change of plans

Tonight I was supposed to get a Thai yoga massage. In fact, I've been counting down the days, hours, minutes until this massage since I made the appointment. However, sometimes things do not end up going exactly as planned. I was reminded of this truth again today. After leaving work, I checked my voice messages, and I had a voice mail from the massage therapist stating she had been sick this week and today her daughter had come down with it, so she really needed to be with her. While I was momentarily disappointed, I totally understood. There was a time this last minute chage would have gotten me anxious and upset and perhaps I'd have even let it ruin my entire evening. However, since embarking on my yoga journey, I am much more willing and able to go with the flow. I now have an appointment for the Thai yoga massage March 5 (her next available opening) and have already started counting down.

I did go ahead and get a swedish massage tonight, it was a matter of self-care after the way my body felt from this week. I am also getting a manicure and pedicure after teaching yoga tomorrow. My little feet have been so neglected this winter, and I've been doing my own at-home manicures for a few months now, so I decided to go ahead and splurge a bit. I'm officially titling this weekend "My self-care weekend"...the perfect way to finish up Jan. and start a new month.

Hope you're weekend is filled with much down-time, peace, love, and joy!

Namaste'
Yogadiva

resting

Yesterday I worked from 7:15 a.m. (with a short 25 minute lunch break only) until 6:00 p.m. at night. It was a long day. Last night when I got home, my sweet husband had made dinner for us. We talked and ate. I checked e-mail and did a little blog reading. At 8:00 p.m. I was ready to be in bed. So, I gave my honey a good-night kiss and headed up.

One of the lessons I've learned over the years is the importance of resting when we need rest. The practice of yoga has greatly helped me learn this lesson. In fact, the practice of yoga is just as much about coming out of a pose and resting when we need to rest as it is about finding our edge and challenging ourselves in every posture. The bottom line is that we need to pay attention and listen to our body always. This morning I feel very rested and ready for the day.

Here is your yogathought:
"The more our heart center opens, the more available space we have for storage of love and compassion on our hard drive. An open heart awakens us to a true love for ourselves, so we begin to develop profound loving kindness toward all beings."--Beryl Bender Birch

Namaste'
Yogadiva

traditional thai yoga massage

One of my yoga clients, who has been practicing with me for years, told me a very long time ago that she gets massages almost weekly and Thai Yoga massages every few months. At that time, I had not heard of Thai Yoga massage, so this sparked my interest. She said it's a massage where you are fully clothed, laying on a mat on the floor, and the massage therapist puts you in yoga postures, stretches you, and massages you. Since hearing about this interesting form of body work, I've been saying "someday I'm going to get one."

In one of my fitness magazines I recently received, there was an article on Thai Yoga massage which reminded me that this was one of the items on my lists of "things I want to do one day." And, since I haven't had a massage since August, I decided rather than continue to say "someday" I'll try it, I would take action and make an appointment this month to get one. So, this Friday at 6:00 p.m. I have an appointment for a traditional Thai Yoga massage! The massage therapist stated that she does the traditional style, doesn't cut any corners, so it lasts around 2 and a half hours. I am so excited. I cannot wait! Is it Friday yet?

For those of you interested, here is some more information on this traditional form of massage:

"Traditional Thai Yoga massage is an ancient form of therapeutic healing. Its roots are in India from where it was brought to Thailand over 2000 years ago by Ayurvedic doctors and Buddhist monks. It combines acupressure, energy balancing, stretching and applied yoga exercises. Traditional Thai Yoga massage is a unique and powerful massage therapy."
-- http://www.asokananda.com/

"Thai Massage facilitates and promotes a harmonious state of being. This ancient healing work strives to remove obstacles on the path toward Promiiwihansii or The Four Divine States of Mind: Loving Kindness, Vicarious Joy, Compassion, and Equanimity."

-- http://traditionalthaimassage.org/

"Through a series of meridian acupressure and invigorating stretches the blockages are released allowing the free flow of prana, restoring and maintaining good health. The skeletal system is manipulated and flexed to give relief and allow for the correct range of movement the body was designed for. The circulatory and lymphatic systems are gently stimulated through pressure, encouraging the release of toxins and excess hormones and noxious build ups in the body. The muscles, tendons and ligaments are stretched to soften and elongate and relieve physical tension. Traditional Thai massage also works on the emotional system. The massage asks for conscious relaxation and trust in the practitioner's ability to guide the client through stretches that can confront or expose vulnerabilities that had been previously buried in the body. Whilst the massage is dynamic and invigorating, it is deeply relaxing enabling the client to feel healthier, stronger, more focused and able to deal with life's stresses and is highly effective in relieving long term ailments." --http://www.thaitraditionalyogamassage.com/

Here is your yogathought for the day:

Take something from your "I'd like to do that someday" list and take an action step towards doing it.

