classes cancelled today + winter self care tips

Winter has decided to do it's thing again and provide the beauty of snow, yet making it hard for me to justify having yoga classes this evening. In thinkinig of the best interest of all, I have decided to cancel classes for the evening.


Winter Tips for Self Care

I will be the first to admit that I'm growing a little tired of winter. I'm ready for the days to grow lighter and the sun to shine more brightly.

Nonetheless, winter continues to hang tightly with us. For some of us that means dealing with the winter blues.

Luckily the yoga practice with it's emphasis on internal observation, mindful movement, relaxed breathing and accepting attitude can be a great prescription for dealing with the long days of winter.

Nature is asking that we rest and take refuge. To grow still and look within. Although we aren't having classes this evening, I am asking that you dedicate some time to yoga to restore yourself and rekindle your sparkle. Below are a few tips:

*Practice gentle backbends like cobra, locust, and upward facing dog earlier in the day to uplift your mood and elevate your energy.

*Do less today. Is there a way to reschedule your day that will allow for more quiet and opportunity for stillness? Remember, some is better than none. So perhaps some of us need to lower our expectations a little.

*Get the body going with a gentle and slow flow.

*Eat warm foods and drink hot liquids. Make a pot of your fave soup. Drink warm water, hot tea, hot cocoa, hot chai, etc.

*Take a hot bath with aromatherapy oils, bath salts, bubbles, or anything else that soothes and comforts you.

*Practice a warming, healing breath such as victorious (ujjayi) breath.

*Curl up with your fave book, heart warming movie, and warmest blanket.

*Practice a few longer, passive holds of yoga poses later in the day. Yin Yoga is a great practice for this. Here are some poses to explore. Have a notebook nearby and after each pose write about what you experienced. You can write about what you felt in your body, thoughts you had, discomforts that you experienced, etc. If you've never tried this before, you might be surprised by what you can learn about yourself.

*Give yourself permission to slow down and hibernate for the day.


Thanks so much for your patience and understanding. We are hoping to get back into the normal yoga groove soon!

Warmly,
Sharon

PS - Rebel against winter. Go ahead and buy a place ticket to Mexico for our retreat to Tulum. ;)

how i want to lead my life

I read a really great post by Pam Slim yesterday about leadership, and how each of us can define what leadership means to us. Like yoga poses, leadership is not one size fits all. Love it. Here is what I came up with.......

I demonstrate leadership by my own life by:

• doing work that energizes and excites me
• creating a schedule that gives me freedom and flexibility
• teaching/expressing a vision of yoga that is compelling and true to me
• having adequate time with my husband, family, friends and myself
• creating my own definition of success and happiness
• working on projects that align with my values
• believing in the power of dreams and pursuing those I believe to be most important
• seeking help in the areas I experience fear and uncertainty
• giving of my heart, time, and money to those people and causes important to me
• being open to learn from other teachers, students, and leaders
• holding myself accountable for things I want to create in my life
• not having the expectation of being a perfect yogini
• taking care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually
• taking risks then being gentle with myself if they don't pay off
• being brave enough to mentor others and receptive to being mentored

That's what I'm pondering. How about you? What does leadership mean to you when you define for yourself?

on balance & happiness....purusharthas

How the last week looked in the areas of duty, prosperity, pleasure and liberation:

Dharma (duty):
*date/gathering with BW's teachers
*taught the girls at Florrence Crittenton Home
*reviewed quizzes and writing assignments from yoga teacher training
*made the agonizing decision to cancel yoga teacher training Saturday session
*begin to coordinate make-up time with trainees
*plan week
*schedule and have lunch with college professor/mentor
*work on, complete, email monthly newsletter
*inquire about yoga shirts for special Haiti class
*meet with Meredith, discuss and plan yoga for teens class
*make-up four hours of yoga teacher training
*secure a knitting date and host

Artha (prosperity)
*more quality time with quickbooks
*many emails to try and secure a date for fall retreat
*cancellation policies for retreats, workshops, yoga teacher training on the website
*purchase and set up studio printer
*update and have new class schedules printed
*purchase supplies for the studio
*do teacher payroll
*secure subs for time I'm away
*create contract for studio rental
*put details for more workshops in mindbody software
*work on updating ad for natural awakenings
*begin working with Retta to create stuff to advertise for tulum retreat
*work with my life coach to come and present for yoga teacher training and yoga teachers (she's a yoga teacher too!)
*talk with Barb at Snug Hollow about a one day spring yoga retreat

Kama (pleasure)
*cook delicious new soup from Snug Hollow cookbook
*dinner with brother and sister-n-law
*get 3 new books in the mail
*meet mentor for lunch
*purchase a new purse that makes me very happy
*go to a hockey game with the Tessandori's
*reading on the ebook
*andy and I have breakfast with friends
*monday....everything is great fun
*solo coffee date with new purse and books

Moksha (liberation)
*yoga class with Jeanne
*journaling
*self inquiry with new/fresh dreams
*sit with discomfort....but only a couple of times. so tough for me.
*coffee date with brother to talk about things we want to do this year

In looking back over the past week, the **thing** that stands out the most is a conversation I had with my professor/mentor about taking risks. I explained to him that I felt like it's been a while since I've done just that and I was feeling a pull towards that.

