There is a saying that if you put what you want out to the Universe, it will conspire to make it happen. That's very true. Even knowing that, how does one welcome the help? Do you research and study all you can and then give what you have? Or do you say "Hey, F.Y.I, this is what I want," then begin from there? From what I've heard, it's all of the above. Not always together either. Some people quit their job and then almost immediately find the perfect one. A game plan won't even be in place. How does this happen and why?
Maybe the act of quitting, that declaration of having enough is so strong the Universe has no choice but to quickly respond. Like a ping pong match. When someone serves, the Universe better be quick if it wants to rally (which it does). Is the plan "In two weeks, I'm out of here," a solid enough affirmation to bring about such change?
When I began practicing yoga in April 2012, everything about the rest of the year began to fall into a better place. I decided I wanted to be a full time writer, I cut hours at my job, cut my hair and went all natural and realized I could have a passion about something in life. Yoga was the key to that. One decision, "I'm going to take my first yoga class this week," resulted in me finding one of my passions in life. Helped me to find a way to understand myself, my spirit and the world around me. What are the odds when I take my first four yoga classes I have the opportunity to go to the yoga studio four times a week the whole next month and a win a challenge? Universe, was that you? *said coyly*
Is that it then? Just claim something and trying it out no matter how small or great? This is on my mind since the worsening condition at my job. I want to quit. Yes I know, want all I like, the universe will allow me to keep wanting. Actually quitting...Oh I CAN quit. I should. At least there is another income and a couple months rent saved if I did. Is that still fair to my partner? Will the Universe back me up? It's not so easy when I think about effecting other people and bills. Why is it so easy to jump to the negative thoughts with such decision and not the super awesome ones that are bound to follow? (That's for another post I think)
I remember when I felt like I had no passion in life. A passionate person with no passion to pursue. I would see others and wonder, "What is that like? Why can't I have that?" I'd ask myself how a person finds something that makes sense to them and intrigues them so much they learn from it everyday. They don't mind working with it every day. They don't get bored, its just more exploration though familiar. Yoga was that for me. The passion I found to pursue and have tons to learn from all the time! I know that feeling now. The practice, practitioners, asana, meditation, spirituality...All of it is a continual process of exploration, interest and learning.
My point is, I thought to myself about having a passion, "Why can't that be me?" A few months later it was. Now I'm asking again about quitting a corporate job to fully follow my career as a full time writer and yoga instructor, "Why can't that be me?" And then...
To Be Continued....
Showing posts with label Yoga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yoga. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Dreaming Reality (Literally)
A few nights this week I've remembered some of my dreams. Groggy yet interested I grabbed my phone and keyed in what I remembered, trying my best to not illuminate my sleeping husband. I took some of the symbols and looked them up in an online dictionary tonight. Here's the dream that struck me the most this week.
I was in bed, in my room at my mom's house. I just woke up from a nap I suppose. The room was dark and for some reason a ceiling fan was set directly above my bed that sits next to the wall. I stood in the middle of my bed to turn on the lights. They burned out. Except one, with a somewhat off rhythm dull pulse. Not completely out; struggling weakly to shine anything at all.
Being on a bed isn't sturdy and I stumbled a bit trying to fix these lights. All of a sudden about five of my girl friends rushed in. "Are you okay?" "We'll help you!" "Let us get it! You alright?!" One of my friends was holding me gently by the arms as if I was in need of a jacket. "I'm fine, really, I'm okay." I said a bit confused and pleased they were so concerned.
Telling this dream to a good friend of mine she responded, "Yay support!" Support indeed! For what? The most striking aspects of this dream were the light bulbs and friends.
Looking up light bulbs I got a description of feeling ineffective, out of ideas and having nothing to offer. This is true. Lately I've been concerned about my current job situation and unsure of what to do. Not knowing where to turn or any steps to take. Also, the worst feeling of having nothing to give of substance. Even if I quit, what then? What do I have?
Seeing my friends meant aspects of my personality that I've rejected but am ready to incorporate and acknowledge. It also means positive news. Checking the date on my phone, I recorded this dream January 1, 2013. 01/01/2013 at 6:23am. That same evening I got the seed planted in my head to seriously consider teacher training this year. This gives me a serious feeling of the Twilight Zone, only with a happy ending.
