Summertime, lots of relaxing by the pool, napping with a book in hand, walking by the ocean-- wait a moment... I'm not doing any of those things.  I am busy trying to promote Swami Cat's new book and get together a press kit for his workshop: Family Fun Yoga.  Swami Cat, I need a vacation!

Oh well, it is fun sharing all of the fun Yogic lessons with new friends.

I thought I posted this already but if I did.  Enjoy it again.

Gotta run.  I'm teaching class soon.

Blessings of love, light and laughter to you all.

As Swami Cat says, "You are the cat's meow."

Enjoy the sunshine!

Yoga Girl

So much to catch you up on...

1. Swami Cat book available on Amazon.  (And from me, just ask me.)
http://www.amazon.com/Swami-Cat-Wisdom-Purr/dp/1481923692/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374858606&sr=1-1&keywords=swami+cat

2. Swami Cat and I (Yoga Girl) will be leading our first Family Fun Yoga event at Soulsational Music & Wellness Event Saturday (tomorrow) July 27th!  Whoo-hoo!  Bring the family, bring friends, all free!
http://soulsational.webs.com/

3. Outdoor Yoga classes are gaining momentum!  Join us next next Saturday August 3rd at 8am at Mercer County Park Marina Pavilion.  By Donation (100% proceeds go to Yoga Life Society.) Kayaking afterwards if you sign up-- contact me and I'll make sure they know you're joining us.
If we get many Yogis, I'll change the weekly classes to Saturdays at 8 am until the last week in August, we'll be away.   What do you think?  Fun, right?!

4. Lower Back/Buttock muscles causing you pain?  We were talking about this in class today.  (With the cool breeze off the lake, and the sun shining down-- really if you weren't there, you missed a relaxing Yoga class)  So many of my students ask about this problem.  We all know we sit too much, at the computer, in the car...

What are you doing to combat this?

Found this online today:http://www.yoganonymous.com/yoga-tune-up-is-crossing-your-legs-causing-low-back-pain-video-for-relief-inside/

Also try pigeon pose and locust.  Most of all, stop sitting so much.  Stand up and type.  Okay you can't stand and drive-- yet-- but someone should invent that!

And soon-- Yoga Girl and Swami Cat are doing a new video that might help you.  It's for all you Car Yogis out there.  You know what I'm talking about.  You use the back of the other chair to stretch your arms and shoulder blades.  Yes, I've seen you.

May you find peace, joy, sunshine and a smile today!

Om and Purr!
Yoga Girl

NEW NEW NEW

Hello my beautiful friends, it is time to ask you for a favor.  I will be posting more and more on the Swami Cat Facebook page, and it would be lovely if I could get 100 likes by the end of this month to kick off Swami Cat's new book.  Would you be ever so kind and go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Swami-Cat/140598932630463?ref=hl and like his page!

Oh and Swami Cat, Yoga Girl and Nitya have published their first Children's Book of Yoga Philosophy.  Do you know any children that can do Tree Pose and love to "Om?"  Then you could share Swami Cat's words of wisdom with them.  If you buy Swami Cat's book before July 21st -- you'll get his autograph- just let me know and I'll send it to you or give it to you when I see you.  (It's a cute little sticker.)
Here's the link to the book:

https://www.createspace.com/4122827

Very exciting!

May your Bliss be overflowing this summer.

Namaste,

Yoga Girl

"You don't have to be afraid of anything."

Ah, yes it has been awhile since I wrote.  I've missed you all.
Tonight at Yoga class I read the April 6th passage from Swami Satchidananda's book The Golden Present, although it wasn't the one I planned on reading.  The passage must have been needed by someone in the class.  Maybe you need it as well?

"Have complete faith. Don't even go near fear. Remember: If anything has to happen, it will happen. Think, "All right, let it happen. I am bold! What's the use of being afraid of it? I'm not going to be able to stop anything that is meant to happen."

