Intention

Hello fellow Yogis -

It's been awhile - I guess that's putting it mildly!  I've struggled for the past few years with my practice, but I feel I'm turning the corner and coming back to my mat.  Slowly but surely.  My intention for December is to practice every day and take that momentum into 2014.  I feel confident and excited about this challenge.  I plan to document my ups and downs as I turn and face the difficult emotions that I know will come up during the next 30 days.  I look forward to sharing this journey with you!

Namaste~

#365Yoga Day 218 - Yoga for Stress Reduction

Hello All -

I had the pleasure of coming home to this DVD on my doorstep yesterday.  And to say I needed it after the day (actually the week) I'd had is an understatement.  Hala soothed my poor soul and gave me a wonderful boost of energy that got going when I honestly thought I was going to be a couch potato for the rest of the day.

Her calming and compassionate voice is just what I needed after a week of pressure in cube prison!  She has you really focus on your breath and moving your body in slow rhythmic ways that immediately calm your entire being.  And then there's the move and groove portion where you just listen to your body and get your groove on.  Loved it!!

Here's the information so you too can have a sweet surprise on your doorstep just when you need it.

Enjoy your weekend!
Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 211 - Yin Yoga

My Yin practice is like a yummy meditation.  When I can finally settle my mind, and relax into the sensations of my body opening up, it is bliss!  After a busy day at work there's really nothing better for me.

The following is a practice from a 2008 Yoga Journal.  Allow yourself a few minutes in each pose and I guarantee this practice will change your day!  Check out Yoga Journal online here for descriptions and images of the poses.

• Butterfly
• Saddle
• Seal
• Shoelace
• Dragonfly
• Reclining Twist
• Happy Baby

This practice was created by Sarah Powers (pictured above).  In the article she also includes the 4 tenants of Yin Yoga.  I found that by being mindful of these my practice is enhanced.

1. Find an appropriate edge
2. Be still
3. Hold for awhile
4. Release with care

If you usually practice Vinyasa, Power or Ashtanga, I encourage you to try Yin.  Settle into the stillness and see what happens!

Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 204

A HOT day in Virginia - again!  I didn't realize we'd been transported to the Sun.  That's honestly what it feels like when you step out the door.  YUCK!

But it's nice in cool on my lovely green mat shown above.  A perfect birthday present from my wonderful boyfriend!

I would like to recommend the following podcast on iTunes:  Yoga Flo with Jennifer.  I did her 40 minute class this afternoon and it rocked.  I downloaded the others and will try them over the next week or so.  Love - love - love finding new teachers.

I hope you're staying COOL wherever you are.

Namaste'

Yogi Treats

I wanted to share a great recipe from the book Clean Food by Terry Walters.  They are super yummy Raisin Nut Bars.  Very yogi friendly and a great energy boost before practice!

Here's what ya need:

• 1 1/2 cups raisins
• 1 cup brown rice flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• Apple juice as needed

Here's what ya do:

Preheat oven to 350F

Place raisins in a bowl and cover with boiling water.  Let sit 10 minutes or until soft. Drain and press out excess water.  Chop softened raisins and set aside.

In large bowl, combine flour, oats, walnuts and salt.  In separate bowl, whisk together oil and syrup.  Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients, add raisins and mix until blended.  You want the dough to be moist enough to just stick together.  Add apple juice if needed to achieve this consistency.

Oil 6x9-inch glass casserole and press batter so it sticks together and is consistently thick throughout.  Pre-cut into squares and bake 25 minutes  Remove from heat and let cool completely before removing from pan.  Store in airtight container.

ENJOY!

Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 203 - What is Yoga?

How many times have you heard or read that question?  What is Yoga?  Probably a lot.  Until recently I don't think I had considered what yoga is to ME.  In the past when I thought of yoga a textbook definition popped into my head and I associated it with the physical vinyasa flow style.  I'm realizing now that doing that has caused me some suffering.  Suffering in terms of not being able to look outside my self-constructed limits and missing the bigger picture.  If I didn't practice vinyasa flow then obviously I didn't do a "real" yoga practice.  Well I can safely say with a great deal of certainty that that's a bunch of crap!

