001-07:00

Well this weekend was the 1st weekend of the 9 month Yoga Teacher Training in Asheville.
It was...well amazing. I could go into detail about each workshop and everything that took place; but I seriously doubt any of my descriptions would really portray how truly amazing the whole weekend was.

The weather was cold but not so harsh you couldn't enjoy how beautiful Ahseville was. I had a really awesome roommate- who I believe I will be rooming with for the remainder of the training.
There were several asana clinics and I learned a lot about yin, anatomy, adjustments, & 8 limbs of yoga according to Patanjali. We did a lot of seated meditation as well as journaling about the meditations.

We went over our papers and reports that are due during the training. The reading list is endless. :)
It was wonderful to see my teacher Stephanie. She was the first face I saw when I walked into the Yoga Center. She got up and gave me the warmest hug and I knew at that very moment this was where I needed to be for my training.
Shala taught a great hip opener class. I heard a lot of wonderful things about Shala and her classes; she is such a calm and kind teacher. She also lead us through the meditations on Saturday.
I could keep going but that may bore you. I am just so happy...and it was weekend one! I have a lot of work to do for the training. Including daily asana & meditation practice (we must journal about them as well to turn in at the end of the training) plus I have to evaluate 1 yoga class between each weekend. It must different levels and different teachers.
Looks like I need to start searching out the local schedules! :)

Regarding my job; granted I had some added stress from work this weekend due to, trining part of the week in North Ga. then my computer crashing Thursday night before I was supposed to head to Asheville.
That did add some additional stress.

I am doing the best I can with my new job. Trying to learn the system and also get quick at everything. It is a challenge but one I think I can overcome. I am liking it so far; I just want to get faster and more productive!
Luckily I am working from home; which allows me to work longer hours and not get as irritated. I can get up and walk Chai, stretch a bit, make lunch. I am putting in a lot of hours; but the breaks keep it manageable for sure!
Plus who wouldn't love to work in Yoga pants all day?

Okay--off to bed!

Headed to Asheville

2009-10-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I head to Asheville!

I embark upon my 230 hour- 9 month long- teacher training.

I am very excited and looking forward to a nice road trip and being completly open to the experience. I will be staying at the cutest little home in Asheville with other teacher trainees as well. Looking forward to what awaits!!!!

Yoga stuff....

2009-10-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day at my new job. I am getting used to the software. I will be traveling to North Georgia tomorrow to meet the underwriters and the team members and to get a little more insight on the software.
All in all I think I can handle this pretty well!

It was nice to be at home, practice, shower on my lunch break. Make lunch, and I put in over 8 hours :)
Then I made chili and headed to meet with Anne about the Studio. I hope things work out for her studio!!
We went over a few things and I hope she is okay with taking on some classes. Because there is no way I can teach everyday.
I am getting very excited about my training!!!

Anyway, here are a few photos from today. I think they will be putting them up on the website

Yin/Yang - Me backbending/Anne Meditating

Work & Yoga

2009-10-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

So much is going on! Many good things and tryign to get my head around them all.
Friday was my last day at the office. It was a ghost town. It was very hard to tell my close friends and co-workers bye. But we will all cross paths again.
I received many sweet hugs, some yummy cookies from my boss' wife and we went to lunch.

What else. I went to Ashtanga class on Friday night after work. It was wonderful. My practice was rusty but being back at Balance was lovely and seeing my teacher just gave me the extra energy and inspiration I needed. I am so lucky to have an amazing teacher. I am also lucky to have my BFFL Nicole.
I've been going through some rough times and my teacher is helping me through practice and Listening. Nicole is helping me by being there and talking with me and just being my amazing friend.

I am just filled with love.

OH yes....teacher training next week! NEXT WEEK! I will be traveling to Asheville and loving the fall weather and new beginnings and learning soo much!

Also, I am set up and ready to roll on my new job. I am doing some online training and have to go up to North Georgia later this week to meet the team.

I am also helping out a fellow friend as she begins to open Newnan's very first and only Yoga & Meditation Studio!!
I was very blessed because she has asked me to teach a few classes at the studio. The studio is lovely and has wonderful charm. It is in the perfect part of Newnan and she is giving the place a wonderful feel.
The grand opening of Lotus Yoga & Meditation is October 29th! The first classes begin November 1st. We are trying to iron out the schedule. But please if you are in the area come by for the opening or a class!
It is less than 15 min. from my home and I am so happy for her. She is going to make it a wonderful place to practice yoga and meditation!!

Anyway! Here are a few photos from the studio. More to come!
It is a very old building on the Square in Downtown Historic Newnan.

Looking towards the front of the Yoga/Meditation Room

Corner of the front of the room (where you would be teaching from)

One of the alters

A Challenge

2009-10-04T13:28:00.001-07:00

So..I thought I would participate in this 31 day yoga challenge via Cyndi Lee's Blog
Considering I start my teacher training in less than 2 weeks I figured why not join in. I am trying to get on my mat daily and with the recent changes with my job now is the best time to start new healthy habits.

Over the last 3 weeks with the stress from work and the unstable feelings I've had; well it took a toll on me physcially, emotionally and affected my practice. Pretty much...I haven't practiced. I've fit in maybe 1 practice a week.
I needed yoga these last few weeks but just couldn't seem to get on my mat. So many other things were pressing and unsure and just left my mind numb.

So. New job, Teacher Training, New perspective on a lot of things.

So here is the recap of my last fews days on my mat.

Using some of the sequences from the back of Yoga Body/Buddha Mind and incorporating the fundamental poses reviewed in Erich Schfifmans Book Yoga: the Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness

Thursday October 1st:
I arrived to the gym about 20 min. prior to teaching my class. I turned on one of my relaxing playlists and flowed. I did a very basic beginners sequence. At the end I added in some hip openers for good measure.

Friday October 2nd:
I was pressed for time really. I was able to fit in just 15 min. I did 3 sun salutes, Warrior I & II and headstand.

Saturday October 3rd:
I slept in on Saturday so I opted for an evening practice. I went with Erich's book going over some of his fundamental poses: Standing Forward Fold, Standing Side Stretch, Down Dog, Bridge and Sage Twist.

Today--I haven't practice yet. I spent the morning cleaning my house which really needed it. Remember I was super stressed these past few weeks...the house suffered during that time. But the house is spick and span and I am showered and feeling okay. Feeling like things are falling into place.
So tonight I intend to get on my mat in full gratitude for what has unfolded these past few days. I intend to do the fundamental poses from Erich's book (since his book is part of my teacher training I want to focus on that)

I will do my best to post my daily practice. But if you are joining in on this challenge best of luck!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekened.
I am off to eat home made salsa and chips while reading.

Asana--Flowing with the practice.

2009-09-27T18:32:00.000-07:00

I got the house clean today, gave Chai a bath and actually got on my mat for over an hour! Much much needed.
I went to my mat with the intention to do Primary Series...however once I got started it took a different turn working with the "flow" I really enjoyed my practice.

Handstanding (Took from a video I was taking) I can hold the handstand for all of 2 seconds :)
But hey it is the courage I am working on--on trusting myself to hold myself up!

Reverse Warrior

Utthita Hasta Padangustasana

Ustrasana- Camel Pose

Ashtangi's Post

2009-09-27T08:08:00.001-07:00

"As much as you give to your practice; it gives to you as well"- Kino MacGregor

Are you looking for some yoga inspiration or perhaps guided mediations?
Kino MacGregor has revamped her personal website and has added a Free Podcast page. They are very interesting and require now downloading; which I like. The Podcast on the very bottom of the page: Yoga Talk Q&A and Chanting Ireland Sept 2009 by Kino MacGregor- is really a good one to start with :) Kino is an amazing Ashtanga Yoga Teacher. I've taken a workshop from her and mysore classes as well.

Some Ashtangi events coming up in Atlanta (thanks to the Amazing Ashtanga & Vinyasa School-Balance Yoga)

Paul Dallaghan is conducting an Ashtanga Workshop
Kino is coming to Atlanta in 2010 to Balance Yoga. Plan ahead Ashtangi's!

Utthita Trikonasana (Old photo of my Ashtanga Practice)

Imperfect Yoga= I'm Perfect

2009-09-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

Below is a video by Cora Wen of Yogabloom
I've yet to practice with Cora. However, she is inspiring to me. She teaches workshop at AYC for the 500 hour training
I really enjoyed the video. The concept "Imperfect Yoga"
Nicole and I were just talking about this last night on the phone. That Yoga Journal (although a good source of yoga resources and some interesting articles) the yoga they depict in their photos and such is not what I personally consider the everyday yogi.

I would love to see a Yoga magazine/publication that emobidies curvy women/men, tattooed women/men, every shape size color and gender.
But for now all we can do is bring this to our mats, classrooms and communities. That it doesn't matter what you look like, or if you will ever touch your toes.

