What is Mysore About?

Great information on Ashtanga Yoga and the Mysore style of practicing! Have a look. 

Winter Blues

I survived November in Sweden! (Round of applause, please). This is no easy feat, let me tell you! What's strange is once I survived that God-forsaken month in this country, and December hit, everything started to turn a corner, and I'm not even in holiday overload. What's that about? Even my Mysore students have been more regular once December hit. 


This new found energy hopefully, (cross fingers) will continue. You never can tell, but I'm grateful! 

Ūrdhva Kukutāsana C into Vrksāsana

Practice. Anything is possible, and IS. We are unlimited beings! Embrace it!

Is Yoga a Religion?

Yoga Girl

This video is classic. Made me laugh . . . "They call me big ba-ba . . ." Funny, funny, funny stuff.

Vetigo

"The same stream of life that runs through the world runs through my veins night and day in rhythmic measure. It is the same life that shoots in joy through the dust of the earth into numberless waves of flowers."     - Rabindranath Tagore

Over the course of several months I've had episodes of vertigo. It wasn't until this morning when it felt downright unmanageable. I don't want to make mountains out of mole hills. For the most part I feel healthy. I do my best to sustain a healthy lifestyle and diet. Not going too much into one extreme or the other. Admittedly, this month has been challenging on various levels. Disappointments, loss, confusion, just to name a few. When it rains, it pours. A deeper part of myself knows much of these developments when it comes to external stressors have been made worse in my mind. I can become aggravated by too much mental energy. It drains me. For good reason. Probably why yoga practice is such good medicine. I can channel the energy down into the body. I can breathe. I can feel a sense of freedom and abandon as I flow. Taking this off the mat has another set of challenges. I do my best.

With the cold and darkness of November my sensitivities are through the roof. I'm cold constantly. Even when inside. For the first time, I think ever, I am feeling the deep affects of not having enough direct sunlight. I'm not pale (obviously) like most Scandinavians. I need more light. What to do? I have started taking Vitamin D without feeling much of a difference. On some level I know it's doing me good. I think there's a part of me who desires to continue with business as usual, but really, with the change of season, it seems to be calling me to take a step back, and thrill, chill. I'm pretty much being told the old way of being simply isn't working anymore. It's time to make changes. I can feel it on so many levels.

What's that definition of insanity again? Oh yeah, expecting a different result when doing more of the same . . .

Sometimes a loss of focus is just what's needed to get back into focus. It's time to change the internal landscape. I can travel the world a thousand miles over and I will still need to contend with the one, the only, myself. What's the use of talking a good game if not living it? If not inspiring to lead from the heart and acknowledging that, hey, it will be challenging, but why let it get me down?

Being the investigative reporter I am, I did a little thumbing around on vertigo.

"The cause of vertigo is 100% metaphysical! According to Lise Bourbeau, "Vertigo indicates that you perceive a loss in your psychological balance. You feel you've lost your footing or your grasp on what you thought was a balanced life, even though it wasn't meeting your true needs. You may feel anguished about making a decision regarding a new direction and, as a result, your dreams remain unfulfilled. It's possible that you have just experienced a dramatic change in some area of your life that appears not quite balanced and causes you either to feel a temporary imbalance or to have others judge you as unbalanced. You have a difficult time dealing with judgment of others, even if you refuse to acknowledge it."

The mental message being conferred to you by vertigo is that "You are receiving an important message from your body to acknowledge and honor your true needs and alter your notion of what compromises a balanced person and a balanced life. The longer you cling to the fear of being unbalanced, the more likely your life will become so." - Ibid (source)

Well, I could agree on some, if not most, of what it states above. I did have a period of feeling unsettled, not to mention a full blown round of acupuncture and bodywork sessions that brought up some interesting things to contend with to the surface. More on that later. Until then . . . finding balance in the face of change. 

Vrśchikāsana A

The Bowl Of Light

I love books. Seriously, I have a book addiction. Even when I tell myself, okay, no more book buying, I find something that piques my interest. It's endless. Better yet, is when the books I buy are intriguing, insightful and thought provoking. Makes it worth the purchase. Doesn't really matter from what genre. I wanna be stretched, enlightened, and to feel more human through the books I read. The most recent, the above, The Bowl of Light, by Hank Wessleman. A book that delves into the life of a well known Kahuna, or holy man, shaman, from the indigenous culture of Hawai'i.

