Jodi's Journal

Living my life like it's golden!

2011-09-09T15:01:00.004-07:00

Labor Day passed and I realized that I was having the back to school blues. I caught myself quickly and chose to slip in to gratitude for all that I have. No need to stop living the good life, I am living my life like it's golden!!

Perfectly Imperfect

2011-08-24T09:31:00.010-07:00

I spent days & nights with self-induced pressure to create a training program that would be perfect. Once I realized what I was doing to myself and those around me, I surrendered to the perfection of imperfection. Listen to my story and how I freed myself up to create a rockstar Train-the-Trainer.

Leave me a comment, Id love to hear about your take on being a perfectionist, or not!

LOVE!

jodi

play like a kid!

2011-06-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you played hard like a child? Doing so can really help to raise your energy, lift your spirit and enhance your vitality. I know this firsthand because I do it all the time!

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old ~ we grow old because we stop playing.”

Taking care of me, so I can take care of you!

2011-06-16T21:41:00.001-07:00

In celebration of NGY’s entrance into its 14th year of business, I took myself to Europe. After 2-weeks of traveling & unplugging from work, I am feeling a significant amount of fresh energy ~ ready to teach, train & create. I realize the importance of taking time off, to recharge & fill up my well so that I can be of better service to you & the world. I highly recommend the same for you!

14 years on the Yellow Brick Road …

2011-05-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

As the Founder of Next Generation Yoga, I truly feel like I am Dorothy on the Yellow Brick Road. Actually, we are all are on a journey and meet many characters who inspire us to use our heart, courage & brain. In June, I enter my 14th year on the path with NGY ~ in the video below I share with you my amazing story. Id love to hear yours, so please post a comment and tell me about your journey along the yellow brick road.

Love, Jodi

This Yogi Wants Presence Not Gifts

2011-05-04T21:27:00.003-07:00

So excited to share with you this first video blog by NGY Founder Jodi Komitor. Inspired by a fulfilling birthday weekend and what a 9 year old had to say in response to Jodi hardly receiving any birthday presents, this video will share with you how to listen to what kids have to say and then create a yoga lesson plan around it. AND…you’ll learn that your life is full of gifts & presents, beyond the ones that are wrapped in fancy paper, ribbons and bows.

Jodi would LOVE to hear your thoughts on this blog video, please leave a message and if you are inspired to share it, we’d love that too!

2010-11-25T11:09:00.001-08:00

I am writing this on Thanksgiving morning from my brother’s home in Portland, Oregon. My heart is so full as I have so much to be grateful for! I was craving expressing myself in the form of writing…so while the lil ones are outside playing touch football with the neighbors, I am nestled inside…reflecting.

I look back at where I was a year ago and feel gratitude for my relationship with me. Over the last year I have listened to the voice inside, the heart one. Because of my continuous listening & learning I today able to create the life I desire for me. I feel so blessed for the challenges that got me here so that I can awaken to living what feels like a true life.

So much has evolved & changed over this past year and it’s been just 7 months that I have chosen to live life as a single woman. There are days that go by that I feel loneliness, sadness & fear. Yet I know that these feelings are normal, natural and human & simply the lil girl inside of me asking for attention. So I listen with awareness, love and compassion. I stay with this pain until it moves through me. For this, I am grateful.

Speaking of me as a lil girl…most recently my parents sold the house I grew up in. My two brothers & I went back to the New Jersey house where all my childhood memories began. We helped my parents clean out & pack up the house and boy was that a process! Keep in mind we did this in one weekend, so the experience was quick, but I know healing happens in God’s time. I got to revisit, touch, laugh, cry and reminisce over my childhood clothes, photos, yearbooks, Bat Mitzvah albums, Sweet 16 pictures, journals, love letters, collections, trinkets and so much more. It was an emotional rollercoaster for sure and an amazing opportunity for me to practice detachment. I let go of A LOT! Most all of my childhood made its way into the donation pile or the landfill. (SORRY Momma Earth!)

Today I am feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for my upbringing, for my roots, the massive amount of lessons learned, memories and who I am today. I realize it’s not about the tangible stuff but what is most important is…who I am!

Thank you for reading this and allowing me to share what’s been percolating inside me on this Holiday. I hope you too have time to reflect on this day and during the holiday season. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving! Love, Jodi

Back East

2010-10-24T20:24:00.004-07:00

Just back from Connecticut where I led Next Generation Yoga Teacher Trainings. This past week of my life stands out as successful because I am feeling full of joy, love, inspiration, creativity and fulfillment.

I met Amy & Mark Bannon, owners of the studio Enlightened Way Wellness Center recently at the Chopra Center, here in San Diego. They invited me to come lead training and help jump-start their children’s yoga program. For 6 days straight between 6 to 10 women learned what is yoga for kids, the benefits, how to teach the different age groups, how to make it fun, creative & educational, and so much more. We had a lot of fun, being creative, connecting and allowing our inner child to come out to play.

Along with being completely inspired from being in my Dharma this past week, I also feel blessed to have reconnected with the beauty of the east coast during the peak of the change in seasons. The foliage was brightening right before my eyes. I loved watching the leaves fall; blowing in the wind, people raking them in to piles. The temperature was yummy fall; sun shining bright & air clean and crisp. The studio is on a river, so our breaks were spent waterside. Really a treat! Oh & to top it all off, I got ride on a Harley – my all time favorite!

This journey back east reminded me of many of the things in my life I enjoy & desire/require.

Finding Jodi

2010-10-02T20:32:00.004-07:00

I have been feeling an overall sense of peace lately. Particularly in healing my relationship with David, its incredible how fast time is happening. It has been just 5 months, and I no longer feel triggered, pain or anger. I feel love and compassion, detatchment and gratitude for what was & what is. We are actually going to be playing on a soccer team together. Don't ask how this hapend, it simply is the Universe working magic, by inviting us to play, cheer, laugh & be friends. I recognize this as a gift and can hardly wait for the season!

I love my little home, growing as a single woman and expanding my career. While I know being in relationship is the fast way to seeing myself, aka law of reflection, I find spending the time now, single, is the best way to get to know who is Jodi. I vow to keep her present in all my relations.

2010-06-28T19:06:00.004-07:00

I commenced my day by spontaneously performing a random act of kindness...I decorated the entrance stairway of a strangers home with flowers. I recently moved to the coolest lil hip town in California...aka Keep Leucadia FUNKY! Where the trees grow the most beautiful, unique and colorful flowers. Succulents are the fractals of the neighborhood and there are SO MANY fruit trees!! My new hood is an old avo orchard.

Yes, so much has transpired in such a short time, and according to the healers...I have completed 20 years of life lessons in just a year & 1/2. Woohooo, that is FAST energy!

Today, I am feeling the affects of this healing. I am experiencing Love, Oneness, Peace and Gratitude.

How about you?

If it has been a while since we have connected, Id love to hear from you. Tell me about YOU, the lessons, the challenges, the gifts, the healings ...what you have been feeling deeply lately. Please write me: jodibk@nextgenerationyoga.com or 866-NGY-YOGA. Namaste.

Oh & Chants is pretty happy today too!

Chants

2010-02-15T18:33:00.003-08:00

Chants is my 8 yr. old white boxer, aka: Buddah, Da-boo, Chizzy, Monkey, My Baby Boy.

His right hind leg is healing.

He already had 3 knee surgeries (2 ACL repairs, 1 torn meniscus) when he was 3 & 4 years old, happend from running like a maniac, off leash in Central Park. Now the surgeons are prescribing a 4th and I am opting not. His legs are full of arthritis.

For the last 9 days Chants did PT. He had Pulse Signal Therapy, Cold Laser, massage and stretching. He continues to recieve Reiki, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, herbs, strengthening exercises, and a whole lotta LOVE from his momma!

Chantsy is definitly on the mend as he even got to the beach for sunset tonight - first time in a long time.

Please send Chants some of your light so we can continue to avoid surgery.

Thank you angels!

Im Down With You

2010-01-31T16:03:00.004-08:00

I am so moved & inspired by this project: I'm Down with You!

When I was in High School, before I "could" graduate, I was required do community service. My offering was to volunteer with enlightened souls at the Stepping Stones School for pre-schoolers with Down Syndrome. This experience changed my life! It was a divine message about my career path. I became a Special Education Teacher which led me to Yoga for the Special Child. In 1998 I started Next Generation Yoga for kids, when I first focused on teaching those with Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, QRSTUV :-)

Today I have felt a familiar calling...to get back to spending time with kids with special needs, particularly those with Downs.

On Saturday, I was graciously invited to the I'm Down with You set by the filmmaker, Lubosh. What a beautiful project this is! The kids were so joyful, soulful, in the present moment, confident and loving, all that from just an extra chromosome.

Check out this clip of what is yet to come!!

Picture of the yummy 6 week old Jeremy Elan. His parents were so authentically raw.

Spiritual Mastery

2010-01-23T16:29:00.003-08:00

I just returned home from Retreat & studying with Paul Ferrini in Parish Florida. It has been 6 months since I began reading his books & practicing/living Real Happiness. I am so grateful for this work, for I am today experiencing the fruits of the labor.

I find myself more accepting of who I am and have compassion for the parts of me that I don't necessarily like. I am more accepting and loving with others. I connect to the divine inside of me in meditation and throughout out the days, and see the light inside of you. I am aware & connected to a little Jodi (my inner-child) who is reminding me not to betray myself. I am healing.

A huge piece of this work that has aided me so greatly is that I get that I am responsible for everything I feel, I say, I think & I do. And everyone else is responsible for what they feel, they say, they think & they do. How freeing is that! I get to take everyone off the hook and take responsibility for myself. I see this showing up clearly in my relationship with David, and it fits just right. I feel very empowered & so in my heart.

On a break, I went canoeing with Kolby - down the north bank of the Manatee River in Parish Florida, DaySpring Retreat Center.

2009 Miracles

2009-12-31T10:02:00.002-08:00

I truly believe that no matter how small or big, good or bad, life is FULL of miracles. I have been encouraged by my Teacher to document my monthly miracles from 2009. Well, actually he said to write down all the GOOD ones, so to remember only the good...but like I said I consider even the challenging times miracles. Because there are truly gifts and lessons found in the tough times too. Id love to share...

