First of all apologies for the long break, the last time I posted a blog was about a month or so ago! This post will go right along and will help to explain the posting delays :-) Enjoy!
So I am a former corporate worker, who always wanted to have her love business. Does that ring a bell to you!? Laughs. I will not turn you away from it, I will say it is awesome and if you have the guts and stamina go for it, but be prepared. My days are starting at 6-7am and going till 10pm, weekends are often included :-) It might sound bad, but I am truly loving it. I am doing that I love, I love to teach yoga. I really believe yoga helps people to heal and mend their peaces together, I see it every time I teach. People come in stressed, in pain (physical & emotional), and they leave happy, smiling, feeling good. It is hard work, yesterday I though a class at 7am, my last class finished at 9:15pm, but the feeling of helping someone to feel better is so awesome that all the hours don't really matter. I get to do fun things with my students and my training is so cool. The studies of yoga and how it affects the body and mind are fascinating.
So back to being an entrepreneur, it is a huge challenge, it is like a big roller coaster ride. Some days are awesome, some days are really bad, and you just want to quit! You have to keep it business and focus on finances, and on your return. You got to be on your feet, able to act quickly, but calculated. You got to LISTEN! and have an open mind. You have to be compassionate to yourself and turn the PC off. You got to have a mentor - thanks to my husband Kent! You need a great team, thanks BNI! You have to have friends - and I have been so blessed on this area, thanks to all who have and are supporting me. You got to keep it fun, but the most important of all - you have to love what you do!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Learning to Meditate
Seating still has always been a challenge for me. I have always had to move, I have always had to find something more interesting to do, with my body and mind. I could never seat still, my mind could never seat still. There was always something else to be done, or a new idea or thought, the grass was always greener somewhere else right!
This feeling of always having to search started to interfere deeply in my life. I could not seat still for a conversation with friends, soon you would find me doing pull ups, push ups or abs on the floor. I could not read a book; I had to read 3 or 4 at once. My body truly ached when I stopped moving, my back ached, and I fidget all around.
I still remember the feeling of resentment when one of my teachers ordered me to "meditate everyday for 10 minutes." I am still not sure why, but as painful as it was I knew it was the medicine I needed. I started meditating about 2 mins, 3 mins, 5 mins, and found it to be quite peaceful. When I closed my eyes, time seemed to go by slower. I really had no idea what I was doing. I just knew it FELT so good, so peaceful, to be awake, with my eyes closed, focused on the slow up and down movements of my lungs, the sound of my breath and the sounds around me.
Meditation has been crucial in giving me insight of my thought patterns. It also helps me to calm down., to seat still, and listen. The old patterns have not gone away, I still have 3 books on my bedside table, but I am now aware of it :-)
With gratefulness to my teachers.
This feeling of always having to search started to interfere deeply in my life. I could not seat still for a conversation with friends, soon you would find me doing pull ups, push ups or abs on the floor. I could not read a book; I had to read 3 or 4 at once. My body truly ached when I stopped moving, my back ached, and I fidget all around.
I still remember the feeling of resentment when one of my teachers ordered me to "meditate everyday for 10 minutes." I am still not sure why, but as painful as it was I knew it was the medicine I needed. I started meditating about 2 mins, 3 mins, 5 mins, and found it to be quite peaceful. When I closed my eyes, time seemed to go by slower. I really had no idea what I was doing. I just knew it FELT so good, so peaceful, to be awake, with my eyes closed, focused on the slow up and down movements of my lungs, the sound of my breath and the sounds around me.
Meditation has been crucial in giving me insight of my thought patterns. It also helps me to calm down., to seat still, and listen. The old patterns have not gone away, I still have 3 books on my bedside table, but I am now aware of it :-)
With gratefulness to my teachers.
Meditation Article
Here is an interesting article I found on Meditation.
Enjoy!
In the ancient Indian text of the Yoga Sutras 1:2, Patanjali explains; "Yoga is the regulation and cessation of fluctuations and changes which are ordinarily expressive in the conditioned field of consciousness." The purpose of meditation (concentration methods) is to still thought processes by calming the mind. This enables the meditator to experience pure consciousness without the interruption of the waves of mental activity and thought. As the meditator assumes a relaxed body posture with the spine erect, the flow of CSF up and down the spine is enhanced. Then by focusing one's attention between and above the eyebrows, CSF is encouraged to move up into the area of the optic cistern, a reservoir of CSF in the same anatomical area as the "third eye" center.
