A New Spring. A New You.

On March 20th the Spring Equinox came into fruition on top of being a new moon. What does that even mean?! Well to some it won't mean a thing but to those that follow nature as a tool for guidance, it means a great deal.

The season of spring brings an abundance of new fresh life. The trees are budding bright green leaves. The flowers are blooming. The sun is shining stronger. The days are growing warmer and longer. (Of course depending on where you are in the country this will either hold true today or not but will hold true at some point) Pollen is being spread like wild fire and bees are buzzing. The earth is awakening from her sleeping slumber of winter and so are we. 

We start to have more energy and spend more days outside. We too soak in the warm sun and allow it to kiss our skin into a warm glow like plants. We naturally have the urge to let go of old and create space for the new as we spring clean our homes. All the contemplation of new years resolutions and goals come into action as we take in the energy of spring. Winter is a time for planting seeds and Spring is the time they come into bloom. 

Just as spring represents new beginnings so does a new moon. A new moon reminds us to look within and connect to our higher purpose while starting new. The fact that the Spring Equinox and New Moon were in sync this year proves to be even more powerful for new beginnings. Of course you don't have to believe it in an astrological way but can still use what is happening in nature as a tool to encourage you to connect and create. 

Any any given moment we have a choice to start over, to re-create but now is the time the season is completely in line with you as it too is re-creating life. Allow nature to inspire you and support you in this time if you are thinking of starting something new and remember we are not separate from nature. We are a working, living, breathing piece of it. This is also a great time to give back to our mother earth. Plant a tree. Start a garden. Clean a beach. Help an animal. 

Just as Spring was about to arrive on the calendar the sun was already shining warm here in South Carolina. It's beauty inspired me to run again. I haven't ran in 2 years due to a foot injury (which has been hard for me since I would once have considered myself an avid runner) but the warmth and beauty of the season encouraged me to try and let go of my fears. I drove myself to my favorite park where there is a one mile trail run around this beautiful man-made lake. I put my ear-buds in and started slowly. Next thing I knew I running effortlessly with the gentle wind at my side. I felt like a bird flying for the first time after being caged for two years. I must have smiled the entire time.It was beautiful. 

I since, have ran five more times and feel fantastic (of course adding lots of hamstring stretches to my yoga practice helps as well). That being said, I am allowing nature to guide me through this re-birth taking it easy and connecting to patience. Just as the flowers and leaves come out gracefully, I too am allowing myself to bud with ease. This teaches me to do the same within the new projects I am working on as well.  By running outside I connect with nature and my center just as I do with meditation and asana.


There's no one way to do this we all have our ways. So, I encourage you to connect with nature in your way during this transition to find the lessons it provides for you as it awakens your inner wisdom to guide you on your path.  

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." ~Lao Tzu

No Journey But Your Own

With social media, "reality" TV, and the praising of pop culture it's no wonder it's so easy to lose sight of what really matters. It's just too easy to peer into someone else's life and compare your own. Of course most of us know that we aren't seeing the whole picture. We only see what others want us to see for the most part. Think about it. When was the last time you took a picture of you and your partner during or after a fight, or took a picture when you were feeling sad or lonely to share with the world. We don't want to remember the hard times, only the happy and inspiring ones so needless to say that's mostly what you will see being posted. Of course there are the occasional "social media-lites" that prefer to complain but we all know they aren't the most popular.

We used to try and "keep up with the Jones'". Now we try to "Keep up with the Kardashians" (so to speak). Our televisions are filled with "reality TV" shows of the rich and famous or people trying to become famous as if this is what real life looks like. As if is what makes someone's life memorable. It's incredible how many children now want to be famous instead of becoming care takers, fireman or astronauts.

