Competetive Edge Skating Family Yoga Week 3

Awesome class today! Everyone worked so hard, looked so graceful and shared such great energy! Remember to set aside 15 minutes a day to focus on your breath. I read an interesting article about meditation and silence that one of my students gave me. The author shared her experience with meditation workshops and developed a "ritual" where she wakes up early to watch the sunrise, sip her coffee and process thoughts. It worked better for her than traditional meditation. It is a good idea to experiment with different calming rituals to find what works best for you. Silence, inward focus and a sense of relaxation is what it is all about. Find your sense of zen.

Another fun day!

I drove a bunch of kids to all school mass today, I served as B1 Eucharistic minister, so I got to check everyone in and help where needed. I dropped the kids back at school and zipped over to LTF. Knowing the time crunch I was in, I threw some yoga clothes and my black coat in a bag and ran out the door. I always dress as nicely as I can for church as it is the most important place that I go to. I had on knee height black boots, with a 2" heel, black tights, a nice black and grey skirt and a black silk Ann Taylor wrap front sweater, my winter white coat and my favorite Dana Buckman scarf that my sister got for me. I was way more dressed up than usual, for work that is. I forgot to bring extra boots. I ran into the locker room with 10 minutes until my class time, tore my boots and clothes off and got dressed for my class. No shoes, can't exactly put on tall black boots with no socks and blue yoga pants. Too funny, I had a good laugh and a lot of funny looks, Ces't la vie! I ran upstairs barefoot. I had so much fun with my class today, they are an awesome group of people. One of my special yoga friends gave me a mala made of lotus seeds from Nepal for a belated Christmas gift. I was so touched that she thought of me and gave me such a meaningful gift, I couldn't stop crying. A mala is a set of prayer beads (108 in all) it is similar to a rosary. I caught up with my mom for a few at the club and got a great hug! I love her so much! I am so thankful for the goodness in my life and the goodness that others share with me. I raced back home to meet a friend for lunch at 1pm, I just made it! Then we went back to school to pick up our kids, I ran home to teach my seniors who were coming over at 3. After that class we had a snack and picked up Spencer (Alex's friend) and headed to the Winter Festival at school. I had a blast painting faces for 3 hours, Sandy put it perfectly "it's therapeutic." The boys ran like a pack of dogs playing games, eating candy and behaving exactly the opposite of how they have to during school hours. We all had a blast, Vic realized that the kids were fine without him hovering over them and went home, then to the Box bar with friends (his play date). The older boys are old enough to watch Garrett, and they did a great job. Everyone had fun and now I am so tired! Off to a hot bath for me.

CES family yoga at 9 tomorrow! Can't wait!

What a fun day!

I went to Jason's Vinyasa class today with Nikki. I went into a headstand (tripod) with my legs fully extended for 12 breaths. I tried to do a traditional headstand (arms on the floor with forearms on the mat hands cupped) and couldn't. I asked Jason what I could do to learn to do it. He spotted me and I still couldn't lift my legs, I felt so unstable and worried that I would flip over. I couldn't get past my fear. I'm going to have to work on this more as I know I can do it. It really hit me that it was my mind that was stopping me. I felt relieved that I figured it out. It has been on the back of my mind and I know I need to face it.

I taught two awesomely fun classes today, I really love what I am doing! I told this to the boys and Alex in his mature 11 year old voice said "Confucious say that a person who loves their job never does a day of work in their life." I almost cried. That is exactly the way I feel and I am so thankful!! They are studying Eastern Cultures in Social Studies, thanks Mrs. C!

Face your fear, or at least try to figure out what it is that you are afraid of.

Inaileable rights

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. So much of what we want is not what we need. A need to please, be accepted, to climb social ladders. It's all really silly when you think about it... How many people spend their lives trying to please others and serving on the boards of charities and social groups while their children are not the center of their attention and become "emotionally neglected." I know of a family like this and the children grew up to be rather sad and introverted adults. We all want to help the world, but don't forget to look closely at your family, extended family, friends and your community. Look for ways to give to those who need help and may not be able to ask. Share your talents and your goodness with the community you live in. Share some of yourself, the gift that your life is.

