JPiciYogini Yoga

Poses of the Moment: Cobra & Locust

2012-01-24T07:28:00.001-05:00

It's end of January already. The start of a fresh new year! We've all probably battled colds and sickness by now, holiday extravaganzas, working too much to get back into a routine/maybe overdoing the new year good habits? Okay, maybe you can't overdo good habits. And maybe all of these things I speak of have been just me? All I know is that the following asanas (poses) are feeling super great these days (again, that may be just me, and the fact that I tote around a 10 month old all day long...). But, we could all use a little back and core strengthening/heart opening that these asanas (poses) provide:

Cobra (Bhujangasana)

--Works the entire spinal group to create extension in both chest and spine, plus lengthens & works the arms & legs
--You can come up higher on the arms if your back feels nice, but I mostly choose to take this version
--Legs should be active with feet pressing into the mat, your pelvis should also press into the mat, and hands steady but not all the weight on those hands! Neutral neck, and breathe.

Locust (Salabhasana)

--Lengthens chest, backs of arms, abdominals, hips, and works the arms, spine, legs (hips, glutes, hamstrings, knees)
--Again, this is just one version of the pose. You can clasp your hands together at the base of the spine or also have both arms out in front of you with palms facing inward. Again, breathe!

I'm teaching again!

2012-01-07T18:04:00.000-05:00

2012 has arrived! My family and I just moved back into our renovated home in Somerville this week, after 6 months of being away. Things will be in disarray for some time I suspect, but we are delighted to be back in our updated home and back to our life. I grew to love our quiet life out on Nantucket, and hope to hold on to some of that slowness now as we settle in for the winter and build our home back to it's organized and cozy self. With that, I am slowly re-entering my other love--teaching yoga!

I'm starting out with just 2 days of teaching a week this month. 3 classes total at Karma Yoga Studio in Harvard Sq./Cambridge.

Sunday mornings: 10:15-11:30am-- Hatha Yoga/Slow Flow (a slower paced, alignment based class)
and
11:45am-1:00pm-- Vinyasa Flow (a sun salutation based, movement with the breath)

Wednesday evenings: **check the website. It will either be at 5:30 or 6:00pm-- Vinyasa Flow

I look forward to seeing so many of you on the mat again! Tomorrow morning will be fantastic, as it will be just before the Capricorn Full Moon in Cancer. I will be teaching with a relaxed, rejuvenating vibe to open ourselves up to it.

Taking time to enjoy

2011-12-12T07:59:00.000-05:00

It's that time. The time just before winter sets in that we all call "the holidays." As fun as they can be, it's inevitable that we will end up at some point a little frazzled. As for me, things have been on the edge of just that, and I came down with a cold! Ick. It appeared last week and then set in for real on the weekend...having me miss some much needed yoga classes, some of my last here on the island. Having a cold while nursing your infant, doing other domestic daily needs, figuring out holiday stuff, and finally planning a move back in to your home...well, that spells frazzled to me. So, what's a yogini to do? Oh yeah, remember to breathe. And drink lots of elderberry tea. And eat homemade soup. And try to rest.

And do some gentle yoga. What yoga can one do when sick?
I started each day with some half sun salutes: big breath in, exhale to forward fold, inhale to halfway lift, exhale fold, inhale back to tadasana, namaskaram. Ah, that always felt nice. Then take some standing gentle side bends, twists.
Later in the day, maybe work in some heart openers like cobra or locust on the belly, and maybe a bridge on your back. While on your back, take a thread the needle or another hip opening pose. And maybe hold down dog if you can breathe okay.
Basically, doing whatever feels good enough when you don't feel like your awesome physical self. Any little bit helps and makes you remember it will pass and all is well.

As for that part about moving back to our home? Yes, it is just about here! In one week from today we will be having the final inspection and moving our stuff back into our "new" place in Somerville. Won't be there long, as we'll be off again for family holiday cheer. But, it's so exciting. Boston friends and fellow students...I will see you soon! Back to teaching (just a little) starting Jan. 8! More details to come. ;)

For now, we shall enjoy our home away from home, Nantucket. Oh how we will miss her peace. After all, it's her island magic that reminds me of all that yoga is.

Pose of the moment: Headstand

2011-11-20T22:16:00.000-05:00

Sirsasana: Brings fresh blood to the brain to rejuvenate brain cells. Refreshes the pituitary and pineal glands, increasing hemoglobin in blood, which might then improve memory. :)
Also releases muscles in upper back, works your core, spreads the scapulae, strengthens shoulders/arms, and can just feel great!

I've been trying to practice this pose every day for the last month or so, and plan to keep that going (minus when I'm on my moon cycle). It has been helping me conquer all sorts of crazy things. Some including:
-the physical fear of going upside down, which after giving birth increased two-fold, as I had to regain my strength, and also know that I won't hurt myself in the pose
-emotional fears...oh so many. this pose allows you to literally turn yourself upside down to gain new perspective when moody, stressed, depressed, or the like.
-mental fears/intellectual fears (stemming from this new role of mommyhood among other things)

Do you see a pattern here? Yep, fear. I've been seeing lots of other teachers talking about fear these days. Must be the season? At least we have poses like headstand to help us get over ourselves and bring us empowerment and confidence as well as physical benefits. Yeah yoga!

I encourage you all to find your own "pose of the moment" or try this one this week as we enter the holiday season. You might need it. ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!

**if you've never practiced headstand before, I would consult a teacher's help first to make sure alignment is correct and that you won't hurt yourself. If you're semi-practiced in it...start at the wall first! That's what I did at about 6 months post partum, to start getting back into it. Gradually, you'll get strong enough to move away from the wall and try a variety of sirsasana styles.

Late November Update

2011-11-17T15:04:00.000-05:00

It's almost thanksgiving! Can't believe the holidays are here. We (my little family and I) are STILL not home to Somerville yet. I mean, when people suggested home renovation work could take months longer than expected...were we supposed to believe them for real?! Apparently so. It's been 4 1/2 months and counting for something we thought would take 3 months. We are working with Boston Green Building, which is great, but they tend to use independent subcontractors and materials that need ordered, and all such things that can take longer. Plus, there have been a few roadbumps with inspections. It is a 110 year old house after all. Needless to say, we're hoping at this point to get home before the new year...do keep your fingers crossed for us! I'm supposed to get back to part-time teaching in January...stay tuned.

Life on Nantucket has been so nice, of course. Still living simple and slow with the baby boy. He just turned 8 months and is crawling all about! Makes me more tired and is also throwing a wrench in the groove I had going with yoga. Up until last weekend I hadn't been to a public class in almost 2 weeks. Not cool. On Saturday I had an empowering class with the awesome Clay Twombly, who reminded me just how strong and able I was with his mindful, creative, lovely flow. I'm a yogini who needs more than ever a real, live public class at least once a week these days to keep the groove alive for my own personal practice. I do still try to fit in at least 20 min. of some sort of yoga a day, but that doesn't always happen.

I must say, since having Isak, I've never felt more like a student of yoga since I began studying it years and years ago! This is a good thing. Being away from the large, sometimes oversaturated Boston yoga scene has provided me with the chance to discover what it is in my practice that I truly love. I'm not just teaching to teach right now (not that I ever do, but you get what I mean?), and I have no major routine. I take it day to day, as the baby allows, and it's all teaching me so, so much. It's making me think about how and what I want to continue studying in the next 5-10 years (some of which include: getting my 500 hour certification, yin yoga, more about energy/bodywork, and yoga therapy). There are subjects galore and it can be overwhelming. Now that my time is much more precious, my biggest challenge remains to stay focused and positive, and not to dwell on the small stuff (i.e. don't get overwhelmed with all the options out there, all the teachers...).

Okay, time for my nerd alert moment--do you ever watch NOVA on PBS? There's this series right now called The Fabric of the Cosmos that my husband and I have been watching. Last week, it was about time/space and I discovered that we all have our own "time." So, yes, though we all have the same hours in the day...we all do really have our own minute difference in time according to our space and make-up. (wish I could explain better, but just watch it for yourself) Ha!

I encourage you all to try, with me, to find your own time. Discover how and with what you want to fill up your day, and see how it goes. Yoga has so much to teach us, but I am most thankful these days for the time I get on my mat to feel exactly that. My own time. Even if you were on your mat at the same moment as I, we'd still be there in our own time. Cherish it and go with it, and see what the rest of your 2011 will bring.

Some things to check out:

--New Mama Recharge with Michelle Pfenninghaus of Find Your Balance

This is for all new mamas of children 2 and under. This is a FREE tele-community series coming up in January for us new mamas to discuss what it is that will rev us up as we rev up another being. Check it out and join me in on it, too.

--Savor Your Existence Health --Dillan is a Somerville based holistic nutritionist who has been helping my little family stay on the health track both physically with food ideas and mentally with goal talks.

--Isobel & Cleo --super fantastic knitwear by a hip, Nantucket gal. I met her at the farmers market this summer and just got my first purchase...a versatile scarf/wrap/hooded thing. I love, love it.

--the latest at Karma Yoga Studio and Bow Street Yoga for my friends and fellow teachers offering fun workshops and classes to help you along.

Yin-Halloween Playlist

2011-10-31T08:02:00.000-04:00

Last night I taught a public yoga class for the first time since giving birth! That means over 9 months ago...
And let me tell you, it was so needed. I felt at home. I felt that pull of energy that is offered up from my heart every time I step in front of a class. You all know by now what I've been up to since Isak was born. How my little family and I have been living out here on Nantucket for 4 months (and counting) until our house is renovated back in Boston. I haven't had the chance to jump back into teaching yet, so when this opportunity came up to sub for Paul at The Yoga Room, I was all about it. And I love yin. It's the season to begin diving back into a more yin mode.
Anyway, 8 wonderful yoga students showed up and we sank into our joints and tissues with compassion and ease, while listening to this new playlist I conjured up for the occasion.
And students back home? I offered it up to you, too! Happy Halloween everyone!

1. Altt i Guddi: Olof Arnalds
2. We Have a Map of the Piano: Mum
3. Near Light: Olafur Arnalds
4. Virus: Bjork
5. Frysta: Olafur Arnalds
6. Saint Naive: Jonsi
7. What are we Waiting For?: Amiina
8. Agust: Olafur Arnalds
9. Warm: Arms and Sleepers
10. Cosmogony: Bjork
11. This Place is a Shelter: Olafur Arnalds
12. The Beautiful Ones: The Battle of Land and Sea
13. Icicle Sleeve: Jonsi
14. Lag Fyrir Ommu: Olafur Arnalds
15. Thunderbolt: Bjork
16. New Piano Song: Jonsi
17. All the Big Trees: Jonsi & Alex
18. Tomorrow's Song: Olafur Arnalds
19. Indian Summer: Jonsi & Alex

20. Moon: Bjork

Sequence to Open the Hips/Chest

2011-10-15T21:20:00.001-04:00

Earlier this week I did a longer and more intense practice that left me a bit sore and tight for the couple of days that followed. So yesterday I decided to dedicate the physical part of my practice to releasing some tension in my hips and opening up my chest. After a long, slow warm-up consisting of mindful sun salutations, crescent lunges with back knee down, some gentle backbends such as locust pose...I began this sequence:

-from tadasana (mountain pose), step into virabhadrasana II (warrior 2). Breathe slowly into trikonasana (triangle) and hold.
-transition with the breath to prasarita padottanasana(wide-legged forward fold). After a few breaths here, keep the head down and begin to swivel the feet so that you end up facing the front of your mat and finding a slightly shorter stance for parsvottanasana (intense side stretch pose).
-in parsvottanasana, come to fingertips to the mat with neck steady and level, so as to open the pectoral muscles while stretching the hips/hamstrings and strengthening the ankles and back.
-next transition into ardha chandrasana (half moon). Whichever foot is more forward, take that hand and walk it out and up a few inches. Once setting your drishti (gaze), begin to lift the back foot off the mat, opening the hip, chest, and top arm for a deep side stretch/chest opener.
-without losing your focus, move from half moon directly into urdhva muka eka pada rajakapotasana (half pigeon). This means the foot in the air will (as gracefully as you can manage) return to the back of the mat and your hips will square to the mat as you prep your knee, arms, hips for the pose. Hold half pigeon longer than any of the other poses. Maybe add a twist, stay upright, fold arms behind you, or take king pigeon. Listen to where you need to be. When ready to come out of it, lift arms out and up until palms meet over head for another slight back bend, then plant hands to the mat on both sides to come out into adho muka svanasana (downward facing dog).
-stay in down dog for a few breaths, then end in balasana (child's pose) for as long as you need before starting the same sequence on the other side.

After practicing this sequence on both sides, I suggest rounding out the practice with at least one deep forward fold, one nice twist, and maybe an inversion before resting in savasana.

Namaskaram!

October on Island

2011-10-15T14:56:00.000-04:00

Mid-October here on Nantucket, and it's a blustery but sunny and perfect temperature day. It's been a week of rain, cloudy days, walks in the breeze, new colors peeking about, new music to cook, bake, and practice yoga to. We've made a few new friends here on the island. We've now been here 3 1/2 months and still have 1 1/2 or so to go, so it's nice to know people to call up. Our home in Somerville has gone through ups and downs during this energy retrofitting and construction phase. We think we're over the last hump and just trying to relax and wait it out now until our early December move-back-in.
New music? Well, it's been Iceland Airwaves week across the Atlantic...and oh how I wish I could have been there for the incredible line-up. My dear friends, Nina and Sam, are there taking it all in for me! Bjork, the queen goddess of unique, vibrant, melodic splendor released her Biophilia this week (on the full moon day at that) so I've been listening all week. My faves are the songs Virus, Crystalline, Moon, and Thunderbolt though the entire album is wonderful. Plus, if you haven't checked out Olafur Arnald's latest free Living Room Songs, do so immediately. Near Light makes me want to run out into the moors and jump/dance with all the love I have. And Lag Fyrir Ommu will make you miss dear ones and remember the grace they portrayed on you. The combination of all of this music made for new creative sequencing in my yoga practice and centering vibes this week. As always, thank you Iceland for the music that you provide to us all!

1 Year Married to my Love

2011-10-09T08:45:00.000-04:00

A year ago today, we were married on the most perfect autumn day here on Nantucket. It was an intimate, joyous, spirit-filled gathering and today we go back to the same spot with our boy. How beautiful life can be. We've had the most full year of our lives, and we are grateful for so much love.

www.lovebyjen.com--photographer

*We also remember Grandma Frances Paulson today.

Yoga during women's Moon time

2011-10-07T12:53:00.000-04:00

Yoga happenings as of late have been scattered as usual in my mommy life. I've been focusing on reclaiming a strong sirsana (headstand), so I'm at least doing that every day. Feels great! When I can't make it to a real class (which I did not this week), I practice at home for sure, and sometimes you just need an extra push my someone else doing the thinking. There are a variety of podcasts or videos one can choose from. I love my friend Sarah's! She is such a skilled teacher and since I miss seeing her and taking her class in person, well, these are the next best thing. Plus, they are free (though I highly suggest donating if you plan to do them on a regular basis)! You can find the link at the upper corner of this here blog. I did a nice 50 min. slow flow the other day that hit the spot.
Today, however, it's my Moon time. Yes, I mean menstrual flow. All of us women get it, no shame in bringing it up here! And yes, I am one of the 10% or so of breastfeeding mothers who actually get theirs regularly (and have been since month 2 pp). Glad to know, right? ') Anyway, no headstands for me today. The full moon is approaching in a few days and it's time for me to honor rest in my body. As Isak naps, I just did a long stint in child's pose, some down dog, some hanging forward fold. Add on a couple of very slow vinyasas then holding some forward folds, such as janu sirsana, parsvotanasana, and paschimottanasana. Ending with gentle legs up the couch (onto pillows)!
Sarah's podcasts inspire me to make one someday (hopefully in the year to come) for exactly this--a woman's moon time. It's left out of classes much too often and women should feel encouraged to take it however they choose.
Here's to healthy menstrual flows!

Now off to a delightful autumn island weekend: time spent with Isak's grandparents, cranberry festival, farmers market, Yogawoman viewing with Nantucket yoginis, my 1st wedding anniversary with my love (and hopefully date night out!), and gratitude.

Getting into a new Flow with the first Autumn New Moon

2011-09-26T22:43:00.000-04:00

I had planned to attend Clay's vinyasa class at The Yoga Room this morning...but my 6 1/2 month old boy decided he wanted to nurse 30 min. before class started. I did zoom there but clocking in at 7 minutes too late, well, that is not so cool when it's a pretty full class already. So, I began to head back home but it was a brilliant morning and heck, I already had the time to myself slotted, so why not head to the beach? Nantucket is splendid this time of year. I was the only person on the beach. With water bottle and yoga mat in tow, I took some solitude to honor the Libra New Moon and work on balancing asanas. A butterfly greeted me, seabirds twitted about, and then just as I was entering nataranjasana, a sweet seal swam up to greet me! The sea sparkled and I am grateful. So THIS is how one flows. So happy I didn't just head home. Learning to find balance in life is probably the hardest thing humans attempt, but yoga (and striving to live your yoga) is one of the only ways I have experienced it to be somewhat possible. These days I find myself doing yoga asanas on walks while Isak is in the baby bjorn, in front of the tv if my husband and I want to watch something, out on the deck while baby is sleeping in his swing...so when I do have time slotted to myself just for me, well I better use it to breathe and move my body intuitively.
I am awakened a bit from the weekend, when the uber inspiring, down to earth, so experienced yogis of the White Lotus Foundation came to lead a retreat. Ganga White and Tracey Rich were here to teach 3 days of asana, pranayama, meditation. I was only able to sign up for the Saturday morning session, but I was so happy that I did! I have not taken a workshop with such "high profile" yogis in the longest time where there was no ounce of ego from either of them, and I felt at ease and connected to learning new ways of looking at the breath and asanas. I have been thinking about it ever since and am already scheming in my brain how I can study with them again someday. Thank you Caitlin Marcoux for getting them to come here and share their energies!
With these last couple of days of listening to myself and doing what I feel, it's a strong Libra New Moon message. I am ready to start a new cycle and to stop beating myself up. As a new mom, life can be confusing and it's easy to get caught up in the rat race of shoulds and should nots. I've felt a little lost at times knowing that I'm not back to teaching yet in Boston, I'm not working on marketing myself...will my students remember me? Will I still be a desirable teacher? Will I move out of mommy brain fog and remember how to be a smooth, knowledgable teacher? Of course I will. But it's taken me 6 months to find my flow again (in yoga practice, in motherhood, in who I am) and well, maybe it will take 6 more to get back to my teaching groove. I don't care for the new competitiveness of the yoga world. It leaves new mommies who like to live a simple life feeling like they don't exist anymore. There's always a hot new yogini to take my place.

When thoughts like this enter my realm, I go back to the books I'm reading at the moment (Yoga as Medicine, Living Your Yoga, Iron Butterflies: Women Transforming Themselves and the World) and I take it all in. I look at my sweet, beautiful, fun baby boy and I take it all in. I kiss my supportive and amazing husband and I take it all in. This is what my life is about right now. My flow is a slow flow. I will return to the fast paced flow soon enough and then I will yearn for this slow life back. That's usually how it works, right? But maybe I'm learning. Maybe I'll hold on to some of this slowness and bring it back to the city. Balance. For now, I eat a little chocolate each day, dance with the flowers, feel the wind in my warrior, and love it just as it is.

Happy Autumn Equinox!

2011-09-23T10:05:00.001-04:00

Here we go again...into a new season, and a new time for change. The Libra New Moon is approaching and today is the time to bring life back to balance after the carefree time of summer. Let's plant new internal seeds for more peace, joy, prosperity in our lives and let go of loneliness, confusion, chaos.

These photos are from last weekend (when dear friends were visiting and we made flower essences from the garden) up until yesterday (where my family and I stumbled upon an elf house in the woods). Isak ended up on the mat with me after his nap, at the end of my practice! We sent our energy out for the new season together. Nantucket is so much like Iceland on days like this. Fog and mist surround us here, and all glows with magic.

"When love speaks to you, believe in it, though its voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden." --From The Prophet

End of Summer Update

2011-09-09T08:30:00.000-04:00

Hi hi my yoga friends,

I think of all of you SO very much. It's true! Random visions of many of you will pop into my brain when I'm practicing or when taking a class. I'll see all of your different versions/alignments of asanas, I'll feel the energy from an old class if I'm practicing to an old playlist, or I'll hear some of your voices asking questions or telling me stories. This is all proof for how much I miss teaching and how much it's such a part of me. Since becoming a mother, I feel an even deeper urge to DO something more with teaching. To create something that will take it to another level. This is my new journey and I am excited to see what may come of it.

DO share your latest yoga stories with me! It will help me reconnect with you all and still be around (sort of). Where are you practicing? What has changed in your practice? Anything you'd like to see different for when I do return? Would love to hear your thoughts.

So, I say final Summer update because it IS still summer ya know? Maybe not in the sense of school or vacations or whatnot, and maybe the weather is changing, but we do have 2 more true weeks of summer left. I hope you're all enjoying it in various ways and preparing to celebrate the coming season with a new spirit of patience and east.

And patience? Well, I talked a bit about it in the last blog post. And now I need it even more, as we have found out that the work on our home in Somerville is probably going to last until November! November?! I won't be returning home until then, and maybe not even back to teaching til sometime after that? Ugh. Okay, deep breath, and again, patience.

One thing that is very cool about this? We get to continue living on the "faraway island" of Nantucket! Now that it's beginning to be off-season here, we are much more on our own, with fewer visitors, and less people and tourists around. It's really been special to be here all summer. And now instead of being back to the daily grind, we get a couple more months to take in the magic of this land. And to do it in autumn! Plus, we got married here almost one year ago, and it will be lovely to celebrate here again, now with our little Isak.

Another positive about getting to stay here longer? More time to continue cultivating my practice. If I were back in town again, I'd have millions of "things to do" on my schedule. Out here I get to practice when I make the effort to, which has been often (yay!), around 5-6 days a week. I'm so much stronger now (6 months postpartum)...hello chaturanga and continued vinyasas! Still just working on getting some inversions back and such, but am in no rush to hurry on the advanced asanas. In time.

