crank it up.....

and dance. Yeah you! Be sure to listen to the whole song. And shake your groove thing for the whole song. Made me happier in doing so. :)

hey world

resurfacing

Scared
Tired
Hopeful
Optimistic
Emotional
Pissed
Confused
Confident
Grateful
Lucky
Quiet
Leader
Seeking
Solitude
Unsure
Sure

That pretty much sums up the last week. Some things going on around the home front (near Hazard) that threw me for a loop. And between dealing with that, moving forward with yoga teacher training, and fulfilling my roles as a teacher and business owner....well I've felt the need to lie low.

I'm sure you understand. Looking forward to some time and space to process this weekend. I'll be spending lots of time on the yoga mat. :-)

I'll see you on the flip side soon enough.

the yoga dance

Thanks to Bri for documenting "the yoga dance." Thanks to Teresa for being brave enough to lead it!

weekend goodness

The party was a happy & joyous event for me. Thank you. Thank you.

Andy and I on our way to celebrate V-Day in Cincy with yoga (me) UK game at sports bar (him), good friend, good food, good drinks, and good music.
The BW gals before the workshop with Sharon Gannon of Jivamukti Yoga.
Michael Franti decided to join us at the workshop. What a sweet surprise?! Me. Crushing. Completely. See Beth... watching me....gush.
Sharon gives a talk about her new book that she is promoting, Yoga and Vegetarianism. That's her on the floor, center in front, black long sleeves. Small, petite little gal, with a BIG powerful presence.
At the concert later. It was at Bogarts. Michael Franti and Spearhead (and Cherise, the gal who also totally rocked) were so uplifting and inspiring. Really, if you ever get the chance to go. Don't walk. Run. To see him. So worth it. A prefect ending., to a perfect day.

introducing.....

The 2009 Yoga Teacher Trainees, from left to right we have:
Meredith, Lisa, Jeanne, Beth, Debbie, Leah, Jessica, Brian, and Jean.

You'll see them around the studio taking, assisting, and observing class. Give them big smiles and a few encouraging words.

I'm dashing off to buy things for tonight's party. A gal like me always waits till the last minute and decides to add something to the plan. Typically creating a little more work, but very worth it. I think so anyway!

One more reminder that this Sunday Teresa is teaching a chair yoga workshop. If you or anyone you know is interested please go the website and register!

good days are here!

Today was such a good fun day! I did a consult with the good guys from Best Buy yesterday about getting the studio all suited up with a new sound system. Per their recommendations yesterday I went in this morning and purchased a receiver, five disc cd changer, four speakers, and a hookup thingy to make ipods play (clearly I'm not well versed in all this). It was just a little overwhelming...."Can I go with the outdoor speakers, just cause they're white and will match the decor of the studio?" And yes I could! I had to upgrade to the five disc cd changer just to make it easier on us yoga teachers. Hopefully by the end of the week, you'll be able to hear our instructions much easier if you're in the back of the space! Hoping so anyway. :-)

I taught class at noon. I really enjoy teaching this class as I feel like I have a bit more freedom to do things differently. So we focused on grounding postures and even threw a couple restorative poses in at the end.

Ate a Luna bar for lunch along with sipping some yummy tea. Had a private session at 1:30 that is normally a semi-private. I did some thai yoga massage with her then we focused on hips and hammies. I've been seeing this sweet gal for months now and she's always a delight.

Had time to eat a few almonds and dried fruit (Luna bar didn't quite do the trick) just before my conference call at 3:00. Gathered on a phone call with other yogis from as far away as Australia and discussed teaching and operating a business in tough economic times from a place of abundance or scarcity. Uh, let's go with the abundance. Scarcity never ever feels good.

Finished the phone call, scheduled a private session for tomorrow with a dear one that I haven't seen in a while. Looking forward to that. Met with another gal who signed up for our private introductory special and a month of classes, scheduled for Monday. I don't really advertise private (a bit more now than in the past) but I've found that since I did the yoga therapy training, they're just coming in. And I really enjoy doing them. In the past I felt like they were just too much work. Now they are a fave....along with leading retreats and teacher training. We've scheduled another yoga therapy training for the fall. If you're thinking of doing it, you should. It's so worth every penny.