I have a problem with perfection.  Always have.  I find it to be one of the uglier side effects of having a Type-A Personality.  I realize I'm being overly critical of myself, things, other people and I just can't seem to stop.  Until recently.  I have been meditating regularly now for several months. I have even incorporated a short practice before work.  And I've also introduced some pranayama.  I really believe that these two things are helping me get out of my own way!  I cause myself so much suffering it's stupid!  I'm learning to stop, step back and analyze what's happening and then respond.  I'm learning to look at things differently.

So what does this have to do with me and yoga?  Well I've not been practicing much lately and when I stopped and asked myself why I realized it was because I either didn't have enough time or an interest in doing a vinyasa practice.  And since there's no other yoga (insert sarcasm here) then what was the point of getting on the mat.  Thanks to the book I mentioned in my last post, Yoga for Emotional Balance, and the time I've spent sitting, I can now see how distorted this thought process is and how much I've been missing.  Bo Forbes makes a wonderful observation when she says, "To relax, you need to let go of perfection."  My need for things to be perfect and for my practice to look a certain way wasn't allowing me the space I needed to relax.  Ms. Forbes goes on to instruct us to let go of the idea of either doing well at your practice or failing, of being good or bad at yoga.  This was an "aha" moment for me.  With the clarity I've developed through meditation, reading this was like finding the missing piece to the puzzle.  The puzzle of course being "what's been wrong with my practice!"

My hope is to have this mark a turning point in my practice.  I'm going to try and let go of the need to turn my practice into a good performance, but instead just see where it takes me.

Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 201

I wanted to share this wonderful book with everyone.  I can't recommend it enough.  Bo Forbes does an amazing job of breaking down anxiety and depression into bite-sized nuggets and providing practical solutions to these pesky emotional imbalances.  Thanks to this book I have been able to stop taking sleep aids and use nothing but my breath to calm my mind and body so I can sleep.  This is HUGE for me.  I've been taking some sort of sleep aid for more than seven years.  And the practices she suggests are fantastic.  Read this book. Share it with others and then read it again!  You can get it here:  Yoga For Emotional Balance. 

Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 154

I find the fluctuations of life fascinating.  At times I'm very consistent with my meditation practice, other times it's my asana practice.  It never seems to be both at the same time.  I'm learning to let go of the desire to be immersed in both simultaneously and simply be with whatever practice I gravitate towards.  And instead of trying to fit some "yogic" mold I just relax into the moment.  My life has improved because of this.  I now see my work is to try and integrate this relaxed effort into other parts of my life.

Sogyal Rinpoche said it perfectly when he stated "Learning to live is learning to let go." 
May you let go of something that isn't serving you today and relax in the now.

Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 141

Where has the month of May gone?!  I've had "write blog" on my to-do list for two weeks now.  Obviously I've been a bit distracted.  The weather has been gorgeous and I've been spending time on the porch enjoying the birds and bees!

My practice continues to develop "post training" and I'm happy to report that I'm getting back on the mat on a more regular basis.  Last weekend I took an Anusara workshop from a visiting teacher from Charlottesville.  It was different.  I'm not sure it's my new passion, but it's certainly something to look into further.

I started reading a book I'd like to recommend.  By Bo Forbes Yoga for Emotional Balance is turning out to be a very good read.  I'm just getting to the end of the first part and will start doing her recommended breathing exercises and yoga poses.  I'll keep you posted!

I hope everyone is enjoying Spring!

Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 125 - Reading List

Hello All -

I have been meaning to write this blog for a month now.  Shame on me!  After I spent that wonderful weekend with Cyndi Lee at Yogaville in April she was kind enough to send us a suggested reading list.  I thought I would share it with you.

I'm looking forward to reading these in the not so distant future.  Cyndi also suggested that if you're looking for a group to do sitting meditation with to check out your local Shambhala Center.  You can go to www.shambhala.org to find a center near you.

