India is calling....

I am very happy to be extending my Yoga education through December 2010. I will be starting the Resonate (yoga therapy program) in June. Even though finances will be tight, I am 100% sure it will be a great experience...

Since the new year started I have completely remodeld my lifestyle. I got slightly off track for a while there and was pretty upset with how I was managing my life. So far new doors have been opening left and right since I decided to just be "me". 

I have made it my intention to go to India spring of 2011. Mostly for educational purposes and to fulfill a life long dream. It will be hard to be away from my family for such and extended period of time, but I feel so deeply that I need to do this. My hubby was not to happy about the idea, but I know in his heart he understands why it is and has been calling me for so long.

I will be accompanied by a dear friend who is such an amazing artist- Diana Comstock. I am absolutely thrilled and honored to be present with her as we go on such an amazing adventure.

Funny thing about this trip...I have never been off this continent. I hate flying and have a fear of it that is so intense that I have passed up trips abroad in the past...silly me. I have been facing many of my fears as of late, so this will be my biggest hoorah!

"India was the mother of our race and Sanskrit the mother of Europe's languages. She was the mother of our philosophy, mother through the Arabs, of much of our mathematics, mother through Buddha, of the ideals embodied in Christianity, mother through village communities of self-government and democracy. Mother India is in many ways the mother of us all."  ~Will Durant

Yoga Buffet?

 I recently began to read Autobiography of a Yogi. Everytime I finish a chapter I am left contemplating the nature of yoga. What began as a way to connect with the divine has over time develpoed into a buffet of styles. When someone asks me what type of yoga I practie or study I am preplexed at how to answer them. And I am pretty sure my facial expresstion looks somewhat like this...

I am not trying to knock all the beautiful variations of yoga, or those creative spirits that have developed unique methods of this ancient practice.

 I just want to practice yoga...
...scratch that. I want to be yoga!

I was talking with a friend last night about yoga. We were discussing our innocence to it. Neither of use knowing all the "famous" yoga names or styles. I actually like being less educated on who is who in the yoga world. I think if I read up too much on this style or that style or who is taking the yoga world by storm...well it takes away from what I feel is the essence of yoga. The union between myself and divinity.

to be continued...

Push it real good

Another fantastical yoga weekend. Friday night started out with a in depth look at pranayama. I think people have a tendancy of taking breathing for granted. Because it is an involuntary action we don't think about it very much. During our core class Dana spent a lot of time guiding us through our breath. Inhale and open up the back side of the body, exhale and contract all those beautiful muscles towwards the center of the body. What a difference it made in my ability to go deeper into asana. There are so many benefits to controlled breath. When we take  a few minutes from our hectic daily lives and just sit with our breath magic happens.
Stress seems to just melt away. Nerves are soothed and all that rich oxygenated blood gives you a natural high so beautiful  you just want to smile...Peace. Love. Breath.
I have noticed I am moving my body differently since the 2 core classes I took on saturday and sunday. I am also noticing my breath is creating the momentum for each movement as well. I am more aware of being in my body than ever before and I am so greatful for that.

My solar plexus wants to thank Dana, Sheldon, Carrie and Jeff for all the gut loving knowledge they shared with us. I am riding high on inspiration. Namaste!

Chakra Three: Manipura

Fire, Ego identity, oriented to self-definition
This chakra is known as the power chakra, located in the solar plexus. It rules our personal power, will, and autonomy, as well as our metabolism. When healthy, this chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity, and non-dominating power.

Things that make ya go Om

It has been a very busy week...in which I am so greatful. To be doing what I love and sharing old and new knowledge with others means so much to me. This week I have managed to include yoga into every session at work. From pranayama (breathing) techniques, to actual asana (posture/pose). Simple suggestions are so beneficial. My work as a massage therapist has changed so much over the years. I am now seeing that instead of just providing out of body experiences for my clients- I am hoping to take them into the body, to bring about awareness.

My own awareness has been heightend this week. With so much of my time and attention being focused on my work and teacher training, I am losing connection with my family and home life. My husband and I are both working so hard at our own individual goals that "family" time is few and far between. Of course we both need to make a living, but trying to find that balance between work and home has been a challenge. We are both at the point in our lives that we have to make appointments just to see eachother....and both our books are full.

I am struggling to bring my practice home. I am hoping my shift in awareness can led me to new and creative ways to share my  love of yoga with my family.

 I am not expecting to wake the everyone at the butt crack of dawn for meditation, but a lil   family yoga time might do us all good...

Yogier than thou...I think not!

A few days ago I was headed off to work. My mother bless her heart, came down to babysit the kids. As I was gathering up my belongings she looked at me (as only a mother can do) and said, "you look so yoga". It took me off gaurd for a minute because I wasn't sporting any om symbols or wearing yoga clothes. I had on my typical black tank and a pair of wide leg jeans. I looked at her (as only a daughter can do) and defensivley said, "I do not, I look like I always do!" She laughed and I tried to ignore her comment.
So what does this have to do with yoga teacher training? Well, for starters, I don't want to be categorized and one of those I only shop at Whole Foods with my recycled grocery sacks, while chanting mantras and selecting only the finest organic fruits and vegtables types. Ok that seems a bit stereotypical (and a bit judgemental). But come on. Some of you know what I am getting at here.
 Anyways...so I got to thinking about my perceptions of Yoga. Before I started teachers training I had very limited experience with Yoga. I had only been to a couple classes and the idea of being in a room with flexible bendy types scared the shit outta me.
I got into the physical (hatha) practice of yoga becuase I wanted to dive deeper into my own healing process.
When you progress through a yoga practice, your body naturally begins to loosen up. Then all those "life" issues  begin to free themselves from being stored in muscles/ligaments, etc. What begins to happen is RELEASE. It can be quite scary to let go emotionally. But once you hit that point- surrender to it. Let go and let flow!
I have no intentions of becoming a yoga snob. I hope to always remain grounded and compassionate about yoga because it has been a valuable tool for healing. I am not jumping on the yoga band wagon because it is the hip thing to do, but rather so I can help others.
With that said...Mom I love and adore you, but please don't give me anymore shit about "looking" yoga.

