Why hellooooo blog! I have missed you. Life has kept me busy over the past two months as I have been wrapping up a freelance project for the previous industry I worked in, conference production. I committed to the project back in August thinking it would be a good way to ease into my full time yoga and writing career. And it was, but I am glad that it's almost compete. "Where your focus goes, energy flows," says Baron Baptiste. And I am ready for my energy to flow - even more! - into my yoga teaching and writing.
That is actually a huge lesson I have learned this fall. What you intend for yourself, you create. What you can envision in your mind is possible in your life. Where you focus your thoughts, energy, and time, you get results. That could be a job, relationship, yoga pose (hello first time crows or headstand!), anything - even negative things like bad habits or anxious thoughts. Yoga shows me more and more that the life I am living is a gift. Each breath I breathe is a gift. Each day I get to wake up, is a true miracle! So why should I spend my gift of life doing things that drag me down, deplete my energy, and don't serve the world? I believe when you find your passion, you have to follow it. I am so glad I found the courage to do so.
Every day when I wake up I thank God for my life. For the fact that I get to spend my day doing what I love and getting paid for it. That I live in a beautiful city with lots of sunshine and sunsets that can bring tears of joy to my eyes. That everything works itself out. Yes, faith is a true blessing if you can let go and trust that you are being taken care of by the universe. I know life will not always be pumpkin pie (yum!) but what an amazing ride this is. Hop on and ENJOY!!!!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Simplicity, Eliminate Clutter, Be Real To Find Your Style
Writing is very yogic. I am reading William Zinsser's "On Writing Well" (that I'm pretty sure I read in college but want a refresher), and many of his principals of writing are similar to principals of teaching yoga.
One of Zinsser's first principals is simplicity. He says that writers need to be clearheaded and say what they want to say the simplest way. As a yoga teacher, I need to be clearheaded when I teach class. In fact, one of the most important parts of teaching yoga for me is taking a few moments before class starts to get grounded or present, so I can teach class from a clear space. To be simple in writing and in teaching yoga, we need to be clear about what our objective is. If the reader or student is confused and finds it hard to follow the writing or class, they often won't come back for more.
Another key principal Zinsser discusses is eliminating clutter from writing, which ties into simplicity. Do we really need to say, "a personal friend"? Can't we just say "a friend"? I also love his example that we don't need to say, "At the present time we are experiencing precipitation." We can simply say, "It is raining." If I give my students every single alignment cue for a pose, will they get the pose any better? They are probably more likely to tune me out completely. Where can I eliminate unnecessary words to allow students to have space for their practice and presence, instead of my voice constantly in their head? If I have a class of experienced yogis, instead of saying, "step your right foot forward into warrier one pose," can't I just say, "right foot, warrier one"?
Zinsser goes on to talk about style. Many writers are afraid that once they simplify what they are saying and eliminate clutter, it results in no unique writing style. But Zinsser argues differently. He says this is real and raw, and that is the kind of writer readers want to keep reading. I am constantly working on be "real" in my classes. You'd think being real shouldn't be so hard, but throughout life, humans are told how to behave, what to say, what others think. How often are we really "real" instead of acting how we think others want us to act?
I love these three ideas for both writing and teaching yoga: simplicity, eliminate clutter, be real to find your style. In fact, they are great principals for living your life!
One of Zinsser's first principals is simplicity. He says that writers need to be clearheaded and say what they want to say the simplest way. As a yoga teacher, I need to be clearheaded when I teach class. In fact, one of the most important parts of teaching yoga for me is taking a few moments before class starts to get grounded or present, so I can teach class from a clear space. To be simple in writing and in teaching yoga, we need to be clear about what our objective is. If the reader or student is confused and finds it hard to follow the writing or class, they often won't come back for more.
Another key principal Zinsser discusses is eliminating clutter from writing, which ties into simplicity. Do we really need to say, "a personal friend"? Can't we just say "a friend"? I also love his example that we don't need to say, "At the present time we are experiencing precipitation." We can simply say, "It is raining." If I give my students every single alignment cue for a pose, will they get the pose any better? They are probably more likely to tune me out completely. Where can I eliminate unnecessary words to allow students to have space for their practice and presence, instead of my voice constantly in their head? If I have a class of experienced yogis, instead of saying, "step your right foot forward into warrier one pose," can't I just say, "right foot, warrier one"?
Zinsser goes on to talk about style. Many writers are afraid that once they simplify what they are saying and eliminate clutter, it results in no unique writing style. But Zinsser argues differently. He says this is real and raw, and that is the kind of writer readers want to keep reading. I am constantly working on be "real" in my classes. You'd think being real shouldn't be so hard, but throughout life, humans are told how to behave, what to say, what others think. How often are we really "real" instead of acting how we think others want us to act?
I love these three ideas for both writing and teaching yoga: simplicity, eliminate clutter, be real to find your style. In fact, they are great principals for living your life!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Our Thoughts Are Powerful; Align Them With The Life You Want
Our words are very powerful. I notice that since I have been trying to live a life more in line with things I love, I have a lot of thoughts in my head like:
- I want to bake more and be creative in the kitchen.
- I wish I were a morning person.
- I really want to spend more time being artistic and creative - more writing, crafts, art perhaps.
If you look closely at my words, you'll notice that I am making true exactly what I am saying. Because my thoughts are so powerful, I find myself still wanting to bake more, wishing I were a morning person, and wanting to be more artistic.
Two of my favorite writers, Neale Donald Walsch and Wayne Dyer, discuss this idea of the power of our words. They have similar ideas that if we want to change something about our life, we have to change our thinking. Therefore, my statements above should become:
- I'm baking more.
- I am a morning person.
- I spend more time being artistic and creative.
If I don't change my thoughts, I will stay in a state of wanting and wishing, creating exactly what I am saying in my head. But that's not what I want out of my short life here on this earth!!
So I changed my thinking, and I am starting small. Every time I think I should really bake more, I look up a recipe and decide to make something! What has held me back in this area is that I am an all or nothing person. I am either an awesome baker who bakes all the time, or not a baker at all. But that is not how life has to be. I can bake once a week or once a month, and if that makes me happy, then awesome!!
I get these ideas in my head that change has to be drastic and shocking, that I have to rearrange my life to do something new or be a certain new way. But change can happen at each moment. Change is small, and in fact, even things that appear to be BIG changes happened from the succession of many small changes.
Would it make me happy to bake and write today? YES! Does it have to be perfect? No! All that matters is that I do what makes my heart sing, and then the singing gets louder and louder and louder...
Happy baking!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Quit Trying, Just Be Yourself
Last month I participated in Level 1 Journey Into Power Teacher Training with Baron Baptiste. I went to the weeklong boot camp to strengthen my teaching and assisting skills and to find out if my friends who had already participated in Baron’s bootcamps were right when they told me Level 1 would change my life. One of the 130 participants of the training summed it up well when she said, “I came here to learn how to be a better teacher; but instead, I am learning how to be a better me!”
For me, Level 1 was about being seen through the eyes of others. Through other’s open and honest feedback to me I learned many things, in particular that I was trying too hard in my teaching. “Quit trying, Sara,” one of my teammates said to me, “and just be yourself.”
Just be. That’s a lot easier said than done. But as I sat with those words, I saw that “trying” rather than “being” came up a lot in my life. I was always trying to accomplish something, trying to meet what I thought were other’s expectations of me, trying to practice my yoga better. Why couldn’t I just be?
During Level 1 Baron encouraged us to give up what we must in order to show up in our lives and as yoga teachers as powerful and authentic. What was holding me back? As the week’s practices and exercises began to digest in my heart and mind, I learned that what I needed to give up were judgment and expectation.
The first morning class, for example, was very difficult for me. It was long, physically challenging, and hot. As I struggled through class my mind kicked in full speed, as it often does: “How come you are so tired, Sara? Why isn’t your practice as strong as it normally is? You should be trying harder. This pose should be cake for you. You are better than this…” And on and on. I was clearly judging myself and comparing my practice to past experiences instead of practicing with what was currently real for me. And because my mind got the best of me, I fought myself, my head, through most of the four-hour asana practice. Needless to say, it didn’t make the practice any easier.
