Devi + Dharma Series at Dragonfly

Week 1: SARASWATI

Week 2: LAKSHMI
Week 3: KALI
Week 4: DHUMAVATI
Week 5: BHUVANESHWARI
Week 6: CHINNAMASTA

A six week series of two hour explorations of six profound Devis. Asana will be woven with storytelling of hindu mythology, and we will use pranayama, meditations, inquiries and so much more to explore the goddesses and tap deeper into our highest self!!

Dragonfly Yoga + Wellness 

4 Clermont Drive, CMCH, NJ

Wednesday Nights 6pm-8pm

$150 Series/ or $30 Drop In

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

Karma Rent

Jonathon of Lucky Ant, Ava of Yama Talent, Nina of Paraiso Adventures, and Jeff of NYC Business Solutions

Nina and Me...Team Paraiso.

Ava of Yama Talent made the statement of the night, "My landlord doesn't take Karma." Let that marinate for a minute....

As much as I love yoga, healing, wellness and offering up insight...I have to keep reminding myself to not just 'give it away' for free. My skill, my passion, my "product", is valuable- and learning how to be compensated for that appropriately (and feel okay with that) is something that I am working on. It's not 'having too much ego' to want to grow your yoga business or to have high aspirations in your field- so long as its coming from your heart space. I don't want to reach more and more people so that I can be well-known. I want to reach more and more people because I have an infinite amount of love and devotion that I want to share...feel the NEED to share. It was a great night of networking and insight into growing yourself as a brand.

I had been talking about being the Light in yesterday's classes, and as the universe always delivers, this lesson was just reiterated to me throughout the night.

My goals?

-Set up a YouTube station with streaming tidbits of Cailin Callahan Yoga.

-Start offering private Skype sessions.

-Begin workshops around the country.

-Retreats.

I had tweaked Gabby Bernsteins "May Cause Miracles" Day 16 to fit what we needed. I share....

"Perception is consistent with your choice, and...we choose between illusions and the truth, or pain and joy, or hell and heaven. Remember that by choosing the voice of the ego you're choosing to use your body as a weapon against love and to separate yourself from faith. If you choose to listen to your Inner Sense instead, you'll be led to see love and use your body as a vehicle to share this love. Energy comes in, it's transformed, and then you shed this love on all you encounter."

Today I make an important decision. Today I decide to let my Inner Sense be my guide. I welcome the guidance of my higher power to come forward and help me to transform my egos perceptions of my body, my actions, my surroundings. I welcome my Inner Sense to remind me of my body's true purpose, which is to be love and share love.

BE THE LIGHT.
SHARE THE LIGHT.
SHINE THE LIGHT.

I CAME FOR YOGA!

My classes are not your typical class, that's for sure. I feel like they should actually come with a disclaimer. I've always been different...and at times I tried to hide it, to "fit in", but now I fully let my freak flag fly and after many years I finally feel 100% comfortable in my own skin, with who I am, with what I say, and with all of my actions. A vow that I'd made while in India studying this past winter was to honor that authentic being not just in my day to day life, but also in my classes....*GASP*. To be fully me in the everyday world is different than being fully me in a yoga studio - because people come through the door with an idea about what "yoga" is. Quite frankly, here in the West, people don't know dick about yoga. Period. End of story. They know Asana. They know Sweat Yoga. They know Power Vinyasa. When people ask me what type of yoga I teach I never know what to say....I teach Authentic Yoga. I teach All-Encompassing-Yoga. I teach Eight-Limb-Yoga. I knew that I'd upset some people with my teaching style, but I made a promise to myself that I would always honor my Satya and never stray. Well, this holiday weekend was interesting. It brought in people that usually wouldn't regular a yoga studio, and several who have a very vivid image in their minds of what "yoga" is. "Deep breath in, Deep breath out...you got this Cailin." I was yelled at about the studio running out of lender mats (we have a dozen!). I was hollered at about how crowded the studio was (if I could have manifested a bigger space then I would have!). And people stared me down when I told them that unfortunately the studio was full and we would hope to see them the following day. All of this and I hadn't even begun to teach yet! Oye Vey! .....

