the scoop on the cleanse - week one

Andy and I are now one week into our three week cleanse. Yay! This is a photo I snapped yesterday after going and refilling on veggies and fruit. I just asked Andy the most challenging part of the cleanse for him and his response is "not being able to eat at night." Poor guy. Andy has always been a snacker at night. Usually opting for a big bowl of cereal before bedtime.

Drinking your meals, consistently over a few days (like 7 so far) does take some getting used to, I agree.

Andy says that the best part of the cleanse has been eating meals with me. With the cleanse we're only eating out if we really need to (like Saturday in Louisville, but we stayed cleanse friendly with our meals). So we are sitting at our table at least once a day for lunch and joining each other for our liquid breakfast and dinner. I cook, Andy sets the table and brings everything out, then he cleans up afterwards.

I had made a few new things, which is fun for me and Andy has reallly been lovin' my veggie cooking. I'm not quite sure if it's because the food it truly that wonderful or if he's just that hungry and that happy to chew on food. Perhaps a combination of both. ;)

We have had some yummy meals like this detox pizza, guacamole, and veggies. The pizza is made with Ezekiel sprouted tortillas and piled high with veggies.
And sauteed sesame asparagus with chickpeas serves with a BIG salad with lotso veggies.


Andy and I both agree that the most rewarding aspect so far is that we've each lost six pounds. And I'm really enjoying the whole part of planning for meals, shopping for fresh food (it feels so satisfying limiting my shopping mostly to the produce section), prepping, and then making smoothies and food.

I admit that it takes quit a bit a time. Not so much the actual making of the food, especially the smoothies, but the other parts...the planning, shopping a few times a week, and doing all the slicing and dicing. I'm feeling very grateful that I can work from home most of the time and be at the studio for teaching. This makes it much easier for me. Not that it would be impossible of course.

Alright, we're officially into week two now which is pretty exciting! Go,go, go.....

on thriving

Julie Ransdell shares what it means for her to thrive. As we welcome a new month (welcome August!) we say goodbye to our theme of "thrive" and hello to "trust". Its not too late to take a few moments and ponder the things you did in July that brought you health and happiness and helped you to thrive. For me it was an amazing time in Mexico sharing my love of yoga and all things Tulum and coming home and starting a cleanse with Andy. Enjoy these heartfelt and wise words from an amazing yogini, Julie.....

As I ponder the word, thrive, I automatically think of prayer. In my life, when I am truly thriving, I am praying daily. Whether the prayer occurs in my car during 5:00 traffic, at night just before bed or during savasana at the closing of a yoga class, I am filled with energy from my spirit and the great spirit around me. To me, prayer isn't just kneeling at the foot of my bed with hands clasped together, asking God to do something for me (though that is how it happens sometimes), but prayer is when I stop to breathe. It is when I flow through sun salutations. It is when I bring awareness to my thoughts, slow them down and be in the moment. When I am consistently doing these things, I am thriving. My body feels lighter, my mind is less distracted and my heart is joyful.

I recently began a morning routine that is slowly but surely becoming a much needed ritual. I wake when my alarm goes off, no hitting snooze, no moaning and groaning, just stepping out of bed and taking a peak out of my window. I roll out my mat, breathe, stretch and get my coffee going. Sometimes I step onto my deck just for a few moments and take in the smells and sights of my backyard. Just these simple actions have changed the way I walk through my day, allowing me to take a little more time with everything I do, breathe a little easier, and thrive daily, knowing that I'm a work in progress.

This month, I plan to take steps towards a more fulfilled life by first, taking the time to organize my house. My husband and I have been there for over a year now and I believe that bringing a little more order to our home will allow us to open up just a bit more in our space. I plan to add some refreshing colors to our home, something that will make us feel calm and inspired each day. Bringing a freshness to my home is always a great way to keep thriving. Second, I'm going to eat the fruits of mine and my husband's labor by cooking with the veggies harvested in our backyard garden! To continue to thrive, one must eat veggies and veggies straight from the land that you dug and planted and watered is something truly special and sustaining.

Thriving to me is being consistent with your values and your beliefs. When I'm praying and keeping in touch with the Creator of my being as well as the heart of my soul, living becomes thriving. When I'm taking good care of my home and making room for color and openness, when I'm cooking in my kitchen with whole foods fresh from the land, living becomes thriving. When I nod gently to every person in a way that honors them, living becomes thriving.

leave the familiar for a while

Leave the familiar for a while.
Let your senses and bodies stretch out

Like a welcomed season
Onto the meadows and shores and hills.

Open up to the Roof.
Make a new watermark on your excitement
And love.

Like a blooming night flower,
Bestow your vetal fragrance of happiness
And giving
Upon our intimate assembly.

Change rooms in your mind for a day.

All the hemispheres in existence
Lie beside an equator
In your heart.

Greet yourself
In your thousand other forms
As you mount the hidden tide and travel
Back home.

All the hemispheres in heaven
Are sitting around a fire
Chatting

While stitching themselves together
Into the Great Circle inside of
You.

~Hafiz

*Photo by Martin Husch*

summer cleanse

All this week I've been posting pics of the (sometimes) delish smoothies and juices Andy and I have been having. I had told just a few people about our plans to do a 21 day cleanse. Yes, 21 days. First a little background.

The last time BFF and I were in FL we happened upon a Borders that was closing. I was in book heaven and bought a lot of books. A lot. One was the book Clean by Alejandro Junger (who is a M.D). I brought it home and read it pretty quickly. My plan was to do a cleanse back in the spring (when it was the theme at the studio). Well, for a variety of reasons, that didn't happen.

Fast forward a few months as I prepare to leave for Tulum. I had a short and brief discussion with Andy about doing a cleanse together when I got home. I felt like I was overdue for one and he is coming upon his really bad allergy time. I was surprised when he agreed. I (very subtlety) left the book Clean out in eyesight, packed my bags, and hitched a ride to Mexico.

While in Tulum I was taking a walk with a super sweet yogini and we were talking about what brought her to the retreat and her time leading up to the retreat. She shared that she and her hubby had just finished a 21 day cleanse. When I asked her which one, she said "Clean, by Alejandro Junger."

Wink, wink from the Universe. I filed this away and we walked on. When I arrived back home I was oh so happy to see the Clean book sitting out on the couch and a bookmark placed well into the book. Andy had been reading without me (forcing, I mean) encouraging him to.

We both decided that the following Monday (which was this past Monday) we would begin. And so we have. I've been posting one pic daily on Facebook of the drink we've been having for breakfast.

Today I got a few comments about the proportions of ingredients I was using plus someone wanting to know if I was doing a detox, and where I was getting the recipes from.

So here we are. The photo you see above are the main books I'm using for this cleanse. I've taken the premise of the Clean program, which is a smoothie/juice for breakfast and dinner + a healthy lunch and incorporated some other foods/recipes into it.

If you've got questions let me know. While I make no claims to be an expert I'm happy to share my thoughts and experiences on cleansing, juicing, and smoothie making. :)

more on the importance of safe zones

"There is more to life than merely increasing its speed." ~Gandhi

Yesterday I wrote briefly about our designated safe zone at Maya Tulum. Today I'm thinkin' about why I needed a a quiet, safe, spot to retreat to at Maya Tulum and why you probably need a safe zone of your own.

