Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Day 29 - Already???
Just kidding. This has been the longest yoga challenge I have ever experienced. I am unable today to generate a positive attitude. I am not optimistic today. My mood sucks, my body hurts, I am frowning,. . . wait! Okay, no - still nothing good showing up here. Well - dang - whatever!!!! I am going to go out and BE love, light, radiant smiling and inspiration anyway. Deep breath in. Ahhh... Smiling now.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Day 27 Procrastination can be a good thing.
I procrastinate. I put things in piles I will get to later. Sometimes I don't get to it for a year, then it is something that no longer is something I can address, so it goes in the recycling or helps light a fire in the fireplace. There are too many things in this world to do, to read. This is the information age and there is TMI - too much information. As human beings, we are not meant to be constantly doing. We are meant to be "being".
Today we cleaned our home. I saw all of the things, again, that I have put aside to deal with later. So many things. Once a year, it seems, I put things into bags, do mass recycling, give things away. How does it all get there? Where is it all coming from?
The office supplies I have - I helped my aunt & uncle move and they had those office supplies they didn't want to store to take with them to Washington. The music CD's I have - a collection that has grown over the years. I have been around for over 50 year now. There are floppy discs from old computers, supplies for my daughter's wedding that she changed the plans over. The books people gave me. All of these things weigh on me, they fill up my head. I will deal with that later. It continues to accumulate in the attic.
After Christmas holidays or before, I'll have a give away. I don't know yet when I'll do it. I'll think about it later. I take a deep breath. Let it go. Ahh, that's better.
Whenever I do deal with these things (once a year), I realize how abundant life is. You see it in nature, you see it in your attic. I am reminded how wealthy we are and don't even realize it. I also realize how little we really do need. I am also grateful - when I worry about not having enough or being enough, all I have to do is visit my attic space. Then I stop worrying - because I can give away what I have - I do have enough - I am enough.
When practicing yoga and meditation, we see these things more clearly. The practice opens our awareness and has us looking at our life, our thoughts, our relationships and gives us the motivation to clear out the stuff. This is what yoga is : Patanjali (in the yoga sutras) says “yoga is the restriction of the fluctuation of
consciousness” (yogash-citti-vrtti-nirodhah). The goal of yoga - is ultimately stilling the mind, clearing out the junk (fluctuation). There is nothing to do but "be".
Today we cleaned our home. I saw all of the things, again, that I have put aside to deal with later. So many things. Once a year, it seems, I put things into bags, do mass recycling, give things away. How does it all get there? Where is it all coming from?
The office supplies I have - I helped my aunt & uncle move and they had those office supplies they didn't want to store to take with them to Washington. The music CD's I have - a collection that has grown over the years. I have been around for over 50 year now. There are floppy discs from old computers, supplies for my daughter's wedding that she changed the plans over. The books people gave me. All of these things weigh on me, they fill up my head. I will deal with that later. It continues to accumulate in the attic.
After Christmas holidays or before, I'll have a give away. I don't know yet when I'll do it. I'll think about it later. I take a deep breath. Let it go. Ahh, that's better.
Whenever I do deal with these things (once a year), I realize how abundant life is. You see it in nature, you see it in your attic. I am reminded how wealthy we are and don't even realize it. I also realize how little we really do need. I am also grateful - when I worry about not having enough or being enough, all I have to do is visit my attic space. Then I stop worrying - because I can give away what I have - I do have enough - I am enough.
When practicing yoga and meditation, we see these things more clearly. The practice opens our awareness and has us looking at our life, our thoughts, our relationships and gives us the motivation to clear out the stuff. This is what yoga is : Patanjali (in the yoga sutras) says “yoga is the restriction of the fluctuation of
consciousness” (yogash-citti-vrtti-nirodhah). The goal of yoga - is ultimately stilling the mind, clearing out the junk (fluctuation). There is nothing to do but "be".
Friday, November 25, 2011
Day 25 Boycotting "black Friday" - Aparigraha
Here is a challenge for me today. Today is "Black Friday". I am a business owner, and I am first a yogi. I live my life through and from yoga. I have said many times that yoga is not just exercise. It is a way of life and a philosophy as well. There are 8 limbs of yoga, 2 of the limbs: yamas and niyamas. As a dedicated practitioner I make my choices in life based on these 10 observances. When I feel a little flutter in my chest around something, all I have to do is look at the situation (that is causing the disturbance in the force within me) from one of these yamas or niyamas.