In other Yoga related materials, I am still reading away in Erich Schiffmann's "Yoga- The Spirit and practice of Moving into Stillness"
Part of our teacher training reading assignments.
I started a chapter called "The Wind through the Instrument" I thought to myself "this is going to be a dull chapter"
However it ended up being one of the most interesting ones yet. I highlighted pretty much the entire thing.
Here are some bits and pieces that really stuck out to me and gave me a few "Ah-ha" moments:

Pushing is an active force that moves the body further and deeper into the posture, gently exploring areas of tightness. Yielding is a passive force with which you wait and listen to that moment-to-moment feedback from your body; it's a letting go of resistance that allows the active force to be successful without being aggressive.
The pushing & yielding elements occur simultaneously, as in a dance. Done propery, therefore, yoga is a matter of pushing and yielding, of "doing" and "not doing" at the same time.
Skill in yoga invovles orchestrating these two forces with the breath.
Merging the pose with the breath will also increase your sensitivity. You'll feel what's happening with more clarity. You'll notice how holding the breath dulls your feeling- sensitivity; and how letting the breath flow freely and deeply increases it.
The idea is to increase your sensitivity to the inner feeling of your body and let it guide you into appropriate action for that patricular moment.
If your mind is elsewhere while your body is doing the pose, you are not actually doing yoga. You are not in "union" with what is happening.
The practice here is that merging & becoming one with what you are doing. You're practicing yoga, yoking "or joining with"
You're learning to merge, to yoke your conciousness/awareness with your now- experience.
You're training yourself to keep your attention immersed in what's happening.
You're learning to stay with the flow of the breath in order to stay with the feeling of the pose. The inner feeling will then guide you and tell you what to do.
You will have learned to do yoga when you've become willing to be guided from within.
What it means to live a yogic life, the idea is to continue this awareness all day long- not just in poses.
During the day, practice this same kind of listening to your inner guidance by paying attention to how you feel then allow yourself to do and be as you are prompted.
Asana and meditation practice make it easier to listen and follow your inner voice during the rest of your life.
They strengthen your ability to meditate constantly, always to be listening inwardly for guidance.

These quotes all mean something to me. Either they are reminders of what I am missing in my personal practice or they great tips that I want to share with those around me.
This book seems to be a great starting point for new Yogi's as well. The Asana and meditation practices are great building blocks for people new to yoga and meditation.

The Asana practice has 14 fundamental poses for you to build upon as you learn them inside and out you will being to build upon them with more and more poses.

Well enough yoga talk for now.

Let Go and Let Flow

2009-09-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

I read today's Daily Om and really enjoyed it.(See below)
I wanted to say thank you for all the kind words regarding my new haircolor. Never thought I'd get that response.

I've been really lazy lately; not practicing the way I like (4-6 times a week) more like 2-3 times a week- slacking on Asana. I am trying trying to get myself out of bed and on the mat before work. It requires getting up between 4:30-5:00 am. What do you do to get on your mat (for those early risers). It seems to be the one area I want to change...but just hit snooze instead. I really want to get up and get on the mat. But as a famous yoga quote states "Lazy people can't do yoga"
Tonight I teach yoga and then going to Vipassana Meditation Center. I get to meet Bhanti- a monk my husband speeks highly. They will lead us in a guided mediation practice then discussion.

Daily Om

September 24, 2009
Let Go and Let Flow
Taking a Leap of Faith

Many people, in heeding the guidance of their souls, find themselves contemplating goals that seem outrageous or unattainable. In the mind’s eye, these individuals stand at the edge of a precipice and look out over the abyss at the fruit of their ambition. Some resist the urge to jump, paralyzed by the gap between their current circumstances and the life of their dreams. Others make a leap of faith into the unknown, unsure of what they will encounter but certain that they will gain more in their attempts than they would bowing to self-protective instincts. This leap can be exceedingly difficult for individuals with control issues because the act of embracing uncertainty requires them to trust that surrender will net them the rewards they seek. Yet when you make a leap of faith, believing without a doubt that you will land safely on the other side, you can accomplish almost anything you set out to do.

There have no doubt been times in your life when you chose to go where the universal flow took you. Yet you may encounter instances in which your objectives require you to step outside of the boundaries of your established comfort zone so that you may freely and actively jettison yourself into a new phase of your life. While you may fear what seems to be the inevitable fall, consider that in all likelihood you will find yourself flying. A successful leap of faith requires your attention, as it is the quiet and often indistinct voice of your inner self that will point you toward your ultimate destination. Understand that the leap across the chasm of ambiguity may challenge you in unforeseen ways but you will make it across if you trust yourself.

If your mind and heart resist, you can dampen this resistance by building a bridge of knowledge. The more you know about the leap you are poised to take, the smaller the gap between "here" and "there" will appear to be. Your courageous leap of faith can lead you into uncharted territory, enabling you to build a new, more adventurous life. Though you may anticipate that fear will be your guide on your journey across the abyss, you will likely discover that exhilaration is your constant companion

What I take away from this: “Just Trust” as my teacher Stephanie Keach reminds us in class often

Yoga Happenings in Atlanta this weekend!

2009-09-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend is jammed full of yoga-related events in Atlanta. I would love to attend each event; however with finances and with my teacher training I must refrain from spending money. :(

However, if you can go to any of these following events I highly encourage it! Wonderful teachers, studios and a great yoga community building in the Metro-Atlanta area!

Click on the photos for links to the events.

Arm balances, inversions and core power with KATHRYN BUDIG At Balance Yoga Atlanta. A great local yoga studio run by some awesome yogis. In a fun environment you will play with arm balances & inversions. This sounds like a really fun workshop and I've heard wonderful things about Kathryn.

The Atlanta Yoga Conference is this weekend. I've gone 2 years in a row and have enjoyed myself each time. This year they've upped the event a bit more to include more yoga-related shopping and food during your lunch break. So many wonderful local teachers. Go out and support the Atlanta Yoga Community!

Srivatsa Ramaswami will be doing a weekend event in Atlanta. Including the following: Vinyasakrama Yoga practice & Basic Tenets of Yoga Sutras, Varied Teachings of Krishnamacharya and Essentials of Vinyasakrama Yoga & Yoga for the Internal Organs . I've heard amazing things in regards to this teacher and after all Srivatsa Ramaswami is the longest standing student of the legendary Shri T. Krishnamacharya, outside of the teacher's immediate family. I hope I am not missing out on the only opportunity to practice with such a teacher. If I wasn't being extremly careful with my budget I would fork over the $215 for the entire weekend. Since I can't perhaps youw will?

If you go to any these events report back!? :)

I would love to hear all about your experience.

Water Logged....

2009-09-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

Well if you've watched the news you know that Georgia is a little waterlogged. All the roads around my office are closed down and underwater. Lots of damage and it was a little crazy on Monday. It took me 2 hours to get to the office. It gradually got worse so today I stayed home and tried to get some work done. There were some kinks with my work laptop and DSL. My personal laptop has a built in wireless card and it is so much faster. I am trying to work out some details in order to work from home once a week on and off to help with the cost of my hour long commute.

Anyway, the city is pretty damaged and they are tryign to dry out. My home is fine; however most people in the area I work need your thoughts.

On a lighter note, I've been reading and practicing yoga when I can get on my mat. Trying to prepare for training which is fast approaching.
I am trying not to stress out. However, the finances are tight right now. With some changes at work and such we are having to really look at our home budget and look at making cuts.

The Erich Schiffmann book is really making an impression on me so far. I am 1/2 way through and really enjoy his approach. In the beginning it took some getting used to. But I am really opening up to it.

What else...Oh I dyed my hair. I was bored, Denver said why not go red (he loves red hair) so I did...

it's a little daker than I like. However, I know reds fade quickly and I will soon be back to a light strawberryish blond... :)
Anyway, not much else to really talk about. Just being and trying to stay positive and focused.
Trying. :)

Experience yourself in stillness

2009-09-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

"Where there is great doubt, there will be great awakening; small doubt, small awakening; no doubt, no awakening." ZenProverb

That inspires me-I've had so many doubts in my practice recently and fighting my internal "voice...teacher...guidance"
Accepting, relaxing, and being in it..in the present is very rewarding. It is becoming a sweet time in my day. To get on my mat even if it is a few moments of mediation or a few sun salutations. This gives me the guideance to carry that calm and acceptance throughout my day.

It is the glue tbinds me to this moment. In Deep Claity and love.