If you really have faith, you don't have to be afraid of anything. That doesn't mean that you should not be careful. Be careful, but don't be afraid."

Om Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi

Funny thing is, I was afraid to read the first sentence.  Since I teach in a gym I'm always trying to leave out any mention of God or faith and make it more universal.  Sometimes I replace the word God with "the universe" because I fear any new participants at the gym might find it too Spiritual and not be introduced to the Yoga style I know and love.  What do you think?  Anyway, I love the quote and it reminds me of Eleanor Roosevelt's quote which hangs in my room-- 

Hope it inspires you to enjoy life to the fullest.  Yoga Dog and I are facing our fear of lightning and thunder by sitting and watching the light show on the terrace.  Bravo!  It's July 4th in April!

P.S.-- I just started a new meetup group for the Yoga Life Society.  Would love it if you joined!  Check out the link:  Yoga Life Society Meetup Group

Back pain.
It's been on my mind a lot lately.
Maybe because it is my number one issue-- back, neck, down the left leg pain.
I know the causes-- scoliosis, flat feet and from birth my hips were off and one leg was turned in.  I almost was Laura from the Glass Menagerie.  I wondered why I adored the writing of Tennessee Williams so much.  Maybe that is why.

That's my problem, but yet, so many of us have back problems and it can't all stem from the same problems that I have.

It is our culture of sitting that does us in.

I've had several chiropractors tell me not to sit anymore.

Oh okay, when they make a car and desk for writers that allows me to stand all day, I'll get 'em.

I've been contemplating what to do about my on again, off again back pain for over fifteen years.  What helps-- Yoga of course.

Yet, it was getting really bad a few weeks ago.  I had the pain down the back of my leg stemming from my hip.  I was told it's not sciatica (phew) but I was still in pain.  You should have seen me driving.  I'm sure someone thought I was dancing.  I sat on my left leg.  You only need your right in an automatic.  Then I'd have my left ankle on top of my right thigh.  When I couldn't take that anymore I'd stretch the leg out as straight as I could, moving my seat all the way back.  I would have swung my leg out the rolled-down window if it wasn't so cold.

I tried all the usual suspects.  I tried the wedge or Cush Tush some manufacturers call it.

I tried back cushions, the massage seats for cars, the beads, etc.

Then it came to me.  I should try sitting like I do in Yoga class with my tailbone lifted.  It couldn't hurt. Right?  So I rolled a blanket and put it under my tailbone and not soon after I was feeling less pain.  Today I drive with it every day and I haven't felt pain in months.

The only problem is that it moves around a lot.  I was thinking of buying this...  anyone try it yet?


http://www.yogaback.com/The_YogaBack_for_Driving/new_YogaBackDriving_BU.html

http://www.backjoy.com/backjoy/cms/sit/sit

So how is your back?  

Here's what I do to make sure I keep my back as healthy as possible.

Cobra nice and slow

Pigeon

Eagle

Sun Salutations

Janu Sirsanana - Head to Knee pose

These and a back massage sure do help.

Here's to a healthy back for us all!

Om Shanti,

Yoga Girl

What does Yoga in action look like?
It looks like the parking lot of Trader Joe's compared to Shop Rite.  If you watch, you will see Trader Joe's patrons bringing the carts all the way back to their metal cart home right in front of the store.  At Shop Rite people leave their carts in the middle of parking spaces.
Taking the extra few steps to make it easier on others.
That is Yoga.

Soon to be kale chips!

Have you got an example of Yoga in action?

You could be a guest blog host!

Let me know.

Yoga Girl

P.S. They now sell cocoa almond butter.  Just in case you are a chocoholic but trying to be healthy like I am.

New Year coming up.  What will you do with it?

Ah, the list.  The new year arriving and all of a sudden I get a craving for lists.

This morning in meditation I realized there is only one thing on my list this year...