30 people in a small room, mat to mat, and you're bound to get heads in butts and elbows in armpits...it's just the way it is. I had someone freak out when I told everyone to touch the persons foot in front of them, and then yell at me as they stormed out of the room. Another interesting class was one where someone yelled at me, "I came here for YOGA!!!!". Well listen here, you came here for asana -- which you think is yoga -- alas, it is not. It is only a fraction of the whole. A slice of the pie. A drop in the bucket. Asana is only ONE of the EIGHT limbs that make up "YOGA". All in all, it was a super amazing and super fun weekend - with a few challenging moments and hostile individuals that instead of defeating my spirit were an amazing learning opportunity. I felt myself grow as a teacher and also as a individual as I met people who didn't appreciate the authentic me. When I got home today and checked my email, I didn't have one....no, not two...but THREE *very long emails* from students who passed through my classes this week - all singing praises and gratitude for my raw and amazing classes. So...deep breath in, deep breath out...you can't win em all! Stay True to You, all day - every day - because that's all that matters.

Holding Space.

Wow. What a beautiful day yesterday was. What a beautiful afternoon. What a great night, and what a sad evening. I won't begin to try to understand how our emotions change as quickly as they do - I just accept it. Nothing is permanent, especially not our emotions. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche says...

"Learning to live is learning to let go...there's nothing wrong with the desire to be happy, but what we grasp on to is by nature ungraspable. Taking impermanence truly to heart is to be slowly freed from the idea of grasping, from our flawed and destructive view of permanence, from the false passion for security on which we have built everything. Slowly it dawns on us that all the heartache we have been through from grasping at the ungraspable was, in the deepest sense, unnecessary."

Then Sogyal Rinpoche goes on to give us an experiment...

"Pick up a coin. Imagine that it represents the object at which you are grasping. Hold it tightly clutched in your fist and extend your arm, with the palm of your hand facing the ground. Now if you let go or relax your grip, you will lose what you are clinging onto. That's why you hold on. 

But there's another possibility. You can let go and yet keep hold of it. With your arm still outstretched, turn your hand over so that it faces the sky. Release your hand and the coin still rests on your open palm. You let go. And the coin is still yours, even with all this space around it. So there is a way in which we can accept impermanence and still relish life, at one and the same time, without grasping."

I always say that we are as happy or as sad as we make up our minds to be....but that doesn't mean that we won't be sad, so don't misunderstand me. Mooji would say that you have to feel whatever emotions come up, but you don't have to PURCHASE them. So hold space for them (keeping your palm open) but don't hold on to them (palm facing down, holding tight). And sometimes sadness can even be a beautiful thing - which helps to season us, to help us grow. Hafiz says....

*My Eyes So Soft*

Don't surrender your loneliness so quickly

let it cut more deep.

Let it ferment and season you

as few human or even divine ingredients can

Something missing in my heart tonight

has made my eyes so soft

my voice so tender

my need of god 

absolutely clear.

--Hafiz

So last night, after the most amazing day, I held space for my sadness. I'm adjusting to life back in South Jersey. I'm adjusting to life without my dad. I'm adjusting to being a daughter living back in my mothers home. I'm adjusting to a full work schedule. I'm adjusting to a life that is different than the one I was just living all winter. So sadness will come, and sadness is okay - as long as I don't try to force myself to GRASP at the happiness I've felt, and as long as I don't purchase the sadness that is simply passing through. So, I'm holding space...for anything that comes up. I cried myself to sleep last night, cuddled into the guest bed in Luther and Adenas home. And then I woke up this morning, feeling fresh and okay. I sat on their porch, cuddled their sweet Biscuit, and then got on with my day.

Impermanence. 

Holding Space.

Breathe In.

Breathe Out.

How can you be sad when your cuddled by this handsome face? Biscuit!

YOGAYOGAYOGA

patthabi jois said that "yoga is 99% practice and 1% theory".

so get off your ass and get to class!! 

Tuesdays:

9:30am @ Ocean City Zen Den

5:30pm @ Atilis 

7:30pm @ Heisler Training (*yin)

Wednesdays:

9:30am @ Ocean City Zen Den

5:30pm @ Margate Zen Den (*Meditation + Pranayama)

7:45pm @ Living Well CrossFit (*yin)

Thursdays:

10am @ Atilis

Fridays:

7am @ Atilis

9:30am @ Ocean City Zen Den

Saturdays:

8am @ Ocean City Zen Den

9:45am @ Margate Zen Den

Sundays:

7am @ 41st Street Beach Ocean City, Sunrise Yoga

9:30am @ Ocean City Zen Den 

*Ocean City Zen Den:

9th + Asbury, Ocean City

*Margate Zen Den:

101 N. Washington Ave, Margate

*Atilis:

3206 Dune Drive, Avalon

*Heisler Training:

Route 9, Swainton

*Living Well Crossfit:

950 Tilton Rd, Northfield

Mondays:

7 Week Workshop Series July 1st - Aug 12th

6pm - 8pm @ Ocean City Zen Den

July 1st: AUM - The Meaning + Practice

July 8th: Surya Namaskar - Saluting the Divine

July 15th: Chakra Exploration

July 22nd: Chanting and Devotional Singing

July 29th: The Power of Pranayama + Kundalini

August 5th: Connecting Through the Heart Chakra

August 12th: Blindfolded Yoga - Exploring the Senses

*preregistration is required

Patience.

 

Every class that I teach is a reflection of myself: physically, the practice is guided by my body and how my body is feeling; and spiritually and emotionally, the practice is guided by whats going on in my heart, mind and soul. That may sound a bit narcissistic, but when I teach from a place of authenticity I feel like it's an honest practice that people can relate to. I've taken inspiration lately from two people: Baron Baptiste, and Osho (obviously), and their words have given me strength and encouragement despite the latest bombardment of sadness and frustration.

Baron Baptiste says:

"The irony of personal growth is that when we slow down and fully engage in teh present, we usually get where we really want to go faster. Everything in life has a natural order and rhythm of unfolding that cannot be violated.

Our greatest source of wisdom is what is happening to us right now, where we are. But our rushing and pushing past the present moment cause us to miss out. In our efforts to do more and get where we want to go faster, we forget that we simply cannot rush the process and still expect to be really successful at anything. True growth is not cheap. Emotional maturity and seasoning come through an intimate understanding of the process of life, the love of the journey, and the depth of subtlety that is achieved through a commitment to patience.

On the subject of Patience, Osho says:
"...if you have patience nothing else is needed. Patience means hope, trust, and without any hurry. A patient person is one who is relaxed with existence, who does not push the river; on the contrary, who dissolves into the river and says to the river, "Take me wherever you are going, because wherever you are going is the goal"

One should learn to be patient, to be ready to wait with open doors, with a welcoming heart, but not in a hurry, not demanding, not forcing things. And the miracle, the paradox, is that the less you force things, the more quickly they happen. The more you force them, the longer it takes..."

For me, patience is a challenge, especially on challenging days. Patience is a deep seated trust. In your yoga practice it's trusting in your amazing body, and the beautiful breath - and how when combined they are a strong combination. In your life: relationships, friendships, family, work, play....it's just trusting in the Universe, that everything is happening and unfolding in it's appropriate time, and that you can't rush the process. In the Gita, Krishna stated "Do the work and leave the result to God; that is none of your business." ACTION is your business, and the result is left up to the Universe. We've all heard the statement that "the Universe always gives you what you need" and "the Universe never gives you more than you can handle". Well, fuck me. There are days that feel unbearable, but I'm still here. There are days where I literally feel like someone has crushed my heart into a thousand pieces, but it's still beating. There are days when I feel defeated, on every level, but I'm still smiling. because the Universe never gives you more than you can handle. True growth isn't cheap. Physical, spiritual and emotional growth take time, and a commitment to patience. Growth is painful, and challenging, and confusing....but if we're not growing, we're dying - so I've made my commitment to patience. Sometimes you have to embrace the Zen saying,  "Don't just do something, Sit There!".

Let the river take you, enjoy the ride, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone for the sake of growth, and know that only Action is your hands - the rest is up to the Universe.

 

 

Wave Sliding Wednesday

Yesterday was a glorious day from start to finish. Taught my 9:30am flow class at the Ocean City Zen Den {922 Asbury Ave} and had 9 beautiful women in class. It was especially great because my friends Bridget, Kaitlin and Megan were able to come - and probably for the last time until Fall {they all work round the clock in the summer}. There were some new faces in class: Erin and Jess, and some previous (amazing) ZenDenners: Shelby and Angela, and then a special surprise were my friends Brooke and Lorraine (Brookes mama) who happened to be in town. Beautiful, magical morning. 

After class Bridget, Megan, Kaitlin and I headed to my favorite place in the worlddddd (or should I say favorite cafe in New Jersey?): Who's on 1st Cafe. It is simply the BEST, and Mila (the most spectacular beautiful kind and wonderful Barista) was working which always is a plus.  We had 3 lattes and I had the most spectacular grilled cheese with asparagus on it and fresh pesto. Holy shitballs, it was ammmmazingly finger-licking-good. 

