some of my most important teachings

Some of my most important teachings occurred this week.
It wasn't at the tree house. Nor on a beach in Tulum.
It wasn't to a crowd of wide eyed yogis ready to dive deeper into their practice.

It was in the hospital. Two of them actually. With my Mama and my sister.

It's been a week of all things yoga.
All things life.
All things breath.

On Tuesday she was nervous. Amelia suggested "breathe into your belly". Mama Alice says (with a bit of a huff I might add), "I don't know what that means."

I am instantly reminded that not everyone knows the beauty of the breath. Nor do they know the power of the breath. Nor what the heck the breath lingo is.

I tell her, "Put your hands of your belly. As you inhale feel your belly fill with air and your hands lift, as you exhale relax your whole body."

We all instinctively close our eyes. Me, my mom, brother, and sister in law. We breathe for a short while. When we open our eyes we all feel much more relaxed. I remind my Mama to close her eyes, breathe down into her belly, and silently count up to fifty breaths as they outline her scar, mark the spots for her radiation, bolt her down from her head to her chest, and send her into the scan.

She is a brave soul. The breath is her friend.

Two days later I am standing by my sisters bed at the hospital. Baby Max will soon be here. She is feeling anxious about her fifth C-section. The nurse comes in for the IV. I see her scared. And in pain. Anxious.

I ask her to relax her face, her jaw, and breathe in through her nose and out through her mouth. I am happy that the nurses also use our trusty friend the breath to help calm and relax her.

She come through as always.

She is a brave soul. The breath is her friend.

I watch him. So new. So little. So perfect.
He breathes and it's a fully body expression. His whole torso expands and contracts as he breathes in the newness of life. He is not stingy with his breath. It is not unfamiliar to him. He takes all of life in as he breathes in. Shares the goodness of life as he breathes out, by simply basking in his me-ness.

He doesn't need to do a thing, nor say a word. As my mom-in-law said, "New life is amazing." That sums it up...Amazing.

I stand in awe of the women in my life this week.

I stand in awe of the power of the human body to heal, to create, to support.

I stand in awe of the breath and it's magical powers to calm, soothe, and bring peace during all of life's moments. The moments of fear, joy, and hope.

Again I am reminded that teaching doesn't only occur in schedule time blocks.
And yoga doesn't just happen on the mat.

the art of befriending yourSelf

I've recently revisited the book Comfortable with Uncertainty by Pema Chodron. Last week I read a passage and it really hit home for me. In fact I shared the quote on Facebook last week and it's serving as inspiration for my classes this week. Here it is:

"Meditation practice isn't about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It's about befriending who we already are."
Isn't that reassuring? Even letting ourselves partially believe that we don't have to change ourselves, our lives, our emotions, or the experiences around us, but instead befriend ourselves in each moment as they come and go. Yoga philosophy teaches us not to get attached to how things are because change can and will occur in a moments notice.

I'm experiencing this now and continually reminding myself that nothing is permanent. I ask myself:

What am I feeling?

Can I meet myself where I am and extend myself loving kindness?

I'm delighted that we are offering you two opportunities this week to befriend yourself. An eight week meditation course taught by Patrick Holloway begins tonight at 7:30. I can't even believe the price, only $40 for the eight sessions. FYI, Patrick is not doing this to add to his income, but because his teacher has asked him to teach and he has a true desire to serve and share what he loves. Read more details here: http://www.rsl-lex.org/courses/

This Friday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm Sarah Bowker is teaching this month's themed workshop on Contemplation. It will be the perfect way to greet the fall season. We still have some space so visit the website and get yourself registered (or do so at the studio).

Happy befriending....


PS - Image from Rumi page on FB. The words and iamges are a feast for eyes and heart.

i'm thinking....

I'm thinking that if I plan and play my cards just right I can spend a full two months on the beach next year. Yes two whole months, part work, part play. Yay. Am I the only one planning out 2012?

I'm thinking it's about time I order new yoga pants. And these folks are the ones that have a huge selection AND petites for the shorty yoginis like me. :)

I'm thinking about the yoga goodness this week: an eight week meditation class that begins on Wednesday and Sarah's workshop on Friday, the first day of fall. Perfect.

I'm thinking about roadtrips. One with Andy to Cleveland area for a wedding (yay a wedding!!) and one with my BFF. BFF and I are overdue as the last one we took was a long and mostly miserable roadtrip when I moved back from TX. I don't even think that one really counts.

I'm thinking of all things yoga taking place at that amazing beach house above come next April. Excited for me and the yoginis signed up so far. Yip!

I'm thinking about the online yoga AND writing course I signed up for. How I debated if I should sign up for "one more online course". I've certainly been known to sign up in the heat of the moment, then not fully participate. Ooops. But this one, it's two of my fave things combined and I'm super excited. It begins in a couple of weeks.

I'm thinking about seeing friends I don't get to see. Dreaming of rendezvousing to Las Vegas and meeting two special gals (one in Houston, one in Seattle).

I'm thinking of a perfect upcoming yoga teacher training in Tulum. Ok, I'll settle for a little less than perfect, but not much less.

I'm thinking of fall flavors, pumpkin lattes and butternut squash.

