Greetings everyone,
When I was a young kid and aspiring dancer, I used to put on my tap shoes and lock myself in our front bathroom. It was small, had a mirror and the ratta-tat-tap of my shoes had a resonance of echoing delight to my young ears. To my mother, it was simply annoying. She'd pound on the door and yell over the din, "Jayneellen...get out of the bathroom!". It was unabashed joy for me to immerse myself in the sound I was making.
A couple of weeks back, as I was beginning to teach a yoga class where the childcare bathroom is on the other side of the wall to the yoga studio, a young kid was in the bathroom and began to sing his lungs out. I couldn't recognize the song, but it was as if he were in front of a screaming audience of rabid fans...he wasn't holding back, just belting it out. We were all laying on our backs in the yoga class and I began to laugh at the vision of this kid. His complete commitment to hearing the sounds he was making was completely uninhibited. That is, until I tapped on the door and he stopped.
Then just today, I was in a Starbucks enjoying a chai with my husband, and this young girl probably no older than 3 or 4 just burst out into song...loud enough to be heard by us at the next table...another moment of uninhibited joy...being in the sound of her own voice.
So, it brought me to my thought for this week. When was the last time you were acting in a joyful, unbound and uninhibited way? We get so caught up in our "public image and persona" that we have forgotten the childhood experience of being completely as ease with our own expression...right or wrong, unedited and without judgment.
Maybe the next time your favorite song comes on the radio...belt it out! If you feel like breaking into a skip down the street or your favorite dance move...LET IT OUT! Or perhaps best of all...lock yourself in a tiled bathroom and be Gregory Hines for a little while. Simply writing this brings a smile to my face...how about yours?
And don't forget to check out the latest Australia retreat information at http://www.desertyogatherapy.com/retreats.htm. I am now taking deposits and welcome any questions.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Connecting the Dots
Greetings everyone,
This Memorial Day weekend thus far for me has been about connection. Connecting with friends and family in lengthy conversations, spending time in my own beautiful backyard connecting to my own environment and re-connecting to my own need to not be scheduled for 3-consecutive days. Through this current experience I have also been connecting the dots, not so much for myself but in assisting a friend of mine view her health from a broader perspective.
My thought for this week is based around a conversation with her as she has been experiencing many seemingly different and unrelated health challenges. She has seen many different doctors to deal with a perceived endless list of issues and as a result, she has been frustrated that "one more thing has been added onto the list of what's ailing me. How is it through all this medical testing and research that they keep finding different things and how can they possibly be related?" She expressed her frustration at feeling as though she was treating one issue and then another one seemed to be appear. How would she ever get better and get on top of her treatment without losing her mind through fatigue and exhaustion?"
Having been friends with her for coming up to 30 years, I easily put on my yoga therapist hat and suggested that they weren't separate challenges, but that perhaps they all stemmed from a single source that has, over the years, created a cascade of health issues. I suggested that she focus on healing the thoughts around her heart center. If you think about it, our heart is the center of our being...both physically and emotionally. If we've had issue or trauma, then we need to "be" with ourselves in a nurturing, grounded and loving way. If we address the emotional issues around our heart center in a healing, supportive and positive way, then that too, can have a cascading effect on the rest of the body and it's intertwined systems.
Yoga is about unity. Recognizing that our Being is about the interlaced threads of our bodies, minds and spirits. With the advancement of medical technology and research, it's easy to forget that we are whole beings...rather than a bunch of unrelated symptoms.
As you go through this week, spend a moment tuning into the energy around your own heart. What does it feel like? If it could speak, what would it say to you? Are you listening?
This Memorial Day weekend thus far for me has been about connection. Connecting with friends and family in lengthy conversations, spending time in my own beautiful backyard connecting to my own environment and re-connecting to my own need to not be scheduled for 3-consecutive days. Through this current experience I have also been connecting the dots, not so much for myself but in assisting a friend of mine view her health from a broader perspective.
My thought for this week is based around a conversation with her as she has been experiencing many seemingly different and unrelated health challenges. She has seen many different doctors to deal with a perceived endless list of issues and as a result, she has been frustrated that "one more thing has been added onto the list of what's ailing me. How is it through all this medical testing and research that they keep finding different things and how can they possibly be related?" She expressed her frustration at feeling as though she was treating one issue and then another one seemed to be appear. How would she ever get better and get on top of her treatment without losing her mind through fatigue and exhaustion?"
Having been friends with her for coming up to 30 years, I easily put on my yoga therapist hat and suggested that they weren't separate challenges, but that perhaps they all stemmed from a single source that has, over the years, created a cascade of health issues. I suggested that she focus on healing the thoughts around her heart center. If you think about it, our heart is the center of our being...both physically and emotionally. If we've had issue or trauma, then we need to "be" with ourselves in a nurturing, grounded and loving way. If we address the emotional issues around our heart center in a healing, supportive and positive way, then that too, can have a cascading effect on the rest of the body and it's intertwined systems.
