newest yoga teachers in lexington

The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind. ~Kahlil Gibran

This was the last weekend of our 2008 teacher training. It has been a fabulously wild and transformative journey for all of us. I couldn't be more proud of these yogini's. To witness how far they've come in six months is truly remarkable. I can easily recall our first Saturday together back in January when I told them they were going to teach a sun salutation. I said I didn't care if they got it right or wrong, if it took five seconds or five minutes....it was simply important that they begin to find their voice. And find their voice they did. Not only did they find their voice, they brought their own energy and personalities to their teaching.

They are kind and compassionate teachers.
They are fun and wise teachers.
They are accepting and happy teachers.
They are oh so creative and wonderfully inspiring teachers.

They have taught me much and served as such inspiration over the past six months. We have laughed hysterically together and cried together. We've been frustrated and confused together. We've celebrated the large and small triumphs.
Together we explored the yamas & niyamas, the koshas & kleshas, the bandhas & chakras, the sutras & sankrit and every sun salutation you can imagine.

They've flipped their dogs, stood on heads & hands, opened their hearts, found themselves in a "bind", and in compromising positions. We all fell on our ass a time or two. But they saw it through. And this training my friends, is no easy feat.

I am proud to call them fellow teachers and fellow friends. Much love and joy to each of them as they embark on this new exciting journey. I'll be here to rally you on!

only the strong survive yoga teacher training

the real journey

It may be when we no
longer know what to do,
we have come to our real work,
and that when we no longer know which way to go,
we have begun our real journey."

~Wendell Berry

the good stuff

Tonight driving home from the studio I was listening to an interview on NPR with the author of "My Stroke Of Insight". I was really engaged and could really relate to some of what she said.

The author says that since she had her stroke she can tap into feelings of bliss and joy at any time. She described it to being similar to feel what it's like to stand at the edge of the ocean, to hear the waves, and to feel the breeze. Each one of us can close our eyes and transport us to a place that helps us to feel peaceful and at ease. She says that she can take herself to a blissful place in that very same way, because she's experienced it and lived in that place for several weeks. She can tap into the right hemisphere of her brain at a moments notice. The place where we can be and live without judgement and critique. She lives in a state of euphoria. Can you imagine that?!

She said that in the early days after her stroke her mother stood guard at her door and only allowed people in for a few minutes and if they entered they could only take positive words and healing thoughts. She says that her mother caught on real early that other people fed their energy to her. Whether it was positive or negative. It reminds me to think about the company that I choose to keep. And to give the best that I have and surround myself with those willing to give the same in return.

She went on to say that she chooses not to dwell too long in the left hemisphere of her brain because she doesn't like the way it makes her body feel. When she dwells there too long her body tenses, her shoulders rise up, her jaw clenches, and her breath becomes shallow. These are all things I speak of in yoga class. In our present day society we're taught to "suck it up, "to dig deep" and my personal fave, "no pain no gain".

We expect to be stressed about jobs, bills, relationships, food and traffic. We expect to live with a body that doesn't feel good day in and day out. We expect to worry. We expect to be fearful.

When we notice this happening we can literally say let it go leftie...and move on over to the right. Operating from a place of love and joy. A place that knows all will be well. A place that's full of peace and contentment.

Sending you all good thoughts and wishing you nothing but the sweetest of dreams tonight. :-)

the answer

Always we hope
someone else has the answer.
some other place will be better,
some other time it will all turn out.

This is it.
no one else has the answer.
no other place will be better,
and it has already turned out.

At the center of your being
you have the answer;
you know who you are
and you know what you want.

There is no need
to run outside
for better seeing.

Nor to peer from a window.

Rather abide at the center of your being;
for the more you leave it, the less you learn.

Search your heart
and see
the way to do
is to be.
--Lao Tzu

free yoga day pics

I was "that" girl in the back of the room snapping pics of you. ;-) How could I resist?


And the lovely yogini's at the Hindu Temple tonight for yoga, pranayama and discussion. If you are free this week try to make it over for a session. I imagine you'll be glad you did. I'm hoping to get back over there tomorrow night. Maybe I'll see you there? Click here for the details.

free yoga day

Thanks to everyone for coming out today for our very first FREE Yoga Day. I'm hoping to make this into an annual event at Barefoot Works. The teachers were fabulous. It was a complete thrill for me to witness these new teachers do "their" thing. To work their very own yoga magic. We embarked on this journey six months ago and to see how far they've come completely blows me away. Thank you to the students who support everything that goes on at the studio. Thank you for spreading the yoga word, thank you for encouraging your friends to come along. Thank you for trusting us to help take care of your body....and your spirit. What an honor it is. Always.