I had my board with me...which has been no easy task . As soon as the girls left the cafe, I got a text from a friend saying that the waves were super fun. It was pouring rain, but the air was warm and I had my wetsuit in the truck. I headed to Delancey and surfed for over 2 hours with just 3 other guys out. Wave after wave after wave after wave....nose ride after nose ride. The rain maintained a steady downpour throughout the session, but that couldn't shake the smile from my face. There is nothing, truly nothing, that beats a surf session like that...where your whole body and soul just seems to be in alignment with the universe. Hallelujah.

After surf I headed to my friends Jay + Marthas house to use their outside shower and to hang out for a bit. Martha has two art shows coming up so it was great to get a peek into her studio and see what she's been working on. All of her artwork is inspired by her travels in Europe this past winter with her husband, and she's also painted me playing music into one of the pieces! 

I still had some time to kill before I headed to the Zen Den (in Margate) for my 5:30pm Yin, so I bopped in and out of a few thrift shops, picking up some treasures. Taught Yin and then headed to Northfield to teach my third class of the day: another Yin class @ Living Well Holistic and CrossFit Center. Living Well is owned and operated by Dr.Adonis Alejandro, an amazing chiropractor and CrossFit coach. I love Living Well, I love Dr.Adonis,  I love all of his CrossFit clients and I love teaching Yin here. After class we went back to Chris Paisleys house for a late "paleo" dinner (grilled steaks and lots of vegetables). I did some thai massage on everyone, Dr.Adonis did some adjustments on my body - working specificially on my meniscus and hamstring, and all around it was just a mellow ending to an amazing day.

Beach yoga starts this Sunday, and I have a lot of amazing classes planned for this weekend - so I hope to see you!! 

USA Yoga.

I fought it and I fought it - and then I finally broke down and bought myself some damn (expensive) Lululemon yoga gear. It's super expensive, but considering that I spend most of my day, everyday, in yoga clothes - well, it breaks down to costing pennies per each wear. Around here you mostly see Lulu stuff in the classrooms, but in when I was in Encinitas at Yoga @ Bergamot, I noticed that most people were wearing Beyond Yoga. Most yogi's seem to be pretty brand loyal - they are Lulu wearers or BY wearers (or theres the few that really don't give a shit and are probably thinking to themselves right now "Who is Lulu?"). I decided to do some research and this is what I discovered: Lululemon is actually a Canadian brand - which started out small with just one factory in BC but now most of their clothing is made overseas (China, Taiwan, South Korea, Peru, Israel, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam).  I do love Lulu, and I know that they are taking the time to inspect and audit their factories and making sure that there workers are treated well. BUT, Beyond Yoga is made here - in the USA...which is very rare for nearly everything that we surround ourselves with (Bananas from Costa Rica, Dog Food from China, Car Parts from Japan, Clothes from Cambodia...). And, since the price is nearly IDENTICAL, I would much rather fork over my dough for something American made, after all that is why the damn yoga pants are so expensive to begin with. Why is Lulu's so expensive if they are manufacturing overseas? Probably because of the insane amount of advertising that they do. If it's going to be made abroad then I would rather less advertising, cheaper prices. Anywho, just some food for thought for any of my fellow yoga-clothes-crackheads out there. I just bought a few things from Beyond Yoga and can't wait for their arrival.....

Lululemon Wunder Under Crop $68 - $78 : Made in Cambodia

Beyond Yoga Gathered Legging $48 - $68 : Made in the USA

Letting Go.

I really needed Ari's yoga class this morning. Physically I've been feeling horrible, which in turn has me feeling a bit down. My joints have been aching - mostly my hands (knuckles, wrists), elbows, and knees. Then there was the whole drama in Avalon with my job. And, something that always weighs heavy on my mind, my Dad. Ari's class was still super challenging, but she added a lot of forearm postures into the mix as well as a forearm stand, which my wrists and I were very grateful for. Knowing that I've been holding onto a good amount of anger, frustration and sadness, Ari started out with a little story to start our practice - which I held with me throughout my practice {and even after!}. I found a version of it online, and it goes like this:

Life offers up a heavy load to carry....Let Go.

