dreamer, part II

Tonight I was reminded of how much I love the word, the thought, the idea of being a dreamer. I saw Leslie drive away after class tonight with a bumper sticker that read DREAMER. There was something else to it, but I couldn't read it. And all I really needed was that one little work to be like, "ahhhh".

I realize that some people totally don't relate to the idea of being a dreamer. It's as if it's a bad word, a word for those that simply lie around thinking about the things they'll do, but never following through. For me it's just the opposite. I think that all things begin with a teeny tiny dream. And it takes those with strength, willpower, and perseverance to make their teeny tiny dreams come true.

I realize now that for a few years I tried to push the dreamer in me aside. Most people that know me well know that I get tired and bored easily with things. Especially when I'm doing things that aren't on my terms. This all became clear when I worked my full time job in Texas. During the four years I was there, I was promoted twice. I had three different jobs in the time I was there. But I still found myself restless with what I was doing. Wanting to do more. Wanting to find a way to live more authentically and to share that with others. When I wasn't working I was reading about creating a life you love. I would dream about what I wanted to do, the places I'd travel to, and the experiences I'd have.

Luckily I didn't spend too many of my adult years muddling (if there is such a word) through all of this. Barefoot Works came to be and I have a whole new set of dreams.

I dream about retreats in Mexico and training people to teach yoga.
I dream about leading teacher trainings IN Mexico.

I dream about second locations and offering yoga in Appalachia.
I dream about Barefoot Works IN Appalachia.

I dream about being a yoga teacher and a life coach.
Maybe I could be a yoga life coach?

I dream about 500 hour trainings, workshops with Sark and Seane Corn.

I dream about offering yoga in the public schools and the prisons. Along with women's shelters and the others that would benefit so greatly.

The list goes on and on. Big dreams, baby dreams...we all have em'. And the world is a better place because we do.

I'm curious, what do you dream about?
Don't be shy....yeah I'm talking to you. ;-)

Keep close to Nature's heart...and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.

~ John Muir

perfect happy days

Hey All,

Just a reminder that the studio is closed this Monday for Memorial Day. Roll out your mat at home or in your backyard and bust out a few down dogs on your own. Not sure where to begin when it comes to a home yoga practice? Click here and register for "Creating Your Own Yoga Practice". It will be held Sunday, June 1 from 3:00-5:00.

For the first time in my adult life, the cost of gas prices affected a decision I made today. I was thinking about going to Lousiville for a day long yoga workshop today. However, since I'd driven to Cincinnati this past Monday (for a workshop), I couldn't justify it. Gas is $3.95 a gallon and even I got a little wide eyed when it cost $35 to fill up the box-ster yesterday. And this is a teeny tiny car. Not sure what I'd do if I was driving a big suv. That baby would probably be gone by now.

So instead I opted for a very lovely class at Barefoot Works with the very lovely Teresa. Then Andy and I went to Lowes where I wandered up and down the aisles looking for the most perfect plants. After about 20 minutes Andy asks, "You still haven't picked any out yet?" I had to inform him (again) that the first time around is browsing and the second time around I start to get a little more serious. If you would have told me five years ago that I'd be this into plants I'd have laughed in your face. Now I love it. I'm very thorough in the planting of them and I even send them off with little well wishes... "be well pretty little plant". Yes, I've killed my fair share of pretty little plants. But I'm much better.

We also saw Indiana Jones today and loved it. It's a must see if you enjoy the others.

I plan to be at Teresa's "Yoga For Stress Relief" class tomorrow. And I'm even bringing along a special guest, my sister Rhonda. Yes, after a year and a half of being open she's starting to think that there just may be something good about all this yoga stuff and plans to attend her first yoga class. But she is the busiest gal I know, so I try not to tease her too much.

So things have worked out for the best. I saved gas AND I had a perfectly happy day close to the homestead.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend sweet friends. :-)

oprah goes vegan

Oprah is living in the land of vegans for the next 21 days! And she's blogging about it here! I do love to follow the blogs. ;-)

Oprah recently had the author of Quantum Wellness on her show and her book is based on what she calls The Pillars of Wellness. They are:
1. Meditation
2. Conscious Eating
3. Exercise
4. Visualization
5. Spiritual Practice
6. Self Work
7. Service
8. And Fun Activities!

