maya tulum & my home....apples to oranges

That's what one of the gals said when I asked her how she was adjusting to life back in Kentucky. She told me, "Actually I'm having a harder time than I thought. I wake up and miss paradise!" We had a quick talk and both decided that to compare the two is silly and would only lead to heartbreak we continued to look at it that way. It's like comparing apples to oranges. Simply can't....or shouldn't be done. Two entirely different things.

So I was super happy when Andy and I decided to have a date on Saturday to Midway. Since we live in Nicholasville, we go a "back way" in which we wind through Central Kentucky, weaving through small towns of Nicholasville, Versailles, and Midway.

I needed to see the beauty of our home. The fences made of stones, barbed wire, and wood. I needed to see rolling hills, the green pastures, the horse farms, and the old beautiful homes. I needed to see the cows taking a siesta by the creek. And the beautiful horses frolicking in the field. I needed to hear the wind rushing in through the window and feel my hair blowing wildly around.

I needed to see the contrast of the green fields and green trees with the back drop of the blue sky with puffy white clouds. The display of green in KY continues to inspire me. So very beautiful.

And with this I finally let out a big E X H A L E. This is it I thought. The beauty that surrounds us. It's always here. Just waiting to be noticed. Much like the reading that I shared on Saturday (and below). How much (beauty) are we missing when we're making comparisons or simply rushing to and from?

Then I think back to the beauty that exists in the physical landscape of Tulum. I realized that one of my fave views is from inside the restaurant at Maya Tulum. Looking out this window and seeing the contrast of the green of the palm tree with the blue of the sea and sky. This is it. Although the photo doesn't do it justice.

It's as if the window creates this most perfect frame for a view that is awe inspiring. The simplicity of it is one of the reasons it's so dear to me. It's a complete contrast to what I see so much here of in KY.....lots of green with accents blue. In Tulum.....lots of blue with accents of green.

The grounds of Maya Tulum are so simple yet so astounding. I'm sure that there are far more fancy and "manicured" properties just north of Tulum in Playa Del Carmen and Cancun. I have come to the conclusion that one of the many reasons I love Mexico (and Tulum) is that is really reminds me of my roots of Appalachia, growing up in southeastern KY. Where many things can be so simple yet so complicated at the same time. A place that one must live in to love and (try to)understand.

This is Ricardo. Every morning he rakes the sand at Maya Tulum, making beautiful circles. It's a process that involves time, patience, and several different rakes. What he makes is beautiful and our group is so very lucky to have witnessed his craft. His skill. I imagine that he might wonder if what he does makes a difference. But it most certainly did to our group, especially Tracy and myself. Most every day we would comment on how beautiful the sand was. He was a quiet guy. Made very little eye contact. And to get an "hola" from him was a bit of a challenge. Unlike every other person at Maya Tulum.

I'm so reminded of my family at home and their ability to be creative and resourceful. And simply speaking for myself, when I left home at 18 to go to college, I was a super shy (much more so than now), quiet gal who had a hard time making eye contact and being able to assert myself in a number of different ways. I now see myself in Ricardo.

There is a certain beauty that exists that is hard for me to explain. Hard to put words to. And some people are certainly concerned about the "realness" perhaps the "rawness" of Maya Tulum. For me personally, it's those things that make me want to continue to going back. And back. And back again.

As one of our yoginis (now uber fan of Maya Tulum) says,
"What I really want other people who are considering the trip to understand is that all of the things that Maya Tulum warns about on their website: the wildlife in your room, the lack of air conditioning, the lack of TVs and radios and all of the "conveniences" of the modern age, not having a hair dryer -- none of those things matter when you step onto the resort grounds. Those were things I was concerned about: can I live without my hair dryer?? Can I really survive without air conditioning?! And ohmygod, wildlife in my room???? And I didn't think about any of those things once I was actually there. None of my concerns were valid. The rooms were pleasantly cool; I loved the fact that I fell and asleep and woke up to the gentle caress of of the sea breeze and the sound of the Caribbean crashing into shore just yards from my windows."

**Thanks to Lisa Miller for so beautifully taking a picture above that truly represents Maya Tulums tag line.....Paradise at the edge of the sea. **

maya tulum....it keeps getting better

Since returning from Mexico quite a few people have asked me how this trip compared to past ones. I can say with all honesty, it simply keeps getting better.

First of all, I had a sweet surprise on the day the participants arrived. Ten was my magic number for this year. I went to Tulum thinking I had nine gals attending but learned the day the retreat started I had a tenth. Mary Jo, a delightful yogini from Chicago also joined us. So I was quite pleased to have exactly the number I was hoping for.

So how does the retreat get better? As far as the participants (or this is what I heard) this is what I'd say. The combination of yoga classes combined with the bodywork makes for a pretty fabulous, healing week in many ways. The yoga classes in Tulum are extra special for a few different reasons.

First off the space is amazing. Imagine our current space with thatched roof/ceiling, windows that look out to the sea on one side and the jungle on the other. There are three different light sources. We always have candles on hand AND they always provide a vase full of fresh cut flowers from the property. Between the ceiling fans and the ocean breeze it's just perfect.