Meditative techniques such as "mantras", and "kirtan" (chanting) are also utilized to help the practitioner experience pure awareness without the interruption of thoughts or feelings. A "mantra" is a word, sound or word-phrase, which the meditator concentrates upon to keep attention from being involved with the external physical environment, physical feelings, moods, or thought processes. "Mantras" are mentally repeated and/or "listened to" in reiterated cadence, usually in coordination with, and simulating the audible sound of the in-going and out-going breath. As the "mantra" is coordinated with the in and out going breath, the practitioner's attention is focused on the cerebrospinal fluid going up and down the spine.
Chanting involves repeating aloud, over and over again, a certain specific series of Sanscrit or English words about some aspect of God. The chants are short, reiterated affirmations that reinforce the purpose of meditation, which is to experience pure consciousness or God. Chanting is also another method utilized to help remove the meditators attention from thought processes or moods as the practitioner concentrates on the sound of the chant rather than mental activity.
The high and low pitch "tones" of the chant resonating within the body also enhance CSF flow. This occurs because the vibrational sound of the chant has a stimulating effect on the liquid medium of the CSF as it circulates around the brain and spinal cord. Lower pitch "tones" resonate in the chest and abdomen areas, and effect the CSF within the spinal column. Higher pitch "tones" resonate in the head, and therefore impact on the CSF as it circulates within the cranium.
Thus, as the yogi or yogini practice physical postures (asanas), breath techniques (pranayamas), and concentration methods (meditation), the overall circulation of cerebrospinal fluid is greatly enhanced, and thereby the functioning of the all important neuropeptides. These powerful body chemicals may also play a role on the physical level in the overall goal of yoga practice to experience God consciousness on the spiritual level.
Enjoy!
In the ancient Indian text of the Yoga Sutras 1:2, Patanjali explains; "Yoga is the regulation and cessation of fluctuations and changes which are ordinarily expressive in the conditioned field of consciousness." The purpose of meditation (concentration methods) is to still thought processes by calming the mind. This enables the meditator to experience pure consciousness without the interruption of the waves of mental activity and thought. As the meditator assumes a relaxed body posture with the spine erect, the flow of CSF up and down the spine is enhanced. Then by focusing one's attention between and above the eyebrows, CSF is encouraged to move up into the area of the optic cistern, a reservoir of CSF in the same anatomical area as the "third eye" center.
Meditative techniques such as "mantras", and "kirtan" (chanting) are also utilized to help the practitioner experience pure awareness without the interruption of thoughts or feelings. A "mantra" is a word, sound or word-phrase, which the meditator concentrates upon to keep attention from being involved with the external physical environment, physical feelings, moods, or thought processes. "Mantras" are mentally repeated and/or "listened to" in reiterated cadence, usually in coordination with, and simulating the audible sound of the in-going and out-going breath. As the "mantra" is coordinated with the in and out going breath, the practitioner's attention is focused on the cerebrospinal fluid going up and down the spine.
Chanting involves repeating aloud, over and over again, a certain specific series of Sanscrit or English words about some aspect of God. The chants are short, reiterated affirmations that reinforce the purpose of meditation, which is to experience pure consciousness or God. Chanting is also another method utilized to help remove the meditators attention from thought processes or moods as the practitioner concentrates on the sound of the chant rather than mental activity.
The high and low pitch "tones" of the chant resonating within the body also enhance CSF flow. This occurs because the vibrational sound of the chant has a stimulating effect on the liquid medium of the CSF as it circulates around the brain and spinal cord. Lower pitch "tones" resonate in the chest and abdomen areas, and effect the CSF within the spinal column. Higher pitch "tones" resonate in the head, and therefore impact on the CSF as it circulates within the cranium.
Thus, as the yogi or yogini practice physical postures (asanas), breath techniques (pranayamas), and concentration methods (meditation), the overall circulation of cerebrospinal fluid is greatly enhanced, and thereby the functioning of the all important neuropeptides. These powerful body chemicals may also play a role on the physical level in the overall goal of yoga practice to experience God consciousness on the spiritual level.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Montana Baptiste Level II
What a week! I am back home now reflecting on all the things that happened in Montana. Strangely it already feels like it happened a long time ago. The experience was magical, the place (Feathered Pipe Ranch) the friends I made, the experiences we shared, all the yoga we did, the pipe ceremony, the mountains. Everything was incredible. I definitely feel a very different person, more calm, centered, open. Yet, I am here in our office same walls, same windows, and as I type I listen to my friend Amanda's CD, and remember her beautiful face, and the energy the whole group shared together. Like the Thai people say Same-Same, but different ;-) Ready to face the future Fearing Not! Loving lots!