Today it is aparigraha. Aparigraha challenges us to not accumulate things that we do not need. Already I have too many things in my home. Everyone I know says the same thing. Greed - wanting more - wanting more for less - this has been the downfall of many a society. I believe it can be found at the root of what is happening in our economy today. I acknowledge the many thousands of people - worldwide - who have said and are saying "enough is enough". Who make a stand for what they believe in. There are "occupy" protests in many major cities because of this greed. There are businesses failing, people losing their jobs, their homes. But there is another way emerging. Another voice.
I boycott black Friday for these reasons and more. I do not need more things, I don't need to be out shopping in crowds, seeing greed with my own eyes, and I don't like to support events that do not support a sustainable local economy. If things are being sold for 1/2 price all of the time, who is taking the loss? You know it is not the large corporations best-paid people. It is the people who are asked to show up to work at midnight, for a low hourly wage, they are losing sleep, their respect. They show up to work not because they can't wait to see all of the shoppers at midnight. They show up to work because they are afraid that they will lose their job if they do not show up.
I am boycotting black friday because I must take a stand, now. For a future that is sustainable. I want a future where all people have access to what they need: food, shelter, health care, freedom, a career they love, passion and freedom of self-expression.
Today it is aparigraha. Aparigraha challenges us to not accumulate things that we do not need. Already I have too many things in my home. Everyone I know says the same thing. Greed - wanting more - wanting more for less - this has been the downfall of many a society. I believe it can be found at the root of what is happening in our economy today. I acknowledge the many thousands of people - worldwide - who have said and are saying "enough is enough". Who make a stand for what they believe in. There are "occupy" protests in many major cities because of this greed. There are businesses failing, people losing their jobs, their homes. But there is another way emerging. Another voice.
I boycott black Friday for these reasons and more. I do not need more things, I don't need to be out shopping in crowds, seeing greed with my own eyes, and I don't like to support events that do not support a sustainable local economy. If things are being sold for 1/2 price all of the time, who is taking the loss? You know it is not the large corporations best-paid people. It is the people who are asked to show up to work at midnight, for a low hourly wage, they are losing sleep, their respect. They show up to work not because they can't wait to see all of the shoppers at midnight. They show up to work because they are afraid that they will lose their job if they do not show up.
I am boycotting black friday because I must take a stand, now. For a future that is sustainable. I want a future where all people have access to what they need: food, shelter, health care, freedom, a career they love, passion and freedom of self-expression.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Day 23
The sun is shining and warming us in Minnesota. I just enjoyed teaching my class at Fountain Place (I teach a small group of women there every Wednesday morning). This group loves yoga. They have a unique perspective as they are from the country where yoga was born. What is fun about teaching them is that they ask questions and are not afraid to try really challenging poses. They don't take yoga seriously. Why should we? It is a physical exercise that is meant to make the body feel good. The body that is not permanent. It is the clothing our soul wears for this short time on the planet. Yes, it is a very short time, relative to all of time. The body is meant to wear out eventually.
However, why not use what we have to our utmost? Why not have fun, be healthy & vibrant while we are living this short life! I was thinking this morning that the yoga asana practice is good, the meditation is good, but that I feel like a good long walk there is really no substitute for. What about you? Remember what it is like to take a good long walk? After you are done walking you can feel the blood pumping through everywhere, even your skin? The face is flushed, and you experience positive emotions. A good vigorous yoga practice can do that too, as well as about 30 minutes of laughing. What is happiness - joy - really?
It is certainly not what is outside of us, but what comes from inside of us. Enjoy your day 23!
However, why not use what we have to our utmost? Why not have fun, be healthy & vibrant while we are living this short life! I was thinking this morning that the yoga asana practice is good, the meditation is good, but that I feel like a good long walk there is really no substitute for. What about you? Remember what it is like to take a good long walk? After you are done walking you can feel the blood pumping through everywhere, even your skin? The face is flushed, and you experience positive emotions. A good vigorous yoga practice can do that too, as well as about 30 minutes of laughing. What is happiness - joy - really?
