finding their way

"But where is this gathering?
- I don't know, my little angel
But do the others know?
- No, they don't know either
How can you go to a gathering without
... knowing where it is?
- It suffices to walk, just walk.
Those who are invited will find the way."
(from a Sufi story)

They've certainly been invited.

They're certainly finding their way.

I couldn't be happier nor more proud of what these yogis have accomplished in six days.

I've gotten emails from students from home cheering on these students that are now becoming teachers.

I've gotten emails from students of past yoga teacher trainings rallying on those students. One from last year that says, "And the odd frustrations... that never lasted very long. How could they with so much love and support around you."

So that's what we've encountered as we've found our way together as a group.

Getting settled into a new hOMe in a new country.
Strangers becoming friends becoming great support.
Odd frustrations.
Then the aha's.
Heightened emotions.
The love that comes with being seen, heard, and accepted for your unique you-ness.

Rain, howling wind, double rainbows, the palette of heaven on an early morning walking meditation.

Still, calm, turquoise blue green sea.
Reminding us to keep things in perspecitve.
Reminding us of the great big world out there.
Reminding us we are all connected.
Just one drop in a big sea of love.

Yes, I'd say we're all finding our way.
Perfectly.
Beautifully.

This is the good stuff friends.

xo,
sharon

mexico yoga teacher training - greetings from tulum!

Hola Amigas!

I arrived safe and sound in Tulum on Thursday. I had two days at Maya Tulum to rest, relax, get massage, eat de-lish food, dp prep work, and check in with the kind folks here at Cabanas La Luna about specifics for our training.

Crazy things has happened with this trip to Tulum....it's been raining...like almost the whole time! On Saturday I was actally a tad concerned that some yogins flights might not make it in.

Try as you may though, you cannot change Mama Natures mind. She's clearly been doing her thing and we've been doing our thing. All is working out. All is well. At Maya Tulum I stayed in my most fave cabana and now at Cabanas La Luna I'm in a cabana that sorts makes me sigh each time I walk in.

Perfect.

With all 12 yogis present yesterday we started out first day of training. I think it's safe to say we all felt a bit of the "first day of school" jitters. We're all getting to know one another during this exciting beginning stage of yoga teacher training.

So special. Really. I'll say it over and over, so be prepared.

Today was our first full day, beginning at 6:30 a.m. and ending at 6:30 p.m. And guess what? They already taught a sun salutation Yep. Rock on yogis. We'll continue to learn and build and add on but they have taken their first step, taking their spot, claiming their voice in being a yoga teacher.

I'm hoping, imagining, assured that things are running smoothly at home with my baby, Barefoot Works of course.

I gotta say though that I rarely think about what's happening (unless I get an email from a student or teacher) on the homefront yoga studio. I miss my home yoga peeps but once this training begins it gets All of me. My days begin at 5:30 and end....well right about now.

I've already lost track of the day.

Sunday, when the beach yoga teacher training fog clears. Yes, Sunday. We had two classes. Taught by two gifted teachers. Of course things are good.

I've gottne numerous email from friends and students seding amazingness this way.

Thank you so much. I appreciate it. And love you for it.

The sea is beginning to lull me to sleep. Buenos noches amigas.

The sweetest of dreams to all of you.

xo,
sharon

PS - Photo of her yoga home in Tulum...taken by yogini and student, Pilar.

mexico, mama, mentors & a oh sh*t moment

I'm leaving for Mexico tomorrow!! That's my packing area above.

Tomorrow.
As in departing Lexington at 6:30 a.m.
And arriving in Cancun at 11:00.

Which means I should be in Tulum eating guacamole and drinking a Corona at approximately 2:00.

But the last week friends, leading up the departure.....
Shew.

Talk about the to-dos, the forgets, the shoulda's, coulda's and on and on.
But it's all so,so, so worth it.