I came away from this book affirmed the indigenous people of our world are truly the store houses of lost wisdom in our supposed modern age. Motivated by this ancient wisdom, and the way of life living in balance with the Earth, seeing it as a holy temple, while connected to the energies and elements of the unseen world, hold great fascination for me. I find it interesting how through the course of our lives and learning, we are pulled out of this wisdom passed down through the ages. Not only that, but the wisdom we inherently share inside ourselves. I think many feel called to reach back, while getting in touch with what has been lost, or maybe not lost, but what we have forgotten. 

If curious about another perspective, The Bowl of Light, is a heartfelt story of Hank's relationship with a Kanhuna, who taught him more than he could have imagined he would, when first encountering him. It gives hope, but in many ways, it woke me up to the power we hold within our very being and the mysteries that hold it together.

Risk

"But if a person has had the sense of the Call — the feeling that there’s an adventure for him — and if he doesn’t follow that, but remains in the society because it’s safe and secure, then life dries up. And then he comes to that condition in late middle age: he’s gotten to the top of the ladder, and found that it’s against the wrong wall. If you have the guts to follow the risk, however, life opens, opens, opens up all along the line."
(Joseph Campbell) 

Risks are a part of life if willing to take the leap. I've jumped. I've crashed, many times even. Hopefully, learning needed lessons.  For some odd reason, playing it safe has always felt like more of a risk. I cringe at the site of stagnation. For better or worse, I've learned the value of stability too. It's important to lay down a strong foundation to rise upon. In life, however, I have fallen victim to building my house on sand. It's all part of the path I suppose. My faith has ebbed and flowed over the years and through it all I am always called back to it. There's really no better place to sit. There no better honor, in my experience, then placing everything into the hands of the greater hand at work. Every push and pull I've made in life has lead me here. Many times I forget. In my delusion I feel I'm the one in control. From this stance I loose every time. I can relax when it isn't me who is at the center of it all.  

Yoga Class Gone Bad

This came out quite a few years back. Damn, it's funny though. 

Play

Somehow I have forgotten this. :)))))))

Just So You Know, I'm Not Swedish . . .

No. I am not Swedish. I've poked around in the blogosphere and to those who have graciously linked to my site. I thank you. However, in a few places, I've read that I'm Swedish, and well, not that I would be opposed to it, the reality is, I'm not. Never have been. I'm American born. American raised. Pretty much American through and through. So there you have it.

Why am I in Sweden? Well, my boyfriend is Swedish. Sweden is a lovely country, with loads to offer, so it really isn't a stretch to be here. Although, Sweden is synonymous with long, dark, cold winters. Brrrr. Not really my favorite thing about the place, hahaha.

Anyway, I just wanted to clear this up. I appreciate all of those who have linked to my blog or who have even mentioned me in passing. I can totally understand as to why many would mix this up and think that I'm Swedish. I live here. I work here, etc.

Cheers!

Good Teacher or Popular Teacher?

Poses yet another interesting question in the post modern yoga industry. Do you want to be a good teacher or a popular teacher? Often what I have found is it is rarer for a teacher to say no to students than it is to yes in this day and age. Quantity seems to stand over quality. 

Maty Ezraty, Running a Yoga Studio

I enjoyed listening to this talk by Maty Ezraty, the former owner of Yoga Works. We've all heard the name, both hers, and the well known, groundbreaking, yoga studio she stared in Santa Monica, California, with her partner. She offers important tips and questions to consider before entering into the biz. Soak it in.

Sean's Path Into Yoga

Sean Corn is always interesting, dynamic and extremely open. I had the pleasure of meeting her years ago during a workshop. She has a lot to say, but it's never boring and always resonates.

Dig Deep. Power Up.

Yeeeeeeaaaaaaaah!