It is certainly not what is outside of us, but what comes from inside of us. Enjoy your day 23!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Day 21 - what to do with a low energy day
It's cold outside, the skies were gray. What to do with a low energy day? Take a warm bath, slather on the lotion, get dressed warm & meet friends for coffee, conversation and creating.
I looked at my motivation today. I take care of household chores and feel grumbly about it. I realize that I am experiencing a sense of attachment. If I do all the dishes & laundry, I wish someone else would do it, or say "wow - thanks!". I realize that when I am attached to the outcome of doing these things, an outcome like these, I am crabby when it doesn't show up. I forget the yoga mind-set that we are all one and that my work in the world is simply my work in the world. It does not matter what I do, but with which state of mind. My actions can be done with love, they can be done with resentment, or they can be done without thinking about it, just doing it because it is there to be done.
Trying to observe states of mind is a yoga practice, it is a good preparation for meditation.
I looked at my motivation today. I take care of household chores and feel grumbly about it. I realize that I am experiencing a sense of attachment. If I do all the dishes & laundry, I wish someone else would do it, or say "wow - thanks!". I realize that when I am attached to the outcome of doing these things, an outcome like these, I am crabby when it doesn't show up. I forget the yoga mind-set that we are all one and that my work in the world is simply my work in the world. It does not matter what I do, but with which state of mind. My actions can be done with love, they can be done with resentment, or they can be done without thinking about it, just doing it because it is there to be done.
Trying to observe states of mind is a yoga practice, it is a good preparation for meditation.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Day 20 - We are halfway there!
Today is the 20th day of the 40 day yoga challenge! I haven't written for several days - I run a business and the various aspects of that have taken me from writing, but not from my practice. Why? I start each day with meditation. I cannot even begin my day now without checking in to my quiet meditation place in my mind. This is where all of my energy for life is recharged each morning. The yoga practice, the physical part, is something that keeps me fit and healthy. People around me were sick this week. It was interesting to observe that a couple of people who were sick I noticed that they are not doing a regular mind/body practice
and seemed to be working too much or too stressed out.
It is so tempting, isn't it(?) to allow the pull of "I should do this" or that to take you off balance. I knew I had a full schedule this week, working Thursday night, Friday night and all days Saturday, so I slept later than usual on Thursday morning. I kept having this nagging feeling like I should be doing some work during my morning off. Owning my own business, I frequently have this experience. I don't work 8-5 or 9-5 Mon-Friday. I work some on Monday, all day and night Tuesday, morning and night Wednesday and have a couple of hours free during the work week. Some weekends I work all day on Saturday and, during yoga teacher training weeks, I sometimes work 7 days solid. This kind of a work schedule can be challenging to maintain balance in mind & body.
Here's a tip to how I do it: when it's time to "not work". I completely relax and escape into a book, a bath, a movie, or talk to someone on the phone. I may just run around the house cleaning it and mentally chanting a mantra. I focus on my meditation time. When thoughts creep up about any aspect of my work - I say "stop" to my thoughts - then re-direct them. "Let it go", I tell myself.
Another practice I do is to remember all of the people who are also part of Yoga Prairie. I think of a student who showed up yesterday to help set up for the art boutique. I think of a friend, an author, who came to show his support and gave me a donation for the studio. I think of another student who showed up with delicious baked bars for the day. Omm... I may be a business owner, but I am not doing this alone. I am grateful for all of the love and support that keeps our little community studio going.
So - - you are halfway through...take some time today to take an inventory of what you have experienced in the past 20 days, look at the support and love you are gifted each day. Be grateful for all of that, then let it go and have a restful Sunday. Only 20 days to go!
namaste,
Karen
and seemed to be working too much or too stressed out.
It is so tempting, isn't it(?) to allow the pull of "I should do this" or that to take you off balance. I knew I had a full schedule this week, working Thursday night, Friday night and all days Saturday, so I slept later than usual on Thursday morning. I kept having this nagging feeling like I should be doing some work during my morning off. Owning my own business, I frequently have this experience. I don't work 8-5 or 9-5 Mon-Friday. I work some on Monday, all day and night Tuesday, morning and night Wednesday and have a couple of hours free during the work week. Some weekends I work all day on Saturday and, during yoga teacher training weeks, I sometimes work 7 days solid. This kind of a work schedule can be challenging to maintain balance in mind & body.