Two monks, going to a neighbouring monastery, walked side by side in silence. They arrived at a river they had to cross. That season, waters were higher than usual. On the bank, a young woman was hesitating and asked the younger of the two monks for help crossing the river. He exclaimed, 'Don't you see that I am a monk, that I took a vow of chastity? I cannot help you woman.' "I require nothing from you that could impede your vow, but simply to help me to cross the river,' replied the young woman with a little smile. 'I can do nothing for you,' said the young monk. 'I will help you' said the elderly monk. 'Climb on my back and we will cross together.' Having reached the other bank, the old monk put down the young woman who thanked him in return. She went on her way and both monks continued their route. The young monk complained and carried on, scolding the elder monk saying, 'You shouldn't have carried that woman on your back. I cannot believe it! It's against our rule!.' 'This young woman needed help and I put her down on the other bank. You didn't carry her at all, yet she is still on your back,' replied the older monk.

LET GO. That is the lesson of the story here. Though the young monk never once held the woman, he was still carrying her - all the way from the river to the monastery. What is it that you are carrying with you? I always say if something isn't lifting you up - then its dragging you down. If something or someone does not serve you physically, emotionally or spiritually - then LET GO. And so my mantra during savasana was:

I let go of my anger, there's nothing I can do to enlighten her. 

I let go of my sadness, holding on to it doesn't help him. 

I let go of my physical pains, they are only temporary. 

I let go of anything that doesn't lift me up. 

I am vulnerable, I am available, I am celebrating.

I left class feeling much lighter than when I walked in, having gotten rid of all that I've been carrying around with me lately. Big gratitude to Ari Green for another enlightening and uplifting class, and to all of the yogi's that I share the classroom with every week.

Summer Schedules

Yesterday was my last class at Surfside Fitness in Avalon. I was fired after class, which I pretty much saw coming. I've had a million different jobs: nannying, yoga, music, surf lessons, waitressing, cleaning, massage, catering...and this is my first time ever being 'terminated'. Considering the terms, I gotta say that I'm okay with it - but I will say that I am going to miss my AVALON COMMUNITY very very much. Fortunately Arianne Green, my boss at the Zen Den, is amazing, supportive, appreciative and generous. She has opened a studio in Ocean City (9th + Asbury) and has given me my pick of classes. I'll be teaching there on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings {the schedule begins on Memorial Day Weekend}. Also, this will be my 4th year teaching yoga on the beach @ 41st street. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays I'll be doing a 7-8am all levels flow for $10 donation {beginning in June - sunday June 3rd}.  I will only be teaching two YIN classes this summer and they will both be on Wednesday night. Wednesdays 5:30pm - 6:45pm I'll be teaching a yin flow at the Zen Den in Margate and later at 7:45pm I'll be teaching a yin class at Living Well CrossFit Center.

I am really looking forward to the summer ahead -- it is going to be a good one: filled with music, beach, fishing, yoga and friends. Thank you to the outstanding community in Avalon who came out all Fall, Winter, and Spring to support me and to join in on the beauty of yoga. My apologies that I won't be in town this summer- but I'll see you in Ocean City and then come Fall 2012 I'll be back in Avalon!!

Namaste!! 

A few hours...

 

"We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own."

Wow. What a difference a few hours can make. I wept (not crying, not sobbing, but weeping) the whole way to Margate. And then...class. I love teaching. I truly, 110% believe that I was born to be a teacher. It's like breathing, a natural and organic part of my being. Tonight I was blessed with an amazing group of yogi's and I shared with them the Karuna meditation throughout class. I have been practicing it lately, but it wasn't until I brought it into the classroom and started sharing it with the others that I was able to truly take on this compassion and embody it for myself....and for others {with the 4 Divine Abodes of Buddhism you wish them not only for yourself and for those you love, but also for those negative.soul.suckers.that.you.don't.like). I laugh to myself sometimes because I wonder to myself if my students are hearing me at all or if my ramble just sounds like "blah blah blah, om namaste, blah blah blah). By the way, I hate the word "student"...does anyone have an alternate name? I don't feel like I'm this almighty teacher - standing on a pedestal. My guru Mark Whitwell always says the only way an exchange of information can happen is when the relationship is a friendship - when it's coming from a personal level,  from the heart - when it is shared, and not preached. This is what I strive for. So anyways, for these "people whom I share a space and a practice with", I always wondered if they thought my "yoga-sermons" were ramble or if they really heard it and felt it and embodied it. Well...they hear it, and they feel it, and they sure as hell embody it -- and tonight I am the happiest, most proud and fulfilled yoga teacher that ever lived. After class two of the women approached me, two very special women who have been practicing with me since my first day at the Zen Den. They told me how my classes have changed their lives - and that they hope that I too listen to what I preach, because I too am a "powerful and amazing" human being. One woman, who hasn't spoken to her father in a dozen years, was moved to call him tonight (it was his birthday) because of the Karuna compassion meditation. "May I be Kind. May I be aware of your suffering. May I be open to your suffering. May I respond to your suffering with love and compassion.". Shitballs, you yogis really know how to make a girl feel amazing. I drove home in a total different state of mind than I had on the drive there just 2 hours prior. Instead of feeling angry, sad, frustrated, alone and I anxious .... I felt empowered, alive, grateful, humble and happy. Thank you yogi's for the love and light you offer up, thank you universe for the ability to teach, and thank you Yoga for giving me a path and a passion <3

