it's called a deotx for a reason....did you think it was gonna be fun?

So clearly by the title you can see that the emotions were not totally stable yesterday. It was a bit of a roller coaster for me. The day started off beautifully. I woke at 6:45 naturally, quite a bit earlier as times when my alarm goes off at 7:30 I could still use a few more zzzz'sss. Started the day with shower, then meditation, and my first green juice of the day made with spinach, kale, cucumber, apple, and lemons.

Made a strawberry banana smoothie to have a bit later and put it in the fridge. It was so pretty yesterday. I decided to stroll down the street to CVS and get a few things for my upcoming trip to Kripalu.

As I was walking I had one of those special moments when life just feels full, and good, and you feel awake and alive. Yet nothing BIG or special is happening. As I walk I observe the green of the grass, a beautiful tree filled with pink blooms and a carpet of pink on the sidewalk. I hear my footsteps. This is true contentment, santosha in Sanskrit. In the moment I wished I had memorized these words by e.e cummings, cause they felt so appropriate:

i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes.

I was really able to appreciate the moment for what it was without wanting it to be different, without wanting to hold onto to it. I breathed the moment in knowing that later in the day I would likely encounter hunger, thus resulting in crankiness.

Guess what? I was right! I had my smoothie just before I taught my noon class. I didn't have another drink prepared for myself and I wouldn't be leaving the studio till 6:00 after I taught another class. My plan was to go to Whole Foods and get a green juice to hold me off.

Guess what? They don't have a juice machine any longer. Or a smoothie bar. It's been replaced by the wine bar. I would have been fine with this notion had I not been cleansing.....and hungry. So I back track past all the goodies that delight my eyes at Whole Foods and make my way further down the way to the Co-op.

I try orderng a wheatgrass shot + 16 ounces of their green energizer. Hey I needed all the energy I could get. No wheatgrass. So green juice it was. All green juice. No fruit at all. Even I had a hard time drinking this one down.

But it did the trick. I felt better. Thankfully for the yogis in my 4:30 class right?

I arrive home around 6:30 to a super cranky husband. The one that was nausea and only looking at the green juice I had on reserve for him made him more nausea. Thankfully he had sliced a tiny bit of cucumber and had this. Poor thing, he ate only a sliver of cucumber. And that was a "treat". This sorta makes me chuckle as I type.

I'm trying to be positive about how great this "cleanse" is for us. Blah blah blah. He wants no part of it. I try to excite/entice him with a "yummy smoothie". At this point he could care less. I think I made pineapple blueberry. Even I'm getting confused with which smoothies we've had at this point.

I suggest we take our smoothies and our dogs for a walk to get our minds off of food. Well lets just say that the walk this time around was the complete opposite of the one earlier in the day. At one point in which I state "It's called a detox for a reason. Have you heard of detoxing as a pleasurable experience? Did you think it was gonna be fun?"

Ouch. We've moved from a "cleanse" which sounds so pure and so sweet to "detox"...not so pure, not so sweet.

Come home and we're out of rice milk. We will need the rice milk for tomorrow's smoothies. I go to Kroger. Grocery store number 3 for the day. What's with this? I've never been to the grocery store three times in one day. And here I am....while I'm cleansing.....errr I mean detoxing.

I depart with more rice milk, fresh pineapple, and two magazines. Body + Soul for me and Men's Health for Andy. He was happy when I brought the mag home. I would soon be making make raw chocolate milk. The world seemed good again.

The raw chocolate milk tasted reallllyyy good. Soaked raw cashews for about an hour then blended them with water, raw cocao powder, coconut oil, agave nectar, vanilla, and a dash of sea salt.

Yummy goodness. Happy Andy. Happy Sharon. The chocolate milk will last 5 days in the fridge so I put more cashews in to soak. Then took myself to soak in our big, old, bath tub with my magazine.

I made more raw chocolate milk and made Andy two more smoothies for the following day (today). I counted in the evening alone and I made 8 drinks. I could make a full time job of this. :)

Check in with Andy about his numbers for the day and we're back down to all 2's. I ask him, you think you were a 2 for emotions? He says no, probably not. Lets go for a 1.

All sarcasm aside, I see such value in these cleanses. I'll get to that soon enough, I'm sure.

Happy Thursday.
Happy Earth Day. I'm feeling quite connected to you this week. One of the valuables of the cleanse.

day 2 of spring cleanse

Day 2 was another successful day of yummy good for you eating. At least I felt it was yummy. Andy was a little less impressed with today's meals. But nonetheless he pulled through like a champ and is still on board. So proud of him! This is all a BIG stretch for him. So I'm just happy to have a cleansing buddy alongside me.

Andy's breakfast smoothie was banana and almond butter, with water as the liquid. He did however love this smoothie. He has now decided that this one was even better than the previous days and has proclaimed that he would like this one to now be his every day go to breakfast smoothie. I had a strawberry and mango smoothie with rice milk. It was de-lish. Even better than I was expecting.

Lunch was a lentil salad I had made the previous evening. I used green lentils, onions, garlic, roasted red peppers, walnuts,and olive oil. I loved the lentil salad. Did the thing where you're scraping all around the corners of your bowl to eat it all. Andy however did not love as much. He ate some and put the rest away stating that, "I might want to eat it tomorrow. I'm sure I'll love it when all I'm doing is drinking liquid." We'll see if he actually does that today. I don't think he will.