On conscious eating Kathy Freston says, "The mother of all pillars is conscious eating," she says. "It doesn't only make a difference to our own personal health and well-being, but conscious eating means you stay aware of where your food comes from, how the animals are treated and how the environment is affected by the foods that you eat. You take in the energy of whatever went into creating that food."

On the flip side (like Linda in shoulder stand above ;-) I found this comment on Oprah's blog...

"While I have not read Kathy Freston's book, I was disheartened to listen to her speak about the "energy in food" on Oprah's show today. I will not deny that animals can be treated poorly in the meat industry, people are treated worse in the fruit and vegetable industry. Migrant workers are treated with little to no respect anywhere in the Western world. They work for wages that no one could live off of and in conditions that no one should live in. They have no legal rights in the countries that need their labour to get fruits and vegetables to their tables. Would that kind of mistreatment energy also not "transfer" into the healthy fruits and vegetables that Ms. Freston is so concerned about? What does that say about all of our "spiritual enlightenment?"

Some "food" for thought.


You can read more about the book here.

i am i

"Come on! Open your mouth and sound off to the sky!
Shout loud at the top of your voice,
I AM I!
ME! I AM I!
And I may not know why
But I know that I like it.
Three cheers!
I AM I"
Dr. Seuss - Happy Birthday to You!

Yes, I'm 31...
Hip, Hip Hooray!
I imagine the 30's are gonna suit me just fine. ;-)
I was greeted with four phone calls with people happily singing before 8:00 a.m, practiced some yoga in the company of great gals, ate pad thai, AND had the best ice cream birthday cake EVER. Yes, a very happy day.

*Pic from today's workshop in Cincinnati with Doug Swenson.

hope and fear

Interesting thought shared by Pema Chodron....

"In the world of hope and fear, we always have to change the channel, change the temperature, change the music, because something is getting uneasy, something is getting restless, something is beginning to hurt, and we keep looking for alternatives.

Hope and fear come from a feeling that we lack something; they come from a sense of poverty. We can't simply relax with ourselves. We hold onto hope, and hope robs us of the present moment. We feel that someone else knows what's going on, but that there's something missing in us, and therefore something is lacking in our world."

Given my post(to hope)from just a couple days ago, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this. It does stir me a little, makes me a tad uncomfortable to read so I'll have to sit with it a while and see how I feel.

Andy always gets to be entertained or en-light-ed by my new reads. I say "Oooh, listen to this paragraph, this is huge." He listens. Then he might come back with "Can't you just read something silly, like Bushisms for once."

congrats are in order

My sweet friend Theresa taught her very first class at HER very OWN yoga studio tonight! Hip, Hip Hooray! If you're ever in Philly, look her up and take a yoga class.

One of the greatest things about doing yoga trainings is that you meet the coolest people ever. They become your friends, you chat long distance, encourage one another, and cheer and rally the other on.

So good job on all the hard work Theresa! You have one beautiful space to be oh so proud of. :-)

michael franti

So I have a little yoga crush on Michael Franti. I can't believe that I didn't even know about him until I went to the Yoga Journal Conf. in San Francisco. Click here to see a portion of his performance in San Fran. Getting to see him was pretty amazing. He's energizing, optimistic, free spirited, AND he's a yogi.

"Everyday I set an intention before I practice," says Franti, "so I'm clearer in my focus of what I want to be doing and contributing to the world right now, and I really want to be the best communicator of peace and social justice and environmental justice that I can be. My yoga practice is part of me becoming that communicator."

Since discovering Michael, I bought his documentary "I Know I'm Not Alone" and when my cell phone rings, I get to hear him sing. Love to download new ringers. :-)

*Photo from Yoga Journal

to hope

"Hope is the dream of a soul awake." French Proverb

Today was a good day. I slept in a little late (I wanted loads of sleep this weekend), did a little bit of emailing early, met a friend for a little shopping, went to the studio for a little more work, then took a little scenic drive back home.

