Connect To The Whole

Having been a teacher for most of my career, there have been countless times when there has been a need to break something into parts to understand its whole. As we journey through ten modules in yoga teacher training, the systems of the body are broken into units: musculo-skeletal, cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems, through to the subtle systems of chakras, nadis and koshas. We break down the various principles of alignment and ways of getting into and out of different postures. We spend a good part of the time breaking things down into manageable and understandable pieces making it easier to understand and digest. And since the training is extended (around 9 months), students slowly begin to absorb the richness of all the parts. It's not just theory - it becomes part of all who undertake the course.

We break it down to understand the bigger picture, the whole being, the whole body, the whole system of yoga and its multitude of aspects. One of the criticisms with modern medicine is that parts of it are so specialized, the specialists tend to only work with a small area of the body. As patients we hop from specialist to specialist for our various ailments but who's quarterbacking the overall picture? I have no issue with modern medicine and the astounding ability it has to treat acute illness and traumatic injury. I've been the benefactor of such technology and efficiency with a ruptured appendix that in the "olden days" could very well have killed me. But at times, we simply need the uber-focused view to become broader. Don't we all want to feel seen as a whole person rather than as a symptom, body part or disease?

As I journey along this path of yoga it feels as though I'm continually switching my lenses from that of a wide angle to that of a macro (which zeroes in to very specific elements). It's as though I'm drawing back for the overall big picture and how connect to all of it, then zooming into something that previously was imperceptible to me. With the recent effort to raise money for earthquake stricken Nepal, I turned toward the wide angle lens. I began to reflect upon how one small action happening in the desert of California could affect one person in devastated Nepal. I was reminded of the connectedness of all people, that I too, could be that earthquake ruined recipient one day as I live in earthquake country. Suffering connected us as the giver and the receiver. When we can sense the suffering and hardships of others, near or far, a piece of us is ignited into compassion.

Simultaneously, we more easily connect to others when we first connect to ourselves. We can dig into the well of generosity when we sense an inner abundance and have no qualms of sharing as enough exists for all. Yet, when we neglect what our our heart and self need, we can become stingy, fearing that there truly isn't enough for everyone, so we need to hold onto what we've got. Yoga teaches us to let go, to surrender into the greater whole and field of divine energy. When we feel a lack of something we close down and hold on but what we can realize is that simply being ourselves is enough. When we have our needs met beginning with the most basic needs of safety, food, air and community we begin to trust that whatever comes to us is available to all.

A tradition exists in Japan when people pour rice wine for another person. They overfill the cup which spills wine into the underlying saucer, which is then given to someone else. It's symbolic of there being an overflow of abundance, enough to be shared with others. Through our practice of yoga, we fill up. As we do so, we begin to see an overflow of energy that can be given freely to others. This offering is that ripple effect that touches those whom we come into contact with and those whom we don't even know...such as the people of Nepal.

What is flowing out of you? Are you able to let your positive vibrations echo out of you and affect others? If not, why not? Are you needing to bring self-compassion into your life more fully first and, if yes, what does that look like?

My thought for the week is to remember how we connect to the whole. To know that in order to change the world we change ourselves. To recognize that the simplest act can spill out of you in the most sublime and magical ways.

Allow your energy to touch the lives of others...begin within and let it rip!

Be Of Service

At the beginning of each week, I create a word or statement from beautiful blocks with letters created by the artist, Jennifer Mazzucco, and place them on the sign in desk at our El Paseo studio. It sets the tone and intention for the week and filters through into each class I teach. This week I was inspired by the statement, "Be Of Service". This came from two perspectives of service that are quite different from one another. This coming week the United States remembers those who have lost their lives serving the country with Memorial Day. I bow in gratitude to the service men and women, their families and friends who have stepped onto this path.

The second perspective is what we can do as a community to raise funds for the earthquake devastation in Nepal. As you read this, we will have held a fundraising yoga class hosted at our local lululemon athletica store in Palm Desert, CA. When a global disaster such as this occurs, we often wonder how we can help...how can we serve?

The images and news coming out of Nepal broke my heart and the hearts of millions of people around the world. Although I have never been to the country, I know many people who have close ties to it and have always raved about the beauty of the land and the sincerity of its people. I felt compelled to help in one way that I know how...teach a donation based yoga class.

Part of being on the yoga path is to step into the realm of SEVA, described as selfless service. The meaning is that we give with no expectation of getting anything in return. We offer support from the place of our heart and release the exchange of currency that can often arise from doing something for someone else...the attitude of "what's in it for me?".  It no longer is seva if our motivation is to become more popular, loved or be perceived as something better. We give for the simplicity of giving...end of story.

