Grouped

Have you ever wondered why public classes are so popular? Yoga is something that, once the foundation is built, everyone could do at home on their own. It's true that we get individualized instruction at a yoga class. And yes, we learn different things from our teacher and other practitioners that we might not discover in our own home practices. One of the biggest reasons many of us enjoy going to class is because it's inspiring and uplifting to share our practice with others. It's exciting to synchronize our movements with those of our classmates, and when we enter a room that's filled with energy, we in turn feel energized.

Even if you never speak to the person on the mat beside yours, there's something magical about connecting with other people to practice. Although every class won't be a perfect fit for our individual needs, we sacrifice to enjoy the company of others.

The next time you attend a public class, why not take a moment to be grateful for the way that the other people in the room enhance the experience of your practice.

Poetry

So I was teaching class the other day, and started to sing out of nowhere.



"Leave the light on... leave the light on......... I can see all the mistakes in me. So leave the light on... Leave the light on, cause I want to be the light in me. "

It just made me smile. I am really becoming a better person. I know that I am not perfect, and I know that this is my life... and I do not want to do any of this in the dark.

"So leave the light on....."

We will be supporting this walk

We will be at this walk doing Yoga in the morning with the walkers. Come support!

Fact Sheet     WHAT:     The DC Metro Breathe Walk 2010, 3K walk fundraising event to benefit Breathe DC at the United Medical Center Foundation. The walk does not have a registration fee or fundraising minimum. Participants are eligible for incentive prizes starting at the $100 level for the official Breathe Walk t-shirt. Put on your walk shoes and join us in taking STEPS to reduce the burden of lung disease by registering and securing contributions at www.breathewalk.org -- fun will be had by all!   WHEN: Saturday, October 16, 2010   WHERE:     The spectacular Nationals Park in Washington, DC   TIME:     Walker Check-in begins at 9:00am     Walk starts at 10:00am   WHY: The purpose of the walk is to help Breathe DC meet its goal of $50,000 to fulfill its mission of ensuring that every breath counts by promoting healthy lifestyles and lung disease prevention services, especially in communities most affected by health disparities.   Sponsors: American Cleaning Institute, Legacy for Health, Children's National Medical Center, Elevative Networks, PNC Bank, Washington Gas   PARTICIPANTS' CONTACT:     Daniel Weisshaar 202/ 574-7033 daniel.bdc@umc-foundation.org   MEDIA CONTACT: Ericka Nelson 202/ 574-6266 ericka.bdc@umc-foundation.org

 

 

Days, Nights, and Moments

Life has been beating me down. She has been punishing me, my family, my marriage, my yoga. Since the forced move of my life things just haven't been easy to say the least. And in my pain I have turned my tears into hate. In my practice I am angry, and resentful. I ask that question... Why? Why does my family, my business, my bank account, my life have to be so hard???? Why do some people have it so easy. They have no clue what hard work is. They have no idea that they don't do anything to help anyone and still they have a better life. Why?

All I have wanted for years was to teach yoga full time. Run my little studio teaching classes, and being a peace with that. But no! I had struggle and fight for everything. Lately my yoga practice has been a NEEDED relief ceremony. Before I did it with a smile, and now its all tears. My mat makes me sad. I'm doing yoga in a living room of a rented house that doesn't feel like home. And my mat reminds me of what I use to be happy about.

I miss the peace on my mat. I miss the happiness I felt no matter how ugly the skies seemed. I miss the love I had.

I miss my yoga safe space. Come back... Come back...

NEW WEBSITE

Our new website is up and running! Come check us out. I know I have been missing for a while, but with my move, getting adjusted, finding a school foe my daughter and everything else life throws your way it has been crazy. But I promise I'll be back on tract soon.

www.likewateryoga.com

Yoga Retreat Getaway...

I had been planning this retreat for almost 4mths. When I started I had no clue how many people say one thing and do another. I never planned this retreat to make money, and my husband wasn't thrilled about that idea in the slightest. It cause much stress.

