adios 2009

I've been giving some thought to the year...what I learned, where I was challenged, how I took a three steps forward at times, and two steps back at others. Here's a rundown of the lows and highs of the year:

Lows:
**Family "stuff". And quite a bit of it. It was a common theme throughout my year. There was hurt. And confusion. And general feelings of helplessness that I think we all encounter as we watch those we love the most struggling. I learned to fully embrace my family and to understand I can't take the pain and suffering away from those hurting.

**Busy-ness and overwhelm. In the beginning of the year I was so busy that I forgot a meeting that this THIS important to me. It was a meeting in Hazard with the folks who got a grant, that allowed me to share my thing (yoga), in an area that I felt really needed it...eastern Kentucky. It took me a while to forgive myself on that one. But it totally made me re-evaluate how I was spending my time and I got it....that I would have to learn to say "no" to things in order for me to shout "yes" to the things most important. Or at least show up for scheduled meetings.

**The master cleanse. 10 days of not eating. Ouch. I learned how much of an emotional eater I am. How much I love food and how sometimes I eat food for all the wrong reasons. I learned to let go of a number (as in yoga pants size and on a scale) and to make conscious decisions to eat foods that will fuel my body, so that I can have a body that sustains me in living my life purpose.

**Uncertainty. About something really big. I'm learning that I've made a habit of hanging out in the land of limbo (or uncertainty)rather than make a decision because I don't want to deal with the feelings of loss that come along. This has been really tough as I'm typically a gal that can make decisions and follow through fairly easy. That has thrown me for quite the loop.

**Realizing that I'm not as open minded as I thought I was. There are clearly areas in which I have a tendency to limit my thinking. I'm thankful to be learning this lesson now. Big Mind. Big Mind.

**Feeling like I contributed to a student that suffered an injury during a private session. This was a toughie. I worried. And felt horrible. It made me question my skills and knowledge as a yoga teacher.

**Studio stuff. There were two months this year when attendance wasn't doing nearly what it had been in previous months. I absolutely couldn't figure out why. I was hesitant to even put this here, as one of my "highs" is that I've been successfully moving away from the mindset of scarcity. But if there was a "low" as far as the studio, this is what I can think of.

**Feeling separated from family and friends because of how much I was choosing to work.

Highs:
**Studio stuff. Wow, this was a great year for Barefoot Works. I felt blessed so be involved in a happy, thriving business when many other entrepreneurs are suffering as we deal with this economy stuff. We moved into a big, spacious, beautiful studio. Added two new teachers to the staff. Added more classes. Students stuck with the practice. Lots of newbies signed on. General amazingness.

**The master cleanse. That I could go 10 days without eating blew my mind. I felt good during most of the cleanse and afterwards. I felt awake, alive, vibrant, and oh so healthy.

**Self care. I took three weeks of vacation this year (no leading retreats does not count as vacation). I haven't done that since I left my FT job in Texas. I also committed to taking Mondays off and was successful with that much of the time. And committed to not driving on Mondays. Lots of success here too. I was consistent with my practices that keep me sane...yoga, meditation, pranayama, walking in nature, reading uplifting feel good stuff, journaling, being creative, and retreating! To Maya Tulum. And I'm retreating for two days as the new year approaches.

**Finally getting it...there is enough!! Enough time, enough money, enough knowledge. I was on this treadmill of work, work, work to be sure to get money, money, money. After the "forgotten meeting" from above, I made some changes. I worked less. And said "no" to more things. What I got in return has been amazing. More time with Andy, more time for self care, and enough money for the business that I'm not worrying about money, and making it during these tough times, and all that ick.

**Vacations. Again, I took 3!! That is such a high that it's worth mentioning again. Two to Tulum and one to Florida with my best gal pal. I made it to the beach five times this year. Thank you universe. Thank you. The sea calls to me, and I must answer. ;)

**Me doing lots of my favorite things. Teacher training and retreats. This is what I really really love. I led the 200 hour training at the studio, plus an additional 100 hours in Hazard, teacher training for 2010 is full. For retreats...I got my magic number of 10 for Mexico, sold out for NC, and we have one spot open for the local daylong retreat.

