tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303935932023-11-15T08:40:56.972-05:00Sun Salutation YogaHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-50918432112651250032007-01-30T13:46:00.000-05:002007-01-30T13:47:20.622-05:00The Tax Man Cometh“I know the answer! The answer lies within the heart of all mankind! The answer is twelve? I think I'm in the wrong building.”<br />-Charles M. Schulz<br /><br />This month has been chock full of preparation, learning, and fun. Now my practical analytical side has been buzzing along because it is (horror) tax season. Yes, it is the time of year when people reevaluate their financial positions, track specific goals or shrug and don’t give a damn. I have been preparing personal returns and noticing how the inner is reflected against the outer. I’ve come to the realization that financial health has absolutely nothing to do with how an individual looks on the outside. Messy hair, unkempt nails, wrinkled clothing, check. This one MUST be irresponsible financially. Nope, they have a retirement plan, a savings account, and a home. Another client, designer purse, coiffed hair, dressed to the nines. And they have not a dime to their name. Interesting. Maybe the first individual is working two jobs and just completed a 12-hour shift. And possibly the latter individual longs for acceptance and approval from everyone besides herself. Can you judge a book by its cover? I’m not so sure. I’ve been humbled numerous times this past month underestimating, overestimating, and generally blundering my way from expectation to judgment to defeat. As a yoga instructor when I approach the mat I look not at the exterior traits of my students but their inner glow. Intuition is my guide as I feel the energy of the room and observe body posture and gestures. <br /><br />I went to a teacher reunion this past week and had the honor of being in the presence of local teachers who gathered to share, chat, and practice. What a pleasure it was to move amongst individuals who wanted nothing more than to share their ideas and insights as well as learn from others. Sociologists theorize that society creates sub cultures through various self branding. For example an individual who has multiple piercing, radical hair, and torn jeans aligns themselves differently that with someone else who has a crew cut, pin stripe suit and a crisp white shirt. <br /><br />I’m not so sure about that either. What about the aspiring singer/ waitress? Or the CEO who rides motorcycles on the weekends and sports a (hidden) tattoo? Or the CPA mom who happens to really enjoy yoga? <br /><br />What about the scrubby individual that is working and going to school full time that doesn’t have a dime to their name but is investing in their future? <br /><br />Ah, there is much to learn.<br /><br />Maybe defeat is not the appropriate word. What about aware? Brought into focus? The light is being turned up! Alright I am on a roll. Next! <br /><br />So as the door of January closes I come away and reflect on this month’s life lesson. Whether you identify yourself as a student, teacher, parent, partner, whatever; it is not earthly trappings that enable the soul to shine, but the daily choices we make. <br /><br />My eyes feel closed many times as I feel my way down the hall. But isn’t that the lesson? Maybe we should close our eyes sometimes and feel the room and “see” our path. <br /><br />My tax clients will continue to surprise and challenge my perception. And my yoga students will continue to reach for their toes. Both processes of servicing mankind are uniquely different and yet the same. They both require that I observe and question but not assume. It is to be both the teacher and the student at the same time.<br /><br />January has been a gift and I am grateful. <br /><br />~NamasteHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-40046930501040278412006-12-28T09:34:00.000-05:002006-12-28T09:37:55.080-05:00Dave is Coming to Florida!Whoppee! As we round the corner into 2007 I am sooooo excited to say that a guest is coming to Florida. David Romanelli is just a chill guy that loves chocolate, wine, and yoga. What more could a person need? As the time draws closer I will post more info. But to get started, check out his site... <a href="http://www.yeahdaveyoga.com">www.yeahdaveyoga.com</a><br /><br />Be WellHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-62060117473036837482006-12-28T09:31:00.000-05:002006-12-28T09:33:37.027-05:00Tis the SeasonI once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying, toys not included. - Bernard Manning<br /><br />The holiday crazies have set in for most of us, myself included. I just wanted to give pause and remind myself what it is all about. Regardless of our religious backgrounds, the end of a year heralds a time of reflection, family, feuds, reconciliation, surprises, and disappointments. Emotions are high and fluctuating. Through it all I hope the common thread that connects all of us remain intact. Our humanity and spirit allows us to feel and to entertain these thoughts and feelings. <br /><br />My wish is that we all acknowledge each of our own essence and its reflection on this world. I hope our human nature rises to the occasion and that peace and tolerance rules while pettiness and greed is allowed to wither. <br /><br />Let us all give thanks for what is special to us. Each of us governs our own decisions; what we accept as truth and what we acknowledge in this life. I’d like to entertain the thought of giving more than what is expected and showing those we love how precious they are. <br /><br />I wish you gentle reader health, prosperity, and the blessings of a close circle of family and friends. <br /><br />Namaste~Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1164646143719618792006-11-27T11:41:00.000-05:002006-11-27T15:21:22.936-05:00Turkey PoseThen there's the time a lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, "Do these turkeys get any bigger?" The stock boy replied, "No ma'am, they're dead."