Luckily, I get to keep attending class at The Yoga Room. It's such a peaceful studio with skilled teachers. It's a joy to find a presence there and develop some relationship with the community over here. Thank you Bettina, Sally, Paul, Elizabeth, Caitlin, Shannah, Clay...

Next time I write, it will be the new season and we'll all be in a new place internally, yet again. Do connect with me on facebook or on here if you haven't already.

So, here's to fun yoga, new experiences, bright futures for us all.

love, love,

Jenn

P.S. My possible Family-oriented Yoga Vacay to St. Lucia-2012 is still in the cards. If you or others you may know might be interested, contact me as soon as you can! The earlier I know of interested folks, the easier it will be for me to make it happen. Plan is for first week of March...

Oh, and a few more fun photos!

2011-08-24T16:23:00.000-04:00

Since I won't be back to teaching in the Cambridge and Somerville areas until mid-fall, I'll try to update with more photos from time to time. Isak is 5 1/2 months now and we're all doing great!

Practice, Practice, and August brings Patience

2011-08-24T16:19:00.000-04:00

Here is my day so far....
Wake up with my boys sometime around 7:30. Play and relax a bit with morning smoothie, coffee, and try to see if I can make it to the morning yoga class. Not in the cards today due to timing, but ended up becoming a blessing because I got to do a full (I mean almost 90 min. of yoga) practice outside in a shady spot with my husband painting and my baby sleeping next to me. What bliss! For this to have happened was such a gift because rarely does the nap schedule of Isak fall into place just so...where I can get in a full practice (usually it's 20 min. here, 30 min. there, etc.). Plus, for our whole little family to get to be together in the same space (near my mother in law's beautiful garden!) doing what we love for a piece of the morning... so rejuvenating.

You see, we've not been succeeding too well as of the last couple of weeks in keeping to our goals of the day. My practice has been inconsistent for various reasons and it started to get my spirits down. It can be hard enough to figure out time management as an individual, but then throw in an infant and try to get things done! I now totally feel for and relate to all parents (especially you, Mom's) out there. You'd think it'd be easy for us out here on Nantucket. We are out of our usual weekly work during this time of transition, and it's amazingly peaceful of course. We have had a lot of family around and visitors, plus my Isak and I just took a week long trip to Philly to see the Pici crew. So, trying to schedule in everything we need to get done as well as personal time while also needing to visit with family members and tend to everyday things (cooking, laundry, cleaning up); well it can be overwhelming and exhausting. Having an infant, may, above all other things, teach you patience. For now at least, time is on his little hands. Isak can only tell me what he needs through cries, gurgles, and facial expressions. Learning them is the best thing in the world. Sometimes I end up spending much longer than I should just holding him or sitting and playing with him, when I could be getting things done. Another yogini mom friend of mine sent out an article this week about parenthood. In it, the author discussed this very issue of 'being in the moment,' because your babies just move forward and grow so fast. So I am working on letting go of dirty clothes, diapers, unwritten emails, missed chances of reading that article or searching for new music, because I don't need not doing those things bringing me down. This is the time for me to be slow at life. To be off the radar for a bit.
This doesn't mean I don't get time for ME each day. And that is a whole new concept I am figuring out and trying to incorporate into this new life. It simply means I have to be patient with myself, my baby, and my husband. I have to manage time in a whole new way, and be okay if things don't go as planned. And then some days, like today, it all just falls into place. Ahh!

Mid-Summer Update

2011-07-21T11:28:00.000-04:00

Greetings everyone,

Here we are in mid-July already! The summer is flying by and up until now it has been quite the eventful and busy one. June brought the eclipses upon us and with them, lots of work. My family and I spent the month packing up our entire house and loading it into a pod in our driveway so that construction work could begin in early July. We made the decision during my pregnancy that we'd create a more comfortable, energy-efficient house for our new family. Let me tell you, "moving" with a 3 month old takes three times longer than normal. On top of that, my grandfather passed away mid-June, bringing sadness and an inward state of mind. We then had two weekends in a row of weddings to attend before finally completing our house pack-up and heading here to Nantucket for the rest of the summer. Luckily, the weddings were for dear friends and were padded with extra support from such friends on our house. The sleep-deprivation, stress, and just overall lack of energy since giving birth have weakened my immune system in the process, and I've now had a couple eye infections and a week-long bad cold. But things are for sure looking up.

I am grateful that I've been able to stay emotionally stable and positive through this all. In fact, I turned 30 on the very day we headed to Nantucket, and it was as if the Universe had been telling me to get away for awhile all along! I can now rest in the quiet of nature out here in the moors of this very special island. The sounds of the birds at 4:00 every morning (a usual hour when I am awake nursing my boy) are so joyful and life-affirming. I also love the new sounds of the whippoorwill at night! Have you ever heard this bird? It's a new favorite. Plus, we've discovered a hummingbird nesting in the top of a pine cone on the tree right outside our bedroom window. She has become a part of our life and we are constantly checking to see if she's there and she and her eggs are okay. It's more than beautiful. On top of all this wildlife, there are such lovely and colorful sunsets, the smell of the sea, less internet and phone connections, and lots of helping hands as of late from my husband's family for whom we've been staying. It's nice to finally get a chance to read, listen to music, take a bath, and do YOGA!

Yes, Yoga. I've been mostly practicing in our little cottage and outside, at every little chance I get (see photo attached of me doing gomukhasana arms with Isak napping on my legs). I am also excited that I just got a 10 class card to The Yoga Room, a very nice studio over here on the island. I had been hoping to host a weekend workshop or retreat over here this summer. However, I realized that not only was I a little late in making contacts, but I was not yet ready to lead a group when I am still in the early stages of finding my own practice again. For instance, I went to a vinyasa class over here last week that left me sore for nearly 4 days! I mean, I have been practicing since Isak's birth, but definitely not tons of chaturangas and warriors in a row...so that class hit me hard. I am drawn now to more balanced efforts of a slower flow, yin, and hatha style these days and am for sure feeling stronger every day.

So, my pose of the moment is Chaturanga Dandasana, and moving back and forth from high plank into it. It's not only working my core but my shoulders, chest, and back. What are some of your poses of the summer? Do share with me! I miss seeing everyone at Karma Yoga Studio in Cambridge or Bow Street Yoga in Somerville. I had hoped to return to teaching in September, but the contractors are are not certain as to the end date of the project on our house. So at this point in time it is looking more like my return will be later in the fall than anticipated (October or even November). This only means I will have more time to get re-yogafied and ready to guide you all on the mat again.

Plus, we must not forget my Isak! He is now in the seriously cute stage of learning to roll over, laugh a lot, sleeping more at night, and being generally happy. Every second is a wonder and I would have it no other way. Having the chance to spend at least the first 6 months of his life with no work obligations is rare and beautiful. I am so very grateful to get to do it. David and I are simply taking in and loving our new life as parents. Living on an island for a few months sure helps with that!

Things of interest:

Reading: Living Your Yoga by Judith Hansen Lasater. My favorite discussion in it so far is about discipline. It's such a good lesson in my new life transition now, and she talks about it in much more surprising and enjoyable ways.

"Whether you are driven or resistant, the medicine is the same: do what is truly possible with unwavering commitment to giving yourself to the moment. Without this intention, practice becomes another task to be completed and it loses its ability to transform."

Listening to: Carefully Taught--a jazz album by my amazing Somerville neighbor, Ruthie Ristich.

I'm also anxiously awaiting Bjork's new album!

Planning: Family Friendly Yoga and Wellness Vacation in St. Lucia! March 2012

--I have already sent out the details via email, but if you never received that email, let me know. I will also do another post soon with more. I am very excited about this possibility and would love to have any of you with your sweet little family to join me and mine!

$1650 per person--single occupancy

$1295 per person--double occupancy

If children are staying in the room with parents (ie don't take a bed that could be occupied by an adult) then the accommodations are free. If a second bedroom is needed for children we'll have to work out a room rate, something as such:

Children 0-2 TOTALLY FREE (unless they require a separate room....)
Children 3-12 $250 (again, unless they require a separate room...)
Children 12 and up Depends on accommodations and cottage availability

Alrighty friends, that's it! It's been some time since I had written so thanks for reading and being a part of my yoga life. If you find yourself over here on Nantucket in the coming months, I am available for private yoga sessions, or simply to meet up for a tea and a hello.

Sending lots of summer energy and love your way!!

Til soon,

Jenn

Brand New Summer Playlist

2011-06-16T10:27:00.001-04:00

I'm practicing to this set of tunes lately. And trying to focus on a mindful, slow, strengthening flow. Getting into those creaks in my back, hips, legs that scream at me from too much baby holding/bending/sitting. And working carefully on those abs.
I look forward to sharing my new insights about the body when I return to that post on the mat in front of a class in a couple more months. More importantly, sharing the new insights that have developed in my mental state, and the pure, ecstatic joy of love that a baby brings!
A year ago, I was in Iceland with a select few on my yoga adventure that took us all to new growth & magic within. And then my Isak came to my body. This playlist was inspired from those memories. And now this summer is so brand new.

Summer Fog--The Album Leaf
Because of the Blood--Sin Fang
Blank Pages--The Album Leaf
Easier--Sin Fang
Within Dreams--The Album Leaf
Slow Lights--Sin Fang
Full Moon--Efterklang
Calgary--Bon Iver
Stand Still--The Album Leaf
Sing From Dream--Sin Fang
Until the Last--The Album Leaf
Tied Knots--The Album Leaf
Iridescence--Hildur Gudnadottir

Just saying hi...new playlist coming soon!

2011-06-13T21:50:00.000-04:00

Hi friends,

Haven't had many moments to get on this here blog with things to say. I've had various ideas come to me in the last few weeks about new topics to discuss, but haven't had the chance to write it down and now can't remember what all they were (that's what motherhood will do to ya)!
Isak is 3 months now and we're settling into each other with such love. He has become more alert, more happy, and cuter than ever. I've had some time to get out to yoga classes and this evening we had family yoga time where my husband, Isak, and I all did yoga. It will remain a challenge to continue to make time for myself like I used to, but my new life is just the lesson in yoga I need right now.
I won't be back to teaching until September or October, depending, so until then, I hope to rebuild my practice, my yogic vocab, and meditation.
I have some new playlists swirling around (and those ideas...), so I do hope to make time to update on here a couple times a month this summer. Wishing you all a beautiful lead-in to the full moon and the summer solstice ahead in the next week and days. xxo

Late Spring Update

2011-05-21T10:28:00.000-04:00

Hi dear friends,

I'm a little late this month with this newsletter, but as I'm quickly finding out, that's the way it goes now that I have a baby! His needs come first. All is well and I'm slowly getting used to my new schedule...wait, I mean, lack there of. Ha! Have been able to jump to just a couple of public yoga classes thus far. Still mostly fitting in what I can at home when baby Isak is sleeping or in a good mood. I'm feeling stronger and slowly more like myself each day.

I hope all of you aren't too bummed from the consistent rain and cooler weather so far this May. Summer is just around the corner and all of this is gonna make just that much more sweet, I think. We just returned from a much needed trip to visit our families in PA and NY, which included lots of grandma/grandpa love and proved we CAN travel with this little person at a fairly easy rate. It just takes lots more planning and time.

I have decided that I will not be getting back to teaching until end of summer/early fall. This is due to personal family-time reasons (such as getting some work done on our house) and also just wanting to spend as much time taking in these first precious months as possible! I may still teach a little bit on Nantucket later in the summer, so I'll let you all know if that pans out. Also, I'm trying to post on here more if I can find the time and feel like I have something to say. ;)

Keep taking in all the yoga you can to prep yourself for the warm months ahead and counter all of your outdoor activities. I recommend lots of basic ragdoll and slow sun salutations if you've begun to jog, cycle, or hike more. You gotta keep those hamstrings, calves, and hips oiled up to prevent stiffness and injury!

Finally, my beautiful friend from yoga and beyond, Jenny, is hosting her art illustrations this weekend at the baby boutique, Bird by Bird in Inman Square, Cambridge. It's this Sunday, May 22nd in the afternoon/evening. I love this boutique (especially now) and love Jenny's work even more. Maybe I'll even catch some of you there? (See attached invitation for more details)

Keep enjoying life and staying inspired.

Much love to you all,

Jenn

Nurture, and Be Nurtured

2011-05-08T13:26:00.000-04:00

I was extremely lucky last week. My entire energy field was treated by the 4 hands of the talented and lovely Chanel Luck and Anna Whiting in a double craniosacral therapy treatment. All I can say is, Wow. It was magic. I had gone way too long without doing something so nurturing for myself. And now after healing from the birth and giving my son tons of nurturing love, it was emotionally and mentally necessary that I received some of that same kind of nurturing. I've experienced reiki, regular massage, shiatsu, thai massage, but had never gotten to experience craniosacral therapy. I've known Chanel for about 4 years now and had always meant to get this from her. Chanel is one of the brightest, most passionate, fun-loving, caring of women that I know. I'll never forget when I first met her after moving to Boston. We were sitting next to each other at a bar one weekend night and when she overheard me mention yoga, she introduced herself. Openly talking about yoga in a bar...we knew that each other were cool. ;) I soon after signed up for her Art of Alignment & Assisting Training, which allowed me to move even deeper in my practice and teaching, plus meet new friends. Ever since, Chanel has been one of the biggest trailblazers in Boston for the yoga community. She has such a powerful prana to vibe from and is such an inspiration. After my treatment last week, I now remember why.

Her beautiful friend, Anna, was visiting from Australia. They studied craniosacral together and so sometimes are fortunate enough to get the chance to perform a double-handed treatment on people. I had no idea what to expect. Once finally getting my baby to relax to sleep, I had about 30 minutes to bliss out. I got on the table, closed my eyes, and allowed their energies to soothe me. After setting mindful intentions, the music of my favorite film entered my ears. They had put on the Whale Rider soundtrack! Having never heard the soundtrack, but having been moved by the film so deeply, I instantly recognized it. Something about the combination of that and their immediate touch, so full of love...I could barely keep it together. All that had been knotted up inside (both joyful and overwhelming energies) started to release. By the end, I felt like I was floating on water or resting on clouds. Anna and Chanel had the power to soothe and connect to exactly what I needed with the most delicate, subtle, yet powerful qualities in their talent. They are mothers in their own way and to so many that they touch. By the very end of my session with them, I was able to let go a flood of tears and be embraced by the reminder that nurturing oneself is something everyone needs.

It's been a challenging time, this new motherhood business. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever experienced. I look at baby Isak every day in awe that he came from my husband and I, and just how special he is. At the same time, I sometimes mourn my old days of being able to hop on my mat without interruptions and do all those things from my "old" life. I knew that becoming a mom would be all of these things. I am one of five, and I've seen the hard work and the delicate balance my Mom has had to walk on. There are times for crying out of pure exhaustion, out of loneliness, confusion about what do...but then there are times for crying from a simple smile that your child flashes, the feel of their touch, and just knowing how much love there is between you and them.
I know my Mom rarely takes time to nurture herself in the ways that she truly needs. Of course it's just now that we're all grown that she can take more time for herself. Even now she's still busy as a grandmother and helping all of us figure out adulthood. I've also seen my sister become a mom. She came to visit last weekend and we both got a chance to relate to one another and spend some good one on one time without the babes (restorative yoga class!). Now that I am a mom, I understand it all so much more and realize just how cool Mother's Day truly is. Even if you aren't a mom, we all have one and we can all identify with these feelings. There's always something we are "mothering" in life. When you think of it that way, it makes you appreciate your real life mother figure even more.

Postpartum weight loss Hubbaloo

2011-04-24T09:33:00.000-04:00

It's different for every new mom, but the pressure to return to your old self, physically, is annoying. Even though your loved ones and friends say otherwise, the unspoken pressure is there. Our culture demands it. I never thought I'd give into it. Well, at least I wanted to not give into it. But, there's no way around it. I have good days where I don't give a crap and then most days I feel frumpy, soft, ugly...nothing fits or looks good on and though everyone says I look great, I just can't believe them.

I created the most beautiful baby boy so why do I even waste my time on this petty BS?! I wonder that myself. Hmmph. Maybe if I was a more robust woman to begin with, then I wouldn't notice or feel that judgement from others. But, it's super hard to have been someone who has worked hard her entire life to be an athlete and be in shape. I feel like I'm a teenager/early 20's again. That's when I used to care, too. But the deeper I got into my yoga practice, the more I learned to let go of all that stuff. And then the last 2 years or so have been even better it seems, because I found love and learned to live life even more true and not be so strict about my practice, my diet, etc. And I got pregnant! Just when it all came together and I didn't quite think about those things anymore.
I was so excited to get pregnant. And going in, I had all these thoughts of the type of pregnant yogini woman I would be. Yeah, that didn't happen. Life doesn't work that way. You can't predict or force how it all turns out. I was super nauseated and tired for 2 months. I couldn't teach as much, I couldn't hardly practice, and all I wanted to eat were carbs. So, the weight started piling on. You couldn't necessarily tell because it was discreet (adding slowly to my hips and thighs before my belly). But, by half way through the pregnancy, I had already gained upward 20 pounds and I still had a long way to go. I remember doing the Shiva Rea prenatal dvd and she had said in the beginning that she gained 50 pounds during a pregnancy, and you just have to do what feels right to you. You see, that's just it. I was doing that! I was hungry for crying out loud! It was winter and I was too tired and cold to drudge out in the snow for exercise. All I did was yoga, which slowly tapered as it went on to be more and more gentle. I felt strong, though. As I knew my strength in certain muscle groups was diminishing, I also knew that my baby was strong and I had that foundation there. I stopped caring at some point because my midwife told me not too and that my weight gain was fine. And with the huge belly by the end, it all sort of works out proportionally.
And you all know my birth story (read the previous blog post). I had an amazing all natural birth. The nurses kept raving about how strong my baby's heart was the entire labor. And how strong I was. So, why do I care now that I carry all this extra weight postpartum? It will come off at some point...

I guess because I look in the mirror and I don't recognize myself. At least when Isak was still inside of me, it was me, just with him in there, too. Now, it's me with a lot of extra baggage! You see, I gained 50 pounds. Yes, my boobs are bigger now, but my belly, thighs, hips, booty are all bigger too. Ha! When I practice yoga now, I still feel like my old self in many ways. I have the flexibility in most poses and my underlying strength is still there. But just as it took me 9 months to pile all the weight on, it's probably going to take the same to get it off! And it's going to take time to rebuild my practice. Headstand? Crow? Side plank? Yeah, I'll meet you again. In fact, I'll probably be a better teacher because of all this. I have to re-learn many things and now I can relate to beginners even more. When I get back to teaching in a few months, I know I'll be grateful for the whole experience.

So, new mamas out there, try not to hold yourself up to the standards of our society and other people around you. I'm trying to do the same. Who cares if so and so in Hollywood is back in a bikini after 3 months. I have a real, healthy body with no extra help around. I have to figure out life with this new creature on my own (with my husband of course, who fantastically thinks I'm beautiful any which way), find time to work out, cook healthy meals, sleep, and just function. Just yesterday I was dreading the summer and having to put on a bathing suit or shorts. But, let me take all my new cellulite, my soft belly with the dark line down the middle, my wide hips, my no longer sculpted arms and bring it! It's the question of our time...what defines beauty? Well, maybe it's a woman on the verge of turning 30 who usually embraces all sorts of bodies, and who now, after giving birth, must learn to embrace her own again.

My Birthing Experience

2011-04-02T10:26:00.001-04:00

Three weeks ago today I gave birth to my strong baby boy. Time has already flown and I've decided to document the happenings of that magical day as requested by friends/family, as well as for my own sake. So here we go:

My 40 week due date was Friday, March 11. I had had the feeling that my baby was to come a little bit early since I had been feeling symptoms of labor for a couple weeks already. And he was pressing so much on my pelvic region with each step I took. As usual, people kept calling or writing to see if I was giving birth yet or if anything was happening. Turns out, my little guy was just extremely punctual and wanted to come exactly on time! After just a couple hours of sleep, early that Friday morning around 1:30 am, I woke to use the toilet and discovered my mucous plug had started releasing. I began feeling surges and crampiness that existed at a regular pattern and so I laid there the rest of that early morning knowing that everything was beginning. I tried to sleep more but those waves of uterine contractions make that a little difficult. Somewhere between 5-6am, my water started releasing. It happened in a couple of gushes within those morning hours. I texted my sister (who has a toddler) and then we ended up talking it all out, which was of such help. Then I called my doula, who wanted me to start timing the surges before we did anything else. And so by 7 or so I woke my husband. I figured he should at least be rested somewhat! I was hungry so I ate some toast and drank some berry juice, but my anxiety about throwing up during labor prevented me from eating much of anything else.
By this point, it's not too hard to simply focus and breathe slowly through each surge. I talked with my mom a few times, alerted my best friends, and just kept going with it. We discovered the surges were only about 3 min. apart but they were less than 1 minute in length, which meant I was in the early stages of labor. By 10:30am or so, they were definitely 1 minute long, so my doula headed our way. I got in the shower to rinse and feel nice and then parked it by my bed with my birthing playlist on. Spent lots of time on my knees over the bed to breathe through each wave. Our doula arrived and helped us keep things light and positive. We eventually decided to try to get out for a walk. It was a gray day with misty rain (very Icelandic) and it felt like just the right kind of day for this baby to want to come out. In my old sweatshirt and sweatpants, uggs, glasses on, and hair in a messy ponytail, we ventured outside. We made it down the block and back which was a success since every couple of minutes I had to stop and hang on to my husband to concentrate and breathe through. Upon coming back in, I tried to eat some avocado on toast and drink more juice and water. We made a plan and decided we'd leave for the hospital in the 2:00 hour.
Getting in the car to leave was strange and hard because I knew that the simple walk from front door to car might take awhile due to the surges. Luckily the ride to Mt. Auburn Hospital is not very long from our house, but the bumps in the road were pretty unpleasant at this point. All in all, I was still in a pretty upbeat mood and just taking it one at a time. We arrived close to 3:00 and went straight up to the delivery floor. They took us to our room and we began to settle in. The nurses and the midwife on call were all very friendly and kind. I settled in so they could do the initial fetal monitoring. After 20 min. or so it came off and I was able to freely move around. My husband put on the ipod and I was soothed throughout the evening with all of my favorite mellow music (Jonsi & Alex, Krisha Das, Mum, Leona Naess, Sigur Ros, Amiina...). For someone with such a strong affinity to her music, this was huge and so important! I also began focusing on all of the things my dear friends who had done this before me had told me. So, I began to drink water between each surge diligently and I tuned into that place that I teach about in my yoga classes. If I didn't know where that place was, I might not have been able to last as long as I did. I am pretty certain of this.
Our doula had me sitting up in kind of like a butterfly pose. I also stood up leaning over the bed, slow danced with my husband, sat on the exercise ball, got in cat/cow on the bed, etc. Since my water had released and my surges were so close together, they did not do an internal exam. We all figured I would push this baby out by evening. Well, once evening came (say between 7-8 pm), things were more or less the same. The midwife on duty was switching and so were the nurses. Our new midwife suggested she do a pelvic internal exam so we can assess the situation better. If only we had done it earlier...
She discovered that his head was very far down but baby was turned on his side and my cervix was still behind the head and I was only about 3 1/2 cm dilated! Imagine the mental state this put me in. I had already worked so hard for so many hours with a positive attitude through the most intense physical feelings I had ever felt and so to hear I had a long way to go was devastating.
I saw glimpses of negativity in my mind and had moments of wanting to breakdown and sob or give up. But, who are we kidding...I am a strong, healthy, brilliant woman that couldn't wait to finally hold this baby! And even when it got harder than anything else I have ever experienced, I knew that staying focused and calm was the only way to make it through. Crying or causing stress in my body would only make it worse (thank you hypnobirthing and yoga for installing this in my brain).

