I've been sharing this Rumi quote in yoga classes this week:
Very little grows on jagged rock. Be ground. Be crumbled, so wildflowers will come up where you are.
Rumi has such a way with words, right?? For me, this quote is all about letting go of my need to be perfect, to have everything running smoothly and being strong at all times. Actually, I think we get in touch with some of what is best within us during times when we feel a bit ground up and crumbled.
It's no fun to go through hard times, but the easy life is not promised. All we can hope for is to bring our best game to the field each day, and hope that some wildflowers can come up where we are!
Have a fabulous last day of April! Peace, Joy, and Wildflowers to all!
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Monday, April 27, 2015
New Yoga Moodra Sessions Starting Soon!
Hey all,
Have a look at the left side of the blog to view the current and upcoming class schedules! The Monday and Tuesday class sessions wrap up this week and new sessions begin May 4th and 5th. The Thursday night class will start a new session one week later, on May 14th.
Check out the new feature on the blog that allows you to receive email updates when I post new information on the blog. Enter your email address if you'd like to keep track of the Yoga Moodra blog via email.
The weather folks are predicting some warm and sunny springtime weather this week...get outside to play if you can! It's gonna be a golden day!
Have a look at the left side of the blog to view the current and upcoming class schedules! The Monday and Tuesday class sessions wrap up this week and new sessions begin May 4th and 5th. The Thursday night class will start a new session one week later, on May 14th.
Check out the new feature on the blog that allows you to receive email updates when I post new information on the blog. Enter your email address if you'd like to keep track of the Yoga Moodra blog via email.
The weather folks are predicting some warm and sunny springtime weather this week...get outside to play if you can! It's gonna be a golden day!
Thursday, April 23, 2015
CLASS CANCEL
Due to illness, I have decided to cancel class tonight, April 23rd at All Saints Lutheran at 7pm. We will add a class to the existing session, so rather than ending next Thursday, April 30, we will end the current session on May 7th.
Thanks for your understanding!
Thanks for your understanding!
Attachment to our own ideas
As some of you know, I am sick (AGAIN!) for the 3rd time in about eight weeks. I am really crabby! So, what's underneath this attitude of crabbiness?? I "think" that because I am an active and pretty healthy person, that I should somehow NOT get sick. We all get attached to these kinds of ideas and belief systems that we think are real and true. The real reality is that I am human, and for some reason, I have run across 3 viruses that I could not shake.
Have you ever had a plumber come to your house to do a repair or installation of some kind? They announce to you that they are going to shut your water off for a period of time.....and suddenly, you start to feel that you are trapped in the Sahara....you are thirsty, there are dishes to wash, the cat water bowl should be re-filled!! In some ways, this is how I start to feel whenever I am ill and low energy. I start obsessing about all of the tasks that are NOT being accomplished and all that I should and could be doing, but cannot, because of illness. It's really pretty dumb, but I am guessing (hoping!) that I am not alone in this feeling.
Yoga is one way that I can let go of this ridiculous thinking pattern and story. I work on letting go and accepting things as they are in this moment. I don't have to get attached to ideas that I have to accomplish certain things every day or else the day was a waste.
Maybe some of you can relate to this. It's always a good exercise to try to objectively look at the thoughts behind the emotions that are causing us anger, sadness, or irritation. If I can instead change the story, and consider all of the magnificent things that my body is currently doing to heal itself and restore, well, that's pretty amazing. So for now, I will sit near my tissue box, rest, and try to be patient and accept that I will soon be well again in good time.
Here's to good health and patience!
Have you ever had a plumber come to your house to do a repair or installation of some kind? They announce to you that they are going to shut your water off for a period of time.....and suddenly, you start to feel that you are trapped in the Sahara....you are thirsty, there are dishes to wash, the cat water bowl should be re-filled!! In some ways, this is how I start to feel whenever I am ill and low energy. I start obsessing about all of the tasks that are NOT being accomplished and all that I should and could be doing, but cannot, because of illness. It's really pretty dumb, but I am guessing (hoping!) that I am not alone in this feeling.
Yoga is one way that I can let go of this ridiculous thinking pattern and story. I work on letting go and accepting things as they are in this moment. I don't have to get attached to ideas that I have to accomplish certain things every day or else the day was a waste.
Maybe some of you can relate to this. It's always a good exercise to try to objectively look at the thoughts behind the emotions that are causing us anger, sadness, or irritation. If I can instead change the story, and consider all of the magnificent things that my body is currently doing to heal itself and restore, well, that's pretty amazing. So for now, I will sit near my tissue box, rest, and try to be patient and accept that I will soon be well again in good time.
Here's to good health and patience!
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Contest Winner!
Thanks to everyone who took some time to check in here on the blog and a special thanks to those of you that shared comments and feedback about blog format/content etc. The winner of the drawing for $50 toward the May-June Yoga Moodra session is Brenda P!!! YAY!