I'm thinking that it's kinda crazy that Barefoot Works is now rockin' it's sixth year as a studio, eighth year as a yoga biz. Crazy. Cool.

I'm thinking about being the blending master and making nutritious drinkable meals for my Mama.

I'm thinking about my fave holiday of all, Thanksgiving. Teaching a donation class on Thanksgiving then going home to celebrate with family, eat too much, pretend to watch football, and walk up the mountain behind the house.

I'm thinking about another silent retreat to Cedars of Peace where I will make a fire, eat at the small desk, peer out the window into the woods, walk in the snow, cry, celebrate, and bring closure to the year.

How about you, what are you thinking about?

how to create a vision board

Last week I posted a photo on FB of my kitchen table. It was scattered with a big piece of foam board, magazines, ripped photos, paint, glue, and so on. It was quiet a mess.

All week long it looked as if our kitchen table had puked up arts and crafts time. I declared to Andy on Friday that I was finishing my vision board up this weekend.

I did so today. Yay! Feeling inspired a giddy about my new vision. That's it posted above and there are visions for writing a book, having a place to practice yoga in the woods, a place on the beach, and more. I do love a good dream. :)

A friend had asked on FB how to go about creating a vision board. Here are some tips and ideas:

First off, some of you might be asking, "What the heck is a vision board?"

A vision board represents your dreams and desires!

You can use a poster board you use and compile words and images of things you want in your life, or images/words that evoke powerful feelings for you. Pretty simple, right?

Options for the vision board:
1. You can focus on a specific area of your life (work, family, relationships, home, travel, etc)
2. You can vary and cover major areas of your life (relationships, work, wellness, hobbies, home)
3. You can be even more specific by creating a theme (such as home, health, travel, family, etc).

Get clarity by asking questions and perhaps journaling:
If money, time, judgments or fears were not factors – what would I want to do, be, or have?
What’s the one thing that will make me come most alive?
What are my dreams, big and small?
What excites me?

Now the fun part (ok I think it's all fun, but I'm sorta dorky like that)!
Flip through magazines (have a variety of types on hand)
Clip or tear out photos and texts you are drawn too. Don't analyze it, just go with your first instinct.
Sort through the images.
Arrange images into groups for themes.
Paste the words and images and decorate your vision board!

Place your vision board somewhere you can see it. Pay attention to it. Listen to your guidance. Pay attention to opportunities (then jump on them). Take a few chances. Be willing to make a few mistakes.

Just for the record, I don't fall into the camp that believes repeating mantras or looking at your vision board alone will make your dreams come true. I think that's only part of the equation and that we must be willing to do the work, take the risks, and reallllly believe that we are worthy of our dreams.

With the fall equinox just around the corner it's the perfect time to craft a new vision for yourself. Some people this time of year to be like a second new year. Happy almost (fall) new year!

a look back + so much thanks

As I'm running around today picking up flowers, candles, food, and other random items it finally struck me....I'm celebrating five whole years of yoga. Five years of a yoga studio. Five years of Barefoot Works.

I stopped midstream of putting the flowers in water and allowed myself a few moments to sit with the awe I was feeling.

Five years of any business is reason to celebrate.
Five years of a yoga studio in lil ol' Lexington, KY is reason to celebrate.
Five years of a yoga studio ran by a gal with no formal business training + no money to start said studio with is even more reason to celebrate.

Even in typing that I feel a sense of being careful. In moments like these I nearly pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. I love what I do. I truly, 100%, without a doubt love how I get to spend my time, doing work that I feel fierce about.

And I know without a doubt that if you are reading this, if you've ever been to a class at the studio, if you've even been on retreat with me then you are the reason I get to do what I love.

As I was going through old photos it hit me just how sweet my life really is. It's certainly not perfect, yet there are few things I would change. And the people I get to spend my days with....words can't even describe. The kindest, most thoughtful, interesting, compassionate people walk through the doors at Barefoot Works. It is truly an amazing community.

With a humble, grateful, and full heart I salute you. Enjoy a look back through the years.

Grand opening of Barefoot Works! These are my friends I went through training with. All lovelies!



This sweet yogini was just a teen here and was one of the first students I ever taught.



My very first group for yoga teacher training. Awww...I learned so much from them!


Me + Leigh Ann and her fine new mama self.




A par-tee, partner yoga style. Love this pic!



New studio....work in progress



Roadtrip to Nashville with BW's teachers to get our yoga on.



First class ever at the new location. It's early here. Not so sure the yogis are awake yet, photo taken before sun salutations.



Celebrating the birth of a treehouse....BW's new hOMe!



Yoga teacher training. This pic and this group of people make my heart sing + do flips.



Tulum....I got love for ya! And you too Becky.



Me + Appalachia + Yoga teacher training = dream come true. Fun times in Hazard



Fall yoga retreat to NC + crafty yoginis!



Mr. Works putting up lights at the studio. :)



Thanksgiving Day! A donation based class on my fave holiday. This just might be my fave class to teach all year. Love it.



Working on vision boards and welcoming the new year yogi style!



Yoga sutra study. Good times. For real!



Yoga teacher training!



Kundalini Yoga workshop with my bud Shelli Carpenter

yoga birthday party!