Here's a tip to how I do it: when it's time to "not work". I completely relax and escape into a book, a bath, a movie, or talk to someone on the phone. I may just run around the house cleaning it and mentally chanting a mantra. I focus on my meditation time. When thoughts creep up about any aspect of my work - I say "stop" to my thoughts - then re-direct them. "Let it go", I tell myself.
Another practice I do is to remember all of the people who are also part of Yoga Prairie. I think of a student who showed up yesterday to help set up for the art boutique. I think of a friend, an author, who came to show his support and gave me a donation for the studio. I think of another student who showed up with delicious baked bars for the day. Omm... I may be a business owner, but I am not doing this alone. I am grateful for all of the love and support that keeps our little community studio going.
So - - you are halfway through...take some time today to take an inventory of what you have experienced in the past 20 days, look at the support and love you are gifted each day. Be grateful for all of that, then let it go and have a restful Sunday. Only 20 days to go!
namaste,
Karen
Monday, November 14, 2011
Yoga Challenge, Day 14
Today my heart feels a bit sad, yet full of love. What can we do when someone we love is suffering? I don't want to say who, but someone whom I am very close to experienced a relationship break-up this weekend. The evening it happened I was dancing at the studio. I remember during the dance feeling so happy, light and free and wishing that for everyone around me. Then in that moment, I simply was "being with" what ever each person in the room was feeling. This is the heart of compassion. This is what the teachings of the Buddha are all about. The Buddha was a man who wanted to end all suffering in the world. It is no coincidence that when I was suffering from relationship challenges many years ago, that I heard about the practice of taking on the suffering of others. To "be with" other's pain: not resisting in, not trying to fix it, simply sharing it with them and allowing it to be. This is such a powerful practice that I want to share that with you today. We cannot fix other people's pain, but we can share it. Today I allow all feelings to reside in my heart: the love, the joy and the sad suffering of heartache. This is my practice and gift to my loved-one today who is suffering. Namaste.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Day 11 was on 11-11-11!
I didn't write in the blog yesterday (this is day 12 of the 40-day yoga challenge). Yesterday was 11-11-11, a once in a lifetime occurrence. I wanted to spend the entire day being present to the energy all around and within me. It was an incredible day.
We had a one hour meditation at 11 am in the studio (phenomenal) - it was also World Meditation Day. So much love - what a beautiful time it was. We had a group of 8 meditatators representing 7 countries! We acknowledged the coincidence of this global microcommunity in a time of global community.
In the evening I attended our Ecstatic Dance event. It was the 2nd time in our studio and the first time I attended. At first I thought I had not done this before, but as we got started I realized that this type of dance is what I have been doing since I was 5 years old in front of my parents tv on Saturday mornings when American Bandstand came on! It reminds me of my favorite song that I kept singing over and over again when I was 5: I love you yeah, yeah, yeah. . . by the Beatles. I was such a Beatles fan at age 5 and not until I turned 50, did I realize the significance of their lyrics! I too am on a path of love & devotion now. The Beatles sang about that path and it is so amazing to me that they became so famous and yet, it is not surprising. When all of your actions, thoughts, words are coming from love: life is fabulous!
Back to the Dance: I love movement - in yoga, I put on music and move through asanas, linking movement with breath. In dance, I do the same, but it is more free. My legs are very tired today after a week of practicing yoga, then dancing last night for two hours. But I am relaxed. I am smiling because of the experience, the beautiful music that DJ Bonobo played and the energy that was released in the dance. It has been too long since I danced. I invite you to come next time, it is very fun. (Dec. 9, 2011 at 7-10 pm)
Now I am preparing to attend our 108 sun salutations event. I do not know where I will find the energy and strength to lead this event. I am not worried, however. From many years of reaching into the unlimited well through life, through yoga practice too, I am confident the event will be great. The energy will be there because the event is not about me. The event is a fundraiser for "There and Back Again" an organization that provides services for combat veterans of all conflicts. One of the services is providing yoga classes. Please check out their website and donate online if you are not able to attend. Here's one quote from the site: "Yoga gave me hope and the strength I needed to reconnect myself to the world again".