Oh Universe how subtle you are!
I'll explain. I feel it's significant one light bulb wasn't completely burnt out. It was very faint and barely pulsing but there was light none the less. Though I felt a bit useless and confused I wasn't completely down for the count. A small part of me was saying in a faithful whisper, "No Chelle, there's more. You have something to offer I promise". I've always been a person of many beginnings. I've mentioned this before, trying over and over and over again. Wanting to give up and (thankfully) never being able to.
Aspects of my personality being rejected does not surprise me. I usually have multiple goals to go for and ways of understanding them or aspects to them. I mean really, about five friends for a few light bulbs? I can't be anything but grateful for such support! I do like how I am ready to incorporate and acknowledge them. Even if it takes time to realize that's what I'm doing. They didn't walk or stroll in. My friends, my personality aka true nature and purpose (which I feel at times can be the same thing) rushed in! I was grateful though confused. Positive news. That brings me back to the friend with her hands on my shoulders. As if she was protecting me. My purpose, passions and destiny are here for me. We're friends. Only good can come from that. I'm safe.
I had this dream five days ago and thinking on it now makes this first week in January make sense. Some of the things I signed up just happened to show up to me at the right time, like the both yoga challenges!
I'm also glad I write down my dreams when I can. Even if I don't know what they mean at the time, going back to them I can understand how I'm feeling. More importantly, I can more fully appreciate what has happened because of them.
I was in bed, in my room at my mom's house. I just woke up from a nap I suppose. The room was dark and for some reason a ceiling fan was set directly above my bed that sits next to the wall. I stood in the middle of my bed to turn on the lights. They burned out. Except one, with a somewhat off rhythm dull pulse. Not completely out; struggling weakly to shine anything at all.
Being on a bed isn't sturdy and I stumbled a bit trying to fix these lights. All of a sudden about five of my girl friends rushed in. "Are you okay?" "We'll help you!" "Let us get it! You alright?!" One of my friends was holding me gently by the arms as if I was in need of a jacket. "I'm fine, really, I'm okay." I said a bit confused and pleased they were so concerned.
Telling this dream to a good friend of mine she responded, "Yay support!" Support indeed! For what? The most striking aspects of this dream were the light bulbs and friends.
Looking up light bulbs I got a description of feeling ineffective, out of ideas and having nothing to offer. This is true. Lately I've been concerned about my current job situation and unsure of what to do. Not knowing where to turn or any steps to take. Also, the worst feeling of having nothing to give of substance. Even if I quit, what then? What do I have?
Seeing my friends meant aspects of my personality that I've rejected but am ready to incorporate and acknowledge. It also means positive news. Checking the date on my phone, I recorded this dream January 1, 2013. 01/01/2013 at 6:23am. That same evening I got the seed planted in my head to seriously consider teacher training this year. This gives me a serious feeling of the Twilight Zone, only with a happy ending.
Oh Universe how subtle you are!
I'll explain. I feel it's significant one light bulb wasn't completely burnt out. It was very faint and barely pulsing but there was light none the less. Though I felt a bit useless and confused I wasn't completely down for the count. A small part of me was saying in a faithful whisper, "No Chelle, there's more. You have something to offer I promise". I've always been a person of many beginnings. I've mentioned this before, trying over and over and over again. Wanting to give up and (thankfully) never being able to.
Aspects of my personality being rejected does not surprise me. I usually have multiple goals to go for and ways of understanding them or aspects to them. I mean really, about five friends for a few light bulbs? I can't be anything but grateful for such support! I do like how I am ready to incorporate and acknowledge them. Even if it takes time to realize that's what I'm doing. They didn't walk or stroll in. My friends, my personality aka true nature and purpose (which I feel at times can be the same thing) rushed in! I was grateful though confused. Positive news. That brings me back to the friend with her hands on my shoulders. As if she was protecting me. My purpose, passions and destiny are here for me. We're friends. Only good can come from that. I'm safe.
I had this dream five days ago and thinking on it now makes this first week in January make sense. Some of the things I signed up just happened to show up to me at the right time, like the both yoga challenges!