A quick quote from the book I am reading "The Spirit and the Pracitce of moing into Stillness" by Erich Schiffman.
Yep...I am still reading it :)
Here are a few lines that I really enjoyed:

"Yoga will make you sensitive to the stillness, the presence, the hush, the peace of God. This deep inner stillness is at the core of your being. It is the ground, the joy of your being. The radiant peace you'll experience is what happens naturally when the creative energy of God is allwoed to flow through you unobstructed. "

"You can actually bring the suppleness of youth back into yoru life and be more flexible, durable, and stronger than you were as a child. You can learn to focus your physical and mental energy more effectively and thereby be more vital, creative, and efficient in all your activies."

"As you free your body and become more flexible, you not only restore lost movement, you actually erase all the tensions and internal conflicts that would otherwise accumulate and eventually erupt as pain. The more flexible you are, the harder it is for pain to lodge in your body"

"When you experience yourself in stillness and feel the peace within you, you will come upon a new awareness of who you are."

I love all of these. This book is very insightful and relaxing to read. I am enjoying it so far. The next chapter is on Asana then meditation.
It is part of my Teacher Training and one of the first books to read; outside of Light on Yoga, The Heart of Yoga and Stephanie Keach's Yoga Handbook. I've gotten through those and now onto this one. After this book I move onto the Bhagavad Gita.

This weekend has been relaxing. I cleaned the house. We watched movies. And today I cleaned out my clothes!!!
I have 5 trash bags full! Going to drop them off this week. I can now see my clothing clearly in the closet and in my drawers.
Next week will be the hall closet. Next....the Kitchen!
But getting through all those clothes I never wear was refreshing! I kept only things I've worn in the last year and kept some winter clothes.

This week will be busy. Next weekend we are headed back to the race track. Denver is back riding in Alabama.
Okay..Have a great week!

Zen-Like

2009-09-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

This weekend is a long weekend. I have a plan. A small one but it is a start.
I have been complaining about all the "stuff" we've accumulated since being in this house 7 years. It is starting to close in.
I walk into the kitchen and the bathroom and just feel like there is too much to look at and to Clean!
So I am going to work on making my home more "zen-like" to me that means minimalistic and clean.
It will take time...because my husband is a collector. He finds tons of reasons to keep things and then makes me 2nd guess myself on if I should donate this sweater or this Picture.
But, There is too much STUFF everywhere.

So my plan this weekend is just cleaning out my clothes. I can't find anything in my tiny closet and dresser.
I have limited room but really need to pair down. I have in my closest that I haven't worn in years.
Time to pass them onto someone else who may get more use of it.
I would do a garage sale, but there is no parking at my home and I live in the country! :)
So the long term plan is to really clean up the clutter then just a few items around the house need a small face lift like paint and new curtains. That is a bit down the road. And then there are things that need HUGE facelifts like our deck and painting the house.

There are some great ideas I have for my yoga room as well. That is MUCH further away. Things like installing a floating bamboo floor and painting the room. But little victories and small goals will get me closer to the goal. Right now my goal is to feel comfortable and not overwhelmed by the stuff in my home.

Each week I am going to make a goal to tackle one room at a time. Getting rid of the things I can see. Then working my way into the drawers of the kitchen, the cabinets and then all the closests. Might take a month or so. But one room/item a week I plan to tackle. How about you? Want to join in??

I really like this site: Zen Habits
This artile is what reminded me mit was time to just start: Guide to Creating a Minimalist Home

Another great article is this one in regards to early rising: 10 Benefits to Rising Early
I've been slacking on getting up early enough to do my morning Asana and Meditation practice and also to eat! I've been running aorund and out of the house in a haze. So reading this reminded me how much I enjoy my morning and the peace of the day...but I have to actually leave my bed in order to do that :)

Just thought I would pass some of this on.
Now off to eat dinner and read.

Curve balls

2009-09-02T16:37:00.001-07:00

I had to go back to my doctor today. So I am on a stronger antibiotic; Ciproflaxin which is noted to cause tendon rupture. It even warns you on the bottle/paper.
Of course the internet is a evil place because I started reading reports that some patients experienced rupture even 6 months after the treatment. Mind you this is the 2nd time I've been on this antibiotic for an infection.

So I am being careful and paranoid I am sure...but I am not going to push myself in Mysore right now. I am not sure why this is happening right when I intended to start my Mysore practice again. But...I can't change it and I need to make sure I do what is right for the long run.

Also...My toe is still not healed. I talked with my podiatrist and she has scheduled me for a Pre-Op appointment. She decided that after 3 treatements it is time for surgery. So, I should have the out patient procedure next week hopefully. I also hope that gives me close to 4 weeks to heal prior to teacher training.
So if anything...this is reminding me to not have attachment to my practice. Also, it reminded me that asana practice is a part of the yoga path/lifestyle. I can still do a gentle flow practice followed with meditation and pranayama.

See, I found when I think I have things figured out...when I think I am on "my path" life throws you curve balls and all I can do is be open to them and willing to listen, learn and move forward.

Perhaps I am being over-cautious. Perhaps.
But, what else can I do? I could really push it in my practice and regret it. Or just listen to what my inner teacher is saying and go a bit slower.

Wait...people my husband not only cooked us dinner...BUT he is doing the dishes right now. He must feel bad for me being in this crappy mood and pain for the last week. He is awesome.

So, anyway...not much else. I did do a 45 min. practice when I got in tonight. It helped to loosen up my sore muscles. My first Chattarunga was PAINFUL...but after a few more my muscles really warmed up and no longer ached the way they did before.
So that is a positive.
Well I hope you have a great night. I am headed to watch So you think you can dance.

Mysore----I'm Sore

2009-09-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

So. I went to my first mysore class in what I think has been 6-7 months?
I went to a class a month ago thinking it was mysore but was recently changed to Primary Led Series.
So, I sucked up my nerves and reviewed the Practice Card I purchased at Moksha last year when I went to a workshop with Kino MacGregor.
I went to the mysore class taught through Ashtanga Yoga Atlanta. Balance only offers Mysore classes in the morning (and they don't have a shower...actually no studios in Atlanta that offer mysore classes have showers) so I can't practice, shower and head to work. Instead I have to do my practice after work.
Anyway, I went yesterday and mind you I was very worried for no real good reason; other than being a little worried about my body and how it would hold through the very demanding primary series. I talked to the teacher before class and let him know I hadn't practiced in some time. So I practiced up to Navasana. Thank goodness, my body was shaking by that point.
Plus my toe is not completly healed and made jumping back painful, so I opted to simply step back for each vinyasa.

So my practice was a wake up call. It reminded me how demading the Ashtanga practice is. It also reminded me to do more twists because my back was in shock when I went into Marichasana C.

All in all I enjoyed practice. When I was leaving I noticed my arms and legs were still shaky. Must be the muscle fatigue. I do intent to try and get to one mysore class a week to incorporate into my daily practice.

Let me tell you...today I am more sore thany I've been in so long. I hope it takes only a few weeks to get used to it again. Feels like I started yoga all over again for some reason...

Tonight..I teach vinyasa flow at the gym.
Now...Lunch.

Back in action...

2009-08-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

Wow!
I've been away for a while. Between a trip home (To Louisiana to visit my family) work picking up with so much to do and my laptop needing to be reformatted...I've been away!
But with no help from Dell I did wipe my laptop clean and reinstall all the Operating Systems and Drivers and we are back up and working. I am kind of impressed with that. I have done it with Dell on the phone a few times before. But they make it very complicated.
Regardless...I am working.
My trip home was short and sweet. It was filled with different emotions. Love, happiness, sadness, and disappointment.
I really don't fell like I fit in there too much anymore. But going home is always cleansing.
It was amazing to see my sister and her boys and my oldest Niece & nephew. That alone was worth the little to no sleep we got!

Work has been changing, rearranging and lots of training. But I am hopeful.

I can't believe it is September (this week) a little over one month from Yoga Teacher Training. I have come across some doubts and second guessing and rethinking and worries. But it is all part of it.
I am reading the material required. I am practicing at least 5 days a week (might not be a long hour practice but I am getting on my mat)
This month I have a plan and hope to stick with it. It should help me gear up for the training. I am also going to take some mysore classes. I know...I go back and forth. I like the balance between a structured Ashtanga practice and mixing in a few times a week with some fun flow sequences. I think that is what makes me the happiest (for the moment)

Here are some photos from Louisiana:
Me & The sister. This is my baby sister. She is a baby to me...Only 16 months younger and seriously we've been through ups and downs; but overall she is pretty awesome and a great mommy!

Momma

Daddy & Brady

Me & Brady (and his robots)

Me & William

Getting beat by the HULK

Brady built Chai a "Clubhouse" Chai loved the attention:

Finishing Touches on Bailey's birthday cake

My oldest Nephew (Bailey) breakdancing...Future Yogi?

My oldest Niece Kelsey...she is so funny and really refreshing to be around.

Kelsey & I doing backbends. We also helped each other with dropbacks :)

Too Much sugar and no sleep...then DANCE PARTY. Bringing back the runningman!

