Peace.

Dearest "Anonymous",

I just read a blog comment on my "corepower"post and am feeling super disheartened. Or I should say that I 'did' feel that way, but no longer do. It has passed, because I know that I am on a high path- one of healing, growth and compassion. So to address my blog reader who has accused me of being less than that, I hope that by sharing this with you you are able to change your perspective and understanding. And if not, so it is.

Countless people have cried in my arms...truly more than I can count or care to recall. But that was their experience, and not mine to share. Just as a therapist wouldn't go writing about their clients on a personal blog, I choose to keep those experiences sacred and private- maintaining a safe environment for people to express their truth. If you find my ramblings about my emotional experiences then please, read no more. I share these because I feel that it's not something to be ashamed of or to "hide". Of course I'm branding myself- as a comic in the New York Times read-- "my landlord doesn't accept karma". Yes, I teach international retreats that are quite costly- but someone could spend the same to do a luxury retreat where they did nothing but eat and drink. This is an opportunity to reward yourself...body, mind and spirit. And if a retreat like that isn't within your financial allowance, I also teach donation-based classes around the world, have given many free events, and have given endless massages and classes for free simply asking that people "pay it forward" by helping another. I understand the image that you are projecting on me, but not only do I not accept it, I completely release it. I've done nothing but share love and compassion on this path, and any mistakes I've made are forgiven because I'm a human being. As Ben Harper says, "if you don't like my fire, then don't come around- cause I'm gonna burn one down". (He may have been talking about ganja hahaha but you get the jist). This blog is a space for positivity, love and empowerment...so please honor that by either diving in and sharing that, or honoring the age old saying of "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." And as per the attack on yoga-- through endless study I have discovered that "yoga" is too broad, too vast to define-- hence the reason there are countless styles. No one is right, and no one is wrong. Yoga is simply something that helps us to tune in and feel a deeper connection to our highest self. I practiced yoga for years before I was introduced to asana. Surfing was my yoga. For some it is walking, for others it is knitting-- and who are we to say that by adding a weight into a vinyasa class that it is no longer "yoga"? After all, the end result of yoga is samadhi- bliss- no? So if that class brings someone joy (which it did-- the most fun I've had in a long time!!) who are we to deny that? ****Isn't the goal of yoga peace, love, happiness, and understanding? This is what we might all start practicing instead of worrying about perfect alignment in down dog.**** God Bless.