Peace and Love to You this Season

BE AT PEACE WITH YOUR OWN SOUL
Be at peace with your own soul

then heaven & earth will be at peace with you.

Enter eagerly into the treasure

house that is within you ,

And you will see the things that are in heaven,

for there is but one single entry to them both.

The ladder that leads to the Kingdom is

hidden within your soul...

Dive into yourself and in your soul

and you will discover the stairs

by which to ascend.

Saint Isaac of Syria (circa 7th century)Nestorian monk from Beth Abhe on the Persian Gulf Bishop of Nineveh (circa 660-680)

The Golden Compass

I loved the golden compass. It's a trilogy. I read the first a few years back. if you go to the site you can find your own daemon. Here's' mine!

I was pretty excited but also apprehensive to see this book had been made into a movie. The Golden Compass was one of the best books I have ever read and who wants to spoil that with a cheesy movie.

Also I discovered my favorite witch in the universe inside those pages, Serafina Pekkala. Once introduced I knew if I had a girl that's what I would name her. Here's Hollywood's version, pretty of course and quite like I imaged but in my mind a bit more fairyish with green eyes. Have a look......

Snowy Day

The North got hit by a huge storm and another coming over the weekend. Four hours to get home and another 45 minutes to shovel out a space so I could park the car. I could not have been happier or my relieved to finally arrive at my front door. Two very anxious loved ones met me at the door. I grabbed their leashes and we took off immediately. Lola was literally yelling at me and when we got back to the house she yelled a little more. Finally after a nice soothing bowl of dinner she settled but I continued to get some angry looks from Cisco. I have a free day today and I'm going to make up for my tardiness by taking my little fury ones for a snowy walk in the woods! I love snow days.

Go slow, take a breath and have a little fun.

Savasana and Holiday Overload

This Holiday season has been non stop. I have been quite busy with hardly a respite or a chance to breath. Yesterday after an afternoon of shopping, driving and general frenzy, I came home, crawled into my comfy bed and was out within minutes. For many of us this season can be a burnout rather than a joy. It's important to slow down and do as this little fellow is doing, take a savasana. Savasana is yet another important Yoga pose. Savasana relaxes and invigorates your body and mind. It also relieves pressure, anxiety and calms the mind. A little more of this and we can all start enjoying the season rather than feeling fried by it! Knowing I am in deep need of a long breath, last week I attended a wonderful breath workshop given by Rhea Slichter. We focused on three types of pranayama, Kapalabhati (Cleaning Breath),Nadi shodhana, and Ujjayi breath. For an hour in a half we practiced pranayama with very little asana. I realized I have not taken a deep breath in a very long time. By the end of the season a few of us were yawning and looking fatigued. Breath brings us back into our bodies and has numerous curative affects when practiced regularly. I noticed that after this workshop I felt grounded and desired whole foods rather than the holiday junk I have been indulging in at every corner. In my own classes I incorporate a section of the class in the beginning and of course the closing to pranayama breathing, amazing that I had forgotten to breath myself. So inhale DEEPLY and exhale a loud Ho Ho Ho....

Be well and remember to relax this season.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
What was the last game you purchased?
Toy or game? I think for a game it would have to be a Scooby Do puzzle. I am still searching for a Wii, that's the game I really need to find. ( by Christmas)

Soup
Name something in which you don’t believe.
I don't believe the dollar, the housing market or the American moral will recover during this administration.

Salad
If you could choose a celebrity to be your boss, who would you pick?
I really needed to think about this. I just would not want to leave what I do to be anybody's assistant, I don't care who they are. That said, I wouldn't mind working for Jane Goodall ( She's a celebrity in my profession) it would be fascinating work and working for her would mean I'd finished my doctorate!!!


Main Course
What was a lesson you had to learn the hard way?
To listen to my instinct. When that feeling inside me tells me somethings is wrong or off heed the warning!


Dessert
Describe your idea of the perfect relaxation room.
A comfortable place with lovely afternoon sunlight where I can read, meditate and do yoga.

Change

It's been a non stop month. There has been so much change on the personal front its hard to get a grip on all of it. There's been so much to do at work I feel I'll never get a grip on it. I won't bore you with the details but a couple of highlights have been an addition to the family (hint, see above) and a new kitchen! I'm taking it all in one day at a time. On another happy front I spent a part of the thanksgiving break working through a sequence for teaching and ended with an incredibly great class! Work, life, mayhem, unexpected events all rolling in every day. Not a lot of time these days, but a lot happening!

Be Happy, love your life, embrace the change.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
What was your first “real” job?
In High School I worked in a restaurant. My first professional job was in New York city, very different, a loooong time ago.

Soup
Where would you go if you wanted to spark your creativity?
Depends, a walk in the woods, a yoga workshop, spending time doing something I love to do always gets the imagination flowing.

Salad
Complete this sentence: I am embarrassed when…
I am caught unprepared and disorganized.

Main Course
What values did your parents instill in you?
To always try even if you failed. The attempt is far more valuable than the outcome.

Dessert Name
3 fads from your teenage years.
China flats, jeans made into skirts, different colored hair.

Celebration of Life

Today is a special day for me. November 13th is my best friends birthday and the day Cisco and I celebrate our anniversary. This one little day has brought me lifetimes of love. I love you both more than words can say. So many happy years, so much love. Thank God you were both born and came into my life.

Coming Back to Source...Again

In everyone's body passions and

strong emotions arise. Passions

are emotions of intensely flowing

life energy. Yogis know how to derive

benefit from passions

through the techniques of yoga.

- Swami Kripalu

Book Review

The “Sorting Hat” of Harry Potter fame appeared on campus today. When worn, the hat proclaims in which dormitories the wearer should live. The hat was accompanied by directions for use and a message from “Professor Dumbledore” hailing the administration’s new assignment method. Credit: NATHAN COLLINS -- THE TECH

Well I've done it, I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowlings. I'm going to miss all these crazy kids from Hogwarts and their trials and tribulations. It was a good read and I found myself like many before, quite sad at times as it all seemed to be coming to an end too quickly. Over the years I've become fond of my Fall read into the world of Hogwarts. I seem to read the new Rowlings book in the change of seasons as the weather grows colder. Many a blistery Autumn night over the years I've snuggled deep in a new adventure with Harry and friends. The Deathly Hallows although immensely enjoyable was filled with endless battle scenes and many beloved characters dying with each new chapter. This was not a children's book unless you could categorize it under horror. The ending left the reader in no doubt that this was the last book Rowlings would ever write about Harry Potter.

This series is part of a generation, a classic for years to come. In a world filled with techno everything where few young students take an interest in anything they can't turn on first, these books stirred something infusing a new generation with a love of reading.

Thank you J.K. Rowlings, God Bless and Good Night.......

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Which snack do you like to get when you go to the movies?
In the heat of the Summer, maybe a cold water. Sometimes a little bag of candy. On a dark cold winter day a latte with a little dark chocolate. Miss. S and the Man don't really munch our way through the movies too often.

Soup
What year did you start using the Internet?
Sometime around 1992-1993.

Salad
What is your first name in Pig Latin? (Here’s how to speak it if you don’t already know!)
Issway Say.