I love my family and very lucky to have some amazing children around to remind me of what truly matters.
Miss everyone already!

Finding the Flow

2009-08-16T16:31:00.001-07:00

Read this today on Rusty Wells website. It really makes sense to me and my personal practice:

Q: How has your own practice evolved?
A: The systems that I've practiced in the past have had me working in a very linear, flat way. This has been great for strength and flexibility, but I find that my body enjoys rippling a little bit more. So I'm letting my whole form become more fluid, letting it really become a flow as I find the undulation and awakening of the spine. I like the dynamic flows of a Sun Salutation or the Primary Series, but if it's all about strength and predictability, we might miss out on being fully present. When you know what's going to happen, it's easy to switch to automatic. Finding the flow also helps find areas that we are neglecting-usually there is something beautiful waiting to happen.

Lover of the Weekends

2009-08-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

Weekends are so relaxing most of the time.
Today I slept in (Denver had to work this morning)
When I did get up I ate breakfast, cleaned the house and the made a version of these Cashew Balls I have a different recipe. I used dates, Cashews, Raisins and a little agave to keep it all together and then rolled them in Coconut. The remind me a of Arden Garden's Fuzzy Kisses Which I love but are pricy.
Here is a photo:

So I made a batch of these to stick in my lunch this week. We have a training all day on Monday and they are catering lunch. I doubt there will be many vegan options; maybe fruit. So some snacks will help!
I also found this lunch box at the grocery. It is not the laptop lunch kit that I want. But this was not expensive (under $10) and will work just fine. I just need something to bring several items and keep the seperate.

Anyway, today after I cleaned and cooked I practiced yoga. I made it a point to not have expectations and just flow. I did about 45 min. of some vinyasas and whatever my body felt it needed. It was nice. I tried to sit and meditate...my mind was non-stop.
So...I did laundry and the dishes. Now just relaxing.
Tonight for dinner I am making Taco Lasagna and hanging out with my husband and pup. We have a few movies we want to watch.
I hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

Just a random photo Denver took of me earlier this week practicing. Trying to work on Side Crow. I just wish I could get Crow as well. I always slip. When I see photos of Asana it makes me aware. For instance in this photo I need to work on lifting my chest more.

Oh yes...2 months to the day I will be at the first weekend of Yoga Teacher Training! I am really going to focus the next 2 months in preperation. :)

7 Tidbits...

2009-08-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

So I received a meme award from Eco Yogini
Thank you much for your kind words!

So…this award entitles me to share 7 tidbits about myself :

7 Tidbits about me….
1. I am an Identical Twin- my sister & I were born 2 months early (I believe that is right) my mother was in a car accident and they thought everything was okay. My sister was only 2.5 pounds and I was 3 pounds. We were tiny. My sister didn’t make it and I was in a incubator for a month or so. My lungs were not fully developed. My sister is buried next to my Grandpa and Grandma in Louisiana.
2. I am named after both of my grandmothers: Flo Caroline
3. I went to 3 highschools in a matter of 3.5 years (which lead to me graduating early and going to Junior College because I hated the idea of starting over again in my Senior year in a whole new state—We moved from Louisiana to Joliet, Illinois)
4. My husband and I met on Halloween in 2000 and were married on Halloween in 2003.
5. I have 3 fully functioning Kidneys but have had several Kidney Stones (before I changed my diet and lifestyle)
6. I am fully devoted to the path of yoga as a way to live my life. Yoga brought me out of a very sad, dark time and into a place of growth. I continue to grow (as we all do) some days I take 2 steps back and others I feel as if I’ve Leaped forward. But in the end yoga makes this life almost blissful. This path helps me connect with the divine and live my life more fully than I ever thougth was possible.
7. I am very drawn to Buddhism- Learning more about Zen and Theravada

I need to pick 7 bloggers to tag for this meme...but I hate to put pressure on anyone. So the meme is for the takin'

Lots-o-Stuff

2009-08-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

Chai is home.
She did great with her surgery and was very drugged up when I picked her up on Saturday morning. She slept most of the day and only perked up when Nicole called last night.
Anyone who has ever met my dog knows she is food driven. She is very nice and not agressive with her food habits. But she will do anything for a treat!
Last night when I fixed her dinner...she would eat a few bites then come curl up next to me, then go back about 15 min. later and eat a little more. It took her close to 2.5 hours to finish her dinner. That is not much Chai. that dog cleans her bowl in something like 3 min. flat!
Today she has more energy, was happy to walk outside on the leash and I gave her a treat today to eat on her pillow. She is getting back to normal.
Yesterday was pretty lazy. We didnt' do much. Denver did pick up my battery and he has to put it in the Jetta today.

He is being very supportive of me switching back to Vegan. He is eating up all the non-vegan items like the cheese and eggs this morning. There wasn't much left. But we keeps eggs for our Lizard too; she eats boiled eggs.
Anyway, he even brought me home some vegan choclate yesterday. He said he will eat Vegan at home and when we go out probably treat himself. It is all his choice; I am just glad he isn't giving me a hard time. He is good at that when he wants to be.
He has asked me why I decided to go back and it was cool that he even cared enough to ask. So I expained it to him and he said it made sense.

Anyway! We attempted to make Vegan Ribs last night.
Denver said it was a good first attempt and he ate almost all of them. I wasn't too happy with them. But I am not a HUGE Seitan fan. I am trying to get used to making it and use it more vs. tofu. So I am reading online how to work on my Seitan creation.
But today I am making Buffalo Tofu. :)
Anyway...

Not much else going on. I am reading for training...which is in 2 months!!!

Lots and Lots of...Stuff

2009-08-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

So this week has been…interesting.
Monday- not very eventful
Tuesday- had a meeting in Atlanta. Paid a $400 ticket. Then I headed to teach yoga. When I went to crank my car to head to the gym…the battery was dead. My boss jump-started my car. Off to yoga I went. The class was smaller (about 6 people) with 2 newbies!
After class…the jetta didn’t start. So I had to get help again. After driving an hour home I tried to re-crank it in the driveway. Dead as dead can be.
So I am driving Denver’s truck this week. I am lucky we have a 2nd vehicle (he has a work truck he uses day to day) But his truck doesn’t get good gas mileage. My car rocks at that (diesel) I drive 48 miles one way to work…so it adds up.
Since I didn’t want to drive it into Atlanta last night for yoga I went to a Spin class at the gym instead (free membership)
The class got me sweating for sure. I am not sore today, I thought my thighs would be. The only thing that is sore is my butt and my right knee and shoulder…not sure what that is about.

I was trying to add a bit more cardio into my activities. I hear Nicole now “add more vinyasas”
So tonight I teach again at the gym. I plan to get in 20 min early to get in some asana. After yoga I might get on the treadmill…or just do some vinyasas.

There are a few personal goals I am working on:
Giving up Alcohol—completely. I never drink a lot. Just lately I come home to find that Denver has opened a bottle of wine for us to have with dinner. Or sometimes I come in the door to find a drink already poured for me. It is a sweet gesture. He is trying to make our evening relaxing (or he is trying to get lucky) but regardless…I just don’t want to drink. So I need to talk with him and work on that.

Vegan- I am trying to go back to Vegan. I’ve been Vegetarian for 4 years. One of those 4 years I was vegan. But…I fell of the wagon. Cheese is evil. But I read an article in Vegtimes about “Confessions of a Chesse-aholic” which I know I am. I also really love the idea of vegan cooking. Granted it requires more time in the kitchen…but I know what I am eating if I cook it.

Strength Building- Just wanting to build more core strength and over all body strength. Not sure where this is coming from and why I am having the urge to do more vigiours activities lately. Maybe just pent up energy? But I just want to be active and that isn’t normally like me. I mean I love yoga and it is VERY active. But I find myself loving power yoga classes. I sweat unbeleiveably but feel amazing after. It is a challenge because I am no picture of healthy and not a power house. I just like the feeling of clean healthy body.

Okay..enough rambling and ranting!

OHHHH Chai has a vet appointment tomorrow. She is getting fixed!

Flowing...

2009-07-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

So this week has been busy. Work is crazy end-of-the-month-madness. Plus my boss is at the beach :)
I taught Yoga on Tuesday and it was a fun and full class. I teach tonight and plan to get to the gym a little early to do a 20 min practice.
I have been getting up in the morning to do a short asana practice followed by meditation. It is amazing the energy you can feel when you just sit.
I had a horrible headache yesterday so I skipped going to Flow Yoga class, I hope to go to Led Ashtanga on Friday instead.

