Put forth effort ... make a contribution

I own one business with two locations. I love what I do, but that does not translate to, "I don't work". I have heard the phrase, "If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life". Well ... I understand the sentiment, but the statement implies that work is a bad thing; or that if you feel like you are working, then you must not really love what you do for a living. Hmm ... I love what I do. I am a business owner, a teacher, mentor, administrator, retreat leader, curriculum developer, cook, cleaner, and cheerleader. I shop for beautiful candles, exotic incense, intricately created mala beads, special books, and toilet paper. I meet interesting people everyday, I travel and study with amazing teachers and share what I learn, and I pay the water, electric, and internet bills, rent, and insurance premiums. It is also my job to compensate teachers, file taxes on time, and make sure there are plenty of candles, matches and New Student Forms at both locations. Oh, and I teach yoga classes : )

I work full time; I love what I do and I love that I work. I love that I put forth effort to create and develop and collaborate in order to contribute to helping make the world a better place. Why has work become, to some, a negative? The Yoga Sutras (1.21) tell us that our success is dependent upon the intensity of our practice. Yoga is a way of living. Yoga is not an exercise class that you "take" two or three times a week. If we are to live yoga, and respect the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as a manual for living, then we need to pay attention to the message and apply it to all aspects of our day to day living. It feels good to know that I have put forth effort into all the things that need my attention. As a result, I have balance and a sense of accomplishment each day of my life.                                                                                         

Heal the body, nurture the spirit

Today was really nice; I got up this morning, showered, practiced, and made a green smoothie. The smoothie was delicious with strawberries, banana, pineapple, mango, red kale, baby spinach, and some leftover spring mix - so good! When the body is healthy, the spirit thrives; I am already noticing more clarity and a deeper sense of well-being than I have in months (years) past : )
I went to the studio and taught the morning Vinyasa class in which I spoke about using the body as a gauge and a tool for monitoring and healing ourselves, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I reminded students that it is important notice their internal dialogues and to practice moving and messaging themselves in ways that are positive and encouraging; when we practice positive self-talk and offer kindness to ourselves, we create a better environment for the divine spark that resides in us all. Essentially, a peace-centered practice and peace-centered lifestyle create contentment, peace, and healing in the world.
The significance of the body as a theme for the class is reflective of my current state of being and perspective; I have been very in tune with my body recently which has positively influenced the way I feel in all aspects of my life. I have been taking more time for self-care than I have in the recent past; I have been drinking healing teas, bathing with nurturing, herbal remedies and aromatherapy treatments, cleansing with green smoothies, and monitoring my self-talk, especially when the subject is body-criticism. This has been really powerful toward letting go of unnecessary thoughts and negative feelings.
It is amazing how strong the intention is when it is applied consistently and with full awareness. It is also interesting to observe changes that occur in the yoga practice; the natural flow of the practice weaves around different aspects of our lives so that we give attention where it is needed. Today's focus may be different than yesterday's and both may be different from tomorrow's depending on where one needs to work.
During this morning's class, I reminded the students that the body, the breath, and intention are necessary tools that assist us in changing habits of behavior which keep us from reaching our highest potential. Negative self-talk, mindless behavior, and aggressively moving through our asana practice, all  contribute to creating negativity in our lives. This shows up as disease and discomfort in the body. When we take the time to care for ourselves as we would a loved one, the body responds with health and wellness. Commit to taking care of yourself. Speak to yourself as you would a lover; you will gain much and feel better. Namaste

Green Smoothies ... mmmm!!

I taught a Detoxifying / Cleansing Workshop on New Year's Day as a way to start the year off healthy and clean from the inside out. We discussed cleansing and I made fresh juice for the students. I explained that the cleansing process can be intense, invigorating, and challenging, but the benefits far outweigh any difficulty that one may encounter. Many who do a cleanse, notice more clarity of the skin, brighter eyes, elimination of "brain fog", more energy, and an overall increase sense of well-being. When we allow ourselves to eat natural, clean, freshly prepared food, we create an environment through which all goodness can manifest. Our physical being reflects our spiritual, mental, and emotional health. We have the ability and the tools to create a positive, healthy life of joyful contentment for ourselves. if you want to work toward optimum health, start here, clean the body; the mind and spirit will respond and you will know the feeling of true heath and wellness.


Over the past week I have been on a cleanse in order to rid my body of the sugars and heavier foods I consumed over the holidays. Cleansing is a great way to rid the body of toxins and wastes that put unnecessary strain on the digestive system and other body functions; it is a positive way to begin a new healthy way of eating and caring for oneself. It is not only physical, but a spiritual, mental, and emotional experience as well. If we create a healthy body, we create a respectful space for our spirit.

I have been doing a green smoothie cleanse since last Monday. Actually, I cleansed Monday through Friday, and then on Saturday and Sunday allowed myself some "regular" meals (still vegan and fairly healthy). Two or three times per day, I whip up a delicious smoothie with organic fruit and fruit juice and one bunch of greens. This makes enough for two. This morning I used two bananas, frozen raspberries, strawberries, and green chard - delicious. This afternoon, it was bananas, a bag of frozen blueberries, and a box of fresh spinach - yum! I find that no matter how hungry I am before the smoothie, my hunger is satisfied with this lovely drink!

In three weeks I am teaching a follow-up to the New Year's Day workshop. We will be creating smoothies and discussing the healthful benefits of greens and the significant role they should play in our diet. In the meantime I will keep you posted on my experience.
Namaste

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!