Secondly we have so much more time to delve more deeply into the full spectrum of yoga. We meet for two hours in the morning (finished by 9:30 am so they still get a full beach/spa day in) and two hours before dinner. There is always a theme for the week (this year it was the idea of filling ourselves with something yummy each day...strength, compassion, acceptance, discipline, joy, gratitude). The theme is woven into the asana practice as well as yoga philosophy. The morning sessions are more vigorous and the evening sessions are more chill. It's a great balance.

The spa is simply outta this world. Words don't do the therapists nor the setting justice. As one of the gals recently said to me in an email, "I felt that the massage therapists were healers in their own specialities. I've never encountered so many experts in one short time frame--- they each seemed to care that clients on the table received what they were there for. Also, they made themselves available at unscheduled times!"

As many of you have probably heard we have a certain favorite therapist/healer/shaman by the name of Fabian. Imagine our surprise when we arrived at Maya Tulum and saw that he wasn't scheduled to be there while we were. The folks at Maya Tulum will do most anything to make you happy while there. So they arranged for Fabian to come in and just work with our group. All I had to do was pick the days and times we wanted to see him. They made it that easy. And he even led temalzcal (sweat lodge) for us. We. Heart. Fabian. And Adrian. And Chandree. And Elodia. And Gina. And Sergio.

I heard so many great things about so many other therapists that I haven't worked with. I'm not sure where they find such powerful people, but they do. And I am all the happier for them doing so.

This year I added a special treat for our closing night. I arranged for us to do singing/chanting with another local Shaman by the name of Pedro. When I was in Tulum in January with my brother and sister, Pedro led the sweat lodge and we did a lot of singing. He has the voice of an angel. I knew I wanted him to share with the group. So on our last night, they set our yoga hall up so beautifully with a big circle, lots of candles and extra special touches. For nearly an hour and a half we sang amongst the group, with Pedro and several other local ladies all dressed in white. It was beautiful. And powerful. And inspiring. We'll definitely do this again next year.

Other goodies.....On this trip you can be with the group as much as you'd like or you can have your own private time. It's very easy to do and I feel like everyone easily finds a balance between the two.

"I looked forward to meal times together, and to beach business with girlfriends." Beach business...I love that! And as far as alone time, it's so easy. You can rest in your cabana, find a quiet nook on the property, take a walk on the beach, walk to the shops just up the road, or read a book at the restaurant. And every ones fave alone time....getting a treatment.

The food was even better this year than last. I didn't think that was possible. Louisa is the new night chef and her food was ahhhhh. Heavenly. And she's so kind and humble. Every night she stands out by the buffet greeting our group and telling us all about the yummy food for the evening. She has a kind way and I swear her eyes twinkle.

I love going to Maya Tulum in the summer. And I say this even after being there in January. To me I really didn't notice that much of a difference with the temperature. And no I'm not lying. All the gals can vouch for me when I say, "It's really not that hot." Sarah was quite amazed really at how comfortable it was. The ocean breeze is so much more than what one would think.

But the two main reasons I love going in the summer:
1. It's so very quiet. Really, it's like you have your very own private beach, private resort, and private restaurant. It's fabulous.
2. It's cheaper. The airfare, the cost of the retreat. Pretty much everything.
Bonus #3. The timing is perfect for me. By the time the retreat rolls around, I've just finished teacher training and summer time is much more slow for me.

And mostly the retreat rocked this year because of the group. Aren't they so cute? Loved that we had two mother/daughter duos. Some recent graduates from teacher training, some friends, some newbies for me and it all worked out splendidly. I feel strongly that each one of us needed to be together at that specific time at that specific place with those specific people. In order to grow, to share, to teach, to learn, to heal and be healed.

Thanks to all you gals that attended. I feel blessed to have shared such a week with each of you.

stop and hear the music

Reading that I shared this morning. Thanks for passing it along to me Lisa. Enjoy!

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning in 2007. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule. A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk. A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing some of the best music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made...
How many other things are we missing?

*I've had lots of people asking about our amazing journey to Maya Tulum. Beginning tomorrow I'm going to post each day about our trip. I hope you enjoy. :)

makes me happy

*How the top of the mountain was lit by the setting sun last night.
*The remains of a golden glow from Tulum....inner and outer.
*Getting back on schedule with work.
*Seeing people I haven't seen in a while at the studio.
*My mom and niece away on an adventure together.
*My brother-in-law.
*Seeing the movie "The Hangover" for the second time with my brother and sister. And laughing hysterically. Again.
*Planning for the rest of the year.
*Working out with Andy.
*The new website.....still.
*The thought of seeing my friends.
*A girls trip to Chicago this fall with Liz.
*My sister's strength.
*Meetings with people about the upcoming yoga teacher training. Dates coming this week.
*A new nephew that will be welcomed into the world next month.
One of my BFF's new website.
*The compassion of so many people I know and love.
*Walks with the doggies.
*Morning beach walks have gone back to morning cemetery walks. Both beautiful in there own ways. Could there be any greener place than in KY? And I still have birds singing to me on my walk. What more can a gal ask for?