What else....we are off of racing the next month! Denver doesn't ride again until September. So that is nice.
Oh yes; and Mrs. Chai has been a handful this week. Not listening, running away in the yard (with 6 acres she really isnt' running away just running away from where I can comfortably see her. )
She isn't coming when I call her AND...AND she pooped in the house last night after I took her out and she decided to reinact that again this morning after I took her out.
But look at this face (this was her expression after I caught her this morning) you can't be mad at that face!

I am looking forward to the weekend!! Not much planned. Just the ususal hanging out, reading books for teacher training, relaxing.
Saturday is the Quarterly Zazenkai for Zenspace.
It is an all day meditation session with breaks in between. Denver and I have always been at the race track when the hold them. I am going to email them to see if they still need volunteers to help out.
Den and I are not sure how long we will stay and meditate. Maybe for an hour and take a break and come back.
The idea of spending a day in meditation really sounds relaxing to me at this point in my life.
It sounds almost blissful. Maybe to get that time in with myself and really just drop everything and re-group.
I am getting old and becoming a crunchy hippie...I just know it. But I love it.

Oh yes and Thich Nhat Hanh will be in Mississippi this September. Denver and I are 95% positive we are going to drive down and camp out at their onsite camping grounds and attend the Day of Mindfulness in English.

Well...not much else. Life is flowing, my yoga is flowing, trying to keep the energy flowing and the love too.

Listening Within

2009-07-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

Goodness! This week at work has been super stressful! I am doing my best to catch myself when I feel pressure.
Reminding myself to breath through it. In the end that helped a lot.
There is still a TON to be done and my boss leaves town next week for his well deserved vacation.
We have a plan while he is out of town. But, of course this week is filled with corporate meetings and such.
So we are trying to get caught up and a little ahead for next week.

Anyway! I kept the promise to myself...I left the office at 4:30 and went to Flow yoga Class with Jennifer.
I got to see Kathy! I haven't seen her in sooo long! I also saw Marsha which is always nice.
Class was awesome. Intense, sweat building and opening. Very opening. One of my favorite classes of Jennifer's yet!
I was able to open up a little more in some poses that were before a little more difficult for my practice.
I tried to remember the things I am reading by Erich Schiffman and it reminds you to listen internally..really listen then act from that place.
So I did that. I pushed myself to where I needed to and opened when I needed to open.
It was a much more enjoyable practice.
When I came home I played around for a bit while Denver fixed Dinner. He took a photo of me and Chai as well.

Livin' the moment

2009-07-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

How is your weekend so far?
My Friday night was awesome. I ended my week with a very sweaty and fun Ashtanga Primary Series Practice at Balance Yoga.
After pracitce I came home, showered and hung out for a bit before passing out in bed. I was worn out!
This morning I was up and headed to the Gym. I was there 30 min. early and got in about 20 min of asana before students showed up.
It was my last Saturday class. It was a fun group and all students that have been to class before.
So it was fun. After class I talked with the new Saturday teacher.

After class I came home, showered and Denver & I headed to Atlanta. We had lunch at Green Sprout then went to Broders.
I picked up Livin' the Moment by David Romanelli.
He did a workshop at Balance 2 years ago and I enjoyed his vinyasa class. He is coming back next month and I am debating going. I may use my check from LA fitness to pay fo it.

Anyway! Today was fun. After that we came home, I gave Chai a bath then we watched some horrible movie on TV.
Now I am in bed updating the blog/journal.
Tomorrow...cleaning the house, yoga practice, relaxing!
Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Just a few photos from today:

Livin' the Moment by David Romanelli. Looking forward to reading and laughing!

Ashtanga Practice (revisited)

2009-07-12T11:34:00.001-07:00

**Kino Macgregor's Primary Series DVD--WONDERFUL for Ashtanga Home Practice**

So!
We went to Alabama Friday night; Denver had a track Day on Satruday. We camped out & it was hot. I didn't sleep well but it was still fun.
Denver had a good day on the track and it wasn't too hot (cloudy)
After a full day of riding we headed home. Stopping off to get groceries and such.
Came home to find a happy Chai and did some things around the house.
I cooked dinner and we watched TV. Not too eventful. I was too tired for practice **I know--poor excuse**
I was very grumpy so I went to bed.
Today we are hanging out around the house today. I cleaned a bit, made breakfast and now just curising online. Now I am going to make a late lunch and watch a movie. Followed by some reading then onto my home yoga practice.

Lately I've been drawn back to Ashtanga. I talked to my teacher about it and Nicole too.
I am not sure if it is just an "I miss the structure and the practice in general" or just a "I miss familiarity" or "Maybe I should try it out again?"
I burnt myself out on the practice of the Primary series. I was pushing my self too hard; injuring myself and feeling very very defeated by the practice I walked away from it. I am not proud that I walked away from it.
However...I went on to other styles; searching around for something.
Perhaps it was a way to just have me look into other avenues and such. But regardless of what was behind all of it I am sort of missing the practice itself. So...I might do a 1/2 primary practice at home today and see how I feel.
I pulled out my Kino DVD's and my David Swenson - Ashtanga Yoga Practice Manual
We will see what unfolds...maybe nothing. Maybe just a "I needed a taste but now I am done"...You never know.

I am also still reading Yoga ; the Spirit and the Practice of moving into stillness by Erich Schiffmann for teacher training. It is a good book so far.

Okay...off to eat.

Yin and the Yang

2009-07-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

Hi!
I decided to not go to yoga class today on Friday. Mainly for budgeting reasons. The hour drive to the studio, the drop in fee, the drive home. I wanted to go to the studio but I need to be practical. I also need to save money for the speeding ticket I got!
I did a home practice instead.

Firday was a relazing day at the house. Watching movies & Reading.
Saturday I taught a fun group of people yoga. 9 People total and I had newbies in class!
After Class we ran some errands to get groceries then flopped at the house. Cooked lunch and watched I am Legend and then Creature from the Black Lagoon.
I did a yin practice to end my night. It was an hour of holding postures for 5 minutes and I really enjoyed the DVD. Sarah gave some insight on the meredian system and a really nice Sivasana after a 47 min. Practice.
Sunday we woke up early and headed to Zenspace for Meditation followed by tea and discussion/lecture. It was nice. We came home, made lunch, hung out and I read a TON of stuff. I finished Light on Yoga (just skimming the Asanas now) and a good portion of the Erich Schiffman Book. He has practiced with so many people But I really like it so far. It is pretty much saying he has learned from so many people and treasures all that he learned. But he never felt like he was doing yoga. He was doing someone elses yoga until he finally started listening to the teacher within.

Which brings back everything I am reading. Pretty much to sum it up: All is within. You just need to listen.

Today has been overly stressful at work. My co-worker/teammate is still out (she returns tomorrow) and my boss was out today. So covering their calls/desk/emails as well as my own. I am ready for dinner, PJs and chilling out.

Big Belly

2009-07-02T06:09:00.000-07:00

So I debated on writing this...but I am going to for several reasons.

I know that when we openly share things on the internet we sort of put a bulls eye on ourselves. We are left open for both good and negative comments/feedback.

I suppose this is the Yin/Yang, the balance, etc...

So...I received 2 anonymous comments regarding the size of my belly. I deleted the first one because I thought it was silly. However, I was sent another friendly reminder this morning.

This time I decided to publish it. This person is looking for some type of response...So here is your response.

Yep. You are right my anonymous friend. I have a belly and thank you for being inclined to remind me.

First, I have to say the comment made me slip back in to my previous patterns for a split second. The thoughts of dieting, loosing weight and all the fear associated with shape and size flooded in. I was soon comforted with my other conscious thoughts and reminders that I am happy. This reminded me that where I am today is a good place. I have come so far emotionally and physically.

4 years ago I was unhealthy, overweight and not taking care of myself. But, once I truly dedicated myself to the practice of yoga I began to loose the unhealthy weight, eat whole/sustainable foods, maintain a pretty regular asana practice and deal with many emotional issues that were hidden deep. Today, I am physically in better shape than I have ever been and I am at a happy healthy weight.

I am also at a place where I am emotionally okay. I love my curvy body (and just so you know my husband loves it as well and I am very lucky)

I feel amazing, alive, healthy and strong. I no longer strive to be what others perceive as beautiful or perfect. Because I already am...beautiful and perfect today. Belly and all.

The size of my belly has no bearing on my happiness. I believe it used to. But not today.

I truly believe the size of my belly is not an indication of my willingness to be a good person, a yoga student or fully present in my life.

I also feel that God, Buddha or Krishna (or any other being) don't really care about the size of my belly. I think it truly matters about the size of my heart.

Granted we all have things we wish to change. But the path I have chosen teaches to accept where I am, love where I am.

I also feel that the size of my belly doesn't affect those around me in a negative manner. They seem to love me. I love me. My pup loves me. I really doubt my pup looks at me and thinks twice about my squishy midsection.

However, for some reason the size of my belly has prompted you to comment on my post.