Later on I sat down and wrote in my journal a little outline of the biggest risks I've taken over the last few years:

2004 - put house up for sell in TX, quit job and move back to KY, do first teacher training, form Barefoot Works as a LLC and start teaching yoga
2005 - Complete 2nd yoga teacher training. Teaching yoga in central and Eastern KY.
2006 - Start looking at spaces for studio, decide on Patchen Village. Do all the renovations. Barefoot Works has a home. Teach all classes except one.
2007 - Lead 1st international yoga retreat. Still teach all classes but one. Upgrade from all things "paper" to mindbody software.
2008 - Lead first 200 hour yoga teacher training. Have more teachers to teach. Slowly begin to pass classes to other teachers.
2009 - Move studio across street. Quadruple the size. Do more renovations. Fall madly in love with new space.
2010 - ??????

That's where I am. Dreaming about the next risk to take! It's exciting. Fun. And scary. I'm certain it's not opening a second studio location. Doesnt' feel right, right now. I love to be a teacher of yoga, not be an administrator of yoga. The wheels are turning and I have a few ideas.

Inviting you to grab a pen, and make note of the risks you've taken over the years. Big and small. You might surprise yourself by what you discover!

classes for Wednesday and a lil enticing....

Ok, yogis....good news is the power is back on. It's fully cranking right now in an effort to get the studio as warm as possible for the noon class. We'll also have the 4:30 class. It will be an all level class. The 6:00 Yin Yoga class has been cancelled.

I know, I know....it's a little mischievous of me to put such an enticing video about Maya Tulum on a day like today. Couldn't resist though...heheh. In all seriousness we should all book a flight to Mexico asap! Sun, Sand, and Sea....we all need it....

Stay safe and warm!!

classes cancelled this evening :(

Evening classes for Feb. 9 are cancelled due to building maintenance. We are without power in the entire building. The power will be back on tomorrow. If you typically attend the Wednesday noon class, please call 859.433.7787 tomorrow to check on the status of the power.

Many apologies for the short notice. We're looking forward to getting back into the normal groove of things!

Namaste,
Sharon

people, places & things

Shelli and mimosas. Yum...
Watercolor & stickers to brighten up my planner.
Andy and his cute-ness.
Remy and his fave winter time spot. He's so close he nearly catches his tail on fire!
Bella and a cute pink & gray sweater.
BW's teachers & cupcakes.
Healthy eating collage and banana orange smoothies.
New books by the bedside.
And my clutter free dresser with pottery pieces made by me, gifts from friends, a pink pig that says "Tess" that I bought while dating Andy in college, and another collage. Love the feminine touches.

i heart you monday

*Slept in late

*Danced 45 minutes to a fabulous workout dvd featuring dances from Dirty Dancing.
Yep I moved, grooved and, laughed at myself quite a bit.

*Juiced two oranges then made banana orange smoothie in blender. Yum...

*Three more hours on the computer and finished all quickbooks stuff for Barefoot Works (!!!!!!...really excited about that one). Drink a cuppa hot cinnamon tea as BIG as my head. Love this stuff.

*Checked in on fave blogs.

*Add an extra day for Final Four weekend in Indianapolis for Seane Corn workshop.

*Look at places to stay in Atlanta for Bon Jovi concert in April!

*Lunch was leftover spinach and feta pizza from mine and Andy's superbowl supper.

*Couple more hours of work.

*Hour of yoga with Nicki Doane. Love her. It was all about the standing poses. Am such a yogini (and teacher) that is all about the standing poses. A love affair that still goes strong.

*Quick trip the library. And when I mean quick, I mean quick. Andy sent a text saying the dvd we rented (Milk) was due. I was still in my pj's and a robe. So I shed the robe, added a coat and some boots and off Remy and I go in the pink camouflage pj's.

*Dinner was toasted sandwich with hummus, avocado,spinach and a dash of tamari. And french vanilla pound cake for a little sweets. And more hot tea...chai spice from Stash.

*Watch about two minutes of the 6:00 news. Find it depressing. Turn it off. Then remember my practice of sitting with discomfort. Crap....