Main Course

Name something you are picky about.
I am picky about washing my hands, having others wash there's, using Kleenex when you need to and not getting near me when your sick. I really don't like getting sick because somebody was careless and spread their germs to me and everybody else because they knew they were the most important person on the planet and the world would just collapse if they didn't show up with their runny nose and horrible disposition and trudge through the workday!

Dessert
Fill in the blanks: I ____ ____ yesterday and I ____ ____ today.
I took a hatha yoga class yesterday and I will take a vinyasa yoga class today.

Boot Camp

Over the weekend I discovered Baron Baptiste himself would be teaching some classes this week. Yesterday I excitedly packed my yoga bag and headed off to an early evening class. Knowing it would be a a zoo, I got there 45 minutes early. The line was already halfway to the door. Finally we all trotted in, squeezed together like a can of sardines and we were off to the wild woolly world of boot camp yoga. Less than halfway through the class a couple of people got up to leave. Halfway through the class I myself wanted to leave or at least have an out of body experience so I would not have to feel the intensity of this practice. Three quarters of the way through I wanted my heart to stop pounding, prayed for breath and somebody to open the door which leads out to the street so I could escape. Close to the end I was having not very kind thoughts about Baron Baptiste. I had just about reached my limit and found even savasana difficult when a funny thing happened during mediation. I had a down and out fight with my brain and told it to shut the fuck up! This was immediately followed by release of resentment and letting go of old acid feelings. What was that all about? I staggered out of the class and journeyed home, took to aspirin and went to bed. You know... I woke up this morning an hour early, feeling rested and and ready to begin life again. Thanks for the class Baron. Namaste!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
How much money do you plan to spend this upcoming holiday season?
This year is going to be huge with big family reunions so my pocket book will take a hit. These are my feelings about the upcoming season. I could have a tremendous unexpected expense where I could really incur debt, headache and stress, instead I have an exceptional holiday season blessed with lots of love ones. I am fortunate beyond measure

Soup
What was the last television show you watched, and was it good?
I saw a documentary on Edgar Casey, fascinating.

Salad
If you had to paint the walls of your living room tomorrow, what color would you choose?
I'd keep them as they are, mauve with Ivory trim. The art blends in nicely this way.

Main Course
Name something clever or practical you have thought of that should be invented, but hasn’t yet.
Are you kidding me! How about snap my fingers and all my work is done. A quick blink of the eye and I'm out of commuter traffic. A nice little applause and money falls from trees. Clever no?

Dessert
List 3 things you would like to receive as gifts this upcoming holiday season.
A facial at Stone Spa, a Coach bag big enough I can use it for work, a holiday in Montreal.

Gone Baby, Gone

Today I took a powerful class. Coeli Marsh gave her last class at the Baptiste studio. I have been fortunate enough to take class with her for a while now and I must say I will miss her more than words can express. Coeli Marsh is an old soul and when experiencing her classes the student is able to let go and be present. There have been many who have felt the positive effects of her teaching. This was evident by the unbelievable number of people who came to practice. People traveled many miles and from hours away. The energy was loving, sad and deeply moving. It is hard to let go, and in the past couple of months I have seen a few of my teachers spread their wings. Tremendous thanks for the many blessings you have all brought to me. Be well and know that you are loved.

Friday's Feast

No time to post anything this week. Too much insanity all around. Happy the weekend is finally here. Happy Friday everyone!

Appetizer

Name a great website you would recommend to others.
Grounding Thru The Sit Bones... some yoga thoughts, some yoga practice Brenda Plakans is a yoga practitioner who brings insight, recommendations and technique to other teachers and those practicing the art of yoga. Her words are always encouraging and skillful.

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 as highest), how often do you dream at night?
7. I dream all the time I just don't remember what I was dreaming by the time my feet touch the floor and slide into my slippers.

Salad

Did you have a pet as a child? If so, what kind and what was its name?
I had lots of pets. We always had dogs. Umber, Goldie and Tammy.

Main Course

If you had the chance to star in a commercial, what would you choose to advertise?
I have no idea, something that paid really well and gave residual checks.

Dessert

What is your favorite kind of hard candy?

Butter Toffee and Joy Ranchers, but rarely, not too into hard candy.

Balance and feeling Whole

I REALLY need this in my life.
So I can feel like this.
I need to find a happy balance. I'm just not sure how.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
If you were a dog, what breed would you be, and why?
I would be a Springer Spaniel. Sweet, affectionate, playful, curious and sporty.

Soup
What does the color purple make you think of?
Dark Winter.

Salad
Approximately how long does it take you to get ready each morning?
It takes at least an hour in a half to prep for the day, walk the dog and maybe take a shower and put something respectable on before running out of the house.

Main Course
How many cousins do you have, and are you close to them?
I really don't know maybe 10 or 12. I'll see many of my cousins over the holidays, I'm really looking forward to it. Although its not often I really enjoy visiting with my cousins they are all very very sweet.

Dessert
Take your initials (first, middle, last) and come up with something else those letters could stand for. (Example: SFO = Sweet Funny Otter)

Sweet, Reliable, Oversubscribed

Coming Back to Source

Posture Flow

This is a sacrament,

a prayer of breath, a

symphony of soul

and motion. This is

yoga, emerging from

the inside, out-all

here in this singular

meditation of spirit.

Trust that the body

knows what it needs

if you dare to follow

where it leads.

Sanna Faulds

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
When was the last time you were surprised?

Earlier this week, a colleague I haven't seen in a number of years walked into a meeting. I was so happy to see her, it was completely unexpected.


Soup
Fill in the blanks: My eyes are ________, but I wish they were __________.

My eyes are blurry and fatigued a lot, but I wish they were clear and stronger.


Salad
If you were a Beanie Baby, what would you look like and what would your name be?

I would look and feel soft and cuddly and squeezable and my name would be Miss Snufalufagus.


Main Course
Name two things you consistently do that you consider to be healthy habits.
I practice yoga on a regular basis and my dog and I take a walk in the woods every day.



Dessert
What brand of toothpaste are you using these days? Do you like it? Why or why not?
I'm using Colgate right now. It's not my favorite I prefer the nature's gate products, its easier going on my gums and my teeth are cleaner the brand I'm using now.

Last days of Summer

When you are relaxed, all that
is highest and best comes to you
as grace.

Yogi Amit Desai

Balance

Must work on balancing fewer plates at one time......................

Book Review

I recently finished an incredible story I can highly recommend to everyone. The life of Pi by Yann Martel. Pi Patel is a sixteen year old boy living a perfectly lovely life in India with his mother, father and brother. His father is the director of a Zoo and Pi spends his childhood peacefully cohabiting with a wide and varied group from the animal kingdom. When his father decides to sell the zoo and move to Canada the family is uprooted unto an old cargo ship with many of the animals who are being sold to Zoo's in America. Halfway between Canada and India the ship sinks leaving Pi an orphan on a life raft with a hyena, an orangutan, a zebra and a Bengal tiger. Pi must survive the elements and create resources from nothing while attempting not to be eaten. The young boy goes into his own heart of darkness relying on his spirituality, ingenuity and any information about animal behavior he has stored in his brain from his time growing up in a zoo. The story is long, savage, and difficult to get through at times. When we finally come to the end the curtain is lifted. The reader is left to question everything that has transpired. I was left breathless and wide eyed.