I had 20 amazing yogis join me in Tulum this summer. It was a nice size group. Some would consider this small, some would consider it large. It's all perspective. Regardless, it was 20 people that I was 100% invested in taking care of. Sometimes taking care meant offering assistance in a pose during class, other times that meant taking a walk to connect to their story and reason for retreating, other times it meant me sitting alongside them at lunch and hearing what this week means to them. Because I love to lead retreats, because I believe in the power of them, and because I enjoy the students that come, I really want to give. And give. And give.

But I've learned that I have to take care of myself and I do. In Tulum taking care of myself means going a couple days early and staying a couple days late. It means that I retreat to the safe zone. It means that I take a nice long walk on the beach after I've finished teaching for the day. It means that I get massage (preferably after I've finished teaching for the day).

What I do during retreat varies very little from what you do on any given day. Think about the people that you tend to, that you care for in one way or another. Andy, my husband is a teacher to about 800 students. Now that is a lot of tending to, caring for, and shaping the lives of precious lil kiddos.

This is only one part of your day. Think about all the other things you do like running errands, driving to and from places, the exchanges at all the places you go to, even the exchanges with people that you love all require energy.

Wayer Muller says, "Every gesture, every thought or touch uses some life."

We as yogis are familiar with prana, and even more specifically pranayama. Prana is essentially the flow of your life force. Life force being that charge that sustains you and your life.

I have this feeling that many of us are more aware of our breath, and our prana in general more on the yoga mat than we are off the mat. We may ponder how much energy we are expending holding Warrior poses, but we are less aware of how much energy we are expending when we continually say yes, add another meeting, and take another phone call.

Then at the end of the day, week, or year we collapse and wonder why we are feeling sick, burned out, depleted, and/or sad.

Safe zones, sacred places are where we can go to recharge and renew. And if we can do that daily then all the better.

Also, I think it's important to mention the intention behind the safe zone. Because we can certainly take our work, our worries, and other commitments to the safe zone. The safe zone is a place we can rest, write, sing, do yoga, pray, and at the beginning or the end of the day light a candle in honor of safe and sacred time, pause and connect.

Here's to safe and sacred zones.....:)

the safe zone at maya tulum

On our first day of retreat, during our opening, I was going down a list of suggestions and recommendations, do's and dont's for the week such as:

Do have the mind of a beginner for this retreat and I'll do the same.
Don't freak out if a lizard makes your cabana it's temporary home.
Do give yourself permission to do whatever the heck you want to do.
Don't come to class if you don't want to.
Do give yourself the gift of massage while here.
Don't expect that everyone here is having the same experience as you.

{Of course, I wasn't that brief with everything, but you get the point.}

One of the ways in which I support myself and students in taking care of ourselves is by designating a space for "introverts and intimate conversation."

In crafting and holding space for this retreat I always want students to feel like they can have exactly what they need for this week of retreat. A lot of times students come to retreats because they are in need of something...rest, healing, clarity, peace, and so on. It's my role to do all I can to help provide them with the experience they need. And sometimes this is time with the group. Sometimes it's time alone.

I'd be lying if I said this space for "introverts and intimate conversation" was only for students and not for me too. Cause sister, it most definitely was for me too.

One day I was sitting in this designated quiet zone (it's in the restaurant) when a student comes over and says, "I know you're in the safe zone but I wanted to tell you....".

And so the safe zone was birthed. Safe zones are good. They are places that we can go to receive what it is we're needing. In Tulum I would go to the safe zone to have a quiet meal (what I needed was not to talk after teaching), to journal (what I needed was to process what was happening that day), and most daily you could find me there drinking from a fresh coconut (what I was needing was to prepare for our upcoming class).

Here at the big blue house I have my yoga room. It is a safe zone, a sacred spot for me to retreat to, to gift myself with what I'm needing in the moment.

I'm thinkin' we all need safe zones at work and at home. And we need to give ourselves permission to not always have to be "on". We need spaces that we can go to receive and rest after giving so much.

Because I have so much more to say about this, my plan is to write more on this topic this week. In the meantime, may you find a safe zone, take a few slow deep breaths, say a lil prayer for yourself or someone else, and remind yourself of what you have to be grateful for.

PS - Photo taken by Myra in Tulum. Cute gals + drinks+ delish food. Close to the safe zone, but not as quiet. ;)

on trust

I've spent the majority of the day thinkin' about it. Trust, that is.

Trust is next month's theme at the yoga studio so today I've dedicated the day to pondering and writing about the theme.

One of the biggest aha's I received was just how much trust I do have in the practice of yoga. No, not just the trust in the poses. Much more than that. Like trusting that the Eight Limb path laid out in yoga is one in which I want to live my life by.

What I put on Facebook was this:

"Sitting outside, drinking hot tea, writing, and pondering how much faith and trust I have put in the yoga practice to help me the best version of me I can be. In the moment life feels really full. And good too."

I'm far from perfect and make mistakes daily, but since I believe so much in the art, science, and wisdom of yoga it gives me a place to come back to over and over again.

Love myself and others.
Tell the truth.
Take what I need.
Reserve and conserve internal and external resources.
Let go.

Choose thoughts, words, and actions from a pure place.
Choose contentment and gratitude.
Focus & discipline are good.
Reflect
Connect

Yes, that's the juicy goodness of yoga. And that's what I trust this ancient practice.


I took a break from writing and checking my email when I got a note from Jennifer Louden and guess what she too was writing about.....yep, (self) trust. She had this to say:

"To simply go on a retreat - of any kind or length - you have to trust yourself, at least a little. When you trust yourself enough to take action on your own behalf, the world changes. And the more you do it, the less you will accept a world that isn't fair, just, and safe for all.

Self-trust makes us fierce and resourced enough to take on what needs to change.

So here is my heart inscribed shout-it-from-the-roof-tops message to you today:

LISTEN TO YOURSELF, TURN WITHIN, TRUST WHAT YOU HEAR, AND TAKE A BABY STEP."

So today I'm asking myself how I can better trust myself. Listening to the parts of me that are yearning for something (like time to fill my own yoga well), trusting what I hear, and figuring out the next step.

Happy Monday Friends.

to seek

As a bee seeks nectar from all kinds of flowers,
Seek teachings everywhere;
Like a deer that finds a quiet place to graze,
Seek seclusion to digest what you have gathered.
Like a madman beyond all limits,
Go wherever you please and live like a lion
Completely free of all fear.

-Ancient Tibetan Text

This truly speaks to the seeker in me. Much to ponder especially as I continue to process our most recent yoga retreat at Maya Tulum.

PS - A big thanks to everyone who came out yesterday and supported a great cause. It was such a joy for me to be at the studio all day (led a two hour private at 2:30) hooping and having general fun. I feel lucky to love the peeps that I see daily!

*Photo by Jennifer C*

seeing with new eyes

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." ~Marcel Proust

I come back to this quote every time I come back from somewhere special like Tulum. This quote reminds me that I don't have to run off to Tulum or constantly be seeking new adventures in order to live a vibrant and happy life.

Last night Andy and I went on a late walk with the dogs in the cemetery. It was about 9:00 and the sky was simply amazing. Just where the slid had set where the most amazing colors of pink and orange and blue. I said to Andy, "Wow, look at the sky. We didn't have any colors quite this stunning in Tulum."

I have to consciously remind myself of the beauty around me when I come home. In Tulum it's the water and the wind that do it for me. At home it's the trees and the general lushishness of KY. The green. It's so green. Stunning.

We walk our general areas in the cemetery and I tell Andy how much I love the trees here. How the trees are the magic that I stay connected too. Big. Tall. Trees. Towering over top of me. Trees that say,

"It's simple. And you too have come into the world to do this. To go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine. " ~Mary Oliver

And so I'm keeping it all in perspective. Seeing the stunning scenery around me. Seeing my husband and my dogs. Seeing the tree house yogis. Seeing my BFF. All with fresh new eyes.