An example of impermanence and loss of attachment

My youngest son Garrett now stands on the threshold of manhood. He has BO (body odor). Up until now, he could play basketball until he was dripping with sweat, but still smelled sweet like a baby. I hugged him yesterday and noticed an unmistakable aroma. He smells like a sweaty little man. The lesson of impermanence is that he is no longer my baby, I am okay with it. I used to avoid the thought of him growing up, as he is our last child (unless something is in my destiny that I don't know about). My lack of attachment to him staying little is good; he is healthy and growing like a weed. It is truly a blessing. Now for Alex to start shaving soon, ahhh!

HOW TO FIND FREEDOM

So much suffering that we subject ourselves to, that's right we subject ourselves to suffering when we hold on to anger and bitterness, feelings of wrongdoing and pain. Forgiveness is a TOOL. It is an ability that we have to let go of pain and begin the healing process. Choosing to forgive and forget as they say is giving yourself the freedom to live in peace. Sometimes we feel the need to apologize to someone that we have hurt because we need them to say that they forgive us. We go to confession if we're Catholic to receive absolution from sins. Sometimes we find relief in confiding in loved ones and "venting" frustration at a situation. This is merely a temporary diversion from either directly addressing a problem or just letting go of the hurt. Look deep within yourself to find the trust that you have for your capacity to forgive. Nurture this ability to find a good thought and smile. Breath a sigh of relief and go on with the rest of your life. It's just a thought and breath away.

Forgiveness from Wikipedia:

Forgiveness is typically defined as the process of ceasing to feel resentment, indignation or anger for a perceived offense, difference or mistake, and ceasing to demand punishment or restitution.[1] The concept and benefits of forgiveness have been explored in religious thought, the social sciences and medicine. Forgiveness may be considered simply in terms of the person who forgives, in terms of the person forgiven and/or in terms of the relationship between the forgiver and the person forgiven. In some contexts, forgiveness may be granted without any expectation of compensation, and without any response on the part of the offender (for example, one may forgive a person who is dead). In practical terms, it may be necessary for the offender to offer some form of acknowledgment, apology, and/or restitution, or even just ask for forgiveness, in order for the wronged person to believe himself able to forgive.[1]
Most world religions include teachings on the nature of forgiveness, and many of these teachings provide an underlying basis for many varying modern day traditions and practices of forgiveness. The Parable of the Prodigal Son[2] is a well known instance of such teaching and practice of forgiveness. Some religious doctrines or philosophies place greater emphasis on the need for humans to find some sort of divine forgiveness for their own shortcomings, others place greater emphasis on the need for humans to practice forgiveness of one another, yet others make little or no distinction between human and/or divine forgiveness.

Here is a link to a good article I found on the Mayo Clinic site:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/forgiveness/MH00131#

Freedom

I am on this freedom kick. Freedom from attachment, suffering and doubt. Freedom from all causes of suffering, and freedom from repetitive thoughts that perpetuate suffering.

I am completely and blissfully living my life, free from expectations, fears and disappointment.

I have always avoided falling into the trap of judging others, as I do not want to be judged by anyone except for God. Judging, comparing, jealousy, greed, envy, obsessive clinging and ill will (grudges) can cripple the most "illuminated" person and keep them in a cage of pain.

Free yourself, let your soul soar to the highest point then enjoy the view.

Another week of new opportunities

I never could have imagined that my life would become so interesting. Just as my boys are becoming independent, I too have found a new sense of freedom. I like it. I don't feel chained and weighed down. I have so many opportunities and exciting projects that I can't even think of being bored. I think that boredom is actually lack of appreciation for what one has and an inability to utilize energy and creativity effectively. My kids complain of being bored while surrounded by countless games, toys, craft supplies, and game consoles. I tell them to use their imagination and to use what they have around themselves to challenge their intellect. During the week they are not allowed to play XBox (I hide the cord). They chose to play chess, oh joy ( I was so pleasantly surprised)! When reminded, they love to create projects with acrylic paint, clay, and odds & ends. I just need to nudge them in the right direction.

