Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Just being in my own flow today.

Thanks to all the inspiring students who came to my class today!

Monday, July 29, 2013

Forgiveness

I have been talking about this idea of forgiveness with my friends lately. I think its important to forgive people, no doubt. I think its difficult to talk about forgiveness and compassion when it comes to people who have done things that are universally wrong. I think there are lots of situations that are misunderstandings and disagreements but some are just totally...wrong. I feel like with these situations how does one get past the disgusting things that people do and forgive them...and then also feel compassion for them. Like people who go out of their way to deliberately hurt others? I think its not always achievable to be that "forgiving". Its not realistic and it should not always be expected when it comes to wrongs that are just too huge. I believe there is a back story to the reason why people act the way they do when it comes to these disgusting things but I also think that it goes to far beyond my ability to forgive. And compassion are for people who can benefit from it. That might sound closed minded but I still think there has to be a line that's drawn or we lose site of what's real sometimes.


Friday, July 26, 2013

Dear Yogini's re: surfer punk playlist

If you're not enjoying the playlist...sorry its just a phase. 


Back to Ahimsa

I think the way we can be most kind in the world is to break everything down to the most simplest way. Use common sense, don't be a jerk and don't do things to people that you wouldn't want done to you. Right? Today I am finding that too many people have trouble with the common sense thing.

On a more thoughtful note, I think its important to consider the following when you have the urge to be mean, defensive or aggressive towards someone...that you cannot always know what is going on for a person and sometimes you can only imagine that they could be having the worst day of their life.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/pictures-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-humanity

http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/random-acts-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-humanity

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

The 6 mile plateau

I have been working on my long distance running since March and have gone up to 6 miles. Which I realize is a huge feat for me but maybe not so much for most people, or people who are "real" runners. I feel I've hit a plateau with my distance and its probably 80% mental. When I first broke my 3mile plateau I used the mantra "om namo shivaya" and now I'm looking for the next thing that will get me through! I've traded my barefoot shoes for real running shoes with the intent for upping my mileage! The bonus to my running is that I've finally taken it outdoors on a more regular basis and what better place to run than the Highline! My only gripe is that it doesn't open until 7am and I like starting at 6-6:30 but I guess it doesn't kill me to sleep an extra 30min here and there :) 

Hoping these will take me far!

Friday, July 19, 2013

Ahimsa

We talk about ahimsa a lot in Yoga -non-violence. I find its the go to way for some yogi's to talk about being a vegetarian. I respect that whole non-harming to animals. I love animals! But I also eat meat. My point is, to each is own. I do however, dislike when people try to preach their beliefs into my Yoga. To me ahimsa is about not having violent thoughts, emotions or actions, towards others and yourself. This means taking child's pose in class when you need it! Not pushing ourselves when our body asks us to take a rest. I have been thinking about this especially during this NYC heat wave! I had to stop 5 times at water fountain yesterday during my run and also really slow down my pace. I kept noticing other runners pass me, and at first I felt upset that I couldn't keep up, but it was so much hotter than other days! Also I noticed all the long distance runners seemed to be doing shorter runs. And all of the older people who take their walks were taking rests and sitting on the benches. So stay hydrated, rest and find some AC refuge!

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Inspiration comes from within

Coming from a creative field I have found myself without inspiration. Writers block, or artists block, etc. I think even in "non-creative" fields people find themselves stumped in life, sometimes depressed or just out of it. Digging deep within is how we can re-find our inspiration. Sometimes our "doing" or active lives get us caught up and we forget to spend time with our true selves. Our true selves are our source of inspiration! Inspiration is a lifting, rising and light. Dig deep within. Its there!

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Tips on meditating

I teach a meditation workshop about once a month to people who would really love to meditate but have trouble doing so -many people fall into this category, no? Anyways I composed a list of tips which I found after going over the tips with them, they were able to meditate better than before so here it is:

Tips for meditation

1. Sit comfortably.
Make sure your spine is as straight and long as possible and you can feel both your sit bones on your seat. Your shoulders should be relaxed and not slouching. Use pillows or any props to help make your seat more comfortable or sit in a chair.

2. Keep your eyes closed.
This helps to block out your sense of vision which can be distracting. You might hear some sounds and your first response is to open your eyes and look, but try to keep them closed. Also to keep opening and closing your eyes when trying to meditate makes it more difficult to focus and also can cause headaches or feelings of spaciness.

3. Don't try to "blank" or "clear" your mind.
Instead allow for stillness in your mind. If any thoughts come in, try not to engage in them,  just acknowledge them and them let them go. You can even label them "thought", "sound", "thing", "something" and then let it go.

4. Shake it out.
If your leg falls asleep or you start to feel jittery, shake it out or take a simple stretch. However, make sure you try to keep your noise and movements minimal as you should be conscious that there are others who are in meditation.

5. Make all noises be background noise.
When you hear or notice noises instead of forming an opinion of it being "annoying" or feeling curious about it, keep your eyes closed and notice the sound. Allow it to fall into the background and become something that you are not engaging with.

6. Use a mantra.
If you find it difficult to concentrate use a mantra that you've learned or know like "Om" or "Om Na0a Shivaya" or "Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha" Anytime you have difficulty with concentrating just repeat the mantra silently to yourself. Notice any vibrations in your Chakras.

7. Don't disturb others who are meditating.
If you simply cannot get into it -which happens to everyone -that's ok! But try to sit quietly and find stillness because your shuffling could be disturbing others. If you have to get up try to be as quiet as a mouse, take quiet steps and open and close doors and quietly as possible.

8. Scan your body.
Notice your breath and notice how the air flows in and out of your nostrils. Notice how your ribs and belly expand when filled with air. Notice what your back and body feels like in your seat. See if you can soften and muscles that might be tense. Notice what your body feels like to sit. Notice what your breath sounds like without changing it. See if you can listen to your breath inside of your body.

9. Breath
Still cannot focus? Try alternate nostril breathing exercise, or just count to 4 on your inhales and then exhale for 8.

10. Stop trying so hard!
Although meditation can be difficult, it can also be very easy and simple. Remind yourself of that and try not to be so affected over having difficulty. It's not that big of a deal.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

July 4th Yoga!

Celebrate the 4th by taking noon class at Jai Yoga Arts!