It's good. You should give it a whirl.

PS - Fundrasier this Saturday from 9:00 - 1:00. Be there. Or be square. ;)

tulum, a place to play and pray in

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. ~John Muir

Last Saturday was the last day of our retreat. I spent the better half of the day saying goodbye to the yoga students that had joined me at Maya Tulum for my fifth annual yoga retreat. Crazy.

It was a bittersweet day. Sweet because it was amazing seeing these people standing up and giving hug after hug as it was time for their departure. At my table someone says, "Can you believe we all met only one week ago. Look at this. It's amazing." A lil bitter because goodbyes are rarely fun.

And it was. Nothing short of amazing. But just like that, it was over. Those that were leaving were gone. Those that were staying would not be gathering with me in the same capacity.

I was feeling a ton of emotion. I didn't think that yoga was the way to feel and deal with the emotion. Writing nor dancing seemed to fit either.

A long walk on the beach was what I needed. So I slathered myself in sunscreen and set off. I walked and as I did so I let my mind scan through the week.

In my mind I students as I met and introduced myself. I saw our opening session. The yoga classes in which they moved seamlessly as a cohesive group.

I walked faster.

I heard the conversations over meals. I saw them on the beach. I heard their laughter and saw their tears.

I walked faster.

Underneath my hollywood sunglasses, happy tears ran down my face.

I stopped, looked out at the sea. Threw said hollywood sunglasses into the sand and ran into the sea. Rather than walking tenderly into the water, I pounced through the sea. I floated. I flipped. Just me and the vast open sea.

I continued this game (thanks Allison for the idea) for much longer. Walking then swimming. Walking then swimming. I must say that it was a most brilliant way in dealing with all the emotions and the week in general.

By the time I made it back to my sweet Cabana (#19) I felt a happy and full sense of exhaustion. Not the kind of exhaustion where you feel depleted, but the kind in which you feel tired, yet full. If that even makes sense.

It was a reminder that sometimes (and a lot of times for me), nothing calms, and soothes, and heals quite like nature does.

For this yogini, Tulum is the magic hot spot that gives me strength and courage. A place to pray and a place to play. A place that supports me. A place to process emotions. A place to walk and swim. And repeat many times over and over.

{Photo by Jennifer Christmann}

and re-entry begins!

I'm sitting in the Atlanta Airport right now. Happy that I'm getting free Wi-Fi. It's the simple things right?

And so the transition from Tulum to "life as I know it" has begun. For 11.5 days there were no wearing of shoes, no watching of television, minimal speaking on the phone (less than 5 minutes with Andy), no riding in cars, no blow drying of my hair and no wearing makeup (unless lip gloss counts ;).

I waited until the very last minute to put my shoes on. My taxi picked me up at 11:30, so at the registration desk as I was finishing up goodbyes, I dusted the sand off my feet and slid into my sandals for the first time since I arrived at Maya Tulum.

I was ready to come home. I miss my Big Blue House and more importantly the love that lives there in the form of Andy and the four legged babes. Yet, it's always hard leaving one extreme for the other. A place like Tulum that is so quiet, so simple, so stunning, so good in so many ways.

The taxi ride was nice enough. In the backseat I pulled out the Frida journal that was gifted to me by the retreatees. Inside are the most heart warming words I could ever imagine. Such kindness shared in these pages and I read them slowly, savoring each word penned.

I was at the airport in 90 minutes. And it was easy enough. The lines were short and I had my ticket and got through security quickly. But the people, oh the people everywhere. Way. Too. Much.

I had some lunch. The same I always have when I travel back. Cheese pizza from Dominoes. If you have any idea the amazing food I'd been having for 11 days you would understand how depressing this is. I quickly ate my cheese pizza and ran away to find the quietest spot available. After I bought a soy latte from Starbucks of course. Is it sad to that the Starbucks is like a shiny sparkly star at the Cancun Airport?

And sitting here now in Atlanta at the world's busiest airport, can I just say that the chaos of Cancun doesn't hold a candle to the chaos in Atlanta, especially when you are making an international connection?

So here I sit, cross legged in a corner, trying not to face anyone, donning a dress plus the leggings I put on while ago, pondering my week ahead. There are emails to respond to, calls to return, a list of to-dos for the studio.

One thing remains certain to me, and grows stronger as time passes by. That is my need for simplicity in my life. I thrived for 11 days with very little. I had just a few books, a few change of clothes, minimal "things" around in the cabana that I've come to love. How much does one need at the beach?

Each night at bedtime I point the fan on me, turn on the small bedside lamp, and slide into bed for a few minutes of reading. I go to sleep and wake up to the sound of the sea. It is all wonderfully simple and satisfying.

I'm thrilled to get back to the yoga tree house. To see my fellow teachers and students. Excited to see my family and friends. Looking forward to grocery shopping, cooking, and sharing meals with Andy. I know I'll be taking lots of walks in the quiet of the cemetery, spending time in my yoga room burning copal incense, doing yoga, and writing.

In general being light and kind to myself as suggested by my dear friend in Philly. Yes for sure.

*photo taken by Myra*

a week at maya tulum

"She said she usually cried at least once each day not because she was sad, but because the world was so beautiful & life was so short."
— Brian Andreas

Wave watchers
Papaya goddesses
Mango mania
OMG x2 massages
Oh my heck
Dance parties
Journey proud
Talks of delish food
And legs up the wall.

Handstands in the sea
Cartwheels in the sand
Cerveza in the canal
Copal.
And more copal.

Births
Loss
And letting go.

Playbooks
Poetry
And letters to selves

The safe zone
The sacred space
The sweatbox
Sunrise and sunset
Toci
And sea turtles too.

Holy moly moon magic
Mango margarita
Mayan mud smeared bodies
Morning writing

Meet
Mingle
Move

Endless walks
Surrender into savasana.
Through the rain
Breathe
And Be

The stories.
Oh my god, the stories.
Stories of pain and joy and sorrow and loss and hopes and dreams.
Strangers
Then friends
And a soul group.

Giving
Receiving
This one wild and precious life.

For all of this and so much more
I am forever in love with this group of 21 that became one over the course of one short week.

Crying
Not because I'm sad.
But because the world is oh so beautiful and life is short.

Live it up.
Love it up.

when walls come crumbling down

"And sometimes the wind has touched my cheek like a spirit." ~Mary Oliver

Yesterday I opened my journal to begin writing on a new page. Instead of having the date it says,:

Tuesday, July something....

I simply couldn't figure out the date. And it didn't seem worth it to count the days since the retreat started. Tis the things that happen when you retreat at Mata Tulum.

I've been pondering the quote above throughout the day. Thinking about how it's so fitting for our time here in Tulum. Where every step you take feels sacred and the wind kisses your cheek like a spirit.

And the retreatees are feeling this too. Each day I see them letting go a little more. There is a sense of comfort and community here among the group. Walls are coming down. Hearts are opening up. Stories of struggle and joy are shared. It's an amazing thing to be a part of, an amazing thing to facilitate.

Last night at dinner I sat at a table alone (we have a "safe zone" identified for introverts and intimate conversations ;) so that I could write about the day. I looked over at the tables filled with people that just a few days earlier were strangers.

I heard them laughing, sharing stories, and having a grand ol' time. I see the way they give their full attention and listen deeply to those around them. A smile curled up on my lips and I thought to myself, "it's happening." Yesterday was the day when I could see and really feel the bonds that had formed.

