Howl at the moon..

When we allow space,(desa),in our lives for the time, ( kala), to create an opportunity for Stillness,we begin to listen to the Silence.. We hear the true sound...AUM, a deep vibration that resonates from our Truth..an inner knowing, that arises from this sweet place of peace. Trust it!! It speaks from the heart..and begin to welcome the changes that are coming.
This weekend is an opportunity to create that intention for new beginnings..we are going to be experiencing a full lunar eclipse. This is a most auspicious opportunity to bring into alignment both the head and the heart, our female and male aspects of our nature...and to live in a new awareness of our full potential..the old will fall away if it is not serving..similar to the bark of a tree, we need to shed our skin in order to grow wider..to have a firmer foundation. The tree grows not only upward, but deeper and wider..this process only increases the vitality of it's life force. What is not serving our growth will shift and fall away..I keep speaking of letting go..we can prepare for the opportunity to renew the beauty of Life by allowing the Grace to move through..it might come by true grief. Grief is not sadness..it is a deeper sensation of release..and the intellect has no understanding.
Tears, laughter,and the deep moan of that primal Sound that arises from our gut..allows for the shedding of this gripping on our physical, mental and emotional minds. Exhale is the release which allows for more inhale breath to come in. The emotions take us by surprise..we are so busy and distracted that we seldom feel our the true experience of our day to day lives..it is in this Silence, that the expression of tears or laughter are finally released. Especially welcome the beautiful and loving tears..for they are not whining and fearful tears..they are joyous and passionate expressions of the soul connecting to your true nature..this is how we can thrive and dance in life..preparation is meeting opportunity..and this beginning is NOW..Dance and howl at the moon!!!










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The constant practice of " becoming"

Three years ago, I had set an intention that the teachings of yoga had to go deeper..and having started this massive journey into the the healing yoga of Krishnamacharya two years prior..I knew that there had to be other qualified teachers. So we started our first training in the Chicago area..the last module was this past weekend..so proud of everyone of them,for this was not an easy two and half year commitment..They had a closing ceremony this past weekend and my only regret..I was here in India and not sharing the closure of this incredible endeavor of group energy..but that is the sweetness as well. Sometimes, life presents through us. The beginning of the seed is planted; we then water that small plant, we care for it, pruning it with constant nourishment.. then we move on before the harvest... allowing the fruit to be enjoyed without us..It can be bittersweet at times. I find I do so much of the invisible work..that I am on to the next project to begin the seed planting again. Here, I have waited so many years to finally get to India..and the only time, they could schedule me was during the month of June...I realized I would be missing something very dear to my heart..but the actual experience of letting go, is the true teachings of this trip..My ego might assume it is what I am going to get , but my heart knows..it is my willingness to let go of what I know.. And just " become". I had to make hard choices..and yet, following the heart is never easy.
They say, the third week brings in the fatigue and the longing for familiar..I can say, it has been challenging!! I miss my family and my dogs!..Colby is not big on conversations, and my IPad does not Skype very well. So the distance is playing on my mind. I know that this too, shall move through, and the residue of love will mingle with my sweet memories. They are implanted in my soul and all too soon..there will be new seeds to plant and sow..


The phrase " to meditate" does not only mean to examine,observe,reflect,question,weigh; it also has, in the Sanskrit,a more profound meaning,which is " to become" ...
J.Krishnamurti

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Morning reflection

Time to reflect..4:30am..the air is cooler yet so dense with the humidity,loving the comfort of this sacred space.. to be surrounded by the dark, knowing the morning light is fast approaching. The black birds are everywhere in India..no cardinals,no robins..only the screeching pitch of these pesky scavengers..laughing to myself, because at home, I wake to the geese fighting their territorial battles..Is this instinct to protect what ultimately leads humanity to it's conflicts and wars? What we call,
" defending", is this only a way to justify our resistance to change? Is change ever possible? I have to believe that humanity is more than capable; yet it takes great effort and commitment..which takes great motivation of energy..it takes desire,passion,and utmost willingness to let go of what is familiar and leap into unknown uncertainty. Yoga is an everyday practice of living with clarity of thought which arises through stilling the mind's chatter..
Yoga is not just attuning the physical body..it is refining the mind..not to react to life from the basic lower vibrations of survival..but to respond with a perspective that comes by being able to see through others eyes..if we learn to be present; we can often shift the emotion to change our reactions and find a common and united place of understanding..this takes huge practice when we are caught in our own fears,doubts and attachments. Our habits are hard to break..so much easier to blame " the other guy". ..which makes us separate, as we cling to being, "right". Habits are learned..they are part of our story,our DNA, our lifestyle,our samskaras..many times, we are not even aware of them. Reflection is not focusing on the worries and obsessions..but to go deep into the vast space of honest self searching..ripping away the veneer of learned mind..to look and feel the depth of the Self. This takes great courage, strength and patience. What is revealed is a true nature..this is the ability of the greatest of intelligence that arises from a practice of meditation.
To open the eyes and see the world joyous ..to share in it's abundance,to let go of the limited view..and experience the soul of existence..take away the resistance, the addictions,the blame,the righteous, the terror..and fall into love..
Is this possible working 80 hours a week, struggling to keep up our pace of life..all the stress of daily living in a world spinning so quickly? We can't just run away and abandon our commitments..but we have to pause, make the space and time to allow for a better habit to be planted..a practice that daily connects us to the Source. Can we make small efforts to grow in another direction..can we make this life better?. To let go of my inner judgement about myself..to embrace my fears..to witness my own territorial agendas and allow for change in own life...this is my yoga practice..maybe this is all there is....I cannot teach that which I am not practicing..my commitment is to keep taking away the layers of my protected image or idea about myself, and meet each person at the layer of the heart. And most of all..just offer a welcoming song..
The sun is now up..and the black birds have flown away..Life is sweet ..good morning!!!