Seven years ago this fall Barefoot Works was birthed. It was not your traditional birth, but nonetheless a birthing from body, mind, and heart. The first two years of Barefoot Works life we roamed all over central and eastern Kentucky teaching. The last five years we've had the great joy to call Patchen Village then the current tree house home.

One of the things that I'm seriously passionate about is witnessing and helping people connect to their dreams and blaze a path on their own. To me, it's such a natural fit with yoga. Stick with yoga for even a short while and you'll feel it's awakening effects on not only your body, but mind, and heart too.

Last year I wrote a love letter to Barefoot Works. You can view that here... http://barefootworks.blogspot.com/2010/09/love-letter-to-my-business-barefoot.html

This year She and I want to share with you what we've learned together about crafting and living a life based on your deepest desires and dreams.

Here are five tips, life lessons that we've come up with:

1. Put forth the effort, flounder, fall and possibly fail. Life, yoga, and business are constantly changing. Most new things are uncomfortable and scary at first. It's ok to try and fail. Actually, it's better than ok. It's great because you're moving forward, changing, and evolving. If we want to learn a new balancing yoga pose, we risk falling. If we want to quit our job and strike out on our own, we risk failing. There are few guarantees in life. Bow humbly to your fear then move forward.

2. Own and embrace your perfectly imperfect self. For years I thought negatively of my non-yogi body. I thought my not so open and flexible body meant I was less than as a teacher. Now I know this isn't true and in fact it has been my limitations that have helped me to grow as a teacher and express great compassion for my students. What are the things holding you back in your life, why, and for how long? Are your so-called weaknesses really flaws or just an excuse to play it safe? Harsh, I know. I said I was passionate about this stuff.

3. Your dreams are your ticket to a juicy and joyful life. They are important for a reason, don't believe otherwise. You're never too old, too rich, too poor, too sick, too anything to stop dreaming. Know yourself well enough to know what's most important to you....staying home with your baby, climbing a mountain, becoming a baker, etc. Your dreams are a guidepost to further awakening your heart and soul. Don't let anybody tell you different. Open your mind, connect to your dreams, do the work, and watch your world change (it will appear that way but it's really you).

4. Know how to calm and center yourself. This is useful for times on the mat in a pose as well as off the mat in life. Life gets crazy. Chaos swirls around us and at any given time we can be brought down to our knees in agony, angst, and confusion. Not all dreams survive, many will die. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Who are the people you can connect with to support you? What are the practices that will soothe and bring you back to center? Turn on some nice music, light a candle, sit on your mat, breathe, cry, move, write, do whatever you need to process your feelings. Then pick up your frazzled pieces, learn the lesson, shake off your yoga mat, and bust a new move.

5. Keep good company and connect with those that inspire you. I have an unbelievable network of people that support and encourage me in amazing ways. Entrepreneur friends, coaches, mentors, family and friends have my back when I feel myself slipping. I have an amazing team that surrounds me at Barefoot Works. In fact Teresa Thompson has been my friend and fellow yogini for the entire five years we've been open. She was at the grand opening of Barefoot Works, attended the first class I taught, and four months later she began teaching. All of the teachers at Barefoot Works fill my heart with gratitude. They are a special bunch who helps make the tree house what it is, a sanctuary to nurture and nourish your body, mind, and spirit. Plus it's a tree house!

I feel so happy, so honored, so humbled that you in some way have shared and supported Barefoot Works. Without you Barefoot Works would simply be another pretty tree house. Your presence, your poses, your goodness, your greatness, and your spirit are what make it so very special.

I hope that you'll join me and the rest of the yoga crew for a celebration this Friday from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. We'll have a yoga class with live cello music followed by lite eats and good conversation. Saturday from 11:00-12:00 I am teaching a free beginner class. Please send or bring friends and family members for a delightful taste of yoga.
Thank you from the soles of my feet, to the crown of my head, and to the depths of my heart. I am eternally grateful.

Cheers to five more years and namaste,

sharon
teresa
sarah
lisa
anne dean
meredith
julie

prayer

I recently came across this poem and thought it fitting for a day like today (9-11).

I'm preparing to spend six hours on the phone with yogis from across the US and Canada as we embark on the path of our yoga teacher training in Tulum. I truly can't think of any better way to spend this day.

Peace, love, and joy to all.....may you honor all life.

In the name of the daybreak
and the eyelids of morning
and the wayfaring moon
and the night when it departs,

I swear I will not dishonor
my soul with hatred,
but offer myself humbly
as a guardian of nature,
as a healer of misery,
as a messenger of wonder,
as an architect of peace.

In the name of the sun and its mirrors
and the day that embraces it
and the cloud veils drawn over it
and the uttermost night
and the male and the female
and the plants bursting with seed
and the crowning seasons
of the firefly and the apple,

I will honor all life
—wherever and in whatever form
it may dwell—on Earth my home,
and in the mansions of the stars.
~Diane Ackerman

true yoga

"True yoga doesn't care about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life." ~Aadil Palkhivala

As many of you know, the theme at the studio this month is "contemplation". That's a pretty big container, right?!

This week in my classes and practice I decided to focus on ahimsa (nonharming), which is the first of the yamas.