So thank you my friend. For making me feel strongly enough to respond to your comment.

I felt that I should. Because women and men face individuals such as yourself daily. It is important to remind myself of these things that I've shared here.

Also, it is important for women and men to know that doing yoga has nothing to do what shape or size you are.

Yoga is for everyone!

Much Love

Dropbacks

2009-06-30T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today was super busy at work. I made it through.
I taught yoga and it was a fun mixed group. Some new students and some of my weekly students.
It was alot of fun. Some of them are even getting into full backbends and one of the students was able to get into forearm with my support.
But it was all her; she was almost into it before I walked over to help.
I even had a student bring me a DVD to review and let him know what I thought. AND a new student that is doing weight training and said he really enjoyed the class. He was very built and in good shape and he said "this is harder than weight trainging" He said he would be back.
It makes me feel so lucky to even share the little I do know about this practice.
<3 much love!
I came home and did my own practice. I decided to practice drop-backs (into backbends) I had to get over my fear of hitting my head. I can see some things that need worked on after looking at the video. It is pretty good to watch video from time to time...it helps to see how you are doing things.
I also hope to eventually get back up from drop-backing...One day :)
I took 2 little videow.

Pain in my neck.

2009-06-29T07:52:00.001-07:00

Last night I watched True Blood. Sometimes that show is beyond cheesey but I like it anyway...

I didn't want to get up this morning...I didn't want to practice. Well I did but my body wanted to lay in bed.
However, I did a short vinyasa practice followed by 10 min. of meditation before leaving for work.

Oh my...my neck is killing me today.
I think I've been sleeping in odd shapes lately. I've been waking up with a tense neck or minor pain. This morning I woke up around 3:00 with it hurting pretty bad.
I heated up one of my homemade lavender eye pillows in the microwave and used it as a heating pad on my way to work. It helped with the tense muscles.
I am thinking of going to taget at lunch to see about investing in a more supportive pillow. I think it might be time. My pillows have no support and are very lumpy. Any suggestions?
Also any suggestions on how to reduce the tense muscle and pain? I took an Advil because it was hurting pretty bad.

This week my co-worker/team mate is on vacation. She is out until 7/7 so it will be a little bit heavier of a work load.
I will make it though. We are closed on Friday. I may go to the 9:30 Power yoga class on Friday with Marsha.
That would be a good way to spend my day off right?
Tonight I plan to go home (Not going to the 6 week workshop--I didn't make it home until almost midnight last week...that is wayyy too late for me)
So tonight I hope to go home, do a yin sequence from the DVD, meditation, reading and hanging out. I understand now why they say that Light on Yoga is sometimes considered the Bible of Yoga. It really does go over the concept and summarizes yoga as a practice.

Okay...time to get some work done.

Unwind

2009-06-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

How is your weekend?
Mine has been relaxing and I got a lot done. So it was exactly what I needed.
Friday we went to see Transformers2. It was good. Just long and I was trying to not throw up because I was kind of sick. But we already bought tickets. I made it through.
Teaching yoga class on Saturday was lots of fun. After class I came home and Denver & I flopped on the sofa. We watched movies and read and I took a really late nap.
Today we have been lazy. Well, I did give Chai a bath, cleaned the house and made A Tofurky, Potato Salad and Lima Beans.
We are about to watch another movie and chill out until True Blood.

For my teacher training:
I am almost done reading Light on yoga (the first part, the asanas will take several years to absorb I am sure)
I am also almost through the reading assignment forMoving Into Stillness. It was only 2 chapters before we meet in October.
I am also reading a bit of Insight yoga. Just bits a pieces before bed. I really love the DVD so far.
I know I am reading several books at once. But for me it works that way somehow.

Tomorrow I hope to start the day with a Vinyasa Sequence and meditation and maybe a yin practice before dinner. **just hoping**
I have to evalute 2 yoga classes before October. Shouldn't be a problem. I am thinking of evalutating one of Jennifer's Flow Classes at Balance Yoga and maybe an Intermediate class at Peachtree Yoga.

I took some yoga photos this weekend to:

Some updated photos of our home alter with new flowers

Insight

2009-06-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

Today at work we are having a "Stress Free Friday" where they grill out and such.
I brought Veggie Dogs (Smart Dogs) and a fruit bowl.

Tonight we are going to see the Transformers 2...and I am actually not against going to see it. This weekend we are not doing much! YAY!!!I teach on Saturday and we may go to one of our Favorite book stores and grab lunch. Besides that I need to clean the house, clean Chai and chill out!

I am VERY excited because my order arrived yesterday. It included the Sarah Powers DVD & Book on Insight Yoga.

This was recommended to me by my teacher; Stephanie.I flipped through the book and it will be a very useful tool. I also watched 2 parts of the DVD and I am very happy I purchased it. It is going to be so useful!

Look at what is included on the DVD:

Over 4 hours of practice material2 unique
1-hour Yin yoga sequences with commentaries on Buddhadharma and Chinese medicinea
1 hour vigourous Vinyasa sequencea
40-minute Sun Salutation sequencea
10-minute guided Sivasana relaxation practicea
30-minute guided meditation practice
Programmable sequences for a variety of practice combinations
Detailed menus guide you through a wealth of informationsuitable for all levels of yoga and meditation practitioners

This weekend I intend to mix a vinyasa sequence one day and counter with a long yin practice and the buided Sivasana. :)

That should be a balanced weekend :)

Oh yes...today is a pretty awesome day for an awesome person I know!
Happy Birthday Nicole!!!!!!

One of my favorite photos; our first trip together and the first weekend we ever hung out together! At Kripalu for a weekend workshop with Manju Jois.

Hope you have a great birthday weekend!!!!

The Bhagavad Gita

2009-06-22T10:01:00.001-07:00

So there is a new series tonight that is at Jai Shanti.
It is called Yoga through the Bhagavad Gita. I've been debating on going and it is only $16 a class for drop-ins. It is also reviewing the version of the Bhagavad Gita that I am to study for my teacher training. Plus I still want to get to one yoga class a week. So...I believe I am going to make this the class I attend for the next 6 weeks. It will be a change in my practice but pretty nice. I will get to sleep in on Mondays since I won' t practice before work and I will home in time for my "bedtime" :)

So...I believe I am going to go!
Here is a brief description:

The Bhagavad Gita was written as part of the Mahabharata, a spiritual epic attributed to Vyasa, between the 5th and 2nd century BC. The Bhagavad Gita is widely considered one of the most important spiritual texts ever written, offering a practical, self-directed guide to Hindu spirituality. It was described by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as “the lighthouse of eternal wisdom that has the ability to inspire any man or woman to supreme accomplishment and enlightenment.” The teacher in the Bhagavad Gita is Krishna as he explains to Arjuna his duties as a warrior and a prince as an analogy of the path toward liberation. Throughout the text, Krishna appears as a manifestation of Divine Consciousness as he guides Arjuna and the other characters through their roles before, during, and beyond the battle that begins Kali Yuga (one of the four stages of the world's development cycle).

In this seven-week series, our yoga practice will be guided by passages and themes from the Bhagavad Gita. The class each week will build on topics that delve into the philosophy of yoga, including energy, non-attachment, building witness-consciousness, karma and dharma, sacrifice, and Divine Grace. Our practice will include a brief reading and teaching, seated meditation and breathwork, asana practice followed by guided yoga nidra, and time for discussion at the end. Familiarity with the Bhagavad Gita is helpful, but not required. We will use the translations of the Bhagavad Gita by both Winthrop Sargent and Stephen Mitchell for the readings. You are welcome to purchase a copy of either version, but having your own copy is not required.

Foundations

2009-06-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

Today I was back up at 5:00 am and on my mat trying to figure out this thing I call a body. Apparently before 8:00 AM my body refuses to bend.

But after some encouragement it did start to move. I didn't have a very long practice, about 40 min. But it was what I could manage. Followed by 10 min. meditation. My mental frame of mind was much happier this morning and it wasn't as difficult to actually get out of bed. I am also journaling my daily practice to help me see patterns and so on. I am playing around with the idea of following with a DVD a few times a week. But then that would require me to hook up my laptop in my yoga room and so on.
I used to hate just flowing with my own internal teacher, maybe because it forced me listen to my body rather than someone telling what to do.
I love a class setting too! I love being taught new ways to get into/out of a pose and adjustments are yummy!
But sometimes the sacred space that you create in your own home practice is just amazing. It is kind of like this friend that is unwavering and always there to give you a hug.
Am I cheesey or what!? :)

Anyway, I am still playing around with headstand away from the wall. I fell once so that was my ego check. I needed it!

So I re-arranged my reading schedule of books. Right now I am starting Light on Yoga and reading a few Chapters of Moving into Stillness by Erich Schiffmann.