Have a happy happy day!!

maya tulum magic

My time in Tulum was cut a tiny bit short. I am such a blessed gal to have the time(s) there that I have. Here is a teeny tiny conversation I had with Pauline, the originator/owner of Maya Tulum (who happens to be from Lexington and went to UK)......

Me, "You have something very special here at Maya Tulum."
She, "The people that need to find us do."

Eleven of us found them and I'm quite certain our lives are either a little or a lot changed after being there.

I'm glad to be home and looking forward to teaching at my fave place....Barefoot Works.

yoga for a good cause

Please share the word:

Community Yoga at Barefoot Works
Third Tuesday of each month
July 19, 4:00 - 5:00

Free/Donations Welcome that benefit Florence Critteton Home.

More silliness from myself and 2009 yoga teacher trainees. I promise we did work. ;)

a brand new look!!

I'm so very excited to have the new website finished AND a beautiful blog to match! I got home late last night after teaching and the drumming workshop (which both were outta this world cool, watched the mini version of Michael's memorial, went upstairs to check email and checked to see if the new website was up yet. When I saw it I nearly did a flip!

After a couple days of calling Blue Host and Go Daddy, and what felt like a trillion emails to my old graphic designer the new site up sitting pretty in the world of web. It's been a process as I hadn't planned a whole new website but I am beyond thrilled with the end result.

Retta has been amazing throughout this process. We've met at Panera by the studio, Panera close to my home, chatted before and after classes, she came and took photos, and we've exchanged more than a trillion emails. If you ever need a website I so highly recommend her. As you can see she's quite talented. And the time and effort she takes to really get it just the way you want it is simply astounding.

This yoga retreat page is my most fave. It's one of my fave Tulum pics and one of my fave quotes. I recall asking Retta quite tentatively, "Any way you can make this into a postcard and include this amazing quote?" I think I had actually grown a little fearful of making requests with my previous folks (hence the change). She excitedly says, "Ooooh that would be cool! Let me work on it." And she did. And it's perfect. I love it. And Retta. She's truly a website goddess. Gush. Gush.

I really feel like this website represents myself, the studio, and our yoga community a little better. I was forced to sit down and think again about what we're trying to do here and who we're trying to attract to Barefoot Works. Writing the intro for the flash slideshow was fun. I debated on several things here. Quotes, long passages, or a blurb by me. Went with the blurb and still got to use the quotes that you find sprinkled about the website and the passage here. I love the colors. Love that we actually have pics from the studio, pretty pics of the teachers. We have a couple new pages, one for a yoga therapy program, private sessions, and one for studio rental (we're hosting our first yoga/book club event in August!).

We have a handy FAQ page along with the handy "guide to yoga at Barefoot Works youtube video. You can find us on facebook, twitter, and youtube from the homepage. AND my second favorite page is the Love Letters page. You have to see it from the homepage, scroll on down. That was another request for Miss Website Goddess...."Can we use this quote from Addie and make some sorta fun image to link from?" And it's so very perfect! Love the Love Letters.

OK I'll quit with the new yoga website excitement. Cause I still got Tulum to be excited about! Yay! Leaving on a jet plane early in the morning. Don't know when I'll be back again. Kidding. I'll be back in two weeks. On the 23rd.

If I didn't see you last night (with the packed out yoga/drumming class) I didn't get to say "bye" and give you a hug. So I'm sending one out via long distance. From me to You. And You. And You. I'll miss you (honestly), but looking so forward to being in my favorite place of all. Appears that "favorite" is the word of the day. :)

Be happy. I'll catch ya in a couple of weeks.
xo,
sharon

PS - I'll probably blog a few times from Tulum, so check in!

PSS - If you have any trouble viewing the new website or blog please let me know.

the sweetest things

beach books?

OMG, a whole week has passed! Crazy.....Lots of stuff going on these days and sadly I just haven't had time to hang out with Miss Blog.

But the very important question is....If you could take only one book to the beach, what one book would that be?

I'll have some extra time in Mexico this year and I'm hoping to get a good amount of reading in. I would LOVE to hear some of your faves!!

Have a sweet day. Don't forget that class is tomorrow at 6:15 and set to drumming. So cool! Come on out, even if you don't usually attend class on Tuesday evenings. I'm hoping to see a lot of you yogis! And following class is a workshop from 7:30-9:30!

introducing lexingtons latest yoga teachers

"Our similarities bring us to a common ground;
Our differences allow us to be fascinated by each other."
~Tom Robbins

I am so very proud of each of you and stand in awe of your beauty, strength, and wisdom. xoxo, sharon

More words to come.....

yogis tribute to farrah and michael

yumminess

It's the close of what has been a real treat of a day for me. In thinking about why, it was mainly because I got to really immerse myself in yoga today. The past few days I've been busy with random, trivial to-dos. Doing the things that aren't exactly my faves, but very necessary as a small biz owner.

But today....today it was all about the yoga!

I taught class this morning at 9:15. I really enjoy teaching this class. It's usually a great group of gals and we always have a fun time. Plus it was Tracy's birthday (Happy B-Day!). So I treated her by playing her "favorite cd" and we ended up doing lots of her fave poses. Everyone was chitty chatty oh so happy before class and that it made to sense to focus on our light, our goodness. And heart openers seem most appropriate.

