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... 

Wishes & Dreams

My morning routine consists of skimming my morning e-newsletters to find inspiration and insight.  This morning I came across an article about a new social networking platform "My Last Wish".  It's not the social networking aspect that drew me in but the concept - share your hopes and dreams with others so that you may find support and take ownership of your dream.

I've been exploring this idea for a lil while and will share more in a future newsletter.  But for now I share top of mind wishes... dreams...

• Write a book... or a few.  
• Engage an audience in conversations about my books.
• Teach yoga with an organization that embraces holistic wellness and offers services as well as products that meet my high standards.
• Be the Owner of that organization.

Hmmmmm...... Now in print... wishes no more... they have become intentions.

What are your wishes and dreams?

A Kiss of Rain

Which is easier to answer...

• What did you do today?  
• What didn't you get done?

I find myself on to the next before fully appreciating what I have accomplished.   I am always aware of the things I have yet to get to.  Today I hear my words from class, "You choose your focus."  Perhaps it is time I give some focus to what I have done and spend less time beating myself up over what I haven't.

On a recent hike in the rain, my friend captured this photo of the water dancing on the tree buds.  A sign of spring that will pass very quickly and the drops to dry just as fast.  This was at the very end of our journey into the woods.  We were just 100 feet from the truck.  Had we had our focus on the next destination, we would have missed this beautiful gift Mother Nature shared.

Entrenched in the demands of work, family and other activities, are we so busy looking ahead that we miss what is right in front of us?

Changing Email Services

Hello My Friends... I am changing email services for the distribution of my blog posts.  No worries; I have done all the work.  Your next update will be sent from my email address and definitely look a lil prettier.  If you are subscribed by an RSS feed, you will continue to receive posts as you always have.  Let me know if you have any questions.  If you would like to receive updates by email please subscribe to the Always a Yogi List here.  Feel free to pass along!

Super Moon

The moon does not shine light all its own but reflects that of a star.  A star so bright it creates day.  The moon so subtle we find peace at night.  Yin and yang.  Masculine Feminine.  Soft Strong.  Cool Hot.  A spectrum to play with to find our balance.

Saturday's Super Moon rose from the horizon casting its (?) light through the wisps of clouds creating a vibrant orange haze. This big circle with energy all it owns lit up the night sky hiding outshining the stars.  Several factors aligned to create the Super Moon Saturday night.  All of which could have gone unnoticed.  The fact remains the Super Moon reflected another's light.

I have taken note of others I surround myself with.  Do they enhance my light?  Do I theirs?  Do they snuff mine or instigate a reaction in me that extinguishes my own?  What light do I reflect?  How?

With these thoughts in mind I adjust how and what I give my time - my energy to.  Knowing there is a balance of yin and yang - give and receive, I choose to spend my days giving and receiving light than hiding or extinguishing.

On a side note, I see light as your spirit or divine essence.  Your light is not the definitions, hats or roles you take or actions you make.  Your being is your light.  Your light is your true self.

The divine light in me honors the divine light in  you... Namaste.

Bridge to the Present

Suspension Bridge at Zo El Annett Woods

Last week I decided to enjoy the weather by exploring new territory.  In my efforts to find two new-to-me county parks, I became frustrated.  All I wanted was to get there.  I felt my time was limited and got caught in the mindset that to release my stress from the workday I needed to BE in those parks as soon as I could.  When really what I needed was to BE present.  It took me going over the same plot of road three times and not even making it to the second park before I realized I was disconnected from the moment.

The irony in my evening was presented with the 6 bridges I encountered.  From the rickety one-lane bridge I drove across to find Zo El Annett Woods to the 4 bridges in the park then the bridge that was closed detouring my trip to Otter Creek.  The final closed bridge brought me to the moment.

The unexpected end to my travels was at the Hickory Hills mounds.  As I walked down the sun soaked ridge, the mounds begged me to reflect..

• What pulls me out of the present - in small and big ways?
• How do I come back?
• What am I feeling right now... emotionally... physically... mentally?
• Where are the bridges in my life?  Are they open or closed?
• Are there any bridges I need to repair?

I encourage you to take a deep breath... be here.  Another deep breath... feel, see, hear... savor this moment.  Living in the present connects us with the peace that lives within.  Although we may stray, it is always there awaiting our return.