But I teach because I truly love it. No more, no less. However I have found that most people could careless what you care about, and how their poor response efforts affects your business, and your lifestyle.

So the retreat started out with 9, and by the day we planned to leave there were "3"! Nonetheless this was the BEST weekend I have had in a YEAR! These ladies blessed me with a positive recovery experience and in return I gave them yoga sessions. This was an AMAZING, LOVING, UPLIFTING, & RESTORING getaway. I have been trying to live by every Affirmation that I promised myself, and I want to thank: Rashida Gray, Susheela Varky, & Aisha Gray for being a positive part of my life and business.

Namaste

More... =)

And More

More Photos

WOW!!!!

Life has been just bananas lately. In the middle of relocating, teaching, driving 2hrs every other day, and finding a sitter I have lost my middle.

I try to squeeze in some meditation time, just to keep from leaping of the bridge, and find myself just crying. Why? I have no clue really. I mean, YES my husband lost is job, but did find another one. We have to move to another state because of the new job, and leave the few friends I have made in 5 yrs. And I'm leaving my teaching jobs behind, but I know I have given my students a great place to start. So why the tears? I guess I'm just full...

Crying...

Because I'm leaving something I know.

Crying...

Because I'm afraid of the unknown.

Crying...

Because I haven't slept in DAYS!!!!

Crying...

Because I only see my husband on the weekends.

Crying...

Because my daughter doesn't give me a minute to think.

Crying...

Because the only time I get to practice, is when I'm suppose to be teaching.

Crying...

Crying...

Crying..

Crying...

Because it's okay to shed some tears.

To start anew.

To rejoice in the madness of life, and be born again.

My tears have washed away my old skin, and now I am NEW!

New TATTOO

So I've been thinking about getting a new TATTOO.... Here are some ideas....

Go for it!

There are two basic challenges in Adho Mukha Vrksasna, (Handstand): gaining strength in your arms while trusting in your ability to hold your body, and learning to swing the hips up over the head.

If fear is holding you back from trying this beneficial pose, try this:

Start in Adho Mukha Svanasana, (Downward Facing Dog) with your heels at a wall, hands and feet a little closer to each other than usual. Walk your feet up the wall, bringing more and more weight onto your arms. If your arms can support you here, you should have the strength to do Handstand. Repeat this exercise to build both strength and confidence

CHILL OUT!!!!

Just one day of 85-degree temperatures and 100 percent humidity is all it takes to send most of us straight to the nearest ice cream parlor, with visions of Popsicles, frappes (love them), and iced mochas dancing in our heads. But while those treats may sound good, for tempering the effects of all that heat and humidity, they're overrated.

It may sound counterintuitive, but loading up on chilled or frozen foods and drinks (even ice water) can be harmful. All that cold dampens your digestive fire, which means you won't absorb nutrients as you should. Fortunately, there are plenty of tasty alternatives to the standard frosty delights. The liquid from young coconuts—these are green, not brown—makes a fabulous cooling drink. It's wonderfully refreshing even at room temperature. It also makes a great smoothie: Mix it with coconut flakes or chunks and toss in some cilantro.

I HEAR MOVING TRUCKS...

Wow... My husband is making use up root our lives (again). Most of the time it's been who wants to move, but I have finally gotten my schedule together, and now I'm starting all over again.

So in the middle of HOUSE HUNTING, finding a new school for my daughter, telling all mu bosses I will no longer be teaching for them again, saying by to my ladies weekends, chasing deers & bunnies out the yard, and finding the nearest subway station, I must also find time to center myself.

YOGA & a moving truck. Wow, a day in the life of a Urban yogi is just bananas.

Say Buddha would say.... "Find Peace in the Noisy Sea, and you shall find Dhamra."

Is there HAPPINESS in UNCERTAINTY

A storm has blown in my direction. Slowly went from Sunshine weeks to a category 4 Hurricane. What happens when your life is turned upside down? What happens when everything you thought you knew becomes a foreign language? Well recently I have had to face those questions. How on earth do you find HAPPINESS in UNCERTAINTY? I cannot answer that question; I can only give my opinion.