Met Tara with Natural Awakenings and upgraded with our monthly ads. I just love this publication. They are doing an excellent job with bringing us a real health and wellness magazine from a more holistic view. And the calendar in the back?! Who knew that we've got such great things going on in the community? Then taught the Yin Yoga class at 6:00. Zens me out just seeing everyone else so zenned out. Even among the crazy winds tonight in the new studio that has been called "the yoga tree house". Very good.

Planning to have sweet pleasant dreams tonight. Wishing you much of the same. :-)

Don't forget we're having a party this Friday night at 6:30. Do join us......

the questions....

It's been few weeks so here goes.....

The scary stuff:
*The ice storm that left loads of us without power. And on a much bigger note....the ice storm that took lives. Even without power I found myself giving thanks for having shelter, food, and family to take me in when it got too cold.

*My dog Bella who at ten years old has been acting a little off at night when we go to bed. She was sneaking away and sleeping in the bathroom (along with other odd and random behaviors). After seeing Marley and Me,learning that dogs sneak away when they die, Andy and I have become a little paranoid. I know it's a terrible, terrible thought! I'm reading your mind!

*BIG yoga classes! This is also listed as an exciting thing. It's not that I'm scared to teach them (cause I love the big classes) but it does make me question if everyone is getting the love, care, and attention that they need and I so want to provide. The thought of having an assistant for the big classes has entered my mind and is currently being evaluated.

The exciting stuff:
*BIG yoga classes!! More exciting than scary for sure. Twenty eight people in the Saturday class. And you all are so cute. People are coming up to me and expressing how great it is to see so many new people in the classes, asking about the influx of students since the new space has opened, etc. Yes just typing about it puts a big ol' smile on my face.

*We're adopting a cause. See to the right....and vote if you haven't already. But quickly cause today is the last day. I'm excited about this, the teachers are excited, and many of you are excited A big thanks to Emily for getting the ball rolling with this one.

*We're having a party this Friday and lots of fun workshops coming up. Chair yoga, drumming with Toby Christensen, yoga with two of Shiva Rea's main assistants, Daphne & Tom (who are remarkable if I might add), the art of yoga & tea. So much to explore!

*Me and boundaries! I'm setting them. After my vulnerability hangover and which I expressed the need to rest, it's setting in. And I'm lovin' it. On a day like today when other times I'd be working, I've chosen to read in bed upon waking, clean the house (imagine that!), walk to the coffee shop and write (for fun not work), and watch 15 minutes of Days of Our Lives. Terrible I know. Also planning to take the dogs for a walk, play Scrabble with Andy, and play in my yoga room later.

*I'm going to Cincinnati this weekend for a yoga workshop with Sharon Gannon and watching Michael Franti that same night! And like me, he is a down with our new prez....


*Babies Galore! One of my best friends in Seattle in giving birth to her first babe this month and both my sister and sis-n-law are prego. Lots of little ones to go round!

*Our yoga retreat to Mexico this summer! Plane tickets are being bought...plans, topics, and themes for the week are swirling in my mind. I'm dreaming of beach meditations, mango margaritas, beach strolling, life reflecting, sea floating, laughing, and living it up.
*And I'm learning Spanish! Again. Finally.

*My friend Shelli (she has a new blog!) and I are planning a short retreat/workshop for yoga teachers, offering CEU's for those yogi's registered with Yoga Alliance. We're currently researching places to hold it and that is such fun!

*It's been warm for two days now! I know I'm not alone with being excited about this one.

The "makes my heart happy and hope-full" stuff:
*My yoga teacher trainees. I'm officially in awe and in love with each of them. We just shared our third weekend of training together and the admiration on my part continues to grow. They get it. They really get it. And I can't wait to take class from them.

