How the death of a microwave led to a beautiful epiphany.

Along with learning how to teach yoga during yoga teacher training, I'm also learning about the Hindu gods and goddesses who inspired the yoga poses that are practiced today. Our instructor's favorite Hindu goddess, by far, is Kali. Per our instructor, Kali's quite hard core! According to Wikipedia (the definitive Internet source where you can find anything you'd ever possibly want to know about anything, of course), Kali is associated with empowerment. Her name, however, means "time" or "death" (as in "time has come"). She is sometimes presented as dark and violent, but her main role is destroying the old to make room for the new.

It can be difficult to deal with change. Our minds crave routine and it's nice to feel comfortable in our lives. Although it can be seen by others as a good thing to go off to school or to start a new job, the person going through the change still may be apprehensive about what the future holds because they're unsure about what exactly their new life will be like. Similar yet much deeper negative feelings surround someone's death. All of the loved ones of that person mourn for them and take time to grieve for their loss. They feel like there is a hole in their life where that person once was. Dealing with that is hard.

When we think about it, though, there can actually be a litany of positivity that surrounds a big life change. The situation where we shell out the old and make room for the new can actually be a beautiful epiphany.

What got me pondering this in the first place was something that a fellow yoga school student shared with me. She said she had a "mind-blowing" moment. The instant it happened, she freaked out, but then she saw the positive in the situation.

So, what had happened? Her microwave died. Her instant, knee-jerk reaction was: WHAT???!!! I NEED my microwave!!! What am I going to DO???

I could totally relate to her! I L-O-V-E LOVE my microwave! I really couldn't imagine my life without it. Really. It's sad how much I adore my microwave.

But! Then she took a minute and thought about it. It dawned on her that she didn't really need it. She deciphered she could just use the stove and toaster oven to meet all of her food heating needs. She had a real epiphany. She felt...freer.

She enjoyed that feeling so much...she let it expand. She thought, what other things don't I need? What can I do to simplify my kitchen?

Then she thought, what can I do to simplify my LIFE? She began brainstorming ways she could shell out the old and worthless - those items which she really had thought that she had absolutely needed - and, at first, so desperately dreaded to lose, but with a little mental paradigm shift, she could better her life. She could let go of the old, simplify her life, and make room for the potentially beautiful new. She was willing to instigate positive change...simply because her microwave went on the fritz. How COOL is that?

How awesome is she? And how awesome is that? Her epiphany is truly inspiring. How can we learn from her little experience? What other things do we possess that we don't really need...though we may not realize it? And...we'd probably be better off by NOT having it any more?

Let's expound upon the technology angle. I do hear many people saying they don't know what they did before they owned the GPS in their car or their iPod. Though I do understand the necessity (I mean, come on, I was pretty much in love with my microwave), I think there's merit to not becoming too attached to these items. After all, what happens when they don't work or they break? We feel helpless, right? We get super stressed out. Well, machines aren't perfect (as much as we'd like them to be). I think it's great to explore other ways to solve problems, since there's always more than one way to get something done. Take my fellow yoga student's example!

Another area in our lives where I feel simplicity is truly awesome (and probably preferred) is the relationships we have in our lives. I will fully admit that, before I met my husband, back when I was dating, I was with someone to just BE with someone. I was lonely. How much better off would I have been if I would have just concentrated on myself, such as taking time to do the things I loved, meeting the people that would come into my life naturally, simply by way of my hobbies and interests, rather than hanging with someone who might lead me on, lie to me, and treat me differently than the most awesome person on the planet? It's extremely tough to let go of a relationship, especially one that's been going on for awhile. But, I feel, it's always best to honor yourself and to be with people who honor you as well. Then, when you find your tribe, you're all honoring each other. THAT is best.

Finally, (and this one is definitely a difficult one for me) is that it's usually always better when your THOUGHTS are simple. I'm talking along the lines of worrying or getting anxious...about anything. About the future, about the past, about everything. This is one of the truly beautiful yet very elusive things about yoga that's caught my eye - the notion of being more mindful, more in the moment. Embracing the now. Why is that better? Because the past is gone, and the future may never come. It's true. Although there's merit in planning the future, it's never a bad idea to try to savor the planning process...the journey...because that's a part of the destination as well. The culmination of the result is truly enjoyed when the whole process is embraced. Joy and happiness can only be experienced now. Dreaming is fun, but dreams change. Circumstances change. Take what comes at you, and conquer it as best you can. It's actually all you can do.