Since the asana is a personal practice, meaning it's truly an aid to move from the external to the internal. {I say this loosely, cause really it's all connected.} I invited students to practice ahimsa by letting their thoughts (this includes mental chatter) and actions (this includes poses and transitions) come forth from a place of love and compassion for themselves.

Perhaps when we can dedicate love to ourselves we can then dedicate to our family and friends.

Then we can dedicate love to the person in front of us at the grocery store.

Then we can dedicate love to those in foreign countries.

Then we can dedicate love to those who have harmed us. Challenging? Yep.

Then we can dedicate love to all beings.

Anywhere and everywhere.

Then yoga takes shape in our body, our mind, our heart, and our entire life.

PS - The lovely Erin Smith gifted me with a CD yesterday (which I believe to be one of the best gift ever). In route to the coffee shop for my soy latte I was jamming out to "Where is the love". It certainly put me in the love mode. ;) Dance party??

goodness

Oh September, I adore you so far. We have so much good stuff in store this month. I highlighted much of it in the newsletter that was emailed out a couple days ago.

Next Friday we are having a five year par-tee complete with live cello music then lite eats and gathering of yogis. Next Saturday from 11:00 - 12:00 I'm leading a beginner yoga class. This is a perfect opportunity to bring your friend or partner to yoga. I won't scare them at all. Promise. Afterward I'll stay and answer questions about yoga.

On Sunday September 11 I'm gathering on the phone from 12:00 - 6:00 with the trainees for the Tulum intensive yoga teacher training. I can't wait for this. We've all been hanging out on a private FB page so it already feels like we sorta know one another. Today on FB we all shared our dosha. :) On Sunday we'll do intros, I'll speak on preparing physically, mentally, and emotionally for this intense (and oh so amazing) training. I'll check in about the homework students are completing prior to arriving in Tulum. I'll talk about what to pack (we're talking mats, blocks, straps, blankets and other random things you need in Tulum like flashlights and bug spray). Teresa will have a two hour session with the trainees, doing an introduction to Sanskrit. I love that Sweet T gets to be a part of the training in this way and the students get a little taste of her general awesomeness. I'll do another two hour session on meditation. It's expected that students are sitting daily prior to Tulum. Once the training begins we have daily 30 minuted meditations. Yay....students from ALL over + Tulum + yoga teacher training = an ecstatic Sharon



Wednesday, September 21 Patrick Holloway is beginning an 8 week meditation course. I'm actually subbing for Sarah that night so I'm happy that I get to hang around and participate. AND get this....the full 8 week course is only $40. Or you can do drop-ins for $10. Patrick has been an on again off again student at the studio. When he emailed me proposing this I immediately felt good with it. When we met at Coffee Times to chat over coffee I left feeling even better. I am quite careful and a lil picky about who teaches at the tree house. Aren't all Mama's careful with who gets to babysit their children? Same thing, here. I'm gladly welcoming Patrick into the studio and look forward to him sharing in our sweet and sacred space. So come. And bring your friends too. And your enemies. Perhaps if they learn to meditate you'll both be better off. ;)

On the first day of fall, September 23 Sarah is leading a workshop for this month's theme....contemplation. If you haven't downloaded this month's goodies then do so here. Sarah is such a phenomenal teacher. If you've taken her class you know what I'm talking about. Her energy, her presence, her wisdom, her knowledge all lend itself beautifully to this month's workshop. Last month we filled and had to turn yogis away. We don't want to turn you away so register quickly!

All sorts of goodness happening at the studio this month. And I've added another intensive yoga teacher training (this one in the Outer Banks of NC)and we are rockin' the registration so far.

Speaking of goodness...each month when I send the newsletter out I usually get email back from students. Yesterday I got the most amazing message from a student. She said,

"What I really like about your newsletter is all of the “extra” information you can go to like your monthly themes. This is so much more than just going to a studio and taking classes. You are creating a place where folks can go to not only to practice yoga, but learn about it. It’s a lifestyle, and believe it or not, your newsletter compels one to want to jump over to the tree house and take classes and attend the workshops, or just hang out and be a part of the yogi life there. Other newsletters I have seen just simply list classes and workshops. Yours has lots of little presents inside!"

Amazing. I LOVE this idea of having "little presents" within the newsletter. If you can think of other ways to make our newsletter richer, juicier, or more engaging to read please let me know.

As we're nearing the fifth anniversary of Barefoot Works this message from this sweet gal just melted my heart. It's everything I hope to offer to students.

Happy sigh. Good nite friends.

homemade vegan ice cream

Little secret (for some).....Andy and I LOVE ice cream. We love. love. love it.
We love it on any day. We love it in any season. We're those people in line getting ice cream in the dead of winter.

Both Andy and I are trying to have much less dairy these days. We don't keep any in the house. We have coconut and almond milk for cereal and smoothies. On the rare occasion that we need butter we use earth balance (which tastes just like the real thing, for reals). We found a cheese substitute we like (finally, that took a while) in daiya. We don't make eggs. I never liked them anyway. Unless of course if they're mixed in with cake batter or brownies.