One of the best things for me about being a yoga teacher is the fact that so many of you have been students of mine for a VERY long time. Whether you are new to a class or someone who has been taking my classes for years, I appreciate you! Even more, I am thrilled that so many of you see the value of a consistent yoga practice. Yoga truly is a practice for living and provides so many benefits for body, mind and spirit!
Finally, so many of you responded to my own personal story of coming to yoga and my journey to becoming an instructor. The value that comes from hearing another person's story of struggle and success is truly powerful. I'd love to include some of my student stories here. If you'd be open to sharing some thoughts about your own personal experiences that "hooked you" on a yoga practice....I'd love to hear about it and include it on the blog. The goal? Connecting and reaching out to others that might be sitting on the sidelines wondering if yoga might be helpful for them. Who knows, your own experience and willingness to try may inspire someone else....Cool eh??
Peace and wellness!
One of the best things for me about being a yoga teacher is the fact that so many of you have been students of mine for a VERY long time. Whether you are new to a class or someone who has been taking my classes for years, I appreciate you! Even more, I am thrilled that so many of you see the value of a consistent yoga practice. Yoga truly is a practice for living and provides so many benefits for body, mind and spirit!
Finally, so many of you responded to my own personal story of coming to yoga and my journey to becoming an instructor. The value that comes from hearing another person's story of struggle and success is truly powerful. I'd love to include some of my student stories here. If you'd be open to sharing some thoughts about your own personal experiences that "hooked you" on a yoga practice....I'd love to hear about it and include it on the blog. The goal? Connecting and reaching out to others that might be sitting on the sidelines wondering if yoga might be helpful for them. Who knows, your own experience and willingness to try may inspire someone else....Cool eh??
Peace and wellness!
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
contest update
I have been getting lots of good feedback and ideas and will be working on setting up a system for my students to receive an email when I post something new on the blog. If you are checking 'interesting' or 'funny' after a post....I have no info about who you are....so if you want to be in the contest for the $50 off the next session, post a comment, or email me indicating you visited the blog along with some comments. As I have told many of you....I am a pretty clueless when it comes to technology, so I appreciate all ideas and tips. I will do what I can to make this a user friendly space!
Namaste!
Namaste!
Sunday, April 12, 2015
a quote about fear
I read this quote this week about fear. Maybe it will resonate with some of you. I don't think of myself as a 'fearful' person, but anxiety and self doubt can be forms of fear....I got that going on!
Here's the quote from Hafiz:
"Fear is the cheapest room in the house. I would like to see you living in better conditions."
Here's the quote from Hafiz:
"Fear is the cheapest room in the house. I would like to see you living in better conditions."
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
A new contest!!
Thanks for checking out the blog! As I have been announcing this week in class, I will plan to do a drawing sometime this month for a chance at $50 toward the next yoga session that starts in May! To be in the drawing, just leave a comment here on the blog or send me an email with your feedback about what you like or would change about the blog. I originally started the blog to share information and ideas with students....so let me know what you find most useful.
Thanks for reading and thank you yoga students. I love the energy and enthusiasm that each of you bring to class.
Peace
Thanks for reading and thank you yoga students. I love the energy and enthusiasm that each of you bring to class.
Peace
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Trauma, Transformation, and Yoga
Some of you may be aware of my story about "how I decided to become a yoga teacher." Usually if I get asked this question, it is just a minute or 2 before the start of class, so my answers are brief and don't really tell the full story. I want to share my story here, as I think that many of you will be able to relate to the changes that happened in my life after a difficult and painful experience.
In July of 2004, I had a motorcycle accident that resulted in a crush injury to my left foot. After 2 orthopedic surgeries, I knew I wanted to return to the active person that I had been before the accident. I had started a one time a week yoga practice about a year prior to my accident and absolutely fell in love with the serenity and calm that yoga brought to my overactive mind. As a mental health therapist, I had now found a whole new set of tools that were helpful with not just physical flexibility, but mental clarity and flexibility as well! I was personally starting to see some great physical changes too. I began eating less junk and was in touch with how my body was feeling. I lost 10 pounds and felt calmer and stronger in every aspect of my life.
So, what a great blessing it was to have a yoga practice to return to as I was recovering from my accident and injury!! My first few classes had me coming in on crutches and wearing an orthopedic boot. I literally did maybe 3 or 4 of the postures, and would rest or find savasana during the rest of the class. During final relaxation, I would feel this amazing sense of compassion and care sweep over me. I imagined that I was being held in God's hands and I began to trust that I would come through my pain and eventually recover.