After listening to a podcast this afternoon I realized that I was overdue for a "hope list". In fact, I had planned to make a "to do" list for the week. Yes I am a lover of the list. And I do get a sense of accomplishment when placing little check marks by the tasks as I complete them. But I do see a difference between the two....to hope vs. to do.

I imagine that we all need a healthy dose of each to move forward with our plans, dreams and lives.

So off I walked to the coffee shop to do a little more work, but mostly to make a list of hopes. Seeing my hopes written down in a notebook almost full of other thoughts, hopes, quotes, and to do's always delights me. And I got one other delight tonight when I picked up (yet) another notebook in my yoga room to record my practice tonight. I opened the very pretty striped notebook and there it was "May 12, 2005". I had written about the yoga class I taught this very day, three years ago. There was a sense of happiness, a sense of accomplishment, and a sense of comfort. Happiness that I'm still in awe of yoga, proud of the work I do, and finding comfort in the fact that I wouldn't change a single thing.

weekend yoga retreat

Hey Friends!

My days have been full of yoga teacher training, restorative yoga, walks in a cemetery, hiking in the woods, late night cooking, birthday shopping,and coffee drinking. And I even managed to get a little bit of work done. :-0

I've planned the schedule for the fall weekend retreat in North Carolina at the Prama Institute. Here's the scoop:

Please join us Sept. 26-28 for a yoga retreat in the mountains of North Carolina. Daily yoga sessions will be offered as well as workshops on yoga philosophy and savvy self care. It is our hopes that this weekend will serve as a way to deepen your yoga practice both on and off the yoga mat and provide time nurture your body, mind, and spirit.

The Prama Institute is located on 150 acres of rolling hills and forest lands with hiking trails and panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our yoga sessions and workshops will take place in a wonderful space with bamboo floors and radiant heating and a large outdoor deck with spectacular views. There are many hiking trails and scenic areas for exercise and reflection between sessions. And the hot springs are only a 15 minute drive away!

The retreat will begin Friday evening and end Sunday at 2:00. We will car pool from the studio. Cost is $250 and includes dorm room, vegetarian meals (and tasty treats), and all yoga sessions. Click here to register!!


Yes, only $250 for the whole weekend! I think that's pretty incredible. Yoga, good food, cool people, mountains, and hot springs. Can you ask for more?? There are a couple of private rooms available for $300, just in case the dorm rooms are not your thing. But if you want those, register quickly and you'll have to do so at the studio, not online.

Have a wonderful weekend. And happy mama's day to those of you doing the toughest job around. I hope you find some time to celebrate yourself.

doors

"When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us."
Alexander Graham Bell

Just dropping by to say "hi" and leave you with a pretty powerful quote. I've spoken with a few people today about "doors" being closed, fear of doors being closed, and waiting for the door to slam. I thought these words were fitting. Here's to doors opening wide and each of us being able to walk ever so gracefully through them with heads held high, a smile on our face, and a wink in our eye. ;-)

I'm back to planning lecture notes for this weekend's teacher training. I hope to see you smiling faces in class this evening!

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!

why i love teaching yoga

Well there's the obvious in that I get to spend most of my day with barefeet. But in the winter I do have to wear socks. Really though, most of what I love about teaching yoga is sharing with people little tips and techniques that help them to feel better throughout their day. If I'm teaching you how to be kind to yourself AND teaching you that your knees that don't to ache during the day, then I am one happy gal. Add to that the power of intention, the breath, and the present moment and you've got one big practice with a mighty punch! So much of yoga helps us just to operate and a higher level physcially and mentally, and that's really good stuff.

I'm off to do a training for myself the next three days....thai yoga massage. The lazy woman's (or man's) yoga. I'll keep you posted on how it goes!

Have a wonder-full evening....

big faith

Doubt is the prose of the mind.
Faith is the poetry of the heart.
Aspiration is the song of the soul.
Realization is the dance of life.