Through others’ sharing at Level 1, I learned that how we treat ourselves is often how we treat others. So if I was being judgmental of myself during practice and in my life, where was I being judgmental of others? I started becoming more present to the thoughts that race through my head when I am with other people; thoughts I hadn’t even realized were there before. In my head I was trying to figure others out when I was with them, and creating my own story about who they are and what I thought they were thinking. From this place I was then trying (there is that trying again!) to be who I thought they wanted me to be. With all this trying and judging, I miss out on just being with each person. When I drop the story in my head and allow myself to just be, I am able to see beauty in everyone. I am able to be real with them. I also notice that when I stop judging myself and let go of expectations, I see the beauty and power within me.
Through the other yogis at Level 1, I uncovered strengths that I never realized I possess. My teaching team, for example, highlighted integrity, equanimity, and commitment to growth as three of my strongest traits. By being present and being real with me, my team was able to empower me, and in turn, I was able to empower them.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
What Was Level 1 Teacher Training & Who Have You Been?
Towards the end of Journey Into Power Level 1 Teacher Training, Baron asked us to write two letters in our journal. The first letter is to someone who is not familiar with yoga to describe what the experience was about. The second letter is from myself five years in the future as I would write a letter to someone I was mentoring to tell them who I had been to get to where I was. Both are below...
#1 What Was Level One Teacher Training?
Dear You :)
Level 1 Teacher Training was about connecting to my true self. I learned about my way of being and thinking and how it limits my connection to people. I learned to look others in the eye, to drop judgement, and to see each and every person's beauty. I investigated areas of my life that seemed stuck and weren't making me happy to determine how I can change to allow for difference outcomes. I learned curiousity that will allow me to continually examine my life to see where I am holding back and being inauthentic. I danced! I found my voice! I strengthened my yoga practice, and I empowered my self!
Love, Sara
#2 Who Have You Been?
Dear Mentee,
Over the last five years I maintained my meditation practice to stay connected to my inner self. I pursued my dreams rather than just dreaming them. I put them into action step by step. I stayed open - and said YES! - to opportunities in my life, and especially I continued to check in with myself to be sure I was truly being open and real with other people. I was a student of each person that crossed my path and each experience I had. I faced challenges, but I stayed connected to my heart and my inspiration to guide me along the path. I trusted my gut. I believed that no idea was too big or unachievable. I took baby steps and kept on going. I surrounded myself with people who supported me and kept me in check. I chose projects that excited me and I learned that there are so many ways to serve others. I asked for help and supported my team. I saw the beauty of each person that crossed my path.
Love,
Sara of 2016 :)
Monday, August 15, 2011
A Run Down Memory Lane
It's neat to visit places you used to live. I just went for a run in Central Park, a place I was lucky to run in often when I first moved to New York in 2004. I ran around the Great Lawn where I saw many starry night performances by the New York Philharmonic. I ran past the lawn I laid upon and read the majority of the Da Vinci Code eating sugar-free blueberry muffins one summer. I ran through the paths Natalie, Steph, and I tip toed our way through one early winter morning during the first snow of the season. I remembered who I was my first year living in New York, in a big city so different than any other place I had ever lived: I was naive, excited, intimidated, and a dreamer. I was also scared, hard, closed, and not confident in myself.
Then I pondered who I am now, seven years later. I am quite different, and I have yoga to thank for that. Through yoga I've gained a better understanding of who I really am, who Sara Mueller is. I have found my passions, something I wanted to uncover so badly in my life. I have learned humility, vulnerability, and openness. I have learned to dream, bigger than I can even imagine, and believe in the possibility of my dreams coming true in better ways than I can even create in my mind. And I have learned to love others for who they are, not for what I think they are or who I want them to be, but for the beautiful truth that is each and every person on this Earth. I have learned courage and faith. And I have connected to myself and a higher power.
Yoga is an unending journey, just as is life. You never fully arrive. There is always work to do, inquiry to have, and issues to work through. That is what keeps me growing, and proves that I am living a life of meaning. I love the Sara I was seven years ago, I love the Sara I am now, and I will love the Sara I am in seven more years. But one thing I promise to myself is to stay connected to who I truly am and to keep learning so that I can better show up in my life and make the world a happier place. We all have the ability (and the moral right) to shine light into this world. Yoga helps me shine as brightly as possible.
Then I pondered who I am now, seven years later. I am quite different, and I have yoga to thank for that. Through yoga I've gained a better understanding of who I really am, who Sara Mueller is. I have found my passions, something I wanted to uncover so badly in my life. I have learned humility, vulnerability, and openness. I have learned to dream, bigger than I can even imagine, and believe in the possibility of my dreams coming true in better ways than I can even create in my mind. And I have learned to love others for who they are, not for what I think they are or who I want them to be, but for the beautiful truth that is each and every person on this Earth. I have learned courage and faith. And I have connected to myself and a higher power.
Yoga is an unending journey, just as is life. You never fully arrive. There is always work to do, inquiry to have, and issues to work through. That is what keeps me growing, and proves that I am living a life of meaning. I love the Sara I was seven years ago, I love the Sara I am now, and I will love the Sara I am in seven more years. But one thing I promise to myself is to stay connected to who I truly am and to keep learning so that I can better show up in my life and make the world a happier place. We all have the ability (and the moral right) to shine light into this world. Yoga helps me shine as brightly as possible.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Our Injuries Are Our Greatest Teachers
What a pain in my neck!
Literally.
Pretty much all I can feel right now is intense pain down the left side of my neck into my shoulder. It happened during practice this morning. Let's see if there is a lesson in my situation...
Our yoga mats are a guide to how we are behaving, thinking, and feeling in life. If you have been practicing yoga for even a short period of time, you have probably experienced this phenomenon that how you are on your mat, is how you are in your life.
Class was hard for me today. My body was tight and I had very little energy - perhaps because I didn't have my normal cup of coffee in the morning since I am preparing for a caffeine-free week of Baptiste Teacher Training Bootcamp ;) I backed off a little bit by eliminating chaturanga jump backs and skipping flip dog to wheel, but I kept feeling that I had to "push through."As I tried to push through, I came more into my head and less into my body. I was having a conversation with my self through many of the poses that went like this:
"You can do it Sara. You have to always strive to be your fullest expression of the pose - ever."
"I'm not really feeling it though. I think I will back off this practice. When it comes time for wheel I will do supported bridge. When we hold a crescent lunge long, I will come down to my back knee."
"What are you doing, Sara? You are making yourself tired and weak by thinking this way. Change your thinking. Have a BIG practice!"
And on and on and on it went. Mind you, we were no where near wheel or crescent lunge when I was thinking about them.
Then we got to crow, and Angie suggested moving into headstand from the arm balance. I went right for it, because that is what I always do. And I had to do a "good, full" practice. I don't think I felt my body at all as I moved into the pose. Then all of a sudden I was standing on my head.
"Wow," I thought. "I can hardly feel my arms, but they are too tired to hold me up any way. This tripod headstand feels weird and not strong." I came down shortly thereafter. As soon as I came out of the pose I realized I had almost all the weight of my body resting on my head, and that I felt a sharp pain in my left neck. The rest is history.
So, what is going on in my life now that reflects how I was on my mat today? Our injuries are our greatest teachers so what am I supposed to be learning from this pain in my neck? Where do I behave like a zombie and always do the same things because that is what I "always do?" Where do I keep pushing through or forward with something when I know it's not right for me? Where do I let my head, my "stinkin' thinkin'" get in the way of what I am trying to accomplish? Where do I let my thinking overpower my experience so much that I am not even experiencing what I am going through?
At this moment, to be honest, I am not quite sure what the answer is. But this sharp pain in my neck will be a constant reminder to become aware of all of the above questions, and figure out what is out of whack in my life right now. When I figure it out, I will let you know!!
Literally.
Pretty much all I can feel right now is intense pain down the left side of my neck into my shoulder. It happened during practice this morning. Let's see if there is a lesson in my situation...
Our yoga mats are a guide to how we are behaving, thinking, and feeling in life. If you have been practicing yoga for even a short period of time, you have probably experienced this phenomenon that how you are on your mat, is how you are in your life.
Class was hard for me today. My body was tight and I had very little energy - perhaps because I didn't have my normal cup of coffee in the morning since I am preparing for a caffeine-free week of Baptiste Teacher Training Bootcamp ;) I backed off a little bit by eliminating chaturanga jump backs and skipping flip dog to wheel, but I kept feeling that I had to "push through."As I tried to push through, I came more into my head and less into my body. I was having a conversation with my self through many of the poses that went like this:
"You can do it Sara. You have to always strive to be your fullest expression of the pose - ever."
"I'm not really feeling it though. I think I will back off this practice. When it comes time for wheel I will do supported bridge. When we hold a crescent lunge long, I will come down to my back knee."
