thoughts I had on the way to/from the mat

Love. this. post.

2011-06-22T11:28:00.000-04:00

I was drawn to Elephant Journal to read an article, and happened upon this post.

It's an article a yoga teacher wrote to her beginner students.

And it's lovely.

sfb

Too good not to share

2011-06-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

One of the most calming, enjoyable things for me is spending time in the kitchen making delicious food. I spent a heavenly weekend in the kitchen doing just that. It's a rare thing for me to try so many recipes, and for all of them to be so successful! It always helps when a recipe comes highly recommended, as many of these were. So, since I feel that the recipes I stumbled upon are sooo good, I just had to share. :)

Friday night, I made one of my yogini friend Misty's staple dishes she's posted about on her food blog, Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce. She described it as "budget friendly, easily adaptable, simple to remember". And remember it I will! Served with a loaf of bread from my fabulous new bread machine. It was carb-tastic.

And I had plenty of leftover sauce from the recipe, so the hubs and I had it again last night for dinner. I'd forgotten how much I loved the bite of farfalle pasta, and glad to have had a reminder with this dish.

Saturday morning, I made trips to both the grocery store and the downtown farmer's market. And when I got home, I made the Best Blueberry Muffins in the World. Without eggs!

Oh wow.

I consider myself a more competent baker than a cook, but I honestly did not know I could bake something so simple, that would taste like I bought it from a high-end bakery (n.b.: the recipe is actually from a fancy bakery, according to Erika's blog). My muffins turned out the exact same as Erika's pictures, and disappeared just as quick. I love to read Erika's blog, In Erika's Kitchen. She has a way with words about food, and we appreciate food in a similar way. Check her blog out!

I halved the recipe, but I used a whole pint of blueberries, greek yogurt, and they only needed 20 mins in the oven. If you use as many blueberries as I did, they may feel super squishy in their baking cups when you remove them from the pan - let the doneness of the tops of the muffins be your guide - as long as they're golden brown, you're good.

Still on a pasta kick, last week I'd found a lovely baked fettuccine recipe from Giada of the Food Network that I just had to try. I was looking for a dish to use some of the fresh thyme I'd gotten from the farmer's market the week before, and this dish looked to fit the bill. Also, with Dad's Day coming up, I knew that if this recipe was a winner I'd need to make it for him, as he loooooves him some fettuccine. Stumped on locating the creme fraische for the better part of last week (Fresh Market, y'all), my desire to try this recipe was even more heightened.

Fettuccine isn't exactly the healthiest dish to eat - so portion size is key. I halved the recipe, and Brandon and I only ate half of that. I served it with grilled chicken breast and a spring mix salad. After trying Giada's recipe, I'm fairly sure that in order to make the real, artery clogging kind of fettuccine I look for, you need to bake the dish. Baking really helped to thicken the sauce, giving that rich, cheesy bite.

Sunday, we decided to invite some friends for a cookout. Feeling the need to lighten up the fare after two days of pasta, I broke out the veggies.

I made some homemade salsa (tomatoes and red onion from the farmer's market along with some fresh lime juice and cilantro) and guacamole (avocado, red onion, tomato, garlic, cilantro, fresh lime juice, and some salt and pepper).

I skewered three colors of peppers, pineapple, squash, red and white onion, and some small red potatoes (parboiled)) for the grill.

And I made this lovely recipe from another Food Network gal, Marcela Valladolid. It's a grilled zucchini and bean salad. The simplicity of this recipe really contrasts with the big flavor it packs - I was a wimp and only used one serrano pepper in the dish - and so I didn't get any heat from the pepper. I will definitely use a second serrano the next time.

Our cookout friends brought some fabulous spinach and onion polenta, and burgers topped with crumbled bleu cheese, bacon, and grilled apple slices. It was a feast!

And one last dish to add to the pile - that I had just last night. I had a bowl full of peaches from the Saturday market that were beautifully ripe - and I needed to do something with them quick! So I started with Erika's blog and located the perfect peach cobbler recipe. So quick and easy! I substituted the butter for the oil, and sour cream for the yogurt (because that's what I had on hand), and I really liked what it did to the biscuit dough - made it more like a tart crust. Don't forget the vanilla ice cream. :)

On the studio theme of create . . .

2011-05-02T12:24:00.000-04:00

This May at Barefoot Works Yoga Studio we are exploring the theme of create. I shared with Sharon the following thoughts I had on the theme, and she was kind enough to put them in the studio's newsletter. For those of you not on her mailing list, enjoy . . .

I recently read a great article by Ronald Alexander called “Six Techniques to Ignite Your Inner Creativity and Passion.” He starts off this article with this, “Most of us were taught that creativity comes from the thoughts and emotions of the mind. However, the greatest singers, dancers, painters, writers and filmmakers recognize that the most original, and even transformative, ideas actually come from the core of our being, which is accessed through an ‘open-mind consciousness.’”

So what does that mean? When I think of this type of consciousness, I go to the idea of flow. In college, I read a fabulous book called Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Csíkszentmihályi. Basically, his theory is that people are most happy when they are in a state of flow— a state of concentration or complete absorption with the activity at hand and the situation. The idea of flow is identical to the feeling of being in the zone or in the groove. The flow state is an optimal state of intrinsic motivation, where the person is fully immersed in what he or she is doing.

So, which one comes first, creativity or the flow? I think they both feed on one another. So how to get a little more of both of these in our lives? Well, there are six techniques, thank you for asking!