Fridays Feast

Appetizer

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you look forward to your birthday?
With few exceptions usually a 9. My Birthday is the one day of the year that is uniquely mine. I like to celebrate the fact I as born and I'm still here living and learning. I always plan something special, a yoga class in the morning, followed by a special activity and a nice dinner in the evening.

Soup
What is one word you don’t like the sound, spelling, or meaning of?

derelict.

Salad
Do you wear sunglasses when you’re outside? If so, what does your current pair look like?
I should wear sunglasses. I would like to wear sunglasses, but I have lost every pair I have ever owned. I bought my last pair at DSW and wore them on my trip to Spain. I have no idea where they are.

Main Course
If you were to write a book, to whom would you dedicate it?
It depends on the book, fiction or non fiction. I would probably dedicate the non fiction book to the person, object or activity that inspired it. A fiction piece .... well I don't know.

Dessert
Name a beverage that you enjoy.
Its Autumn and my thought s are turning to warmer drinks. These days I'm really enjoying hot spicy Indian Chi tea.

Autumn

The Autumn can be such a pleasant time. Mr Cuddly, the man and I have been out for many hikes and long walks in the woods. It's off for a quick hike than quick back like jack rabbit to get on with what ever needs to be done. It's a shame we have to rush about so. I'd like to slow down and feel the rustle under my feet. The Fall is breathtaking and slowing down and taking in the beauty of your surroundings is the reward this season brings. With all the rushing about these days I hardly have time to stop and breath in the beauty of my surrounding or just breath for that matter. Feeling the need to gain a little control over my hectic state I have decided to include some Yoga Nidra into my life. I'm going to try Experience Yoga Nidra: Guided deep relaxation by Swami Janakananda Saraswati. It's supposed to assist you in climbing down off the mountain of GO! GO! GO! I'll try it.... I need it.

Expecting Joy

It's been quite a week. The Namaste Experience continues with no luck on the juice fast. I just have not been able to complete one full day of a fast yet. I think part of my problem is the days I choose. I longing look at the sweets and decide to have just one. Just one succulent morsel, a little sweet, a sugary morsel of chocolate. Well my blog is called yoga, dogs and chocolate! I'm not one to quit so easily so next week I will choose another day. Hope spings eternal.

Last week I made an Italian Minestrone soup from cooking the whole foods way. Boy, what a disaster. I put all the ingredients in a slow cooker and headed off for the day. Bad idea... very bad idea. The result was a thick substance, bland and not entirely edible. OK, live and learn, as the song goes, there's always another train. This week I'll try my hand at Greek Lentil Soup. I also have a new yoga DVD, vinyasa flow with Seane Corne. There is very little talk if any, and I understand how this might unsettle some, but personally I need to breath these days and I'm looking forward to concentrating on breath rather than alignment. I'll report back on my silent practice.

Now for some really exciting news.... one of my students is pregnant! This is my first pregnant student and as soon as she told me I dashed home to look up the do's and don't and design a sequence for her. I am so excited and thrilled and I want to give her the very best experience I can to help her welcome in her new loved one by assisting her through the birthing experience by proving a solid yoga experience with breath and gentle asana. ANY words of wisdom anyone might have, student or teacher will be dearly appreciated and put into practice. If your out there I would love your suggestions.

Blessed day everyone!

Fiday's Feast

Appetizer
How are you today?
Tired, thankful its Friday. Ready for a slow weekend with walks in the woods yoga and time spent finishing a paper that's needs to get done!

Soup
Name 3 television shows you watch on a regular basis.
I used to watch Monk, the Closer and Hustle regularly but these days I don't watch much of anything.

Salad
What’s the scariest weather situation you’ve experienced?
Some years ago coming back from a funeral up North I got caught in the worst snow blizzard I have ever experienced. I would have stopped to get off the road or even park the car by the side of the road but these weren't options. There was one lane and we all had to drive it or cause serious peril to ourselves and other motorist on the road. I was so thankful when I finally reached my home safe and sound.

Main Course
If you could wake up tomorrow morning in another country, where would you want to be?
India on a yoga and meditation retreat.

Dessert
What do you usually wear to sleep?
Now that the weather is beginning to turn I choose really comfy pj's and a soft night shirt when consulting my pillow.

Sweet Dreams

Thursday evening after a mountain of errands, obligations and a rather long workday I finally settled unto the mat. Destination: Kundalini yoga with Gurmukh. I'm tired and I wish I had a yoga nidra DVD or CD but it's this or vinyasa. I must say much to my surprise I had a good time. I am going to have to do this yoga DVD a couple more times but I really got a lot out of just one session. Gurmukh gives good directions and explains why, what your doing relates to the chalkra system which is the basis of this yoga. By the end I had worked up a good sweat and settled down for a nice savasana after one hour. she has a sweet dispostion and I felt encouraged to carry on although all I really wanted to do was sit in front of the television and veg out with a bag of chips. I slept like an angel Thursday night and woke up Friday without giving my alarm the usual sound beating it gets every morning.

Fridays Feast

Appetizer
What is your favorite type of art?
I love art in all its forms. Fine arts, theater arts, the art in sport, its all fantastic. I would have to say wandering a museum on a cold Sunday afternoon is one of my favorite things to do, so perhaps fine art. On the other hand watching elite gymnasts do there stuff is truly watching art in motion or a symphony or a great play that takes you some place else in your head, so I guess at the end of the day I'd have to say, it's all fabulous.

Soup
When was the last time you got a free lunch (or breakfast or dinner)? Who paid for it?
Last week my best friend had a clam bake at her house. Lobster, clam chowder, oysters in butter. Great food, excellent company, just wonderful.

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how emotional are you?
I have a lot of emotions but as time moves on I'm far more in control how I handle my feelings. Also by the end of the day emotion can give way to exhaustion. I think about a 6.5 to a 7.

Main Course
Approximately how long do you spend each day responding to emails?
Some days the whole day can be filled responding to emails. It's an aspect of my work.

Dessert
To what temperature do you usually set your home’s thermostat?
68 unless it's really frigid out. This home is huge on layering up. If your cold put a sweater on.

With the gates open and all systems go I've been holding on tight and trying to figure out how to make all the pieces of my life fit together. The Namaste Experience is now in its third week with a lot of ups and downs. I have managed to cook one meal a week from Cooking The Whole Foods Way with last weeks meal Japanese noodle soup with tofu quite enjoyable. This week I will be making Italian minestrone soup. I've been careful to pick accessible recipes as life needs to be as simple as possible these days. I am still doing my yoga DVD review but finding it difficult to take on more than one a week. Tonight I'll try kundalini yoga with Gurmukh. I'll report back later on this. What I've found the most difficult is the one day juice fast. I have not been able to successfully make it one full day. Each time a pick a day, I wake up that morning ravished with hunger ready to eat a three course breakfast. I have to pick the right day, psych myself into it and stick to it! I am going to try again tomorrow, wish me luck! So far all I can say about my little experience is that I'm bewildered about how to smoothly fit it into my life. Its hard to find time to begin, do and finish everything these days. I have managed to finish a couple of books. I highly recommend Buddha by Karen Armstrong although a warning here, although its small, its compact and a little mind boggling because she gives so much information its hard to take it all in. I think this book deserves more than one read. I also read the last in the trilogy by Sinead Morearty, From Here to Maternity. Emma and James are a couple with fertility issues, using all their options to create a family. I loved all three books and this writer always has me laughing out loud. She's light and leaves the reader feeling life is really OK no matter what happens.

