The Everyday Yogi

Great new Start

2010-08-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Start my 10th year of having a studio..... Gives me the need to reflect on my practice, my teaching and my life.
I would never have dreamed that this studio would take me on such a great journey.
The spiritual growth, love, health and the great friends I have found.

I can only hope those who have passed through the studio have had such joy!

For those thinking of joining the practice I wish you find that joy!

So to all those great yogis of Yoga in Me, Thank you!
and NAMASTE!

It's always something!

2010-08-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

It has been a rough week plus.....
Taking a few days to be with Mark, then recovering from a foot thing???
I am blaming on old flip flops. You would think someone like me who loves to shop would make that a mission.
Moving my daughter into here new place. Now this stomach thing.

And you would think with some of this down time, hurt or sick I would get onto my computer.

Oh ya... that is the other thing my computer died making my life a little more complicated.

But isn't that the point we are all missing. taking time to simplify and take the time for ourselves.
We all has life stuff...laundry, dishes, dinner, yoga running.... But finding simplicity in our lives. And taking time for ourselves, where it is yoga, reading, running, cooking, dishes.... But things that allow us to settle giving more peace in our minds.
Right now I know this is what is missing focus. And why I find my self not focusing and getting stuff done.

But I know not having my computer really makes me less organized... bring less distraction to my life.
But never less reminding myself to stay focus is a daily practice. Stay Present!

Reading yoga Journal

2010-07-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

I think I have complained so much that the yoga gods have heard.
My month disgust with the yoga community arrived today, Yoga Journal.
Trying to sell you things that will make you healthier and a better person and make you practice better as well by buying something. my big thing is sell/buy..... you can't buy Bliss.
And trying to suck money out of Yoga studios everywhere to promote yoga.

Maybe they have seen the light, many studios have stop advertising with them because of their over charging. Times are hard.... maybe not all because of the economy.... but from lack of promoting true yoga. And studios and yogis seeing this. Because they are preach to the choir, we know we are being scammed. There profit over our demise.

I say this because there is a pull out this month of a time line of the history of yoga.
though kindergartenish .... it is a start. Now if they can follow this up with articles about the eras and the people it would be great. And not trying to sell something to us in the articles.

Well, here's to hoping for a new phase in Yoga Journal. Not my month disgust!

DIDO!!!!

2010-07-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

A whole month, and it has been a hot one. I don't know if that is why I haven't written or just not much to write about.
I have been doing a lot of work and thinking on yoga.
Really considering what this is. The other day I did my son's radio show. The topic ended up being about how corporate yoga and the lack of knowledge has hurt yoga.

I have spent much time trying to figure out how to fix this.... I am still at a loss. I guess I just need to keep doing my stuff and maybe someday others will join the band wagon. Maybe when there bodies become damaged or to old to keep up.

But last night I decided to watch enlightened Up again (for the 4/5th time???)
I guess I really find the open segment really disturbing. When the director asks the celebrity Yoga Instructors**, what is yoga they have no idea what to say.
These are the people guiding other teachers and students in the US. And they have no idea what they are doing...except making money and making people sweat!.

I guess until these individuals find the light the teaching of Yoga will be an uphill battle for the rest of the Yoga Teachers*.

**Instructors A individual who dictates lessons, without the true intent to inspire or change a students life.
*Teacher A individual who is there for the support and growth of a student life, through their teachings.

When asked the Million dollar Question... What is Yoga???
I will respond.
It is a method to learn how to control your mind and bring inner Peace!

Namaste!

WoW!!!!!!!!! it's been awhile!!!!

2010-06-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

Ya..WoW!! life gets crazy!
Just trying to get through the everyday stuff can be hard enough.
I guess that is why Buddhist say life is about suffering.

But when it get harder and it got harder this week!!!!! You (I) can focus on the stuff that get you through the day, on the good stuff. And I believe that is what buddha was really saying.
He wasn't saying focus/embrace on the bad stuff. He meant the bad stuff the hard stuff will happen. We need to remember as we struggle and toil, the joys in our life and the world.