We saw Wall E for the first time this weekend. It was such a good movie, if you haven't seen it, get it. It is not a kids movie, rather a complete rip on humanities compulsive consumerism. It's Buy & Large Global Retailer is a good comparison to Walmart's control of the retail market. It illustrates how excessive trash from consumerism destroyed the Earth and how humans lived in space for 700 years while robots cleaned the mess. The humans became completely complicant, leaving all activity and human interaction behind . There was a lot of truth to what they tried to convey. An allegory of humanity crippled by excess. The ending is good, the robot love story is absolutely adorable.

Competetive Edge Skating Family Yoga Week 2

Thank you for joining me again this morning, 20 and going strong! You all worked so hard and looked so peaceful during the meditation. Next week we will move the meditation session to the smaller room where it is a little darker and quieter. If today was your first Chai tea tasting I hope you liked it, the players had seconds:) During the week, try to pay attention to your breath and remember the breathing techniques we reviewed. See you soon, remember to email me with any questions or comments.

Have a wonderful week! Tricia

Quote of the week

Mind precedes all phenomena, mind matters most, everything is mind made.

If with an impure mind you speak or act, then suffering follows you as the cartwheel follows the foot of the draft animal.

If with a pure mind you speak or act, then happiness follows you as a shadow that never departs.

Buddha

(From the Art of Living by William Hart)

Ooh, a quiet night in

The boys are at Grandma's and I get to take a hot bath and read! A quiet night at home is the most wonderful luxury! It's too cold to go to the movies as we had planned (to see the new Underworld flick).

In an attempt to quench my morbid curiosity, I kind of want to see the Wrestler with Mickey Rourke. We saw a BBC America TV show (Graham Norton) where he (Rourke)was interviewed along with Jessica Biel. Wow was he creepy, at first he flirted with her then he really insulted her. They were talking about dogs at the pound, he basically said that she (Jessica) was not pretty enough to adopt and that he would put her back. The host freaked, try to see if it's on YouTube, it's worth watching. He kept touching her arm and leg, I was so disgusted! I would have jumped off that sofa, a nasty chill just went down my spine!

I noticed a new book by Eckert Tolle and was excited to check it out. I saw it at Borders and was REALLY disappointed to learn that it is just a rehash of A New Earth! He took the most "memorable" points and added pretty graphics. I have to protest, nearly every word was relevant in that book. It's almost an insult to butcher you own work in that way. What was he thinking?$$$$$ Hmmm maybe?

My classes for the Wayne County Health and Wellness Program begin on Tuesday. I am excited to bring yoga, meditation and a preventive health mindset to the employees.

I am beginning a series of bi-monthly special workshops at the Life Studio in Commerce with many different concentrations. It will be a fun way for me to be able to work closer with the members who have been so diligent and committed to our classes.

I am still "feeling" the Primary Series we did on Wednesday. My shoulders are really, how do I put this...alive, yea thats it.

Three classes tomorrow morning and then the Ice Spectacular! My nephews are having a sleepover at our house so it's Cinderella in the Frat house! That is how I refer to our home, as I am outnumbered 5 guys (including my two furry sons) to 1 gal. Tomorrow night that jumps to 7 boys (yes, I consider my husband one of the boys). Oh joy! It'll be fun, I'll just remember my peaceful night that I had yesterday.

Have a great night and stay warm, just a few ideas to help:)
1.Have a cup of decaf tea by the fireplace
2.Take a hot bath
3.Cuddle with your sweetie
4.Cuddle with your dogs
5.Meditate and detach yourself from the sensation of coldness around you. Hey, this really works!