The way to find Happiness, of course comes from contentment. We have no clue what tomorrow may bring, but we think we do. If you were to ask me; of course I'd say… "Wake up, meditate, making breakfast, entertain my daughter, clean, teach class, go home make dinner, head out back to teach class, drive, drive, drive, home, shower, wife time, check email, sleep, and start over all over again." But that's what I THINK! I have no clue what life really has in store for me, so why when I think something has just slapped me in the face out of the blue, do I act surprised? Life is uncertain! Nothing is planned. Nothing is scheduled.

The beauty of uncertainty is living with it, living in the moment, the flow of things. Yoga teaches you not only in your asanas but in meditation, and reflection that life is what it is. Trusting in your contentment will allow you to be happy even in times when it seems okay to leap off the cliff. Become aware that there is no real control over all beings, things, and the rotation of the universe. Everything will happen... with or without our plans. Becoming aware of the pure uncertainty of life is one way to enjoy it.

Yesterday I was filled with tears; Afraid because my plans had been taken by someone else's plans. Today I am free. Okay with what happened and what will happen. I promise myself that I will learn to live with uncertainty, and be happy with all things that encounter my orbit. Love is life… Life is happiness… Happiness is found in the same things… Uncertainty is surprises happiness give us all.

Quotes

You spend most of your life running after things, doing things. You forget that being comes before doing. Those who remember this secret make an effort to "be" and discover that when they stop and observe, life helps and brings whatever is needed. Learning to be is learning to be at peace. It is our most fundamental nature.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!

How do you find a peaceful thought in a room with screaming children that do not belong to you? I am in the middle of a small hell, with children that scream, touch you with nasty fingers, ask question to complete strangers, and stare... stare a lot! I promised my daughter a bit of play time in the McDonald's play land, and now all I want to do is stab my ear drums out. Meditation in the morning, and a breakdown by lunch. The battle of a at home Yogi mom is crazy me either insane or into the belly of peace. I have no clue how to separate my peace and my daughters world of complete madness. Sitting here reminds me why another child would just kill me. Yoga & Meditation has been my savor from a lot of my life, and recently I feel like I am only normal when I am involved in my yoga world. Am I selfish? That besides my very own child, I'm really not a fan of kids. That loud screams make me nervous. That if I do not close my eyes, and take a BIG DEEP BREATHE that I too may be screaming for freedom. Where is my PEACE? Who stole my normal? And why am I here?

Bing!

I LOVE THIS PHOTO!

It makes me believe that even rooted into a situation you can face it with peace.

Exposed & Okay

Wow... I have never been okay with exposing my naked body. I have always been afraid of the judgement, the looks, and the feeling of being completely defenseless. But for the first time in my life I did it... I laid on my bed, locked the door, and didn't move. Laying there on the sheets looking like a star fish trying to connect with myself entirely. It took me 15 minutes to take my hands off my own eyes. I thought if I couldn't see myself, I couldn't judge. But no, I promised myself I would embrace the experience. So after fighting with myself, I really tried to focus of the freedom instead of the lack of.
After relaxing and realizing this is me, I laid there for an hour & 43 minutes. I started actually meditating, and forgot that I was naked, and realized that I am a beautiful person with the ability to look beyond the outside. I am new. My 4th of July celebration was FREEDOM from my fears. FREEDOM from my self judgement. FREEDOM! And after doing this silly experiment I have become a better person with less to cover me.

What’s your style???

I have heard every complaint about the different styles of yoga. What's hard for me to understand is that people really don't research Yoga classes. You'd check out your doctor, you'd visit a website to see how the restaurant looks. But you don't ever ask questions about your Yoga class. WHY NOT? Yoga is like saying Coffee. There are tons of different styles, teachers, places, and experiences that you'll get from every class. Make sure the class is suited for you! If you are a beginner, don't show up at an advanced level class, and then complain that they moved to fast. Don't attend a Vinyasa Flow style class, when you've only done Hatha. Vinyasa Flow means continuous movement, there is no break… Hatha on the other hand aids you slow breathes breaks, and reflection time in every asana (pose). If you haven't become a yogi yet, and are not sure about what type of style you'd like; I suggest take as many different styles as possible. Come to the class about 15 minutes early, so you ask the instructor: What style did you study? How long have you studied? Generally how does this class run? If they are a reputable instructor they'll have no problem answering those questions. Please understand that when doing yoga your body is twisting, and turning, upside down, and backwards; you should want to know where those instructors trained, and what style your doing. Be more aware of who you put your body in the hands of.