Alexander’s book, Wise Mind, Open Mind, outlines these techniques. Here they are, and with a little commentary from me:

1) Mindfulness Meditation Practice

From Alexander’s article, “One of the most effective ways to become creatively toned and start accessing core creativity is through a mindfulness meditation practice. Mindfulness allows us to listen and pay attention to what we might otherwise overlook, whether it's a fresh idea or a new way of perceiving a situation, enhancing our creativity and letting go of our obstacles to innovation.”

2) Dabbling In The Arts

What do you like to do? Write poetry? Sing? Paint? Knit? Dance? There are so many different ways to dabble in the arts. Feeling a little nervous about this? Craft shops have kits that can help you jump start in the arts. I’ll admit, this is one I struggle with because I am such a perfectionist. But the honest truth is, it is so much fun to create art – don’t forget, you’re creating for YOU.

3) Immersing Yourself In Nature

When you close your eyes, and think of a place in nature that inspires you, are you on a sandy beach? A wooded mountaintop? Perhaps in a flower-full garden? Reconnecting with nature is a surefire way to tone your creative muscles! And if resources are scarce to make the actual trip, are there sights/smells/sounds that you could surround yourself with? For example, I have a friend who keeps a bottle of coconut scented lotion on her work desk to remind her of the beach. Perhaps finding an audio recording of waves lapping against the shoreline or crickets in concert in the woods would do the trick.

4) Entering Sacred Space

From Alexander’s article, “In ancient times, sacred spaces, such as churches, temples and sites for group rituals, were built on land whose features evoked a sense of spirituality . . . sacred spaces can exist wherever you feel a sense of spaciousness and connection to the creative, life-supporting forces of the universe. Arranging the space in your home or office to bring in light and nature will help you feel expansive and access your core creativity as you open up to your important role in all of creation.”

5) Seeking Out Creative Stimulation

Visit a place that inspires you – it could be in your backyard, in your city, or a road trip somewhere great! Visit somewhere new - are you inspired by music performance? Architecture? History? Let the internet do the heavy-lifting, and then GO!

6) Mindful Movement

Many forms of physical movement can be an entrée into open-mind consciousness. Of course, yoga is just one activity that you can do to cultivate mindful movement.

Feel free to share with me any plans you have for our theme for the month of May, create!

Living in the World

2011-04-14T21:46:00.000-04:00

Beautiful quote from Swami Satchidananda that I shared in class tonight:

If I know how to have a proper relationship with everything, everything is fine. It's my improper relationships that bring me problems, bring me enemies, likes and dislikes. But if I am neutral, no problem. And that lesson you learn only by living in the world--getting tossed, fried, roasted. You have to be fried well to become eatable. You have to be properly matured, ripened. Nobody wants to eat unripe fruit. Maturity comes only in the field. There you face challenges. Facing challenges brings you inner strength. Life is a challenge. Take a seed, put it on your altar, worship it daily, and pray, "Seed, please grow." Will it grow? No. Dig a hole, put it in there, and it gets a challenge. Then it begins to sprout.

Retreat

2011-01-11T19:36:00.001-05:00

I had a lot of fun planning my retreat last night . . . here's what I've planned -

Prepare my space - burn some sage, light candles and incense, put on some quiet music, get out my yoga props, journal, and other supplies, and a big glass of water

Asana practice - about an hour (not timing it though), in a style that feels appropriate, using as a theme the quote I used in my last blog post from Marianne Williamson. Slow, deep breathing, heart opening poses, observing my energy flow and listening closely to my body, and a long savasana, and if I nap a little that's ok. :)

Meditation - goal is 30 min. (or more) - Starting and ending with mudra for trust, and using the mantra: "softening my heart to the creativity, abundance, and joy within."

Journal for ~30 min. - begin with anything that I noticed in asana and meditation practice. Goal is to stay in the moment with what I'm feeling - try not to jump ahead with what I'll be focusing on later in the retreat.

Chakra balancing/meditation - 45 min. guided by recording from Alan Finger - going to pause recording at each chakra and spend more time with each than the recording does.

Optional Journal here, and then eat a healthy snack.

Spend at least an hour with creating a hopes and dreams for 2011 list, and also a fun poster that breaks down the tools I will use for achieving the list! So I will put things under each of the four areas- spiritual, physical, mental/emotional, and intellectual.

End with a little yoga yelling, by singing along with someone fun, like krishna das!

I'll be retreating this coming Saturday afternoon. I'll let you know how it goes . . .

2011 Inspiration

2011-01-03T13:58:00.003-05:00

In the Mind of God, there is a fully created image of you at your most creative, abundant and joyful. And there is a divine blueprint by which this image would take form in your life. It is not something you can make happen, but it is something you can allow to happen, by making the softening of your heart your primary goal. This is the meaning of spiritual surrender.
~Marianne Williamson

Inspired by my dear friend Sharon, I am going to take a mini-retreat to get clear on my hopes, dreams, and wishes for 2011 this weekend. It will most likely be a retreat within the walls of my home, but a retreat nonetheless. I feel the need to self-direct this one.
**although if you are looking for a retreat to plan 2011, Sharon is offering one this Saturday at the studio, that I know will be fantastic! (I attended last year, and loved it!)

2010 was such a good year for me. Many beautiful things began ~ the beginning of a new decade of my life as I turned 30, my jubilant wedding day and my marriage to Brandon, yoga retreating and teaching in Tulum, and a new career at UK with a brand new initiative that has me working with people and topics I'm passionate about.