And Louise brought the yummiest champagne raspberries that I shared with the class after practice. Hmmmm, wish I'd saved some for tonight!

I met with the teachers and we had a nice long two hour lunch where we talked about what else....lots of yoga. Actually we did chat about upcoming retreats/trips and future ones. We don't all get together often so it's a real treat when we do. They make me laugh. And make me feel proud. And basically feel my heart with gratitude cause I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by such cool cats.

Later I made an attempt to do my practice with my gal Seane. Somewhere between Warriors and Dolphins "we" took a childs pose. Which felt mighty nice. So I stayed. And stayed. And ended up taking a teeny tiny nap there. Decided to wake myself up with a tasty drink from Starbucks. Yum it did the trick.

I had to get on the road and downtown to observe Brian (teacher trainee) teach at the Y. And boy did he do a grrrreat job?! Yes, he did. I sat back and watched, took notes filling in the evaluation. Mostly I wanted to partake myself. He does a great job with the basics of yoga, literally making it accessible for everyone. I was proud of him. He has taken his seat and place as a yoga teacher and it seems to suit him well. Very. Very Nice.

Rushed back to the studio (now I know how you feel driving from downtown to the studio) to teach at 5:45. It was a small and lovely group. The storm was rolling in. The lighting outside and inside was beautiful. We practiced to more chill tunes and took it down a notch. I heart teaching. I always finish teaching and feel so much better. In a way, it's like taking class cause it requires such powerful focus and presence. There is certainly an exchange of energy there.

Which is why I decided to stay and take Sarah's. As did Emily. Cause you know....I didn't exactly get a practice in earlier. Child pose. Nap. Starbucks.

It was still storming when we started class. The universe provided music and a little light show to boot. Sarah is always lovely in life and in teaching. I hadn't taken her class in a long time. I forget how sweet, soothing, nurturing and encouraging she is in her teaching. Again. Makes me very proud.

After class there was totally water cooler talk! I swear. Little yoginis surrounded by the water, drinking from teeny tiny cups. Brand newbies, regular newbies, teachers. Speaking of WII Fit, down dogs, shoulders and such. Little baby frienships were forged as we made our way out into the late evening. Greeted by a great breeze and a beautiful sky.

So tonight I'm feeling again like a pretty pretty lucky gal. Thanks to all of you. :)

wrapping up &starting fresh

I've had a wonderfully productive day. The type of day when you have such powerful, focused energy. And you wonder how much you could do, if you were in this flow...day in and day out. I don't think it's gonna happen. Not for me anyway. It comes and goes. Like the rain and sun. Like the seasons. Like so much in life.

Teacher training is coming to a close. This weekend is our last. It's bittersweet. Part of me is happy to have more time with Andy, the dogs, and the house on weekends. Part of my is excited as these new teachers embark on their own teaching journey. Part of me is sad that I'll never have the nine of them back for our "weekend retreats" to share, grow, and learn from one another.

As we come to a close, I'm thinking of what worked well, what needs to be tweaked, what to add, what to do away with. I'm thinking of a teacher training here in Lexington and a teacher training in Tulum. I'm thinking. And thinking.

The closing of teacher training also means that I'm focusing on the upcoming retreat to Tulum. Contemplating how to make it fun and new for the gals that have already been. Wanting it to be perfect for all the newbies coming this year. And of course, I want all to love it as I do. I sent out a newsletter last week for what to wear, what to pack, and what to expect. Made it official that it's almost here!

I've been working with Retta on a whole new website. With lots more color. And pictures. And content. It's so fresh. And pretty and perfect. I think it better represents the studio and what we stand for. In working on new content, I've been thinking more about the programs, classes, and overall values of the studio. Thinking. Yep. And more thinking.

I'm also taking this "systems" class, which has been really great. It's forcing me to get really clear on the values of the studio, how I spend my time, where I spend my time. It's forcing me to get all the stuff in my head, down on paper. It's forcing me to work "on my business (code E-Myth)rather than just "in my business".

It's exciting to look back and see where I've come from in three years....from teaching yoga in a clubhouse, to 700 square feet in Patchen, to over 2000 square feet in our current tree house. On the days that I feel that I'm standing still with happening, I plan to remind myself of this. And look at these pics of two studio remodels. :)

ahhh june...

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit.
A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world. ~Ada Louise Huxtable

the things I learn...

when I simply ask.

Today at my 4:30 class I asked my students (as I do regularly), "Any poses you'd love to practice?" And like many times, they sat and looked at me with kind sweet eyes, and closed mouths.

So I asked them, "why is it that no one really speaks up at this point?" Everyone is so quiet when I ask "that question". And I know you're not a quiet bunch. I overhear your conversations before class. (As a sidenote, the chatter makes me happy.)

Guess what?! I got answers. Larry G. told me that he usually doesn't request because he thinks that the kind yogis behind him might give him the evil eye or silently curese him for requesting "such a pose". OK, so not his exact words, but something like it.

Debbie C. said she doesn't request cause sure enough once she's in the pose and feeling a little lite torture, she'll curse herself for choosing "such a pose".

