A Hike Within

Hiking gives me the opportunity to observe. On the map, the path appears to be the same but the trail is always changing. I take in the sounds, colors, textures and life that surround me. Immersed in nature's beauty, I find myself in meditation. Not only aware of my outer surroundings but what lies within.

This December invited me to a deeper reflection. My marriage was coming to a respectful end presenting the opportunity for transformation and exploration. As with winter, my divorce was a death of sorts. In the midst of my relationship ending, I chose to release what was holding me back. I let go of limiting beliefs and emotional baggage, giving myself the independence and freedom to be and to do. My hikes - my meditation - became a time for me to explore what I want in life.

As I journeyed outside, I set the intention of opening to the possibilities. With the echo of leaves crunching underfoot, every step forward meant a step away. I no longer had to be or do. Any restrictions on me had been self-imposed. It was time I walked away from those leaving them on the trail. In an effort to let go, I affirmed myself – I am strong and capable. Courage is within me.

The path takes me up and down at each curve a new question. What am I holding back? What am I being called to? How do I share my light with the world?

Standing in the timber, the world so still, I realized it was not just the trees that had become dormant. My gifts, more so my charisms, were hidden by the branches and shadows of disbelief and limiting thoughts. "That's it!" I felt my spirit exclaim. The brisk winter wind swept away the burden of what to do and my spirit took over. I feel strongly that charisms, divinely given and inspired talents, are meant to be expressed with grace and love. How could I have strayed from this? My spirit guides me back to the path; I must walk a little farther. What are my charisms?

Unaware of the hill, my heart beats with more vigor. I am energized to connect with my charisms. I am an empathic teacher and expressive writer. I connect with others with ease and long to help others identify and connect with their potential. As I write this I am exploring the many ways I can express my charisms from blogging, to teaching yoga and wellness. The possibilities are endless; the path always changing. Moving forward my intention is to be a good steward of my charisms.

The trail beckons throughout the year; the call to go outside truly invites me in. With love in my heart, I seek to explore the ever changing path.

Breath of Life

Deep Breath.  I hear myself say this so many times and not just in yoga class.  The breath brings us to the present moment.  With a deep, intentional breath, we release our grip on the past and move away from the concerns of the future.  Our breath can serve as our anchor; grounding us when our mind seems scattered and ego in control.  

Breathing is an autonomic or automatic function of the body that begins at birth. It is said that life begins and ends with the breath. That does not mean the breath is optimal. Reverse or shallow breathing or even holding the breath will all change the effect on the body, mind and spirit. 

Did you know the body takes 20,000-30,000 breaths a day? It is no wonder that our breath can affect so many aspects of our body including emotions. We’ve heard and even said, “Take a deep breath.” Reminding us that the breath can help calm the mind and increase clarity. Pranayama or breath control exercises have been found to be effective in reducing irritability, muscle tension, headaches, poor concentration, stress and fatigue.

As we inhale, the body opens or expands as the diaphragm (a sheath-like muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity), lowers creating a vacuum for the lungs to take in air. On the exhale, the body folds or contracts as the diaphragm lifts and lungs release waste. By connecting the breath with movement, we increase the efficiency and benefits of our yoga practice.

The breath can be explored with movement, in a seated position, lying down or in whatever position you wish.  Below are two breath exercises I encourage you to play with.  

Even Breath

• Lengthen the spine. 
• With mouth closed, inhale through your nose allowing your diaphragm to push down expanding your belly and rib cage. Your chest will lift slightly as your lungs fill with air. 
• When your lungs are full, exhale through your nose. Your chest will lower. Contract your belly to release the remaining stale air. 
• Do not strain to hold or release the breath. 
• Invite the breath to be continuous, smooth, and even as you continue. 
• As you focus on the breath, become aware of the two qualities of an even breath and make adjustments accordingly.  An even breath consists of 
• the length of your inhale matching the length of your exhale.
• a consistent volume of air flowing throughout the breath.