I am feeling very full, and very ready to keep the love and energy rolling into 2011. I am wanting to work towards something - to study - myself and yoga more deeply. But as the quote above reminds me, I may need to think about less "doing" and more "feeling". . . or at least finding a good balance between the two!

Looking forward to my retreat!

today's teaching inspiration

2010-11-17T13:57:00.004-05:00

Silence

A day of Silence

Can be a pilgrimage in itself.

A day of Silence

Can help you listen

To the Soul play

It’s marvelous lute and drum.

Is not most talking

A crazed defense of a crumbling fort?

I thought we came here

To surrender in Silence,

To yield to Light and Happiness,

To Dance within

In celebration of Love’s Victory!

-Hafiz

*photo by Martin Husch

Filling my cup

2010-08-27T20:44:00.005-04:00

Wow. I had quite a serendipitous moment tonight.One that touched my heart and soul, on a very deep level, and I just had to share.

But first, I need to flash back to Summer of 2009, and my wonderful yoga retreat experience in Tulum. I went to Mexico with Sharon, and 9 other yoginis and had a life/soul changing week.

The theme for the week had to do with being joyful, and happy in life. On and off the mat. We spent some time with a mudra that shaped our hands like a cup, or bowl. Sharon would have us fill our cup with good thoughts and energy, and then we would take our hand mudra up over our head, and then spill those thoughts and energy onto our head. It was quite a powerful meditation.

Another one of the meditations Sharon shared with us was to envision what our "cup" looked like. To imagine the color, the shape, and what was inside of the cup. I remember so vividly what my cup looked like. It was square, large and shallow, not quite black - almost like it had a hint of dark red in it, and I was practically mesmerized by the gentle lapping of the little bit of water in the bottom. It reminded me of the way water in a lake gently moves.

Flash forward to my 30th birthday, just this past March. Sharon gave me a very sweet birthday gift; a planter with 3 different types of cacti. I was a bit nervous taking it home, because I have very curious cats. Well, the cats were quite curious, and 2 of the three cacti just didn't make it.

Which brings me to tonight.

I decided to transplant the one living cactus, the aloe plant, to a smaller planter. And the more I'd been looking at the cactus planter, I knew it would be the perfect planter for one of my wedding preparations. After replanting the aloe plant, I put the cactus planter in the sink, and prepared to clean it.

As I cleaned the planter, I watched the little bit of water gently lapping inside. And then it hit me. This is my cup. - it was the vision I had in Tulum just over a year ago.

And I cried.

I cried with joy at having such a beautiful life, and having such beautiful friends like Sharon who unknowingly bring soo much sweetness to my life.

I cried with joy realizing just how much my life has blossomed into the kind of life I am so excited to be living.

I cried with joy at how amazing moments like this, show me beyond a doubt, that the universe does rush in and conspire to make all your dreams come true, if you have the faith to let it.

And I feel so full.

What a beautiful way to begin my commitment to Brandon.

This morning

2009-08-08T10:42:00.003-04:00

Healing

There is healing in the laying on of hands;
in the letting go of fear, in asking for help,
in silence, celebration, prayer. There is
healing in speaking the truth and in keeping
still, in seeking sunlight and not shunning
struggle. Laughter and the affirmation of
wholeness hold their own healing. When
the soul dances, when the day begins in
delight, when love grows and cannot be
contained, when life flows from moment
to moment, healing happens in the space
between thoughts, and the breath before
the first sung note. Healing is a birthright
and a grace. When we dare to be open to
the unknown, when we extend ourselves
in caring, when we welcome in the vast
expanse of life, healing comes from the
heart, and blossoms from the inside out.

(Poem is by Danna Faulds, from Go In and In: Poems from the Heart of Yoga, read at this morning's yoga class)

I just got back from teaching a lovely yoga class at Woodland Park. It is a summer-long series organized by the magazine Natural Awakenings and Lexington Parks and Recreation, and today was my first time teaching for the series. We had about 15 students, some comfy shade under huge trees, and a light breeze. Perfect yoga weather in August!
I got to meet a bunch of new people and share my love of yoga, too.
If you missed out, I'll be teaching again on August 22nd, from 9-10am. See you over by the gazebo.
What a great morning!

Off to Tulum!

2009-07-09T08:57:00.004-04:00

I'm headed down to the Rivera Maya for the next week with Sharon for a week of yoga, good friends and food, and ample time to think about what I want to accomplish as a yoga teacher in the next five years.

See you soon!
Sarah

Back to the Basics

2009-06-22T21:13:00.005-04:00

Here I am, the beginning of summer, and I feel I need to get back to the basics of yoga.
I've been teaching for nearly a year now and I also happen to teach a basics class at this lovely studio.
So it might sound absurd that a yoga teacher, who teaches eager yogis the basics of yoga, would herself need spend more time on the basics of her own practice.
Why do I need to get back to the basics? I think I have become lazy in my personal practice - which for those of you who know me, that might also sound strange (I tend toward wanting to know everything I can about the alignment of the pose). I haven't been as attuned to my own practice on the mat as I would like to be, and I haven't been making the time I want to be making for my own practice.
So I've gotten a couple of great new DVDs from some wonderful women, Sean Corne and Maya Fiennes, and have been finding myself back on my mat much more often.
And I'm learning so much - which is so exciting and inspiring!
Back to the Basics.

at peace and full of hope

2009-06-19T17:50:00.003-04:00

By now, most of you have seen my new tattoo on my foot. I got this tattoo (my second) back in April, just a couple days before I officially withdrew from UK. I wanted to mark my decision in some way that had meaning, and I had committed to Brandon a few weeks before to getting a tattoo when he went to get his own tattoo, his first.
So it seemed appropriate to do something so permanent as a tattoo - because to me, this decision to end my PhD career is also a permanent one. It's a decision I'd struggled with for over two years and now I was ready to make peace with my decision.
The dove with an olive branch as a symbol of peace was easy enough - and a couple weeks ago, a friendly stranger (the gentleman who gave me the lovely pedicure in the picture above) also reminded me of the powerful symbol of hope that the dove with the olive branch also carries.
Noah, having been on his amazing ark for many days, not sure if he was ever going to see land again, was visited by a bird carrying an olive branch - hope for dry land.
So my tattoo represents being at peace with my decision, and hope for a future filled with other great opportunities.