<br /><br />Oh what a fantastic yoga weekend it was! I hope everyone had a chance to rest and enjoy what the season is all about. For me it is family and movement. Black Friday for our household consisted of the girls and I going to Barefoot Yoga and taking a gentle cleansing class with Scott Feinberg. The Barefoot Yoga Studio <a href="http://www.thebarefootyogastudio.com/">http://www.thebarefootyogastudio.com/</a> is just around the corner from our home and is a lovely space with dimmed lighting, a place for your belongings, and a simple environment conducive for serenity. I have taken class with Scott before, and he holds true to his flavor. Scott’s low voice resonated with comfort and acceptance. I had intended on having my daughters hang out and read while class was in session, but he invited them to participate. He encouraged my girls and joked with them sporadically throughout the 90 minutes and they had the benefit of stretching with mom while practicing the art of self acceptance. The next day I went to a seminar held by Bryan Kest. <a href="http://www.poweryoga.com/">http://www.poweryoga.com/</a> For the second year now, Bryan came to Tequesta and held a morning seminar. Bryan was invited here by a local yoga instructor and friend, Laura Cole. The first hour was a dialogue from Bryan about his perception of yoga and how his practice has evolved. After that came a complete 90-ish minute practice that was sneaky hard to do considering each move was very basic, i.e. - standing forward bend, half moon, side angel. Any one of these poses start to become challenging once they are held for any length. My muscles started shaking towards the end of class and I felt as though the time flew by. I went to Bryan’s seminar last year, and it seems Bryan continues to mellow and flow. And he also continues to rhyme. His class could be compared to a Haiku placed to music. I enjoyed his sense of devil-may-care and humor however, and will go to his class again next year. Finally yesterday since the weather was rainy and it felt like a home day, the girls helped me make split pea soup while we went through old toys. We ended the afternoon practicing yoga to a Mark Blanchard video, “Power Yoga”. The video is 90 minutes long with the traditional sun salutations, plank positions and twisting sequences. It is very good after hearty meals to massage the internal organs a bit and perform some "house" cleaning. Peppermint tea also felt pretty darn good on the old belly also.<br /><br />Speaking of twists, let’s talk turkey. Scott led us into a wonderful variation of “thread the needle”. Sitting in an upright position, start by bending one leg and placing it along side your body, like a runner’s stretch. The opposite leg is then bent in and placed in front of the body like you would in pigeon pose. Ideally, both knees are bent in the same direction. One leg is directly in front and the other bent along your side. Once you are ready, reach with the hand on the same side of your bent legs across the front of your body, and around to the back of the room, palm facing up. The opposite arm is bent, the hand is braced firmly on the floor, and eventually the shoulder of the reaching hand/arm should rest on the floor gently as well. It is a very intense pose, a great twist, and if done properly, you should feel a stretch along your side, psoas, and mid to low back. So nice.<br />The past few days were perfect. I hope the weekend manifested for you gentle reader in line with your intentions and blessed.<br /><br />Namaste.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1162838784972381962006-11-06T13:45:00.000-05:002006-11-06T13:53:20.546-05:00Give of Yourself“The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose “-Hada Bejar<br /><a href="http://www.actsofkindness.org/">http://www.actsofkindness.org/</a><br /><br />Seva Sunday<br /><br />Sunday was a great day this past weekend. Scott Feinberg, a local instructor, heads up a monthly meeting called “Seva Sundays”. The premise is to take your yoga practice off the mat and to give selflessly. One Sunday we planted trees in the Everglades Park. Another Sunday the “Karma Krew” headed up to a local foster home to interact with the children and host a yoga class for them. Each month Scott takes us in a different direction of gifts from the heart. The experience stays with you and puts a positive energy out into the universe. This past Sunday was a surprise. Everyone showed up for a pot luck luncheon picnic, hosted by “The Barefoot Yoga Studio” <a href="http://www.thebarfootyogastudio.com/">http://www.thebarfootyogastudio.com/</a> down by the beach. The vibe was positive and light. Instructors from Barefoot yoga and fellow yogis chatted and laughed. After relaxing a bit and mingling everyone gathered together in a circle so the surprise could be revealed. This month the giving was to originate from everyone individually. For the same amount of time a yoga session lasts on the mat, we were to disburse and perform random acts of kindness. The act could be anything, from pushing shopping carts at the local supermarket, to picking up trash on the beach, to giving someone a friendly nod and wave. After the parameters were given and all questions were answered, the group stood up and disbursed in small units. I stood up and decided to go it alone to try and internalize and reflect on the potential deeds. What the heck was I going to do? I scanned the horizon and saw people biking, running, flying kites, and, sweating. It was hot. And muggy. And people looked thirsty. So I hiked over to the market and purchased a pack of bottled water. Then the fun began. “Excuse me,” I approached, “would you care for bottled water?” One question, many different responses. Most of them positive. The majority of people were touched and visibly happier. Some were skeptical and wary. I tried to approach people that I wouldn’t normally connect with in my daily travels. It was a liberating feeling. Doing good exponentially feels good. And the feeling stayed. Today as I type the warmth I felt about my fellow man has lingered. We are warm blooded creates that desire positive attention, love, and a feeling of belonging. And for a few moments yesterday I was able to belong to many different lives. To see the eyes of people light up and smile was the best gift of all.<br /><br />Scott hosts Seva Sunday’s on an ongoing basis. I highly recommend this monthly act of selfless service. Many thanks go out to The Barefoot Yoga Studio for hosting the event. I cannot wait to take a class at the studio; the teachers were spiritually connected and socially aware. It was a great day. Namaste.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1161265163939462612006-10-19T08:36:00.000-05:002006-10-19T08:41:50.423-05:00How is your yoga practice?Has is been a fruitful week so far, or has the time bandit made away with precious moments absconding towards the distant horizon with a blink of the eye? A thought comes to mind of the “Sisyphean task” where the mythological King Sisyphus rolls a rock up a hill only for it to fall down just short of its destination. The vision personifies vain labor. There is Sisyphus struggling under the weight of the boulder, veins protruding in his neck, sweat rolling off his brow, muscles bulging and twitching with intent. It sounds like a yoga class gone wrong. According to Greek mythology Sisyphus was a bad man in life, stealing, cheating, tricking, and generally creating bedlam and mayhem in his path. The location of the hill is Hades and according to the story, he still is pushing and sweating today. It makes a person think twice before considering any type of deviant behavior.