Sri Chinmoy

I'm trying to make a great effort to doubt less and have bigger faith these days. Somedays it's not so easy. I guess that's where faith comes in again. I find myself falling into old habitual thought patterns at times....looking at things in a distorted way. Thinking "I doubt this....I doubt that" Blah, blah, blah.

I'm replacing it today with "I have faith...."

Care to join me and give it a go?

get out of your head

As a yogi, these words speak to me.

Have a happy Monday. I hope that each of you can find the time and the ability to get out of your head (mind, thoughts, ego) and into your heart a few times today. :-)

first day of spring

I'm not sure what it was that brought the yogi's out in packs yesterday evening. But I sure loved it! Was it the first day of spring? The free class? Or perhaps the creme filled egg that awaited everyone after class?



And this picture was taken on my way to work yesterday morning. The 25 minute drive isn't so bad when you get to look at the sun rising, the cows grazing, and the horses playing. Yesterday was a pretty perfect day (with the exception of that UK loss of course). I think it's a good sign for good times to come for all of us. :-)

And those very cool yoga socks that I've been wearing, if you would love a pair send Lori an email at lolashepherd@hotmail.com. She will accommodate peoples choice in color to the best of her ability and depending on what yarn is available at local yarn stores. If you have wool allergies or just prefer cotton, cotton blends are available. In order to properly size the sock, it is best if she can get the measurement around the arch of the foot. Depending on how much time she has, it will usually take 3 to 5 days to complete a pair of socks and they will be pre-washed before she delivers them. And at only $12 a pair, you can't beat it!!

free class today

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"
~Robin Williams

I love that!! I'm pretty happy that today is the FIRST day of spring and the sun is shining brightly upon us here in central KY.

I'm feeling happy so I would love to share this happiness with you. Come in this evening for a FREE yoga class. The easter bunny may in fact come a bit early and leave a sweet treat for you. Maybe, just maybe. ;-)

Offerings for the evening are Level 1 at 5:45 and Yoga Basics at 7:15. So gear up and get on in to celebrate the arrival of spring here at Barefoot Works!

If you're no where near Lexington I hope you'll find some time to take some deep refreshing breaths, bend, stretch and twist your beautiful body, think happy joyful thoughts, and say "it's spring, party time"!

girls rock

"Go girl, seek happy nights to happy days."

William Shakespeare

I've had the best girl time this week. Really, it's been pretty awesome! I got to spend some time with my best gal pal Liz on Monday. We did a little shopping at the mall and had lunch at PJ Changs. And have you seen was they're doing with their deserts?? They bring eight samples out in little shot glasses and you can choose which ones you want (check them out). The little shot glass samples are just the perfect size. You get just enough.

On Monday I taught my last class to a great group of teachers (here's a few of them). They're funny. Really they crack me up. And sweet they are. It's been a pleasure spending over three months with them, getting to know them, and helping them to feel more comfortable in their bodies.

Yesterday I had the good fortune of spending much of the day with my sister-in-law. This all turned out to be a bit of surprise, but my schedule was pretty open so lunch we had, shopping we did, and coffee we sipped.

I'm seeing a theme.

Today I spent an hour an a half with a cancer survivor group and felt pretty happy just being in their presence. Opening Barefoot Works had allowed me many cool opportunities in meeting people that I would have never met otherwise. I was honored and excited to share with them a bit of what I love so much, yoga. And they may come to the studio sometime for a class.

And I just finished dinner with Tracy. She just got back from a yoga therapy training in San Diego so we had to get together so she could share her experience with me.

There really is nothing quite like good girl time. Happy, lucky me. :-)

easter

Yoga For Stress Relief will be canceled this Sunday for Easter. We will also be rescheduling our "yoga off the mat" discussion series that was set to take place at 12:00. I'll keep you posted!