I lived in Los Angeles for three years. I loved living in a city where culture, and art are a part of everyday life. I loved having something new to experience everyday if I so choose. I loved being surrounded by like minded, creative people and being close to some of the coolest beaches in the US. I loved that movies were filmed on my street corner and that I lived in the city everyone was entertained by on television. I loved performing in historical night clubs like the Viper Room on Sunset Blvd and I loved my studio apartment over looking Capitol Records and the Hollywood sign. I was singing at night and teaching yoga during the day. According to my public profile I was living the dream and that's how I liked it.


The truth was I wasn't happy. I couldn't find a relationship that was mutual. My gigs weren't paying enough to pay the bills and neither was yoga so I worked odd jobs I hated to stay afloat. I struggled and was depressed at the fact I had worked so hard to become a recognized performer and even though I had the talent and the drive I was still in wonder if I would be able to pay for my next meal since my rent was so high. Yes it was beautiful and I had amazing friends and great times but there was a sadness that lingered that only I knew. On the outside I was glowing and appeared to have the dream life but on the inside I longed for something more meaningful. Who's gonna want to share all that on Facebook?

Two weeks before my lease on my apartment came to a close I sold all of my belongings. I wanted freedom. I surrendered my dreams of being on the stage and opened myself up to whatever life wanted to hand me. Lucky for me my leap of faith took me to Russia for a gig two weeks later where I then proceeded to Italy to backpack and met my husband.

Life has had many twists and turns over the last couple of years and has had us living in a small tourist/retirement community in South Carolina. It's been an interesting couple of years and I've learned a lot as I have transitioned into a full time yoga instructor/kirtan singer and writer. Although I love my life and the beauty that is in it I still am guilty of comparing my life to my friends on social media as if my life should look different than it is. Then I remember, this is my journey and that is theirs. We all have a path. We can create and plan our life but sometimes it takes us for a ride in another direction. What's important is that we understand the direction we are going is the one of our true calling even if life is challenging at the time. It's up to us to find the silver lining and continue forward embracing the gifts we have right now.

One of the biggest mistakes we can make is comparing our journey to another. As the Bhagavad Gita says, "It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of someone else's life with perfection."


This statement brings such peace to me when I lose my way in comparing another's life to my own. We are all guilty of this in some shape or form but just remember your journey is unique and special. It's the footprint you leave behind that no one else can. Enjoy and celebrate your uniqueness and follow your bliss. Trust in yourself and trust in your path.

Women Celebrating Women

Today is International Women's day. Although it's on our calendars it's not widely recognized, therefore I wanted to bring awareness to it. I could go on about the women in our history books, like Harriet Tubman, Ann Frank, Emily Dickinson, Amelia Earhart, Helen Kellar, Rosa Parks, Mother Theresa and thousands of others but today I want to recognize the women making a difference right now. In my life and in yours.

We celebrate mother's Day in May but why not celebrate them every day! Whether your relationship with your mother is good or not we can simply recognize our life would not exist had she chose not to have you. Thank you to mommies everywhere for giving the gift of life. Thank you for choosing to carry us in your womb for nine months and endure the pain of birth for us to be alive. Thank you to my mama who not only raised me but loves me with every fiber in her being. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made. Your strength, wisdom, love and discipline have helped mold me in the woman I am today.

Let's honor the friends in our lives. The women who are the ears that listen and the shoulders we cry on. These are the women who love us as family without blood. These are the women we trust with our secrets and go to for advice. These are the women that help pick us up when we fall, encourage us to dream big and inspire us. My friends over the years have become my sisters. I couldn't imagine my life without them. The friends in my life also dream big and are in constant give back to their communities as well as their families. From being incredible mom's raising incredible human beings, to caring for the ocean, to caring for the hungry and sharing their talents with the world. Thank you thank you for the work you do in the world and in my life.