Snack was a Lara Bar for each of us. I have my fave peanut putter cookie. Andy had some coconut cream thingie. I also took an apple to the studio since I wouldn't be getting till almost 8:00. Surprisingly I felt great and didn't need the apple. I did have some hot decaf tea from Starbucks while the teen yoga class was going on at the studio. Green herabl teas are encouraged on this cleanse.

I got home and Andy was upset with our dog Bella. He was trying to get her to take her flea medicine. Had the tablet all wrapped up in a neat lil' piece of cheese. I guess she decided that she would cleanse too cause she wanted no part of it. Remy however eats his straight pill form. He will eat anything you throw to him. Andy was definitely losing his cool. It seemed urgent that she eat it then. I'm pretty certain the cleanse was not helping. I convince him that I will do it later (lucky for Bella and Andy). I had more important things to do. Like fix some dinner.

Dinner was a kale and avocado salad. Again, I thought it was great. Andy was less than impressed. I massaged olive oil and sea salt into the chopped kale then added lots of tomato, sun dried tomato and an avocado. I normally don't like kale straight up, usually choosing to juice it instead. But this was good. We also had a toasted piece of ezekiel bread.

Andy couldn't stomach the salad, he I suggested that he get something else to eat. He chose two more pieces of ezekiel bread toasted with almond butter. Thank god for the almond butter. I'm certain it got him through the day. That and the Blackhawks game he was excited to see.

After dinner I begin to prepare for the first official day of the cleanse. I make his green juice for the next morning (today) with spinach, kale, apples, cucumber, and lemon. I make two more smoothies for him also. Both are blackberry peach, rice milk at the liquid. It's been working out fine to make the smoothie the night before. I'd prefer to make the green juice totally fresh and have him drink it right away. But I don't want to get up at 6:00 in the morning. So we're trying this to see how it works.

I checked in with him at the end of the evening to see how he felt physically, energy level, emotions, intellect/focus, and happiness factor. A solid 3 for him for feeling good physically and energy level. A 2 for the other three.

I felt good yesterday. No headaches, body was good, energy level felt higher, still don't quite have the focus I'm desiring, emotions seem a little off, but feeling content.

I did get my 30 minute meditation in the morning and an hour long yoga practice. With all the cooking and juice/smoothie prep in the evening I didn't have time for the evening meditation. Completely ok with this. I'm finding that the prep work is like a whole baby itself. Preparing for two people is much more work than one I'm finding. Making some notes to make things a little easier next time.

Alrighty friend have a gllllorious day! Looks like it's gonna be a beautiful one here in central KY!

PS - pic was the fruit salad from day 1. Sadly my camera is broken now so I'm using my cell phone as needed. :)

recap of day 1 spring cleanse

Happy to say that Andy and I both made it through day of our pre-cleanse. No caffeine, no processed junk... both of which Andy and I had gotten into the habit of daily. Especially after all the road trips and traveling we've been doing this month.

On Sunday evening I prepared Andy's smoothie and our lunch for Monday. His smoothie was mango and spinach, I had banana and almond butter smoothie. For the liquid today I used 1 1/2 cups of water.

Andy and I had our morning chat around 8:00 in the morning just before he started to teach. While he did say that the smoothie was really good and even said, "maybe you can make me one of these for breakfast every morning", he was already thinking about the caffeine that he wouldn't be having.

Lunch was a Mediterranean salad with spinach, arugula, tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, sun dried tomatoes, and artichokes. Dressing was a simple oil and vinegar. Was happy to hear that again Andy was really enjoying the food. For a snack we each had a raw Lara Bar. These are my fave bars as of now. Love how simple yet how delicious they are.

Dinner was veggie tacos with sprouted tortillas. I cooked some onions, garlic, and bell peppers with olive oil. We also had black beans, guacamole, and salsa with them. I had laid the cheese out as an option to top the tacos with. Andy picks it up and says, "I thought we weren't supposed to have this." I replied, "Well we're still in the pre-cleasne phase so if you want some then have it." I was quite proud when he laid it down and chose not to have any. So of course I didn't either.

These were delicious and filling which both of us needed. Both of us had a little headache throughout the day and the energy level was certainly low. We couldn't put off mowing the lawn another day (unfortunately). Andy mowed and I helped rake and sweep us the grass clippings.

We did some yoga together up in my tiny sweet yoga room. Mostly me doing some thai yoga with Andy and then the two of us did legs up the wall together. We listened to Wah. It felt good. Andy departs and I stay for my second meditation of the day.

We even had dessert. I made a tasty tasty fruit salad and topped it with a macadamia cream that I made. I used strawberries, blueberries, and banana. The sauce was made with macadamia nuts, juice of an orange, vanilla, and agave nectar. Oh my, this was a yummy fruit salad. I made it all special by serving them in wine glasses.
A great way to close out the first day of cleansing.

We did go to bed at 9:30, about an hour earlier than usual. I asked Andy on a scale of 1 to 5 how we felt physically, energy level, emotions, intellect, and happiness factor. He reported a 2 on each level. I was just a tiny bit higher.

Maybe we'll get to a 2.5 or 3 today? We shall see......

spring cleanse + kitchen tour

being knowing loving

Being, knowing, loving is a program that explains the three characteristics of life as described in the ancient Indian scriptures known as the Vedas.

Sat, or the potency to be, is the energy that defines who we are, what is our individuality and is the very energy that causes us to exist.

Chit, or the potency of knowledge is our ability to know. To know who we are, what is the divine and what is our relationship with the divine.

Ananda is the pleasure potency. This is the happiness, bliss and the satisfaction we feel when connected in pure love.