WOW... DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!

Life’s lessons on the mat

Part of the philosophy of yoga is that we can't always change the world around us. No matter what we do, bad things will happen and stressful situations will arise. The only thing we have control over—the only thing we can change—is ourselves. We can decide how to react to situations that challenge us. Will we allow them to throw us off center, or will we take them in stride?

Yoga teaches us how to respond to stress patiently. We must experience the physical challenge of the postures without fear, and use deep, calm breaths to move through them. If we can take that lesson off the mat and into our daily lives, we will move closer to the goal of responding to stress in a careful and considered way.

The ARTIST & the PATRON

Yoga is an ART form. It's not something that you do, it's something you learn. YOGA & ART are brother and sister, they need to work hand and hand. The beauty of weaving together breathing, asanas, meditation, affirmations, & peace is nothing short of a master piece. And as a artist of YOGA, it has pained me to see people come into my peace and not only criticize but try to encourage me to do something totally different.

I totally dislike GYM YOGA. Most of the people who come in have no clue of the practice and passion it takes to teach, and to make a atmosphere out of nothing. This evening after class, and student made it a point to come to me to express her uncomfortable experience in my class. Now don't get me wrong, I love to get feed back, but this was not feed back, this was just being completely nasty. She basically asked me to teach like another teacher. She said my class is a little to challenging, and that I move to quick for her, and it might be better to teach slower. WHAT???? Have you ever went into a doctors office and said... "You know I really hate the colors on the walls, and well your receptionist wasn't as perky as my dentist office, I was wondering if you'd just be more like my dentist." The level of respect that some people show yoga instructors is ridiculous!!!!

I started teaching because I love what it does for me, and wanted to share it with every one else. And after losing the one thing that meant a ton to me (my studio) I started to teach at a gym again.... and after being full of happiness when I walked through the door today, it was slapped, and spit on by someone I gave myself too. The beauty of this situation is that WE LIVE AND LEARN! That no matter how you think your doing, someone else may not agree. But who are we to tell someone else?

I will continue to teach until my heart stops. I will be there to teach whomever wants to learn. And sometimes some don't want to learn from me... who am I to keep them?

Class has been dismissed.... Carry your heart close to your soul, and no matter what evil my be thrown your way you can look it directly in the eye, and smile.... Because you are safe =)

OM SHANTI

Yoga Retreat Getaway

We are hosting our very 1st Yoga Retreat Getaway.

Happening August 20th -22nd, 2010

in Matthews County, VA

at The Inn at Tabbs Creek

This retreat will be to renew your practice, refresh your passions, and relax your soul. There will be two Yoga sessions a day with one meditation in the mornings. Complete free time to do tons of activities like water sports, boat tours, shopping, eating, relaxing, or just sleeping.

The price includes Food (3 meals), Travel, Lodging, Yoga, & Meditation

$555 is for a Private Room (Queen Bed & Private Bath)

$355 is for a Shared Room (2 people max)

The Deposit is $105 and will hold your space, but is not refundable. Deposit is due by June 30th, 2010.

To find out more visit our website to print out the Flyer or Registration Form.

Grilled Vegetables with Miso Glaze

• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  
• 3 Tbs. mirin
  
• 2 Tbs. sugar
  
• 1 Tbs. soy sauce
  
• 2 Tbs. red miso
  
• 1 Tbs. vegetable oil
  
• 1 Tbs. sesame oil
  
• 2 medium Asian eggplants, each about 5 inches long
  
• 1 small acorn squash
  
• 2 fresh shiitake mushrooms
  
• 8 baby corn cobs
  
• 1 tsp. sesame seeds
  

  
  

  Directions
  

  1. In small saucepan, combine vegetable broth, mirin, sugar and soy sauce, and cook over medium heat, stirring often, just until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, and whisk in miso until glaze is smoothly blended.
  

