photo: Pam McGhee

But I shouldn’t. The prep poses though? I love for the strength they develop.

Here are my three favourites for you to practice at home! I’d love to hear your thoughts…

And if the embedded video doesn’t display in your email, please click here to watch the video on youtube (or http://youtu.be/DOrFPai2aW0)

I’ve been wanting to be more still. My words have wandered off to have tea with someone else…traitors.

Anyway.

Last Saturday, a group of us gathered for the  Two Words Workshop. It was really lovely. Some people I knew, some I didn’t, but everyone was open about their processes and their two word search. A bit confronting, if you think about it: having to be honest about how your life really looks!

Svasti came along, and she has written the nicest review of the day. You can read it here.

For me, it seems like I hadn’t fully arrived in 2012 until Saturday. I told the group that I’ve chosen Stillness and Stability as my words, precisely because these two things have been ABSOLUTELY missing from my life for at least five years.

And I find both confronting.

They are so foreign to my understanding of the world right now. Really? I am going to stop trying too hard? Working too much? Dealing with insane amounts of change every time I blink? Nah, that can’t be right. Best I go back to my old comfort zone…

Too late. I told my body that’s what this year’s words were, and it listened. For the last few days I have been very quiet. Still, almost. Stable in my habits, which I had hoped to be. (Let’s see how that goes further down the track: sinceI promised to write a monthly Two Words blog post, there will be no escaping the evaluation!)

I keep thinking back to the time when I was newly married, and life was ticking along in a nice rhythm. Yes, that marriage was not going to last, but I didn’t know that at the time. And life was good and stable, my home was comfortable, I  was teaching yoga, but not too much, and I was doing other things that made me happy too, like cooking, meeting friends for coffee.

Just being, really. Not too much striving. Not too worried about surviving. Not too worried about my place in the world. I knew where it was. I knew where I was.

I knitted a lot. I had that kind of still time.

I’d like to find a similar mood for this year.

The last four or five  years I’ve seen so much upheaval: moving country, getting divorced, losing everything I spent my twenties working for. And I do mean everything, except the clothes on my back and a few old pieces of furniture. Dealing with deep financial uncertainty as a result of that. Confronting, at last, my childhood. And losing the last vestiges of my idea of nuclear family.

I’m sick of change. What I crave, more than anything, is stability. Stillness. A chance to draw my breath.

To stand still.

Stable on my feet.

The ground underneath me certain.

A big ask. Well, it feels like one. Or maybe two!

So, more time in nature, more sleep, less work.

More stable business systems and habits of self-care. 

2012 here I come! Slowly, with stability, so I can integrate all the changes I’ve been through.

What about you guys? 

How are you going with your words? I’d love to hear about them, either here, or over at the Facebook Page.

I really enjoyed Bernadetter Birney’s response to the NYT article. In it she talks a bit about yogis & advanced asana:

I also like to do advanced asana sometimes.  It’s joyful.  It’s challenging.  It’s fun.  I don’t do it to stay strong and limber. I do it simply because I want to, for the love of it.  Advanced asana practicioners are–among other things–elite athletes. Elite athletes sometimes get injured.

She reminded me of a quandary I faced a while back, when a student told me she wanted to learn to do Wheel Pose.

‘OK,’ I’d replied, ‘I will teach you how to get there. But you know yoga’s not just about that, right?’

‘Yes it is.’

I didn’t even know how to respond.

Noooooooooo! I wanted to say. It’s an EXPRESSION of the joy of a healthy, happy, strong body. Expression, not goal.

But how do you differentiate, when you are swamped by images of yogis doing the flashy sh*t? Yogis like me!

Here’s the thing: the practice of yoga is a very effective way to bring on the  ‘flow-state’.

According to Wikipedia (bless their awesome):

Flow is the mental state of operation in which a person in an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and success in the process of the activity. Proposed by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, the positive psychology concept has been widely referenced across a variety of fields.

According to Csíkszentmihályi, flow is completely focused motivation. It is a single-minded immersion and represents perhaps the ultimate in harnessing the emotions in the service of performing and learning. In flow, the emotions are not just contained and channeled, but positive, energized, and aligned with the task at hand. To be caught in the ennui of depression or the agitation of anxiety is to be barred from flow. The hallmark of flow is a feeling of spontaneous joy, even rapture, while performing a task although flow is also described (below) as a deep focus on nothing but the activity – not even oneself or one’s emotions.

To get into flow, there needs to be an element of challenge, and learning to do poses you can’t yet do can provides that challenge.

(So can learning to breathe properly, but that’s subtler and less exciting.)

 It’s got me to thinking. 