*Listen/Watch this video with David Frawley about ayurveda. He's gonna be at the semiar (journey into healing) I'm going to next week in Pheonix.

*Read and do some of the journaling exercises from Style Statement. I am completely surprised by just how much I am enjoying this book. One of the authors, Danielle Laporte is really freakin' awesome. And funny. And brilliant. Her tagline...Because Self Realization Rocks. Yep, love it. Adding her to my list of people I want to meet.

*Play bejewled on my ipod throughout day.

*Send some emails.

*Ask what I want to do, and essentially do it.

I love you Mondays. You are filled with sweet, simple, decadent goodness.

You are good to me. And I love you so. :)

yoga for an ocean cure & service

"We transcend our suffering to the degree that we are able to passionately employ our gifts in the service of others." ~Bhagavad Gita



A BIG huge thanks to Jen Lile for trekking down from Cincinnati through the snow to present Yoga for an Ocean Cure. Jen donated her time, her energy, her money, and her heart to be with us at Barefoot Works and raise money for what seems to be a truly inspiring organization.

It was so refreshing to take a yoga class with fun, upbeat, beach tunes playing as Jen guided us through a playful yoga practice.

For those two hours.....
I did feel like I was on a lil vacation
even though outside the studio doors
winter was still in full swing.

I was reminded of the power of being
and joining with other like minded souls.

I am reminded of the importance of sharing....
sharing of our gifts
sharing of our time.
sharing of our heart.

And being of service.
Wondering how I can broaden my mind in ways this can be approached.
Happy about the ways I know of people giving....

*Last week my sister took her two girls and a friend to volunteer at the animal rescue shelter.
*I teach yoga with the girls at Florence Crittenton.
*Sarah, Emily (and soon Jeanne) gather with others at the studio for knitting.
*Myself, Emily, Tracy, Beth, and Jean have all taught community yoga at the studio.
*My brother (Summit City) hosted a dance party in which the proceeds went to Haiti.
*We'll dedicate our yoga class next Sat. morning to the victims of Haiti.
*Lisa has taught yoga at a local school in Lexington.

I know there are many others.
Tonight I'm feeling hope-full.

Witnessing, seeing, and hearing about those wanting to make a difference
and willing to lend a helping hand.
Leaves my heart feeling like maybe....
just maybe....
we will rise together and unite.

the practice of sitting with discomfort

1. Find a place that you can sit and be with minimal distractions. For me that means in the morning, soon after I awake. Door closed, sitting on the floor, and copal incense lit.

2. Get comfortable and take a few moments to relax your body progressively....head, face, neck, shoulders, back, torso, hips, legs, and feet.

3. Begin to observe your natural breath as you breathe in and out your nose. Try not to change it or force it. Just let it naturally come and go while you observe.

4. Imagine moving inward at the center of your torso, seeing and feeling white healing light. As the breath continues (and perhaps grows deeper) see that white light spreading all throughout your body. Continue this for a few moments.

5. Now bring to mind something that is currently uncomfortable for you. Don't choose the "thing" that is the most uncomfortable for you. Let's take it a little easy on ourselves at first, right? ;) Perhaps it's an intense conversation you had, a fear you have, finances, etc. Try to be as specific as you can.

6. Hold the image of that uncomfortable "thing" in your mind's eye. Visualize it at the center of your forehead and then allow it to move down into your body. While you are doing this, observe your breath, sensations you feel in your body, and any other emotions or distractions that arise.

7. Pay close attention and simply see what happens. After a few moments (maybe 2-5 minutes to start with, come back to the white healing light in your body, observing your natural breath, then progressively relax your body once more.

It's nice to have someone to do this with. The first time my life coach led me through something similar to this and the above is what I've been doing on my own.

A few years ago a life coaching/yoga teaching friend of mine told me about the book, "The Dark Side of the Light Chasers" and how valuable it had been for her in seeing and learning from her pains, struggles, discomforts and such and then being able to teach,share, and be a witness to those experiencing discomfort. Which I believe to a completely separate blog post, as I could ramble here.

Let me know if you have any questions, frustrations, or aha moments with the meditation above. I'd love to hear.

Have a delicious weekend. And don't forget to come out tomorrow for "Yoga for An Ocean Cure" from 11:00-1:00!

sitting with discomfort

This was in the newsletter I emailed out. Since not everyone gets this, thought it was worth putting here also.

Awakeness is found in our pleasure and in pain, our confusion and our wisdom. It's available in each moment of our weird, unfathomable, ordinary everyday lives. ~Pema Chodron

I'm feeling both intrigued and inspired by this quote by Pema Chodron. Recently I've been working with the idea of being present with discomfort both on and off the yoga mat.