Seems to me a lot of you are concerned with cursing yourself or cursing the student that requested "such a pose".

Nancy B said she doesn't request cause she assumed that at some point, we'll get to "it" during class. I like that one. It doesn't involve anyone cursing anybody. Including me.

As a teacher I had assumed (yes I know what that makes you and me....clearly it's correct), that it was because students don't want to speak up or speak out. Or perhaps there was the feeling of not wanting to think, and only wanting to be taught.

Seems I was mostly (ok completely) wrong. And leaves me wondering what else I might learn, if only I ask. Hmmmmm......

calling all yogis.....

So the talented Retta (that's her on the right with Shannon next to her at NC retreat) is currently working on a brand new website for Barefoot Works. And might I add....that's is oh my gosh so pretty. When I saw the design I wanted to squeal with delight. Yep. That cool. And perfect for me.

So I'm looking for some fresh testimonials to sprinkle about the website. After all my words only count for so much. Yours go much further. And rightfully so.

If you feel that myself, Barefoot Works, or yoga in general has helped you to lead a healthier, happier and more blissed out life in general....please share.

Things to ponder....
*How yoga has made a positive impact in your life? You know, in the big ways....daily life, work, relationships, body image, self esteem, overall health and bliss factor, etc...
*How you connect with the teachings/teachers?
*How you feel about the Barefoot Works community?
*What you enjoy most about Barefoot Works?

And since I know that some of you are perfectionist, please don't worry. It does not need to be perfect. Just truth-full and heartfelt. That's all.

Please submit them below or email to me at barefootworks at hotmail dotcom. If you do so, I'm happy to gift a free class card to you for your time.

Also, we are taking some photos at the studio on Friday at 4:30. The pics will be used on the new website. If you'd like to come and participate (do what you do best, yoga), please let me know!

So there is a chance to see your name and pic in print!

fresh back!

Andy and I got home early this morning (2:30 to be exact) from a week long merry taking memory making vacation with our friends. We packed a lot of punch into our eight day vacation that included five days at Indian Rocks Beach, day at Sea World, day at Savannah, and a day in Charleston.

Unlike my upcoming trip to Mexico, we were on the move quite a bit. It was fun to be active and explore new places like Savannah with the gang and show fave Charleston to both Andy and Tony. Liz and I actually spent a summer in SC for our graduate internship a few (ok so more than a few) years back. We had spent many a weekends in Charlestown. Our "others" loved it as much as we did.

Highlights of the trip included:
*Exploring Calidesi Island (rated #1 beach by Dr. Beach)
*Shopping John's Pass
*Watching The Hangover (yes it was a highlight)
*Shamu at Sea World and petting a sea ray (after being a little frightened when looking down and seeing them surrounding us while swimming outside the condo earlier in the week).
*Carriage ride in Savannah (seeing and walking on the street ranked Most Beautiful Street in America by Better Homes and Gardens)
*Touring the home of Girls Scouts founder, Juliette Low
*Carriage ride in Charleston (seeing the most haunted alley in Charleston. Charleston is ranked second only to Savannah for America's most haunted city)
*That being said....Ghost Town in Savannah
*Charleston museums
*Shopping The Market

After getting stuck in traffic outside of Knoxville for more than two hours, we made it home just after 2:30. We had some surprise visitors. Fleas. Yep. I know. Very. Nice. And not the guests you want to welcome. Ever. Especially when you've been gone for over a week.

So Andy finds himself taking care of the pests this morning (I know, good guy) while I get some work in. New website update (it's oh so pretty!), coordinating to teach a class and rent space for a sweet student/yogini, finalize fall dates for Hazard Teacher Training, check in with the teachers, respond to inquiries from new students, corresponding for yoga at work job, read the assignment and check in for online systems class I'm taking, and now getting ready to go to Whitesburg for the night. Be back in time to teach my class tomorrow.

So here we are.
Vacation #1 is over. So thank-full to have a great husband and two amazing friends to share that with. It was an unforgettable trip. So much good and funny stuff happened during our trip. Makes me laugh out loud just thinking about it!

Glad to be back home and looking forward to getting into the swing of things as it's a big time. Our 09 teacher training ends next weekend! Crazy. And the Mexico retreat is less than a month away. (Still two spots left!!) So there is much prep work to be done there.

Alright, I'm off to Coffee Times to list the most important things I must do this week then making my way home for the day.

Looking forward to seeing ya'll in class! I've missed you so. :)

PS - Haven't downloaded pics just yet, but will soon enough. I'll be sure to share the good and funny ones!

hi, it's me....

Just a little note to say "hi" and that I miss you all! I just got an email from a friend who said, "It's been quite over on your blog....just wanna make sure you are well."

So sweet. And funny to know that friends get a little worried when it's quite in blogland. She is not the first.

I just enjoyed my fifth day of sun and fun here in Florida. I'm here with Andy, my BF Liz and her boyfriend, Tony. We all made a pact to spend minimum time on the cell phone and Internet. We've all done amazingly well. I have to admit that it's been nice to unplug. I spent a lot of time with my trusty laptop, but the time apart has done both of us well. Plus I'm super excited to get back to work!