Namaste~ Tricia

woo hoo

What a crazy few days I have had! I taught two classes on Wednesday, and attended a feedback session (I practiced Vinyasa while another teacher training grad taught the class). I was feeling energized but a little tried. A few days ago I was moping about missing my frequent Ashtanga practices. I realized how much I like it and needed to find some classes. So I have a makeup session for my teacher training yesterday, not knowing what to expect and having no expectations I settle in on my mat. Johnnie took us through the Primary series of Ashtanga (yoga chikitsa or yoga therapy). I was used to the short form and was pleasantly surprised by this expanded offering. Ask and you shall receive! I feel really good in a sore muscle way, like I worked every muscle to it's max and then some. Toward the end I felt a buzzing, vibrating sensation over my body. Yoga therapy produces this sensation. It was really cool. I can honestly say that I will study yoga and practice till I am really old and I will still not know it all. There is this sense of wonder and complete humility as I find the deepest gratitude for having the chance to learn and be part of something so good!

A group of my TT friends are going to a conference in May, so we can all immerse ourselves in a little TLC yoga style (3 two hour long classes a day, for 3 days in a row). I can't wait!~

I went to Costco today and got a copy of Leslie Kaminoff's Yoga Anatomy, the illustrations show the muscle groups that are utilized during poses. It was $11.99. Check it out!

A new twist on the grilled cheese

Kelli told us about a sandwich she made and I can't wait to try it. You take two slices of cinnamon swirl bread and place it on a cutting board, lay a slice of Havarti cheese or two on the bread. You peel and slice apples and saute them in butter until they are soft and juicy. Place the apple slices on the Havarti and put it in a pan with some butter, and grill it. She said it was so amazing! I have to admit that it isn't the most terrifically health conscious food choice but sometimes if you've gotta fall, it might as well be this good! I can almost taste it! My Pavlovian reflex is kicking in already!

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Hi, I got a request to post the recipe for the soup I made for the girls today. I got the recipe from epicurious.com and altered it as usual. I omitted serving the soup with a dollop of ricotta cheese.

Roasted Tomato and Red Bell Pepper Soup
Bon Appétit August 1997

2 1/4 pounds tomatoes, halved lengthwise
2 large red bell peppers, quartered, seeded
1 onion, cut into thin wedges
4 large garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried
2 cups (about) water
1 cup whole milk

Preheat oven to 450°F.
Arrange tomatoes (cut side up), bell peppers, onion and garlic cloves on large baking sheet. Drizzle oil over; sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
2 of 2
Roasted Tomato and Red Bell Pepper Soup (continued)
Roast vegetables until brown and tender, turning peppers and onion occasionally, about 40 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool.
Transfer vegetables and any accumulated juices to processor.
Add thyme leaves. Puree soup, gradually adding enough water to thin soup to desired consistency. Chill until cold, about 3 hours. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated. If soup becomes too thick, thin with water to desired consistency.)
Ladle soup into bowls.

Blogs are handy tools!

I'm having my teacher training friends over for lunch and teachbacks tomorrow. I am making vegetarian quiche, roasted red pepper soup and my crispy bread. I couldn't find the reicpe so I emailed it to myself from the blog post. Too funny! Someday when I'm old I can look back at my blog and rekindle the memories of my life. That sounds sappy doesn't it. At least I won't have to rely on my memory!

Ideas

I made Fantastic World Foods Vegetarian Sloppy Joes for dinner tonight. I followed the "mama's sloppy joes" recipe on the back and was really surprised at how good they tasted. We eat many vegetarian meals and the guys never question what I put on the table. Their reaction was almost comical, they were really digging in and could not tell that they were meatless. They repeatedly said "umm this meat is good" I just smiled. They are open to vegetarian foods but still ask for meat occasionally. I want them to make decisions for eating based on what their bodies want, not what my philosophical beliefs are. I really believe that our bodies tell us what they need in terms of food and sleep, we just have to tune in a little better to realize this connection. I told my bro in law that once his baby is born, he has to really watch his diet and sleep needs as raising children wreak havoc on our feedback from our bodies. Too often we push ourselves past the point of exhaustion when exercising, ignore lack of sleep induced fatigue, and tune out true patterns of healthy eating.

