Yoga vs Religion

As a yoga teacher I come across the subject of yoga vs religion fairly frequently. Here is a Q&A that may help in clearing up some confusion. 

Is Yoga a religion?

No, Yoga is not a religion. However, it is a spiritual practice. It is a tool to connect to the mind, body and spirit as one working entity connected to the universe and/or God. Therefore it can enhance whatever religious beliefs one may have. 

Are there Deities in Yoga?

No there only Gurus (teachers). Although some teachers may incorporate stories or chants or lessons from deities of the Hindu religion as both practices are from India. They just as easily could incorporate any story or lesson from any religion since there is wisdom in all scriptures. 

I don't understand what Sanskrit is, therefore it scares me. What is it?

Sanskrit is an ancient language like Latin. It is no longer used on a daily basis but is used in ancient scripts and teachings such as yoga. 

Is chanting some kind of witch craft?

No, chanting is a form of prayer or affirmation. The idea is that words and tones hold certain vibrations. Some can be healing and some are not. Just think about when you are telling someone you love them and much you adore them. The words and tones from your voice that you are sharing with that person are soothing and loving. Now think about if you are yelling unkindly at someone. Chanting is a way to connect to God and/or to affirm something in one’s life by repeating a mantra. It can be in Sanskrit or any language for that matter. 

There are spiritual rules in Yoga isn't that the same as being a religion?

No. Although there are some similarities as they are a moral code that enhance one’s life when practiced.

These are the 10 Ethical Principles of Living

The Yamas and the Niyamas...

Yamas - (things to avoid)

1. Ahimsa - non harm / compassion for all living things (including one’s self) 

2. Satya - Commitment to truth (telling the truth and living your truth)

3. Asteya - not stealing 

4. Brahmacharya- Celibacy/merging with the one (a practice to honor our sexual energy and use it wisely with no harm to another or oneself. Having it be an act of love or God)

5. Aparigraha – non-grasping or greed 

Niyamas (Things to practice)

1. Purity - Cleanliness of the body, mind and environment as to live to experience life and a higher vibration

2. Contentment - feeling satisfied and/or grateful for one’s immediate experience

3. Discipline - practicing passionately. This can be done with our day to day tasks as well as the things we view as fun. 

4. Swadhyaya – Self-study/self- reflective consciousness. To be self-aware is to be deeply connected to life or closer to God. 

5. Ishvarapranidhana - Celebration of the spiritual. This can be done with any action you take on through the day. Allowing one’s self to attune to the beauty, love and gifts of each moment through our being and action.  

Can I practice yoga and follow a religion? 

Absolutely! Practicing Yoga is a beautiful way to enhance any belief system as it connects you to your mind, body and spirit as well as to others and God. After viewing these ethical codes notice how similar they are to the scriptural teachings of your own religion. As you can see these are codes of morality located in any religious believe. If you are religious, translate these codes to the language of religion you connect with. 

Can I practice Yoga and never believe in God? What does Namaste mean?

Yes. By practicing Asana (physical practice of yoga), meditation and the moral ethic listed above you connect to a deeper sense of self and a deeper connection to all. Some translate this as God and some don't. No matter what your belief is in God, Yoga is a practice to enhance ones experience to life. 

What does Namaste mean? 
Many teachers say this at the end of class as to honor those that have shown up to practice.

Namaste - My soul honors your soul. I commend the place in you where the spirit resides. I admire the place in you which is love, truth, light & peace because it is also within me. In sharing these things we are united, we are one.

Sharp Tongues

This week, I recognized each time something flew out of my mouth it was like a cannon ball whizzing threw the air heading for destruction. I have a sharp tongue to say the least but my intention is never to hurt someone. When I was younger my parents used to tell me, "It's not what you say but how you say it. Think before you speak Angela." I've heard these words repeated in my head many times and as an adult have come to understand what they mean but how much should we think about what we are saying?

Our words are the most powerful tool we have. They have the power to declare love or hate, to build or destroy cities as well as relationships or reputations. So many times we chatter thinking about what to say next filling our dialogue with non-sense. What if the words we spoke were intentional and heart felt? This isn't to say being silly or light hearted should be ignored but rather being fully accountable in what we are saying.

Not to long ago I said something as a joke about someone I don't know very well with a group of people and although they were there I realized it hurt that person. I felt awful. I didn't mean it at all as an insult but realized quickly it sounded like one. I immediately apologized. I realized in that moment my apology would either be accepted or it wouldn't and what ever the others thought about it was no longer in my control. Like a pebble thrown in the pond creating ripples in the water the thoughts where already created. I couldn't go around cleaning it up everywhere but I could clean it up at the source. We are not in control of how others perceive us but we can take accountability by owning the words that come out of our mouths. If you say it and it doesn't feel right after you have the power to clean it up. If you go around using words as toxic waste you can be responsible for the way your life shows up.


On the other side of the coin here is keeping your mouth shut and not expressing what you have to say about a subject. I am guilty of this too in fear of hurting someone or being judged by others. I know I'm not alone here but this isn't a healthy option either. So, when do we say something?

I think if what you have to say aligns with your highest integrity and values you should express it. Not everyone is going to like it but as long as it's true to you and there are no intentions of hurting another it should be communicated. As far as the fear of being judged... Let's get real, everyone is judging you just as you are judging everyone else. If you're going to care what people think of you, choose to care about the opinions of the ones you respect and love.

Be bold in your declarations, stand up for what you believe in and always do your best to express love. As your most powerful tool, be wise with your words.

This Is Your Wake Up Call!

What have you always wanted to do but didn't have the courage to do it or didn't believe it was possible for you?

What are the excuses you tell yourself about why you can't do it?

Life isn't forever. We actually don't know how long our life will be. This is a wake up call!! 

We get caught up with our lives working, saving, working some more, paying bills etc. Then before you know it years have passed by and the dreams you've dreamed have too. 

Life is a gift. Life is a game. Your life is your canvas! What are you going to do with it? What game are you playing? What painting are you painting?

