I had the immense pleasure of giving a yoga workshop at the annual Women's Unity Retreat just outside Annapolis, MD this weekend. Despite a week of debilitating illness, I pulled myself together enough to get my butt to the retreat and it was so worth it.
The retreat is a women's only 3-day event and two friends have attended several years running. Getting an invite to participate in this empowering and unique experience was such an honor.
Though our plans to hold the event indoors (with air conditioning) were foiled due to noise and activity in the main hall, we made due on the basketball court and worked with the blistering heat...nothing like a little sweat to get the energy flowing!
The challenge for me was catering to a wide range of yoga experience (from none at all to fairly practiced) and a wide range of physical abilities in a large group of about 25 while offering a rewarding, rejuvenating hour that fit everyone's needs.
Overall, it was such a great time. All of the women were so welcoming! My voice was only running at about 40% from being sick, but as with all yoga, we made the best and found alternatives to all of the hiccups we encountered.
I had so much fun sharing my passion for movement and I hope I brought a few moments of peace and joy to this wonderful weekend.
I have to thank H and E for helping me with set-up and packing the car with a bazillion yoga props before and after the event and I hope to hear from some of the attendees in the near future.
As workshops go, it was a success - I got such heartfelt feedback at the end that I know it was well worth everything that went into it.
And...it is one more step on our road to realizing Caya...
*Many thanks to the Women's Unity Retreat for embracing me in your special time.
Showing posts with label workshop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label workshop. Show all posts
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Birth of a dream
“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory or defeat.” ~Theodore Roosevelt
___________________________________________
These words perfectly define the path that we find ourselves on...in the near future, we will take a huge leap into a vast and scary void of the unknown. We are hopeful that the net will appear and we will embrace success. Regardless of what challenges face us and what failures we may suffer, in the end, having dared to work for our dream will make it all worthwhile.
One baby step towards that dream is a workshop I will be giving in a little over one week at a women's retreat. The focus will be on the power of now, of settling into your body through breathing techniques, meditation, and movement. We will be breaking a sweat, but we will also honor our bodies for whatever limits or sensations it may experience in that moment in time, without judgment.
Over the next few weeks, we will also be crafting a few experiential workshops and promoting them at local churches, yoga centers, meditation groups, etc. It's a way for us to begin to build confidence and momentum for Caya's realization.
I am nervous, excited, worried, hopeful, enthusiastic, and eager all at the same time.
Caya is in the process of literally being born and I want to enjoy every moment of it.
___________________________________________
These words perfectly define the path that we find ourselves on...in the near future, we will take a huge leap into a vast and scary void of the unknown. We are hopeful that the net will appear and we will embrace success. Regardless of what challenges face us and what failures we may suffer, in the end, having dared to work for our dream will make it all worthwhile.
One baby step towards that dream is a workshop I will be giving in a little over one week at a women's retreat. The focus will be on the power of now, of settling into your body through breathing techniques, meditation, and movement. We will be breaking a sweat, but we will also honor our bodies for whatever limits or sensations it may experience in that moment in time, without judgment.
Over the next few weeks, we will also be crafting a few experiential workshops and promoting them at local churches, yoga centers, meditation groups, etc. It's a way for us to begin to build confidence and momentum for Caya's realization.
I am nervous, excited, worried, hopeful, enthusiastic, and eager all at the same time.
Caya is in the process of literally being born and I want to enjoy every moment of it.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Creating Sacred Space Amongst the Chaos
"Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." ~unknown
I know I'm a victim of my own mind more often than anything else. I pressure myself to be more successful, do more at home, do more in my personal time from volunteering to meeting up with friends and the first thing to go is usually myself.
Finding peace and creating sacred space even in the most stressful of situations is something I work on constantly.
So how can you do the same?
Here are a few techniques to combat anxiety, stress, fear, frustration, and a myriad of other harmful reactions to our everyday lives and create a space of sacred calm despite it all.
Just Breathe
It sounds too simple, too easy. But it is the most effective tool in your toolkit and it's free, fast, and always available.
No matter what's going on around you, if you take a few moments to stop, pause, and take a few deep breathes you'll immediately feel more grounded and level-headed.
If you're looking for a simple, effective breath that only takes a few minutes then do four-corner breathing.
Find a semi-quiet spot whether it's your office, the bathroom, the shower, the car or outside. Then, find something square to gaze at: a TV (that's off), your computer monitor, a frame, a picture you love, even your phone or a piece of paper. Anything with 4 corners.
Starting in the upper left corner, inhale as you slide your eyes to the upper right corner. Pause your breath and slide your eyes to the lower right corner. Exhale slowly as your move your eyes to the lower left corner. Pause your breath and slide your eyes to the upper left corner.