While at the dentist I scanned through the Oprah issue for January. I came across a few helpful items:
Shoppingnotes.com if you find an item you like you can enter the URL and the site will contact you when the price drops (the example was a dress from GAP)

TokyoMilk perfumes, are cool scents I've seen these in Birmingham and Ann Arbor, check them out.

Ubmrellatoday.com you visit the site and enter your cell phone number and your zip code. If it is going to rain the site sends you a text message to alert you to bring an umbrella. How handy!

Have a great day!

In love in light~ Tricia

Yoga adventure

I went to a class in Plymouth again, it was challenging. I think I'm going to get a 15 class pass and then get a class pass pack at the Center to take Johnnie's class occassionally. That combo should work well. I'm going to a few new studios this week and look forward to learning something new. I always learn something valuable from every experience that I have. Look for opportunities to grow and learn.

Competetive Edge Skating Family Yoga Week 1

Hello to all who joined together on this cold morning to share a beautiful practice! We were able to do much more than I anticipated so that was a great plus. I always structure classes to meet the needs of the participants and take it gentle the first class to ease everyone into a nice experience. We will progressively increase the intensity and depth of stretching over the course. I can be reached at yogatrish@wowway.com with any questions or requests for classes. A helpful idea to cushion knees while kneeling is to bring 2 hand towels to class. You can roll them into a long rope, then into a "donut" shape to be placed under the knees. This tip really works to cushion the knees as it stabilizes the patella (unlike kneeling on a flat towel). I developed this to cushion my knees when I started in yoga. You will find with time, your knees will become stronger and more flexible as well as more stable. I will label this post weekly so it will show up on the "noteworthy" section for easy reference. Please refer to earlier posts to find helpful information on healthy eating, living and positive inspirations. All blog posts can be commented on by clicking on the line that is labeled "comments." If you don't have a blogger account you can leave the comment "anonymously."

Over the course of classes, you will learn the postures and develop a sense of moving smoothly in to the postures. This takes a little patience. A great idea is to visit the library and check out a yoga DVD to do at home in between classes. It won't be the same as going to a class but will help you learn the postures and slowly build your strength and endurance. Please be cautious and really listen to your body, as it is your best teacher.

I look forward to next week, we will have an hour long practice and a 15 minute meditation session. Feel free to bring a blanket to class to cover up during shavasana (final relaxation).

Wishing you all the best this week!
Namaste~ Tricia

Yama and Niyama the 10 commandments of yoga

Yama and Niyama are often called "the Ten Commandments of Yoga." Each one of these Five Don'ts (Yama) and Five Do's (Niyama) is a supporting, liberating Pillar of Yoga.
Yama means self-restraint in the sense of self-mastery, or abstention, and consists of five elements.
Niyama means observances, of which there are also five.

Here is the complete list of these ten Pillars as given in Yoga Sutras 2:30,32:
1) Ahimsa: non-violence, non-injury, harmlessness
2) Satya: truthfulness, honesty
3) Asteya: non-stealing, honesty, non-misappropriativeness
4) Brahmacharya: sexual continence in thought, word and deed as well as control of all the senses
5) Aparigraha: non-possessiveness, non-greed, non-selfishness, non-acquisitiveness
6) Shaucha: purity, cleanliness
7) Santosha: contentment, peacefulness
8) Tapas: austerity, practical (i.e., result-producing) spiritual discipline
9) Swadhyaya: introspective self-study, spiritual study
10) Ishwarapranidhana: offering of one's life to God


http://biblescripture.net/Commandments.html
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
JUDAISM*
AUGUSTINE
ORIGEN
1
I am the Lord thy God.
I am the Lord thy God and thou shalt not have any strange gods before me.
I am the Lord thy God and thou shalt not have other gods besides me.
2
Thou shalt have no other gods besides me.
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Thou shalt not make for thyself any graven image.
3
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day.
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4
Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.
Honor thy Father and Mother.
Remember the Lord's Day to keep it holy.
5
Honor thy Father and Mother.
Thou shalt not kill.
Honor thy Father and Mother.
6
Thou shalt not murder.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not kill.
7
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8
Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Thou shalt not steal.
9
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
10
Thou shalt not covet.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.
Thou shalt not covet.