It is like the saying...... Why do we have death???? To make life so important.
With out struggle the sunrise, the wag of your dogs tail, the meow of the cat, and the kiss you have been waiting wouldn't be a sweet.

And as I sit here missing my husband madly........ Reminding myself of the love, the great times we have had and the better times to come!

Enjoy the beautiful night!

So little time.....

2010-06-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

So much to do!
At least that is what i tell myself.
Yes there are daily things that need to get done... and mostly do.
There are those project list, that never get finished. Seems as I get near crossing everything off the list new projects come up.
But truly to often I find myself distracted by the computer and the TV.

I am going to try to re-focus myself.... honestly it is summer and there is nothing good on..... But anyway, maybe this will be a way to start. Trying to make the daily chores and the list project more present... make them yoga.
I once read in one of my books, Before I was Buddha I chopped wood and after I became Buddha I chopped wood.
We all have that Buddha within us, we all just need to find a way to let her out!
And the time is now!

Namaste!

The Adventure of the Day

2010-06-08T05:09:00.000-07:00

So it has been a few days. you would think when Mark is away I would have all this spare time. Just able to sit an enjoy........ I always find myself doing a project.... repainting, redoing a room.....or just a super clean up job. That was some of the case, trying to get the house in order. Trying to get caught up of stuff.
STUFF??? ya needed new pants, all my pants stretched over the winter??? Oh no maybe I shrunk just a little... either way I needed to pick up some summer pants and shorts. The others were falling off--- how attractive! No fear bum will be covered by a few new pairs!

My adventure...if I choice to take it will be going through the racks of clothes I have to get rid of the larger than life things... Not only the toooo big stuff but the stuff I should wear... OH MY!

I truly wish I was one of those people who can just sit around and sit around. No TV was sit and be. I find myself needed to be engaged in something to be settled. maybe this is why I like vinyasa practice so much. I can move around, but sometimes for that brief moment I can just settle in and be.

Namaste!

Holidays....

2010-06-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

I have been taking a Holiday from the blog. Not on purpose, life happens..... Husband home, husband's bday, husband back to work and much housework. It amazing how much mess two people make... and two dogs and three cats.
Yesterday was my outside yoga class day. Which almost didn't happen, George has been sick again. (George, 6.5 years old Golden Retriver) He has been having dizzy spells we think now and facial swelling. There is not alot to do for him... just be there. He was sleeping, sound so I decided to go. Today he is still about the same :(

Just sitting around listen to my son's radio show (UNregularradio.com --- you can listen on them through itunes---- Local Boston Music) and uploading photos to my website www.sound1photography.com and to my facebook Danette yogainme and babysitting G.
Thought it was going to rain!!!! 430P and no rain. That S$%cks I had set my day around it.

Need to finish up that last bit of housework before 545P class.

A Yoga Practice of sorts

2010-05-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

After sneaker issues, knee problem and #$%!! issues. The days has come. With much support of my yogis. I decided to make this a yoga practice, just keep going firm relaxed. Allowing my body to do what it needed.
That was the key I had a great run, did it in 2 hrs and 8 minutes 5 sec. This was my first time at this distance 13.1. I just couldn't work it in to do the distance before the race. I could have gone a little faster, but I am very happy with my time. I wanted to do it under 2hr 10... and did so.
It is about 3.5 hrs post race legs feel good..... my only issue is my stomach. So what else is new. The early run made it challenging.
But taking the yoga of it really made a difference.... it truly enjoyed the run. Boston is such a beautiful city and what a great day!

Mark did well in his 5 mile run too!! After his bad back set back last week. Just need to work on his training for the Army 10 Miler in October!

Enjoy the rest of the day off in the sun with my feet up!

Have a great Memorial Day!

Namaste!