Speaking of sisters... Let's love on our sisters. These are the blood bonded women of our lives. These are the women who love us unconditionally even when we aren't our best. They are the perfect combination of family and friend. We sacrifice for one another, entrust in one another and would do anything for each other. When I was a child I begged my mama for a little sister and when I was twelve years old I was finally blessed with the most incredible sister in the world. I'm proud of the woman she has become. She's a woman making an impact in the world, fighting for animal rights and educating people on culture. She says I inspire her but the presence of her in my life has inspired me to become a better woman for the last twenty years.

 Grandmas, aunts, cousins, teachers, nurses, doctors, co-workers and artists. The women in our life come from all kinds of backgrounds and relatedness. To be quite honest I don't have enough time or words to acknowledge each and every woman in my life that has had a profound impact on my life. But today they are all in my heart and on my mind. I am so humbled and grateful for the incredible women I am constantly surrounded by.


So today whether you tell them or not, celebrate the magical women in your life and even just for a second acknowledge and thank them in your own right. We have come so far as women. Let's not stop here. The more we love and respect one another the stronger our society will become. Today I celebrate all of you. Thank you for the love you give and strength you have and the talents you share.

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

March 1, 2015

My first yoga teacher used to always say, "nothing ventured, nothing gained". Back in those early days of yoga I was so much in my mind these words would sometimes just pass me by until one day they didn't. I had been wanting to fly, meaning balance on my arms and lift my legs into crow pose (bakasana). My teacher and the other practitioners seemed to effortlessly lift off while my arms shook and my wrists ached as I ever so gently lifted one toe off the ground. Why couldn't I get this?!

I had to be willing to fall flat on my face. I had to be willing to let go of looking silly in class. I had to let go of what others thought. I had to let go of all my expectations. I practiced everyday at home and in class, crashing to the floor each time I lifted both feet. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Then one day in class my teacher led us once again into this pose and with the glorious balance of effort and surrender I flew for the first time. My mind was clear and my body was light. "Kamila, look I'm doing it!, I said in the loudest whisper I could muster. She glanced over with a smile and I crashed to the floor but I didn't care. I got there.

That moment lives in me each time I approach a pose that challenges me as well as in my life. How can you know you can achieve something if you never try. Will you let the fear of falling or failing stop you? Or, will you allow yourself to fall time and again until you don't? Remember if it doesn't challenge you, there is no growth.

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained." 

(Dedicated to my first teacher Kamila in Las Vegas. Thank you.)

No Day But Today

Do you ever have days where you are lacking enthusiasm for the "to do's" in your life? I know I have lately. I even found myself with the excuse, "I just don't have time". Of course I know that's not true. We all have the same amount of time in a day. Some move mountains in that time and some move from the bed to the couch. 

Through meditation I realized my lack of enthusiasm was coming from my lack of connection. Connection to my community, friends and purpose. I have been surrounded by wonderful people and opportunity but my resistance to being in a place "I don't want" to be has gotten in my way. My theme for the year is Trust. I repeat this mantra in my head whenever I am challenged. I repeat it in my yoga practice and in meditation. There are times I can surrender to it and times I cannot but either way I continue to do the work. 

I have been performing in a production of my favorite musical, Rent. It's been a long time coming and am so grateful to be a part of such a great cast. We opened on Friday. I was greeted before the show by two of my favorite people who surprised me with the biggest bouquet of flowers and lots of supporting hugs. After the show I was surprised by two more beautiful familiar faces to support me along with my husband who has been by my side through it all. To top it off, text messages and voice mails poured in from my family and friends from afar with their loving words of encouragement. I had forgotten how loved and supported I am. 

After the show my hubby and I went out with the cast to celebrate. I was able to connect further to these wonderfully talented spirits I have been rehearsing with for the last two months. They have been so accepting and loving as they have greeted me as a new face to the theater and are so sweet with one another. By being out with each of them I was able to fill up with love again and reconnect to my surroundings. 

