It's Time

I made this playlist the morning of Obama's inauguration...and it's flowing so nicely in class this week!  I don't really know how I pick what's gonna go on a mix in particular.  It just kind of comes out, not so different than the way I teach my yoga classes I suppose.  It's all about tapping into your third eye.  ;)  Check out these tunes:

1. Tori Amos:  Yo George

2. Jenny Lewis:  Godspeed     (send off to W.)

3. Anthony Hamilton:  Soul's on Fire   (lighting up our soul's with Obama!)

4. Mum: Blessed Brambles   *time to chill out...and move forward

5. David Newman:  Bajarang Bali

6. Bon Iver:  Blood Bank

7. Bruno Merz:  Nine Sixteen

8. Bon Iver: Beach Baby

9. Avi & Celia:  Seven Years

10. Bruno Merz:  Serenade

11. Bon Iver:  Babys

12. Jack Johnson:  It's All Understood

13. Bon Iver:  Woods

14. David Newman:  Ganesh Gayatri/Rising Sun

15. Mum:  Please Sing my Spring Reverb

16. Mum:  Finally We are No One

And me?  Finally heading off to Dominica for some yoga, healing, new friends, nature, and adventure!  See ya in February!

"Be like the bird who, halting in her flight, On boughs too slight, Feels them give way beneath her, Yet sings, knowing she hath wings."

-Victor Hugo

Mid-January Moon Mode

1. Johan Johannsson:  Melodia (III)

2. Tori Amos:  Pretty Good Year

3. Jenny Lewis:  Sing a Song for Them       

4. Miss Tess:  I Got the Fever     

*Playing TOAD every Sunday this month

5. Bat for Lashes:  The Wizard

6. Anthony Hamilton:  Fallin' in Love       

*will make you want to dance during your asana

7. Rilo Kiley:  The Silver Lining

8. Adele:  Daydreamer

9. Bob Marley:  The Sun is Shining        

*an ode to the fact that I'll be heading into the sun soon!

10. Qwill:  Laugh

11. Calexico:  Slowness

12. Avi & Celia:  Zephyr                         

*playing TOAD tomorrow night, 10pm, check them out

13. Hot Chip:  Look After Me

14. Bat for Lashes:  I'm on Fire

15. Mum:  I'm 9 Today

16. Mum:  There is a Number of Small Things

17. Amiina: Untitled 3

So it's an interesting time, this mid-January feel that we've got going on.  I've been not feeling up to par physically and hoping that rest and lots of tea will push sickness away from me.  I'm trying the skill of staying positive and joyful to see if that will help.  Everyone seems to be in a strange mood as of late.  But guess what?  Obama is heading into the white house in just a few days now, the days are actually starting to feel a little bit longer, I'm heading to Dominica very soon (in which you can still come if you want), there is lots of beautiful music and art to help you smile during this winter, and yoga will always help you heal.  Plus, I'm feeling that spark coming on.  You know...when that burst of creativity is on the tip of your tongue and you're just gearing up for when it comes bursting through your skin?!  Yes.  Not sure if it will come from my ukelele, harmonica, jewelry-making, acting, or yoga.  But it's there and it's welcome at any time now.  The key is trying to keep feeding it through things and people that inspire you.  That's pretty much what I got for ya at the moment.  

My classes at Shobu Aikido (34 Allen St. in Union Sq., Somerville) are now at 6:30pm every Monday and Friday.  It's very peaceful.  A huge serene space where all I have on are twinkling lights.  You can come for 75 min. of a slow, restorative vinyasa flow.  Find a little bit of curiosity within, some more peace of mind, and some openness to what you can achieve as the winter carries on.  A great way to start and end your work week.  

And I'm always at Karma in Cambridge if you want a slightly more active flow, or an intense power flow.  Hope to see you all on the mat before the end of next week and my trip.  Happy weekend ahead!

P.S. Pose of the moment to try to find some of that open heart?  Dhanurasana, bow pose (the one I'm demonstrating in the pic above).  Doesn't have to be intense, just fly on your belly and open to what you might be storing inside.  

Some things to look forward to this month

Winter is in full force.  Yes.  But so far so good, right?  We're just 9 days into the new year and I continue to encourage you to find transformation and inspiration within yourselves to stay hopeful and positive about your own future.  Part of it remains staying present and taking it one day at a time.  Finding things to look forward to...one day at a time.  It can be tough going in these dark days.  But when we care for each other, it can help us from hardening.  Never underestimate the power you have to make someone smile, laugh, sing, feel, and be here.  We all have that power and it's what will help us move forward in peace.  

