phys-blog

LESSONS FROM MY TEACHER

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:19:58 +0100

As most of you are aware, I have been dealing with issues surrounding the health of my father. I would like to express my extreme gratitude to all who have carried him and my family through your thoughts, concerns and prayers.

A friend recently reminded me that it is the one in the greatest pain that is the teacher. I am humbled by the lessons my father has brought me. And, as I have become witness to just how far each person's experience of life reaches, I take this opportunity to share what I have learned. Through this experience, I have found myself frustrated, astounded, saddened and angered. I have questioned whether or not I have the ability or right to teach Peace while holding such intense emotions. Sitting with the question, I heard my own teacher's voice, "You must teach". I was awakened to the fact that these emotions are experienced by all of us, in our own way and in our own time and, if I was to be an instigator of Peace (which is my heart's desire), then I must know those things that draw us from it.

So, my first lesson in which I wish to share is acceptance. I thought I had this one. It is one of my favorite teachings in meditation or yin yoga. "Be aware of feelings of discomfort and relax into them. Allow them space. Let them be." Indeed, I have learned to sit through the tingling numbness of a foot having fallen asleep. I have triumphed over the desire to swat at the persistent gnat flying overhead. I had considered myself a success at having learned to relax into the roller coaster of my father's failing health. Not until I found myself breathing deeply on my way to the hospital for yet another turn for the worse, did I realize I was still trying to manipulate my experience.

I had been there when my Grandmother made her exit from this world. It was a beautiful experience; holding her hand as she slipped quietly away. I had been there for my husband's exit, as well. A more painful experience, but humbling to know I was chosen to share in it. I desired to be present when my father left, as well. There it was, through my deep inhalations, I saw myself grasping for control of the steering wheel. It was MY DESIRE to be there.

We all have a desire for our lives - how we wish things to be. We desire for comfort, security, happiness. We desire for nice things, a loving partner, well-adjusted children, health, a well paying job, ease in our daily living..... I don't necessarily believe it is wrong to desire these things. However, we must take into account that just as we, ourselves have desires, so does everyone else. As I believe we are all one, what happens when our personal desires are not matched with another's? What happens when our personal desires are not for the betterment of the whole? What if it is my father's choice to leave this life without my presence?

I have great LOVE for my father. I wish for him Peace on HIS journey, just as I do for all of us. As I released a long exhale, I realized that my own desire may not be the best for all involved, especially for the man who is my teacher. I realized that if my desire was met, perhaps great lessons would be thwarted - for him, for me, for my family, for all who walk this journey with this man. And with that realization, I relaxed deeper into acceptance. I rested in the arms of what is and with that next inhalation, I felt myself opening exponentially.

Namaste

Mendy

ChildWatch

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:37:10 +0100

Happy Summer! It's finally here! For those of you who are home with the little ones this summer and wish to come to class but don't have anyone to watch those sweet kids of yours, we now offer a ChildWatch program on Monday evenings for two of our classes! $5 per child! We'd love to see you in class!
Namaste

Kapha Season

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:33:57 +0100

Feeling a little sluggish? Are you experiencing symptoms of a cold, flu or allergies? How about depression? These are all signs of our body experiencing the transition into Kapha Season.

Ayurveda is the sister science to yoga and the oldest form of medicine known to mankind. Based upon the belief that everything is a result of 5 Elements, Ayurveda teaches us to work in unison with the Universe to keep ourselves in balance. As the Winter snow begins to melt and Spring rains come to nourish our plant life, the Earth begins to swell with excess fluids. This is the Season of Kapha - nourishing, accepting and growth producing.

To adjust to this change in seasons, our bodies will begin releasing the excess that has kept us warm and grounded during the cold Winter months. Signs of this release can include symptoms of cold, flu and allergies. Sluggishness and lethargy arise as we experience an overload of dampness. Excess weight and depression can also be felt more heavily at this time. These symptoms are typically more extreme for those who are of Kapha constitution, but most of us feel them on some level.

We can easily reduce these sensations by changing our lifestyles to reflect the emerging season. Reducing our intake of mucus forming foods (dairy, sugar, wheat) will relieve the body of congestion. Eating foods that are light, dry and warm will ease the production of excess fluids that create sluggishness and lethargy. They will also help to reduce those extra pounds gained over Winter.

Introducing light and quick movement will also help to move the excess from our bodies. Movement helps to cleanse the body from excess toxins by massaging the body's organs, inciting them to release accumulations that are no longer necessary for our survival. Consider adding another yoga session to your weekly routine or perhaps you may find a nice walk outside beneficial.

Consider changing up your routine a bit. This will help to reduce sluggishness and re-awaken the brain after Winter hibernation. Avoid sleeping in. This will only contribute to lethargy. Please note that if you are sick, the body does need extra rest to restore itself - find your balance here.

As depression is often heavily felt at this time, please be kind to yourself. Take the extra time to care for your being - get a massage or begin a daily meditation practice to honor this time in your life.