<br />To labor in vain is deviant behavior. Not honoring our bodies and respecting ourselves enough to move through life thoughtfully and aware is tragic. So much can be gained from conscious living. Alternatively the opportunity cost of ignoring the moment is priceless. Those of us not familiar with the term opportunity cost, it is another way of expressing the idea of placing a value on an opportunity foregone. For example, if I choose to sleep in rather that take a yoga class, my opportunity cost would be the value I place on the session missed. Value is perceived by each individual differently. Sometimes its worth is not appreciated until much later. Making a sound practice a priority will pay back exponentially through greater awareness, focus, and acceptance. The physical strengthening comes as another benefit as well.<br />A suggestion for today is if you cannot make it to a studio, try practicing at home. Here is a list of some of my favorite instructors who have made quality videos, which, like everything else, is to be taken objectively. They are options, nothing more, nothing less.<br /><br />Baron Baptist<br />Beryl Bender Birch<br />Brett & Ravi Singh<br />Bryan Kest<br />Doug Swenson<br />Eion Finn<br />Max Strom<br />Paul Grilley<br />Seane Corn<br />Shiva Rae<br /><br />Today make it a quality day. Feel your body as it guides you along and live every moment with conscience intent. If that seems exhausting initially, give yourself 5 minutes and call it meditation. Eventually every moment will become mediation in movement. Wonderful.<br /><br />Make a difference and live to your potential. Have a swell day.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1160761672781771282006-10-13T12:01:00.000-05:002006-10-13T12:47:52.850-05:00What do you see?"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.” Ralph Waldo Emerson<br /><br />If you have read down a few posts it's fairly easy to note that I love to sit back and muse about the why's and how's of life. Who, what, where, and when is just as fascinating and mind blowing. To sit and ponder over situations and struggle with understanding the "bigger picture" is a source of frustration and then pleasure when the spark finally happens. It is a joy being exposed to the wisdom of my peers. Peers can be the very young, i.e., my daughters, to the not so young, i.e., my mom and dad. My daughters share their insights which are clear and free of judgment. I pray they hang onto their convictions and council them to "work on your insides and the beauty will shine through". My elders have much wisdom to share, through personal experience or through insight softened by living life. Just like the potter's clay, great hands reach down and smooth out our intentions, create depth to our soul, and finely seal out the gaps and bumps of failures. What is left is a piece of art unique, glorious, and complete. As Michelangelo once responded to the question of how he created such lifelike sculptures, his response was that he just cut away what didn't belong on the already completed block of stone.<br /><br />What can we as a human being do to help the process along? Take time out for ourselves. My yoga practice is anywhere from 15 minutes in the morning to 2 hours of sweating in the afternoon. The common denominator here is that my practice is consistent. I try. And wake up the next day and try again, for as long as I can allow.<br /><br />Imagine for a moment you are focusing on a large blank piece of white paper draped in front of your vision. What do you see? Right.<br />Now, image that same piece of white paper with a small black dot in the middle. What do you see? Black dot! Black dot! Black dot! Or, as Austin Powers said in Goldmember, Moley Moley Moley! I wonder what my daughters would say. Or my parents? Does life teach you to focus on the black dot? How about lifestyle? Personality? Is it the angle that you are staring at the paper? What about poor eyesight? Is the solution as something as simple as taking a step back, or as complicated as changing a personality that is wired as a pessimistic detail oriented perfectionist? OH I could marinade on this for hours.<br /><br />What is the point (dot), right? I'll take a stab. The point (dot) is (this better be good) nothing. That's right, nothing. It is mental acrobatics to broaden the awareness and to allow for this moment a pause of expectations or labels. Seeing through all eyes. How fun. And that is yoga. Just be. Namaste.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1159966619404590482006-10-04T07:44:00.000-05:002006-10-04T07:56:59.420-05:00Transcend Yoga & the Karma KrewScott Feinberg has taken on a noble idea of encouraging and giving back to this great place we call home. Not only do these positive actions and deeds inspire other deeds, but they also allow the soul to breath in some goodness. Once a month anyone who would like to join can gather and perform a variety of programs from planting trees in the northern most part of the Everglades, to painting homes for people who cannot. These selfless acts of giving are opportunities that allow us to take our yoga practice off the mat and into our existence. www.transcendyoga.net <br />Namaste.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1158936757784146172006-09-22T09:43:00.000-05:002006-09-22T09:52:37.806-05:00Red Man TriathlonWOW<br />Where has the month gone? In times like these every moment is precious. Every day is a gift. Today I'm fortunate enough to be in Oklahoma to support my sister Jill as she meets a goal she has set for herself: finishing her first triathlon. As an aspiring yogi my thoughts turn toward the inner working of the process. The ability to set a goal and to work toward achieving the success is not just a one shot process, it is an every day gentle gait that takes you from the first rung to the next. Eventually if you have the patience, fortitude, and endurance, you will succeed. Failure occurs only if you stop trying. This is the gift of life. My sister is partaking in the moment. I wish her success not in the finishing of the race, but in growing and learning as an athlete and as a human being. It has been said that racing is 90% mental and 10% physical. The will to continue often drives the body. It is this concept that is so similar to the practice of asanas. The breath and mental clarity allows the body to flow from position to position opening the subtle energy pathways of the body. Congratulations to my sister Jill. I am so proud of her. Rock on! www.redmantriathlon.comHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1156861435701289772006-08-29T09:23:00.000-05:002006-08-29T09:23:55.713-05:00Keith Fox Yoga UpdateYoga Peeps, here is some great information to check out... Enjoy!<br /><br />Hi Yogis, Please check this out. I have 7 spots left for the trip to Bimini leaving on Monday, Oct 2nd-Saturday Oct 7th. I have attached a PDF file about it. It is a Full Moon week and it is a trip to practice Yoga and connect with and swim with the Dolphins in the ocean. Much different than going to Hawks Cay in their marine center. This is the real thing. There are only 18 of us going and I hope you choose to go. go to www.wildquest.com Go to the Oct 1st week and see what its all about.