Namaste'

Yogadiva

the work of unwiring

In my last post, I touched on the idea of needing to unwire our core beliefs (the false ones) in order to change negative behaviors and move in the direction of positive growth. In the comments section, Nina from http://www.naturallynina.blogspot.com/ , asked how we can unwire these false core beliefs. I don't profess to have all the answers, but I do have a few thoughts on this question:

First, unwiring deep-rooted core beliefs takes a lot of work...work that can be difficult and uncomfortable, so it is imperative to be committed to doing the work. The first step of this work is awareness...figuring out exactly what our false core beliefs are. Most people, but not all, will need the help of a counselor in order to begin digging into the past (as typically our core beliefs are established in the early years of our lives) to get to these core beliefs. Keeping in mind, those areas of our lives in which we struggle most are indicators of where we should begin investigating our past to find the core beliefs.

To build on the example in the previous post of a woman who struggles with relationships and love. She would need to go back and begin exploring the messages she received about love as a child. Did she feel unconditional love from her parents? What sort of positive (or negative) role models did she grow up around? What was her relationship like with her father? Answering these questions, honestly, can help her begin becoming aware of what her core beliefs about love and her ability to be loved are.

Once we honestly figure out exactly what our negative core beliefs are, then we are ready to begin the perhaps even more difficult work of the unwiring. Once again, talk therapy can be very useful in this process (as is the practice of yoga), or at least speeding the process along. However, some additional steps to the work of unwiring would include, first, noticing when the tape recorder of the irrational thought is playing in our head. Second, replacing that thought with a truthful one. For example:

Irrational thought: "I don't deserve a loving, fulfilling relationship."
Replacement: "I am worthy of a loving, fulfilling relationship."

This is an exercise that is even more beneficial if we write the rational thought, or positive affirmation, multiple times per day. I suggest even posting in around the house, on the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, put it in a picture frame your bed, so you will be reminded of it regularly. This begins the unwiring/rewiring process.

However, to really begin rewiring the brain, we have to take action, or micromovements (a term coined by SARK) to begin to prove to ourselves that our replacement belief is truth. Keeping in mind, as I wrote in the last post, we often get pleasure from proving our irrational beliefs to ourselves. So, it might even be a little uncomfortable beginning to try to prove our new replacement beliefs. It is by working through this discomfort that change and growth occur.

What might a micromovement (remember this is ACTION) look like from the example above? I might join an on-line dating service. I might ask an acquaintance I've had a secret crush on to go out on a date. I might prove to myself that I am worthy of love by scheduling some self-care time.

This is obviously a quite complicated process, but definitely do-able and worth the work. No matter what, each moment, each thought, each action we have is creating our life. We can create from a place of irrational, negative thoughts or from a place of truth. The choice is ours.

I'd love to hear if others have ideas on how to do the work of unwiring and rewiring. Feel free to join in with your thoughts and comments.

Here is your yogathought for the day:

"When the practitioner is firmly established in the practice of the truth, his words become so potent that whatever he says come to realization." --Yoga Sutras

Namaste'
Yogadiva

feeding our beliefs

Last night I downloaded a bunch of podcasts to my ipod, and I began listening to one of them today. It was from Oprah's Best Life series and was an interview with personal trainer (who actually sounded very much like a therapist), Bob Greene. During the conversation, he made a statement that really struck me. Essentially he said people actually get great pleasure when they feed their core beliefs... even if these beliefs are not true. For instance, if someone believes she isn't worthy of love, most likely that person is going to prove this belief to herself over and over and over again because there is a sort of pleasure in affirming this deep rooted core belief to herself even though the belief is not truth. This pleasure is one of the reasons it can be so difficult to stop certain negative behaviors. Greene went on to say it takes a lot of awareness and work to unwire these false beliefs we often have about ourselves. It is through this unwiring that real connections can be made and one can begin to live fully in truth.