Repeat this, slowly, at least 5 times (10 is better) and you will instantly feel like your reset button has been hit.
For more information on the power of breath, look into pranayama techniques or Breath of Joy for a truly revolutionary breath experience.
Mantra
A personal, self-affirming mantra is something that you can take with you everywhere. It's a powerful reminder that you are greater than the sum of the current chaos in your life.
Mantra can be something as simple as "I am beautiful" or "I breathe peace" to something more personal like "I am proud of my strength in moments like this". It can even be something more spiritual like "Truth is my name" or "I bow to the divine within myself".
Whatever mantra you select for yourself, write it down on a few pieces of colorful paper and slip them into your wallet over your picture ID, tape one on your steering wheel or dashboard, to the base of your monitor, or under the case on your cell phone. Having these little reminders everywhere is the perfect way to remind yourself that you are powerful, beautiful, empowered, and capable of peace even in the most challenging moments.
As soon as you think your mantra or see your mantra, take a few deep breaths and let it really sink in. Say it to yourself in the mirror. The positive affirmation will immediately elevate your energy and lend a positive spin to whatever is going on around you.
Laugh, or Fake It 'Til You Make It
We all know the power of a smile and a laugh to heal some of the world's most serious ills. So use this magical tool to your advantage.
When the going gets tough...fake it 'til you make it. Fake a laugh, fake a smile and believe it or not, you'll truly tap into some of the benefits of a REAL smile.
Even better, think of something completely ridiculous to illicit a true peal of joy from your lips. Think about doing something totally crazy like the chicken dance in the middle of your next corporate meeting, or running screaming with your arms over your head while you screech like a chimpanzee in the grocery store. Think of a funny joke your kid told you or something hysterical your partner did last weekend.
Whatever it is, if you can find a little levity in the moment, you will immediately bring light and a small dose of joy to your heart and mind.
Turn On Some Music
Sacred space is all about you and bringing peace and serenity to your body and soul. Music is another great resource most of us have access to that can give us a brief respite from the madness of the moment.
Whatever kind of music you enjoy when you want to relax and unwind, pop it in (even if you only have time for one song), close your eyes and let it carry you away.
Music has incredible powers to heal and if you pair it with mindful breathing, an inspiring mantra and a little smile, you will have created a space in time that is healing, healthy, powerful, transformative and accessible in even the most insane afternoons.
While these are only a few of the tools we have at our disposal, they are very very powerful when you use them mindfully and frequently to get you through the day.
We have several even more powerful techniques and tools for creating transformational moments throughout your day, so check back soon for details on the forthcoming workshop.
Namaste and remember that you deserve a few moments of love and joy each and every day!!!
I know I'm a victim of my own mind more often than anything else. I pressure myself to be more successful, do more at home, do more in my personal time from volunteering to meeting up with friends and the first thing to go is usually myself.
Finding peace and creating sacred space even in the most stressful of situations is something I work on constantly.
So how can you do the same?
Here are a few techniques to combat anxiety, stress, fear, frustration, and a myriad of other harmful reactions to our everyday lives and create a space of sacred calm despite it all.
Just Breathe
It sounds too simple, too easy. But it is the most effective tool in your toolkit and it's free, fast, and always available.
No matter what's going on around you, if you take a few moments to stop, pause, and take a few deep breathes you'll immediately feel more grounded and level-headed.
If you're looking for a simple, effective breath that only takes a few minutes then do four-corner breathing.
Find a semi-quiet spot whether it's your office, the bathroom, the shower, the car or outside. Then, find something square to gaze at: a TV (that's off), your computer monitor, a frame, a picture you love, even your phone or a piece of paper. Anything with 4 corners.
Starting in the upper left corner, inhale as you slide your eyes to the upper right corner. Pause your breath and slide your eyes to the lower right corner. Exhale slowly as your move your eyes to the lower left corner. Pause your breath and slide your eyes to the upper left corner.
Repeat this, slowly, at least 5 times (10 is better) and you will instantly feel like your reset button has been hit.
For more information on the power of breath, look into pranayama techniques or Breath of Joy for a truly revolutionary breath experience.
Mantra
A personal, self-affirming mantra is something that you can take with you everywhere. It's a powerful reminder that you are greater than the sum of the current chaos in your life.
Mantra can be something as simple as "I am beautiful" or "I breathe peace" to something more personal like "I am proud of my strength in moments like this". It can even be something more spiritual like "Truth is my name" or "I bow to the divine within myself".