Well its off for a little Kundalini, hopes things are moving nicely for everyone!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
When was the last time you visited a hospital?
A couple of weeks ago, I had my annual physical.

Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how ambitious are you?
7, I've mellowed with age.

Salad
Make a sentence using the letters of a body part. (Example: (mouth) My other ukelele tings healthily.)
Toe: Ted owns elephants.

Main Course
If you were to start a club, what would the subject matter be, and what would you name it?
This question makes my head spin. It's all about having the time which I have none of right now but perhaps a club for yoga teachers to come together to discuss topics related to teaching and practice. Yoga for the teacher... I don't know.

Dessert
What color is the carpet/flooring in your home?
Ah! I have an ugly brown carpet in the hallway which will soon be gone replaced by wood floors.

Not meant to be

Today I attended the Paul Grilley Workshop. From the beginning there were big problems. I needed to drive but once there could not find a parking spot. I finally found something a good distance from the studio. I didn't mind the walk but knew I would need to continue to feed the meters or pay the consequences. I assumed I would be able to slip out slug quarters into the meter and slip back in. This it turned out was going to be a problem since the doors would be locked once everyone was in the workshop. Directed and redirected I finally found a friendly yogi willing to assist me. Late at this point I rushed into the studio and settled down. I saw some teachers I take class with from other studios which was lovely but short lived as I could not overcome my exhaustion, frustration, and need to be mindful of the time. I did make it to the meter and back into the studio, but not without more irritation and a general bad vibe feelings. I settled into my mat for the second half of the workshop and fell fast asleep. Paul Grilley had some interesting things to say but I'm not the one to ask what he talked about as I was holding hands with the sandman! What was I doing there in the first place?

The Namaste Experience week one

My one day juice fast could not have gone more miserably wrong. I did not bring enough juice and water for the day, broke down and had junk food half way through the day, followed by sardines and cheese when I got home. So, needless to say..... things didn't go so well. I am going to have to plan this out more carefully next week and have a little more restraint and endurance. Part of my problem is not having a schedule or a plan yet. I need a schedule, I need to get organized, basically I need to get my shit together. On a good note I did review the basic flow sequence from Yoga Shakti with Shiva Rea. I liked it for a lot of reasons. The flow was only 30 minutes and this is all the time I had, she had a savasanya long enough and calming enough to fall asleep to (you can insert a snore or two here) and the yoga was practiced on a lovely beach, far far away from the maddening crowd! So far five stars for Shiva. New from the kitchen: tonight, Spanish Paella with tempeh.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Using only one word, how does grocery shopping make you feel?
Secure.

Soup
What is your favorite part about the season of Autumn?
Hiking in the mountains and the forests when the leaves are in full change. Glorious and brilliant!

Salad
Have you ever had any bad experiences online?
Irritating is more like it, nasty computer viruses, too much junk mail clogging my account and my first comment on my blog was spam, that was sad.

Main Course
Name three things that make you happy daily.
My loved ones, my dog, my yoga practice.

Dessert
What one household cleansing or organizing item would you not want to be without?
The vacuum cleaner!

All my balls in the air

Already this is how I'm feeling and we've only just begun. Due to an overabundance of balls in the air its highly unlikely that I will be able to attend the whole of the Paul Grilley workshop. I'm sad about this but it conflicts with an obligation that can't be rescheduled. Today I'm going to try my first one day fast. I'll also review my Shiva Rea yoga DVD. Unfortunately if not today it wont happen till next week. This weekend I am going to Maine for a little woman's retreat. I'm looking forward to the company and perhaps a little yoga outside by the lake!

Smooth sailing everyone

The Chocolate Woman

( a little something for the chocolate lovers of the world)

Carve my hips with an axe I ate too much chocolate.

Crunch my skin, please Crunch my bones, if needed It is time for big changes

On the verge of my tiny little tits are insinuating, sharp and plumped,Two hazelnuts, crac! You ate them It is time for big changes

On the verge of my slightly openned lips is growing a raspberry bush red and silvered

Could you kiss me to cut it...

Knead my hips with your kisses

I'm becoming the chocolate woman

Let my Nutella hips melt

The blood flowing in me is hot chocolate...

One day I will take off through the sky by keeping on pump up...

And I will yawn lightning

A comet planted between the teeth

I will transform myself into the chocolate woman

Carve my hips with an axe I ate too much chocolate...

Olivia Ruiz

One Down

Yesterday the Man and I went to a lovely beach to wile away a little time before the bell goes off, the gates open and were off and running. Knowing this week is going to be a shock on the system I thought I should get the first meal cooked and done before Monday. I made this very easy on myself, fried rice with vegetables. The only modification was herb instead of fresh burdock. I also spent the week trying Mantra Girl's Kundalini yoga DVD. I like the idea of cleaning out my aura but I'm not particularly fond of her approach or sequence. I'm sorry but I am not going to be able to recommend this based on the yoga. I would strongly suggest checking out her music and chanting. Truly her voice is divine, and I fully intend to incorporate her music into my classes. In a couple of weeks I'll be trying a yoga DVD with Gurmukh, a renowned kundalini teacher. This may give me better insight into the practice. Next up, Yoga Shakti with Shiva Rea. It's going to take me at least a week to get through this , there is a LOT of yoga in this vinyasa series! Tomorrow I think I will try my hand at a one day fast.

OK then.... one meal down, one fast one yoga video to go! Bliss factor: not bad.

End note.... How to make the Man ecstatic; be a rookie, pitch a no hitter, make it happen after we've lost five in a row. You should have seen him beam. Talk about bliss factor!

Happiness

I was quite taken by the Julie & Julia project and this got me thinking about what I might be able to undertake. If I was going to take on a little project of my own it would have to be something personally meaningful, possibly boasting my happiness factor up a notch or two. It would also have to fit into my already overloaded. over obligated, over scheduled life. As I have mentioned before my goal within my yoga practice is spending more time on the mat at home and becoming less dependant on outside classes. With this in mind I have chosen my project for the year. The Namaste Experience is a ten month project compromised of doing and reviewing 75 yoga DVD's, cooking one meal a week from Cooking the Whole Foods Way by Christina Pirello and juice fasting one day a week. In the end I'll compare the beginning of September 2007 with the end of June 2008 and we'll see how much bliss I've attained! First DVD is Yoga Shakti with Shiva Rea, first recipe ( the easiest one I could find in the cookbook) first fast, pure hell I'm sure.