Yoga is about unity. Recognizing that our Being is about the interlaced threads of our bodies, minds and spirits. With the advancement of medical technology and research, it's easy to forget that we are whole beings...rather than a bunch of unrelated symptoms.
As you go through this week, spend a moment tuning into the energy around your own heart. What does it feel like? If it could speak, what would it say to you? Are you listening?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
We All Look the Same in Yoga Clothes
Greetings everyone,
One thing I really enjoy about the work that I do is that it translates to so many different people. My oldest client is about to turn 94 and my youngest clients are thinking about finishing off their college studies. I used to refer to my fitness classes as being the "great equalizers" in that everyone is basically in the same position. When I was at the University of Melbourne, I wouldn't know if I had the Dean of a school or a first year student pumping away to the music...everyone looked the same. They all wore workout clothes and exercise shoes, I couldn't tell if someone had a Ph.D. or a high school diploma. They were all equal in my eyes.
And yoga is the same. It doesn't matter what your status is in life. The saying is, "if you can breathe, you can do yoga". That's quite a broad invitation. Yoga Alliance is an organizing body that supports yoga instructors and those wanting to do yoga. They have listed the Top 10 reasons to Practice Yoga:
1. Stress Relief
2. Pain Relief
3. Better Breathing
4. Improved Flexibility
5. Increased Strength
6. Weight Management
7. Improved Circulation
8. Cardiovascular Conditioning
9. Better Body Alignment
10. Focus on the Present
So I am INVITING you, no matter who you are, what your story is or if you can't touch your toes to give yoga a try. Step onto the mat. It might just be an unfolding of an experience that might surprise you.
Additionally, I am taking deposits for the yoga retreat to Australia. More information can be found by emailing me or going to my web site www.desertyogatherapy.com and going to the "retreats" page.
I hope you enjoy a beautiful week! Peace and Namaste'.
One thing I really enjoy about the work that I do is that it translates to so many different people. My oldest client is about to turn 94 and my youngest clients are thinking about finishing off their college studies. I used to refer to my fitness classes as being the "great equalizers" in that everyone is basically in the same position. When I was at the University of Melbourne, I wouldn't know if I had the Dean of a school or a first year student pumping away to the music...everyone looked the same. They all wore workout clothes and exercise shoes, I couldn't tell if someone had a Ph.D. or a high school diploma. They were all equal in my eyes.
And yoga is the same. It doesn't matter what your status is in life. The saying is, "if you can breathe, you can do yoga". That's quite a broad invitation. Yoga Alliance is an organizing body that supports yoga instructors and those wanting to do yoga. They have listed the Top 10 reasons to Practice Yoga:
1. Stress Relief
2. Pain Relief
3. Better Breathing
4. Improved Flexibility
5. Increased Strength
6. Weight Management
7. Improved Circulation
8. Cardiovascular Conditioning
9. Better Body Alignment
10. Focus on the Present
So I am INVITING you, no matter who you are, what your story is or if you can't touch your toes to give yoga a try. Step onto the mat. It might just be an unfolding of an experience that might surprise you.
Additionally, I am taking deposits for the yoga retreat to Australia. More information can be found by emailing me or going to my web site www.desertyogatherapy.com and going to the "retreats" page.
I hope you enjoy a beautiful week! Peace and Namaste'.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Feel the Fear and Travel Down Under
Greetings everyone,
My work for the past few weeks has been working through facing fear. In particular, the fear of failing as I have stepped into the arena of offering yoga retreats. Fortunately, last weekend's retreat to Idyllwild was a great success. So now...here comes the REAL test of facing my fear and doing it anyway. I have set the dates and pricing for the Australian retreat that I've been dreaming about running for almost 18 months. I literally had a vision one early Sunday morning in February of 2008, that I was meant to run yoga retreats to my beloved Australia! Fantastic vision...now what!
So the process has been unfolding since then. Emails to friends in Australia, creating my first two yoga retreats here in the States, finding a retreat site and NOW...it's becoming a reality.
This brings me to my thought of the week for you. How many things are hanging out in your mind that are great ideas and never make it to realization? I have had many. This has been my practice. I'm intentionally aiming to move the thoughts from the theory column into the action column. I don't want to get to an age in my life and look back and think..."wow...I should have done ______".
It's scary. I might have interest, but nobody able to make the commitment to going to Australia. But, they say that the greatest lessons are in the journey, right? So, I'm hanging on tightly for this wild ride! How about you?
