the light

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us most." Marianne Williamson

I never ever get tired of this quote. Wishing you a happy, light filled, and powerful beyond measure kinda day. :-)

weekend fall retreat

Exciting news! I just booked a weekend fall retreat in the mountains of NC, just about 20 miles outside of Asheville. The mountains of NC are one of my faves, so I'm super excited to go here! I hope that you'll be able to join in. Mark the weekend of Sept. 26 in your planner!

And a happy heart day to Andy! Today is our seven year anniversary!

the middle road

As far as inner transformation is concerned, there is nothing you can do about it. You cannot transform yourself, and you certainly cannot transform your partner or anybody else. All you can do is create a space for transformation to happen, for grace and love to enter.-
Elkhart Tolle

Today I realized that I am all too often, an all on nothing kinda gal.
Today I realized that I need to follow the middle path a bit more.
Everything is not do or die.

After feeling a little funky and after leaving some not so nice voice mails a manager (and an owner...yes I was upset)I went to my yoga mat and sat an intention to gain some wisdom, some insight, and possibly some answers. I'm convinced that each of us have the answers to our deepest questions. I'm convinced that we hold this in our body. I'm completely convinced that it we try, we can totally tap into that place, that source when we need.

And those above statements were my realizations.

That's just another reason why I have to practice yoga. Yoga is my chosen practice that creates the space that allows transformation to happen. Sometimes I'm transformed permanently and sometimes it's momentarily. I see the good in both.

Thank you to everybody in class this evening. After teaching, like so many other times....I'm reminded of why I teach yoga. I'm reminded of the power of the practice. I'm reminded of how great it is to be surrounded by such good hearted people.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.

Have a sweet weekend. :-)

yogi's for a sustainable diet

I've received the following email twice in the last 24 hours. Once from Yoga Journal and once from a friend, so I thought I'd pass it along to all of you. Since yesterday was Earth Day, I thought it most appropriate.

"Amid all the hype surrounding Earth Day, a yogi can't help but wonder how much he or she, acting individually, can make a difference. Of course, the answer is that every choice counts, including riding your bike to work, composting, recycling, and consuming less. However, the factor that can reduce your carbon footprint most dramatically is the choice that you make three times daily: what to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

In a 2006 United Nations study, meat consumption was cited as one of the most significant factors in global warming: Scientists declared that raising animals for food is responsible for more greenhouse gases than the entire transportation sector. And according to a 2005 University of Chicago study, adopting a vegetarian diet can shrink your carbon footprint by up to 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide a year. (In comparison, trading a standard car for a hybrid cuts about one ton.) Aside from the undeniable environmental benefits of eating such a diet, yogis may also consider the ahimsic benefits: A vegetarian diet spares the lives of more than 100 innocent beings per year.

This week, make a significant impact on your carbon footprint by establishing a plan to go veg several days a week (if not completely). Get guidance and some great recipes from this free Vegetarian Starter Kit from the editors of Vegetarian Times and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Patronize restaurants that tread lightly on the earth, or consider growing your own organic fruits and veggies in a backyard or rooftop garden. Finally, inspire us with your in-progress plans, or make a pledge to reduce your carbon footprint."

And along those same lines, Andy and I watched the documentary "The Future of Food" last night. If you get a chance you should watch it. I've heard a lot of great things about Terrapin Hill Farm (located in Harrodsburg). They offer a community supported agriculture program that starts this summer and you can get locally grown veggies and herbs weekly all throughout the summer. You basically buy a share of the garden for a full 20 weeks. It's only $20 a week, or you could share the bushel with a friend and it would only be $10 a week. Click here to view the brochure.

concentration, meditation & more

This past Sunday we had our second gathering at the studio for more discussion of what yoga might look like away from the mat. I left feeling very satisfied from the delicious food, refreshed from the conversation, and optimistic that yoga will one day indeed change the world. Well maybe yoga AND Eckart Tolle. And Oprah.

Here's a rundown of the discussion about the last three limbs of yoga. The last three limbs are more internally processed.

Dharana = state of concentration
I like to think about dharana as being lost and totally absorbed by something. We've all experienced something where we lose track of time, where we're not paying attention to any outside disturbances. It's a place where you're fully present and focused. This is I called dharana. And I call it a state of flow.

Examples of who and when we go there might be:
Reading a good juicy book that you can't put down
Digging in the dirt...or gardening
Hiking in the woods
Musicians
Writers
Artists
Yogi's
And of course there are many more. But most importantly, can you find an activity or something that leads you to this state of concentration, or flow?

We talked about how this concentration prevents the inner conflicts that we can experience during other times. When we're completely engaged by what we're doing, chances are we wont be worried about that upcoming project.

We discussed how when there are conflicts between our actions and thoughts, we are more likely to feel stressed and overwhelmed. Which could result in less joy in life. And really, who wants that? I imagine no one.