Wish me luck!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Who is the easiest person for you to talk to?
My best friend, my sister and my dog about anything. My girlfriends about all things in life. The man is very easy to talk with on many subjects, and of course its very easy to talk to my kids, it goes something like this, " What the... put that down before you poke somebody's eye out!" or "OOOHHH my little sweety nutter butter peanut butter cup, that's very good!"

Soup
If you could live in any ancient city during the height of the quality of its society and culture, which one would you choose?
Atlantis, if it existed it must have been something to live there.

Salad
What is the most exciting event you’ve ever witnessed?
although indescribable to the emotional extent of its effect,and I hope never to witness anything like it again, 9-11-2001.

Main Course
If you were a celebrity, what would you do for a publicity stunt?
I really don't have it in me to make a scene out of myself, but I thought Richard Greer introducing the Dali lama in Central Park was a fantastic stunt. ( If you can call that a stunt)

Dessert
What do you consider the ideal age to have a first child?
I consider the ideal time to bring a child into your life is when you have created the emotional, physical and financial space to share a life with someone who will be totally dependant on you. This is individual for everyone. This can happen at anytime, or not at all.

Entangled in Thought

Cisco is feeling a bit jumbled and tied down emotionally. I know my dog he's defiantly a little off today. I won't get into the details as he hates it when I make his business public. Were going to do a little yoga together in hopes he'll unwind. He'll do a few stretches, sacrum rocks back and fourth and some gentle lateral movement in supine with the legs in flextion (good for the hips) . The rest of the time he will lay there watching me completely uninterested and bored. Some just aren't into it, what can I say. Then we will try for another walk and see how it goes.

Happy downward facing dogs all!

Swami Sri Kripalvananda

My beloved child, break your heart no longer.

Each time you judge yourself, you break your own

heart.

You stop feeding on the love which is the

wellspring of your vitality.

The time has come. Your time.

To live

To celebrate

And to see the goodness that you are.

You, my child, are Divine.

You are pure.

You are sublimely free.

You are God in disguise.

And you are always perfectly safe.

Do not fight the dark.

Just turn on the light.

Let go and breath into the Goodness that you are.

Bapuj

Digging Max

At Seventy Five, All The Way Live! Max is the highest The outest the Largest, the greatest The fastest, the hippest, The all the way past which There cannot be
When we say MAX, that’s what We mean, hip alwaysClean. That’s our word For Artist, Djali, Nzuri Ngoma, Senor Congero, Leader, Mwalimu, Scientist of Sound, Sonic Designer, Trappist Definer, Composer, Revolutionary Democrat, Bird’s Black InjunEngine, Brownie’s Other Half, Abbey’s Djeli-
But ask anybody conscious, who Max Roach be. Miles certainly knew And Coltrane too. All the cats who know the science of Drum, know where our Last dispensation come from. That’s why we call him, MAX, the ultimate, The Furthest Star. The eternalinternal, the visible invisible, the message From afar.
All Hail, MAX, from On to Dignatariato Serious and even beyond! He is the mighty SCARAB, Roach the SCARAB, immortal asour music, world without end. Great artist Universal Teacher, and for any Digger One of our deepest friends! Hey MAX! MAX! MAX!
AMIRI BARAKA

Max, I heard the news today. We love you, God Bless You Man,
and thank you..............

Mantra Girl

Mantra Girl has a DVD which is an introduction to Kundalini yoga and chanting. I thought, "Yeah this seams really good. A gentle yoga session with lots of chanting and breath, perfect for a vacation at the beach." Well true to word Mantra girl did a lot of breath work. She had us doing breath of fire through at least half the session. The rest of the time was spent with repetitions of asanas I have never done before. I'm not implying there not yoga poses I've just never encountered the majority of what she had us doing in any of my classes, but then again Kundalini is new to me. I found a nice quote from Mantra Girl describing the basis of this yoga, " Kundalini Yoga is different than other forms of yoga in that it uses the chakra system of the body. Other yoga styles often focus only on stretching. Kundalini uses chanting meditation and long deep breathing to awaken the energy of the body. The goal Kamler says, “Is to move the energy from lower more primal points of the energy body to the higher chakra points which awakens the consciousness." Ok so there you go.... A lot of what was presented were exercises to clear out the aura and create a healthier field of attraction. I have never done any work to clean out this area and perhaps that 's why I had such a hard time with this yoga session. Although I'm fairly active and physical it was difficult keeping up and I found I needed to stop and rest at times. Mantra Girl does not give verbal words of encouragement to keep you going but she does emit a peacefulness and with the music and chanting you really don't want her speaking anyway. She has a beautiful voice, I can't wait to use her work in my own classes. This DVD is not a one shot deal I think you have to do it several times to get something out of it. I'm going to do a trial run for the next week and will report back with my findings.

peace out!!!!

Beach Time

(fineartamerica.com)

The man and I are off this weekend. Back by Monday. I am packing my swimsuit and a couple of yoga DVDs. I'm savoring the last days of summer vacation right down to the last tasty bite! Good yoga class today. I really am fortunate to have some dynamic teachers. I'm excited to say I signed up for a Yin Yoga workshop with Paul Grilley. This will be a gentle and auspicious way to start the year. My instructors in my yoga teacher training were huge advocates of his work and its very exciting to be attending this workshop. I'm also excited about a DVD I will be checking out this weekend. Kundalini yoga with Mantra Girl. I am so impressed by her chanting that I ordered her CD and I am going to play her music in my classes! Well that's about it for now. I've got to pack, so see you soon!

Sunny, Sunny, Beachy, Sandy Happy,Happy Everyone!

Friday'a Feast

Appetizer
Say there’s a book written about your life. Who would you want to narrate the audio version?
Kate Winslet

Soup
Take the letters from your favorite kind of nut and write a sentence. (Example: Perhaps every avenue needs understanding today.)
Almond: Alice loves macaroni, only not daily.

Salad
If you could go back in time and spend one week in another decade, which decade would you choose?
Probably a week in the late 60's or early 70's or perhaps a week in Rome about 3000 years ago.

Main Course
Name a song that brings back memories for you.
She Sells Sanctuary by the Cult.

Dessert
Do you prefer to wash your hands in cold water or warm water?
Warm water.

Stability

Today in class, while in tree pose, my teacher, Coeli Marsh spoke of stability. She described a biosphere somewhere in the States that grew life inside a dome. Unfortunately none of the trees survived; reason, no wind. It turns out trees need wind to increase their strength and help them root. Without wind all the trees were weak,couldn't survive any movement or pollinate. This is an incredibly powerful metaphor for everyone. On one hand, life needs a little adversity and change to grow strong survive and have the courage to move forward with new things in our lives. On the other hand it's telling something even more powerful, you can't do this without roots. Roots in this case are emotional reserves, which allow us to make it through adversity. These kind of roots don't automatically develop inside of a person, there based in childhood and need to be cultivated. If there is little to no opportunity(in a loving manner) to learn how to be strong, you can achieve strength in adulthood, but not without a good deal of emotional pain and trauma. Sometimes its not about what one endures but the pain inflicted on others due to an ignorant soul and a selfish mind. So tree pose with a sway and down I fall and have to get up again, not so bad...... Growing my roots.