Tomorrow we're off to Orlando to Sea World, then up the coast to Savannah, then to Charleston. Yea, I know....pretty cool! Planning to get home Sunday night or Monday.

As I sit here typing the I have the Travel Channel on. I looked up and the little blonde beach gal (Bridget's Sexiest Beaches) is highlighting Tulum, the beautiful beach, and temalzcal. Hard to believe that in exactly ONE month I'll be there with the lovelies.

Yay for summer.
Yay for beach.
Yay for good friends.
And good times.

Hope the week has treated each of you well. Looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and teachin' some yoga!

contentment

Contentment....
I love the word.
I love the idea.
I love the practice.
And that's what it is for me.
Always
A practice.
It's a big, juicy part of yoga.

It's been something that has eluded me most of my short life. Sometimes I find myself running so far ahead. Thinking so far ahead. Thinking of the next thing on the horizon. It takes a conscious effort on my part to step back. To say, you know what, "I'm ok with things as they are. I've done a pretty good job here.

I can relax. I can take a deep breath and know that for today "this" is enough. Maybe I don't need to strive and grasp for today. Maybe I can appreciate where I've been, look forward to the journey ahead, and know that the universe will guide me in the right direction. If and when I remain open to receive. I don't have to have all the answers. And it's OK. There is something so very reassuring about the idea of that.

Contentment. Yes it's been on my mind. Wondering what it means for you and how it applies to your life today? Do share....

We're having a great workshop at the studio tomorrow night....World Peace Yoga & Diet. Come spend three hours with other splendid souls. Details here.

i love yoga teacher training....

I haven't had a chance to write about our most amazing yoga teacher training weekend ever! Ahh, it was so wonderful to lead. So wonderful to be a part of. So wonderful to witness.

There was lots of laughter, more than a few tears, many aha moments. There was prenatal yoga, ecology of yoga, chanting of yoga. There was yin yoga, pranayama, and meditation. Sitting in the sun, hanging with the tree. And singing....Beth graced us with her beautiful voice. Wow. Shelli led us in chanting. There was even some dancing at the closing of Saturday. Courtesy Michael Franti of course.
Friday night I drove home in a trance like state. There were actually a couple of times when I thoughts to myself, "pay attention Sharon....passing cars." No radio. No cell phone. I didn't want to disrupt the tender state I was in. In leading the teacher trainees through a few exercises to move closer to their authentic self, I discovered such valuable information about myself. It was a big moment for me when it all clicked and made sense. This is only one of many reasons that leading teacher training is right up there with my favorite things to do/be a part of.

I went home and showered, and went immediately to my journal where I continued to pour my heart out for about twenty minutes. Really, my mind was going so quickly with thoughts that I had to record. I had to get it down to go back and remember when I was unsure. When I needed to be reminded of why I must do what I do. My hand was moving so quickly to keep up the pace of my mind. Ultimately I fell into a deep slumber and slept sound till the next morning when I got up and we started it over again.

Starting it all over again....we're actually winding down with the training. We'll be finished at the end of this month. Seems pretty crazy. I'm already getting emails from people wanting to do the training next year. I have a hard time thinking of that now. I am so in love with this whole group. Love. Each. One. Of. Them. I am oh so proud of each and every one. I continue to be amazed by all nine of these individuals. They are strong and open. They are inspiring and bold. They are smart and driven. They are remarkable. And pretty damn funny.

Love fest 09 continues....

hello yogis

Hi All! Just a quick post to remind all that the Monday night yin yoga class is on hiatus through the summer. There is a chance we'll add it back to the schedule come fall. Beginning this Wednesday Sarah will be at the studio to guide all you yogis through class.

I'll be starting a class this Wednesday in an effort to continue to get all my stuff together. Looking forward to getting going on this systems class. Our call will take place during yin yoga class. Plus I've been teaching four to five classes on Wednesdays and while I loved it, I found myself getting home at 8:00feeling a bit whipped. So this works out perfectly!

Off to Richmond to babysit the three nieces while darlin' nephew goes to Cincy for some "not so much fun" appointments. Happy thoughts and juicy energy for the little one. And my sis.

Wishing all of you a wonderful Monday!

PS - No we don't normally dress our dogs in our t-shirts. That was when we had the awful ice storm and were without power for way too long. Poor doggies got so cold. I came home and found Andy had dressed them in UK shirts (of course). And we had to drive them around at times to keep em' warm. Yes, a rough life they live. :)

barefoot works yoga do's....

yoga with seane corn

Spending six hours in the car driving on Saturday was so worth the three hour workshop with Seane, practicing yoga between Sarah and Leah, and the great conversations I got to share with Sarah in the car. Just put two yoginis on the road for a few hours and there is bound to be thoughtful, reflective, fun conversation.

And now I find myself crushing on Miss Corn even more. I've been fortunate enough to learn from a few of our "yoga masters"....Seane remains my fave. Maybe we shouldn't have faves. But can't help it here! I love being in her presence. She is grounded, and fun, human, likeable and relatable, she's honest, compassionate, and like the word she uses often....she is fierce.

