Holiday peace requires work; and it is so worth it!

It is the holiday season and I strive to maintain balance. Morning runs, asana practice, pranayama, meditation. I nourish the body with wholesome, vegan food that is mindfully prepared with love. Friends visit. We talk and laugh, we share stories and memories and make plans for the new year; it is good.

What brings you joy during the holiday season? I cherish the simple things that create holiday contentment at home, like stringing popcorn for the tree, making mince pies, sitting by the fire drinking hot chocolate or warm spiced rum, watching holiday movies that I practically know by heart. I love fresh ground, brewed coffee on Christmas morning, listening to Dean Martin, Johnny Mathis, and Bing Crosby sing carols. I love knowing that my family and friends are happy and healthy, and nearby.

The magic of the holidays doesn't happen accidentally; we create the reality that we desire. I want to enjoy this time of year with those I love. I choose to maintain calmness and peace. Therefore, I do the run, I do the practice, and move through my days with kind thoughts toward others with the intention of manifesting love through all actions. And guess what? It is totally worth it : )

Contentment, not complacency

A soft sense of contentment moved all through my being as I unlocked the studio door this morning; a feeling of, "mmmm .... this is so good."
I often have that feeling when I head to the studio, when I am planning a class, or doing my practice. Walking into the studio, I experience the positive energy of all of those who have practiced here, learned here, and taught here. I sense their positive intentions and creative energy which now permeates every corner of this space; there is knowledge and love and music and resonant vibration that seeps into the very air we breathe due to the presence of these amazing beings. I sense that, through the years, the levels of prana have intensified and become part of the very fabric of each bolster, blanket, and block; we contribute to the practice of one another even after we have gone for the day.
There is a sense of the hard work that went into developing this sacred place, and the understanding that we are continuing to work and grow and transform day after day as we step through that door. Contentment, not complacency, lives here; I love this feeling, I cannot wait to return.

Reflection and Clarity

I met with my friend, Sharon, two days ago (Friday). We had a very long lunch, and an even longer conversation at the coffee shop. Our day together was fun, relaxing, invigorating and extremely insightful as we wove in and out of two specific themes, "reflect" and "clarity". This time of year seems to inspire many of us to look over the past eleven months and assess where we are, notice our growth, and plan for change in areas that we feel need work. It is helpful to do this alone, but I have found over the years that having a friend who is insightful, open and interested in growing and developing, can really assist us in gaining the clarity that we seek in order to move forward in our lives.

So, we decided (we are both planners) that the day would be mostly one of looking ahead rather than one of hours spent dwelling on the past; a lot of change has taken place over the past two years for both of us and we wanted to be sure that we really owned our feelings and were very honest with ourselves, but then, move on to discussing how we could fine-tune the plans we have for the coming year(s). This was an excellent exercise. By reflecting on the details of the past two years (it is helpful to have a very close friend for this) we were able to pinpoint where the lessons were and why things had unfolded the way they had. This was a great opportunity to notice how unattached to various experiences we are now, and really hone in on the learning opportunities that they created - this was huge for both of us!

In addition to helping one another assess the past, we discussed and began developing clear plans for the future. We asked ourselves various questions such as, "What do I really want to be doing?", "Where do I want to focus my energy?", and then, "How will I go about making this/these things happen?" We were very specific. For example, "I am most inspired when I teach on this subject ..." and, "I am no longer going to do this and this and this just because I have always done it this way." And then, "Here's what I am going to work on this year, and this is how I will go about it". We talked about the importance of integrating our thoughts, words, and actions so that we live as authentically and mindfully as possible. By the end of this amazing day, we decided that when we meet each month we will revisit our plans and  help one another stay on track and/or make any changes that we deem necessary in order to maintain integrity. Essentially, we gave ourselves permission to be pro-active in our own lives and are holding one another accountable so that we can continue to work and practice and learn and share with others as well as maintain contentment and peace in ourselves.

Thank you Sharon, for being an awesome, honest, open, loving friend. I am excited to see what the next year will bring and am so grateful for the lessons of the past. Namaste

What DO vegans eat?

Wow, if I had a nickel for everytime I was asked that question ; )

But seriously, I do realize that being vegan can be prohibitively confusing for those who have fallen in love with animal products, who view ordering steak as an action of privilege or a special treat. Society has unfortunately, glorified the consumption of meat products to the point that many believe that we are better off eating a high protein, fat-laden, cholesterol-filled diet of death. But, my goodness, I shouldn't be so extreme ... 

