108 Sun Salutations

The winter solstice marked the shortest day of the year yesterday, and today is the first day with light gradually getting longer. On this very foggy, rainy day, I went out for my run. Often on my runs, I get these crazy ideas, and today I thought why not welcome the light back into our lives by completing 108 sun salutations? I had heard of this practice before, and after doing some research have found many interesting ties to the number 108. If you are going to complete this practice at home, there are some very important things to have ready. They are as follows: One: Water, duh. Two: A clean and clutter free space to practice (I want to thank my dear teacher Sarah Sturges for this one) less clutter, equals less mind clutter. Three: Soothing instrumental jams (music although, is always optional) Four: An open mind, determination, and sticking to your intention. Beginning my practice I was pumped, ready to do this, and had so carefully plotted out in my head how I was going to do Surya Namaskar As for the first 25, then Surya Namaskar Bs for the next 50, and you get the point. Surya Namaskar means Sun Salutation, and there are variations A, B, and C. What I discovered in my practice that I continue to learn over and over, is that I had to let go of whatever expectations I had. We have to forget ideas we have about how something should be carried out and just experience things for what they are. Which in this case was a marathon of a yoga practice, by Surya Namaskar B # 42 I finally let go. What I discovered after this letting go, was how much of a creature of habit I was. Always stepping into plank with the same foot, and stepping forward with the same foot. For the next 68 rounds, I tried so very hard to stop stepping back into plank with my right foot and stepping forward with my left. By the final 8, with eyes closed and more open awareness I was able to complete my practice alternating stepping back with right, stepping forward with left, stepping back with left, stepping forward with right. On my final few sun salutations, I didn’t want it to end. So with that thought in my head I took the opportunity to savor every moment of this last commitment to movement---and at the commencement of 108 sun salutations, I had a yogic high that I hadn’t experienced in a long time, in addition to a very increased awareness to my arms. Would I do it again? Absolutely. If you would like to join me in doing so, in closing I have a few suggestions. Don’t stop breathing Listen to your body not your ego Drink plenty of water, during, and after, and to celebrate even more, cook a nourishing meal. My home-made enchiladas were just what I needed.

Come Back To Yourself Again and Again.

One of the things that has been on my mind lately is the constant battle some of us face regarding the inability to really listen to what our body, heart and mind need. Often we can get stuck in a tangled web of "truths" in wolf's clothing that we make up in our heads. Things like I am not good enough, I don't deserve that, I have to, I am, etc. The list goes on, these assumptions we make in our head become our truth, and they are often not truth, but just thoughts. One of my teacher role models Kathryn Budig reminds her students and herself to Aim True. In the video I am posting below, she states "Aim True means the ability to wake up every single day and just set intention". This intention that we try to have for ourselves first thing in the morning, at the start of our new goal, is so innocent, and unscathed and achievable. This becomes difficult to stay true to however, when you factor in our own thoughts about ourselves, or even what the world tells us. We are constantly bombarded with flashes of images and ideals of what we should be, could be, need to be. I have found that through the practice of yoga, you can become aware of these thoughts that are in fact not truth, and come back to yourself, on your mat, your field of grass, your living, room, sitting in your car, again and again. We do this over and over so that as Ms. Budig says, you can always Aim True to who you are, what you want, and truly listen. Always be yourself, everyone else is taken.

Want to know more about the Intermediate Course?

http://herbalacademyofne.com/intermediate-herbal-course/?ap_id=SantaLena Online Intermediate Herbal Course

Busy Bee

My step onto this path was unknown of what would be scattered along the way. I have found so far that this new path continues to step in the right direction. One of the doors that has opened since my decision to begin teaching yoga, has been a wonderful organization called The Herbal Academy of New England located right in Bedford, MA! I had heard of Herbalism before, and had a strong desire to deepen my understanding when I became a student and teacher of natural healing. What I have discovered and continue to learn is that Yoga and Herbalism intertwine beautifully together. When you think about it, doesn't it make sense?When I stop and notice the world around me, I have a strong sense of kinship towards the plants and their energy. There are many different practices of meditation, and I find that my meditation is best practiced in the thick of the woods or in an open space. It is there, that life slows down, and I find interconnection with myself and my energy that is shared with the energy around me. It is there that we create a soft and vibrant symphony of just being.

The Herbal Academy I am happy to say offered me the chance to be part of their dynamic team and they are really taking off! They are currently running a Vegan Cooking Series and they will be offering other workshops including one on Incense, as well as a Yule Log workshop. What I am most excited to be a part of and ready to launch is the Online Intermediate Herbal Course starting after Thanksgiving. The Academy offers a fabulous intro course online, FREE. If you are ready to take your understanding to the next level, or even just start learning, this is the spot. There will be a general overview if you are a beginning and the course will continue to cover plants and their connection with the different systems of the body, self care, interactive e-books, printable recipes, videos and much more. 

Interested in learning more about The Herbal Academy of New England? Click this link below...

www.herbalacademyofne.com

The Sweet Nectar of Letting Go

The sweet surrender of letting go. What seems such an easy task can really be difficult and daunting at times. There are times in our life when we push ourselves harder than we need to. There is a box, and no matter how hard you push, bend, gripe, and moan, that box doesn't fit you. Even when you work hard to get in the box, once you're in it, you're trapped, you can't breathe, you feel stuck or just plain awkward. Why do we push ourselves so much?

In life, there are things that nurture our souls, things we know we feel good about. There are also things that make us feel less human, less worthy. It may be a job, a pose you can't master, a marathon. Whatever, it is, it is not the job, the pose, or the marathon, it is you. When we beat ourselves up, or let things weigh on us, it does nothing but trap you inside your head and distorts your truth. To get back your truth, it boils down to you.

Take a moment to reflect on something that is a struggle in your life right now. Something you keep pushing at that is exhausting you, or draining you. Got it? Now, what is that thing keeping you from doing that is nourishing? What does it feel like to be doing what you are unable to do for yourself right now? Now, think again about what is dragging you and pushing you down, and let it go. Inhale deeply. Hold it at the top, now exhale out through your mouth as loud as you can. How did that feel? Notice that sensation, and remember that sensation as you let go of whatever it is you need to let go of today.

Part of practicing yoga is the practice of Ahmisa. Ahmisa is the first Yama in the Yoga Sutras. Ahmisa means to practice non violence. Beyond physical violence towards yourself or others, this includes, words and thoughts that are harmful or painful.

Sometimes the hardest thing is to let go. Your heart is one of the strongest muscles in your body and strength to let go, starts with love.

Love and be loved and know you are a beloved little being.

Falling into place

One of my favorite seasons is Fall. The air begins to cool down, I smell wood burning and this is comforting to me. I love looking at the vibrant new colors in the trees and on the ground as the leaves begin to change and fall. Even on days when it is dark and cloudy, this added color can change the perspective to something bright. As I embark on this new journey in my life, I have been thinking about leaves falling into the places they are supposed to. Wherever they are, they are right where they need to be. As they make the change, they peacefully drift down to the ground, to be part of new change, and new life. They don't know where they will fall, but wherever they land, there is a purpose. Change sometimes can be scary, but if we allow it to happen naturally, you can trust, that eventually, you land right where you are supposed to be.