I took a two hour "nap" late this evening. It appears that my body was a bit tired! I expect to be up late catching up on some reading of my two faves....books and blogs. :-)

*I left my camera at the studio so I'll post some pic tomorrow*

these days

I've been spending time at the cutest new coffee shop in Nicholasville, Main and Maple. OK, so we don't have much more other than Starbucks, until now! I spent some happy time here recently with a great flavored coffee and the new Yoga Journal.

Leading the gals of teacher training through some great exercises requiring reflection on what's important to them as teachers, modeling after teachers/mentors that they admire, visualizing where they want to teach, who they want to teach and how much they want to get paid, and where they'll be in 6 months up to five years, and much more. Isn't that a toughie....to imagine where we'll be in five more years?! And they created the cutest wish boxes ever. Check out Delia's....

Tomorrow I'm going to Cincinnati with three yogi's from teacher training to the Gaiam Outlet and IKEA. Maybe I'll come back with some goodies for the studio and my yoga room!

Don't forget that the FREE day of yoga classes is this Saturday starting at 9:00. Come out and have some fun with us!

Have a beautiful weekend!

i'd love to know...

What types of questions would you ask your yoga teacher?

Or

If you had never practiced yoga and you looked at the Barefoot Works website and you mozied over to teachers to read the bios.....what types of questions would you appreciate having answered?

I ask this because as some of you know we'll be adding some new yogini's to the teaching staff so I'm updating a few things. I've thought about having a Q&A on the bio page and I'd love to know what you'd like to know about your yoga teachers. :-)

So leave a comment or shoot me an email!

Just an FYI, Tulum pics will be coming as we're retreating to Mexico in about a month...big happy smiley face.

this morning

I left the house a few minutes earlier this morning and I was glad I did. I had my camera with me and pulled off the road a few times to take some pictures. I love the little country road that I drive from my house to Tates Creek. It's little. It twists and turns. Sometimes the road winds around so much that I accidentally turn my signal on thinking I'm turning. There are no painted lines on the road. There are places that you have to stop, pull over and wait to let the oncoming car pass you. As a gal from eastern KY I can appreciate that. I find that in the waiting theres a lesson to learn about patience and slowing slow. I lift my arm and signal a friendly wave to the passing cars.

I ask myself why this is done on back roads and in small towns. Why we give a wave of the hand or a nod of the head (you know what I'm talking about).

When did we get into such a hurry that we can't take two moments to acknowledge another?

When did we get so disconnected?

Then I remind myself that rather than dwelling on the disconnect I can focus on connecting with those that I encounter....Those that I order from at restaurants, those that I teach, those that try to sell me advertising, those that deliver my mail, and yes those that I pass on the road.

I figure that if yoga is really about union, and union is all about connection....I should at the very least attempt to be present with all those I encounter.

Then I see a pretty barn and I notice how green the grass is and how blue the sky is. I hop out of my car and take two moments to capture it. To remember how pretty this morning is.

chair yoga

Speaking of chair yoga, check out the lovely videos Teresa did for Expert Village at the studio...

Chair Yoga for Seniors: Tiger Stretch -- powered by ExpertVillage.com

these days

I've been admiring how pretty Teresa's classes are when she teaches chair yoga. She did a class with the teacher trainees. It was pretty to watch and makes me happy to know that yoga can be practiced by all. All the gals felt so inspired afterwards.

I've been watching a late showing of Sex and the City. This was after working till 9:30 pm and before being back at the studio at 8:00 am the next morning. My friend couldn't believe I was snapping pics in the movie. Doesn't everybody?

I've been hanging out with my little nieces and nephews when I haven't been at the studio and teaching. I have to say that I have a whole new respect for the mama's and the papa's. Andy and I had the kids at our house four night during the past week. They're big work, big joy, big eaters, big heart warmers, and my goodness you can spend $50 so very quickly. Then you see them tuckered out like this: And you know it's completely worth all the time, energy....and money. ;-)

I'm working on a new business plan in a way that allows me to imagine more and stress less. There is a reason I'm not an accountant.