So what did we do? The midwife was so awesome at this point. She just took control and was with me for the rest of the time. She knew I had to get on my side to try to turn my baby's head, so I got on my left side in bed for 30 min. then switched to the right side for 30 min. She would massage my low back for me and my husband was at my front so I could grab onto him when I needed. At this point I was beyond exhausted and quite delirious. I just remember that I kept saying, "Help me. Can you help me? Please?" Yet I knew full well that I was the only one who could help me. Haha. This hour was by far the hardest work I had to do yet. For some reason being in that position made the surges even more intense (maybe because it was working to get my baby to turn his head). After that hour, I decided I would take up the midwife's suggestion to move to the bathtub. She got the water nice and warm and we made our way to the tub. How lucky we were to have such a nice hospital with all the amenities and such supportive people around. Once in the tub, just when I thought the surges couldn't get any stronger...boy was I wrong. Now, this, was the hardest work yet! My husband poured water over my belly while I held on tight to the sides of the tub as each surge presented itself. By now I was definitely vocal with each exhale (not screaming by any means, but sort of releasing a moan/om/song) and going deep, deep within to make it all work. Wow, it was powerful. After at least a half hour in the tub, I suddenly felt the urge that my body wanted to push! What a crazy feeling! I said so, and the midwife sort of got in the tub to feel for the head. Sure enough, she thought I was ready, so we all helped me out of the tub and I made my way back to the bed. She did a quick internal exam and I was 9 1/2 cm dilated! Woohoo! It was around 10:45pm or so. I got in more cat/cow to finish the work of dilating. When it was time to start pushing, they got me back on my side, where I stayed for a good 20 min. or so with the initial onset of pushing.
This point of the labor was so surreal and beyond describing. All I can say is that your body certainly takes over and you cannot control it. It is ready to push and so you do! (And yes, it really does feel a lot like you have to take the biggest crap of your life...ha! Except, you're about to birth your greatest creation in life!) After that first part of pushing, the midwife told me I could switch positions to speed things up, so I was all about that. I got into a sort of laying down squat. The nurse had one foot and my husband had the other. This is where more of the hardest work came. Whoa. I haven't eaten for almost 24 hours or slept, I am sweating, a bit out of my head, and just want this all to be over and holding my baby! So, I pushed. Something divine and other than myself took over. I thought of all the other women who had done this before me. I thought of other things that took strength in life and nothing seemed to compare to this. I knew that I was completely capable. By 11:50, they were telling me the baby could be born that day or on the 12th. My body needed to take it's time by that point. I was pushing for about an hour then and I also didn't want to tear. There was no forcing anything. It was simply my baby and I working together now for the best possible moment.
At 12:22 am, on Saturday, March 12th, my boy emerged from my womb and his dad placed him right up on my belly. The three of us were in complete awe of it all. We got to spend a good amount of time like this and Isak latched to feed right away. He was born a big boy (they measured him at 9 lbs 2 oz, but there might have been some scale issues). Needless to say he's a healthy, hungry guy and was back up to 9 lbs 4 oz at 2 weeks! And I made it out with just 1 stitch and some soreness...go yoga!

There ya have it. Yes, I did it completely natural and for over 20 hours. It was well worth feeling every single surge. But that was how it was supposed to be for me. It may not be anything close to the next woman in that very room. The main thing is that I have joined motherhood now. And that it's all true how mothers feel. Instant worry for this creation of yours, instant emotional connection to all of life, instant love. Just when you think you know all that love is, more of it rushes in.

My baby boy

2011-03-24T19:43:00.000-04:00

Dear friends,

As many of you already know, I am pleased to announce that I welcomed my baby boy into the world 11 days ago on March 12! Isak James Falk is a healthy, strong boy that we are more than in love with. We had a totally natural birth and I am healing nicely. Going to spend the next month or two just settling into motherhood with this beautiful new life.
Wishing you all a happy spring with an abundance of yoga and wellness in your lives!

Love,
Jenn

Where would you like to go and practice yoga with me?

2011-03-02T18:20:00.000-05:00

We've made it to March! Spring is just a few more weeks away (officially) and there is reason to keep stepping forward and looking toward the positive each day. I am still pregnant, yes. Just about 39 weeks at that! My little guy is showing signs that he's ready to debut in this world very soon, but of course I do not know when exactly that will be. So, I continue to do my gentle yoga poses that feel good at this point (mostly lots of cat/cow, modified down-dog, butterfly, squats, and other hip-openers). And I continue to enjoy my final days of doing nothing and having moments of stillness to myself. Watching movies, reading, cooking, going for walks, and being with my husband. I yearn for my old body and for getting back into my yoga practice and my teaching practice...but that can all wait! First, I must journey through the adventure of giving birth and learning to be a mother, and that in itself is a practice that is so much more important!

All of my students and yoga are still constantly on my mind, however, and so many thoughts for future getaways keep entering my mind. My most memorable teaching experiences have come in foreign lands, while leading others in life-changing practice and adventures. Here's what I'm thinking for the future and I'd love to hear your thoughts on if/when you'd like to join me.

--This summer (sometime between June-August 2011): Nantucket weekend
   My family has roots in Nantucket and I plan to be there with my new baby a lot this summer. Am thinking of organizing either a weekend retreat or simply getting involved with a local studio to lead some classes and workshops.

--Winter 2012 (sometime between January-March): A week in the Caribbean: St. Lucia or Dominica
   Am dreaming of leading a family-friendly week-long yoga vacation in the sun, geared toward welcoming families (as I will have a one year old by then), but all will be welome.

--Summer 2012: Iceland
   This would be another week-long magical Iceland Adventure open to all.

--Spring/Summer 2013: Croatia
   Do I need to say more? I have a contact there and it would be a Mediterranean yoga paradise vacation.

So, let me know if these sound appetizing and post your comments/ideas about anywhere else, other times of year, etc. Would love to take a poll!

K, happy yoga to you all this month and hoping to share the news of my baby soon!

Love this mid-winter

2011-02-14T19:15:00.000-05:00

Usually on Valentine's Day, I would bring a special treat to my yoga classes and leave it next to every person during savasana so that they'd awaken to some more love on this day. Most of the time it's something of the dark chocolate assortment, of course! So today I miss doing this...as I think I've done it for about the last 4 years. But, I am sending you all lots of chocolate delighted thoughts of sweet things, and love that should be carried with you each and every day.

I am in my 37th week of carrying this most loved child in my womb, which means by the end of this week I will be technically full-term and that feels so amazing that I can only imagine what the actual birth will feel like! On top of that, it's also 2 years now that my love and I have been together. His love is the truest I could have hoped for and guides me everyday to keep spreading the joy of connection, growth, and compassion that I believe in.

This week, I wish for you all to find something that brings you such love and to cherish and honor it. What else do I cherish? Our 2 sweet cats, my fantastic beyond words friends & family, wholesome soups with hot bread on these February nights, the sunsets, that bite of chocolate to get a gal through the day, that beautiful piece of jewelry that will always make me smile, downward facing dog to relieve my back and let my baby belly hang, soothing music, and these last days of cuddling on the couch before the babe arrives.

If you're looking for something fabulous to gift yourself and cherish this week, then I would highly recommend an inspired work of art by my dear friend, Mel, who creates such things of magic and beauty out in Alaska! Check it out:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MelusinaDesigns

Happy Valentine's Day!!

xoxox

*In memory of my dear Grandmother Ruth Pici, who passed from this life 7 years ago today.

February Update

2011-02-02T11:16:00.000-05:00

My dear yoga friends,

Here we are on another wintry weather Wednesday and another New Moon. I write this "hello" to you all from the comfort of my home, 35 weeks pregnant and counting! I am now on full maternity leave. My last teaching gig before this babe's arrival was this past Saturday when I welcomed 5 other pregnant mama's to be in my prenatal yoga workshop. It was such a joy to teach and share with them all as I go through it as well. Now I wait out this month to see when my little guy would like to enter the world. I miss you all dearly, and I miss my regular vinyasa practice. But, I've still been doing my yoga on a whole other level and storing up the energy I will need for the birth.

For most of you, it's not birth that you're storing energy for, but it's most likely something. On this Aquarius New Moon (and Chinese New Year), I send you all strength to liven up your life here in the middle of winter! Do something that will get you out of that rut. Try a new healthy food, try a new yoga class or teacher, treat yourself to a day of beauty or wellness, go to that music concert, read that book that you've always wanted to, or better yet...book that trip to the place you've always wanted to. It's that time of the year to step out of our personal boundaries and embark on something that will bring back your zest for life!

Something I've been seeing in the media and thinking about lately, is discovering what works for you, personally. This means in all areas of life. You see, it's not so much discussed about in our world how we should go ahead and do this. It's that everything is judged in the media and our society.

So, this got me thinking as to why people aren't talking about the fact that every person is on a path to their own lifestyle discoveries. On NPR, in the New York Times, on Oprah, on network television, (can you tell I've had more time on my hands?)...there are discussions about how you should eat, yoga rebels, relationship choices, political dilemmas (which are never compassionate), and everything else you can imagine. And most of the time, there is only one side of the story told or simply not enough information given for listeners or viewers to decipher a solid feeling about the topic. However, I seem to think that our society and our media continue to shape the way people DO think. And this is what troubles me.

The "Yoga Rebel" article came a couple Sunday's back in the Times about NYC teacher Tara Stiles. Apparently she leaves out any spirituality aspect of yoga and uses the practice as a main form of physical exercise and wellness. And her teaching has been getting attention because she's beautiful, fun, knows how to market herself, and is gaining in popularity. This article (among others published this year) brought some debatable discussions in the yoga community. Tara doesn't like to follow a specific "style" or branch of yoga. She plays pop music a lot. She's getting flack from "true yogis" in her approach.

And then there was the On Point interview/discussion about the new book, Poser: My Life in 23 Yoga Poses. The author is a middle-aged mother who discovered life lessons on the yoga mat, and wanted to talk about the pressures of motherhood in our society. As a mom-to-be, I already feel some of those pressures! That right there shows me more about our society. And even about the yoga community.

And yesterday's Oprah episode showed Oprah and her staffers trying a week-long Vegan challenge. Plus, Michael Pollan was on, and they showed a beef processing plant. It was an eye-opening episode for probably most of her viewers. I found it to be a bit fluffy (what can you expect from just an hour long Oprah episode?!), and the vegan expert they had on was not even a nutritionist and didn't really do a great job at discussing the the proper way to cook really delicious whole foods meals. Michael Pollan was way better and I just wish he would have spoke up more to America's people about the importance of shopping at Farmer's Markets for meat instead of the big chain stores, etc. (Perfect example of my own choice and opinion). In the end, at least Oprah enhanced the thought that everyone needs to be more conscious about their eating habits and do what is best for them, personally.

Which now brings me to my point. There is no "true yogi." There is no "right" way to eat. There is no "perfect" way to parent (or birth!). We are all on a path to find our own way. Yes, there are hard-core yogis. There are those who truly take the practice to another level and it's part of their every cell and being. But, there are also those that practice yoga at a gym after lifting weights, or running and they don't want to get any deeper into it than that. They might already have another outlet for spirituality. Some yoga teachers play kirtan music or no music at all. Some play Lady Gaga. And some are somewhere in between trying to find a nice balance in the midst of it all (that would be me). ;)

Of course there are better ways of eating for your health. But, who is to say that someone who is mindful of the meat they eat, and who eats whole veggies and grains as well, is any less than a vegetarian or vegan? And same goes with parenting. Of course there are pressures to buy acceptable toys, foods, clothes for your children and then also have time for yourself. But, who is to say that someone who uses cloth diapers, makes their own baby food, or home-schools their kids are any better than someone who doesn't?

These are all things I miss about teaching right now. Offering up the energy and discussion and awareness to people that it first comes from self-acceptance and discovering your own awareness before you can decide what, in our conglomeration of choices in this world, works best for YOU. So, keep on living day to day and practicing your yoga in whatever form, so that you can figure out your own sense of being. Find out more about something that you're interested in. Don't let the media do the thinking for you. Find out why you like and do the things you do, and then either keep doing them or make that change. We will fail many times and we will change our minds. The important thing is that we are doing it and we are understanding why we are making the decisions that we are.

Whew! Okay, now that I got that out there...

My pose recommendation of the month is to do any hip opener that you love. It's that time of year when we become super tight due to less activity, the coldness in our bones, and the stress. Get down into your favorite lunge, lizard pose, half pigeon, double pigeon, cow-face pose, thread the needle, frog, or anything that (once again) calls out to YOU.

And who should you practice with right now? At Karma Cambridge, I recommend trying Erica's vinyasa classes, Christine's Forrest classes, Kate's Wednesday vinyasa, Caroline's Forrest and/or Yin, and Rachel's vinyasa (once she's fresh back from India in about another week).

And don't forget Bow Street Yoga, to those of you who are in the Somerville area. It's the coziest studio around, with fab vinyasa, yin, and power yoga teachers.

K, that was a long one! Hope you're all staying safe in this crazy winter we are having. I will for sure alert you to the news of my baby's birth after his arrival. You probably won't hear from me until then...

Sending tons of positive vibes and love your way,

Jenn

My Upcoming Prenatal Yoga/Reiki Workshop

2011-01-21T10:39:00.000-05:00

A Prenatal Yoga/Reiki Workshop

with Jenn Pici Falk-E-RYT and Steph (Naz) Zabel-reiki practitioner/herbalist

Saturday, January 29, 2011--5:00-6:45pm

Bow Street Yoga-Union Sq. Somerville

> Join us for an introduction to reiki and prenatal teas, then for a 60 min. prenatal yoga practice with Jenn (who is 8 months pregnant herself!) to allow your physical body and your emotional spirit to stabilize and settle into its natural rhythms of creating a baby.

> We will then relax in meditative savasana (prenatal style) to allow Steph to perform reiki on us in order to complete our relaxation/awareness and open our subtle energy points!

> Post-reiki/savasana, Jenn and Steph will open discussion about herbs, teas, foods, remedies, and postures that might aid you during the journey of your pregnancy. Steph will have samples of her Flowerfolk herbal line on hand for us to sample as well.

Jenn Pici Falk has been teaching Vinyasa Flow in the Somerville/Cambridge area for over 4 years, and practicing for 11. She encourages students to honor their bodies and spirit by opening to truth on their mats and staying light hearted. She provides a fun atmosphere with music and positivity to open up the power of yoga to everyone. Yoga has been the stable point of balance that has guided her through her first pregnancy so far.

Steph Zabel is a Reiki practitioner, ethnobotanist, and owner of Flowerfolk, a small local business which creates herbal-based skin care products. Her work is spreading knowledge about the beauty and power of plants. It is her honor to share Reiki healing with others.

Due to the energy and time sensitivity of this practice, space is limited to only 10 students.
Sign-up soon for your spot!
$50/person

January New Year Update

2011-01-11T11:23:00.000-05:00

Friends,

Happy 2011 and January!! I returned to Boston last week from a 10 day excursion to visit family and now entering full-on baby prep mode. Started hypnobirthing class last week and have lots more workshops and reading to finish. I sure hope that you all had a cheerful beginning to this bright new year ahead and are motivated to keep up with your yoga practice!

First things first, my teaching schedule.

So, some of you may have noticed that I am not on the Karma schedule this month to be teaching my noon MWF classes. Well, honestly it was a shock to me as well. I had all intentions to be teaching them still this month. Turns out there was a snafu in communication with management and it was thought that I was to begin maternity leave already. I was just as surprised as some of you last week to see the new schedule and find that out as I had initially planned to come in and teach.

With some new teachers already on the schedule and in place, it's going to remain that way. I am sad to prematurely be leaving all of you, but sometimes the cards work out in that way and you just go with it, and it might be for the best. So, keep me updated on your practice and if I can point you in new directions. I would love to continue to be of service.

I WILL however, continue my prenatal class on Wednesdays at 4:00pm. So, those of you with little ones in your belly, I hope to keep seeing you then. :) And maybe I'll run into some of the rest of you around the studio then, too.

And, I'm teaming up with Steph (Naz) Zabel to lead a Prenatal Yoga/Reiki Workshop on Saturday, Jan. 29th at 5:00pm at Bow Street Yoga.

Everything with my pregnancy is going along just fine. I am in my 32nd week with an ever-growing belly and lots of movement on the inside. I will hopefully have another update later in the month, with new picture included. I have tons to do as far as organizing the house and haven't even started the baby room/gathering accessories yet!

My pose of the month: Yoga Squat -- Malasana. Join me in practicing this pose daily if you'd like. Maybe the energy from all of you will continue helping me prepare my body for it's natural production of this baby boy to come.

**Last week's New Moon was in Capricorn and was also a partial solar eclipse. Make sure to take a moment this week whether in yoga class or for 2 minutes at home to sit in quiet and honor an intention within. Try choosing just one word that might sum up your goals for this year and know that change can no longer be avoided with your positive outlook on the future.

My word is transcendence. I am aiming to go beyond a prior state of myself this year to find that spirit inside that is not afraid of anything. Birthing a human will require this, and then caring for that human...all while maintaining a sense of self that remains in balance with my surroundings and relationships.

So, cheers to you all in this lovely new year. We'll be in touch!

Much love,

Jenn

DECEMBER NEWS

2010-12-02T14:09:00.001-05:00

December has found us!

Welcome yourselves to the tail end of autumn and begin to prepare your body and minds for the winter that is upon us. We've been lucky with gorgeous, crisp weather so far, and I can hardly wait for the first snow! I've got my new maternity winter coat ready to go, and a kicking little guy who just has to make it through the coldest snap til early March when he is supposed to arrive.

On the yoga front, it's the perfect time to deepen your practice and bring your exercise indoors. There are so many fantastic teachers, workshops, venues to choose from in our city, and in Cambridge/Somerville alone! I am yearning for an intense heated vinyasa at Bow Street or with Karma Longtin but I suppose that will have to wait til later in the spring! ;)

For now, my latest pose of the moment, is extended side angle pose (utthita parsvakonasana). You know it. It's the one I bring you into quite often from Warrior II. It brings the leg strength, side-body opening, spine lengthening, and arm extension that feels so good to me right now in my bigger belly state. Practice it with me this month (big belly or not) to get your body open and strong, too!

Schedule this month: at Karma Yoga Cambridge

MWF: 12:00-1:00pm vinyasa

Wednesday: 4-5pm Prenatal

*With so much to do this month and travelling coming up, plus the growing belly, I've decided to drop my T/TH classes. I hope to still see many of you during the noon slot and just around Karma taking other classes, as I hope to make time for some more of that myself. If you want to chat over tea or plan to attend another class, shoot me a line, and maybe I'll be up for meeting some of you around.

**I will be subbing in my old timeslot this coming Monday, Dec. 6th for Erica at 10:30! If you're around, I'd love to see you then or right after at my noon class.

***At the end of the month, I will be heading to my family in Philly for Christmas, then to New York to my in-law's for New Year's. So, I will have the following subs:

Lakota will teach my noon class on 12/22, 12/27, and 12/29. Kate Heffernan will teach it on 12/31.

Prenatal Class will not take place on 12/22 or 12/29. It will resume in the new year on Wednesday, Jan. 5.

Faves of the Month:

--Michelle Pfennighaus' Holiday Recipe E-Book from Find Your Balance Health

http://findyourbalancehealth.com/store-under-construction/holidayrecipes/

**For those of you who don't know about Michelle yet, she is also a yogini/mom-to-be who happens to be a wonderfully skilled holistic health practitioner. Sad to say, she has now left the Boston area for D.C. but lucky for us, we can be in touch with her anytime via our world wide web. ;) Her website and blog are part of my weekly updates for important health info or recipes. She just came out with her Holiday Recipe E-Book, which is so exciting! If you're looking for fast and easy recipes that you can bring up on your computer or iPad, then this is your answer. Check it out!

--Flowerfolk shop on Etsy--

http://www.etsy.com/shop/flowerfolkherbs

**Nazarene Zabel concocts the most delightful and organic herbal skincare around. Her products are luxurious and pure, so they make great gifts! I've been using her products for years now and can attest to their power. Not only are Naz's products high quality, but they are made with the utmost care and vibrant healing energy that she possesses. If you're local, she's having an open house next Friday, Dec. 10 in Cambridge where you can test/purchase her products in person (email me if you're interested), or make sure to get your etsy order in by Dec. 12 so she has time to make everything before taking off on her holiday.

--My picks: Mossy Sister Facial Scrub and the Rose Empress Elixir

--Eye Pillows by An Li Liu--

www.anliliu.com

**These are the super cute and cozy eye pillows that some of you may have seen for sale at Karma Yoga Studio in Cambridge. An Li is one of my fellow yoga teachers there, who also happens to be a lovely artist. These pillows are the perfect simple gift for those in your life who practice yoga or meditation (or who might be a new mom needing some sleep/relaxation). They are just $25 and come with a handy little carry sack.