Well, if I’m honest, it’s got me to worrying. Does doing flashy shit give the wrong impression? Does it lead people to believe that that’s what we are all about? Despite having the ‘wrong’ body for yoga – just ask my friend Ananda – I can do some circus monkey stuff, and sometimes I do. It’s fun, it can be creative, and it looks cool in photos.

I will teach fancy poses too, if the class warrants it.

I always tell my students that although the circus monkey poses are fun, they are not necessarily going to get you into an experience of YOGA. Often, that happens in the quiet times when it’s just you and your breath, and you are in Child Pose.

So how about that student who has a long way to go before doing Wheel safely, but who thinks that the gymnastic part of yoga is the whole point?

I asked her to write an essay about what yoga meant to her. I figured that would clarify for us both what she wanted out of her yoga practice, and I would then know whether I could be of any use to her.

She wrote a beautiful piece about intention, and realised that Wheel is representative for her, of a place she was once, but isn’t anymore. A place she wants to return to. Ahhhhh. Magnificent.

So it wasn’t about actually doing the pose, for the sake of the pose, but rather about what it represents, and the discipline, challenge and practice it takes to get there. Flow, basically.

This message,I think, gets a bit lost when you are looking at the photos of the flashy poses.

I love looking at pictures of other people in fancy yoga poses. But to me, they are just pictures of people with unusually bendy, strong bodies, doing cool stuff. It’s not necessarily something I aspire to or that impacts my world. I often practice very gentle yoga, because that’s what I need.

It’s the same with fashion magazines: I do read them, I enjoy their vacuity sometimes, but those models? May as well be giraffes for all the similarity they bear to me. Therefore, I find them neither aspirational nor threatening.

What do you guys think?

Do the pictures of fancy yoga (possibly in hotpants) make you feel inspired? Alienated? Something in between?

Do you wish yoga was portrayed differently?

He won’t do yoga either, unless we call it ‘stretching out’. And when we are ‘stretching out’, his preference is for poses where he REALLY feels the stretch, like some of the hamstring stretches, or ones he can’t quite do – arm balances, say.

If there’s no challenge, no burn, he’s not interested. It’s that way in the rest of his life too: he works insanely hard. He rides fast motorbikes to relax. Yup, those are his zen moments, going way too fast on two wheels.

Read the rest (and see the awesome illustration) over at Recovering Yogi!

I want to wait, and share them with the folks who are coming to the intention-setting (and yoga) day on January 14th first.

I do, however, have a few more ideas about 2012.

I know what I’d like it to be, and what I’d like to be…

I’d like to, as Ghandi said,

 Be the change you wish to see in the world.

To quote what I said in my yogAttitude workbook (sample pages here):

Ghandi incited massive social change in such a smart way: he accepted that things were the way they were, but kept moving towards something better.

He very obviously didn’t resign himself to the status quo. He just acknowledged that it was what it was. Then, instead of railing futilely against it, he looked for ways around and into and through.

That, to me, represents the true power of acceptance. Only once you are fully present with what IS can you change it.

You really do have to walk into the darkness: accept it as part of the cycle of life.

Only then can you open your eyes to the dawn. Full acceptance.

So this year:

Less criticism, less separating, less whingeing.

Less sugar, because I know what it does to my blood sugar and therefore my mood.

More acceptance. More kindness. More peace.

More time with my Special People.

More time with new people.

More new ideas.

More writing.

More reading.

More rest. Much, much more of that.

What would you like for 2012?

Have you thought about setting an intention, rather than a bunch of New Year’s resolutions?

Have you taken stock? I talk about it here – basically, you are more likely to succeed if you are intrinsically motivated.

Do you know what motivates you most right now? (If the word ‘should’ is featuring in there, that’s extrinsic motivation, it’s not something you really want from deep inside yourself!)

Is it part of your planning?

Can you filter it down to two words?

I would LOVE to hear from you what words you have chosen – if you are interested (and you can email me or leave a comment to let me know) we could start a Two Word Project for 2012 to keep us all motivated and measuring whether we are living into our two words…

My commitment would be a downloadable guide to finding your two words, in case you are stuck, plus monthly blog posts telling you how I am going with my two words – you could let us know how you are going in the comments. I would also offer some suggestions for staying on track, share other people’s two words, and offer ‘homework’ suggestions. It might also be fun to start a page on Facebook where we can all be inspired…actualy, I’ve started a FB page! Just click the image to come over and join in!

Let me now if this one’s a goer! (It’s going to be a free thing, just for us to build community and stay fresh as the year progresses.)

Happy New Year everyone!

Photo: Pam McGhee

I studied journalism at University, forfriksake!

I’ve always kept multiple journals: scribbling to-do lists, snippets of poetry, stuff I’m thinking about, doodles.

But for an audience? I had no idea what to write about. I tried fiction. It wasn’t for me – I couldn’t create characters or story lines that I even vaguely believed, so clearly I wasn’t going to be peddling (or showing) that stuff to anyone else.

