Greetings everyone,
I've got the music in me, I've got the music in me, I've got the music in me and I guess I always have. I can't seem to get the thought of music out of my head.
We were traveling this past weekend and my husband was shocked at how much music I have loaded onto my iPod. "How can anyone listen to so many songs?" he asked incredulously. My response was that I listen to music every day. I sing something every morning as part of my meditation practice. I play music as I'm teaching yoga. I listen to the radio as I commute from place to place. I have Sacred Sounds radio playing on my computer as I write this. IT'S EVERY WHERE!
I've been exposed to all types of music ever since I can remember, through dance and my family. When Michael Jackson died this past week, the first person I called was my brother, who's a musician (as well as a custom woodworker). We "talk" music frequently and I feel the wiser for it.
If I put my yoga hat on and think about why music is so meaningful in my life is that it's vibration. It's immediately palpable energy. It's able to tap into so many different moments and emotions. I bet many of you know where you were when certain songs were playing and how you felt. Music is penetrating. It reaches into our hearts, souls and cells and connects us to something outside of ourselves-AHA! Just like our yoga practice connects us to something that's bigger than our physical selves.
It is thought that when we sing a particular mantra that it can be completely transformational, particularly if we repeat it 108 times a day over 30 days without missing a day. When I sing mantra, I am blown away by how many people have uttered the same words millions of times before me and that I am perpetuating this positive intention through my own Universal connections.
Need some relaxation. Try music.
Need some motivation. Try music.
Need some love. Try music.
Need to release something that's not serving you...you got the idea...you, too, can have the music in you.
I hope to see you in classes and singing along this week!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thanks Dad!
Greetings everyone,
With today being Father's Day, I have spent part of my day reflecting on my own Dad and how he was one of my most valued teachers. He passed away almost 27 years ago from kidney cancer. He was 46 years old...the age that I am as I write this. It makes me think how much more life lies ahead of me and it taught me to value every moment, as you never know when your moment will be met. But, instead of focusing on the feeling of loss, I choose to reflect on all that he was able to teach me.
My Dad was a brilliant man...not just a biased observance, but well established as he was a metallurgical engineer who was a researcher in aerospace. When I was young and he told me he was an engineer, I thought it meant that he drove trains. I even had a quick vision of his engineers hat, although I never saw him wear one. But, what made my Dad brilliant to me was that he took time with me...to teach me. We played softball together, he kept my stats, measured off how many steps it was to the pitchers mound and coached my teams. He held me patiently as I was screaming with frustration at not understanding algebra. He took the time to explain, teach and support my learning. I ended up with A's in algebra by the end of the school year.
He supported my decision to travel to Australia as an exchange student and encouraged me to make decisions around my higher education based on interest of topic, not my interest in a boyfriend.
He taught me to get my fingernails dirty in the garden and in pitching a tent. To be the "tomboy" that I was without embarrassment but through embracing my abilities, even if others thought it to be "un-lady like".
My Dad embraced me for who I am and who he thought I could become. I miss him, but have his voice and eyes burned into my thoughts.
Happy Father's Day to all of you and your Dad's. My thought for this week is to sit for a moment in gratitude for all that your Dad has given you.
With today being Father's Day, I have spent part of my day reflecting on my own Dad and how he was one of my most valued teachers. He passed away almost 27 years ago from kidney cancer. He was 46 years old...the age that I am as I write this. It makes me think how much more life lies ahead of me and it taught me to value every moment, as you never know when your moment will be met. But, instead of focusing on the feeling of loss, I choose to reflect on all that he was able to teach me.
My Dad was a brilliant man...not just a biased observance, but well established as he was a metallurgical engineer who was a researcher in aerospace. When I was young and he told me he was an engineer, I thought it meant that he drove trains. I even had a quick vision of his engineers hat, although I never saw him wear one. But, what made my Dad brilliant to me was that he took time with me...to teach me. We played softball together, he kept my stats, measured off how many steps it was to the pitchers mound and coached my teams. He held me patiently as I was screaming with frustration at not understanding algebra. He took the time to explain, teach and support my learning. I ended up with A's in algebra by the end of the school year.
He supported my decision to travel to Australia as an exchange student and encouraged me to make decisions around my higher education based on interest of topic, not my interest in a boyfriend.
He taught me to get my fingernails dirty in the garden and in pitching a tent. To be the "tomboy" that I was without embarrassment but through embracing my abilities, even if others thought it to be "un-lady like".
My Dad embraced me for who I am and who he thought I could become. I miss him, but have his voice and eyes burned into my thoughts.
Happy Father's Day to all of you and your Dad's. My thought for this week is to sit for a moment in gratitude for all that your Dad has given you.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Taking Yoga Off the Mat
Greetings everyone,
I want to share a story this week about yoga not just taking place on a yoga mat.