--More music from Iceland--

*Olof Arnalds' latest album, Innundir Skinni is just magic to the ears. She has a song with Bjork singing backup, called Surrender.

*Jonsi's Go Live DVD and album. With songs that weren't on his album, but that he played live in concert, it's more than a treat. I'm waiting for the hardcopy to be shipped my way!

You'll be hearing both in class very soon...

May all of you enjoy the magic of this month. Happy Hanukkah this very moment! Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and New Year to come! No matter what your family traditions are, or what you celebrate/honor, it's a time to smile at your neighbor and use your practice for peace.

So, much peace and great love to you all,

Jenn

Winter Yoga Adventures to check out

2010-11-08T10:02:00.000-05:00

Since I am not going to be leading a yoga trip to a far off place any time soon, I thought I'd let people in on some fantastic options out there for the coming months ahead. If I could, I would go on all of these! Hope you get some inspiration and look into joining one of these special trips:

http://siemreapretreat.weebly.com/

*Lawino Maria Johnson (currently of Iceland) is leading an ashtanga trip to Cambodia next month.

http://solyogatrips.com

*Ben Crosky guides you through various adventures in the coming months:

--Surfing in Panama (January) with yogini Heather Lilleston

--Mayan Ruins in Mexico (February) with yogini Jorja Rivero

--Fire Dancing in Costa Rica (March) with yogins Ellen Waylonis May and Roger May

http://yogathree.com

*YogaThree's Chanel Luck leads her annual Baja Mexico trip in March

http://www.meghantelpner.com/retreats/

*Holistic Nutritionist and Meditation Teacher, Meghan, along with Tropical Escapes, takes on her annual St. Lucia wellness retreats in both January and Febuary

These are all pretty affordable options to get away for a bit in the winter to rejuvenate your body and spirit with people that I trust and believe in. If you go, let me know how it is!

November News

2010-11-05T10:29:00.000-04:00

November is here! We are in the best part of fall now. It's crisp outside and just a nice time of transition. I am fresh off of more beautiful moments in my life and feeling a lot better these days. Thank you all for your continued well wishes and support both in and out of class. As my belly grows and my body shifts, I learn to become more and more accepting of it. Much more than ever before (duh, I'm totally growing a person in there)...it's such a fascinating experience. This new attitude of acceptance and change is in tune with this season, too, since all I crave is reading, organizing, nesting, cooking. These are all things we all typically crave, whether growing a baby and needing to slow down, or just growing your heart and needing to slow down in the coming months.

This moment in the year for us all requires focus and a harnessing of prana for the coming dark months ahead.

And so my pose of the month is Dekasana /Airplane Pose! It reminds us to keep our foundation strong. We stand on one leg, with our core holding us up, our arms creating balance as wings by our side, and our hips lifting the other leg to level our bodies so that the torso remains in a long, steady line. The pose requires us to breathe through feelings of instability and those moments we think we might just crash. Both physically and mentally it is just what you might need this month. Happy flying!

Schedule:

--I am subbing Sarah's hatha class this Saturday, Nov. 6 at 10am.

MWF: noon-1:00pm vinyasa

TH: 4-5:15pm vinyasa

Wednesday Prenatal Class from 4-5:15pm --spread the word to pregnant friends or postnatal in need of some mama body love

Karma Cambridge holiday hours:

November 24th - Wednesday - before Thanksgiving - CLOSED AT 2pm

November 25th - Thursday - Thanksgiving - CLOSED ALL DAY

**I will most likely be out of town, Friday, Nov. 26th. Sub info to come...

--Fun things to check out this month: www.yogamasti.com for really different and interesting yoga clothes and accessories

www.nectarandlight.typepad.com for my wedding photographer's blog and insights. She is a super talented artist and lady. Check her out.

www.blossomfloweressences.com--Flower Essences and Meditation with Catherine Iagnemma-- she is my friend and neighbor from whom I've received flower essence therapy from since I've gotten pregnant. It's a natural, beautiful way to try a different style of mindfulness therapy.

Iron Butterflies: Women Transforming Themselves and the World by Birute Regine. Birute is a Cantabridgian and Karma yogini who has inspired ME to transform and recognize the iron butterfly within myself during the last few years. I am currently reading this fantastic book (for both women and men. Yes, men, it talks to you too!) and highly recommend it.

solyogatrips.com --if you're looking for a yoga adventure getaway this coming winter, check out my friend Ben's site for his upcoming trips, including:

Salute the Sun, Worship the Waves
Panama - January 23rd - 29th
Join Solyoga Trips and Heather Lilleston for a unique opportunity to practice yoga and learn how to surf in one of the most beautiful places on earth, the islands of Bocas del Toro. You’ll stay in a unique eco-lodge on a private beach on a small island called Bastimientos. Your days will be filled with yoga, surfing, exploring the islands that surround you and delicious food.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally, thank you all who so graciously contributed to my Global Mala/Yoga Reaches Out cause. I was able to reach the $250 goal required by all participants and the total group of all yogis in participation went on to raise 5 figures for Children's Hospital and Yoga for Single Moms. Thank you SO much!

I leave you with a quote from a fave song of mine. I was teaching my 12:00 class today and this song was on the playlist and I thought these lines were perfect for us all this time of year.

"Just don't lie to your heart. This will be the hardest part. But lying on the surface,

everybody's got a dark place they hold on to. They all go to. We are just learning as we go, learning as we go..."

--Leona Naess

From her album "Thirteens"

Much peace & love,

Jenn

A New Woman and More

2010-10-24T17:41:00.001-04:00

I am now a married lady! As many of you know, I recently wed my sweet love in a gorgeous and perfect autumn ceremony on the island of Nantucket. It was magical in so many ways. I walked out with my dad through a hedge on a bluff overlooking the ocean just at the time when dusk was drawing near. And what was the music? Of course it was Icelandic throughout. Olafur Arnald's tunes brought us into the ceremony. My beautiful husband and I were overjoyed from the moment. We were married by his aunt, who is also a yoga teacher. We incorporated Ganesha into the ceremony and chanted to him, as well as did a handfasting ritual with mala beads. And our ending song was Sigur Ros carrying us into our new life.

You can check out some pics from our super talented and special photographer friend, Jen Altman.

www.lovebyjen.com

*click on 'love' then click 'nantucket' and once through with those, click 'polaroids' to see a few more.

Jen was even more than I hoped for as a photographer. She was more like an old friend and even helped assemble flowers and keep us all smiling. She's superb!

On another note, I just hit the 5 month mark in my pregnancy! The little guy (yes, we found out it's a boy!) and I are doing great. I've felt him moving around and I also have more energy, which is so much better than how my first trimester went. Back into the routine of my practice and teaching this week. And I've added a prenatal yoga class once a week at Karma Cambridge. So, if you are a mom-to-be or even if you are newly postnatal, come do a slow flow with me targeting our needs. It's every Wednesday from 4-5pm.

Happy soup eating, scarf wearing, fire huddling, and tea drinking...

October News

2010-10-03T13:22:00.001-04:00

October, autumnal greetings, everyone!

It's one of the best times of year in Boston. Spontaneous weather, yummy new smells & colors, roasted veggies in our ovens and bellies again! I'm gonna try to keep this short, since last month I had an installment of 2 emails. I am so grateful for all of your responses to my news. It makes me deeply warm & fuzzy all over to have such love streaming out/pouring in from many directions. And as I said in class last night, it's like you're getting double the energy from me in class these days...since there's another being in my body! Good stuff.

**October Schedule has changed. !!! First time in a LONG time that I've changed it this much, and that I've taught so few classes. But, my body and the baby is yearning for more rest and a slower pace. So, I'm gonna see how this goes. I will miss all of you that come to Karma Cambridge at night, terribly. But I hope I'll still be able to see you at times. As our practice teaches us always, change is inevitable, and is always welcome.

MWF: 12:00-1:00 all levels vinyasa

T/TH: 4:00-5:15 all levels vinyasa

Wednesdays (starting on 10/20): 4:00-5:00 Prenatal Yoga! Calling all Mom's to be (and Dad's to be)...you'll be led by a Mom to be. ;)

**I will have a short hiatus starting mid-next week into the following week while I'm away for my wedding! So, the sub schedule will be:

W--10/6-- Lakota

Th--10/7-- Bethania

F--10/8-- Sarah B.

M--10/11--Lakota

T--10/12--Lakota

W--10/13--Lakota

Th-10/14--Bethania

F--10/15--Lakota

**Other things I'm working on: BYOB (Mommy/Baby Series) at Karma in November, maybe adding a weekend class, a prenatal yoga/reiki workshop with Naz at Bow Street Yoga, and hopefully more...

Pose of the month: Anjaneyasana--High Lunge or Crescent Lunge. Come into Warrior 1, but instead lift the back heel off the floor by curling the toes under. Keep that back leg strong with the thigh active (unless you need to modify by dropping that back knee to the mat). Front knee is aligned over the ankle joint. Arms are warrior-like.

It stretches the hip flexors, the back heel and calf, the torso. Strengthens the front thigh, the ankles, the spine and back. And most of all, it's full of joy & empowerment. I always practice it when I need that little pick me up. And I chose for this month because of all the goodness going on in my life and hopefully in yours.

Things I'm loving right now:

--The red lentil soup at Viva Cafe across from Karma Cambridge. So delicious and served with warm pita bread.

--The new Amiina album, Puzzle (which I think you can only get on their website at the moment)

--My new Lucy pants and top (check out the pic! And the one of me standing is from 16 weeks. Now 17 and getting bigger each week. ;) ). The store at Dedham's Legacy place is full of cozy yoga and workout wear. Plus, this outdoor mall has other fun shops like Anthropologie, Free People, Lululemon, Paper Source, etc.

**Just a reminder about the fundraising I'm doing for the yoga community/children. I am only $60 from the goal we were given! There is still a month left to donate (ends Nov. 1) and old dollar or few. So, if you think of it, every bit will be greatly appreciated by me and many more!

Thanks!!

Click this link to donate:

http://yogareachesout.kintera.org/yogathon/piciyogini

xxx to you all,
--

Global Mala 2010, Help me Reach my Goal!

2010-09-15T09:13:00.000-04:00

Hi friends & family,

There's a beautiful yoga event that has been taking place around the world over the last few years every September. It's called Global Mala and it falls each year around the UN National Peace Day and the Autumn Equinox, to bring awareness around the world for peace, well-being, and compassion for those in need. It was created by the teacher Shiva Rea and has spread to almost every major city in the world.

Yogis in those cities gather for most of the day to practice yoga together (this year it will be 108 minutes of yoga, plus kirtan and more for those of us in Boston). We unite to bring awareness/positive energy to our cities, and to the world. Each city has a different group, different charities they support, different events throughout the day...but the goal remains the same.

This year in Boston, it's led yet again by my friends of Yoga Three (Chanel, Bonnie, and Roberto) as well as a new board called "Yoga Reaches Out." It takes place this coming Sunday, September 19th around the world, and in Boston at Gillette Stadium (where the Patriots play football). It's something I look forward to every year and it's exciting that it keeps growing.

This year, I most likely will not physically attend the event since you all know I am pregnant and have been dealing with the stresses and sickness that goes along with it. However, I am still taking place in the event by trying to fundraise for the charities in Boston. All registrants have been given the goal to raise $250. My goal is to exceed that goal and at least raise $350!

No worries if you just can't do it, or quite frankly don't want to. I'm just putting the word out and seeing what happens, since I believe in small groups of people coming together to do great things. ;)

So if you're interested in donating $1, $5, $20, or whatever you choose, then go to my site at:

http://yogareachesout.kintera.org/yogathon/piciyogini

*FYI: You have til November 1st to donate!

And if you'd still like to learn more about the event, check out the website at:

http://yogareachesout.org

Thanks for your support!

Love,

Jenn

Magic Summer Days Playlist

2010-08-20T14:49:00.000-04:00

Friends!

I have so been neglecting this poor little blog...for good reason, which I will get to in another week or two. But, in the meantime, I've finally created a new playlist for my classes. Check it out and hope to see you tapping those toes on the mat soon. ;)

1. Firecracker--Frazey Ford

2. Bird of Paradise--Frazey Ford

3. Feels Like Sugar--Hjaltalin

4. Rest Your Head--Lali Puna

5. Romance to the Grave--Broken Social Scene

6. Stay By You--Hjaltalin

7. Blue Streak Mama--Frazey Ford

8. Leave House--Caribou

9. Sweet Impressions--Hjaltalin

10. Safe Tomorrow--Lali Puna

11. Kolnidur--Jonsi

12. Goin' Over--Frazey Ford

13. Everything is Always--Lali Puna

14. Bring On The Wonder--Sarah McLachlan

15. Summer Logic--Borko

16. Reciting the Airships--Eluvium

Our Adventures in Iceland

2010-08-01T15:19:00.001-04:00

In my previous post, I went through our daily routine on our Icelandic yoga adventure earlier this summer. Now, as promised, I bring you our daily excursions! We wouldn't have called the weeklong yoga retreat an adventure if we weren't serious about bringing it. So, here's how it played out:

Sunday-Our first day in Iceland. We had a full day of Blue Lagoon, a little of Reykjavik, driving out to Reykholt, an hour of yoga, dinner, and then we split up to have our own little adventures if we'd like before sleep. My partner and I headed up into the hills near the hotel to take in the view. It was still sunny out at 11pm. I think some of the others in our group went in the hot pots, took walks, and enjoyed the wellness rooms.

Monday-After yoga and lunch, a man named Jonny came to pick us up. He drove us to the waterfalls of Hraunfoss and Barnafoss about 15 min. away. The water comes from nearby glaciers and is so blue and fresh. Surrounded by lava rock fields, we were lucky to have a warm day. We did some yoga asanas in the landscape.

Then we moved on to the area called Husafell. There's this artist named Pall, who has made the area known. He works out there on his rock art creations, which I just adore. There is a ravine nearby that you can hike, so after we spent time with his magical rocks, we split up into groups of 3 for the hike. Ben, AC, and Sheree took the high route and climbed the huge hill trying to find the waterfall. Liana, David, and I took the ravine. We stepped around more of Pall's rocks, saw some interesting plants, lots of spiders, moss, and eventually had to walk across slippery rocks to get closer to the waterfall. It was a trip to see the other 3 so high up above us! They came to a little natural pool of water up there. Over an hour later, we all met up back at the base to compare notes. An amazing afternoon. To top it all off, after dinner, Haukur (from the hotel) gave us a presentation and talk about Iceland's mythology, history, and the hidden people.

Tuesday: This was our true adventure day because we formed it ourselves and had no idea what to expect. We heard from the hotel that a woman who sometimes works there also has a farm way up on the hill about 2 miles away. So, once again after our morning of yoga and food, we set out on our own. The six of us hopped over a barbed wire fence surrounding the field and began the trek over these mounds of grass and dirt that made us feel like video game competitors hopping from mound to mound. Eventually we made it to the little river where we took off our shoes and socks to ford across (and then spent a moment skipping stones). Next we came across a herd of Icelandic horses and simply spent time enjoying their company. So sweet! They were sad for us to leave, but again we went under another fence to continue the last part up the hill to the farm (Kloppareykir). Upon arrival, we were met by the friendly Hilda, who took us all around the farm introducing us to the animals and so kindly answering all our questions. She let us sit on her horse (we couldn't ride them because they were all sick with colds...though strong Liana pretty much rode one and gave us all something to care about, whew!) We went in to the barn where the pregnant sheep were and got to hold some of the little lambs. And then to meet some little chicks and roosters.

There was a cold wind this day, though sunny. By this point, it was nearing evening, but none of us could tell. We again split up. David, Sheree, and I took off in the opposite direction to find the 9-hole golf course! We again had to ford the river (and thank goodness for Sheree and her stash of granola bars), but made it to the course that the old farmer had made out of his fields after he was too injured to physically work anymore. It was great! I was cold and exhausted, but upon seeing this creation of fun...we all perked up. Sheree and I shared clubs and we all took turns perfecting our swing, losing balls, and sinking putts. We even stopped after hole 3 to have coffee and homemade Icelandic doughnuts that the owner made, called kleinur. Such fun! None of us could say we'd ever tried golfing in such an incredible, diverse, unique setting (at 9pm at that) before. Luckily, we got a ride back to the hotel and met the others just in time to make it for dinner before the kitchen closed.

Whew, so there's a taste of the week so far! I'll finish in the next post...

Our adventure routine

2010-07-14T15:19:00.000-04:00

So, in the Icelandic countryside town of Reykholt for 3 full days, we did more or less the same routine of mindful adventure each one of them.

7:30am--wake up and meditate together for 30 min.

8-10:00am-- free time for breakfast (choice of hardboiled eggs, toast, jams, cheeses, skyr with cereal, waffles, fruit, yumminess) and time for use of the wellness rooms (hello massage chair!) or a soak in the hot pots

10:30am-11:45 or noon-- Vinyasa Yoga practice. We practiced in a larger hotel room with wooden floors and nice view out to the old cemetary/church and mountains. And the last day we had a very special practice on the 3rd floor of the separate school building. It was full of windows looking out into the fields, the mountains, the horses, the glaciers, the light. And it had cozy meditation cushions, buddhas, and a great energy.

Each of our practices were different, per my usual style. The moon was in Aries and then Taurus, so we did a bold Prana Flow on Monday. Tuesday, we honored the goddess Idunn, for rejuvenation, innocence & beauty and we started our inversion work. Wednesday was for the Norse god, Odin, who rules wisdom, courage, poetry. It was a special practice, as it was our last one in Reykholt. Everyone was beginning to make breakthroughs, both mentally and physically. Beautiful.

12-2:00pm--open time for yourself and for lunch

2:00-sometime around 6 or 7pm--adventure excursion of the day (post about these to come next!)

7:30/8:00pm--Dinner. We always gathered in the dining room at the same table. Usually we had a different waiter each night, but they were always cheery and delightful. The chef on staff did the most amazing job at creating delicious vegetarian meals for us all. Homemade bread with creamy Icelandic butter was always a favorite to us hungry yoginis and yogis after a long day. On our last night we had the option to choose fresh arctic char, which was absolutely splendid in every bite.

After dinner time--

Sometimes we'd soak in the hot pots, sometimes use the wellness rooms, but we always had something going on...

Our 2nd night there, the hotel manager, Haukur, gave us the most interesting presentation about the history of mythology and the hidden people of Iceland. He was the most brilliant speaker/performer and engaging storyteller. On the 3rd night, we ended up chatting for a long time with local people and the staff (mostly Oskar and Daniel). It was great to ask questions and they didn't mind answering our curious minds about their culture and people. A really fun bunch! Our last night there, Oskar gave us many a riddle during and after dinner to try to figure out. Lots of laughter! Later, around 11:00pm, we all went with him to the yoga room to do a session of AcroYoga. Ben (our SolYoga Trip organizer) taught us some basics and we tested them out for a half hour or so. My partner, David, and I were able to take turns holding eachother up and "flying" in different asana positions. Such fun to practice trusting yourself and the person you're working with. It brought a lightness to our last night in the countryside that we all needed to feel.

So, the days were long and full. We all dealt with various soreness and tiredness, but the energy from the land and our excursions made up for it and kept us going, going for those 4 days. None of us had experienced the 21 or so hours of daylight before. It made us want to stay up late chatting or yoga-ing. I guess tiring ourselves out helped us sleep better with the light streaming into the room.

It was a time for laughter, solidarity, personal goals, serious stillness, overcoming fears and working through them, quirky conversations, openness, magic, belief in oneself, and change.

The Flow of Iceland

2010-07-08T13:06:00.000-04:00

"Maybe the goal with anything you do is to find the flow, it makes you feel alive, and it's important to me to feel alive. And the more it flows the purer it gets, you know, you get into this mode where the things just happen and you don't even think about it, and afterwards you look at what you've done and you feel like 'wow that's really amazing.'" --Jonsi

I found this quote (from one of my heroes) in the magazine at the hotel where we started out our Iceland Yoga Adventure. It pretty much sums up our experience there and how it feels to genuinely get into your groove on and off the mat. It's certainly my goal in life.

So, here I begin my story-telling of the month-long journey I just took. Bare with me as I try to make interesting posts and share my stories. ;)

We arrived in Iceland on the early morning of Sunday, June 6th. There were 6 of us from New England, ready to feel the power of a new land. My partner and I were the only ones who had been there before, so it was up to us to bring the enthusiasm and insight into such a special country. The first thing we did was have skyr (Icelandic yogurt) and swiss mochas at the airport. It was lovely for all of us to gather and chat over breakfast. We already began a yogic discussion and I knew that the week was going to be a special one. Then we took the drive to the Blue Lagoon. It was there that we overcame our tiredness from the red-eye flight as we soaked for a couple hours in the healing, milky-blue, warm water. Two of the gals got in-water massages. You can also put the silica mud on your face and body as a sort of mask. After turning our fingers to prunes, we decided to leave. Drove into the capital of Reykjavik and had a nourishing vegetarian lunch at one of the restaurants there that specialized in simply veggie cuisine. I was SO excited to be back in this city that I love. Was constantly asking questions to our driver for the day (Siggi) as well as constantly pointing scenery and facts out to the group. I am a total nerd about Iceland, but I feel this only adds the experience of everyone...right? Haha.

Once we arrived in the small town of Reykholt in the area called Borgarfjordur, it was late afternoon and the sun was shining bright. We checked into our rooms at the hotel, took time to freshen up and relax, then met for our first yoga session! It was warm enough that we did our 1 hour practice outside on the deck by the hot pots (the geothermal hot tubs). We were facing the mountains and had just the sound of the birds and wind to rejuvenate us after the long day. I led a rinsing flow for our hips and legs with a few backbends. No warriors or standing poses at all. It was just the right beginning for our week ahead.

Dinner was beet salad with a lentil/barley mishmash. Delicious and creative cuisine which had us excited for the week as well. Bedtime around 10:30pm. It was still light out and easy to want to stay up and explore/play, but sleep was calling. First day in Iceland=success! In fact, one of the gals said she could have left the next day and been satisfied. Oh, just wait...