With all the recent hurt and devastation associated with Haiti I learned something very valuable. I have a tendency to turn away from pain and hurt. It's hard for me to watch. It's even harder for me to experience.

As my husband watches the news I ask, "Haven't we seen enough of this? It's depressing." As I sat and watched Hope for Haiti, the concert to raise money for Haiti, I only lasted three songs before my eyes filled with tears. Rather than sitting with the pain, I chose to go upstairs and look at something more uplifting. Researching future trainings and plane tickets to Mexico all of a sudden seemed like a better way to spend my time. This made me feel better, but only momentarily.

As a student and teacher of yoga I experience and witness how we avoid discomfort on the yoga mat. In practicing at home, we choose only the poses that we love and feel like we excel at. In holding pigeon pose, we have unsettling thoughts or we can't get physically comfortable, so we shift around. We come out of the pose. Most anything feels better than sitting with discomfort.

Please know that I am not referring to physical pain we experience in yoga poses. This is never a good thing and we want to avoid this. I've told many students before that "Discomfort in a pose is not necessarily a bad thing. Quite often this is the place where we can learn the most." I'm now ready and willing to investigate this even more away from the yoga mat. In my relationships, my business, and my life in general.

It is my hope that I can be more open to embracing the the full spectrum of life. I imagine that if I can turn towards (and not away) both the beauty and messiness of life keeping both my eyes and my heart open, then that is truly a wonderful thing.

In Gratitude.....
Sharon

ps - more about actually sitting with discomfort tomorrow.

an ideal day....

Yesterday was such a great day....such a perfectly balanced, ideal day. I spent three hours working upon waking. Went to the Main and Maple here in Nicholasville and spent two hours sipping a vanilla latte and doing some reflecting, dreaming, pondering, and general inner work that I hope will one day manifest in outer workings. Going to the grocery store, cooking soup for lunch, and picking up around the house accounted for about two hours. Then about three more hours of Barefoot Works work upstairs. Finished the evening with hanging out with some people I love dearly, my brother Joel and sister in law Amelia. Andy and I finished the day by reading together in bed.

As I was happily going throughout the day I was thinking this was a pretty perfect day. In looking at it I can see that I gave to my business, myself, my home, and relationships. And it felt really really good.

I've been thinking more about how I spend my time and how I spend my days. Getting clear on what's important and trying to do what I need to do the focus on the areas that are important to me.

Working 18 hours a day to make loads of money is not that important to me. I want to work enough to feel fulfilled, to contribute to the overall good of society, and have enough money to not worry about money and do the things that I love...like travel, participate in trainings, eat good food, buy tons o' books, hang out with my family and friends, and other relatively simple pleasures.

I have decided that I truly love the freedom and flexibility that comes along with my job. And this is worth any (ok most) dollar amounts.

It's this freedom and flexibility that allowed me to spend an ideal day, such as yesterday and feel such goodness. Such wholeness. Such balance.

So, have you given much thought to what your "ideal" day would look like?

on balance and happiness

The theme for the year continues. I'm keeping a running log of things I do and where they "fit" into the purusharthas. Here was how the last week shaped up:

Dharma (duty):
*Had a meeting with an instructor about more opportunities for karma yoga
*Planned yoga session with the girls at Florence Crittenton
*Two great private yoga sessions. Enjoy the one-on-one time for yoga
*Researched trainings for the year. Ordered info about Ayurveda training at Kripalu
*Cleaned the house
*And the studio
*Taught classes. Made an effort to "raise the vibration"
*Planned my week as far as work and fun
*Donated to Haiti

Artha (prosperity):
*Coordinated and had reports ran for banking
*Thought more about MindBody University, training held by the software company I use
*Made a plan for getting things in place for taxes
*Paid bills
*Andy and I decide to make a few changes for our household budget
*Make projections about income for the year
*Brainstorm about teacher training in eastern Kentucky
*Fix student accounts

Kama (pleasure):
*Have a midweek date in Louisville with Shelli
*Weekday dates with Andy for dinner and library
*Hang with my sis at Barnes and Noble. Enjoy chats, drinks, brownies and books.
*Talk to my mom about plans for Mexico
*Twenty minute yoga sessions in morning and early evening.
*Brunch and sticker shopping at Hobby Lobby with Liz
*Decorate planner with said stickers and watercolor paints
*Work from bed on Tuesday till 3:00 then leaving to teach.