Usually I ask for guidance in helping me let go of judgement and that has usually meant: judgement of others.  But this morning something clicked for me, when asking for help letting go of judgement a little voice said, "And that includes yourself."

Ah so true!  I want to let go of the judgement that arises in my brain that whispers to me often that I haven't done enough for my writing career, for my spiritual health, for my connection to my community, etc. etc.

Boy, that's a lot of judgement.

And so I hereby announce to the world that starting today (not even tomorrow on the Eve) I let the judges in my mind float away like the lanterns we will be lighting and sending into the universe on New Year's Eve.  (Can't wait to post pictures of that.)

The only other thing on my list is to see my play, A Blessed Unrest produced by an established theatre company this year.  It's for my cousin, Michael.  I wanted to produce this for you in your life, but I have a feeling that you'll help me now that you are free from your body and can go anywhere and do anything!

That's it.  Two things.  I can handle two things.

So yes there are many more nagging little things that want to jump on the list... but no, you shall stay on a post-it and not go on "The List."

What is on your "List" for this year?

And what would you like Swami Cat and I to do this coming year?

We have a book coming out, a calendar and I have a few short film ideas percolating.  Feel like acting in a short film in the Spring?  Let me know!

With so much love, light and laughter for your new year!

Yoga Girl

And now here's some happenings for the New Year...
 Princeton Center for Yoga & Health New Year's Celebration

Princeton IYI in Monmouth Junction's Special Event

ALSO I'm participating in a fundraiser for victims of Sandy two-legged and four-legged victims.
Please help me by donating just $15 -- I will be participating in as many of the Yoga classes as I can on Jan. 26th.  You too can sign up to participate and drive down there with me.
Here's the info:

Yoga Heals Fundraiser Benefitting Children and Pets Displaced by Hurricane Sandy

From 2pm - Midnight on Saturday, January 26th, 2013, The Center for Health and Healing will offer 16 all-level yoga classes taught by our wonderful teachers. The purpose of this fundraiser is to help local children and animals displaced by Hurricane Sandy. Ninety percent of money raised will be split between The Popcorn Park Zoo and helping to rebuild Boyd Elementary School of Seaside Heights and Lavallette Elementary School through the Back to School Fund@NJEA.org. There will also be a Wishing Well at the Center for donations of new school supplies or pet food. We are very excited about this event because it gives us the opportunity to directly help families affected by Hurricane Sandy while doing something we love - practicing yoga!

Good night sweet prince,
friend,
cousin,
lover of nature, of laughter, of soft-shelled crab (or did you just want to see me order it and struggle with how to eat it)
I'll always remember how you visited me in the bowels of South Central, worried for your life but happy to take me out to dinner,
I'll always remember the joy in your voice as you reminisced about your youth hitchhiking across the country and how you took a dance class one time and the teacher told everyone to be more like you-- brave and passionate (even if graceful wasn't your thing.)
I wish you much freedom now, now that you are out of the chains of non-movement.
17 years is too long for anyone to not move, except by contraptions and machines
So many people will miss you.
You and your advice.
You and your stubborn willfulness.
I hope you know how much we loved you.
Still love you.
Thank you for your inspiration, your stories, your heart.  I am so proud of what we created together.
My only wish now is that you can see it when it gets produced.  I'll make sure there's an open seat for you in the front row.
Sad for us, but not sad for you.
Much, much love to you and rest for your spirit.

Michael 

-- Lynne

Before the hustle
Slide into my silky natural awareness
One that comes with an ease of breath
Balance of mind
Calmness of thought
Like an old friend
I smile
Full happy stretching toward nothing in particular
Utter joy sinking deeper into everything
With a grateful nod to my teachers
and a prayer for all to find this peace
I do one last down dog and find my tallest self
before taking on the world


I shall rise at 4:30 everyday if it makes me feel like this.

Enjoy some Hatha and meditation today anytime.  It is yours to use.  Steal a few moments to remember your birth right of joy.

