Wishing unexpected pleasures for everyone!

Fancy upward facing dog

I had to smile when I saw this Channel ad. Hey, yoga whenever, wherever, whatever you want to wear

Saturday morning Buzz

I taught my 6th class this morning...a flow, with lots of regulars and a few new yogis. I  have to say I walked in with nervous excitement. I did however, try to keep the mantra "I am calm and confident" on replay whilst I prepared for the class.

Keen to amp it up a little, knowing that they were here to work. The class seemed to go very smoothly and before I knew it, it was time for meditation. At the end of the class I sat calmly familiarising myself with the computer system, secretly hoping that I may get a little feedback (I usually welcome feedback/q's at the end of the class). Ask and you shall receive! I got some really lovely feedback from 2 yogis who asked if I would be taking the class next week as they really enjoyed it!!!!! Below the surface I was brimming with pride but I remained cool and calm he he:) It was just really great to hear that I don't suck! After that they day seemed so sunny! All booked in for Yoga Aid too...now to get some sponsors!

Going with the flow

I have been asked to teach another class on Monday and had to share my excitement. I have to say my confidence is still shaky but a wise friend of mine said "If the universe is presenting opportunities, you are ready"...I loved hearing that and am going to try to avoid spending to much energy on worrying weather I am a good teacher and focus on the good feelings and my desire to improve myself not only as a teacher but as a person x

p.s loved teaching the flow class on Monday night...stepped it up a bit!

Something to soak up

1) Get Your Asana On!

If you don't use it, you lose it! Our bodies thrive off being challenged, and rigorous classes offer us the opportunity to utilize all the athletic muscles of strength, balance, flexibility, and stamina. Through a dynamic flow, we flush out the toxins and irrigate our life force through the “landscape of our bodies,” leaving us feeling awake and alive. Once we reach a certain age (usually in the early 30s), if we don't move our bodies regularly, muscles begin to atrophy. Be consistent, be regular and hook into the "Fountain of Youth" for a strong, supple body.

2) Meditate

It's the goal of all yoga; it’s why the poses were created. The stillness and silence within meditation allow us to transcend from the form into the formless, from time into the timeless, and from the finite into the INFINITE. We all need a break from our busy minds. Move beyond the physical yoga, and carve out 15-30 minutes daily for a strong, peaceful mind.

3) Slow the F@%K Down

Hurry leads to worry, and we have a hurry epidemic plaguing our culture. Daily, we experience people driving, smoking, texting, and running a red light all while putting on makeup! Do you know how many horrible accidents are caused due to people rushing? Try and get the mind one-pointed and focus on one thing at a time. No matter how mundane the task seems, give it your full attention. As Thich Nhat Hanh teaches, wash each dish as you would a newborn baby.

4) Eat Well

You are what you eat, so eat foods rich in life force like plants, fruits, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. As much as possible, limit refined sugar, fried foods, processed foods, and stimulants like caffeine and alcohol. Eat moderate amounts so the stomach has sufficient room to process what you've eaten. Give your body the fuel 

that it needs to fulfill all that's important to you.

5) Give, Give, Give

There is a universal law that the more you give the more you receive. Most people only give and love while expecting something in return... that's not called love; that's called a contract! When you give freely, it takes the attention away from your ego, opens the heart and raises your vibration.

6) Soak up Knowledge

Our five senses are constantly recording data that holistically becomes encoded into who we are. Read the sacred texts, watch enlightening documentaries, listen to inspiring music, and keep studying that which feeds your passion. The moment we stop learning is the moment we start withering away.

7) Good Company

There is strength in numbers. Let go of relationships that are toxic and surround yourself with like-minded people who will support you along your highest path. When you feel down, these relationships will be there to lift you up and keep you on the path.

Follow all of these, or even just a few, and master the art of living. Share which ones are your strengths and which ones you'll need to work on.

Mind Body Green

Author Travis Eliot 

OMG It's happening for realz

This is how I am feeling right about now after having taught my 4th Yoga class!!!! Yay! It feels quite surreal but I am pretty excited that I am getting the opportunity. I feel as though I am improving with each class and the feedback has been encouraging. I know that there are areas I need to improve in but hopefully my confidence will build with each class. oooh and hoping to go and get some funky new yoga clothes with my first pay packet! he he xx

Finding balance

Thought I would sit down and reflect for a bit on the Yoga class (my first as an acknowledged Teacher Trainee)...even hearing it said out loud made me feel like I had taken another leap forward..yay! It was really different to come out of my own practice and try to engage myself in a teachers role. I basically, observed, listened and thought about the Asanas in a whole new light.

The one thing that is really standing out to me is that each teacher not only has their own style, language and presence but also there is a real variance in how much guidance/ instruction is given about setting up the pose (alignment, foundation etc.) the metaphysical benefits and the anatomical language that is used.

As a student I feel that I have experienced a broad spectrum of guidance/teaching. So how do I find the right balance?? Does it come naturally after I begin teaching? or, do I need to know what I think is important in practice for the students and begin to develop my own style based on that? I want to educate my students about their bodies so that they become more in tune with their bodies, I want them to walk away feeling that they have more knowledge about their practice and what it is doing for their body, metaphysically etc and importantly that they have had time out to relax, rejuvenate and refocus and connect. hmmmmmmmmmm I have the urge to read, read, read.

maybe the answer??