Tuesday, July 31, 2012

A Few Good Books

A truly good book teaches me better than to read it. I must soon lay it down, and commence living on its hint. What I began by reading, I must finish by acting.
Henry David Thoreau

Today I need a good book.  Everyone was talking about that sex book, Fifty Shades of Grey, but I don't know if I want to read it.  Seems to me I should be reading either a play, biography of someone I want to write a play about or something positive because Lord knows there's too much negativity out there, and in "here" (my mind) lately. 

I know there's that Goodreads now, which I did sign up for, but it reminds me of online dating, all those questions to answer and honestly, I don't want to spend even more time online.  

But I do have some Go-to books I use over and over again.  Plus one that I'm reading now which does inspire me.

A book I bought up in New Paltz after hiking in the mountains is useful for a quick idea or two on how to meditate when you don't feel like it, or you only have "three minutes."
http://www.amazon.com/The-Three-Minute-Meditator-David-Harp/dp/1567312993

Sri Swami Satchidananda's book To Know Yourself is one of my staples that I've read and reread when I need a little boost as I sit for meditation.  I open it to any random page and use it as insight for the day.
 
Rev. Jaganath, Swami Satchidananda's disciple and head of the Yoga Life Society, just finished his really clear explanation of how to meditate and go deeper in meditation.  Once I finish reading it, I know it will become another daily use book.

http://www.yogalifesociety.com/Awaken.html

And lastly my mother gave me One Can Make a Difference.  Little essays from people who started a movement, changed lives, helped animals, etc.  The author is Ingrid E. Newkirk, not a household name but she started P.E.T.A. by herself.  It has essays from The Dalai Lama, Willie Nelson, Briditte Bardot (who left acting and started her own animal rescue, didn't know that) and so many more.  Easy read, and fun.  

I'll leave you with this short read...

"You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself."
- Galileo  (It's on the first page of the introduction of One Can Make a Difference.

Any other inspirational books I should check out this summer to keep me motivated to change the world?  Let me know.

Enjoy your day/night--
Yoga Girl

Monday, July 30, 2012

Aching Backs

Today I decided my shoulder/back pain had to be because I do not sit at my desk.  I sit at the kitchen table, the living room table, the couch and type on my laptop.  I should be sitting up straight at my desk with a pillow at my back, says Dr. Blecher, my chiropractor.  He also says that laptops cause some of the pain people are having because we have to look down to see the monitors, and our hands shouldn't be so far in toward each other while typing.  Dr. B has been giving me lots of tips.  I would like to some day not have shoulder and back pain.  Unfortunately some of my problems come from flat feet and scoliosis but I can do something about posture.

Of course when I practice Yoga asanas every day I do not feel as tight and uncomfortable as when I don't.  But all the sitting I do, driving and typing isn't very helpful, so I need to make sure I find the right way to sit or stand.  I think I'm going to get a new desk and find an exercise ball to sit on.

When my chiropractor, Dr. B took photos of me the other day he explained on his iPad what I could do to straighten up my posture and possibly take the weight off the muscles.  For example, he said that the human head is ten pounds (which I knew from Jerry McGuire) and if you look at my natural stance-- my head is a little more forward which makes it feel more like 30 pounds.  
So ever since these pictures, I try to keep my awareness on my posture.  I think about pulling my head back and chin parallel to the floor, keeping my alignment as straight as possible. 

Next stop a new mattress.  It takes me forever to get comfortable lying in bed.  I feel better lying on the ground.

Anyone else dealing with back issues?  Any suggestions for how to deal with it?

My Yoga Tip of the Day--Along with practicing the postures, practice awareness of your body throughout the day.  Are you slouching in that couch, using too high of a pillow at night?  Maybe your chiropractor has this imaging on her iPad.  Ask about it.  And if you want to ask Dr. Blecher about it either contact him at Health Source of Plainsboro-- plainsborochiropractor.com or 609-799-8444.

Here's to health and happiness!

Om Shanti,
Yoga Girl

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Yoga, How it All Began (For me)

Ah, what a difference a day makes.  Yesterday I felt blah.  Lots of starting projects and not feeling any of the fruits of the labor yet.  Yes, well, patience is one of the things I am always working on.