Here is your yogathought for the day:

May you know truth
May you speak truth.
May you live in truth.

Namaste'
Yogadiva

one breath at a time

Presence comes one deep breath at a time.

I actually wrote this statement commenting on another blog today. And although I thought of it, wrote it, and believe it fully, I am blogging about it today for myself just as much as anyone else.

I've found myself to be incredibly distracted lately. To some degree, I've been feeling like I'm living in fog. It's an interesting feeling in that I have an awareness of feeling this way--distracted, foggy. Eckhart Tolle says that awareness is one of the first steps to becoming present; however, what if one is aware of how distracted one is--are they present then?

Obviously from this post, I'm feeling scattered in addition to being distracted...two feelings I found can often go hand in hand. I'm wondering if this awareness of being distracted is perhaps my big personal step towards becoming more present in my life. I do hope so.

As I've said before, I feel most present, most in the zone, when I'm teaching yoga. What I wouldn't give to feel this way more often during my day. I do believe it's possible. I know the fog will lift, and I'm trusting when it does, I'll be living in a brighter, clearer way...until then, I'm trying to go with the flow and take it one breath at a time.

Namaste'
Yogadiva

inauguration 2009

Namaste' President Barack Obama

yummy morning in bed on mlk day

I slept in this morning until 7:30 a.m. (yes this is sleeping in for me), and now I am back in my cozy bed with my laptop, Real Simple magazine, and my cup of espresso decaf brew. Heavenly morning! I must admit our bed is so cozy and comfy these days it's really hard to get out of every morning. My sweet husband's mother got us some super soft sheets for Christmas, and now I find myself wanting to get into the bed in the middle of the day just to experience the fabulously soft sheets. They are Select Comfort microloft sheets, you can check them out here:
http://www.selectcomfort.com/pillows_bedroom_bedding/productSet.cfm?Category_ID=241&SubCategoryID=510&sortOrder=&recordNum=5 They are on sale now, and in my opinion very much worth the money!

Here is your yogathought for MLK day:

"When nonviolence in speech, thought, and action is established, one's aggressive nature is relinquished and others abandon hostility in one's presence." --Yoga Sutras

Wishing you a wonderful, liberating day.
Namaste'
Yogadiva

slumdog

I just got home from viewing a "must-see" movie, Slumdog Millionaire. It is a movie I wanted to see even before it picked up a bunch of Golden Globe Awards. In fact, after all the awards and hype, I was thinking I might just be a little let down when I saw the movie since my expectations had gone up. I was definitely not let down. If you have a little extra time this 3 day weekend, get yourself to the nearest theater and get ready for a wonderful ride.

Namaste'
Yogadiva

love

I found this beautiful quote on http://kbethiep.blogspot.com/ and had to share it here:

To love a person is to learn the song

That is in their heart,

And sing it to them

When they have forgotten.

--Anonymous

Wishing you a love-filled day.

Namaste'

Yogadiva

listen and act

Here is your yogathought for the day from Wayne Dyer:

"The willingness to listen and act on your inspiration, independent of the opinions of others, is imperative if you're going to live the life your desire."

Namaste'
Yogadiva

deep breaths

Today, I started reading the book Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff. Almost every time I've gone to Barnes and Noble lately, I picked this book up and looked at it. Over Christmas Break, I decided to use some of my Christmas money to purchase it. The first chapter is all about the dynamics of breathing. It is fascinating to to read about how miraculous and amazing our bodies are.

I must say I find it a little disheartening when I attend a yoga class and the instructor barely mentions the breath. From the yogic background I have studied and practiced, the breath is an integral part of yoga...just as important as the asanas (postures) if not more so. One aims to equally balance awareness of body and breath and begins to become aware of the ever present connection between the two.

During sun salutations, each inhalation and each exhalation is linked with one movement. The body and breath are connected and flowing like a beautiful dance. Allowing the body to follow the rhythm of the breath energizes, warms, and creates feelings of lightness and spaciousness. The breath during the asana practice is key in keeping one mindful and present. It is so important not to sacrifice breath for a posture. I often find myself reminding my yoga clients, if we are in a posture and notice it's hard to take deep, full breaths, we've probably gone too far.

Truly, one of the secrets to life is connecting with our breath. This week, take 3 deep breaths three times a day. Perhaps when you're feelings anxious, stressed, tired, confused, rushed, or scattered. This is something everyone can do and it takes very little time. Just try it, and see if you notice a difference.

