Through the Eyes of a Child... A Strong Pose

A very chilly Saturday morning at Gray's Lake I shared yoga with Noah, a wise eight-year-old.  After demonstrating the Downward Noah Pose, which looked very similar to Downward-Facing Dog, he shared that he wasn't a fan of the the speed of which the teacher lead us through the poses.  Noah said, "I just couldn't get strong in my pose.  I needed more time."

He had captured a lesson that takes many yogis months or even years to realize, if they even realize it at all.  Our practice is not one of productivity.  We don't step on the mat to see how many poses we can do and how many benefits we can attain.  We practice yoga in an effort to find balance.  Of course, there are many ways to accomplish this and types of balance we may look for and each day is different.  Regardless, balance is often achieved with time.

As I was driving home from an outdoor retreat, I thought about my conversation with Noah some more.  I had been saying very similar things to myself... "I'm just not feeling strong."  It was his words that resonated with me... I need more time.  My emotions were scattered and my body striving to catch up.  He was right I just needed more time to find my balance.  With breath and the affirmation that I am strong, time gave me what I had been searching for... balance.

An Emotional Shield Softens

Our clothes shield our physical bodies... what about our emotional body?  How do we hide that which we feel so deeply?  Maybe the better question is... why?

I'm in the midst of a divorce... hoping it will be final before the new year.  Through this two year journey, I have been on an extreme emotional roller-coaster.  I can see the positive that has come from this relationship ending.  I honor my growth as a woman, a friend and a lover.  I also embrace those emotions that I wish I never felt... anger, sadness, despair, unworthiness, fear and deep sorrow.  Oh but to express these to another... makes me feel guilty, even ashamed.  The thought that I may bring the other person down by sharing my "negativity" stops me or causes hesitation.  

What has surprised me most in this journey... when I let down my guard... when I share how I feel... that is when I truly open to love, my vulnerability becomes strength.  By authentically expressing myself, I give others an opportunity to truly be my friend not just the person I chat with here and there.

I am honoring my truth and have allowed my voice to be heard.  This has not been an easy task but one that I continue to work on.  My emotional body may never release its guard completely but it has found space... my spirit free.

Things I learned from... The Mat

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Pain is not a part of yoga... sweet discomfort is ok but not necessary.

It is not the destination but the journey that illuminates.

Perspective and purpose guide you to a place of right or wrong.

Space can be found around and within.

Self love can become love for others.

Breathe deeply.

Honor yourself and those around you.

A Bubble of Protection

A helpful action in protecting your energy is affirming your bubble this can be done quickly or with lots of time.  It is a great practice that helps block the body, mind, and spirit from taking in negative energy.

I encourage you to take a few moments with breath to focus and find that place of presence or meditation.  Embrace your body with a flexible bubble.  Don't forget to cover your entire body including the bottom's of your feet and top of your head. Affirm that this shield will let white light or good energy in and out as well as stop negative energy from coming in. This is great to do everyday and especially before entering a known toxic environment.

At the end of the day or after a challenge experience, brush off your bubble.  You can even shake off the stuff that may have gotten stuck.  Be sure to indulge in activities that strengthen your innate ability to stay grounded a midst chaos.

To Teach or Facilitate?

A photographer gets people to pose for him. A yoga instructor gets people to pose for themselves. 

-Terri Guillemets

You may hear me say that I like to teach not facilitate class.  I do not qualify my class by the number of people that gather.  In fact, I prefer a smaller group.  At times, when "teaching" a larger class I am limited on how personalized I can make the entire practice for those gathered.  It is at those times I find myself facilitating or "dancing" on my mat.  I feel free and excited to have a smaller group, because I am truly given the opportunity to teach.  I can cater the practice to the individuals' needs without watering down the class.

It is from this perspective that I see a student's growth.  Yes, there is growth in physical ability but more so growth in space, freedom and reduced limitations in the student's mind, body and spirit.  I aim to provide you the opportunity to pose for yourself.  To be in touch with and honor your needs on and off the mat.

Passionate Life

A friend recently asked me if he was holding me back. Surprised, I asked from what. His response, from living. This spurred my meditation of what it means to live. For me, to be mindful of the world & all its beauty... feel the wind... See the stars... play on the earth... listen to a friend... share smiles... embrace ALL experiences, emotions and others... that is what it means to live. To him I responded, I am happily enjoying.

I have been diving into my passions and the cool part - others have shared that they are receiving the benefits of my taking time to feed my spirit. I feel alive and inspired. So with this I ask... What is your passion? What makes your heart sing? Is it an activity, a cause or a dream? When was the last time you did something that made you feel energized and filled with joy?

You'll know something is your passion, because you light up when you talk about it. It may keep you up late at night. Once you start playing with your passion you may not stop so easily. You'll feel alive when you are in touch with your passion.

It is my hope that you take a moment to reconnect with your passion... remember you can do so in small as well as big ways. Of course, let me know if you would like to explore your passion in conversation with me. I LOVE to have these talks.  Would love to share my passion with you at class soon.

With love and light

Inspiration for the Journey

Rock out who you really are in your heart...for those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. -John Friend

I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being. -Hafiz of Persia

Yoga Nidra

Unfortunately, we may fall into a state of productivity and our passion driven activities become to dos. This place where even in the process of exploring our passion, we become complacent or void of satisfaction. This is often a sign that we may need to step back and take a deep breath from everything - including our passion. I encourage you to try Yoga Nidra. It allows us to free ourselves from stress, anxiety and fear. With this practice you will find deep within an inner radiance and deeper awareness independent of anything else.

Affirmations

I express my authentic self.

I fearlessly express my heart's desire.

I choose to give all the events of my life an empowering meaning.

My joy is a great gift I share with others.