RETREAT DATES:
Arrive Cairns (northern Queensland) Sep 27, 2009 and transit 2-hours south to Sanctuary Retreat in Mission Beach visit their site at sanctuaryretreat.com.au and check out the venue.
With arrival on Sunday 27 September, the retreat begins Monday 28 September and ends Sunday 4 October with Thursday Oct 1 as a free day. Departure Monday 5 October. The Great Barrier Reef, white water rafting and a secluded beach are in the vicinity.
Airfares to Australia are at a low...as cheap as $629 on V Australia and Qantas (LAX-SYD). Flights within Australia (Sydney-Cairns) are around $400. The US dollar is worth $1.25 Aussie currently offering good value.
The retreat costs range $745-$1345 depending on the level of accommodation selected and includes evening meal, 8-nights of accommodation and yoga tuition.
To get great airfares...book early! If you're interested, send me an email or call 760-333-2339.
FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY!
My work for the past few weeks has been working through facing fear. In particular, the fear of failing as I have stepped into the arena of offering yoga retreats. Fortunately, last weekend's retreat to Idyllwild was a great success. So now...here comes the REAL test of facing my fear and doing it anyway. I have set the dates and pricing for the Australian retreat that I've been dreaming about running for almost 18 months. I literally had a vision one early Sunday morning in February of 2008, that I was meant to run yoga retreats to my beloved Australia! Fantastic vision...now what!
So the process has been unfolding since then. Emails to friends in Australia, creating my first two yoga retreats here in the States, finding a retreat site and NOW...it's becoming a reality.
This brings me to my thought of the week for you. How many things are hanging out in your mind that are great ideas and never make it to realization? I have had many. This has been my practice. I'm intentionally aiming to move the thoughts from the theory column into the action column. I don't want to get to an age in my life and look back and think..."wow...I should have done ______".
It's scary. I might have interest, but nobody able to make the commitment to going to Australia. But, they say that the greatest lessons are in the journey, right? So, I'm hanging on tightly for this wild ride! How about you?
RETREAT DATES:
Arrive Cairns (northern Queensland) Sep 27, 2009 and transit 2-hours south to Sanctuary Retreat in Mission Beach visit their site at sanctuaryretreat.com.au and check out the venue.
With arrival on Sunday 27 September, the retreat begins Monday 28 September and ends Sunday 4 October with Thursday Oct 1 as a free day. Departure Monday 5 October. The Great Barrier Reef, white water rafting and a secluded beach are in the vicinity.
Airfares to Australia are at a low...as cheap as $629 on V Australia and Qantas (LAX-SYD). Flights within Australia (Sydney-Cairns) are around $400. The US dollar is worth $1.25 Aussie currently offering good value.
The retreat costs range $745-$1345 depending on the level of accommodation selected and includes evening meal, 8-nights of accommodation and yoga tuition.
To get great airfares...book early! If you're interested, send me an email or call 760-333-2339.
FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY!
Monday, May 4, 2009
A foot outside the comfort zone
Greetings everyone,
This past weekend was one that had many opportunities to step out of one's comfort zone. I ran a yoga based retreat in our local mountain village of Idyllwild, with eight spectacular women attending. Everyone at the retreat had varying degrees of yoga experience and I had the challenge of offering classes in yoga postures, meditation, discovering our dosha's and learning how to live one's yoga. We ate beautifully prepared vegetarian food, laughed and had our own "kirtan" last night (a musically meditative experience).
I was impressed by the courage of these women. It can be scary stepping into a situation where you might not know anyone or if you can keep up with the program. It also takes courage to step more deeply into your own yoga practice. It can be confronting to look at our own place in the Universe and reflect upon how we've been traveling this journey so far. I was very honored to be with these women and hope they continue to expand what they have learned and continue to widen the ripple of energy to those that surround them.
My thought for this week comes in the form of a question. When was the last time you stepped outside of what's comfortable for you? What has challenged you lately?
This past weekend was one that had many opportunities to step out of one's comfort zone. I ran a yoga based retreat in our local mountain village of Idyllwild, with eight spectacular women attending. Everyone at the retreat had varying degrees of yoga experience and I had the challenge of offering classes in yoga postures, meditation, discovering our dosha's and learning how to live one's yoga. We ate beautifully prepared vegetarian food, laughed and had our own "kirtan" last night (a musically meditative experience).
I was impressed by the courage of these women. It can be scary stepping into a situation where you might not know anyone or if you can keep up with the program. It also takes courage to step more deeply into your own yoga practice. It can be confronting to look at our own place in the Universe and reflect upon how we've been traveling this journey so far. I was very honored to be with these women and hope they continue to expand what they have learned and continue to widen the ripple of energy to those that surround them.
My thought for this week comes in the form of a question. When was the last time you stepped outside of what's comfortable for you? What has challenged you lately?
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