There is always a point in retreats and trainings when guards are let down. Depending on the group it takes more or less time, but it always happens. Yesterday was such a day. A good day indeed.

It's like the Universe is blowing kisses.
The moon and stars shine down with love.
And the wind touches your cheek like a spirit.

sarah's yoga story....

{Interrupting the Tulum lovefest to offer up goodness from our very own Sarah Frank Bowker. This is nothing short of amazing and inspiring. Sit back, sip some tea, and savor these words from Sarah.}

A story like this begs to begin with an inspirational quote:

As a seasoned yoga teacher, I have heard many people proclaim, "Yoga saved my life!" The stories and people are unique, yet the conviction is always the same: "I couldn't have survived without yoga."
When I hear how yoga helps overcome the pain of injuries, accidents, illness, and emotional upheaval, I stand in awe. No longer an "it," yoga stops feeling like a mere routine, an entertaining form of exercise, or another spiritual "pursuit." It has become a living presence among us--touching and often healing those who come in contact with its power. When someone declares, "Yoga saved my life," what she means is "I saved my own life." She has reassembled what has fallen apart. The miraculous power of yoga does not sit out there in some ancient system of philosophy and body exercises. It's directly here and now inside the heart. Inside your core, your own true Self.
--Julie Rappaport

The week before I defended my master's thesis, I woke up in a panic. My alarm clock scared me into consciousness (a common thing those days) and I laid in bed, feeling my heart race, adrenaline coursing through my body. A sense of dread crept over me, as I considered exploring how tightly locked the left side of my jaw was, this morning. I knew the pain of unlocking it would probably be even worse this morning. I may have to skip breakfast, I thought.

But my worst fears were realized when I went to move my jaw, and for the first time, both sides were locked into place. OhmyGod, I couldn't open my mouth. Because of stress, I couldn't open my mouth. As the tears slid down my face, I worked for fifteen minutes to loosen the right side of my jaw, massaging the muscles of my face. "I can't live like this," I thought to myself. A seed was planted.

A few months later, after successful defense of my master's thesis, beginning my PhD education, and moving in with my boyfriend, I decided to make a New Year's resolution. Firmly convinced that I needed something to help me relax and handle stress better, I chose to explore what options Lexington had for yoga classes. I'd also struggled to find some kind of regular fitness activity since high school, and my lower back aching almost daily reminded me that maybe some strengthening work might help alleviate the pain.

I visited Barefoot Works the first time in January of 2007. From the very first class, I was hooked. It felt sooo good to move my body, explore my breath, and sweat! And I found such a supportive soul in Sharon. Yoga began to save my life - or I began to save my own life.

For the first time in my life, I felt that I was putting myself first by establishing my yoga practice. practice had later realized was that I was gathering the strength to make some Big Decisions in my life.

These Big Decisions included leaving an unhealthy romantic relationship, signing up for Sharon's yoga teacher training, leaving my PhD program--without my PhD, and signing up to go on Sharon's Tulum retreat, all in the span of one year! So what I'd initially thought about yoga- that I'd find ways to de-stress, I'd strengthen my back, and that it would support a fitness regimen--was just a tiny portion of the fruits of my yoga practice.

What my practice has done, and continues to do, is to shine a light on my most authentic self.

My practice keeps me connected to the Three Most Important Questions: Who am I? What do I want? What is my dharma (purpose)?

My yoga practice challenged many unhealthy habits I'd developed, that kept me from connecting to my most authentic self. Two habits in particular stand out - of doing things that others wanted me to do, without really considering if it was something I wanted to do, and of taking care of others first, and putting myself last (or not at all).

I've learned that my practice holds a space for deep spiritual connection and emotional release, in addition to the wonderful physical benefits of practicing asana. Most importantly, I've learned that my practice has helped me to remember how to save my own life, again and again.

let the yoga party begin

"Patience, patience, patience is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach waiting for a gift from the sea." ~Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Hola Amigas!

The yoga party (or the reeeetreattt) has officially begun! All 20 super yogis are here, safe, sound, and feeling quite happy if I must say so. Each year I lead this retreat I'm always a little bit concerned about how happy people will think of this place that I find perfect. I never assume people will love it as I do, but I certainly hope they'll find a sliver of the magic that I do here.

And that's what I'm hearing. Everything from a student from CA who said, "When I stepped onto the property I felt connected and relaxed." To the student from home who said, "Oh Sharon it's just perfect, a got teary eyed when I stood in my cabana and looked out to the water."

Happy, happy.

We all met for dinner last night at 6:30 then had an opening after that. We did intros, had a lil chat about the week, answered questions, then did a short restorative practice, finishing up at 9:00. I immeditately drifted back to my cabana and went to bed.

My day started at 5:45 so I could do my own practice before teaching the group at 7:00. We had a nice practice, starting with a slower, but strong practice focusing on the importance of neutral spine and using the core in the practice.

I've now had two delicious meals today (that included lots of delicious mangoes and home-made granola, two of my faves), walked the beach, laid on the beach and read, and now I'm sitting her typing and drinking from a coconut. Sweet, yep.

Two things that made me super happy today include finding a piece of coral shaped like a heart and running in a brief rain storm, making me feel like a giddy kid again.

Much to be giddy about. We're off to an amazing start here in Maya Tulum.

why everyone needs a special place

I took an hour long walk this morning in which I only passed three lucky people on the beach. Yes a full 60 minutes and it literally felt like I had the beach to myself.

I say "lucky" because they too are blessed to be here basking in the goodness of Tulum. As I walk down the beach I wonder how it is that there are so few people here. In a place of such beauty, how could this possibly be true? (Never mind that it's summer in Mexico.) ;)

Part of me wants to climb the tallest palm tree and scream, "This place is pure paradise! Pack your bags and run, fly, or drive here as quick as you possibly can!"
But part of me doesn't, cause I want to keep it to myself. Savor the solo walks and all.

I do wonder if it will last forever (does anything really)? Will this place still be dotted with palapas up and down the "beach road"? Will it be a haven for the sea turtles to make the trek from the sea to the beach here to lay their eggs? Will there be high rises and lights all around? Will one be able to walk for an hour and feel like this place exists for them and their happiness?

I wonder these questions with each visit. Maybe it's part of why I feel the need, the urge to be here as often as I can. With each new year, and each new article highlighting Tulum, and each person that sees an opportunity to make lots of money (and some not caring to keep it as it is) it will cetainly change.

I love this quote by Jospeh Campbell, "You must have a room, or a certain hour or so a day, where you don't know what was in the newspapers that morning... a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are and what you might be."

It speaks to the importance of having a sacred space to retreat to. I like to think that people need more than just a room, that we need a special place, a place that lights our heart afire. That place for me is Tulum.

Some people are lucky enough to have a place that lights them up closer to home. I know some have found it at The Red River Gorge(ous). My BF's Mom found it at Dale Hollow. My brother feels it in the Appalachian Moutains.

Me, I feel it here in Tulum. Here I am most reminded of who I am and who I can be. Some may point out that as a yogini I don't need any particular palce to help me to feel connected, happy, and whole. Don't I already have everything I need within? Isn't happiness a state of mind afterall? Yes, I'd agree to both of those.

Yet for thousands of years people much wiser than me have spoke of how certain environments, landscapes and places have not only inspired them, but helped them to live in a state of grace, and feel inner and outer harmony.