I truly can't wait to meet the 12 yogis from all over joining me for 15 fifteen days of oh so intensive yoga teacher training.
Last year I posted nearly every day on the blog I'm hoping to be pretty consistent with this again. And now with my new fancy pants iPod that has the "blogger" app, posting photos should be a breeze.

Speaking of iPods, this one I've had less than a month and love, love, love, mostly because I'm snapping photos left and right, you know the one?

Well Mama Alice and I were getting pedicures today. I sat in the big, cozy, massage my back chair while a sweet sould rubbed down my feet. My iPod is in hand so I could snap photos of course.

About three minutes in my iPod slides off my lap and into the big basin of warm, sudsy water.

"Oh shit", I say, clearly loud enough that everyone getting their feet rubbed on could hear. I fish out my iPod quickly.

Someone says, "Quick turn it off." The poor gal rubbing my feet hands me a dry towel and I wrap it up like a lil baby.

I sit for a moment and ponder all the music that will not likely make it to Mexico. Nor the podcasts that I just downloaded this morning for the flight. Oh well. It is what it is.

I am surprised at how quickly I regroup. And actually let it go.

On a happy note the kind folks at the Apple store replaced my iPod for free. Happy. Happy. Happy. And I now have a new synced up iPod ready for my adventures. Plus my toenails are a pretty purple. See in the photo above? My right toenail that I danced off in May is making a reappearance. Thank god. I've missed her.

I have so much that I want to say but I still have packing to do.

Like how amazed I am by Andy and his insane committment in scraping, sanding, priming, and painting our house. It's crazy really. And inspring too. I keep asking to him, "Is this your yoga? Is this your meditation?"

He mostly looks at me like I'm crazy and goes pack to painting. He's like the Karate Kid.

And Mama Alice is in her third week of being in Lextown for treatment. She's rockin' on. Yet I know this is such a challenge for her. The radiation treatment is catching up with her. She lost weight last week and it's getting harder for her to eat.

Yet her spirits are good and I know she is THE strongest woman in my entire world. I've gotten a lot more quiet on here as far as sharing. My journal is getting to hear lots on this particular journey.

And I've started my writing class.

Connected with old and new mentors that are giving me such support and inspiration.

Friends, teachers, friends that are hands down the most rockin', thoughtful, and supportive people.

Life feels full no matter which way you turn it, twist it, or dissect it.

Never a dull moment friends, that's for sure.

Blowing kisses and wrapping my arms around you tonight as I prepare to embark on a new journey to my second home....the sweet and sacred land of Tulum.

Tuuuuluuummmm, here I come!

this yogini life - 10/10/11

half perfect

Mary Oliver's poem "Messenger" is speaking beautifully to me about this month's theme at the studio, contentment.

This part is especially poignant:
Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?
Am I no longer young, and still not half-perfect? Let me
keep my mind on what matters,
which is my work,
which is mostly standing still and learning to be
astonished.

My BFF gave me a great gift this year. It was a frame with two photos in it, one photo each from our respective wedding days. They were over ten years apart.

We noted we both look better now than we did ten years ago. "Except for our eyes" I remark. "Do you consider those bags or wrinkles?"

I'm officially in my mid 30's now. I certainly don't feel old, but for the first time ever, I feel like a full fledged adult.

I'm finding that with each year I settle more into mySelf. There is more acceptance and less judgement on my part.

I'm finding that while I still feel driven in the pursuit of a deliberate and delicious life, there is more permission on my part.

Permission to not have it all figured out.
Permission not to always have it together.
Permission to be half perfect.
Or perfectly imperfect.

But to sink, surrender, and dissolve into
a sea of compassion.
Embracing myself (wrinkles included) and others with great tenderness.

Contentment is "keeping my mind of what matters."

Which is indeed my work.

Which is living deliberately.
Learning from my life experiences
and sharing from my soul
about how it is we can use this body, this breath,
this heart to shine
and be dazzlingly alive.

be notorious

Welcome sunny Tuuuuesday!