Fill your life with color, fun, love and adventure. Be silly. Laugh out loud. Dance it out. 

We all have things we have wanted to do or see but thought "I'll get to it someday".

Someday never comes but today is here right now. What can you do right now to take a step in the direction of something you love? I promise you, even a a baby step in the direction of something you have been wanting to do today will get the ball rolling and make a difference in your life. 

Get inspired and be inspiring! 

Stop living like you have forever. Embrace what you have and shoot for the stars!

Book the ticket for the trip you've always wanted to go on. Go visit family you haven't had time for. Call up old friends and meet up somewhere fun. Sign up for a class for something you have always wanted to learn. Volunteer helping those you have always wanted to help. 

Stop making excuses and live the life you love. Leave your legacy. How do you want to be remembered? Now go do it!

Share below something you have always wanted to do that you can take a step forward to today...

Namaste

  

Love & Be Loved

Early this week as I was contemplating what my life was going to look like in a few weeks as my life is about to shift into a new chapter. I found myself in fear, doubt and insecurity. I started to look for things to inspire me and lift me up. I came across this video by Jim Carey that truly moved my heart and knew I had to share it with you.

This message is so powerful. It's not fame, or fortune that creates fulfillment in life. It's our relationship to others. Choose love over fear. After watching this I couldn't help but let go of all fear and feel the abundance of love I have in my life. I have incredible friendships, loving relationships to my entire family and the most wonderful caring husband. I realized in that moment it doesn't matter what happens in the future. I love and feel loved.

Love is the most powerful  natural gift we have. So my encouragement to anybody who may be feeling the holiday blues or worrying about the future... count the blessings you have in front of you how ever big or small and reach out to the ones you love. Make phone calls, send letters or cards. If you have any unfinished business with someone, go clean it up. Let go of fear and work on your relationships. 

What are you waiting for?

Love and be loved.   

Look Beyond Your Purchase

The season of shopping has started and the holidays are just around the corner. I love the holidays but recently found myself fairly disgusted and the sale frenzy that happens. I went to Best Buy on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and saw two men camping in the rain waiting for the doors to open on Friday. A couple years ago they started opening up select stores at 1 and 2am on Black Friday. This year they started the sales on Thanksgiving day as early as 3pm. Luckily this year I didn't hear of anyone dying from being trampled but we all know it's happened before.

Some say it's in good fun, it's tradition or it's good for the economy. I agree to an extent but what happened to the value of the holidays themselves? When did it become about buying a bunch of material things that we don't need, sacrificing our days to camp outside of stores and trampling over human beings to get them?


Holidays are about being with family, friends, honoring the season and for a lot of people God. In yoga we are taught the five Yamas ( a series of "right living"/ethical rules)

 One being...

Aparigraha meaning non-attachment (non-grasping)/possessiveness or greed. 

Yes shopping can be fun and giving presents is fun too but it's important to evaluate what importance we are giving to material possessions and just how far we will go to get them. Are you opening credit cards, overcharging them or tapping into your savings account to purchase beyond your means? If so this is a good time to look within and see as to why. A lot of times we buy things to avoid or fill a void. Sometimes we even buy just to look good. I can speak to this as I have been guilty of all of things before.


I'm not saying don't spend money I'm just saying keep yourself in check and don't forget what this season is truly about. Take what you need and give what you can. Sometimes quality time and hug from you is all someone needs.

Happy Holidays & Namaste

The Art of Giving and Recieving

When is the last time you received something and allowed yourself to actually receive it?

This week I observed and noticed many of us have a lot to learn in how to receive. Whether it be a compliment, a favor or help.

 While out and about a beautiful friend of mine received many compliments from our friends stating how pretty and young she looked. She replied uncomfortably laughing and brushed it off. "Aww, thanks guys but my hair is a mess and I have circles under my eyes. I don't feel pretty." Everyone then proceeded to convince her. I couldn't help but think, "is she fishing for a compliment?" and if so, why can't she accept it?

Later in the week another friend of mine ran into some serious health problems. I was told she took herself to the emergency room and had to rest for the next three days. I was shocked to hear this news because the last time I saw her she showed no signs of being in pain. Now let me just state, this woman is one of the most generous, kind and loving people I know. She goes out of her way to show love and kindness to others and never expects anything in return. But when she needs help she doesn't request it and refuses it when it's being graciously given. She is so loved, why won't she accept the help?

I mention my friends not to judge them but because I too have been in situations like this and these experiences I feel are relate able to others as well.

I consciously practice the art of receiving but even I struggle at times to receive the compliments and help from others.  Several weeks back I was pretty sick. A few friends and colleges offered if there was anything they could do to let them know. I found myself thinking, "that's just something people say". I said thank you but I didn't need anything. Then a friend text me and said, "I make the best soup for healing when your sick. Want me to make you some?" My first thought was no. I didn't want someone to go out of the way for me. But why? She offered. So instead of declining, I accepted her offer. Let me tell you, I'm glad I did and I am so grateful for her generosity.  It really was a delicious healing soup!

 On the other side of the coin is giving. I may be wrong here but I feel like most people just want to help and make a difference. We all want to give. After all, when we make someone happy we make ourselves happy. Maybe this is why it's easier to give than receive. However when we give, are we giving freely or expecting something in return?

To give freely we have no attachment to the outcome. We give to give and that makes us happy. When we give to receive something back we set ourselves up for disappointment when it doesn't meet our expectations. We are all guilty of this somewhere and that's fine. After all we are human.

I love to give to others and make them feel good. I love to encourage people and acknowledge people but even I am guilty of having expectations of how someone should receive it. I recently gave a card of acknowledgment  to a friend that helped me. I felt so good doing this until I didn't receive a thank you for my thank you. Pretty funny huh? I had to look at what was going on inside me. Why did I give the card in the first place? Was it to look good or did I genuinely mean it? After careful consideration of my feelings and upset I came to the conclusion it was my ego that needed acknowledgment not me.  She's an attention hog to say the least. I found compassion for myself to let it go and allowed myself to graciously give my gratitude with nothing in return.