The other side of giving is receiving. What does it feel like to open ourselves to being supported? When someone pays us a compliment, do we deflect it with self-deprecation? Have you ever had the experience of "Wow, you look amazing today!" "Really? That's surprising as I got no sleep last night and I so badly need a hair cut!" We put up some defense to receiving a compliment instead of simply saying, "thank you!".

Yoga is about balance from a variety of aspects, including giving and receiving.  Are you someone who always gives but is closed off to receiving? When someone says, "how can I help?" do you reply, "it's okay...I've got it!". Or are you someone who easily receives but doesn't step forward readily to offer support? 

Part of my practice over the years has taken the form of being a more receptive receiver. I've been out of balance believing that I needed to do it all by myself, but with practice, it's getting easier to let people support me. Over three years ago, many of you will remember that I undertook the Global Seva Challenge with Off the Mat, Into the World. My goal was to raise $20,000 and awareness around the issue of sex trafficking in India. I undertook the challenge as I felt called to do something that was bigger than me. I needed to get out of my own way, bypass my own doubts of being able to raise the money and call upon my community to support me.

This was a pivotal experience in my life. The beautiful thing was, I didn't expect it to be. I was focused on the cause, on the plight of young girls who had experienced horrific things and how we as a collective could help and make a difference. I felt called to serve, likely in the way that all others who serve get called, whether it be through the military, for family or friends, to our local community or to an individual in need. 

So my questions of the week have been, "How am I serving? What do you need? How can I support you?"  Can we all open our hearts just a bit wider to answer these questions? I'm trying and I hope you'll join me...in whatever way you can.

Practice Is Everywhere

When I first stepped onto a yoga mat in Melbourne in 1994 I did so out of curiosity. It was one of the most popular short courses that we had on offer through the University of Melbourne's Sports Center.  At the time, I was an instructor and program manager there and so I had to see what all the fuss was about. In the beginning, I attended classes twice a week and found that having been a gymnast, many of the poses seemed accessible to me.  I'd go to the practice, notice what came easily (strong standing poses and inversions) and what didn't (anything related to hips such as pigeon poses) and would leave just a bit more curious than when I went through the door. Yoga had begun to gently sink its hook into my soul.

I then took a brief hiatus from practice as we relocated from Australia to the States. I got distracted by starting my own business, moving to a new city, finding my way, eventually getting engaged and married.  But the hook never dislodged and became even more deeply embedded when we moved from Northern California to the desert of Southern California.  One day, Ed (my husband) said to me, "I wish you taught yoga. As I'm getting a bit older, I'm also getting tighter".  My reply to this was, "I'll make you a deal.  I'll do a yoga teacher training if you promise to attend the classes!"  He readily agreed to this deal and off I went to become a registered yoga teacher.

During the process, what was initially a hook and a simple curiosity began to envelope all aspects of my life.  I was still teaching fitness classes and found myself infusing yoga into each session.  My personal training clients started getting bits and pieces around breath, relaxation and self-care in ways that I was unable to offer previously.

I remember a distinct moment in that first yoga teacher training when we began to study yogic philosophy.  In one moment, I felt I had come home. I felt I had just stepped through a doorway where my only perspective was this 180 degree field of vision of what I didn't know about yoga and how old, deep, wise and transformative it could be.  I became hungry for more knowledge and experience. The practice started infiltrating every aspect of my day and began to inform me on the deepest of levels as to how I wanted my life to look.  It offered a framework to make the kind of choices that would enhance my life in ways I never truly envisioned...until then.

This turning point was just the beginning of my practice to live my yoga.  Prior to that moment, it was just another way in which to move my body...how little did I know and how much did I want to learn?  This process is continuing to unfold in a way that keeps me a perpetual student. Although I teach to many people, I feel there is always something else for me to learn and pass along.  It's incredible to think that 21 years after my first footprints were laid upon a yoga mat, that it continues to be fresh and interesting.

The other incredible thing is that the depth of the practice seems endless.  Just when I think I've got something nailed, something else arises to remind me to stay humble, keep learning, exploring and opening my heart.

Now my practice is everywhere and in every moment.  It hasn't been saved for the times that I roll out my mat, but for all the other times that I'm off the mat.  Our day to day activity offers countless opportunities to be in our practice.  How do we interact with strangers? How do we react to uncomfortable or maddening moments?  How do we nourish our body, mind and spirit? In what ways am I caring for myself? How quickly can I recognize when I'm out of balance? Is my first response one of compassion?