My husband and I were at a MLB baseball game a couple of years ago where the Oakland A's were hosting the Boston Red Sox. We were sitting in the stands, enjoying the game and couldn't help but notice the loud conversation taking place in the seats behind us. It was a young man, sitting next to an older man (not certain if they knew each other prior to the beginning of the game) and the younger man was chatting MUCH MORE than the older man. In fact, the younger man had something to say about everything going on within his field of vision. He was saying things like, "Hey, pretty girl walking by with a hot dog. A's don't have any pitching. And blah, blah, blah..." Plus, he would make a "cluck" noise with every pitch, I suppose to emulate the sound of bat hitting the ball.
As I sat there, I tried practicing my yoga...staying within my own thoughts and experience...until, I hear the younger man begin to tell the older man that he'd been practicing yoga. Well...my rabbit ears went up and faced backwards. He had my attention now! He was saying "how much yoga had really opened him up and how fantastic he felt doing the classes. You know, it's not as easy as it looks", he was saying. And then, there it is once again. Out comes "hey...pretty lady with a hot dog!"
I drew my rabbit ears back into myself, turned to Ed and said, "now, that's what you call keeping yoga ON the mat".
To me, our physical yoga practice on our mat is a metaphor for how we live our greater life. What we think, how we react during something that challenges or bores us as well as teaching us how to stay calm and present no matter what the situation.
This week...see if you can bring your yoga OFF the mat!
Peace & Namaste',
Jayne
I want to share a story this week about yoga not just taking place on a yoga mat.
My husband and I were at a MLB baseball game a couple of years ago where the Oakland A's were hosting the Boston Red Sox. We were sitting in the stands, enjoying the game and couldn't help but notice the loud conversation taking place in the seats behind us. It was a young man, sitting next to an older man (not certain if they knew each other prior to the beginning of the game) and the younger man was chatting MUCH MORE than the older man. In fact, the younger man had something to say about everything going on within his field of vision. He was saying things like, "Hey, pretty girl walking by with a hot dog. A's don't have any pitching. And blah, blah, blah..." Plus, he would make a "cluck" noise with every pitch, I suppose to emulate the sound of bat hitting the ball.
As I sat there, I tried practicing my yoga...staying within my own thoughts and experience...until, I hear the younger man begin to tell the older man that he'd been practicing yoga. Well...my rabbit ears went up and faced backwards. He had my attention now! He was saying "how much yoga had really opened him up and how fantastic he felt doing the classes. You know, it's not as easy as it looks", he was saying. And then, there it is once again. Out comes "hey...pretty lady with a hot dog!"
I drew my rabbit ears back into myself, turned to Ed and said, "now, that's what you call keeping yoga ON the mat".
To me, our physical yoga practice on our mat is a metaphor for how we live our greater life. What we think, how we react during something that challenges or bores us as well as teaching us how to stay calm and present no matter what the situation.
This week...see if you can bring your yoga OFF the mat!
Peace & Namaste',
Jayne
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Color Purple
Greetings everyone,
My thought for this week is based around being inspired by the color purple. The actual color that is, not the movie. The Los Angeles Lakers are in the play-offs, my toe nails are a deep purple, our highest intuitive center (crown chakra) can be represented by purple and the annual Lavender Festival is about to happen. I have heard that purple also represents femininity and royalty. And who doesn't love looking a grouping of lobelia?
What do all of these things have in common? Perhaps nothing more than the color, but like many things its what they represent that holds meaning. The Lakers represent teamwork and perseverence; my toe nails represent honoring myself enough to take a time out and receive; the crown chakra represents our highest connection beyond our physical selves to the Universe at large; and the Lavender Festival represents the cycle of nature and all its abundant beauty.
So when I see each of these things independently, I am reminded about what cascades out from them...as well as a radiant color!
My thought for this week is based around being inspired by the color purple. The actual color that is, not the movie. The Los Angeles Lakers are in the play-offs, my toe nails are a deep purple, our highest intuitive center (crown chakra) can be represented by purple and the annual Lavender Festival is about to happen. I have heard that purple also represents femininity and royalty. And who doesn't love looking a grouping of lobelia?
What do all of these things have in common? Perhaps nothing more than the color, but like many things its what they represent that holds meaning. The Lakers represent teamwork and perseverence; my toe nails represent honoring myself enough to take a time out and receive; the crown chakra represents our highest connection beyond our physical selves to the Universe at large; and the Lavender Festival represents the cycle of nature and all its abundant beauty.
So when I see each of these things independently, I am reminded about what cascades out from them...as well as a radiant color!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Clamor in the Bathroom
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.
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 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'.
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