"What are you doing, Sara? You are making yourself tired and weak by thinking this way. Change your thinking. Have a BIG practice!"
And on and on and on it went. Mind you, we were no where near wheel or crescent lunge when I was thinking about them.
Then we got to crow, and Angie suggested moving into headstand from the arm balance. I went right for it, because that is what I always do. And I had to do a "good, full" practice. I don't think I felt my body at all as I moved into the pose. Then all of a sudden I was standing on my head.
"Wow," I thought. "I can hardly feel my arms, but they are too tired to hold me up any way. This tripod headstand feels weird and not strong." I came down shortly thereafter. As soon as I came out of the pose I realized I had almost all the weight of my body resting on my head, and that I felt a sharp pain in my left neck. The rest is history.
So, what is going on in my life now that reflects how I was on my mat today? Our injuries are our greatest teachers so what am I supposed to be learning from this pain in my neck? Where do I behave like a zombie and always do the same things because that is what I "always do?" Where do I keep pushing through or forward with something when I know it's not right for me? Where do I let my head, my "stinkin' thinkin'" get in the way of what I am trying to accomplish? Where do I let my thinking overpower my experience so much that I am not even experiencing what I am going through?
At this moment, to be honest, I am not quite sure what the answer is. But this sharp pain in my neck will be a constant reminder to become aware of all of the above questions, and figure out what is out of whack in my life right now. When I figure it out, I will let you know!!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Baby Steps Can Even Help Overcome Your Weaknesses
I'm sure you would all agree that it's good to know our strengths and weaknesses, especially in our careers. It allows us to focus on our strengths to make them stronger and make ourselves more of an asset. And it allows us to either a) Turn our weaknesses into a strength or b) Work with others who complement our weaknesses so we have the strongest team. As I am building my yoga and writing career (which is really building the business of "Sara Mueller"), I am doing a lot of this work on my own, without a team. Of course I have the full support of Bala Vinyasa Yoga in all matters related to BV, but as I work on my own personal goals, it's often just me, myself, and I. So how can I understand my own weaknesses to make myself, and my new career, stronger?
I believe the answer lies in awareness, and there is nothing like yoga to help you become more aware. In yoga you become aware of how your body (and your mind) responds to poses, challenges, change, etc. What I notice about my mind and body in yoga, I also start to notice in my everyday life. The way we are on our mats is often the same way we are in life.
While at Off The Mat in July, I became very present to the fact that I allow myself to get easily distracted in class. It's one of my "weaknesses." When a pose gets challenging or I feel a burn in my hips, I distract myself by thinking about what I will have for dinner, planning my night, or moving to a more advanced pose like an arm balance so I don't have to sit in the discomfort of the challenge. It's allowing me to check out and in doing so, I inhibit growth in my practice.
I have noticed this in my life as well. One of my other weaknesses is that I can be a perfectionist (for real; this is not just a good answer to the infamous job interview question: What is your greatest weakness?) By being a "perfectionist" I allow myself to be distracted by little things rather than dealing with the big issue. For example, I have wanted to create my own web site for my yoga teaching and writing for a long time. When I left my full-time corporate job, I thought, "Great, now I can get my site done!" Two months later I hadn't even started. In my perfectionist, distracted brain, I saw the project of building my web site, and it seemed BIG. I would have to pick a domain name, research which web building site is the best, have graphics or my logo made, know all the services I wanted to provide, have client testimonials, make business cards, etc. etc. etc. Because the project felt so overwhelming, and I wanted it to be perfect, I never really started it. I kept waiting for that perfect time.
I was talking to my husband Sunday night about feeling a bit discouraged that I felt I hadn't come very far in two months of my new "job." And somehow through our discussion I remembered what we talked about in Off The Mat about baby steps: Envision your goal, your dream, then work backwards a million baby steps and start with number one. Then go to number two, then three... and so on.
So right then and there I embraced the present moment and started with number one. I researched web site publishing sites, and instead of spending an entire day reading each of the hundreds of web site creators around, I chose three that were recommended by friends, did enough research to be able to trust my gut, and made a decision on which one to use. I told myself this is my very first web site, it doesn't need to be perfect, but I DO need to start somewhere. Then I bought a domain name, just like that, from an idea that has been formulated in my head for some time now. (I bought www.saramuellernow.com in case you are curious.) And I started to put my web site together. I didn't move from my computer for five hours and felt sooooo good during the work. So motivated and inspired to finally be moving forward! The site is by no means great or even close to being done, but it's a start. I found my first baby step, and I will keep on walking.
This was a good lesson for me. It highlighted a weakness of mine, and through awareness, I can continue to check in with my work and see where my weakness might be holding me back. Better yet, I can enlist the support of a friend or colleague to call me out when I think too big picture and hold back on taking the first small steps.
I believe the answer lies in awareness, and there is nothing like yoga to help you become more aware. In yoga you become aware of how your body (and your mind) responds to poses, challenges, change, etc. What I notice about my mind and body in yoga, I also start to notice in my everyday life. The way we are on our mats is often the same way we are in life.
While at Off The Mat in July, I became very present to the fact that I allow myself to get easily distracted in class. It's one of my "weaknesses." When a pose gets challenging or I feel a burn in my hips, I distract myself by thinking about what I will have for dinner, planning my night, or moving to a more advanced pose like an arm balance so I don't have to sit in the discomfort of the challenge. It's allowing me to check out and in doing so, I inhibit growth in my practice.
I have noticed this in my life as well. One of my other weaknesses is that I can be a perfectionist (for real; this is not just a good answer to the infamous job interview question: What is your greatest weakness?) By being a "perfectionist" I allow myself to be distracted by little things rather than dealing with the big issue. For example, I have wanted to create my own web site for my yoga teaching and writing for a long time. When I left my full-time corporate job, I thought, "Great, now I can get my site done!" Two months later I hadn't even started. In my perfectionist, distracted brain, I saw the project of building my web site, and it seemed BIG. I would have to pick a domain name, research which web building site is the best, have graphics or my logo made, know all the services I wanted to provide, have client testimonials, make business cards, etc. etc. etc. Because the project felt so overwhelming, and I wanted it to be perfect, I never really started it. I kept waiting for that perfect time.
I was talking to my husband Sunday night about feeling a bit discouraged that I felt I hadn't come very far in two months of my new "job." And somehow through our discussion I remembered what we talked about in Off The Mat about baby steps: Envision your goal, your dream, then work backwards a million baby steps and start with number one. Then go to number two, then three... and so on.
So right then and there I embraced the present moment and started with number one. I researched web site publishing sites, and instead of spending an entire day reading each of the hundreds of web site creators around, I chose three that were recommended by friends, did enough research to be able to trust my gut, and made a decision on which one to use. I told myself this is my very first web site, it doesn't need to be perfect, but I DO need to start somewhere. Then I bought a domain name, just like that, from an idea that has been formulated in my head for some time now. (I bought www.saramuellernow.com in case you are curious.) And I started to put my web site together. I didn't move from my computer for five hours and felt sooooo good during the work. So motivated and inspired to finally be moving forward! The site is by no means great or even close to being done, but it's a start. I found my first baby step, and I will keep on walking.
This was a good lesson for me. It highlighted a weakness of mine, and through awareness, I can continue to check in with my work and see where my weakness might be holding me back. Better yet, I can enlist the support of a friend or colleague to call me out when I think too big picture and hold back on taking the first small steps.
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." - Mother Teresa
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Off The Mat, Into The World - Identifying How Our Past Traumas Inhibit Connection
I had the pleasure of spending five days in the Hudson Valley last week at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, NY. I attended a workshop called Off The Mat, Into The World with Seane Corn, Hala Khouri, and Suzanne Sterling. These three women were amazing, and complemented each other's skills and personalities well. All yoga teachers, Seane Corn is internationally known as an inspirational vinyasa yoga teacher and impassioned activist; as a somatic psychotherapist, Hala Khouri brought the physiological side of yoga and trauma to the workshop; Suzanne Sterling, in all her artistic ways, brought music, singing, and the power of self expression to the retreat.