It was my lack of connection to my passions, friends, and community that had me running on empty. Now, I'm inspired and excited for life and new projects. Interesting how simple human connection can change everything and funny that this is what Rent is all about. It took opening night for me to feel it in my core. If you are feeling uninspired, lost or disarrayed, pause for a moment, breathe and spend some time with the people in your life. Forget about "to do's" for a moment and reconnect to life with life. 

Food Is Love

While I was in Italy I took the time to observe the act of love that is food every day. From the moment I woke up to the moment I went to bed, the art of eating was either in action or in conversation.

At 8 am I would wake up to the sound of family in the kitchen, making the morning espresso and preparing for lunch. My husband and I would come down from our bedroom to be greeted with a small table setting for us. Our Cappuccino mugs set on a small plate with a spoon. Both of which rested upon an individual place mat per seat. There would be bags of cookies to choose from or a heated croissant waiting to be eaten on a separate plate. In the center, a small heated tin pitcher of milk and espresso were ready to pour along with a bowl of sugar to prepare our cappuccino to our liking.


Lunch was always served promptly at 2 pm. Most of the food had been prepared prior to lunch so that it's easy to have the table set according to schedule. The table cloth is laid out and each seat at the table is set with an empty bowl sitting on an empty plate. Forks and knives are carefully placed beside the dinner-ware along with a glass for your water and/or wine. Pasta is always served as a first course, then comes the meat, vegetable and salad. There is always bread and cheese to choose from to add to your meal. And if that wasn't enough already, we finish off with some fruit, dessert and an espresso. I find I have to pace myself and eat small portions as to not turn away food. You see, in Italy, "No thank you. I'm full", is not an acceptable answer. During lunch we usually talk a bit and watch the news and talk a bit more of what we will be eating for dinner that night or what we would like for lunch tomorrow. After everyone has had their espresso it is safe to clean up and like clockwork the plates are cleared and  the table is reset back to neutral. The dishes are done and preparation for dinner begins. For those that have come home for lunch from work usually take an hour nap before heading back to work since lunch is a 2-3 hour break for most people.

At 8 pm dinner is served. Once again a clean table cloth is covering the once bare table. The dishes are set ready for food to be served upon them and not a chair at the table is left behind. You see, even if someone isn't coming to dinner their place is set for them in case they change their mind. Talk about feeling welcomed at the dinner table! Dinner is very similar to lunch in the sense that it is balanced with pasta, meat, vegetable, bread, cheese and fruit. Being mindful no to forget dessert, coffee and a shot of Limoncello or Sambuca to top off, not only the dinner but the day.

Eat, rinse and repeat. The art of setting a table and preparing a meal for everyone to come home to it seems like a special occasion but in Italy this is everyday life. So much love and thoughtfulness goes into each meal with everyone's considerations, special needs, requests and well, just needing to eat.

Here in America we tend to eat when we're hungry. It's usually something quick and on the go since we don't allow ourselves 2-3 hours to rest during the day from our work. We barely set the table and tend to talk more of the weather than what our next meal will be.

In yoga we practice being mindful. So taking this on inside of the food we eat and how we prepare and eat may become complete game changer. When is the last time you prepared your meals? When is the last time you cooked from scratch? When is the last time you prepared the table even if it is just you?

Food is love, from the way we think about it and prepare it, to set the table and how we eat it. Love your body, love your life. Eat well and fall in love.

Never Talk About It Again!

I recently found myself getting upset at an old issue I thought I had put behind me. I'm not going to discuss it here because I no longer need to feed it energy. If you have an issue that bothers you and doesn't align with what you want in your life, here is the solution... Never talk about it again! By talking about it it stirs up emotions and energy that are unnecessary to the alignment of your happiness.

At first my thought was, "Isn't it healthy to talk it through if I need to vent?". Maybe in some cases but then I thought about it further. Every time I talk about this subject I feel angry and sad. I also feel guilty after I vent about it. Talking about this subject in no way helps me align to my greatness. So I have let it go and that's the end of that.