I started making this banana ice cream last fall. I can't believe I'm just now sharing it. Last night we both had a craving for something sweet. We'd returned from Owensboro with a few days with The Tessandoris and to say we ate terribly is putting it mildly.

I could feel us both tipping towards ice cream. You scream. We were both ready to scream for ice cream.

So instead I ran frantically to the kitchen. Yanked out the frozen bananas and made peanut butter ice cream that was vegan, much healthier, and satisfied our sweet tooth.

It's ridiculously easy. You don't need an ice cream machine thing. Just a food processor....


Put frozen bananas in the food processor. I always have some on hand for smoothies. And ice cream of course. Use 1 to 1.5 per person. Add just a tablespoon or so of liquid (water or any milk substitute). Mix until it crumbles like below.

Add any fill-ins. I added a couple tablespoons peanut butter and a couple teaspoons of brown sugar. You could do anything here....frozen fruit, cocoa, chocolate chips, fruit jam, etc. Mix. Add more liquid if needed to create desired consistency.

When you are finished you get the creamiest, dreamiest tasting vegan ice cream. Really, it's good. If it satisfies two ice cream lovers like Andy and myself it will surely satisfy all.

I like it creamy like this. If you want it more frozen then just throw it in a Tupperware container and freeze for a couple hours.

Serve in a wine glass. Sprinkle with any toppings. Most of all, enjoy!

sitting is killing you! reason to stand

Via: Medical Billing And Coding

silence

Why do you stay in prison when
the door is so wide open?
Move outside the tangle of
fear-thinking. Live in silence.
Rumi

Happy Saturday Friends,

I' still feeling quiet and tender these days. Even among the quiet and tenderness, the uncertainty and chaos....there are moments of beauty, peace and joy.

I'm learning a lot these days.
Learning what it means to have faith and trust.
Learning what it means to go with the flow.
Learning what it means to surrender into the unknown.

I've always thought I was pretty good at this in the past. What I've learned is that when it involves that which truly cuts right to the heart, it's more of a challenge.

Of course I knew this. But experiencing it is a whole new thing.

So I'm replacing thoughts of despair with thoughts of hope.
Replacing doubt with faith.
Replacing sorrow with joy.
Replacing darkness with light. (Thank you Pam for this reminder).

Wishing you and yours a lovely, lovely weekend.

kindness

This is a poem titled "Kindness" that I've loved for a while and shared several times at the end of yoga class. Given everything that's been happening with my Mom's health it's taken on a greater meaning to me. I hope you enjoy.....

Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness.
How you ride and ride
thinking the bus will never stop,
the passengers eating maize and chicken
will stare out the window forever.

Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness,
you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho
lies dead by the side of the road.
You must see how this could be you,
how he too was someone
who journeyed through the night with plans
and the simple breath that kept him alive.

Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,
you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
catches the thread of all sorrows
and you see the size of the cloth.

Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to mail letters and
purchase bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crowd of the world to say
it is I you have been looking for,
and then goes with you every where
like a shadow or a friend.
~Naomi Shihab Nye


You guys are amazing. I am amazed and inspired by such kindness.

i yoga

I do yoga.
I teach yoga.
I talk yoga.
I live yoga.

To do better.
To teach better.
To talk better.
To live better.

Yoga doesn't make me perfect. Or better than anyone else.
This doesn't mean it's the only way, the right way, or the wrong way.
Yoga is just my way, my path to expand my consciousness.
To be more awake, alive, and aware.
To open my heart.

Yoga helps me to be a tender human bean.
It helps me figure out my body, my mind, my heart, passions, my purpose, my relationships and how I interact and Be in them.

Today my beloved Mama has surgery at 10:45. I am one of many daughters feeling a range of emotions. She is one of many Mama's feeling a range of emotions.

It's times like these when I can feel the inherent oneness of everything and everyone. When we drop the story, the situation, the circumstances we are the same.

We all desire to be safe, to be loved, to live in health and joy.

We are indeed all the same.

Wishing you all things love and joy today.

on designing your life

Before I owned Barefoot Works....

Before I was a yoga teacher....

Before I was a yoga student....

I knew that I wanted to create my own job. I didn't want a boss. I wanted to be my very own boss. I knew that I wanted to design my life to be true to who I was and what I wanted.

Never mind that I didn't know who I was or what I wanted. Looking back, that didn't matter.

What did matter was my intense desire to live a life on my own terms. Whatever that meant. Again, I didn't know.

I scoured websites of people doing things they loved. One of the first websites I recall finding, drooling, and reading over and over was "Girl at Play". I was living in TX at the time. I recall seeing a profile of a photographer in KY. Her name was Melanie Mauer. She was doing what she loved. I was inspired by her. And smitten by her cuteness. Oh. So. Cute.

I read books. I pondered. I dreamed of possibilities.

At my job, my co-worker Kristy (who is still one of my BF's) and I chatted about what types of businesses we would start. I can't recall what they were. But we had big plans for the future.

I talked to my brother who owned his own business. He was successful and I wanted to be too. If he could do it, certainly I could too.

Life got crazy. I had my mid 20's crisis (you think I'm kidding don't you?). I ran. And ran. I found yoga.

Or yoga found me. Who knows. But it was clearly meant to be.