While yoga centered, Off The Mat Into The World was a workshop to create leaders for sustainable conscious activism. I have never thought of myself as an "activist," but I really enjoy teaching yoga classes for the inpatients at the David Lawrence Center who are recovering from substance abuse and seeing their transformations week upon week. Teaching yoga, to me, is really about being of service to others, and I know there are many other people and populations that I want to eventually serve. Let's face it: The world needs a lot of help. Even right here in Southwest Florida, there are people who need a lot of help. I believe that us yogis, who focus on healing ourselves, love, the union of all living beings, and giving to others, are some of the most powerful people who can really make a difference in this world. In addition, I feel that yoga creates healing, transformation, and empowerment. Imagine what the world would look like if every person practiced yoga!
While yoga centered, Off The Mat Into The World was a workshop to create leaders for sustainable conscious activism. I have never thought of myself as an "activist," but I really enjoy teaching yoga classes for the inpatients at the David Lawrence Center who are recovering from substance abuse and seeing their transformations week upon week. Teaching yoga, to me, is really about being of service to others, and I know there are many other people and populations that I want to eventually serve. Let's face it: The world needs a lot of help. Even right here in Southwest Florida, there are people who need a lot of help. I believe that us yogis, who focus on healing ourselves, love, the union of all living beings, and giving to others, are some of the most powerful people who can really make a difference in this world. In addition, I feel that yoga creates healing, transformation, and empowerment. Imagine what the world would look like if every person practiced yoga!
Off The Mat had us examine the traumas that we have faced in our life and the limiting beliefs that we have adopted as a result of those traumas. An example: One of my traumas was going through my parents' divorce when I was in middle school, and the resulting rebellious, risky, and unhealthy behavior that I embraced all the way through my teen years. I still feel some shame for the way I behaved back then, so one of the limiting beliefs I developed from those experiences is that people will not like me if they know the truth about me. As I live in this limiting belief and hide my truth from others, I begin to put up an imaginary wall that separate me from others -- which is a big challenge if I am trying to serve and connect with others.
Off The Mat made me realize that I need to shift my perspective about my past, my truth. My past experiences have made me who I am today. Why do I think my truth is so much worse or more important than anyone else's? We have all done things we are ashamed of; we have all experienced trauma; we are all in recovery of some sort; we have all had to ask for forgiveness. Yoga has taught me that we are all really so much alike. We all want to be loved, included, and acknowledged. We all want to feel safe and to belong. We all have fears, insecurities, and tugging thoughts in our heads that say "I am not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, funny enough.... [[fill in the blank with yours.]]"
So in essence, Off The Mat taught me that if I want to serve or help others, I cannot approach anyone thinking that I am different, or better off, or worse off than them, or even that there is an "us" and "them." I can't let any past experiences get in the way of being the person I want to be and being able to connect with others. Through connection I can share yoga, and through yoga, I truly believe everyone can find peace within.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Miracles Under The Full Moon Flow
On Friday night I had the pleasure of teaching midnight yoga on the beach to 28 yogis (many first timers!) under the twinkling stars and the light of the full moon. It was an awesome, magical experience that I am so grateful to have been a part of. Thank you to Matt Reedy and Leapfrog Running for making this extraordinary event happen! Many students saw a shooting star while in bridge pose; how cool is that?!
A few "yogic" lessons emerged from our practice next to the waves of the Gulf on Friday night. The one that sticks out to me the most is to learn to go with the flow, as we had to do a lot during that class. For the experienced yogis, being outside at night practicing with the grass beneath our mats was much different than practicing in a yoga studio. We had to go with the flow as the mosquitoes came out to feast on our skin while we got our sweat on. Instead of letting the skeeters ruin our night, we learned to accept what is and find the beauty and magic in the experience, even if that experience resulted in a few bug bites.
We had to go with the flow in dancer pose and the other balancing asanas with the uneven grassy ground under our feet. For some, balancing was easier this way; for others, it was more of a challenge. But the uneven grassy ground is what was there, so that's what we embraced. We also had to go with the flow when a police officer interrupted our pigeon pose to check beach parking. While the presence of the officer was distracting for a moment, we went with the flow and allowed the minor distraction to be just that: minor. We did not dwell on the policeman's presence or the interruption, just like we don't dwell on the intense stretch we feel in half pigeon, but allow our self to surrender into the pose, into the moment, to experience it for what it is. I could still be fuming at that police officer, but what good would that do me?
I never know what life is going to give me. I can never plan a "perfect" experience. I never know how my yoga practice - under the full moon or in the studio - is going to be. But I can learn to go with the flow. Yoga teaches us to take what we are dealt and make it good, to find the beauty in the moment instead of the agony, to flow with life instead of fighting it all the time. For some, the experiences of beach yoga could have been a fight or agonizing. But if you choose to open up to the miracle of each moment, each experience, life will flow a lot more gracefully.
Albert Einstein said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." Under the twinkling stars and glowing full moon, us midnight yogis chose to live our life as if the entire experience that night was a magical miracle. And it was.
A few "yogic" lessons emerged from our practice next to the waves of the Gulf on Friday night. The one that sticks out to me the most is to learn to go with the flow, as we had to do a lot during that class. For the experienced yogis, being outside at night practicing with the grass beneath our mats was much different than practicing in a yoga studio. We had to go with the flow as the mosquitoes came out to feast on our skin while we got our sweat on. Instead of letting the skeeters ruin our night, we learned to accept what is and find the beauty and magic in the experience, even if that experience resulted in a few bug bites.
We had to go with the flow in dancer pose and the other balancing asanas with the uneven grassy ground under our feet. For some, balancing was easier this way; for others, it was more of a challenge. But the uneven grassy ground is what was there, so that's what we embraced. We also had to go with the flow when a police officer interrupted our pigeon pose to check beach parking. While the presence of the officer was distracting for a moment, we went with the flow and allowed the minor distraction to be just that: minor. We did not dwell on the policeman's presence or the interruption, just like we don't dwell on the intense stretch we feel in half pigeon, but allow our self to surrender into the pose, into the moment, to experience it for what it is. I could still be fuming at that police officer, but what good would that do me?
I never know what life is going to give me. I can never plan a "perfect" experience. I never know how my yoga practice - under the full moon or in the studio - is going to be. But I can learn to go with the flow. Yoga teaches us to take what we are dealt and make it good, to find the beauty in the moment instead of the agony, to flow with life instead of fighting it all the time. For some, the experiences of beach yoga could have been a fight or agonizing. But if you choose to open up to the miracle of each moment, each experience, life will flow a lot more gracefully.
Albert Einstein said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." Under the twinkling stars and glowing full moon, us midnight yogis chose to live our life as if the entire experience that night was a magical miracle. And it was.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Have Faith, Then Let Your True Self Come Out And Play
Faith. Grace. Trust. Intuition.
So many names for much the same thing.
I had to trust, find faith, and follow my intuition to get where I am today. It was not easy and is not easy, but I am here. I truly believe that things will work out OK. But my husband is a different story. Each night it is the same worried look, the same deep conversation. "How will we pay our bills? What did you do today? What's your game plan for tomorrow?," he asks.
I understand his concern. Mine would be there if our roles were reversed. But it is not easy to deal with. Faith, and believing that everything will work out since I AM following my heart has gotten me to where I am. It has lead me to make a decision that is bold, that is risky, that is uncertain, where I could fail, but a decision that I believe in 100 percent.
How do you share your own faith with someone else? This quiet calmness in my heart, this quiet path that God or the universe has chosen for me, how do I offer my husband the same reassuring ease? The more intuitive choices I make, steps I choose, paths I follow, the easier it is to be intuitive. For so much of my life I have over analyzed EVERYTHING, from the email I sent to my co-workers to the gift I bought my step-mother to the status updates I put on Facebook to the words I say in my yoga classes. But when I become present, when I let go of the noises and conversations in my head, "she will never like you; you are not good enough; no one can live their dream," etc. etc. etc. I really do feel peace. I feel guided. It's like I know that my next step will unfold for me.
It's hard to defend myself. And I knew this whole process would not be easy, but it is what I have chosen, and I am embracing it. For once I can write, I can watch the sunset, I can make up silly songs to my husband as I make dinner, I can enjoy each moment. The choice was always there for me; but in order to "choose" I had to give up what I had to. My past life, my job, pulled me in such a far direction away from my true self that I often felt like I was hiding, that the person I wanted to be could not come out and play.
But I am here. NOW. I am ready to play. In fact, I don't believe there is any less way that I should experience my life. I want to play. Now. Forever. Always. This is my life, which I will live OUT LOUD.
So many names for much the same thing.
I had to trust, find faith, and follow my intuition to get where I am today. It was not easy and is not easy, but I am here. I truly believe that things will work out OK. But my husband is a different story. Each night it is the same worried look, the same deep conversation. "How will we pay our bills? What did you do today? What's your game plan for tomorrow?," he asks.