*The out pouring of love during the ice storm. Sometimes it takes a miserable thing taking place to help remind us how lucky we are to have friends and family to come to the rescue.

*This weekend I got one of the biggest compliments EVER when someone told me "I have never been to another yoga studio that create community quite like Barefoot works. I've made friends, really friends here!" Yes, that made my month.

*My mom hasn't smoked for 16 days! She has smoked my entire life and this is the longest she's ever gone without a cigarette. Makes my heart happy, oh so happy.

*Being surrounded by people that inspire, support, nurture and encourage me.
That would be Andy, my family and friends.
My yoga friends near and far away.
Teachers I've had.
My fellow yoga teachers at BW....
And you.

Feel free to play along with the questions on your blog....or facebook. :-) Let me know if you do so.

Have a glorious week.

it's a par-tay

"Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is. "
Mary Anne Roadacher Hershey

Come out this Friday evening at 6:30 for a yogic gathering to celebrate the new studio and YOU. For there would be no new studio, without YOU.

It's a casual pot-luck (vegetarian pretty please) and at some point, as we often do we'll throw in some playful partner yoga.

I'll bring the wine, cupcakes, and utensils. You bring youself, a date if you wish, a dish if you wish, a smile and a happy heart.

Hope to see you there!!

love love love

"Real love is possible only when you see everything as yourself."
Sri Swami Satchidananda

"To love means never to be afraid of the windstorms of life;

should you shield the canyons from the windstorms you would

never see the beauty of the carvings."

Elisabeth Kubler Ross

And my personal fave......

"Let your teacher be love itself."

Rumi

Wishing you all....yes you guessed it,
A lovely day. :-)

the starfish

A young man was picking up objects off the beach and tossing them out into the sea. A second man approached him and saw that the objects were starfish.

Why in the world are you throwing starfish into the water?

If the starfish are still on the beach when the tide goes out and the sun rises high in the sky, they will die, replied the young man.

That is ridiculous. There are thousands of miles of beach and millions of starfish. You can't really believe that what you're doing could possibly make a difference!

The young man picked up another starfish, paused thoughtfully, and remarked as he tossed it out into the waves, it makes a difference to this one.....

By Loren Eisley

Thinking of how easy it would be to make a differenc in the life of one being today. I continue to believe that small and random acts of kindness and love lead to BIG beatiful changes.

tonight.....

Tonight Andy and I came home from a warm and welcoming stay in eastern KY to a big blue house.....
with light
heat
tv
computer
and all other things we've come to associate with modern day living.

Don't get me wrong. I am not a high maintenance kinda gal. The place we stayed in Tulum, Mexico a few short weeks ago.....no electricity. None. And I loved it. Every. Little. Bit.

But it's cold here in Jan. The first night in with no power. No biggie. Andy and I cuddled. I read by candlelight. Went to bed early. I would almost say I enjoyed it.

The second night in it was much colder. We added an extra blanket. Cuddled more closely. Reading by candlelight was no longer fun.

The third night in we were doing that thing where we held a little flashlight above our mouth and went, "ahhhhh" only to see our breath as if we were standing outside in the cold. We added another blanket. Stuck our heads under the blankets when we got really cold. Bedtime was getting earlier each night. I was tired of eating out and my eyes hurt if I tried to read by candlelight.

The breaking point was waking the next day and feeling like I had been beaten with a big rock. My neck, shoulders and upper back were aching badly. So I called and bumped my meeting in Hazard to Friday. I phoned my brother to see if he could get Andy and I an appointment for a massage. We deserved it after all. Andy and I packed a tiny bag, laptop, and with dogs in tow we made our way to Hazard, then to Whitesburg.

My family took great care of us. Spoiled us with hot drinks, good eats, good conversation, cozy bed and best of all......a hot tub.

And now we're back.....and happy as clams. We've got a bunch of work to do to clean up, but nothing could dampen our spirits tonight.

