First of all, thank you so much for such a warm welcome. I feel blessed to be a part of the Nourish community and connected to all you wonderful people through this gem of a wellness center. Santa Cruz is living up to my every hope, and then some.
Teaching here for the first few weeks has been a sweet journey towards reconnecting to the part of me that exists out in the world, rather than home with the girls. Needless to say, I had been feeling a little restless. It's nice to be reminded that the solitary nature of the practice is overshadowed by the opportunity so many of us are taking these days to be in dialogue with others about our process. To be out in the world, practicing together, sharing breath and space in the yoga room has been so much a part of the practice for me over the years. Coming to Nourish, I am reminded I am here, with others, seeking answers. And that though we are turning to look in, we are still connected, looking in together. I have missed this in the year I took off to birth my second baby.
I commented in Savasana one day something to the effect of our practice being an opportunity to let go of our expectations, because all we really have is what is happening right now and that ultimately we don't know what will happen in the next moment. As yogis we sacrifice our musings about the future and the past for what is here before us, seeking truth in the present. A student came up after class to ask about the possibility of choosing our reality by working with our energies, and our beliefs as a way of manifesting what we believe possible and want to bring into our lives. If we visualize ourselves in abundance, wealth, or love (indeed whatever we are seeking) then we will have it.
Certainly we have to have an idea first, believe it can exist, and then bring it forward into reality. That's how we say...get dinner on the table. And I do believe we must see more esoteric things into the realm of possibility too. Like love or abundance, or the fulfillment of a dream. But I was wondering if Maya, the illusion, is nothing less than the world of our wildest dreaming, our greatest wishes manifesting all over the place, and every other possibility too. And if that's true, then it's not the energy around us that we have to influence, but how we receive. Because we may or may not have control of the energies rushing us in the coming moments, but we do get to decide whether we perceive them as obstacles or opportunities. And what an opportunity it is to get to practice with you all. Finding my way into your beautiful space did not happen for me without effort, fear, or uncertainty. Yet here I am, grateful and full of delight.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Bonfire Night!
Remember, remember the fifth of November,
The gunpowder treason and plot,
I know of no reason, Why the gunpowder treason,
Should ever be forgot.
Today I feel a little homesick as I think about the festivities that will occur in my home country tomorrow. November 5th is a holiday in England called Bonfire night, or Guy Fawkes night.
I won't bore you with all the details but the gist of the history behind the holiday is that a band of dissenters led by a man called Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up King James I and his men with a large amount of gun powder in 1605 (he was Scottish - it's a long story) .
Mr Fawkes was caught before he got the chance to light the fuse (his cousin betrayed him) and we celebrate the fact every year by setting off fireworks and lighting big bonfires. Some people even make a Guy Fawkes model out of hay and throw it on the bonfire too. It's one of those twisted traditions that it is best not to really think about - needless to say it's a lot of fun.
Although most towns organize a large bonfire and firework display for the public to attend, lots of people choose to hold their own bonfire night in the back garden. It's certainly a fire risk (although England is mostly damp) and every year people blow off their fingers, but it's also very exciting.
My family takes it pretty seriously. My mum and nana combine to cook soup, chili, baked potatoes and parkin (a kind of delicious gingerbread) while my dad and granddad are in charge of the fireworks. Like kids in a candy store, they pick out the biggest explosives we can safely ignite in our small back yard and then everyone drinks tea or beer and watches as thier money goes up in colorful clouds of smoke!
It's essentially an excuse for people to get together and have a fire and that's why I think I like it so much. There's something very pagan and honest about it... and who doesn't like fireworks?
But this year I will miss out. California does not even allow me to let off a commemorative roman candle. Perhaps I'll light a match and smell the smoke...
The gunpowder treason and plot,
I know of no reason, Why the gunpowder treason,
Should ever be forgot.
Today I feel a little homesick as I think about the festivities that will occur in my home country tomorrow. November 5th is a holiday in England called Bonfire night, or Guy Fawkes night.
I won't bore you with all the details but the gist of the history behind the holiday is that a band of dissenters led by a man called Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up King James I and his men with a large amount of gun powder in 1605 (he was Scottish - it's a long story) .
Mr Fawkes was caught before he got the chance to light the fuse (his cousin betrayed him) and we celebrate the fact every year by setting off fireworks and lighting big bonfires. Some people even make a Guy Fawkes model out of hay and throw it on the bonfire too. It's one of those twisted traditions that it is best not to really think about - needless to say it's a lot of fun.