- I signed up for a 40 Day Personal Revolution with yoga
- A support group to encourage women to follow their dreams
- A yoga blog challenge to get me over my fear of posting
- Told my family and a few friends about my interest in being a yoga instructor.
All to tremendous support, good vibes and love!
The first day of the year I had a dream about my insecurities. The same dream projected me dashing them away with acknowledging my passions, embracing and following through with them. Five days later, I'm very excited and lovingly supported. It's amazing what your soul knows and how the universe will conspire with it when the need is great.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Did You Breathe Today?
Did you breathe today? Think about it. Have you felt your breath? Lungs? Are you aware of your existence? I want you to take a moment to sit back, close your eyes and take three strong yet calm breaths. I'll do them with you...
Did you do it? I did mine. If so, I bet you felt a difference. Did you realize you had a body, a chest with life energy flowing through it? If you didn't do it, that's okay, thought I hope you'll reconsider.
What is all the breathing about in yoga? Pranayama. Have you heard "If you can breathe you are doing yoga" or a variation of it. For me, it's about living. Waking up the sleeping or reviving the dead. Yes, the dead. There are multiple forms of life and therefore multiple forms of death. As I say, zombie's walk but they're not alive.
Did you breathe today? Are you living or existing through space? The limbs can be alight by electricity as Frankenstein's poor monster. Or lived in like a child shivering in the sprinklers. Teeth chattering and still not ready to stop feeling the day's fun.
So often we walk around a bit numb. This is no judgment. I do it too. Life can go along without our realizing we were there. "Is it Friday already? Where did the week go?" It passed all the same, we just weren't there.
Did you breathe today? Cry? Did your body ache from an overdose of joy? I hope so. If not, sit back and take three strong breaths. Life is within you. Let it circulate your blood.
Did you do it? I did mine. If so, I bet you felt a difference. Did you realize you had a body, a chest with life energy flowing through it? If you didn't do it, that's okay, thought I hope you'll reconsider.
What is all the breathing about in yoga? Pranayama. Have you heard "If you can breathe you are doing yoga" or a variation of it. For me, it's about living. Waking up the sleeping or reviving the dead. Yes, the dead. There are multiple forms of life and therefore multiple forms of death. As I say, zombie's walk but they're not alive.
Did you breathe today? Are you living or existing through space? The limbs can be alight by electricity as Frankenstein's poor monster. Or lived in like a child shivering in the sprinklers. Teeth chattering and still not ready to stop feeling the day's fun.
So often we walk around a bit numb. This is no judgment. I do it too. Life can go along without our realizing we were there. "Is it Friday already? Where did the week go?" It passed all the same, we just weren't there.
Did you breathe today? Cry? Did your body ache from an overdose of joy? I hope so. If not, sit back and take three strong breaths. Life is within you. Let it circulate your blood.
Fear of Greatness
Yoga has a way of unlocking our buried thoughts and feelings. Or, putting the view of ourselves into greater focus. Fear is one of my feelings that need intense examining. I need to uncover my fear from piles of clean clothes, unwashed dishes and scattered papers with bits and pieces of different dreams and ideas. Put it under a magnifying glass. Not to over analyze but put into focus.
During a amazing Candlelight Yoga on January 1st ( a great way to start the new year!) at my home studio, a thought crossed my mind. What if I taught yoga? What if I used asana as the vehicle to seep my words into the souls of others as my teachers do? What if I was in front of a class of 40 reminding them what they are there for. Encouraging them to attempt a pose slightly feared because they now know they are better for it.
Fear strikes! What about money for teacher training? What about my weak arms? Can I tell them what they need to know? How can I be a leader to others as I struggle to lead myself?
Money can be saved. Arms can be strengthened (I never thought I could chatarunga!). Knowledge is learned and everyone has the ability to lead if it's from the heart. When thought of this way, I'm left with excuses. Left with fearful words to slow or stop progress into a successful unknown.
Let me break down this phrase "successful unknown". The fear comes from "unknown". But why? It's successful! When you're used to living a certain lifestyle, happy or not, it's difficult to change. What's the solution? Turn the unknown into the known.