Next we talked about meditation, or dhyana. Dharana and dhyana might appear to be quite similar. In yoga class we use the breath to focus on (dharana) hoping that this might lead us to dhyana. When we experience meditation, we have moved beyond concentration to a place that's really a state of being.

Pretty deep stuff, right? But it's all so very useful and beautiful. The key is finding what works for you. Here are some reasons why you might choose to meditate:

*Move toward wisdom and insight
*To experience growth as a person
*Gain greater self knowledge
*Move from duality to oneness

I personally feel that meditation isn't just limited to sitting cross legged on the floor. I think a number of things can lead to a meditative state. Why limit ourselves? If meditation is such a great state, a cool place to journey to....why limit it to the twenty minutes you sit on the floor. Why not make as much of your day possible, a place of concentration or meditation?

Some questions that I asked the group that you may ask yourself:
1. Do you think meditation can take place anytime?
2. Is it limited to specific practices?
3. What if meditation wasn't just another thing we add to the "to do" list, but if everything in life becomes part of meditation?

And lastly we talked about the icing on the cake......samadhi. Samadhi is a place of bliss, oneness, wholeness. You might feel a deep sense of understanding and peace. You might feel connected to everything and everyone. This feeling might come and go. It may linger longer. And some might live the rest of their life in a state of bliss.

I always like to stress the point that it's important not to get too hung up on whether you are doing these things right or wrong, good or bad, too long or not long enough. Much like I talk about asana (the poses).

Take it, make it your own, live joyfully with passion and compassion.

Enjoy the sunshine!

humor

“Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.” Mark Twain

May each of you sprinkle some humor throughout your day!

*That's my silly brother this past weekend in Asheville. When he's around, it's easy to laugh.

upcoming offerings

I'm sitting here at my office for most Thursdays, enjoying a tasty drink, reviewing notes for this weekend's yoga teacher training, reading about thai yoga massege, thinking of website updates, and glancing out the big window at the sun beaming off the cars windows. It is quite a glorious day.

I wanted to fill you in on a few offerings to come at the studio (they are pretty cool, I must admit). So grab your planner and make a few notes of things that might inspire you and your yoga practice.

This Sunday at noon (the 20th), I'll be hosting our gathering of like-minded yogi's. We'll engage in a lively discussion about ways to live your yoga off the mat. Come early for Yoga for Stress Relief, bring a little dish to share and make a little date of it.

Sunday, May 4th Anita Courtney will be leading a Restorative Yoga workshop from 3:00-5:00. Anita has trained with Judith Laster herself. And she is the queen of restorative yoga. People loooove this workshop. If you haven't been to one, it's a must and if you have then I expect that you loved it and will want to be here for this one.

Sunday June 1 I will be leading a workshop designed to help you in creating your very own yoga practice. The timing of this is quite strategic. I know that the summer months are busy and full with traveling, gardening, grilling, sunning, and funning. Yes I want to see your smiling faces. But if I don't I hope you'll still visit your trusty yoga mat and make nice. So join me for some information and inspiration on doing just that.

In July I'm hoping to take some time for myself. Since Janurary most all my weekends have been full with teacher trainings, workshops/trainings, presentations, and travels. I'm hoping to get some much needed r&r in. The Mexico retreat is also scheduled for July. But unless I get the help and assistance from all ya'll, it just may be cancelled. :-( So send a hope (and an email to anyone who might be interested) out into the big open universe. Maya Tulum is a most magical place and all of us should have the good fortune of spending time there.

August, September and October will bring yogi's from California, Texas, and DC to Barefoot Works. My sweet friend Indrani will be at the studio Aug. 1 and 2 leading a workshop. She is truly a delight. Some of you know that Tracy K. is in the process of completing a yoga therpay program. So Barefoot Works will be the location for Level 2 yoga therapy training. This is scheduled for Sept. 19-21. If you're in the health care profession (or a massage therapist) take a look. And last but certainly not least, Kimberly Wilson owner of Tranquil Space and author of Hip Tranquil Chick will be at Barefoot Works Saturday Oct. 11 leading workshops, having a truck show, and doing a book signing.

Click here and go to our online webscheduler where you can see that the workshops are listed. If the page doesn't open automatically (still trying to figure this out), then type "barefoot works" under clients on the right side.

this week

Hi Friends,

Teresa and I are swapping some of our classes this week. I'll be teaching Teresa's classes this evening and she'll be teaching for me this Thursday evening. Come, join me, and be joyful. :-)

Also we'll be having our gathering of yogi's this coming Sunday (the 2oth) at 12:00. Come out for Yoga for Stress Relief at 10:30 then stay for a lively discussion about living your yoga. Bring a vegetarian dish to share!

progress

"Then the coal company came with the world's largest shovel
And they tortured the timber and stripped all the land
Well, they dug for their coal till the land was forsaken
Then they wrote it all down as the progress of man.