Also, Liz will be making her teaching debut at the noon class tomorrow. If you are free come out and show some yoga love for Liz! I'll be presenting at the cancer center and will be back next week.

self love

Since I started my 30 day challenge of practicing yoga AND journaling (this has been a key part)everyday, I'm noticing some interesting things about myself and my practice. And being nice to myself is one of those things. I think that we don't stress this enough in our world. We're taught to be nice to others....our teachers, our elders, our children, our parents, our friends, our boss, our barista, etc. But how often do we really think about being nice to ourself.

Last Monday at my yoga class I teach at a school, I tried to teach the concept of self love by pretty much sending a sweet teacher home. She came to my yoga class almost hobbling on one leg. She wanted to know is she should stay and practice even though her knee was swollen and she was feeling pain in her knee. I told her that instead of hurting herself more (not my exact words) I recommend she go home and indulge in a bubble bath complete with a cup of tea and her favorite magazine. Instead of practicing yoga,practice self love.

This is what my practice of self love has looked like this past week:
1. Doing more yin yoga, less vinyasa
2. Sleeping late (and not feeling bad for doing so)
3. Journaling everyday
4. Drinking more fresh green juices
5. Preparing early for presentations I'm giving (resulting in less stress and more love ;-)
6. Meeting a friend and chatting over coffee, having a nice long lunch with a dear friend, hearing and learning more about her pregnancy, and meeting with two other business owner friends and discussing fun and exciting upcoming business ventures.
7. Going for walks....sometimes twice a day.
8. Looking in the mirror and smiling more.
9. Cutting my hair off (well not me, but paying someone to do it)
10. Deciding that instead of taking a yoga teacher training this fall, Andy and I will escape to our favorite place for a beach vacation.

And if you want to join Sark and me in a "self love revolution" then click here.

joseph beth photos

a yogi's a yogi, no matter how flexible

"A person's a person, no matter how small." -Dr. Seuss in Horton Hears a Who

I saw this today with my two neices and three year old nephew. I'm not sure who was more excited to see it, me or them. I love Dr. Seuss. I always have. I imagine I alwasy will. I especially love that all ages, from young to old can read and/or watch his stuff and all be entertained and enlightened. His message comes across so clear and in such a fun common sense sorta way. So quickly, grab a kid, a friend, or a grand parent. Race to your nearest theater. Watch. Be amazed and amused. It's good for the soul.

The title is just my own fun take on the film today. Kinda fun, huh? Maybe this could be a film on the horizon. :-)

joseph beth books

Hi All,

Just a reminder that I'll be at Joseph Beth tomorrow at 2:00. Join me and learn short little ways to add some yoga to your daily life! I hope to see you there. :-)

this to this

Breakfast this morning was a fresh oh so good, green juice. Concocted with celery, kale, ginger, and apple juice (no apples on hand so I just used apple juice). After drinking this up I felt that I could go and and do cartwheels across the street. It does pack a big energy punch. Even more so than the three cups of coffee I had at lunch yesterday with Leigh Ann.

A very lovely gal by the name of Lori gave me this pair of knitted yoga socks last night. They are too cute...and too practical. I can't wait to give em' a whirl during my practice. I think we should all own a pair to keep our little feet warm and cozy during the cold winter months (or just to look cool in yoga class). If you love em' and want to own a pair for yourself, let me know and I'll put you in touch with Lori and she'll custom make a pair for you and your feet! And they are totally affordable. Only $12 and $14. Depending on how long she makes them.

Enjoy your day dear ones!!

picture yourself here this summer

the heart

"What the heart knows today, the head will understand tomorrow." James Stephens

Hi Friends! It's been a while since I've posted on the blog, and I find that I miss it (and you) when I've been away. The last week I've had some funny, insightful, weird and entertaining times. From the call from a local reporter asking me if I could refer her to a place where nude yoga was practiced (Here in Lexington, I inquired!!?) and the waiter at Johnny Carino's trying to convince me that the minestrone soup was vegetarian even though it's made with beef broth (Oh no, sweety you're thinking of veganism). It was all a little comical.