I'm working on the final details of teacher training. I'm a bit sad and a bit excited about the end. It has been much hard work, but as a teacher it's been the most rewarding thing I've done. I'm excited for the gals, excited about a soon to be completion of the first yoga teacher training, and a little saddened that our bi monthly dates will come to a close in a couple more weeks.

I've bought my plane ticket for Mexico and planning all the details for the days we'll be there. I'm doing down two days early as a litte treat for myself.

That's what's going on these days. I hope it's big happiness and joy where ever you are.

jo beth & doing things badly

If you get a chance come see me at Joseph Beth tonight. I'll be there beginnig at 6:00. Bring a gently worn pair of shoes and get entered into drawings for gift certificates from Nine West and Barefoot Works.

Click here to read Sark's eletter for the month. She talks about us doing things badly and being accepting of it! Imagine that....I love the idea. Really, even if we're doing yoga "badly", isn't it better than not doing it at all?

Have a sweet and sunny day!

diving deeper

You've been walking on the ocean's edge
holding up your robe and trying to stay dry
you must dive deeper
1000 times deeper.

-Rumi

break down dog

Yes Remington (better known as Remy) would be the break down dog. It seems that most times when Andy or I travel with him, our cars have a with with breaking down.

Yesterday I got a phone call from Andy at 3:45 and he was stranded on the side of the Bluegrass Parkway outside of Bardstown. He had just finished his last official day of school and he and Remy were going home to Owensboro for the weekend. I had a 4:00 meeting and two yoga classes to teach that evening. So I start dialing friends to help bail him out and yoga teachers to help bail me out. Lucky for me (and Andy) Emily agreed to come teach her official yoga class at the studio. Emily is nearing the end of our training and I already know she's going to make a fabulous teacher. Thank you, thank you Emily. :-)

Yes Emily rescued me.
And I was able to rescue Andy.

So I had to cancel my meeting once the gal showed up. Of course she was understanding. Haven't we all been stranded and some point and time. We all know that it's no fun. At all. I had to wait in line to pay $3.99 for gas. And I think everyone on Richmond Rd. was getting onto New Circle when I was. I sat through three traffic lights. I wondered if they too were trying to rescue their husband and dog. When I started to get frustrated, I just laughed.

I remembered making the long trek from Houston to Lexington with Remy and breaking down three (yes three) times. It was a wild and crazy move home. I rememered Andy picking me at my dorm at EKU 10 years ago for our very first date in this broken down car. He opened the door for me and whisked me away to Applebees. It was romantic. Sigh. I remembered Andy's parents being so scared by the thought of him driving this car to Houston that his dad was sweet enough to give Andy his almost new truck to take to TX. And Joe and his 6'3 self kept the little Corolla and drove it for years. It was once again returned to Andy a couple years ago when we were having problems with his truck. We thought it would last longer than our newer cars.

It appears that this is the end of the little corolla that could. He'll probably be going to the salvage yard. Where the laws of karma say he'll come back as a shiny new red corvette.

dreamer, part II

Tonight I was reminded of how much I love the word, the thought, the idea of being a dreamer. I saw Leslie drive away after class tonight with a bumper sticker that read DREAMER. There was something else to it, but I couldn't read it. And all I really needed was that one little work to be like, "ahhhh".

I realize that some people totally don't relate to the idea of being a dreamer. It's as if it's a bad word, a word for those that simply lie around thinking about the things they'll do, but never following through. For me it's just the opposite. I think that all things begin with a teeny tiny dream. And it takes those with strength, willpower, and perseverance to make their teeny tiny dreams come true.

I realize now that for a few years I tried to push the dreamer in me aside. Most people that know me well know that I get tired and bored easily with things. Especially when I'm doing things that aren't on my terms. This all became clear when I worked my full time job in Texas. During the four years I was there, I was promoted twice. I had three different jobs in the time I was there. But I still found myself restless with what I was doing. Wanting to do more. Wanting to find a way to live more authentically and to share that with others. When I wasn't working I was reading about creating a life you love. I would dream about what I wanted to do, the places I'd travel to, and the experiences I'd have.

Luckily I didn't spend too many of my adult years muddling (if there is such a word) through all of this. Barefoot Works came to be and I have a whole new set of dreams.

I dream about retreats in Mexico and training people to teach yoga.
I dream about leading teacher trainings IN Mexico.

I dream about second locations and offering yoga in Appalachia.
I dream about Barefoot Works IN Appalachia.

I dream about being a yoga teacher and a life coach.
Maybe I could be a yoga life coach?