Get outta your head and into your body...

I don't even know where to begin. I came home from a very long day of yoga workshops. I started with Psychology of Yoga taught by John Cottrell. It was an intimate setting. Small class of people who like me, wanted to dive deeper into the human condition and learn how yoga can be a tool for healing even the deepest wounds. We were assigned into pairs and given a scenario in which one student is the yoga teacher (or therapist) and the other is their clent. It was so beautiful watch ing my fellow yogini's guiding there peers into asanas that would help them to cope with the maladies of life. In my scenario I was the client. Which was very personal for me since I am usually the one guiding people on the journey to freedom from pain (both psychological or physiologcal). I was guided by my partner into pigeon. Not my favorite asana. It has been known to send me into an emotional release in the past and this time around was no different. I lost te character I was playing and stepped into my real issues. I broke free and had a beautiful release. My class got to see my vunerability. This expereince further confirmend for me that I want to become a Yoga Therapist.

Next on the list was Yoga Nidra and Meditation. Dana Baptiste led this class. I have experienced different forms of Yoga Nidra and Dana did an amazing job leading us deep into our bodies. I must admit I did enter a pretty deep hypnogogic state. What happend to me during this sleep/wake state is similar to an expereince I had on accident many years ago. My whole body was being moved across a rainbow lotus...I could feel everything....and i am not just talking within myself. It was to say the least, "trippy".

Dana also shared with us a Kriya meditation technique. I love to meditate and this was a beautiful meditation. At one point I believe the whole class was slurping eachothers prana. The energy in the room was like a heavy blanket. Warm and protective....it was beautiful.

I drove home in silence and deep contemplation. I realize that I am exactly where I need to be in life...on the road to Samadhi...

Hot Hot Hot!

No whining. No complaining. No sweat! Well actually there was pleanty of sweating. So much in fact I was a dripping mess by the end of my first Bikram class. The 26 posture series took my lil body on an intense ride. We began the class with a standing  pranayama (breathing).

Posture 1 : Standing Deep Breathing : Pranayama Series

Benefits: Good for mental relaxation , sleep disorders, and anxiety/irritability. Brings fresh oxygenated blood to every cell of the body. Breathing is one of the most important aspects of yoga.
 It felt awkward at first but I as it progressed I got the idea. Not the typical pranayama I am used to, but it felt great. The room started to heat up so intensely and the smell of wet dog was overwhelming. 15 minutes into it I could believe how relaxed my muscles were becoming. I am such a stiffy- so it was nice to feel loose for once. Beads of sweat rolling down my red face...Keep breathing I told myself. The instructor, Jackie led the class with enthusiasim and threw in a little humor as needed.
As class progressed I started to feel that sick feeling from working harder than I am used too. But I kept going. I liked the challenge. I knew that the light at the end of the tunnel would be cool air and a meal.
I made it through all 26 asanas (postures)! I DID IT! 90 minutes in the torture chamber was complete.
 For anyone who hasn't tried Bikram I HIGHLY reccomend it. It pushes you beyond your own limits. Which in the western society we need. We are so used to the pleasures of comfort that anything out side our "comfort zone" we tend to stay away from. Bikram yoga is a great way to challenge yourself and the benefits are amazing:

BENEFITS OF BIKRAM YOGA:

Reshapes your body
Restores flexibility
Tones, strengthens, and lengthens your muscles
Strengthens your spine
Improves circulation
Reduces risk of sports injury
Achieves relief from pain
Reduces your weight – lose pounds by balancing your metabolism
Raises energy level
Diminishes the effects of stress

Increases balance, coordination, focus and discipline

Clears your mind

Calms your soul

Ensures healthy and balanced functioning of the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, nervous,

digestive, elimination, respiratory, endocrine, and mental systems of the body

BENEFITS OF THE HEAT:
Warms the muscles for greater flexibility
Helps achieve a deeper stretch
Flushes toxins from the body
Improves efficiency of the immune system
Creates a cardiovascular workout
Burns calories
Builds endurance

Better late than never

So we are supposed to keep a journal...writting in a notebook has never been my thing. I am horrible at writting things down. I keep everything in my head...
So I thought maybe if I were to create this silly little blog I would be able to keep better track at what I am learning. I am on the computer so much as it is. I can refrence the things I learn in class by posting pics, links etc. This process of "Journaling" suits me better than paper and pen. So here I am doing the blog thing...

I started Yoga Teacher Training with Dana Baptiste in February. My main reason for taking this on was to gain a deeper understanding of Yoga. I have been practicing Ayurveda for several years as a part of my massage profession. Adding Yoga to my repitoire seems a natural progression.

What I hope to accomplish: A personal pratice and the tools to educate others. So far, so good.

I really want to complete the Resonate program. I want to be a Yoga Therapist. Helping people not only through injuries, but through emotional healing as well.

I was inspired to become a Yoga teacher at a retreat I attended in January. An early morning Yoga class with Demi Langford changed my life. During a 5 minute deep hip opener Kapotasana (pigeon), I was moved to tears. It wasn't the intensitiy of the stretch that got to me, but the compassionate way Demi placed her hands on my back to deepen my asana. The tears began to flow and I felt like a flower unfurling. In that moment I knew I needed to bring this awareness to others. It was like magic...so here I am. On the road to Samhadi.