And after agonizing about the snow on most of the day Friday, I decided to cancel teacher training and make my way in the box-mobile to Owensboro where my sister-in-law was visiting with a sweet little baby boy. Andy was already there. I had sent him off in a frenzy earlier in the day, scared that if I made him wait too long he would miss out on seeing his sister that he only sees a couple times a year. What started out as a crazy weekend, ended with me feeling quite blessed and happy to live the life that I do.

I also had an amazing massage today. I went in for the dull ache I've been feeling in my low back and walked away feeling much more clear and awakened. Today, I'm once again reminded of my heart. All that it does. All that it endures. All that it is. And all that it allows me to be. Today I'm challenging myself to live deeply in the space and to make decisions that resonate most truly and most authentically with my heart.

That's what's going on in my world. What about yours?

saturday class

Hi All,

The Saturday morning class has been canceled. Give yourself some yoga love by practicing at home and following it up with hot cocoa....and lots of marshmallows! Enjoy the snow and be safe....

30 day yoga challenge

"When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life." Jean Shinoda Bolen

I've presented myself a little yoga challenge. For thirty days straight I will do my yoga practice then I'll follow the practice up with journaling in a pretty pink and brown striped journal titled "My Yoga Practice" (very creative, I know ;-) In the past I've always been pretty good about teaching yoga and keeping up with the physical (asana) part of yoga, but it's been tough the last couple of months. It's a very common thing that happens to yoga teachers....especially when you're teaching a lot of classes. It seems that the more you teach, the less time and effort you give to your own practice. I've noticed this happening since teacher training started in January. I've been giving so much thought and effort to what it means and how best to teach people to teach yoga that my own practice has gone a little downhill.

So no more! March is here and it's the perfect time to get back on track, with whatever it is we've let slide during these cold winter months. So I'm putting my intention out there...sharing it with you and the universe:

I intend to spend 30 days cultivating a healthy body, an awakened heart, and a clutter free mind. I intend to pay attention to my yoga practice on and off the mat. I intend to listen to my intuition. I intend to connect with everything...you, the clerk, the trees, the wind, and most things between. I intend to ignite my practice and light a spark in my life. And I intend to write about all of it in my pretty pink and brown striped journal. :-)

a yogi confesses

When I tell people that I'm a yoga teacher, I usually get a variety of responses and reactions. Here are a few common responses:

"Oh, you must be the most relaxed, zen-like person ever!"
"I bet you are sooooo flexible. I can't even touch my toes!"
"I bet you are the perfect example of a yoga teacher. You always seem so calm."
And my personal fave...."That sounds fun. What else do you do?"

So today dear friends, I come clean about myself and what it means to be a yoga teacher (at least for this gal).

1. I'm not a saint. I am not always calm and relaxed. Just ask my husband, friends and family. Ask that person driving that wouldn't let me get over in a lane to take my exit the other day. Yes, I try to make an effort to let the small things go most of the time. But there are times that I swear.....and I've been known to swear like a sailor.
2. When I practice yoga in the morning (like this morning for example) I myself can barely bend over and touch my hands to the floor. I'm not the most flexible of yogi's. And I'm pretty certain I never will. It's ok, I've moved on. Just don't expect me to bend over and walk my torso between my legs when you're practicing next to me at the studio.
3. I'm not a guru. I've never had a guru. And I'm 99% certain I never will be either of those. I'm all about discovering and living my own truth. Some days I know what that means. Other days I have no clue.
4. I've been known to make judgments, say horribly mean things, and act in rotten ways. Saying rotten things with a yoga teacher's voice doesn't change the fact that they are evil, evil words.
5. I've been known to question many things. People that I love, people that I don't know, people that I respect and people I felt didn't deserve my respect. I've questioned my beliefs and my life. And possibly yours. There have been times that I've thrown my arms in the air and told the universe to "kiss my asana".

Whew!! I feel better now. For just a brief moment, I wanted to back this up with all the ways that yoga helps me to speak more clearly, love more clearnly, and live more clearly. But I don't think I will. I need to clean the house. We have friends coming over. I think we'll order pizza, chat and catch up. Maybe even drink a beer...or two. :-)