Moksha (liberation):
*Attend meditation workshop
*Meditate in the morning
*Chakra balancing session
*Sunday journaling at coffee shop
*Self Inquiry on beliefs
*Practice being present with being uncomfortable
*Phone session with life coach
*Re-reading Anatomy of the Spirit

In looking back over my list, I felt like I was lacking in the prosperity department so the plan is to do some work here over the next weeks. It was however a great week for pleasure...hence the picture. ;)

Happy happy weekend to all of you.....

no class today

Mornin' Yogi's,

We will not be having class this morning at 9:15. Stay indoors....snuggle up in bed with a good book, sip hot cocoa with lots o' marshmallows, watch a movie, journal about your year thus far, do five sun salutations, meditate on the question "who am I", make snow angels with your kids, make soup and peanut butter fudge, use the snow as an invitation to get calm, quiet and still and observe what arises.

winterly & warmly,
sharon

risk your significance

I will not die an unlived life.

I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire.

I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise.

I choose to risk my significance, to live so that which came to me as seed goes to the next as blossom, and that which came to me as blossom, goes on to fruit.

- Dawna Markova

emotions, haiti , who we are, and what exactly does "stress" mean

It's been an emotionally charged weekend for me. I spent Friday in Louisville with my best yogini friend Shelli. We had a great time eating brunch, sipping mimosas, drinking latte's, making plans for the new year, and exchanging thoughts about how lucky, how blessed, and how brave we are in living these yogini lives. Friday began with all the makings of a really fabulous Friday.

Don't get me wrong. It's been a good weekend. I can't really complain. I didn't get a flat tire. Or a speeding ticket. All is well with health and family. I have a roof over my head, a few cute clothes to wear, good food to eat. And enough money to indulge in tasty coffee drinks.

Friday I returned to the house and had the evening alone. The emotions started with watching "Brokeback Mountain." I had never seen it. As my friend said, "It's like a train wreck. You can't stop watching." I kept watching....waiting for a high point. A happy ending. Or at the very least, a happy moment. I can't say that there really was one. The movie ends and I sit crying on my couch. Alone. On a Friday evening.

I was excited to watch "Hope for Haiti". I thought it would pull me outta the dumps. It had the word "hope" in it afterall(yeah I know...what in the heck was I thinkin'). Wow...Could I have ever been more wrong? About the third song in with Bruce Springsteen singing, I'm sitting on the couch, phone in hand, texting GIVE to donate money to these people, these souls, for this sad, sad disaster. And crying. Tears streaming down my face.

Hello Friday night. I couldn't decide if I should go for the Internet, the wine, or the phone. Surely there was a distraction to pull me out of this wasteland of dumps. I knew that all three could momentarily help get rid of this yuck. This sadness. These low feelings that I'm not a particular fan of.

Today Teresa taught an amazing, and I mean really amazing workshop on meditation. She is gifted at this. There were 18 of us present. We took a few moments to introduce ourselves at the beginning. Without Teresa prompting us, I think two thirds of the group stated their name, what they do for a living, and how stressed their lives and jobs are. (I'm planning to ponder and write more about this for the newsletter).

We did a great "who am I " meditation. The idea that we are more than
* a job
* a mother
* a wife
* a sister
* a teacher
* a friend
* a body
continue to insert.......

So good. I finished feeling really good. Didn't think much about it till I was driving home and I was so deep in thought that I didn't even know where on Man-O-War I was. Really. I actually did a U-ey caused I thought I'd passed Nicholasville Rd. Then ended up having to do another U-ey cause I hadn't actually passed Nicholasville Rd. After I slapped myself in the face to shake the thoughts outta my head (kidding, mostly) I focused on just getting myself home. Preferably safely.

Now in thinking (safely about this without fear of hurting myself or some poor soul on Nich. Rd) about this I can see how we do this everyday. We talk about the weather, what we do for a living, our kids being on the honor roll, the success of our spouse, other people's struggles, our fave new products, the great new restaurant, (again insert a number of things here) how things are tough but they'll look up.....when at times what we're really feeling/thinking is...
"My god, this sucks."
"My job is sucking the life out of me."
"My relationship is sucking the life out of me."
"The confusion is too much."
"I'm tired of making adult decisions."
"I can't quite take control of my health."
"I'm exhausted."
"Family life ain't all it's cracked up to be."

Is this true all the time? I hope not. Sometime? Uhhh hell yeah. I think we have a general tendency to not talk about
Our stuggles.
Our pains.
Our confusion.
Our anger.

Am I being a Debbie Downer? I have to say I don't think so, cause clearly I don't enjoy that place so much. Honest. Too much emotion for the weekend? Not sure. I'll let you know in a couple of days. ;)

Really, are these some of the things that mean "stress" when so many of us are mentioning it? We use that word all the time. We toss it around daily. What does it reeeallllyyyyy mean? For you? For me? For all of us?