Do you have an issue that is hard for you to swallow and want to put it behind you but find yourself slipping down the slope of upset  and gluttonous gossip?

Check out this video by Abraham Hicks (it's about 9 minutes and totally worth it!) on this subject for more clarity. It helped me and I hope it can help you or someone you know.

"Do you know why you feel so bad when you think about it? Because you go there and your inner being doesn't" - Abraham Hicks

Courage... One Step at a Time

What does courage look like to you? I know for a lot of  people, including myself at times, we can relate to courage as being a big heroic act to accomplish something great. Some may relate to being brave and some may not. I've been told many times that I am courageous all the while not relating to it.

Today I want us to get related to being courageous because we all are. It doesn't have to take running into a burning building to safe a child to become courageous. There are many times inside of a day we are courageous without even recognizing it at courage.

What about the last time you spoke to someone you didn't know or went to a party you didn't know anyone at or stood up for yourself or for someone else. What about when you did something new or traveled somewhere foreign (this doesn't have to be a different country, it can be a few towns over) What about when you tried a new food or cooked a meal you've never made. What about when you went on a job interview or asked someone for their advice or asked for help.These are all things we may face on a regular basis that take a certain amount of surrender and courage to achieve.

I recently was in Italy with my husband visiting family and as wonderful as it is to be there, a certain amount of courage is required. As many of you may know, when getting related to your married family it takes  a lot of quality time and many conversations. This is a courageous act all on it's own but how do you do this without speaking the same language? This is my challenge as my Italian is not very good. It requires a lot of patience with myself and is humbling time and time again. Self expression has never been my problem in life but it is here. It requires me to be quiet and listen, not only to the words they are saying but how they are saying it. It requires me soak it in and learn. Lastly, it requires me to be willing to fall on my face so to speak over and over again as I try to put sentences together to communicate with them. I'm not going to lie, this is a huge challenge for me. Sometimes it's really fun and sometimes it makes me cry. Not only am I in my own struggle to speak and learn the language but I also have to trust my husband completely to guide me through a conversation and because he likes to joke around a lot this becomes a difficult task. ;) Never the less I made myself a part of conversations and had an amazing time.

One of the ways I choose to relate to my new family is by doing something with them that they enjoyed. I went to Zumba with his mom and ballroom dancing with his grandpa. Let me just tell you, I have never ballroom danced in my life! But, there I was in a room filled with ballroom regulars and no English speakers. Talk about a new and slightly scary circumstance. I let all my fears of looking bad  go and allowed myself to just be silly. This was one of the highlights of my trip and I got to connect to his grandpa and his grandpas friends effortlessly.

In this trip I got related to what courage really is. It's those moments we aren't necessarily comfortable in but step through the resistance or fear  anyway. Courage is moving forward no matter how big or small the circumstances and we are always moving forward.

"Small things matter. What may look like a small act of courage is courage nevertheless. The important thing is to be willing to take a step forward."

Holiday

I am giving myself the grace of a two week vacation in Italy with my husband, visiting family and friends.

As important as this blog and my readers are to me I must allow myself to just be.

Let this post be a reminder to you to live your life. Enjoy the ones you love. Eat, drink and be merry. Live in the moment. Create goals but also bask in life while it is happening. Remember there are so many beautiful surprises awaiting you.

I will post again the Sunday after next.

 Until then, lots of love to you and Namaste.

Ciao!

Feeling Small & Loving it!

Have you ever sat down and taken a moment to be with what is and realize just how very tiny you are in this big and ancient universe. We throw the term universe around like we have an understanding of what it is but have you ever acknowledged it's infinite wisdom?

The earth is just one planet in our Milky Way Galaxy. Our Galaxy is just one of millions in the universe! There is no end to the universe as it is always expanding. Nothing ever dies. It just turns into something else.