She spoke of the idea of not having a teacher. Yes we have people to learn from as we don't know it all. But no one knows our past, our struggles, our hopes and fears quite like we do. We are our very own guru. Kinda cool way of thinking I believe. The self help books, the blogs, the teachers, the travel and other peoples stories will only take us so far. It's up to us to go that extra mile....or as far as we wish.

She spoke of "seeing past the stories and seeing the soul". My fave thought to ponder for the day. How much this world would be different if we didn't get caught up in our own stories and the stories of these we know (or think we know).....if we could see past the likeness, and the difference, past the labels, and see deeply into the goodness, the lightness and brightness of the soul.

So today I'm setting an intention to see past the stories and see the soul. I invite you to join.

Wishing each of you a super happy Tuesday. It was a great weekend, but I'm really happy to be back at work.

my miss corn crush

Sarah and I are driving to Indianapolis EARLY tomorrow to learn from my yoga crush, Seane Corn. I told Andy today, "Ya know, there aren't many people that I'd spend six hours in a car for, but a couple come to mind.....Jon and Seane.

When Andy and I lived in Houston, he drove me to Dallas (on a school night) to see my major crush...Bon Jovi. It was about ten hours in the car in one day. And since living in Lexington, he drove me to Columbus and back (on yet another school night) to see Bon Jovi. Again. He is a sweet husband and understands my need to crush. And dance. And scream when I see my not so long ago big haired band sing to me in the stands. :)

And this long day in the car will be a much different one. Sarah and I will most likely spend most of our time talking yoga. On the way there I imagine I'll share with Sarah all the things I love about Seane and her teaching. On the way back we'll reflect on the workshop, yoga, and life in general.

And in between we plan to do a little shopping. Hope each and every one of you have a safe and happy weekend. Enjoy.....

the sweetest thing

Ask me where I've been this week and I'll say that I've been spending as much time as possible swooning over this little one......


She arrived Monday, May 18th....one day before my birthday. I love the idea of celebrating my birthday with the birth of this little gal, Zoey Hazel Rose.

The other Rose kids are equally excited about the arrival of a new family member. At least for now anyway. :)

Thank all of you for the birthday wishes. It was truly a perfect day. Little bit of family time, little bit of "me" time, good times with Andy and two dear friends.

And the BEST (made from scratch) strawberry cake one could possible wish for. Thanks Liz for always spoiling me with such a de-lish sweet treat on my birthday.

It's gonna be a grand year. I just know it. :)

this yoginis life

This life I've been living is a well crafted dream mixed with a little luck and a lot of determination.

This life I've been living has brought me closer to my husband, my mother, my peers, my students, the clerk at the store, and the strangers on the street.

This life I've been living cracks my heart open a little more with each passing day. Leaving me more open. More vulnerable.

This life I've been living has taught me the value of understanding my mind, my patterns, and my habits.

This life I've been living has taught me that I'm more than what I do for a living. I'm more that the house I own and the (box) car I drive. More than my possessions. Much more than a yoga pose.

This life I've been living has shown me my strengths and my weaknesses. My joys and sorrows. My confusion and my will to seek clarity.

This life resembles the one I've thought about, dreamed about, wrote about and hoped for with my whole heart. The one I shared with my husband, brother and friend.

It's not a life full of riches or extravagance. It's a life filled with clutter and chaos, mixed with a bit of confusion. It's a life filled with connecting, loving, sharing.

If given the chance, there is very little I'd change in this yoginis life.

Wondering about the life you've been living. Care to share?

good karma cause

We are selling these sweet bracelets at the studio made by Abby, age 12. Abby's mamma comes to the studio and she's in our teacher training.

Making and selling these friendship bracelets is part of her service project for her Bat Mitzvah. And guess where 100% of the donations go to??? Florence Crittenten Home, our very own "we love to support local nonprofit".

It's a suggested donation of $6. Mine has my fave spring-ey pastel-ey colors....pink, purple and green. I even made a wish with mine and I'm sure by the time it comes off the wish will surely have come true. :) We've already sold a few and there aren't many left so take a look before and after class.

We have more fun, fabulous and free events lined up for the weekend:
Come snack and stitch this sunday at noon. Newbies are welcome. Sarah and Emily are heading this up. Believe it or nt, I've been somewhere other than here each time they've had it, but I hear it's great fun. So gather your yarn and needles, bring a snack, and come socialize and stitch.

This coming Sunday (the 17th) we also have our community yoga class from 4:00-5:00. Please tell others that may be interested in coming!

leisure life + lunge love

Ah it's been a good week. Really good week. Seems that things have slowed down a bit for me. Or maybe I've slowed the pace down. Or maybe I've slowed down.

Who knows? Who cares? Just feels good. Andy and I spent time celebrating over the weekend in Owensboro. Little nephew we hadn't seen, celebration of mothers, celebration of births. We got home Sunday evening and both needed some "me" time. I walked to the coffee shop, sat in my fave seat by the window, and wrote in my journal. And drank a yummy soy vanilla latte.

I continued the play day into Monday. Did some work in the morning and early afternoon. But then I took time off when Andy came home at 4:00. We walked the dogs, dined on the porch, went to the library. Simple things that I love. Adore. More and more these days.