Jānu Śīrsāsana A B C

Beyond the Edge and Powerful Surrender Workshops

I'll be hosting two workshops in the coming weeks at Yogayama! I challenge those who can make it to join in. On Sunday, November 20th, Beyond the Edge, will be an informative workshop on the fundamentals of Arm Balancing. On Sunday, December 4th, Powerful Surrender, will be an intensive on the dynamics of backbending. The times for both workshops will be from 13:00 - 15:00 (1-3pm).

Beyond the Edge: Exploring the Art of Arm Balancing

Sunday, November 20, 13:00 - 15:00

Yogayama, Stockholm

When delving into arm balances there often come feelings of uncertainty as well as the fear of stepping into the unknown. These feelings are natural, however; we may never realize the inherent strength within if never exploring our edges.

Experience the exhilaration arm balances bring, in a playful and explorative way, while learning the basic elements and foundational techniques to successfully build an arm balance practice. Proper alignment, strength building, as well as, energizing the subtle body will be addressed in this inspiring and informative workshop.

Journey beyond the edge and feel that anything is possible!

Powerful Surrender: Backbending with Strength

Sunday, December 4, 13:00 - 15:00

Yogayama, Stockholm

The paradox with backbending is we must be strong and soft at the same time, uniting the energy of strength and surrender. Learn the basic components of backbending with integrity to the natural flow of the body. In addition, understand and experience the concept of active release. When actively releasing, we use grounding mechanisms to deepen, while fully utilizing the breath. Learn the fundamental techniques that allow the body to find its depth and strength while at the same time letting go. 

Dog Lovin'

I love this dog! I see him almost every morning on my way to teaching class. Such a cutie. It's the little things. Ya, know?

Crazy Yoga Chick

I think this video covers every cliché imaginable when it comes to the world of modern yoga. Haha. 

Faith and Reverence

"Asana will make the body light. Pranayama strengthens prana. Dharana purifies the intellect. Meditation purifies the mind."   - Sri T. Krishnamacharya

Practice takes on a whole new meaning when steeped in devotion. After while it leads one there. Recently, when reading Yoga Mala in the asana section, Guruji mentioned when practicing we should lead with faith and reverence. It jumped out at me on the page. FAITH and REVERENCE. A profound statement that brings a whole new energy to the practice if one hasn't done so. I mean, it doesn't always feel this way. When the body aches, it can be challenging to feel reverent, but also, it has a way of healing the ache. It has a way of alleviating tiredness and apathy. It gives meaning. At the end of the day, even after all this time of practice, there is no possibility I can claim to know everything about what it is we are doing, and why the practice has the affect on us as it does. Yes, science has tried to explain it. However, deep down the source we are connecting to is still a mystery. The unexplainable can never be explained. The outlet, being our hearts. Devotion. Love beyond the knowable.

Tuning inward with a dynamic practice such as Ashtanga Yoga is ultimately where the intention must reside. In many ways I feel this is the mastery to the design. On the outside it may look merely physical, however to maintain the practice over the long term, deeply rooting ourselves into devotion, aligning inward, beyond our little self, into the expansive sky of the unlimited, we are carried through the ardor. We find our wings.

Ūrdhva Kukkutāsana A B C

Blur

"The obstacle is the path."  - Zen Proverb

Over the course of the past several months I have found myself embroiled in negativity. Not really from the outside, but from the inside. I've been observing my thoughts and often I don't like what I see. A challenge. I guess I shouldn't have an opinion in regards to any of it. It is always worse in the mind than in reality. My outlets are minimal living in a country without my native language. I didn't think it would have such and affect on me after while. It's nice to have a sounding board from time to time. Some people say a challenging path is the path of most growth. Sigh. Come to think of it, I remember feeling this during my teaching stint in Taiwan. With most people having limited English I remember I was forced to really look at myself and my thoughts. There were much less distractions and rationalizations I could succumb to because of the language barrier. It's interesting. Sometimes it's overwhelming. The good thing about Sweden is that everyone speaks English, and speaks it well, but at the same time, I'm still an outsider. I'm not fluent as of yet. That will take a while. Until then, much of the time I am forced to go inside. It can be frightening, but nonetheless, I am forced to look now, more than ever. I must. I want to. On a subconscious level it is all meant to be. Through this experience the power of thought has come to light in a big way. To climb into my head is like WTF. The lightness, darkness.

