ahhh june...

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

the things I learn...

when I simply ask.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

calling all yogis.....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

fresh back!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

hi, it's me....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

contentment

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

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

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

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

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

i love yoga teacher training....

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

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

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

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

Love fest 09 continues....

hello yogis

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

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

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

Wishing all of you a wonderful Monday!

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

barefoot works yoga do's....

yoga with seane corn

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

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

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

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

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

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

my miss corn crush

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

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

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

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

the sweetest thing

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


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

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

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

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

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

this yoginis life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

good karma cause

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

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

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

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

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

leisure life + lunge love

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

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

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

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

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

virtual yoga retreat?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much lovelies! Have a beautiful Monday!!

day for mamas

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

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

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

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

reminded

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's about my truth.
And your truth.

Living
Loving
Connecting
And knowing
Even when it seems impossible.

todays reading....

"The Poet Comments on Yet Another Approaching Spring"

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

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

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

the earth beneath your foot.
~Mary Oliver

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

why barefoot works

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

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

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

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

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

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