<br /> <br />Yoga Bootcamp!!!!starting September 11th 6:00am-7:00am- Friday Sept15th. then enjoy the Saturday workshop kind of finishing up the week. If you have never done one, please try this one. It is a retreat right in your back yard. You can also attend my Mon and Wed evening classes included in the bootcamp. The cost is 100.00 including Saturdays workshop.<br /> <br />Last Item, you have until Wednesday to purchase 30 classes for $250.00. I am trying to make it really affordable to do yoga. you can go to www.colonyyoga.com and go to paypal and purchase it on line.. You can also see the flyers for the bootcamp and the Bimini trip there. There were some challenges last week so you can also go to www.yogafox.com and go to the paypal ikon there if you have problems. you can also book the bootcamp that way. Namaste. KeithHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1156271094128338892006-08-22T13:21:00.000-05:002006-08-23T12:21:32.006-05:00Keep Palm Beach Beautiful<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/1600/19512_7163.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/320/19512_7163.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Hey Hey, Put it on your radar, September 16, 2006. Coastal cleanup for the coast of Florida. <br />Here is the link: http://www.keeppbcbeautiful.org/fcc2006.htm<br /><br />Be Well, HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1156270908092377312006-08-22T13:20:00.000-05:002006-08-22T13:21:48.106-05:00THREE LAWS OF MOTIONBy, Sir Isaac Newton<br />1. Every body routines in a state of rest or of uniform motion in a straight line, unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed upon it.<br />2. The change of motion is proportional to the force impressed, and is made in the direction of a straight line in which that force is impressed. <br />3. To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction or, the mutual actions of two bodies upon each other are always equal and act in opposite directions.<br /><br />Wow. So, if you stand still, and are not affected by outside influences, nothing will happen. Ever. And if you try to change directions, you will go as far as your might will allow. And, if you try something, there will always be an outcome.<br />Huh. Being the optimist that I am, I view these laws as wonderful catalysts of dynamic change. An individual may stand tall for what they believe and by staying still create change. Or as Eddie Vedder said once, “I change by not changing at all.” A strong countenance and physical frame plied by the daily activity of asanas and meditation fortifies the body and mind and creates simplicity. Stillness is recognized in the midst of motion. <br />What if an individual wishes to enact change? Newton says your force must be greater than the force pushing in the opposite direction. The opposite force may not be bad, but, may not be inline with your intention. At the start of every practice every yogi should think of their intention for time on the mat. The ability to cue into the body and respect its limitations allows patience to grow. The body should bloom and open and not strain or be pulled. It is the ability to see the process and travel the path rather than looking for the quick fix. This is also great to reflect upon for time off the mat as well. Perhaps at the start of the day, think of your intentions, and hold true to them. What is your path for the day? Are they leading you toward your goals, or are you putting out fires and are grateful just to make it home at night? Align your thoughts and intentions with your actions, on and off the mat. <br />If every action produces an equal and opposite action, how can we spread the joy? If we remove someone’s worries, do we also replace it with twice the joy? What about holding the door for someone whose hands are full? Or letting another merging car into a lane? Will that produce double the positive to replace the negative vibe of the traffic jam? The possibilities are infinite. If you seek opportunities are abound. <br />Stand for your beliefs, and in stillness find peace. Make every action conscience and intentional. And when you do good, good will come back to you two-fold. <br />Newton was a cool scientist. And maybe he practiced yoga also. Namaste.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1155736760450027282006-08-16T08:55:00.000-05:002006-08-16T08:59:20.470-05:00First Day of SchoolAs our children approach the coming school year parents do their best to prepare by purchasing school supplies, checking shoes for wear, filing out forms and registrations and generally shuttling to and fro like beavers preparing for the frost. Our forts become full with supplies for the impending tasks and instinctually we look ahead at what is to come. My children are my most precious treasure. Somehow I do not feel worthy for the blessing of raising my daughters. It is the most challenging job I have ever done, and the most fulfilling. I feel the weight of responsibility as I see them blossom from infants to toddlers and now to full fledged kids. Their lives expand and change seemingly overnight. The new school year emphasizes what already is evident. It is a light tapping on the front door. A gentle reminder that nothing stays the same and that growth is expected. The cycle of birth, growth and renewal is like the school year. Anticipation gives way to expectations, fulfillment, disappointment, challenges and successes. All the while the end of the day approaches. And then comes the dawn. <br />Being mindful and recognizing each state of growth has helped me be a better mom and yogi. I researched a bit online and found that yoga philosophy categorizes the mind under five stages of being:<br />Kshipta – disturbed<br />Mudha – stupefied<br />Vikshipta – distracted<br />Ekagra – concentrated<br />Niruddha – absolute balance <br />Hopefully we lean more towards ekagra and niruddha then any of the other three. Instead of mindlessly racing for supplies, running to make the bell, and frantically sending off our children into the world, it is better to obtain balance and focus and become aware of the process. The first three stages of the mind impede growth and exploration. An analogy of the mind was equated to a flowing river fluxuating between calm and centered or agitated and scattered. The difference depends upon the distractions of the mind namely sickness, incompetence, doubt, delusion, sloth, nonabstention, confusion, nonattainment of the desired state, and instability in an attained state. These unhealthy distractions produce sorrow, dejection, restlessness, and an unrhythmic breathing pattern. We may combat these tendencies with yoga asanas, deep breathing, and meditation. <br />Meditation may be a rhythmic walk down the sidewalk and down the hall to class, coupled with nasal inhalations. Or, what about hugging your kids and taking pictures to mark the occasion, and focusing on the senses as they take in all that the day has to offer. Being present allows you to see all of the vibrant colors of the surroundings, smelling the cleaner or flowers emanating through the classes, and feeling the charged energy of new friends and familiar sounds. It is all about owning the moment and enjoying the sensations that filter through all five of the senses. <br />As our children start the new year let us all breath deeply and let go of the anxiety. Trust that we all have everything that we need to succeed and thrive this new school year and beyond. It is this example of ekagra and niruddha states that we may impress on our little ones so that they too may feel at peace and ready for the day. <br />Be well. Namaste. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><strong>The School Bell </strong><br /><br />-Earl H. Roberts<br />In just a few hours my young son will walk out the front door, go down the long driveway, and jump on the bus for his first day of school. They call this a part of growing up, but I'm the one that has to grow. I plead for more strength and courage before I let him go.<br />I know him well. He is anxious for the adventure to begin; he'll be so eager he won't even wave goodbye. He thinks he is ready, and I am proud. He's my boy. He's my son. And this is an important step in growing up, a mission I've been preparing him to run.<br />His teachers at church have helped him and made my work more pleasant too. All our Family Home Evenings were subtly planned with this big day in view. We knew it was coming; how important it would be for him to accept this challenge with a smile and unwavering faith.<br />Until now he has been the big cheese at home. Anything he wanted, we tried to provide. With any hint of concern he could come to us for more love and guidance. Yet when his soul did hunger for freedom he could sneak out into the fenced-in Buffalo Flats back yard and shoot those pesky outlaws trying to ambush him at his plastic watering hole. Sometimes, just to protect his rights, he had to shoot hundreds in a single day. But he gave every one of them a sporting chance.<br />All this protection will suddenly vanish. He was a class of one, and now he'll be only one in a class of forty two. That is a major change. The whole world will shift in under him, an earthquake all the more powerful because nothing inside has moved. School will be very strange even bewildering to him at first. There will be swarms of people tearing to and fro, bells ringing, horns honking, kids screaming, and those big, strange teachers terrifying enough to shock an entire roomful of kids into tearful silence.<br />From the second he gets on the bus my son will be faced with choices which can forge of him a stronger man, or lead him ever gently into the binding chains of accepting the easier task and the less demanding way. Ever more of those choices that come too soon must be his now, his while I stand aside, unable to watch, almost too numb to pray. Every trail out there today is fraught with dangers and romantic detours.<br />They call this a part of growing up, but I am the one that must grow. I'm the one who knows too well that these are tough and treacherous times. I'm the one that knows there are guns in school and knives. Even worse, I remember how tough the bullies I faced at his age were, who don't need gun or knife to get their way. I know about the drugs creeping ever younger. And these things are major concerns to me. Yet I am ordered to send him, and must obey.<br />Our standards at home were like a fence, and now he will walk alone on the other side. It takes faith and maturity to let him out, out on his own where a less caring world will try to turn him to and fro. Not even teachers who care can be watching all the time. These new freedoms will tempt him to try distant clovers and go chasing every rainbow that comes sliding by.<br />His teachers can't know him as I have known. They will be more demanding that he stand alone, while his peers lack my patience where his has been the slower growth. When called upon to rise before the class, will he stumble in sudden fear as all the eyes in the world turn upon him? Will the words he chooses to speak be twisted by some clown in a charming way until my son stands there disgraced? All that training we have given him: Will it be enough to brace him for that tragedy of being misunderstood, for the sorrow of his first real rejection when offering his glad hand of friendship?<br />Will he remember in times under stress the lessons we have carefully enhanced? Is there enough pride in who he knows he is? Has he learned to give enough love out to reel back in a real friend or two? Will he take major disaster in his stride? Lord, will he be smiling in joyful triumph when he returns again to my side?<br />My heart aches to go along on this first day, to take every step with him. It would be so reassuring if I could just pick out the friends he will soon make, or caution him with courage when the first bully takes his turf. But when the others pushed or shoved, I would put forth an intervening hand, I know, in an effort to keep that smile of his a shining glow. I'd do so much to protect him and help him; it would shame him. Of course, I cannot go.<br />But I have warned him that not all men are saints, nor will all his friends be true. I have told him about those scoundrels who lurk in forbidden paths and about the righteous champions that come charging through. Good and evil is lurking out there. Now he must learn to make the decisions of which is which, and which one he wishes to do.<br />More training will not help. Waiting longer will not give him more power. I can do no more right now. I have taught him and prepared him all I can for this coming hour.<br />Even good parents can do just so much to train and prepare. There comes the day when children must let go the hand that loves them. Now I leave it up to him and the rest of the world to do their share. This is a part of growing up and I must let him go, go out into the world alone to meet his first big challenges without us as his buckler and shield. I can't hold him back, for that would be sin. <br />The Lord has put me down here to teach him how to win. <br />And dear world, he will win; for me and God both call him son.