**Plans for 2010. I pretty much have two thirds of the year planned. Crazy. And kinda cool. Plus I may be taking a BIG trip for myself in 2010. Still sitting with this one.

**Working with some amazing people that have helped me to dream, to grow, open my eyes to system, educate me with business, and helping me to get clear. Most of them have been via the web. And I've recently started working with a life coach. Love it. It can get lonely working alone and the support throughout the year has been really good.

**Identified the "things" feeling most important to me these days....spirit and service.

**Working with the girls at Florence Crittenton Home. And leading teacher training in Hazard have been the two most powerful things for me all year long. Really huge.

**Being surrounded by a team of teachers that really love Barefoot Works and really believe in what we are doing, teaching, and sharing with students.

**I'm a leader! People have been saying it and I sorta shy away from it but I'm embracing it more and more. And it feels kinda good. Surprise surprise!

**Giving myself permission to dream a few new dreams. And having faith that the ones will come true that need to.

**And you! I feel such joy when I think about what I get to do day in and day out. I'm surrounded by amazing people. And hardly a day goes by that I don't give thanks for this. Thank you...

Have a seriously sweet new year! May 2010 be a year filled with magic and mystery. Joy and greatness. I'll see you next year!

Namaste...

photo holiday recap

Just before departing for the holidays I decided it was time for a change and got a foot long haircut. It took me a couple of days to adjust but I am now loving the lighter and livelier do'.
Just like me, my cute niece decided to lop her locks for a good cause too. We're both donating our hair. Yay for good causes! Andy and I drove to Owensboro to meet up with his mom, dad, and brother. Together we drove 14 hours to College Station, TX for Christmas. We visited one of my besties in Houston. Snuggled up with the nephews, Luke and Jake. Unwrapped gifts at 6:00 a.m. on Christmas morning. Santa was pretty sweet this year. Andy got tickets to the Final Four (yep THE final four) and I got a Sony E Reader. Andy's brother, mom, dad, sister and nephew. The Tessandori's are fun. And funny. Welcoming and Kind. I clearly love them since I spent 28 hours in a van with them, and a week in a hotel suite. ;) All joking aside, I definitely got lucky in the in-law department. Back at the studio today I am greeted with sun pouring through the windows, quiet, a peace-full feeling, hope-full heart for the upcoming year and this.....

happy holidays

**wishing you tons of holiday goodness and cheer**

I'm wrapped up in fun Christmas festivities with the Tessandori's here in TX. Yay for sunny 70 degree days, last minute shopping, brunching, movie watching, Italian cooking, golfing (for the boys),and snuggling with some cute lil boys.

gift giving at florence crittenton home

Sharing gifts with the gals at Flo. Crit yesterday was one of the very best things I've been a a part of all year. Quite amazing to give and to be able to share with these gals. To talk about what they had to express gratitude for (healthy babies was the most mentioned) and what they had to look forward to over the next six months (transitioning to healthy homes and GED's/jobs was the most mentioned).

There are currently 11 girls at the home. And a new gal was arriving today. Please send wishes/hopes/prayers out to these gals over the holiday season. They need much energy and support. Many thanks to all of you for helping to make this a memorable holiday for them. Barefoot Works, as a community spent $1100 on giving to these girls and babies. Ahhhmazing.

Thank you from the very bottom of my heart....

studio and class updates

Greetings All!!

I wanted to touch base via the blog before I depart for a holiday celebration in Texas!

So the first thing, Andy being a lover of the weather happenings is keepin' his eye on the potential snow storm this weekend. Just a reminder that the first place that I will post any class cancellations will be here on the blog. It's faster this way since I don't make changes on our website. I have Retta, our graphic goddess that does such beautiful things.

The class schedule is modified for next week and New Years Eve. Here is the schedule:
Dec. 20 Yoga for Stress Relief as scheduled

Dec. 21 @ 6:00
All Levels

Dec. 22 @ 5:45 All Levels

Dec. 23 @ 6:00 Yin Yoga

Closed Dec. 24 & 25

New Years Eve @ 9:15 All Levels

New Years Day @ Noon YinYasa

We have little mini schedules on the front desk. Take one if you'd like. And you can view the teachers teaching each class here.

