What might happen if we looked up?

http://blog.petflow.com/this-is-a-video-everyone-needs-to-see-for-the-first-time-in-my-life-im-speechless/

I usually limit my social media checks an hour every other day; unless, I’m chatting with my love via Skype. This includes responding to emails, checking FBook and other related sites. Perhaps, I am blessed that I am the product of the ol’ school where people actually looked at each other when having a conversation, a meal, or some other form of interaction.

I belong to an era that didn’t have to figure how spell words for expressive sounds (arghhh) or emotions (lol). A time when we didn’t ignore someone in distress for fear that you’d be harmed, gave a firm handshake and a smile when you met someone, and made up kooky games like pretending we were foreigners that spoke pig latin with my little sister on the city bus. Imagination and real social interaction–not virtual, tech-ky or digital.

Isn’t it wonderful that today we can have a multitude of “friends” with social media and have the option to not to deal with anyone’s real issues, actually have to break bread or meet them unless we choose. There are some redeeming aspects in the newer ways to connect, but keyboard touch is no substitute for human. Let’s just try to remember why we’re doing all of the virtual connecting in the first place. We want to connect to others, be in the loop of what’s happening around the world–environmentally, scientifically and humanly. We want to use this virtual world as a tool to learn that we are more alike than not, and that our global family is in need of just as much compassion and touch as we are.

Unplug, shut-off, and be present for an hour. Then maybe an evening, a holiday, a weekend…oh heck, go for a vacation! To be honest, you can unplug me NOW…

Life’s Lemonade

Lemonade-The Best

The lemon. A tart, tangy, acidic fruit that can be refreshing, yet can make you pucker and spit!

In life, these fruits get tossed into our lives.  What do we do? Make lemonade or ferment and become rancid? The innocence of kids being present, authentic and humorous makes the best of tangy situations. Simple is as simple does.

If you live long enough, a simple task or situation of making something better from something not so great becomes a bit more elusive. We often become clouded with learned behaviors that may be limiting. Quick to over-analyze, almost as though we suffer from analysis paralysis.  We forget our innate kid-like approach to “oh-well” what’s to do?  Pout, yell, cause a ruckus, break a plate, or find another way. But do something, for goodness sake! That’s what most kids do. An action (or not) with emotion behind it shows you’re still in the game…you’re alive.

I’ve recently experienced this cloudy and sticky-stuck feeling when choosing creature comforts over more peace, balance, and alignment with my core values.  I chose familiarity in an environment I was accustomed, no longer as passionate about as opposed to stepping out and trusting my instincts about causes I find myself more creatively and spiritually drawn. Trusting that I as long as I am curious, flexible and open, aware and hard-working that vibrational abundance is more than possible.

The morass of “what-if’s” can become so burdensome, debilitating and annoying.  What if I fail and things don’t work out?  What if people talk?  What if something bad happens?  What if I don’t know enough or too much? What if I’m not taken seriously? What if I’m not ready? The negativity could be endless.  However, what if the “what if” approach swerved and took a paradigm shift toward the positive?  i.e. What if I chose to believe and feel great about my choice(s)? What if I start making small intentional changes? What if I see myself making progress in a new arena, career, or destination? Experience has shown me without fail that resources and opportunities are infinite. We have to own this one.

Stigma, judgment, and fear can keep many of us indecisive and on the fence–full with material gain, amenities, but, cautious because we keep holding on to the illusory mirrors of marketed success.  I’m part of this world too. But, if our gifts whether experiential, knowledge or skilled based are not shared, then our voice for right action and compassion for others is not sounded, or unsolicited random acts of kindness denied to sentient beings because we’re too busy–we’re not truly present or ALIVE.

I’m ready to pucker up and embrace the “I Know the Universe Has Got My Back” and jump in and go for it! It will be a journey for sure. That I am confident. Being a little uncertain can be the real juice for innovation–like lemonade.

Let’s make some lemonade y’all!