I remember first becoming vegan - yes, "becoming", it was a process. I meandered through the soy meat replacements, ate way too many veggie burgers, veggie hot dogs, morning star riblets, etc. gorged on Soy Delicious "ice cream", and started eating Lara Bars like they were going out of business. I think I consumed higher amounts of "meat" products and processed foods (Organic, no preservatives, no GMOs), than I had ever taken in as a meat-eater! But again, it was part of my process; I knew I had to keep learning. Which I did by talking to others who had been down this path, through trying different foods that I had not tasted before, and by sharing what I was learning with others.

Often, during this transitional period, conversations with friends and family would center around food; some were offended that I had changed so drastically. I think they felt I was judging them or criticizing their way of life. Others tried to be supportive, but in a way that seemed they felt sorry for me, "Oh, you can't have cheesecake anymore ..." (Sad smile, shaking head). But surprisingly, the most consistent statement/question that came up was, "I might consider being vegan, but it's so extreme; besides, what can you eat besides beans and salad?!" It's funny how it creeps into the conversation that my choice may be a positive one, if only it didn't make life so uncomfortable ("I might consider ..." and "... extreme", ie. what will people think?).

So, as a dedicated plant-eater, in order to clarify the fact that I do not live on beans and salad, I have made it part of my mission to prepare, eat and share awesome vegan food with all who are interested. Parties for many occasions at the yoga studio - all vegan; Teacher Training - vegan cooking classes; at restaurants - I ask and explain politely about vegan food choices that are or are not on the menu; and at home - I continue to try new recipes, and share them with others. There is an abundance of delicious, beautiful, health-filled, non-animal things to eat. I am fortunate to have an amazingly supportive group of yogis and veg club members with whom I walk this path; and perhaps most significant, I know that if you believe in what you are doing, you find a way to make it work!

Bon Appetit!

We are meant to run ...

"Anybody can be a runner. We were meant to move. We were meant to run. It's the easiest sport."
--Bill Rodgers

Today is a race day. I have been running fairly consistently for the past year and I am just recently discovering two things:
1. I actually love it, where before I tried to just get through it
2. The above quote is a truth that resonates with me - running is natural and we have all the equipment.

Many people believe that running is bad for your body, "It's so jarring, it destroys you knees, etc." But we know that weight-bearing exercise is a great way to strengthen bones and keep us healthy. It is my conclusion that running the right amount of distance and making it part of a holistic, healthy lifestyle is the key.

For example, I do my best to live a yogic lifestyle. For me this means being vegan, regularly practicing asana and Pranayama, following the eight-limbed path as expressed by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, and being around people I care about and who care about me. All of these things work together and help me to live mindfully, healthily, happily..

My knees ache when I am not running consistently; they feel great when I run on a regular basis. I do not run more than 4 miles at a time and usually only 2. Again, mindful to what works best for me. I think the knee problems arise when runners unknowingly push themselves harder than what is good for them (unawareness), fill themselves with high cholesterol food that is derived form the suffering of others (animal products), and do not have a meditation/breathing practice that allows them a centering experience (yoga). Additionally, we need to surround ourselves with those who are supportive of our choices and in return, we need to show that we care and love those around us.

Holistic, not compartmentalized. All parts of the human need to be nourished, exercised, and cared for. Running is one part of this way of living; when practiced with the others previously mentioned, running enables us to lead happy, healthy, pain-free, lives. I want to be happy. I want to get up each day without cringing. I know that today's run will significantly contribute toward my reaching these goals and I am sooo super excited!!!

Yama and Niyama - laying the foundation ...

The foundation of yogic living begins with the Yamas and Niyamas; how do you build anything substantial without a solid foundation?

When I think of the Yamas and the Niyamas, I think of no-nonsense, guidelines for positive living. I know that the Yamas are the tools I have for all social interactions. Regardless of the lifestyle/philosophies of those around me, I know that I have a five-piece set of standards to which I choose to adhere. The Niyamas guide toward positive, self-care and self-development. Additionally, maintaining a discipline of caring for one's self is crucial if we want to be able to care for others. These first two steps of the eight-limbed path can be enlightening as well as empowering and enable us to experience our potential as human beings.  

How?

Yamas - Restraints or values one holds for interacting with the world. If we live this way, we are living with respect for all those around us - all - not just some, not just those we like or know or want to know. Not just humans, but for animals and for the Earth as well. Most would agree that we shouldn't propagate the killing or harming of other humans, but to me it is pretty clear that, according to the Yama, Ahimsa, nonviolence includes our interactions with animals and the environment - there is no distinction. I feel that all of the Yamas are meant for us to be mindful of our behavior in all situations.