Definitely thinking out loud on this one. Gonna hit the "publish" button before I go back and censor.

**Teresa looks pretty sweet in the photo huh? Love the smile.**

on pleasure & freedom----purusharthas cont...

Looks like one day has turned to several. :) But here I am reflecting on last week's moments (or lack thereof) of pleasure (kama) and freedom/liberation (moksha). Don't you love that word.....moksha. I do.

Kama (pleasure) - What was my greatest pleasure this past week? Surprising, it was all about the recent pleasure I've taken in cleaning, organizing and redecorating our bedroom. It's been a work in progress for a couple of weeks. I'm making a strong effort to balance work and home. I decided that I needed to invest time, energy, and a little money into revamping our bedroom.

With a $500 budget, several hours of work, shopping trips to Ikea and Home Goods Andy and I now have a much more peaceful space that we get to enjoy. Who'd have thought it would be so much fun for me? Certainly not me. And it's been fulfilling in a sorta way that's new to me. I can feel a tiny pull towards nesting at home, which is again....a little new to me. I'm just embracing it and going with the flow.

Moksha (liberation)- What activities did I engage in for the sake of liberation? Not as many as I would have preferred. The new year has been busy, mostly with the beginning of teacher training. I haven't found the amount of time that I prefer to do the things that feel so freeing. Liberating.

I have been quite consistent with my morning meditation. Do enjoy this time. Feels yummy. And divine is the smallest of ways. The other recent biggie has been self inquiry work that I've been doing with my life coach and on my own. A portion of it is based off on Byron Katie's "the work". It's interesting and challenging. And giving me a little more space around strong beliefs that I've created. Not sure where I adopted some of these beliefs. But boy, they've been strong and around for quite some time. And I've seen them as truth. Now they are exposed. I'm investigating them. One by one. With the hopes of course....that I can feel a little more mental/emotional freedom. Ahhhh, the work. :)

**Why the pics from Mexico if I'm enjoying nesting? Well no matter how much I love nesting, I'll always always love and long for Mexico. And I'm at the studio and the pics are on this laptop. Plus, aren't they so appropriate for pleasure and freedom? And it's possible that my sister may kill me for the pic above. But it totally looks like the epitome of pleasure to me ;)**

desperately seeking balance...or the purusharthas

In this month's yoga journal there is a great article on the purusharthas, or yoga's four aims of life. I read this article while I was retreating at Snug Hollow Farm and it couldn't there couldn't have been a more perfect time. (Aint Sung Hollow sweet?)

At this time I was also reflecting on my theme, my word, and/or my focus for the year. Nothing was feeling right. I knew that I wanted to put more focus on my homelife, broaden my definition of adventure, practice the art of contentment, be giving, be happy and more. I knew I would need a big plate to fill all of these.

When I flipped to this article it really spoke to me. Again I love yoga for all of it's mystical, philosophical ways. But I also love it for it's use-fullness and good ol' fashion tools for life. I felt like the study of and living of the purusharthas was another mind boggling and useful tool. I did three collages at Snug Hollow. One was for the purusharthas:

Right away I went and decided that 2010 was to be the year of balance and happiness. And then I wanted to jazz it up...desperately seeking balance and happiness. It sounds a tiny bit dramatic, eh? But fun none the less.

The four areas for the purusharthas are:
1. Dharma, or duty
2. Artha, or prosperity
3. Kama, or pleasure
4. Moksha, or liberation

Each week I plan to spend some time reflecting on each area, with the hopes that I'm attending properly to each area. So here we go:

1. Dharma (duty) - What were my obligations and did I meet them with ease? This week is was all about the starting of yoga teacher training. I made a strong effort to get everything ready and doing the things I needed to be prepared physically, mentally and emotionally. I feel like I did meet this obligation with ease. The weekend went smoothly, thanks to the great new group we have, wonderful teachers to share their knowledge, and prep work to have it all in place. Yep, we're definately off to a good start!

2. Artha (prosperity) - What did I do for the sake of my livelihood? I made efforts in three different areas:
1. Studio
2. Students
3. Teachers

Studio - As far as the studio I went back to the honoring the importance of providing a safe and clean environment for students to practice yoga in. In an effort to clean the salty mess from the studio floor. The snow was certainly pretty. The salt in the studio not so much. I bought a steam mom (the shark, highly recommended) and cleaned the entire floor. Still have a little more work to do, but it's much better.

I'm also feeling the need to get the studio desk more organized and to keep the clutter clear as students can see it as they go the restroom. I've started taking some steps to fix this and with the help of Teresa, I'm sure it will all get de-cluttered.

