Things I Learned From... Yoga in the Park @ Gray's Lake

Yesterday morning I had the pleasure of teaching yoga to 300+ yogis at Gray's Lake.  Many communities have picked up this trend and began offering free outdoor classes during the summer months.  These classes are an integral part of my summer weekend planning.  I love coming together with so many people to find peace on our mats and in our hearts with the cushion of grass underfoot.  In reflecting upon my morning a few things came to my beginner's mind...

• 300 yogis in Eagle Pose is inspiring.  The group was truly soaring. 
• A teacher doesn't... better said...  I don't need to hold back.  When I hold back I place limitations on the class and those gathered.
• Gazing into the sky... looking beneath the trees... feeling the cushion of the earth & the tickle of the grass... reminds me beauty always surrounds.  The other reminder... I am truly supported by the Earth and those around me.  (Cue the next point.)
• Yoga creates community.  Uniting breath, body, mind and spirit with others opens a door for a more joyful and maybe an even deeper relationship.
• Service comes from the heart.  When asked by the KCCI reporter why I volunteer to teach, I shared my passion for sharing the accessibility of yoga to all.  I want everyone to become aware of the possibilities and gifts of yoga.  For me, teaching yoga is about providing an opportunity for growth, peace, healing, connection... an opportunity to experience and illuminate the path ahead.
• I'm reminded of a quote I posted on Facebook... "You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

With my heart bubbling over with love for the practice we shared... Namaste.

One more thing... I'll be teaching at Gray's Lake again on July 21.  Hope to share this unique experience with you.

Oh... and another... KCCI did a story on this class.  Check it out.

Happiness is Within

Happy Monday =)

Your mind helps to create your experience.  Choose your thoughts.  Allow the ones that hurt or cause stress to go... blow 'em out with your exhale or write 'em down and shred the paper.  Then think of what makes you happy.  What makes your eyes sparkle and your smile grow?  What gives you a sense of joy deep within?  Maybe you are not able to enjoy these things right now, but the thought of them will lift your spirit and brighten your light.  Here's a sampling of what makes me happy:

Ride the Horse - Giddy Up!

• Mornings
• Smiles
• Sunrises
• Giggle - from lil kids & big kids (the adults)
• When someone asks with genuine care, "How are you?" or "How are you feeling?"
• Yoga
• Lakes, rivers... any body of water... sometimes even a puddle
• The colors pink & purple
• Flowers
• Colorful food
• Conversations with a friend
• Hugs
• Kisses on my cheeks

My Niece Mallory & I - happily fed

What makes you happy?  Take a minute... no need for more and bring to mind a few things that make you happy.  Even better if you close your eyes visualize one or more of them - see, feel, hear whatever it is.  Imagine it is your present.  Then open your eyes.

Happiness is within...