Even now as new thoughts and new dreams float through my head and I consciously engage with them.... I keep coming back to:

1. Does this truly represent me? By "me" I mean what I want and not what others expect.
2. Does this support who I am?
3. Does this support what makes me feel happy and alive?
4. Does this support where I want to grow to?

Why? Because although I'm still uncertain about many things on any given day. I am 100% certain that I still want to design and live a life that nurtures my nature and drive to feel content and joy*full while making a difference in the ways that I can.

How about you? Are you designing your life (to the degree that you can) or is someone else designing it for you?

PS - That cute photographer that I admired from afar, Melanie....I've had the good fortune to know her as a yoga student and personally come to know that she is just as darling in the flesh as she is online.

a simple practice...you got one?

This morning I did my simple practice.

Actually it didn't even begin with that. It started with me getting up at 6:30 and going straight to my computer and returning a few emails I thought "had to be done" right then.

This is not my "normal" and it's not what I want to be doing every morning. Especially on a beautiful morning like today (and yesterday in which I did the same thing).

The truth was I didn't even feel like getting out and doing my normal walk in the cemetery. I thought about my other love, my yoga room and my special, special practice. And I wasn't compelled to do that either.

With everything that's swirling around I'm feeling a little off balance. Usually when we're "off" in some way, we don't feel compelled to do the things that make us to feel good. Or is that just tme?

Why is that? Do you find that true?

When I saw what was happening I immediately removed myself from the pinktop.

I marched myself upstairs, still in my robe. I lit my candle. Sat myself down on my yoga mat. Closed my eyes. Settled myself. And began repeating my mantra.

About 10 minutes later I realized I did in fact want to do some yoga. I knew a little would be better than none. And I remain committed to the fact that all we really need to make a difference in body, energy, mind, and heart are simple poses. A simple practice. Even if it's in a robe.

Yes sometimes I like to do fancy pants sequences and give myself a good challenge. Truth is, right now I'm feeling challenged enough.

I needed my practice to be short, sweet, and simple.

So I went to my three go to poses...down dog, yoga squat (malasana), standing forward bend. I stood in mountain pose for a long time. I then did three half sun salutations, and three lunge back salutes.

I finished standing in mountain pose, eyes closed. I say a prayer. Blow out the candle and begin the day in a much more balanced way. Green furry robe and all.

How about you, do you have a go to practice? Yoga or otherwise? What are the minimum "things" practices you do when feeling a lil off?

your mistakes can lead you to the truth

Do you know what the music is saying?
"Come follow me and you will find the way.
Your mistakes can also lead you to the Truth.
When you ask, the answer will be given. "
~Rumi

on goodness & sadness....and making room for it all

Dear Blog,

It's been a while. I know. I know.

The truth is, I'm not sure where the week has gone. I'm not really sure the last 2.5weeks have gone. The truth is I'm having a hard time forming my thoughts and having a hard time expressing here.

The week was full of goodness. Andy celebrated his birthday this week (yay for 34!). I actually found and bought new yoga clothes. I got to participate in a photo shoot for Natural Awakenings (check out the cover next month and see me bust a yoga move with other local wellness peeps). I got to spend the last six days at BW's, the yoga treehouse. Taught some fun and fulfilling private sessions.

Andy's parents came in Saturday and we enjoyed a delish meal at Regatta. And we got to sit outside. That was a real treat.

We had the fundraiser at the studio for Namaste for Strays. OMG. So cute. See the cuteness above. Really?

I sat outside under the sun and watched my niece play soccer. I took a nap under a big tree, in the grass on Friday afternoon. I got all the details together for a new year yoga retreat.

I got to spend time today with some of my fave peeps, the tree house teachers. I walked around at the Woodland Art Fair and bought a box to hold my dreams (and anybody else that comes to the Big Blue House).

I drove home on a beautiful day under the sun and a blue sky. Driving down my pretty country road and I hear this song playing:


I think of her and before I know what's happening... the tears are there. Forming. Flowing. My heart is thumping. My hands are shaking. I feel a lump in my throat.

"Little Miss down on love
Little miss I give up
Little Miss I'll get tough
Don't you worry 'bout me anymore."

I'm driving on the same road that nearly three weeks ago I saw the "two words" I never wanted to see. Words that changed everything in an instant. Everything is different, yet it's the same.

I made a vow years ago to never share things here while I was still in the thick, in the midst of them. I really feel that part of my journey and part of my own growth and healing is sharing from my heart. Sharing what I'm learning from this crazy thing called life. That's still my intention. I thought I might be ready to share more. Today I learned that I'm not.

So I'm giving myself permission to go easy on myself while I continue to wrap my head and my heart around all of it.

There is so much beauty.
So much goodness.
So much happiness.
And so much gratitude.
There is hope.
And bravery too.

Yet there is uncertainty.
And fear (sometimes a lot of fear).
There is anger.
Frustration.
Questions.
Sadness and sorrow make their appearance.

I take it all in. Making an attempt to not get too attached to any of it. If I stay present I can breathe with it and find myself on the other side. And just like that the emotions subside and I find myself Here. Breathing. Living. Being present with all of it. Making room for all of it.