My teachers  kept saying things like, ‘Find your voice,’ and ‘Write about what you know.’

‘What do I know?’ I’d think. 

‘Where is my voice, and why would people listen?’

Then I started this blog, back in 2006 I think it was. And people started reading it! One or two of those five (or maybe six, on busy days) readers told me I had a book in me.

I’d joke that it was going to require painful surgery to get it out.

Much as I wanted to get my work published otherwhere than my blog, I avoided taking the risk of submitting it. Because They Might Say No. Or, worse, They Might Say Yes. And then people would read my stuff. Lots of people. Not just my three and a half loyal readers, who were probably related to me anyway.

Turns out the painful surgery thing? Wasn’t such a joke.

I DID need to be cut up and put back together before I could write in public, on wider forums. It took several years, the cutting and splicing. Whittling away at my various issues and insecurities until they weren’t major obstacles any more.Now, I can’t quite remember what the problem was.

This year, I’ve had work published all over the internetwebs. I’ve had pieces, promotional and otherwise, accepted for print publications. Not just one or two, but many!

Yes, I will put them up on my Media page once they appear. Some are up there already.

For me, these were big highlights of 2011:

• My sweet little piece for mindbodygreen on Why Dogs Are the Ultimate Yogis, which as I write this post, has been ‘liked’ by 666 people on Facebook. That blows me away!
• The difficult-to-write and hard-to-read, but necessary, piece I wrote for Mamamia – This is what makes a bad mother. It sparked conversation the way I was hoping it would, and I think it raised awareness just a little bit about child sex abuse and how it should be handled. If you are going over to read it, be warned, it is pretty triggering. I am really proud of myself for writing this article. I had some really lovely emails as a result of it, including one from an old school friend who’s just had his first child, saying that he would happily do anything to help the cause. I’ve had lots of support like that: my aunt and cousins are giving talks in schools in their local area now, teaching kids that their bodies are theirs and abuse is not OK. How awesome is that?
• My piece for Recovering Yogi – My body doesn’t bend right for yoga – and the interesting conversation & debate it resulted in.
• The lovely relationship I’m starting to form with Kara-Leah from The Yoga Lunchbox. She’s a very inspiring lady!

So, even though my book is still in its nascent stages (yes, I have some usable stuff now, and a solid first few chapters) I think I might be able to stand up and say,

‘I am a Writer.’

I have found my voice. Weird, turns out it was there all along, right next to the milk in the fridge. Who’da thunk it.

Happy holidays, everyone, and may you also find the things you need, or miss, that are hiding in plain sight!

Namaste, as we yogis say.

The divine in me bows to the divine in you.

We had such fun being all creative like. Check it out!

If you can’t see the embedded video, follow this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyGr2eFgI0c

What a massive year it’s been. So many changes, so many projects, and learning a completely new way to be. The last of those projects was this DVD – filmed in Bali, and still in post-production. But it’s nearly there, so I am ready to put it on pre-release, as promised! Get an eyeful of the lush beauty that is Ubud!

Here’s an excerpt (the birdsong you hear is exactly how Ubud sounds – that’s how the DVD sound recorded! SO awesome). I have given mirrored instructions as though I were standing in front of you in a real class situation

And some stills:

What this DVD includes:

• Two 30 minute practices: one a bit stronger than the other
• A core strength and balance sequence
• A kneeling, seated and reclining practice for those days when your energy is low but you still want to get your yoga on

What the Prerelease Special includes:

• First rights to the DVD, with shipping on the day of release
• PLUS the Art of Observation eBook, worth $19 all on its own, as an extra bonus! Cool huh?
• Oh, and free shipping! To anywhere. Just for pre-releasers.

This offer is only valid until the DVD’s official release date (expected 24 Jan). And yes, you can use any other discount codes you have in conjunction with this special.

And the cost? $22, all up!

So I will let some pictures do the talking, for now.

Such an amazing space to practice in...

Fresh, delicious, healthy, sacred

Anyway, a few weeks ago, her PR agent contacted me to ask if I’d like to have a listen to some of Susan’s work.

Manna from Heaven people, manna from Heaven. Because I have been looking for the right music for my DVD for MONTHS. With no success. And then, along came this folksy yoga-minded chick, and we have a match.

So, along with the soothing sounds of nature, my DVD is going to include some of Susan’s rockin’ tunes – off her first album, and off her new album, Wonder in the Wander.

My partner calls this ‘poultry music’ referring to my apparently very white-chick taste in music. I think he means it as an insult but I take it as a compliment. Clearly, I have awesome taste! See?

And I got the chance to do a Q&A with her too – have a read of her inspiring thoughts!

You seem to have led quite a varied life. Has music always been part of it? 