January was a doozy! After living alone for over 15 years, my then boyfriend now husband ;-) moved in to the teeny-tiny beach house I was living/working in. In the same week, I found out I had new life growing inside of me - I was pregnant! (See April for the miracle of Truman.)
February was a powerful month for Next Generation Yoga as I created & shot my first TV gig: 16 Activity TV Jr. Yoga segments for Comcast on demand!
March was a celebratory month! The moment I had been waiting for my whole life...David proposed to me on the floor during Savasana at the Yoga studio where we first met. So divinely perfect to feel a ring being slipped on my finger after yoga practice and meditation with him. We went to Florida and were blessed by both our parents and showered with love by our extended family and friends.
April was also a doozy...I learned the lesson of miscarrying a baby and what it is to deeply connecting with David during a challenging time. Days later, I turned 35 years young!!
May we united our love and committed ourselves to each other with the love and blessings of our immediate families. All this under a double rainbow and Ganesha Huppah in Sedona, Arizona.
June we enjoyed an adventurous honeymoon in the Grand Canyon. We joined the 1% club and hiked down to the bottom and up the top. Amazing Grace indeed!
July I returned back to my roots in NYC and led 2 annual NGY Teacher Trainings. I got to reconnect with many old friends and families I used to teach. I always love & appreciate this trip!
August I woke up! I got attuned with Reiki energy and began studying with Paul Ferrini, the Real Happiness work.
September I journeyed to the magical land of Santa Fe for my first time where I attended Paul Ferrini's Spiritual Mastery Retreat. Powerful!
October we moved in to a large 3-bedroom new single family house! This after much looking for the right & perfect home for us! I too celebrated 1 year of being off anti-depressants, wooohooo!
November was filled with Komitor & Revivo family visits! We had lots of good quality time with my entire family (niece & nephew included) and Davids' parents too. It was an honor & a joy to host for Thanksgiving!
December was also full of celebration, Davids 37th Birthday, and the holidays of course. I loved gathering with friends and community who too are my family.

I can hardly wait for the miracles of 2010! I trust there will be many!

Wishing you a year full of tiny & BIG miracles!!

2009-12-02T17:59:00.003-08:00

I had a fabulous Thanksgiving this year as my entire family, and David's parents, came to visit us here in San Diego. Yep - we didn't have to do a bit of traveleing and it was awesome!

As newly-weds, it was our first time hosting Thanksgiving together. It was such a treat to cook with my mom and have the whole family at our new house enjoying the home we created together.

What was also so fun was being a tourist and playing at Disney & Lego Land, 2 local destinations I always wanted to visit but was waiting till my neice and nephew came to visit.

24 Day Cleanse

2009-11-06T21:35:00.003-08:00

I just completed a 23 day cleanse, yes it was going to be 28 days, but I listened closely to my body and heard...it's time to stop. I feel so good, alive, energized, clear, clean and healthy. And boy did eating taste good tonight!!

I am proud to say that for 3 & 1/2 weeks I ate all organic, 80% raw food, no salt, no caffeine, no acidic foods. I drank 3-4 psyllium & bentonite shakes a day and supplemented with recommended herbs by Arise & Shine. I kept my electrolytes up with fresh vegetable juice and mineral broth. I indulged in a colonic a week supporting me in the detox and release of any intestinal blockage including mucoid plaque.

I did the full 28 day cleanse last year and feel that in comparison I released a lot more last year. Having a good, healthy, clean diet certainly has its rewards, and like my body said: you are done cleansing 5 days early ;-)

1 Year Later

2009-10-15T20:40:00.004-07:00

I recall this day last year so clearly...I was beginning a 28 day cleanse and completing 15 years of being on anti-depressants. Yep, it has been 1 year that I have been off, clean, clear, free of medication...I am so proud to share!!

Honestly, I'll say it has not been an easy road, being drug-free, yet I am certain that no drugs has me living my life in a whole new way that I love and appreciate so much. I am thrilled to say that my original intention remains true for me today: to feel & deal, and that is what I am doing.

So 1 year later, drug free and day 2 of another 28 day cleanse...I was greeted by my beloved with this card and beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Spiritual Mastery

2009-10-06T10:06:00.004-07:00

David & I went to study with Paul Ferrini on a Spiritual Mastery Retreat in Santa Fe last week. What a treat! The surroundings of the mountains are gorgeous, the people high vibration, loving and conscious, the work deep and healing.

Paul's work, as I described in an early post, is called Real Happiness. I learned the distinction that this sort of "Happiness" is not the emotion we typically use to describe as feeling good. Rather it is a state of consciousness that we embrace when we have love & compassion for ourselves and our present experience. So regardless of my situation, joyful or painful, can I love myself and have compassion for what is happening. I ask myself the question "Am I loving myself right now?" If yes, then I am experiencing Real Happiness. If no, then can I bring love to the experience.

The work is very deep and transformational - I am committed to doing it. I have signed on to meet weekly with a mentor, attend residential retreats and another Spiritual Mastery course in January 2010. My intention is to become a certified Real Happiness Teacher and share this work with children and families.

After 5 days of healing and lots of processing, David treated me to 24 hours at Ten Thousand Waves - a divine Japanese Spa nestled in the mountains of Santa Fe. We indulged in deep tissue massages, a private bath house, a salt glow treatment and a romantic nights sleep. Oh, and he also gifted me a gorgeous yellow citrine crystal necklace.

Moving on Up

2009-09-17T21:49:00.004-07:00

The theme song from The Jefferson, Moving on Up, was the song we all sang when we entered our new home this past weekend. Yep, David & I now have a house of our own to co-create and habituate, together, as husband and wife.

In January of this year, when David moved in to the house with me, it was a small 700 sq. foot beach house, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Perfect when it was just Chants & I, teeny for us newly-weds. We craved a larger house, one where we could spread out, decorate together, choose furniture and make a home. We actually meditated on this house and 5 weeks later, we manifested it.

This weekend, with the wonderful support of good friends, THANK YOU Rene, Stephanie, Amanda, Kali & Laiden, we moved to a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom single family house, twice the size of our last abode! We have a huge yard, 2 car garage, fireplace and large entertaining kitchen. It feels really good! We are thrilled and can hardly wait to have friends & family visit and come play, so hurry on over!!

BTW - David told me he really feels married now, living in a house like this, I guess, was the trigger. Pics to come!

Real Happiness

2009-09-01T16:50:00.002-07:00

I have been submersing myself in personal development and spiritual growth with Paul Ferrini's work: Real Happiness. It is a 3 phase course, two of which I have completed, and a lifelong practice. Note...Just because I have taken 2 of the 3 phases, I am no where further along the path than another...as my Spiritual Teacher Tom says "be vigilant!" And that is what I am. It is a constant process.

I was introduced to Paul's work by my friend Alisha. She has been around the Spiritual block, including working as Deepak Chopra's right hand person, and was turned on to the work by her Mom - all because she saw a radical shift in consciousness in her mom.

Real Happiness is based on the principal that no one and nothing external can make us happy. Happiness is an inside job and only ourselves can do the work. Now this may sound fundamental, and while I always got this intellectually, I still found myself relying on others and things for happiness.

Now that I am immersed in the work, I see the truth. I connect with my core self, divine unconditional love and feed my soul, knowing that no one, especially David can ever provide happiness the way I can do so for myself.

I love this work and highly recommend it to all. I have learned so much in so short of time. Here's one tidbit Ill share...when something triggers me, it has nothing to do with the other person, it always has to do with something inside of me that needs attention, love & healing. Ahhh, feels good to take the other off the hook and take responsibility.

Finally, I want to share how blessed I am to do this with David who too is so open and willing to do the work. Now while that makes me happy, even if he chose to not do the work, I still can be happy!

Reiki Reiki Reiki

2009-08-18T15:00:00.002-07:00

David & I recently studied with 2 Reiki Masters and received our Level 1 Reiki Atunement - what a gift!!

I actually had never experienced a Reiki treatment, and wasn't quite sure exactly what it was. I was, however, feeling open and craving to learn something new. When I told a friend I was doing the training, she said "Oh your gonna love it! And your gonna want to Reiki everyone...your dog, your husband, your kids." Well I do and I am...I even Reiki my food!

Reiki is Divine Energy that once ignited, or atuned, it flows through you. The heat and magnet-like feeling that pours out of the palms is sacred. When I hold my hands over something desiring healing, there is a surge of energy that is so yummy and alive.

David & I are having fun with it, in fact he was so pooped from playing floor hockey the other day, he ran off the court and said "Reiki me!" And so I did. I Reiki'd his heart :)

Where have I been?

2009-07-21T15:56:00.004-07:00

Well, I have been immersing myself deep in spiritual study lately. I recently did a 5 day Immersion course with Tom & Trisha, my teachers and the amazing founders of Soul of Yoga. Along with 15 other committed souls, we went deep in connecting with Spirit through meditation.

Since the miscarriage, I realized that I lost my faith and trust in God. My once love and belief in everything being divinely perfect was being questioned, doubted and I was in worry-mode. A reconnection was much in need. I had taken the Immersion course before when I first moved to California, and new it was the right thing for me to go through again to get back on track.

My recent days have been full of love, grace and trust. I wake up every day and thank the universe for breath, life and all my situations. I meditate daily (sometimes twice a day!), do yoga, see God in everything and everyone and practice non-violence to others and myself. This includes releasing self doubts, negativity and limiting beliefs.

I realize now that the path I am on is non-negotiable, there is no other way for me. I choose to stay connected to Source because I am at home here. I know God loves us SO much and wants us to be happy. The best news is that I get to be on this path with my other Beloved, my husband :)

I did it!!

2009-06-04T12:31:00.004-07:00

"I did it" were the 3 words I said after we stomped on the glass which completed our wedding ceremony. I married my beloved last week, on May 25th in Sedona Arizona and I am so happy I did it! What a beautiful ceremony and celebration we had.

David & I wanted our wedding weekend to be filled with quality family time, so that our parents and siblings could connect and get to know each other. Our time together was more than what we ever imagined was possible. There was so much joy, love and laughter. Together we meditated, hiked the Red Rocks of Sedona, drummed in a circle, saw many rainbows, toasted many Mazel Tov's and created a weekend memory we'll always cherish as pure love. It was exactly as we wanted it to be and we know we are so blessed.

David & I continued the fun by honeymooning in the Grand Canyon. We kicked it off with white water rafting on the Colorado River, followed by 3 days of backpacking, hiking and camping. We learned that less than 1% of all visitors to the canyon actually descend and climb back up. We...did it!! Our treat and icing on this cake was a night at The Boulders Spa & Resort in Phoenix filled with wine, massages, saunas, steams, pool and a lot of R & R!!

I'm finding myself at a loss of words to truly express how awesome these 10 days were. I trust the pics do it justice.

Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women

2009-05-18T16:39:00.003-07:00

I took this workshop this past weekend and realize it was an amazing way to spend the weekend before our wedding. In fact it was one of the best wedding gifts we have received thus far!

Some may fear that taking a workshop about Men may be all about man bashing. Quite the contrary. Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women is about putting down the sword & committing to no longer emasculate men. Honoring men for who they are, how they are wired and accepting men for being men. Emasculating can mean anything from those kids shirts: "Boys drool, Girls rule" to stereotyping men for being couch-potatoes. It exists, and sadly, our culture doesn't even realize half of it.

I learned about the less obvious differences between men and women, and how we think, operate and feel differently. Often times women, me included, want men to be like an ideal women, and they just can not! I learned that men are single-focused, problem-solvers, providers by nature and lovers at heart. I gained a greater understanding of how men communicate, listen and hear and how I can do so effectively...getting what I want.