We had a one hour meditation at 11 am in the studio (phenomenal) - it was also World Meditation Day. So much love - what a beautiful time it was. We had a group of 8 meditatators representing 7 countries! We acknowledged the coincidence of this global microcommunity in a time of global community.
In the evening I attended our Ecstatic Dance event. It was the 2nd time in our studio and the first time I attended. At first I thought I had not done this before, but as we got started I realized that this type of dance is what I have been doing since I was 5 years old in front of my parents tv on Saturday mornings when American Bandstand came on! It reminds me of my favorite song that I kept singing over and over again when I was 5: I love you yeah, yeah, yeah. . . by the Beatles. I was such a Beatles fan at age 5 and not until I turned 50, did I realize the significance of their lyrics! I too am on a path of love & devotion now. The Beatles sang about that path and it is so amazing to me that they became so famous and yet, it is not surprising. When all of your actions, thoughts, words are coming from love: life is fabulous!
Back to the Dance: I love movement - in yoga, I put on music and move through asanas, linking movement with breath. In dance, I do the same, but it is more free. My legs are very tired today after a week of practicing yoga, then dancing last night for two hours. But I am relaxed. I am smiling because of the experience, the beautiful music that DJ Bonobo played and the energy that was released in the dance. It has been too long since I danced. I invite you to come next time, it is very fun. (Dec. 9, 2011 at 7-10 pm)
Now I am preparing to attend our 108 sun salutations event. I do not know where I will find the energy and strength to lead this event. I am not worried, however. From many years of reaching into the unlimited well through life, through yoga practice too, I am confident the event will be great. The energy will be there because the event is not about me. The event is a fundraiser for "There and Back Again" an organization that provides services for combat veterans of all conflicts. One of the services is providing yoga classes. Please check out their website and donate online if you are not able to attend. Here's one quote from the site: "Yoga gave me hope and the strength I needed to reconnect myself to the world again".
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Day 10 of 40
Wow. Day 10. One fourth of the way done now. 40 days seems like such a long time now. Today I did the ashtanga primary series. This is my favorite yoga asana practice, and the most difficult for me to practice consistently. I know I am not alone when I say that most days I have a hard time staying "on task" when Ipractice by myself. It is so much easier for me to practice my meditation daily, but a daily asana practice - alone - that is a challenge. (surprised?)
It is so worth it. I was so inspired that I wrote about it and posted a new page on my website. Here's the link: http://www.yogaprairie.com/ashtanga-yoga.html
It is so worth it. I was so inspired that I wrote about it and posted a new page on my website. Here's the link: http://www.yogaprairie.com/ashtanga-yoga.html
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Days 8-9 - 40 Day Yoga Challenge
Priorities. Yesterday morning I listened to a talk by my spiritual master/teacher Ishwar Puri on You Tube (IshwarPuriSantMat). There are several talks on there. Check them out. Just click on one that appeals to you (there are appealing titles). I saw "priorities" and clicked on it. Once again I heard a message I keep finding everywhere: if you are focusing on your meditation practice, your spiritual life, (as a priority), the rest of life happens around you and you do your everyday tasks with greater ease because your focus is not on those things. You do things (like the dishes or the laundry) in service with love & devotion, and the task is transformed.
Right now I am listening to him talk about Faith. He is making a distinction about faith. That faith is not blind faith. It is something that gets stronger when you see things like miracles and coincidences. You can build your faith - look for proof. I have done this many times and have had so many miracles show up in my life that I no longer get too surprised by them. I am always delighted and excited by these small miracles and coincidences.
How do you know when you have made progress? Ishwar says that when you experience less anger, lust, greed, ego, attachment (symptom emotional pain), that is a measure of your spiritual progress.
This is not something that practicing yoga asana can do for you, not just the exercise. However, engaging your mind and intention into the asana practice can do this for you. How? Set an intention! If you have a concern for someone (like today mine will be dedicated to my mother healing from bronchitis), dedicate your practice to that someone. Focus your love and devotion to that someone while you move through your asana.