I've been so very happy to see you guys and gals keeping up with your practice leading into the holiday. Kuddos to all of you for taking such great care of yourselves. It can be a challenge at this time of year. Sometimes a yoga class can be just the thing we need during the sometimes stressful season. Yes, very proud of you . And you too. ;)

We have a new teacher added to our schedule, Beth Barkley. Beth will be teaching the Tuesday evening 7:15 class. If you haven't had the joy of taking class with her, then do so as soon as you can. She's truly a delight and is making for one fantabulous teacher! We had to say goodbye to Emily as her schedule gets a bit tricky next semester, but luckily she'll be back to rotating Saturdays with me in the new year and teaching community yoga.

Yoga Teacher Training is FULL for 2010! I can't wait to get started back up again. Do completely, 100 % love this process! And we have two gals joining us from eastern KY, which really makes me happy. That's Mary above in Warrior I. She was one of my students I trained in Hazard and she's joining us for the 200 hour training. Yippy!

I'll be playing the little yogini elf here shortly when I deliver gifts to the sweet ones over at Florence Crittenton Home. I've been wrapping gifts, placing gift cards in bags, and writing my fave quotes on cards for the gals. I am truly inspired by all the giving that's been going on with our yoga community. I hope to get some pics of some type, although I don't think I can take the girls photos due to privacy.

If you are planning to come to the day long retreat on the 2nd (and I think you totally should) register as soon as you can! I think we have 8 spots open. And the price goes up to $115 on the 23rd. Get the scoop here. It's gonna be a treat and a super sweet way to greet the new year!

And a yummy toffee recipe from Cindy, one of our students. She brought this to our holiday party and it's de-lish! When she said she made it in the microwave, I knew I had to have the recipe. Enjoy!

3/4 C butter, ( 1 1/4 sticks)
1 cup water
3 tablespoons water
chopped nuts of choice, about 3/4 cup
butter to butter cookie sheet
Choc chips, about 1/2 C (may use semisweet or milk chocolate)


Melt butter in microwave in large glass bowl. Add 1 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons water and mix well. Return to microwave and cook 6 minutes. Remove and quickly stir. Return to microwave and cook at 30 second intervals until mixture is a golden brown. Immediately pour onto buttered cookie sheet that you have sprinkled with nuts. Sprinkle with choc chips, let them sit on hot candy until melted ,them spread them over candy and sprinkle with more nuts.

I'll have my laptop in Texas and will probably blog while away. I'm wishing of you a happy hoppy holiday!!

Peace out.....

silence

"Within each of us, there is a silence, a silence as vast as the universe. We are afraid of it. And we long for it. And when we experience that silence, we remember who we are." ~Gunilla Norris

I'm thinking about a short, solo two day silent retreat. Andy and I will be traveling over the holiday season and it will be a great big family celebration. We will drive lots (14 hours each way, plus the 3 to and from Owensboro), eat a lot, celebrate a lot. I can already see that it will be a lil bit indulgent in many ways.

Upon returning home, I'm teaching a full day retreat at the studio (which are you registered cause space is limited and it's gonna be really really good?) then the six month long yoga teacher training will begin.

It seems to me that it will be the perfect time to get away and reflect, contemplate, meditate, move, dance, create, and just be. And it excites me to think about planning a retreat of my very own.

This is the place I've just emailed about a cabin....the writers cabin. Seems sweet....

Yay for silence.
Yay for retreats.

on challenges

So you know how much I come back and rave about my yoga times in Tulum? I speak of sunrises, walks on the beach, tree poses in the yoga hut, delicious meals with fabulous gals, birds chirping, soft breezes, skin caressed by water and sand....

Yes. Magical. All of it. Well...most all of it. In looking at the topic for the 2009 blog challenge, I can't help know that my biggest challenge of the year started taking place just as I was departing for Tulum this July. And while I was in Tulum a new challenge was added to the challenge that I took to Tulum.