Effort for World Peace…108 Mala Sun Salutes

Can you believe it 2014 is coming to an end? For many, the end of a calendar year usually insights varied sense of appreciation, vision, awareness, judgment, wisdom, revelation and/or apprehension. Life paths are not always predictable, but life is good. Every bit of it. Every twist and turn. The challenge is to remember simple goodness when things are funky and not as we’d like.

On December 20, 2014 we are practicing 108 Mala Sun Salutations for World Peace. The mala is 9 rounds of the Sun Salutation Series. Each series consists of 12 movements which total 108 poses. Purposefully bringing together the paths of yoga–devotion, wisdom, compassion, and action (hatha, bhakti, jnana and karma). As we move through the series we meditate, breathe and circulate energetic healing qualities that manifest in ours and the lives of others.

The first four rounds of the series are dedicated to 1. personal transformation; 2. family, friends, those in conflict; 3. the world and her need for healing our human family; and, 4. your conversation between you and God–gratitude. We pray for compassion, creativity, love and transformation for the good of all beings.

As you progress through subsequent rounds the movements become more fluid and liquid. Your breath eases and synchronizes with your movements. Your mind yields to your current state and subconscious chatter seems less. You might begin to tire, but you will probably find energy to continue. If you choose to rest, you will likely choose to do more. Before you know it, you’ve contributed with favor and to universal healing!

The intention of this mala is powerful.  Even if we fall short in doing 9 rounds, the process of action and dedication will leverage patterns that can energetically change circumstances.  We are taking small steps in being honorable, helpful, strong, flexible, and thoughtful of ourselves and others. Seems too easy, doesn’t it? I assure you collectively this is no small act.

Why is this important? Because being “the change that you wish to see” is a call for all of us to be honest with ourselves before asking others to be tolerant and compassionate. This year our globe has been rife with war, civil and domestic violence, atrocities towards women, and incessant pummeling to the earth; and, We, as guardians of this habitat  have responsibility to care for and protect her, even if in small measure.  I don’t believe that we are powerless.  I don’t accept that somehow the negative images, numbing news of radical fanatics and governments that don’t represent their people in humane fashion are the norm. Making a conscious effort to find a positive for every negative, speaking as a collective for acceptance and justice, allowing differences that do not harm others, supporting healing and healthy communities are more than doable.  If each of us, old or young, male or female, or white-black-other would consistently move towards more acceptance and awareness our space would be even more enjoyable.  So join us December 20th at home or your local community event. Wear your most lively colors! Don the attitude of gratitude and forward thinking.  Please send us your random sun salute photos (info@yaya-yoga.com). We’d love to see you. Look for our upcoming video blog– the 108 Mala Sun Salutation for Peace.

Namaste,

On Atonement

Altar for remembrance

A Litany of Atonement by Robert Eller-Isaacs

For remaining silent when a single voice would have made a difference, we forgive ourselves and each other; we begin again in love.

For each time that our fears have made us rigid and inaccessible, we forgive ourselves and each other; we begin again in love.

For each time that we have struck out in anger without just cause, we forgive ourselves and each other; we begin again in love.

For each time that our greed has blinded us to the needs of others, we forgive ourselves and each other; we begin again in love.

For the selfishness which sets us apart and alone, we forgive ourselves and each other; we begin again in love.

For those and for so many acts both evident and subtle which have fueled the illusion of separateness, we forgive ourselves and each other; we begin again in love.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and an important time in Jewish tradition.  This past week, October 3-4 this high holy day is designated as a time for genuine introspection about the deeds and ways we walk our paths, and an opportunity to rectify and forgive ourselves and others.  Through fasting, purification rituals, confession and prayer many Jews will ‘self-correct’ to make a better way in life.  I’ve heard some of my Jewish friends call Yom Kippur a spiritual “get out of jail” calling card. It’s grace. That’s more than oversimplified, but you get the gist!