~If you are still without power, know that I'll be thinking of you. This has really been a tough time and my heart goes out to all of you.~

all classes held today (thursday)

Yay! I'm so happy to be at the studio today. It has lots of little luxuries that I don't currently have at home.....heat, light, comfort. You know, all the small things we normally take for granted. :-)

The main roads all seem to be clear. The drive into the studio is fine. Just be careful on the side road leading to the studio (where Starbucks is). It's still a little icy.

If you're like me and ready to get back to a sense of normalcy, then join us for yoga class this evening. Both classes are being held as scheduled.

Stay warm, cozy and as comfortable as you can.

studio closed again today

I'm at the studio now. Was preparing to teach, but it's getting really messy out there! I just feel better making this call, knowing that everyone will be safe in this winter wonderland. I know it's making a big ol mess but my gosh it is beautiful. Even saying that without power at home in the bg blue house!

Sending warmth and smiles to each of you. :-)

yoga classes cancelled for tuesday

I just feel better making this call. It's really icky out there. So please enjoy your practice from the comfort of your own home. Light a candle. Set an intention. Do what you feel your body needs. Breathe. Finish with more breathing and sitting. Read something inspiring. Write about how you feel.

Lots of options. Maybe on a day like today you've got enough time to do all. Maybe you have time to do one. Something is better than nothing. I thinnk so anyway.

And if you are like me and can't help but dream a little of warmer days, then consider coming along in July to Mexico for our annual yoga retreat. It's my intention to get at least ten people this year and we're over halfway there.

Think summer is too hot for Mexico? I've been in January, April, July, and September. Mexico is always good. Trust me. In July you get over two hours more of extra daylight, which makes it super nice.

I know a few people that are taking the direct flight from Cincy to Cancun. It's way too easy. Way too convenient. So if you come along we'll set up a carpooling group to the airport.

Thinkin' about it?
Click here to details on the website.
Click here to read about Maya Tulum, where we stay.
And lastly, I'll take you on a little tour. Come along with me.......

the need to preserve

Ok, I get it universe. I can't be it all. Can't do it all. It's not even noon and I've gotten two big wake up calls. The biggest one being missing a meeting that is super important to me. I was convinced it was next Monday at 8:30. Not today at 8:30. Wow, still can't even believe I did that. I thrive on being prepared and even early to meetings. I felt bad. Really, really bad.

At the same time it's a wake up call, that again I've been doing too much. I'm seeing the need to decide where I really need to dedicate my time and energy. I want to do the things that I love very well. Not half assed.

I find myself saying "yes, yes, yes" to too many things and too many people. I need to establish more boundaries. I need more balance. I know this. Now I need to make decisions to work towards it.

I'm sharing something personal like this because I believe there are lots more of me out there. There are lots of us doing way too much. Maybe it's because we can't say no. Maybe it's because we're afraid to say no. Maybe we fill our calendars because it makes us feel good in some weird distorted way.

Yesterday was my first day off in 16 days. That's just crazy. So today, as of 11:24, I will not be working for the rest of the day. Well Andy and I are gonna try and get some coat hangers hung at the studio for your sake, but that can't wait.

For today I'm gonna relax in the ways that I want and need. Know that for today I can quit striving and know that everything will be fine. I invite you to find the time and do the same.

soon to be latest & greatest yoga teachers of lexington

"As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others."
~Bill Gates

We just finished our second weekend of yoga teacher training at the studio. Wowsers (yes I said it). They are amazing. I know I use that word fairly often here. But they really really are amazing.

All of them.

I've been wanting to write about our training group for the last two weeks. The moving out of a studio and into a new one sorta got in the way of that, so here I am two weeks later.

First off, our weekends are long and they are intense. Between practicing, practice teaching & adjusting, we're talking almost six hours of kick your asana over the course of two days. When we're not practicing we're sitting on the floor. Talking philosophy, anatomy, ethics, techniques, methodology and more.

Not on couches.
Not on chairs.
Not on those beanbag things.
We're talking a blanket. Or a meditation cushion for the lucky ones.
Have you ever sat on the floor for almost seven hours over the course of two days?
It's not easy.

