Saturday, February 26, 2011

Lovely day to spend with friends

Ah the sun, it wakes up a joy in me that needed to come back to life.  With the sun comes more awareness of dust and clutter.  Time for Spring cleaning-- I feel the need for it.

Not this weekend though.

But I'm going to get ready for it.  A lovely new friend just introduced me to:

http://www.theproject333.com/

Check it out.  My goal is to get rid of the clothes that don't make me happy to be wearing them.  And I think I'll be shopping at consignment shops -- it's another way to recycle, and it makes me feel good.

If you'd like to join with me, let's inspire each other to get rid of that which no longer serves us and bring in some space to breathe, see and enjoy what we already have.  Of course I'll be buying a few new things (like pants for work, I can never find pants that fit well and are comfortable) but the goal is to keep to 33 things. 

I'm looking forward to this!  Join me, comment or email me.  I'd love to hear about the space you are consciously bringing into your life!

When I do the Spring cleaning I'll post pictures.  Please send me your pics too-- we'll inspire a closet revolution!

Om Shanti,

Yoga Girl

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The Green Eyed Monster Strikes Again


Some days I wake up with this extra weight on my shoulders, unhappy with my career, unhappy with the choices I've made in life and I desperately want to stay home and work on my art.  This week I read about a successful writer who grew up in the same town as me.  I can't help but think that she has my ideal life.  But then there are other days like today when I wake up and I feel like I am in the right place, the right career and the burden of jealousy is lifted.  I can see how my path has brought me to a place where I might not be writing for a living, but I am teaching others to find their artistic outlet and even more fulfilling is my ability to share with them the Yogic Philosophy thinly veiled by lessons on how to be a theatre artist.

Have you read, The Artist's Way?  Its author, Julia Cameron suggests that jealousy is a way for us to know what to put effort into.  She says that if we put effort toward that goal then the jealousy goes away.  She's right.  I've tried it and it works. 

But then why does this nagging, unhealthy-- "I wish I had her life" keep coming back into my consciousness?  How do I know which is my path?  To put more effort into the art and someday have the sparkling hot spotlights on my work, or to cultivate gratitude for  my current job and enjoy the lightness it brings to my soul?

I can hear Swami Cat now, saying the answer dear Yoga Girl is...

Both. 

Okay, okay Swami Cat-- I'll rededicate myself to my meditation practice of which I spend a few minutes each morning in gratitude.  That will help.  And I will try to stick to the present moment-- always looking at how I can serve my students, other teachers, and myself.  But, I will continue to put my extra energy into making my writing career blossom, while maintaining a calm that is not attached to having it come to fruition in this lifetime.  Maybe yes, maybe no.  "You must have faith," I hear him saying, "for we do not know what is ultimately best for us and the universe." 

Ah yes, wise, wise, wise. 

Anyone else dealing with a recurring emotion that doesn't feel healthy?  Please let me know how you've handled it.  It's lonely having these thoughts by myself.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Kirtan

Kirtan, for me, is the easiest way to get out of my head.  I feel like I'm floating.  At home in front of pictures of Guruji, Swami Satchidanandaji and Swami Catji -- if my meditation isn't going so smoothly I begin to chant.  My go to chant is usually Jai Ganesha in order to remove the obstacles that are making meditation so hard that morning but then I usually branch out into other tunes that I've heard at different kirtans.  Wah's Om Nama Sivaya is so spiritually uplifting and Girish's Sita Ram makes my body sway (which is always good since my back is constantly stiff and movement helps.)  Now I have a new go to song:  Robin Renee's Chant (Words and Music.)  J and I heard her live the other night at One Yoga Studio.  She's been touring all over the country so it was a treat to have her perform right in the neighborhood.  She invited Swami Cat to the performance via Facebook so of course he came along as well.  It was a lively, moving night.  Swami Cat even jumped up and played harmonium with her at the end of the evening. 

Jai Robin Renee!  Check out her CD's Live Devotion and Spirit.Rock.Sexy.  (www.robinrenee.com) She mentioned a new album coming out soon.  I can't wait.   

-- Yoga Girl


Sunday, February 6, 2011

The Golden Compass

I'm always a little late with trends.  In high school everyone was wearing Doc Martens and I didn't get my first pair until I was in college.  Last month I started reading The Golden Compass trilogy because a friend recommended them.  I know, I know, you probably read them years ago or at least saw the movie with Nicole Kidman but I didn't know I'd enjoy the story so much.  I'm loving the spiritual aspects that mixes with science.  When the main character Lyra reads her "golden compass" she has to get into a meditative state to understand its meaning.  And now I'm onto the second book, The Subtle Knife where Lyra explains to the other main character Will, how to use another important tool while his mind is focused on pain in his hand.  "Just sort of relax your mind and say yes, it does hurt, I know.  Don't try and shut it out."  I was reading this thinking about what I learned in meditation teacher's training with Rev. Jaganath.  I learned that thoughts come into the mind and you can not force them out.  Instead try focusing on something positive and peaceful.  It could be focusing on a candle flame or a mantra. 

I love finding Yogic reminders in my daily life.  Anyone else find a Yogic hint today?

Om Shanti,

Yoga Girl






Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Thoughts on teaching Yoga class

I have to say that each and every time I lead a Yoga class I come out feeling lighter, more energized and positive about the world.  It's amazing.  For an hour and a half I focus my energy on others and really try to tap into what they need, reminding them to breathe, relax, stretch but only to their limit and cultivate compassion.  Maybe it is all that reminding I do, or maybe it is an energy thing but I love life more after Yoga class.

Imagine if I did that every day, all the time.... hmmmm.

Anyone one of you thinking of taking the Yoga Teacher's Training, I highly recommend it.  Especially if the classes come from the heart and focus on the teachings, not on the right clothes to wear.

How do you feel after teaching a Yoga class?  Or taking one?

-- Yoga Girl