Out of no where, hurt, chaos, and confusion descended. Most mornings began with me sitting on the middle of the floor in cabana 19, trying to meditate, but mostly crying for those in my life that were hurting.

Because I only choose to share my own challenges and struggles, I will not reveal the specifics. I don't think it matters at all. We all hurt. Only in different ways. At different times.

It was the toughest time of the whole year for me. I was able to be in Tulum and lead the retreat without letting my challenges interfere with was I was doing for the week. I'm actually quite good at this. Thankfully so.

I'm amazed at how suffering can feel. From the subtle aching of a lonely heart. To the gut wrenching pain one can feel deep in their belly.

I still don't know what to make about the challenges of life. On the best of days, I know that it all happens for a reason. On the worst of days I wonder how in the hell people can hurt so much...to be on the giving and receiving end.

I do believe, really believe that our struggles and pains offer the most potential for growth and learning. I believe, really believe that it's the challenges and the pains that have the most potential to make us wise in our own ways.

To be able to stay in the light even while cursing and shaking our fists at the heavens and knowing that somehow, someway we will make it through offers great hope to me.

This was a really hard topic for me to write about. I'd love to learn from you...what do you think about challenges? How do you deal?

moments of peace

I find that they come when I least expect them. In sitting down and thinking about my most peace-full moments during the year that was what I found. It wasn't anything that I had to work hard for. I didn't have to be anybody other than mySelf. There were few to little expectations. Nothing felt forced.

I had an especially peace-full moment on a Friday night leading this year's yoga teacher training. It was towards the end of the training. It was late. And dark. Everything and everyone was quiet. We had done some fairly intense work. There was a moment when I felt such perfection with everything. It wasn't anything that I said or did. It was just being there with all those people and knowing that it was exactly as it should be. This was my path.

Another deeply peace-full moment was had in Tulum in November. An early morning walk. Tank top, shorts, and barefeet. An ipod with Bob Marley. Singing....

Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', ("This is my message to you-ou-ou:")

Singin': "Don't worry 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right."

The rising sun was amazing. The beach quiet and beautiful. I can feel a light breeze. I had a huge smile on my face. And I bopped down the beach with a little bounce listening to that great message sent by Mr. Marley. Another moment of feeling deeply connected to both mySelf and nature. Nothing forced. Nothing planned.

My most peace-full moment of the whole year is one that took me by quiet the surprise. It was a moment shared with a sweet little newborn baby girl. My niece, Zoey Hazel Rose. My sister was resting in the bed and I sat in a chair over by the wall. Zoey was only a couple of hours old. I held this tiny precious girl in my arms. Her eyes were wide awake and she was staring directly up into my eyes. I sat there, staring back at her. I saw beyond her eyes. I saw everything she was in that moment, which was perfection. I felt deeply connected to her. It was all unplanned. I sat there looking at her, breathing deep, and feeling complete and utter peace.

What I've come to learn about my moments of peace for this year, they all have the following in common:

1. The ease of the moment. No plans. Nothing to force. Nothing to push.
2. Perfection in the moment. In the smallest, most simple ways.
3. Deep connection. To mySelf, people and nature. Being accepting of myself and others. Looking past any stories and being present without wanting to change anything.

May we all be surprised by a moment filled with peace today. :)

being flexible

So I was all set for what I wanted to blog about tonight....challenges and cheers of the day. But I'm going to be flexible here. I was doing a little blog reading just now and ran across the best of 2009 blog challenge and decided I must write about my best trip in 2009.

I've had some great trips this year...three to Mexico, two to Asheville area, one big trip with Andy and friends, Yellowsprings, and such. But the one that comes to mind almost immediately as standing out the most is....

The trip to Mexico with my brother and sister. It was my fave for a variety of reasons. But when you combine two of my favorite people and my most favorite place, it's bound to make for a pretty sweet trip.

And we went on Jan. 1. Really, greeting the new year in sunny, tropical Mexico....doesn't get much better than that. I got to plan and plot out my year on the beach. I got to explore the little island of Isla Mujeres on a golf cart. I got to see my sister laughing more than I had in a long time. I got to take walks on the beach with my brother. And sweat with him in the sweat lodge. We got massages in the jungle. And played in the sea. I got to be present as my sister took her first flight. And listen to her speak her first Spanish words...grande por favor (hehe). We ate tons of delicious meals. And my sister was preggers with little cutey Zoey.