Thank you blog and readers and friends and family and teachers for holding space for me in the meantime. My heart is filled with love for all of you.

Many, many, many Namastes....

ending the clean cleanse + healthy yogi treats

Today marks the "official" closing day of mine and Andy's three week program of eating clean. The end was a challenge, especially with the challenges I was facing last week. By Saturday Andy and I were both ready to eat more than one meal we could actually chew on. In fact he sent me a picture on Saturday declaring, "Clean party is over." In the photo was two of the things he's been craving most...saltine crackers and graham crackers. Weird, I know.

Sunday we ended the clean party with a bang. We went to Magee's and settled in with a book, coffee (for me), and the most delicious donut my mouth had ever tasted. Oh my. We tipped the scale back to balance by having our detox pizza (we love it) with a side salad for lunch, and dinner was delish fruit.

We're both happy that we did the cleanse, and feel really happy with how we did and how we feel. Together we're pondering the changes we want to make and the boundaries we need to have around eating certain things (sugar and dairy especially).

I have made two yummy snacks over the weekend....spicy chickpeas and kale chips. Both are super easy and very tasty. For the chickpeas simply rinse, drain, and place in a pan. Preheat the oven to 425. Toss in the chickpeas + two tablespoons oil (I used olive oil) + 1 tsp coriander, 1/4 tsp cayenne, and 1/4 tsp salt. Swirl it all around in the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool then continue to pop them into your mouth for a spicy snack.
Kale Chips - Wash your kale, tear into pieces, dry, then place in a big bowl. Make sure it's good and dry. Preheat oven to 350. And 1-2 tablespoons olive oil to the kale (I used 2 but could have gotten away with 1 I think). Add either a teaspoon of tamari or some sea salt to the mixture. Evenly coat the kale with the oil and salt. Line a pan with parchment paper, spread out the kale, and bake for 10-15 minutes. They'll burn quickly so keep a close eye. I did tear my kale into pieces that were too small. Next time I'll tear into about 3 inch pieces.

Both are yummy and even Andy agrees. Pssstt, he's totally getting into the "hippie food." ;) Let me know if you try them out!

Happy Monday Friends. Andy and I are off to see the Dominican game at Rupp tonight, so excited!

the places that soothe you

I hit the ground nearly running. I hear my feet pounding the earth beneath me. Between the tall trees I see patches of blue sky and the flickering of sunlight as I dash up, down, and around the hills. The sounds of the birds chirping bring me comfort. Nothing smells quite like being out in the woods.

Henry David Thoreau said, “I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to put my senses back in order.” I do exactly the same.

The yoga mat and being outside in nature are two of the things that most soothe and calm me. If you read my previous post then you know that this is a challenging time for me. My usual daily walks in the cemetery would not cut it alone. I knew that I needed more woods, less pavement, and more quiet.

I've walked over 8 miles the past two days at Raven Run (and spent nearly three hours on my yoga mat). The beginning of my hikes have been similar to some yoga practices in that I hit the mat, feeling stressed and all out of sorts. When I'm not able to ground my energy from breathing alone I hit the mat in a bit of a frenzy. I give myself permission to move in a fast and furied way, burning off some of the energy that I have. I flow through sun salutations at a quick and harried pace.

I started my hike like that today. But at some point, as with my yoga practice, my body is grounded by the movement, I connect to my breath, the spaces between thoughts grow longer, and my mind grows more calm and clear.

I realized that one can approach both yoga and walking with the intention of exercise. Or/And one can approach both yoga and walking with the intention of putting their senses back in order and healing body, mind, and heart.

I've had a love affair with nature for a long time. I can thank my Daddy for this. To this day my fondest memories of growing up are the days I spent out in the hills surrounding our home. I snapped the photo above this summer when I was home on my cell phone. It is quite simply, the greenest, most lush place of all.

In college one of my favorite classes was outdoor recreation. For class we met out in the woods. I loved the idea of being in school, yet not being contained, or confined within four walls. The earth was our classroom. Looking back now I can see just how amazing that was.

For my major, Recreation and Park Adm. I got to do two internships between my bachelors and master's degrees. All of my internships were outdoor related. I worked at Fort Boonesborough State Park and spent a summer in a rural area of SC on a project through Clemson University. Again, in each place my office and working environment was outside in nature. After graduate school I actually worked for several months at Raven Run, the same place soothing me now. I led groups on nature hikes and helped maintain the trails and property in general.

I can see now how important it is for me to have access to beautiful places. I can see important it is for me to be outside, connecting and communing with nature. I can see how important it is for me to have a job that's flexible in order to do so. I can see why I love going to Tulum so very much. It is there that I combine the things that I love so much, yoga and nature.

I have a feeling that as the days of summer dwindle and the stresses come and go, I'll be making the short drive (only 15 minutes away) to Raven Run and making the four mile loop around the property as often as I can.

It will be here that I will play and pray, that I will connect to nature, that I will move my body, hear my breath and my thoughts, be soothed and healed. And to put my senses back in order.

on dealing with lifes challenging moments

Greetings Friends,

The past week has been a difficult one and while I'm not ready to share all the details around this I would like to share how I'm coping (or not).