I've so loved teaching my classes this week. Finding that when I have more "space" I come to my teaching feeling fresh and with a fresher perspective. Taught three classes today and relished each one.

Shot the following video this morning and shared this sequence in a couple of classes. I love lunges. Yes we do them often at Barefoot Works. So good for the body. I hope you enjoy.

virtual yoga retreat?

I have what I believe to be a pretty great idea, so I wanted to throw it out there to all of you and gauge an interest.

Retreating to Tulum, Mexico for yoga is such an amazing experience. I have always felt that we should all be so lucky to get to experience it. But for whatever reason, we all can't. Sigh.

So I've been debating what the next best thing might be? How can one get the benefit of retreating, but staying at home? How can one dig deeper, peel the layers, nurture oneself, grow, and have fun at the same time?

I think by participating in a virtual yoga retreat. I haven't worked out the details, just have a bunch of ideas. Before I dive into this, I wonder if you yoginis have an interest.

Ideas so far....
~Daily emails for inspiration and intention
~Yoga Practice with Sarah Powers DVD (love this one)
~CD of guided meditation and relaxation from me
~Six days of practices, explorations, fun stuff compiled in a workbook for your retreat week
~Additional resources for each day

Add ons for the retreat week could be local massage, tea party, etc....

If you have an interest, please share with me what a perfect virtual yoga retreat might mean for you. Feel free to leave a comment here or on facebook or twitter. Or email me.

Thanks so much lovelies! Have a beautiful Monday!!

day for mamas

Andy and I will be leaving shortly to go to Owensboro for the weekend to spend time with the fam. I have the new Yoga Journal waiting patiently in my car. Undoubtedly I will prop my feet up in the dash, flip through the pages once for a preview, then come back and re-read the articles of most interest, then go back once more to finish. It's a process.

This weekend I'm celebrating....
My brother's 35 birthday on Wed.
My mom & dad's 38th wedding anniversary on Thursday
Sis-in-law's birthday Friday (today)
Mom-in-law's birthday Saturday
And mama's day on Sunday.

As you can see loads to celebrate.
Not to mention the birth of little baby Zoey that we're (or should I say my sister) expecting next week. I heart May. Plenty to be thank-full for.

Wishing each of you a super sweet weekend. Love to all.

reminded

Tonight I am reminded....
about what really matters.

It's about living big.
And loving even bigger.

It's about connecting daily,
To yourself, your loved ones, and strangers too.

It's about the little moments
that mean so much.

It's about being kind to one another.
And knowing we are all interconnected.

My prayers, your prayers,the whole worlds prayers
All drift and soar in the same universe.

It's about my truth.
And your truth.

Living
Loving
Connecting
And knowing
Even when it seems impossible.

todays reading....

"The Poet Comments on Yet Another Approaching Spring"

Don't flowers put on their
prettiness each spring and
go to it with
everything they've got? Who

would criticize the bed of
yellow tulips or the blue
hyacinths?
So put a

bracelet on your
ankle with a
bell on it and make a
little music for

the earth beneath your foot.
~Mary Oliver

PS-That's Mary in the photo above, a sweet gal from my yoga teacher training in Hazard.

why barefoot works

I've been getting this question quite a bit here of lately. This morning I was scrolling through the older posts of my blog (I want to turn my blog into a little book for myself so if any of you techie gals has any tips do let me know) and found this.

I find that I spent (and still do) a lot of time really thinking deliberately about myself, my life, teaching, yoga, the studio, and all of you. Way before I had yoga students, I was thinking about the type of students I wanted to surround myself with. It has clearly worked. I couldn't have dreamt up a better group of inspiring people. Always hoping all the way to the seat of my soul I get all of "this" right....or as right as I can get it for right now.

So here it is....a little story about Barefoot Works and how the name came to be.

When I was a young girl growing up in a rural area of Eastern Kentucky, my siblings and I could step out of our front door and into an untamed world of magic and imagination. Countless days and times, we would come home from school, run onto the front porch just to take our shoes off and escape outside for hours. Walking barefoot with the soft moist grass beneath my feet was a joyful experience that allowed me to feel complete freedom. My siblings and I were more at home in nature than our own home. We were completely surrounded by the most magnificent mountains and it was here that we learned that we could do anything and be anybody. We set forth with impossible challenges, risked everything, and always played for keeps.

Years later I stumbled upon yoga. In a yoga class just outside of Houston, I took my shoes off and for an hour and a half I stretched, twisted, and balanced on my bare feet. It was here on my yoga mat, that once again I discovered the same blissful barefoot freedom that I had experienced in my younger years. Yoga is a creative and joyful expression that nurtures my body, mind and spirit, much like the mountains of eastern Kentucky. Upon returning to Kentucky, I made a decision that I would find a way to share my love of yoga with others. This creative vision resulted in Barefoot Works. A deligtul yoga studio located in Lexington, KY. I invite you into a soulful space where I hope you can rediscover your very own barefoot bliss.

So the question to you....what's your story? It's just like they say, "Everybody's got a story, what's yours?"