I've had recurring dreams where I am filled with anxiety because somehow I had forgotten the key details to an assignment to complete a course. I'm in a school setting and in shock I had forgotten somethings so essential. It slipped my mind. I fell short. I missed the mark. I feel crushed. Obviously it's some type of subconscious drama I need to sort out. Oh lord.

One thing that helps when I feel inundated with thoughts is writing. I have talked about this before, stream of conscious writing, a highly suggested technique in Julia Cameron's, "The Artist's Way." It has a way of wiping the slate clean. I can move forward with more clarity. It's my dumping ground, so to speak. Also, what I am realizing is how sensitive I can be to other people's energy. On some level I have always known this. Often it can be hard to distinguish what is mine and what I am picking up from another person. I have a way of really tuning into someone on a psychic level, that give or take, I am not sure I know how to handle it in the best way. Still sorting that out.

The thing is, I need to start to rely on my own guidance, and intuition. I have known this too for a while. Trusting myself completely hasn't alway been my strong suit, but it is getting there. Much of life pulls us out of our internal knowing. Sometimes I feel it as a mysterious pull or gut feeling you can't necessarily place as to why it is there. Often it comes to fruition later. I think this is where the trust comes in when starting to lean on oneself. I have had a flash of knowing when it comes to another person or situation, in an instant, to then later rationalize as to why what came to light could be wrong. Usually my rationalization is wrong. It's interesting how it works. Thankfully, yoga practice, when the intention is brought down to the essential places, our body wisdom, our intuitive knowing, begins to strengthen. What becomes perfectly logical to one my start to look totally radical to others. However, the radicals ones, the game changers, have never had a problem going with their guts. Even if it went counter to the masses. It takes courage. It takes a strong reliance on inner guidance.

I don't think self mastery has to look one way. It seems to be as unique as the individual. The same thread being, relying on our inherent, God given potential. We either separate from it or connect to it. We either decide to swim up stream or flow with the current. I like flowing with the current, but if I were to be honest, sometimes I find myself swimming up stream. I have to acknowledge the part of me that is hard wired to go this way.

Through it all, through all that I contemplate, I realize just how hard I am on myself. Geesh, can I have a bit of breathing room, please!? Heeelllo. Yes, I know where this come from. I need to start here. I need to send some energy into this space within me, and acknowledge it. It's time.

Autumn

We've been so lucky with the weather this Fall. Compared to last year this season has been pure magic. Hahahaha. I exaggerate, but yeah, it's been lovely. A true fall in Sweden is something I had yet to experience, and happy to say that I have. Last year I was bracing myself for cooler temps in late August, not good. This year, a shift. I like. I like very much.

However, what I'm learning with the extremes of Swedish weather is to do my best to take it in stride. As I enter into more darkness the fact that I must ignite my own inner light becomes evermore apparent. It's a challenge, but like any challenge, one that is worth stepping into. It builds character.

I often joke with native Swedes at how they complain more about the weather than foreigners. This is very true! I guess it's a bit of a novelty. It's different. I grew up with proper winters, so no novelty there. It's the darkness! That, in contrast, is what I'm not used to. An adjustment, for sure.

But hey, let's not get carried away. It all where we put our focus upon. There is light, and when it's light, even if only for a limited number of hours, it's beautiful. I live in a stunning city. Where nature and the urban cityscape are perfectly blended, and balanced.

High five Sweden. I'm gonna do my best to embrace the coming winter.

Ashtanga 4 Life

Yes! I like. Image designed by Allison Meierding.

Practice @ Home

Above is my practice space in the early hours of the morning. Thankfully, there is plenty of room in our living area. Our make shift alter in front of the window makes for a calming focal point. To get myself in the mood I light candles and sometimes burn sage. It's nice. The silence at this time is comforting.

 I get up at 3:00am and have to be on the mat within 10 to 15 minutes of my wake up call. There isn't much time to acclimate. It's literally get up and go. The less I think, the better. It brings new meaning to Guruji's famous saying, "body strong, mind weak." I find it true. My mind could probably think of more than a 1000 reasons why I shouldn't do what I do. But, I do it anyway. I'm hoping, mentally, I've become stronger on each given day. It's interesting what comes up when working with resistance and difficulty. Now, we're in November, it's cooler, it's darker, and it becomes even more challenging to rise. But I do, somehow. I'm thankful.