Over and over I've said that the power of yoga lies not in the power one has to pretzel him or herself into pretty pretty poses. To me the magic lies in the simplicity of yoga and this week that again has proven true to me.

Stay grounded.
Stay centered.
Pay attention.
Just breathe.

There were times when I was so upset. A moment of sobbing in the shower as my mind raced into the scary unknown future. I could feel pain my mind was predicting as if it was happening in the moment.

But it wasn't the future and once I could calm myself down, which usually required me saying to myself, "just breathe" over and over again. When I was able to do that, I was able to connect to my breath, and once I connected to my breath I felt the presence of peace and calm that was available to me even in a heart wrenching time.

Yesterday I received this message from "The Universe" (I'm glad she emails, might I add).....

"You knew there'd be things that would rattle your cage, push your buttons, and rock your boat, sharon. These would remind you that there's still more to know."

I've also said often that it is the dark and scary times that have so much to teach us. I still believe this to be true. There is power and potential for transformation during these wild and scary times. I will forever consider myself a student of yoga. I in no way think I have everything in life figured out and it's times like this that I see how much more work there is to be done. Yes I can celebrate where I've been, and where I am now. I can feel good for all the work I've done, for the changes I've made, yet "there's still more to know." And I'm happy about that.

Another nugget from the Yoga Sutras that I keep coming back to is replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. I'm striving to find a balance between expressing myself and my emotions as needed in the moment, but not (or should I say attempting) getting trapped in a place of anger and frustrations as that doesn't do good.

I'm also observing my tendencies during moments of crisis, which are mostly to:

1. Run away. After receiving the first of the bad news it was only a few hours later that I had found a yoga retreat outside of Puerto Vallarta and was scouring plane tickets. I have to go I thought. Clearly I don't and now is not the time to be running off to Mexico. Luckily I saw this for what it was which me running away from the problem at hand.

2. Hide. Maybe these two go hand in hand as they are sorta one in the same. I'm usually very present online with blogging, facebooking, and emailing. Not so much (hardly at all) over the week. I'm doing my best to discern the difference between giving myself time vs. simply withdrawing from the world (which is my natural tendency). I felt myself slipping into withdrawal so that's partially why I'm here now typing this.

3. Eat carbs. People resort to all different things during challenging times. Some people want to have a "stiff drink". Some want to shop. I want pasta smothered in cheese. And bread. I am happy to say that for the most part I've remained committed to my cleanse even during this challenging time. I've packed food for the day(s) when I've traveled to and from eastern KY. On Monday at the hospital my sister ate the most delicious looking brownie. My niece has turtle cheesecake. In the past I'd have buried my face in both. But I sat and ate my salad. On the way home that night I might have killed for baked spaghetti and a tray of breadsticks. But when I checked in I wasn't really hungry. At that point I was two weeks into the cleanse and I knew I had to stay on "clean: the best that I could. The one thing I have allowed myself is a soy latte from Starbucks. There are worse things in life and I feel ok with this.

Other things I'm doing to stay calm and centered include:

*Doing yoga. Today was actually my first time on the yoga mat since Sunday. My body, mind, and heart just feel so much better. I know that even as time gets busy and crazy I have to find time for yoga. It makes that much of a difference.

*Having a trusty touch stone nearby. The mala necklace I'm wearing now in the photo above. I also wore it yesterday to doctor meetings with my family. When I start to get anxious and scared I take hold of the seeds strung together from India and remind myself to "just breathe". In my yoga room I have a feather from Mexico. And rocks and pieces of coral. All of these soothe and ground me.

*Having a network of friends to call on. I can't even begin to explain how much love I've felt over the past week. Friends from long ago, friends in far away places, friends from the tree house, friends I haven't actually met, teachers, family members....it's all been amazing and remarkable and has kept me going in so many ways. I called Sarah early Monday morning to see if she could get my classes subbed for the week. Before the day was over it was taken care of. I feel blessed, blessed, blessed in so many ways.

*Witnessing beauty around me. I'm seeing this in all forms. In the form of the patient young man valet parking cars at the hospital. As I fumbled around to get my things,clearly scattered and emotional, he assured me to "take my time, there is no rush darlin'". Beauty comes in the form of youtube videos reminding me, "all I need is love." Beauty comes in the form of a blue sky. Beauty comes in the form of matching Teva's my Mama and I are donning. Beauty comes in the form of the crying nurse. Beauty comes in the form of family coming together. In hearts being cracked wide open, and the embrace of my sister and brothers.

As I shared with my Mama yesterday, "We just have to keep clinging to the diamonds, the jewels in these very rough times." Together, that's what we're doing.

No matter where you are, who you are, what you do, what color your skin, no matter your age, your gender, your religion, your circumstance or your conditions...may you too cling to the diamonds and the jewels. May you see the beauty around you even in the darkest of times.

That's my wish for you.
For me.
For all of us.

praying

It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.

~ Mary Oliver

Spending lots of time in my sweet yoga room. Sitting. Lighting a couple candles (the big one above is the unity candle from mine and Andy's wedding over 10 years ago). Doing yoga. Writing. And praying.

I love Mary's instructions for prayer. Just paying attention and patching a few words together of thanks and gratitude. Hope too.

May you and all of yours be well today.

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.