Such places can draw us back to what's truly important. Such places can remind us how good it feels to live more simply. Such places help us to feel that everything is right in the world. Such places help us connect to our core.

And it is always my hope for both myself and my students that retreat to reconnect to their very own goodness and beauty. That they are reminded of what brings them joy. That they revel in the beauty around them. That by withdrawing from the world they know, they learn new things and carry these revelations back to their life, their home, and their community.

I'd so love to hear if you have a special place, and if so where?

**I snapped the photo as I was coming to dinner. Right now I'm sitting in this fabulous open air restaurant sipping a glass of wine and tapping away.**

guess what????

I'm here. I'm here. I'm here!

Greetings Friends!

Happy, Happy, Happy. It was an early morning start in KY with the alarm going off at 4:45 (yes a.m.) There are few things that interrupt my sleep but early morning travel can do it. Especially when it’s a BIG fabulous trip to Tulum. So yes up at 4:45, out the door at 5:10 to catch my flight that was departing at 6:10 from Lex. Travel was sooo easy and perfect today. I had a short flight from Lex to Atlanta (53 minutes to be exact) and an hour layover in Atlanta before departing for Cancun. I had just enough time to sit and drink a latte before boarding my flight. I so love when that happens.

The coolest thing happened on my flight. Over 90 minutes into the flight I look to the gal seated in the window seat (her hubby was between us). She had her netbook open and was working. I’m not entirely sure if I was totally snooping or what (appears I was) but I saw the word YOGA typed on the screen. My heart did a lil flip. I sat there and pondered for just a moment whether or not to say something (which totally gives the snooping away) or not. Well I couldn’t resist and ask her if she teaches yoga. And she does. We chat some more. The usual what’s your name, where are you from, where you going….

And get this?! She had tried connecting with me just yesterday! She joined our Barefoot Works FB page and said she messaged me to see if you could join in on some of our yoga classes here in Tulum. We had just the loveliest conversation. She invited me to come teach a workshop in Knoxville (yea she’s just down the interstate) and gave me her biz card. I’m pretty sure we’ll stay in touch. I just love it when things like this happen. Winks from the Universe.

Everything was easy in Cancun and before I knew it my shuttle was taking me away to paradise. I was reading a pretty juicy book. A friend emailed me last week and told me to indulge in some juicy, can’t put it down reads. Crazy enough (or not), I don’t do much fiction reading. But this morning at 5:45 I bought the juiciest read from the airport. It was a last minute thing since the reading I brought mostly consists of my own, poetry, and yoga books. Oh and The Artists Way (thanks Lisa!).

The book has been perfect to have today. I read on the plane. On the shuttle down. And thought that I needed to make a habit of at least one good juicy book per trip. Every once in a while I would like up and see something like the trees filled with orange blossoms that I’ve come to love. I would smile and think, “I’m on my way to Tulum!”

I arrived here at lunch, perfect timing right? I got settled into my fave cabana of all (19) then had some lunch. When I wasn’t reading on the shuttle I was dreaming about guacamole. Delicious, delicious guac. So I had a ton plus a spinach salad. Then I started to crash.

Not sure if it’s the non-stop work that had been going on since Sunday evening, the lack of sleep, or the travel (all three I imagine) but I was exxxxhausted. Shew. Tired, tired Sharon.

So I lay for two hours on the beach and drifted off for a baby nap. I snapped the above photo before lounging. I got to chat with the lovelies at the spa, give and receive big hugs. I took a walk. On the beach. In Tulum! Before I turned to walk back I stopped and did some good stretching in the sand, facing the sea.

I made in back in time to hit the restorative yoga class up. It was just what the doctor ordered. Felt oh so good. A nice long hot shower and the smell of copal incense here in my cabana and I’m feeling like a brand new yogini. ;)

I wish you could be here right now in this very moment as I type. It’s turning from day to night. The lighting right how is beautiful. The waves are crashing just out in front of my window. A nice breeze blowing and birds still chirping. There are no sounds other than the sounds of nature, which to me are the most poetic and beautiful of all.

Thinking of you. Sending warmth and light and love from Tulum.

PS – I should warn you that posts over the next 11 days will likely include lots of the following words: Tulum, paradise, magical, juicy, and happy.

a recap of tulum adventures

I'm leaving tomorrow for the happiest place in the world. Whoever said that place is Disney World has clearly never stepped foot onto the powder sand of Tulum and been embraced by the sweetness that exists there.

Today I taught my class at the tree house for a bit. A student said, "You have that Mexico glow." I respond, "Soon. I'm not there yet." To which she smiled and said, 'Yes, you are." And I kinda agreed.

I talked to my sister yesterday and she asks, "Are you getting tired of going there?" To which I respond with no hesitation, "Uhh no."

The truth is I am just excited now as I was the first time I visited Tulum. Maybe more so because I know how good I feel here.

Today I was driving to the studio and I got a the feeling of flutter of butterflies in my belly. I connected to my breathing and felt a surge of excitement when I realized that tomorrow at that same time my plane would be landing in Mexico.

It's been non-stop for me since Sunday at 7:00 pm. Now it's finally hitting me.

Tomorrow I'll be in Tulum. I'll get to re-connect with people that work at Maya Tulum. I'll get to see yogis that I normally see at the studio, in another country. I'll meet new and interesting and amazing people from across the US.

I'll make up for the massages that I haven't gotten this year. I'll take daily dips in the sea. I'll teach yoga by the sea. I'll go barefoot for 11 days. I'll savor the silence without tv's and telephones. The sea will soothe me to step and be there when I wake.

I'll feel more connected and in tune with nature than I do in any other place.
I will eat healthy and fresh and delicious food.

I'll feel oh so thank-full. And grateful. And full in general.
I'll pinch myself daily to make sure this is really me, doing what I love, in such a magical place, with amazing people around me.


As I think back to be past trips to Tulum, my heart feels big and full. Here is a look back at the past retreats and trips to the place that always feel like home:

2007 - Paradise Found

2008 - Paradise at the edge of the sea

2009 - Ringin' in the New Year with my brother and sister - Isla Mujeres & Tulum

2009 - Loads of gushing this year (and I had bangs!)

2009 - A self crafted business retreat with my fellow biz bud, Debra! Reflections from Maya Tulum2010 - Three whole weeks in paradise!

2010 - A day of retreat. And the sweet & sucky.

2010 - 200 hours of yoga teacher training in Tulum -oh my!

Now back to packing and getting things together. Hoping to peek in and post on the blog while I'm in Tulum. Adios amigas. :)

yoga schedule this weekend

Greetings Friends,

Here's the yoga schedule for the holiday weekend:

Sunday 10:30 class is on as scheduled.
Sunday 4:00 class is cancelled.

All classes are cancelled on Monday, July 4th.

Have a safe and joy*full time this weekend!

excitement + overwhelm

Today I'm feeling equal parts excitement and overwhelm. I've got about a thousand things floating around in my mind.

Excited about the fantastic events coming up at the studio.
Overwhelmed by the things that need to be done for said events at studio.

Excited about fun additions to my day, doing things I love most (hint, writing + yoga teacher training).
Overwhelmed by the new additions and wondering how they'll fit on what feels like a full yoga plate.

Excited about sharing the awesomeness of Ayurveda.
Overwhelmed by where to begin.

Excited about being in Tulum in less that two weeks and sharing yoga with 20 people from all over. Excited about those ruins and that water above. Heaven.
Overwhelmed by what needs to be done before I arrive in paradise.

Was excited to spend the day with a dear yoga friend tomorrow.
But the overwhelm won and I had to cancel. Or was that guilt? Or a combination of the two?