2010-06-22T15:13:00.000-04:00

Hey friends,

In Sweden now. Been away from home for 2 weeks! Missing you all back at Karma and Bow Street. Happy start to summer! My Iceland Yoga Adventure was a beautiful and fully adventurous week. SO much to talk about and report, but I'll have to leave that for later. I am not travelling with my computer so pictures will have to wait til later, too. But, in the meantime you can go to SolYoga Trips to see an update about our retreat. I am still processing it, as it was a truly remarkable moment of the year.

Since then, been in Denmark and the past 5 days with dear friends with the south of Sweden. It's been picturesque and I've had many practices on my own. I'm in the countryside here, so it's been ideal to practice. Just filmed one today, so I'll have that to post in the future. ;) The biggest lesson I'm gonna try to take from this stay is to remember that the peace I feel here can be taken with me. It's a hard task at hand, especially while in the hustle and bustle of bigger cities and spaces, but it's one I'm going to try to fulfill. I haven't really been watching anything, listening to anything...just listening to nature, and reading books/writing. It's truly a joy to feel at ease.

Off to Stockholm in the morning through the weekend. Sending peace and greetings from this prana-filled land.

xx,

Jenn

June Pose of Month & Send-Off

2010-06-03T16:40:00.000-04:00

Godan daginn! The time has come for my Yoga Adventure in Iceland...and so it's my last few days teaching in Cambridge/Somerville for about a month! (I leave this Saturday, 6/5) There is a group of 6 of us total about to excursion near the Arctic Sea in one of my favorite places. We'll be there for a week; meditating, flowing & growing in our yoga practice, and discovering new things. After that, my adventure will continue. I have great friends in the south of Sweden who invited me to visit, so the rest of the trip evolved from there. My partner and I will be in Denmark, Sweden, Berlin, and London before returning to MA in early July.

I must say...I've never been on a trip this long and I was feeling guilty for a bit about leaving you all for so long. However, my spirit must continue to strengthen and discover new ideas, new teachings, life outside of Boston. I am lucky to have this opportunity before me and I plan to make the most of it!

June Pose of the Month? Prasaritta Padottanasana into headstand! (wide-legged forward fold-headstand). Why? Because we're gearing up for the Summer Solstice and it's time to conquer our fears. The group in Iceland will be doing just that and trying this pose again and again to open up new boundaries in our practices. Don't force it. Just keep breathing into your low back, your knees, your hamstrings, your head...and when the time comes (whether it be tomorrow or 5 years from now), you'll discover that maybe your arms have become stronger, or your legs more open, or the fear of going upside down has subsided.

So, I am taking a video camera with me to document some yoga time overseas. I hope to share it all with you upon my return. Check back from time to time while I'm away, as I hope to update a couple times with how things are going. ;)

**While I'm away, something to consider/check out:

--The Karma Yoga Studio 200-hour Teacher Training Program with me is set to begin this fall. Applications are now at the front desk and sign-ups are open! Check out the website for more details...

Sag Full Moon in Gemini Playlist

2010-05-31T14:17:00.001-04:00

1. The Album Leaf/Explosions in the Sky

2. Broken Social Scene- World Sick

3. Imogen Heap- Earth

4. Mum- A Little Bit, Sometimes

5. Broken Social Scene-Highway Slipper Jam

6. Caribou- Odessa

7. The National- Bloodbuzz Ohio

8. Forro- Limoeiro Do Norte

9. Bat for Lashes- Sleep Alone

10. Broken Social Scene- Sentimental X's

11. Beach House- Zebra

12. Jonsi- Sinking Friendships

13. The Black Keys- Everlasting Light

14. Seabear- Fire Dies Down

15. Arms and Sleepers- The Paramour

16. Frou Frou- Hear Me Out

17. Bon Iver- Blood Bank

18. Imogen Heap- Half Life (instrumental)

19. Tori Amos- Cloud on my Tongue

20. Olafur Arnalds- Pau Hafa Sloppid Undan Punga Myrkursins

21. Sigur Ros- Untitled 3

Thankful for neighborly nights, working with shenpa, and moon practices

2010-05-29T13:22:00.000-04:00

May is almost over and is it just me, or has it been an intense one?! It's been the busiest month I've had in a long time. Family visiting me, me visiting them, teaching/learning/yoga-ing non-stop, rehearsing music & performing, baby showers, bbq's, concerts, and planning my upcoming trip. Whew! On top of that, the moon has brought intense emotions to the forefront. I've seen it with a lot of my friends and their transitions during this time, and I've also seen it within myself.

Been reading and listening to a lot of Pema Chodron, the wise Tibetan Buddhist nun. She talks a lot about the power of positive thinking, getting unstuck, awakening lovingkindness towards yourself and then to others. My partner and I have been working on our shenpa this month. It could be why the emotions start to rise up...because shenpa refers to dealing with the negative thoughts and urges that arise, that we give into over and over again, thus reinforcing our cravings, habits, addictions. And when you recognize shenpa, it is the first step to refraining, then relaxing, then resolving it. But, it doesn't mean it'll be easy.

I recently had a friend ask me what my shenpa could be. I am a yoga teacher after all, with a very sunny outlook on life. At the same time, I am also a human being. A Cancer Sun with a Leo Moon...full of emotions, sensitivities to emotions, and the constant urge to want to deal with them and move towards my intentions. This means that yes, I too, deal with fears, irritabilities, sadness, and anger. And try to deal with it in a healthy way, through yoga, meditation, and friends.

That said, I have such amazing support around me in my loved ones and even in my acquaintances that moving forward always seems in reach. The full moon on Thursday reminded us of the power of our thoughts. It reminded us that if we imbue them with the power to know ourselves/be the person we are deep within our core being, then we will awaken our potential to contribute to the world around us.

I developed a special Full Moon practice on Thursday out of the blue, and have been teaching it the past few days. It has revived me and my students in ways that are indescribable. I feel so lucky to share such things when they come to fruition and to help everyone who steps on their mat under my guidance to feel safe and open to this very awakening. How grateful I am to do what I am meant to do and love doing.

And last night, my partner and I had a spontaneous encounter with our neighbors that ended up with sharing a meal in their backyard. We met their friends, watched two 5 year olds build and bounce around, and talked til late in the night. It was a warm and welcome break in the long month that's been had.

Now...one more week of teaching and planning til my adventure abroad...

Hey, End of May-Playlist

2010-05-24T08:23:00.000-04:00

Have recently acquired some more new music! Been obsessed with listening to Icelandic (trip is less than 2 weeks away!), but thanks to friends and remembering to look up some new stuff, I have this new fun playlist. And there will me more where this came from.

Thanks to the beautiful ladies who joined Naz and I yesterday in our spring yoga/reiki workshop! It was a delightful afternoon together. xo

1. Olafur Arnalds-- Pu Ert Jordin

2. " " -- Pu Ert Solin

3. " " -- Haegt, Kemur Ljosid

4. Stars-- Look Up

5. Sigur Ros-- Inni mer syngur vitleysingur

6. Mum-- Blessed Brambles

7. Jonsi-- Tornado

8. Broken Social Scene-- All to All

9. Thievery Corporation-- The Outernationalist

10. Jehro-- Master Blaster (Demo)

11. Leona Naess-- Un-Named

12. Stereolab-- Neon Beanbag

13. Tiken Jah Fakoly-- Missiri

14. Olafur Arnalds-- Tunglid

15. Deb Talan-- Whetstones

16. Theresa Andersson-- Hi-Low

17. Mr. Silla & Mongoose-- Do Not Know

18. Olafur Arnalds-- Gleypa Okkur

19. The Kinks-- Strangers

20. The National-- Little Faith

21. Sin Fang Bous-- Fa Fa Fa

22. Sigur Ros-- Med Blodnasir

23. Olafur Arnalds-- Pau Hafa Sloppid Undan Punga Myrkursins

24. " " -- Kjurrt

25. " " -- Undan Hulu

26. " " -- Loftid Verdur Skyndilega Kalt

Teaching at Majestic Yoga the next few Saturdays!

2010-05-19T08:38:00.000-04:00

Yogis in Boston area--

I will be teaching a Saturday morning all levels vinyasa class at a gorgeous, light-filled studio in Huron Village Cambridge for the next couple weekends (before I head to Iceland!).

This is a welcome opportunity for me to switch it up for a moment and see you all a bit more before I head off for an adventure. ;)

Where: Majestic Yoga, 223 Concord Ave.--across from Hi Rise Bakery

When: Saturday May 22, May 29-- 10:00-11:30am

What: My usual Lunar influenced, open-hearted, mindful vinyasa flow

Classes are $17 drop-in. There is parking in the back. Hope to see you there!

**Bring a friend for FREE this week only (May 22).

www.majesticyogastudio.com

Workshop tomorrow with Naz and I!

2010-05-18T14:13:00.000-04:00

Settle Into Spring Yoga/Reiki Workshop

SUNDAY, MAY 23RD 2-4:45 PM

Bow Street Yoga

Join yoga teacher Jenn Pici and reiki/herbalist Naz Zabel for this yoga and reiki experience to awaken and stabilize your physical body and emotional spirit for the spring season.

We will begin with an introduction to reiki followed by a 90 minute all levels vinyasa practice with Jenn. As we relax and let go in savasana, Naz will perform reiki in order to complete our awakening and open up the subtle energy points of our bodies.

Post reiki/savasana, Jenn and Naz will open discussion about cleansing herbs, teas, foods and remedies to keep you stay healthy and balanced through the spring transitional season. Naz will have samples of her Flowerfolk herbal line as well.

SIGN UP NOW- $50/person

***due to the sensitivity of the energy work

class size limited to 12**

For more about Naz, check out: flowerfolkherbs.wordpress.com

*Then, that night, she and I will be joining forces yet again, along with the 3rd member of our band...to play a 30min. set of original tunes as The Sass Factor at O'Brien's Pub in Allston. 8pm.

BYOB Yoga Series at Karma Yoga-Cambridge

2010-05-18T13:53:00.000-04:00

BYOBY (Bring-Your-Own-Baby Yoga!)
Connect with your baby and your body in a whole new light!

A three part series:
Wednesday, May 19th, 2pm-3:30pm
Wednesday, May 26th, 2pm-3:30pm
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2pm-3:30pm

> Join this all-levels vinyasa flow based class, tailored to students who have recently become new parents and still need their yoga!

> Each class will include breathing and flowing asanas that will either include the baby or leave room for the baby to rest while Mom or Dad fits in some practice.

> The focus will vary each week in the following schedule:
-May 19th: forward folds and leg strength
-May 26th: shoulders, arm strength, back bends
-June 2nd: hips, hamstrings, core

We will provide a loving environment open to parents and their babies that are 18 months or younger.

Don't miss it! Sign up early at the front desk or via phone (617.547.9642)

Wanna sing about the Iceland volcano and then go see it with me?

2010-05-04T18:16:00.000-04:00

So, lots has been going on since my last post. Can't believe it's been over a month. Hopefully I'll have time to write some more of my latest yoga thoughts soon...but in the meantime, DO check this out! As many of you know, I play the ukulele in a band called The Sass Factor

and that I'm slightly obsessed with music that is born out of Iceland. If you click the link below, you will understand my delight in this little find about the volcano over there that caused such media frenzy.

http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/21/eyjafjallajokull-the-musical/

My upcoming Yoga Adventure and the Midnight Sun in ICELAND is fast approaching! About one month and counting. Eyjafjallajokull has quieted down, and in fact, we may even travel to visit her while we're there. I have a glorious and affordable trip planned out. Yoga daily for all levels (even if you've never practiced before, but are just interested in coming to Iceland!), hikes, hot spring soaking, caves, laying on moss, riding or at least petting their cute horses, taking in the freshest air I've ever tasted, bopping to music, checking out the art, eating skyr, and finding inspired fashion.

That said, it is now the last week that you can sign up for this trip that is so very dear to me. We'd love to have a few more people along for the ride. So, double check your agendas and maybe I'll learn the Eyjafjallajokull song for ya. ;)

SolYoga Trips to learn all you need about the trip and make your deposit!

Iceland Adventure: Yoga and the Midnight Sun!

2010-03-31T20:47:00.000-04:00

Looking for a new way to kick off your summer? Want to adventure with me in a healthy way to enjoy daily yoga, nourishing food, great music, breathtaking scenery, fantastic art & fashion, and fun excursions like hiking/horseback/cave touring/hot pool soaking? All you have to do is go here: http://solyogatrips.com

I'm taking a group of 10-12 with me on a highly personal and special trip from June 5-13th to Iceland! This is a long time coming...and I'm so happy to share it with anyone who wants to come along.

Check out past blog posts to understand some more of my love for this land:

9/29/09

10/16/08

Just saw Seabear in concert here in Cambridge. It was the best music I'd seen live in a long time and made all of us happy for days! In another month Jonsi will be in town and I'll have my music fix before actually heading over there.

You can hear some of this music in my classes as we vinyasa our way to content and healthy minds. :)

After the Swirling Playlist

2010-03-25T17:56:00.000-04:00

1. Four Tet: Reversing

2. Seabear: Arms (While the Fire Dies Version)

*They are playing in Cambridge at TT the Bear's in Central Sq. this Sunday night, 3/28th! :)

3. Four Tet: Circling

4. Nelly Furtado: The Grass is Green

5. Seabear: Fire Dies Down

6. Seabear: Cold Summer

7. Jose Gonzalez: Abram

8. Natalie Walker: Lost my Shadow

9. Seabear: Lion Face Boy

10. The New Pornagraphers: Failsafe

11. Seabear: I'll Build You a Fire

12. Seabear: Pocketknife

13. Tori Amos: Goodbye Pisces

14. Seabear: Leafmask

15. Regina Spektor: Eet

16. Seabear: We Fell Off the Roof

17. Ray LaMontagne: Be Here Now

18. Mum: Winter (What We Never Were After All)

19. Johann Johannsson: Fordlandia

Swirling through the washing machine to Spring

2010-03-15T19:03:00.001-04:00

Spring has officially arrived! The exclamation point is to be noted, yes. It may be cold and dreary out again but we were gifted with a glorious start to a spring weekend that I am very grateful for. After a long bout with a nasty virus and cold, it's nice to have seen the sun and now welcome the birds and bulbs again.

My teaching this month has been building to this point in the cycle of seasons. I can always sense this time of year when there is a restlessness in everyone coming to the mat. We are all seeking a bit of change and a bit of good health and wellness as the temperatures rise. Personally, I have been going through my own bout of restlessness. Just feeling so full of ideas, things to work on, confusion about how much to take on, where to go next, what more to do...

You'd think by now that I'd be able to zen my way out of such inner swirling. But we are all human after all, and even 10 years on the mat won't take you out of societal/economic pressure, worries, confusion. The best part of it all is the fact that I am not alone in this feeling; in this inner battle that occurs from time to time. And that is simply one reason why I teach yoga. I believe in energy from one person to the next and that if we tap into connecting with each other's and spreading positive energy around, then it will help with these feelings on a whole.

It helps to have wise friends and loved ones in the mix, too. I received an energy reading from the lovely Kriste Peoples, and it simply reminded me to be in the present. I was able to work with my very best friend again to guide you all on a spring cleansing flow as she worked her reiki magic and talked about her favorite spring herbs. I was able to convene with other goddesses in my life on a quest to let go and welcome the abundance waiting in our path. And I am lucky to have a partner that pushes me towards that abundant bouquet of spring flowers in my day to day life.

So, all in all, it's time for gratitude of winter and the swirling it brought in the cycle. Because now we can take it and jump through.

*Paschimottanasana to Virabhadrasana II!

Rain brings spring...one week from now...

2010-03-14T17:07:00.001-04:00

SPRING EQUINOX WORKSHOP
a Vinyasa Flow and Reiki energy cleanse

on Sunday, March 21st, 3pm-5:15pm
with Jenn Pici (yoga) and Nazarene Zabel (reiki)

Spring awaits us and it's time to shed off the winter energy and make room for some awakening and fresh energy!

> Join us for an introduction to reiki, then for a 90 min. all levels vinyasa practice with Jenn to prepare your physical body and your emotional spirit for the changing of the seasons!

> We will then relax in meditative savasana to allow Nazarene to perform reiki on us in order to complete our awakening and open our subtle energy points for spring!

> Post-reiki/savasana, Jenn and Naz will open discussion about cleansing herbs, teas, foods, remedies that might aid you in this new season. Naz will have samples of her Flowerfolk herbal line on hand for us to try as well.

Jenn Pici has been teaching Vinyasa Flow at Karma for the past 3 1/2 years. She encourages students to honor their bodies and spirit by opening to truth on their mats and staying light hearted. She provides a fun atmosphere with music and positivity to open up the power of yoga to everyone.

Nazarene Zabel is a Reiki practitioner, ethnobotanist, and owner of Flowerfolk, a small local business which creates herbal-based skin care products. Her work is spreading knowledge about the beauty and power of plants. It is her honor to share Reiki healing with others.

Due to the energy and time sensitivity of this practice, space is limited to only 12 students.
Sign-up by Thursday, March 18 for your spot!
All you have to do is stop by the studio to sign up.
$50, Karma members receive a 10% discount.

Don't miss it! Sign up early!

Haiti Love

2010-03-03T08:45:00.000-05:00

Haiti Love Playlist

*At Karma Yoga Studio we hosted 4 benefit classes on Sunday, 2/28, with all proceeds going to Amurt Haiti. It was so beautiful. Thanks to everyone who came out to lift up positive energy.

1. Isan--Ship

2. Fanfarlo--Kist of Whistles

3. Jehro--Stand On

4. Amos Lee--Jails and Bombs

5. India.Arie--Strength, Courage, and Wisdom

6. Cat Power--Evolution

7. Madredeus--O Sonho

8. Tiken Jah Fakoly--Ca Va Faire Mal

9. Florence & the Machine--You've Got the Love

10. Four Tet--Angel Echoes

11. Snow Patrol--Open your Eyes

12. Goddamn Electric Bill--Lost in the Zoo

13. Mum--Hullabbalabbaluu

14. David Newman--He Maha Lakshmi

15. Hem--Half Acre

16. Sigur Ros--Samskeyti

17. Jonsi & Alex--Atlas Song

Yoga for Haiti Benefit at Karma Yoga Studio

2010-02-25T11:46:00.000-05:00

This Sunday, Feb. 28th, will be an awesome opportunity to come out as a community in support and spirit to give back to Haiti. At Karma Yoga Studio in Cambridge we have put together an afternoon event with 100% of the proceeds going to Amurt Haiti.

From 1-4pm, stop by 1120 Mass Ave. to join in this outreach. There will be 4 yoga classes to choose from ($15 suggested donation each), a fabulous array of silent auction items to bid on from local businesses, and space to sit in the Karma cafe to sip tea and hang with your like-minded friends.

See details below!

The charity we decided to go with:

* Amurt has been working on the ground in Haiti for years and their model of participatory community empowerment, sustainablity, and integrated development are exactly what we've been looking for!! (coincidentally Amurt also has roots in Yoga and meditation.)

The Yoga Benefit class schedule:

1pm~ Lakota teaches/ Bethania assists an Embodyoga Flow for beginner/intermediate levels, with live harmonium by Irene Soléa

1pm~Jenn Pici teaches/Shelly assists an intermediate/advanced level Flow Class to the tunes of one of Jenn's world renowned playlists
2:30pm~ Sarah Baumert teaches/ Liz assists a Flow Class with restorative at the end, with live harmonium by Irene Soléa

2:30pm~ Elizabeth Brown/Natasha tag team an anusara/flow class, with live music from violinist Daragh Dutka.

Just some of the exciting donations to our silent auction:

-high quality yoga mats from lululemon

-rolfing, acupuncture, alexander technique, massage and private yoga sessions
-karma membership plans
-tickets for Durga Das, Jai Uttal and the Yoga and Chant Fest in June.
-2 tickets to any central square theater performance

-gift certificates from Topaz, Irish Imports, Crema Cafe

-herbal beauty products from Flower Folk

-beautiful scarf/shawl from LOOKS
-et al.
**Please spread the word!

and rsvp on facebook if you haven't. ;)

$15 minimum donation per class. larger donations are warmly welcomed.

2/2 Mix

2010-02-04T16:16:00.000-05:00

Big hugs to Maribeth, Dayva, and Mel A. for some of these songs that I find such fun in this order for class! Enjoy and see ya on the mat soon...

1. Olof Arnalds: Aevagomul orkupula

2. Iron & Wine: Sunset Soon Forgotten

3. The Wild Sea: Way Back Down

4. Laura Veirs: July Flame

5. El Perro Del Mar: Party

6. Joseph Arthur: Honey & the Moon

7. Jump, Little Children: Cathedrals

8. Feist: One Evening (VV Mix)

9. El Perro Del Mar: Dog

10. Passion Pit: Sleepyhead

11. Alicia Keys: Unthinkable (I'm Ready)

12. Ingrid Michaelson: Keep Breathing

13. Maribeth Swan & Craig Terlino: Coast

14. Rufus Wainwright: The Tower of Learning

15. El Perro Del Mar: I Can't Talk About It

16. Chira Moses: And She's Still Watching Me

17. Patty Griffin: Up to the Mountain

18. Sufjan Stevens: Concerning the UFO Sighting...

19. Olof Arnalds: Vid og Vid

20. Olof Arnalds: Moldin

Obama is Yoga, Let's Go

2010-02-02T16:12:00.001-05:00

Did you all watch Obama's State of the Union last week? It was over an hour of him addressing and encouraging us about the state of our nation and his first year in term. I don't consider myself much of Democrat or Republican. I am more aware of political matters and try to read the papers much more than I ever have been before. As a yogini...I am pretty neutral and try to focus on the issues, causes, and politicians that stand for peace and positivity and the best interest of everyone...big and small. I've never been keen on politicians, or presidents for that matter. I have been for Obama all along and am not afraid to say it, but after his speech last Wednesday, I back him even more.