I trust that the practice will continue to provide challenges in ways I will never expect...just as it has over this past couple of decades. I have to say, I'm quite excited to see what's lying ahead of me on this never ending yoga journey...it's been an incredible ride so far!

Class of 2015

This past weekend was one of those times in life with abundant "apex" moments. My thought of the week is to stop and celebrate when those moments are happening, such as graduating the second class of nine students from yoga trainees to yoga teachers. 

It all began over two years ago when traveling in India that I received insights about offering a yoga teacher training program. I returned to the States with a firm belief that it was one of those items next on my list. I was once told that I needed to share all that I have learned, that it was part of my dharma (reason for being here) and that it would be adharmic to keep it to myself. Write, speak, teach were part of the instructions in sharing what I knew and a teacher training seemed appealing. I felt called.

In order to offer a teacher training one needs to fulfill a number of requirements as well as the ability to jump through some hoops. I had to create a curriculum outline, set dates, prices, find venues and apply to Yoga Alliance (the credentialing body in the USA). Once you submit the application, you wait for approval. So, I applied and waited...and became my own yoga school, Desert Yoga Therapy Teacher Training.

But would there be enough interest?

An overwhelming yes was the answer to that question with now 27 students having worked through 10 modules over the past two years. The course offers a foundation of training that supports the instructors in whatever their future choices may be as they have established strong foundations in alignment, anatomy, communication, modifications and are in a position to teach a safe and fun gentle yoga class.

I don't want to say "Mission Accomplished" but rather "Mission blown out of the water!". Although everyone is taught the same content during the course, everyone displays their unique style and personality by their final exam (which was teaching a 40-minute class). Each class was interestingly distinct, yet all built on foundational principles...27 different flavors, all reflecting a well- rounded fundamental understanding of yoga.

The final day was a celebration and graduation ceremony in a local park, next to a beautiful lake.  It was time to play. We gathered early where I taught a gentle yoga class joined by family, friends and alumni from the Class of 2014. The ceremony had two lines of trainees and alums on either side of a purple cloth. When a trainee was called, they proceeded to the end of the cloth which was raised into the air as the tunnel of transition. As the trainee stood, I read the outstanding qualities that their fellow students thought of them, "kind, funny, nurturing, professional, precise and calm" were some of the adjectives. Upon reaching the end, they were given a 108 bead mala (meditation necklace), goody bag and their much deserved certificate.

This group has grown into its own unique and close knit community. They've been supportive of each other and grown into deep friendships with the resultant undertone being one of authentic gratitude and love for each other. Tears flowed, hugs were abundant and my heart was so full of pride and love that there truly was no room for anything else.

To be given the opportunity to walk your path and share is an incredible gift. I have such trust and excitement in how these newly anointed teachers will ripple out into the community. They all have so much to offer, each in their uniquely beautiful way.

It truly has been an "apex" moment. Congratulations to all!

What Is Your Lesson?

This weekend marks the final module and graduation of my second class of yoga teacher trainees.  We began the journey together back in September 2014 and to bear witness to their growth, insight and personal evolution is something that is simply astounding. I stand in awe of someone who is willing to make a large commitment of time, energy and financial resources to reach into experiences that can be confronting and quite uncomfortable. I have said to all the trainees that part of my job is to make them uncomfortable, to give them that gentle push to the edge of what they know and ask them to form their own identity of how they wish to express the practice of yoga.

Everyday we are confronted with lessons, often just small ones that pop up along the way.  Perhaps I need to slow down, eat a bit less at lunch, go to bed earlier or be more mindful in my conversations. These are some of the life lessons crossing our daily path.  Yet, laying below the surface lies a deeper and more profound lesson...what is my life teaching me?  How are these challenging experiences meant to inform how I want to be in the world?

It has been said that a lesson needs to come before us three times before we actually recognize it as a lesson. It's as though we're strolling along and the lessons go whizzing past us until finally (perhaps the third time around) it seems to smack directly into us. When I was at university, I would push and push through semester and every break (EVERY break), I got sick.  I ignored my body's message to slow down until finally, it would slap me with a cold or sinus infection.  Here I was on break and sick...again. Of course that life lesson was that things were way out of balance and if I continued ignoring that I would continue to get sick.

Often the biggest lessons are the hardest ones...grief, life-threatening illness, financial loss or natural disasters. These events happen to all of us and so my thought of the week is "what have these events taught you?".  Have they taught you to enjoy the present moment, trust that everything changes, to express love and follow your passion?  Or have they taught you that life is unfair, that bad things happen to good people, that the rich get richer and the poor continue to suffer? Have your experiences fostered a sense of cynicism or a sense of hopefulness? Part of our yoga practice is learning to be comfortable even when things are uncomfortable.  It teaches us that although life might be extraordinarily challenging we can find joy lying deep within the heart of us. We can connect to the basic human trait that all beings have a wish to be safe, happy, healthy and to live with ease.

