'Tis the season to wrap about Peace and Love

No matter what religion you may identify with the holiday season reminds us to be a kinder to strangers, friends and family. It can be hectic, for some it may not be very jolly but there is music, movies and rituals in air that promote peace and love to all. Traditions can spark the spirit of the holidays (Christmas for me), songs can trigger memories of a simpler time and movies a reminder of what this season should/does stand for. Yup, music, movies and holiday traditions are three avenues that keep me jolly throughout the season. These avenues keep me buzzing all the way through January. I have to admit at times I get tired from all the running around, baking and yule tide libations but overall my heart feels full when I am surrounded by my family and friends and my surroundings are reminders of peace and love.

I have a long list of Christmas movies that I watch to spark the spirit. The lessons run deep and My top five Christmas movies include:

Elf (The Christmas spirit is contagious, especially when we are reminded of how good life can be when we are in it together. PLUS, my dog is named after Buddy the Elf :))
A Christmas Story (Reminds me of my childhood... "you'll shoot your eye out, kid!")
It's a Beautiful Life (CLASSIC reminder of keeping sight on what is really important in determining what a "successful" life looks like)
Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer (Being different doesn't make you wrong, it makes YOU who YOU are, original and clay-mation of course!)
Scrooged (It's never too late to turn your negative thoughts into positive action and impact)

I can't really rank the above movies. I pretty much have them on a 24-hour loop. I will say one song from the movie Scrooged, for me, embodies the holiday season and beyond. Annie Lenox and Al Green's version of Put a Little Love in Your Heart. Here are the lyrics:

Think of your fellow man, lend him a helping hand
Put a little love in your heart
You see, it's getting late, oh, please don't hesitate
Put a little love in your heart

And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place for you and me
You just wait and see

Another day goes by, and still the children cry
Put a little love in your heart
If you want the world to know, we won't let hatred grow
Put a little love in your heart

And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place for you and me
You just wait and see. Wait and see

Take a good look around and if you're lookin' down
Put a little love in your heart
I hope when you decide kindness will be your guide
Put a little love in your heart
And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place for you and me
You just wait and see
Put a little love in your heart
Put a little love in your heart

Wishing you and yours a holiday season and a 2017 filled with peace & love!

UNITED we STAND. DIVIDED we FALL.

So maybe some of us weren't ready... who knew?? Even though many are asking"why" or "how". We will see our way through. LIGHT will guide us if we believe. I will keep on believing!
I BELIEVE:
In YOU
In US
In HUMANITY
In HAPPINESS
In KINDNESS
In LOVE
In COMPASSION
In EQUALITY
In LIGHT
In CHOICE

I CHOOSE:
YOU
US
HAPPINESS
KINDNESS
LOVE
COMPASSION
EQUALITY
LIGHT

UNITED we STAND. DIVIDED we FALL. This decision doesn't define us. It challenges us to be better, kinder and ask the question why is there so much anger and hate? IT's ok the grieve, for today. But enjoy today, because it's the only one we got! Tomorrow we move on because there is a lot of work to be done.

Get grounded, change is coming!

I was on the beach the other day and I felt it, Fall. This time of year is always a bit tricky for me. I am self-proclaimed summertime girl. I love it! I can't get enough it. During those months I am outside more, see family and friends more, eat fresh simple food and enjoy delicious libations and it's baseball season! It's all just so much fun :). I was walking down the beach with my dog (Buddy) and besides the surfer we were the only beings in sight. I even told Buddy, "Ahhh, Fall is here!" I think he agreed. The dolphins did too, another sign things are changing.

Yes, we mark the end of summer with Labor Day, that's when I also return to my normal teaching schedule. It's an emotional time for many and myself and my family are included in that September marks the month of my brother's passing, a life taken too young and unexpectedly! I am painfully aware of September and I love summer. It's a conflicting time for me and I feel myself swirling. I love and I hate all at once.

I see Fall in the sunsets, I feel it on my skin and I can smell it in the air so I have this aversion to September yet an attachment to the sights, sounds and smells of Fall. It makes me feel confused,  a bit overwhelmed, unsettled and just a bit off. I guess some can contribute it to Mercury in retrograde. Honestly, I don't know. All I know is that this transition is tough for me. Transitions can be very uncomfortable. It is in this state of uncomfortability (I swear it is a word) where I learn the most about myself. Sometimes I try to over schedule myself to get lost in my day-to-day so I don't realize that change is happening. With every effort of resistance... the change still happens and you guessed it, it just makes it harder and well, that usually backfires. If I let myself be "ok" in that state of uncomfortablity I know I will be ok. Here's how I get through it: 1) Irepeat to myself, "This too shall pass." 2) A ground down into whatever is touching the ground (floor or even my seat). 3) I feel my breath move my body. I focus on my foundation, use my breath and repeat my mantra and almost immediately I can feel the "swirling" and uncomfortability start to dissolve and wash away. I feel strong in my base and softer in my face (yup, that's rhyme and I know it!).