There is no asana practice more powerful than the 108 Sun salutations. This is a moving prayer. At the Yoga Prairie studio, we are hosting a 108 event this Saturday afternoon. It is broken down into 3 segments with 15 minute break in between. It is a fundraiser for an organization that offers services to combat veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. One of the services is yoga. I can't imagine a more difficult life event to recover from than being involved in the violence of war and the organization "There and Back Again" is helping these veterans through recovering.
What you have read today...this is my yoga. I keep my body fit, my mind fit, focus it all on serving God and these are results that happen around and within me. I pray that I can make a difference in this world. I'm going to be a grandmother (in June 2012). I envision a world where all people have healthy food, clean water, comfortable shelter and safe, happy, loving, self-expressed lives. Wow! Envision that!
Right now I am listening to him talk about Faith. He is making a distinction about faith. That faith is not blind faith. It is something that gets stronger when you see things like miracles and coincidences. You can build your faith - look for proof. I have done this many times and have had so many miracles show up in my life that I no longer get too surprised by them. I am always delighted and excited by these small miracles and coincidences.
How do you know when you have made progress? Ishwar says that when you experience less anger, lust, greed, ego, attachment (symptom emotional pain), that is a measure of your spiritual progress.
This is not something that practicing yoga asana can do for you, not just the exercise. However, engaging your mind and intention into the asana practice can do this for you. How? Set an intention! If you have a concern for someone (like today mine will be dedicated to my mother healing from bronchitis), dedicate your practice to that someone. Focus your love and devotion to that someone while you move through your asana.
There is no asana practice more powerful than the 108 Sun salutations. This is a moving prayer. At the Yoga Prairie studio, we are hosting a 108 event this Saturday afternoon. It is broken down into 3 segments with 15 minute break in between. It is a fundraiser for an organization that offers services to combat veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. One of the services is yoga. I can't imagine a more difficult life event to recover from than being involved in the violence of war and the organization "There and Back Again" is helping these veterans through recovering.
What you have read today...this is my yoga. I keep my body fit, my mind fit, focus it all on serving God and these are results that happen around and within me. I pray that I can make a difference in this world. I'm going to be a grandmother (in June 2012). I envision a world where all people have healthy food, clean water, comfortable shelter and safe, happy, loving, self-expressed lives. Wow! Envision that!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Day 7 - 40 day challenge
Yesterday I decided that this week I would be committed to "raising my frequency" and the vibe of everyone around me. I know that at times I have been a "downer" at home - perhaps to balance out my incredible positive energy at other times. I decided to really focus on bringing even that down time up a few notches this week.
This morning, I woke up to my first challenge: my friend Robert Roos was killed this weekend. My first reaction was denial. "no that can't be" was what I immediately said. Not Robert. He was only 33 years old. Robert was incredibly energetic, passionate and one of those mad geniuses you are fascinated to talk to, quickly realize what he is saying is barely graspable by your brain, yet you just love being in the presence of such brilliance, excitement and sweetness. That is how I would describe Robert.
I was so inspired by his ideas - yet couldn't quite grasp them - they were so beyond what exists now. But are they really beyond us? He wanted to start a forum - a group - to gather and discuss what is possible - to talk about science, philosophy, politics, religion, and how we could have it all be integrated with the divine and higher dimensions of time, space and reality. I have met 2 other geniuses like Robert in my past with similar vision and connection to other realms or levels of consciousness in their physical existence. They were both physicists - one a teacher of Master level Physics in college who was on sabbatical to write a book about raising consciousness and vibrations of human beings.
If you are saying "Huh?" right about now, that is what it was like for many of us to be around Robert. However, he would give you such a sweet, happy, loving smile - such innocence in his face and heart, that you couldn't help but stay and listen a little bit longer than your brain could handle. I'm so sorry your life was stolen from you Robert. I know that you are someone who can somehow break through to communicate even from where you are now. Keep shining your light my sweet friend! We will try to carry out your vision here - thank you for your inspiration. (Robert was writing a book - I hope it gets published!)