Now I need to figure out the plants. I was certain that my thumb was turning green....but it appears that some plants and not doing well. No green thumb just yet. I'm certain I suck at this when I have students volunteering to come and take care of them. :)

2. Students - First off gratitude. In this past week I found myself feeling deep appreciation for the students at Barefoot Works. I took the time at the beginning and/or end of class to thank students for choosing to do yoga at BW's and for allowing me to do what I love the most, teach yoga. It's all because of you that I feel so darn lucky in the "work" department.

And secondly being flexible. We're getting a lot of new students at the studio. It's really quite exciting to see all the new faces come filing into the studio and take their place on the mat. We did have one gal that wanted to do our awesome new student special. Typically we only offer this package on the first visit in. But she was going to be moving and traveling. I decided that we would still offer her this package after she came back. She took Lisa's (phenomenal) class at noon and ended up buying a five class package. Since I was supporting her, she wanted to support me. Love when that happens. Take care of the student and the student will take care of you. :)

3. Teachers - It's been a couple of months since all the BW's yoga teachers have gathered. We've also added two new teachers since getting together last. Lisa and Beth. We now have six teachers! Clerly the teachers are super important to me, the studio, and our students. I try to make a true effort to show them how much I appreciate all they do. At the end of this month we're all gathering at Sarah's to watch the documentary "Enlighten Up", have a pizza party, and talk yoga. It's always a fun time to gather with them and get their feedback and suggestions concerning the studio.

**This post is turning out to be much longer than I had planned. I'll write on my happenings for the last two purusharthas tomorrow. I imagine this is enough for you to know tonight. ;) **

music of possibility

Watch this short video about a Louisville student and prepare to be amazed.

**Have a tissue handy**

self care for busy days

I've been working from the big blue house the past several days. I'm finding it a good working space during this busy time. With a mind full of thoughts and a pocket full of to-do's, it's easy to put ourselves on the back burner. I know this all to well.

I just told a friend yesterday, when I get busy, I'm less mindful. When I'm less mindful I eat crap food and generally don't do so good at self care stuff.

So this busy week I'm taking a few steps just to make sure I stay clear of feeling overwhelmed and have healthy practices to keep me feeling good in mind, body, and spirit.

Here is what I've been doing:

1. Not taking on extra to-do's or overbooking myself. I have a session with a life coach today and a lunch with my sister on Thursday. Both of which will be good for me. I think the important thing is not taking on stuff that will add to feelings of overwhelm. Things we feel like we can't be fully present for, or we do it out of fear of saying "no". Or perhaps it things we simply wont be able to fully enjoy because of the other stuff we need to do.

2. Meditation. I practice at least a 20 minute meditation in the morning immediately after my shower. And yes I stay put right in the bathroom. It's not glamorous but it does the trick. I roll my yoga mat out halfway, sit on the folded edge of the other half. Light my copal incense from Maya Tulum that I love, and breathe my way to a few moments of bliss, stillness, and/or quiet. I always get up feeling better and start my day.

3. Yoga. My sessions have been shorter in the past week, but that's ok. I'm taking breaks while working at my computer. The sequence I just did was:
yogic squat
standing forward fold
roll to standing, roll shoulders three times
extended mountain, interlace hands behind back, hold for five breaths
extended mountain, take a steeple mudra overhead, and side bends to each side.
Do sequence three times.
This is making the long hours at the computer much more do-able.

4. Asking for help. This has always been a challenge for me. But on Monday I did run to the studio to get a book (that ended up not being there). I go in and I see that the studio floor is a mess because of the snow and the salt. There are papers on the desk that need to be filed away and plants that need to be watered. Ahhhh, I thought "too. many. things." So I call Teresa and did the unbearable...ask her for help. She was happy to lend a hand. So grateful that I am surrounded by the teachers that I am. **thanks again T**

5. Making time to cook. Yesterday I wanted to make a nice meal for Andy. But with the work is wasn't going to happen. So off he went to the grocery store to pick up a few things. I made grilled apple sammies and mac and cheese. The cooking provided a fun relief from work and the meal was more satisfying than picking something up.

6. Quittin' time. In the old days I worked morning, noon, and most of the night. I'm not doing that anymore. And even now while I'm busy, I'm off the computer away from work and downstairs reading, relaxing and/or watching basketball with Andy.

What about you..what's your routine for self care of busy/overwhelming/general crazy days?

welcome twenty ten

Hi All! It's been a few days since I've blogged. I know it's been a few days when I'm speaking to my bf on the phone and she says, "Gosh, you still haven't updated your blog. How am I to know what's going on with you?!"