Namaste'
Yogadiva

scorpio fun

One of my favorite blogs, http://www.pink-heels.blogspot.com/, posted a link to a website that provides a 2009 astrological Year Overview. While I definitely don't plan my life around these sorts of things, I do always find them interesting and fun. And, I must admit that I'm really liking my 2009 overview and hoping that it actually is accurate! :)

Year 2009 Overview

Get out there and communicate your passionate awareness to the world this year, Scorpio! As you articulate your beliefs, you will move your life -- and the planet -- toward a more spiritual and thoughtful reality. Positively express yourself and your vision, and you will be a source of great inspiration.
Scorpio loves challenges, especially when it involves transformational energy. As you purify your instincts and overcome any fears of letting your creative passion flow, a newfound enthusiasm and strength will arise within you, and affect everyone around you.
You see yourself in a completely different light this year as you discover new ways of bringing harmony into your life and communicating on a deeper level. Accept who you are at the core, and you will experience a wholeness you never thought possible. Trusting yourself is the key to spiritual growth.

If you're interested in yours, check out: http://shine.yahoo.com/page/2009-horoscope

Namaste'

Yogadiva

time monsters

I wanted to share a great excerpt from Jennifer Louden's Life Organizer:

"Closely related but slightly different from shadow comforts are time monsters--anything we pretend is a creative, generative use of our time but is actually a way to dodge doing what we really want to do. We all have things we don't want to do but that we need to do (like paying bills), or maybe we want to take a risk (like starting a new painting), and yet neither of these activities feels easy or comfortable. So instead we make an elaborate dinner every night for our family, spend a week choosing the perfect font for the flyer for the annual neighforhood picnic, or become news junkies who have to read three newspapers and check five news sites every morning and don't understand why we never seem to have enough time.

I've coached many women whose lives consisted almost entirely of time monsters because they were too afraid to do what they really wanted to do--for fear of failure, for fear of what their mother/husband/children might think, for fear that when their long-held dream was realized it would become tarnished by daily living. The stories these women created to allwo them to live this way were full of conviction, and they held on to them with great determination. Spending a month planning and cooking and decorating for the holidays, spending a week decorating your child's classroom, insitsting the every trip be meticulously scrapbooked, running unnecessary errands: we tell ourselves that we must do these things and that in fact we are the only ones who can do them. We spend our lives doing things that don't matter, and meanwhile our desires are sobbing, locked away in the basement...

Life organizing necessitates that you learn to discern how you spend your precious energy--but you must do this with infinite mercy. Weep with tenderness the parts of you that are dedicated to keeping you busy and numb. Compassionately embrace the truth that you don't do this work only once. You get to do it again and again, and then again. The good news is that time monsters and shadow comforts do loosen their hold and can disappear entirely..."

Namaste'
Yogadiva

action

As I've mentioned before, I typically don't do New Year's resolutions, but this year, I have decided to claim a word of the year and mantra to focus my intentions. My 2009 focus word is:

ACTION

My 2009 mantra is:

I am full of energy, life, and passion, and I will take action to push my boundaries, find my edge, and say "yes" to life.

One of the aspects of my word and mantra is to include more travel and fun in my life. With this mantra in mind, I'm off for a short weekend get-away to KC to see Celine Dion in concert. Last spring when my mom asked if I'd like to join her and her two sisters for the concert, I couldn't say no. While my dream concert would be to see Madonna, and I do plan on seeing her someday soon, I'm still excited to Celine. This is a great way to start the New Year.

Hope your 2009 is off to a great start. If you have your own personal word or mantra, I'd love for you to share.

Namaste'
Yogadiva

poem for the new year

Something to think about as you create your life in 2009:

Our Deepest Fear
by Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.

We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

Namaste'
Yogadiva

presence

Here is your yogathought for the day:

"We learn that in every moment, every second, we have a choice, a choice whether to be here or spin off into some movie or fantasy. Yoga tells us: Practice being here. That will quiet your mind. When your mind is quiet for a long enough period of time you will have glimpses of your true Self. You will like these glimpeses. You will want to see more. You will have more available prana. You will have greater access to your power. You will feel more peaceful, more happy, more content with life." --Beryl Bender Birch

Happy Friday!

Namaste'
Yogadiva