So let's look at this from our tiny perspective. If we are a piece of life inside the universe we too are expanding and infinite. There are worlds upon worlds and we are just one tiny spec in it all. But for human sake lets look at planet Earth and how many galaxies are right here. We can start with our own body. One tiny cell in our body working to keep our body healthy... Would be the Sun and everything else around it would be working together as a Galaxy in one unit (our body, aka the universe). Or what about the Ocean, or the insects in the ground or the micro organisms that make up matter?! Have I lost you yet? These are all worlds of their own in their own Galaxy in this one great big universe! Think about how big we are compared to some of their worlds.

Check out this photo of an underground ant city...

Our brains need structure with beginnings and endings to comprehend things. So, to think about just how gigantic the universe is and just how small we are in it, is mind blowing. I think it's safe to say we are like micro organisms to the universe and I find this very comforting.

If this doesn't comfort you, you may be confused as to why it is to me. Let me tell you...

If I am such a tiny piece in the grand old universe, my problems and fears and anxieties are even tinier!! It brings me to a place of meaninglessness. What?! How is that comforting?!



If life is meaningless, then I get to pick the meaning!!

Are you still with me?

If there is no meaning then I get to choose it. By becoming nothing I can become anything. I am everything nothing and can find gratitude that my life exists. I am alive and so are you! Life is beautiful, abundant and infinite.

Those that believe in God may have trouble with this concept at first but God is infinite wisdom and unexplained, hence the universe. We may try to put God in a boxed structure to understand it but God may never be understood and can not be labeled as hard as we may try. The universe is God and we are humbled life from it's source. Obviously, one must choose what makes them feel best. These statements are not meant to be controversial but to connect us all inside this great big eternal space of love.

From a scientific frame of mind, when we die our energy and matter is recycled into something else but from a more spiritual place what is left is the legacy we leave behind. We are remembered by who we chose to be and how we made others feel. Your acts of kindness and love live on just as all the bad things do. It's up to us how we will impact the people in our lives and in consequence the world.

By choosing one act of kindness and love at a time we make an infinite impact.

Go ahead... Allow yourself to feel small so you can know just how big you really are. Feel humbled and grateful. You are a Star in your own Galaxy.


Namaste - The divine light in me honors the divine light in you.

From My Tool Box to Yours

The new year has started and a lot of people are feeling fired up to take action in their New Years Resolutions but did you know only about 8% fulfill their resolutions at the end of the year and did you know that if you hit 50% of your goals your are considered successful at achieving them?

Here are a few tools for your tool box that can help you better achieve your new goals...

First set an intention for your year with one word. This word is your over all them for 2015 so that all your goals will fall under it.

Example: This year I have picked "Grace".
I am taking on lot of new projects in my career and personal life and I want to handle them all with grace while offering grace to myself and others.

Once you have created your intention/theme for the New Year it's time to start creating/writing your goals down.

Brain-storm ALL your ideas first with this question in mind... What would you do if you couldn't fail? Who would you be with? Where would you go? REMEMBER TO THINK BIG! How you are going to achieve them is not important. Only answer the questions above.

Think of your goals under these categories:
*Health (mind, body, spirit)
*Career
*Personal

After you have put it all down on paper start to choose the ones you can't live without and pick 2-4 per category. Sometimes committing to goals can feel intimidating and we can be scared to write them down but remember you can change them any time. Also, I like to put at the end of my final sheet, "This or something better..." That way it opens you up to possibilities you may have never imagined.

On your final sheet you will organize the goals you've chosen under each category and write them as if they have already happened with a "by when" at the end of the sentence.

Example: I have run the Honolulu Full Marathon. By Dec 6, 2015

By writing it this way you are programming yourself of the experience before it has happened. Feel free to decorate your paper any way you choose and post it somewhere you and everyone in your home where you and everyone else can see it.

Last but not least... Don't forget to share your goals with everyone!! Ask other people about their goals and get inspired! You never know who may hold the key to open the door to your biggest dream.

This is your life. Be creative and have fun!

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?