I really feel for the first time in a long time I am in the right place. I mean I have ups and downs.

Yesterday was a down for sure. I was very emotional and really grumpy. So I am not saying I am on this blissful plane where nothing sucks...because at times things do.
I mean budgeting for training, dealing with Denver's physical issues, my family issues and so on.
But for the first time I feel that I am okay. I can actually be happy with my life.

For a small example I can go a few days with out obsessivly cleaning my home. I don't have to run to the sink each time Denver puts a plate in it.
I can also chill out about the thigns that used to make me soo stressed out!

Basically I no longer feel compelled to control every aspect of my life. That for me is.....beautiful.

So I am embracing this experience and truly hope to build a foundation in which to live the rest of my life upon.

Patterns

2009-06-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

So I got up this morning and practiced!!! I can't believe it...wait yes I can because it was so hard! My alarm went off at 4:45 and I finally got on my mat at 5:00.
I was in no mood for it but as I read in my training packet it takes 2-3 weeks to set a new “pattern” so stick with it. I keep repeating that trying to ease my discomfort.

Speaking of training. I received my training materials in the mail!! Which means it is official. It is going to happen. I paid the deposit for my lodging and already have homework to complete before the first weekend. Lots of reading, evaluating a few yoga classes, keeping up a daily asana and meditation practice and a bunch of other things as well.

Along with some suggestions such as cutting out caffeine and alcohol and other items from your lifestyle in order to live off of your own vital energy.

I liked the sentence she said: “this is not an attempt to cause you suffering. It is an attempt to help you survive on your own vital energy and how to work with that. Maybe for the very first time.”

I have no issue cutting out Alcohol. I can't even tell you the last time I had an alcoholic beverage. However, the caffeine is the issue. It is such a vice for me. Something I know I need to overcome because it only contributes to this monkey mind that keeps me in a tailspin. But breaking habits are sometimes difficult, painful and needed. :) Wish me luck on that one.

Work today has been a test…the whole day. I am on some weird emotional plane today. Very sensitive and easily stressed out and I don’t like that one bit!

I got a call that the gym is shut down due to a water main break. So no teaching tonight. I was looking forward to it.

Instead I am going to go home and practice and just unwind on my mat. Denver is going to meditation but I am going to skip it. I am feeling so emotional I think I should practice and meditate at home. Then curl up with a book and dinner.

Sounds much more calming for me. He understands too.:)

Well much more to do at the office then I am heading out.

How is your week so far?

Headstand

2009-06-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

Today while doing my practice I decided to videotape my headstand. It is only the 2nd time I've ever been able to go into headstand without kicking up to the wall. I wanted to see how I was doing it; because actually doing it and seeing how your body moves is 2 different things.
This has been one of my biggest obstacles; over coming the attachment to the wall.
Now if I could get over my fear with drop-backs and forearm stand. One thing at a time :)

Music by Michael Franti (off of my Yoga playlist)

Security Blanket

2009-06-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

Today I got up and taught yoga at the gym. Then ran some errands and came home. Chai & I had a relaxing day!
I did a 45 min. asana practice followed by meditation.
I have to say my practice was moderate but I was excited because for the FIRST time ever I got into headstand without the wall!!
I consider myself an advanced beginner/intermediate level if you had to label it. (just to give you an idea of my practice)
Most of my practice is pretty comfortable but I've been struggling with headstands since I started yoga over 4 years ago. It was like my security blanket--using the wall. So today I moved away from the wall and tried on my own. Sure enough I got up! I have to tuck in the raise my legs. But it did make smile!

After practice I showered, ate and started to read the most recent Shambala Sun. There were some interesting articles on Yoga and interweaving Buddhism.
Here are just a few excerpts from the articles I read:

"With gentleness & mindfulness we can appreciate what we have. We are enormously capable & free, and if we begin to develop appreciation, our mind doesn't dwell on what we do not have or on what we have lost"

"If we bring mindfulness to our feelings, we can experience pure pleasure, untainted by clinging or grasping. But in order to be able to experience pure pleasure, we must be willing to experience pure pain or pure discomfort, free from aversion & resistance.
The most pain-avoidant people have the least joy in their lives. In trying to armor ourselves against pain; we numb ourselves to all experience. In opening ourselves to live fully, not caught in habitual patterns of reactivity. Rather than conditionally reacting to experience. We can choose to respond creatively. The doorway to this freedom is in bringing mindfulness to our feelings before they condition our reactivity."

"If we are attached to strong ideas of what we need to be happy & free; the attachment to those very ideas becomes an obstacle to happiness & freedom."

"To appreciate & be firm in our commitment to a practice is one thing, but if we become overly attached & obsessive with the form, we can all too easily lose the liberating spirit of the practice"

I enjoyed what I read. Now onto reading more stuf! Then off to bed soon.

Dig Deep

2009-06-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

This week has been nuts-o at work. Good stuff; just busy. So I am taking a few moments while Chai is snoring...to update.
I need to get to bed soon though.

Nicole & I had a lot of fun. On Saturday we went to ICE, meet friends for dinner at Green Sprout & then to see Elighten Up!

Sunday we went to meditation and then headed towards Chattanooga. The drive there was super nice and once we got into town, we went straight to Country Life which is a vegetarian restaurant run by Seventh Day Adventists. The food was massive and the people were so nice.
I have to say besides the food and Stephanie...I have no reason to return to Chattanooga. Nicole & I just kept saying that the place was...well kind of dead and not really my taste.

Class was wonderful. Nicole & I got there early and were up front. I was able to say hi to Stephanie before class. She gave me a hug and I can't tell you the amount of inspiration and happiness that comes over me when I practice with her.
The class was fun and Nicole & I got to partner up for some Forearm stand fun.

After that we headed over the local park to eat our left overs from Countrylife. It was great to hang out with Nicole.

Monday Chai & I had to say good-bye. And let me tell you...I've NEVER seen my dog attached to someone like she was with Nicole. She literally laid down on her feet when Nicole was trying to get out the door.
So after seeing Nicole off to the windy city it was back to work.

Here are some photos of the weekend:

A little yoga break on our road trip

Nicole is awesomeness!

Stephanie & I

So the work week has been intense and productive. I've worked late a lot this week; but I am blessed to still be employed and do what I can everyday.
I am also lucky because I just finalized everything for Teacher Training in Asheville in October of this year!!!!!
I am so grateful! I just need to finalize everything with my lodging. I have verbally booked my room at the same house I stayed at before. She was so happy that I decided to do the training and said I was a good renter for the 5 day workshop.
People.........I can't believe I am really doing this! Really!

Now I have 8 books to read and absorb over the next 4 months before training.

I am also making a plan and sticking it to it. In hopes that the routine becomes the ground work for a new lifestyle.
I went to the grocery today and purchase a lot of raw and fresh veggies and fruit. I am going to do my best to eat fresh foods. Juicing as well. I am going to work towards avoiding frozen and pre-packaged foods. Of course it will be a transition. But it is a goal.
I am also trying to get up 1 hour earlier than I am now. This way I can spend a little time with Chai and walk her. Then do a 45 min. Asana practice and 20 min meditation/pranayama.
Which this means I need to get my butt in bed at a decent time!

These are my intentions. I will see how well I can cultivate a new mindset and routine. I feel that this routine will help best keep me grounded and focused on my studies. I don't want to become complacent and procrastinate! Which in the past I've been known to do.
Denver is fully supporting me in this and I know I can call Nicole if I feel stuck or unmotivated.
Also, Stephanie has corresponded with me via email so far and has helped me with a few questions I've raised. I am so incredibly grateful for all of this.

So before I head to bed I wanted to share a part of what I read of the yoga sutras today:
32. The practice of concentration on a single subject is the best way to prevent the obstacles and there accompaniments.
And a brief elaboration:
We should not keep changing our object of concentration. When we decide on one thing, stick to it whatever happens. There's no value in digging shallow wells in a hundred places. Decide on one place and dig deep. Even if you encournter a rock, use dynamite and keep going down. If you leave that to dig another well, all the first effort is wasted and there is no proof you wont hit rock again.

For me this rings so incredibly true. If you read my journal/blog or if you know me...you know I've jumped around from style to style and place to place. But it is time to settle in and dig down deep. There is much more to the translation of this one sutra. You can read more if you would like: Yoga Sutras of Ptanjali. Sri Swami Satchidananda Translation.

Okay off to bed!

Friends & Yoga <3

2009-06-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful weekend with a truly wonderful friend. I will post more in detail later this week when I have some time.
I have pictures to share.
I miss Nicole already! Having her around is so uplifting and she is awesome!

I am grateful for true friends and for this practice that has given me so many amazing things in my life thus far!
Plus I am 100% certain I want to do my teacher training with Stephanie Keach. The Master Class was fun. I just enjoy her energy.