 When is the last time you gave something to another and how carefree were you about the result?

This week I encourage you to do one good deed a day and not tell anyone about it. Allow yourself to get creative with this. Maybe it's cleaning the office or sending flowers to someone or baking cookies or a thank you card ect. It could be folding your significant others clothes or cleaning up after someone else. The gesture can be simple or elaborate. You will know what to do when it's time.

 Enjoy the happiness giving freely gives you. And, don't forget to allow yourself to receive when someone else is giving to you whether it be a compliment, a favor, a gift or help. We are all in this together. Let's give, love and receive with grace and ease.


Namaste

The Power of Meditation

As I sit down each morning for my daily meditation I try to keep an open mind as to receive whatever needs to be received. Some days are more challenging than others. There are times I am disturbed by whatever comes into my mind. Some days I cannot find a comfortable seat and find myself wiggling and opening my eyes to check the time. Other days I feel I could sit there forever feeling such peace and love. Whatever the experience I remind myself this is a journey and stay committed. I have also found that no matter the experience of my meditation I can go about my day with more strength and joy. I have been finding myself feeling more connected others including the ones that have felt separate from me. The other day I experienced the most powerful meditation within my practice yet and I realize if I don't share it, it can easily slip away into the abyss.

I was repeating a mantra in my mind and focusing on the space in between the end of the mantra and the beginning of the mantra. It's a space of nothingness, a space of purity. As I focused on this space repeating the mantra I felt butterflies in my stomach. You know the kind when your excited to go to Disney Land as kid or the kind when your falling in love? It was a feeling of pure joy and love. It started to build and build! I almost couldn't take it. Then, just as I recognized it and named it, it disappeared. For the duration of my mediation I kept trying to get back to that space but couldn't.

Toward the end of the meditation images of people I felt incomplete with or people I felt disconnected to flooded my mind. I found myself getting upset. They were ruining my meditation! Just as I started to focus back to the mantra the bell rang. The time I set aside for mediation was complete. I opened my eyes and contemplated what had just happened.

Then it hit me! Those that I described as ruining my meditation were me! Yes, they were people I know but all representing a piece of me that I have not been complete with. They are all a reflection of me! When I project anger or upset toward them I am projecting it onto pieces of me I don't like or have not forgiven myself for. It became clear there is no one else out there. As a yoga teacher I teach everything is connected. Logically I understand this and have even felt it but this was different. I really got the unity of human beings. When I got "they are me", I filled with compassion and forgiveness for myself. In return, I could feel nothing but love and compassion for them. Just then, the feeling of purity and love I kept trying to get back to in my meditation returned.

By practicing this awareness my world has shifted. However sharing is the key...

If you find it challenging to sit and meditate know you are no different than anyone else. We all are challenged in this practice. It takes work to sit there and be with yourself but it gets easier. I share this experience with you for two reasons.  1. to not lose it myself
2. to encourage you to meditate so that you too can experience this kind of bliss.

Happy meditating and Namaste.

The Faces of Truth

Satya - Truthfulness

This can take the form of many areas in ones life. The first one being, what words we speak. You can ask yourself, is what I 'm saying hold truth? It's easy to get caught up in gossip or tell white lies but are they serving your highest purpose? Is it serving others? This can be a tricky because I believe most people do not want to hurt another persons feelings and the best way to do that is to talk to someone else about it or tell white lies. Whatever the reason is, it's a good thing to look at within oneself.

 Another form of truthfulness may be what you stand for. Have you ever been conflicted when something was happening that you didn't agree of but said nothing? Recently I was in a conversation with a friend and he said that he acted like a girl sometimes. I asked, how so? He replied with an answer of sorts, that he was over emotional or cried and whined sometimes. Because I'm comfortable with him I asked him how is that acting like a girl? He said girls are emotional creatures, I think he even said unstable. I corrected him and said women are sensitive creatures with empathy but to say "I'm acting like a girl" in that way seemed negative and stereo typical. This is something I believe we need to stray from and empower women. I know he meant no harm by the comment but that's how ingrained these stereo types are. A few days later another man colleague said he whines like a girl when it's cold. I didn't say anything and walked away. I don't know if it was because I was not as comfortable speaking with him about it or if I just didn't want to get into it right then but later I wish I had said something. Not to start an argument or to make someone wrong but because it's a subject matter I feel strongly about. Who knows, what I have to say may shift someones perspective to something new and empowering.

Lastly, are you living from your truth? Deep inside each and every one of us we have a purpose to fulfill. Sometimes we are unaware if it because of the business of our lives or our loud and chattering minds but we all at some point feel there's something more to this equation. By sitting and meditating we can get closer to this deep truth and live it. Once you have a grasp on what it is, you can look at your life to see if it aligns. If it doesn't... Changes will have to be made. This isn't always an easy task. Sometimes this comes in the form of quitting a job or walking away from certain people but in the end if the actions you are taking honor your highest truth (highest self) you cannot lose.

Satya... What does truthfulness mean to you and how can you incorporate it into your everyday life?

Santosha

Santosha:
 Contentment; being satisfied with the resources at hand - therefore not desiring more

As we enter the season of gratitude and thanksgiving we can also find Santosha. When we find gratitude for what is we can also find contentment.

It's easy to always want more as it's part of the human condition. And, although striving for a goal or to desire more is healthy and encouraged it's even more so to be content with what is. After all, right now is truly all we have. The past and the future only exist within our minds. They are merely stories we tell and create. Right now is all that exists.

When we find gratitude and contentment in the present moment, suffering of what should be or what could have been disappears. When suffering disappears the worries of the future do as well and if we can  continue to hold that space of energy the future moment shifts as well.

I find that when I start to worry of what could be and then become present to the abundance of the present  I can proceed with my goals of the future with joy. This is far more beneficial that anxiety when approaching something new.