The new year is in full swing. Me, Andy, Liz and Tony traveled to Whitesburg to ring in the new year with family, friends, and good hearted folk. On the drive there Liz had gone above and beyond and created festive little cards for us to write our wishes out for the new year. We also had our cards on which we wrote our wisehs out the previous year. The car ride gave us a chance to go over those and see how each one panned out. I was certainly very pleased to see that almost all the things I wanted to happen did.

At Summit City there was a dance floor with disco ball and the dance tunes flowed throughout the evening. I danced with my mama, my brothers, my best friend, my sister in law, with Tony and with Andy. There were hats, and noise makers, glitter and sparkles abound. There were eats and drinks. More drinks. The next day I was reminded of why I no longer drink this much on a regular occurrence. But boy for that one night, it was completely worth it. Welcome 2010...twenty ten. It has a nice ring to it.

The new year's day retreat was a great day. I was surrounded by 15 lovely yogini's and there hope-full energy throughout the day. We sweat and worked it out to a two hour detox practice, ate some fresh and healthy food, shared our challenges and struggles, confronted our fears, reflected on what we wanted more of in life and wanted we needed less of. We got creative in crafting our vision for the year, ate fruit, and went through the eight steps to create and commit to a yoga practice that would help sustain us throughout the year. We juiced. We toasted. And we danced.

I learned from them. They learned from me. We all learned from each other. Something so sweet, so simple, yet so very powerful about all of this. We women has the creative power to change our lives and the lives around us. We must learn how to harness this power and use it for good. For ourselves and the world.

I retreated into the woods of Estill County for two days. Giving myself some time and space to sit quietly, to relax, to reflect on what I hope this new year will bring. I'm hope-full in my heart and feeling content knowing that those things that will help me to learn, to grow and move forward on my path will certainly present themselves.

Snug Hollow Farm is a small piece of paradise. Actually it's 300 acres, so maybe small isn't the word I'm going for. The Appalachian mountain gal in me really resonated with this place and with Barb, the owner and innkeeper.

Barb herself is from Jackson (Breathitt County) and she is a breath of fresh country air. The farmhouse felt like so many homes I've been in in Appalachia.... old, lived in, loved on, unique, and simple. You look at the pieces of furniture, the books, the lamps and you just feel some story behind them. And Barb is a success story on her own. I won't share too much. You'll have to take a trip down to see her and discover her wisdom and beauty for yourself.

And her food. Oh my. Oh my. AND she has a cookbook. "Hot Food & Warm Memories is a 123-page treasure that includes the author’s inspiring insights along with her best-loved recipes. “Stuffed green peppers, pot pies, bean soup, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese or even a good cheesy pizza are my favorites,” she writes. “I stick to my Kentucky roots where we grow it, cook it, eat it or can it.”

Everything Appalachian food should be. AND everything vegetarian cooking should be. How is that possible, right?! Yeah I know. I was completely surprised too. She has an organic farm, cooks with cast iron skillets, uses tamari and nutritional yeast in most everything. Her food...completely and utterly amazing.

I returned on Tuesday and this week I've hit the books and the laptop, preparing for our upcoming teacher training that begins next Friday. It's a great joy. A great love. And a lot of work. In years past we've worked from a binder. This year I'm making a bound manual. With the plans of using it more than the binder and continually working from it throughout our six months together.

Compiling all the info together and adding some new content. We're now up to 116 pages. Excited to see how it works out!

Alright I think that's for me! I hope the new year is treatin' each of you delightfully well. Adios!

**I have tons o' pics to share, but for some reason the camera isn't cooperating for now.**

this evenings classes

Greetings Yogis,

I've decided to cancel classes for this evening (Thursday, Jan 7). Be safe on the roads, make some chili, enjoy a hot cup of tea, sneak in a down dog, standing forward fold, and yogic squat (my go to mini sequence) and cozy up on the couch with a good book, a cute dog, or a sweet spouse. Or all three. ;)

See you soon....
sharon

adios 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Namaste...

photo holiday recap

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

happy holidays

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

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

gift giving at florence crittenton home

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

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

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

studio and class updates

Greetings All!!

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

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

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

Dec. 21 @ 6:00
All Levels

Dec. 22 @ 5:45 All Levels

Dec. 23 @ 6:00 Yin Yoga

Closed Dec. 24 & 25

New Years Eve @ 9:15 All Levels

New Years Day @ Noon YinYasa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Peace out.....

silence

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

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

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

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

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

Yay for silence.
Yay for retreats.

on challenges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

moments of peace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

being flexible

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

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

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

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

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

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

hello december

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

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

Here are the upcoming goodies at the studio:

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

Donations accepted for FLorence Crittenton Home.

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

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

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

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


Good stuff. Good times. For certain.

Other studio and yoga news:

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

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

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

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

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

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


Exciting news at the Tessandori casa!

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

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

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

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