So what is your life currently teaching you?  What are you extracting from the challenges that you're facing?  And can you see the deeper lesson that is floating just below the surface?

I asked this question of a class this past week, "how do you hear what your life is trying to teach you?".  To which someone replied, "hopefully you hear it in moments of stillness".  Ahhhh!!!  So if we get still, if we create time and space for sitting in meditation, stillness or quiet contemplation, we more readily see what lies within.  In that seeing we gain insight into how to find greater recognition of the lesson and to begin to find ease with it.

I have had many types of lessons throughout my life, one of the most profound being the death of my father when I was 19 years old and he was 46.  As tragic as that was in our young lives, it left an indelible life lesson...life is short and to be valued. It has taught me to not spend time in drama or in relationships that don't lift me up. It has taught me to create and do.  It has encouraged me to see the world now, not when I'm retired, or too old or don't have enough money or time. It's taught me to enjoy the present moment and it has taught me to create a life that has connection, purpose, meaning and introspection.  I didn't know it when it happened.  Those life lessons have revealed themselves over many years.

So what's your lesson?  Are you listening?

Every Day Is Earth Day

This past week we marked the annual celebration of Earth Day. From a yogic perspective, every day is Earth Day with the practices of yoga evolving from a connection to as well as a reflection of the natural environment. We salute the sun and bow down to the earth, stand like a tree or mountain and recline in a restorative posture named "flowing mountain brook".  If you think about the air we breathe, it's the same air that our ancestors breathed and in that single way, it signifies how all of us, all living beings breathing oxygen on this planet, are connected.

With the availability of electricity and artificial lighting, we began to fall out of sync with the ebb and flow of natural light that in the past indicated when to go to sleep and when to awaken. As the earth has become more populated with the development of concrete and skyscrapers, we have lost our connection through bare feet into the earth. And as we live in noisy and busy environments, we often miss the sounds of the natural world. Earth Day is a vivid reminder to honor Mother Earth (Gaia). That we, as humans, walk upon this larger planet with its own living energy. That Mother Earth is here to support us in every way. 

Earth Day is another opportunity to reflect upon how we individually impact the planet. What type of footprint are we leaving? Are we able to elevate our own level of consciousness to lessen that impact? It's appropriate to use the camping/hiking phrase of "take only pictures and leave only footprints".

Here are a few reminders as to how we can continue to show compassion to Gaia and in doing so, we show compassion towards others as well as ourselves. I asked my yoga students for additional ideas to grow this list.

Tips:
1. Carry your own water bottle to avoid using plastic, one-use bottles.
2. Have your own multi-use lunch set for heading off to work, to avoid using one-time, throw away containers. 
3. Remember to bring your own shopping bags to the store. 
4. Check the tire pressure in your vehicle to enhance miles per gallon. 
5. Use multi-use dryer balls in your dryer rather than a fabric softener in the wash or throw away dryer sheets. I use earth-friendly dryer sheets that go, with the lint into my compost. Or line dry your laundry. 
6. Create your own compost for your garden. (and add your earth friendly dryer sheets into it!). When you throw organic waste into the trash can that has a plastic bag, that material begins to throw off methane gas, a contributor to climate change.  If you compost, organic material breaks down with oxygen and methane gas isn't an issue.  
6a. If you don't compost, throw away your organic materials in a paper bag to avoid methane emissions.
7. Buy phosphate-free detergents.
8. Turn off your tap when brushing your teeth. 
9. Turn off your computer at the end of each day and unplug any appliances/devices from the outlet.
10. Turn the water off when brushing your teeth
11. Buy paper/envelopes made from recycled materials. Making paper uses a huge amount of water.
12. After washing your hands, shake them off (12 times!!) then use just ONE folder paper towel to dry.
13. Walk or take your bicycle instead of the car.
14. Use chemical free make up and beauty products.
15. If you're an omnivore, opt for Meatless Monday's. Meat and dairy production are huge consumers of water and producers of methane. 

I'd love to continue growing this list, so please send to me any tips that you do in order to be part of the buzz around reduce, reuse, recycle and sustain! 

Since I originally posted this list four years ago, we have installed solar energy and have two a Toyota Prius' . It all adds up as I want my footprint on the planet to be as little as possible. 

Thank you Gaia!