Everyone gives him flack after this first year. And we all know (or should know) that the media is crap, both sides. Obama addressed all of this. He's real, he's honest, and he's a strong leader. But even more than anything else, I can see that Obama is a yogi. He called out for both parties to stand together on issues. To help each other understand and not just stick to the age-old banter and clash that leads to no change at all. I believe he's much wiser than most think and that if we just back him, instead of continue bashing him as the media continued to do after the speech, then change will happen. My yogini friend, Karma, says "Wouldn't it be nice if we backed Obama up? We said we wanted change, but we have to remember that 'we have to be the change' we wish to see in the world.' "

This seems to be what everyone in this country is missing. In all areas! Money, relationships, material things, and most of all FOOD. We've blown up in all areas and forgotten how to be healthy and true to ourselves. So, let's go with our mats and our hearts and be that change. Put whole foods in your body and support local food and farms. We all need to be more aware of where our food is coming from and how it works to make us strong and healthy. We should be more aware of and support (or even work for!) the local businesses instead of busting our spirit to the ground for the big guns. We should be content with things we have, especially the family and friends in our life that nourish us. Stay true to them and support each other. Walk through life a little slower. This doesn't mean stop having fun...but it's our duty now to bring more mindfulness to our world.

So, Go Obama and your Yoga Spirit! Let's all get on board!

Detoxing Body and Soul

2010-01-22T08:34:00.000-05:00

My partner and I have been immersed in a week of detox. Inspired by other family members and a will to cleanse and find joy in that...we embarked on this weeklong adventure. No caffeine, no sugar, no dairy, no alcohol, and only non-gluten grains. We've been making lots of fresh veggie home-made soups, quinoa with steamed kale, garlic, & beans, homemade hummus, and lots of herbal teas.

I realized that I did the same thing around this time last year, just before heading off to Dominica for my yoga adventure. It must be in the air at the start of a new year to feel pure! ;) I miss the Caribbean this time around, and with all that's happening in Haiti right now, I send my purest intentions from my detox week to the island.

In a non-physical sense, it's also a great time to detox the mind and emotions. Last week, with the new moon, I found myself becoming over-emotional and a bit overwhelmed with expectations on myself and others. Why do we do this? We can't help it. As Pema Chodron says, we must "not resist, grasp, or get caught up in hope and in fear, in good and in bad, but actually live completely. " This means, embracing it all. The ups and downs and the challenges in our path, as well as the fabulous and fun times. Physically detoxing has allowed me to remember how easily we can become addicted to habits. And then how these habits lead us to emotional addictions as well. We all deal with them. And yet we all learn at some point in life that it's okay not to have things turn out our way.

I see it in my students this time of year, too. Everyone wants to reach a new ideal in their practice. Physical perfection of the poses. Straining every day to come to the mat and "fit it in." All the while, worrying about the semester ahead, or the new work schedule, or those pesky resolutions that we so urgently want to achieve. But what we forget is that each time we step on the mat is time for renewal. For letting go of all that stuff and just to be. There. At that moment. Imperfect and all.

More Pema Chodron wisdom and encouragement to keep practicing your yoga and meditation...

"You can also realize that, at a time like this, when there's so much chaos and crisis and suffering in the world, we are actually needed. Individuals who are willing to wake up and make friends with themselves are going to be very beneficial, because they can work with others, they can hear what people are saying to them, and they can come from the heart and be of use."

*There are tons of options around to give some support to Haiti. Tomorrow, Jan. 23rd there are 2 Yoga opportunities:

-My friend, Checka, is teaching a benefit class at Yoga in the Square in Somerville (Davis Sq., above The Burren) from 1-2:15pm. It will be an all levels vinyasa class for only $5, in which all proceeds go to Haiti.

-Also tomorrow, Exhale (in Boston, green line to Arlington) will be donating all of their class proceeds to Haiti through the Red Cross.

-At Karma Yoga Studio, we're planning something for the near future to step in as well. I'll keep ya posted!

New Year, Fun Happenings

2010-01-12T12:16:00.000-05:00

*My schedule this month stays the same.

My Bring your Baby class on Monday afternoons is slowing accumulating tiny yogis, so keep spreading the word to those moms & dads around who want an hour of yoga with baby in tow. Karma Yoga Studio 2-3pm on Mondays.

If you want some warm 90-min. vinyasa with me, then come check out Bow Street Yoga in Union Sq. on Thursday's at 9:30am.

*Sunday, Jan. 17th -- I will be teaching a FREE class for the new Lululemon store in Cambridge!

Located down the outdoor "hallway" next to Brattle Theatre and Algiers in Harvard Sq.

Just come by a little before 11 am. We'll meet and then go to a tba location to swing some Sunday yoga love, and then be able to browse the yoga clothes and shop together. Pretty fun way to spend a Sunday late morning if you ask me! ;)

There are lots of fun yoga apparel and accessories for both men and women. And the lululemon ladies are so warm and friendly.

www.lululemon.com/cambridge/harvardsquareshowroom/events

Finally, a bit of yoga etiquette reminder for the New Year:

-try your best to arrive to class on time, preferably even 5-10 min. ahead of time. If you get in a parking jam or the like and happen to be a little late, then please try to respect the start of class and enter quietly.

-Welcome everyone to class, and be aware of the people, things, and space around you. Try to accommodate for crowded classes by helping to create space for another mat. Say hello to the yogi next to you. Wipe the studio mat you used for class with the cleaning spray. Keep it all light and respectful.

-Please try not to leave class in the middle of savasana. This is an important/sacred moment for most people and if you must leave early, do so before we all get settled into our stillness.

"Practicing yoga, in a very real sense, is practicing moksha (freedom)."

Post Christmas Reflection

2009-12-26T21:56:00.000-05:00

It's the night after Christmas and I'm sitting cozy down here in rainy Pennsylvania with my family. We had a white one, but the rain has now melted it away and I'll be back to Boston tomorrow. The end of the year here in the last week has been challenging and not not quite as I had expected. A great yogic lesson as we head towards the new year...

I started the holiday week off with a beautiful weekend away with my companion in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. We celebrated the change of seasons and all that the spirit of this time of year brings. Making it back to Boston just in time for the snow storm, I also found myself taking in some sort of flu. For 3 days I ended up in bed...no yoga in reach. Having planned to teach a special solstice class, and celebrate the time before Christmas with all of my students and friends, I was saddened to have such headaches, stuffy nose, body aches, and be away from it all.

Finally making it to my family, the time away from yoga continues. My grandpap recently moved into an assisted living center about a mile from my parents house after having spent the last year in Michigan with my aunt. The night I flew into town, he was taken to the emergency room.

Coming home is never really relaxing to certain extent. It's somewhat like a circus tent in fact! With 2 brothers and 2 sisters, a dog, and lots coming/going, things are never really quiet or peaceful. This doesn't mean they aren't fun...just different than what I'm used to in my yogic life in Boston.

This year siblings are coming and going (due to life changes, babies, significant others' and such), my Pap is here and not in the best of health, and holiday shopping/cooking was still to be done. So, Christmas Eve morning I headed off to the (yikes) mall to play "Santa" for my family while my parents took care of Pap in the hospital. My sister and I made the traditional lasagna for holiday dinner and we made due with what we could. On top of it all, my dad just had knee replacement surgery! Pap still in the hospital, and just 2 of my siblings around, we still managed to joke around and enjoy the night with White Christmas, tea, cookies, and fun. I'm used the chaos and most times look forward to it. But this year with everyone dispersed, even attending Christmas Eve mass was strange because it ended up just being my mom, sister, brother, and I. And the chaos was more a stress than simply lots of people and things around. The hour in a crowded church that night was the closest I suppose I'd been to yoga class in days. Assuming I take something different from a church service than most of the people there, it was comforting to feel hope, to feel peaceful spirit, and simply to offer my love and energy into the world on such a clear and open winter starry night. If I have to be away from loved ones, and we must experience change in family situations, at least we can take some moments to be grateful for what we do have and what we can offer personally each day.

A simple cup of homemade hot chocolate, sitting by a fire, preparing a nourishing meal, and sharing some old memories...that's all you really need to feel love on a winter holiday. Though I haven't practiced fully in days, been running around for family members, getting over sickness, and getting used to a different sort of Christmas...I'm at the same time entirely joyful to have gotten to share it with my Pap. He may not be fully "there" like he once was, but he (like me) is full of imagination, silliness, and an interesting spirit. It has taught me that I'll trade physical daily yoga practice any day as long as it means that I give of myself through mind and spirit to the ones that need me most at the time.

Today I was able to fit in 20 minutes of sun salutations and asanas, but the real challenge was keeping my mom calm on our errands, keeping it light transferring my Pap to and fro our house, cleaning the kitchen between meals, wrapping last minute gifts for my nephew, and simply being present in the moment. Setting the intention to do just that this morning helped for sure. And so I sit here tonight not feeling bad about missing physical asanas over this last week. Not caring so much that I've eaten lots of holiday cookies and treats. Understanding that the nature of my life at the end of 2009, has meant slowing down immensely in the physical sense, in order to make up for all of the rush going on around me in the emotional and mindful sense. This is exactly where I am supposed to be, right now. No, I haven't relaxed all that much. No, I haven't been able to contact or visit old friends, or practice at my favorite local yoga studio. I've been missing my loving partner, my older brother and his wife, my other grandparents, my sister and her little clan.

Instead I've found grace in the midst of quality time spent with my Grandpap. I've played Santa and succeeded! Spent gal time with my Mom, cooking time with everyone, puppy time with our dog, and made some new memories during a different sort of Christmas than we're all used to. And it's just as it should have been.

Monday I'm back to teaching as usual, and I have so many exciting plans, goals, and excitement ahead for 2010! All we can do now is look towards the future with a smile and keep it calmly implanted in our hearts and minds during the present in order to physically continue to change the world one smile, one person at a time.

Whether you've celebrated Christmas this season or not, there is hope in a simple smile and in simple acts of bringing positivity to your world. That's the focus now as the new year approaches.

Intention to hold strong in focus, joyful attitudes, and belief in yourself so that you can bring it to those you love.

Sag New Moon/solstice brings New Light

2009-12-15T17:50:00.000-05:00

It's almost true winter, in just a few more days. Until then, we have the new moon here in December to guide us into new habits and new stories that we create for ourselves. Time to create a more yin way of life instead of yang. Time to simplify life, slow down and take part in the nature of the season. If you practice a more yang style of yoga, then making sure to take the rest of life a little slower from here until spring. Maybe even try to add some more restorative styles of asanas to your regular practice or try a new yin class.

Most importantly, it's time to work positive habits and thoughts towards yourself into life again. We all concentrate on the more annoying traits about ourselves, and the negative things from our day. So try focusing instead on all the positive things you provide to the world. My friend, Meghan, has the best recipe for this...calling it her positive abundance recipe! Check it out:

meghantelpnerblog.com

So put on some tunes that will perk you up (I recommend Tori Amos' new Midwinter Holiday album), eat some warming spiced foods & teas, and practice following your inner guru to seek the light that you already possess.

Happy Holidays everyone!

p.s. One way to make a positive shift this holiday season is by shopping at local businesses! We are lucky in Boston to have lots of unique shops in each neighborhood. Our economy needs better habits, too...so try to support the 10% shift and go local!

Some of my faves:

Grand in Union Sq.

Abodeon, Irish Imports and Greenward in Harpo (between Harvard and Porter)

Topaz and Looks in Harvard Sq.

Spirit Motivation Playlist

2009-11-23T15:21:00.000-05:00

1. Orly: Arms & Sleepers (all of these song from their new album, Matador)

2. Matador: Arms & Sleepers

3. December: Norah Jones (all these from her new album The Fall)

4. Myriad Harbour: The New Pornographers (all songs from their album, Challengers)

5. Jesus, Etc.: Norah Jones

6. Unguided: The New Pornographers

7. The Paramour: Arms & Sleepers

8. It's Gonna Be: Norah Jones

9. Go Places: The New Pornographers

10. Helvetica: Arms & Sleepers

11. The International: Arms & Sleepers

12. Light as a Feather: Norah Jones

13. Challengers: The New Pornographers

14. Kino: Arms & Sleepers

15. Words are for Sleeping: A & S

16. Adventures in Solitude: The New P

17. The Architekt: A & S

18. Dear Charles, muse, asleep or dead: A & S

19. Twentynine Palms: A & S

I made this playlist with motivation in mind, yes. Motivation to keep looking forward. To hard work in the face of overwhelming new challenges or ideas. To keep striving for positivity in all that you believe in and want to achieve. To keep finding gratitude for life and what you bring to it.

And here at the end of November...I am motivated to continue motivating all of you on the mat. So, cheers and many thanks to everyone who crosses my path in class and teaches me things through their energy and spirit all the time.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Winter is Coming Playlist

2009-11-06T08:35:00.001-05:00

1. Arms & Sleepers: Runner Misplaced

2. " " : Winter is Coming

3. Leona Naess: Just One

4. Imogen Heap: Canvas

5. " " : Swoon (instr.)

6. Arms & Sleepers: By my Bones

7. Imogen Heap: 2-1

8. Norah Jones: Chasing Pirates

9. Neko Case: Red Tide

10. The Sass Factor: You

11. Arms & Sleepers: Red Light Pipe Dreams

12. Fanfarlo: Finish Line

13. Arms & Sleepers: Lights & Alarms

14. Jonsi & Alex: Stokkseyri

15. " " : Atlas Song

16. " " : Indian Summer

2nd annual Winter Yoga Utopia Retreat in the West Indies

2009-11-02T23:39:00.000-05:00

Most of you know that last January I offered a weeklong getaway from the winter cold to spend yoga holiday with me on the West Indies island of Dominica. It turned out to be a fascinating, relaxing, adventurous, and yoga-licious time. So, this year, I've partnered with Trish from Tropical Escapes yet again, to offer my 2nd annual getaway!

Yep, but this year we'll be heading to Dominica's neighbor of St. Lucia. It's just as glorious, as well as cheaper and easier to get to with direct flights from Jet Blue!

So, if anyone has between $1700-2000 and a week off in mid-January to escape the cold and come with me to do vinyasa yoga everyday near the sea and in the sun, with irie Caribbean vibes all around...then keep reading...you know you want to!

http://www.tropicalescapes.biz/brochures/Jenn_P_2010.jpg

double occ.= $1275 + airfare on your own = around $1775 total
single occ.= $1645 + airfare = around $2145 total
Not too bad!
Retreat Vision:
Come renew your spirit and create space in your yoga practice for vibrancy and fun! Join us on our week-long vinyasa flow yoga intensive in a peaceful, natural, loving environment in order to discover balance and gratitude for living. We'll spend time breaking down the flow of vinyasa through different sequences, alignment in your asanas, and finding your own breath & rhythm. Allow yourself to let go of expectations and dive into this Caribbean utopia, your yoga practice and your soul.

Yoga: Vinyasa Flow & Restorative

Jenn Pici's classes infuse a strong, empowering, loving vinyasa flow that focuses on: breath, safety & awareness in your own body; awakening your emotions & spirit; and most of all inviting in love. She is inspired by music, nature, art, and her friends to create a unique experience where students can get out of their heads and work on themselves (both inside and out) on their mats...in order to bring love off the mat.

Jenn got her RYT-Yoga Alliance certification in Vinyasa Yoga from the Baptiste-affiliated Power Yoga Works in Philadelphia , PA. With over 10 years of personal practice, and 4 years of teaching under her belt; she surrounds herself with a variety of different style classes and workshops, and continues to learn from the amazing yogis that are all around Boston and beyond. She teaches full-time in Cambridge and Somerville, MA. This will be her 2nd year working with Trish and Tropical Escapes to provide a healing/fun yoga adventure!

*If you're in for this fun ride, then contact me to sign-up and secure your spot asap (I have room for just 4-6 more people) so we can get this ball rollin'!

Libra New Moon Magic Playlist

2009-10-20T17:27:00.001-04:00

The Libra New Moon occurred on Sunday and it was a truly magical day in Boston. We got our first snow! I stayed in baking pumpkin bread, making tea, yoga-fying, practicing tunes, watching football, and hopping out to the backyard to take in some of those beautiful white flakes from the sky.

Today it's an awesome sunshine-filled 70 degree day. Go figure. I'm not complaining. :) This week so far started with the new moon magic, then the band I'm in (The Sass Factor) played our first open mic successfully, 2 Iceland faves came to town to play a show (Sin Fang Bous & Mum...check them out), and we've been jamming all week so far in my classes to this magical new playlist:

1. Imogen Heap: First Train Home (instrumental) *all songs from "Ellipse"

2. Imogen Heap: First Train Home

3. " " : Wait it Out (instrumental)

4. Olafur Arnalds: Allt Vard Hljott *all songs from "Found Songs"

5. Imogen Heap: Earth

6. " " : Canvas (instrumental)

7. " " : Little Bird

8. Olafur Arnalds: Lost Song

9. Imogen Heap: Tidal

10. Hogni: Soul Company

11. Olafur Arnalds: Erla's Waltz

12. Imogen Heap: Between Sheets

13. Olafur Arnalds: Romance

14. Imogen Heap: Between Sheets (instrumental)

15. " " : 2-1 (instrumental)

16." " : Half Life (instrumental)

17. " " : Tidal (instrumental)

18. " " : Wait it Out

19. Olafur Arnalds: Faun

20. " " : Raeinn

21. " " : Ljosid

We need challenge sometimes

2009-10-09T17:49:00.001-04:00

We're hitting the prime of autumn now. Already 13 days into October and it's perfect time to stay challenged. Don't know about many of you, but the change of seasons is always a special time for me. Time to turn a new leaf, or stick with one that's been working, or reflect on behaviors... Kicking off the season with a trip to Iceland was no joke. The starkness of the land combined with its drama allowed for some internal brew to take place. Then I came back to officiate the marriage of some dear friends. What an amazing opportunity to get over yourself and simply provide the support and guidance for other people on their journey for love! Since then, I've settled into October with an open mind to keep doing things that scare me and keep challenging my limits.

In the three years since teaching at Karma Yoga Studio, I have never not taught a Saturday morning class. So my decision to take a break from teaching that class was not easy. But, it's been great to allow myself some time on weekends to explore...other classes, other modes of learning, and also rest when I need it. October is teaching me that so far. I received my first shiatsu massage. I slept in on a Saturday! I took someone else's vinyasa class. And, I took my first master yoga class with the brilliantly lovely Natasha Rizopolous. She had us doing arm balances for 2 hours that I never tend to test my limits in regularly. Sore the next day, it felt so good to be challenged.

I also discovered a new yoga studio that opened in my neighborhood. Why is this challenging? Because over a year ago, that was the goal I have had. However, without the funding and means to truly dive into such a venture...it's been challenging to let go and realize that someone else was meant to do it. Now having been there and experiencing it, it's an awesome place. And I look forward to possibly teaching there and adding to the community with them on their journey.

The challenges keep coming. I'll be singing with my band for the first time at an open mic coming up. Scary! And hopefully finding more opportunities in teaching and beyond, on the mat and beyond, that will guide me to a place where the winter will seem like a piece of cake.

Things to do this week/weekend

2009-10-07T08:57:00.000-04:00

As I sometimes like to do on here, I'm letting you all know of some interesting things around these parts this week/month:

Tonight, Oct. 7th at the Middle East Upstairs in Cambridge, one of my fave local bands,

Arms & Sleepers, are having their CD release and show. I play them a lot in class. It's moving stuff with lots of passion and emotion, so check it out.

If you're in NYC, the BAM festival in Brooklyn begins today through the weekend. There will be an abundance of art, music, film, dance. I know a brilliant dancer performing in the dance work, Decreation, by William Forsythe, so if you're around there this week, it will be worth taking in!

Friday, Oct. 9th: Head to Precinct in Union Sq. to hear the lovely Jennifer Greer (a yogini at Karma) belt out her tunes.

Oct. 10-11: Davis Sq. Somerville hosts its crazy "Honk" Fest, full of an array of musicians, wacky art & fashion, and fun. Be on the lookout...

And, every Tuesday night this month, there's a chance for great local music at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge. My friends Avi & Celia are now known with their full band as

"Hey Mama." You'll be sure to dance and feel good. Come to my class Tuesday night, then head there, from 9pm-midnight. ;)

Just some things to think about on this rainy morning heading into the tail end of the week...

Iceland Reflection

2009-09-29T15:52:00.000-04:00

About a week ago, I returned to Massachusetts from my 2nd trip to Iceland. Many of you know I had planned it to be a yoga retreat for mid-September, but luckily life happened a little differently. I realized that most of my friends and students who wanted to come had to get back into organization and work-mode. And many of them already filled up their vacation days over the summer. So, instead I took the opportunity to travel to the land of magic and light again as an adventure/scouting trip...and I am so happy that I did. I now feel all the more accustomed to the culture, the land, the spirit of the place. I connected with new people and yogis, and the places where we'll venture when the retreat does take place in June 2010. Yep, that's right, it's in the process of being confirmed and scheduled, but it will happen in about 8 months from now...so start saving and planning to come along with me! ;)

How do I describe this place that means so much to me? Many of you who come to my classes regularly already know the story. And I'm pretty sure I've blogged about my love for Iceland (and the music that comes from there) before. But for those of you who don't know, in a nutshell...it's that Iceland feels to me like a place I've been to in another life. It is a place that breathes from the ground up. The nature, the stillness, the drama of the weather and landscapes, the pride of the people and culture....I could go on and on. There is an overall wholeness that you feel when graced in the presence of bright moss, deep blue ocean, crisp white clouds, shadows on the mountains, and horses meditating in the fields. And this happens all in one scene or moment. It is a place to connect to your emotions and yourself, and to grow from the inside out, just like the earth. And I was so delighted to realize on my 2nd visit, which was at a different time of year with new colors and weather patterns, that I still felt the same as before. This is why I must bring any of you who would like to join me, over to this land. I have some special things for our week of yoga this coming June in the works. I look forward to sharing it.

In the meantime, I've given myself this week to reflect on my 10 days there. To re-adjust to life in the United States fastlane slow and steady. And I hope to keep the spirit with me as I continue to teach and grow this new autumnal season...

September gotten away from me

2009-09-25T16:53:00.000-04:00

I can't believe September has gone by and I haven't posted anything! Well, I've now been to Iceland and back and will have more to share on that soon. I promise. In the meantime, autumn has officially arrived, though we're just gradually starting to feel it hear in New England. I've been playing lots of my old Icelandic playlists in class as of late (naturally). But lately I've been playing the new Mum album "Sing Along to Songs You Don't Know" and the new Jonsi & Alex "Riceboy Sleeps." They are both beautiful and lovely to practice to in their own right.

Now I'm off for the weekend to officiate my friends' wedding! Something new and exciting for me to take part in and celebrate love. Til soon...