Here's the list:

• Turning Your Mind into an Ally by Sakyong Mipham Rimpoche
• Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior by Chogyam Trungpa
• The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of LovingKindness by Pema Chodron

Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 115 - Meditation with Swami Ken

Today I had the privilege to sit with Swami Ken (pictured above).  He's in town for a few days and has a two day workshop scheduled at the new yoga studio I've been visiting.  I decided to leave work early this afternoon to make the 2:30 session.  We immediately went into a 60 minute meditation.  Normally I can sit comfortably for 30 minutes so you can imagine this was stretching my comfort zone.  On top of that it was 85 degrees in the room.  Yes, that was the actual temperature reading on the thermostat.  That added an element I wasn't prepared to deal with.  But I did deal.  Today's experience was uncomfortable and enjoyable all at the same time.  I was able to really practice letting go and being with what was.  Could I change the length of the sit or the temperature in the room; nope!  Sure, I could have gotten up and left, but what's that say?  I don't want to just quit when the going gets tough.  So I sat there.  I sat there and focused on my breath and let go of my expectations of the afternoon and let the sweat trickle down my back. I moved quietly when my back started to ache or my foot fell asleep.  No, it wasn't an ideal situation, but I survived and I did it with a calm mind.  I love when the practice takes on this kind of edge.  I was pushed this afternoon and I felt the benefits of my daily meditation practice because I didn't buckle.

Don't give in to the ego when it tells you something is too difficult or you can't do it.  Stick it out!  You'll be happy you did.

Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 107 - Week in Review

Om Shanti!

What an awesome week of yoga for me.  I set out to try new things and I succeeded.  I think I'm starting to create some new patterns and habits in terms of my practice and I'm excited about where it's taking me.

On Wednesday I tried a new studio and a new teacher.  This studio is offering a 5 class for $25 deal for new students.  That was a no brainer!  And because they offered a much loved Yin class right after work on Wednesday I really couldn't resist.  They are called Om on Yoga and have a very nice boutique, tea bar and studio space.  I think I found a new love.  Check them out if you come to Richmond!

Saturday afternoon I attended a three hour restorative workshop with Annie Carpenter.  What a wonderful experience!  Annie has such a compassionate approach to her asana practice.  She led us through a well rounded session that left me feeling relaxed and enlivened at the same time!

The goal for the coming week is to try another new class at Om and to get on my mat daily!

Best wishes for a yoga-filled week!

Namaste'

#365 Yoga Day 102 – Shamatha

The meditation technique that Cyndi Lee taught us this past weekend was new to me.  And something that I plan to take on.  I find it particularly challenging because the eyes are open and focused about five feet in front of you.  She suggests keeping your gaze soft and wide without going fuzzy.  You’re to think of your vision as being panoramic. 

The breath in this technique is not your primary focus.  Cyndi states you should only place about 25% of your attention there.  Let your awareness of your mind extend out to your environment.  This is really tough for me because I have a tendency to attach onto sounds and smells. 

Another new component for me is naming your thoughts “thinking”.  I’ve mainly practiced with a mantra so I need to re-program my brain to include “thinking” as part of the practice.  She stressed that when you find yourself wandering and noting you’re thinking you need to do this in a compassionate way.  Don’t scold yourself for having a thought (or many).  This straying of thoughts is part of the practice and every moment offers a chance at a fresh start.  I love that! 

If you want to learn more about this technique and the other wonderful things Cyndi has to offer please check out her book Yoga Body, Buddha Mind.  I highly recommend it!