Kapha Season is a perfect time for detoxification. Be mindful when considering a cleanse for your body. Cleansing can be as simple as altering the diet or as intense as fasting. We must always honor where we are at the moment. If the body is not well, an intense cleanse may produce extreme symptoms. Recognize where you are at this moment and take the steps that are right for you.

The Universe is consistent. "To everything there is a season." As we align ourselves with the natural flow of life, we can bring comfort, joy and health to our experience here.

Namaste

DailyOm's Transforming Anger To Light

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:04:19 +0100

January 8, 2010
Transforming Anger to Light
Give Your Anger to the Earth As humans, we all have anger, sometimes more than others. A healthy way of purging our anger from our bodies is to give it to Mother Earth. We can imagine ourselves being grounded as the electrical energy passes from us into Mother Earth below. We can see that energy go straight to the earth?s core where it becomes part of the continuous growth process of our planet and is transformed from negative to positive, from dark to light. When we choose to give our anger to the earth, we trust our connection with the natural world we live in and the great universe that fuels it all. Mother Earth will lovingly transform your anger into light so no need to feel guilty about unloading to her.

We can make this offering of our energy from any location, whether many stories up or on a ship at sea. We know the earth is below us, supporting us and sustaining us. If we have the opportunity to physically connect to the earth by going outdoors and touching unpaved ground, we may find it easier to connect to nature?s energy flow. It may also be easier to receive the flow of positive, calming, healing energy that comes to fill our bodies when we have emptied ourselves of our anger. To begin, sit and breathe deeply, ask Mother Earth to accept your anger, and imagine it coming down your spine out of your tailbone, and into the earth?s deep core. To finish, be sure to honor and thank the earth for her loving service.

When we work with our anger this way, we acknowledge that like everything else it is merely energy that can be used positively or negatively. During our grounding meditation, we may be given direction to channel this energy for its best use. We may find that the earth can help us cleanse misplaced energy to use for its rightful purpose. When we do this with gratitude, we know that we are not misusing the earth for our own selfish purposes. Instead we are connecting ourselves with the energy of our homeland, and when we do this we nurture the earth as it nourishes us.

September Restorative

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:42:44 +0100

Due to the holidays, September Restorative Yoga will be held on Sept 13th. See you then!!

OM

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:38:48 +0100

Many believe the mantra "Om" to be the sound of the universe. Om is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. It is an acknowledgment that the universe around us is constantly moving—the setting sun, the rising moon, the ebb and flow of the tides, the beating of our hearts.

Ancient yogis used Om to recognize this never-ceasing movement and seek oneness with the universe. Chanting it is meant to resonate that movement throughout the breath, awareness and energy to reveal a more powerful connection with the universe.

SATYA CLASSES TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 20TH

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:38:52 +0100

SATYA IS A SANSKRIT TERM MEANING PURITY OR TRUTH. MANY PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHAT THESE HAVE TO DO WITH DETOXIFYING THE BODY. THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS THAT WE CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO SEE THE TRUTH OF OURSELVES UNTIL WE HAVE CLEARED AWAY THOSE THINGS THAT INHIBIT THE VIEW. WHILE WE MAY RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF DIS-EASE IN THE BODY; ILLNESS, ACHES, PAINS, LETHARGY, DESPAIR, LONGING.... WE DON'T ALWAYS RECOGNIZE THEM AS THE BODY'S CALLING FOR WHOLENESS. WE CONTINUE OUR DAILY LIVES AND HABITS, NOT REALIZING THEM TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE BODY'S COMPLAINTS. WE MAY COMPLAIN OF FEELING ILL OR OUT OF SORTS AND ATTRIBUTE THESE SENSATIONS AS A PART OF THE AGING PROCESS, AN ASPECT OF THE LUNAR PHASE OR CHANGE IN ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE. SOME MAY EVEN RECOGNIZE THEIR HABITS TO BE AT LEAST A PORTION OF THE BODY'S DIS-EASE, BUT FEEL UNMOTIVATED OR UNAWARE OF HOW TO ALTER THEIR LIFESTYLES.  THROUGH A DETOXIFYING YOGA PRACTICE, WE BEGIN TO RID THE BODY OF ACCUMULATED TOXINS AND WASTE. WE BEGIN TO PURIFY THE BODY SO THAT WE CAN BEGIN TO SEE THE TRUTH OF OURSELVES.

SATYA GOES BEYOND OUR PHYSICAL SELVES. WITH REGULAR DETOXIFICATION WE MAY RID THE BODY OF ACCUMULATED TOXINS, BUT WE ALSO TEND TO RETAIN NEGATIVE EMOTIONS. SOME BELIEVE THESE ARE THE TRUE CAUSE OF DIS-EASE.  TUCKED AWAY DEEP INTO THE CONNECTIVE TISSUES TO BE DEALT WITH AT A MORE OPPORTUNE TIME OR JUST HIDDEN UNDER ALL THE LAYERS HOPING NEVER TO BE FELT AGAIN, THESE STORED EMOTIONS CREATE THE SPACE IN WHICH TOXINS THRIVE. TOGETHER, THESE COHORTS WEAVE THEMSELVES UNTIL THE BODY BECOMES RIGID, UNABLE TO MOVE FREELY WITHOUT PAIN OR DISCOMFORT. WE CAN RECOGNIZE THE SYMPTOMS OF EMOTIONAL TOXICITY MOST OFTEN WHEN SOMEONE "HITS OUR BUTTON".   YOU MAY ASK YOURSELF LATER WHY, YOU WENT OFF IN A RAGE OVER SOMETHING SO SMALL, NOT REALIZING THE EMOTION YOU TUCKED AWAY SO LONG AGO.