And daddy won't you take me back to Muhlenberg County
Down by the Green River where Paradise lay
Well, I'm sorry my son, but you're too late in asking
Mister Peabody's coal train has hauled it away"

John Prine

I'll be driving through the mountains of my home later today on my way to Asheville for a fun trip with my brother and sister. But it never fails that I get a little sad when I see all the destruction and chaos that's going on.

In one direction you see the most beautiful, unruly, and majestic hills.

And then you see this.

And then you see a sign like this that reads DANGER.
Danger for you and me.
Danger for the plants, animals and the trees.

But no sadness today...cause I'm going to one of my most fave places with two of my most fave people. Happy, Happy Day!

May each of you have a weekend filled with joy and delight. :-)

road

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."
-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Whose road are you traveling on?
Where does it go?
When will you turn in the "right" direction?

We pondered and discussed this idea and more this weekend at yoga teacher training. It's tough to open yourself up to these questions. But needed.
Following our bliss.
I need it.
You need it.
We all need it.

The world will be a happier and more peaceful place in doing so.

Photo taken at Matagorda Island. A secluded and sweet island in Texas.

newness

After a couple of very busy weeks, I've had the good, fun fortune to spend the last two days within a mile of my home.
And it makes me giddy.
A very happy gal.

I have a new yoga room, a new local coffee shop, and a new book.

Andy painted my yoga room last week. It's been transformed from a bright peach to a soft sage green. I love it up here. In there. It's just me, four small walls, old wood floors, two side by side windows and a great big tree that I can reach my arm out and touch. Between Andy's thai yoga massage (he's benefiting from the training) and my practice time I've probably spent three hours in there in the last 24 hours.

As Andy works on the laptop upstairs, I open the door and enter "my room", saying "I love it in here." Partly reminding him. But mostly reminding myself.

We have a new coffee shop here in Nicholasville. And as we all know, I am a lover of the coffee shop. It's open, airy, and pretty. Andy and I walked over this evening and I had my first iced coffee for the year. I was going to get decaf. But I forgot. As Andy and I walked back I realized my mistake. Telling him that at least I'd be able to stay awake for the big b-ball game tonight. But even better I'd be able to finish the book that I started reading today.

The book is "Insecure At Last" by Eve Ensler. It is a must read for all women. And all men. Eve shares her own personal experiences and shares the stories of women refugees, female prisoners, mothers of murdered girls in Juarez, Mexico, survivors of Katrina and the tsunami, and more. It is provocative and compelling. I can't say enough. And yes, Oprah says it "might be the most important book you read all year." Please pick it up today and let me know what you think.

And a quote from the last few pages I've read.....

"There is a plan to make you feel ugly and powerless, insignificant, and insecure. There is a plan to make you feel like someone or something is coming to fix and rescue you. Give up illusions of security! There is no one coming to take take death or aging or sickness away. There is no solution. There is no reason to fix it. No one smarter or better or on top. You are already enough.
Enough.
Each and every one of you.
Enough.
Enough."

an interview

Bella over at Beyond the Map blog has a big, beautiful project going on. She's "seeking stories from women who have been an inspiration" to her. I feel quite special to be included in Bella's project....phenomenal women.

Click here if you'd like to take a look at this inerview that really got me to thinkin' about some important questions.

Have a sweet weekend dear friends. :-)

thai yoga massage

Geez, it feels like it's been a long time since I've been here....to post! The last you heard I was away for a thai yoga massage training, which turned out to be a pretty amazing experience. The teacher was simply beyond words. He wowed me with his beautiful sanskrit words (so what if I didn't understand them all), he intrigued me with all the wonderful Bhagavad Gita stories, he shocked me with his ability to read our bodies, and made me laugh on more than one occasion. He was real. He was human. He was humble. He is a yogi unlike any other that I've met.

So here are some words from the weekend that I'm happy to share with you, thinking maybe...just maybe you too will find some of them to be great little gems:

*Pain and suffering should not be avoided. They are wonderful teachers.

*In the English language there are 3000 expressions for feelings and emotions. Of these 3000 expressions, 2700 are negative and unresourceful. All 2700 begative words are coming from two places: the need for control and the need for approval.

*The three winds that will fill your sail....desire, destiny, and karma.

*Repalce the word "but" with "and". When we use the word "but" it's like we've just hit the delete button on the computer and totally taken everything away from the speaker.

*Instead of saying "I want to thank..." say "I give thanks".

And my favorite....

"To be human is to be sleazy". Acknowlege your sleaziness, express it, then move on. Funny stuff....

Stay tuned for more details about thai yoga offerings at the studio!