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Just pure Joy..

All it takes is a camera..and the children coming running. There is nothing shy about these spirits..they only know their curious minds and their joyous hearts..we had more fun taking pictures and then sharing the end results..thank goodness for digital cameras...instant gratification!,
Every night, after my long and fulfilling days of being with at the KYM, I come to the beach and walk the shore..my way of letting the day go..and processing the many students I teach each day..I have bonded with my supervisor. Together, we flow in a natural ease of sharing the tools..and she introduces me to her students, as her best friend and fellow teacher. I am so honored to me included this way..she is making my internship an unforgettable learning experience. Not to mention, I too, have a new best friend!, I wish I could get Sangita to YAF..I know everyone would be in love with her passion for yoga and her depth of knowledge.
I see everyday, so many students..all one on one, very much like my days in Downers Grove which are spent in the small studio..teaching and designing individual practices for a certain symptom which may have many layers..All to inspire change in a positive direction. By coming here, I get to observe so many case studies..so many different techniques of using the tools for getting a desired effect,working and learning from teachers,I so admire. I get to work with the master chiefs..creating recipes for sustained joy in living beyond the agitation of the mind's doubts and fears..and living life as these children..with laughter, passion and endless desire to stay curious and loving. this is the true meaning of life..somehow,we just forget!,






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Location:Bengal Sea..off the coast of chennai

What a solstice celebration with mother nature playing with her light..I heard about the storms moving through the midwest...and my sweet home town..it is still 104 and Humid..but I have come to accept the heat and surrender into it..I am just loving my curly hair!,
Denise left yesterday, and as she said," I have to leave, my heart is just too full of love,I have never in my life received so much..I will burst if I stay any longer..". Open hearts are a must here..never come to India unless the vessel is empty..overload of heart chakra!! Something about the family unit..when you come to India, be prepared to become family..everyone embraces community living. In the West, we isolate into separate lives and there is a longing for belonging...it is the soul's desire to connect at the heart ..I am forever aware that relationships arising out of true heart connection is the healing of our world. We are all one ..the mind just forgets..having a practice,I can clear that sticky clutter of my limited small mind..and meet another at that truthful place...the heart is just open to be me..whatever that is in this moment. I have been blessed to have this opportunity to experience the fruits of my practice..always in the grace of daily living. Again, I hold sacred the space that has been nourished at Yoga Among Friends,,and all you amazing souls that have welcomed me into your life. You are all my family!,
Enjoy the abundant Light of each other..as Bob Marley would say," One Love" ....


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Everyday, I arrive at the KYM to get my schedule..and I observe the therapy sessions..and take notes on everything that is being shared..the only problem is the language..since most speak a mixture of Hindi and
Tamil nadu. I communicate with my expressions and my eyes..funny, but we do understand each other..I love the head bobble..side to side when they listen and agree..at first, you think they are saying,no,ye there is always a slight smile and a look of understanding. The work is universal, the only ingredient needed is compassion. I know that stress and its sufferings are everywhere. We can obtain all the yoga information, be so well versed in knowledge that it actually gets in the way of just being present.. it is only the heart that truly does the healing. To have the faith in the relationship..to know someone does care allows the teachings to come forth. I am experiencing so many wonderful connections with students of all ages and gender and Faiths,.and yet, it just confirms..we are only one light. It is only in the heart to heart connections that we are able to thrive and shine.
It is in the children's faces that you see that pure light..My work is to keep it on..

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So tempting...but..oh no!,

I think about the joys of fresh vegetables..appreciate how beautiful they look..but the water they use to irrigate the soil would play havoc to my stomach..a true lesson in allowing the senses to be enjoyed without partaking..as The teachings would remind me,,heyam duhkam anagatam, that which prevents the sorrow of the future..when we have the choice of discernment, we have freedom!, Be aware of your thoughts,your words...and your actions..living here in a state of yoga!, Just choose wisely,Laura..and don't be tempted by the fruit!,

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Location:Local farmers market

The smell of Jasmine..