I understand his concern. Mine would be there if our roles were reversed. But it is not easy to deal with. Faith, and believing that everything will work out since I AM following my heart has gotten me to where I am. It has lead me to make a decision that is bold, that is risky, that is uncertain, where I could fail, but a decision that I believe in 100 percent.
How do you share your own faith with someone else? This quiet calmness in my heart, this quiet path that God or the universe has chosen for me, how do I offer my husband the same reassuring ease? The more intuitive choices I make, steps I choose, paths I follow, the easier it is to be intuitive. For so much of my life I have over analyzed EVERYTHING, from the email I sent to my co-workers to the gift I bought my step-mother to the status updates I put on Facebook to the words I say in my yoga classes. But when I become present, when I let go of the noises and conversations in my head, "she will never like you; you are not good enough; no one can live their dream," etc. etc. etc. I really do feel peace. I feel guided. It's like I know that my next step will unfold for me.
It's hard to defend myself. And I knew this whole process would not be easy, but it is what I have chosen, and I am embracing it. For once I can write, I can watch the sunset, I can make up silly songs to my husband as I make dinner, I can enjoy each moment. The choice was always there for me; but in order to "choose" I had to give up what I had to. My past life, my job, pulled me in such a far direction away from my true self that I often felt like I was hiding, that the person I wanted to be could not come out and play.
But I am here. NOW. I am ready to play. In fact, I don't believe there is any less way that I should experience my life. I want to play. Now. Forever. Always. This is my life, which I will live OUT LOUD.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
I Found Headstand By Finally Believing In Myself!
I just did my first tripod headstand!! I'm absolutely ecstatic! Some of my students and friends challenged me on my birthday (almost exactly one month ago) to do a headstand. I accepted the challenge, giving July 1st as my deadline, though not really believing it was going to happen by then (if ever). I accepted the challenge one month ago, but it has taken a lot to get me upside down to where I found myself today.
Headstand has long been one of those poses I just don't do. It's not for me; it's just not something I will ever be able to do, I said to myself over and over again. So lo and behold, I was never able to do headstand. "Whether you think you can or think you can't, either way you are right," Henry Ford said, as Hanna brought to our attention in her arm balancing workshop at the studio today. For so long I told myself headstand was not possible for me, just like I tell myself I am not a morning person or I'm not a good cook.
While I really did have the core strength to do this pose (if you've ever taken a power vinyasa class, you know your core gets STRONG), my mind was getting in my way. I had to change my thinking if I was to overcome this challenge, and time was ticking... So I started saying affirmations to myself as I was running each morning: I am a headstander, I am a headstander; I can do headstand now, I can do headstand NOW; and so on. And before bed each night I would watch YouTube videos of yogis doing headstand so that I was processing this positive info of what I wanted to create in my practice all night long subconsciously.
Then in class today I felt a glimmer of power, a tiny glimmer of my knees reaching up off my triceps. While I did not find headstand right there, the new place I felt in my body had unlocked hope - and passion! - in me. When I got home I gave it another couple tries... and the third time I went up and held it for over ten seconds! It was so exciting I have done it at least three more times since then!
Now, our thoughts can't magically bring us into new yoga poses or turn us into good cooks, but we have to start with believing in ourselves and truly knowing that it might possible for us some day. Even when I started teaching yoga I would drive the entire 20 minutes to the studio saying, "I am a yoga teacher. I am a yoga teacher" to myself over and over again to build up my confidence. And while I may never be a "good cook," if I change my thinking I can at least give it a try and be open to what is possible for me.
Whether you think you can or think you can't, either way you are right. What a way to live life!
Headstand has long been one of those poses I just don't do. It's not for me; it's just not something I will ever be able to do, I said to myself over and over again. So lo and behold, I was never able to do headstand. "Whether you think you can or think you can't, either way you are right," Henry Ford said, as Hanna brought to our attention in her arm balancing workshop at the studio today. For so long I told myself headstand was not possible for me, just like I tell myself I am not a morning person or I'm not a good cook.
While I really did have the core strength to do this pose (if you've ever taken a power vinyasa class, you know your core gets STRONG), my mind was getting in my way. I had to change my thinking if I was to overcome this challenge, and time was ticking... So I started saying affirmations to myself as I was running each morning: I am a headstander, I am a headstander; I can do headstand now, I can do headstand NOW; and so on. And before bed each night I would watch YouTube videos of yogis doing headstand so that I was processing this positive info of what I wanted to create in my practice all night long subconsciously.
Then in class today I felt a glimmer of power, a tiny glimmer of my knees reaching up off my triceps. While I did not find headstand right there, the new place I felt in my body had unlocked hope - and passion! - in me. When I got home I gave it another couple tries... and the third time I went up and held it for over ten seconds! It was so exciting I have done it at least three more times since then!
Now, our thoughts can't magically bring us into new yoga poses or turn us into good cooks, but we have to start with believing in ourselves and truly knowing that it might possible for us some day. Even when I started teaching yoga I would drive the entire 20 minutes to the studio saying, "I am a yoga teacher. I am a yoga teacher" to myself over and over again to build up my confidence. And while I may never be a "good cook," if I change my thinking I can at least give it a try and be open to what is possible for me.
Whether you think you can or think you can't, either way you are right. What a way to live life!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Letting Go Of The Unnecessary To Make Room For The New And Better
I came into my office tonight after I got home from teaching and looked to my left to see a mostly empty closet. Now just a few gift wrap bags sit atop the shelf and a handful of business books (full of cat hair of course) lie on the floor. Earlier today this closet was filled with more than I could believe: an entire Guitar Hero band, old credit cards, a cordless phone that hasn't been used since 2003, disposable waterproof cameras from Mike's and my wedding two years ago, a tripod for a Flip video camera that was never opened, 6 reusable Lululemon bags that were never "reused," etc. etc. etc. This closet had become my junk drawer, and over the last couple years, I had let it fill up and up.
It's no wonder that during my first week of "freedom," or being only part-time employed, I decided that this closet was one of my priorities. I would not spend the day cold calling private country clubs and sending out my yoga teacher resume, but I would clean out this closet. The truth is that this closet has been calling to me for two years. Like leftover foreign cheeses from a dinner party that speak to me every time I open the refrigerator: "Get some bread, get some wine. Eat me now!" This closet was calling to me, "clean me now," but I kept ignoring the calls.
Why do we do that? Why do we put off things that we know will be so healthy and freeing for us? I have known for so long that going through the garbage in my closet, tossing it, organizing, and clearing space would be liberating in itself. Get rid of the old to make room for the new. But I never in two years committed myself to taking the time to clean that closet out. Now that I am making a huge transition in my life and in my career, I somehow feel I need to "create this space" before moving forward. And I am not alone. An artist friend I met for happy hour recently told me that she had to do a similar cleaning and organizing of her house before she began her new project.
Seeing that clear, open space; seeing the organization, puts my mind at ease. For so long in my life I have gathered and kept and held on and taken. Not saving room and space, but filling it with objects to show my power or wealth, perhaps, and how much I "had." But do I really need old credit cards from Pier One and Ann Taylor? Do I really need instruction manuals for digital cameras I don't even use anymore? No. It's almost as if I felt like the more "stuff" I had, the better I was.
But yoga teaches us to think differently: Less is more. Space allows you to be present with what is instead of gripping to the past or some false idea of the future. Clutter creates chaos whereas cleanliness and space create a free, open mind. And besides, the best moments of my life were created by the time I spent with other people, not the purchases I made at Ann Taylor or by the amount of "things" I owned.
The cleaning and clearing has been freeing. It's like I am symbolically "letting go" of the past so I can "let in" the future. And for me, that's a great place to be at right now!
It's no wonder that during my first week of "freedom," or being only part-time employed, I decided that this closet was one of my priorities. I would not spend the day cold calling private country clubs and sending out my yoga teacher resume, but I would clean out this closet. The truth is that this closet has been calling to me for two years. Like leftover foreign cheeses from a dinner party that speak to me every time I open the refrigerator: "Get some bread, get some wine. Eat me now!" This closet was calling to me, "clean me now," but I kept ignoring the calls.