Be well.

Yoga Girl

Holiday Satsang coming this Friday (Join Jason and I as we lead a few sing-a-longs. Fun!)

HOLIDAY SATSANG

Friday, Dec. 14th 7:30 pm

Enjoy the wisdom of the ages as shared by Yoga Master Sri Rev. Jaganath Carrera. His candid humor and keen insights will delight and inspire you this holiday season. All are welcome.

Celebrate all of the holy-days including lighting of the menorah, singing some holiday favorites and do some holiday shopping at the YLS book store.  Also share with us special prasad (food). 

Akasha - "A Space to Heal"

265 Route 34 North - Rear Building

Colts Neck, New Jersey 07722

(732) 869-1591

$15

 7:30-9:30 pm

In the spirit of this Holy Season

PLEASE BRING A NEW, UNWRAPPED TOY for

Oasis: A Haven for Women and Children 

and monetary donations will be collected for

Adopt A Soldier Platoon, Inc

a non-profit organization working to improve the morale of our troops and their families.

YL Friday, 7:30 pm - 9:30pm

Also you won’t want to miss…

Having your photos taken with "Guruji as Santa"

$27 donation to YLS.

www.yogalifesociety.com

So many beautiful ways to give back (and feel great) this holiday season... join us for one or all of the following...

**YOGA-AID:  A Benefit for Those Affected by Hurricane Sandy**

Saturday, 8 December

1:00pm - 4:00pm

Freehold Yoga Center

3 West Main Street, Freehold, NJ

Program includes: Meditation, Pranayama, Asana - 

Kirtan with Acharya Krishnadas Sharma, talk by Reverend Jaganath Carrera

Proceeds to Benefit - Santa's Sandy Hands, Brahma Yoga Spa, and others.

RSVP to Dawn/Usha DeMarco

Suggested donation $35

_______________________________

**Talk at Kula Kamala Yoga**

Saturday, 8 December

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Kula Kamala Yoga

673 Batchelor Street, Toms RIver, NJ

(732) 333-3156

Please see their website for more details

_______________________________

**Special Holiday Satsang at Akasha - A Space to Heal**

Friday, 14 December

7:30pm - 9:30pm

Akasha - A Space to Heal

265 Route 34 North Rear Building, Colts Neck, NJ 

(732) 869-1591

$15

Enjoy satsang with Reverend Jaganath, a Hanukah Menorah lighting, 

some Holiday shopping at the YLS book store, special prasad (food).

Photos with "Guruji as Santa" - $27 donation.

Donations will be collected for Oasis: A Haven for Women and Children (please bring a new, unwrapped toy) and for Adopt a Soldier Platoon, Inc. 

_______________________________

**The Hidden Heart of Yoga - Unlock the Power of Transformation**

Saturday, 15 December

10am - 12pm

Integral Yoga Institute

227 West 13th Street

New York, NY 10011

(212) 929-0586

please check IYI's website for more info

______________________________

Holidays are coming and the one thing I'm dreading the gift-y part of the whole thing.  I wish it could be more about warm healthy food and singing songs surrounded by loved ones but it has become all about presents.  Why is that?  I'm not a good liar and I'm terrified of that moment when I open up a gift and it is totally wrong for me.

I guess what I'm thinking about mostly this year is those great smelling gift baskets of lotions.

I've said it before and I'm so happy I found it-- coconut oil has saved my life. Literally-- I use it on my skin, on my hair, in pill form everyday, as a cooking oil and I mix it with baking soda for a deodorant which works better than any store bought I've ever used.  My favorite of its magic properties is that it has literally stopped any (grossness alert) full-blown yeast infections.

I don't know why we're so brain washed into thinking that store bought is better.  And please-- all those chemicals we willingly put on our bodies, on our lips, and in our bodies... I can't help but see a correlation between the overdose of chemicals and why so many of us get seriously sick as we get older.