Sex and the Big screen

2010-05-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

Sex is better on the big screen...!!!!????

Saw the STC2, it was great! good plot, great in sight to women's lives. Less emotional than the last.... just fun and real life stuff.

Can't wait to get my daughter down to see it again. Great men shots and a few boobs for those men dragged to see it....thoses great men!!! Mark enjoyed it :)

Just doing that real life stuff myself vacuuming, dusting and some laundry!!!!

Well, just wanted to put in a quickie!!

Have a great night...off to Yoga!

D

The Hot ones

2010-05-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the heat, great time to practice. The heat allows you to get a little deeper --but not that intense heated yoga. And for some of us, I think it ups the intensity of the poses making you focus more. We have been doing some great work on our planks and down dogs. The hand and foot play have been amazing for both me and the students. Seeing their practice get stronger right before my eyes. Moving into that next level.

Getting ready to go to practice myself...crazy person here loves the heat. I will be off to a hot class. Some of you maybe wondering???? then why don't you teach it.
I feel heated practice are unsafe for an everyday practice, it is an assault to your body. But more so to move at such a pace and opening your body, truly a better understanding of your practice is needed. It is very easy to become injured in this practice and disillusioned as well.
You need to have a solid practice before entering the heat.... and still asking why. Yogis have practiced in freezing cold up in the high land.

More hot ones....can't wait tomorrow Sex and the City opens!!!!!
Since Mark is home, he gets to go!!! Cocktails any one!!!
Last time I went to the opening day of STC we brought Thermos of Cosmo..... I am thinking this is again a need accessory... beside the heels!!!
Don't worry for him... he has sat through the whole 6 seasons and the first movie a few times.
The drinks won't hurt either!

This will be a good start to my time down... Did my last run this AM. Will not run till Sunday ---the big Day.... 1/2 Marathon Day. Friday and Saturday just resting hydrating and carb loading.....and the other prep work!

The last of the Hot ones.... Did you see the finale of Biggest Loser.... WOW!! they looked great!
The finalist all lost about 50% of their body weight. They are truly an inspiration.... If they can do that 13.1 is nothing.

Keep cool!!!!

Namaste!

Backing it up.

2010-05-25T04:15:00.000-07:00

Had some great classes yesterday(Monday). Getting back to the beginning, but from that advanced place. We have been fine tuning and strengthening Plank. It is amazing the added strength your hands can give and the awareness that we can have. But for today I see run through classes--for the most part.
Tonight is a BIG night. The season finale of Biggest loser..... can't wait. Right now I need the inspiration. Sunday is the big race, I am doing a 1/2 marathon. Today is my last long run.

And in the mean time....helping Mark. He cranked his back and has been out of work since Saturday. He is getting better... but you know it is always something.

Well, gotta go need to get laundry going and a pick up before the day starts!!!!

Namaste!
Dani

Yoga is good for.......

2010-05-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

So after the yoga Wednesday we went for movies and drinks.
And after much research mark and I have decided that the cleansing achieved after a yoga practice is a great prep or preventive to the heavy drinking. The drink taste better......But best of all it keeps the hangover away!!!
Thursday evening we did a control ----were we drank in same proportions, but no yoga before hand. It was a much more challenging morning.
Much more research will be needed!!!! We welcome others to try out this theory.

Alcohol , yes Love it. I don't have many beverages I drink. Water, Coffee, Tea, liquor (beer, wine, Hard drinks) I do not drink milk, soda or juices.... Unless there is liquor in it.
Beer is probably my favorite, dark strong beers. But since I have been with my husband I have grow to live a good glass of red wine. Hard drinks a great place to start Long Island ice tea and a Cosmo go a long way! Live me some stake, potatoes and a drink and I am a happy girl!

So It is Saturday just finished to two classes. 8AM was great we did intense work on plank....to be continued through the week. For those out there we need to focus on those hands, allow the to be strong.