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1154794855969304002006-08-05T11:15:00.000-05:002006-08-05T11:48:35.496-05:00GrowthThings do not change, we change. <br />-Henry David Thoreau<br /><br />I have a weekend ritual that has started out of necessity and now is a game of “Catch the Blue Runner”. Or sky vine. Or, that stinking thing grew right before my eyes again. It started at a farmers market two seasons ago when I spotted this lovely vine with dripping purple flowers, much like the wisteria vines of the north. It appeared as a little pot, unassuming broad green flowers, and curling tendrils of baby vines seeking a place to nestle their shoots. I had this image in my mind of a gracious front porch with an impressive awning of greenery. It would wrap around the porch and have flecks of luscious amethyst blooms peeking out of inconspicuous points along the width. I would invite guests over and have them sit on the white wicker chairs and enjoy a glass of chilled lemonade, freshly made only minutes ago. We would converse and laugh as the glow of the afternoon would flit and flicker between the leaves and cast speckled patterns of shade across the porch. Knock knock, hello? Hello, is this thing on? <br /><br />My consciousness inevitably converses with the grandiose part of my intellect that feeds these images to my mind and away we go. I call the vine the beast. It tries to take over the entire area where it was planted, swallowing shrubs and small ground cover flowers in its wake. It sends out large thick feeder shoots from its base and from those main arteries continues a network of intricate byways to shame the best engineering minds of mortal men. It has wrapped itself around the posts and lattice trim of the ceiling, but it also tries to engulf my front porch light, the gutters, cross over my actual ceiling, around the top, the roof, and even is so bold as to stretch tendrils out as if to grab unsuspecting visitors approaching the front door. <br /><br />Four lessons were learned:<br />1.) The degree of effort that is expended on a project directly relates to <br />its outcome. Good in, good out. Crap in, crap out. <br />2.) Life will find a way to move forward. Bidden or unbidden.<br />3.) The vine is home to ants.<br />4.) I am allergic to the vine.<br /><br />We may apply lessons one and two to our practice. In class I explain that we always have to be conscious of our bodies, what we fuel it with, the amount of stress we accept, and how our practice helps to balance our intentions with reality. If we give ourselves a solid practice once a week, our bodies will reflect movement once a week. The benefits increase exponentially as you give your body more time and patience. Ideally the yogis say to practice every day, either at sunrise or sunset. Reality will tell you fit it in when you can, and try to be consistent. The gift is in the giving. <br /><br />Life moves forward. It seeks the avenues to bend and move. It sprouts forth out of our source and strives to shine upward and feels life’s warmth and energy. Of course the rain comes, and especially in Florida hurricanes come as well. Last year the vine was cut back to the quick, destroyed by hurricanes. There was literally nothing but the nub. And now I run to keep up with the adventurous tendrils seeking its next plateau. When one shoot is broken off, two more shoots grow back. When a main feeder vine is cut back, another comes up in its place, in a different area. Large vines strive forward and up while smaller vines wrap and hold and support and assist. And along the way flowers pop up here and there that feed the bumblebees and hummingbirds. It helps itself seek a place to exist in harmony with its surroundings. And while it takes command of the path on which it grows, it also supports life, shows beauty, and provides shelter for other organisms. Namely ants. <br /><br />The ants crawl on me as I prune. They are not fire ants, nor do they bite significantly. They crawl along the avenues and build homes to raise their families. How can I get angry when we all look for shelter and a place to call home? I just flick them off comment on how they stick to my sweat and move ahead. Just like the vine. <br /><br />It is interesting to notice how my skin just starts to crawl with itching sensations the moment the first leaf hits my body. I turn red, itch, scratch, sweat, curse, rub, go faster, and repeat the cycle until the process is finished. Shouldn’t we all protect what is precious? If someone were to approach you and insist that you cannot possibly take one more step in the direction you were heading, wouldn’t you dig in your heals, roll up your sleeves and possibly bar your teeth? Fighting for life and moving forward is admirable. Lesson learned.<br /><br />The reality is that the vine is a beauty. It looks shaggy by Friday, chopped back on Sunday, and laughs and wiggles and blooms all the way until the next time I give it “a good hair cut”. Every day it grows and reaches and stretches. Every day. It takes but also gives back. It desires the right to exist and bloom and show the world its talents and strength. It has patience and persistence in its intentions. And it protects and fights for what it needs to fulfill the goal of existing with intention and harmony. <br /><br />Namaste~Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1153792375028981122006-07-24T20:51:00.000-05:002006-07-25T07:44:15.806-05:00Madonnasana<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/1600/Madonna.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/200/Madonna.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />“I'd like to be more involved in making the world a better place.” - Madonna<br /><br />Madonna was performing at the Miami Amphitheater over the weekend. (http://www.madonna.com/) I was sweating and jamming along with hundreds of other people that took in the event. What an experience. This was the first time I had seen the material girl live and it was truly invigorating and for lack of a better word FUN to let loose, whoop it up and genuinely enjoy the evening. Madonna came on stage around 9 PM and from that point on it was continuous music, dancing, lights, spinning disco balls, and a mock bull riding contraption that she hooked her legs onto and from there hung upside down while spinning in a circle. At that point I had to ask myself, “hey, doesn’t Madonna practice yoga”? Yes, indeed she does. In fact she has been practicing the primary, intermediate and advanced routines of Ashtanga daily since the early nineties. And to see her glide effortless on stage attests to the healthful practice. Ashtanga Yoga means eight steps or eight "limb" yoga. These are described in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. <br />The eight steps are divided into two parts - the first four are called external limbs, they are: Yama (suggestions for social behavior: non-aggression, truthfulness, non-theft, appropriate sexual behavior and non-greed), Niyama (suggestions for personal disciplines: self purification, contentment, self-discipline, self-study and surrender to the ideal of yoga), Asana (physical postures) and Pranayama (breathing exercises).