My life is currently shifting as I transition from performing full time to teaching yoga and writing full time. At times I can get caught up with worries of the money or how is every thing going to work out. But when I look around at my present moment I find peace. I can enjoy my sound of the breeze and the new autumn chill. I can enjoy my husband and his passion for soccer as I hear  him yell at the game he is watching as I write my blog. I can enjoy the way my kitty snuggles up to me and shows me unconditional love. Everything is just as it should be. After all, right now is all we have and in a moment this too shall pass.

So why not enrich your life with finding gratitude and contentment for what is with no stories of the past or future. Then, watch how your perspective shifts.

What can you let go of to find Santosha right now?

Pause

Ever take a moment to pause life and look around in the moment?

In Yoga we teach to become present to what is, being the breath, the mind, the body or how one is feeling. When we practice this daily it starts to shift our every day life as we become ever present to the moment that is. It's absolute magic when you can consciously pause in the moment to take it all in.

Last night was my last show in the production I have been in for the last two years. Each number I performed I consciously took it in allowing myself to enjoy what I was doing where I was doing it. The lights shined bright, the music was loud. The energy of the crowd was high and so the was the cast's. I tapped into how my body felt as I danced across the stage and how my soul felt as I sang my heart out. I even enjoyed watching my cast mates do the same thing. A lot of the time I don't pay particular attention to what they are doing or how they are doing it but last night I did. It was beautiful.

We all go to the theater night after night performing the same show. Muscle memory plays a big part when repeating each night but every now and then the right combination of elements come together the divine will come through one of us as we perform. We live for the thrill of being on stage even if it means having to smile through the hard times. Death was ever present over the last 2 years as cast members lost family and experienced  injuries but we all pushed through smiling through the pain. The crowd would never know since it's our job to help them forget theirs and we are happy to do so. Even those moments I was able to pause to look around and acknowledge just how strong performers are.

When I first started this gig I had the same moments of pause as I became present to "I'm living my dream". It was during the production of "My Way" by Frank Sinatra that allowed that moment of reflection. Last night as I sang it for the last time I was able to acknowledge I am about to embark on a new journey and that I can say goodbye to this chapter with peace. I enjoyed the colors, the sounds, the smells, the people and the feeling. It was magic.


When was the last time you took a moment to pause and experienced something beautiful? I would be so grateful to hear from you!

The Odd Duck in the Room

Day 6 of The Feel Good Blogger Challenge (www.alexbeadon.com)

It's October. I'm eighteen. I have 2 garbage bags full of clothes and few personal items packed in my blue 89' Chevy S10. My cat Paige is sitting on top of the seat bathing in the sun as I drive away from my tiny town in MI for the glitz and glam of Las Vegas. Everyone had their bets in as to when I would call home crying and turn around to come home. I couldn't help but laugh at them because I knew that was never going to happen. I was tougher than they thought and I was out to prove it.

I arrived in the shiny city after midnight three days later. I was exhausted from sleeping in my truck for two nights since I wanted to save money. After all I only had $800 to create my life 2000 miles away from home. Luckily I had already paid for my first months rent for the apartment I was now trying to find.

As I drove up to my new home and took a look around I realized it wasn't in the best of areas. The woman I spoke to over the phone a month earlier clearly lied to me to get the sale. Since I didn't have the keys yet I had to sleep one more night in the parking lot. This time in the ghetto.

Fast forward... I have been living there almost two months. I was lucky enough to find a job right away at a metaphysical bookstore called the Psychic Eye where I set up appointments for the Phychic's and did retail for the store. I only made $5.75 an hour but I loved it. I studied a lot and left every day smelling like Nag Champa incense. 

I was running out of money fast and my job wasn't cutting it. It was time to get into action with why I had come here. In the mean time I was starving, surviving on ritz crackers with peanut butter and jelly and Ramen Noodles. Of course, I was too proud to ask for help. I had no idea how to find auditions since the newspaper was clearly not it considering all the "performer" jobs in the classifieds were for a different kind of dancer if you know what I mean. So, I took it into my own hands and called every hotel on the strip with a show in it asking the front desk to put me through to HR. Once I got a hold of someone there I would ask to speak to the person in charge of the show in their hotel. Interesting enough this was quite effective. I booked three auditions that day.

The  producer of Jubilee (one of the biggest showgirl shows on the strip) gave me a date and time for my first audition and told me to come with hair and makeup ready dressed in proper attire. The audition was a few days later at 10am. I drove to the nearest dance attire store and told the man at the counter I was auditioning for Jubilee and needed the proper dance wear. "Where you from kid?' , the man asked. He obviously could tell I was inexperienced and not from around here. "Michigan", I replied. He just smiled while shaking his head and proceeded to hand me the "proper attire" for my first big audition. "Here ya go".

I looked down to see a tiny thong, a bra top and fishnets. "That's it?!" I replied.
"yup", he said. He was an older gentleman of few words. As I continued to look around I found a traditional black ballet leotard that would cover my belly and booty. "what about this?, I asked. He just shook his head again. It was plain to see the answer was no but I got it any way along with his suggestion using up the last of my money.

Fast forward again... I'm at the audition located inside the Jubilee theater. It's enormous and the stage is the biggest I've ever seen. The isles are filled with gorgeous 5'10" girls in their thongs, bras and character heels and full hair and makeup. I had no idea I would have needed eye lashes so big they would blow in the wind. They were all stretching and practicing their extensions that reached far above their heads. I observed and joined in as I stretched in my own little corner of the room. I was very aware I was in over my head and to top it off I chose not to wear the thong and bra that were suggested to me. Instead I went with the full leotard. I felt like the odd duck in the room but still I held my head high and pretended I had done this before.