Instructions for Life

Instructions for Life by The Dalai Lama

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R's:
   - Respect for self,
   - Respect for others and
   - Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and
    think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
20. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

Spread The Word

Sent from my iPhone

Here's some fun yoga shots from last nights vinyasa class and this mornings yin (we ended with supported headstands for the throat chakra).

Beach, Bridget, Barley and Blindfolds.

The sun was shining, so I texted my friend Bridget and asked if she wanted to hang out...maybe take Barley down to the beach. It wasn't Costa Rica, thats for sure, but it felt so good to feel the sand between my toes and let the sunshine warm my face. Bridget and I scoured the beach for treasures (she loves collecting sea-paraphernalia) while Barley chased the ball and ran through the ocean. Afterwards we headed back to her and her husbands new house!! It's adorable and cozy, and you feel at home as soon as you walk through the door. Since we are both avid yogi's we started to mess around with some concepts for the nights class that we had discussed on our walk. We both love Mark Whitwell, so the ramble part of my class was inspired by some of what we've connected with in his book Yoga of Heart: The Healing Power of Intimate Connection.

"Enlightenment does not look like anything or conform to any cultural model of perfect behavior or beatitude. It is simply an understanding and enjoyment of the obvious perfection, which is Life."

So often EVERYONE in class is looking around - assessing their neighbors, comparing their poses and their bodies with those of the people around them, instead of realizing that each body and personality and yoga practice is totally authentic. I have been wanting to do a blindfolded class for a while now, so I figured that this would play into the lesson that I wanted to get across. With a blindfold on you can't try to conform to the exact interpretation of the pose from my perspective, or to your neighbors. It is completely and utterly your own. Another great lesson that comes along with the blindfold is the connection to your BREATH.

"To be with the breath is to be with that which is breathing us."

I constantly ramble on about how important your breath is: how it takes you into poses, and out of them...it massages you deeper and tells you when to back off...and it allows your body to relax and absorb any sensations that arise. In LIFE, in YOGA, your breath is EVERYTHING. With your sight removed your whole yoga experience changes, and you realize that your breath is the only thing that will be able to guide you through practice.

Bridget, being my blindfolded guinea pig....

Anywho - Bridget and I messed around at the house, figuring out what worked and what was too confusing or challenging. I also had to be VERY specific with my cues - afterall you weren't able to just look up and find the posture that I was talking you into!

Barley and Bridget in Down DOG....

After coming up with a flow we enjoyed some coffee, snacked a bit, then Bridget read some Nat Geo while I came up with an [instrumental] playlist.

Circling with the breath, blindfolded....

Simply standing in Tadasana becomes a whole new experience with the blindfold....

A blindfolded Bridget binding....

Class was a GREAT success. Of the 11 people there was only one person who said that they DID NOT like it and would love it if he never did blindfolded yoga ever again. Two people approached me about how apprehensive and anxious they were about it during the first several minutes of class. One woman even said that she thought about walking out. But once she relaxed with her breath and TRUSTED her body and breath she was able to simply BE with her experience. I also received 5 text messages after class saying that blindfolded yoga was pretty much the most epic thing that they have ever done in the classroom! All in all, a totally unique yoga experience. Next weeks Wednesday morning Yin we will experiment with eliminating another sense: sound. The yin practice will be TOTALLY silent...the transitions being signaled with my tibetan singing bowl. The practice will be written out on little sheets for everyone and the room will be completely quiet. Yeeeww!! Thanks to my yoga students and to my friends for the constant inspiration to take our classes to the next level!!!

"Simply BE with your experience."