SATYA ALSO ENCOMPASSES OUR SPIRITUAL SELVES. MOST OF US RECOGNIZE SOMETHING LARGER THAN OURSELVES, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT WE ATTEND CHURCH REGULARLY. RELIGION CAN BE SEEN AS AN OUTWARD EXPRESSION OF OUR SPIRITUALITY. IT IS A MEANS IN WHICH TO DEEPEN OUR FAITH AND CONNECT WITH OTHERS OF SIMILAR BELIEFS. SPIRITUALITY IS DEEPER.  IT IS MORE PERSONAL AND UNIQUELY FELT IN EACH ONE OF US.  WHEN WE ARE ALIGNED WITH OUR SPIRITUAL SELVES, WE FEEL AT PEACE WITH OURSELVES AND OUR LIVES. WHEN WE ARE NOT ALIGNED, WE FEEL AN EMPTINESS WITHIN. MANY OF US WILL SEARCH FOR FULFILLMENT THROUGH OUTSIDE SOURCES SUCH AS ALCOHOL, DRUGS, SHOPPING, RELATIONSHIPS....ALWAYS TRYING TO FIND THAT FEELING OF CONTENTMENT, OF WHOLENESS.

THROUGH SATYA, WE DETOXIFY THE BODY FROM ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS, EMOTIONAL RESTRAINTS AND UNFULFILLED SEARCHES FOR PEACE.  AND THROUGH THIS DETOXIFICATION, WE RECOGNIZE THE TRUTH OF OURSELVES, THE PURITY OF OUR BEING - OUR SATYA.

BUT SATYA DOES NOT END THERE.  SATYA EXTENDS BEYOND OUR INTERNAL BEINGS. SATYA ALSO REFERS TO HOW WE RESPOND TO OUR WORLD.

MEDITATION ON MY MAT

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:01:52 +0100

Lately I have found myself meditating on my mat - not just physically, but actually reflecting on the mat itself. June was a particularly busy month for me. I celebrated the lives and accomplishments of others, hosted welcomed guests and feverishly eradicated unwelcomed ones (fleas). I sorted through items no longer needed, sought ways to to expand my financial well-being and participated in new and exciting endeavors. All this while trying to maintain my normal routine.

Not having been born with the skilled hands of a juggler, keeping the brilliant balls of life's experiences gracefully afloat has been somewhat of a challenge. In times like these, I find it all too easy to allow my judge to step in. A helping hand is always appreciated, but like most, my judge tends to be a little on the negative side. Stepping on my mat, whether to teach or for my own personal practice has always brought me a sense of comfort. Here, the judge is released from his duties. Here, I can step back and witness the brilliant display of a colorful life. So, during this particularly busy month I have found myself very appreciative of my little source of solice.

There are times where I have visualized the rubber surface as a magic carpet, capable of whisking me away from all the choas of life. Other times, it has been my own private island, so remote that no map has marked it. It has rested upon carpeted surfaces, gym floors and Mother Earth.  It has cradled my body on each of these surfaces.  It has supported my attempts to reach beyond my believed boundries and witnessed a few remarkable feats. It has graciously accepted both my sweat and my tears.

Just as the practice of yoga can be seen as a metaphor for how we live our lives, our mats can reflect our internal selves. They mirror the witness within, capable of bringing peace despite outward turmoil, accepting unconditionally all environments and emotions. Stepping onto our mats, we step into our true selves. From here, we find the strength and flexibility needed to juggle all life's experiences. From here, even the fallen ones seem to soar in their purpose and the judge cannot say a word.

Namaste,

Mendy

Peaceful Heart Child Watch

Tue, 19 May 2009 20:41:42 +0100

Peaceful Heart Yoga Studio will be expanding and adding a Child Watch area in the near future for those of you who would like to come enjoy one of our yoga classes but do not have a sitter to watch your child(ren). We will be offering a Child Watch area just down the hall from our studio where your child will be able to play with other children while being supervised by a caring adult, all while you are enjoying your favorite yoga class. We will only offer this program during a few certain classes, not all of our classes, and the charge will be $5 per child per class that you attend. If you are interested in taking advantage of this new program, please email Ashly (ashly@burmusic.com) and let us know which classes you want to attend so we can accomodate you the best we can. Check back for updates and information on the opening of our Child Watch area! Namaste

Restorative Yoga

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:03:31 +0100

Next Restorative Yoga class will be held Sunday June 7th from 630pm to 745pm. $10 per person. Sign up at the studio or give us a call!