The first routine the dance captain taught was a ballet routine. I had only taken ballet for about three weeks so I strictly mimicked what they were doing not having a clue as to what they were saying. Surprisingly they kept me for the second call. For those they kept, we had to chaine across the stage, kick high and land in full splits. Again, I observed the girls in front of me glide across the stage spinning in an almost never ending turn, kicking high as they approached the other side of the stage and land in full splits. Considering I didn't even know what a chaine was until I was asked to do it I did pretty damn well doing exactly what it was that they asked. To my surprise they kept me a second time. The thrid routine was a sexy dance to Moulan Rouge. I thought I did pretty well but it was after that the producers finally cut me from the audition.

I'm not sure if they kept me just to see how far the weird girl could go, or if they kept me simply because I'm tall with big boobs or if I had actually done a good job but that was the beginning of my Vegas journey that would ultimately last eight years performing in shows and casinos. I eventually realized I wasn't a dancer. I was and always have been a singer but at the time I'd rather use use up all my resources, dance in a thong and make a fool of myself than sing in front of a crowd because to sing they wouldn't just see my body. They would see my soul.

Helpful Tip of The Day

Day 5 of The Feel Good Blogger Challenge (www.alexbeadon.com)

Helpful Tip of the Day...

Do you find yourself feeling like you don't have enough time in the day? Do you find yourself stressed to achieve something in a short amount of time?

Here's the key..

Manage your time and make it into a game! This may seem simple enough because it is. It may take a little getting used to at first if your not used to it but once you get into the habit of it I promise it will change the way you look at time.

You'd be surprised how much time you have left to spare. Here's what you do.

Set a time limit for everything you do and stick to it. If you need to clean the house, run an errand or even do something creative, give yourself a time frame to finish. I've found when there is a time limit the more strategic I become. If you don't finish forgive yourself and move on or if you MUST, reorganize your time management to make it work. The idea is to make it into a game. Have fun while trying to complete your tasks under a time limit.

I know when I'm extremely busy teaching classes and running errands I can forget to eat so I will even schedule in meal breaks or rest breaks just to make sure I am taking care of myself and balancing things out. For the mommy's out there... you know what I'm talking about. Make sure you schedule alone time, even if it's five minutes to just breath.

Every time I have managed my time down to the minute I have found I can do much more than what I thought. At the end of the day I feel accomplished and content.

Start today and see what a difference managing your time down to the minute makes for you!

Let's Get Intimate

Day 4 of The Feel Good Blogger Challenge by (www.alexbeadon.com)

10 Things You May Not Know About Me...

1. Aside from being in love with yoga and it's benefits I teach to remain present to the lessons I've learned other wise it's easy to fall back into old habits that don't serve me. 

2. I have a good habit of listening to my intuition but what people don't know is that even though I listen I'm still always scared. I cry when no one is around and pray I'm making the right choice. Even though it has never failed to work out in the end I still doubt myself. I just push through the fear.

3. I treat every interaction with the ones I love like it's going to be the last. I always make sure to say I love you and if there is an upset that it's resolved before I go. I've lost many friends at a young age to drugs, car accidents, suicide and even murder. I wasn't complete with all of them. I even had unresolved arguments with the one that was taken most tragically. I vowed to never let that happen again.

4. Death scares me. The fear of it has ruled my life even at a very young age. Making sure I live full. Making sure I have no regrets. Making sure those I love know I love them. This sounds great and it is but the fear of death is still profound.

5.  I relate to being more introverted. Although I'm a performer and very comfortable with being around people and having attention on me I need my time alone to "recharge" after a lot of interaction with others. I can spend days alone without human contact and be perfectly content.

6. I have dreams of having a full vegetable and herb garden but struggle keeping even the most simple plants alive.

7. I love fire hydrants! I think they look like little aliens and I enjoy taking pictures of them in every city I visit. I find that they are painted all kinds of unique ways.

8.I sing and/or dance when ever I'm feeling a strong emotion whether I'm happy or sad. I usually do this alone and have since I was a little girl. My life has always been a bit of a musical.

9. I feel and express love through physical touch and quality time.

10. Although I use my blog to communicate through vulnerability by sharing my stories and lessons this challenge was still confronting.

Your turn! Tell me some things about you... :)

A "Time Out" For Adults

Day 3 of The Feel Good Blogger Challenge (www.alexbeadon.com)

Daily Meditation Tutorial

Before I start, let me point out this is a practice. It's a practice for anyone no matter what culture or religious background you may have. It's what I like to call a "time out" for adults.

First of all you need to have a space that is just for you when you want to meditate. I suggest pick a spot that is quiet and comfortable for you. I always sit on my back porch. I like to hear the rustling of the trees in the breeze and birds chirping. It's my happy place.

Second find a comfortable seat. You can sit in a chair or cross legged on the floor or on your knees. Sometimes I like to sit cross legged against a wall. It helps keep me sit upright without a lot of work. Your choice. Just make sure your comfortable.

As you find your seat sit up tall lengthening the spine while sending the crown of the head to the sky and allow the eyes to gently fall closed.

Once you are there you want to connect. So, check into the body first. Scan it mentally from head to toe to become present to what is there. Maybe your body feels tired or strong. Do you have any kinks or aches or pains. While your scanning become present to the way your body feels but don't dwell on it. Simply recognize it then let it go.

After you have become present of your physical body start to check into the mind. Recognize where your mental state is. Is it busy, loud or chatty. Is it calm, quiet or still? Again, wherever you are just recognize the thoughts and let them go. Our mind likes to latch on to thoughts and take us for a ride by creating stories so be present enough to not follow them. I like to think of thoughts as ocean waves crashing on the shore coming and going. Sometimes I even like to imagine putting my thoughts into bubbles and watch them float on by. Do whatever works for you.

 Once you have become present to the mind and body focus your attention on your breath. Again, don't change your breath just become present to where it is naturally is in the moment. Is is deep or shallow? Be mindful that there is nothing to do here but breath natural and recognize it. Do this for at least five breaths before moving on.

After you have become present to your breath consciously start to deepen the breath. Take a few deep breaths in the nose and out the mouth. This helps to calm the body a bit further. Then give your breath a count. Inhale 1-2-3-4-5 Exhale 1-2-3-4-5. Repeat this at least five times or as long as you like. When we focus on the count of our breath there is no room for any other thoughts. This work is gently calming the nervous system and the mind.