At the early age of eleven, BV Vishnu Swami moved into a monastery in India to live the spiritual science of Bhakti Yoga and study the philosophy of the Vedas. Though still young, he is a senior monk andtravels the world sharing the secrets of unadulterated Love.He is a close and dedicated disciple of Tridandi Swami BV Narayana,the foremost teacher of Vaisnava philosophy in the world today.

Friday April 23 at 7:30
FREE, donations will be welcomed

Enjoy lecture by BV Vishnu Swami, Kirtana and Chanting of Mantra and Free Vegan food!
Do hope you can make it to this!!

bending over backwards

Holy moly, you've got to see this video. These cutie gals (sister act called the Ross Sisters) from the 40's sing for about 60 seconds then the feats they perform is nothing short of mind boggling!

Thanks for passing along Anne Dean! Perfect timing after working on back bends this past weekend at yoga teacher training...

west wind

Have you ever tried to enter the long black branches of other lives --
tried to imagine what the crisp fringes, full of honey, hanging
from the branches of the young locust trees, in early morning, feel like?

Do you think this world was only an entertainment for you?

Never to enter the sea and notice how the water divides
with perfect courtesy, to let you in!
Never to lie down on the grass, as though you were the grass!
Never to leap to the air as you open your wings over the dark acorn of your heart!

No wonder we hear, in your mournful voice, the complaint
that something is missing from your life!

Who can open the door who does not reach for the latch?
Who can travel the miles who does not put one foot
in front of the other, all attentive to what presents itself
continually?
Who will behold the inner chamber who has not observed
with admiration, even with rapture, the outer stone?

Well, there is time left --
fields everywhere invite you into them.

And who will care, who will chide you if you wander away
from wherever you are, to look for your soul?

Quickly, then, get up, put on your coat, leave your desk!

To put one's foot into the door of the grass, which is
the mystery, which is death as well as life, and
not be afraid!

To set one's foot in the door of death, and be overcome
with amazement!

To sit down in front of the weeds, and imagine
god the ten-fingered, sailing out of his house of straw,
nodding this way and that way, to the flowers of the
present hour,
to the song falling out of the mockingbird's pink mouth,
to the tippets of the honeysuckle, that have opened

in the night

To sit down, like a weed among weeds, and rustle in the wind!

Listen, are you breathing just a little, and calling it a life?

While the soul, after all, is only a window,

and the opening of the window no more difficult
than the wakening from a little sleep.

Only last week I went out among the thorns and said
to the wild roses:
deny me not,
but suffer my devotion.
Then, all afternoon, I sat among them. Maybe

I even heard a curl or tow of music, damp and rouge red,
hurrying from their stubby buds, from their delicate watery bodies.

For how long will you continue to listen to those dark shouters,
caution and prudence?
Fall in! Fall in!

A woman standing in the weeds.
A small boat flounders in the deep waves, and what's coming next
is coming with its own heave and grace.

Meanwhile, once in a while, I have chanced, among the quick things,
upon the immutable.
What more could one ask?

And I would touch the faces of the daises,
and I would bow down
to think about it.

That was then, which hasn't ended yet.

Now the sun begins to swing down. Under the peach-light,
I cross the fields and the dunes, I follow the ocean's edge.

I climb, I backtrack.
I float.
I ramble my way home.

~Mary Oliver

spring cleanse

Andy and I will be embarking on a cleanse next week! Yay, love spring!
Renewal
Rebirthing
Aliveness
Vibrancy
Succulence
Freshness

All those things plus more come to mind. Plus it's mine and Andy's wedding month, so it holds a special place in my **heart**.

Andy and I are both feeling the need to do some cleansing. Our recent trip to Indy for sports fun sorta pushed us over the edge. We've both decided that we need to make some changes. Me being a friend of the cleanses suggested that we do one together.

I was actually surprised when he agreed. The last time he tried a cleanse with me was probably seven years ago. It was a fruit and veggie cleanse. He didn't last one day. And truth be told I actually encouraged him (ok threw my hands up in frustration) when he came home from work and was super cranky pants after not having "food" or caffeine.

So I'm trying to plan this one to accomodate more of his needs than mine. I don't want it to be total torture for him. Or I'd like to miniminze the amount of torture.

This is what I have planned for next week:

PRE-CLEANSE

Day 1
• Breakfast - Fruit or Green Smoothie
• Lunch - Mediterranean Salad
• Snack - Lara Bar
• Dinner - Stuffed Bell Peppers & Kale and Avocado Salad

Day 2
• Breakfast - Fruit or Green Smoothie
• Lunch - Lentil Salad
• Snack - Fruit
• Dinner - Veggie Tacos

3 DAY CLEANSE – 3 fruit juices, 2 green juices, 1 nut milk

Day 1
1. Greens with Apple
2. Blackberry Peach
3. Blackberry Peach
4. Spinach Carrot Pineapple Cilantro
5. Blueberry Pineapple
6. Raw Chocolate Milk

Day 2
1. Greens with Apple
2. Strawberry Banana
3. Strawberry Banana
4. Spinach Blueberry Apple Lemon
5. Mixed Berry Kale
6. Cashew Milk

Day 3
1. Greens with Apple
2. Pineapple Mint
3. Pineapple Mint
4. Spinach Carrot Pineapple Cilantro
5. Mango Strawberry
6. Raw Chocolate Milk

POST CLEANSE

• Breakfast - Pineapple
• Lunch - Grapefruit and Avocado Salad
• Snack - Fruit
• Dinner - Salad

The cleanse will mesh right into my road trip the following week to Kripalu with my brother. We're doing a five day Ayurveda Spring Detox.