Like, I said, this course was the perfect pre-wedding weekend workshop for me. And for so many other women, they were inspired and determined to save their relationships.

Healing

2009-04-30T14:09:00.003-07:00

I just returned from a week in Sedona with David & my parents, what a special time we had. Healing was inevitable.

David took me to Sedona to celebrate my 35th birthday, and since we are to wed there next month (5/25) my parents met us there to join the B-day celebration and also for wedding planning. The 4 of us had lots of fun, enjoying Sedona restaurants, hikes, meditations, sunsets, spa treatments, peace and quiet in the mountains and lots of laughs.

I feel so blessed to have been able to heal in the Red Rocks with the peole who love me the most.

Soul-In Coming

2009-04-20T16:58:00.004-07:00

Yesterday would have been the 120th I was pregnant. David & I believed in this Yogic tradition... that on the 120th day the baby's soul enters the body. Weeks ago we were excited and inspired to celebrate this upcoming day and chose to surround ourselves and the baby with positive and high vibrational friends. We planned for a potluck and invited guests to bring an instrument for singing and playing.

When we miscarried last week, we were unsure what to do, for it too is my birthday, we thought why not celebrate my life. We muscle tested ourselves several times and kept getting that having the gathering was our highest choice. I am so glad we did as it was such a beautiful day and so healing on many levels.

The day was filled with loving friends, innocent little souls, yummy food, communal music and supportive reconnections. David & I continue to be overwhelmed by the love and support we are recieving from near and far away family and friends. Thank you thank you.

2009-04-17T19:11:00.006-07:00

This morning we buried Truman in a very special place with friends - all that he chose. We had been talking to him this past week, asking him 'yes' & 'no' questions and listening to his answers. He told us exactly what he wanted, where he wanted his body to rest, and who to attend his ceremony.

"Truman, do you want to buried in the yard at our house?"
"No."
"Do you want to be buried at the beach?"
"No"
"Near the Soul of Yoga studio?"
"No."
"In LA where you were conceieved?"
"No."
"North of here?"
"No."
"South of here?"
"No."
"West?"
"No."
"East?"
"Yes."

Hmmm, where east of our house would our lil guy want to be laid to rest? David talked to him more and got his answer.

There is a beautiful park, directly east from where we live called Black Mountain Open Space Park. It is very near to where David plays floor hockey on Sundays. Last week I went to watch David's game and we believe he passed on that Sunday, because the next day my belly popped (physically looking) and the contractions started. This is where Truman wanted to be.

It's no coincidence that the Jewish religion says to bury close to where the death occurred.

He also said he wanted 3 friends to attend. David & I each made our list of the people we thought he may want. We picked the same 3 people, the 3 Goddesses who supported us during the birth: Lorri our friend & doula, Evelyn our acupuncturist and Michelle our Midwife. Truman said "yes."

I love that we honored our son and did exactly what he wanted. May we continue to listen to our children and hear their truth.

The ceremony was beautiful, perfect and sacred. We each read a blessing, the poem that David wrote and covered him with rose petals. We tucked him away in a recyclable box, placed him in to the earth to return to where he came from.

Please join us in saying these prayers or any of your own.

A Prayer By Vienna Cobb Anderson

O God of love, Source of life, hear our prayers for Jodi. Her baby died before it ever came to birth. The blessing of your love was torn from her body, leaving her empty and devastated. Comfort her now in her sorrow. Restore her hope for a child to come. Give her courage and new delight in the days ahead. In good time, grant her a new life that her soul may rejoice and her body give birth; In Your name we pray.

Amen.

The Same Prayer for David

O God of love, Source of life, hear our prayers for David. His baby died before it ever came to birth. The blessing of your love was torn from His body, leaving Him empty and devastated. Comfort Him now in him sorrow. Restore Him hope for a child to come. Give Him courage and new delight in the days ahead. In good time, grant Him a new life that His soul may rejoice and His body give birth; In Your name we pray.

Amen.

A Prayer for the Families in Mourning

Bless those who mourn, eternal God, with the comfort of your love that they may face each new day with hope and the certainty that nothing can destroy the good that has been given. May their memories become joyful, their days enriched with friendship, and their lives encircled by your Love. Amen.

Love Is Stronger Than Death, By Mary Hollingsworth

Love is stronger than death. So we must be content to know that Love is not affected by death-- it doesn't end, it doesn't diminish, it doesn't change. Instead, Love is immortalized and eternalized through death. And the possibility of that Love ever being damaged or broken is eliminated forever. We put our trust in Love.

A Prayer for Burial

O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of thy servant Truman, and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of thy saints, who liveth with thee now and for ever. Amen.

Blessing After a Miscarriage

For those who trust in God, in the pain and sorrow there is consolation, in the face of despair there is hope, in the midst of death there is life. ...as we mourn the death of our child we place ourselves in the hands of God and ask for strength, for healing and for Love.

Prayer of Gratitude for God's Gifts

For this new morning and its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For every gift His goodness sends We thank you, gracious God. Amen.

TRUMAN

You did what was best for You, your Daddy & Mommy,
You did so by leaving your Mommy's tummy.
We are certain You had a good reason,
Perhaps You will come back to stay in a different season.
Until then, our hearts will remain open for You
And Your name for now we'll change back to Tru.

Should You choose to return as a She,
You shall go by the name of Truly.
If You are to be a boy to us again,
Then back You will have the name, Truman.

We love You so much and can hardly wait,
For You to return and thus a family create.
May Peace be with You each and every day,
For Your Spirit, Your Soul we promise to pray.
Come back to Us when You’re good and ready,
Wait for You We will: Your Mommy and Daddy.
Love, Us

Heaing

2009-04-15T15:31:00.003-07:00

It has been less than a week since I birthed our 18 week old fetus and I feel the healing process is happening. Physically I am cramping less, so my uterus must be returning back to its original place. I am still bleeding, that too seems to be lighter.

Because I am human, I continue to ask questions of what I did wrong. I realize that is a conversation for the ego. I did nothing wrong. I ate healthy, I exercised, practiced yoga, meditated, prayed and sent love and light to the baby daily. So why did he leave us? Was there a health issue? Was it his karma to come for just a short time?

I believe that I am emotionally healing because we have received SO much love & support from family, friends and our community - we feel so blessed. Some are even impressed by our willingness to share our experience. David received this email from his coach that I love so much...

Dr. David: I once had a friend whose very first expression, when we shared our news that we were pregnant with him, was “Oh, you shouldn’t tell anyone until the first trimester is over in case something happens.” His intent was innocent, perhaps, but fear-based…as if it was a horror/burden to have to tell everyone that knows you are pregnant that you miscarried if, in fact, you did. I was somewhat upset or disappointed that he was not immediately happy for us but instead reacted with fear/suffocation. I told him that if something should happen to the baby we will get more love and support from those we’ve told than anyone who chooses to walk that road in fear/silence….

We have been blessed, indeed!! Thank you so much for your love & support!

Life Changes...

2009-04-11T15:39:00.005-07:00

It truly is amazing how quickly life changes. Just when I was feeling euphoric, thrilled & glowing from 2nd tri-mester pregnancy...cramps came on. Being a newbie with pregnancy, I had no clue they were contractions, I thought they were my uterus growing, normal & natural. I called Michelle, our midwife to report the cramping and little bit of spotting I was having. "No worries, no sex, drink lots, and stay in touch" she responded.

3 days later the cramps continued with more intensity. David & I went to Michelles office for an exam and to listen for a heart beat. Turned out my uterus was not growing at all and there was no heart beat either. I went to an OB for an ultrasound to confirm, and despite being 18 weeks pregnant, our lil babes was measuring at 14 weeks, with no heartbeat.

My life changed. I went from being full of baby thoughts, dreams and talks, to no longer having one...

The Dr. gave me the choice of either laboring & delivering on my own at home, naturally, or meeting the him at the hospital where I would be given an internal pill to bring on contractions and delivery. Well I was already feeling contractions (cramps!) and they were pretty strong and frequent...I opted for our original intention: a natural home-birth.

It was perfect...in early labor, David & I ate a yummy home-made lunch, made by my dear friend Lorri. She wound up staying on for the birth and acted as my doula, even though she had retired from this position years ago. Bless you Lorri!

The 3 of us then laid in bed, Lorri massaging my back, David guiding my breath, I moaned through contractions. By the time they were 3 minutes apart and 1 minute in length, Michelle arrived.

I soaked in the bath and the contractions lessened. Knowing the baby was not alive, I wanted it out fast, so I got back in bed for stronger and more contractions.

Evelyn who I have been seeing for acupuncture came over to put some needles in. David turned on some music and within 3 minutes of the needles being in me, and just 3 hours of labor, I pushed and out came our pre-mature baby: 4:32pm at home, naturally, just like we wanted.

But no placenta...I had more work to do. The contractions had lessened, my cervix was closing and I was losing lots of blood. I went in to shock and fainted for a short time. I recovered with oxygen, coconut water, maple syrup, rescue remedy and lots of love.

Michelle later administered Pitocin to bring on more contractions to birth the placenta. No go.
At 7:30pm we knew the smart thing was to call for an ambulance and head to the ER. We called the Dr. I saw earlier in the day and thankfully he met us there. He attempted to get it out with tools, but it required surgery. Just 10 minutes worth, I went under general anesthesia, and by 11pm, David & I were home with our lil babes (preserving in the fridge.)

I have come to accept that there is no reason for a miscarriage, it just is. During this process, I have gone through all of the "what ifs" and now release them. I know it is nothing that I did wrong and believe that it was just not this baby's time to come to us. I accept and surrender.

I can hardly wait till I am a mommy again!!

Pregnancy High

2009-03-31T17:14:00.003-07:00

I have been hearing from many that midway during pregnancy I will feel a "high" like no other. Today it set in and what a relief, because truthfully the beginnings of the pregnancy was anything but.

This past weekend I led a 3 day NGY Teacher Training...13 women, 10 of which were moms of young ones. I felt so loved and supported, with lots of wisdom learned. I know the Law of Giving & Receiving was in full effect, because they loved the training and my offerings, and I too learned and received so many blessings.

Today I feel like a new pregnant woman! I feel light, inspired, creative, motivated, powerful and peaceful. In celebration of feeling good, I planted lots of veggies, herbs, strawberries and flowers in the garden, made my first roast chicken, got a haircut and am on my way to teach an adult Yoga class at the Chopra Center.

More goodness soon!

Being Pregnant

2009-03-16T10:59:00.002-07:00

I always had it in my mind that I would LOVE being pregnant. In fact I could hardly wait for that time in my life to arrive. Well now that it is here...I have to admit, it doesn't feel what I dreamed it to be.

My body is changing and I am not in control, in fact I hardly even recognize it. It's little things surprise me. I feel sore from gardening yesterday, I get out of breath easily when I walk Chants and my heart rate soars when I lift up from tying my shoes.

I'm not saying I don't love it, I do. David reminds me to LOVE what challenges me. By opening that channel and allowing positivity in will release attachment and resistance. "Kiss it" he says. SO even though being pregnant feels challenging to me, YES, I do love it!!