Excited to spend the holiday weekend in Owensboro with The Tessandoris.
Overwhelmed by what needs to be done before Friday.

So today (again) I'm practicing the gentle art of taking it all in. Knowing that every single bit of it is temporary, both the feelings of excitement and overwhelm.

I'm taking care of myself in the process. Woke up early and spent time taking are of myself by journaling and doing my practice. While ago I took a break and had an apple and strawberries. I sat at the table by the window. Eating without distraction, unless you count gazing out at the sky, trees, and green grass a distraction. I've walked with the dogs in the cemetery, and I'm taking breaks as needed. I've had a bit too much caffeine, but oh well.

One by one, bit by bit, task by task, I do the things I need to in order to accomplish what I need to. Then the tough part of sitting back and seeing what unfolds.

And know that it will all get done. And it will be fine. I'll be fine.

why did i wait so long?

You should know that I am having to try really hard not to call this post...oh the deliciousness, part II.

Seems it's been a weekend of good ol' fashion fun and much of it revolving around food. Andy and I woke this morning and went to our most fave breakfast spot of all, Alfalfa's. I had two delish pancakes and veggie sausage. Yum-O.

After a delightful meal we stopped at the Farmer's Market off of Southland. We saw cutie yogini Shannon and proceeded to fill our lil pink bag with all sorts of goodies.

We got two batches of fresh pasta from Lexington Pasta, zucchini, collard greens, garlic, and a bucket of peaches. We scooted over to the Co-op and got some more goodness. It's such an awesome feeling spending your money and supporting local farmers and businesses. Plus getting fresh and healthy food. I can't claim to do it all the time (cause I don't) but I love it when I do, therefore want to commit to doing it more often.

I made the pasta this evening for dinner and I have one question for myself.

"How can you live here this long and NEVER bought from Lexington Pasta?"
Well, they've only been open two years, but.....

Oh.My.Gosh. This was quite possibly the best pasta I've ever made. So quick (only have to cook two flippin' minutes!). So simple. So easy (a lil olive oil and Parmesan cheese). So very good.

I served it with a spinach salad with tomato, peaches, and pine nuts. Seems like quite the odd combo but Andy and I really liked it.

We took one bite of the pasta and Andy's first questions was, "Is there more left?" to which I responded, "No but we have some more to cook later this week." We then proceeded to eat without speaking although we made quite a variety of sounds you make when you are happily devouring your food.

We bought the garlic and herbs which we had today and tomato basil which we'll enjoy later this week.

I was late in getting on the fresh pasta boat, but I'm oh so glad I did.

And happy that I spent a good hour in my hot yoga room working up a good sweat. :)

Happy Sunday friends, hope you've had a great one.

oh the deliciousness

Today has been a magnificent day. Filled with everything good. I started the day at the yoga studio, arriving before 8:00 so I would have time for a practice. I did so then had a cup of the green smoothie I brought from home (spinach, strawberries, and watermelon).

Class felt really sweet this morning with nearly 20 yogis joining me on a beautiful Saturday morning. I told them at the beginning of class, "this is going to be a fairly simple class with no fancy sequences. Simple poses with extra attention to what we're feeling."

Seems that several students thought simple = easy. Uhhh, not so much. Sorry yogis.;) I had several students say to me after class, "I should have known the half sun salutations at the beginning of class was a ploy." I also heard a "Thanks for handing my ass over to me." But each and every one of them was totally awesome. They can hang with anything I hand over to them.

I went home and Andy and I were off with the doggies for a hike at the Central KY Wildlife. It was our first time here and we really enjoyed it. We had to keep the hike pretty short with a 12 year old Bella that can't quite do the hiking she once could. But all four us so loved being outside, in the woods, walking around the ponds, seeing all the pretty wildflowers, and smelling the goodness of it all.

We ate a late lunch at The Hub in Danville. I've decided Danville is a cute cute town and I'm a fan. Andy and I thoroughly enjoyed our time here.

At home Andy and I indulged in a lil nap then I went outside and pulled weeds from the flower beds. The weather was so nice and the breeze was just perfect.

I did a second yoga practice in my very own hot yoga room at the Big Blue House. I kicked my own yoga butt, made myself a sweaty mess, and loved every minute of the hour long practice, in which I finished with pranayama (breathing exercises).

Andy and I made ourselves cute and walked downtown to the local wine bar. I had a glass of wine + the most amazing coconut mango mojito. Lovely. Lovely. Lovely.

All in all today was the sort of day you just want to bottle up so that you can take it out and sip in the midst of winter. Amazingness in more ways than one. The type of day when everything feels balanced and good.

Here these two cuties are all snuggled up on a perfect summer night....

why breath wins

"There is an old Vedic story about prana that occurs in various Upanishads. The five main faculties of our nature - the mind, breath (prana), speech, ear and eye -were arguing with each other as to which was the nest and most important. This reflects the ordinary human condition in which our faculties are not integrated but fight with each other, competing for their rule over attention. To resolve this dispute they decided that each would leave the body and see whose absence was most missed.

First speech left the body, but the body continued though mute. Next the eye left, but the body continued though blind. Next the ear left, but the body continued though deaf. Then the mind left, but the body continued though unconscious.

Finally the prana (breath) began to leave and the body began to die and all the other faculties began to lose their energy. So they all rushed to prana and told it to stay, lauding its supremacy." ~ David Frawley

Clearly, breath is the winner here.

Ive been working one on one with my Ayurveda teacher for almost six weeks now. When I was in CA for my Ayurveda intensive I discovered some things that concerned me. I knew that the first thing I was going to do upon getting back home was schedule a consult with my teacher. And I did.

Together we've been working on my wellness plan (which is a total body, mind, spirit wellness plan) over the last six weeks. At some point I'll share more about this particular journey, but for now I'm doing the work and keeping it close to myself.

The most recent thing that we did add into my plan is carving out specific time to do pranayama (which is breathwork + expansion of juicy life force in general). I have such love for the breath (which is good since without it we are dead) and the breath is crucial in vinyasa yoga. The breath in the vinyasa is what makes it a magical and transformative practice.

But other than ujjayi (victorious breath) in the vinyasa practice, I get pretty lazy with pranayama. An occasional alternate nostril breath (nadi shodhana) when I'm stressed or an occasional kapalabhati when I'm feeling low in energy. Nothing set it stone, no formal practice for an extended amount of time.

So I'm in the process of changing this now. Using the breath as a tool to enhance the quality of my life. Exploring breath both as a tool to increase fire and soothe my nervous system. Like I said, it's pretty new. It's certainly not a habit. But I'm exploring it now and will see how it evolves and helps with the things I'm dealing with.

As a side note here, I think we need to pick and choose the tools that we use at any given time, otherwise it can get overwhelming. This is one of the ways in which I'm seeing such value in Ayurveda. It's knowing which tools to use, why to use them and and when to use.

Because there are a ton of tools. Some more important and better used at different times.

So yes, this is part of what I'm really loving these days. Looking at the big picture of my life - where I am and where I want to be - then looking at the tools of yoga and Ayurveda individually and seeing which are most needed for where I am in order to help me grow to where I want to be. Without being too obsessive and attached to the outcome (a challenge for me).

Never a dull moment friends. ;)

Thoughts? I'd love to hear....

salutations to the sun

Happy Summer Friends!

Yesterday for the Level 2 class we celebrated the sun by doing about 55 minutes of sun salutations. We did five different styles before taking a few relaxing seated forward folds and then a nice savasana (corpse pose) for almost ten minutes.