With the full moon in Cancer upon us tomorrow, it's reminding us to discover our divine ambition.  To reflect on how we can develop the spiritual relationships within ourselves in order to commit to what we desire to accomplish and get grounded to caring for each other in these tough times as a whole.  Connecting to the divine whole that we are as a local community, a family, a loved one, or a stranger on the street.  Keep your eyes open.  Let the moon's light shine down on you from the winter sky and tell you it's secret.  

The countdown begins...just 2 more weeks til I take off for Dominica to lead the vacation of healing, adventure, and fun!  I have such hope and joy to share on this journey.  There are still open spots to round out the intimate and lovely group.  Check it out and if your heart is ready to commit to something deeper and some light-hearted fun, then I encourage you to come along with me.  

Winter Yoga Utopia Retreat

Wednesday, Jan. 14:  Come to Grand (one of my fave stores in town) in Union Sq. for a special event hosted by Shobu Aikido!  The Shobu studio is where I teach slow flow vinyasa every Monday and Friday at 6pm.  I will be on hand, as well as the aikido masters, to talk about classes and the like.  We'll have sake to taste.  What better way to warm up and learn about something new on a winter night?  :)

Saturday, Jan. 17:  David Newman Kirtan Concert  

He is one of my fave kirtan singers and will be at South Boston Yoga!  7pm.  Click the link to sign up.  I'll be there letting my heart sing.  If you can't make it then, my friend and awesome teacher/mentor, Chanel Luck, is teaching a special class at the Armoury in Somerville that afternoon at 2 pm.  David will be there playing live during the special class.  Check it out.  

And if your soul needs some music to bring it alive...visit the website for TOAD located in Porter Sq.  Every Sunday this month is the brilliant Miss Tess.  Plus, many of my other fave local artists that I gain inspiration from are on the bill this month (Avi & Celia, Jesse Dee, Danielle Miraglia & Dana Price).  It's always free to get in and a nice way to stay cozy on a cold night.  

Listening to lots of interesting and fantastic music...new playlists to come soon!

xoxo

New Year = Surrender to Growth

Last night on New Year's Day, I held my free candlelit yoga class.  It was originally set for the winter solstice but was cancelled due to the blizzard that swept Boston.  I am certain now that this class was meant to take place last night instead.  Not only am I in a new and beautiful place just a couple weeks after the solstice but I feel everyone is.  We gathered on the first night of the new year, as it was very cold and still somewhat snowy outside, to restore our spirits and bodies with a soothing vinyasa practice.  I lit lots of candles and was overjoyed to see my students start to file into the large, open, serene room.  Old students, new students, friends, family of students, and all types of bodies and energies placed their mats down with smiles.  

After celebrating the start to the new year among a close set of friends in my apartment the eve before, this was the perfect opportunity to share in this renewed outlook and perspective to life.  The topic of the class?  Surrender.  Finding the many different ways one can surrender and then choosing one way, listening to your intuition, releasing that invisible tension of fear, letting go, and eventually just coasting on the new wave of energy that will guide you where you're meant to go.  

There was an energy in the space, with all the different people last night that I have never felt before.  As we saluted our spirits through down dogs, cobras, forward folds, and numerous heart-openers...I felt a surge of joy and peace that is beyond describing here.  Not only is it reassurance that I'm still on the path I'm meant to be on, but it's comforting to feel my own growth and surrender.  Though not always easy, it's a necessary path to go down.  And I can only hope that this new year will lead us all to a newfound self-discovery.  

Just a few more weeks now until my trek to the island of Dominica to lead a new journey through yoga and healing.  So many new goals this year, and new adventures to discover!  

New Year's Day Playlist:

1. Johann Johannsson: The Great God Pan is Dead

2.        "          "              : Melodia (I)

3. Miss Tess: When Tomorrow Comes    (she's a brilliant local artist, check her out every Sunday  in Jan. at TOAD in Porter Sq.)

4. Calexico: Panic Open String

5. Hem: Half Acre

6. Sigur Ros: Inni mer syngur vitleysingur

7. Anthony Hamilton: Fine Again             (such an uplifting jam for hope)

8. Calexico: Falling from Sleeves

9. Greg Knowles & Mike Taylor: Monsoon Wedding

10. David Newman: Radhe Suite I:  The Longing    (he's a fave kirtan singer of mine, coming to Boston Jan. 17)

11. Eddie Vedder: Rise

12. Ar Rahman & Suzanne: Latika's Theme

13. Sarah Fimm: Paradise

14. Sigur Ros: Med sud i eyrum

15. Mychael Danna: Your Good Name

16. Audrey: Northern Lights

17.      "      : Dalalven

18. Johann Johannsson: Fordlandia-Aerial View

19.     "                 "           : Melodia (IV)

20. Sigur Ros: Hoppipolla

21. David Newman: Radhe Suite III: The Union

"Courage does not always roar.  Sometimes it is a quiet voice at the end of the day, saying...I will try again tomorrow."  (Thanks to Marilynn for this quote)

*And thanks to Gordon for the opportunities and enthusiasm to teach at Shobu Aikido, Wan for the great pics, Jenny for some of the songs, Naz for her constant help and support, and everyone who came or sent their love...it was beyond happiness for me and I continue to feel loved and grateful for each of you every day.  