Although most towns organize a large bonfire and firework display for the public to attend, lots of people choose to hold their own bonfire night in the back garden. It's certainly a fire risk (although England is mostly damp) and every year people blow off their fingers, but it's also very exciting.
My family takes it pretty seriously. My mum and nana combine to cook soup, chili, baked potatoes and parkin (a kind of delicious gingerbread) while my dad and granddad are in charge of the fireworks. Like kids in a candy store, they pick out the biggest explosives we can safely ignite in our small back yard and then everyone drinks tea or beer and watches as thier money goes up in colorful clouds of smoke!
It's essentially an excuse for people to get together and have a fire and that's why I think I like it so much. There's something very pagan and honest about it... and who doesn't like fireworks?
But this year I will miss out. California does not even allow me to let off a commemorative roman candle. Perhaps I'll light a match and smell the smoke...
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Clean, Green and Mean - Tesla Motors
Here's another note from the bright side:
So we've all heard the buzz about global warming and the problems it brings. It's often difficult to find information on any potential solutions, which only adds to the feeling that we've got our collective head in the sands, but recently I found a breath of fresh air in learning about a company called TESLA MOTORS.
So we've all heard the buzz about global warming and the problems it brings. It's often difficult to find information on any potential solutions, which only adds to the feeling that we've got our collective head in the sands, but recently I found a breath of fresh air in learning about a company called TESLA MOTORS.
There was a recent interview that aired on the "On Point" NPR show that explained how TESLA is trying to move the entire automotive industry toward clean technology (you can learn more and listen to broadcast HERE.
By the sounds of it we could be seeing real electric cars on the road that can perform as well as a regular family car as soon as next year. I can't wait for the day I recharge my car with solar panels and the left over energy goes back into the grid!
News From The Bright Side
I just wanted to share some news from the brighter side of life. Sometimes the news can really be a downer and I think that it's always a good idea to keep an eye on the things that are hopeful and really inspiring.
One such thing that I've been looking into and find really fascinating is "Cymatics".
Cymatics is the use of sound to form sand and other substances into different geometric shapes, with higher frequencies creating more complex designs. I think the thing I like most about this is - if everything is energy and sound is a form of energy then this process allows us to look at the world with a little different point of view.
You really need to see it to appreciate it, so check out the "vibration creates form" on the Youtube video below. If you dig it, there is lots more related material on the actual youtube site and the designs on the walls of Roslyn chapel are especially awesome!
I hope you find as much inspiration and fascination as I have!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
New Year's, Early
I love yoga. I really do! But sometimes I can't muster up the strength to get by booty to class. After work and school, you would think I'd be chomping at the bit to put myself in a relaxing environment. But I just get so tired and lazy, its truly frustrating! Even though I know it will feel so good to get a little work out and center myself, it can be all too much for me at times.
I admire all the students at NOURISH who come to class on a weekly basis. Heck, some even come daily! You all are truly inspiring to me and I love coming to class when you are there. I love practicing yoga with the people I am working for and with. It gives us a bond that is more than just a hello! in passing by the front desk or a reminder call for their next appointment. What we all have going on at NOURISH is truly unique and I am proud and lucky to be a part of it!
Think of this as my New Year's Resolution: From here on out I want to make a comittment to myself and do the things that make me happy on a weekly basis! This means going to Tuesday night yoga with Victor, hanging out with Emily, Brittni & Kate more often, doing nice things for my boy friend and pursuing a new hobby. I also think it would be nice to do my homework and reading on time....
Thanks for the inspiration and NOURISHment : )
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
yoga anytime
Wish you had more time for yoga? Do a pose right now, right where you are! Doing just one pose can change the way you breathe and feel...for the better! So stand up...yes out of your computer chair..... reach your arms up overhead (Urdhva Hastasana) and strrrretch up towards the sky. If you like fold from your hips and move into forward bend (Uttanasana). Ahhhh...feel better?
You can also improvise and make up a pose like my daughter Lily. Here she is doing a cross between down dog and forward bend. Good job Lil! And smiling while doing yoga is even better, great for you mood!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Swell Coming
Next week we are supposed to receive a significant pulse from the West. If the forecast is correct we should be dropping into double over head waves by late Thursday. Come to the surf yoga class Thursday night after your session to limber up those paddle worn arms and shoulders, and twist out your cutback and lipper battered body, so you'll be ready to shred some more on Friday.
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