I do love to teach flow. I do love to watch students being in the groove and moving so beautifully, so in sync. So cool and inspiring to see. We dedicated our practice to the sun not only for the beauty it brings into our lives (just look at the amazing sun in the photo) but also for it's life sustaining ways.

I mentioned to the class that the next six months, until the summer solstice will be a great time for manifesting. In the next six months the earth will move to where the sun is now. Where are you now in your life, in your yoga practice and where do you want to grow to. What do you want your life to look and feel like when the Winter Solstice arrives six months from now? Make a plan that works for you and see what you can manifest and bring into your life over the next six months. Sounds like fun, eh?

Here is the poem I shared at the end of class. It's "The Sun" by Mary Oliver. Enjoy!

Have you ever seen
anything
in your life
more wonderful

than the way the sun,
every evening,
relaxed and easy,
floats toward the horizon

and into the clouds or the hills,
or the rumpled sea,
and is gone--
and how it slides again

out of the blackness,
every morning,
on the other side of the world,
like a red flower

streaming upward on its heavenly oils,
say, on a morning in early summer,
at its perfect imperial distance--
and have you ever felt for anything
such wild love--
do you think there is anywhere, in any language,
a word billowing enough
for the pleasure

that fills you,
as the sun
reaches out,
as it warms you

as you stand there,
empty-handed--
or have you too
turned from this world--

or have you too
gone crazy
for power,
for things?

~Mary Oliver

{I'm in Richmond now hanging with my nieces and nephew. I was just explaining the summer solstice to my niece Lexie and how yesterday was the longest day of daylight in the whole year. She responded, "It was, we were outside playing till 9:30 last night and it's usually dark at 9:00. Ahh to be a kid and relish in summer.}

huge yoga savings!

Register before June 26th and save $200 (yes, $200!) for an amazing training opportunity with Leeann Carey. As some of you may recall Leeann was here in May and she was simply phenomenal. She got raving reviews from all her students, myself included. Here is a rare opportunity to take a local training (no flight + hotel) with a knowledgeable, likable, inspiring teacher.

Deets about the training:This module not only greatly expands your knowledge as a yoga teacher, but can develop in you, more possibilities of how you wish to be of service through yoga. The four days are full of learning, exploring and understanding Yoga Therapy from a restorative perspective — learning both stimulating and pacifying treatments to help correct imbalances physically and emotionally, and restore general well-being. Using her decades of experience of Iyengar yoga schooling, Leeann Carey authored the module so that it can be easily taught either in a classical hatha yoga studio or group fitness environment. You will learn how to teach traditional supported yoga using all recommended props, combined with current methodologies of yoga and class development to meet the needs of your demographics.

To view information and register go here:

And here is Leeann teaching:


Workshops and training provide such a wonderful opportunity to deepen both your practice and your teaching. I hope you'll consider joining!

the earth as a playground

"We are collectively here to remember ourselves as spiritual beings, empowered to learn, serve, and celebrate. As members of a community of souls, we have a responsibility to remind each other that our essential nature is not as flesh and blood machines but as embodied spirits, temporarily condensed as individuals. As carefree, innocent children, we experience the earth as a playground designed for the expansion of love and happiness." ~David Simon

Viewing the earth a playground....I love it. Time to bop in your down dog, dance your pants off, hop on the merry go round and slither down the slide. Whhhheeeee....

And perhaps making an effort to remind ourselves that we are more than the poses we do, more than the clothes we wear, more than the thoughts we think, more than the pain we feel, more than the job we perform, more than being a wife or a mom, more than all of it.

Cheers to that....

embracing the new

"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power." ~Alan Cohen

I was seated on my yoga mat this morning doing a little physical and mental prep work before teaching my 9:15 class. In walks the first yogini for class. I greet her and she unrolls her yoga mat and proceeds to tell me, "I did something last week for Courage. I've made it my goal to do as least one thing each month for each theme." She continued to tell me that she went rock climbing with her two sons and their friend.

Rock climbing! How freakin' awesome is that? She said she surprised herself. And even has a fear of heights, yet there she was at the Gorge, climbing up and down big ol' rocks.

I felt so happy for her. That she succeeded in surprising herself. That she pushed herself out of her comfort zone. That she overcame a fear. I felt happy that her sons have a Mama this cool. And that they got to share in this experience.

I felt happy that in some small way I got to be a part of inspiring her to flex her courage muscles. I have to admit that sometimes I do wonder, "Are people reading the stuff for the monthly themes. They they like it? Do they even care?

Things like this morning affirm to me that this is a good thing for me, for the students, for the studio. That having a hand full of people doing one thing new and surprising for themselves is super cool and so worth it.

We're now halfway into the month (which I partially feel conflicted about because as much as I can't wait for July because that means Tulum, I also reallly love June. She is green and good and oh so lush). I can hardly believe it. It's still not too late for you to take a risk, to push yourself out of your comfort zone, to overcome a tiny bit o' fear.

Also a good time to reflect on something that is no longer meaningful in our life. Things that were once so important, so big, so meaningful simply may not be true for you anymore. And if so there is certainly something new and adventurous on the other side (giving ourselves permission to define what is new and fabulous and adventurous, because for some of us that may mean taking less trips, taking less risks, and relishing in the present moment).

Lastly, we've got a great group of yogis coming the workshop on this month's theme of Courage this Saturday from 11:00 - 1:00. Let me know if you want to join. Only $15 to explore courage on and off the mat.

the softer side of courage

A day like today reminds me of the softer more unspoken part of courage. It's not even noon here at the studio and yet it's quite dark outside. I've got the lamps turned on and the incense burning. If feels warm and cozy.

As a type this I hear thunder and the rain returns. Everything is cool and the there is an abundant presence of water. All are more feminine, more yin, more cooling characteristics.

Typically courage is thought of as being bold, fiery and hot. It's certainly a more masculine way of being. It's more yang.

As I prepare to teach my noon class we will work in rhythm with what's happening outside. We'll enjoy a quieter practice, perhaps opting for moon (chandra) salutations instead of the regular sun (surya) salutations.

Lastly I am reminded that courage has a softer side too. Sometimes saying no appears to be a lack of courage, when it actuality it could be the most courageous thing you could do. Courage doesn't have to be live out loud and oh so bold.

Courage can be quiet yet powerful.
Soft yet strong.
Unclear and all-knowing.

shit happens...even to the Divine

I'm doing one of my absolute fave things....sitting outside working on daily materials for the yoga retreat to Tulum (less than one month away!). I was flipping through a book when my eyes landed on this passage by Jennifer Louden that I have underlined. I love it and think it's the perfect thing to read and ponder as work with the theme of courage this month. By the way, how's that going for you?

Here it is, enjoy!
"You can be as experienced as a Colorado River guide, planning your route through the churning waters with great care, and still capsize. And this is the reality you must be willing to welcome or at least open the door to. There is Divine guidance available, you do have knowledge inside you, and shit still happens. There are no guarantees that the decision you make will work out the way you want. It may work out better. It may simple work out differently. It may feel, ten years from now, like a huge disaster and, ten years after that, like an amazing blessing. All are possibilities."

You know what you want to do. You know what you need to do. Take a risk. Jump.

on walking

"I will tell you what I have learned myself. For me, a long five or six mile walk helps. And one must go alone every day." Brenda Ueland

Now that the weather is nice and bearable(unlike Winter) I've been out walking as much as I can. On a good day I get in three walks. I aim for at least a walk with the dogs and Andy and a solo walk.