Savasana Proposal

2009-03-05T15:23:00.004-08:00

Last nights Yoga class is one I'll remember for the rest of my life...David proposed to me.

It was perfect...being in the same place where we first met, where we first said 'I love You' and now where we first said 'Yes' I will marry you.

The class of 30 people, including dear friends, and our spiritual teacher truly held sacred space for us. In conclusion, we were blessed and recieved open palms and a powerful "Ohm."

We are heading to Florida tonight to celebrate with my family, so this is a quick entry. I did want share the beautiful news, and post this picture of my blooming belly and ring :)

3 months pregnant & Im back surfing

2009-02-26T16:21:00.002-08:00

Yesterday I milestoned out of the 1st trimester, and today I felt good enough to get back in the water! I haven't been surfing much lately, mostly because I have just been too cold or too tired to get in the water. Amazingly though today on a warm spring like gorgeous day, just one day in to the 2nd trimester, I felt good to go. I just loved being back in the water, especially with baby in towe. We were both swimming in the womb of the mama.

Hug It Foward

2009-02-09T11:08:00.005-08:00

Last weekend I had the privilege of contributing to one mans dream. Along with 30+ other GREAT souls, in a course called Spirit of Greatness, during a team building exercise we created a vision, a plan & made it happen.

The mission is similar to FREE HUGS, but Hug it Forward is about each person giving 10 hugs a day. Imagine if you hugged 10 people today, and they hugged another 10 each, in 10 days that would be 10 billion hugs!!

To me, the power of a hug, is so much more than body contact. It is an exchange of energy that soothes the soul, better than any medicine or drug I think.

Be alert to Hug it Forward, as it is coming to YOU, sooner than you think. And I am proud to be on the team that launched this vision.

2009-01-11T18:43:00.002-08:00

This past week has been full of challenging emotions for me and I trust they are for the betterment of me as a human being, friend, woman, teacher and lover. David moved in to the house with me, and even though I am thrilled to be cohabiting with him, I have been challenged with letting go of living alone. You see I have spent the last 10 years living solo, blessed with large living quarters where "my stuff" was spread out luxuriously. I never had to squeeze clothes in a closet or drawer, kitchen appliances had room to breathe, and the bathroom sink was free of clutter. All that has changed as this spacious for 1 beach house is now cozy for 2.

What has become so clear for me is that I have been given the opportunity to surrender attachments, something I endeavor to be free of. Attachments don't serve us as they keep us limited and tight. I believe we are boundless beings. In the past, I have had the tendency to be rigid and by releasing attachments, I am less anal and militant. What a gift this lesson has been and now I get to enjoy it all while living with a lover :)

Visiting the homeland

2009-01-04T16:42:00.004-08:00

David & I just returned from a holiday tour back to each of our homelands: his Toronto, mine NJ/NYC. What an amazing way to truly get to know each other on a deeper level, how could we not...we got to meet each others immediate families, saw lots of childhood photos, ate at favorite pastime restaurants, hung with friends from our youth and toured the old hoods. Despite the triggers that are natural to arise when returning to our homelands, the whole experience was a gift that I am so grateful for.

It was my first time in Toronto and I loved it. The city proper definitely felt smaller to me than NYC, yet more full of happy and easy going people. Like NY it is overflowing with culture and yummy ethnic foods. We made a tourist-o visit to the Niagara Falls, also a first for me. The energy of the falls is like none other. I felt an overwhelming beautiful connection to the divine, I know the reason why it is a wonder of the world.

NJ & NYC were a little tourist-y. We ice-skated in Wollman Rink, walked all of Central Park and since I could only tolerate a taste...we made a quick stop in Times Square. I really enjoyed sharing this visit with David and the tourist perspective. I especially loved doing the things I never did before as a NY'er.

All in all, like I said, the trip was perfect. It felt quick for all, parents included, but we did it. We introduced each other to our families, which was the purpose of the trip. And now our families know and understand our love for each other, and also who we are living with because today David moved in to the house with me :)

Ganesha

2008-12-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

David returned from the Dominican Republic with a precious gift, for us to share. Instead of just giving it to me, he created an intimate ceremony...sitting in easy crossed legged pose, palms face up, eyes closed, we went in to meditation. After at least 10 minutes, he placed the new treasure in my hands, and requested we keep our eyes closed. His hands joined mine, and without any idea of what this gift was, together we poured our love into this "thing." I had no clue what it could be, and that didn't stop me from giving 100% love.

After another 10 minutes or more, without direction, David and I made eye contact. I hadn't even looked at the gift yet, I was full of love and intimacy.

Ganesha is a Hindu God in the form of an elephant. He is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. He is here to protect us as we embark on a life together. David & I are moving in together, and Ganesha is here to protect us.

28 Days Past & Still Cleansing

2008-11-18T17:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I completed the 28 day cleanse...with honor roll! It was incredible and I am so proud of myself!!

The final week was absent of food yet filled with vegetable juice, mineral broth and lots of psyllium and bentonite shakes. I had enough energy that week to deliver 2 NGY Teacher Trainings, teach 7 kids Yoga classes, 1 NGY Birthday Party, recieve 2 colonics, a coffee enema, daily beach walks with Chants and lots of lovin with my lover. Amazing, I think!

What I loved most about the cleanse is how the toxins and what wasn't naturally part of me poured out of every part of my body, mind and spirit. Early on in the cleanse, David said he smelled THC in my underarms. Through out the weeks, my teeth felt sore and had a coating on them. Daily, my thighs were achy as that muscle correlates with the large intestine. At times, I was emotionally sensitive and irritable...because perhaps letting go of my "sh*t" was challenging for me.

Most impressive is what came out of my intestines, I'm talking major mucoid plaque - pretty much the reason for doing an intestinal cleanse. Ill admit that while I didn't take any photos (David did of his), I did relate to many of the pics I found online. Enjoy at your own risk!

BTW - even though I have completed the 28 days cleanse...this week I remain on an alkaline diet and am still releasing the lovely mucoid plaque!

2008-11-04T22:24:00.001-08:00

Entering week 3 of the Arise & Shine 28 Day Cleanse, I am just starting to feel layers shed. I am not just talking about releasing mucous from bi-weekly colonics which are crazy intense, but also the many emotions that I am feeling. I embrace it all, am free from attachment and surrender to all that is.

During the past 3 months I have experienced huge changes in my life including one that I am extremely proud of. I mindfully weaned myself off an anti-depressant, that I was on & off for the past 10 years. I am committed to feeling all that comes up, vs. numbing myself with medication. I know I have the tools to channel fears and negative emotions, which include daily meditation, yoga, connecting with nature, journaling, open and conscious communication and surrounding myself with high vibration people and environments. I am so grateful to be in this space and embrace all that I arises. I share this with you now, because I am feeling and I am psyched! This is what happens during an intensive cleanse.

What also happens is...David & I go to Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Amongst the steams, saunas and swims in the mineral baths...we got down & dirty in Club Mud with red clay which is a yummy purifying agent from ancient times. A total sensory experience, it draws from the pores, absorbs impurities, and releases waste and dead skin cells while tightening and revitalizing the skin. Definitely a highlight for me, I loved globing on the mud and playing like child. Who me? YES ME!

Week 2

2008-10-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of week 2, or day 8 of the 28 day cleanse, however you want to see it - I feel f*%king awesome!!

To celebrate week 2, I had a colonic, ahhh talk about cleaning house. I think I released plaque and gunk from my intestines that has been lodged in there since my teenage years of eating Doritos & Burger King. But it doesnt stop there, the results of a colonic are so freeing. I feel lighter, grounded and pure. I am looking forward to the my next round at the end of this week, yep I'm going for 2 during week 2!

People who I tell that I am doing this cleanse with David are so inspired, so I wanted to share with you! It has been transformational for our relationship. Not only do we have the obvious support like reminding each other to take the herbs, making shakes for each other, etc. but we get to witness and be with each others unmasked souls during this deep emotional cleansing too. I'm not sure if you realize this, because I dind't before I started...but cleansing is not just about eating healthy, taking herbs and psyllium shakes - its proven to be a lot more. Every moment we have a new energy level along with a different emotion and to name some of the sacred ones we get to indulge in together are vulnerability, sensitivity, passionate love, fear, humility, gratitude, irritability, spacey-ness, and so many more. Through it all, we are communicating, accepting and honoring what ever comes up. It seems to be the best thing for our new found love.

Arise & Shine

2008-10-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

Today I started a 28 day intestinal cleanse. This is the first time I have embraced such a journey for this length of time, and along with fear...I am so excited to be doing it! I am so ready to detox and release whatever may be holding me back: physiologically, emotionally, spiritually & physically - all of which I trust will move through me exactly as it should during this next month.

The Arise & Shine cleanse was developed by Dr. Rich Anderson who made an herbal expedition in the beautiful land of Oregon. After surviving for a time on fresh raw herbs gathered in the meadows he discovered a formula for internal cleansing. In addition to his creative herbal formula, I get to enjoy the other most basic and natural foods: fruits & veggies, which is one of Mother Earth's most delicious gifts. I also get to drink some YUMMY delicious Bentonite (clay) and Psyllium shakes 4-5 times a day. ***Notice I am using the words "get to" as I have chosen this cleanse, and there are absolutely no "have to's!"I am being sarcastic, the shake is narley - but Dr. Anderson says: Love and joy can be cultivated to such a degree that not only can they heal our own bodies, they can also heal those with whom we come in contact. Those who Love enough never want for anything. It does not matter whether you are a saint, a devil, or in between! To cultivate the power of Love is the wisest venture anyone can ever initiate. For nothing, absolutely nothing in the universe will bring greater benefits and happiness.

Best yet, is that David & I are doing the cleanse together. We have each others love and support throughout through the journey. We are RPM'ing (rise, pee, meditate) daily and amongst other healthy and spiritual commitments, we have agreed to abstain from sex. Ahhh, love - it feels so good to share this passage with him.

Love

2008-10-08T16:56:00.000-07:00

Lately all of Tom's Yoga classes have been on the theme of Love....I picked an angel card that said Soul Mate 2x in 2 days, and in September, astrologyzone.com said I would meet a life long partner...I love the way the universe provides! I am in Love! (NOTE>>>It does feel a tad weird writing this in online, for everyone and anyone to read, but this is Jodi's Journal, my blog! And I believe in sharing Love with the whole world!)

New Love has me feeling alive, light, loving, present, giving, accepting, joyful, playful, content and free.

Who is he?

Dr. David Revivo from Toronto, Canada - he is a Sephardic Jew, Yogi, warm-hearted, creative, funny, leader, lover and practices energetic chiropractics. We have so much in common and lots of levels to connect on.

In addition to the yummy vibration of being in love, I am learning so much about myself. I now get to see myself in another human being, up close and personal, eye to eye, Soul to Soul. I get to know myself in a different way, I get to witness myself and how I show up as a "girl-friend", a communicator, a supporter, a lover.

