29 4 / 2012
"Yoga is really trying to liberate us from… shame about our bodies. To love your body is a very important thing—I think the health of your mind depends on your being able to love your body."
Permalink 3 notes
27 3 / 2012
"Whatever we choose not to examine, we carry with us or perpetuate unconsciously."
Permalink 1 note
26 3 / 2012
"Turning your karma to dharma means figuring out what to do with what’s been done to you. Look for the gifts in your experience."
Permalink 10 notes
15 3 / 2012
So much serendipity today…
I got my hair cut by someone I’ve never been to see before, and we had a lot in common/a lot of serendipitous things:
1. Both Italian (and both have been to Italy)
2. Both have curly hair
3. She just bought a Groupon for the yoga studio I regularly attend
3. Her best friend from high school has the same last name as mine (my last name is only common amongst Italians)
4. She had a roommate who named her pet turtle, “Ahimsa”, which is what my lastest tattoo reads
Then later, at my 2nd yoga class of the day, the teacher spoke allllll about “Abundance.” This word and everything that goes with it has been in my mind for the last week—ever since my yoga therapist taught me a meditation for abundance. Before this 2nd class of mine, I was debating whether or not to go, and even when I got there, I felt “eh.” Once the teacher talked about my “buzz” word, I knew I was in the right place :)
I also saw 2 of the meanest people I have ever met in my life today (they are former co-workers). I walked right past them—not sure they recognized me in my Fendi shades—no words were exchanged, and they looked miserable as ever.
08 3 / 2012
40 Days of Meditation/Yoga
So, because I’m taking part in a “Yoga for Emotional Wellness” workshop, we have little “assignments.” These assignments range from journaling to practicing pranayama and asana.
Anyway, one of the assignments is to do what’s called a “1-minute Breath” meditation. Ideally, you breathe in for 20 counts, hold for 20 counts, and then exhale for 20 counts. This is super difficult to do, so many of us are doing it for 10. It’s supposed to help relax and calm the body/mind, as well as bring a sense of clarity. Before starting, you must “tune in”—as in all Kundalini meditations: “Ong namo guru dev namo.”
My yoga therapist runs this workshop, and so I have another little assignment to do. She taught me a meditation for abundance. So I’m doing this in the morning for (minimally) 3 minutes (after tuning in, of course), followed by a light asana practice, mainly to stretch—not necessarily to “work out” (that’s what my evening practice is for).
I’m writing this to create accountability for myself. My schedule for the next 40 days will be:
Wake up: Prosperity Meditation/Chant (3 mins)
Light asana practice (20-30 mins)
Afternoon/Evening: Vinyasa class (60 mins)
Before Sleep: 1-Minute Breath exercise (1 min)
I may choose to add in some other things, we shall see.
06 3 / 2012
Today in yoga class…
we did some partner stuff, and it was fun, but super awkward. I was paired with this cute guy. I lifted him first though, so I made him sure he knew who was boss ;)