Even just thinking about doing all of these things - attempting to simplify - sucks. I understand. Because change is hard. That's why the goddess Kali is so very much feared. We hate change.

It's gonna happen, though. It has to. It's uncomfortable, but necessary. I think it's a great idea to try and deal with it with an open mind, like my fellow yoga girl did. She saw how the simplicity was a good thing and it helped her. In more ways that one.

So...try to enjoy the moment, embrace change as best you can, and be hard core, just like Kali!

Sarah

Fun Holiday Poem! How the Grinch Found Yoga.

This wonderful poem was written by a woman for her son. She's from Connecticut, and has taught yoga for over 20 years. I found it delightful, so I thought I'd share it with you in light of the holidays. I hope you enjoy it.


How the Grinch Found Yoga (Inspired by ​​Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas)
Lyn Gerfin Kehoe


Every yogi in Yogaville liked yoga a lot….
But the Grinch, who lived just north of Yogaville, did not!
The Grinch hated yoga! The whole yoga culture! 
Now, please don’t ask why. It would only be torture.​​
It could be his mind was closed a little too tight.
It could be, perhaps, that his breath was too slight.
But I think that the most likely reason could be,
He kept his heart protected, not allowing it to be free.


Whatever the reason, his heart or his mind.
He stood there that evening, not feeling very kind.


Staring into the studio, with the look of displease,
At the warm yoga bodies moving with such ease.
For he knew every yogi was perfecting their pose,
While looking their best in their fancy yoga clothes.
“And they’re standing on their hands,” he said with despair,
“Without a single strand moving, not one! In their hair!”


Their photos, their quotes, their Instagram postings!
The kale and kombucha, the juice cleanse hostings!
And soon, oh so soon, they would be yoga singing!
The sound of their OMs! Well, it would have his ears ringing!


Then he got an idea! A crazy idea!
This “unyogic” Grinch got a crazy idea!
The Grinch held his breath, not knowing what was in store.
He walked up to the studio, and opened the door…


The Grinch came from the outside, and found his way in.
Which is often how many of us also begin.
He stepped onto a mat, with out expectation.
The evolution was slow, but he found meditation.


And there on the mat, released of all drama.
The Grinch discovered more than only one of the yamas.
It just takes some presence, a trust in the self.
In mindful action, the Grinch found some wealth.


And the Grinch, with his grinch hands touching his toes,
looked around in amazement, thinking, “How could it be so?”


“It came without judgment! It came without goals!”
“It came without challenges, selfies or ‘no’s’!”
And he sat down a few moments, till his breath became longer.
His mind became quiet, his inner voice grew stronger.
“Maybe yoga,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a pose.”
“Maybe yoga… perhaps…is an exercise for the soul.”


And what happened then? Well…in Yogaville they say,
That the Grinch’s trapped heart broke open that day!
And the minute his heart didn’t feel quite such a mess,
His mind opened up too and he found yoga bliss.
And he stepped on his mat. Both feet firmly at home!
And he, he himself! The Grinch sang the last OM!




From: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/11/how-the-grinch-found-yoga/

Old people RULE.

Buzzfeed posted an article recently showing old people wearing extremely inappropriate t-shirts in public. It was shared by many of my friends on Facebook.


Here is the link for it. (And beware! It's NSFW, as you've probably amassed by the Web address.)


http://www.buzzfeed.com/maggyvaneijk/masturbating-is-not-a-crime


What was my thought when I saw these pictures? That I can't WAIT to be old. They can do ANYTHING. And NO ONE gives them crap for it!


Another thing I find wonderful about getting old is the amount of time you've had to learn everything you can about something you love. If you do something you love for many years, and have many conversations with many people from many walks of life about it, and you teach it as well...you get pretty darn good at it. You're seen as a guru.