New Moon Intentions

Tonight at 5:30pm is the New Moon. Two years ago when I was in california, a friend had told me to set my intentions on the new moon...writing them down in a notebook, because this was an auspicious time of the month that is very powerful. I've never forgotten about it and each month I try to make a list of my intentions. Here's a bit of info I pulled from the web about this moon cycle:

NEW MOON INTENTIONS:

NEW MOON
(when the moon is between the sun and the earth)
The new moon is the phase of the moon when the moon is not visible from Earth, because the side of the moon that is facing us is not being lit by the sun.

Many Hindus believe that if you’re to begin a new task, project, or intention, the new moon is the perfect time to start.

When the moon wanes, it is a time of reflection and introspective thinking. When the moon waxes it is a time to receive what you have sowed. Once the new moon begins to wax (meaning it gets bigger), the start of receiving begins. This is the perfect time to start new things and is also a wonderful occasion to set forth your intentions and manifestations.

On the day of the new moon, WRITE DOWN YOUR INTENTIONS. You may choose to do so in a special journal of yours or you may take a piece of paper and keep it safe.

Remember that you’re setting intentions. Not asking a genie for 3 wishes. This means that you have to put in some effort. Meditate, keep clear of negative thought, purify your mind and body, focus your energy on your intentions, day dream vividly about what would it feel, look, smell, and taste like if your intention came true. Look for the opportunities the Universe is throwing at you. Don’t sit idly by and think that what you want will just fall onto your lap the instant the moon goes dark.

Wishing vs Intending

When you wish for something to happen you’re accepting defeat. You’re saying to the Universe, “I can’t do this for myself so can you pretty please, with a cherry on top, do it for me?” Intending, on the other hand, implies that YOU are incredible, powerful, and have the ability to create your own reality. When you write down your intentions make sure to use verbs such as intend, plan to, am determined to, will, aim to. Don’t use verbs such as wish or hope.

A few days before the new moon, keep your body and mind pure. This means no negative thinking, drop the gossiping, eat right (avoid fast food), and continue with whatever spiritual or personal growth practices you’re doing. This could be meditation, creative visualization, or reading. During this time think about what you truly want to manifest.
On the day of the new moon, go outside where you are physically connected to nature. The moon after all is an element of nature. If possible, find a place near water and light a candle. This way you’ll be surrounded by all four elements: fire, water, air, and earth.
Sitting in a quiet spot, relax yourself by focusing on your breath or doing a short meditation.
Once you feel sufficiently relaxed, take out your journal or a piece of paper and handwrite your intentions. Don’t feel silly if you’ve put down smaller intentions, such as, “I intend to make my orchid bloom.”
After you finish you may recite your intentions followed by an affirmation such as, “I will receive the things that I have intended.”

Safe + Sacred Space

Well...it's been a heavy week. Family, friends, life ... sometimes it feels like the universe has handed me more than I'm able to properly handle. But then, there's my yoga mat. 72" x 24" of natural rubber. I often say in class that we practice in a circle to create a safe and sacred space -- a place where you can be fully yourself...where you are free to express any angry, sadness, anxiety or happiness that is pulsing within you. Sometimes I have to remind MYSELF of this as well.... Today I went to Ari's 9:30am vinyasa class. I was fine driving to the studio, chatting with the other yogi's before class, and then the second we began our practice I felt a rush of emotions. The next hour and a half followed with me choking back tears, letting a few escape here and there when we were tucked into childs pose where no one could see my face. And to add to the emotions, the class was full of back-bending, working on opening the heart and the heart chakra -- which just intensified everything I was feeling. When we finally came to savasana I was able to hold back the sobs for a few minutes before they finally bullied their way through. Thinking back I'm not sure why I fought so hard against them...I'm not necessarily worried if others perceive me as weak or vulnerable, it was more of how I was seeing myself as such. I pretty much ran out of the studio after class and got into my car, a private place where I could let it all out. And let it out I did. The whole way home I was having some serious conversations with myself in my head. Fuck, I'm so grateful for yoga and for that damn rubber mat....it is the one place that I stop pretending to be so tough and allow myself to be vulnerable and available to really feel exactly what it is I'm feeling. So next time you feel like you don't know where to turn, or feel like you have no one to talk to....take it to your mat. This safe and sacred space is open for whatever you need to release. Thanks to Ari for helping me to work through it and therefore out of it, and thanks to my mat for supporting me - yet again - in this gloriously challenging and exciting adventure of life. Happy Valentines Day everyone <3

"The best way out is always through." - Robert Frost

Jelly Cupcake Love.