Back to Work

I'm back to work today. The summer is winding down and the year is gearing back up. This is is going to be one of the most challenging years I have had in a long time. Just thinking about it makes me wince a little. I am obligated to the hilt til next June and there's very little wiggle room anywhere. Perhaps my personal project should be surviving this year. The next two weeks are slow, with more weekend vacation time and last minute organizing which I can do it my own pace. After that, time will tell. Hold on Miss.S it's going to be a bumpy ride!

Yoga at Home

We are on vacation and I have a DVD player at my disposal so I brought a couple of yoga DVD's to assist me in building the home practice. I brought Vinyasa flow yoga with Sean Corn, one I have done a few times before. This is simple, clean and does the job in an hour and fifteen minutes. I also brought a new one along, Ashtanga Yoga: beginner's practice with Nicki Doane. This is 68 minutes which was plenty. Beginner Ashtanga is still Ashtanga. Lots of repetitions of downward facing dog, plank, upward facing dog back to down dog, over and over and over again! Nicki Doane is very encouraging and she kept a steady pace. I definitely broke a sweat with this one. This instructional piece goes through suryanamaskar A and B which is the first part of the first series of sun salutations in Ashtanga. The entire sessions is done standing. I will check out another of her DVD's, she has a couple. she's an interesting teacher living off the grid in Maui.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Describe your laundry routine. Do you have a certain day when you do it all, or do you just wash whatever you need for the next day?

I end up doing laundry once a week although this is not something I plan, when the basket is full the laundry gets washed.

Soup
In your opinion, what age will you be when you’ll consider yourself to truly be old?

I felt old at 19 and never really felt young again, so I don't really see much in young and old I just want to be healthy, I'll feel really old when health leaves my body.

Salad
What is one of your goals? Is it short-term, long-term, or both?

Finish my doctorate, it a loooooooong term goal.

Main Course
Name something unbelievable you’ve seen or read lately.

An entire forest on the cape came down so a housing development could go in. Another overpriced, only used in the summer, second home bullshit housing develoment so somebody can keep up with the Jones!


Dessert
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how happy are you today?

8.5

Vacation

The man and I are back in North America but still on vacation. A lot going on after this week so for now its rest, relax and renew.

Away a while longer............

Inspiration!

I have put my genius into my life,

whereas all I have

put into my work

is my talent.
unknown

Julie and Julia, my year of cooking dangerously by Julie Powell is an inspiration to anyone who ever had hopes of wish fulfillment, inexplicable happiness or just doing something that brings ongoing satisfaction. Today my teacher said, "spending time with your children, gardening, doing yoga, it doesn't matter... doing something that fills you fills others, so you should do it often." Julia Powell decided to rise to the challenge and every day for one year she cooked solely from Mastering the Fine Art of French Cooking by Julia Child. She wrote about glorious victories and agonizing defeats, first in a blog then a book. Somewhere in the middle of her dull low pay job, crappy loft in a nowhere residential New York City borough, dial up Internet and entirely too much smoking, drinking and butter she inspired me (and I suspect a legion of others) to go out there and grab all the joy possible. Julie Powell opened up her heart chalkra and enveloped life. Life threw her a couple of sucker punches but all in all Julie came out on top; happier, satisfied, with a more enriched life at day 365. She didn't have any expectations, just looking to find something wonderful to embrace. It worked, it was a great idea. She succeeded fabulously

I'm inspired to do the same. My life is a little busier than Julie's was, but all the same, I have some ideas. I'm not ready to share yet but soon perhaps.

Happy Hunting!

Big Blue Marble

Were back and I think this fellow expresses out general feelings toward our travels. Wow! I don't know where to begin...... Gaudi, tapas, beaches, Costa Brava, Montserrat, good walks through the city, breathtaking parks, hedge mazes, not too hot, never cold, really friendly people. I have much to say about our travels but it will have to wait. I have a class to teach this morning. A private with a shy little lady who wants to try this once. I'm giddy happy!

Will write more later............

Big Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how polite are you?
Depends, I will be as polite to you, as you are to me. That's about civility. I have the ability to naturally be about a 7 and when I ramp up for occasions where proper etiquette is required an 8.5. I would be clueless what to do if I met the queen and that's a 10.

Soup

What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
I don't really remember but in the minds eye I can see myself on several occasions just cracking up with a couple of girlfriends.

Salad

Who is your favorite cartoon character?
I don't think I have one but as a kid I loved the Charlie Brown and Scooby Dooo cartoons.

Main Course

Tell about the funniest teacher you ever had.
I had a professor in B school. He loved a good joke. We would be in the middle of a presentation and a joke from the New Yorker would pop up on the screen which had little to do with his lecture. Logistics is a dry subject but he managed to make it fun.

Dessert

Complete this sentence: I strongly believe that ______________________.

education and health care should be universal and nobody should go hungry.

Were off to the beach so I don't think there will be any blogs for a while.
Be well everyone!

Joy

I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you which is of love, light, peace and joy. When you are in that place in you and I am in that place in me, We Are One.

Senior Snuggly is safely ensconced with the folks up north. Even though its been less than a day and I know he's able to unwind and release his inner dog, I miss him terrible.

Today I have to pack and run some of those mindless errands I talked about earlier. It won't be too bad, I have some nice thoughts to keep me company while I cross items off my list. Yesterday morning we decided to check out a nearby farm while Snuggles and Miss Cocktail ran and rolled and sniffed about. Once for sheep, It's now an organic farm and produces food solely for the community. The land was meticulously worked and the two folks we met could not have been nicer. Someone built a self sustaining house complete with solar panelled roofs, wood stove and an indoor outhouse. I was overcome by a wonderful feeling of peace, well being and satisfaction that seemed to emanate from the house and the land. Truly these folks were walking the walk. Later, My Father and I had a little visit down the road. I had not seen Ms. K in quite some time and when we rolled in some beauty looked up to see who we might be. As it turns out her family has expanded considerably. We have a gorgeous little number straight out of a Victoria's secrets catalog, Walter Matthew and Twinkle Berry the belly dancing phenomena. Well, OK.... Maybe that's not their names but for the moment.... All are rescue horses taken from homes adopted away from a variety of situations. They were truly happy, emanating such joy in a Free to be You and Me incredible summer day moment. Twinkle Berry trotted right up and basically said , "Go ahead! Go ahead say it girl! I know it... I am Bootyliscious! " These three resonated a higher level of joy from the heart chalkra, and when in the presence of any entity who's heart emits that level of joy, it lifts the spirits of everyone else too. So home I float with dreams of belly dancing horses and little dogs leaping through organic gardens.

Namaste!

Mr Cuddly

Way too much to do. Mr. Cuddly is going to spend time with the folks up north while we whisk away to Spain on Saturday. I have lists to make and then immediately loose. Suitcases to overload and mindless errands to run. Of course I am looking for a yoga class in Barcelona. I did find a place that gives Anusara but I'm open to any suggestions.

Happy Hunting!