Why do we do that? Why do we put off things that we know will be so healthy and freeing for us? I have known for so long that going through the garbage in my closet, tossing it, organizing, and clearing space would be liberating in itself. Get rid of the old to make room for the new. But I never in two years committed myself to taking the time to clean that closet out. Now that I am making a huge transition in my life and in my career, I somehow feel I need to "create this space" before moving forward. And I am not alone. An artist friend I met for happy hour recently told me that she had to do a similar cleaning and organizing of her house before she began her new project.
Seeing that clear, open space; seeing the organization, puts my mind at ease. For so long in my life I have gathered and kept and held on and taken. Not saving room and space, but filling it with objects to show my power or wealth, perhaps, and how much I "had." But do I really need old credit cards from Pier One and Ann Taylor? Do I really need instruction manuals for digital cameras I don't even use anymore? No. It's almost as if I felt like the more "stuff" I had, the better I was.
But yoga teaches us to think differently: Less is more. Space allows you to be present with what is instead of gripping to the past or some false idea of the future. Clutter creates chaos whereas cleanliness and space create a free, open mind. And besides, the best moments of my life were created by the time I spent with other people, not the purchases I made at Ann Taylor or by the amount of "things" I owned.
The cleaning and clearing has been freeing. It's like I am symbolically "letting go" of the past so I can "let in" the future. And for me, that's a great place to be at right now!
Monday, June 6, 2011
The First Day Of My New "Job"
Holy Schnikes! Today is the first day I am not employed by WBR, the first day of my new "career," new life, I could say. It's Monday, and unlike almost every other Monday for the last nine years of my life, I popped out of bed before my alarm clock went off with a smile on my face. The day is my oyster; the world is my oyster!
Exciting, yet a little scary. The fear I feel, however, is nothing like the fear I had to overcome to get me to where I am this morning. For a long time now my heart has been calling me to follow my passions: yoga and writing. As I sat with these feelings for many months, I realized that meant leaving my full-time, secure, well-paying corporate job so that I could spend each day doing what I love. I knew that if I put the energy and effort into my yoga career, and ultimately serving others, that I put into my now-former job, big things could happen and I would have the opportunity to impact many lives and create the world that I wanted to live in.
You see, for most of my life I have been living at the effect of my life, instead of as the cause of my life. I've had an amazing life already in just 31 years, so can't complain, but it often lacked passion. I'm married to a wonderful chef who has known since he was a little kid that food and cooking were his passion. I was always jealous of him and wanted that for myself. After getting my 200-hour yoga teacher certification last year, I knew I had found my passion.
As I mentioned, living at the effect of my life hasn't been so bad. My life has brought me many great things: great jobs, lots of travel, interesting people. But when I am operating at the effect of circumstances, I find myself going after things that only bring me temporary fulfillment, that maybe aren't really "for me." Like searching through craiglist.org for a part-time job that is already created that might work for now to keep me busy and help pay the bills. I know that if I take that route, however, I will end up at the same place I have been coming to in my life over and over again: Lacking passion and inspiration, and not feeling like I am on the right path.
So I vow from this moment on to be the cause of my life, instead of the effect. I will search deep within my heart to determine what I want to create out of my yoga and writing career. And then I will pursue it (not worrying about what that looks like exactly or each specific piece of the "how") but having a vision as to where I want to go and what I want to do. That way, when the universe creates opportunities for me that are in line with my heart's true calling, I will recognize it to take them on full steam. I will make things happen that weren't going to happen anyway!
I better get started!
Exciting, yet a little scary. The fear I feel, however, is nothing like the fear I had to overcome to get me to where I am this morning. For a long time now my heart has been calling me to follow my passions: yoga and writing. As I sat with these feelings for many months, I realized that meant leaving my full-time, secure, well-paying corporate job so that I could spend each day doing what I love. I knew that if I put the energy and effort into my yoga career, and ultimately serving others, that I put into my now-former job, big things could happen and I would have the opportunity to impact many lives and create the world that I wanted to live in.
You see, for most of my life I have been living at the effect of my life, instead of as the cause of my life. I've had an amazing life already in just 31 years, so can't complain, but it often lacked passion. I'm married to a wonderful chef who has known since he was a little kid that food and cooking were his passion. I was always jealous of him and wanted that for myself. After getting my 200-hour yoga teacher certification last year, I knew I had found my passion.
As I mentioned, living at the effect of my life hasn't been so bad. My life has brought me many great things: great jobs, lots of travel, interesting people. But when I am operating at the effect of circumstances, I find myself going after things that only bring me temporary fulfillment, that maybe aren't really "for me." Like searching through craiglist.org for a part-time job that is already created that might work for now to keep me busy and help pay the bills. I know that if I take that route, however, I will end up at the same place I have been coming to in my life over and over again: Lacking passion and inspiration, and not feeling like I am on the right path.
So I vow from this moment on to be the cause of my life, instead of the effect. I will search deep within my heart to determine what I want to create out of my yoga and writing career. And then I will pursue it (not worrying about what that looks like exactly or each specific piece of the "how") but having a vision as to where I want to go and what I want to do. That way, when the universe creates opportunities for me that are in line with my heart's true calling, I will recognize it to take them on full steam. I will make things happen that weren't going to happen anyway!
I better get started!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
What Would The World Be Like If We Treated Everyone Like A Mother Treats Her Children?
With Mother's Day tomorrow, I can't help but think of my mom and what a gift she has been to my life. She has loved me unconditionally, through all my bratty tantrums and know-it-all phases. Through the countless softball games and mock trial tournaments, she's been there. Even when I did and said horrible things to my family and didn't love myself, she loved me. She supported my every decision, as long as it was MY decision: Wearing krimped bangs with permed hair; making a move across the country to a big, busy city (far away from her); deciding to leave my secure corporate job to pursue my passion and become a yoga teacher. She was 100 percent behind me. Heck, she even supported Mike and I when we told her we were adopting a 160-pound Newfoundland dog that drools and sheds like nobody's business. "I can't wait to come take care of her," she said. (We had a change of plans about adopting the Newfie, but I know my mom would have been here nonetheless.)
I am in awe when I think about how much my mother has given - and still gives - to my brothers and me. She always puts our needs in front of hers. Dinner, laundry, appointments, car pool, homily notes, new clothes, bringing us to the aiport at early morning hours, and gifts always come before her relaxing or her own new clothes. Even when she didn't have a dollar to give, she'd offer to pay for flights to Minnesota to see the family, vacation time together, and my wedding. I believe my mom would give us anything she could if only that would make us happy and safe.
While my mom is an amazing lady, I know this story is not unique to her only. All mothers have a special way of loving their children unconditionally and giving without ever needing anything in return. Imagine what the world would be like if we all treated each other like mothers treat their children. If we approach every person we meet in the grocery store or on the street with an open heart and a helping hand. If we forgive, truly forgive, the people who hurt us without needing a reason why. If we give fully to others, without ever thinking of what we will get in return. If we love everyone for who they are, no matter their religion, sexual orientation, profession, or ethnicity. Can you imagine?
This Mother's Day I encourage you to pause for many long, still moments and think of the wonderful gracious things your mom or any other mother figures in your life do. Feel your gratitude and truly, from the heart - just as your mother would - tell your mom how much she means to you. But don't wait for special holidays to express this gratitude to your mom, or any of the other angels in your life. Do it now! Tell everyone in your life what a gift they are to you. And, even if its only for one hour each day, practice treating all the people you encounter in your life with the same unconditional love that a mother has for her child. Imagine what a difference we can make.
I am in awe when I think about how much my mother has given - and still gives - to my brothers and me. She always puts our needs in front of hers. Dinner, laundry, appointments, car pool, homily notes, new clothes, bringing us to the aiport at early morning hours, and gifts always come before her relaxing or her own new clothes. Even when she didn't have a dollar to give, she'd offer to pay for flights to Minnesota to see the family, vacation time together, and my wedding. I believe my mom would give us anything she could if only that would make us happy and safe.
While my mom is an amazing lady, I know this story is not unique to her only. All mothers have a special way of loving their children unconditionally and giving without ever needing anything in return. Imagine what the world would be like if we all treated each other like mothers treat their children. If we approach every person we meet in the grocery store or on the street with an open heart and a helping hand. If we forgive, truly forgive, the people who hurt us without needing a reason why. If we give fully to others, without ever thinking of what we will get in return. If we love everyone for who they are, no matter their religion, sexual orientation, profession, or ethnicity. Can you imagine?