Truly, it feels so good to be with someone who is conscious, on a path of spiritual and personal growth. We met at Soul of Yoga by introduction from a friend, just 1 week after I manifested him. Someone suggested that I write "the list" - criteria that I would want in a partner. I did & along came David.

Now that is powerful! Thank you G-d.

Too blessed to be stressed.

2008-09-15T20:11:00.001-07:00

I just got out of the water, what an divinely beautiful experience...surfing in the Pacific Ocean while the sun is setting. Very inspiring, I love sunsets! It is a ritual of mine to recapitulate my days events, while the sun lowers. I bless the day and say goodbye to the date, for never will it be again. I did this on my surf board tonight.

I am so blessed. Even when daily life stressors show up, I am too blessed to be stressed.

I look west and there is an every color of the rainbow sunset. As it got darker, I saw a single bright star, probably a planet. I look east there is a vast deep night blue sky. The conditions were weak and Casey (surf buddy) and I were the only ones at the peak. Pure bliss! I was screaming, I have so much gratitude.

2008-09-02T21:15:00.001-07:00

This Labor Day weekend while the local San Diego beaches were crowded with surfers and vacationers, I headed out of town with New Love & Chants. We went to the pit stop town on the way to Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead - I've got a friend in Running Springs! Lynn Klopher is a also a colleague and is converting her home into a community retreat center. It is sacred space with mountain energy, quiet, crisp, clean air. We are creating a NGY Family Yoga retreat to happen this fall!!

What stands out most for me are how completely different the energies of the beach & the mountains are, and I how much I love them both.

We hiked a beautiful trail, and at a gorgeous lookout on the edge of a boulder I did Uttanasana (standing forward bend). Except for us, there was no one around. There was pure silence, with the golden ball of sun shining. The clouds moved fast, there was a a cool breeze. My breath and our Souls were all that could be heard.

After being away from the beach for 48 hours it felt delicious to get in the ocean. Chants & I romped in the white wash! Seeing the waves pealing, feeling the wet, smelling the coast damp air, it feels good to be back.

At Parkland, the retreat house.

2008-08-20T20:36:00.002-07:00

I am so grateful now!
I am so grateful now!
Every morning, I greet the day and say I'm so grateful now.
(Lyrics by Ron Franklin)

I personal challenging time, I feel so blessed to be in community with the friends and families I have met here in Encinitas. A special acknowledgment to Tom & Trisha who created Soul of Yoga, the magical center where I met many of these earth angels. The level of consciousness, love and support is enough to make me shift in less than 3 minutes :)

I have also been connecting with friends and family around the world. Amazingly positive and loving people. Through these rocky times, I am learning that I have extraordinary people in my life and that I am so grateful NOW!

2008-08-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

My friend Ashley needed a player for her Beach Volleyball team tonight, ouch! I haven't played in at least 15 years, and now know why - every time I hit the ball I vibrated. Not like a yummy Om vibration, more like a konk on the head, ow pulsation! Sprinting in the sand, throwing my body around, and hitting the ball in pain is not fun for me. More players came & I opted out.

Ahhhh, I took Chants & lil Acesa (19 mo. old beautiful girl) to play in the waves crashing.

My body is my temple and I choose to move in ways that nourish me. Besides my horoscope warned me to be careful with my body this month.

2008-08-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

I finally registered my car in California & let go of my NY license plates. Ah the shedding of layers from moving to the west coast. It's actually kind of funny how my car feels different having CA plates. I feel different!

I hung with an east coast friend yesterday and she asked me if people notice a change in me since Ive been living in San Diego. How can I not be different!? There is something that just magically happens when one spends so much time at the beach. The ocean is so medicinal, healing that is. Ive been surfing 5 days a week, and being thrown around, riding waves and floating in the warm summer water is all therapy for me.

My intention is to immerse myself in environments and with people who soothe and nourish my soul.

2008-07-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

I have not gotten the "bill" or ticket for being off leash on the beach last week. Despite that lil set-back, Chants & I had a great morning romping at 'Tables' in Solana Beach, true boxer style.

2008-07-23T20:50:00.001-07:00

Tonight, after a great surfing session...I did what I have been doing for the past year and a half since I moved here. I got Chants & let him romp on the beach, play with the surfers, all while the sun is setting. As fun, freeing and beautiful as it is, it is illegal and tonight I got busted.

The beach we go to is San Elijo State Park, it is a kick-ass camp site right on the beach. Also the location of Shawn's camp store restaurant: Bull Taco. (website to come...)

Even though I spent my day, like I do every day, meditating, practicing 1.5 hours yoga, reading the spiritual Law of the Day, being graceful and grateful...I find myself pissed off & not able to let go of this one so easily. The ranger was such a bitch, she had an attitude filled with ego & authoritarianism. She wore plenty of armor but had no amour! You know the type?!

Just by writing this I feel my anger lifting. I will send her light, may she find positivity, freedom and happiness in her contribution to the world. That she is compassionate and heart-centered. Not that she didn't have to give me the citation, I broke the law, I get that!! But that she find non-violent ways to communicate. Come on, cant we all be on the same page, talk with respect to one another? How can we have peace in the world if it is not right here in our own homes?

Give thanks to the journal for freeing me up! Peace.

2008-07-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would say it, but I am looking forward to summer being over. Actually, what I'm really looking forward to are the beaches here in Encinitas to get quiet again, when they aren't so crowded and packed with summer travelers. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, or attached to what isn't even mine...it's just that everything feels so congested, crowded, and busy during these summer months in San Diego. Of course it makes sense, and I get that it is the duality of living in one of the most beautiful places in the country.

This weekend, I stayed clear of the beaches and was blessed to spend time in the garden, and with good friends at home. We ate delicious home grown meals and laughed hysterically. I feel a strong sense of community and support in this town, even amidst the summer tourism.

2008-07-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

Dinner tonight was ravioli's with a yummy sauce I whipped up from the garden: garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, zucchini and basil. Of course I doused it in Parmesan cheese!

I ate my food outside where I sat in the beautiful yard I have created, with Chants by my side, solo. It's been a long while since I cooked just for myself, and I very much enjoyed it. I blessed the food, giving thanks to divine mother for creating such tasty miracles that we can grow and eat. I especially enjoyed the silence and found this to be a gift, an amazing opportunity to be fully connected and present with my chewing, eating, tasting and swallowing. Mindful eating, a true culinary experience

I completed my evening with another new ritual I love...a cold shower. My friend Nicole Hamory told me about it, said she did them during her Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training. It definitely gets my kundalini going! To me, the cold wakes up every single cell in my body, leaving me feeling energized, alert and alive both physically & mentallu. Turns out the benefits are historically therapeutic around the world.

2008-07-05T13:12:00.001-07:00

I am back in California, and boy did I miss the west coast! I just spent the last week running around New York City, literally! Staying on the Upper West Side, I led 2 Next Generation Yoga Teacher Trainings at a studio in Times Square - locale where everyone runs...to the subway, to the office, to lunch, to a meeting, to meet a friend, to cross the street and so on - well that was me this past week.

I had an amazing time sharing my expertise of kids’ yoga with 18 women from around the country and one from the UK. Everyone was open, giving, present, connected and vulnerable...a miracle in so many ways.

Reuniting with friends & family was too so refreshing, fun, and much needed for all. All of the lunches, dinners, drinks & gatherings were filled with love, laughs and light.

Despite receiving the gift of practicing yoga in a public class setting daily, my body aches. Yoga helped my mind & spirit, but the practice was different that I am used to, I got to ‘fly’ & ‘base’ in Acro Yoga, so fun and challenging! The combination of using new muscles, walking the concrete jungle in Havaiana flip flops, and being restricted to an airplane seat for 7 hours has left me craving ocean air, beach walks, surf, swim, garden & home cooked healthy meals. I am off to indulge!

2008-06-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how in less than 12 hours I was waking in my bed on the west coast early at sunrise and now sleepy in bed in NYC. I am here for one week for NGY Teacher Trainings. I am so happy to connect with friends and family while I am here, but I am already looking foward to returning to California air!

This week I had the treat of having my parents visit me in San Diego. We filled it with real Jodi time, doing all the things I do in Cali...beach walks with Chants, yoga, surfing, home-cooked meals with veggies from the garden, friends, laughs and love!

I am so grateful now!

2008-06-17T21:46:00.000-07:00

Full moon, summer solstice, extreme low tides...I can feel Mercury Retrograde easing off, life has been very intense this past month. Not just for me, but for so many I know. I trust that all is perfect the way it is supposed to be and I do not resist, but boy do I feel challenged lately. Living so close to the edge of the country, I am so grateful for the sun that consistently sets, for the ocean waves that indefinitely break, for the infinite fresh air that I am able to breathe and for the positivity and many blessings that exists daily in my world.

The garden is growing and I absolutely love spending time in this edible lifestyle. I never thought I would enjoy browsing garden stores, weeding, planting. I always loved harvesting - eating food that is just minutes old, scrumptious. I never wear gloves, I prefer to feel the earth and get dirty like a kid. I am a total newbie (this is my 1st garden) and I love to learn, why there is nothing more satisfying than eating a meal that is 100% home-grown.

New hobbies are good!

2008-06-01T20:39:00.002-07:00

In the past week I have found 2 new hobbies: riding a bike & drying wild white California Sage. I love exploring new things and awakening and exercising different parts of my brain.

Like a typical Taurus I committed to buying a bike last weekend, and so I did - I found a sweet deal on craigslist and bought a 1 year old 7 gear Schwinn Beach Cruiser. I have been riding around my neighborhood, visiting friends & made it to the beach on Sunday. When he is not mouthing his leash, Chants is my co-pilot.

My other hobby came about randomly when Shawn & I were visiting a friends' property (33 acres!) somewhere in Escondido (East County, San Diego). I wondered up a hill amongst a 1000 sq foot artichoke bed and on the outskirts, there it was EVERYWHERE! Sage was growing wild, all over the place. I had never seen this plant growing, and was so excited to recognize it, smell it, and yes, cut it!!

Sage has incredible edible and medical properties. I have yet to cook with it, but have gargled with sage tea for my sore throat, tied up lots of adorable bundles and decorated my kitchen, and made lots of smudge sticks that cant wait to be burned.

Oh so fun!

When I think of my life since I moved to Cali and all that I now get to do living here...gardening, surfing, biking...I am so blessed and grateful for my choices.

2008-05-22T10:11:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-05-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

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!

NGY Video Out-Takes!

2008-05-07T22:05:00.001-07:00

2008-04-30T14:27:00.001-07:00

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!

NGY Video

2008-04-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

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!)

2008-04-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-04-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-04-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

I am a Loving, Authentic and Vulnerable Leader - this is my contract with you and the universe! Affirmations are so powerful, I post them in my bathroom, on my altar & by my bedside. They call me to my power.