Today started out beautifully, meeting very nice Yogis over at Mercer County Park and sharing some Yoga, conversation and oranges.  I remember my first Yoga classes over at the Freehold Yoga Center.  Some of the best moments were after class, early on a Saturday morning that we would then all come toward the teacher and chat while eating whatever fruit she brought to share.  I was in high school at the time, trying to find where I fit in all the time.  But after Yoga I didn't worry about where I fit in, I just enjoyed the time with them, eating the sweet fruit and sitting on the rolled up blanket.  This is where my love for Yoga started.   I then went off to college and taken Yoga there but I continued to remember the very sweet, peaceful man who ran the Freehold Yoga Center whose classes I went to and ending in a great big bear hug.  His eyes were piercing blue and I remember thinking I want to be taught how to teach Yoga from this man of infinite wisdom.  But I went off to college and then grad school and spent years away from New Jersey.  But the Garden State pulled me back in and soon I found myself a full-time teaching gig and had enough money to not live rent check, to rent check.  I went back to Freehold Yoga Center when I could, and one day I overheard, "I don't think I'm going to do the Yoga Teacher Training any longer."  It was the piercing blue eyed teacher.  I suddenly remembered wanting to learn from him.  The other students begged him and he said and he giggled, "One more year."  And so I signed up for Yoga Teachers Training.  I'm so glad I did.  Now not only do I find peace from the practices and philosophy, I find the best gift of all is being able to share it with others.

So what is my Yoga Tip of the Day?  Can you guess?  Go share some Yoga with others.  Share a book, buy a Yoga children's book for your kids, do some pranayama with your mother/father/grandparent.  This is what I did last week with my nephew, sister and mother.


So close-- next month maybe his feet will touch his head.

Helping Grandma touch her feet to her head.

Yea!  So beautiful!
And enjoy!  Life is for fun!

Blessings of so much joy and health to you today and all your days. 

--Yoga Girl

Friday, July 27, 2012

I don't know what to talk about tonight.  I feel a little overwhelmed.  I think I'm over planning again.  I have a playreading of my play in October, and I'm producing it in the Winter.  I'm trying to grow the participants in the Yoga at the Park events and spent all day responding to Meetup.com participants, which is great, I'm very happy people know about it now.  It's just, there's so much to do to get ready for the school year again and I'm feeling the crunch of the end of summer coming. 

What do you do when you feel like you are over planning? 

Remember that Calgon commercial, "Calgon take me away?"  That's how I feel.  Maybe I should sit in a hot tub.  Or maybe I should just go to bed.  Sometimes it's just the thing to do, for tomorrow I will get up and do Yoga at the park and won't think about it.

I guess that's my Yogic Tip of the Day-- you feel things and then suddenly you feel something else.  You see an old friend and you're happy.  Then it rains and you might be upset it ruined your plans.  But then a present comes in the mail and you're happy again.  It is a very odd thing to base life on-- feelings because they change so quickly.  That is why in Yoga we make decisions only if the mind and heart are in collaboration. 

Well my mind and heart are saying, "Go to bed."  I have a full day tomorrow-- Yoga and then a friend's wedding I've been excited about for months.  So why worry, right?  Tomorrow's another day, as they say.

Goodnight and sweet dreams to all,

Yoga Girl

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Yesterday I decided to do one more thing to entice people to meet us in Mercer County Park.  I created a Meetup group.  I'm still hoping for dozens of people by the end of the summer.  Yesterday was so perfect for outside Yoga.  Soft breezes, sunshine but not hot-- I'm sorry you missed it.   Next one is Saturday.  Please let me know if you are coming.  Bring friends, family, total strangers! 

And for my tip of the day I'm thinking about health a lot lately.  I've taken the chemicals out of all the products I use on my body and hair.  I use tea tree shampoo from Trader Joe's, no scent Dr. Bronner's soap for the shower and Tea Tree face soap from Trader Joe's.  I go on again off again with Tom's of Maine toothpaste, but it is the only one that doesn't cause me to have sensitive teeth eventually.  So now what do I do about sun screen? 

I went to the dermatologist and she said everything was great except I did have some sun spots so to use sun screen when I go out.

I tried just coconut oil because I read that blocks UV rays and I burned.  Granted, I didn't reapply and was out on the water kayaking for hours.