Music was a big part of my life growing up…..I started taking piano lessons at 7 yrs old……and I begged to do it.  My aunt had already taught me a few classic duets such as Heart and Soul.  I then started to learn the cello at school.  I LOVED singing, but never pursued lessons or singing in a choir…..there weren’t enough electives for me to pursue it.  My mom told me I always use to just sit down at the piano as soon as I walked in the door.  She thought I was working out my day….like a therapy.

At University, I studied piano for non music majors my first couple of years. After I graduated I lost a little touch with music.  I still loved going to hear live music, but I worked in the ski industry and didn’t have a piano.  So for about 10 years I didn’t play much.

It was when I moved to California and became a flight attendant that I reconnected with music.  I bought a keyboard and started to study voice.  This rekindling of my musical interest took off like a wildfire!  I knew instantly it was my passion, and never looked back.  From there I continued to study voice privately, acquired a certificate in Vocal Performance and Songwriting, and continued to study piano.  I also picked up the ukulele.

How did you start getting interested in the healing qualities of music?  

I have always been interested in healing and working with people in this capacity.  I had looked into graduate study in psychology, but put that on hold, when I became a flight attendant.  It was during my career flying, I happened upon the study of hypnosis and accessing the subconscious mind.  I was always reading about the mind/body/spirit connection and ways to assist in healing.

Because of my abilities as a musician I started to look into ways I could link the two together, I could see and feel a logical connection.

Music is vibration,  we are all vibration.  Music has the undeniable quality of shifting a mood,  transporting one to another place and time.  Music is an international language. We can communicate cross culturally through rhythm and melody.

I began to learn about toning and how your cells can be recalibrated from illness to wellness. Our cells vibrate, when we are sick we vibrate at a different frequency than when we are ill.  If we recalibrate them to a frequency of wellness, it can return our bodies to a healthy state.  There are also notes that are associated with the Chakras, energy centers in our bodies.  This can also help us realign.  I’ve studied Tibetan Singing Bowls.  More recently I’ve begun the study of Kirtan, which is a call and response chanting experience that creates openings for individuals.  I’m a novice, but have definitely felt the positive effects of chanting.  It is enCHANTing.

As a yoga teacher, I am well aware that music can really help people move into a place of serenity. What else makes you feel serene?  

Having balance in my mind/body/spirit.  Serenity I achieve through a practice of meditation…..and I can always use more of that.  It quiets the mind…..which if full of incessant chatter, yes it’s even sometimes negative.

Body alignment I get through a physical yoga practice as well as physical exercise…..walking, biking, roller blading.

Spirit Balance I often get from reading spiritual books as well as connecting within and meditation.  I can also get spiritually fed by attending services no matter what the religion……there is always something to learn.

A couple of other things that I reach out to, to bring about serenity are Nature and Water.  They have also always been very grounding to me.

Laughter is also something that realigns me.  I know it brings a bout a chemical change, and life begins anew if I’ve created chaos in my brain.

Your world-view is very yogic: you talk about unity and wholeness a lot in your lyrics. Are you a yogi too?  

Yes, I guess, I am.  I use the term “I guess”,  because I always feel like a beginner…..and feel like I have to be really good to claim the title Yogi.  With the Buddhist attitude of having a “beginners mind”, it brings me back to “The Practice”…..and “my practice”.  I’m very enmeshed in the yogic philosophy.  My greatest practice is my music and there is yoga in my music.  My song, Namaste*, I wrote before I practiced yoga regularly.  Spiritually I had a practice before I had the physical yoga practice.  Spiritually, I always felt that universal connection to people….even very young.   On this beginners path I’m learning about Nada yoga  (Sound), Bhakti Yoga (fostering love), and the various physical methodologies of yoga practice.  It’s a WHOLE big wide UNIVERSE out there……and we are all one.

What advice would you give people for living a satisfying life?

Merely suggestions from a place of humility:

1. Finding a balance that works for the you (the individual).  Checking into the mind/body/spirit and the connection amongst them…..making sure you feel whole.  I call it the MIND/BODY/SPIRIT triumvirate ,the 3 bodies within each individual that governs our health and wellness.
2. Find your passion and your vocation to give yourself purpose and a sense of contribution to the world.  Being of Service is satisfying.
3. Surround yourself with people who make you happy, hopefully positive ones who support you.
4. Happiness is a choice, you can reframe anything into a lesson that can have a positive outcome.
5. Remember to Laugh!!!!! It makes life more enjoyable, it’s infectious.
6. Most importantly Learn to LOVE….start within…..it spreads outward…..also infectious.  If you live in a state of LOVE, the fear simply dissipates.

****I’m still learning on this path sometimes I stumble a little,  but I am fulfilled and leading a satisfying life

*That song’s on the Dvd! Yeah!