Instead of "What about money?" claim, "I'm going to have X amount of money by X." My arms aren't weak. They are progressively growing stronger. I can tell others what they need to know by passing on what I know. It's all you can do anyway. Leading from the heart, others will follow my love, truth and search for connection.
I suppose, I don't fear greatness. I fear the unknown. I'll say, with the little I've already found out I know, what's really to fear?
I have a fear of greatness. A fear of the amazingly worthy unknown before me. How does one fear success? Fear the life they think about daily; daydream living the perfect existence? It's unfamiliar territory. As humans we naturally fear what we don't know.
 |
| whole-newworld.tumblr.com |
Fear strikes! What about money for teacher training? What about my weak arms? Can I tell them what they need to know? How can I be a leader to others as I struggle to lead myself?
Money can be saved. Arms can be strengthened (I never thought I could chatarunga!). Knowledge is learned and everyone has the ability to lead if it's from the heart. When thought of this way, I'm left with excuses. Left with fearful words to slow or stop progress into a successful unknown.
Let me break down this phrase "successful unknown". The fear comes from "unknown". But why? It's successful! When you're used to living a certain lifestyle, happy or not, it's difficult to change. What's the solution? Turn the unknown into the known.
Instead of "What about money?" claim, "I'm going to have X amount of money by X." My arms aren't weak. They are progressively growing stronger. I can tell others what they need to know by passing on what I know. It's all you can do anyway. Leading from the heart, others will follow my love, truth and search for connection.
I suppose, I don't fear greatness. I fear the unknown. I'll say, with the little I've already found out I know, what's really to fear?
Friday, October 26, 2012
Truth and Foundation : Sutra 1.41
My Mantra For the next few months as I try to figure things out
"Truth and Foundation".
 |
| birthwithoutfearblog.com |
In the Yoga Sutras 1.41 it talks about your thoughts. What you constantly put in your mind, your mind will form to. Everything else will fall away. You will be "devoid differentiation between knower, knowable and knowledge". Your thoughts will be all three.
It also states "When you cultivate one alone [referring to thought], all the other impressions become weaker and finer" Focus on truth, the lies will fall away. They will become weak and won't be able to stay on. Focus on a strong foundation, solid, consistent,unshakable. All the fear, doubt, weakness, materials not needed or too weak, will crumble to dust.
So these are my major thoughts to fight through the end of the year. To start the next year on the path I am meant to lead. Truth and Foundation. There is no more. There can't be any less.
Do you have an end of the year Mantra? What is it?
Namaste with Love,
Chelle aka Writer Yogi
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Zombies: Walking Rigamortis
As some of you may know, I am going through a transition in my life. One that needs to happen very soon and that I have been fearful to put into fruition. I admit, one of the fears is my ability to what needs to be done. The other fear is the fact that my life decision doesn't just effect me. I have a husband and if I plan to run away and join the circus that's all good and dandy but I leave my partner with all the bills. "Hey honey, going through some stuff, just gonna drop everything and figure it all out, remember the bills and rent and I'll see you when I'm back". Yeah, not okay. At least not without the proper explanation and set up to still support the household.
So I know your thinking, blah blah, what about the zombies? Hey, isn't there enough of that these days anyway? ( I kid. Sort of).
Here is my point, it feels like my body is dying when I feel how stiff I am. It doesn't help the absolute lack of yoga that's been my life for weeks! At the same time, even through unfortunate long bouts without yoga, I have never felt this way in my life on a consistent basis. It all began that week of almost 60 hours at Not Ashtanga aka work. It hasn't gone away since. Then the week before this one, I felt fine, but I had a few symptoms that I thought could be related to a cold. Not major sniffing or sneezing like now. And then this week, after being unable to stay warm (so zombie) in the cooler, going in and out to try to warm up (that helped sheesh!) I end up with a full blown cold by the end of the day.
It's like I'm turning into a zombie. You start experiencing vague symptoms, an itch there, an odd urge. Then more specific ones like coughing (no blood here though). Then you finally change into the walking dead! Rigamortis and brainless overeating. Stiff from working and snacking all day because I run around so much. Got to keep my energy up. Plus I'm always thirsty or hungry (much like the undead with their metabolisms) and seeing unhappiness sits in your taste buds you must become happy with a snack yes? (The real answer is no but that's for another day) See the zombie relation there? I do Not however have any desire to eat human flesh. You're good.