<br />The four "internal" limbs are Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (single pointed concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (the state of yoga in which the ultimate truth is experienced). Once the four "external" limbs have been mastered, the internal limbs start to unfold naturally. So the physical postures create a stable foundation for pursuing the other aspects of yoga. They return the practitioner to good health and eliminate the distractions caused by disease and an unstable mind. (*Sri K Pattabhi Jois interviewed by Sandra Anderson in Yoga International Jan/Feb 1994) <br /><br /><br /><br />There is a new Ashtanga yoga studio called Native Yoga Center (www.NativeYogaCenter.com) that has been open for a few months. It is in Juno Beach on the north corner of Donald Ross and US1. Todd and Tarnara McLaughlin direct the classes in the traditional Ashtanga form with the traditional primary poses lasting approximately 90 minutes. Their studio is brand new, and easy to find. Todd & Tarnara have studied in India and Thailand and completed courses to further enhance each student’s time on the mat. Todd also provides traditional Thai massage, giving you a well rounded experience. If you are seeking to enhance your Ashtanga practice, this is the place to find. And those who are new to this style, handy folders are given out during the session depicting each pose in succession. They also sell mats and Mysore rugs from Barefoot Yoga (http://www.barefootyoga.com/) and provide towels in case you’ve forgotten anything. Overall it is a great studio for the individual dedicated to starting, expanding, and furthering their Ashtanga practice. <br /><br />Here's to the vitality of life and the practice of getting into the groove. Rock on!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1153485216634740382006-07-21T07:31:00.000-05:002006-07-21T07:35:47.216-05:00Home<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/1600/Vic%20White%20home.0.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/200/Vic%20White%20home.jpg" border="0" /></a> Everyday happiness means getting up in the morning, and you can't wait to finish your breakfast. You can't wait to do your exercises. You can't wait to put on your clothes. You can't wait to get out - and you can't wait to come home, because the soup is hot. -George Burns<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Yesterday I decided to visit a yoga studio discovered while driving around running errands. Any time there is a sign that says “Yoga” I make a quick turn around or pause to remember the location. This particular studio was called Sports Yoga M2 (<a href="http://www.yogam2.com/">http://www.yogam2.com/</a>). It was a small second floor studio with painted light walls, deep mahogany colored floors, and a pleasant seating area outside the practice room. The lights were dimmed, soft piano music was playing and the temperature felt warm but not stifling. The practice was just over an hour and started in a seated position with a logical pattern of 15 minute increments of seated, standing, kneeling then lying down for final pose. It was a practice that left you feeling relaxed yet not overly taxed. This was perfect since I had just flown back into town from a weekend with my family and needed a moment to reflect.<br /><br />Where are you from? That must be one of the top five questions asked upon meeting someone for the first time. It is right up there with “What do you do?” or “What is your name?” or “You look so familiar…” then boom- “Where are you from?” Why? Home resonates within people. It invokes feelings of warmth, identity, belonging, acceptance, and sometimes it is a place where people wish to forget. There are exceptions to every observation, but let’s choose to lean to the positive side and let good beget good. Let us focus and work on good intentions. In the end that is all we have.<br /><br />I took a mini trip this past weekend. It was a lovely jaunt north to Cape May, New Jersey. Both of my sisters and two nephews also arrived from their parts of the country. My mom and dad were there as well. Then a close friend from high school stopped by for a visit. Then more friends arrived. We laughed and fought and reminisced in quite a short amount of time. During the days we walked along the tree-lined Victorian streets and mused how the town has changed since we were children some thirty years ago. This trip was to be one of the last I would take back to the old town. My parents had sold the family business two years ago, and there was nothing left to visit. But I went this time. Any time I can see the family who raised, loved, and protected me from the time I came into this world to today, well, is there a better reason? It is this nucleus that I wish to foster in my own children. It is where your heart claims as home. Sometimes it takes a visit back to your childhood to shake the cobwebs and gently nudge the memory. Perhaps it is the smell of fresh baked cookies, cut grass, or freshly laundered sheets. For me it is a combination of the sight of a small quaint town coupled with the familiar banter between family and friends. Life is a soothing ebb and flow of lessons, laughter, challenges and achievements.<br /><br />How do you identify where you are from? And does the answer change as you age? I am originally from New Jersey, born in Pennsylvania. The answer I offer when asked is Cape May. By sheer measure it has been the longest amount of time I’ve spent in one place. But that is not the gauge by which I judge my origin. No, my highly evolved and scientific mind deduces and reasons as such: it feels right. Not your typical analytical accounting answer, but the best I can provide. My mind knows where I learned how to ride my bike, where we had our first pet, where my first day of school started, where I began to bloom as a person. My heart remembers the love I received and heartaches I felt for the first time. That is home. For those of us that have to wander far to find that place, keep seeking. For those of us who carry that place with us, feel free to share your peace. Indeed the days are fine, but the soup at home is divine.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1153313589843086102006-07-19T07:45:00.000-05:002006-07-19T07:59:05.690-05:00Giving and Sharing with our Neighbors<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/1600/buddies.2.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/200/buddies.1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/1600/buddies.1.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/1600/buddies.0.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/1600/buddies.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Apart from the regular posts I love to share worthwhile causes in our community. Yoga allows the body to recognize our natural state of happiness. Let's share some of our joy with others!<br /><br />Laura Cole is an instructor out of Tequesta Florida who is doing great things for our local area and beyond.<br /><br />Thanks Laura!