How about you? Any plans for a spring cleanse of any sort?

sports extravaganza

Wowsers, Andy and I had one fun, sports filled trip over the past few days! Here is a quick recap of my trip to Indy for yoga and sports fun:

Thursday: work/teach till 7:00, meet Sarah and we journey to Louisville to have dinner with best yoga bud Shelli. Decide to spend the night at Shelli's house and make an early start to Indianapolis for a daylong workshop with my yoga crush, Seane Corn.

Friday: Wake at 5:30 and make it just in time at 8:30 for the workshop to begin. Wasn't exactly sure what the workshop entailed. Knowing it was taught my Seane was so enough for me. It was titled The Three Realms of Consciousness and was held over the course of two days (we however only attended Friday). Bonus was that it was geared to teachers. Seane was great as I've come to expect, and to know. She just floors me every single time I'm around her. I'm not into guru's and bowing to the pretty feet of teachers. But I might think about it with her. ;) She totally inspires me and rocks my yoga world. And rocked my hammies she did. I hadn't had an active practice in almost two weeks (due to the icks) and boy....my body FELT it the next day.

Andy meets me at City Yoga at 5:30 and whisked me off to a most delicious Italian restaurant where we dines on appetizer, salad, bread, entree, and split dessert. I figured I deserved it after working so hard for Seane.

We arrive at our hotel on the north side of Indy (all downtown hotels were sold out even in Dec. when we made reservations due to Final Four). Unpack, chill, then I decide it would do my body good to sit in the hot tub. Felt oh so good to my very tired body.

Saturday: Wake and go have the best breakfast I've had in a while and definitely the most delicious coffee I've had a while too. Yumminess yogurt, granola, and fruit. Was fun seeing the fans of the college teams out and about. The crowd here was predominantly West Virginia. That made me happy, as that's the team I was cheering on for the tourney.

After a leisure breakfast we go next door to the bookstore. Yay for books! It was Borders and they had so many great books that I'd been wanting to order/buy. Cozied up in a chair with seven books to browse. Andy looks at me as if "oh great, she's gonna want to spend the day here." Sadly I could only get about an hour out of him. Purchased two new books and wrote the titles of the other five to order later. After hearing and reading about The Blueprint Cleanse, I got The 3 Day Cleanse to read during our trip. Cause you know, the books I'd brought wouldn't do. ;)

Make our way downtown and parking was surprisingly easy. We went to The Slippery Noodle, Indiana's oldest bar Andy informs me. He had been here before and really enjoys. It's a great big bar, with lots of rooms, nooks, and crannies. I rather enjoyed that. We found a place to sit next to a window....and far away from any Dukies. Enjoyed drinks, people watching, fan chanting, and such for a few hours until the first game.

You probably know the story from here. Butler and Duke win. Happy about the Butler win. Less than happy (ok terribly unhappy) about the Duke win. But oh well....there is always a new sporting event tomorrow. Andy is happy to "cheer for one of his teams." Arrive back at hotel at 12:30.

Sunday: Wake and leave by 8:30 for Chicago to watch a Blackhawks hockey game....you know, one of Andy's teams. Go to Lincoln Park to lunch on yummy deliciousness deep dish pizza. We pass Lululemon on our way in....my heart goes pitter patter. Said restaurant was closed for Easter. We pass a cute little place and decide to eat here. I have a black bean burger, fries, and a peanut butter shake as a bonus.

Little known fact about Andy is that he likes to get everywhere ridiculously early. And when it's a sporting event I can count on him wanting to arrive even earlier. And when it's HIS team....well yes, he wants to go even earlier.

I pout a teeny tiny but and convince him to take me back to Lululemon (cause you know the trip was all about him;). So very sad that it wasn't open yet. BooHoo. We pass a Starbucks just before the stadium and Andy thinks an iced mocha is just the thing to cheer me up. He's right. Thank you caffeine goodness.

The game is fun.
We cheer and high five.
Blackhawks win.
Thank you god. Andy is happy. :)

We journey back to Indianapolis. Arriving just after nine. Order Papa Johns pizza. It's not Chicago deep dish, but it will do.

Monday: Wake and check out of hotel by 9:00. There is a Trader Joes just down from our hotel and we go. Cause it's Trader Joes and I love it. Restock on car snacks and some things to bring home. Go about an hour south to Brown County, Indiana. Oh my, what a cute town. We eat lunch at Muddy Boots and I feel at immediately at home with Bluegrass music, mis-matched tables and chairs, and faux moonshine in the bathroom. :) Dined on soup and spinach salad.

Walked around and into shops. Bought a print by Kelly Rae Roberts. Just lover her stuff. Made our way back to Edinburgh to do a little outlet shopping. Discovered that Champion had one of my fave yoga tops. Went to purchase two, learned that I could save 40% off if I bought one more item. Decided to get another top to equal three. Now I have 4 of the same tops. A bit overkill? Perhaps, but I got my fave colors.

Check into new hotel. Rest for about an hour then go thirty miles north again for the game. Dined at a burrito place at the mall. It was so crowded. I was happy when Andy and I walked back to the convention center to find a much more quiet area. Thank god for introverted husbands, much like their introverted wives. I'm beginning to have my fill of crowds. And people in general.

One more game to go. And over 70,000 more people.

The Butler/Duke was so very exciting to watch. I have to admit that my fave part was cheering/booing Coach K. I know, terrible. What can I say? It's Duke.

We all know the outcome. Duke wins. Andy loves watching "One Shining Moment". We both decided the moment wasn't gonna be so shiny with a Duke win and bailed as soon as the game was over.