You don't really feel pain in the same way either as an animated corpse. Something may hurt a bit, but it becomes more of an inconvenience than anything. A zombie's arm gets blown off,and they are shocked an pissed mostly because now they have to try to eat you left handed (as a human it was righty) and the blast from the shotgun delayed it 1.5 seconds from charging it's meal. I mean honestly, on the job I look at my hands and wrists and go, "Where on earth did I get new little cuts on myself?" or "Ow, I just jammed something into my leg, it really hurts but no time for that." Then go home and see, geez, that was bleeding a little.
A specific part of me that is "decaying" are my hands. My hands used to be my favorite part on my body. Maybe they still are. Maybe they will be again. I always liked how they looked. Slender fingers and good skin. Nicely growing nails. I Write with them! Now when I look at them, I get a bit fearful and sad. What new cuts have they endured? Why are they so dry and worn looking? For the longest time my nails couldn't grow past a certain point without being broken off, Thanks not Ashtanga.
I have not written a post in too long for myself and haven't submitted any to websites either. I looked at my hands yesterday, dear goodness what are they?! They were white and raw. (Shea butter to the rescue!) I mean, I could see flaky skin on the back of my right hand as if it had aged and was loosing moisture before inevitable decomposition. I know part of it is because of constant hand washing from the job. No it's not OCD but I can see the message in that. And sanitizing so not to infect anything that needs touching on shelving after a brief sneezing fit.
The point is the symbolism behind it. The decay of the physical connecting to the decay of the spiritual and artistic life. Make sense? I can see myself turning into a physical zombie, dying on the outside, and therefore see my art, dreams and purpose slowly fading away, decomposing, struggling to stay present in my mind. Trying to not lose my mind and drifting into the undead.
There is hope! Ah-ha-ha yes my dear friends! This is not Resident Evil 100 or whatever it is now. (I mean really, let them be happy or end it all!). It's a bit more I Am Legend. Though probably one of the most depressing movies I have ever seen, at least there was a cure! Yes, humanity can be saved! All I have to do is quit my job, become a full time writer and yogi and live happily ever after. Aaaaand go!
Okay, so it's easy and not easy. I do have a loving husband who is absolutely amazing and that would be kind of, I don't know, inconsiderate, for me to just drop everything at the tip of a hat. Or is it? That is my struggle. (oh did I mention I have a bit of Jekyll and Hyde syndrome? Do what makes you happy! vs Be considerate of others! Halloween is in full bloom in this girl. *jack-o-lantern smile*)
I want to be a Writer, Yogi, Wife, Traveler, Searcher of Spirituality and leader to help others find there's, Connector of People, Open Book. The average 9am -5pm job has absolutely no appeal. Life is about Fun! There, I said it! Life is about Fun, not work and Damnit that is what it shall be. Well, one day.
But seriously, the cure. In the movie, I think he was strapping these zombie people to the table and starving the zombie out of them. Along with the cure he was working on. Again, I only saw the movie once. Really good but depressing! Either way, it's a great idea. Metaphorically be strapped to a table unable to do the things that are no good. (for the zombies killing and infecting people).
For me, can't work a job that doesn't make me happy if I'm strapped to a table. (aka quit) That's ripped out of my life. Not fully committing to my dreams and purpose will become torture. Just laying around I have nothing more to do but to think about them. Fear from making things happen turns into fear of not being able to if I stay on this table. Insecurity has been greatly dulled. I may still be insecure a little when I am freed but it's either go after what I want or go back to the table. Starve all the bad out. Start dying. Just enough to regain my mind and be brought back to who I really am.
Then begin to get injected with the cure. Never working another job that doesn't have the slightest bit of meaning to me. Practicing yoga at least 4 times a week. Writing, writing, writing and some more! Following my dreams. No wait, even better. Grab my dreams by the hands like a best friend and walk together. Studying yoga philosophy, the chakras, my spirituality. Inspire others to do the same and perhaps one day teach them.
I know I talk about this often. Unfortunately I am a person of many beginnings. I start over and over and over. And eventually I won't have to start over again. I will continue forward. I will say this, I rather start over again, then fail and never begin again.
