“Life Off the Mat”

Ahhh…. the sweet aroma of incense fills my senses and my soul. The worries of the day begin to fade. The warm candlelit room deeply calms me and the soft, peaceful, voice of the teacher draws me into a deep state of relaxation and bliss and finally as a result, I am home. Home on my Yoga mat, away from the fast passed, plugged in world, where I normally or perhaps abnormally dwell.

My body is comfortable here, my mind at ease. We move gently from one asana to the other and I am transformed. Transformed to a place where all is well. Class seems to magically fly by. I reluctantly roll up my mat and vow to return as much as I can! Now begins, “Real” life, off my mat, a deliberate day by day, moment by moment, quest to live a life of excellence and purpose.

5 simple steps to living a life of excellence and purpose…. “off the mat”

1. Discovering Mindfulness ~ “Mindfulness is paying attention on purpose in the present moment without judgement.” Jon Kabbat Zinn Mindfulness is a deliberate on purpose practice to connect with yourself, physically, emotionally, also spiritually. Mindfulness is centuries old, adopted by many, from the Buddhist practices of meditation. The purpose of mindfulness is to be in the present moment at all times. When you are deeply mindful, consequently there is freedom! Freedom from the constant influx of noise and distraction. Mindfulness is a disciplined practice to be practiced each day, moment by moment. Mindfulness opens you up to a life of excellence and purpose. Therefore, being aware of any given moment, good or bad, light or dark, happy or sad, without judgement, can invoke a sense of mindfulness and peace.

2. Discipline ~ “It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” Zig Ziglar

Another way of creating a purposeful Life off your Mat, is by developing a schedule or plan each day that will assist you to stay on course and change the pattern of your life. Discipline is “to bring to a state of order”. Therefore, creating goals or priorities each day may help resume order in your life. Not only discipline but also creating rituals to back up your plan. Sticking to your plan, is important if you want to experience great results. Most of all, don’t be over zealous with your priorities or list, just make it simple. If you do not follow through or cross off everything on your list, no internal spanking needed, just try again.

3. Live without Fear ~ Almost all of us have fears that limit our lives. Seems like, we spend so much of our lives being afraid, due to such a wide range of factors. We are afraid to step out of our comfortable box, afraid to say something wrong, afraid to offend, and afraid of what other people will think or say. Due to the fact we are also bombarded with news programs, social media blasts, twitter feeds, full of fear based stories, our day is on ” fear overload”. As a result, fear will ultimately immobilize us and send us into panic mode and perhaps even depression. Perhaps by creating a “fearless” mantra, to ease some of the toxic effects of fear, may help. Some mantra examples might be,” I am not afraid”, “No fear”, “I release all fear”. Repeat your mantra several times each day. Say it out loud, morning or night. Writing the mantra on several notes and arranging them throughout your home, office, or on your computer screen will remind you daily to be fearless!

4. Acceptance ~ “Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them. “ Albert Einstein

Please do not interpret acceptance for giving up or giving in. Hence, acceptance is an action step. A call to action to appreciate where you are in your life and to determine how and where you want to go. What it is you dream of and the steps to accomplish all your dreams and desires. Yet, before moving forward to there, you must first genuinely feel happy, here.

5. Gratitude ~ Being grateful, seems like, it is the kryptonite to negative feelings and emotions. Furthermore, we must learn to be grateful not only for the joyful times in our life but also the difficult times. Since it is in those times of trial we learn, stretch and grow. A perfect plan to invite gratefulness in your life is to help someone else. Just a simple note in the mail (not an email or text) but an actual hand written note would make someone’s day. Smile to at least 3 people each day! In addition, be creative, think of something fun! Spreading kindness to others will fill your life with gratitude.

So in conclusion, while Life off the Mat, can be a rough journey, and require, most note worthy, work and discipline, it is truly a lifelong and exciting journey. A journey filled with part time turbulence and part time joy. Consequently, by adapting just these 5 simple steps, you will be inspired and ultimately create a life of excellence and purpose, on or off your mat! Namaste.

For many of us, the New Year is a celebration of hope and new beginnings, a fresh start, and so it began for me.

I received a call from a very dear friend on the very first day of the new year. It had been years since we had spoken and about 6 years since she had moved several miles away. The sound of her voice made me smile and my mind, my heart and all my sensations were filled with a sea of fond memories. We could talk for hours. I could tell her anything. You know the kind of friend that nothing is off the table? We talked about life, kids, sex, love, politics, cooking, gardening, you name it, we shared it. We didn’t always agree but we gave each other the space to share what was in our hearts and on our minds.

I really didn’t understood why we didn’t talk more often but perhaps we both felt we were bothering the other? That was so far from the truth for me but let’s move on from here.

After a long chat, my friend felt a deep desire to “admit” something to me. I could hear it in her voice that this was really important for her to share and I just held my breath. Fear set in and a million terrible scenarios flashed before me. Perhaps she was sick or one of her children was ill? I waited and then she spoke. “I have something to admit to you”, and of course I replied reluctantly, ok? She began, ” I have always been intimidated by you, your life, your values and your success. You give so much to the world thru your work and I really have done nothing to contribute.”

