How many times have you had to tell someone, "I am crazy busy" or "I am so busy I can't see straight"? We have all been there. But when is it too much? I have recently read a few blog posts/articles on this topic (when I wasn't too busy to read!), and it got me thinking. Is being busy glorified in our society? Are we driven to over commit and not enjoy downtime for fear of looking lazy? Many people, especially women, feel that having a packed calendar equals success in life. I have been there. When I first started out as a novice yoga teacher, I was proud to tell people about how many classes I taught weekly, how I would run from one to another without having a break at all. I thought this was necessary for others to consider me a serious yoga professional, and I thought...
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One morning my then 11 year old son and I were talking about the high cost of college education in the US, when between 2 spoonfuls of Mini Wheats, he told me me that we did not have to worry about him since he would be playing for Duke as their starting point guard when the time comes. Wow! So I tried not to laugh, because he looked serious, and as I was just about to say something to get us back to reality, I stopped myself. I will not tell him to stop dreaming. Kevin is a bright, kind kid who, even though he is right handed, was holding a spoon in his left hand to eat his morning cereal at that particular moment, because his basketball coach told him that he should. We would like our kids to believe that they can be anything they want to be...
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February is the month of love and compassion, and two events that happened to me recently made me pause to think about what it means to have true compassion rather than anger and judgement. The first instance happened during our recent THIRD Anniversary Open House, which many of you joined. Thanks to all of you, we had a wonderful afternoon with great camaraderie and an amazing selection of food and desserts. During this event, a woman with unkept hair and worn clothes, whom we had never seen before, came in and began piling her plate with food, even stuffing the food into her coat pockets. It was apparent that she was not there to learn about yoga, and many of us became uncomfortable as it was clear that she was taking advantage of us. My initial reaction was, "What does this women think she is doing?!", and I just wanted...
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Guest Post By Nicole Hardin I was reflecting today on why going to yoga classes in a studio can be such a positive experience. For years I have sought out a workout regiment that I could be committed and yoga is the only one that stuck. I am sure I am not alone in many go rounds of joining gyms, classes and programs that seemed like such a great idea and some how in short order I did a 180 and just couldn't find the "time" to go. I continued to reflect on why did yoga stick - what about it keeps me driving 20 minutes out of the way 3 or 4 days a week for more than a year? There are the obvious benefits of not trying to look up at a video from your down dog and having the expertise and knowledge of an instructor who is...
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For those of you who see me regularly, you might notice I am almost always wearing a mala around my wrist. What is the purpose of a mala? They are beautiful reminders to breathe, to meditate during down time, and to stay committed to the intention set for the day. My most recent use of the wrist mala is as follows: Sit in a comfortable position. Take a full inhale and a complete exhale for each bead present (21 for the wrist). It sounds easy, but for me it is not. I have not completed the mala yet! To keep my mind fully occupied on each breath for 21 breaths is an enormous challenge, and I have decided to give it a try each day at least once for the month of February. Are you up for the challenge? You don’t need to have a mala to practice, and you...
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In the Yoga Sutras (an ancient and foundational text of Yoga) Patanjali describes the purpose of Yoga, that which is to cultivate stillness in the mind. In this space of clarity we begin to find our inner guide, that special voice that reminds us of our purpose. The internal compass that allows us to traverse through the landscape of life with a certain quality of confidence, ease, and resilience. Finding this space is worthy of our journey but along the path in very simple terms 'life gets in the way'. With the intention to share what has worked for me, here are three areas that I've found helpful in cultivating my inner guide. 1) Allow for space. Our inner guide is most essential during times of stress, challenge, and frustration. But it is during these moments that thoughts and fears most often take over as the mind is tightening up. When we become aware of this pattern it is helpful to simply give it space. As opposed to letting the water continue to boil, give yourself permission to "walk away" for some time. I have found that...
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I have had several conversations lately with friends who are interested in coming to our studio and giving yoga a try. They have heard all the wonderful benefits we receive and are intrigued. Lose weight? Get in shape? Reduce stress? A consistent yoga practice can be the answer. You get a physical work out, gain muscle strength and flexibility AND let go of pounds, stress and anxiety. But many newbies are hesitant and feel intimidated by the photos they see in magazines of bendy young girls contorting themselves into poses that almost look unnatural. The first class is hard for most of us, I won't lie to you, but the good news is that we only take our very first yoga class once! Here are 9 tips that I would like for you, the newbie, to know and for those of you who are yoga teachers or practitioners already that...
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What better time to write about obstacles, pain, and suffering than when sick in bed? In life we have choices: the be miserable or to be content. To complain about unfortunate events or to learn from them. One of my favorite Buddhist sayings as of late reads "The Obstacle is the Path." Each and every hardship we encounter, on and off the mat, is a chance to grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. Though easy, good times are always welcome with open arms, I find that the more discomfort we can endure and survive brighter on the other side, the more understanding we can gain to others pain and suffering. Throughout my life, though only 24 years long, obstacles have always been present. Can you relate? From motor-sensory skill difficulties such as inability to tie my shoes and write with a pencil at a young age, dance injuries with no...
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Over the past 18 months, I have been going through some major life changes. And they are not over. Last winter during a time of high frustration I felt that I may have to give up yoga entirely. I was looking at going back to work full-time while essentially being a single mother to two elementary-age children. Adjustments had to be made! To keep practicing four to five times a week seemed impossible. And to keep teaching up to seven classes a week was really a stretch. I was so sad as I envisioned my yoga practice slipping through my fingers. I even went through a period of time where I felt angry toward those who could take mid-day classes and those who have family to support them while they teach after-work hours or on the weekends. I started thinking that maybe yoga is for those who are wealthy and...
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Click HERE to see the October edition of the IPY newsletter. Inside this edition: - A Breast Cancer Survivor Story - IPY Challenge and Challenge Plus - Autumn Kale Stew Recipe - Tomato Barley Soup Recipe - Isauro Fernandez - Class Changes See you at the studio!
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