And you know what? They do nearly all of it with a smile on their face. Really. I'm amazed by their eagerness to learn and teach. They are funny, insightful, inquisitive, thoughtful, compassionate, and so much more.

Do you know how much I love hearing,
"I just learned something new about myself."
"That's so interesting. I never thought of it that way."
"I just had an 'aha' moment."

And I feel like I learned just as much as they did this weekend. Leading a yoga teacher training is not something I take lightly. It's a BIG job, a BIG role. So I make every effort to bring my best. And it thrills me that this group is matching that by bringing their very best.

Yes, a really great group of yogis. I'm already in awe of them and feel so privileged to share this journey. I have no idea how I was chosen to be the lucky one standing before them, sharing what I love. No clue. I just know I want to continue doing.....whatever it is.

A HUGE thanks to all you teacher trainees. So looking forward to the next six months.

the small voice

Trust the still, small voice that says,
“this might work and I’ll try it.”

~Diane Mariechild

Wondering what might happen if we listened to that small voice more often.

sunrise and sweet treats

Today I took a little trip over the hills and through the woods, not to grandma's house but to meet my sister in Richmond at Starbucks. When I drive this back way to Richmond there is always a spot that I love to see.

A little hill.
White fence.
Matching barn.
Always picturesque.
And with this mornings sunrise and a dusting of snow it was so very beautiful. I pulled over to take a few pics like so many other times.


I got to cross the river on the tiny ferry that only fits three cars....or sometimes four if you've got a box like mine. This morning the fog was hovering above the water and some geese were splashing about. Sorry I didn't get out to capture it. It was cold. But trust me, if too was beautiful. :-)
Made my way to the Starbucks where I had absolutely no intention to get a sweet treat.....just a tasty drink. But when I saw their seasonal scrumptious looking cupcakes, I couldn't resist. Neither could my sister. So we split a double chocolate one and a vanilla bean. They were both delicious. But the chocolate takes the cake....the cupcake that is.
And the rest of my day was equally satisfying and yummy. Hopes yours was too.

hOMe sweet hOMe

As you can see the move yesterday was a complete success! Moving on the coldest day of the year couldn't even bring me down. Although I have to say that poor Andy was the one making the trips back and forth moving things while I organized. Teresa, Sarah and Emily all came over and helped out yesterday which so very nice. Have I told ya'll lately that I have the MOST amazing and special yoga teachers around? Yes, it's true. They are truly lovely.

This whole process would never have happened without the help of family and friends. It took just over two months for the transformation. While we didn't do any major renovations, everything that was completed was done by myself, family, and friends. It was a labor of love for me....and the others labored because of their love for me (that and my persistence).

The first class at the new space was great. I was glad everyone seemed to find the space ok.....even without any signage. The sign peeps couldn't come out yesterday as it was "too cold". The only mis-hap was the coat rack sliding out of the wall when one too many coats was placed upon it. Hey, if that's the worse.....it's a mighty fine day.

Twenty two yogis showed up for the 9:15 class this morning and at the old space we would have been oh so tight and cozy. In this space we had room to let our "swan dives" be as wide and open as needed. And for the practice we spend a lot of time making circular movements and moving around on our mats in all directions. I thought it was appropriate for the new sorta circular space.

Everyone was super sweet and excited to practice in the new space. I was reassured when a few people told me they were a little nervous about the size of the space and "all those mirrors", saying that the space felt so cozy and peaceful. A number of people said the space will make then even more likely to get in for yoga class.

Which was one of my hopes with this new space. You see, we have the absolute best yogis joining us at Barefoot Works and they (you) deserve nothing but the best.
I was ready to have a space that will
inspire,
uplift,
and motivate you.

I was ready to have a space that will be
peaceful
zen-like
and comfortable.

I think we've achieved that.
I hope that you enjoy this studio and this space half as much as I do.
I think it's quite magical.
Enjoy........