Thursday, May 22, 2008
I have fully embraced the energy of full moon fever. These past weeks feel so intense, so much happening, so much going on, I definitely live a FULL life.
My friend Amanda moved here from NYC, she & her doggy Dungee had a sweet integration to Encinitas and stayed with me until they found a home. Her drive across country & transition to So Cal lifestyle reminds me so much of me, it makes me realize that human beings really are more alike than I tend to think.
Last weekend I had an amazing experience training 5 special ed. therapists. These loving, committed, giving women will soon be offering yoga circles in their PT & OT therapy sessions, at a school in San Diego. My mission is to increase the number of kids doing yoga, I love that I am a vehicle to reach these children with special needs.
The NGY kids yoga DVD project continues to consume me. Its been less than 3 weeks post shoot, and I still am learning from the experience.
In celebratory news...my dear friends Jen & Dave manifested a light being boy named Fynn Mendel Alban. I witnessed his Brit Millah/Bris yesterday and that was eye opening! I am Jewish and always appreciate hearing the meanings of this sacred ritual. All was beautiful and at peace, Mom & Fynn included!
I am excited for the summer days to come! Lots of beach yoga classes, surfing, gardening, traveling, creating, rejoicing!
My friend Amanda moved here from NYC, she & her doggy Dungee had a sweet integration to Encinitas and stayed with me until they found a home. Her drive across country & transition to So Cal lifestyle reminds me so much of me, it makes me realize that human beings really are more alike than I tend to think.
Last weekend I had an amazing experience training 5 special ed. therapists. These loving, committed, giving women will soon be offering yoga circles in their PT & OT therapy sessions, at a school in San Diego. My mission is to increase the number of kids doing yoga, I love that I am a vehicle to reach these children with special needs.
The NGY kids yoga DVD project continues to consume me. Its been less than 3 weeks post shoot, and I still am learning from the experience.
In celebratory news...my dear friends Jen & Dave manifested a light being boy named Fynn Mendel Alban. I witnessed his Brit Millah/Bris yesterday and that was eye opening! I am Jewish and always appreciate hearing the meanings of this sacred ritual. All was beautiful and at peace, Mom & Fynn included!
I am excited for the summer days to come! Lots of beach yoga classes, surfing, gardening, traveling, creating, rejoicing!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
It has taken me a full week to recover from the 2 day shoot I did last week for the Next Generation Yoga video. This being my first experience with video production, I never imagined so much intensity would be present. The learning is brilliant!
Thank goodness for the children, they were incredible. It was easy to go on set and do yoga with them, as they were so positive, eager and inspiring....they reminded me to stay connected, present & away from camera stress.
The footage is in my hands, and I get to now review it and pray it will come together, along with the magic of editing, to become a fantastic video that kids wont wanna stop doing!
Thank goodness for the children, they were incredible. It was easy to go on set and do yoga with them, as they were so positive, eager and inspiring....they reminded me to stay connected, present & away from camera stress.
The footage is in my hands, and I get to now review it and pray it will come together, along with the magic of editing, to become a fantastic video that kids wont wanna stop doing!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
NGY Video Out-Takes!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Today I taught 3 kids yoga classes on the theme of "eggs". For no other reason, except I love to incorporate shaky eggs in the yoga class & it felt just right for spring.
We began the class closing our eyes & visualizing an egg, any shape, size, color we wanted. I asked the question imagine "what comes out of this egg? It could be anything you choose it to be..." Here are just some of the responses...a bird, a chic, a penguin, a dog, egg yolk, a turtle/tortoise, a jaguar. For each of these ideas we began by shaping our bodies into a little pose as if inside and protected by a shell. Imagine.
We beautifully and slowly transitioned to the next phase of life being this animal as if it were the first time coming out of our shell!
This theme is so clever. The classes were filled with learning points, traditional yoga poses, breathing, self-expression, affirmation, and so much more than I could have imagined, and we did!
We began the class closing our eyes & visualizing an egg, any shape, size, color we wanted. I asked the question imagine "what comes out of this egg? It could be anything you choose it to be..." Here are just some of the responses...a bird, a chic, a penguin, a dog, egg yolk, a turtle/tortoise, a jaguar. For each of these ideas we began by shaping our bodies into a little pose as if inside and protected by a shell. Imagine.