I love yoga. I love teaching yoga, and I love the people that I get to share this passion with. Jelly (Angelica, whom we lovingly call by her fathers nickname) is one of these very special individuals. She makes it out for most of my Zen Den classes, and I always make sure that she sets up near me. She is an itty bitty petite yogini, but she's got sass for days-- and I love that! For Valentines Day she baked me cupcakes with strawberry icing and O.M.G. they are freaking deeeeelicious. Namaste friends...have an amazing Valentines Day ... you're fucking amazing.

Prayer for Mealtime.

Another thing that I took away from the Thai Yoga Massage training that wasn't part of the bodywork, was a little prayer that my teacher and her boyfriend would say before they ate. I'm not very religious, and I don't usually say a prayer for I dive into my food - but I loved the 30 seconds that they took before eating to close their eyes, hold hands and gave up a little awareness and gratitude. The prayer that Jennifer would recite is from the Gita, and she just forwarded it to me.

From Bhagavad Gita 4.24

Brahmaar panam Brahma Havir
Brahmaa gnau Brahmanaa Hutam
Brahmaiva Tena Gantavyam
Brahma Karma Samaadhi naha

Om Shanti shanti shanti

...and so the journey begins!

The crew: Sara, Me, Jennifer, Josh, Alan, Ashley <3

I finished up my level one training yesterday, and now the true journey begins!! I could get into detail about my full 75min massage to the public, and how she could feel my love and energy with every touch- and I could tell you how excited and anxious I was- or how proud I was to complete- or how outstanding my teacher was, and how much I loved my 'neighbor' Sara, but instead I'll just leave you with this: Let your intuition be your guide, and when the universe points you in a certain direction...follow it, with an open mind. I have loved surfing more than anything or anyone, for my whole life. If a few years ago you had said that teaching yoga would become my passion, I would have laughed at you. If you told me a week ago that I would find a home in Thai Yoga Massage, I definitely would have rolled my eyes. How silly we are to think that we have any say in the matter! Blessings to my teacher, Jennifer Yarro...and to her assistants (boyfriend & great friend) Josh and Nikki for their patience and knowledge, to my 'neighbor' Sara for giving me constructive criticism along with encouragement to help me grow, and thank you to Daniel Orlansky for the e.p.i.c. hospitality!

Figured that I'd reward myself for a job well done....Yummy (local) "Happy Sol"....

"Do you think I know what I'm doing? That for one breath I belong to myself? As much as a pen knows what it's writing, or the ball can guess where it's going next." - Rumi

Day 3

Day 3, and I am just flying high ( as well as being totally exhausted ). Still overwhelmed with gratitude...stoked to be participating in such an amazing training with a great group of people and an ammmmazing instructor. Thai Yoga Massage is way more powerful and amazing than I had originally given it credit for. I'm super excited to be on this path and definitely plan to take this much further (hopefully continuing under the tutelage of Jennifer Yarro and hopefully some of that being in Thailand!). Speaking of Jennifer, she is a multifaceted pretty spectacular human being, and her boyfriend Josh is extremely special as well. Jen is a yoga instructor, dula, body worker, healer an oh so much more. Her Josh lived as a monk in Thailand for over three years, and his peace and serenity will seep into your soul...instantly making you a better person. Seriously. No lie. He has a deep, soothing voice that reaches just above a loud whisper. Compassion oozes from his being. And him and Jennifer together...well they're something special. And all of us are sharing one roof, with the gracious Daniel Orlansky who has opened up his home (and kitchen) to us wandering nomads.

Anywho- another long day, but I was thankful for a smaller group (only 8 of us in the full certification program, but about 20 people for the two day weekend immersion). It was nice to have more individual attention, less distraction, and a more intimate group. We added a lot more onto our flow today, which was mildly overwhelming but all in all will become second nature in no time.

After a full day we headed home for leftovers, hot tea and some great company. Aaron stopped over with his kids, which was more than entertaining. His youngest son Jasper came right in the house, stripped off his clothes, and sat in front of the wood stove. His oldest (7), Body, came wearing slacks, a button down shirt, a tie, and a argyle vest. Aaron declared that this has been his style since a school Christmas party. Both little kids had very Big personalities...it was great to have them in the mix for a bit (and then to send them on their way). Excited and nervous and a tad bit sad about tomorrow being my final day. Studying my notes now and listening to some Chris & Thomas to soothe my nerves. Hasta Mañana troops!