This morning, I woke up to my first challenge: my friend Robert Roos was killed this weekend. My first reaction was denial. "no that can't be" was what I immediately said. Not Robert. He was only 33 years old. Robert was incredibly energetic, passionate and one of those mad geniuses you are fascinated to talk to, quickly realize what he is saying is barely graspable by your brain, yet you just love being in the presence of such brilliance, excitement and sweetness. That is how I would describe Robert.
I was so inspired by his ideas - yet couldn't quite grasp them - they were so beyond what exists now. But are they really beyond us? He wanted to start a forum - a group - to gather and discuss what is possible - to talk about science, philosophy, politics, religion, and how we could have it all be integrated with the divine and higher dimensions of time, space and reality. I have met 2 other geniuses like Robert in my past with similar vision and connection to other realms or levels of consciousness in their physical existence. They were both physicists - one a teacher of Master level Physics in college who was on sabbatical to write a book about raising consciousness and vibrations of human beings.
If you are saying "Huh?" right about now, that is what it was like for many of us to be around Robert. However, he would give you such a sweet, happy, loving smile - such innocence in his face and heart, that you couldn't help but stay and listen a little bit longer than your brain could handle. I'm so sorry your life was stolen from you Robert. I know that you are someone who can somehow break through to communicate even from where you are now. Keep shining your light my sweet friend! We will try to carry out your vision here - thank you for your inspiration. (Robert was writing a book - I hope it gets published!)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Day 6 of 40 day challenge
Sunday and the time changed. One more hour of sleep and I woke up refreshed. Rest is such a good thing. R & R. Do we get enough of it? I think I rest enough, but when I take a day to let go of all of my usual work - mentally and physically - the following day I feel so much more rested than if I had worked all day and got enough sleep - even with a nap thrown in.
I intentionally create these "rest days" for myself. I give myself permission to stop working. When I am in the state of being that I don't "have to" do anything, something deeper kicks in. It is hard to explain, but I am trying to. The creative juices just bubble up when I am in that state of being. I become excited once more. I accomplish way more after one of those days of rest, than I would have had I worked through that time.
This is a part of a 40-day yoga challenge. We must take a day of rest each week. Today is the once a month gathering in my home for my meditation group. We meditate for an hour, then eat yummy food. We let go of worldly concerns & life for an hour and contemplate our inner realms. Some call it heaven, or the Master or higher realms. Whatever you call it, step outside of worldly life, stop thinking, close your eyes and listen for the voice of God within you. Namaste.
I intentionally create these "rest days" for myself. I give myself permission to stop working. When I am in the state of being that I don't "have to" do anything, something deeper kicks in. It is hard to explain, but I am trying to. The creative juices just bubble up when I am in that state of being. I become excited once more. I accomplish way more after one of those days of rest, than I would have had I worked through that time.
This is a part of a 40-day yoga challenge. We must take a day of rest each week. Today is the once a month gathering in my home for my meditation group. We meditate for an hour, then eat yummy food. We let go of worldly concerns & life for an hour and contemplate our inner realms. Some call it heaven, or the Master or higher realms. Whatever you call it, step outside of worldly life, stop thinking, close your eyes and listen for the voice of God within you. Namaste.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Day 4 & 5 of 40 Yoga Challenge
Sometimes we have to put our noses down and work hard. Yesterday was one of those days. I love teaching yoga. I had the opportunity to do a sample yoga class to a group of women for a "Ladies Night" last night. I got to tell them about some of the benefits of practicing yoga. It inspires me to talk about it. Simple things like moving all of your joints, paying attention to your breath, and practicing relaxation flat on your back, makes a profound difference in physical, emotional and mental well-being.
It is not easy to commit to a daily yoga practice. It is simple to practice yoga daily. It doesn't have to be complicated. Moving with awareness, intention, focusing on the breath. This is simple. Taking action when your mind tries to talk you out of it. That is the work. You can then take this lesson into other areas of life. Where do you avoid taking action?
It is not easy to commit to a daily yoga practice. It is simple to practice yoga daily. It doesn't have to be complicated. Moving with awareness, intention, focusing on the breath. This is simple. Taking action when your mind tries to talk you out of it. That is the work. You can then take this lesson into other areas of life. Where do you avoid taking action?