As time went on, and I felt stronger and my body healed, I began to feel that maybe I had something to offer to others through yoga. I had come through a traumatic accident, and yoga had been a huge part of my recovery both mentally and physically. Maybe there were other people out there that needed yoga's power. Maybe because of my experience, I could help others find healing emotionally and physically. These thoughts would not let me go, so I decided to step way out of my comfort zone and take my first yoga teacher training class. Here I was, a 42 year old woman, with no background in fitness. I was never a jock. I liked playing golf, walking, and doing yoga....but I wasn't particularly strong, fit or bendy! I was scared that the others in the training would laugh me out of the room!! Luckily for me, in my first training what was emphasized was the notion that there is a "place in the yoga community for everyone" and the idea that yoga wasn't a competition or a place for comparisons and judgment.
So here I am, nearly 11 years after my accident, and more than 6 years have passed since I completed my yoga training! What a blessing and a gift to share the power of yoga with others! Out of my accident, out of trauma, recovery, and feeling transformed by my yoga practice, I am now in a place in life where I get to share the healing and spirit-filled aspects of yoga practice with other people. It is my deepest hope and life's dream to be a conduit for healing, to help others to step out of their own comfort zone, so that they may discover the deep truth that yoga lays plain: We are all full of goodness and light and have gifts we need to bring to the world. When we say "Namaste" we are acknowledging our divine nature, and our connection to one another and the larger world.
Maybe as you read this, you're recalling your own challenge with an illness, a trauma, or an injury. Maybe like the old me, you have a deeply held idea that yoga is "for flexible and fit people" or maybe you worry as I did that others will judge you and laugh you out of the room. If you are ready to step out of your comfort zone, and want to be open to the opportunity for greater health, better body awareness, and a calmer mind and spirit, get it touch with me !! If my classes and teaching style are a good fit for you, fantastic! If not, let me help you find your space in the yoga world....there is a place in the yoga community for EVERYONE.
karenyogam@gmail.com
In July of 2004, I had a motorcycle accident that resulted in a crush injury to my left foot. After 2 orthopedic surgeries, I knew I wanted to return to the active person that I had been before the accident. I had started a one time a week yoga practice about a year prior to my accident and absolutely fell in love with the serenity and calm that yoga brought to my overactive mind. As a mental health therapist, I had now found a whole new set of tools that were helpful with not just physical flexibility, but mental clarity and flexibility as well! I was personally starting to see some great physical changes too. I began eating less junk and was in touch with how my body was feeling. I lost 10 pounds and felt calmer and stronger in every aspect of my life.
So, what a great blessing it was to have a yoga practice to return to as I was recovering from my accident and injury!! My first few classes had me coming in on crutches and wearing an orthopedic boot. I literally did maybe 3 or 4 of the postures, and would rest or find savasana during the rest of the class. During final relaxation, I would feel this amazing sense of compassion and care sweep over me. I imagined that I was being held in God's hands and I began to trust that I would come through my pain and eventually recover.
As time went on, and I felt stronger and my body healed, I began to feel that maybe I had something to offer to others through yoga. I had come through a traumatic accident, and yoga had been a huge part of my recovery both mentally and physically. Maybe there were other people out there that needed yoga's power. Maybe because of my experience, I could help others find healing emotionally and physically. These thoughts would not let me go, so I decided to step way out of my comfort zone and take my first yoga teacher training class. Here I was, a 42 year old woman, with no background in fitness. I was never a jock. I liked playing golf, walking, and doing yoga....but I wasn't particularly strong, fit or bendy! I was scared that the others in the training would laugh me out of the room!! Luckily for me, in my first training what was emphasized was the notion that there is a "place in the yoga community for everyone" and the idea that yoga wasn't a competition or a place for comparisons and judgment.
So here I am, nearly 11 years after my accident, and more than 6 years have passed since I completed my yoga training! What a blessing and a gift to share the power of yoga with others! Out of my accident, out of trauma, recovery, and feeling transformed by my yoga practice, I am now in a place in life where I get to share the healing and spirit-filled aspects of yoga practice with other people. It is my deepest hope and life's dream to be a conduit for healing, to help others to step out of their own comfort zone, so that they may discover the deep truth that yoga lays plain: We are all full of goodness and light and have gifts we need to bring to the world. When we say "Namaste" we are acknowledging our divine nature, and our connection to one another and the larger world.
Maybe as you read this, you're recalling your own challenge with an illness, a trauma, or an injury. Maybe like the old me, you have a deeply held idea that yoga is "for flexible and fit people" or maybe you worry as I did that others will judge you and laugh you out of the room. If you are ready to step out of your comfort zone, and want to be open to the opportunity for greater health, better body awareness, and a calmer mind and spirit, get it touch with me !! If my classes and teaching style are a good fit for you, fantastic! If not, let me help you find your space in the yoga world....there is a place in the yoga community for EVERYONE.
karenyogam@gmail.com
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