I snapped the above photo last night in my yoga room. After I long and busy day to running to and from I was excited to listen to the recording from the first class of the Yoga + Writing course that I'm taking.

I was snuggled up in a warm and cozy, teeny tiny yoga room with candles, tea, notebook, pinktop and pen. This weeks session was all about accessing and connecting to the powers and goodness of Ganesha.

I write in my notebook (a brand spankin' new notebook might I add)....

Ganesha is an emblem of transition and change. He is very much in this world, not off meditating in a cave or atop a mountain. He is adorable. And accessible! He holds the universe in his belly (I love this)! Wherever he is - he is home.





Details and image from here.

I'm going to print adorable lil Ganesha off and put him in my yoga room to focus and learn from this week. Much to learn here. And just a reminder that the gods and goddesses we explore in the world of yoga are all about seeing and recognizing the different ways they represent us. They are and wonderful ways in which we can learn and grow. And be notorious in our life.

After I listened to the call I had another juicy phone call about a possible new venture I may be embarking on shortly and hold a focus on for next year. All signs are directing me forward but I'm pausing to lean in a lil more. Ponder and process.

I am so flippin' excited that we are now halfway full for the intensive yoga teacher training in NC next spring. I can hardly believe it!

I get the best email from a yogini I've been emailing back and forth with (literally since she's in Seattle). Embarking on yoga teacher training is a BIG deal and I don't recommend entering it lightly. I had given yogini all the advice and input I could. At some point we decide to leap, or we decide to stay put.

She's clearly been keeping her eyes, ears, and heart open. I got this in part of message from her:

So I'm not much into superstition, but today my last 4 words in an online Scrabble game were Y, O, G, and A. After I finished my game, I got into my car, and was stopped at a stoplight behind a car with North Carolina license plates. (this is all true) I couldn't ignore this so. . . .Sign me up! What do I do next? :)

Amazing!

Jump.
Leap.
Risk it.
Be notorious.

one of my fave self care practices

It's self massage of course. I think learning this practice and actually making it a habit made going through my year long ayurveda course worth it!

So simple. So great. Especially this time of year.

According to ayurveda, a full body self massage (abhyanga) is relaxing, nourishing, and revitalizing. The massage helps with circulation, helps keep skin supple and moisturized, increases energy, and promotes sleep at night. It’s also a very sensual and enlivening thing to do for oneself.

What you need:
• 2-3 ounces of massage oil (organic sesame oil is great this time of year)
• Towel to sit on

Step 1: If your oil is in a glass bottle then pour into a plastic squeeze bottle. Run hot water into your sink and submerse the oil for a couple of minutes. Just long enough to warm the oil.

Step 2: Get undressed and place a large towel on your bathroom floor to stand or sit on.

Step 3: You’ll start your massage at the crown of your head. Using about a tablespoon of oil, vigorously rub your scalp as if you are shampooing your hair making small circular strokes.

Step 4: Move to your face and ears using more gentle strokes. Work with the forehead, temples, down the sides of your face, to your ears.

Step 5: Massage the front and back of your neck, using oil as needed.

Step 6: Massage the arms. Use up and down strokes over limbs and circular strokes over joints (shoulder, elbow and wrists).

Step 7: Use gentle circular strokes to massage the chest and stomach, using extra oil as needed.

Step 8: Without straining reach behind your back and massage the back and spine.

Step 9: Vigorously rub your legs as you did your arms, making circular strokes on the joints (hip, knee, and ankle) and up and down strokes over the limbs.

Step 10: After massaging the legs spend some time on your feet. Massage the toes, the feet, and rub back and forth over the soles of your feet with both hands.

Step 11: Sit comfortably, breathe deeply for five minutes.

Step 12: Take a warm bath of shower, not washing the oil off. Pat yourself dry leaving a thin film of oil on the body.