Case in point: Tao Porchon-Lynch. She's 96 years old and the Guinness World Record-certified oldest yoga teacher in the world. She teaches in New York, but also writes books and wins ballroom dancing contests.


In a recent Yoga Journal article, she said something I found absolutely beautiful regarding aging. "I don’t believe in getting old. In America, look how many beautiful trees are hundreds of years old. They are losing leaves but they are not dying—they are recycling. In a few months, spring will start up again. You can learn so much from nature." Her words resonate with my post about some of our views on death. I concluded that when we die...we don't really die. Our spark lives on. And, while we're here, we're here for a reason. That is to do our thing. Live our dreams. Thrive.


With each stage of life there is the ability to be beautiful, awesome, and influential. I think that those of us in the younger generation have so much to look forward to by learning as much as we can about what we love. Then, as we arrive into our older years, we can act as a great resource for those who are younger than us.


Tao is an incredible resource. In that article, she listed her Five Rules for a Long, Happy Life. They are:


1. Don’t procrastinate—tomorrow never comes.


2. You can’t believe in something if you only do it halfway.


3. Each day, whatever is in your mind materializes.


4. Never think about what can go wrong. I know my best day is every day.


5. If you wait for something good to happen, it will. Don’t look for tragedy.


(From http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/worlds-oldest-yoga-teacher-shares-secrets-long-active-life/utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=story7_title&utm_campaign=myyj_12042014)




Doesn't she just RULE?




Thrive on!




Sarah

Yoga is not about religion. It's about love. The rest is bull!

The true historic origins of yoga are a little fuzzy. The first people who practiced it probably believed in more than one God. Their reasons for doing it generally surrounded one theme: to be more God-like. This may be the reason why many people feel that yoga is tied in with religion. For today’s yoga, that is definitely not the case. Today, it’s about something much better than that: LOVE! It's about absolutely nothing else!

Why did those beginning yogis seek to be more God-like? What does that even mean? They desired something deeper than themselves. They wanted to know everything about themselves and others and to have absolute surety at all times of their actions, thoughts, and deeds. They longed for to feel complete and to erase their doubts. They also wished for a feeling of togetherness. They wanted a solid connection between surroundings and other beings.

They were seeking a connection that can probably only be described as love. Love for themselves, love for others, and love for everything.

It’s just like the picture I posted above. All the great spiritual teachers that some of today’s religions are based on only wanted to promote the philosophy of love. Unfortunately, their teachings have been altered in time to try and fit into different religious molds. However, we don’t need to follow any specific religion in order to be more God-like...to feel that love. We just have to open our hearts to feel the love all around, to recognize the love in ourselves and in others, and do our best to spread it further.

Today, many people come to their first yoga class strictly for the goal of reaping specific physical benefits. They may have heard that yoga helps relieve back pain. Or, maybe they've seen some of their friends become more fit as a result of a continuing yoga practice. Possibly, it was recommended by a doctor to help them lose weight. The reason I actually began going to yoga classes was I heard it was a great way to stretch my chronically tight hamstrings and prevent common running injuries (several of which I was prone to) as I trained for my first marathon.

As attending yoga classes became a more regular occurrence in my schedule, I most certainly did reap the physical benefits I had originally sought. But, something else came along with it, too. What the teachers had been saying during the yoga classes, both of an encouraging and enlightening nature, began to make me think. They welcomed the idea of setting an intention for my practice, whether it be for myself or someone else. They suggested concentrating on centering myself, believing in myself, and accepting myself, all throughout the practice, no matter how I did in each pose. I started feeling a little more loving towards myself as I continued attending yoga classes and consciously applying their little lessons to what I was doing on the mat. I started feeling more love for myself in my yoga classes.

I could even see how setting an intention for an action I was doing, and treating myself with much more acceptance, was something I could carry with me off the yoga mat.

I had started to feel a little more love for others as well. I few blog entries back, I wrote about the love that I felt (and still do deeply feel) for anyone else in a yoga class with me. I not only respect those in classes with me for sharing the same hobby, but also because they're sharing in a love for themselves. I hold a large amount of respect for those who love themselves.