When you feel done with the breath work allow yourself to just be. Continue to sit there sitting upright with your eyes closed. Sitting still can be quite a challenge for some. It's perfectly natural to want to move or feel that there are things to get done. Your mind may wonder. Let it. Then see if you can catch it and come back to the present moment. Maybe tune in the the sounds around you.

 I suggest setting an alarm on your phone for 5 minutes to start. Then maybe you want to up it to 10 minutes or 20 minutes. Each time you sit to meditate the experience will be different. Why? Because each time you sit down you are different. Our emotional and physical state are in constant fluctuation. By meditating we bring ourselves back to center.

Toward the end of your practice create an intention for the rest of your day. Maybe it's love or compassion. It could be patience or curiosity. Set what feels right for you in the moment. I like to set this intention toward the end of meditation because I am more in tuned with what I need. I can hear my intuition clearer.  

Keep in mind you may not feel instant results. It's a practice which means it takes time. Don't feel you have to do 20-30 minutes to be successful. Just by taking 5 or 10 minutes to center yourself and "just be" that's all you need. If you're one of those people that say "I don't have 5 or 10 minutes to just sit down!". You may be in need of it the most.

I suggest picking what time works best for you and stick to it like ritual. I like to sit in the morning when I wake up. I find it's a good way start to my day. Again, do what works for you.

Happy meditation and Namaste!

The Story Behind My Passion

Day 2 of The Feel Good Blogger Challenge (www.alexbeadon.com)

Self development and Yoga... They are one in the same really but I didn't know that seven years ago. They both came into my life at the same time and forever changed my life.

Let me give you a little background...

I've always been sensitive by nature even empathic if you will and I'll admit even dramatic. Guess that's why the arts have always been in my path. However, this sensitive nature didn't always serve me well because I always took things to heart. Sure there were other circumstances along the way that led me to believe I wasn't good enough but ultimately it was my choice to believe so. I suffered from depression, erratic emotional behavior and substance abuse. Constantly up and down never really being able to grip my grounding.

 Fast forward I'm in a relationship that I care about but find myself behaving inside these old habits. See, I believed if I had found someone that loved me all of these things would naturally fall away. So why was I still acting this way?

I started practicing yoga at my gym hoping the so called magical properties everyone was talking about would somehow "zen" me out. I went to my first class with high hopes and hated every minute of it. I thought I must DO something. I wasn't comfortable sitting still. I felt like I should be running or biking or doing something fast. I'm naturally flexible and athletic and didn't find the class I was in to be physically challenging enough. When the class ended I didn't plan on going back. I went in thinking it would calm me and left finding myself even more frustrated. After careful discussion with the friend that encouraged me to go in the first place I decided I would try another teacher.

 I went to a new class later that week and fell in love with the instructor. She taught Ashtanga Yoga which is a more athletic form of yoga. It was the physical practice I longed for while slowly connecting the self development work within. I started practicing 3-4 times a week. I remember the first time I did an arm balance pose. It took me three months. I was so proud of myself. It was then I really connected to, "anything worth it takes time and practice". My mind started to slow down and I was able to observe.

In the mean time even though something was opening up for me inside of my yoga practice I still couldn't quite take a hold of my emotional reactions. There was a deep hurt inside. I convinced myself there was something chemically wrong with me and since I'm smart I researched the internet to find similar cases so that I could go to the doctor and tell them I was bi-polar. Since there is no actual test for this just your word the Dr. didn't hesitate to give me medication. Looking back I think, "that was dangerous!"

These drugs alternate the chemical levels in your brain. The test for the which medication would be the right one was trial and error. I went through 3 medications before finding the one that made me the least sick or anxious or numb but taking medication brought on a whole new set of problems in my life. Not to mention myself and my relationship was still suffering.

Just as my relationship was about to end and I was on the self hatred train yet again a friend shared with us The Landmark Forum. It's a three day seminar that promises to awaken you to live a life you love by attaining what ever breakthroughs one wishes to have in life. I was very skeptical. I thought, I had tried everything. I  had already quit drinking and smoking. I had changed all of my friends, I practiced yoga, I read self development books and I still was getting the same results from broken feelings. How was this going to change my life in only three days?


Well, it did. I got my life back. For the first time in my life I had 100% accountability. It took some work after the seminar to clean up my life and I started with my family. I had blamed my circumstances and others for how I had turned out. When I was able to let go of the hurt and be accountable for how I handled each situation without blame, my life turned around. I stopped taking medication and have never needed to return to it. I got that I am perfect whole and complete just as I am. I continued my work with Landmark for 4 years after that. Each year becoming more connected to those in my life and getting more related to my family which made the world of difference. The better my relationship to my parents the better relationship to relationships I had.

The initial relationship I went to fix lasted a few more years until we peacefully broke it off to let one another go so that we could have what we really wanted. I wanted to travel and find someone who shared the same dream of having a family.Which I can say I successfully achieved as I now live happily married after meeting my husband on my travels in Italy and we are creating our life to make space for a little one.

During my years of training in self development with Landmark Education I also received my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification. As I got deeper into my yoga practice over the years I realized Asana (the physical practice of yoga) is but a small portion of yoga. It's merely a tool to connect within for deeper meditation and connection to oneself and the universe.

The combination of this self work lead to a lifestyle that I love, adore and cherish. I realized the work I did in seminars and the work I did in yoga class were one in the same. They both taught the same principles but in different ways. The tools I have learned have saved my life and have helped me create a life I am truly passionate about. Because of this I have made it my life's work to share my learning's with others through yoga and other tools so that they too can connect and live a life they love. Of course I am still learning and growing but that's the beauty of it!