I confess that my personal journey has humbled me on so many levels.  I’ve been silent when I could have spoken up for rightness; struck out in anger because of immaturity or ignorance; been selfish and rigid because of illusory ego; yet, I am here today knowing that grace has given me another chance to forgive myself, others and openly begin in love, period. I’ve been vulnerable, like many of us, privy to emotional rollercoasters and have felt like what seemed unfathomable sorrow. I’m inspired that forgiveness finds its way through misdeeds, if you take responsibility. One does not have to wallow in the burden of their memory and can opt for happiness, compassion and service to others. This is aspiring and a choice.

Day of Atonement, a time of reflection for all thoughtful human beings to quietly sit, breathe a long breath and honestly choose kindness.  Obviously, this is something that goes beyond Judaism. What do you think the by-product of honest assessment of our [humankind] “emotional stuff” would be?  I’d like to hear from you.

K I S, Ya’ll…Keep it Simple

 

Fall is upon us and a perfect time to talk about food. As the world’s population continues to grow, so do concerns of crop yields, food scarcity, food manipulation and security.

     I’m not going to preach about becoming a devout vegetarian. I’m not one. Yet, it is a well-known fact that a dominant  plant-based diet is more pacifying and less inflammatory in the human body than one that misuses animal proteins.

     An ancient treatise on the cause and cure of disease called the Charaa Samta, spoke to the …”proper measure of food”… to one’s digestive fire (agni).  Here foods were essentially classified as heavy or light. Light foods were those with air/heat properties, and heavy food types are those with properties of earth/moon.  A diet that consists predominantly of light items (i.e. fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fresh milk) enhances one’s digestive fire. Heavy foods (i.e. meat-fish & poultry, eggs, wine) should be consumed sparingly because they can become harmful when over consumed. We would probably agree that the right foods in our bodies could promote better health, strength and vitality. But, who really cares whether all the amino acids, vitamins, and proteins are in meals if it tastes NASTY, takes too long to cook or costs a lot? Here in the west we want fast and convenient, salty or sweet, supersized, right?

     Balance within the body cannot be fully appreciated without consideration of diet variety, imagination and tastes/flavour that many cultures painstakingly harvest and prepare.  While many populations use large quantities of whole grains, bean varieties, herbs, nuts/seeds in raw and cooked variations, an attractive/colorful plate gets digestive juices going.  This provides enjoyment and good digestion too.

     The way we consume nourishment has, at best, become rather complicated.  Mostly, the will of mega-food corporations armed with scientists, researchers, marketers that have manipulated the way we grow, harvest, consume and our relation with foods; we’ve been hypnotized into believing that crops grown in nutrient depleted soils loaded with insecticide infused fertilizers for higher yields is a win-win for humankind. Or let’s just forget soil and grow plants hydroponically for their yummy flavor and super sizes! Think about those 13-inch cucumbers, hmm?

     Have you tasted a real banana? smelled a fresh peach? spit watermelon seeds off your porch lately? There are so many texts about food manipulation, farming, preservation and food entertainment. The bottom line is your nutrition should be  nice and K I S (Keep it Simple).  All is not lost. You can choose to not give way to hype and recreate your love of food, better nutrition, and balance.

     For a few weeks,  just try to make simple meals–not too many ingredients, unless you have the time. Prepare them attractively.  Set a nice place to dine… no cell phones and not in front of the “tele!” Listen to some calm and interesting music. Allow enough time for eating, we really aren’t too busy to chew or enjoy. Consider eating foods grown locally and that seasonal. Entreat friends to join in monthly potlucks. Discover your family’s “highs & lows” of the day. You might even enjoy the company or laugh out loud.

                            

Attention, moderation and gratitude with meals can and will transform your senses, inevitably,  your well-being!

Namaste

P.S. Some reads: Make Friends With Your Land (L. Wickenden), Clean(A. Junger, MD)

Shine, Shine, Let it Shine

 

Mission Oriented and Shining

     Parents love their children. Parents always want the best for their offspring and work hard to keep children safe, protected, healthy and to educate them. Eventhough parents think they control their children’s comings and goings, their influences and exposure, these individuals are of their own mind and have unique spiritual energy.  Having said that, the impressions and actions we as parents execute, while important, will not be the final determinate in the life roadmaps children choose. With my own brood, the highs and lows of raising them have been exhilarating and exhausting, full of laughter and deep moments of sorrow, sometimes embarrassment, but, more often pride.  Nothing short of dichotomy at every point of their development.