Winter Solstice 2008

1. Amiina:  Glamur

2. The Album Leaf:  Last Time Here

3. Bon Iver:  Lump Sum

4. Broken Social Scene:  Capture the Flag

5. Broken Social Scene:  Looks Just Like the Sun

6. Bjork:  Frosti

7. David Newman:  Radhe Suite II--The Dance

8. Mum:  Faraway Swimming Pool

9. Thievery Corporation:  All That We Perceive

10. Frou Frou:  Breathe In

11.  Jean-Yves Thibaudet:  Liz on top of the World (Pride & Prejudice)

12. Jonatha Brooke:  Little Bird

13. Madredeus:  Oxala

14. Lymbyc Systym:  Rest Easy/Age Kindly

15. Mum:  Finally We Are No One

16. Seabear:  Hospital Bed

17. Ray LaMontagne:  Gossip in the Grain

18. Mum:  The Ballad of the Broken String

19. Sigur Ros:  Fljotavik

20. Sigur Ros:  Straumnes

21.  The Album Leaf:  Thule

The first full snowfall.  There is such beauty to be seen in this time of taking it slow and watching the natural spectacle of the divine mother share her presence.  This presence caused there to be no special candlelit solstice class as planned...but I have had some beautiful classes with everyone before  leaving for the holidays.  I have rescheduled my free candlelit class to you all for New Year's Day at the dojo in Union Sq.  I'll remind you again as it draws near.  

For now, take a cue from the words of one of the songs on my latest playlist for you all, as how I feel about all of you (my students and friends) and the attitude to take with you as you celebrate what you celebrate:

"Ride a wave on my inhaling...because I love you more."

Thank you all for a beautiful year of growth and confidence and strength.  Cheers to '09!    

  

Kali coming out...

So I had a "moment" in class this morning.  It was an interesting thing, and was needed, though made me feel a little strange.  Basically, it was time to address tardiness to class and the issue of respecting the practice.  This is something I've struggled with since becoming a teacher.  During my training to become a yoga teacher, it was imperative that we were on time to class in order to get grounded and be able to take the full benefits of our practice in.  If I were going to be late to a class, then I would usually just skip it and go to the next one or go home to practice.  But then I started teaching and having to figure out what to do when students were arriving late or leaving early.  I never really want to turn anyone away, however sometimes due to available room, it can be necessary.  I also am usually not great at confrontation.  But, I've also never been one to just let something I believe in fall to the wayside either.  

Now, I'm a really laid back kind of gal.  And those of you who come to my classes know that I will be cheerful and welcome everyone, no matter your experience, and even if you're late/leave early.  In the end it's all relative and at least you came.  It's also different (more acceptable) if you tell me before class begins that you have to leave early and then you exit before we get settled into savasana, or even if you let me know in a previous class that you might be a few minutes late to the next class you'll attend.  Those situations arise and if told, I will hold with gratitude.  Certain time slots (say lunch hour, or evening after a work day) are more likely to bring people stumbling in right at the time class starts.  This is life.  There are many different reasons and issues that might come up where you will be running late to class or need to leave early.  This, I do understand...and have been there myself.  

However, when a class starts at 10:15, and there is already a full room (or even if it's not a full room), and you're signing in at 10:20, then that could cause an issue.  20 people in the yoga room already finding their zen in child's pose and setting their intentions by 10:20 will then have to lift out of it to move their mats and throw off the course of the integration of practice.  This is what happened this morning.  It has been happening pretty frequently as of late.  Not just on Saturday mornings.  I love, love having a full room of people.  The energy is on fire and there is always something special, but it's even better when we're a room full of people ready to find ourselves in our practice when class is slotted to begin.  ;)  I've been letting this issue slide off my shoulders because it was easier at the time just to be chill about it and try not to let it bother me.  But this morning I suppose it just bubbled up and came out.  I had already told the deskie not to let anyone else in (but I know she was probably put in a hard place), when about 4 more people came into the room around 10:25.  At this point my short reprimand to the class about respecting the practice just sprang out from my lips.  I then knelt on my mat with eyes closed to breathe and continue to get them to breathe as I let it roll off again.  And then we went on to have one of the most joyful, rockin' classes!  And in the end, it felt good to allow some of my Kali energy to spring forth in order to stand up for myself and the practice.  So maybe it was simply time for the issue to happen because the joy we all felt after class was something awesome.  