Arrive back at hotel after 1:00.

Wake at 8:00, eat breakfast, and dash hOMe.

Oh, home sweet home
how I've missed you.
And have you always been this quiet?
Thank you.

another world

“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.”
~Arundhati Roy

self care and the monsters

I've been a little sick over the past week. I'll spare you the whiny details of this and choose to chat about something I find much more interesting than the actual sickness. Which is how one chooses to care for oneself while feeling icky.

My sickness came about at a rather unfortunate time, just days before a weekend meeting for yoga teacher training. I've professed numerous time how much I love leading and being a part of this amazing process. It really means A LOT to me.

As Friday drew closer, I cancelled a private yoga session, laid in bed feeling like I didn't have the energy to do anything, and debating the best decision I could make for myself and the teacher trainees.

Choose to teach and give less than my best self (and risk making others sick) or choose to teach the portions I could and hand the rest of the weekend over to the other talented and knowledgeable yoga teachers that also teach.

After much debate in my mind and with my husband I decided on the latter. But it was so hard for me. The monsters (you know the ones) reared their heads and made not so nice statements...

"You're a yogi, you're not supposed to get sick. What kind of example are you setting?"
"So what if you're a little sick Suck it up and push through."

Ultimately the part of me that knows that taking care of myself must come first if I am to give and share the very best of myself and yogic teachings with others.

However, I didn't do this with such grace and ease. I was amazed over the amount of guilt I was feeling for being sick, for not being present. It left me feeling less than worthy.

This is clearly a work in progress for me. I certainly haven't figured it out, but I'll definitely work with processing it some more. Move with it, meditate with it, and write about it.

The art of self care minus the guilt. To love oneself fully and unconditionally with no strings attached is a beautiful thought.

Receiving a sweet note from a yoga teacher trainee helped me to feel much better about my decision...

"Sharon---thanks for modeling some great self-care and taking some time to rest. I really admire your willingness to say, even though it's a training weekend, my health is still the important thing and trusting your other teachers to handle it even without you. You were missed but know that you taught us even in your ...absence just by using wisdom. Blessings and hope you are back to full strength soon. Namaste!"

Happy April dear yoga friends! May the sun kiss your shoulders and warm your soul.

not wanting anything to be different

Something that I've been practicing lately.
Contentment.
Santosha in Sanskrit.
A part of yoga philosophy that I enjoy so much.

It's such a common theme that I hear. Especially among women. Last fall during our annual yoga retreat to NC, so many of us spoke of this. Wondered what it looks like, feels like, tastes like. Is it something elusive, or something we can wrap our arms around. Is it a thought or an idea.

Lately I've been trying to think of it a little differently. This idea of simply not wanting anything to be different than what it currently is is resonating with me. But it's not easy. Not easy for a girl like me always wondering "what's next"?

So instead of dwelling on the extra pounds that I'd love to lose
instead of hating this cold (as in icky sicky cold) away
instead of wanting to be anywhere different
instead of running away from sadness....

I am accepting it all. It's a different sort of happiness.
But one that feels familiar nonetheless.

So may you too want what you got.
And find more love in the life you're livin'.

May we always remind ourselves that underneath all the problems, stresses, anxieties associated with this sweet life lies a place of stillness and calm. An inner reservoir of goodness. Of godness.

a whole lotta uproar

I'm hearing so many people share their thoughts and opinions about the recent passing of the health bill. Some joyous, some scared. I'll spare you my thoughts on the bill and share a yoga sutra that I find really helpful much of the time. I think this could be one of those times.

Yoga Sutra 1.33
In daily life we see people around who are happier than we are, people who are less happy. Some may be doing praiseworthy things and others causing problems. Whatever may be our usual attitude toward such people and their actions, if we can be pleased with others who are happier than ourselves, compassionate toward those who are unhappy, joyful with those doing those praiseworthy things, and remain undisturbed by the errors of others, our mind will be very tranquil.

Translation by T.K.V. Desikachar, found in “The Heart of Yoga”

This is my most favorite of the yogs sutras. I see such wisdom in this statement and I love it because we're offered a practical (and healthy) way to deal with people and relationships.

Happy Happy Tuesday!

what's dying to be born?

That's the question posed over on this website (along with a really great little free ebook).

It's a question I've been mulling over myself and sharing in class the last couple of days.

What's dying to be born? What is it that you need to let go of in order to birth something greater, something bigger?

In yoga we experience this death and birth even within the cycle of one single breath. We practice letting go at the end of class in corpse pose, savasana.

I've recently birthed a mondo beyondo dream of mine....planning a 200 hour yoga teacher training in Mexico. It's only now in hindsight that I see what died (if anything) in order to birth this dream.

I've given up some yoga classes over the last year and a half.
I've given up the idea that although leading a teacher training is probably the most fulfilling part of my job, I still need and want help.
I've given up the belief that a gal from Appalachia couldn't or shouldn't teach people to teach yoga in Mexico.
I've given up the idea that there will be a "perfect time" to do this.

Some of these "deaths" created physical space.
Some mental space.
Some emotional space.

Each equally important as I really strive to create and manifest the things that are most aligned with my heart. And my soul.

So I pose the question for you, one more time....
What's dying to be born?

I can rest assured tonight that once you birth that "thing" of yours we'll all be better off. For the world is begging each and every one of us to share our gift.

find a better job

Find A Better Job

Now
That
All your worry
Has proved such an
Unlucrative
Business,
Why
Not
Find a better
Job.
~Hafiz

I'm feeling inspired by some lovely, strong, open minded females these days. Been basking in the presence of such women this week. Sharing stories, beliefs, thoughts, aha's, frustrations, and such.