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Day 3 of 40 day yoga challenge...be-ing
I am trying on a new way of being during this yoga challenge. Being happy and at peace. My intention is to have that spread far and wide. Here's a hint: smile. If you smile, someone might see you. That someone might smile, boom! You just set off a chain-reaction of smiles!!! If no one is around: go now! Find someone and Smile at them! Let's see what happens! Let me know your story about it too. Comment on the blog or facebook.
Remember: this challenge is to do yoga every day for 40 days. Get one day of physical rest in 7, 20 minutes of exercise (yoga) daily minimum and at least 2 per week of 60 minutes of yoga. Join the challenge - it's free. Attend classes at your local yoga studio - support your local studio! We teachers are small business owners offering a very valuable service out of our passion for holistic well being. (how to join: let me know by commenting too, that's all)
Remember: this challenge is to do yoga every day for 40 days. Get one day of physical rest in 7, 20 minutes of exercise (yoga) daily minimum and at least 2 per week of 60 minutes of yoga. Join the challenge - it's free. Attend classes at your local yoga studio - support your local studio! We teachers are small business owners offering a very valuable service out of our passion for holistic well being. (how to join: let me know by commenting too, that's all)
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Day 2 of 40 day yoga challenge
This morning's practice was fun. I had four students at the Fountain Place yoga class this morning, two started, then two joined in later. About 45 minutes into the class, the electricity went out, but we continued to practice in the dark. It was much quieter then. We all became quieter and could focus more on our poses. Earlier, before class I had meditated for a short time, then my practice was cleaning house after returning from my trip to San Francisco. It felt good to pick up my home, do some laundry and make my home a quiet refuge once more.
The lesson for me today is surrender. To allow the gifts of love, joy and flow of life to come in. This is my biggest challenge and I see this as a gateway to the abundance needed to flourish in life. I challenge everyone reading this to do the same for yourself. How do you allow your abundance to flow?
The lesson for me today is surrender. To allow the gifts of love, joy and flow of life to come in. This is my biggest challenge and I see this as a gateway to the abundance needed to flourish in life. I challenge everyone reading this to do the same for yourself. How do you allow your abundance to flow?
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Day 1 of 40 day challenge 11-1-11
Off to a great start! I woke up still in San Francisco because I missed my flight last night. So many things ran through my mind. Remembered the challenge begins today. So I practiced some asana poses in my hotel room, meditated to be connected to my higher Self to find the higher purpose for missing my flight. It became clear then that I was rushing back after my daughter's wedding for a job of teaching 4 yoga classes on Tuesday. I had to cancel the first two classes and Mita and Michael are subbing for the two evenings classes. I know now who would have taught the classes today if I had shown up. My body and my mind. My heart and spirit are still in San Francisco with my daughter. Also with my new grandbaby to be.
I must follow my heart. I love my daughter and want to be a part of my grandbaby's life. To run a yoga studio by myself with my will power won't allow that. To let go and acknowledge it is time to move on to the next phase of business: having the studio be a community-run yoga studio... that is where I want to head the business. I started it for the community and soon will be handing it over to the community. Aahhh, I can really breathe easier now that I wrote this. If you are reading this and want to be part owner,, let me know. I don't know how it will look yet, but that is not up to just me anymore.
I will be home tonight after a good nights rest last night and today alot of Self reflection. I was standing, then kneeling at an aiport computer terminal (no chairs) and a man just now brought me a wheelchair to sit in! I am truly blessed, well taken care of by all around me. So are you. Namaste..
I must follow my heart. I love my daughter and want to be a part of my grandbaby's life. To run a yoga studio by myself with my will power won't allow that. To let go and acknowledge it is time to move on to the next phase of business: having the studio be a community-run yoga studio... that is where I want to head the business. I started it for the community and soon will be handing it over to the community. Aahhh, I can really breathe easier now that I wrote this. If you are reading this and want to be part owner,, let me know. I don't know how it will look yet, but that is not up to just me anymore.
I will be home tonight after a good nights rest last night and today alot of Self reflection. I was standing, then kneeling at an aiport computer terminal (no chairs) and a man just now brought me a wheelchair to sit in! I am truly blessed, well taken care of by all around me. So are you. Namaste..
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