Namaste 


"Give back what you've learned. Share your experience." -Deng Ming-Dao

"Be the change you want to see." - Ghandi

Let's Get Related

Hi Everyone,
Today I am posting Day 1 of the Feel Good Blogger Challenge (alexbeadon.com). I am super excited to be a part of this community and looking forward to what opens up over the next 7 days. I normally post once a week like a column so posting daily will be a stretch for me but I love a challenge. Anything worth it takes work.

The first challenge post is to answer these 5 questions... I love these questions since it really gives new readers an opportunity to get to know who I am and what I'm about.So, let's get related!

1. Who am I?
At first I found this question challenging because my first reaction is to respond with what I do. I'm a blogger, yoga practitioner, yoga teacher, singer and world traveler. However if you strip all of this away I am still here. My essence my being is still here. So, looking at it from a more philosophical point of view I am everything/nothing. We are all interconnected which makes me everything and I am the space for which it's created equaling nothing. If I am everything/nothing I can be anything I want to be at any given moment. So, I declare you today I am love, compassion, inspiration and generosity and that's who I am.

2. Why did I start blogging?
Originally I started blogging as an outlet. As a performer I am always on stage but another passion of mine is self development and since I am constantly on the "self development train" I thought why not share what I've learned with others. It started as a hobby and although it still is it's also a way to connect to a greater community as a yoga teacher.

3. Who is this blog for?
This blog is for anyone that could use a dose of inspiration or "food for thought" to connect to themselves and live life full.

4. What am I currently most proud of?
Right now, I am most proud of how I have incorporated yogic principles into my everyday life. I've come down a long and rocky road and through lots of practice with these tools I can say I am able to handle my life with ease and grace as life is handed to me. I'm not perfect and I fail sometimes but I am proud of the confidence I have built to handle difficult or stressful situations.

5. What do I want viewers to walk away with?
For anyone that visits my blog I want them to walk away feeling inspired to live their life happy and full.

Defining Success

Someone once said "The life you live is the lesson you teach".

I couldn't agree more. This lesson however hasn't always been in the forefront of my mind as I've gone through life.  I haven't always thought of the trickle affect my actions and reactions have had on others. Only through experience and attained  humbled wisdom have I found accountability.

Recently my little sister (who's not so little anymore) called me to tell me she is writing a paper for her college course on an inspirational figure in her life and that she wanted to write it on me. She could have chosen a number of people in her life even a celebrity but to my surprise she choose me.

She told me I have always been there for her and always had the right thing to say to help her through her problems. She said the way I took chances in life and stepped through fear and rejection time and again inspired her and that she honored how I create my life even when others tell me it's not possible.

Her acknowledgment was so powerful I couldn't help but shed a few tears. I knew my little sister looked up to me but never to that degree. After hearing her talk about the influence I have on her life I couldn't help but think this is what success looks like.

For a long time I thought being famous and winning awards would make me successful. I even thought becoming rich would make me successful but after attaining a very small taste of my "so called" success I realized if I wasn't happy then there was no real success. I thought that alone was a breakthrough but after talking with my sister I truly understood that great success is positively affecting another person's life for the better. There is something even more beautiful about that person being family. I've always had a passion for this but hearing it from my sister touched me deeper than any other person I have helped before. It was exactly what I needed to hear as I am transitioning in life yet again. For that I am extremely grateful but even more than that,  knowing that I have been an influential figure in my little sisters life I can rest knowing I am already successful.


What does success look like to you and who can you acknowledge today?

The Unique That Is You

Have you ever been in a place where you feel that you don't belong? I know I have (many times).

 It started when I was small. My parents moved me from my tiny town to a broken city in MI. Although it wasn't until middle school I experienced prejudice for the first time. I was a tall, skinny white girl that developed early with a big nose. I was constantly made fun of until I decided "if I cant beat em', join em'"

 I added self tanner to my pale skin, braided my hair tightly, lined my lips in brown eyeliner and lined my eyes like a cat with black. I wore baggy close, pretended to smoke Newport cigarettes, talked a lot of trash and purposely got into trouble to go to detention. I was a good girl that got good grades and very insecure but being my nice self wasn't going to work in this school unless I wanted to get bullied. It was then my super "chameleon power" developed. I learned how to adapt to any environment (and I've moved a lot) by blending in . At least that's what I thought.

The truth is I seem to stick out like a sore thumb where ever I go. Eventually I learned to harness that by being a performer. Which is great however being a performer came with a whole new set of confrontations. Like, "How do I stand out from the rest of the unique performers so I get the job?"
 Which is interesting because we are already a group of people that stand out in a crowd but when gathered together we have to look even more "original". Which in return a person can find themselves very lost in who they are and the soul searching begins again.

My whole life seems to have been a battle to fit in while all the while rebelling that notion. Talk about an oxymoron!

But here's the real deal. Not everyone is going to like you. Some people may even be vindictive to you along the way. There will always be someone gossiping about you and you cannot please everyone. There are always going to be others that disagree with your point of view and there will always be people that want to see you fail. Yes this can hurt feelings but in the end you are the ultimate judge of yourself and most of the time our inner judge is way worse than anyone else can be.

We hear this as children.. Just be yourself. Unfortunatly that can get lost in translation as we grow into young adults trying to find our way and feel accepted. Even grown adults struggle with this. We all want to be accepted with open arms and feel loved. No matter what gender, race, or cultural background.

So next time you feel you don't fit in remember underneath it all we all suffer and we all want love. Therefore you fit in perfectly. So let your uniqueness shine bright no matter where you are. Give what you have to give and honor the uniqueness and light in others even if their actions or words seem to be poisonous. Any time a person lashes out it's because they too are hurting and if that person is you... forgive yourself, show yourself love and start over.



I'm not going to lie to you. All of this is much easier said than done. It's a practice just like yoga. We will all fall especially when trying something new. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
We are all inherently imperfect perfect beings. Just keep practicing and being the uniqueness that is you!