I felt numb. My legs a bit wobbly, I nearly fell over. My eyes filled with tears as I tried to digest her words. Not you! Not you my dear friend!

After a long silence I regained my composure and began in vain telling her how much she meant to me. “You are an amazing woman”, I said with conviction in my heart. She wasn’t buying it. My praise fell upon deaf ears.

Our conversation slowly came to a gentle close. We said our good byes and promised to talk again soon.

I began to cry and my heart sank to my knees.

Sleep did not come easy that night, it actually never came. Tossing, turning, revisiting our conversation over and over.

Perhaps to some this is probably trivial but to a person like me, deeply sensitive, deeply thoughtful, it wasn’t trivial at all.

I needed to talk to someone in order for me to process the situation. Who could I call? Who would listen? I know! My dear friend who had moved several miles away from me, she would get me….Oh wait! She is intimidated by me! So I did what most intelligent, thoughtful, confused, individuals would do when they need help or advice….I googled it!

I began to frantically type, why are people intimidated by others? Lots of information came up but for me it was no help at all. I just needed to process this on my own.

Meditation was my weapon of choice. Time just in thoughtful and mindful attention.

Sexually, mentally, physically abused, regrets too many to mention, low self esteem, fear filled, ME?

Please understand that I am broken too…

Oh dear friend, you have it all wrong and perhaps the love and admiration I feel for you in not what you feel for me?

I pray, each day of my life, not for perfection or admiration.

I pray that God gives me the wisdom, strength and the determination, to become the best version of me.

Consequently, if others see me or anyone else as a threat or as an intimidating, probably these are not our people.

“May all my imperfections and shortcomings be my greatest allies.”

httpss://morrismountainfitnesscenter.com/2018/01/05/782/

So it is Spring and you are finally ready to take the plunge and begin to really take a good inventory of your life and take charge of your health and well being. You are finally ready to begin a Yoga practice and you really don’t know where or how to begin.

Maybe you’ve already been practicing and you wish to go a bit further and you wish to join a class. So your curiosity begins to build and you begin to look for a Yoga Studio, a Yoga Studio near you…Perhaps you begin by asking your friends where they are going. The truth is that no one Yoga Studio is right for everyone and what might feel really wonderful to your friends may not be the right fit for you. Whatever the case may be, these days, there are yoga studios on every corner, so how is a yogi to pick a studio that is right for them?

Below are 5 suggestions to help you on your quest to find the right Yoga Studio and the right teacher. I would also encourage you to visit as many studios as you are able. Many studios offer a complimentary trial class so you it may make it easier for you to decide. I also encourage others to find a Yoga Studio that is affordable, offers Yoga for Beginners and to choose a Yoga Studio that is near you and convenient.

1. Credibility
   The teacher’s certification and experience is really a must have. Before visiting any yoga studio, check out their website and read the teacher’s bio for their certification and where it came from.
   This is also a great way to determine if your specific needs and interests will align with the teacher and studio.

 2. Class Schedule
A schedule that is easy to understand and consistent. A well-developed yoga studio provides consistency for you, both through class times and teachers.

It’s important that those class times remain consistent and you have the ability to create a relationship with the same teacher that can understand your progress and help you excel in your practice

3. Atmosphere and Experience
When you visit the studio for the first time, the teacher should introduce themselves to you and give you a tour of the studio. The studio should feel peaceful and be very clean. All the props (mats, blocks, blankets, etc.) should be easily accessible, clean and available to support all levels of students.

4. Once You’re in Class . .
Now that you’re ready to start your practice, first of all Congratulations! There are a few things to look out for. For example, Pranayama (which is the Sanskrit word for conscious breathing exercises). If your teacher leads you through them before the physical poses, that’s the sign of a good teacher.

Next, how does the teacher interact with the students? Does s/he ask your name and inquire about injuries, areas you’d like to focus on, etc.? These are things that teachers should do to make their students feel welcome and supported.

Finally, music. Music can make or break a yoga class. Soft, calming background music, motivating, upbeat music to help power you through, or perhaps no music at all? Look for what resonates with you and gives you the most out of your practice (whether that’s the type of music, no music, etc.).

5. Teaching Style

Your practice time is not the teacher’s practice time. The studio you choose should have teachers that walk around and help students with their alignment. A teacher that is willing to help you after class or takes the time with you before class. The teacher’s main focus should be walking around and offering assistance.

Your teacher should skillfully be watching the placement of your hands and feet, or the way you might lean to one side in a given pose. Teachers are there to help you see what you cannot. They are there to help you create symmetry and alignment within your form.

More than anything and above all, you should feel like you are welcome, part of the community, and are being supported on your path.
This is your body and your beautiful spirit. Your practice should be something that you look forward to, and your yoga studio should play a major role in supporting you through your personal journey. I wish you success in finding the Yoga Studio that is right for you and the teacher that will help you on this amazing journey….