But really, it's not that bad. It's the same challenge everyone else faces with practice, no matter what hour or time of day. I like to think we're the lucky ones, anyway.

Our practices become a part of us. It's what we do. As simple as that.

Paśchimottānāsana A B C to Purvottānāsana

Astāvakrāsana B

Keep Calm and Blog

Courtesy of Lululemon

Yoga and Sex

Well said, Kiki, very well said. 

Sūryanamaskara B

Samadhi

Vanished the veils of light and shade,
Lifted every vapor of sorrow,
Salted away all dawns of fleeting joy,
Gone the dim sensory mirage.

Love, hate, health, disease, life, death,
Perished these false shadows on the screen of duality.
The storm of maya stilled
By magic wand of intuition deep.

Present, past, future, no more for me,
But ever-present, all-flowing I, I, everywhere,
Beyond the imagination of expectancy,
Is this, my Samadhi state.

Planets, stars, stardust, earth,
Thoughts of all men, past, present, future,
Every blade of grass, myself, mankind,
Each particle of creation’s dust, anger, greed, good, bad, salvation, lust,
I swallowed – transmuted all
Into a vast ocean of blood of my own Being.

Smoldering joy, off-puffed by unceasing meditation,
Which blinded my tearful eyes,
Then burst into immortal flames of bliss,
And consumed my ears, my frame, my all.

Thou art I, I am Thou,
Knowing, Knower, Known, as One!
One tranquilled, unbroken thrall of eternal living, ever-new peace,
Enjoyable beyond imagination of expectancy, Samadhi bliss!

Not an unconscious state
Of mental chloroform without a willful return,
Samadhi but extends my conscious realm
Beyond limits of the mortal frame
To farthest boundary of eternity,
Where I, the Cosmic Sea,
Watch the little ego floating in Me.

Not a sparrow, nor a grain of sand, falls without my sight.
The dark earth, mountains, seas are molten liquid!
The flowing sea changes into vapors of nebulae!
Aum blows upon vapors, opening wondrously their veils.

Oceans stand revealed of shining electrons,
Till, at the last sound of the cosmic drum (Aum),
Vanish the grosser lights into eternal rays
Of all-pervading bliss.

From joy I came, for joy I live, in sacred joy I melt.
Ocean of mind, I drink all creation’s waves.
Four veils of solid, liquid, vapor, light, lift aright.
I, in everything enter the Great Myself.
Gone forever: fitful, flickering shadows of mortal memory.

Spotless is my mental sky – below, ahead, and high above,
Eternity and I, one united ray.
I, a tiny bubble of laughter,
Have become the Sea of Mirth Itself.

(Paramahansa Yogananda)

Modern Day Guru

True story. Last Wednesday on the day Steve Jobs passed away my Safari web browser kept crashing. I would open the program and it would immediately crash and I would open it again and it would crash again. Unusual. This went on for some time until I finally relented and went on to other things. Since I go to bed early I found out about his passing the next morning. I couldn't help but feel a loss. A great one had come and gone.

Like many, I had a deep fascination with Steve Jobs. In a way he was like a guru for me. A guru who taught by example and inspired the world through his tireless passion for quality and innovation. It is his sincere vision and insight that really made me take notice. Even from someone who isn't really technologically inclined such as I am. I mean I do my best, but I'm no techno brainiac. There is something profoundly infectious when a human being lives their passion at the level Steve Jobs did. The out pouring we have witnessed since his death was announced proves it so. What is that? What is it that he had that quickened the hearts and minds of us all? There are thousands of CEOs out there, but a rarity to have made an impact in this way. It is completely fascinates me. The energy. The vibrato. The discipline! It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it.

I'm taking notes.

Thank you, Steve. Thank you!

Happy 40th Sharath!

Sun Salutation A Variation

This is not your traditional Sun Salutation A. However, I wanted to demonstrate taking upper body and core strength a bit further. This isn't something I do regularly in my practice, however in future posts I'll be writing about fundamental elements in building strength and fluidity in practice. Really, it all starts with awareness and then it  all grows from there. Practice. Practice. Practice.