Yes I will be happy and thankful that someone thought of me and brought me a gift.  My parents taught me well.  (I do remember how horrible I was to my grandmother when she bought me the "wrong" record of The Hustle, I can vividly remember crying and breaking her heart.  My parents did teach me that day that it was the wrong response.)  Whomever gets me a gift that is thoughtful and sweet, but just not "me"-- I will hug them and thank them as if they gave $25 to a soup kitchen in my name or they bought me five containers of Trader Joe's Coconut Oil.

Going to go shopping now and hope, hope, hope I don't purchase any gifts that makes people want to cry or give me the fake, "I love it" while they secretly are already thinking of whom to regift it to.

Happy almost holidays,

Yoga Girl

Time Flies...

...when you're busy.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone.  I hope you have been able to keep the Yoga practice going throughout the extended weekend.  I dragged my behind out of the house this morning to take a Hatha class and I'm so glad I did.  It's been awhile since I've taken a Yoga class for many reasons-- but this class was just what I needed.  My back hasn't been right for weeks and I mentioned that the wonderful smart powers that be at Horizon say I can't go to the Chiropractor on my plan until the new year.  So I've been waiting until I really have to go to see Dr. B.  I think that my out of whack back and neck made me feel nauseous and dizzy.  I was snorkeling in Jamaica (Did I mention J and I went away) and after the pretty strong waves pushed me around for an hour I got out of the water and didn't stop spinning until a few days ago.

Yoga has been a life saver.  Without it, I would be miserable, cranky and achy.

So what has happened since we last spoke?

The power was off at our place for a week.  The night we came home to pack for Jamaica it came back on.  I was grateful not to have to pack in darkness and freezing.

We almost missed our flight to Jamaica.  In fact we did and then had to book another one.  Then had tons of traffic coming back into town.  Never again JFK airport-- just too crazy

I had a really great play reading of A Blessed Unrest.  I am so grateful for the actors, the director and the audience that came that night.  It was so wonderful to hear that they were moved by the play and I continue to get emails giving me feedback on the piece.  It is nice to know that it will have a life outside of my computer.

Had a fun time playing games with the family at Thanksgiving.  I also owe a few relatives the recipe for Moroccan Spaghetti Squash.  So flavorful.

And now all I can think about is helping those who still have no power, no place to live-- so I want to go teach Yoga somewhere.  If anyone knows of a shelter or studio that wants to do a free Yoga class for those who are stressed out because of Sandy-- I'd really like to do that.  Maybe even do a kids Yoga class with Swami Cat, but I have to practice some for that.

What I am doing is going to the Yoga Benefit to raise money for Sandy at Freehold Yoga Center Dec. 8th from 1pm to 4pm.
It would be wonderful if we could all practice together and spread the good karma.  Be well.
Om Shanti.

 -- Yoga Girl

Oct. 31st 2012

Nothing.  I want to do nothing.  I couldn't get online so I wrote it on paper.  Paper!  I haven't used paper to write anything but grocery lists.  It doesn't feel like Halloween.  The only treat will be a hot shower.  I see it in my neighbors' faces.  We're walking around like zombies without the stage makeup. We're all tired, cold and miserable.  But I get to catch up with neighbors.  We sat in a supermarket's food court today just to pass the time, keep warm and kibitz a little bit.  At least we can ban together and help each other out.  I helped my 92 year old neighbor stop the beeping on her electric fire alarm.  Others were offering to let us put some food in their fridge that was being kept cold by a generator.  I want to take them up on their generosity, but I just don't know where we'll be.  Maybe at home, maybe at a friends, maybe at my mothers.  I can't decide.  My brain is foggy.  You know I'm not myself when I can't even read a book.  I'm not interested.  Uh oh-- now we know something's wrong.