In preparation for shooting the video, co-producers came to my NGY class yesterday. They gave me this feedback: that not only was I teaching children about yoga, the physical poses & breathing, relaxation, etc. but that I was instilling affirmations for a lifetime. They witnessed the children as free to express themselves, happy, safe and in their bodies.

At the end of the class, after savasana, we individually declared an affirmation and together repeated them...I am excited...I am powerful...I am bright like the sun...

I love these affirmation cards for kids!

2008-04-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

When I moved to California, I dreamed of a house with a yard, where I could grow food in a garden, nap on a hammock, chill by a fire pit and eat at a picnic table.

Right now, so it is...

This past week I truly embraced my vision for my outdoor living. My garden is filled with fresh herbs, various kinds of lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, lemon & Japanese cucs, 3 kinds of squash, peas, strawberries, corn and a whole lotta lotta love. Digging beds, tilling soil (especially Encinitas soil!), designing a garden is no easy gig. It requires creativity, patience, strength and focus. All of which I embraced in building this garden.

I am in awe of how plant life grows, that a gorgeous sunny day gives so much energy that I can actually witness the growth. That a lil drink of water perks up bok choy instantly and that sweet smelling organic compost is like a rich lush hug. There is truly nothing I enjoy more than eating food I grow.

If you look closely in the photos, you will see the fire pit, hammock and picnic table too have joined my life!

2008-04-01T17:44:00.001-07:00

I had the most beautyFULL phone conversation with Next Generation Yoga Teacher, Kathryn, last night. She was sharing with me how inspired she is because of her present passion: Acro Yoga. She has been taking classes for about a year, completed their teacher training and is now teaching this acrobatic style yoga class.

I asked Kathryn if she was still passionate about teaching kids yoga? She was downright super positive about it.

What was meaningful about our talk was that we shared how we both love to explore personally, to grow, learn, shift, change. Of course there are challenges along the way, but we are in agreement, we love to learn always, infinitely, and eternally will we be this way.

I expressed how bold, humble and free I feel learning to surf and even with my BUSY schedule I enrolled in the Chopra Centers Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Teacher Training. Woohhhoooo!

Spring = New Life

2008-03-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

Spring is definitely here - not only has the weather been steadily GORGEOUS here in Southern California, but my garden has been GROWING! I have been dining on yummy delicious, organic, me-grown Romaine, Arugula, Kale, Sugar Snap Peas and lots of fresh herbs like: parsley, cilantro, oregano. Making killer salad dressing, and juice.

I also am surrounded by re-birth, new life, moves, transitions, transformations...specifically, I have 3 friends who are moving to Cardiff, Encinitas, Leucadia area. Lucky me, to be surrounded with loving community. With so much joy, there is always the duality...my closest friends that i made since moving to the area, they are moving to Florida...for their new life there. Ah yes, it is the circle of life.

Chantsy is healing too, loving Spring, the weather and sun bathing.

Also super stoked about the conception of a Next Generation Yoga kids video.

Please send light

2008-03-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

I have never seen Chants act this way, I know him - and he is not himself. It started on Saturday, he sat next to me at the kids yoga teacher training I was leading and tears were dropping from his mouth, a different kind of salivation than he does when begging for food.

Yesterday he was limping, like he couldn't hold his own body weight up when he walked. All he wanted to do is lay down and sleep.

I took him to the Vet hospital on Sunday.

They took xrays of his spine & belly, NOTHING! A lil arthritis, so they gave him anti-inflammatories & Cosequin. Hellooooo???

He has his appetite, which is good - though I cant imagine him ever not! No fever and his heart sounds good.

This morning he was perk-ier, after a short walk he got tired and limped.

He is sleeping a lot today, which clearly he needs. But what is wrong with Chantsy Pants?

Please send him healing light.

Gardening, Surfing & NGY!

2008-03-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

That's what my life is here in Encinitas, and I am very well content with my life! Contentment is Santosha in Sanskrit. Such a beautiful word and such a liberating, existence. I truly have the feeling of excitement when I think about my life.

The herb garden is complete, I am growing 2 kinds of rosemary, 3 kinds of basil, fennel, green onion, cilantro, parsley, cutting celery and oregano - yahoo!!! I also planted a 6-pack of arugula YUM!

Yesterday while surfing at Cardiff Reef a seal popped up out through a wave, his lil bald head looked so cute! So cool to be with dolphins, seals & surfers, oh my!

NGY is soaring, to South America! I am excited to share that I am licensing "NGY" to Carolina Ortiz & Borka Bozovich where they will open a Next Generation Yoga studio in Lima, Peru. C & B are loving, talented, courageous women, mothers & school teachers who are committed to educating children with health and yoga at the forefront. You can imagine, I am thrilled - can you say Machu Picchu NGY Yoga Retreat!!

Strep it Is!

2008-03-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

Don't think I have had Strep Throat since I was 9 years old, and boy do I wish I was still a kid to be taken care of by my mom, to miss school (not work!), soup, Gatorade, anything I needed right there for me. Instead...I have Chants the dog nurse - he has been laying with me for over 24 hours, his face on my chest - so sweet. I'm taking care of myself, that's what I get when I move 3000 miles from home, well actually that's what a 33 yr. old soon to be 34 yr. old should be doing. And I do have some loving friends who have brought me goodies to help me get better fast. Thank you angels who too have been sending light & healing my way.

According to the Astrological cycles, Pluto has moved in and rocked the world, tearing things apart and rebuilding them in a very different way - turning everything upside down. Do you feel it too? I have heard from parents that kids are experiencing challenges, tantrums, unusual outbursts.

What can we do?

Embrace it all, I say. All we have is right now, this moment, as I type this word NOW. Gone, to the next moment. So why not embrace these moments, most likely we'll never see them again. I guess that's our good news though. Be conscious to the "off-ness", be aware of the strange-ness, and always remember what my mom taught me: This too shall pass!

Back in Cali

2008-03-04T15:47:00.000-08:00

I had such a blast with my niece & nephew back in NYC last week, but it feels goooooood to be back in Cali now. I'm taking deep inhalations of coastal air, not polluted city air. I do not miss NY, I do miss my family & community.

The weather was so frigid in NY, my shoulders were up to my ears. The past two days have been 75 degrees here, yes I choose Southern California weather over east coast winters. I wasnt the only one either, everyone's shoulders are up to their ears. It cant be good!

Since I returned from the concrete jungle...I surfed Swami's - my 1st time since I started surfing; no wonder it's a favorite, that break is sweet, consistent, felt pristine to me. I also planted more herbs in my garden: parsley, cutting celery & rosemary. I loved coming back and seeing how much the garden exploded! The sugar snap peas grew at least 8 inches! Sunflowers that I planted before I left, too popped out of the earth.

With a visit back east, it's easy for me to recognize the peace in my every day life here in Encinitas. I am thrilled. Though with all the traveling, lack of sleep, being with the kids and flying, my immune system is down, and so I too am sick. Please do send health & light, aim it right at my throat chakra, that's where I need it most!

No I have not fallen off the face of the earth...

2008-02-27T21:26:00.001-08:00

Ive been quite the busy one lately, with so much to be grateful for. Over the last 2 1/2 weeks, I had the honor to study with Deepak & Dr. Simon at Journey into Healing (an Ayurveda immersion.) My brother, Barry, and my cousins, from NY, came for a visit and I honored them with a gathering of food, friends and jamming music.

This past weekend, I co-led a beautiful Family Yoga retreat with Tom & Trisha, Soul of Yoga, at Warner Hot Springs. Finally, as I type this I am in New York City connecting with family, spending quality time with my new nephew JJ and big sister Lia.

This morning...

2008-02-11T10:15:00.000-08:00

I was headed to the beach with Chants, driving in Cardiff when I experienced heart-ache...the SUV in front of me hit a dog running in the street. OYE! I saw it all, can still see it now...the lil white shaggy dog running with his leash dragging. There was another dog too that ran in the street, a chocolate lab, but was not hit. This medium size doggy was.

I stopped my car, left it parked in the middle of the street, and got out to give it light & love. My legs straddled around the doggy, my hand on its heart, my other hand massaged it's neck. It lay still, breathing & heart beating fast. Others drove by looking, a few stopped, one gentleman called for help, thank you!

Finally the woman who's dog it was came over. She is Mexican, does not speak English & is in shock. Not much emotion, she can not recall the dogs name nor does she want to hold or touch the dog the way I do. The woman who hit the dog is also Mexican the two women speak in Spanish.

Out of no-where, the dogs heart just stopped beating on my hand, I continued to hold the baby, my heart & stomach were aching. Finally, maybe 15 minutes after the strike, a police officer showed up. He called animal services. The owner of the dog is still distant, I hug her and ask her if she wants to say a prayer or do anything for her dog.

Feeling super queezy, I choose to continue to my morning to get coffee & walk Chants on the beach. Less than 1 hour later, I drive back that way and the dog is still there, left where I covered him with a towel. WHAT! Why has no one come for this dog. Where is the owner. I am sick and must do something.

I call animal services, it's after 9am and they are closed! WHAT! Finally, I get a human on the phone, they let me know I need to call an animal removal service, and that is what I do.

Please join me in sending light & love to this doggy, mommy & family.

Encinitas Yoga & Surf Mecca

2008-02-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

How cool to be living in such an inspiring community where yoga is the culture. It's more common than not that if you live in North County San Diego you surf and do yoga, or at least have tried them at one time in your life. Being a yoga teacher and living in Encinitas, the town with the most yoga studios per capita in the US, and learning to surf...I am at home.

The media thinks so too...this month Encinitas magazine, they featured a full spread on all the local studios. In Vision magazine, I expressed my perspective on kids yoga.

Pic is of local favorite surfer yogini: Kira Nevaeh.

2008-01-30T18:51:00.000-08:00

Jaime & Donna Komitor have brought a beautiful light being into the world, his name is JJ (Jarrett James), what an awesome name! I definitly feel odd, different, physically uncomfortrable being so far away from my family during this time of new life. Pictures just don't do a new family member justice!

I cant quite believe that Lil Lia is now a big sister, my brother is a Dad of 2, and I am a Aunt Jo Jo living across the country - where is time going? Fast for sure! Brings me to the present moment, with acknowledgment for the gift of life.

Please join me & send light to JJ - he is experiencing a traditional Jewish Briss on Thursday, January 31st @ 4:30pm, EST. And also to Donna for healing post cesarian surgery.

My 1 year anniversary

2008-01-19T19:26:00.000-08:00

One year ago today I landed in the gem town of Encinitas, California. I recall it so clearly, driving north on the 101 into town...we were starved and ate at the first Italian restaurant we found, I think it is called Little Roma. That same meal, I pulled out my laptop and found me a furnished cottage on Avocado Street in Leucadia. Yummy ocean air & waves crashing 24/7, I was living in San Diego!

1 year later I am sharing this time with 2 women from Peru who came to study kids yoga with me. They desire to open a studio in Lima and said they wanted to come "learn from the one who started the studio." Thats me! I am so grateful to the world wide web, because they found me & now children in South America will too get to go!