Been lots of talk about jobs, purposes, relationships, risks, and such.
Good juicy stuff.

Does the above poem resonate with you?
How about if you substitute "job" with any other word or thing that's feeling your mind with funk these days?

Happy Happy Saint Patty's Day. I had my first picnic of the year today! Yep, it was very good.

*bringing me joy*

yoga teaching training
and the trainees
march madness
reading together over breakfast with andy
poetry
patty griffin
excitement of a last second shot that tied a game
planning for yoga teacher training in mexico
studying ayurveda
indian food
chats over coffee
smoothies of all sorts
thinking about what the year holds
cozy days spent in jammies
that spring is truly in the air
longer days of sun
cuddling with my dogs
and my husband
how good my bed feels
pandora
getting back to walks in the cemetery
reading seane corn on oprah.com
mantra meditation
hearing about wedding details
long baths with a good read
working from bed
planning for a trip to see Bon Jovi
white chocolate

does your daily schedule rejuvenate you?

We all want enough energy to work, love, learn, and enjoy life. As human beings wanting to fully participate in life, this is a quest for us. Yet more and more of us are tired, burnt out, and depleted of energy.


Does your daily routine rejuvenate or drain you?

In Ayurveda (considered the sister science of yoga) an ideal daily routine is known as dinacharya and is considered vital for healthy living.

Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Do I have enough energy to sustain me throughout the day?
2. How does my body feel throughout the day as I work, play, and participate in activities of daily life?
3. Do I sleep sound at night and wake up feeling well rested?
4. Do I eat heathy foods throughout the day that nourish me?
5. Do I feel a sense of passion and purpose for my job?
6. Are my immediate relationships healthy or toxic?

If you answered the previous questions, or even scanned over them and felt an inner knowing that your current schedule and/or way of living is not conducive to a vibrant and healthy life, you may want to consider some changes.

Some of us are so driven by our work that we spend hours upon hours sitting at a desk and working. Some full time mothers can't find the time in their busy day to do something to nourish themselves. Some of us feel so disconnected from life that we just want to numb ourselves throughout the day.

We spend the majority of our day indoors, connected to computers, phones and televisions. We spend a lot of our day in the car driving.

If we can make it to the yoga mat for a little "me" time, it's a good day. I believe that we all deserve more that just making it through the day.

The ancient yogis felt that when we harmonized our internal rhythms with those of our environment that we would experience greater harmony in all aspects of life.

How to apply ancient wisdom to a modern day world.

I think it's important that we look at and study principles from the past, but that we do do so in a way that meets the needs of our current life. I believe this can be done.

I'm inviting you to commit to following an ideal daily routine for a week. Look at your current schedule and see how you can do the following:

1. Awaken 20 minutes earlier than usual in the morning.
2. Use these extra 20 minutes for yoga and meditation. For meditation make sure you can sit (on the floor or in a chair) comfortably. Close your eyes and commit to following your breath or a mantra (you can use the mantra "so hum") for 10 minutes.
3. Eat breakfast when you're hungry. Eat when your body says it's time to eat, not a clock.
4. Eat a healthy lunch. Ayurveda maintains that this should be your largest meal of the day.
5. Take a walk after eating.
6. Take 20 minutes in the early evening for yoga and meditation. Or come in for a class at Barefoot Works.
7. Eat a lighter dinner.
8. Go to bed by 10:30 p.m.

Need a little help hitting the "reset" button?

I believe in the power of taking time daily, seasonally, and yearly to tune into the rhythm of your body and the rhythm of nature. But it's not always easy. There are always other things happening that seem more urgent, more pressing than connecting to one's Self.

I have found one of the best things I do for myself (and my business, and my marriage, and my livelihood) is taking time to retreat. Now that I've moved beyond the place of justifying taking retreats (and I spent quite a bit of time justifying it) I see them as one of the most important things I do for myself.

Many people know that Tulum, Mexico has a special place in my heart. Tulum is located on the tip of Mexico's sacred Yucatan Peninsula. It's my favorite go to destination for fueling my body, releasing depleting emotions, nourishing my soul, reconnecting to my purpose, and moving to nature's beat.

It is without a doubt paradise for me. I'm so excited to offer two trips to Tulum this year...our annual weeklong yoga retreat AND a two week 200 hour yoga teacher training this fall.

I invite you to take a chance on yourself and choose to join me, to tune in to the wisdom of life, get to know yourself on a more intimate level, envision a fulfilling life, and choose to make it a reality.

For the retreat we'll be staying at Maya Tulum Resort & Spa, voted one of the Top Ten Resorts to Go Barefoot and one of the Top Ten Spas by Travel & Leisure. It sits right on the beach and every time I step foot onto the property I am transported away to peace and bliss.

I hope you can join me for a life changing trip! If a trip to Mexico this year is out of the question, I hope that you can make a few small changes in your daily schedule to put you back on the path of feeling full of life and energy.

With Love,
Sharon

Details about the yoga retreat in Tulum, Mexico here.

Details about the 200 hour yoga teacher training in Tulum, Mexico here.

what are the benefits of your yoga practice?

Last night as I was leaving the studio Beth was beginning her class. She had the students go around the room, introduce themselves and say why they came to yoga.

There were a variety of answers....
"To stretch"
"To learn about the philosophy."
"Because of my boyfriend (sitting next to her)."
"I've had a terrible day."
"For stress relief."
and so on.

