This is the fourth and final week of my yoga teacher training and I am so grateful to have had this experience. Honestly, the program has been intense (to say the least). There were moments during the first two weeks when I didn't think I could or would make it. By week three, I had turned a corner; my body didn't hurt as much, I didn't find the asanas as difficult, I started enjoying myself.
Thinking about how my experience was transforming, I was reminded of a quote I recently read; "Things don't get easier, we simply get better." That's not to say I've got everything down pat; I'm simply saying, I have changed...
These past four weeks have been such a heart opening experience. I feel awakened; like I have crossed a threshold coming to a more conscious state physically and mentally. I've found myself actively thinking about my decisions and actions versus doing things automatically because that's the way I've always done them. I am renewing personal vows to be authentic and truthful with myself; to live my life the way I've always envisioned.
In addition to all that; I've met wonderful people, whom I truly believe will be friends for life. Laughing, crying, sharing, and supporting each other through this process has truly created an awesome bond.
I am so excited to see where I go from here...
Until next time; a blessing...
May the long time sun shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light within you guide your way
Namaste
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Wickedly Amazing!
Yesterday was a good day.
Back in April my parents and sister got together and bought me tickets to the Broadway musical Wicked. Because we knew I'd be here in the city for the month of July, they bought the tickets for this weekend. After much excited waiting [on my part]; yesterday was the day. To say the show was fantastic would be a vast understatement. I have owned the original cast soundtrack for a few years, and found many of the songs so inspiring, but there is truly nothing like seeing it all played out on stage. I have to admit, I shed a tear during a couple of scenes (smile).
The underlying message of the musical is one of hope and perseverance...literally going from a place of sorrow and shame to watching your dreams become reality. And although the story is fiction, it reminded me that in life; anything is possible if we're willing to stand up for our dreams and what we believe to be true.
Dream and believe...
Back in April my parents and sister got together and bought me tickets to the Broadway musical Wicked. Because we knew I'd be here in the city for the month of July, they bought the tickets for this weekend. After much excited waiting [on my part]; yesterday was the day. To say the show was fantastic would be a vast understatement. I have owned the original cast soundtrack for a few years, and found many of the songs so inspiring, but there is truly nothing like seeing it all played out on stage. I have to admit, I shed a tear during a couple of scenes (smile).
The underlying message of the musical is one of hope and perseverance...literally going from a place of sorrow and shame to watching your dreams become reality. And although the story is fiction, it reminded me that in life; anything is possible if we're willing to stand up for our dreams and what we believe to be true.
Dream and believe...
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Contentment
Over the past couple of days in teacher training we have been discussing yogic philosophy; concentrating on the 8 Limbs of Classical Yoga that are part of the Yoga Sutras written by Patanjali. In discussing these 8 Limbs of Classical Yoga, our instructor has asked us to concentrate on one or two specific parts that speak to our soul and make it or them a part of our daily walk.
Although there were many that spoke to me; I have decided to concentrate on Santosha or contentment. According to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras; through contentment, supreme joy is gained. He says many of us confuse the difference between contentment and satisfaction, going on to define contentment as being just as we are without going to outside things for our happiness.
This statement hit me right between the eyes. So many times I've found myself thinking my life would be better if I did this, had that, lived there, etc, etc. Instead of focusing on the here and now and what is so wonderful about my life, my eyes were always looking ahead to the next thing - very rarely taking joy in what was right in front of me at THAT TIME.
That being said for the next 27 days (and beyond, hopefully), I will practice being content in my daily walk, recognizing that being content does not nullify the desire to improve; contentment simply expresses that "I am okay today."
Although there were many that spoke to me; I have decided to concentrate on Santosha or contentment. According to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras; through contentment, supreme joy is gained. He says many of us confuse the difference between contentment and satisfaction, going on to define contentment as being just as we are without going to outside things for our happiness.
This statement hit me right between the eyes. So many times I've found myself thinking my life would be better if I did this, had that, lived there, etc, etc. Instead of focusing on the here and now and what is so wonderful about my life, my eyes were always looking ahead to the next thing - very rarely taking joy in what was right in front of me at THAT TIME.
That being said for the next 27 days (and beyond, hopefully), I will practice being content in my daily walk, recognizing that being content does not nullify the desire to improve; contentment simply expresses that "I am okay today."
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