The Rules of Life

2009-06-16T10:08:00.005-04:00

I came across this website earlier today.
It's a blog written by a gal who is working on a book called The Happiness Project.
I really enjoyed her entry, "Why I'm NOT Trying to Keep Things Simple".
She talks about paying attention to the core rules of our life, and how they impact our decisions and actions in our lives.
She and I share one of these "life rules" - I'm in a hurry.
We both use this rule to prevent us from wasting time, and to stay focused on our top priorities. But this rule can undermine my other decisions and actions - such as the desire to "do nothing" on a weekend afternoon. Often, if I try to set aside a few hours for myself, just to veg out by watching a movie, read a book, or some other relaxing pursuit, I end up feeling guilt and frustration afterwards, as if I've wasted precious moments that I could have been (fill in the blank with something more "productive") . . .
Another subtle, and equally disturbing manifestation of this life rule "I'm in a hurry" is when this rule takes over in situations that I have little to no control over - for example, in bumper to bumper traffic. Sitting in park on a crowded road does not mesh well with my life rule.
However, making myself aware of the obvious conflict between this "life rule" and my current traffic situation, and the absolute lack of control I have over the situation can open up space for me to relax. To allow that desire to hurry to subside for the moment, and instead to breathe deep.
*************
Sadly, "I'm in a hurry" prevents me from taking the much needed time to blog on a semi-regular basis. Wise words from a good friend yesterday: "Either close down your blog, or allow yourself to not feel guilty for posting less often than you wish you did."
I'm thinking about what some of my other "life rules" are . . . and how I can be better about working with them, or perhaps working to modify some of them.
What are some of your "life rules"?

Compassion

2009-04-30T09:10:00.006-04:00

Hello everyone!
It's been a while . . . again. I promise to be better at this blogging thing. I saw this video yesterday, on BoingBoing - a blogging treasure trove of interesting stores, and it warmed my heart. Enjoy!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T11:10:00.003-04:00

Have a lovely day! I'm headed to Cincinnati to be with my family, just for the day. I'm looking forward to taking some time to give thanks for all the beautiful and amazing changes taking place in the great outdoors.
sf

Yoga is my Bailout

2009-04-11T13:30:00.001-04:00

Came across this fun t-shirt when I was reading this blog. I liked their take on the economic mess and bought one. It came to me wrapped up in the brown paper, at right - cute, huh?
I also really like this shirt because it reminds us of all the much healthier things we can focus on to stay calm in these uncertain times - healthier things like yoga.
I just completed my taxes, and I owe more than I thought. Bummer. I'm on my way to my mat, looking forward to focusing on things other than taxes. Enjoy your Saturday!
sf

Play Days

2009-04-01T16:06:00.003-04:00

My brother Matt and I

My brother called me Monday night, interested in coming to Lexington for a visit. He'll arrive today and stay with me until Saturday.
He's about to head off to boot camp for the Marines, and I'm really looking forward to a few days to just chill with him.
So with minor adjustments to my own schedule, I have an unexpected (but welcome!) few days of play ahead of me. And what wonderful weather to have to play in!
While of course I'll still be teaching my yoga classes, I expect to soak up some sun, play disc golf, hike, and maybe even visit Keeneland this opening weekend.
I hope you can find some time to play in this gorgeous weather, too!
sf

Yoga is for everyone, just as you are

2009-03-27T10:00:00.005-04:00

found here

My friend Jeremy sent me this picture. It's from a yoga studio in San Francisco.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
sf

Home, sweet home

2009-03-25T11:35:00.003-04:00

There is nothing like returning
to a place that remains unchanged
to find the ways in which
you yourself have altered.

- Nelson Mandela (1918 - )