Let it go

Over the last week we have shifted into the season of letting go, Autumn. The trees start to gently let go of their leaves as they no longer serve a purpose to the upcoming season of winter. The leaves shift from vibrant greens to golds, reds, oranges and browns. Just as we recognize the leaves as beautiful while dying we too can find beauty and grace in letting go of what no longer serves us.

In yoga there is a term Aparigraha--Not Grasping
This is the concept of non-possessiveness or non-greediness.

Yes we can take this literally such as the owning and the accumulating of things but I like to think it also be refers to holding on to judgements and feelings. No matter which way you look at it this Yama is a beautiful intention to hold during this transitional period.

It's a time to reflect on what no longer serves you spiritually and emotionally as well as your personal belongings and let it go. Lets start to make space for that which serves us.

Happy Fall!!

Namaste

The Power of Intention

Today I want to talk about the power of setting intention for your day.

A few days ago I was uploading to my Instagram account with a yoga photo and a little "tid bit" about creating joy in each moment... in each task, in each interaction and each challenge. I thought this was pretty good as it was authentic to what I wanted to create in my day. Forty minutes later the photo had still not uploaded. I had pushed load so many times I lost count. Ironically I started to get upset. I think I even yelled at my phone (as if that was going to help). Then it hit me!! I was upset that my "Joy Intention" post wasn't posting. I couldn't help but laugh hysterically and share this story later with the yoga class I was teaching. 

It was perfect!

When we set intentions and keep them to ourselves we can easily forget or put it off to the side but when we declare it to others it becomes real. You cannot escape yourself once declared out loud. In this case I declared to FB and Instagram and later my class. It was because of this intention I had a fantastic day filled with joy. Sure I was challenged a couple times via instagram and later that day I noticed my bike was stolen. I reacted with upset at first then remembered the laughter I had created earlier that day through my intention of joy. I quickly let it go and found joy in the idea someone else may be enjoying the bike I barely used.

 The more joy I allowed myself to feel the more it spread to others.

Today I encourage you to set an intention for yourself (a way of being rather such as joyful, happy, loving, courageous, bold ect..) It's up to you.

What are you creating for your day??

The Art of Love

Anyone that knows me knows I LOVE love! To me its the most important thing in the world. I'm what you would call a hopeful romantic and always have been. When I was a young girl I looked at every crush with hopeful eyes that they would be some great love. As I grew, I filled with fear my heart would be broken (cause when you love so freely it's bound your heart will break). My heart broke time and time again. At some point I had given up on the outside but still dreamed secretly on the inside I would find that one true love.

Two years ago I met my match and not only gave my heart but my hand in marriage. It wasn't the wedding that was a dream come true but the ever present unconditional love two once strangers have for one another. 

In the fairy tales they describe the princess finding her prince and living "happily ever after"  but they never describe what that is exactly.Happily every after has to be created each day, each moment. Love is an art and your relationship is your canvas.

To love fully is to love someone for everything they are and everything they're not.  It's never assuming you know everything that there is to know about your partner. (Remember  to"ASSume makes an ass out of u and me".)

In the beginning of a relationship we are "wooed" by the other person, completely smitten. The art of falling in love is magical, seductive and fun. Eventually as the relationship progresses we get comfortable. That too is an art. Each stage of relationship to your love is a work of art and is beautiful. Just like painting a picture it takes courage to dare and be bold. It takes many colors from your pallet and it takes creativity, patience and practice.

 Being married or otherwise we all want to look like we are in the perfect relationship. We want to look like we never fight or don't have our own baggage to work through while our partner mirrors us even though we all know that every relationship has it's challenges.  If they didn't how would we grow individually and as a couple. I think it's important to embrace awareness in the beauty of these challenges with the person we love so dearly. Watch your love grow each time you overcome a challenge together.

As a fairly newly married woman I've experienced many challenges as I grow...
Like letting go of my attachment to my "old" self as I mature into a woman than I've not known myself to be. Like being a woman that can be a mother. Like being responsible for two instead of one and thinking about future investments. Like not being self righteous and learning to be humble. Like understanding it's not about me, it's about we.

We are all on this journey of love together as we all need it to nurture and grow. It's not always easy but it's always worth it. Let us always love to our fullest with every lover, friend and relative. Allow the challenges to help us grow and paint a masterpiece of love.

Breakdowns

A Breakdown.... What is it?

Some people when they are saying they are having a break down they may literally mean they are helpless, crying, screaming, upset or maybe even a deep dark depression. Today I would like to redefine breakdown the way I use it in my life. It may be a helpful tool for you the next time something goes dramatically wrong.

First lets define breakdown...

Breakdown according to the dictionary...

        Breakdown- a mechanical failure or malfunction
                            a failure of a relationship or system

I'd like to state a breakdown is ANYTHING you planned that doesn't go the way you said it would or doesn't go the way you trusted it to be. It can be as big as losing a job or as little as a miscommunication with a friend or depending on how you see it. 

So what do we do when we have a breakdown?

I'll be honest I'm better with handling the big breakdowns than I am the little ones and in past I didn't handle them at all. But over the years through my developmental studies and practice I've gotten better. I recently had a big breakdown in my life. Fortunately I stayed calm. I knew in this situation I didn't have time to lose it. 

Here are the steps I took...

1.  I reached out immediately to those it would affect to be in communication. 
2. Afterward I  reached out to those that could lift me up and see the positive in the situation. 
3. I knew then I had to let myself feel and react, so alone I gave myself space to let it all out, to feel and react. Be human.
4. I then made the choice to give myself the time to just be, meaning rest and be with friends. I gave myself a time line to do this before getting into action. (I feel it's important to get a clear head and nurture ourselves before pushing to the next thing. If we are exhausted or emotional our intention may be clouded to others when we are trying to recreate a situation). 
5. After I had given myself that time to recollect it was time to get into action. 
6. Create a plan and go. Reach out to your community. They are your strongest resource. Be honest and authentic. It's ok to reach out for help. 

Above all know that whatever it is you are challenged by is temporary and it is the road to your next big thing. Trust in yourself and trust in life and if you forget call the ones in your life that remember...