  2. In small bowl, combine vegetable and sesame oils.
  

  3. Cut eggplants diagonally to make ovals about 1/4 inch thick and 3 inches long. Cut squash crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Discard mushroom stems and cut caps in half.
  

  4. Place sesame seeds in small frying pan over medium heat. Cook, shaking pan frequently, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Immediately remove from pan to cool.
  

  5. Preheat electric grill to 350°F, or heat grill pan over medium heat. Brush grill with some oil mixture. Place vegetables on grill, and brush with oil. Cook, turning once and brushing again with oil, until vegetables are tender, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side for squash, 1 to 2 minutes for mushrooms and eggplant, and 1 minute for baby corn.
  

  6. Reduce heat to low. Brush half the miso glaze on vegetables and cook for 30 seconds. Turn vegetables, brush with remaining glaze, and cook 30 seconds. Place on serving plate, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  

Out of my element

It's been a crazy ride for me lately, emotionally, physically, & spiritually. I started the year in a beautiful space, and by my birthday (march) I had to close the doors. Now I am again teaching in gyms. Today I taught yoga at a popular gym, and I was so worried about giving my students the perfect experience, I feel like I lost it. In my space, I created a something that would birth a moment. But in a gym, you have LOTS of noise, humming lights, people peeking in every few seconds, mirrors, mirrors, mirrors, weights on one side, huge fans and balls on the other side. It's a weird place to lay your peace out to be exposed. It's like meditating in a nursery of newborns.

But who am I to questions ones experience. I started being a yoga instructor because I REALLY LOVED giving people the same joy I have when I practice. It's the best feeling to see someone leave a class with a smile, with complete fulfillment, complete contentment. So when I got home, and told my husband about my own insecurities of a great experience he said something to me, without saying anything at all. He handed me the "Teachings of the Buddha."
Read this:

JOY
Live in joy,
in love,
Even among those who hate.

Live in joy,
in health,
Even among the afflicted.

Live in joy,
in peace
Even among the troubled.

Look within.
Be still.
Free from fear and attachment,
Know the sweet joy of the way.


Home is where I am who I am, with help. It's amazing!

Practice done

Set the record straight,

create a rhythm that engulfs your mind

allowing for sweet seductive silence.

 

Let your practice surround your love of release.

 

Sit with a connected bottom

pulled into the earth

with force.

You are whole now.

 

Let your heart pour love down your legs.

 

Fill the palms of your hands with hope

and season it with crystal clear intentions.

 

Let this moment embrace your day.

You have completed a practice.

 

Exhale.

Smile.

You're alive.

And Happy.

Meditational chant

Here's to Friday: The start of allowing the mind to relax, the day you can unhook your belt and lay face down on the bed. Friday we can fill our glasses with our favorite wines and sit without a care in the world. A day when I know everyone else knows I'm not cooking at all. So here's to you Friday! And to close this beautiful day out, here's a wonderful meditation chant to help you shut your eyes happy:

Together may we be protected
Together may we be nourished
Together may we work with great energy
May our journey together be brilliant and effective
May there be no bad feelings between us
Peace, peace, peace (om shanti, shanti, shanti om)

Quotes…

In life you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello".

Faith Hunter

Yoga Journals cover model Faith Hunter has her own monthly newsletter. I woke up this morning to find in my inbox. It was a delight to read it, and I hope to enjoy the following ones. It is also a little sad to see that some people reach the ladder of success faster than others. I want what everyone else wants: to be successful, happy, and able to connect with other yoga lovers. So, today is truly a day to practice PATIENCE & meditate on being content and complete.

Namaste

P.S. You all can subscribe to her newsletter by emailing her at hello@faithhunter.com