On The Mat

Yesterday I took an intermediate power vinyasa class. It seemed like a good time to try it, I am celebrating an anniversary. A year ago I headed off to my teacher training program at Kripalu in Western, Mass. I am not so sure about advanced vinyasa and entered the class with trepidation but yet a feeling I might now be strong enough to do this! At some point in a personal practice stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow a practice and make the base solid. Also, having a good repertoire of tools from a variety of yoga styles is beneficial to everyone. Now I have no desire to teach boot camp power yoga but what the heck! This could be fun! Party down, I'm going in!!!!! Two hours later I crawled out thankful that was over and I'm still alive. Partner work for handstands, Navasana over and over again and 15-20 minutes in frog! At the end of class one guy took his towel out to the street and rung it out. The sweat came pouring out like water from a faucet! Instead of feeling strong and proud and grateful I survived I had an uncomfortable sensation nagging me like someone who won't stop tapping you on the shoulder. "This is not where your at Miss. S answer me this question, Why haven't you developed a home practice? " The home practice is the one that will sustain a student through decades of ups and downs, crazy schedules and tight financial times. People say its where the real development occurs and breakthroughs happen. It's just hard to find the discipline to get on the mat and then figure out what to do once I'm there. I do have some DVD's. and I can always work on my sequences. So my goal for year two is to step out of the comfort zone of a pre prepped class with teacher assistants and props and spend more time on the mat at studio chez moi .
Any thoughts on the personal practice? goals? DVD recommendations?

Love

The little fish wanted to get swirly and silly and just have a little fun. Personally I hate the idea never mind the reality of getting on anything that is going to take me up, down and sideways really fast. I don't want to take a drive , find a parking space, stand in lines and just be bored. No thank you, this does not sound like fun. Off we go anyway ....... and you know what? Were all silly and happy in the car. We find the perfect parking space, there are no lines , its a perfect sunny evening and best of all... we are having a BLAST! Everyone around us is having a good time bonding with their little loved ones. No arguments or bad tempers, just lots of giggling happy people. A little boy is driving his father on a car track, delighted! His father has a huge grin on his face. They are loving life! Little fish and his friend are happy and relaxed and I am struck by the importance of down time with our little loved ones. Someday little fish is going to swim off to a bigger pond and he will muddle over adult things and need to keep an appointment book, watch for deadlines, and worry about a big ocean of things, but right now this precious boy is delighted to swirl and loop de loop and have silly fun. I am so blessed with the children who are a part of my life. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

I've been reading a lot about the 12 months school year debate. I certainly am not a proponent. Students and educators need time to just be children, and adults. I do not want to think about the repercussions of a year round school program. The burn out rate in education is all ready too high. One man wrote into a local paper stating his job was a piece of cake and he felt that educators should have to get real jobs like the one he had before teaching. Oh Dear!! Please tell me he's not in my system, he clearly could care less about teaching. Another woman stated her mothers' job as a nurse was a lot harder than working in a school system and we would all appreciate and complain a lot less if we had to work as hard as her mother. Is this a joke? Did she not understand the article was not about the medical field or her mother?

As long we have the summer off there will always be a place to let the schedule fall to the way side and remind us that the children in our lives are not a job that needs to be done but some of the best life has to offer!

Be Happy!

Book Review

Vacation is always a good time to catch up on all those books we have been meaning to read but haven't the luxury of time or energy to pick up or finish once started. I've managed to finish a few and thought I'd share my thoughts.

This is a recording by Barbara Corcoran is an absolutely fantastic read. It was written for the young teen crowd in the early '70's. This writer brings up surprising and controversial issues that are still relevant today. her main issues deal with the environment, conservation and behavior and attitude toward American Indians. She briefly touches upon growing up in an alternative house. i.e. a single grandmother rather than a mother and father. I really liked what she had to say and I'm going to look for books she's written.

Nigella Lawson by Gilly Smith. I love whatever I have made that came from a Nigella Lawson recipe. She has a fun, sensual attitude toward the kitchen which makes her recipes all the more intriguing. Unfortunately this biography captured none of the fun... all drag. Skip it.

Insatiable by Gael Green. Long time restaurant critic for New York magazine. She retells a good story about fine dining unforgettable wine and LOTS of lust in between. She understands food and brings you on a gastronomic ride, unfortunately the sex is unsettling on the stomach.

Geisha: A Life by Mineko Iwasaki. Mineko was the last of the superstar Geisha. An easy read but hard to put down. A complex personality with a unique and fascinating life. I love books on Geisha and this didn't disappoint.

That's it for now. I'm currently reading Buddha by Karen Armstrong. She's my favorite religious writer. I highly recommend the Spiral Staircase if you get a change.

Be well!

Friday's Feast

(Taken from Poppy Fields)

Appetizer

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest) how much do enjoy watching sports on television?
Mostly a three, sometimes a four but if its the Olympics 10!

Soup

If you could completely memorize any one work of fiction, which one would you pick?
All of the poetry of John Keats.

Salad
What is your favorite breakfast food?
Baguette fresh from the bakery with apricot jam, two eggs soft boiled, blood red orange juice and fresh pressed coffee.


Main Course
Name something fun you can do for less than $10.00.
Take a hike in the woods with my dog.

Dessert
How long does it usually take you to fall asleep?
10 minutes if I have the energy to read otherwise I go right out.

I'm back from France, slightly jet lagged but working through it. The vinyasa classes help tremendously but mostly I just need patience and my body will eventually land in the states, hopefully not on someones roof!

Lovely Day

Yesterday I visited my absolute favorite museum, the Musee Carnavalet. This is a museum dedicated to Parisian history. I always find myself lost in some century, pen and paper in hand taking notes for a good discussion over a nice wine and cheese later on. I have a wonderful memory of my Mum and I lost in the halls of history, transfixed, unable to get beyond the first floor. This summer the museum has an exhibition of Wily Maywalds’ photography in black and white. I highly recommend this artists incredible work. Feeling I had taken in enough for this visit ( I have never actually seen the whole of the museum) I wandered back into the Marias to stroll, people watch and take in the atmosphere. Fabulous! Today was a warm sunny day which came as a celebration after days of rain and overcast. Lots of walks with Rocco and my own practice with Sudha Carolyn Kundeen one of my Kripalu teachers from my teacher training. Lovely day, blessed practice.

Happy 14th all!

Third eye blind!

Today I decided to try another Iyengar yoga class but at a different studio. I made my way to the 5th to Rasa Yoga, a beautiful oasis not far from the Notre Dame. As I was making may way across the overcrowded church yard, I saw a young man with a feather stuck in his tight curly hair acting in a bizarre and uncomfortable manner. A foot away from him a woman with her seeing eye dog was seated with a friend chatting away. This young man silently came up to the dog and began pulling at his harness. The dog was lying down and looked at who might be pulling him to stand, definitely confused. I stopped walking and began to wonder if this uncomfortable peculiar man knew these women. One of the women seated had sight and took no notice and kept chatting. The man began to berate the dog jumping up and down by the dogs head, attempting to tease or frighten the animal. The woman without site seemed unaware this was happening and finally her friend looked up and said something with a small chuckle. The young man made one last attempt at something abusive and left. Meanwhile I was moving in, looking around at the throngs of people paying no attention to the abuse this disaster of a human was inflicting on this animal. No one seemed to understand the venerability of this blind women unable to defend herself. Everyone seemed oblivious and unaware. That young man himself seemed unaware I was standing closer and closer to him, ready – frightened- but ready to step in if needed. He drifted off and slipped into the crowd. By the time I got to the yoga studio I was deeply shaken and in tears. I had not planned my trip out properly and arrived too early. I made my way into the dressing room and completely broke down. I finally managed to dress for class and splash cold water on my face. I found a quiet spot in the waiting area to calm myself. There were many yoga books to peruse. I picked up the Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar and this literally jumped out at me.