The good things is, I am soooo on my way to finally continuing with this beginning. Since I'm figuratively dying and all. Turning into a zombie with my walking rigamortis. What makes it so hard is that there is no hero to come in determined to change me back. I have to find my own abandoned lab, strap myself down and experiment. Like those enthusiastic mad scientists determined to prove themselves right so they become their own Guinea pig.
So here goes to the self cure.
Namaste with love,
~Chelle aka Writer Yogi
So I know your thinking, blah blah, what about the zombies? Hey, isn't there enough of that these days anyway? ( I kid. Sort of).
Here is my point, it feels like my body is dying when I feel how stiff I am. It doesn't help the absolute lack of yoga that's been my life for weeks! At the same time, even through unfortunate long bouts without yoga, I have never felt this way in my life on a consistent basis. It all began that week of almost 60 hours at Not Ashtanga aka work. It hasn't gone away since. Then the week before this one, I felt fine, but I had a few symptoms that I thought could be related to a cold. Not major sniffing or sneezing like now. And then this week, after being unable to stay warm (so zombie) in the cooler, going in and out to try to warm up (that helped sheesh!) I end up with a full blown cold by the end of the day.
 |
| wpclipart.com |
You don't really feel pain in the same way either as an animated corpse. Something may hurt a bit, but it becomes more of an inconvenience than anything. A zombie's arm gets blown off,and they are shocked an pissed mostly because now they have to try to eat you left handed (as a human it was righty) and the blast from the shotgun delayed it 1.5 seconds from charging it's meal. I mean honestly, on the job I look at my hands and wrists and go, "Where on earth did I get new little cuts on myself?" or "Ow, I just jammed something into my leg, it really hurts but no time for that." Then go home and see, geez, that was bleeding a little.
A specific part of me that is "decaying" are my hands. My hands used to be my favorite part on my body. Maybe they still are. Maybe they will be again. I always liked how they looked. Slender fingers and good skin. Nicely growing nails. I Write with them! Now when I look at them, I get a bit fearful and sad. What new cuts have they endured? Why are they so dry and worn looking? For the longest time my nails couldn't grow past a certain point without being broken off, Thanks not Ashtanga.
I have not written a post in too long for myself and haven't submitted any to websites either. I looked at my hands yesterday, dear goodness what are they?! They were white and raw. (Shea butter to the rescue!) I mean, I could see flaky skin on the back of my right hand as if it had aged and was loosing moisture before inevitable decomposition. I know part of it is because of constant hand washing from the job. No it's not OCD but I can see the message in that. And sanitizing so not to infect anything that needs touching on shelving after a brief sneezing fit.
The point is the symbolism behind it. The decay of the physical connecting to the decay of the spiritual and artistic life. Make sense? I can see myself turning into a physical zombie, dying on the outside, and therefore see my art, dreams and purpose slowly fading away, decomposing, struggling to stay present in my mind. Trying to not lose my mind and drifting into the undead.
 |
| from merch-bot.com |
There is hope! Ah-ha-ha yes my dear friends! This is not Resident Evil 100 or whatever it is now. (I mean really, let them be happy or end it all!). It's a bit more I Am Legend. Though probably one of the most depressing movies I have ever seen, at least there was a cure! Yes, humanity can be saved! All I have to do is quit my job, become a full time writer and yogi and live happily ever after. Aaaaand go!
Okay, so it's easy and not easy. I do have a loving husband who is absolutely amazing and that would be kind of, I don't know, inconsiderate, for me to just drop everything at the tip of a hat. Or is it? That is my struggle. (oh did I mention I have a bit of Jekyll and Hyde syndrome? Do what makes you happy! vs Be considerate of others! Halloween is in full bloom in this girl. *jack-o-lantern smile*)
I want to be a Writer, Yogi, Wife, Traveler, Searcher of Spirituality and leader to help others find there's, Connector of People, Open Book. The average 9am -5pm job has absolutely no appeal. Life is about Fun! There, I said it! Life is about Fun, not work and Damnit that is what it shall be. Well, one day.