It is interensting to see that the yoga commandments and the Commandments we learn in Judiasm and Christianity are very similar. They come from different cultures, geographical locations and time periods. Basic truths are illustrated in these commandments. Live them and have a good, clean life.

Suffering

I've read some fellow blogger posts over the past few days that have made me so aware of the level of pain that is present in so many lives. Tragically, too many times this suffering is caused by abuse, molestation and the shame that is internalized. I cried after reading a blog from Thankful Paul, it is worth the read. Protect those around you, live with a loving heart.

Revelation

A sense of uneasiness has come over me for the past few weeks. There is no reason that I should be feeling this way. I had a great conversation with a fellow yogi today. It was a very revealing conversation about Vinyasa classes. As we were taking about long and complicated flows, I realized that I feel unfulfilled and underwhelmed at times. I don't go into a class with expectations but I hope to develop a certain feeling when I am done. The feeling that I am craving is what I get from Ashtanga. It hit me like a ton bricks, I really like Ashtanga and miss it. I was practicing it almost every day during teacher training and now I have that connection. I figured it out! I was stricken with Vinyasaitis for three years and I reached a deeper level with Ashtanga and like the meditative stillness and the physical exertion. Quite honestly, it's a challenge. Okay, now that I figured out my dilemma, I have to find some classes.

a link to a chai site

I got this comment on a posting and wanted to share it.

"For those of you Chai lovers out there, visit Yogic Chai Traditional Masala Chai blends at http://www.yogicchai.com

Om Shantih!Raghavendra"

rope yoga

http://www.russayog.com/

This is a style of yoga that utilizes ropes dangling from the ceiling. I'll check it out and let you know how it went:) I may go on Sunday.

RussaYog chia tea recipe

• What is Chai? How is chai made?Chai, the Hindi word for tea, is a delicious, healthy, hot tea drink, ubiquitous all over India and other South Asian countries and the Middle East.
"Masala chai" is a blended beverage of mixed spices, milk, and honey or sugar. It is a healthier alternative to hot chocolate, latte or cappuccino, and can be made with regular milk or dairy-free alternatives.
There are many different chai blends unique to their region of India but the original recipe was created out of the need for a medicinal and healthy recipe to combat minor discomforts for those without easy access to medical care. It is perfect for cold winters, and surprisingly refreshing even on a hot summer day! Below is the RussaYog recipe. It is easy to make. For a decaffeinated version, use decaffeinated black tea. The black tea and spices we use are purchased at the local Indian Grocery store. They can be found in your local grocery store, although you are more likely to find loose tea at the Indian grocery store. Wikipedia has a good explanation of the origins and types of "chai." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chai

Recipe for RussaYog Chai: For four cups of chai you'll need: 2 qt. pot (large enough to hold 5 cups of liquid)1 whole cardamom pod, crushed 1/2 inch (in length) stick of cinnamon 3 whole cloves 1/2 tablespoon of fresh ginger , peeled and grated set aside 2 teaspoons of black loose tea (or 4 bags of black tea) 1/4 can of skim evaporated milk (or whole milk, if you prefer) 4 teaspoons of sugar or honey (or more, if you prefer)
Pour five cups of water into the pot. Add the spices. Turn the fire on high heat. Bring just to a boil, then add black tea. Turn the fire low. Brew 2--3 minutes. Add sugar and milk. Turn off the fire. Stir, then strain into teapot.Enjoy!

Welcome to me!

Oh BTW hello new follower Shara! I'm so happy to have you along for the ride!