Which of course got me to thinking. In looking at each of these reasons for doing yoga, and hearing from tons of other people about why they practice yoga....

Is there an underlying reason to each of these? Most often yes.
Do people want to spill it in front of a class? Probably not.
Do I blame them? Um, no.

But it's something that each of us practicing yoga can certainly investigate. If you are coming to yoga "to stretch", is it because your body is achy from being tight, it it because it makes you a better athlete, it is because it makes your body feel better and that makes you feel better in general?

If you are doing yoga for stress relief, what are the stressors in your life? And how does the practice help deal with these stressors? Are you less anxious, are you a more patient mom, are you better able to deal with your boss, do you get less upset when stuck in traffic or in line at a grocery store?

We can take any of our reasons for practicing yoga, begin to peel back the layers, and see what we discover.

When we can really begin to identify the benefits of our practice (and not just what we read or hear from others) it becomes more real.
Even more valuable.
Dare I say, life changing?
Yep I will.

When you can identify the real benefits of your practice you are more inclined to stick with it. And if you aren't getting any real benefit from the practice then give something else a go. Work with your body, your mind, your emotions in a different way.

Cause ultimately life is way too short to waste on people, places, and things that don't bring us inner joy.

kundalini workshop

a dear dear friend + 18 beautiful yogis + energy work + chanting + meditation + lovefest = BLISS

A big thank you to everyone that came out today!
I loved every minute of being a student next to you, with you!!
Each of you are truly amazing. :)

inverted nightmares

Ahh, the thrill of balancing on your hands...And crashing onto your face....hehe. Now lets move on. ;)

Just got this is in my inbox from Yoga Journal....

"In a culture that emphasizes competition and achievement, some students are clearly flinging themselves into inversions too soon. Add to that the desultory nature of many people's practices—one class a week at best, on a drop-in basis—and classes that are too large for the teacher to see everyone in a given pose, and you have the recipe for a potential disaster.

Sirsasana (Headstand) and Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) are seductive poses—physically challenging, visually dramatic, and exhilarating. They are also surprisingly accessible. Despite the limitations of a tight lower back or hamstrings, most yoga practitioners can move into an inversion relatively easily.

But beginning and veteran yoga students alike are showing up in the offices of bodyworkers, chiropractors, and medical professionals with compression of the upper spine and impaired mobility in the neck, presumably from the practice of inversions.

Luckily, you don't have to become a yoga casualty by jumping into inversions before you're ready. If you are new to yoga, take your time before inverting—a year (or even three) is not too long. Work closely with an observant and knowledgeable teacher. Attend class regularly. Learn the fundamentals: Find the extension of the spine, open the shoulders, and develop balance, clarity, and strength within beginner poses first."

It's been months since I've regularly practiced headstand or shoulderstand. And I've found myself teaching inversions much less in classes.

What? Teaching the "king" and "queen" asanas less often? Yep. I completely agree with the article that most of us can get ourselves into an inversion, but that doesn't necessarily mean we should be there.

I was a bit reluctant to give up my oh so loved headstand. I liked it. It's kinda cool to stand on your head as an adult. Much like standing on your hands.

But a sore neck, tight shoulders and back, physical therapist (that would be Tracy) and medical based yoga therapy teacher that only teaches "non weight bearing headstands" has taught me to think a little bit differently about going upside down.

In fact, I find that over time I am backing more out of poses that I did in my younger years. Rather than feeling like I'm regressing, I feel like I'm progressing because I'm listening more intently to my body and paying close attention to my needs.

I haven't sworn off headstand forever. I'm pretty certain they'll be incorporated back into my practice. But in the meantime there are other ways to get the benefits of inverting.

Hello legs up the wall. It's so nice to meet you again. :)

**Want to read more about headstand? Check it out here. And if you're not certain if headstand or shoulderstand is right for you, talk to your teacher before or after class.**

hola hola

I don’t need a passport to walk on this earth
Anywhere I go ’cause I was made of this earth
I'm born of this earth, I breathe of this earth
And even with the pain I believe in this earth
so I wake up every mornin' and I'm steppin' on the floor
I wake up every mornin' and I'm steppin' out the door
I got faith in the sky, faith in the one
faith in the people rockin' underneath the sun

'cause every bit of land is a holy land
and every drop of water is a holy water
and every single child is a son or a daughter
of the one earth mama and the one earth papa, so
don’t tell a man that he can’t come here 'cause he got brown eyes and a wavy kind of hair,
And don’t tell a woman that she can’t go there
because she prays a little different to a god up there,

You say you’re a Christian ’cause God made you,
You say you’re a Muslim ’cause God made you,
You say you’re a Hindu and the next man a Jew
And we all kill each other 'cause god told us to? NAW!

Hello, hello! (Hello, hello)
Bonjour, bonjour! (Bonjour, bonjour)
Hola, hola! (Hola, hola)
Konnichiwa, konnichiwa wa!
Hello, hello! (Hello, hello)
Bonjour, bonjour! (Bonjour, bonjour)
Hola, hola! (Hola, hola)
Konnichiwa, konnichiwa wa!

Amen Brother Michael.
Love it....makes such sense

care for your happiness in these five areas

Deepak Chopra presented this while we were in Arizona and I was happy to find a short video here. Check it out! So interesting.....

quiet as a mouse

Hola All!

Just me peeking in to say "hi"!
It's been quiet over here in blogland.
Since traveling to Arizona and getting back I've been spending more time...

writing on paper, less on the blog
more time seated meditating, less time on asana
more time reading, less time online.