<br /><br />YOGA<br />FOR NEIGHBORS IN NEED<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Saturday, August 5, 2006<br />9:00am<br />Village of Tequesta Recreation Center<br />399 Seabrook Drive<br />Guided by Laura Cole<br /><br /><br />All are invited to and encouraged to participate in a special yoga class being held to raise money to help local people in need. The class is being offered on a cash-donation basis. 100% of the funds collected will go to The Community Action Program in Jupiter to provide back-to-school supplies and clothing for low-income families in our community.<br />The Community Action movement has, for over 30 years, responded to the need of low-income Americans inadequately served by federal, state and local programs.<br />For more information on the class call Laura Cole at 743-5829.<br />For more information on The Community Action Program in Jupiter call 747-2008.<br />Please bring your own yoga mat.<br />Free childcare will be provided.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1152364083776933522006-07-08T08:02:00.000-05:002006-07-19T08:03:41.120-05:00Enjoy the Ride<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/1600/ocean%20road.0.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/200/ocean%20road.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/1600/ocean%20road.jpg"></a><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.<br />-Albert Einstein</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">So this past week was a holiday for most of us. For me, it started with a yoga class led by Keith Fox (</span><a href="http://www.buddhaloungeyoga.com/"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">www.buddhaloungeyoga.com</span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">) in Delray. His teaching style is free flowing with mellow groves and challenging yet attainable asana combinations. The room was kept to the same temperature of the outside and for South Florida that is around 85 degrees. Keith adjusts with confidence and lends you a feeling of security to fully reach your potential. It has been a pleasure every time I can steal away for another session. For the adventure minded he hosts retreats and seminars ranging from Telluride Colorado to a Chartered Catamaran in the Bahamas with fresh food and daily yoga. What a way to break a sweat. Some yogis say that every day one should sweat and laugh, I can image that happening floating on the ocean somewhere sipping on pineapple juice with wonderful company. But I digress; please pardon the side road.<br /><br />The time frame for my weekend off went from Saturday clear into Tuesday the following week. Nice. That’s 96 hours of non-office distractions. Fill em as you please. Every hour has 60 minutes; every minute has 60 seconds, and so forth and so on. Perfect even measures of time in predictable increments. I decided to take a mini trip up the coast and spend some of the 96 hours away from home. My boyfriend and I meandered along the shore and checked into a hotel room later in the day. I have to say, every moment was felt intrinsicaly. Why was that day so delicious? The day we left was eternity eaten with a candy coated spoon. Every moment was full and complete. We hung out and enjoyed the time simply. Later in the evening there was dinner and a movie, with eternity in between. In comparison the day we were to check out, I again felt every moment pass. Same increments of time and yet the percieved feelings were vastly different. Instead of enjoying the moment I had already resorted to making mental lists of projects to complete the following week. That was a moment. That was THE moment. It is funny how it takes a vacation to remove ones self from their familiar surroundings to be able to appreciate the concept of being present.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I tried to incorporate the Niyama philosophy of “Santosha” by being accepting of what the day had provided and to remain centered regardless of my environment. Try was the operative word. The two days were identical in amount of time, possibilities, challenges, and triumphs. And yet knowing one lay stretched out ripe with possibility allowed my perception to move from next to now.<br /><br />Isn’t every day ripe with possibility though? If we empower ourselves to know our own meandering path along the coast we should all be able to arrive at our destination with peace in our hearts joy abound. And instead of going on vacation and coming back from vacation the thought might be to feel as though each day were a vacation. Each day is a gift to be enjoyed, fully explored and appreciated. I say we all should roll the windows down, sweat a bit, laugh and enjoy the ride. Namaste~<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30393593.post-1151790581486302972006-07-01T16:46:00.000-05:002006-07-22T07:05:06.866-05:00My First Day<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/1600/558802_69968933.0.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/3258/200/558802_69968933.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb. <br />Sir Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965)<br /><br />They say that we are the sum total of our life’s experiences and events. What we bring to the proverbial table is our own juxtaposition of memories and lessons learned along the way. Sir Winston Churchill had it right when he said we are ever improving. At least that is my fervent wish. I started my yoga journey on a morning almost five years ago while looking for socks under the couch. Steve Ross was on the television (www.steveross.com) inviting me to “get up, and let’s do some yoga”. Well, ok, the laundry can wait, at least until the commercials play. Steve’s easy demeanor and carefree instruction eased me into and out of the asanas even as my thighs twitched and my shoulders burned. Some days I cursed the television while other days a slight shift would occur. Slight. Shift. Fast-forward a few years and the page reads the same only this time there is lightness and joy, which has replaced the socks and the burn. Don’t get me wrong, some days the mat is not my friend, but isn’t that the case with any gratifying relationship? We are not the same every day physically or mentally. And it is in that place of movement and uncertainty that we make the greatest gains. That coupled with a healthy dose of curiosity and great mentors and teachers. <br /><br />So the challenge is posed. <br /><br />I live in southeast Florida. The yoga community is growing every year with new studios opening and vibrant instructors adding their own flavor to the mix. The path of discovery is gratifying. Coming from an individual whose schooling is financial with a license as a certified public accountant, the path to yogic enlightenment from “why” to “why not” has been a leap of faith. My life has brought me to this moment. My goal is to discover great yoga wherever the path leads and to share this information with whoever fancies this sort of thing. Why not. Namaste~Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16279577898741016187noreply@blogger.com0