2 new studio experiences in 2 days

So, as I wearily attempt to find a studio to practice at that is a little closer than the Center; I have taken two classes at local studios yesterday and today. I really enjoy the classes at the Center but the distance is logistically prohibitive to support on a daily basis (40 minute drive). In addition to a 40 minute commute, one has to plan to get to class at least 10 minutes early (15 for busy classes), so we're looking at at least 2 1/2 hours for a class. Not going to happen. I went to Evolve in Canton, Carrie taught a Basic class. It was nice and the space is good but the class selections are as such that many overlap when I teach so my choices are really limited. The Plymouth Yoga Room just opened and could be a "twin" for the Center. They did a beautiful job on the decor, the Vinyasa class was nice. I will go back to check out Brent's class in a day or two. I don't really "need" a teacher, just the proper environment to practice at. It's hard to explain but a home practice is not the same as the energy that a group develops. My meditation and practice are developing deeper connections and I want to continue to grow. I want to try the "flying" yoga on State Street in Ann Arbor. Vic found some conferences that are coming up in April (Toronto). I may go for a few days to immerse myself. I feel that life is just getting back to normal after teacher training, but life as normal is so much better now! Yea!!!

Technology for a non techie gal

Hey, well look at this! In the past week I have added:
1. a geocounter to track how many and where people are viewing my blog from.
2. A quote of the day widget to expand your literary experience
3. A pose of the day widget to inspire you to try new poses

All these goodies! How exciting! It was actually very easy.

Let yourself expand the horizons in which you live, laugh and love!

Itunes pick of the week

Check out Itunes for a free song of the week.

Sacred lotus

Find joy in the priceless gifts that we all have

Gratitude bestowed is never forsaken

Honesty and purity of thought lead to peacefulness and tranquility

Cessation of attachment and cravings free us from enslaving thoughts

The sacred Lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, is an extremely important spiritual symbol in Eastern religions. It represents purity, divine wisdom, and the individual’s progress from the lowest to the highest state of consciousness.

Higher states of consciousness are available to all who seek enlightenment. Looking past our insecurities, defenses and habits are a good starting point. Meditation is the tool to reach past our outer human existence.

Trademark

I just paid 500.00 to legal zoom to trademark my company name. OUCH!! that is a lot of classes! I want to proceed with my business plan and this is the next step.

Hey how can you tell if it was a really good haircut? When you can actually style it and it looks good!

Tchotchke day 2

I'm still working on the kitchen. I feel as if a lot of space has been created and properly utilized:) Trentmoller, Last Resort is my new chill cd, 23 tracks of goodness.

Help with setting goals

Check out this link I found on the Lulumon site.

http://goals.lululemon.com

Quote of the Week

This quote is from my Teacher Training manual. Here is a website that I found that has links to quotes http://thinkexist.com/quotes/marianne_williamson/


Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”


This is so true and hard to acknowledge sometimes. Be inspiration to others today!

Tchotchke

I actually pulled out the old Webster's collegiate dictionary for the correct spelling of junk. Tchotchke, we all have it. It is like a parasitic infection that we did not ask for. We went to dinner with Peggy, Andy and the kids last night then we went to their house. They finished their living/dining rooms and the house is amazingly gorgeous! I am so proud of their hard work as the house reflects so much of Andy's hard work and talents. Vic couldn't help to notice that everything was perfect. I was totally inspired to wake up this morning and to begin my de-tchotchke routine. Every time I see "How clean is your house", I clean my house out of sheer anxiety that my home may end up that way! Peggy has the house so elegantly free of clutter and so zen. I want that feeling of mise in place, everything in it's place. We have so much "little" kid stuff that the boys have outgrown and that I have not had time to really sort through. I started with the top right kitchen cabinet. The line about tchotchke being a parasite is not false. So much of what I found tucked way back is stuff we got as "party favors," promotional water bottles and mugs and stuff like sippie cups. Well a full trash bag later and I reclaimed that cabinet. I don;t need a bigger kitchen, I need to get rid of what I don;t really use! I recycled what I could like the Carnival cruise line "brandy" looking glasses we got on our honeymoon. I have never used them. They have been cluttering a cabinet for 14.5 years! I am on a campagne of a clutter free life. A life free of party favors, class "gifts," and unnecessary hoarding of something that I may need later (a plastic cup from Applebees that the kids can use for watercolor painting projects). I challenge all who read this entry to really look at what we are doing and what we are having to expend energy on to organize and care for stuff that is nothing but an ATTACHMENT.. AHHHH the A word! Yes folks Attachment to tchotch! Wish me luck as I begin cabinet #2~

Fun night at the ice rink.