So, in the end...when you're late, or when you leave during savasana...it's not so much a disrespect to me or your fellow students as it is to yourself and your own practice.  I just ask you to be more mindful of your time and how you enter into your practice.  If you're late, then come in quietly instead of throwing the mat down or plopping the strap to the floor.  Peacefully ask your fellow students if you can fit in between them.  And those of you already settled in, be compassionate to them as they come in quietly and make room!  There are times we can't control and when we enter the space to practice, let's not only have fun but be open to change, forgiveness, and becoming one as a community, and as ourselves.  This is the ultimate goal after all.  

So, to those of you in class this morning...thanks for putting up with my little "reprimand" and it wasn't targeted at anyone in particular.  It was as simple as finally addressing the issue at hand.  I love you all to pieces and look forward to continuing to grow as a teacher, as a student, and as your friend.  :)

Gemini Full Playlist:

1. Amiina:  Rugla

2. Sin Fang Bous:  A Fire to Sleep In

3. Leona Naess:  All the Stars

4. Avi & Celia:  Rollin' & Tumblin'

5. Qwill:  Find Your Way

6. Dido:  It Comes and it goes

7. Brandi Carlile:  Downpour

8. Tegan & Sara:  Dark Come Soon

9. Cat Power:  Maybe Not

10. Jamie Lidell:  Out of my System

11. Dido:  Never Wanna Say it's Love

12. Leona Naess:  Promise to Try

13. Otis Redding:  Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa (Sad Song)

14. Avi & Celia:  Aged Pine

15. Qwill:  Arrows

16. Mum:  Don't Be Afraid, You Just Have Your Eyes Closed

17. Avi & Celia:  Gnomes Time & Place Part 1

18. Amiina:  Kolapot   

Quote of the day:  "Some day perhaps the inner light will shine forth from us, and then we'll need no other light."  --John Wolfgang Von Goethe

Support local artists and the local economy

Playlist from the new moon in June:

--I made this way back in summertime.  Pretty mellow one with lots of Bon Iver and Cat Power.  I was so obsessed with the Bon Iver album for awhile.  It's a pretty great one now for wintertime too.  

1. Kyte:  Sunlight

2. Kyte:  Home

3. Sigur Ros:  Gobbledigook

4. Bon Iver:  Skinny Love

5. Cat Power: Maybe Not

6. Kyte:  Boundaries

7. Bon Iver:  Lump Sum

8. Cat Power:  Werewolf

9. Cat Power:  Evolution

10. Kyte:  Planet

11. Cat Power:  Free

12. Kyte:  They Won't Sleep

14. Bon Iver:  Flume

15. Bon Iver:  Blindsided

16. Bon Iver:  Re: Stacks

There's great, great art all around us here in Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston.  So, on some of these cold winter nights...I recommend getting out to check some out!  Currently the theatre company I am a part of (11:11 Theatre Company) has a show up at the Boston Playwright's Theatre (849 Commonwealth Ave.) called "Bella Muerte."  I'm not in this one, but it's awesome.  Totally different, dark, eerie, and very well-acted.  Go check it out!  

Lots of local art studios are having open studios for the holidays, so check out your area.  And also winter craft markets.  On top of that, there are so many great local artists being sold in boutiques in our area.  Some of my fave places to shop?  

Topaz --Harvard Sq. (check out Nyx Studio Jewelry, and Jaunty Jewels--local artists)

GRAND --Union Sq. (amazing array of artsy, cool things...everything from hoodies, to journals/books, to home items, to nooka watches)

Hope & Glory Vintage--in Union Sq.--I follow their blog, so check it out.  Great, great finds here!

Poor Little Rich Girl--Davis Sq.  

Magpie--Davis Sq.  (you can find Theai Designs, the jewelry line I create with my best friend, here)

Irish Imports--between Porter & Davis Sq. (my favorite winter accessories to keep warm)

Elle Boston-- Chestnut Hill Mall (check out August 15th collection jewelry, the owner's line)

And music!  There is SO much great music in our area.  Pick up the Weekly Dig, Phoenix, or something to scope out which venues have what this month.  Some that I recommend checking out soon:  

Avi & Celia at Club Passim this Wednesday (12/10), also with Annie and the Beekeepers

Andrew Hoover at the Paradise this Friday (12/12), also with Sister Hazel

The Seamonsters every Sunday night at Precinct in Union Sq.  

Jenee Halstead at Toad on Wednesday (12/17)