Borka & Carolina are tecahing me so much this week too. Im learning to sing NGY songs in Spanish, about Peruvian lifestyle, economy, education system, and so much more. This is an amazing time of my life!

Surfing with Dolphins

2008-01-16T10:32:00.000-08:00

I still cant believe it, it feels so surreal. But this morning I was feet away from a pod of 3 dolphins. At first I saw a fin far away & said to my friend, "is that a shark?!" Nope it's dolphins. Made me so happy & excited to see them so close. I talked to the babies as they porpoised around me & my board.

Cant wait till they ride a wave with me. How cool, in SO CAL to swim with dolphins, my dream for sure.

NGY DVD

2008-01-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

2008 is the year I am committed to releasing the 1st NGY instructional video for kids. I am so excited about this project, and if you know me, you know this has been brewing for too long, so the time is now.

I'm relatively in the beginning stages, so Id like to take this blog-oportunity to do some market research. Whether you are a parent, teacher, yogi, producer, investor or friend - Id love to hear from you and get your feedback on a childrens yoga video.

Have you ever seen a kids yoga video? Which one? What did you think?
Describe the video you would like to see me create?
How much would you pay for a NGY dvd?
What age would you want it for?

Thank you thank you, all feedback is helpful information. And its karmic!

Taking Inventory

2007-12-24T17:43:00.000-08:00

Tis the season - it's the holidays!! A new year, closure with 2007, new beginnings for 2008.

My big move across the country stands out this year - my life has definitely taken significant turns & changes in 2007. In less than a year, I made a 2-week drive across the country to land in the most beautiful, spiritual, magical yoga-surf town called Encinitas. I've made 3 trips to NY, 2 to Seattle and 1 to Portland. Let's just say it was a LOT of travelling!

This year, I met so so so many amazing people, creating new relationships & possibilities...I have integrated with an open community at Soul of Yoga, taught 7 kids yoga Teacher Trainings and brought NGY classes into 5 after schools in San Diego county. Chants & I have met a bazillion other dog lovers, made great new friends who are now family, and I've even done some dating ;)

I am grateful that 2007 is the year I found my daily meditation practice, learned to surf & started my organic garden. LIFE IS GOOD!

I wish you all a blessed holiday & new year filled with loved ones & fun!

Encinitas Surf

2007-12-15T20:47:00.000-08:00

Encinitas truly is one of the most beauty-FULL spots in the world, at least from what I have seen. I'm so inspired by the climate, nature and indigenous plant life in southern California. I am my highest while planting, gardening, walking the coast, soaking up winter sun...today it was surfing.

The culture here is surfing. Everyone surfs - kids, women, teens, seniors, even dogs! So when in Rome...today I bought a wet suit, some booties & joined in the 58 degree fun. Gratefully I had friends to show me the way.

I love the ocean & was so excited to be in her again. I am at home - held by mother earth in her vast, open arms. Just fills me up with happiness.

The surf culture is so fascinating to me and I have so much respect for it. Every "break" has a name with local surfers, swell & a very sexy lingo. I've heard it before, and now see that surfing is a metaphor for life. The ocean is life with waves we ride, ups & downs, crashes, wipe-outs, taken under, fear...duality is serenity, calm, peace, beauty & joy. Other surfers are our relationships: competitive, aggressive, respectful, cordial, playful, courageous, risk taking. Surfers coast the waves full of bumps & adventure.

It goes on & on...and I so look forward unfolding my surfing career.

Dharma

2007-12-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

What an amazing week, I have so much to be grateful for.
I stop, review, and share my many blessings with you.

Sunday, 108 Sun Salutations for Peace was the event I participated in. With other yogis we practiced yoga & raised money for the San Diego Fire Relief Fund.

Monday, I taught over a dozen kids yoga at El Camino Creek about the 6 different ways our spine moves.

Tuesday, I meditated with over 50 people at the Chopra Center.

Wednesday, I taught 3 kids yoga classes, with kids ages 18 mo. to 10 yr. olds.

Thursday, I made potato latkas & celebrated Hanukkah!

Friday, I led a community family yoga night at Soul of Yoga with Tom & Trisha, oh & the Blue Fairy Goddess came & granted wishes & prayers for all the children present.

Now of course, through this week I experienced my daily day to day activities including work, stress, exercise, chants walks, yoga, friends, etc...But when I stop & look at what stands out from this past week - I recognize the gifts BIG & clear. I cant help but feel empowered - because I am living my dharma, I am on my life's path.

2007-11-29T14:11:00.000-08:00

For the past 5 months I have begun my day with a morning meditation. My friend David from the Chopra Center named it RPM: Rise, Pee, Meditate. That is what I do - starting at 6:30am.

I have been practicing Primordial Sound Meditation, which I too learned from the Chopra Center. I received my very own primordial sound that, according to Vedic Scriptures, was the sound that was heard at the time I was born into this lifetime. It is a mantra that I repeat in order to get lost, go into the gap, away from my thoughts. Now, of course, my thoughts follow me everywhere, but that is why it is called a practice. Sometimes, I go away from my thoughts for a second, sometimes a minute - sometimes much more. With practice, I am sure I will go deeper into the gap.

With a recent move to a new house, I now have tile floors - so I have had my eye on a sheepskin rug that they sell at IKEA. I wanted this to use for meditation. Last weekend, in Portland, I scored my new meditation mat & I love it!! Apparently - so does Chants! I cant keep him off of it! Not sure if its the energy, the texture or the smell of the sheep who sacrificed himself for my meditation rug. Thank you sheep!

Chants has integrated himself into my daily meditation practice. I find I actually love his breath & warm body next to mine as I detach from my own.

Giving Thanks

2007-11-23T10:35:00.000-08:00

I'm up in Portland Oregon with my brother & Donna, her family & lil Lia. Donna & Jaime have a baby on the way, so they flew west to be with her family before she is restricted from flying & soon giving birth in NY. They met here in P-town & Donna has a wonderful family who she is super close with, so its been a real special visit for all. I loved the short commute just a few hours north from California to celebrate Thanksgiving with family this year! Best is QT with my niece Lia! Of course, I miss being with my parents & other brother Barry, but we are always together in spirit.

As a conscious woman, I take a daily inventory of what I am grateful for. I am sure you have heard of Oprah's gratitude journal, my version happens during my morning walks on the beach. So much to be grateful for!! Just a few that Id love to share with you today are: my family who taught me my values & morals that I hold today, that I have freedom & choice to live the life I desire to create, that I know spirituality & conscious living & that I know my Dharma (life's path) - sharing yoga with children.

Id love to hear from you and what it is you are grateful for. Declare it to the world as a "comment" here or better yet, share it with someone personally.

So Succulent

2007-11-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the California plant life, specifically succulents. I am obsessed! There are so many different varieties and my eyes are just wide open to their perfection in geometry & beauty. Best is to share & just cut a piece off another & plant it, as roots will just grow from the clipping when planted in soil. Really, so easy to care for & grow in abundance in dry, hot beachy locations - lucky me! I spent my weekend peacefully creating funky lil cities of succulents.

Wildfires 2007

2007-10-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

First, thank you for your support in not only checking in on me but for your prayers for the firefighters battling the wildfires and for those who have been evacuated & who's homes have burned. Please do not stop your meditation now as we need the group conscious power to save mother earth.

Personally, I am safe, no mandatory evacuation for Encinitas, where I live (which is on the coast). The closest fire is just 15 miles and therefore we do have awful air quality to breathe. We cope by wearing masks and staying inside. The area feels like a ghost town as so many have left to go where the air quality is better, though driving and traffic is not pleasant either. Schools have been closed and they have not announced when they will reopen. So many businesses too are affected, as we are advised to stay home. Southern California has such an outdoor lifestyle (restaurants, coffee shops, etc...), so sadly we are all affected.

Besides the local nasty air, my house is full of soot & ash inside & out - I ignorantly slept with the windows open the first night of the fires – DUH!! I have not opened my windows nor have I brought myself to clean house yet.

Obviously, I am SO grateful for my personal circumstance, and at the same time so devastated for those people who have lost their homes. I've lived through 9-11, the NYC blackout, so many terrorist threats, but this is my 1st time experiencing a natural disaster. Which do I prefer? None, of course!

More New Beginnings

2007-10-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

This week I moved (again!), into a sweet house in Encinitas. It's amazing, since living in California (only 10 month now) I have moved 4x already - thats more than I ever moved living in NYC for 15 years. This house is long term, I know it, I feel it, I want it. It's got a huge yard which I plan to have a veggie garden, a fire pit, hammock & lots of friendly gatherings. It's got great energy and I am grateful for this abode.

As with all moves, comes stress...the packing, the actual physical moving, unpacking, etc. But now I am in & my dear friend Lorrie supported me in letting go of my stress & making my space "mine" with sage. By way of ritual, I smudged and released old energies & spirits from every room, closet, draw, corner, nook & shelf. Very cool to see the swirls, streams & wafts of smoke move & travel out with the old, stale energy. Clean & clear is my space, available for me.

Symbolically, I moved on the night of the new moon, and today as I write this it's raining. My mother always said, rain was perfect for new moving days as it washes away the old, cleans & prepares for new beginnings! Amen to new beginnings.

I am Aunt Jo Jo

2007-09-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was blessed to go home and spend 4 full days with my lil niece, Lia Jean. She is just shy of 2 years old now & I am in awe of her. Actually, it's quite mutual - as almost every minute she was saying "Jo Jo!"

When Lia was born, on October 10th 2005, she joined the Komitor family as the first grandchild. If you know my family, you can imagine what a BIG deal this was! I was so lucky to live walking distance to her, so I got lots of QT Lia time from the very beginning. When she turned 1 years old, I knew that I was moving across the country & made an extra effort to see her many times a week. Today, Lia & I have a very special bond that makes living so far away from her very challenging.

But I will see her in November for Thanksgiving & have had many great reunions with her since my move out west. I absolutely LOVE and appreciate witnessing her grow & change, develop & thrive, all of which is so evident because of the time in between each visit.

So whereas I used to worry that my niece wouldn't remember me or feel safe to be with me, that was all just useless paranoia. The truth lies in our bond that is sure to never be forgotten, no matter how close or far away we live from each other. I am Aunt Jo Jo!

Flava Flav

2007-09-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

The hype goes on...this poor surfer boy wakes up every morning with a new outfit! Today he was Flava Flav. Despite his new look, no love from Chants! Lots of love I mean laughs from Cardiffians though!

A wave of disapproval greets Cardiff surf statue

2007-09-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

When a friend of mine from NY read this LA Times article - she wrote me & said "That's classic! Chants peeing on the statue!" It really is. But nonetheless - it's right on with target with our taste.

Read it for yourself. Would be curious what you think!

Summer is almost over

2007-09-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

But from what I have been told, the weather in San Diego in September & October is the most glorious of all. I don't feel those end of summer blues that I used to get in New York...Labor Day weekend, back to school, back to work, no more beach, no more outdoor fun - NOT AT ALL! In fact, the life I live now, it's 12 months a year for all that good stuff & I'm lovin' it up!