Nov. 1^st 2012

I thought I was on solid ground.  I thought I was one of the few that really had my head on straight.  I Wow, was I wrong.  One big hurricane and it rattled my world.  How my ego likes to feel in control and enjoys its routine.  I was not one of the unlucky ones losing my home, or my life.  I shouldn’t even complain.  But if I’m going to be honest here and witness my shortcomings I have to admit that I am unusually, uncomfortably left of center.  That song of Suzanne Vega's was one of my favorites to sing.  I fell in love with the movie and the first boy who paid any attention to me.  I sang that song and listened to the Pretty In Pink soundtrack so many times that I broke the audio cassette.  Well, now I feel very much left of center.  I really like to think of myself as one who will be the light and help others stay centered, but I find myself complaining to my friends and Yoga students.  Who is this person who is moping around?  Who is she that scowls at her husband for every little thing and snarls when she can not get on the internet in yet another Hot Spot?  It really is ridiculous.  I am watching myself, mildly amused at how childish I am being.  I did do my meditation and Hatha practices this morning, but I have to admit what is really making me feel better is Ghiradelli Intense Dark Sea Salt Chocolate.  God bless the Chocolatiers, and my husband for buying a whole bag.

P.S. This reminds me of a story Guruji told us.  (I'm not very good at retelling stories or jokes, Lord knows I've got a terrible memory for these things, so forgive me.  I'll try my best.) 

There was a king who used to give a lot of money to the Yogic monastery near his kingdom.  All of the kings did, knowing that they did a good thing praying for all of the kingdom, etc.  Then one day one of the king's advisors told him that he shouldn't give them money anymore.  The king was now doubting his donation to the Yogis so he went to visit.  The Yoga Master greeted him warmly and after hearing the king's concerns told him to meet the Master at his army's bunks at midnight when all were asleep.  The king was confused but did as the Master told him.  When he arrived at the army bunks the Master took a freezing cold bucket of water and threw it on the soldiers.  They woke screaming obscenities and looked as if they were ready to kill.  Knowing the king was confused, the Master asked him to please now meet him tomorrow night at the Yogi's bunks.  The next night the king came as requested and stood by as the Master again threw a bucket of cold water on the sleeping Yogis.  They awoke quickly with a prayer of Om Shanti and there was not a single one of them who had the thought to kill the one who woke them in such a jarring way.  The king understood immediately.  He vowed to grant the Monastery their money for the rest of his lifetime.  

This one of my favorite stories.  I want to be the Yogi whose inner peace never wavers no matter what the world throws at me.  Yet today I feel like the soldier.  I wasn't cursing but I was not happy.  

  

Nov. 2nd 2012

Okay.  A little bit more centered.  I think it is the quiet.  I'm at a friend's house, catching up on emails, sending out scripts and apologizing for them being late due to the fact that I haven't been online in many days.  I feel better though, for I can finally be in touch with family and friends via online and the phone seems to work now.  Also, I feel centered today, maybe because of the familiar typing rhythm, the soothing click of the keyboard in a quiet space with doggies to keep me company.  I don't know what it is but I am grateful today for so many things-- for friends, food that was salvaged from the uncool fridge, for my safety and the safety of my loved ones.  I am so grateful for the unconditional love of my dog friends.  I am still grateful for the chocolate that surprisingly has a few pieces left in the bag.  Yet, I am not as "in need" of it.  I am grateful for the sound of the electric saws and chippers that are cleaning up the area.  Thank you guys who are heros to so many by cleaning up, bringing back roads, safe areas and electricity.  I'm also feeling ready to be creative again.

Russell Simmons, the Hip Hop producer does Yoga.  "I recognize the goal of Yoga practice is to put you in the same space that Muslim, Christian, Buddhist and many other practices put you in.  I recognize there are as many roads to G-d as there are people."

This is an excerpt from the inspirational book "One Can Make a Difference" by Ingrid E. Newkirk the founder of PETA.  I finished this book after casually reading it, taking my time and enjoying each essay by a different influential person.  Paul McCartney, Bridget Bardot to a not so famous influential woman who started dog parks not that long ago. 