It was delightful. And heavenly. And we felt oh so lucky and blessed to be on the beach. Riviera Maya is a long way away from the head of a holler in eastern Kentucky. We relished every moment. Reveling in our good fortune to share seven days together as adults sharing a family vacation. No fighting. Only laughing. Loving. Reminiscing.

So that is my fondest, most memorable trip of 2009. What about yours? Would love to hear.

hello december

[Warning: This is one of those completely random and odd blog posts where nothing appears to relate. But, here we go!]

I'm feeling pretty happy about the arrival of December! Good stuff going on and coming up!

Here are the upcoming goodies at the studio:

Barefoot Works Holiday Party
Sunday, Dec. 6
Noon - 2:00
Join us for food, fun, henna, massage, craft, yoga dance, and more! Bring a vegetarian dish if you'd like to share.

Donations accepted for FLorence Crittenton Home.

Ask the Yoga Therapist
Saturday, Dec. 12
10:40 - 12:30
Schedule your 15 minute session at the studio. Donations accepted for FLorence Crittenton Home.

Breathing Through the Holidays
with Anita Courtney
Sunday December 13
2:00 - 4:00, $25

Community Yoga
Sunday December 20
4:00 - 5:00
FREE

New Year's Yoga Retreat
with Sharon Tessandori
Saturday, January 2
11:00 - 8:00 pm


Good stuff. Good times. For certain.

Other studio and yoga news:

Emily only has one more Tuesday class before she has to give it up due to school and a bunch of other adult stuff. Makes me very sad. But the good news is that she'll stay on the Saturday rotation and start teaching the community yoga class in Jan.

Teaching training is filling up so very nicely this year! I keep getting phone calls, applications, and inquiries from people. I loooovvve teacher training. Can't wait for the fun times to begin.

As the temperature drop outside and we start to cuddle in and cozy up for the winter season....don't forget about Tulum. Yoga and Tulum. Tulum and Yoga. And get this....airfare is still super cheap. I just checked delta and they have the direct flight for $290! Yep, that's right...

This isn't studio news but it's exciting yoga news. Two of the people I trained in Hazard this fall have started their very own yoga operation in Whitesbug. North Fork Yoga. Super cool. The seeds are planted. And I can't wait to see yoga growing in eastern KY.

Sue Jones presented at the KASAP conference this week. Luckily for me we have a darlin' student at the studio who informed me of this (you rock Addie!) and the KASAP people were so sweet to let me in on the yoga action. Anyway I was so inspired by Sue and her bravery in sharing her real, raw and authentic story about what motivated her to found yogaHope. Super inspired about the power of yoga and how it helps all of us to grow and to heal. And super excited to spend some time thinking about our very own yoga programming over at Florence Crittenton Home. I'm feeling really drawn to service these days. It feels so good for my soul.

Still thinking a lot about mindfulness. And using the breath to create space in all ways possible. And about contemplation and action and how they go together. And how we need to share our stories. And the ways in which we're connected.


Exciting news at the Tessandori casa!

Andy and I bought tickets to see Bon Jovi April 15 in Atlanta! Yippy! Love it when you know exactly what you want for Christmas, glide up the stairs to purchase two tickets while listening to the new cd. Happy holidays to me. :)

We also went and purchased a tree on Friday. That's Andy with our pretty tree stuffed into the box (car). We'll be gone the whole week of Christmas as we're traveling to Texas to spend with Andy's sis and the little ones. We decided not to drag all the decorations down. Opting only to decorate the mantle and create a wish tree instead of a christmas tree this year. So much fun to do something different!

Spanish! I had a breakthrough during my lesson this past Sunday. Jessica is such a kind, patient, and passionate teacher. We actually had a conversation about our families in Spanish. It was a really slow Spanish conversation. But nonetheless...it was Spanish darn it!

Alright I think that concludes the random hello december blog post. Adios!