     Sharing this thought as one of my offspring chooses to serve globally with the Peace Corps in the South Pacific isles this week brings me both joy and humility.  Gratitude for her choices and willingness to be open to differences, to learn, and experience life.  Humility because she steps out on faith and out of her comfort zone.  It is with God’s grace, fields of potentiality, and the village of ancestors, spouses, partners, relatives, friends, teachers, spiritual guides, environment, humor and unconditional love that our babies thrive. This is enlarging our territory beyond comprehension. What these fledglings do with all of that energy, attention-whether positive or negative, is really of their own choice and personal mission (dharma).  All of my children are compassionate and thoughtful beings. Gratitude is something we acknowledge daily. 

     Yet, some of this choosing may be the by-product of her youth and being unencumbered. In truth, she is this way because her spirit seeks the highest of what our village has sown. To be a help to others. The effects of your energetic ripples, whether directly or indirectly have been acknowledged–globally, nationally, and locally.  While you may not know us up close and personal, your energy does.  You may know someone as close as six degrees of separation that knows someone we know and so on.  We are thankful that this little seed is taking root, finding her path and enjoys helping others. We are thankful to you, our universal family for sharing and supporting our children.  

Namaste

Die Hard Love…Story

Where Do I Begin

Rumor has it that we don’t pick who we fall in love with. If that were the case we might make some very boring choices. What if we each could have the ideal spiritual, physical, financial, intellectual, comical, compassionate, and/or generous ideal mate? More important, are you that person yourself? Would you date, engage or marry someone like you?

Isn’t it heartwarming to know that someone can ignite such query as  “Where Do I Begin” as rendered by this diva?

As we’ve passed through the month of February, the month associated with love. The love for others, nature, beauty, and life; perhaps, you might ignite the passion and love of Self. In falling in love with your own kindness, compassion, and joy you will subliminally ignite that in others. That’s some kind of real love!

Be change you want to see…look and love thyself ya’ll.

Don’t Be Still My Heart

Anahata, the Heart Chakra (at the heart, upper chest and upper back) is at the core of our spirit. It is thought to be the pivot where wisdom and happiness balance. The place where all of the pain, disappointment and brokenness of our personal saga melds with compassion and boundless love. Anahata is our source of true inspiration with our destiny in tow.

My travels are carrying me to many wonderful places and experiencing kind people from all over the globe. Many years I’d suffered with being so “heady” about life and the expectations about what my walk on the planet was to be. It was not until these later years that I realized my inner knowing had never left me, and that for so long I was “over-thinking” my decisions–choosing my mind guide over messages from the heart. Deepak Chopra said, “…if it feels right, it is. If it feels uncomfortable, it is.” Ego is constantly seeking to override messages of the heart. Hence, we might be placing obstacles that prevent events that may be just what we need in our pursuit of happiness.

Hearing sound energy and moving towards our hearts desire evokes true inspiration that involves trust. Trust in the unknown, although uncomfortable, can be very liberating. Think of it as an adventure that is harnessed in the field of potential possibilities. The heart is intertwined with spirit. This centre is the loving and reliable guide when stress or dis-ease are clamoring. This centre with calm breathing and stillness will allow the rise of inspiration; hence, our true destiny.

Get out of your head and take it to the mat!

Try this simple inversion to jump start your heart chakra!

When is Enough Enough?

Here we are thirty days plus into 2014. Many of us, myself included, have made commitments (resolutions) to ourselves to either try to improve or maintain the status quo of our existence. Perhaps, making choices to improve our health; improve upon our tardiness to work, school or play; trying to be kinder and more patient; incorporate more joy in our lives; or, taking time to just BE. All of these are noble pursuits and all require effort. Effort, the kind that needs mind shift focus to stay consistent, non-judgmental and humorous. Yep, I said it, humorous.