Everywhere the scent of fresh jasmine..how sweet. The women wrap their hair in garlands of fresh jasmine; and I will forever hold this memory of scent. What a perfume that mingles with the air..India is a collage of contrasts..from the extremes of poverty and despair on the streets, abandon dogs, lonely old men,hungry babies, cows eating the garbage on the streets,to this sweet girl selling her magic. The kindness of people is apparent everywhere in their genuine smiles. And sometimes, I am reminded that loving kindness is our natural state of being. We forget in our hectic lives that human nature longs for the simple connections of a smile..without any words..the eyes say more..the heart is heard and I will forever remember Jasmine. Inhale..exhale..jasmine fills my soul.




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Home sweet home ..

Very blessed to have found this great apartment..thanks Ami..Best move leaving the hotel..now I really can experience Chennai as a resident, not just a tourist..getting groceries in the Indian markets has been the cultural experience that only brings more gratitude...Costco,please do come here. Bigger is not always better...Simple living..once again, joy in not wanting..but loving what I do have..a place to be ..why I am here. To listen once again to the whisper..how sweet. Be still.


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Location:Inside..

Getting to know my neighbors

Contrast in living ..from my window in the apartment looking out onto my neighbors court yard..


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Location:View outside my apt,

Some thoughts..

Live with intentions..not agendas..Walk to the edge..and trust to fly..Listen hard, with your heart..Practice wellness by being still..Play with abandon and dance! Laugh..mostly at yourself..Choose with no regrets..do it..Appreciate your friends and keep reminding them how special they are...Love with an open mind...keep learning..do what you love,and Love what you do..Live as if this is all there is..it is NOW..
I found out yesterday that a special being died very suddenly last week..Jim, you touched my life with your kindness and enthusiasm for healing others. I am forever grateful I had the privilege to know you..I only wish I could have had more time to know you better..somewhere there is a bigger star shining in the sky..
Sitting alone in my room in this exotic city..too tired to venture out the door,I can feel the sweet intimacy of all my friends..We are all connected by the grace of One Heart..blessings from Chennai.


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Location:2nd Main Rd,Chennai,India

Started my internship..

I have been in sensory overload and wondering how to digest all of these amazing moments. The weekend was spent getting adjusted to the time difference and the huge climate change ..actually reminds me of Chicago on those humid days we get with 100 degree heat,but now imagine without air- conditioning..but not complaining only witnessing how attached I am to my comfort.
Sat. was spent trying to find a new place to live that has wifi connection..I could only get a connection if I hung out in thin lobby.There I was screaming into my IPad trying to hear Colby on Skype. Late into the evening as four weddings were simultaneously going on in the courtyard and in the surrounding area!
I was being welcomed by members of the wedding party to meet the various. Families, and I had to explain that I was not comfortable being included in the photo shoot! Everyone gave me their business cards and made me promise to stay in touch..talk about a friendly county..anyway,the hotel was only filled with local business men so I feel better now in my own small apartment. Just have to figure out how to eat since cooking here is a challenge and can't eat any uncooked vegetables and fruit.
I spent the day on Sunday traveling to the coast of the Indian Ocean and to visit the Temple at Mamallpuram..what an amazing experience to see this holy spot and walk into the sacred space that was originally built in the 4th century..One's life gets very small in comparison to time ..to walk into the altar of these God's and feel the strength of their timeless presence.
I started my internship today..from 9:00am6:00pm.everyday except Sun. I will be observing the yoga therapists in their private sessions with their "care seeker" . What a fascinating experience to be able to sit in and learn all the ways they apply the tools. I am humble and yet comfortable to be in the room while the lesson is being created..most do not speak English..so I am using my eyes.. listening to
tone of the voices and watching the breath..the key to all of this work.. each day will offer another opportunity to grow..

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Have arrived!!

Exhausted and thrilled to finally reach the magic destination of India..took 22 hours of travel and having rested ...ready to take in my first day. Thanks everyone for the beautiful thoughts and words you sent me for the journey..I had angels around me..especially my sweet friend Geri who arranged to surprise me by welcoming me onto the flight to Frankfort Germany as my flight attendant!! She somehow worked her loving magic and had me moved to business class..I was a so touched and grateful for the blessing of comfort and SLEEP!!


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Today is the day!!!

What a strange morning..this storm is as if the heavens are letting go. ..and the heat of the past days was another preparations for my arrival in Chennai. The normal temperature being 106!! With monsoon rains. I have been in pure acceptance..I am planning on alot of bad hair days..and so I am excited about being invisible ..no persona of teacher, mother, director, wife, daughter,girlfriend,...I will be the foreigner..I will stand out in the street..but I will be going with listening eyes..and just be the student. Ready.


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