This double dose of love that has developed in me, for myself and for others, has been creating a more complete feeling within me. It's helped me to feel a connection between myself and the world. I don't really know if I feel more God-like, but I definitely feel like I'm here for a reason. I feel a little more whole - more connected to others and to the world.

It's similar what the original teachers I mentioned above taught. Their entire philosophy was love. It's not about religion. It's not about putting boundaries and rules and regulations on obtaining the best feelings in the world and sharing them with others. It's about spreading love and kindness.

And, as one of my favorite yoga teachers says often during his classes, it's all about love and kindness. The rest is bullshit. Right, Willy Nelli? ;)

Spread that love and kindness...and it will come back to you!

Sarah

You're already a diamond.

-Dr. Robert Holden



I've said similar things from this quote to myself. I would like to pinpoint that it all began in college, but that's incorrect. I think I was born with the wanting to be the best. I remember striving constantly for my teacher's approval all the way back to my kindergarten days. I wanted to be the first one to "win" an M&M because I brought in a current events article.


I told myself I'd be happier when I got that M&M.


College allowed many more chances for my feelings to perpetuate. I told myself I'd be happier when I got an A on my paper. I thought I'd be happier once I'm done with school. I was absolutely sure I'd be happier once I got my first job. Then, when I got that job, I thought I'd be happier when I found an even better paying one.


When would it stop?


It didn't. And it still hasn't. I've suffered from destination addiction my entire life...so far.


What about you?


Our yoga teacher training instructor brought up a fantastic point in training this last weekend that tied in with my addiction. She mentioned so much of this world is trying to "keep up with the Joneses". It seems we are all wanting MORE. Many of us are walking around with this belief that if we get this, that, or the other thing, then we'll truly be happy.


But will we be? Really?


Something that struck me, and has struck me more and more as I've practice yoga and progressed through teacher training, is that we are already perfect, deep inside, and we can be happy. Right now. We're not born perfect. We'll probably never get truly perfect. But, we all are beautiful. We're just diamonds in the rough. All we have to do is peel the layers away that drag us down, that hide our spark.


Yoga has helped many people to feel more beautiful, to peel away those layers. After class, they feel more whole, more centered. A better version of themselves.


I think this can be carried into the lives of those who've tried yoga but it hasn't done the same for them. It doesn't matter that you don't like yoga. In fact, it's good you know what you don't like! It's SO much better to know what doesn't work than to keep trying something you want so badly to work, but it never, ever will. That can be frustrating.


Really, you just need to find what makes you, YOU. The ultimate version of yourself. The you you've always wanted to be. You can be that you, right now! You just have to find your thing. And, when you find it, you have to just do it. Do it, no matter what, so that you can be the best version of yourself. Then, you won't need anything. You won't need something in the future. You won't be happier when you accomplish that one lofty thing that's out there, somewhere in your fantasies, that you cannot grasp just yet. Your happiness doesn't come from that. It comes from you, being yourself and doing your thing, now.


Forget about the world and its expectations. Forget about the Joneses...whoever the heck they are. Forget that you need to be running around, searching for what you need, that you need to have everything that the world says you absolutely must have right now at this very moment. Or ELSE. Or else what? On all that, I call bull crap.


Because that's what it is - complete and utter crap...just...DRIVEL. You don't need ANYTHING. You only need yourself to be happy. And, you can only obtain happiness from yourself! You just have to believe it. Know it. Know you can be happy. Know you deserve to be happy.


I am not saying to completely forget about others. By all means, cultivate and nurture your relationships. Help others - those you love and those you respect, as much as you can, as often as you can.


But...only by taking care of yourself can you become the best version of you. The others in your life will appreciate that! Those closest to you LOVE to see you take care of yourself!


The way to become the best version of yourself is to do what you want to do. Do what makes you feel good. Maybe it's yoga. Maybe it's running. Maybe it's crocheting. Maybe it's playing Magic the Gathering. Maybe you love your job. (And you are darn lucky if you do! Heck, if you love something that's not your job...look for ways for it to become your job!) Bottom line is that it doesn't matter. Just do your thing, whatever it is. Do with WITHOUT apologizing. Do it with conviction. And, do it whenever you can. Because you deserve to be at your best. You deserve to be happy. Right now.