If I am lucky enough to be in an open space when having those feelings of swirling, overwhelming and resisting change I find tadasana (mountain) pose. There is nothing more grounding than standing in tadasana. For me, there is no other pose that grounds me more. Like a mountain, I stand knowing I will withstand any shifts around me or even happening to me. Change is coming. Change is good. How I respond to change makes the difference in how we move through the uncomfortability or get stuck in it. I choose to move through it, not around because I know "this too shall pass."

Pura Vida ALLways :)

I have returned from an amazing experience and like always I want to share with you the jewels I learned along my journey.

Pura Vida (POO-rah VEE-dah) is a phrase commonly used in Costa Rica. If you ask “ticos” (Costa Ricans) what it means the definition may vary but it is always answered with a smile. Pura Vida can literally be translated as Pure Life but it means so much more. In fact, in one day I remember hearing it as a greeting, a farewell, in a conversation suggesting “no worries” and also to describe a co-worker. So yes, it does have many meanings and usages but here’s what I now know, it is a way of life! This life focuses on celebrating: the moment, the true treasures (not stuff) of life, the simplicity of living in harmony with the natural surroundings and with each other. Pura Vida is a reminder of what is truly important in life. I think that is why whenever I asked someone what it meant to them they would smile and answer something different. Simplicity in living brings happiness, well-being and satisfaction… Pura Vida.

Now, I know what you are thinking… “yeah that is easy to live in a state of Pura Vida when you are on a yoga retreat…” but it was the “ticos” the hard-working, fun-loving caring people I met that communicated what Pura Vida meant for them. Yes, I experienced it myself because just for one-week my days were filled with the simple things in life. Simple (delicious) food, simple transportation (bicycle, feet even a tico cab), simple (natural) surroundings of the beach and the flora and fauna of the forest. I will admit the most stressful period was ensuring I had enough sunscreen. Most importantly, when I found myself embracing those simple pleasures and I felt more alive, present and increasingly aware of my feelings of gratitude. Grateful for the opportunity to travel to such a beautiful place, surrounded by caring people and “working” to share what I love in and about life.

When I returned to a less-peaceful, more complicated environment of Manhattan I began asking myself how can I simplify? What do I really need? What can I do to have those positive impressions of the ticos, Nosara and the loving tribe of students with me in my everyday life? At first those questions seemed overwhelming to answer. In Costa Rica it seemed so easy, but in Manhattan (everyday life) it is just more daunting. So I approached it like I do most challenges… step-by-step. Here are my steps I took to find out how I can move towards simplifying my life (maybe it will help you too).

I found a quiet place to sit. I used that simple japa (repetition) mantra (a positively charged word or phrase to focus) meditation practice to help me see things clearly.

Repeat:

Inhale - I AM ENERGIZED

Exhale - I AM FOCUSED

Or listen to the audio file.

I use this practice in the morning or throughout my day to get me… you guessed it, energized and focused. I noticed that certain areas of my life kept popping up while I was meditating. My meditation started to uncover patterns, things that were necessary and unnecessary. I needed to dig deeper.

Next steps:

1. Get it all out - on paper.
Brainstorm. I used timer for 5-minutes and did a brainstorm or a free-write around what I “love to do" and what “has to be done” I made every attempt to keep writing knowing there is no right or wrong… I just needed to get it all out.

2. Look with curiosity (not judgment).
Review the list. I began to see those certain patterns, areas in my life of topics, places, things that were popping up in my meditation. It was easier for me to see them on paper. My thought patterns related to relationships, work, home and dreams/goals.

3. If it isn’t important - cross it out.
I like to organize and once I saw those patterns I made "buckets." Only the most important aspects of my life were placed in a corresponding bucket. Do you think everything is important… If so ask yourself, does it serve me? If it doesn’t serve you or is at all negative cross it out or dump it! That includes any relationships in your life that may not be positive.

It’s important to recognize that your friends, family and others in your life should build you up so you can thrive, not hold you back or push you down. I know this is hard but life is too short to spend time, effort and space on people who may be depleting you.

4. Let those buckets be filled with positive people, places and “things.”
Once I removed all of the negative or “things” I really didn’t need, those buckets were filled with what I “love to do” and less with “have to-do’s”. Yes, I still have responsibilities but by getting rid of the unnecessary, I can complete the necessary tasks with intention.

The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. 
- Hans Hofman

Seems easy enough right? After that work, which only took about 30-45 minutes I started to feel lighter already. I was able to let go of a lot of “stuff” that was just a waste of time, energy and effort… things that were not serving me. Remember, this is a practice. Now that I had clarity around what was necessary, I started to examine my own habits in everyday life, how was I really spending my time. I started to look at those buckets and asked myself, “how can I free up more space for myself in my relationships, at home and for my dreams.” K.I.S.S (keep it simple sassy) and here’s what I am practicing my everyday life!

Almost there... Final stage:

1. When in doubt throw it out (or recycle or donate).
This has been an ongoing process for me... but take inventory of your living space. Ask yourself, “do I really need this.” Instead of having “stuff” de-clutter and remove anything that isn’t necessary. Cleaning or clearing your space will give room for those objects or “things” that promote comfort, ease, inspiration and happiness.