I will not be doing the training in Chattanooga though; the town just wasn't for me.
I really loved Asheville 1000 times more. Much more my pace. The setting in Asheville just seems to cultivate a more compassionate and calm mind within myself. Perhaps because in that town I found my teacher. :)
Regardless the weekend rocked, the weather was perfect and I was in amazing company.

Much to do at the office.
Have a great week!

Reading

2009-05-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

I am working late and awaiting NIcole's arrival later this evening. I will probably get a few more files done then eat dinner and grab a cup of coffee before heading to pick her up. I am not driving home. That is an hour home and then to turn around and drive another 45 min. to the airport. Might as well work late and go straight from here.
Anyway, while taking a quick break I wondered upon this site.
If you read something today then read this

The part I really like:
When I speak of open, authentic honesty, I mean being truly connected to your higher self. Not the ego-dominated self, but your spirit, (or whatever word you’d like to use, the word is not important). When you’re tuned into this source that is bigger than your puny ego, your living from a state of unadulterated awareness.

When you’re acting from this state, you’re not thinking about whether what you’re doing is right or wrong, appropriate or inappropriate. You act completely naturally, unafraid to express yourself authentically and freely. You’re not afraid to tell someone how you really feel or ask for something you need. It’s from this place that you experience bliss, because there is no ego holding you back from it. There is no hesitation when the ego is not present.

Mindfulness

2009-05-28T16:58:00.001-07:00

So the past few weeks have been super busy!
I am slammed at work; which is a blessing. But with teaching and my own practice I've had very little time to update.
This week has been fun and crazy. I can't believe Nicole will be here TOMORROW!
I am so ready to see her, hug her and hang out! Will be fun!
Saturday we are going to my yoga class, a craft fair in Atlanta at Olympic Park Called ICE, then to seeEligthen Up! and also eat Vegan Chinese food.
Sunday we are heading to Chattanooga for the day then to the Master Class with Stephanie Keach! :)
Super excited for the entire weekend!

Yesterday I went to Flow Class at Balance. It was exactly what I needed (after some encouragement from Nicole)
Fun music, fun vinyasa.

Tonight we had a small class. It started off pretty funny. The fire alarm went off & they had to evacuate us. Apparently the Men's Sauna set it off. We had to wait for the Fire Department to declare it safe for return. The students asked if we could just start late and go over...there are no classes after mine in the mind/body room on Thursdays so why not!
So it was a fun class then we ended in Savasana. As I was leading them through a body scan before really diving into Savasana a young woman came over our PA system shouting "test test 123"
Apparently the Cycle room was connected to our PA. I never use a Mic so I had to run clear across the gym in my yoga pants and no shoes to tell her. It was very funny.
We did get into a deep savasana and then after had a good giggle.

Lately I have been reading more on Mindfulness. The concept of mindfulness practices in life are interesting to me (could be the Buddhist side perhaps)
I am reading a book Called The Mindful way through Depression
I've struggled on and off with this in my life (and every women in my family has also) It is just a good book to keep on hand. I am really enjoying it. It comes along with a CD with mindful mediation and mindful yoga practice.
I am also listening to Mindfulness for Beginners on my commute to work.
The theory of using Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for people who suffer from stress, pain or depression is interesting to me. Giving me more ideas of the things I want to learn about and share with others.

I am back at work with lost to do but wanted to quickly update.
Hope all is well!

Workin' up a sweat!

2009-05-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

Hi internet people!

How is life so far this week?

It has been insanely busy at work. I’ve been a little too stressed out. I don’t like that…but then again who does?

Last night I headed to Balance Yoga for their Flow class. It was a packed class and we built up a lot of sweat!

We did a fun sequence and I enjoyed myself. I was happy with my progress with a few postures.

I am able to get up into Bird of Paradise (not the best picture of it). I did it on both sides (with my leg bent/not straight) which is an improvement.

I also got so excited because for the first time I got into Crow for all of 2 seconds with both feet off the ground!!
Or is this crane? I have no clue what it is.

That was huge for me because I’ve been trying that one for a long time (along with headstand)

I also got into side crow on my left side. My right side is almost there. It isn’t the picturesque pose…but it is a work in progress.

I can’t find a picture of it online. For me I am balancing my left thigh on my left and right elbows. Is that even side crow?

All in all it was Fun!

It is interesting how much your practice changes and progresses when you are consistent and present.

However, ever since I washed my Jade harmony mat it is loosing it’s grip to the floor beneath. It keeps bunching and moving when I jump forward and back. I know my Prana mat is larger and heavier and takes up more room in the class room. But it is the best mat so far. I need to try it out with a nice sweaty practice to ensure it doesn’t slip and it not…then I am bringing that mat everywhere!

Tonight I taught the first Thursday Yoga class at the gym. I had 8 people total. It was a good turn out.
We had a student who just found out she was pregnant and wanted to try yoga plus students of all ages.
It was a fun class. Mostly everyone was new (besides my 2 students that returned from Saturday) So we stuck with Sun Salutes, some standing postures, seated, core work, bridge, twists. The usual stuff you find in class.
I did have 2 girls come into class about 15 min. late (which I am learning is typical with a gym atmosphere) so no biggie right. If they miss the warm up then they just meet us in down dog and pick up where we are.
They missed the opening: are you new to yoga? Any injuries? We practice barefoot. Etc...
The only thing (which I am sure with most classes but I never noticed it before) is that they talked alot; kind of beneath my cues.
They would giggle when I would demonstrate the different modifications. Then after being in class 20 min....they left.

t was odd to me.

After class 2 students stayed behind to chat and said they enjoyed it. :) That always makes me feel good.

I talked to our new coordinator and got the okay to practice in the room after my yoga class on Thrusday (they aren't using that room on Thursdays)
So I turned the lights out and did a 45 min. practice. It was fun! I had music and all. I did 3 A and 3 B sun salutes. Some pigeon poses, some core work (becuase I need it too!) Handstand, Forearm stand and headstand with the wall, some backbends then closing.
Yummy! I did have some on-lookers. I tried to be in a corner of the room where no one could see me. Oh well.

I chatted with Nicole on my way home; I hope she likes her new haircut.
I fed chai, took a hot bath and now relaxing. Waiting for Denver to get home from Zenspace so we can eat a late dinner (that is the bad thing about our schedule)
I am ready for my weekend. How about you?

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

2009-05-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

I received notification today from Miami LIfe Center that Sri K. Pattabhi Jois passed.

Early this morning we got news that Guruji, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, has passed. His presence has touched the lives of countless people all around the world. We are lucky to have met him and to consider him our teacher.

I never had the honor to practice in his presence.
We did travel to Islamorada last year, but he fell ill and was not able to travel.
Tonight I will dedicate an Ashtanga practice to him. He was and will continue to be such a huge part of the yoga community.
Om shanti shanti shanti.

Southern Yogi

Fresh Start

Yoga, yoga yoga...

Intense back bends...

Ashtanga Inspiration

Yoga Blog roll

Finally back on my mat

Theres a new blog in town...

Ginger

Pitta...all the way

A new week and a new Asana

Mysore- quick post...

Practice, Practice, Practice...

Winding down...

Celebrate!

Last day as a 30yr old :)

Heavy...

Mat time...

Birthday Celebrations!

ZEN SPIRIT

Ashtanga

Pure Joy

Discipline

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Operation Lotus

Flow with the breath, be mindful, no judgement

National Yoga Day

Mysore, National Yoga Day and Haiti

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Snowy mountain tops and lots and lots of yoga!

Trusting the Flow....

Resolutions

Living Your Yoga

Merry, Happy, Full...

Basics

Flow Yoga

Holiday Check-In

Seeds of Understanding

Flo(w)

Faith

Chemistry of the Heart

Chitta Vritti

Ashtangi's and the Moon

Doorways

Holidays, Mysore Practice and Training

Thankful

Practice & Tofurky

Choosing Peace

Do your practice....

Notes on my Practice...it is a LONG Post **you've been warned**

Mysore

Back from Asheville and back to my routine.

Road Trip= Teacher Training Part 2

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ॐ Practice ॐ

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Ashtanga- already planning 2010

Yoga related updates (what else would you expect?)

This weeks practice so far...

Yoga Teacher Training- Weekend 1

Headed to Asheville

Yoga stuff....

Work & Yoga

A Challenge

Asana--Flowing with the practice.

Ashtangi's Post

Imperfect Yoga= I'm Perfect

Let Go and Let Flow

Yoga Happenings in Atlanta this weekend!

Water Logged....

Experience yourself in stillness

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Curve balls

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Finding the Flow

Lover of the Weekends

7 Tidbits...

Lots-o-Stuff

Lots and Lots of...Stuff

Notes on my Practice...it is a LONG Post you've been warned