And so I found this in the free magazine Natural Awakenings about natural chemical-free sunscreens.

http://www.naturalawakeningsmag.com/Natural-Awakenings/July-2012/Natural-Summer-Skin-Care/

Now I'm going to buy Jason's or Burt's Bees chemical free sunscreen because I trust those companies.

So now what do you feel about sun screen?   What do you do to keep healthy in the summer?

Happy Thursday!

Yoga Girl

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Make a Vow

Do you have days when you're going, going, going up until you fall into bed?  That was my day.  I almost forgot to write in the blog and even turned off my computer, but no!  I can not sleep until I write in my blog.  That was my commitment.  At the end of Yoga class I usually suggest that one makes a vow to do something to deepen one's daily Yoga practice, to bring Yoga into the forefront of one's mind.  I think making a vow is the way to deepen my practice.  This is my vow-- to share some Yogic thoughts here everyday for a month. 

In The Golden Present, Swami Satchidanadaji said, "If you make a vow, no matter what it is, stick to it. Sticking to it is a very difficult thing to do. You will have to face a lot of tests, but be persistent. The ability to persevere will prove that you are the master of your own mind."

Is there something you've been meaning to do everyday?


Floss?
Meditate?
Hatha Yoga?
Pay more attention to your food as you eat?
Turn off the TV and listen to music or read instead?

Maybe today is the day to make a vow.  What could it hurt? 

Maybe your vow is to come to the Free Yoga class on Wed. mornings at 10am or Sat. at 8am!  That would be a good vow!  (Mercer County Park-- Marina-- look for the Yoga mats.)  Hopefully we'll see you there.

Much light, laughter and health to you!

-- Yoga Girl

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Tip of the Day

"No one can create negativity or stress within you.  Only you can do that by virtue of how you process your world."  -- Dr. Wayne Dyer

With lots of love, light and laughter,
Yoga Girl

Friday, July 20, 2012

Yoga & Breathing

Another Yoga Tip of the Day for you in video.  Watch if you want to learn "Why Yoga" for Yoga Girl and how to practice one of the Yogic breathing techniques: Analoma Viloma.

Don't forget-- Tomorrow's Free Yoga in the Park is canceled because they're having a marathon.  And if you're interested in the Yoga Retreat the first weekend in August hurry up-- deadline to register is August 1st.

Also -- Post comments below.  There's a contest-- anyone who leaves a comment on the blog gets a chance to win my Relaxation CD.  Deadline's August 11th.

Lots of joy to you today.
Namaste.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

To Talk or Not to Talk

I was reading other Yoga blogs to get a sense of what "successful" blogs are talking about.  One particular blog was beautifully designed.  It had links to fancy Yoga wear, Yoga magazines, Yoga retreats and videos on how to do certain poses.  I was impressed.  What I read though, made me pause.  It was all about the body, alignment and discussed how they didn't want the "talking" or "spiritual" in the class.  Granted the writer of the blog said that he wanted to find the spirit, go within, but he didn't want help getting there.  He said that he could get there himself.

So my question to you, if you've taken my class is-- do I talk to much?  Rev. Jaganath has said that he was taught to be succinct and allow the silence to help students focus on going within.  I absolutely agree.  I wish I didn't have to put music on, but teaching at the gym-- the music on outside the Yoga room is very non-relaxing, as are the weights being lifted and dropped.  One gym I worked at had a raquetball court attached to the Yoga room.  That was very relaxing, let me tell you.  So I play music to set the mood for relaxation and I find myself repeating things that the regulars might already know-- "focus on your breath,"  "let go of your judgement of yourself and others," "enjoy the stretch."  I guess I worry that the newcomers (of which there are a few in each gym class) need to hear it.  But also I think that some of the regulars need to hear it too-- and maybe for some-- hear it clearly for the first time.  

There was a time that I would lead Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) a few times and then ask everyone to do it themselves without my prompting.  I become quiet and watch.  Afterwards I had a student ask me to please not go quiet for she felt she needed my voice to help her quiet her mind.  She felt that in the quiet that she could not relax.

I was taught to try and use as few words as possible.  That said I try to read the room and see what is needed and sometimes that means reminding those in the room to relax or not try to push themselves further than they can go today. 

So what do you think?  To Talk or Not to Talk, that is the question.