David Robson, ONE Day Workshop, Saturday, Oct. 22!!!!

We are so happy to have David Robson back in Stockholm for a one day, jam packed, exhilarating workshop! He brings with him an amazing passion and insight for the practice of Ashtanga yoga. This is not to be missed! Personally, I feel he is one of the most talented and committed teachers of his generation in the world. To have built what he has in the Toronto yoga community is something that is never easy, and is a testament to his sincere vision and energy. However, don't take my word for it, experience for yourself. There will be something to be learned no matter what level in the practice you find yourself in. All levels welcome. 

Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Yogayama

Led Primary 9:00 - 11:00AM
Join David Robson for the Led Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga following the traditional Sanskrit count. All levels of practitioner are welcome to attend.

The Practice and Philosophy of Vinyasa
12:00 - 2:00PM
In Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, vinyasa means moving/breathing system. More specifically, it also refers to counted movements that are done in our practices. The vinyasa system, when followed correctly, makes the Astanga practice a moving meditations. This workshop will explore the philosophy and practice of vinyasa as it is traditionally taught in Ashtanga Yoga. It's open to all levels.

Arm-Balancing 3:00 - 5:00PM
In the Astanga practice there are many movements that require us to put all of our weight into our hands. Jump-backs, jump-throughs, and the particular vinyasa from certain poses are all moments of arm-balancing. This workshop will teach you the principles of alignment and technique that are common to all arm-balances, and will help you find more ease in the air. This workshop is open to practitioners of all levels.

Bio
David Robson lives in Toronto, Canada, with his wife, Stan, his daughter Mercedes, and son Holden. He is the co-owner and director of the Astanga Yoga Centre of Toronto, where he leads one of the world's largest Mysore programs. In 1998, while completing a degree in Comparative Religion, David began a daily yoga practice. He made his first trip to India in 2002, where he initiated studies with his teacher Sharath Jois. Since then, David has returned annually to deepen and enrich his practice and teaching. He is Level-2 Authorized by the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute.

Website 
Blog

Harvest

"If you can empty your own boat, crossing the river of the world, no one will oppose you. No one will seek to harm you. He who can free himself from achievement and from pain descends and is lost amid the masses of men. He will flow like Tao, unseen. He will go about like life itself, with no name and no home. Simple is he without destination. To all appearances he is a fool. His steps leave no trace. He has no power. He achieves nothing. He has no reputation. Since he judges no one, no one judges him. Such is the perfect man. His boat is empty."

— Chuang Tzu,  Empty Boat 

Now that we are officially into Fall it seems only fitting I came down with a gnarly cold. Usually during times of transition we become more susceptible to illness. Some would call it a natural cleansing. I like to think of it that way. Reminds me, this is a perfect time to do another liver and gallbladder cleanse! When I first started doing the cleanses I did them more frequently as were recommended. Now, I do them at a maintenance level. Which means during the seasonal shift. Biologically our bodies are more apt to purge during the seasonal transitions so supporting it by doing a cleanse is a good way to go.

Autumn has always been a season I've enjoyed. The crisp air somehow feels fresher, cleaner, more vibrant. There's the harvest. There's new beginnings. I become reminiscent. Brings back the excitement of all that came with the kick-off of a new school year. It always felt good to be delving into something new. Now I take the opportunity to tap into what new things I want to create moving forward. Or, what I would like to deepen into. With the incoming darkness, it really seems fitting that it becomes more of an internal excavation. Sometimes it just makes sense to flow with the energy of the seasons instead of against them. However, with that being said, there does seem to be a subtle vitality to the Autumn season. With the Sun sitting a bit lower on the horizon the light is reflected differently. We have the opportunity to see things in a new way.

Happy Vernal Equinox!

Healthy Pride

"I must be a mermaid. I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living."


- Anïs Nin

Being sick. Yeah, a foreign concept to those who practice yoga. Yes, I'm being cheeky. You'll just have to deal with my sarcasm since I'm not feeling well at the moment. Does that give me license? I like to think so. So here I am, after a full day of being in bed. I can't remember the last time I had to lie in bed all day, if ever. I've been forced to contemplate many things while lying here.