This Mother's Day I encourage you to pause for many long, still moments and think of the wonderful gracious things your mom or any other mother figures in your life do. Feel your gratitude and truly, from the heart - just as your mother would - tell your mom how much she means to you. But don't wait for special holidays to express this gratitude to your mom, or any of the other angels in your life. Do it now! Tell everyone in your life what a gift they are to you. And, even if its only for one hour each day, practice treating all the people you encounter in your life with the same unconditional love that a mother has for her child. Imagine what a difference we can make.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Memories Of India - Restaurant Review
As soon as I boarded my flight to London Heathrow, my Indian food cravings kicked in. London’s Indian food is the next best thing to India, I’ve been told, so I was excited to find out.
By the time I landed, cleared UK border control, checked in to my hotel, gained an understanding of my location in the city center, freshened up, and bought theatre tickets for the next night, it was almost 4:00 p.m. London time. Because of the time difference, I was ready for breakfast, but the rest of London was digesting a big, late Sunday brunch, eating an ice cream cone in one of the lush, spring blossomed-filled parks, or having a late afternoon pint on a small table outside a public house. Luckily after a short stroll through Hyde Park, I stumbled upon Memories of India.
There were no patrons at 5:00 p.m. this afternoon, but the menu looked good and prices seemed reasonable. Plus it was happy hour from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. which meant 25% off meals and two for one drinks. I ordered myself a pint of Kingfisher (a typical Indian beer) and vegetable samosa appetizer while perusing the menu.
Samosas are one of my most favorite foods, so it’s an appetizer I order almost every time I go to an Indian restaurant. The samosas at Memories of India were different than any I had ever eaten in New York, Minneapolis, Boston, or Florida. Two delicate triangles, much smaller than other samosas, placed next to a bed of greens arrived. The waiter, who had encouraged me into the restaurant while examining the menu outside earlier, brought out four large bowls of accompaniments for the appetizer: raita, a yogurt, cucumber, mint sauce commonly found with Indian food (which he recommended for the samosas); chutneyed hot peppers; diced onions with mint; and a mango jelly-like plum sauce (that I finally tried at the end of the meal which made a great little dessert!).
The samosas were light and airy, the outer shell more like the shell of baklava than a heavily deep fried shell as most of the samosas I had tasted back in the States. And there were no potatoes inside, but instead carrots, peas, sautéed onions, corn and Indian spices blended together. So far so good.
When I finished my appetizer I was brought a warm towel heavily scented of fresh lemon to clean my hands. As I waited for the main course I noticed the quiet Indian music in the background, mellow but seductive. White tablecloths covered the light wicker furniture. Accolades for Memories of India dating back to 1991 covered the front window of the restaurant. A burner lit by a single candle was placed on my table. Shortly after, my main course arrived: a side dish-sized order of sag punir and regular nan.
It was definitely the best sag punir I had ever had. The spinach was oozing in a delicious savory butter, curry, and spice sauce. The “cottage cheese” as most Indian restaurants describe the cheese in this dish was softer than I’ve ever experienced, but was lightly sautéed on the outside before being mixed in with the spinach, giving it a slightly crispy outer layer. The nan was charred to perfection: just a little bit of black. I had no problem finishing the entire meal, but wished I had ordered some basmati rice to soak up the rich buttery sauce of the sag punir. Because it was mixed with curry, there was still yellow traces of it underneath my finger nails that I noticed as I began to type this restaurant review. :)
I was presented with a large (for an Indian restaurant) menu of dessert selections, from chocolate hazelnut sundaes to mango lassis. Unfortunately, I had no room in my belly, but lots of walking yet to do, so I passed. (I did, however, stop for a ginger and dark chocolate chunk cookie at Ben’s Cookies near the South Kensington tube line – yum!)
My overall take on Memories of India: The waiter was a bit pushy on trying to upsell menu items and be sure I was aware that the restaurant has been around for 20+ years. But the food was tasty and I thought the portions were a nice fit to the price. I wouldn’t go back since I don’t spend much time in London and there are many other Indian restaurants to tackle. But if you come across Memories of India and need your Indian spice fix, I recommend stopping in.
By the time I landed, cleared UK border control, checked in to my hotel, gained an understanding of my location in the city center, freshened up, and bought theatre tickets for the next night, it was almost 4:00 p.m. London time. Because of the time difference, I was ready for breakfast, but the rest of London was digesting a big, late Sunday brunch, eating an ice cream cone in one of the lush, spring blossomed-filled parks, or having a late afternoon pint on a small table outside a public house. Luckily after a short stroll through Hyde Park, I stumbled upon Memories of India.
There were no patrons at 5:00 p.m. this afternoon, but the menu looked good and prices seemed reasonable. Plus it was happy hour from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. which meant 25% off meals and two for one drinks. I ordered myself a pint of Kingfisher (a typical Indian beer) and vegetable samosa appetizer while perusing the menu.
Samosas are one of my most favorite foods, so it’s an appetizer I order almost every time I go to an Indian restaurant. The samosas at Memories of India were different than any I had ever eaten in New York, Minneapolis, Boston, or Florida. Two delicate triangles, much smaller than other samosas, placed next to a bed of greens arrived. The waiter, who had encouraged me into the restaurant while examining the menu outside earlier, brought out four large bowls of accompaniments for the appetizer: raita, a yogurt, cucumber, mint sauce commonly found with Indian food (which he recommended for the samosas); chutneyed hot peppers; diced onions with mint; and a mango jelly-like plum sauce (that I finally tried at the end of the meal which made a great little dessert!).
The samosas were light and airy, the outer shell more like the shell of baklava than a heavily deep fried shell as most of the samosas I had tasted back in the States. And there were no potatoes inside, but instead carrots, peas, sautéed onions, corn and Indian spices blended together. So far so good.
When I finished my appetizer I was brought a warm towel heavily scented of fresh lemon to clean my hands. As I waited for the main course I noticed the quiet Indian music in the background, mellow but seductive. White tablecloths covered the light wicker furniture. Accolades for Memories of India dating back to 1991 covered the front window of the restaurant. A burner lit by a single candle was placed on my table. Shortly after, my main course arrived: a side dish-sized order of sag punir and regular nan.
It was definitely the best sag punir I had ever had. The spinach was oozing in a delicious savory butter, curry, and spice sauce. The “cottage cheese” as most Indian restaurants describe the cheese in this dish was softer than I’ve ever experienced, but was lightly sautéed on the outside before being mixed in with the spinach, giving it a slightly crispy outer layer. The nan was charred to perfection: just a little bit of black. I had no problem finishing the entire meal, but wished I had ordered some basmati rice to soak up the rich buttery sauce of the sag punir. Because it was mixed with curry, there was still yellow traces of it underneath my finger nails that I noticed as I began to type this restaurant review. :)
I was presented with a large (for an Indian restaurant) menu of dessert selections, from chocolate hazelnut sundaes to mango lassis. Unfortunately, I had no room in my belly, but lots of walking yet to do, so I passed. (I did, however, stop for a ginger and dark chocolate chunk cookie at Ben’s Cookies near the South Kensington tube line – yum!)
My overall take on Memories of India: The waiter was a bit pushy on trying to upsell menu items and be sure I was aware that the restaurant has been around for 20+ years. But the food was tasty and I thought the portions were a nice fit to the price. I wouldn’t go back since I don’t spend much time in London and there are many other Indian restaurants to tackle. But if you come across Memories of India and need your Indian spice fix, I recommend stopping in.
Find Freedom By Letting Go Of Your Limiting Expectations
I always believed that I live my life to the fullest. I have fun, step out of the box, and live a life that doesn’t look like anyone else’s. But after attending Foundations in Action with Baron Baptiste in Boston last month, I realized that I’ve been setting expectations for myself that are limiting me. I see this come up in my yoga practice, my teaching, and also my life.
Take dancer pose for example. I love dancer pose and the feeling of openness and grace that comes with it. I go to my edge in the pose, opening my heart and body as much as possible… but only for nine breaths, or however long the teacher says we will be holding the pose. I find my biggest expression of the pose just in time to hit the nine breaths, and then I fall out. If the teacher keeps us in the pose any longer than the expected breaths, I crumble. I find my fullest expression of dancer pose, but only to the limiting expectations that I set up for myself in my head.
I put limiting expectations on my life as well. Like, I can’t do headstand so I could never be a yoga teacher. Or, I’ve been a business executive for ten years; the only way I can be “successful” is to become a better business executive. Or, I’m thirty years old and most of my friends are having babies; it’s time I settle down and do the same.
We only know what we know. The same actions, beliefs, and routines we own have led us to where we are today. What would happen if we stopped listening to the limiting beliefs in our heads? What if we opened ourselves up to the world to allow for real possibility – possibility bigger than we can even imagine for ourselves?