         Ahimsa (nonviolence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non stealing), Bramacharya (conservation of vital
         energy), Aparigraha (non greed)

The Niyamas assist us in caring for ourselves, notice it is second to caring for others. I do not subscribe to the idea that the Eight-limbed Path is approached as a ladder, climb one rung, then the next, and so on; however, I do feel that when there is a written text, the order of a list of items has significance and should be noticed. The eight limbs and all residual parts can be utilized in a circular fashion, one into the other and all or some at once. This is an organic, moving, developing process that cannot be checked off like a "To Do" list: "Yes, I have accomplished nonviolence, I never have to do that again." The beauty of the Yoga Sutras is that we live them, grow with them, and make them part of who we are; this is how character and integrity develop.

        Niyamas: Saucha (purity), Samtosha (contentment), Tapas (perseverance), Svadhyaya (self-study), Isvara Pranidhana (surrender to the universe).

When we understand that the Yamas and Niyamas offer us opportunities to grow and interact and care for ourselves and others through mindful living, we open ourselves to a more gentle, joyful, love-filled way of living. Without question, this is a foundation upon which all good things can grow and develop.

Namaste

Living it ...

Full day yesterday! Baking in the morning, Teacher Training all day, Veg. Club meeting and potluck in the evening. All of the things I did yesterday were things that are fulfilling and important in my life. Each day, I consciously put forth effort into making choices that support the idea of who I want to be - a positive, human being working toward a peace-filled world. Do I accomplish this everyday? I do not, but I do the best I can to be present and self-aware, and to learn something each day; mindless living holds no joy for me and I want to be happy.

So, I began at 5 AM (I love early morning!) baking this amazing Sweet Potato Pie (recipe from, 1000 Vegan Recipes, by Robin Robertson); it was yummy! Then Teacher Training at the Indiana studio - awesome!

This year's Trainees (eleven of them!) are enthusiastic, open, intelligent, and filled with joy! They are totally present and really excited to learn and grow through yogic living. Lots of practice teaching yesterday - standing poses to build a solid foundation. We will be at Frankfort Avenue today and Marie will be there to introduce and teach Kundalini Yoga.

Following TT, we went to Carrie's house for the Louisville Vegetarian Club's meeting and vegan potluck - so good. Wow, vegan food is really delicious; we had chili, lasagna, quinoa, bread, spinach-artichoke dip, veggie burgers, etc. (the pie was a hit) - so much wonderful food prepared with love and positive energy. I am already looking forward to this Friday's, Thanks"living" vegan potluck at the studio!

I have an immense amount of gratitude that I have the opportunity, each day, to work toward creating positive change in the world. Additionally, I am blessed and filled with gratitude that I am surrounded by others who are working toward making a positive change in the world. We cannot do this alone; and I don't want to.
Hello Sunday!!
Namaste ♥

Two Yoga Studios - Yipes!!

Wowza! How did I become the owner of two yoga studios?! I realize it was not an accident, "Oh, goodness, where did this set of keys come from?!" However, the past month has had some of that texture ... recap:

1. A little over a month ago: Meeting with D'Arci and Carrie (EHY Teachers) to discuss/plan this year's Teacher Training session. Fun, exciting, focused ; )

2. My famous words, "You know, by April of 2011, I would like to consider a studio in New Albany. There is a need for yoga and I feel that we have something really special to offer ..." That ALL I said!

3. Carrie, "That would be great since I live in Indiana; we should look around sometime. " (Uh huh...)

4. D'Arci, "How about we take a drive right now; we're all free this afternoon." (There it is)

5. Carrie and me, "OK"

So, we drive to Indiana, see some available properties, find one that looks ok, and I call the rental agent. Low and behold, the price is right, location good, and the building - absolutely PERFECT!! Lease signed a few days later, and here we are.

Yes, here we are; here I am, the owner of not just one, but two yoga studios! In truth, we are one, peace-centered community dedicated to sharing the joyful, transformative, benefits of yogic living with all who are interested. We are friends, the teachers are dedicated, amazing insightful, caring, compassionate beings for whom I have a huge amount of love and respect! The students are open, friendly, peace-loving, and the most incredible people I have ever met! Our Community continues to grow and learn and share, and I am so fortunate to be a part of it!

I will do my best to keep you posted on all that I learn and find significant toward our mission as I meander through the best I can. The Eternal Health Yoga community has changed and enhanced my life in so many positive ways I cannot help but live in gratitude each day; I hope that what I share can do the same for others.

Amazing EHY Teachers, Jodie, D'Arci, Carrie, Marie, and me, holding the yummy vegan strawberry cake!

Have a great day; Namaste