Well off to do some gardening. One of my students gave me Day lilies. I am tired of the emptiness next to the driveway. And finish the weeding....that is fun stuff.

Have a great weekend!
Namaste!

A great rainy day

2010-05-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

Wednesday is my day off from teaching.
I usually do some house stuff--clean, fix, or create, and watch Six Feet Under......Then go to a yoga class.
So yesterday was pretty much the same. Working on one of my art projects with my photos.
While watching SFU...love that show. I think it is one of the best series ever on. The writing is amazing. The characters are great and their approch to death. I have probably seen the series about 10 times through. Last summer I did a marathon watching it all the way through...then I watched it again with the commentary. Yes I own the series....but I enjoy watching it on TV.
The commentary that is on these series are great. Sex and The City has it... Also a big fan.... Can't wait till next week SATC2!
As you read I am not the best writter, and i know it. But I am amazed how writters create their craft. These commentary allow you to have insight to the process.

Had a great yoga class yesterday... I am working with the priciples we have been working on in our classes.
I am going to do more work today in the cooler setting on these poses.

The best part of the day was going to Robinhood...it was awesome!!! I love the English history.
The we went to the Exchange Street Bistro. Had a few Martinis!!!! Love them!! The place is great!
We (Mark and I) talked alot of yoga stuff. Yoga always flows better after a few drinks...but only if you are sitting. Warning...you should never practice yoga while drinking Martinis.

Mark has been coming to yoga classes with me for about a month.

WOW long blog...I will finish up on the Mark/yoga tomorrow.

Have a great sunny day!
Namaste!

The Day After

2010-05-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

So the wedding/ venue was great....food awesome, dress sweet. we looked great I will post pics on website this week.
Sunday was a recovery day..we did go back into Boston to join the wedding party for brunch, and walked around Boston after. Beautiful day!
I love Boston, I love most cities. I am a city girl. Some people are dazzled by the sunset, the mountains, and water. But me it is the city, bright lights, tall building, the buzz and life.
I remember flying in from DC a couple years back. (did it about 4 times that summer- Mark was stationed at Andrews for the summer) The best part of the flight coming home was seeing New York. i always flew in at night. To me it is the most beautiful sight, amazing! Beautiful clear summer night, lights shining!

Had a relaxing night watching Survivor---One of my favorite shows. last night was the season finale. I love the mind game part of it, but I love the physical part too!
I am also a fan of biggest loser....the show is great seeing these people succeed and the mental/physical training, a as trainer it is awesome. To see how to deal with the hardest cases and see the succeed. There are two more episodes to go...But there are always reruns!

Gotta go... need to fix my water fountain and weed!

Namaste!

Beautiful Saturday

2010-05-15T04:21:00.002-07:00

It is, the sun is shinning and the birds are singing.
Just sitting having my AM coffee....... Love coffee, can't start my morning without it--- Cream no sugar.
I have two classes on Saturdays, they are always interesting. You never know what will happen. Looking for boots, talking about trips, Friday nights.... and oh yah poses!

Later today we are going to a wedding in Boston. I am very excited!!! Usually not big on weddings, BUT! Did girly things yesterday-- nails and toes. It has been a while, I used to go almost every other week.
Then I decided to get rid of the fact nails. And I just keep putting off those pedis..... This must stop. I LOVE pedis SO MUCH!!!!
And most of all I LOVE Steak..... filet yum!! And I get to get really dressed up!

Ya I'm the yogi who LOVE meat...beef is my favorite...sorry Hindus. But if I could have beef everyday....that would be great. steak on the grill, beef stew, filet, roast beef, roast beef sandwhich, corn beef. I feel like Bubba in Forest Gump.

There will be pics to follow...off for a run! Must run so I can eat!!!!

have a great weekend!
Namaste!

Just hard at work

2010-05-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

So much stuff
Still doing work around house almost finished, have about 3 projects to complete --if the fumes don't kill me first.