I have an interesting history with illness. Well let's see now, I was never really allowed to be sick. I hate to say it but my mother hated when my sister and I were sick. Often I would suppress not feeling well for the sake of not bringing any attention to myself. No coddling. Never! I was one of those kids who had years of perfect attendance at school because I would literally have to be dying not to make it. Except the time I caught some crazy flu where I was so dizzy I couldn't walk straight much less walk to the bus stop. I stayed in for like the first time ever in my childhood.

Truthfully, I was a healthy kid for the most part. I didn't catch nearly half of the nasty bugs that went around when young. Somehow, I never caught the chicken pox either. To this day I am not sure how that happened because my sister contracted it. So I guess you can say I'm lucky or maybe not so lucky if I were to get it as an adult. Yikes!

To tell you the truth I wish I would have had more freedom to feel what I was feeling when it came to illness. To give myself the option to rest and renew. Because of how I was raised it's been a challenge to feel worthy of time to let an illness ride itself out. Then there was a phase where being sick just wasn't an option on any level. Thankfully I've out grown that to some extent.

I've observed an interesting phenomenon being in the yoga community, however. It's almost like the denial of coming down with a cold or a sniffle is common place. When at a party over 3 weeks ago the guest of honor had mentioned how there's a nasty throat virus going around and that his girlfriend was unable to attend. At the time, I had the impression, yeah that's what everyone else gets, not me. From then until now I've seen this virus take a few people out. Especially with a few yoga teachers. When I would make the comment that someone didn't look so good quickly I would be told, oh it's nothing, really. Or another comment was, I never get sick. I haven't had a cold in over three years. One teacher told me this over and over again. I got it the first time, mind you. Interesting this denial that we get sick. Reminds me of when one of my closest friends, who also practices and teaches yoga, almost seemed bitter to have come down with a cold. Her last illness was nearly 5 years ago! So she says. Once again, I was reassured by her, over and over again, this type of thing just doesn't happen. A quick tonic of herbs brewed, drunk down, and it will be as good as gone, I was told. Well, let's just say it didn't really happen that way. The sniffle rode itself out in due time as usual.

Do we have health pride? Because we do yoga and eat organic foods are we somehow above human protocol?

So about a week ago a tickle started to manifest in my throat. Yeah. From what I heard this is how it starts, as an innocent tickle. Not a good sign. I mentioned to a colleague of mine that I thought I was coming down with something which I was quickly told that she never catches anything. Did I ask? Nooooooo. However, yes, I was reminded of the strength and vitality of her immune system, never mind mine.

So I caught this damned throat virus, big deal. It's my time. I'm due. However, through this experience I'm left wondering if some of us have become prideful with the lifestyles we have chosen? If somehow we have risen above a certain apex of human evolution (delusion) because we won't accept anything less, much less being sick. Like somehow we are better people if we don't come down with these common human conditions.

In many ways I have felt relief to finally accept that illness comes and goes and the importance of rest and renewal. It's okay. Not the end of the world. I have had to deal with the guilt of staying home from work. Something that I will always have to deal with because of the circumstances of my upbringing and temperament. You know, we all have our stuff.

As I lay here I realize being able to relate to the human condition seems much more worthwhile than having the illusion of rising above it. In the end resistance is another pattern no matter how we slice it. Relating to all that is around, our differences, our weakness, our strengths gives rise to compassion, that yeah, we're here in these bodies just trying to make sense of it all.

Yoga Gives Back Highlights

I want to thank everyone who participated in our Yoga Gives Back Global Event last Saturday. Also, a big thanks to those who couldn't make the class but donated to the cause! It feels good to come together and practice yoga while giving back to those in need.

What I love about the Yoga Gives Back organization is their passion for helping the women of India build sustainable lives for themselves and their families! This work crosses the bridge of empowerment through generations!

Again, if you would like to learn more, participate in the next event or donate, please visit, www.yogagivesback.org!