After almost five years of living in Lexington, my family still often forgets that my hometown is no longer the place I call home.
The latest example: A casual phone message from my mother on Saturday morning, informing me of the restaurant where we'd be meeting at for my sister's birthday dinner in Cincinnati. Just the name of a chain restaurant in Cincinnati. With multiple locations throughout the city. And to my limited, five year old knowledge of restaurants located in Cincinnati, not a single one of the locations of this chain restaurant was anywhere near my parent's home.
Five phone calls to cell phones later, I find out I was wrong. There is most certainly one of these chain restaurants near my parent's home - how silly am I to have to ask? They question me with the tone of their voice.
And then the old frustration of being misunderstood wells up in me again. Let me try and explain. Yet I feel that I may not need to try too hard, as I know many others have had a similar experience.
I am the only person in my immediate family to have ever established a life outside of Cincinnati. And the distance from all my family members has always brought forward mixed feelings - sad because they aren't a neighborhood away anymore, but they are just a phone call away - but also relieved that they aren't a neighborhood away. In Lexington, I could establish my identity on my own. I am not constantly put into the "Frank family context" of personalities by people I interact with, as would so often happen in Cincinnati. I am taken at face value as me, just me, by acquaintances and friends in KY.
In short, these past five years have been extremely transformative for me. And I feel like I know who I am, what I want out of life, and where I'm headed. I'm excited. A lot of my life right now is in transition, which is scary, but I am ultimately excited about it all.
On the other hand, as the oldest of four children, I struggle with feelings of guilt at leaving Cincinnati and my three younger siblings behind. I so want to be a part of their lives - but I am reminded of the idea of our "selfish 20's" - the need to focus on ourselves in order to discover who we are - and now that all four of us are in our 20's (well, I have 11 months left . . .), that they, too, need that time on their own, as I needed these past few years.
So while I like Nelson Mandela's quote above - about "returning to a place that remains unchanged" - I think it's much more complicated than that, when I go home to my family in Cincinnati. They have changed. I often forget this. I need to remember it more. I have changed, too. How can I show them? The idea of "our family" is the tricky part - is that the part that Mr. Mandela could be referring to? Is it because we need anchors in our lives - like a family identity - yet it ultimately causes so many problems, misunderstandings for us? This family identity can be a scary thing to change, if it does serve the purpose of an anchor in our lives.
So I go home, with a tinge of dread, but also a heart full of love for my family. Dread, because I wonder if I can find the compassion to be misunderstood, and even further, if I can be patient to learn what has changed in their lives, and try to explain what has changed in my own life since the last time I have visited.
sf

Just for now

2009-03-23T21:37:00.005-04:00

"Just for now
without asking how
let yourself sink
into stillness.
Just for now,
lay down the weight
you so patiently bear
upon your shoulders.
Feel the earth receive you,
and the infinite expanse
of the sky
grow even wider
as your awareness reaches up
to meet it.
Just for now,
allow a wave of breath
to enliven your experience.
Breathe out
whatever blocks you from the truth.
Just for now,
be boundless,
free,
with awakened energy
tingling in your hands and feet.
Drink in the possibility of being
who
and
what
you really are -
so fully alive
that the world looks different,
newly born and vibrant,
just for now."

-Danna Faulds, poet and Kirpalu yoga practitioner

Paddy's Day

2009-03-17T08:36:00.003-04:00

Oh, St. Patrick's Day. What a fun day! It also happens to be my boyfriend's birthday today. He has the luck of his birthday falling on a holiday - and what a great holiday to coincide with.
We have dinner plans with his parents and sister, who'll be headed into town later today from Ashland.
Don't forget to wear green!

sf

Cosmic Goddesses

2009-03-14T14:25:00.002-04:00

Some days, life just works.

On those days, it’s as if I can hear the small, low electric hum behind the energy of life.

Memories from those days are recalled as if I was in slow motion, and have a golden glow on the fringe of my mind’s eye.

My body is buoyant; each step has a special spring to it, as if I bounce each time I come in contact with the ground.

My smile extends from the top of my head, down to my pinky toes. People acknowledge my smile, and I acknowledge my connectedness to each of them. Love is everywhere on this day.

It’s the work of the cosmic goddesses.

The cosmic goddesses are quite gorgeous beings – I am sure – although I’ve never seen one.

They, too, have lovely smiles, and glittering ball gowns – better than any red carpet ensemble here on earth. They have the most beautiful, full and long hair, which obscures their faces, except their smiles. And atop their tresses are glowing crowns.

Their crowns are the result of their own efforts to connect with their authentic selves when they were on earth. They figured it out. And now, they get to reward the efforts of those still on earth with a special gift.

An invisible crown.

On those days, when life is as I described, I am wearing one of their crowns. I notice the gentle tug at the sides of my head from time to time.

I soak in the feeling of being my authentic self.

I imagine the goddesses peeking down on me to make sure I am still swept up in the moment, in love with myself, and all that I come in contact with. They smile.

And at the end of the day, I settle into bed with a most contented feeling in my head and my heart, and drift off to sleep. Perhaps to dream about what the cosmic goddesses might be up to.

And the next morning, I wake to gaze out the window at the overcast skies, clouded and rainy. And then I notice that my invisible crown slipped off my head.

I smile to the cosmic goddesses, and look forward to the next time I get to wear my invisible crown.

Emerging from my cocoon

2009-03-10T19:13:00.003-04:00

"Her feelers quivered
and Stripe knew
she was speaking.
He couldn't make out the words.
Then slowly he seemed
to understand . . .
. . . Somehow he knew what to do.
Stripe climbed - again.
It got darker and darker
and he was afraid.
He felt he had
to let go of
everything . . .
and Yellow waited . . .
. . . until one day . . ."

From Hope for the Flowers by Trina Paulus

I've had this book for a few years now, and I've always thought that I got the message. Until I got the message. Again, these past few months.

I had grand intentions to blog almost every day, and for a month I did.
And then I stopped.
I withdrew.
I had a lot of work to do on myself, and wasn't ready to share what I was up to with the world.
It was such important work I was doing, that any time I sat down to write on my blog, I couldn't help but focus only on my work - work I wasn't ready to share.
So I was at a stalemate. Either I left my cocoon early, and began to share my work - all too soon
OR
I wait until I was ready - strong enough to break through the cocoon and leave it behind.

I'm ready now.

See you around, much more often than of late.
I promise.
sf

Keep Breathing

2008-12-20T17:45:00.005-05:00

The storm is coming but I don't mind.

People are dying, I close my blinds.

All that I know is I'm breathing now.