2. Unplug to recharge - fully disconnect for one hour a day (at least).
Believe it or not one hour of total digital/electronic disconnection may be hard for people, just use it as a starting point. That has helped me and now I have designated weekend hours (blocks of 3-4 hours at a time) so that I am completely disconnected in order to connect with my family, friends and dreams. Start small to build up. Baby steps!

3. Get really, really quiet.
Carving out time to find stillness is a challenge for many reasons. Even sitting for 5-minutes you can use the above mantra as a way to set the tone for the day! Some days are easier than other. Step-by-step, day-by-day it will get easier. It is better to start small: commit to five minutes and go from there. Without judgment and always with love give yourself space and time for yourself! Commit to simply sitting or lying down still without judgment.

4. Adios "To Do" list, Hola "Dream" list - Bring the Dream List to life.
In lieu of my stressful to do list, I had created a “Dream” bucket list of what I wanted to cultivate in my life. The mere act of focusing on my desires means that I now dedicate more time to those things. I am still working on removing the unnecessary... turns out there was a lot but I have already freed up more time to live out my Dream list. I have a lot in that bucket :). Each day, I ask myself how can I live to bring my dreams to life? I take something out of that bucket to play with and explore.

Being playful, exploring, creating and sharing with people I care about that what I call Pura Vida! How do you define Pura Vida? For today, give yourself time to do what you love to do instead of what you "have to do" and see if that brings space to celebrate your life here and now. It's so simple, it’s Pura Vida.

Allow Your Inner Light To Shine

Do you know you have an inner light? Maybe even… do you know that within you resides a light that is free from suffering and pain? In the Yoga Sutras (1.36), Patanjali speaks of the eternal light that resides in each of us. That light resides at the heart center and he describes that light as free from all suffering, grief and pain. Reflecting on this idea of your own inner light, free from all sorrow or pain, can serve as a positive support to help calm the mind, reduce stress and light your path no matter how dark it may feel around you. For me, yoga as a practice, is about discovering that light, illuminating that light, supporting that light in everyday life. I remember when I first discussed this sutra with my teacher. The sutras were quite difficult to comprehend at first. They just seemed so out there but when I attempted to “break it down” and apply it to my life this is what I came up with. Below is an excerpt of a written assignment about this sutra.

“I came to yoga at a very dark time in my life. Overall, I knew deep down inside that my life was good, my upbringing was filled with love, we (my 5-siblings) always had what we needed and my parents, extended family and friends were all supportive, loving and compassionate people. I had so many years of joy, happiness and success that I could never imagine feeling so alone, dark and sad. Then life happened. I tried to keep telling myself "it could always be worse" in efforts to stay positive. That mantra only served me for so long. After years of “doing” yoga I find myself studying the sutras and I started to practice yoga. It’s rocking my world! I realize that my inner light is diminished or covered by the trauma I had suffered from for years. My dullness, pain, sadness and hardness were all veils that were covering my light. It was a very scary, emotional and life changing experience to acknowledge how dark I was for so long. In those years of darkness there were still glows of light: like meeting my now husband, exploring the world, meeting my nieces and nephews, having my family and friends and finding my first teacher. I was a “productive” member of society but at times I was overwhelmed with feelings of loss and sadness. When I reflect on this sutra, I realize that life can cover this eternal light that resides in us. When we get knocked down, hurt, scared, injured or whatever the mind wants to protect, so it starts to put up walls, shields and veils. If we are not aware of these walls or veils our light can be diminished and sometimes in the worst cases it is extinguished completely. But if we have the courage, good teachers and support system we can illuminate that light once again! Once that light is acknowledged, with practice and over time that light can guide us and withstand even in the darkest times. Now, I understand what B.K.S Iyengar meant when he said, "Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim, the better the practice the brighter the flame." Now I practice yoga not only on the mat but off the mat. I have faith in my life, my practice and my inner light. Whenever I feel lost, I turn inward and reconnect to that light and remind myself, it is free from all suffering and pain.”

Phew… that was deep! Re-reading that assignment brought tears to my eyes. I have come so far. The pain is still there, sometimes greater than expected but now I don’t let the pain veil the light. I want my inner light to shine! I turn to sutra 1.36 often and use the mantra, "My Inner Light Shines." I chant the sanskrit Visoka va jyotismati (VEE-SHO-KAH-VA JOE-TISH-MA-TEA) not only in times of darkness but at all times! To maintain my focus on the inner light I repeat the mantra and extend to four areas to illuminate and warm myself from the inside-out.

I welcome you to explore this mantra and allow your inner light to shine! In darkness and light, reconnecting to the inner light will help you along your journey, clarify your purpose and remember the “better the practice, the brighter the flame!” Here is a guided meditation around illuminating your inner light.

P.S. yoga isn’t/doesn’t allows have to be so heavy. As Martin Luther King Jr said, “Only in darkness, can we see the stars.” We need the courage to overcome the darkness so we can see and be the light!