Yoga Levels

2009-08-17T16:00:00.000-04:00

I've been meaning to discuss the topic of levels for yoga class for awhile now. This is something all yoga teachers and studios have to deal with at some point, and something I've been pondering for the last few years. Recently some fellow teachers and I have been discussing the questions and difficulties that arise when a class is set at a particular level, but then people at a different level show up to class. And I've had some students pull me aside to ask when I'll be teaching higher difficulty classes. What to do?

I've seen it happen too often. A class is slated as intermediate, but a beginner will show up. Then the teacher spends the rest of class trying to balance the difficulty in order not to scare off the newbie, but keep the regulars satisfied. It's a fine line. I dislike having to turn people away from a class. In fact, I don't think I've ever done it before. But maybe I should have? Hmm...

I've gone 3 years teaching in the same studio at various levels. Most classes are all levels which allow everyone to take it at their own pace, but I do teach a few intermediate. And these should very well be reaching the advanced level since so many of my regulars have been with me awhile. However, I do find that people who aren't practicing regularly, or are new to yoga have been showing up to the higher level classes anyway. So over the summer I started teaching one workshop a month, and they have been geared towards the advanced crowd in order to teach them asanas that they can choose to take deeper in class, despite the level. Unfortunately it's been the summer and many people are away. So, I hope to continue offering these in the coming season. Until then, and in general, however...I have an answer to this dilemma.

Yoga is about developing your own rhythm. It's about knowing whether or not to push your edge or pull out. It's about discovering your strengths and weaknesses both mentally and physically. I move in my own practice through cycles. Some weeks I'm exhausted and I do a basic hatha or vinyasa practice. Some days I'm ready for an intense ashtanga series. Other days I need to leave out inversions altogether, and spend most of the time in my hips or in savasana. :) I don't see myself busting out any attitude with people and sending 'em packing just because they showed up to my intermediate class but are more on the beginner side. That's just not me. I want everyone to find their yoga. So I simply try to honor the level and announce at the beginning that it will remain intermediate, but everyone needs to take it at their own pace. I encourage everyone to take their own pace in class (and in life) as a daily mantra. So it's truly up to you. If you want a guaranteed sweaty, advanced asana practice...maybe it's time to take a break from your norm and check out a hot vinyasa or ashtanga studio a few times a week. Everyone needs to grow. All you can do is keep growing and educating yourself on alignment, the poses, the philosophy...whatever will help you find your flow. Then, all you have to do is show up to any class, and be able to judge for yourself where you need to be on your mat that day. Hope that makes sense? I'm open to discussion. Just love yourself, be yourself, and breathe. One class at a time.

Rain after the sun on day 31

2009-07-31T17:24:00.001-04:00

It's the last day of July. Gratitude? Check. Have relied on it all month and will continue to. Morning of breakfast and catching up with a friend at my neighborhood cafe, biking around for errands and posting my Iceland flyers around town (you know you wanna come with me!), teaching my noon yoga class, staking up my tomatoes, and now taking in the new Riceboy Sleeps album (again, you know you want to come to Iceland to check out where this music comes from...). There is a summer monsoon-like storm setting in for the late afternoon. Perfect for this music. Seems like a whole lot to be grateful for to me!

Haven't been blogging or making playlists as much as of late because I'm still trying to enjoy life and take the summer as it comes. Went to Nantucket with my love to take in the grey lady's mist, do yoga in nature, swim with seals, and reflect on the beauty around us in life.

Hope everyone out there is doing the same, no matter where you are!

Looking forward to August and a new mantra, a new sound, a new creative energy to enhance that beauty that sets us into who we are and what makes us feel alive.

New Playlist: Cosmos Petals in the Wind

2009-07-20T08:20:00.000-04:00

1. Arms & Sleepers: Dear Charles, my muse, asleep, or dead

2. Lisa Hannigan: Lille

3. Lisa Hannigan: An Ocean & a Rock

4. Neko Case: Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth

5. Lisa Hannigan: Keep it All

6. " " : Venn Diagram

7. " " : Sea Song

8. Neko Case: Vengeance is Sleeping

9. Lisa Hannigan: Splishy Splashy

10. " " : I Don't Know

11. Neko Case: I'm an Animal

12. " " : Magpie to the Morning

13. Lisa Hannigan: Courting the Blues

14. " " : Pistachio

15. " " : Teeth

16. Neko Case: The Next Time You Say "Forever"

17. " " : Middle Cyclone

18. Arms & Sleepers: Jetty

19. " : Algiers Point

20. " : In the Empire of Builders

21. " : The Motorist

-Lisa Hannigan album: Sea Sew

-Neko Case album: Middle Cyclone

-Arms & Sleepers EP: The Motorist

This weekend, botanical beauty and vinyasa fun

2009-07-16T15:05:00.000-04:00

Flowerfolk

Botanical Beauty

Nazarene Zabel

It's finally been a full week of summertime sunshine...and this weekend promises some more summer fun in the making! Here in Somerville and Cambridge, MA we know how to do it up right, supporting local business, farms, and artists. So if you're not heading to the cape or a festival this weekend, then there are a few things you should check out!

1) My talented and brilliant best friend, Nazarene Zabel, has finally debuted her own line of organic (mostly locally grown herbs) beauty products, called Flowerfolk! She (an ethnobotanist, reiki practitioning, flame-haired gem) has been working hard to bring you all a fantastic array of creations that she's been selling at local farmers' markets. There are lotions, lip balms, salves, facial steams, scrubs, toners, etc. Plus, she's super knowledgeable about all things botanical...including what teas to drink, how to make cordials, tinctures, and more. So this Saturday, July 18th, you should go chat her up and check out her stuff at the Union Sq. Farmers' Market! Located at the square in front of Precinct and The Independent off of Somerville Ave., it opens at 9am and runs through 1pm. You'll also find a nice selection of local farms providing veggies, cheeses, meats, flowers, breads, and baked goods.

If you must miss this, then you have another chance this coming week to check out Naz and Flowerfolk: Tuesday, July 21 at the Harvard Sq. Farmers' Market. This is the one located just outside of Harvard Yard near Memorial Hall. It runs from approx. noon-6pm.

My fave Flowerfolk items you ask?

Hildegard's Charm Rose/Witchhazel Facial Toner

Mossy Sister Sage Cleansing Scrub

*I've been using her stuff for months now and it feels so good to know exactly what I'm putting on my body and it feels even better! You'll find stuff ranging from $4-30.

2) Saturday, July 18th, after checking out Naz in Union Sq., I suggest heading towards Harvard to come Embrace the Heat with me in my July Vinyasa Yoga Workshop at Karma Yoga Studio! 2:15-4:30pm

If you have been practicing regularly and feel like finding your edge and strength in your asanas, then come join me!
We'll work on our legs, arms, and abs. Binding in warriors, chaturangas, crow and other arm balances...working with the heat instead of against it. ;) I've broken up these more intense poses in sequences that will help you have fun with them and get nice and warm.
Plus, there will be time as usual to sit and meditate or journal during your practice. Take your practice a step further than you might normally...in body, mind, emotions, and spirit.
Drop-in only, so if you're around, pop in for an intense and awakening yoga afternoon.
--$46, or 25% discount if Karma member--

*So, that's 2 great options for the weekend. There's also the ArtBeat Festival in Davis Sq. all day Saturday (I suggest checking out vintage finds at Artifaktori if you're in Davis Sq.), loads of great music at Precinct or Toad, and time to work in your gardens and enjoy the sunshine. So, keep smiling and feeling gratitude the rest of July and beyond!

xxo

rely on gratitude

2009-07-09T08:04:00.001-04:00

The sun came out for 3 days last weekend to bring us summer just in time for my birthday and the holiday weekend, and it couldn't have been a better one. Those 3 days after a month of continuous rain and clouds made it all the more sweet and has encouraged my new mantra for the month of July: Rely on Gratitude.

With the most splendid friends, yoga students, family, community, and the awesome ability to get to do what I love as my life's work...there is nothing else to feel this month other than gratitude for being alive.

The weekend ended with a Cancer Full Moon in Capricorn asking us to confront old voices within that prevent us from finding our own inner voice. Summer is still fresh, everyone! Keep your spirit alive by staying on track with this gratitude. Breathe it into your hearts for your health, your yoga, the people in your life, anything that makes you smile...

Keep using the mat to confront those old voices, sit with the fear in order to let it resolve, and then let it go. Be patient with the process. I believe in you, and the rest that summer has to offer.

Then off to Iceland at the end of it...you game?

Start Planning for Iceland Yoga with Me...

2009-07-09T07:19:00.001-04:00

Picture: Capital city-reykjavik Picture: Waterfall we’ll visit-Hraunfoss

YOGA Adventure in Iceland

Sept. 13-20, 2009

At the tail end of summer, just before official autumn equinox, come explore this magical place and journey deeper into your yoga practice with me!

Where: Reykholt, Iceland

**We'll fly out on Sept. 12 from Boston and fly back on Sept. 20.

Price includes everything (airfare+fees, transfers to and from airport, hotel stay in double room occupancy with private bath, vinyasa yoga practices, cave tours, horseback riding, tour of peninsula, all meals from Monday-Friday morning and then breakfast on Sat/Sun, tour from Reykholt to Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon trip): $2730

Check out the website about the place we'll be retreating:

http://www.wellnessiceland.is/

*Of course, if you don't live in the Boston area, you don't have to fly out of Boston. This may change the price of trip. Another variation in price may occur if you want to simply stay Sunday-Friday for the yoga and skip the touring of Reykjavik on the weekend after. We will work from where you are and your needs to get you to Iceland!

Example Day:

Wake up, light breakfast, then yoga. Relax with option of wellness treatment or hot soak. Lunch, then afternoon fun (cave tour, horseback, hike...). Come back for evening yoga, then dinner, more natural hot water soak, and rest. The days will vary and we’ll end the yoga week on Friday, head into Reykjavik for the weekend of touring the city and taking in some sights. Trip will end with hot soak in the Blue Lagoon on our way to the airport and flight back to Boston!

I am SO excited to venture back to this land that I love, and be able to share an experience through yoga, art, and nature with some of you out there. Please contact me with any questions or if you're interested!

Check out event on facebook, Yoga in Iceland with Jenn or feel free to e-mail me for info and full outline/details of trip: jpyogini@gmail.com

Last day of June

2009-06-30T10:07:00.000-04:00

It's the end of June and here's to hoping the end of rainy season in Boston, too! My tune into June mantra turned out to be just that. The Sass Factor (the new gal band I'm in) made its debut bringing some mystic pop to Harvard Sq. Oh yeah. ;) And I got to see some great live music...Arms & Sleepers, Johann Johannsson, the Seamonsters to name a few. It was the perfect time with all the rain to try to go inward and take in your own rhythm. Now looking to July and a new mantra! Bring on the summer...

My latest playlist for this end of summer sassiness consists of:

Zee Avi -- she's a wonderful Jack Johnson find from Malaysia, and a ukelele inspiration for me. Check out her album for sure.

Slow Club -- they are a group from the U.K. You've heard one tune in commercials I'm sure. Their album "Let's Fall Back in Love" is great.

Fanfarlo -- another U.K. (Sigur Ros recommended) band. They are so fun! You can get their album for just $1 online through the weekend. Google them.

Summer Solstice Yoga Workshop

2009-06-18T14:48:00.000-04:00

*Come for yoga fun-filled afternoon to usher in the start of summer!

My 2nd Workshop in a series of 4 at Karma Yoga Studio.

Where: 1120 Mass Ave. Cambridge, MA

When: Saturday, June 20th 2:15pm-4:30pm

Cost: $46 or 25% discount if you're a Karma member. Drop-in, so just come the day of if you're free. ;)

Why:

We'll integrate and warm-up with a fun, music-filled round of sun salutations, then start breaking down the balancing series of a vinyasa practice. Short break for a spot of tea...then re-convene to work on opening up the hamstrings and legs. (forward folds, pigeons, hanumanasana)

Cool-down, meditate, journal if you'd like, and long savasana. The Moon will be in Gemini, and it will be a perfect time to reflect on the start of a new, exciting season cycle upon us. You can bring your intentions and dreams to the mat and breathe life into them.

All Levels are welcome. Just dress comfy and bring an open heart.
Hope to see ya there!

Fun Music for new Yoga passion

2009-06-17T08:43:00.000-04:00

This playlist for recent classes is made up mostly of a Sigur Ros recommended band out of the U.K. Add in some new Tori, and PB&J and you're set for some fun on the mat.

1. Fanfarlo: Good Morning Midnight

2. Fanfarlo: Kist of Whistles

3. Fanfarlo:Hands (demo)

4. Fanfarlo: I'm a Pilot

5. Fanfarlo: Ghosts

6. Peter Bjorn and John: It Don't Move Me

7. Fanfarlo: Luna

8.Fanfarlo: Comets

9. Fanfarlo: Fire Escape

10. Fanfarlo: The Walls are Coming Down

11. Tori Amos: Starling

12. Fanfarlo: Drowning Men

13. Fanfarlo: If it is Growing

14. Fanfarlo: Harold T. Wilkins, Or

15. Tori Amos: Fire to your Plain

16. Fanfarlo: Finish Line

17. Fanfarlo: Drowning Men (acoustic)

18. Peter Bjorn & John: Stay this Way

19. Tori Amos: Ophelia

20. Peter Bjorn & John: Last Night

21. Fanfarlo: Acoemeti

To Music and Yoga

2009-06-09T09:27:00.000-04:00

The Gemini Full Moon in Sagittarius on Sunday was all about listening to ourselves and our thoughtful desires so that our own wisdom will lead us to the truth. It was about making time to listen again. Funny, then, that my June mantra is all about just that...tuning in! This was complete coincidence. Cool. ;) With that idea of finding your inner rhythm, there's no better way than music of course. I'm a little bit music obsessed, yes. And music is a large part of the yoga experience you will get when you come take a class with me (most times). Why? There are many reasons.

My first real creative outlet as a child of 7 or so was taking piano lessons. In middle school I played percussion (xylophone and timpani were my favorite). Eventually as a teenager, sports and other pursuits took precedence of my time but my love for all sorts of music continued to grow and inspire me to no end. (In fact, I am now playing ukelele, some other percussive instruments, and singing in a newly formed group with my 2 close gal friends!)

When my best friend introduced me to the Icelandic band, Sigur Ros, about 7 years ago something changed. I had never before heard music with such emotional, spiritual, physical beauty. And at that time I was very much into my yoga practice. I was about to start my teacher training and I was figuring out what lots of things in life meant to me. I started playing Sigur Ros albums during my home practice and felt new sensations occur in all forms. And, so I knew that when I decided to teach my own classes I would play music and it would be different. I chose to center my classes not simply around New Age/Yoga tunes all the time. But around music from all over the world that inspire me and make me feel something. To me, music allows us to get out of our heads, to feel what we need to at that moment, to "tune in." And coordinating those vibes with body movement, plus the mental/spiritual movement in yoga can simply be transforming. From Sigur Ros, I've opened myself to playing all different artists, but they remain a key sound for my classes, and Iceland is one of my largest sources of inspiration. Which is why I'll be taking a group of yogis there this September on a Yoga retreat to experience it first hand. I'll have a post with how to sign up to come, but feel free to e-mail me if you have any immediate questions. :)

In the latest June issue of Yoga Journal magazine, there is an entire article talking of just this. It's titled "Let the Music Move You." I enjoyed this article because it allows for both points of view and gives some nice insight about music and yoga. I've had both sides of the coin brought up to me about music being played in my class. What it comes down to is the individual choices of each teacher, and I've found my voice and creative expression through music. Michael Franti of Spearhead says in the YJ article, "Music can enhance your practice or take you away from examining yourself. Which is why we practice. Music, at its best, helps us go deeper within ourselves....combining yoga with music can really open the doors to our hearts, which allows us to release more freely." Love that.

You may not always connect to the music played in a class. And my classes usually embrace some strange stuff at times. ;) I only hope that the tunes will help you all open yourselves and tune in to your mats in whichever way that may be for you.

Check out my old and new playlists to practice to at home, or get creative and make ones that speak to you!

June mantra: Tune in

2009-06-04T09:48:00.000-04:00

Can't believe we're already into June! Spring is coming to an end and official start to summer is upon us. It marks such a busy time of year, as I was discussing last month...with all the graduation celebrations, birth of babies, weddings, birthdays, father's day, farmer's markets, and planning vacation time. I like this new idea of setting a mantra each month, especially to go along with your yoga practice. So this month I've decided to make my mantra simple again: Tune in. What does tuning in mean to me? Oh, so many things. Mainly it's the idea of listening to yourself. As I mention in pretty much every class I teach (sorry if you're sick of hearing it, but it's true...), being aware of yourself and mindful of your breath/movements can be one of the most important things to keep you happy and healthy. Not just noticing how you feel physically, but also where you're at emotionally and mentally. Body/mind/spirit go hand in hand. Both on and off the mat. It's so easy for us to forget when we're going about our days to notice our reactions to people, situations, the food we eat, our thoughts, etc. We rush, rush around in our busy schedules and often forget to just notice our breath and be aware (Tune in) to what's going on inside us and around us. I know I'm guilty of it. There is hope, however! All we have to do is remember the mantra to tune in this month and maybe we'll start to notice ourselves more. It can be part of our yoga practice, as usual.

And the exciting way to start this? Fresh, organic, local foods! Yes, this first weekend in June marks the start to our local farmer's markets here in Somerville/Cambridge. There is no better way to start to tune in than by creating nourishing meals full of local, fresh nutrients that will recharge you and help you find your body rhythm.

Some friends of mine have started a beautiful CSA farm in Wrentham, MA (near Patriots Stadium on the way to Providence), called White Barn Farm. They are having their first roadside stand this coming Saturday morning, June 6th. I was just there a couple weekend's ago (check out the pics) and it inspired me so much to see these beautiful-spirited people putting their hearts into their land and providing other's with love by cultivating fresh/organic crops. I'm looking into putting together a yoga/farm picnic day trip, so stay tuned!

Anyway, if you're not coming to class this Saturday morning and find yourself looking for a fun little journey to gather some nice veggies or plants for your garden for the weekend, then head on down.

To tuning in and harmonizing in June...

Needing the New Moon

2009-05-22T10:24:00.000-04:00

Summertime is upon us...well technically not for about another month, but the past few days it has arrived in Boston. It's been a week of taking life slow, although now for me, not intentionally. After last weekend of yogaliciousness, the week began full of inspiration as my sassy musical sistas (The Sass Factor-info and tunes coming to a site one day soon...) and I worked on new songs and gathered insights. By Tuesday I was taking in the wind, dancing the orange (as Rilke would say), striking some asanas with the trees, and basking in the warm sun. But by the end of Tuesday, my body was forcing me to take a step back.

On Wednesday I had plans to head out to Amherst for the day (and first time ever) on a covert yoga mission with 2 fellow fabulous teacher ladies/friends of mine. I knew as the day began that I didn't feel 100% but just couldn't pass up the opportunity to visit someplace new with amazing company and yoga inspiration awaiting. Sure enough we had a glorious day of western Mass natural beauty, sunshine, yummy foods, scouring the salvation army & various other shops, and 2 lovely practices (one hatha, one intense ashtanga). The practices took place at Yoga Center Amherst with Eric in the morning, and then Karen in the evening. The studio is big and bright with windows all around, colorful props, local artist's work on the walls, antique ceilings/lights, and nice wood floors. Nothing pretentious or fake about it. Just pure radiant yoga-love energy all around. When I open a studio one day, I imagine it will embody a vibe that is similar. Anyway, I muscled and breathed through the day with the help of kombucha and my friends' conversation/positivity but by 11pm upon returning to Somerville, I knew I was spent. Even after skipping half the chaturangas and taking balasana various times during the ashtanga class, I probably shouldn't have taken it in the first place. Why do we push ourselves sometimes when we should have listened to our intuitions in the first place?

My older brother down in Texas was diagnosed with a mild strain of swine flu last week (he's a schoolteacher and someone in his school passed it on). It worried me for a second, until he reassured me that he was fine and just needed to rest and battle it off. Now this week I find myself feeling down and out...wait a minute?!? No, I am fine. But seriously there has been something going around. I find that I don't get sick with colds or upset stomachs or anything often other than this same old run-down/flu-like crap, which tends to happen seasonally. Not sure if it's because I come in contact with tons of different people as a yoga teacher and my body responds to germs in this way or what? It's frustrating because I feel so good on the inside and just want to be out enjoying the sunshine like everyone else, but my muscles are fatigued, my head pounds, my eyes are sore. As an active yogini I tell you, it's not easy for me to just lie here. I want to be practicing, walking, tapping my foot to music, riding Ms. Rita around town. I suppose my active energy tends to need a slap in the face at times to remind me to literally take it slow. Not just mentally/spiritually, but physically, too.

There is the Gemini New Moon occurring this Sunday, which has to do with feeling love for our brothers and sisters around us. Being grateful for our friends and families and the people in our lives who are always there to support us and bring us love. At times when we are not 100%, we especially take in their energy, and I can attest to that now. Everyone in my yoga community in Cambridge/Somerville and beyond, are my sisters and brothers. I feel that more and more each day, especially at times like now when you all send your healing vibes my way. :)

This weekend, I hope to be putting some of that shakti energy back out there again. And honoring my friendships with not just my blood brothers/sisters, but my sisters/brothers from everywhere I've been and from right here in my own backyard. Cheers and gratitude to you all!

Slow May Playlist

2009-05-14T09:16:00.000-04:00

A mellow mix of music for my mantra of taking May slow. These are all new artists to me, and they are refreshing and lovely. Enjoy!