Breath with Finger Tap  

• Lengthen the spine. 
• Allow one palm to face up. 
• Inhale touch your thumb to your index finger. 
• Exhale. 
• Inhale touch your thumb to middle finger. 
• Continue tapping your thumb to each finger for 8 breaths or more. 
• Feel free to make this an even breath.

My Divorce... Apologies Not Needed

I am divorcing my husband of five years.  My marriage was wonderful in so many ways.  For me, divorce meant failure.  I have not failed and neither did my relationship.  A once life-giving relationship has come to a respectful end.  This part of my journey has redefined divorce.  Divorce now means a closing, ending and a death of sorts.

A relationship, my relationship has concluded presenting the opportunity for transformation and exploration - new life, rebirth, space and freedom.  This divorce... my divorce is a release of all that has held me back.  I let go of limiting beliefs and emotional baggage, giving myself the independence and freedom to explore, to be and to do.

In life, we experience an ebb and flow - life, death and rebirth.  I have mourned this loss, the death of my marriage.  I choose to honor the present moment.  I am embracing the beauty that surrounds me everyday and exploring new depths of love and friendship.  I flow with the current of life... surf the waves of joy and endure those of sorrow.  I am Always a Yogi and will continue to play with the balance in my life.

With my divorce, I take back my name - Lynn Marie Cunningham, initials LMC.  (There is no coincidence that my name has "ham" in it.)  When I share I am in the midst of a divorce, it is inevitable the first thing said is, "I'm sorry".  This is said even after I share my joy with my current situation.  I am grateful for the undying support of my friends, family and teachers, but when we talk next, don't apologize for my going through a divorce.  Feel free to acknowledge my situation; but please remember apologies not needed.  I am well and enjoying the journey of life.

The Journey Within

Those who dream touch the stars.

A new year is a widely celebrated time we look at the past and find our path for the future.  The new year is not the only time we can reflect and set intentions, but it does present a wonderful "scheduled" opportunity.  

Self reflection creates a window for you to look at your emotions, reactions, habits, behaviors, etc. Rather than moving on to the next 'task' we can observe, learn and make changes. Self reflection can happen in many different ways. Choose a medium that works best for you: video, blog, paper journal, etc.  I reflect when I drive often finding a topic I wish to explore in meditation or a written journal.  I later take my thoughts and type them to share with you in this blog or my newsletter.

A specific type of journaling often called free writing or a brain dump can become a practice of observing the mind. Free writing can be a practice of writing for 5 or more minutes on a topic without stopping, thinking, or worrying about grammar, spelling or anything else. If you run out of ideas when free writing you can write “I don’t know what to say” or something similar until you start to come up with more ideas. This process allows you to access the deeper recesses of the mind. It can help you find really good ideas that you didn’t know you had.

I encourage you to document your journey by taking time to reflect. This may help keep you accountable to yourself and inspire you to see your own inner beauty.  In changing journals this weekend, I took the opportunity to read stories from my past.  Stories from point of view in the midst of it all.  I was surprised and amazed at the patterns that was presented in my reflections.  Like many of you, I struggle to see my own beauty and gifts.  Reading about my journey, thoughts and general musings inspired me.  I inspired me.  Today, that was a gift.  

This month I am exploring the following in my personal reflection (and I am definitely not limiting myself to these ideas):

• The year of 2011... the challenges that have become accomplishments, my personal growth and the influence and depth of love.
• My gifts and charisms... more to be shared in a later post.
• What I want to do
• My Intentions
• Goals 

I am happy to share my reflections and hear about yours... what has been on your mind and in your heart?

To You... My Class Intention & Salutation

Feast on Gratitude... that has been my intention this past weekend.  To give thanks and praise for all the blessings that I experience with every moment.