A himsa is a cruelty or injustice. “ Dust that lands on the skin is harmless, but if only a tiny particle gets in the eye, it is very Painful.” Yoga Sutra “Someone who is searching for clarity becomes sensitive because the eyes must be open, even if what they see is sometimes very unpleasant.” T.K.V. Desikacher

I proceeded through another Iyengar class with a much nicer teacher, warm and encouraging. I just don’t think Miss. S and B.K.S. see eye to eye at this time so perhaps we should just shake hands and say perhaps another time. Today’s journey was about karma not hatha yoga anyway. Reaching home I swung the door open and my little Rocco came bounding over full of excitement and affection. I gave him extra kisses and cuddles and rubs and told him how special and wonderful he was, then we headed out for a nice relaxing walk. Day over, the end.

I woke up this morning with a neck ache. Strange and unsettling dreams involving Tony Soprano and flying saucers told me today was a good day to curl up with a good book and hang out with my favourite Petit ami Francaise, Rocco. We have spent much time together both in the States and France. Long walks all over Paris, trips to the beach in Normandy, hiking the AT in the States, we are a sporty little couple. Dogs bless my life with love and happiness I hope I give a little back in return. Rocco and I have been napping and having lazy walks along the Seine. Late in the afternoon I decided it was time for a little yoga. After my experience yesterday I did not feel like venturing out into the world so I slipped in a Sean Corn Vinyasa DVD. Not bad! The instructional session is about an hour and 15 minutes. She takes you through a gentle vinyasa. The sequence transitions well from one pose to the next particularly in the standing portion of the session. Her directions are very clear and she does not rush you through the session. Sean Corne used breath and a very nice invocation in the beginning of the session and a brief but strong closing. I choose the late afternoon for my time of day which was perfect as the session was relaxing and unwinding. Just what the doctor ordered, now back to my book…….

Blocks, Straps, Blankets, and Chairs

Today I took an Iyengar class. I’ve been really curious and wanted to check it out. One of my Baptiste teachers, Brandon Compagnone says using props such as blocks are a way of laying the ego aside and loving oneself with deep respect. Absolutely! Modifications and props enhance the practice, bringing the self closer to the essence of yoga. Evidently my enthusiasm for props is but a one sand pebble in a vast dessert compared to B.K.S. Iyengar’s exuberance for using anything and everything. This is not a grab your mat and we will practice right here type of yoga. This is an I’ll back the truck up to the door and we’ll unload everything you’ll need, type of practice. Although daunting this was the least of my problems. There wasn’t any spirituality brought fourth during the session and absolutely no breath work. I guess I really didn’t need these aspects as I was far too busy trying to jam myself into positions with blankets, straps, blocks and chairs and occasionally all simultaneously. In all fairness my teacher demonstrated great skill and technical ability. It was evident she has a strong belief in the truth of this practice and really cared about what she was teaching her students. Her students with the exception of moi, were dedicated to their teacher and enhancing their bodies and healing through this technique. That said, I found her cold and the over emphasis on the technical made the experience sterile. The modifications and assists were abrasive and I felt for the first time in all my years of practice I might actually get hurt in class! How uptight B.K.S. must have been to develop this style of yoga. Restrictive, rules driven with little to no emphasis on the spiritual aspect of the practice. How much emotional baggage does this guy carry around? Evidently a boat load as demonstrated by the amount of objects you need to use in his classes. By the end of class I was relieved it was over but did not feel well….satisfied. I have not given up totally, I will try one more class but my gut tells me my direction lies elsewhere.

Jai Bhagwan

Here is a little something nice to begin or end a class with:

May I be filled with loving kindness
May I be well
May I be peaceful and at ease
May I be happy
Sianna Sherman

Today in workshop we learned about the four noble qualities of the heart.
Joy
Compassion
Friendship with ourselves
Giving oneself space

We practiced many asana’s which open the chest. This allowed the heart to shine brighter and brought a happy glow to all of us in the workshop. I am bringing a wealth of knowledge back to the states as well as into my own classes and my personal practice. I can’t wait to share this with others!

Sianna Sherman

I am attending an Anusara Yoga workshop. My teacher and presenter for this weekend is Sianna Sherman, a senior Anusara yoga instuctor. In this type of yoga there seems to be a heavy focus on opening the heart. I am not too surprised I found myself seated at this event since the universe has insisted I open my heart and appears to be divinly guiding me into areas which will support this process. I do believe that opening certain parts of the body physically, gives freedom to emotional and mental issues, allowing the mind as well as the body to release any emotional and physical trash which may have built up and needs to be gotten rid of. In my personal practice I have done great deal of work on the mid back and the hips. I never had a deliberate plan of action, my body just guided me into the practice best suited to work these areas. I actually found Bikram style yoga was extremtly healing for my mid back. A strong broad side gave me courage which eventually led me to Forest yoga which was tremendously healing for tight congested hips. My loose hips have led me to a more vigorous vinyasa. Go figure.....

Sianna is wonderful. She clearly loves what she is doing and she emanates happiness and a sense of well being. She feels that each person is a cathedral. "Everything about this cathedral was built in the service of light. Open up your senses, awaken to the beauty and the light that's inside of us."

I'm happy to be attending this event. This morning I just wanted to roll over and fall asleep . I did not want to ride the metro for an hour to look for a place I've never been to. I'm so glad I did and bonus on bonus the workshop was in English and French.

Je t'aime bebe, tu sais?

4rth of July

God Bless America

Land that I Love

Stand beside Her

And Guide Her

Through the Night

With the light From Above.....

What are you feeling?

Each of us is a lake of love,
Yet strangely enough we are all
Thirsty.
Swami Kripalu

Lately I have been taking a lot of Baptiste Vinyasa classes. Many of these classes include deep chest opening poses. Today while in a variation of Gomukha-asana I felt climbing a mountain barefoot in winter would be preferable to the sensation I was experiencing. I wanted to collapse in a heap and maybe have a little cry. B.K.S Iyengar, says, "If you keep your armpits open, you won't get depressed." He is of course referring to opening the chest, shoulders and placing the head in midline allowing breath to flow through the upper body. With Independence Day just around the corner I think I’ll take some liberating steps of my own and include a series of heart openers in all my classes.

Vacation

This weekend the little fish went off to camp. Sun, woods and Tipi’s! Next weekend I’m off
to an anusara weekend. This will be my first experience with this type of yoga. I’ve heard so much about John Friend I’m eager to check it out. I plan to spend a couple of weeks on the mat developing my own practice and working out sequences. Perhaps some Iyengar classes as well. The next two weeks are about slowing down, giving gratitude and just breathing. Happy holidays all!