I want to change the world...instead I sleep.
I want to believe in more than you and me.

But all that I know is I'm breathing.
All I can do is keep breathing.
All we can do is keep breathing now.

All that I know is I'm breathing.
All I can do is keep breathing.
All we can do is keep breathing now.

All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing.
All we can do is keep breathing now.

Keep Breathing, by Ingrid Michaelson

I've now had two illnesses, the flu and a nasty cold, in the span of the past three weeks. I've not had so much as a cold in the past two years - and I'm not going to lie - the sickness has put a damper on my mood this past week.
I've been challenged to think about what in my life may have caused these illnesses - stress? poor eating habits? weather changes? contact with the germs?
But even before I ask the question, I know what the answer is - I have been at a crossroads in my mind, for nearly the past two years, about what direction my life will take - how I want to change the world. I have been pursuing a PhD in Sociology, and I have been interested in studying the future of local food in Kentucky. I love my research topic, but I have come to despise the process of academia. I have often questioned whether I really wanted to stay in the program.
On the other hand, these past two years I have been energized, sustained, and nourished by my yoga practice, teacher training, and now teaching yoga. Yoga has become a mainstay in my life. I find myself putting yoga over my school responsibilities, again and again.
So you can imagine - the toll of "being at a crossroads" for the past two years - is now manifesting in me physically, in the form of sickness. I've spent the past week much like the lyrics in the song above, as I have continued to think about the path of my life, and my special way I want to change the world.
Today, I resolved to make the most of my day, and have found myself inspired - throwing off the lethargy of my lingering cold. I stopped by Dandelion Beads today (an overdue visit) to pick myself up some beads to make a mala with the instruction Sharon posted on her blog.
And I heard the song above for the first time today on WUKY as I was in my car.
It was reassuring to me.
To keep breathing.
To welcome the possibility of change - to allow it to stick its foot through the doorway, and invite itself through the doors of my heart.
Keep breathing.
sf

Busy Days

2008-12-08T10:08:00.007-05:00

"The heart can stumble into impossible worlds where the moon hangs by a gossamer thread and the alley cats sing arias to the glittering stars.

Here, there are angels pacing on rooftops, lingering under stone bridges, sharing the trembling boughs of pines with black, crazy crows.
Angels in topcoats, angels in party skirts, angels in sturdy shoes, angels in soft fedoras and feathery socks, angels all in heated discussion about what is possible in this impossible world.
What is possible in this impossible world?
Ask the angels.
They will smile.
They will say, 'Ask your heart. It got you here.'"
-Diane Hanna

I found the above words while in Nashville this weekend, on my "yoga tour" with the Barefoot Works teachers, on a little wall hanging I now own. Aren't the words beautiful?

I have been a bad blogger this past week, but also been a very busy yogi! I spent the first half of last week sick, sick, sick. By Thursday I was feeling much better, so I was still able to teach my beginner's class. I had a lot of finishing touches to work on for my workshop I held on Sunday - I made eye pillows for the participants to keep, which were fun and inexpensive to make. I had two kinds of fabric, and two scents - peppermint, and lavender/chamomile! I made a few extras to give as Christmas presents, too.

Friday morning Sharon, Teresa, Emily and I left for Nashville, and we went to three yoga classes in less than 24 hours! It was a whirlwind trip, full of yoga, great food, shopping, and a lot of fun and laughter. We took two of the three classes at Sanctuary Yoga Studio, upon Emily's recommendation, and the teachers there were amazing. Definitely try to catch a class there if you find yourself in Nashville! The trip was a thank you and Christmas present from Sharon to the three of us, and it was simply perfect. I always love the gift of time with someone, don't you?

I taught my very first workshop yesterday, Sunday, at Barefoot Works. I had 14 ladies spend a couple of hours taking good care of themselves in restorative yoga poses and a led yoga nidra ("yogic sleep"). Sharon was wonderful to be there to help me sign in everyone, and assisted students with moving into the restorative poses - she was such a huge help! I really enjoyed teaching the class - it was simply beautiful to look at all the women resting on their mats, deeply relaxing and healing their bodies, minds, and spirits.

After the workshop, I had to scurry on to Cincinnati, for my family's annual Christmas party. My mom hosts the party every year, and it's a day of family, friends, food, Bengals football, and a silly $10 gift exchange. It was fun, as always, and it never fails to remind me how blessed I am to have so many caring and loving family members and family friends.

So now you're caught up. I hope that you had a wonderful week, and I wish you a peaceful week ahead, in the midst of the holiday season!
sf

trimming the tree

2008-11-30T15:50:00.005-05:00

Brandon and I decided to put up a Christmas tree last night. We'd been shopping on Friday night, picked up the energy efficient LED lights and a couple ornaments, and then it was time to get the tree. After we found the perfect little tree and got it in its stand we decided to have some Thanksgiving leftovers. Then got to work on the tree. And here's the result! Macy, my oldest cat, seemed to approve of our handiwork. :)

Happy Advent to all!
sf

Restorative Yoga Workshop

2008-11-29T17:11:00.006-05:00

"I am worn to a raveling." -Beatrix Potter

Okay, so the picture is the Velveteen Rabbit, a rabbit made famous from the novel by Margery Williams, but the Velveteen Rabbit seemed to fit the quote from another famous author of rabbits (Peter Rabbit, in fact) Beatrix Potter.

Do the holidays, and all of the preparations for the holidays have you "worn to a raveling"? Then come on out next Sunday and join me for a couple hours of relaxation and "you" time! We often neglect ourselves at this time of the year, in an effort to take care of all those around us - but I have a way for you to turn that around!