P.S.  I do have a tip of the day:  Speaking of silence, do you notice how calm you get around the ocean?  The radio, TV and discussion is not needed.  Find some time every day to get quiet-- it doesn't have to be silent, but you do.  Rev. Jaganath always says (I'm paraphrasing very poorly here) that we we have lips and teeth as two barriers to help us really see if we need sound coming out of our mouths.  Meanwhile our ears don't have any barriers.  We were meant to listen more than speak-- that's the point.  Maybe drive without the radio on.  Maybe sit somewhere without a book to distract us.  Just sit and take in nature, people-watch, or meditate. 

Hope that helps.  And don't forget to discuss with me your opinions on talking during Yoga class.

Tomorrow 10am Yoga at Mercer County Park.  Free.  See you there if you can make it (with ice water and a towel-- it's going to be a little warm.)

-- Yoga Girl

Less Sleep/More Meditation

Good morning.  Yes, I forgot to write a blog post last night.  I was preparing to send out scripts today and continued hole punching and printing out cover letters until 10pm.  When it is 10pm we try to stop everything and go to bed.  Even Yoga Dog walks into his crate around then without our prompting.  It would be nice if we were sleeping by 10pm because I am at my best when I get 8 hours of sleep.  But although I did not keep my word about a blog a day, I am meditating every day.  Luckily with mediation comes some extra energy and one needs less sleep.

It is also helpful with turning off the part of the mind that causes anxiety and so many more uncomfortable mind whirling situations.  See the study that Yale did:

http://news.yale.edu/2011/11/21/tuning-out-how-brains-benefit-meditation


So please forgive me for not putting out a blog last night.  I have a whole bunch of ideas I want to write about but they take time.  So do not worry-- I will try to get one out later today and keep it going the best I can.

Yoga has taught me to be kind to others, to the Earth and even to myself.  So I will try to forgive myself.  Hope you do too!

Much love, light and laughter today!  And stay cool!

-- Yoga Girl

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Tip of the Day: The Best Way to Learn is from A Master

Tip of the Day: Th
ere's nothing like a live talk from a master.  Yes you can watch many sages online.  Amazing videos of Swami Satchidananda that I've enjoyed on YouTube which is so brilliant since I just missed meeting him.  I became involved in the Yoga Life after he passed from his body.  Hearing his voice and knowing the stories I know through Rev. Jaganath talking about him, I feel as if I have met him.  Maybe in another life I did.  What is so wonderful is that there are living Masters here now and it is so wonderful being in the room with them.  You feel the love and energy coming from them.  I highly suggest finding a Satsang or Yogic Talk to go to. 

Maybe a trip to Omega is what you need.  Rev. Jaganath and many other really amazing skilled Yoga Masters will be there.  Learn more at: Omega: Being Yoga

And if you don't want to travel to Rhinebeck, NY check out YogaLifeSociety.com and see where he is speaking next in NJ. 

Om and lots of enlightenment,
Yoga Girl

Tip of the Day on Super Soul Sunday

Tip of the Day:  "Laugh and the World Laughs with you."-- Ella Wheeler Wilcox 

Go forth and enjoy a good laugh with friends.  Laughter is good medicine.  Go and make someone laugh.  Laugh at yourself!  Here's my friend Swami Cat and I going for sharing a laugh or two, yesterday at Guru Poornima in honor of Sri Rev. Jaganath Carrera.

Enjoy.

Friday, July 13, 2012

New Yoga Tip of The Day

Day Two of the Yoga Daily Double and I have to admit-- I'm already regretting saying that I'll post a tip a day for a month.  My husband said, "What?  Another thing you've committed to?"  Yes, another thing.  But isn't that just how life is?  You decide you want to do something and the universe comes in to test you as if its saying, "Are you sure you want to do that?"

I know I feel better and interact with the world with more patience and reverence when I am in my Yogic mindset.  (So although this Yoga Tip of the Day might look like Karma Yoga, I can't call it that because I get so much out of it.  I get into my Yogic mindset because I'm thinking-- what did I do today or what SHOULD I do today to share with everyone later?)

Today's Tip:  Find the right soundtrack.

Every filmmaker knows that your movie will be ruined with the wrong soundtrack.  The same goes for the daily routine of life.  Choosing the right soundtrack can help get you in the mood.  So here's a few suggestions from some amazing artists.  Snatam Kaur, Wah!, Girish and Swami Cat's dear friend, Robin Renee.  I recommend going to their websites and ordering all their music.  Their voices and rhythms are such a mood lifter.