Whatever mantra you select for yourself, write it down on a few pieces of colorful paper and slip them into your wallet over your picture ID, tape one on your steering wheel or dashboard, to the base of your monitor, or under the case on your cell phone. Having these little reminders everywhere is the perfect way to remind yourself that you are powerful, beautiful, empowered, and capable of peace even in the most challenging moments.
As soon as you think your mantra or see your mantra, take a few deep breaths and let it really sink in. Say it to yourself in the mirror. The positive affirmation will immediately elevate your energy and lend a positive spin to whatever is going on around you.
Laugh, or Fake It 'Til You Make It
We all know the power of a smile and a laugh to heal some of the world's most serious ills. So use this magical tool to your advantage.
When the going gets tough...fake it 'til you make it. Fake a laugh, fake a smile and believe it or not, you'll truly tap into some of the benefits of a REAL smile.
Even better, think of something completely ridiculous to illicit a true peal of joy from your lips. Think about doing something totally crazy like the chicken dance in the middle of your next corporate meeting, or running screaming with your arms over your head while you screech like a chimpanzee in the grocery store. Think of a funny joke your kid told you or something hysterical your partner did last weekend.
Whatever it is, if you can find a little levity in the moment, you will immediately bring light and a small dose of joy to your heart and mind.
Turn On Some Music
Sacred space is all about you and bringing peace and serenity to your body and soul. Music is another great resource most of us have access to that can give us a brief respite from the madness of the moment.
Whatever kind of music you enjoy when you want to relax and unwind, pop it in (even if you only have time for one song), close your eyes and let it carry you away.
Music has incredible powers to heal and if you pair it with mindful breathing, an inspiring mantra and a little smile, you will have created a space in time that is healing, healthy, powerful, transformative and accessible in even the most insane afternoons.
While these are only a few of the tools we have at our disposal, they are very very powerful when you use them mindfully and frequently to get you through the day.
We have several even more powerful techniques and tools for creating transformational moments throughout your day, so check back soon for details on the forthcoming workshop.
Namaste and remember that you deserve a few moments of love and joy each and every day!!!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Conquering My Fears and Self-Doubt
Yesterday I did something extraordinary. I attended a workshop at a yoga studio I’d never been to and I pushed through my fear to discover something completely uplifting and incredible.
It was billed as a 3-hour yoga workshop with Para Darin Somma to raise funds for an Indian Sage named Amma Sri Karunamayi. Unsure of what to expect out of the space, the attendees, the presenter, and how intense the yoga would be, I felt out of my element and a little scared before I even walked through the doors.
Upon arrival, I found 6 people already in the studio and ALL of them were the epitome of crazy yoga bodies in impossible (to me) poses.
One was doing an arm balance with his legs scissored sideways, another was in lotus but his entire chest and head were flat on the floor in a deep reverent bow to Ganesha, a woman nearby was in some other super bendy pose and to make matters even more uncomfortable they seemed to all know each other.
Insecurity got the best of me and after dropping my mat on the floor, I retreated to the hallway to give myself a pep talk.
I reminded myself that if this studio truly taught yoga in its spiritual form, then they would welcome me regardless of my body size or ability.
Then, Darin came in (the workshop leader) and he was simultaneously intimidating and warmly peaceful.
He had a big bushy black beard and prayer beads around his neck. He looked to be in his mid-30’s and had a fairly traditional (Indian) look to him. When he spoke, I immediately felt as if we were friends…casual, authentic, approachable, humble, and a great sense of humor.
I learned much in the initial talk:
- What “guru” means
o “ru” in Sanskrit means “remover of” or “destroyer of” and “gu” means “darkness” – so a guru is someone that destroys darkness, or lights the way, or brings light to…as Darin said, a guru is a like a lightbulb in a room: it lights up the room but it is up to you to SEE the room as it is and to walk thru the room on your own.
- Karma and the true meaning in bowing at the feet of a guru or deity
o Karma, or truth, flows in thru your head and out thru your feet. This is why when you meet someone with great wisdom like a guru or a deity, you bow at their feet…you are trying to accept some of their karma, which flows out of their feet, by putting your head nearby. Who knew?
- Tantra
o It means “technique”, so if you know the tantra of something, you know the technique. It’s not nearly as sensual as I first thought when Darin was saying he knew of all these different tantras.
- A series of Sanskit chants (some familiar, some not)
- The history of yoga…it fit perfectly with what I’ve been reading in "Wisdom of Yoga" by Stephen Cope.
When we went around the room and introduced ourselves, it was like being cradled in pure love by all of these strangers for 3 hours. I can’t explain it. They accepted me without question, without judgment, and I felt completely safe in that space.
It’s an extraordinary thing to cultivate in such a short period of time. I think that speaks to the power of the people that participated in the workshop.