At Foundations in Action, Baron suggested we approach our life and our practice with a sense of “it seems like” rather than “it is.” It seems like my hamstrings are tight. It seems like my new co-worker is a drag. It seems like, not it is this way. If it seems like my hamstrings are tight (rather than my hamstrings are tight) and I approach them with a sense of inquisitiveness, I may notice that after I flow through a few sun salutations, my hamstrings don’t seem so tight anymore. Or if I approach my co-worker with a sense of curiosity, rather than labeling him as a drag, I may find there is an interesting, loving person underneath the rough exterior. What it seems like really isn’t the truth at all.
If I approach my dancer pose with it seems like this is my fullest expression of the pose, I allow space to be inquisitive. I allow space for true possibility; not a limiting belief of what is possible that I place on myself. I have no idea what my dancer pose (or my life!) could look like. With curiosity and space, I am able to open up to the beautiful possibilities of life and let all the magical gifts from the universe spill forth.
The Foundations in Action weekend also made me realize that I bring limiting beliefs to my yoga teaching. In my head I create a picture of what a good teacher teaches like and strive to become that perfect package. To me it seems like my students want me to teach a certain way or to teach like the other awesome yoga teachers at Bala Vinyasa Yoga. But as I question my expectations, I realize the only way I can give my students an awesome experience is to show up authentically and teach a class as only I can. By eliminating the limiting expectations I impose on myself, I can allow things to get a little messy and open up to all that’s possible in my teaching.
Have you ever heard that saying, “beyond my wildest dreams?” What if I drop the rigid ideas of what I can and can’t do in yoga and in my life? What will I be left with? Freedom and power. Yes, FREEDOM and POWER! That’s the answer! Without imposing limiting beliefs on myself, I have the freedom to let my authentic light shine and find what truly makes me powerful in this world. It means the possibilities are endless and I will live a life beyond my wildest dreams. To me, nothing sounds more freeing than that.
Take dancer pose for example. I love dancer pose and the feeling of openness and grace that comes with it. I go to my edge in the pose, opening my heart and body as much as possible… but only for nine breaths, or however long the teacher says we will be holding the pose. I find my biggest expression of the pose just in time to hit the nine breaths, and then I fall out. If the teacher keeps us in the pose any longer than the expected breaths, I crumble. I find my fullest expression of dancer pose, but only to the limiting expectations that I set up for myself in my head.
I put limiting expectations on my life as well. Like, I can’t do headstand so I could never be a yoga teacher. Or, I’ve been a business executive for ten years; the only way I can be “successful” is to become a better business executive. Or, I’m thirty years old and most of my friends are having babies; it’s time I settle down and do the same.
We only know what we know. The same actions, beliefs, and routines we own have led us to where we are today. What would happen if we stopped listening to the limiting beliefs in our heads? What if we opened ourselves up to the world to allow for real possibility – possibility bigger than we can even imagine for ourselves?
At Foundations in Action, Baron suggested we approach our life and our practice with a sense of “it seems like” rather than “it is.” It seems like my hamstrings are tight. It seems like my new co-worker is a drag. It seems like, not it is this way. If it seems like my hamstrings are tight (rather than my hamstrings are tight) and I approach them with a sense of inquisitiveness, I may notice that after I flow through a few sun salutations, my hamstrings don’t seem so tight anymore. Or if I approach my co-worker with a sense of curiosity, rather than labeling him as a drag, I may find there is an interesting, loving person underneath the rough exterior. What it seems like really isn’t the truth at all.
If I approach my dancer pose with it seems like this is my fullest expression of the pose, I allow space to be inquisitive. I allow space for true possibility; not a limiting belief of what is possible that I place on myself. I have no idea what my dancer pose (or my life!) could look like. With curiosity and space, I am able to open up to the beautiful possibilities of life and let all the magical gifts from the universe spill forth.
The Foundations in Action weekend also made me realize that I bring limiting beliefs to my yoga teaching. In my head I create a picture of what a good teacher teaches like and strive to become that perfect package. To me it seems like my students want me to teach a certain way or to teach like the other awesome yoga teachers at Bala Vinyasa Yoga. But as I question my expectations, I realize the only way I can give my students an awesome experience is to show up authentically and teach a class as only I can. By eliminating the limiting expectations I impose on myself, I can allow things to get a little messy and open up to all that’s possible in my teaching.
Have you ever heard that saying, “beyond my wildest dreams?” What if I drop the rigid ideas of what I can and can’t do in yoga and in my life? What will I be left with? Freedom and power. Yes, FREEDOM and POWER! That’s the answer! Without imposing limiting beliefs on myself, I have the freedom to let my authentic light shine and find what truly makes me powerful in this world. It means the possibilities are endless and I will live a life beyond my wildest dreams. To me, nothing sounds more freeing than that.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
It Starts With Gratitude
Last week I felt like my life was spinning out of control. I had almost two weeks off during the holidays and had hardly touched my personal "To Do" list. Then five amazing friends came into town to share a long weekend with me and celebrate one of my best friend's 30th birthdays. The weekend was so much fun, but oh, the time and energy needed to prepare... and clean up afterwards. Then I was off to New York to give a 30 minute presentation on "The Art Of Listening" to 50 of my colleagues - which I hadn't even put together yet. Not to mention many other deadlines at work, teaching yoga on the side, a good friend's 40th birthday party, and a lovely cold that seemed to arrive at the most inopportune time.
You should have heard the thoughts that came into my head - and were expressed out loud to my husband: "There is no way I can get this all done. Something's got to give. Why is life so crazy? Perhaps if I cut sleep out, I can make this work. I don't like this one bit."
But somehow I maintained my meditation practice (though it was a bit abbreviated compared to "normal"), worked out a few days, and got it all done - while having an AWESOME time. As I was landing back in Ft. Myers and mentally preparing myself to teach my Saturday afternoon yoga class, I thought: "What an amazing few weeks these have been. I am so blessed and so thankful for all that is in my life." Yes, I was thankful for the things I was cursing just a week earlier.
That's where gratitude came into play for me. Yes, life is busy, and yes, things happen that can stress us out. But the reality is that there is always going to be SOMETHING going on that can stress you out. Instead of looking at the busyness of my life as a curse, I changed my perspective to look at it with gratitude for all that I have: fabulous friends who want to spend time with me, a fulfilling job where I am respected and challenged, the ability to travel to fun cities every once in awhile, being able to teach yoga and share my passion at a studio that I love, and being given the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and public speak to my peers. What a full life I have!!
I often get caught up in where I need to be, what I should be doing in my life. I want a crystal ball and a plan for the future, and sometimes believe I won't be happy until I get to that ideal image of me in the future. But I love what John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans." I was busy alright, and often am, but that is life. As long as I have gratitude for and allow myself to experience the present moment wherever I am at in my busy "To Do" list of life, then I can be happy. And it starts, as I said, with gratitude.
You should have heard the thoughts that came into my head - and were expressed out loud to my husband: "There is no way I can get this all done. Something's got to give. Why is life so crazy? Perhaps if I cut sleep out, I can make this work. I don't like this one bit."
But somehow I maintained my meditation practice (though it was a bit abbreviated compared to "normal"), worked out a few days, and got it all done - while having an AWESOME time. As I was landing back in Ft. Myers and mentally preparing myself to teach my Saturday afternoon yoga class, I thought: "What an amazing few weeks these have been. I am so blessed and so thankful for all that is in my life." Yes, I was thankful for the things I was cursing just a week earlier.
That's where gratitude came into play for me. Yes, life is busy, and yes, things happen that can stress us out. But the reality is that there is always going to be SOMETHING going on that can stress you out. Instead of looking at the busyness of my life as a curse, I changed my perspective to look at it with gratitude for all that I have: fabulous friends who want to spend time with me, a fulfilling job where I am respected and challenged, the ability to travel to fun cities every once in awhile, being able to teach yoga and share my passion at a studio that I love, and being given the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and public speak to my peers. What a full life I have!!
I often get caught up in where I need to be, what I should be doing in my life. I want a crystal ball and a plan for the future, and sometimes believe I won't be happy until I get to that ideal image of me in the future. But I love what John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans." I was busy alright, and often am, but that is life. As long as I have gratitude for and allow myself to experience the present moment wherever I am at in my busy "To Do" list of life, then I can be happy. And it starts, as I said, with gratitude.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)