 Enjoy!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Tip of the Day

I was inspired to make a video.  Nice change of pace, don't you think?

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

YOU WIN! The Yoga Daily Double

"Be the change you want to see in the world."

"Do one thing a day that scares you."  

Gandhi and Eleanor Roosevelt's quotes are on my desk reminding me what I want to do in life.  But how?
How do you live like Gandhi and Mrs. Roosevelt?  One sure way I've seen and experienced working to make me "be the change" and take the scarier, more challenging road is my study of Yoga philosophy, practicing Hatha Yoga and bringing Yoga practices into my daily life. So I'm going to promise to type on this blog, one suggestion, one hint, or inspiring thought each day that might help you live your life to the fullest and experience more joy, more focus, more relaxation.  This does SCARE me-- as you know, I've haven't been very good at keeping my promises online.  Remember the study of the Sutras?  I think I did that for a week.  But I promise right now-- each night I won't sleep until I put one helpful suggestion down that has worked for me in the past. Okay here we go.  I promise to do this every night for a month.  And what little thing do I ask of you?  To try it.  If it works, or if it doesn't work for you, let's talk about it on the blog.  You'll be helping others and we'll have a good laugh along the way. 
Everyone who comments gets put in the running to win a Relaxation CD created by me.  I'll pick the winner on August 11th- one month from today.
What do you say?  You up for the challenge?
The Yoga Hint of the Day is:
If you want to start meditating and you can't seem to make time to do it.  Try promising yourself that you will not eat breakfast until you do a little meditation.  This hint comes directly from my Guru, Rev. Jaganath Carrera.  It works!
Good luck! Lots of love, light and laughter to you!

--Yoga Girl

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Remember

It's not so easy to remember these days.  I carry around little pink sticky notes.  Sometimes I email myself so I remember to do things.  I've even called myself and left myself a message.  That's the silliest feeling-- "Hello me-- it's me." 

But I'm trying to be more mindful.  Meditation in the morning is not the twenty minutes I promised myself I was going to do but I've been doing my Yoga routine in the morning ending in a few minutes of meditation.  Thank goodness, for I don't know what I'd be like without a few minutes of focus.  I can hardly remember what day it is.  That's what happens in the summer to those whose routine is disrupted for two months.

This week I have to remember to:
Water the veggies outside (Oops almost forgot tonight)
Practice with Swami Cat for the "Talk" at Saturday's Guru Poornima
Call for an appointment with the dentist
Contact actors for a reading of my play next week
Contact my dad to see if we can schedule that balloon ride I bought on Groupon last year
And there's one more thing, but I think I forgot it...

 How is your meditation going?
Is it helping you be more mindful?

Remember I won't be at Mercer County Park tomorrow morning-- I've working on curriculum for my theatre classes in a workshop.

But I'll see all of you Cando friends at 5:30!

Be well & have fun!

Om,
Yoga Girl

Sunday, July 8, 2012

The Great Outdoors

No birds upset with us this last time at Mercer County Park because they were setting up the Pavilion for a party.  The sun was a little strong though, so we had to move in the shade for Sivasana.  Remember I have a work thing I have to do this Wed. morning, so I won't be at the park but Saturday I will.  Also take July 21st off your calendar for the Park has a big event and they suggested that I cancel the Yoga class.

And remember let me know if you are coming and want to kayak after.  They rent kayaks at MCP. 

Just came back from kayaking in Carnegie Lake.  So gorgeous and relaxing.  Herons and turtles and fish, Oh My! 

See you soon.

Many blessings,
Yoga Girl

Thursday, July 5, 2012

The Free Yoga Class

I wish I had pictures or a video to show you.
It was too funny.
There we were at the Mercer County Park pavilion setting up and suddenly two tiny sparrow-like birds were very disturbed that we were there.  They had a nest up in the rafters and we were nearby, not directly underneath it (because it was a little messy underneath it, if you know what I mean) but a few feet away.  I thought about moving but the sun was shining and I didn't want people to get sun burned or too hot.  I thought about moving out of the pavilion altogether, but I told people that is where I would be.

Ah the dilemna. 

We did the Yoga class and as it turns out no one disturbed by the irate birds except for me.  I was the one that was worried about them dive bombing the Yogis. 