We took the boys to see South Lyon Varsity play against Plymouth Salem tonight. South Lyon won 4 to 1, it was nerve wracking! I am so proud of them!! Garrett did quite well for being so tired (got up at 7 a.m. the game ended 10:30). He fell asleep right away, so I get a chance to play with itunes.

I am posting the article on soy candles here for more info: http://soywaxcandleinfo.org/

I went to Lush today and got a new fresh face mask called BB seaweed, it is supposed to be moisturizing and a great refresher. I liked the Cosmetic Warrior one, despite the fresh garlic smell. I'm going to go put it on and make some new playlists. Bon soir~

Audacity

Wow, Blago has quite the case of delusional thinking! Sheppard Smith was yelling at him over the mic. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion. My little cousin Bozena came to my yoga class today. She did great and built up a good amount of heat. I am contemplating my future and have so many things I want to do and so much excitement I don't know where to start!

My new haircut from David at Tricho.

I love him!!! He did such a good job and was so fun to be around! My hair moves and has a lot of body, but still has the length I like.

New scent! Great deodorant that works

This is a sweet new scent from Kiss my Face. I use it and don't smell like a barn!

Soy candles are good for you!

Alex, my 11 year old did a science fair project using soy candles. He found out that regular paraffin wax candles release 11 harmful chemicals and that they are heavily dependent on foregin oil as a source of the paraffin. Soy candles support American farmers and are more ecologically friendly as well. Yea for science!

cool video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbnZhGeNS4g

Indian pizza

I took a garlic Naan bread and put spinach Punjab sauce on it, some mozzarella cheese and black beluga lentils. 10 mintes in the toaster oven and it was a yummy vegetarian lunch. I can't do soy cheese any longer so my options are pretty limited (I tried Almond cheese and really gagged). I did an all vegan diet for 21 days in May then from late June to October. I ate a lot of soy cheese, soy milk and tofu. My face exploded! I was covered in red, inflamed bumps. It turns out that the bioestrogens in soy are not well tolerated by my body. I had to learn the hard way! My skin is finally healed and now I really watch how much soy I consume (mostly just an occasional Miso soup). Here I was thinking I was doing something really good for my body and health, not to mention the earth and it turns out that I caused a massive amount of infamation to develop! I am looking into more soy free vegan options and wil post any good recipes that I come across.

I downloaded a few new songs from itunes and have used them in class. One is Teardrop from Massie Attack. Check it out:)

Finding God within

At mass today, Fr. Stanley did a wonderful job of relaying how we should look for God within our minds and hearts. I was so happy he said this in such an eloquent way, allowing us to find wisdom and goodness within ourselves. I told Vic "he's talking about what the goals of meditation and yoga are!" God is part of every creation and dwells within us as our souls. We are spiritual beings living the human experience. There is so much more to life than is readily apparent, look a little deeper. Find your inner goodness and connection to God.

Happy New Year 2009

My resolutions are as follows:
To not make resolutions at all but to just be better at living my best life possible,
To be kinder and more loving every day,
To appreciate the small, lovely pleasures that I may have overlooked
To accept that which I can't change
To really open myself to new challenges

Quote of the Week

"For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin-real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be got through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life." Fr. Alfred D'Souza

I love this quote because of it's truthfulness. How often do we misinterpret peacefulness as boredom or a chance at quiet contemplation for loneliness? Everyday obligations are necessities of life, look at them in a positive and constructive way. Even the mundane and less glamourous tasks in life have value.