1. Eluvium: An Accidental Memory

2. Eluvium: An Accidental Memory in Case of Death

3. Eluvium: Prelude for Time Feelers

4. The Books: That Right Ain't Shit (Shout out to Gabe for the rec of this band)

5. The Books: Tokyo

6. Eluvium: Genius in Thieves

7. Christopher Warren-Green (London Chamber Orchestra): Vermont Counterpoint

8. The Books: The Future, Wouldn't That Be Nice?

9. Christopher Warren-Green: Glass: Facades

10. The Books: Take Time

11. Eluvium: Negenthe

12. Eluvium: Reciting the Airships

13. The Books: A True Story of a Story of True Love

14. Eluvium: Radio Ballet

15. Eluvium: Amreik

16. Eluvium: Ostinato

May mantra: Taking it Slow

2009-05-12T11:37:00.001-04:00

So I know I haven't been writing much on here as of late, and that's due to my new May mantra and vibe. I've declared this month a time to "Take it Slow." I found that spring set in, and all of a sudden everyone's schedule gets full of social events and celebrations and so much to do! There have been birthdays galore, school celebrations, workshops, parties, and births...yes I am an auntie! My younger sister gave birth to my nephew just this last weekend! There is still so much to look forward to as spring continues on and we then get ready to welcome the heat of summer. It's been easy to start to feel like one has to fit everything in and rush around. I have been feeling that way the past few weeks, so I'm trying really hard now to not have any worries, but just to take it "irie" style. Just do my yoga, teach, plan excursions that will nourish my soul (such as going to visit my nephew), and live/let be.

My macbook died and so I'm still in the process of figuring out how to transfer all my tunes from my ipod into my itunes again (which is why I haven't posted a new playlist in awhile)...

But the tunes keep coming, so don't worry! And with my new May mantra, I find myself discovering new outlooks, interests, and talents as well. I've been gardening, trying to cook more, going to art events/museums/performances, reading, yoga-ing of course, and writing music. Yep, there is a gal group of "songstresses with sass" embarking on a journey together...and I shall have more for you all on that in the future. Inspiration continues to flow. Can you all find it?

Upcoming Event: My Vinyasa Flow Intensive Workshop is this coming Saturday at Karma Yoga Studio in Cambridge.

*If you've had at least one year of a continuos vinyasa practice, then come by for an intensive flow, where we'll break down the poses to introduce more advanced variations. This is aimed for those of you who've been taking my classes for the past few years and are ready to amp it up a notch! It will be fun!

When: Saturday, May 16th from 2-4:30pm

$46 drop-in, 25% discount for Karma members

And information on my fall yoga adventure to Iceland will be coming within the week...so stay tuned!

Sending you all some of the slowness and love...

Feeling Mother Earth

2009-04-24T15:13:00.000-04:00

It is a most gorgeous spring Friday here in New England. A lovely day for a New Moon. And it's the new moon in Taurus at that. Time to reconnect to our Mother that gives us life and energy. We celebrated Earth Day this week and saw the country in talks to actually start doing things about our environmental issues. But, as I mentioned in my classes this week...the more you come to your mats or your meditations, the more aware you'll become. Aware of yourself and your needs. Aware of your surroundings. Aware of what you put in and on your body. Aware of what you put in your mind and how you use it to treat others. I know you heard it all week, but Earth Day truly IS every day. And now is the time to be inspired and to set forth in your journey of what that means to you.

With that, it's been a somewhat long, tiring week here in Boston. Starting with Patriots' Day Monday...we saw so many come to bust their booties on the challenging course (props to Jess, Andreas, and Antonio!). Then it rained, rained all through the middle of the week. My computer completely shut down (as I write this from someone else's). People came to class dealing with family sickness, break-ups, work exhaustion, finals overload. And then this morning I discovered my flat bike tire, making me then have to book it the half hour walk to teach my class (and I just barely made it in time)! But ya know what?
Class was fantastic. Full of faces new and old that I was so grateful for. Great energy and peacefulness. And among all the little things from the week that maybe went a way other than expected, I realize today that there were more positive than not.
I took class from a friend this week, had lunch and dinner with friends, spent plenty of time with the person in my life that inspires me most, snuggled with cats, listened to fun music, talked up yoga in front of strangers in a boutique, and felt warmer air on my skin. Venus is very present in the skies at the moment. It's time for us all to keep invoking our creativity, and take pleasure in the art, beauty, and natural life around us. This new moon has us figuring that out within ourselves and starting fresh again, but also remembering to slow it down. Spring has sprung, yes. But as I learned in my hurried state to get to my students this morning, we can take in spring one day and one step at a time. For that I can't wait for the spontaneous surprises around the corner and the the gifts our Earth Mother might bring, if we simply remember to take her in and treat her right. Off to a weekend to do just that...

Spring Candlelight Playlist

2009-04-17T08:24:00.000-04:00

Tonight is my 2nd ever Free Candlelight Yoga Class. (6:30pm at Shobu Aikido, 34 Allen St. in Union Sq. Somerville) This time it's my gift to you all as spring settles in. The days are much longer, we're promised a high in the 60's today, and life is blooming all around us! I've just returned this week from a visit to my family in Philly over the long Easter weekend...where I felt my little nephew kicking inside my sister's belly, got my Mom on a new yoga kick (woohoo!), and ate an abundant amount of chocolate. ;0
And to think this time last year I was arriving in Iceland for the first time! What a magical journey that was for my best friend and I. This weekend we'll be celebrating her birthday once again, with the magic of Iceland in our thoughts but the friends and life of Boston at our fingertips. Those of you wanting to experience Iceland in a yogic, adventurous, and spirit-filled way...well hang on for another week or so and I'll be posting all the details about my upcoming retreat there in September! Til then, do like the Buddha...tilt your head to the sky and laugh at the joy of life.

1. Hammock (am not sure of the song title, but this band is lovely chill music)
2. Angelique Kidjo: Malaika
3. Four Tet: Slow Jam
4. Feist: 1234
5. Gavin DeGraw: Free
6. Bat for Lashes: Good Love
7. Tiken Jah Fakoly: Allah
8. Bat for Lashes: Moon and Moon
9. Goddamn Electric Bill: Looking Up at Dawn
10. Jehro: All I Want
11. M. Ward: Blake's View
12. Krishna Das: Refuge in the Name
13. Sigur Ros: Agaetis Byrjun (live)
14. Sigur Ros: Heysatan (live)
15. Sigur Ros: Von (live)

Inspiration

2009-04-09T16:26:00.000-04:00

Aries Full Moon in Libra:

Time to liberate yourself from what you think others expect from you or what you think you need to be like. This is a great time to find a loving attitude toward yourself and to trust that you know who you are and what your destiny is. Plus, it's the best full moon of the year to take in all the pleasures of life. To find sweetness in your days, to form a fresh attitude, and to be vibrant!

If you're in need of inspiration...check out my amazing friend, Meghan's story. She is such an inspiration and she is proof of someone who trusts in herself and her destiny.
http://meghantelpnerblog.com/2009/04/05/my-story-how-i-got-here/
I follow her blog (she's a holistic nutritionist and it's always full of helpful info and recipes).

I'm home visiting my family today through the weekend and finding time to take in sweetness of those I love. Hope you all can do the same. Upcoming April yoga event details to come...

"She (the yogini) is always aware. She is called a drashta- a seer. She is the witness of events. Your aim on the path to realizing and awakening your dormant potential should be to eventually unfold this faculty of awareness within yourself." -Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Starting Spring Fresh Playlist

2009-04-02T15:00:00.000-04:00

With my spring has sprung attitude, I give you a new mix as we plunge into April. GDEB is from San Diego and is great electro/ambient/yoga-inspiring vibes. Theresa Andersson is a New Orleans artist by way of Scandinavia and she's totally eclectic and up my ally (thanks Inez for the reminder to check her out). And Ms. Nina Fuller is one of my loveliest friends. Look for her to play around town soon...

1. Goddamn Electric Bill: March at Dawn

2. GDEB ("): Before

3. Theresa Andersson: Hi-Low

4. GDEB: Lost in the Zoo

5. Theresa Andersson: Birds Fly Away

6. Nina Fuller: Never Doubt

7. Theresa A: The Waltz

8. Nina Fuller: Grammy's Song

9. GDEB: Looking Up at Down

10. Nina Fuller: Veiled Future

11. Gavin DeGraw: Mountains to Move

12. Theresa A: Locusts are Gossiping

13. GDEB: Witching Hour

14. Theresa A: Innan Du Gar

15. Theresa A: God's Highway

16. GDEB: Opa

17. GDEB: The Nuclear Family

End to March...

2009-03-31T15:49:00.000-04:00

There is a crescent moon in Gemini today, as we are now heading clearly into spring. The new moon in Aries at the end of last week allowed us to reflect on happiness. Finding it within ourselves no matter what situation we're in at this very moment in our lives. I'm finding inspiration all around us. Hope you all are, too.

Go check out a museum, pick up a new book, find a new song to memorize, and take a new step outside to smell the fresh rain and flowers settling in.

All of this will inspire you to take better care of your bodies as well. Dig deeper in your practice. And be joyful! April awaits us with new light and energy.

Om Mani Padme Hum

Upcoming Events

2009-03-17T11:34:00.000-04:00

Spring is finally starting to settle in Boston...

Friday, March 20th: My restorative vinyasa class at Shobu Aikido will be at 5:00pm so that we can all have time to make it to the Krishna Das concert at Harvard.

Krishna Das is one of the most well-known kirtan singers/chanters in the world. His peacefulness and spirit lights up the room when he sings. I will be there! Concert begins at 8:00pm in Memorial Hall's Sanders' Theatre just outside of Harvard Yard.

Sunday, March 22nd: My Spring Awakening Workshop at Shobu Aikido

Where: 34 Allen St. (in the dojo, restored warehouse), Union Sq. Somerville

Time: 2-4:30pm

What to bring: mat, journal, water, layers to keep cozy

*We'll warm-up, break down heart-opening/backbending poses, then work them into an uplifting sequence, and wind-down with some journaling and meditation.

Cost: $40 (either pay at the door, or sign up online at www.shobu.org)

Tuesday, March 31st: My vinyasa flow class at Karma Yoga Studio will be donation-based, with all proceeds going to Karma's cat rescue shelter. So, if you come to my class that night (7:30-8:45pm), your payment will go to the kitties. :)

--Hope everyone is enjoying this St. Patty's Day and looking up for Spring. More moon updates, music, and April events' news to come!

"One whose mind is stilled by the practice of yoga sees the self through the pure mind & rejoices in the self." --Gita

March Moon Playlist

2009-03-12T10:40:00.000-04:00

1. Morcheeba: The Sea

2. India.Arie: River Rise

3. Jehro: I Want Love

4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Hysteric

5. " " " : Skeletons

6. Bat for Lashes: Daniel

7. Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Heads Will Roll

8. " " " : Soft Shock (acoustic)

9. " " " : Skeletons (acoustic)

10. " " " : Little Shadow (acoustic)

11. " " " : Hysteric (acoustic)

12.Jehro: Everything

13. Fionn Reagan: Snowy Atlas Mountains

14. Massive Attack: Protection

15. Sufjan Stephens: Out of Egypt, into the great laugh of mankind...

16. Mum: Sunday Night Just Keeps on Rolling

Thanks to Maribeth for some of these tunes...fun, inspiring stuff.

Daughter of the March Full Moon

2009-03-10T14:52:00.000-04:00

Another moon cycle has come and gone. We're back to another full moon. Last one of the winter. Tonight it's in Virgo, affecting digestion (your intestines and pancreas) and it's a great time for finding solutions when concerned about questions or problems. But when the moon is full in Virgo and in the sign of Pisces, then it gives us the gift of vision. Knowing that we can build a strong foundation for the future, it reminds us to take life one step at a time and see the wisdom in the current moment. It reminds us to serve ourselves in order to serve others, and to listen to the voice within.

The days are longer now and the magic of spring is in the air. Everyone talks about the sunshine and how happy we are when the days are long and sunny. But, don't forget the moonshine. Take in its glow and know that there is hope coming forth from it. To rebuild our natural world both inside and out. Maybe right now that means your physical body. Maybe it's your spiritual self. Or on a larger scale, it's our society...it's our world. We can continue to create our own realities by simply aspiring to be true to ourselves. So, keep relaxing and meditating on what you see for yourself. What seeds you want to plant with the spring. And then watch them grow!

Time for some moon salutations and truth in asana...see you on the mat.

"As long as you're breathing, you have more than you know..."

Time & Space Playlist

2009-02-28T15:08:00.000-05:00

Playlist of the week:

Compiled mostly of and inspired by M. Ward's newest album, "Hold Time." And also by this week of feeling an interconnectedness to the earth, other people, and just being happy in this time and space.

1. Explosions in the Sky: So Long, Lonesome

2. India.Arie: A Beautiful Day

3. M. Ward: For Beginners

4. M. Ward: One Hundred Million Years

5. M. Ward: Never Had Nobody Like You

6. Calexico: Bisbee Blue

7. M. Ward: Jailbird

8. M. Ward: Stars of Leo

9. Zap Mama: Cache-Cache

10. M. Ward: Rave On

11. M. Ward: Epistemology

12. M. Ward: Fisher of Men

13. M. Ward: To Save Me

14. Zap Mama: Miss Q'in

15. M. Ward: Hold Time

16. India. Arie: Pearls

17. Zap Mama: Vivre

18. M. Ward: Outro (I'm a Fool to Want You)

19. Under Byen

20. Under Byen

21. Sigur Ros: Med Blonasir

22. Sigur Ros: Se Lest

Mardi Gras New Moon

2009-02-24T13:41:00.000-05:00

So today marks the new moon in Pisces, falling on the evening of Mardi Gras and Carnival all around the world. Even if you're not celebrating in the spirited streets of Dominica, Venice, New Orleans, or Rio...we can all embrace the soft energy of this moon to embrace our even flow of feelings and sense of well-being. When the moon is new in pisces it connects us to our most important personal foundations in our life. It engages us and allows us to questions what we are manifesting for ourselves. So this cycle in Pisces, we can cleanse, let go, and remember the connection we have to our source and our soul. It's about being open to surrender, trusting our feelings, and letting them flow. As water signs like myself already know...feelings are a source of creative life. They are what allow us to discover hidden talents, ideas, and desires to experience life in full.

Maybe you're having a hard time figuring out what you feel? There will always be cycles that we go through as human beings where we'll be confused, in a period of change, and even afraid to confront our own feelings and emotions. The more we keep pushing them aside or burying them deep, the more we will continue to get stuck in our own mental confusion. You know what I'm talking about. We all experience it at one time or another.

And with that, the dreams and talents you possess so abundantly will continue to be buried unless we fearlessly unwrap them again. Simone Butler suggests that we take time to ease into a relaxed state (can you say "savasana"? ) and ask your parallel self for the next step toward creating happiness, wealth, or love in your life. And to continue doing so over the next month of Pisces.

Still bouncing off carnival energy from Dominica, I feel full of life! Compassion and love, ahimsa (non-violence), strength, awakening...the list goes on to the endless possibilities we can all discover during this cycle. Even in the midst of change. Simply being present in the moment of change in our lives is the first step. I hope to keep bringing that energy of embracing your own inner changes into our yoga practices this coming month. Let's not be afraid to find it, together.

Now I will invoke some Quan Yin goddess energy, find my feet, and let the joy from the earth spring up into me so that when spring does arrive, I will be ready.

Song of my moment: "A Beautiful Day" by India.Arie

All we have is Now

2009-02-20T17:06:00.000-05:00

All everyone talks about in February is how much they can't wait for March to arrive and winter to end. I suppose I can be guilty of it too. Why are we always in a rush for what's to come? Why can't we just chill out and be happy for the moment in time that's called February! I'm still reveling in the beauty that was last weekend and valentine's love, when my friends and I gathered for a night of creative performances and cheer. A whirlwind of a week has gone by and I see through my practice this week and through teaching that I can be so happy by living in the moment. Just taking in each day, believing in each moment, and letting time slow down. Letting time stand still. I've had more than a few moments like that this week. And for them I am grateful. Lao Tzu said, "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."

We can taste spring. It's around the corner. After getting back from Dominica, I've been full of joy and never thought I'd say this...but I don't think I'm quite ready to get rid of winter just yet. Yeah. I am liking the invigorating winds at the moment. The final month of my Irish wool scarf and Icelandic shawl. And one more winter moon cycle to encounter. And I'm diggin' the new India.Arie record, "Testimony Vol. 2: Love & Politics." And M. Ward's, "Hold Time." Check Them Out. I'll be setting our asanas to them soon, soon. Oh yeah.

Feeling light within...I walk. To teach in Union Sq. tonight at the Shobu Aikido dojo. (Mondays and Fridays at 6:30pm ;) ) Maybe 1 person will show up, maybe 10. Trying not to rush the process of the way things are meant to occur can be tricky. Either way, I walk into the now. Because at the moment it's all I have.

"Don't let your unkind mind tell you that you are supposed to be better than you are."

--Stephen Levine

*That's for you, Leigh!

Valentine's Love for Ya

2009-02-13T15:37:00.000-05:00

New mix...kinda random, but it's fun and it's my valentine love to you for class this weekend. :)

1. Arms & Sleepers: Lausanne *They are playing PA's Lounge in Somerville Valentine's night

2. Hot Chip: So Glad to See You

3. Stars: Heart

4. Leona Naess: Calling

5. Bruno Merz: Beautiful Always

6. Aberfeldy: Love is an Arrow

7. Jenny Lewis: Trying my Best to Love You

8. Brandi Carlile: Closer to You

9. Avi & Celia: Ivory Bones *They're playing Toad in Cambridge Valentine's night

10. Calexico: Yours & Mine

11. Natural Black: Love You

12. M.I.A.: Sunshowers

13. Ginjah: Never Lost My Way

14. Norah Jones remix: Life is Better

15. Ray LaMontagne: Winter Birds

16. Rufus Wainwright: Pretty Things

17. Teitur: One and Only

18. Bat for Lashes: I'm on Fire

19. Olafur Arnalds: 0952

20. Olafur Arnalds: 1440

Yes, Valentine's Day has become a commercial, cynical "holiday." But ya know what? Who cares! We take for granted times in life to outwardly show our love for people that we love. So why not set aside at least one day during the year where it's okay to express that love for your significant other, your best friends, your mom, your dog...whoever. A little more love in the world has never hurt anyone. It only helps bring more peace and good vibes.

This year it marks the 5th year anniversary of my grandma's death. And since she passed, it will now always be an even more special day for me. A day to mark her loving spirit. She has influenced me in many ways to be the adventurous, creative gal that I am. So, cheers to sharing love this weekend in all sorts of ways. :)

From Dancer's pose to Ice Cream

2009-02-10T14:29:00.000-05:00

Pose of the week: Dancer's Pose (Nataranjasana) as displayed here by my lovely friend, Meghan. She so beautifully extends herself with grace into finding joy in the middle of winter. I encourage you all to try this pose when feeling blah, and see how fun it is!

A major player in the joy and growth that occurred on my recent trip to Dominica was the various interactions with young kids that I met there. I've felt like a kid at heart and I think that attitude helps me to connect to most kids easily. I'll start with how dancer's pose became the "pose of the week."

One afternoon, Nazarene and I took an adventure to the capital city of Roseau. After walking the botanical garden grounds, we ventured into the town for lunch where we then managed to devour a huge avocado. So then walking about to find interesting shops to pop into out of the heat, we ran into a small group of young schoolgirls in uniforms. They stopped in front of the store we were in front of...sad to see it was closed. So I started talking to them. After some words, they asked if we were on a cruise ship. To their surprise, no we were not. We were on a yoga retreat! It was then that one of the girls kicked her leg back and extended her opposite arm in what she didn't realize was called "dancer's pose" as she exclaimed, "Yoga!" It was so much fun. A few minutes later, 2 other school girls who were slightly older, went out of their way on their lunch break to take us to the ice cream shop when we asked where one was located. The 4 of us ordered the most refreshing soursoup, papaya ice creams that hit the spot! And the few moments with all of those girls instantly made life fresh.

On another afternoon, we chased the sun to a beach town to chill in the sand, drink from coconuts, and play before afternoon yoga. It was there that 2 young boys became curious about us. As the gals went off to find coconuts, I was drying off from the sea and Joelle came over to chat. We ended up praying in the sand together...for more sunshine. To me, it was more than praying for sunshine on that rainy day. I saw an innocence in his closed eyes and rambunctious spirit that I hoped would not leave him too soon. So it was then we started talking about yoga. And his friend came over to play too. Downward dogs (as seen in the picture), warriors, tree pose, and handstands ensued. We then ventured off into cartwheels and round-offs and then raced each other to a palm tree and back. I felt 9 years old again and it was the most fun I'd had on the beach in a long time. And when we had to leave and Joelle asked us if we'd be back tomorrow, my heart sank but I hoped we'd both remember the fun and energy from the afternoon for a long time to follow.

So I guess it's just about all of us remembering our inner child as much as we can. Learning from children all over the world, that there's always something to keep striving for. Even if it's just with them in mind. If we take on a better balance of child-like innocence mixed with our adult responsibilities, then maybe we'd all make better choices for our futures AND theirs.

The song that became our week-long yoga in da rainforest theme:

"Striving" by Anthony B

Irie Playlist and Full Moon goodness

2009-02-09T14:47:00.000-05:00

Spreading the good vibes, I've discovered some new reggae (and old) to bring the joy into our practices this week and beyond:

1. Nasio Fontaine: Reggae Music (he's a Dominican artist)

2. Eloquent: Take it with a Smile

3. Bob Marley: Three Little Birds

4. Nasio Fontaine: She Lost Track

5. Etana: I am not Afraid

6. Bob Marley: I Know a Place

7. Anthony B: Striving

8. Nasio Fontaine: Rough Road

9. Teflon: We're Gonna Make it

10. Nasio Fontaine: Jah Calling

11. Spanner Banner: Angels Around Me

12. Nasio Fontaine: When

13. Fantan Mojah: Most High Jah

14. Nasio Fontaine: Behold

15-16. instrumental songs by The Album Leaf for savasana :)

So today is the Aquarius Full Moon in Leo. It calls for us to find the joy in our own individual creative abilities, wherever your form of expression may lie. And then joining that with the rising of humanity that cares for us all. Bringing us all together simply by honoring your own creativity and cultivating it. I believe that every person has something creative to share. Sometimes people are just afraid or closing themselves off to what it might be or what it might open up for them. Meditate for a moment with the moon tonight to catch a glimpse of what might be calling you. The moon's energy is universal and can be seen all over the world. I spent the new moon in aquarius in the Dominican rainforest and it was the most beautiful crescent moon I've ever witnessed. The stars there seem to sing themselves brighter and brighter in order to get you to notice them. Magical skies and tropical air can really do something to open up ones passion for life and creativity again!

So, even if our winter skies here hide the stars, the moon will always be here and will shine bright around the world. Take some reggae music, yoga, and energy from each other to find your place of spark in your life.