I will be offering my first workshop next weekend, at Barefoot Works Yoga Studio! It is a Restorative Yoga Workshop - and perfect for people at any level of their yoga practice. It's only $12, and will be held at Barefoot Works from 1pm to 3pm on December 7th. Sign up to secure your spot on the studio's website - just click "workshops and events" on the home page. I have a little gift for each of the participants that will help you to relax all throughout the holidays.

I hope you can join me.
sf

giving thanks, part two

2008-11-26T11:04:00.007-05:00

The Iroquois River

We return thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us.
We return thanks to the rivers and streams, which supply us with water.
We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.
We return thanks to the moon and stars,
which have given to us their light when the sun was gone.
We return thanks to the sun, that has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.
Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in Whom is embodied all goodness,
and Who directs all things for the good of Her children.
Iroquois Prayer, adapted

In grade school, we are taught that the First Americans and the English Pilgrims shared a meal together on Thanksgiving day, each thankful of the gifts the other had brought to the table. Implied is the notion that there was a moment of peace between these two populations, a moment where each was thankful of the other's skills and knowledge that enabled them to live off the land.

As an adult, my image of Thanksgiving has shifted to focus more upon the things in my own life that I am thankful for. This new image is less problematic for me, as I look back upon the image I was first given about Thanksgiving with a mixture of frustration and regret. Frustration because this first image was part of the larger construction of distraction presented to me as a youngster, distraction from the larger reality of the dark and violent origins of the current nation of America. Regret because I think there is a better way to educate youngsters about Thanksgiving - perhaps by focusing a lot less on the origin of the tradition, and more upon the reason for the holiday - giving thanks.

So I offer this prayer up to honor the moment of peace that we are told took place between the First Americans and the Pilgrims, thankful for the spaces of cooperation that we can create to enrich one another's lives.

giving thanks

2008-11-25T10:38:00.004-05:00

Before the ice is in the pools,
Before the skaters go,
Or any cheek at nightfall
Is tarnished by the snow,
Before the fields have finished,
Before the Christmas tree,
Wonder upon wonder
Will arrive to me!

-Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson is one of my favorite poets - I often am inspired by her poetry, and when I go looking for a poem to express my feelings, I rarely have to look any further than her to find the perfect words.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I am looking forward to spending time with my family in Cincinnati! Just to all be in the same house, with the food preparing in the kitchen, football on the TV, and all of us gathered around in comfy seats and clothes, is such a comforting and happy thing to experience.

I hope that you have equally wonderful plans for the holiday, celebrating it just the way you desire. And I hope to see you soon, shedding all the extra calories we'll consume this weekend on the yoga mat.

yoga and religion

2008-11-22T14:33:00.010-05:00

“The one thing that a fish can never find is water; and the one thing that man can never find is God.” - Eric Butterworth

A good friend, Isaac, sent me a link to this AP article in the New York Times today. I encourage you to read it if you have a few moments.

Malaysian Islamic Body Bans Yoga for Muslims
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Malaysia’s top Islamic body ruled against Muslims practicing yoga, saying it has elements of other religions that could corrupt Muslims.

I was saddened by this article. As someone who has studied yoga for the past few years, I wonder why it is that yoga can be so intimidating to religious officials? I am curious to know of these individuals' experiences of yoga before coming forward with this ruling. I know that lack of knowledge about something can produce fear or uneasiness. And I imagine that these officials in Malaysia are not the only individuals who have questioned the role of religion in yoga. It is a charged subject, and I wanted to share some of my thoughts on it.

Yoga is an ancient practice, over 5,000 years old. So there's certainly a lot of history to be found, when you go looking into how yoga has evolved. When I try to explain to others what yoga is, and what yoga isn't, it is difficult. This is because above all else, I find the practice and experience of yoga to be a personal one. I don't expect everyone to have the same experience of yoga as I have. But I will share with you what I see as connections between my personal practice of yoga and religion:

I have never been concerned that my yoga practice is going against my Christian beliefs. For me, I have always seen commonalities between the beliefs of my Christian faith and all of the other major world religions. My most instructive learning on all of this came while I was at Xavier, a Catholic (Jesuit) University. I enjoy thinking about those connections, after all, those are the places where we can work to expand the notion of peace in the world - starting points that we can agree on, instead of focusing on the elements of our faiths that divide us.
Returning to the sheer longevity of the practice of yoga in human civilization, of course there are writings and current day yoga practice that takes place in the world that draws upon elements of the Hindu faith. If I were ever to run across writings or yoga practices, and I felt that the Hindu elements included were in conflict with my Christian beliefs, I would not blindly continue along without some personal examination and reflection on those conflicting elements.

I see yoga as something that enhances my experience of the Christian faith. Meditation, breathing, exercise - all of the elements of my yoga practice contribute to my "treating my body as a sanctuary for God". Meditation is often very prayerful for me. I see my practice of yoga as self-discipline and a way for me to prepare myself to be a better example, a better vehicle, and a better servant to others and to God. After my yoga practice, I feel that the time I invested in breathing and the dedicated focus to my practice of the postures, as well as the fluctuations of my mind and thoughts helps me to focus on the "right" things in life, and helps me to "stop and smell the roses".