I had an amazing visit from my Mom & Dad last week. Short & sweet, but super meaningful. It was my Dad's 1st time seeing me in my new life in Cali, my mom was out here earlier in March. We spent quality time together, relaxing at the beach, walking the hood & eating at my favorite restaurants. I celebrated my parents with a meet & greet the Focker's/Komitor's BBQ with my new California friends. It's amazing how now time with my parents is so much more quality than when we saw each other so often when I was living near them. Funny how that happens.

Also this past week, I received the gift of my Primordial Sound Mantra - the vibration the world made the moment I was born. My dear friend David Ji treated me to the Primordial Sound Meditation course at the Chopra Center where I learned their style of meditation: repeating my given mantra over & over again in order to lessen the chatter of thoughts & increase the power of silence. I have since been meditating twice a day & reaping the amazing benefits of meditation. I am so very grateful for being with myself in meditation, asking who I am, what I want & how can I serve.

Save Cardiff

2007-08-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

I have known it since I moved here...but got so thrilled today about what a gemstone of a place I am living in: Cardiff by the Sea. Despite that there is 1 starbucks, the vibe is super friendly, positive and laid back. Founded in 1911, its one of the few authentic, rootsy, surfer beach towns left. I love it, since I am either barefoot or in flip flops all day long!

Sadly, I learned today that Cardiff is in danger!! There is a Specific Plan for its adorable, cute landmarked downtown 6 block area to be rebuilt with residential units on top of commercial/office/professional structures. Yucky! Like most, Id hate to see that happen. That means losing its unique charm, character & community feel!

Save Cardiff by the Sea!

Timing

2007-08-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

I humbly chose to not go to the San Juan Islands this past week & instead stayed local in my opinion the most beautiful place in the country: North County, San Diego. With my traveling to NYC, Teacher Trainings and doggy surgeries, these past 2 months, I just wanted to stay put right here right now. I am sad & disappointed that I missed kayaking, camping, playing with Orcas & connecting with 5 spiritual fems...I just felt the timing to travel on a plane, ferry & more for a rustic rugged week, the timing was not right for me. I will definitely go on a Sea Quest. Besides, people travel from all over the world to vacation here, so I did too.

I enjoyed & embraced life this week, including daily: ocean swims, yoga, meditation, fresh veggie juice and full on Jodi time. I tried surfing, went sailing, hiked Torrey Pines, treated myself to a facial, had quality fun time with friends & ate lots of yummy healthy foods!

It's Sunday night & I am looking foward to getting back to "work" & my everyday life. I know my life is blessed when at the end of a GREAT vacation I cant wait for tomorrow!

Chantsy Pants & Zoomars

2007-07-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you all so very much for your love, light & devotion to Chants. Its been just 4 days since his surgery & he is doing great! I have not yet got the biopsy results, but the VET left a voice message saying all good news...sigh, relief!

I went up to Zoomars Petting Zoo where I will be teaching Yoga Like a Llama. Very adorable, unique & sweet spot where Ill get to tie in education about animals & yoga poses & movement! So very cool!

I went up there (San Juan Capistrano) to take some pics for promotional use. Was VERY funny being in their pens!

Send him light!

2007-07-19T19:17:00.001-07:00

I recently did a Yoga & Meditation Immersion, Opening to Grace with Tom & Trisha from Soul of Yoga. It was for sure life changing & like no other training Ive ever done before. 13 of us were present, connected & spontaneous with curriculum. We did Asana Yoga classes 2x a day, and lots of meditation throughout.

I am so excited to be deep in a meditation practice - I now feel so much more spiritually connected with spirit.

During immersion we did a healing meditation for a 6 day old baby who was in ICU. We sent her light, health, good energy & that her highest good happen. She went home few days later.

Amazing, truly precious.

Today I took Chants to the vet for a 2nd opinion on a Spindle Cell tumor(cancer.) He is having it removed on Tuesday, along with 2 other lil skin tags. This is CHants 4th surgery & as always, he'll be a champ.

Please join me in sending Chants light!

2007-07-11T21:54:00.000-07:00

I live in one of the most gorgeous places in the world. Easily the most beautiful place I have ever been to. The weather is a perfect 76-80 degrees & no humidity. Breathing in the sea air, (daily!) I am present, alive, energized & spiritually aware.

Last week I began teaching yoga on the beach squished & splashed in the water & sand. Immediately, the kids were present & connected. We used our senses to explore on a meditation walk over beach rocks, up a bluff - at Ponto Beach. At the top there is a viewpoint & a fantastic compass drawing. N, S, W, E are each beautiful - so amazing! Three 10 yr. old girls and 2 NGY Student Teachers...we circled up at the spot where the land meets the sea. We held hands & plaques describing a piece of history & the environment of this California beach. Each plaque was an inspiration during our yoga experience.

Each moment was truly exquisite - especially when we inhaled our arms out & up overhead - there flew a flock of birds over head!

There is nothing like doing yoga at the beach, try it - I promise you'll love it!

Del Mar Fair

2007-07-03T22:39:00.000-07:00

Since driving home on the 5 last night past the Del Mar Fair, I wanted to go. July 4th is the last day then comes the horse track!

This morning at Yoga practice, I connected with Emily & her daughter to go this afternoon - just for 2 1/2 hours, since they had other commitments.

$12 admission for adults, kids are free, we bought 30 tickets for rides at $20 - that's only about 5 rides worth. I went on an oldie & a goodie: Tilt a Whirl.

Sage enrolled me in going on a roller coaster - post "spiral fry's" - yuk! I hated the roller coaster! My mom almost fell out of a roller coaster in Coney Island, and that was the thought on my mind the whole time. It was crazy scary!

Best part of teh whole day was hugging Evan! YEP! He was wearing a shirt that said: FREE HUGS - we shared a hug, of course! How cool, 12 yr. old boy wearing such a bold statement!

The Del Mar Fair, or any amusement park type place is to kids what Vegas is to adults. Instead of betting, they have games - where you can win toys, stuffed animals vs. money. Drinks in Vegas are like the junk food at the fair. Both are money suckers, sin-city-ish yet a lot of fun!!

NY sChity

2007-06-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

Being here during the hot summer reminds me of the smells I do NOT miss! Oh my goodness - this city STINKS! I'm like a dog with so many pungent smells, all of the time!

Besides the frequent stank of hot pavement & steamy air, there is the every-now-and-again intense odor of dog urine, basting from the sun. Today, I saw a dog burying his nose in the piss on the street.

I rode the subways & there is the muggy underground smell. And, of course, the smell of people soup when on a subway car with no AC.

Garbage bags, waiting for sanitation pick-up, roasting in the heat.

When I went to record in my brothers studio in China Town on Grant Street, located between 2 Asian markets, it smelled like fishy diesel!

To be fair, I also had the opportunity to experience foreign smells in Jersey too this trip - my home state! I went on a friends water-ski boat on the Raritan River & that was stinky - wreaked of rotten eggs, sulphur...Believe it, I did swim in it as it was moderately refreshing...

Please don't send me hate mail, I love NJ & NYC, they will always be home & I'll always return, no matter what it smells like. Now, I'm just looking forward to California smells!

Sunscreen Dance by the Swingset Mamas

2007-06-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

How cool is this...my new favorite kids yoga song, Sunscreen Dance by the Swingset Mamas is being used by the Environmental Protection Agency for their SunWise Program. SunWise is an educational program that teaches kids in schools & communities about the sun & safety. The Swingset Mamas are 2 AWESOME MOMMAS who I personally know & LOVE! Rock on Lizzy & Marlowe!

Here's link to activities to do with kids in yoga class or wherever related to this topic. I know for me now living in California where the sun is always shining - its so very important to protect the skin. AND - since Chants is fair & has sensitive skin, I apply Baby Sunscreen 50 - yes, he has actually gotten sunburn.

BTW - my brother Barry is in the Swingset Mamas band, so you gotta buy this cd!!

2007-06-10T20:20:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow will be 2 weeks since the dog bite and I still can't put weight on the foot. When I was laying there looking at the cut on the beach that day & thinking about how long Id be hurt for, I had no idea Id still be in pain this long!

2 shots, 2 anti-biotics, 2 weeks - hello patience, slow down, rest! These are challenging days.

I want to share with you the most incredible experience I had pre-dog bite: WATSU. Absolutely, amazingly sensual, blissful, harmonious experience - in a magical pool in Oceanside. Its like nothing I have ever experienced before, and until you do, neither have you. Dave's pool has an immense amount of crystals in it, and is surrounded by the mystical landscaping & more.

I was floated by my new dear friend Jory Castleburg - he's a healer, and I am so blessed to have the experience with him. And he does donation only.

I dreamed I was swimming with wild dolphins that night!

My favorite place turned on me

2007-05-30T20:43:00.001-07:00

I suppose it's my bad karma, because on Monday - Memorial Day - I was bit by a Doberman Pincher at Del Mar Dog Beach :(

My version of the story...Chants & I were leaving the beach when he & a Dobie (who was on a leash) met face to face. Chants pounced into Downward Dog (signifying play), when the owner released his dog to "play." The Dobie darted for Chants, barking & biting = dog fight! I got Chants out with only a few face scratches and a small puncture in his jowl - my foot got bit.

There is just nothing like witnessing a dog fight, the energy, the adrenaline...and of course getting bit along the way is no pleasurable pain.

Ive realized that I hardly ever get hurt. I've never broken a bone, been in a car accident, hospitalized or terribly sick - AMEN, I am blessed!

So what's my lesson I ask myself? Why the injury? What am I to learn from this awful experience? Yes, to stop and sloooooooowwwww down. I am. I'm laying horizontal all day, with my laptop in bed, cell phones & pooch by my side!

But I also am getting that people need people. Right now, Im immobile, I cant drive and I cant really walk or put pressure on my foot. How could I get to the Dr. appt or pick up anti-biotics without anther's help?

I just moved in with a housemate, perfect timing, because I imagine living alone with an injury is definitely not as fun! It feels incredibly amazing to have support from people, and to practice being vulnerable and to ask for help. Its ok to do!

Taking time to smell the flowers

2007-05-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

I'm making my 3rd move since landing in North County, California. Up until now I HATED moving - schlepping, packing, feels like a waste of time to me, like I could be doing so many other things instead of putting things in boxes. Now it feels different. I down-sized when I left NYC, so I have less stuff to pack - now I am enjoying the organizing. Also, I feel lighter and non-attached.

NEW: For the first time in 15 years I will have a house-mate. I am open & embrace change.

My even greater news right now is that the house I am moving out of has the most delicious smelling rose bush peaking now - (I wish there was a way you could smell it online!) Lucky me, as I go through this transition, I get to take LOTS of deep smells of the roses. It's so invigorating, makes me giddy & high. I am so happy & grateful for mother earth - reminding me to stop, slow down, breathe & live!

Of course, Chants, being a dog - present as ever - he too loves the roses!