#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'