As a yoga instructor, I am sensitive to the notion that my students come from many different backgrounds, and again, that my students all have their unique experience of yoga. I try to be conscious of this when I teach my classes, and explain the symbolism and meaning behind what we do in class. If you haven't considered it before, I invite you to explore your own connections between your yoga practice and your faith life. With Thanksgiving and the other faith holidays around the corner, its a good time to invite reflection on this, don't you think?

quote to live by

2008-11-20T09:44:00.000-05:00

"Language does have the power to change reality. Therefore, treat your words as the mighty instruments they are - to heal, to bring into being, to remove, as if by magic, the terrible violations of childhood, to nurture, to cherish, to bless, to forgive - to create from the whole cloth of your soul, true love."

- Daphne Rose Kingma

fall weather and football

2008-11-19T16:56:00.000-05:00

"There's a magical tie to the land of our home, which the heart cannot break, though the footsteps may roam." - Eliza Cook

I spent the past weekend in Cincinnati, my hometown. I lived the first 24 years of my life in that city and it has a special place in my heart. I am not sure I'll ever live there again, but oh, how I do love to visit the Queen City!

It was a big weekend. If you don't already know, I am a huge Cincinnati sports fan. I cheer on the Bengals, the local football team, and the Reds, the baseball team. My alma mater is Xavier University, and I always look forward to my Musketeers, the men's college basketball team, doing well each winter.

This weekend was quite the weekend to watch football. We had tickets to the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles game, and I was playing host to my boyfriend Brandon's family that was coming in town from Philly for the game. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, but no troubles here - his family is truly wonderful! Even though they are the Eagle's number one fans, they are kind, open, and caring, and I feel so comfortable around them. There were seven of Brandon's family members, an Aunt and Uncle, three cousins, as well as his parents, so we had a good size group headed to the game Sunday.

On Saturday, we managed to catch the Eagles players arriving at the hotel (complete with Brandon being interviewed by a local Philly TV station), we watched college football, and we had some food at downtown eateries. And we spent a lot of time just sitting around at the hotel and talking and laughing.

The game on Sunday was not the best football game I've ever been to - neither team played well, and the final score ended up as a tie - which rarely happens for football games. It was quite cold, too, but we'd bundled up well, and many cups of hot chocolate contributed to keeping us warm. And upon the conclusion of the game, it was off to the airport to say goodbyes - a weekend that seemed to end just as it was beginning.

The weekend served to re-energize me, as I got to spend the weekend doing some of my favorite fall things - spending time with family, a chance to be outdoors, and plenty of food and football. What are some of the things you look forward to doing in the fall? And have you made the time for you to enjoy those things?

teaching yoga and creativity

2008-11-18T16:14:00.000-05:00

"Creativity is a central source of meaning in our lives...most of the things that are interesting, important, and human are the results of creativity...[and] when we are involved in it, we feel that we are living more fully than during the rest of life." -Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

As a new teacher, I find that I can feel overwhelmed and intimidated at times with teaching yoga. I let the little stuff become big stuff (for example, engaging in negative self talk if I mess up my "rights" and "lefts" in class). When I step back from my self talk, I realize that it is just a matter of time and experience before I will make fewer and fewer mistakes - little stuff - while teaching. It also helps to have wonderful, understanding yogis and yoginis that allow me to learn from my mistakes and are patient with me. Besides - this girl also needs to recognize that students of yoga should be, and are, more concerned about their personal experience of the practice and not that of the teacher mixing up a few rights and lefts. :)

One of the surefire ways I can pull myself out of this mental space is to focus on the beauty of the flow of the postures - I really enjoy the creativity that comes from designing a vinyasa flow class. It's so fun to think of what could come after Warrior II, or how to design a fun seated sequence around stretching and twisting postures. I can sit down with a notebook, and before I know it, an hour has passed, and I have all of these cool flowing sequences written down, ready for me to explore on the mat by myself, and with others.

The quote above is from the author of this neat book, Flow. I read it in college, and I think about what I read in that book often. The quote above is just one of the insights from that book. Now I'll turn the question to you - what is it that you do in your life that allows your creativity to flow?

Come on out tonight to Metta Studio - I'll be teaching a Vinyasa Flow class there at 6:00pm. I'm a guest teacher at the studio for the next few weeks, and I'd love to have you there!
sf

getting to know me

2008-11-17T12:33:00.000-05:00

"Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder." - Henry David Thoreau

Butterflies are associated with transitions - transformations and change. When I first learned the symbolism of the butterfly as a teenager, I was quite moved by the connection. I think that's why I wear a silver ring on my third finger of my left hand - a large butterfly, to remind me of the presence of change in my life. It's one of the things people in my life know me for, that silver ring on my finger. And those who don't know me often notice my ring.

So it seems fitting to have a picture of a butterfly to start this entry. Why? Because I have recently made the transition from being a student at Barefoot Works to a teacher (and a student still, of course!) at Barefoot Works. This has been an interesting and exciting transition for me, and I really appreciate all of the love and support I've received from many of you at the studio. Thank you for your kind words, for your attendance in my classes.

I am also teaching many of the newer students at the studio and at other studios across the city, and I have come to realize that many of my new students do not know who I am outside of the studio.

So I begin this blog as a way for me to invite you to get to know me a bit more, and my hope is that I will come to know you more, too.

I also begin this blog as way to inspire you, and to inspire me, on a regular basis, to walk the yogi's path.

Let's continue on the journey together!
sf

hello out there!

2008-05-02T22:42:00.001-04:00

just a wide-eyed, grinning yogi, waving her hand like a five year old, saying hello to her new friends in cyberspace . . .

so much more to come.

feel free to stop by anytime.

shanti,
Sarah Michelle