I highly recommend this book.  I sometimes feel the doubt creep in that little ol' me can't change the world for the better.  But this book reminded me that one person, sharing, caring and going that extra mile can make a difference.

Hope you have a brilliant day.

-- Yoga Girl

Yoga Girl's beginnings--

I think Yoga was always in my soul.

Check this out.

Shoulder stand and Butterfly.

Om Shanti!

I continue to learn Yogic lessons by walking the dog.  I take deeper breaths, watch for falling stars and notice how many spider webs there are this year.  In the past year and a half with Yoga Dog, I've met more people in the neighborhood and spent much more time outdoors. 

He reminds me that life is about living in the moment.  All moments are new, a new smell, another person to meet, another squirrel to watch.  I'm always fascinated watching him jump into the car not knowing where we are going but excited for the journey.  This is how I want to live.

I hope he knows how grateful I am for him.

-- Thank you all for the wonderful summer of Yoga.  Now that I am back to my day job, I am already planning drama club rehearsals and feel right back in the hectic web of it all.  But I am trying to remember that although I am busy, all of it are things I have chosen to do, and all of them bring me much joy. 

And so here's to staying in the joy amidst the hustle!

Tomorrow's Outdoor Yoga, no one has emailed me about joining me and so I've decided to cancel it. 
You can join us for an environmental walk and dance performance in Hopewell tomorrow at 2:30-- called Dancescapes NJ.  http://www.passagetheatre.org/index.php/mainstage/dancescapes-nj

Then Global Mala on Sunday!  So excited-- Outdoor Yoga in a football field with thousands of Yogis chanting 108 Om's and then practicing Yoga together.  Really, it's only a donation of $27 and if that doesn't work for you they won't turn anyone away-- it's a beautiful event.  And my not-so-secret political crush will be there-- Mr. Corey Booker.  So-- you know, it's worth checking that out!
http://globalmalanj.org/

And then I'm celebrating my nephew's year of living after his unfortunate brain injury.  AVM they call it.  Last year at this time I think he was in a medically induced coma.  He's such a sweetie, so glad he's up and around, making us all laugh again.

Well, enjoy the last night of summer.

Blessings to all!

Namaste,
Yoga Girl

Teaching Yoga

Teaching Yoga is so much different for me than teaching theatre.  For one thing I start by thinking that I'm not teaching-- I'm sharing and I ask for Guruji Rev. Jaganath to teach the class through me.  That way I do not have to worry.  It works.  I sometime arrive tired and rushed from my day, but taking a moment to ask for Guruji's help really makes everything go smoothly.  I feel lighter, less in my head and more in my heart. 

Tonight though, I asked for Guruji's help and for some reason I had the thought to ask his master, Swami Satchidananda too.  I was really tired tonight, and I had a double class of Yoga ahead of me.  I was teaching my class and subbing for the next class' teacher.  The moment I did that, boy the energy changed.  What I've learned about Sri Gurudev Satchidananda was that he believed that Yoga didn't have to be so serious.  He believed in laughter and enjoying the class.  And so I think his spirit influenced me tonight.  Boy was I goofy.  I mistakenly said the wrong hand a few times as we stretch up to the sky during a twist and we laughed as I said that this was the Laughter Yoga portion of the evening.  And so thank you Guruji and Gurudev for guiding me today.

I highly recommend teaching to anyone who is thinking of taking a teacher's training.  So wonderful.  You really get more energy back than you give out.  It's energizing.  I also wouldn't have learned so much about Yoga's history, philosophy, healing abilities, etc. if I didn't study with such great teachers.

You might want to think about it.