The actual yoga asanas were simple and straightforward, but we held them for long periods of time and did each a few times. I'm a little sore today in that delightfully yummy way.
As usual, the most challenging pose for me was the simple seated forward-bend because my belly gets in the way. I worked very hard to just accept my belly for what it is, to send it love instead of getting frustrated and tense, and I feel like we had a little breakthrough, my belly and I.
At the end of the workshop, Darin blessed each of us individually and it felt truly sacred.
While I certainly soaked up tremendous knowledge on an intellectual level, the lessons I really have as my take-away are:
- to face my fear and let go of the need to control a situation, to trust myself – because if my intent is to learn and to grow it’s going to turn out okay.
- to love my body’s limitations, no matter what they are, because it’s where I am right now and that’s just fine. If I reject myself or wish for something else, I’m not living in the Now and I’m stressing myself needlessly.
- meditation and chanting are powerful tools that I can use to heal the world AND to heal myself.
So, one more step on a path of millions on my quest to manifest Caya.
I feel so at peace today…there is something invaluable in being accepted, welcomed, and loved by strangers in a sacred space.
It was billed as a 3-hour yoga workshop with Para Darin Somma to raise funds for an Indian Sage named Amma Sri Karunamayi. Unsure of what to expect out of the space, the attendees, the presenter, and how intense the yoga would be, I felt out of my element and a little scared before I even walked through the doors.
Upon arrival, I found 6 people already in the studio and ALL of them were the epitome of crazy yoga bodies in impossible (to me) poses.
One was doing an arm balance with his legs scissored sideways, another was in lotus but his entire chest and head were flat on the floor in a deep reverent bow to Ganesha, a woman nearby was in some other super bendy pose and to make matters even more uncomfortable they seemed to all know each other.
Insecurity got the best of me and after dropping my mat on the floor, I retreated to the hallway to give myself a pep talk.
I reminded myself that if this studio truly taught yoga in its spiritual form, then they would welcome me regardless of my body size or ability.
Then, Darin came in (the workshop leader) and he was simultaneously intimidating and warmly peaceful.
He had a big bushy black beard and prayer beads around his neck. He looked to be in his mid-30’s and had a fairly traditional (Indian) look to him. When he spoke, I immediately felt as if we were friends…casual, authentic, approachable, humble, and a great sense of humor.
I learned much in the initial talk:
- What “guru” means
o “ru” in Sanskrit means “remover of” or “destroyer of” and “gu” means “darkness” – so a guru is someone that destroys darkness, or lights the way, or brings light to…as Darin said, a guru is a like a lightbulb in a room: it lights up the room but it is up to you to SEE the room as it is and to walk thru the room on your own.
- Karma and the true meaning in bowing at the feet of a guru or deity
o Karma, or truth, flows in thru your head and out thru your feet. This is why when you meet someone with great wisdom like a guru or a deity, you bow at their feet…you are trying to accept some of their karma, which flows out of their feet, by putting your head nearby. Who knew?
- Tantra
o It means “technique”, so if you know the tantra of something, you know the technique. It’s not nearly as sensual as I first thought when Darin was saying he knew of all these different tantras.
- A series of Sanskit chants (some familiar, some not)
- The history of yoga…it fit perfectly with what I’ve been reading in "Wisdom of Yoga" by Stephen Cope.
When we went around the room and introduced ourselves, it was like being cradled in pure love by all of these strangers for 3 hours. I can’t explain it. They accepted me without question, without judgment, and I felt completely safe in that space.
It’s an extraordinary thing to cultivate in such a short period of time. I think that speaks to the power of the people that participated in the workshop.
The actual yoga asanas were simple and straightforward, but we held them for long periods of time and did each a few times. I'm a little sore today in that delightfully yummy way.
As usual, the most challenging pose for me was the simple seated forward-bend because my belly gets in the way. I worked very hard to just accept my belly for what it is, to send it love instead of getting frustrated and tense, and I feel like we had a little breakthrough, my belly and I.
At the end of the workshop, Darin blessed each of us individually and it felt truly sacred.
While I certainly soaked up tremendous knowledge on an intellectual level, the lessons I really have as my take-away are:
- to face my fear and let go of the need to control a situation, to trust myself – because if my intent is to learn and to grow it’s going to turn out okay.
- to love my body’s limitations, no matter what they are, because it’s where I am right now and that’s just fine. If I reject myself or wish for something else, I’m not living in the Now and I’m stressing myself needlessly.
- meditation and chanting are powerful tools that I can use to heal the world AND to heal myself.
So, one more step on a path of millions on my quest to manifest Caya.
I feel so at peace today…there is something invaluable in being accepted, welcomed, and loved by strangers in a sacred space.
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