Going to bed earlier
and reading poetry (yay for Hafiz.
Rising earlier.
Starting the day with 30 minute meditation.
Ending the day with 30 minute meditation.

It all feels good at the moment.
And right, it a subtle sorta way.

Listening a little bit more closely.
Trying to honor what I'm needing at the moment.

May you too
tune in
chill out.

Hibernate for a tiny bit longer.

Soak up the last bit of winter.
Spring is well on it's way.

**chirp chirp**

spring into yoga!

I attended an ayurvedic immersion a couple weeks ago in Arizona and was in the company of many great teachers. Students have asked me what the biggest thing I took away was.

It was a hard question. There were so many great ayurvedic sessions, the yoga classes were inspiring, and the twice daily meditation sessions were like medicine for my soul.

Pinning it down to one big Aha seems impossible. Put the following are some highlights

I really enjoyed the idea of what David Simon calls the Inner Pharmacy (click here to hear David talk about it). I find it so valuable to learn how I can make better decisions about the types of foods I eat daily. I love how ayurveda views the environment as an extension of our physical body. So simple, yet so brilliant. And simply being in the presence of all different types of people and professionals....everything from doctors to yogis to energy healers left me feeling hopeful about the future of our society's health.

The poem above by Hafiz was shared during a session. I quickly remembered why I love it so. To me it sums up what I strive for daily, as often as I can.

To give of myself to others in a way that I hope makes a teeny tiny difference. I teach yoga because I love how it encourages us to physically and emotionally open our hearts to accept ourselves more fully. To embrace those that have different thoughts and beliefs. To bring intimacy to our relationships. To look a stranger in the eye and see them as an extension of ourselves. To bridge the disconnect that so many of us feel.

For us as yogis and human beings, to give without expecting anything in return is a beautiful thought. To give like the sun, light up our own world, and be a light to others. That's powerful.

May the sun warm your face and shine light into your soul. :)

Happy Spring,
Sharon

ayurvedic immersion

I'm back from five days of immersing myself in yoga, meditation, and ayurvedic goodness! Wow. So awesome to be in the company of two lovely and inspiring yogini's and in the presence of such inspirational teachers such as David Simon, Deepak Chopra, David Frawley, and Valencia Porter. Doctors, scholars, yogi's. The real deal.

During the workshop I received my very own special mantra for primordial meditation. Sorry, it's a secret. Can't share. The yoga gods might frown on that. ;) We did two 30 minute meditations each day. And happy to report that I've kept it up each day that I've been home. One in the a.m. One in the p.m.

We did two yoga classes per day. Very super sweet to be practicing in a large group. Moving, breathing, chanting, relazing, sweating...you know the bits. The pieces that make yoga such a good good practice.

During the days and nights we had seminars over things like this:
Doshas
Accessing Inner Silence
Food as Medicine
Ayurvedic Psychology
Wisdom of Herbs
Soul of Healing
Purification and Rejuvenation
Biology of Relationships
Spirit of Sexuality
Inner Pharmacy
Love as Medicine
and more.....

And I got a great BIG binder filled with juicy informaation. I do love a good binder.

Evenings were spent in the hot tub with intermittent dips into the pool. The Biltmore Resort is quite possibly (ok most deginitely) the nicest hotel I've stayed at. There was a Starbucks on property and I had a lil chat with Deepak Chopra one day when I wandered in. That was pretty fun!

It was so good for my body, mind, and soul to get away for a few days. Was happy to go. Happy to be home.

Feeling inspired by all the great stuff that I learned. Have already begun to put some practices into place for myself.

AND my BF got engaged while I was away! A HUGE congrats to Liz and Tony!! Two people very dear to mine and Andy's heart. Much celebrating is in order...

new class & weekend happenings

We are super excited to add a brand new yoga class to our schedule. Beginning next Tuesday, on the 23rd your teen can enjoy the same yoga goodness that you do!

We are absolutely sure that your teen will enjoy their time here at Barefoot Works. Partly because of the great practice of yoga, partly because we have an amazing space for yoga, but mostly because we feel that we have the perfect teacher for the class. Meredith (that's her on the right) graduated from our training program last summer and she's a real treat. She's a teenager herself, a college student, and can certainly relate to the stresses of being a teen in todays world. Class fee is a real bargain at only $10.

Click here to view, print, and share our flyer for the teen yoga class!

This Weekend at Barefoot Works we have lots of opportunities for you. If you're suffering from a little cabin fever and lack of movement we have class on Saturday at 9:15 and Sunday at 10:30. Weekend yoga classes feel like a real treat. If you haven't tried one, we certainly recommend it.

On Sunday we have two karma yoga (selfless service) opps. Join at the studio on Sunday at noon for Snack & Stitch, our knitting group. Bring a vegetarian snack, join fellow yogis off the mat and nurture your creative side. Newbies and experienced knitters are welcome.

Community Yoga will be held this Sunday also from 4:00 to 5:00. This is a great time to bring a spouse, friend or family member to try yoga. Donations for Florence Crittenton Home are welcomed, but not required.

If you know anyone that might benefit from the teen yoga info, community yoga, or our knitting group, please pass this information along.


Lastly, when you read this myself and two other teachers at Barefoot Works will be on our way to Phoenix to spend five days immersed in a seminar that integrates the Eastern healing arts with the latest advances in medical science.

We'll be in the company of Deepak Chopra and several other world renowned mind-body experts. While I probably will not be blogging while I'm away, I will be updating on Twitter and Facebook. If you'd like to stay updated on what I'm learning follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Have a great week! I'll be excited to share what I've learned with you when I return!

Warmly,
Sharon

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?