I dream about 500 hour trainings, workshops with Sark and Seane Corn.

I dream about offering yoga in the public schools and the prisons. Along with women's shelters and the others that would benefit so greatly.

The list goes on and on. Big dreams, baby dreams...we all have em'. And the world is a better place because we do.

I'm curious, what do you dream about?
Don't be shy....yeah I'm talking to you. ;-)

Keep close to Nature's heart...and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.

~ John Muir

perfect happy days

Hey All,

Just a reminder that the studio is closed this Monday for Memorial Day. Roll out your mat at home or in your backyard and bust out a few down dogs on your own. Not sure where to begin when it comes to a home yoga practice? Click here and register for "Creating Your Own Yoga Practice". It will be held Sunday, June 1 from 3:00-5:00.

For the first time in my adult life, the cost of gas prices affected a decision I made today. I was thinking about going to Lousiville for a day long yoga workshop today. However, since I'd driven to Cincinnati this past Monday (for a workshop), I couldn't justify it. Gas is $3.95 a gallon and even I got a little wide eyed when it cost $35 to fill up the box-ster yesterday. And this is a teeny tiny car. Not sure what I'd do if I was driving a big suv. That baby would probably be gone by now.

So instead I opted for a very lovely class at Barefoot Works with the very lovely Teresa. Then Andy and I went to Lowes where I wandered up and down the aisles looking for the most perfect plants. After about 20 minutes Andy asks, "You still haven't picked any out yet?" I had to inform him (again) that the first time around is browsing and the second time around I start to get a little more serious. If you would have told me five years ago that I'd be this into plants I'd have laughed in your face. Now I love it. I'm very thorough in the planting of them and I even send them off with little well wishes... "be well pretty little plant". Yes, I've killed my fair share of pretty little plants. But I'm much better.

We also saw Indiana Jones today and loved it. It's a must see if you enjoy the others.

I plan to be at Teresa's "Yoga For Stress Relief" class tomorrow. And I'm even bringing along a special guest, my sister Rhonda. Yes, after a year and a half of being open she's starting to think that there just may be something good about all this yoga stuff and plans to attend her first yoga class. But she is the busiest gal I know, so I try not to tease her too much.

So things have worked out for the best. I saved gas AND I had a perfectly happy day close to the homestead.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend sweet friends. :-)

oprah goes vegan

Oprah is living in the land of vegans for the next 21 days! And she's blogging about it here! I do love to follow the blogs. ;-)

Oprah recently had the author of Quantum Wellness on her show and her book is based on what she calls The Pillars of Wellness. They are:
1. Meditation
2. Conscious Eating
3. Exercise
4. Visualization
5. Spiritual Practice
6. Self Work
7. Service
8. And Fun Activities!

On conscious eating Kathy Freston says, "The mother of all pillars is conscious eating," she says. "It doesn't only make a difference to our own personal health and well-being, but conscious eating means you stay aware of where your food comes from, how the animals are treated and how the environment is affected by the foods that you eat. You take in the energy of whatever went into creating that food."

On the flip side (like Linda in shoulder stand above ;-) I found this comment on Oprah's blog...

"While I have not read Kathy Freston's book, I was disheartened to listen to her speak about the "energy in food" on Oprah's show today. I will not deny that animals can be treated poorly in the meat industry, people are treated worse in the fruit and vegetable industry. Migrant workers are treated with little to no respect anywhere in the Western world. They work for wages that no one could live off of and in conditions that no one should live in. They have no legal rights in the countries that need their labour to get fruits and vegetables to their tables. Would that kind of mistreatment energy also not "transfer" into the healthy fruits and vegetables that Ms. Freston is so concerned about? What does that say about all of our "spiritual enlightenment?"

Some "food" for thought.


You can read more about the book here.

i am i

"Come on! Open your mouth and sound off to the sky!
Shout loud at the top of your voice,
I AM I!
ME! I AM I!
And I may not know why
But I know that I like it.
Three cheers!
I AM I"
Dr. Seuss - Happy Birthday to You!

Yes, I'm 31...
Hip, Hip Hooray!
I imagine the 30's are gonna suit me just fine. ;-)
I was greeted with four phone calls with people happily singing before 8:00 a.m, practiced some yoga in the company of great gals, ate pad thai, AND had the best ice cream birthday cake EVER. Yes, a very happy day.

*Pic from today's workshop in Cincinnati with Doug Swenson.