I enjoy walks with the dogs because they love it so and they need the exercise. I love walks with Andy and the dogs. We hold hands and walk down the street into the cemetery and if no one is around the dogs get off their leash. One runs like a wild crazy dog (that would be Remy), the one stays close by and trots at a slow pace alongside us (that would be Bella).

Solo walks are good for me. They are important to me. They are a necessity at this time of year. Walks are time for self care. They are times for reflection. On walks I usually gain insight and new ideas. But that's not my intention.

My intention is mostly to connect. I marvel at the trees. I recite e.e. cummings, "I thank you". I appreciate the sky and the sun. On last nights walk with Remy the sun was setting and it was just the biggest, most round, most perfectly colored Sun. In that moment, everything was perfect.

Sometimes I take my ipod on my walk and I chant and sing to David Newman, Krishna Das, Michael Franti, Bon Jovi, and so on. Most often I prefer to walk without the ipod. Sometimes I feel giddy and I skip. Sometimes I feel sad and I get a lil teary eyed. There is one spot under a tree that at times I will sit, close my eyes, connect to my breath, the grass, and nature around me.

But one thing is for certain, I always finish a walk and feel better. Much like the yoga practice. It's not so much about walking as it is the opportunity to connect with both my inner world and the sweetness of the outer world....grass, trees, sky, sun, clouds, birds. I feel joy and reverence for all of it.

I'm off in the next hour to head to the hills and my home holler to visit with my Fam. Walks will most certainly be a part of my weekend. A hike straight up to the top of the hill then around the mountain for a bit. Walks to and from the family cemetery where my family is buried. Where I will undoubtedly sit and ponder. And connect some more.

Wishing all of you a perfect weekend.

summer yoga goodness

Greetings Yogi All*Stars*,

You have today and tomorrow to buy up your five class yoga package for only $25. It is quite the sweet summer deal.

You can also register for this month's workshop on the theme of courage for only $15. That's held Saturday June 18, 11:00 - 1:00. Come be Warriors, stand on hands and heads, roar like a lion, and do other vicious Warrior like things. ;)

You can also enjoy a huge savings of $200 for the four day training with Leeann Cary December 8 -11. Here is a lil blurb from their latest newsletter:

"We've received requests and inquires about our programs, and have also heard many personal stores from those of you experiencing challenging financial times. So you asked and we listened. Effective immediately, any Bend-2-Mend weekend program scheduled after June 1, will be offered as a special summer discounted price of $495. That's a $200 SAVINGS off the regular price. And to make things even easier, you can still use our Payment Plan option on the discounted price.

Just go directly to our website to register to receive this phenomenal training while taking advantage of this incredible savings."

Check out Leeann's latest newsletter here. They do a great job with providing valuable and inspiring information.

Visit Leeann's website here for more details.

morning ritual

"Living is a form of not being sure, not knowing what next or how. The moment you know how, you begin to die a little. The artist never entirely knows. We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark." ~Agnes De Mille

Perfect quote for the theme of courage, right?

I've settled into a really beautiful morning routine. A few weeks ago I expressed that I wanted to get back to writing more, specifically just for me. I'm now two weeks into a sweet morning that looks like this:

6:30 Wake, let the dogs out, feed them, make my hot tea (now on a chai kick)
6:45 Go upstairs (with said tea) to me sweet yoga room, sit down, choose a pretty pen and write non stop for 15-20 minutes.
7:00 Do yoga for 30 - 45 minutes. This has been a sweaty, flowing, moving sort.
7:45 Read from The Artists Way
8:00 Go for a 20-30 minute walk

Happy happy happy. What a delicious way to spend the morning? I've been offering up Ayurveda challenges in the newsletters for a few months. The very first one was taking a look at your morning routine and making a few tweaks here and there. I can't say enough about carving out some type to set your day up in a sweet, special, fun and sacred way.

PS - Photo of Tulum palm and beach, taken by the awesome Martin Husch. Jettin' off in less than a month now! Wheeee, the countdown has begun.

notes from seane corn workshop

My workshops with Seane Corn this weekend were ahhhmazing! I met took classes with Seane over four years ago when I stalked....I mean supported her by taking all of her yoga classes in San Francisco at the Yoga Journal Conference.

This summer marked the fourth year she's been coming to Indianapolis for a visit. I've made it to three of the four. I think that these workshops were among some of my most fave.

Saturday morning was a Shakti Flow class. And oh my, was it intense? Yes, it was. There were 71 yogis in this room and it was warm. It took me a while to start the sweating but once I did....it soaked though my clothes, dripped from my nose in down dog, and poured down my face in various other poses. People were making a variety of noises, it was all pretty great.

I came fully prepared to get my yoga butt whipped into shape in this particular workshop. It was for intermediate/advanced and I've taken classes with Seane before. I knew fully I was going to be drenched in sweat. It was 2.5 hours of a hard, sweet, and sweaty flow. At the end I felt like a million bucks. I felt totally in the flow and so loved the challenge. Andy snapped the photo above post sweaty Seane class.

The afternoon session was Yoga for a Broken Heart. Yep, that's right. We spend an hour having a discussion before the practice. Seane's father died last August and this was his request to her. That she offer this workshop as a way to offer and engage in dialogue about grief and being broken open.

During the discussion people were talking about about their losses, their griefs, and emotions. I sat there, feeling awe that complete strangers can come together and share such intimate parts of their lives. I was shocked to hear the losses, the hurt, and struggles this group of people had experienced. I was saddened by the hurt experienced by so many people. People that many would assume "have it all".

It's a reminder to me that when never know what the people around us have experienced...the person next to you on the mat, standing in line behind you, the co-worker in the next cubicle....I think we'd all be surprised to learn the hardships that they've all encountered. That we've all encountered. I'm reminded that we all have hurt and hearts to heal, in one way or another.

You could feel the raw emotion in the room. Grief was lingering in the air. It was uncomfortable, and hard for me to breathe at times. But I stayed with it, as yoga has taught me to do. Stay with the dark and the light, cause it's all yoga.

We moved to our mats for a practice. We weren't 30 minutes into the practice and I heard people crying, some sobbing on their mats. To practice yoga, to really practice...we can't separate the body from the mind and the emotions. They're all right there. Deny your emotions and you create tension in your body. It's much better to deal with it in the moment. I was again in awe of these people, the practice, and Seane. It was truly amazing.

The session Sunday was about Everyday Miracles so the practice was about gratitude and me moved and grooved in a way that felt very sacred. It was sweet and felt like the perfect ending to the weekend.

Here are a few valuable things I wrote in my journal:

In dealing with challenges, ask yourself:
1. What is this?
2. What does it mean?
3. How can I grow from it?

Also, when you don't want to deal with challenging times, people, situations, how do you deal? Do you use food, drinks, tv, gambling, etc to deal? What is really going on and what's healthier way of coping?

why i love my job

I get to have awesome leisure mornings where I get to make de-lish smoothies (this one is a frozen banana, strawberries, cuppa water, a lil vanilla) and sit by the window and write.
And I get mail from a student coming to the Mexico Intensive Yoga Teacher Training and it's got stickers that say, "Hi Sharon"
AND when I flip it over it says this....
It excites me so to see students excited about teaching yoga. Happiness.

in honor of courage

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

I've posted this before but as I'm tapping away on the June materials for Courage, it seemed like the perfect thing to share. This poem continues to inspire me just as much (if not more) than the first time I read it in O Magazine.

Begin to flex your courage muscles friends....it's gonna be a good month. :)