RUN run Run!!! Have been hitting the pavement
Two weeks to go before the big run!!! 1/2 Marathon!

And of course yoga. had a great practice yesterday. Totally focusing on the bases...to be precise the feet and the strength and pressure applied. Amazing what it can do to your practice.

Sooooo. I was at a class at a local studio. I find it better for me to practice at a studio, that way I am not the teacher and student. I tend to get miss directed if I practice to much by myself. so once a week I travel out into the world.
Anyway.....I have this young girl next to me, great shape and strong. Did most poses well---completed them......but I thought she was going to start screaming at any point.
The teacher was trying to que to be relaxed and comfortable.
I guess her practice is a form of torture or punishment...... I personally have never seen this of a strong reaction to a practice. But my thought is why would anyone do this to themself.
This comes from a runner.
Most people think running is a form of punishment or torture.
I do find it to be yoga to me. Doesn't mean it's not hard, but it is challenging.

It is hard for us all to find that balance in our practice and in our life.....

Well I am sitting on my nice sunny and warm sun porch. Cats and dogs here too!!!
Doing this, emails and most fun....listen to my son.
He has an underground radio station on the internet, they talk and play local New England music.... check it out! Unregular radio Tuesdays and Thursdays n00n to 4pm.

Namaste!

Just another Monday

2010-05-10T17:28:00.000-07:00

Early start this AM..... Mark is off to work,,,long week coming up,
Monday 2 two classes... AM class was great learned alot about the feet and the weight / pressure in them. Quite Pm class but we did some of the same work. I find we are at an interesting point in the practice. I am wondering how it will change our practice.
Sooooo after much though about the mastering. I guess we all need to be validated, or maybe permission to feel comfort. But does this all really matter????? NO. That is my final answer.

Did work around house today, staining livingroom woodwork and finishing up old projects.
Trying to get through this stuff before the warmer weather arrives. Then the yard work will begin.
Well i guess that is it...... time to go play with the dogs and make dinner.

Life gets in the way!

2010-05-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, just like everyone else best laid plans. Thought I would blog about what the life in a yogis day is like and things that we do and think.
So... my antenna is broken on my computer making almost impossible to get online.
It is like finding gold as a wonder through my house looking for that strong signal.
After sometime i have found a spot with a signal and comfortable to stay at..... as long as the weather is good.
I have set myself up on my front porch. Now I can search for someone who can fix the antenna or find an external one that works.
Which I have little luck doing. I ordered on online and something is wrong with it.
hence the week plus since I wrote last.
They are sending me a new one.
But in the mean time here i sit on my porch.

The computer thing is so frustrating.....and dealing with the computer people is more challenging. They think you should know everything about the computer and all it's working. If you don't you must live in a cave and know nothing at all.
they could definitely use some yoga in their lives.
Some humility would serve them well. As we are all beginners...... and have much to learn.

My son was over the other day and was telling me about a book he is reading about success.
There is a chapter about mastering a skill. The guy explains that you need to practice something for 10,000 hours before you can master the skill.
so that got me thinking about me and my practice......do i think I have master some of it???? Do I have the hours to think that...... and what have I mastered......and why do I care????
And do you care, if you have mastered something or are you trying to.
HUM....... to be continued tomorrow ---- i promise!

The Everyday Yoga

2010-04-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

Namaste!
Greetings to the newbies,

I thought I would start blogging about my life as a yogi.
I am just an everyday Jane.... I think if you past me on the street you would think there goes a yogi (yoga teacher).
I want to break down the walls of what yoga is and isn't.

Break those stereotypes.......my favorite is when my husband tells others he is married to a yoga teacher.....I have heard all the comments.

So I thought I would share my days as a person and teacher with the world.

I will blog about the classes, students, poses, philosophies and my daily happenings.

My ultimate goal is to have people realize everyone can practice and enjoy yoga without all the bells and whistles.

Hope to hear from you all!

Namaste!
Dani