Classes this week

I'm going away for the weekend, heading to Cape Cod with some of my favorite people of all time. Nevertheless, I am subbing out Friday and Sunday at Quick Fitness and Monday at Go Yoga. Tricia Napor is subbing for me at QF, and Jessica Crow is at Go.

Have a great week!

Seeking your dreams

I recently went to the teachings by Geshe Michael Roach on the Baghavad Gita. 

This year's teachings really spoke to me.  Geshela said something extremely simple and powerful-  In order to make your own dreams come true, make someone's dream come true first, this is the Path of Karma. 

If you chased your dreams this way, how beautiful would your life be? 

Do it! 

P 

Wanderlust line-up

I shy away from huge yoga events but some of my favorite teachers will be at this year's Wonderlust Festival, in particular, the one in Vermont, and I am really excited! 

From my direct lineage, my Teacher Kelly Morris and my mentor Lisa Jacobson will be teaching and Lama Marut will be doing a speakeasy event.  Also, Elena Brower (who I love) and Seane Corn will be there as well.  It should be a fantastic event, worth me surrendering to all I have against extremely large and public yoga events...

I'm looking forward!

Elements

This week I'm exploring in my classes how simple it is to connect with yourself during practice by bringing together the elements of water, air, fire and the earth and how they can be explored and combined in every asana pose. Your connection to the elements become key to your full presence and provide you with the necessary attention needed for you to fully draw yourself inward.

Try go for all four elements next time you practice on your own. Feel your palms and feet united with the earth, accept the fire your practice ignites, float through your poses like you're in the air, and lastly let the fluidity overwhelm you, like water.

If you try to obtain all elements you will feel grounded and secure. Present.

Xoxo,

P

Vulnerability

Our yoga practice is a gateway to acceptance. We find an open mind through vulnerability. Accepting this vulnerability is way that we can reach openness and accept ourselves fully, without reservations.

Think about this the next time you're in a difficult pose. By accepting how vulnerable it makes you feel at that moment, being present with that vulnerability will make your heart crack right open. Let these emotions serve you, rather than hurt you.



Love,

P

Amazing

The article that is rocking the yoga world

An article posted by the New York Times last week is causing an uproar within the yoga community, and with good reason.  The article brings to light how yoga can wreck your body if you don't approach it safely.

Well, duh!

It baffles me that the article has caused such an uproar because what I read about the possibilities of injuries during practice is common sense to me. Perhaps because I was not taught to teach in a manner that causes physical pain.  Or perhaps because I've exercised since I was 18.  Any physical activity has its related injuries and its wear and tears that we should deal.  The key is to know your body good enough and to listen to your body so that you know what works and what doesn't- following your instinct to avoid injury. 

Sadly, there are form of yoga that encourage pain and suffering, stating that pain is "mental," or that once the pain passes one should feel "liberated." I'm sorry, but physical pain is physical pain.  It's not something that we can magically turn off so we can get to the next level...  And, the next level of what? 

The eight limbs of yoga, in particular, the Yamas (ethical rules) and the Niyamas (restraints) describe the way that yoga asana should be approached.  Non attachment (aparigraha), and most importantly Ahimsa (non violence) should be a main focus at all times.  Master Patanjali knew what he was talking about.  Why do we try to change that now? 

The next time your teacher tells you to twist too much, or you feel dizzy, or the room is just too hot, just stop.  If something feels wrong, most likely it is.  The beauty of yoga asana is having the desire and eagerness to pay attention to what is going on inside you, so listen your own body and be full of compassion with YOURSELF when you practice.  Be truthful with yourself if something doesn't feel good.  It's that simple.  

Don't try this madness until you are completely ready!  

New Year, New Classes

I've now included a gadget with a calendar of my classes.  If you have any questions, please do write me.

As the new year approached, I heard the word intention coming from everywhere.  Intention sounds powerful, almost intimidating, but it is a very simple way to be happy.  If every single day we put good intentions behind our every day deeds, every single thing we do becomes powerful.  A very little intention becomes HUGE.  Like a brick on a castle, each intention being the brick, the castle being you...

Have a good day ya'll!

Love,

Patricia

Happy New Year

Every single time you step onto a mat is your chance to start new and begin a life changing journey.  No confetti or new year's hats are needed- just your intention and an open heart to desire change.

Happy New Year!

Love to all,

Patricia