I also thought it would be less dirty than putting our mats on the ground, but concrete in a park is very dirty I am sad to say.  Putting our hands out like a T to do spinal twists was a bit grimy. 

Yet I loved it.  Looking out into the lake while taking a Yoga class is like doing a Yoga video at home watching them in Hawaii or some exotic place-- except you can feel the cool breeze and enjoy live birds dive bombing you.

My favorite part of the Yoga class was that two women were watching from a hill.  I waved them over and they joined us.  They had the best time.  They were laughing at the poses they couldn't do and just thoroughly enjoying themselves.  I found out later that they had never taken a Yoga class before.  That's the best.  Spreading the joy of Yoga to those who might not have tried it if it was not out in the Park and open to everyone.

I had a wonderful time.  And if you come on Saturday to the 8am class you can rent a kayak and go kayaking with me.  I'm in the mood for some meditation in motion on the water. 

Hopefully I'll see you there and maybe you can see the funny protective birds that I'm talking about.  We'll try to set up a little bit further away this time though.

Lots of joy to you,
Yoga Girl

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Chocolate Gluten Free Cake

Do you ever get this hankerin' for something chocolatey and yet nothing is in the house that satisfies?  I bought some cookies but they are full of gluten and I don't do well with a lot of gluten so I try to stay away.  I saw this post on the Yoga Life Society Facebook page and I had to try it. 

So glad I did!

Might be the best cake I've ever made and it's gluten free, moist and not that sugary.

Check it out-- so simple!  Don't let the chick peas scare you away.  It doesn't taste like hummus, I swear.

Chocolate Cake (Gluten Free!)
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 (19 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
4 eggs
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for dusting


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Place the chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring every 20 seconds after the first minute, until chocolate is melted and smooth. If you have a powerful microwave, reduce the power to 50 percent. Combine the beans and eggs in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Add the sugar and the baking powder, and pulse to blend. Pour in the melted chocolate and blend until smooth, scraping down the corners to make sure chocolate is completely mixed. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 

Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.


 Isn't it beautiful? 
 
Thank you YLS for posting healthy gluten free
yummy food.

I suggest baking while watching a movie.
 One of my favorite things to do.  Tonight I watched Departures an Oscar winning foreign film from Japan.  Beautifully done.  I guess a few tears and chocolate was just what the doctor ordered.

Want to know more about this movie?
Departures on Rotten Tomatoes

Be well and hope you have a sweet evening!

Monday, July 2, 2012

I Did It

Morning was wonderful.  I did wake, walk Yoga Dog and the sweet morning air was invigorating, not oppressive as it is now (at noon.)

Then after walking in and giving him his breakfast I had a thought-- I could turn on the computer and start working but... I remembered my promise to myself and all of you.  I went into the Yoga Room (which is also J's office, and storage for our bikes & kayaks) and did my full Yogic routine plus a long meditation.  I think I did fifteen minutes of silent meditation.  Yea!  Okay, now two weeks I hear is what you need to do to make something a habit.  Okay-- one down, thirteen more to go.

In meditation after I find the quiet.  I feel my body pulsing and as if a light has shined on.  I like to imagine the beautiful light in the Lotus (Light of Truth Meditation Room) meditation room of Yogaville, Swami Satchidanada's Ashram in Virginia.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

New Start

What do you think of the new look?  It's almost midnight and I'm up-- updating the blog look.  Maybe it is so that I can have a new start at all the things I'm looking forward to doing this summer.  I need to really practice my morning Yoga and meditation.  Not the stretching and mini quiet session I've been doing.  It was a different year for me.  It's the first time in over five years I haven't meditated everyday and I know I was less patience and less focused because of it.  I wake up to a cute little nose on my bed with these sad eyes pleading with me to walk outside.  I can't let my baby wait another second while he crosses his legs so as not to pee on the carpet, so I get up without hesitation.  This is how I was when my meditation practice was going strong.  I rolled out of bed to my altar without a thought. 

But now summertime is in full blast and I will wake up tomorrow and after walking Yoga Dog, I'll do the full Yoga Life Society routine and then a ten minute meditation (will work up to twenty minutes.)

Let's see how I do.  Maybe if I write it down here knowing that I've got you to report to, then I'll do it. 

Check back tomorrow.  Oh and tell me how you like the new look and bio. 

Namaste!
-- Yoga Girl