There is a saying I used to have on my fridge, …”don’t take yourself so seriously, no one else does.” How many of us have made resolutions and fall short each year because we’ve either been too distracted, lethargic or doubtful? We’ve resigned to beliefs that whatever we desire was too hard or that our effort(s) had not produced the desired outcome quickly enough. Let’s face it America, we want it now! How about faster than now? In our mad ordered chaos called life, how many of us fall short because we allow media and trends to coax us into lemming-like fashion to the brink off cliffs? In truth, our innate conscious knows what is best for our true Self. We are either non-trusting and fearful that if we fall short of our pursuit that it was not meant to be. This is poop-thought. How would you know anything if you didn’t try? How did you learn to read? drive a car? love a pet? swim, walk or run? or become an adept lover (of people, places and things) if you didn’t keep at it?

When is enough enough? Over accumulation of material things, stuff, emotional baggage or poor health can weigh heavily on us. The external noise and visual pollution bombard, often cloud or desensitize our perceptions about what is important to our soul and connecting with who it is we really are. If we could allow expansion and awareness to become more open to our authentic nature we might learn to dispel limits that hold us back from our noble pursuits. Being open can facilitate limitless potential in life. Great balls o’fire, how?! Are you ready? Basking in the quiet stillness of the BREATH!

Let go of that baggage and breathe ya’ll…

Tina’s response to emotional baggage

Stay in Your Lane

 

Stay in Your Lane

‘Stay in your lane. You don’t need anything from anyone else, try to be self-contained in your practice.’

Whaaat?  What does this mean?   I was sharing this concept with some of my Yoga students recently.  Being aware of “Now” alerts us to the reality that we have everything we need in this moment.  There is no need to fret about our limited physical flexibility–it will come with practice.  There is no benefit in being self-critical or even competitive with the student in front of you who may jump back from a standing forward bend directly into chaturanga with little effort.  Do you question your motives for showing up for practice?  These things are not important.  What is important is that you honor the principles for right living, core ethics, self-control–the Yamas, the Do’s and Don’ts of life as codified by Patajanli in the Yoga Sutras.  The basis for being a good and happy being.

When one attends a yoga class–newbies and seasoned practitioners often come  with varied emotions. Sometimes there is uncertainty and dis-ease with unfamiliar chanting, alignment, and breathing stuff? What’s that all about, right?  Then there is the competitive ego creeping in with, “..I’m gonna rock this headstand, wheel or camel pose better than anybody here today.”  But, if you are not practicing from the basic Yamas–ahimsa (non-violence), saucha (pure thought/authentic),  contentment (santosha, a Niyama) won’t come swiftly. Your benefit lessened, as will your joy and fulfillment.  Essentially, you will need that much more practice.  In that Yoga is not just about asana (poses) or meditation individually, you must approach each with an effort to meet balance.

It is easy to get distracted by someone else’s practice.  However, if you try to bring your focus back inwardly to you, breathe, and smile, you just might be able to let go then strive for equanimity.  Sure, contentment (santosha) may be unsteady because the reality is, that today you can only touch your shins instead of your toes in a forward bend.  The temptation to not topple the person next you in class  that’s in a picturesque Half-moon pose is screaming non-violence (ahimsa).  And how can you be authentic and pure of thought (saucha) when all you want to do is shout “ta-dah” when you’re able to swing both legs through to seated from a long held downward-dog?

Here is the message, be mindful of  your path(s) to Yoga so that you develop a more balanced, harmonious and calming positive way of being.  The end game is a meld of a healthy mind, body and spirit–enlightenment.  The path to enlightenment is strewn with detractors..ego, pleasure pits, gluttony, denial, and disease.  If you can inhale and exhale a big “haaa” breath, refer back to the Do’s and Don’ts (Yamas/Niyamas) for right living, you can stand proud that you’ve stayed in your lane.

Namaste