Haiti Love

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

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

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

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

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

*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

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.