Reflections on Participation
I hold myself accountable for seeking isolation from the group, and not participating 100% on group activities during break time. I also hold myself accountable for not finishing conversations with certain group members. I understand this to be another isolation method, which prevents me from connecting with the community. I understand this to detrimental to the community, that it keeps me in the circle, and robs the group from my energy and participation. My new behavior is of full participation, 100%.
Reflections on Agressive Confrontation
I hold myself accountable for being too aggressive when confronting certain members on their lies during their Magic Carpet Ride. I understand that I need to curb my passion and be more of an even kill. I understand I need to control my emotions and not let myself be carried on by the moment. I also understand that I need to be compassionate and "put myself on other people's shoes" when speaking. I also understand this to be detrimental to the community and to my growth as a leader. My new behavior is of compassion, humbleness and moderation.
Reflections on Full Leadership
I hold myself accountable for not stepping up to full leadership and bring my team back to the yoga room in a shorter time. I understand this to be detrimental to the community. When my team in so involved on it's own issues, it robs the community from our participation. I also understand this not to be a positive example to my own team mates. My new behavior is of full leadership and accountability.
Reflections on Full Leadership
I hold myself accountable for not stepping up into full leadership and bringing my team back to the Yoga Room in time to support other members. I understand how detrimental that was for the group and how
Playing inside the box
This week I became aware of how many lies I have created around my childhood and also how heavy the burden of carrying them is. One big lie that has influenced my life is the one that I can only play in the box. The box is the backyard of our house, and playing in it was lonely, not so much fun. I ultimately wanted to play outside with the other kids, but my Mom was concerned that the other kids where not safe, and trustworthy. In the box was safe, I got to play with myself or my sisters. That loyalty and fear keeps me in the box. However outside is a different world, and I so want to play out there. This is a serious tug of war. Interesting are the consequences of this lie. I am never ready to trust a new friend, the guards are always on. I can never sit still for too long, there seems to be always something more interesting out there.
Rising from Mud
Until this week, I did not have a clear understanding behind the symbolism of the lotus flower and yoga. The lotus flower is the new you, the strong you, who's able to rise above the mud of lies that our ego creates. Our personalities, our ego, starts to define itself really early on, in our childhood. It is at this time that we start to live our lies, inside of this circle our ego is protected. The ego holds on tight to this inner circle, and it's ultimate purpose is to avoid that our real-self succeeds. It holds onto these self created lies in order to protect itself. In my case I had a garbage can full of lies... Here is a sample: I don't need you, I am not good enough, I can't do this, I am a fake, I am not beautiful, I don't belong, I am too powerful, I am a cheater, I know everything, I don't speak clearly, and I could go on. The interesting thing is that most of us don't are not even aware of the works of the ego. Yoga helps us to become aware of this internal chatter and ultimately liberates us from it. Thus the Lotus Flower rising from the mud, which represents the new you liberated from these lies. When we are aware of the ego chat we become stronger, and able to be compassionate to all around us. We stand up tall, and powerful ready to take on new challenges and re-create our future.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
About me...
I started practicing yoga in 2000, but it was not until 2005 that it became part of my life. I had hit the bottom line and needed a way out bad. Yoga was the light at the end of the tunnel. Yoga helped me to reconnect with my inner self; it brought peace, self-confidence and ultimately fun back into my life. When I signed up for Yoga Teacher Training, I really thought I was going to lear lots of anatomy, alignment, and injury prevention. Never, ever did I think I was going to dig deep into my heart to find who I really was. What a journey these last 2 yrs have been. Lots of changes, but still many to come, and although I am still searching, I think I am in the right path - Namaste!
Dancing Mind Yoga is the realization of a dream, born of love and passion for the transformations the Baptiste practice has brought to my own life. It is my intention to inspire others to live a healthier, less stressed, happier life, with compassion for others in need. I teach Baptiste Power Vinyasa, an empowering, strong practice, which will awaken your spirit. Through my teachings of yoga, I intend to inspire people to be kind and humble, go out and follow their dreams, seek and respect nature, explore, be adventurous, and find mindfulness.
Dancing Mind Yoga is the realization of a dream, born of love and passion for the transformations the Baptiste practice has brought to my own life. It is my intention to inspire others to live a healthier, less stressed, happier life, with compassion for others in need. I teach Baptiste Power Vinyasa, an empowering, strong practice, which will awaken your spirit. Through my teachings of yoga, I intend to inspire people to be kind and humble, go out and follow their dreams, seek and respect nature, explore, be adventurous, and find mindfulness.
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