Namaste’ 

#365Yoga Day 101 - Gratitude

I know I've written a blog about gratitude before but I think it's important to mention again.  Whenever I come back from a few days at Yogaville I have a different perspective on things.  I feel more grounded and focused and it gives way to reflection.  I will be honest that I had a really tough time getting up and going to my cube this morning.  I think I've mentioned that I find my job about as exciting as watching paint dry.  But before I descended down that slippery slope of yuck, I stopped myself this morning and thought of some positive things that my job offers me.  For one it paid for my recent trip to practice with Cyndi Lee.  That alone is worth sooo much gratitude!!  But I don't want to stop there.  Obviously, it provides me food and shelter and healthcare.  It allows me to drive a relatively new car and to maintain that car.  I was reminded of that when I came home to a personal property tax bill in the mail.  I took a moment and gave thanks for the job that allows me to write a check for this bill and still eat!  So maybe the job isn't so terrible.  The good really does outweigh the bad.  I think that might be said for a lot of things in life.  We just need to take time and put them into perspective.  I know this can be hard for me to do at times.  But as I continue to deepen my meditation practice I'm finding it easier to slow down and really look at things.  I'm grateful for that too.

What are you grateful for?

Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 100 - YOGAVILLE

Yes, you read that right - Yogaville.  For those of you not familiar with the Satchidananda Ashram please check it out here:  http://www.yogaville.org/.  This past weekend was my fourth visit, but my first workshop.  And what a workshop.  I had the honor of spending three days with Cyndi Lee!!!  What an amazing experience.  I was first introduced to Cyndi's work over 10 years ago from my very first teacher.  My teacher actually had to order my Om Yoga box for me because that was in the age before Amazon!!  So I credit Cyndi with starting my home practice. Without her I don't know that it would have taken off like it did.  Please check out Cyndi and all that Om Yoga has to offer.  I hope to take another workshop with her in the year or so.

Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 91 - Going deeper

This week I have really delve into yogic philosophy.  I started reading the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and find it fascinating.  I was under the impression that most texts on yoga followed the precepts set down by Patanjali.  The Pradipika clearly discounts the yamas and niyamas as needing to be done first and states that "experience has taught us that in order to practice yama and niyama, discipline and self-control, a certain quality of mind is needed.....therefore, before you try to practice self-discipline and self-control, you must also prepare yourself."  I'm looking forward to reading more and learning how to clear the pranas and control the mind.

I'll keep you posted on what I learn!
Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 90 - Back on the mat

It's been a tough two weeks in terms of my practice.  I did not get on the mat last week because of the all the chatter in my head.  Instead I sought solace on my meditation cushion and focused on the 7th limb of yoga.  It has worked wonders.  I have found my asana practice again and I think going forward it's going to be better than ever.  I am releasing all expectations in terms of what poses I can get into and how long I practice.  I plan to make a date with my mat and just move.  Move however my body tells me to and use my breath to guide me.  I'm excited to get started!  Too bad I have to work!

I hope everyone is doing well and geared up for Spring!

Oh.....and even though I'm not a huge basketball fan I have to say a big GO TEAM to the VCU Rams (rcvd my graduate degree from VCU) as they head into the Final Four!

Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 81 - DONE!!!

Well I've officially completed the YogaWorks 200 hour Teacher Training program.  To say I'm happy to be done is an understatement!  What an amazing experience.  I learned so much about yoga and myself over these past seven months.  One thing I learned is that I'm not interested in teaching.  I didn't think that was the path for me seven months ago (but I was open to it) and now I'm sure.  But this has been a great ride and I certainly know a lot more about yoga postures than I ever thought possible.  Thank you to all of you who sent me well wishes over the past seven months.  Your support has been appreciated!

Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 74

I've been trying to find some peace and tranquility these past few days but let's face it, I'm stressed!  And I find it funny to be stressed about YOGA.  Does that make sense?  Not really.  I'm anxious because this coming weekend is my last teacher training weekend and I have a 2 hour in class final AND I have to teach a pose to the group.  It's moments like this that I sooo wish I wasn't a typical Type A Personality.  But I'm not, so I have to deal with it.  My goal for the week (in addition to practicing my teaching script out loud) is to meditate. Sit, sit and sit some more.  So far I'm off to a good start.  

Please send good thoughts for a successful weekend!

Namaste'

#365Yoga Day 69

We are not human beings trying to be spiritual.  

We are spiritual beings trying to be human.

Jacquelyn Small