And all of my Yoga teacher friend out there-- do you ever think of yourself as a prism at the end of class during final relaxation.  I'm sending out good, healing energy and lately I picture myself as a prism taking energy from the center of the world (more specifically that white light in the All Faiths meditation room at Yogaville) and sending out to all my students.  
You ever imagine yourself a prism?  It's kinda cool-- rainbows shooting out of my palms.  Okay enough-- my Yoga students might think I'm crazy.

Well, I am, but in a good way I hope.

Be well, be light, be the light!

Om Shanti,
Yoga Girl

P.S. This Friday night is Satsang with Sri Guruji Rev. Jaganath at Akasha in Colts Neck.  I highly recommend your attendance.  Having such a master of Yoga so close, it's a shame if you don't hear him at least once in your life.  And once you do, I bet you'll want more.

Outdoor Yoga Sat. at 9am.  $5 donation.  Mercer County Park Marina Pavilion.  Dinesh is teaching and I'll be there too!

It's Yoga Time!

Had so much fun in Massachusetts this weekend dancing at a friend's wedding and doing Yoga to the sound of ocean waves.  Ahhh.

Bear Skin Neck, Rockport, MA

Behind the cute little shops of sea glass, jewelry, Tibetan art and scarves is the most beautiful blue water.  I have to go back and kayak.  But for now I loved doing Yoga in the mornings and meditating to the sound of the water.  Check out my very stylish white sports socks under the sandals-- very stylish, aren't I?  It's getting a bit chilly.  What you don't see in this picture because I wanted not to show off how much of a wimp I am-- is a grey wool sweater I was wearing to walk around in.  But the socks give it away- I was cold.  Autumn is definitely upon us. 

How is the end of your summer going?  Where did you do Yoga this summer?  Send pictures!  Send stories!  I'd love to hear all about it!

Yoga at Mercer County Park is continuing with Dinesh.  Check out our new Facebook page YOGA Matt-ers!  Yoga Matt-ers

We're trying to continue the outdoor Yoga indoors-- so let us know if you have a suggestion of where 5-10 of us can continue practicing together and donating the proceeds to the Yoga Life Society. 

Also very, very excited about the Global Mala event!  $27 to go practice outdoors with 1,000 other Yogis, chant Om 108 times with Shiva Rea and Corey Booker!  I can't wait to be in their presence.  If you're going to the event, let us know so we can all meet up and put our mats next to one another. Click on this link to sign up or get more information...
globalmalanj

And another great opportunity/event-- the Yoga Life Society retreat has just opened up the retreat to those who can't come to the whole event but want to come to just one day -- really great teachers, food, fun and tranquil surroundings!  Go on the website and check out more information:  yogalifesociety.com

Be well and remember that every moment can be Yoga time if you want it to be!

Namaste,
Yoga Girl

Inside during the Rockport trip, doing Yoga to wake up.  Can you read the TV?  I think it says urgency!  Funny that's how I felt-- Yoga must do now!

*** Free Yoga this morning.  Last Wednesday we will be practicing in the park.  Join us at 10am!  Our last Saturday is coming up this Saturday at 8am.  (Donations go to the Yoga Life Society.)

*** Also if you are interested, next week starts our Play Reading Series at the West Windsor Arts Council.  7pm -- for Ian August's The Goldilocks Zone.  Only $6 for a play!  More info go to NOWtheatrecompany.org

A Poem I was inspired to write this morning:

YELLOW SUNFLOWER

Brought home sunshine in a yellow sunflower
Now sitting on my desk
sun ray highlights
brown dipped tips
sipping in the last few sips of water
before exhaling its last breath
Yes you are dying
Cut off from your source
But aren't we all?
Before we wilt and fade
Let us live like you
Basking in the spotlight
Admired
Enjoyed
Fostering smiles every day
Let me be like you
Today, tomorrow and
Every day I have left
my leaves reaching for light
open and ready for anything
Let me be like the sunflower
Sitting on my desk

Hope you find a bit of creativity today!

Namaste,

Yoga Girl