We beautifully and slowly transitioned to the next phase of life being this animal as if it were the first time coming out of our shell!
This theme is so clever. The classes were filled with learning points, traditional yoga poses, breathing, self-expression, affirmation, and so much more than I could have imagined, and we did!
Monday, April 28, 2008
NGY Video
I'm super excited, just 1 week from today and we'll be shooting the 1st Next Generation Kids Yoga video. I've had this treasure in me for a long time, and it feels pretty good letting it up and out.
Of course it is crunch time, a lil stressful, intense and of course the time when magic happens!! So, I am putting it out there to the world...I would love to have at least 3 more yoginis in this video. Do you know anyone between ages 6-12 who would like to participate in the filming? Oh what fun we are having creating this beach themed yoga DVD.
Details are...
Location of shoot: San Diego, CA
Dates: May 5th & 6th (yes, these are school days!)
Friday, April 25, 2008
What a wild & crazy time in life it is! In my past 18 hours, I was a witness to a hit & run drunk driving accident and walked on the shores where a 66 yr. old triathlete was just fatally attacked by a great white shark, yes here in San Diego!
My friend asked me today, "so what can I learn from all this?"
It's clear to me that life is short and so so precious. That at on my very next breath, life as we know it could change forever, or end so quickly!
So with the horror, negativity, I understand that our life is based on duality. That will the good, we have the bad. I choose to recognize the gifts in my life, especially those during this last day.
Yesterday was my birthday (I am now 34!) I received so many loving phone calls, text messages, emails gifts & cards from family & friends near and far away - that feels good, thank you!
On this day, I also was given the gift of teaching 12 pre-teen boys (all with a "learning disability") a yoga class at the Chopra Center. It was a transforming experience for all. For the kids & teachers, it was many of their first time practicing yoga, so turning their attention inside was mind-expanding for them. I know this because when I asked how they were feeling, one boy said "connected to my inner-awareness." Recently, I have been studying the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Teacher Training and loved sharing Sanskrit mantras, chakras and principles for success, according to Deepak Chopra.
I also celebrated at a lunch party including a yummy salad from my garden!
Lots & lots of gifts tucked in my last day of madness..."I am so grateful" is certainly my mantra.
My friend asked me today, "so what can I learn from all this?"
It's clear to me that life is short and so so precious. That at on my very next breath, life as we know it could change forever, or end so quickly!
So with the horror, negativity, I understand that our life is based on duality. That will the good, we have the bad. I choose to recognize the gifts in my life, especially those during this last day.
Yesterday was my birthday (I am now 34!) I received so many loving phone calls, text messages, emails gifts & cards from family & friends near and far away - that feels good, thank you!
On this day, I also was given the gift of teaching 12 pre-teen boys (all with a "learning disability") a yoga class at the Chopra Center. It was a transforming experience for all. For the kids & teachers, it was many of their first time practicing yoga, so turning their attention inside was mind-expanding for them. I know this because when I asked how they were feeling, one boy said "connected to my inner-awareness." Recently, I have been studying the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Teacher Training and loved sharing Sanskrit mantras, chakras and principles for success, according to Deepak Chopra.
I also celebrated at a lunch party including a yummy salad from my garden!
Lots & lots of gifts tucked in my last day of madness..."I am so grateful" is certainly my mantra.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
I had a joyful experience sharing yoga with parents & educators at the CCPPNS convention in Irvine. Basically a gathering of families & teachers who support early childhood education in an engaging, hands-on, participatory way. I was invited to teach a Family Yoga class - so great!
Most of the children had been inside all day, at child-care, while their parents went to workshops & studied. What an amazing thing for children to witness...that their parents are students & thirsty to learn too!
We did a lot of gross motor poses, balanced with quiet stillness, Yoga & Music Routines(TM), Sun Dances and family yoga bonding. Relaxation time felt so intimate.
I blessed this day at the beach in Laguna with the sun setting, dolphins feeding and beautiful company.
Pics to come!