Near the beginning of class, after our time of pranayama (breath exercise) & centering, I invite all to "bring to mind your intentions for yourselves and others."  I share that an intention is like a prayer or positive affirmation.  As I set my intention for others, I ask that class be an opportunity for growth for those gathered.  That the needs of each individual be met in a way that serves their highest good.

In closing class, we extend the salutation Namaste, meaning the light in me honors the light in you.  As I bow, I extend this salutation to the class gathered, my teachers, healers, friends, family and the divine.  You can read more about the meaning of this salutation in this article by Yoga Journal.

I share this with you on the foot of Thanksgiving so that you may know that this holiday is not the only day I celebrate your essence.  It is with every class I honor you and give thanks to the divine for what you share with me.

My Thoughts On... Yoga Videos

Let me clarify my opinion about practicing yoga with videos. I believe yoga should take into account your body's abilities, limitations and experiences. Videos do not necessarily address everyone's needs and weaknesses. However, a video is useful when the practitioner or viewer has enough basic knowledge of yoga and their body to make adaptations or variations according to his or her needs. So long as the yoga practitioner or viewer listens to his or her body, a video or CD may prove to be helpful.

Unfortunately, I have found individuals that have used yoga videos are discouraged. There are so many types yoga and teaching methods that it is costly to sample yoga DVDs. People end up throwing in the hat before finding a video or series they enjoy.

If you do find a video or CD that you enjoy and meets your needs, remember to find balance in your practice.  Even though yoga is about balance... doing the same practice, the same way over and over again will create or further current imbalances.  Mix it up and have fun with your practice.

As always I encourage you to practice yoga by checking in with your body to see what is congested or uncomfortable. Allow your practice to unfold releasing congestion by practicing one or more poses from the different categories - forward bend, backbend, inversion, standing, balance, twists, etc.  Don't hesitate to pause the video or CD to add your own pose or sequence.  Feel free to substitute poses for what it is suggesting.

Remember it is YOUR practice.  Ultimately honor your needs.

Thanksgiving... A Celebration of Life

Thanksgiving 2007 I embarked on a journey that would change my life.  Just a short four years ago, I was living my life from the couch.  I resigned from my 60+ hour a week job and could barely stay upright for the 20 hour a week position I transferred to.  My evenings and weekends were spent in pain and severe exhaustion.

You know me now as the gal that does yoga and hikes all the time.  Back then I was different.  I didn't hike for over a year and there was very little if any yoga in my routine.  I was an ashen color with thirty more pounds and very little muscle.  More often than not, I was covered in rashes and had some infection or virus you didn't want to catch.  As you can imagine this illness affected my entire life.

There is one consolation in being sick... 

the possibility that you may recover to a better state than you were ever in before.

-Henry David Thoreau

With that quote in mind and hope in my heart, I found wellness through food. The week of Thanksgiving I changed what I ate - everything I ate.  I began eating the green things and all sorts of things that smelled and had weird textures.  I found legumes - not just beans in chili.  I discovered nuts & seeds.  These things made me feel better.  They fueled my hope for life off the couch.

After exhausting so many other possibilities, it was what I ate everyday that gave me life.  It was food that set me free.  Many of my current food choices are because of that Thanksgiving hope from four years ago.  When I talk about food and its healing abilities, it's because I've experience it first hand.  I don't just advocate for a "healthy" diet; I strive to share and inspire you to discover for yourself the healing potential in your grocery store and farmer's market.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather and celebrate harvest... the fruits of life.  For the second year, my celebration will be a gluten-free, vegan celebration.  Continuing many of my choices from Thanksgiving 2007 and the additional release of gluten and dairy 3.5 years ago, I am excited to join friends for my favorite holiday.

This Thanksgiving... I celebrate life, relationships, farmers, choice, knowledge and food - whole food (not that chemical stuff).  I am truly grateful for all that I am and am able to be.  I am grateful to those around me and the gifts they share.  I am grateful for you.

I am grateful.