Who cares what everyone else is doing? All that matters is that it makes you happy.


I LOVE it when people find their "thing". Obviously, my thing is yoga...and baking cookies...and singing...and reading steampunk novels with large words in them. My husband's thing is board games. My mother's thing is downhill skiing. My mother-in-law's thing is painting. When we do these things, we feel real. We feel whole. We feel happy.


When you know what works for you...shine on, you crazy diamond!


Sarah

It's true! Aaron Rodgers does yoga. But why?

I'm pretty sure those of you reading this know who Aaron Rodgers is. (If you're living in Wisconsin, that's kind of a given.) Even people who don't watch the Packers play football know that he's probably their most prized possession. Most of the sports world has their eyes on Aaron this season since the talented quarterback may lead the Packers to Super Bowl history this year.

To keep their mental and physical skills sharp, professional players try every tactic they can to give them an edge when it comes time to play. Something surprising was added to Rodger's off-season preparation this past summer - yoga. Really! And, apparently, it's made an obvious difference. Head Coach Mike McCarthy has taken notice of the changes. He's said, "[This year,] he's in the best shape that I've ever seen him in."

What did Aaron do? Hot yoga. 60-minute sessions at 90 degrees in 40% humidity, three times a week. Athletes can be apprehensive about yoga, but he really enjoyed it. Per him, "I loved it. The stretching, the atmosphere, the group setting, a teacher helping you reach your maximum flexibility. I felt so great after those hot yoga sessions."

Not only did Aaron notice his flexibility improve, but other aspects of his life got better, too.  "My sleep improved - my sleep patterns, every night. My energy improved - my sleep patterns, every night. My energy improved. I didn't have to drink coffee as much the next day. On some days, it's a necessity for me, to get going, to get a little jolt. [With yoga], it wasn't necessary." (From Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback on Sports Illustrated's Web site: http://mmqb.si.com/2014/08/12/aaron-rodgers-packers-hot-yoga-mailbag/.)

Even more benefits were reaped from his yoga practice. Along with the physical improvements, Rodgers' mentality improved as well. He also said: "I think through yoga you learn some good mental disciplines, being encouraged to try and clear your mind. I think those are good mental activities, to turn your brain off, focusing on those moments." How fabulous is it that he picked up on becoming more mindful after only several months of a regular practice?

I think it's also interesting to note that Rodgers' mindset about his future with the NFL changed as well. He's said that as long as he takes care of his body, he feels he could last longer playing pro football. "Three, four years ago, I didn't think mentally I could handle it, because it is a drain, mentally, going through everything, the preparation [for the season], everything [that needs to get done]," Rodgers said, according to the Journal Sentinel. "But when you're getting more sleep, and you're taking care of your body - and your body feels better, your mood is better. And this whole thing is more enjoyable. So I think that has really changed in me. Since I started taking a lot better care of my body, this whole thing has become a lot more fun. And you're like, I think I can keep doing this for another eight, nine, ten years." (From Yahoo! Sports: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/shutdown-corner/aaron-rodgers--plans-to-play-into-40s-by-hot-yoga--less-pizza-and-sleep-165017565.html).

His whole mindset on what he does for a living has changed. He's realized if you're centered, and taking care of right now, the future will just come as it needs to.

Who would have thought that a rough and tough NFL football player could see the benefits, both on and off the mat, of a regular yoga practice? What happened to Aaron, I think, is similar to what many others have experienced as they've grown in their yoga practice. That definitely was the case for me as well. I began doing it strictly for the physical benefits - mainly, greater muscle tone and flexibility. After several years of regular practice, however, the concepts, encouragement, and mindfulness I've picked up on have definitely helped me mentally to change for the better.

I don't really mean to toot yoga's horn...oh, for goodness sakes, who am I kidding, huh? Sure I do! Yoga is amazing! It's changed the lives, bodies, and minds of people from all walks of life, regardless of shape or size. To me, that is just so beautiful. It's not just about sinewy people in Spandex.

Wink, wink!

Sarah