Stats

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Sweden

"A quiet mind is all you need. All else will happen rightly, once your mind is quiet. As the sun on rising makes the world active, so does self-awareness affect changes in the mind. In the light of calm and steady self-awareness inner energies wake up and work miracles without effort on your part." - Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj


Recently, finally, I checked my blog stats and was shocked to learn that my post regarding the Blue Lagoon is the top post of ALL time. Not only that, but it's the most visited post for every single week thus far. So much for my brilliant blogs about yoga! Hahaha, only kidding. Blue Lagoon you ask? Well, it's this magical place in the fascinating country of Iceland. I had the pleasure of teaching yoga there over a year ago and visiting the Blue Lagoon was part of my experience. It seems just mentioning the place peaks the interest of many out in cyber space. It's like, wow! I had no idea it would be such a draw. No less, the main reason for most of the traffic to this site. Sigh. This is really motivating me to get cracking, posting more regularly. This can't continue to be my most popular blog post ever! No. Although, my life isn't too exciting at the moment. Which, to tell you the truth, I'm happy with. I'm loving my routine.

We're already over 6 months in since starting our Mysore program. It's been great, and mostly the reason why I've been absent. I'm working with a tight schedule, especially after teaching for nearly four hours and doing my own practice before hand it's already nearly a full day. When putting in and then giving out, I've had to re-establish a balance for myself.

In the beginning it takes a substantial amount of energy and now things are beginning to take shape in a way that's really astounding. All it takes is commitment. Students want to know you'll be there. A relationship is born. A beautiful give and take and growth begins to take shape. There is no better formula then consistency. When working in this way it still blows me away how amazing this practice is. It works, truly, with the right amount of attention and care. Building slowly. Breath centered.

It's important for me to keep an open dialogue with students as they develop through their practices. I'm the type of teacher who enjoys listening to feedback when practitioners start to gain insights and attune to their bodies and minds. In that, I trust the practice in a way that I don't have to say too much because I know in time it will be there for them. Keeping them on track within the practice has a way of already removing the barriers. I am fascinated by it. I know other forms of yoga rely on an abundance of dialogue which can be beneficial from time to time. However, more often then none, I feel there really isn't anything new, so to speak. The yogis of old knew what needed to be uncovered through experience and the practical methods to take us there. Sometimes I feel we have complicated what is unnecessary to complicate. It's all so clear, is it not? Reveling in the mystery. I realize this being a recent phenomenon, in that yoga has become a billion dollar business globally. This motivates me to continue to peel back the layers and remove the exterior packaging and get down to the root. Namasté.

Yoga Gives Back! September 17th, Join Us!

I'm really frustrated because for some reason I am unable to post videos! What's up Blogger??? I have no idea why. It used to always work. Suggestions? Solutions? 

Anyhow, I was going to post the kick-off video for the Yoga Gives Back global event being held this coming Saturday, September 17th. We're doing our part here in Stockholm, and hosting a donation class from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Should be fun! What a great way to support the cause! Thank you Mother India!!!! I'm looking forward to continued work with the Yoga Gives Back organization. 

Please join us! 

Saturday, September 17th 2011 @ Yogayama, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Come dressed to do yoga and bring a cash donation!!! Hope to see you there! Not in Stockholm? You can also find an event near you by visiting www.yogagivesback.org!

London Cityscapes

Yeah, I know, I'm really overdoing it with the London pictures! I took so many! I was feeling inspired or maybe a bit trigger happy, not sure. One thing I appreciated about London were the abundance of pubs with funny names. Hahaha, It doesn't take much to amuse me.

Like Stockholm, London is a coffee mecca. I fell in love with Monmouth in the Borough Market area. Ahhh, so nice, minus the fact I really shouldn't be drinking coffee anyway, haha. Shhh!

 Near Brick Lane

Navigating in London's Underground, otherwise known as the Tube, is like maneuvering in an endless array of tunnels and corridors. Took me a while to grasp it all.  Also, it's hotter than hell down there! This, is coming from someone who is always cold!

 London Fog

 Bliss Hoodie

 Millennium Bridge

 Tower Bridge,  again

We also caught the show, We Will Rock You. It was fantastic. Are you a fan of Queen? Can't say that I am, but it's righteous good stuff. I recommend it. It's amazing how talented these performers are! I was seriously impressed.

 

I ♥ Borough Market!