There you have it! Do this several times a week and you will feel oh so good. Promise. Let me know how it's going.....

your heart

welcome october + cultivate contentment

I went to the studio this morning all excited to teach on one more day of "contemplation".

Guess what? There aren't 31 days in September.

Never have been. Hmmmmm.

The first student signs in this morning and says, "Can you believe it's October 1?"

I reply, "Uhhhh, no I can't."

And just like that we're onto a new theme at the yoga treehouse. Contentment. Another yogini tells me, "But it felt like we barely got to Contemplate." Tell me about it sister. September come in with a bang, I felt the fury, then she silently made her exit. I'm down with it September. Thank you for your quiet departure.

I was happy that my focus for today's class translated beautifully to our theme of "contentment."

We went back to the basics of mindfulness of body and breath. If you weren't in class (bad yogi! kidding, of course ;) then you can play along now.

Sit comfortably. Begin to relax your body and spend a few moments connecting to your breath.

Identify a part of your body. Any part, it doesn't matter. Eyes, feet, belly, hands, etc.

Let your attention rest on this area of your body. Dive in and bring your full awareness to this space. What are the sensations you feel? Resist any urge to change the sensations or make judgements about what you're feeling. Just pay attention.

Begin to invite a sense of gratitude to this area of your body. What are the experiences this part of your body allows you to have? For example if you identified your hands then your hands have held the hands of people you love, they have embraced your loved ones, allowed you to experience all sensations of all sorts that have brought you delight and joy.

Relax. Connect to the moment. Accept your body. Choose gratitude. Breathe in and out. Repeat.

Mindfulness can lead to acceptance.

Acceptance can lead to gratitude.

Gratitude can lead to contentment.

Wishing all of you a month of all things good. May you be filled with peace, joy, and contentment.

PS - My space heater is out in my yoga room and the warm pj's and slippers are making their appearance in my yoga room.

change

proud yogini

.

Driving into the light
Sitting in sun spots
Twisted half moons
Beach breathing
Receiving that which we are seeking
Letting go of that which no longer serves
Zafu rolling
More sun sitting.
Supportive tree poses
Lifesaving poison
Joy and equanimity
Coffee and tea treats
Dipped in orange glazed biscotti
Possible adventures
Pondering next years focus
And trying to make it day to day
Asking
Wishing
Praying
No more hospitals
Watching yogini Stacy
Move with poise, grace, knowingness
Beginners mind
All things retreat
And yoga teacher training
Two straight lines
Energy flowing with ease
Captivated
Spellbound
Breathing
It's miracle
Birthdays
Dancing yogis
Silly sharon
Guacamole and mojitos
Boxcar racing
Music blaring
Soulshine
Better than sunshine
Better than moonshine
Damn sure better than rain

magic in the moment

this yogini life: 9/27/11

this yogini life: 9/26/11

breathe easy

I always keep a yoga book of some sort on hand. Yesterday Andy and I were driving and I picked up the book "Light on Yoga" that lay at my feet in my box car (sorry Mr. Iyengar). No, I wasn't driving silly. Andy was.

I flipped open to a page and my eyes landed on this:

"The normal rate of breaths per minute is 15. This rate increases when the body is upset by indigestion, fever, cold and cough, or by emotions like fear, anger, or lust. The normal rate of breathing is 21,600 breaths inhaled and exhaled every 24 hours. The yogi measures his span of life not by the number of days, but of breaths. Since breathing is lengthened in pranayama, its practice leads to longevity."

I love that he makes the connection of the breathing being upset by both physical and mental disturbances.

Pause. Close your eyes. And breathe sweetly for just a minute. Your body and mind will thank you. :)

Breathe easy this rainy Monday my friends.

xoxo

**photo taken during a rainy Morning morning meditation**

be the peace

Everything on the earth
in between, and above
Is arising from one effulgent source.
If my thoughts, words, and deeds
reflected this complete understanding of unity,
I would be the peace I am seeking in the moment.
~Translation of Gayatri Mantra

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!