But seriously, the cure. In the movie, I think he was strapping these zombie people to the table and starving the zombie out of them. Along with the cure he was working on. Again, I only saw the movie once. Really good but depressing! Either way, it's a great idea. Metaphorically be strapped to a table unable to do the things that are no good. (for the zombies killing and infecting people).
For me, can't work a job that doesn't make me happy if I'm strapped to a table. (aka quit) That's ripped out of my life. Not fully committing to my dreams and purpose will become torture. Just laying around I have nothing more to do but to think about them. Fear from making things happen turns into fear of not being able to if I stay on this table. Insecurity has been greatly dulled. I may still be insecure a little when I am freed but it's either go after what I want or go back to the table. Starve all the bad out. Start dying. Just enough to regain my mind and be brought back to who I really am.
Then begin to get injected with the cure. Never working another job that doesn't have the slightest bit of meaning to me. Practicing yoga at least 4 times a week. Writing, writing, writing and some more! Following my dreams. No wait, even better. Grab my dreams by the hands like a best friend and walk together. Studying yoga philosophy, the chakras, my spirituality. Inspire others to do the same and perhaps one day teach them.
I know I talk about this often. Unfortunately I am a person of many beginnings. I start over and over and over. And eventually I won't have to start over again. I will continue forward. I will say this, I rather start over again, then fail and never begin again.
The good things is, I am soooo on my way to finally continuing with this beginning. Since I'm figuratively dying and all. Turning into a zombie with my walking rigamortis. What makes it so hard is that there is no hero to come in determined to change me back. I have to find my own abandoned lab, strap myself down and experiment. Like those enthusiastic mad scientists determined to prove themselves right so they become their own Guinea pig.
So here goes to the self cure.
Namaste with love,
~Chelle aka Writer Yogi
Friday, October 12, 2012
Jennifer Pastiloff Day: Manifestation!
I will give you links to major places you can find this lady. Along with a few "awe-mazing" as she might say, quotes from her. And hopefully you will be inspired to Manifest your dreams too! I know I have!
Here is a short bio about Jennifer Pastiloff from mindbodygreen.com: Jennifer Pastiloff was recently featured on Good Morning America. She is a yoga teacher, motivational speaker, writer, and advocate for children with special needs based in L.A. She is also the creator of the Manifestation Yoga® and leads retreats and workshops all over the world. Jennifer is currently writing her first book due out 2013 and has a popular daily blog called Manifestation Station. Find her at JenniferPastiloff.com and on Facebook and Twitter.
Jen will be leading a Manifestation Yoga® weekend retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in the Berkshires, Massachusetts Feb 1-3, 2013. And find her other retreats at The Travel Yogi and her online classes at YogisAnonymous
Her blog: The Manifest -Station: Where you can read her inspirational writing, and find links to retreats, interviews, videos, and More! She is a Wellness Expert on Mindbodygreen.com : HERE is a link to her articles she writes regularly for them!
You can also find her on FACEBOOK and TWITTER!
Fear, Strength, Yoga, Dreams, Family, Truth, Awe and Wonder and Manifesting are just a few topics you will find her writing about. She speaks of real life and also has no problem having a bit of fun! I mean, she did create Karaoke Yoga! Yes,you read that right. Rocking out and Yoga combined!
I truly hope you take the time to connect with her. Or at least drop her a nice line, I'm sure she'd love that. Namaste my friends, and make sure to Manifest your dreams!
~Chelle aka Writer Yogi
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Weekly Updates (October 9)
In case you missed it, here are my weekly updates!
Body Talk: Yoga makes a mouth of it to share my truth.Free as a baby’s imagination. Let its flexing tell my story without ink...more Here
Nursery Yoga: Circles and Squares: This square, my doing what I am not meant to do, is wedged in this round area. The space cut out for me to live my passions, dreams and my calling. What to do with something crammed in a space that it won't get out of? Change,its size and shape!...more Here
Medusa's Eye's: Being paralyzed by fear: “Do not look directly at it!” are the shouts you can hear from a gang of warriors attempting to slay the monster Medusa.One look at this dreadful creature in the eyes and you turn to stone. Snake haired and mortal hating, she was a force to reckon with.Thinking of accomplishing a major goal makes me think of Medusa. If we look directly at what we’re trying to change it’s almost like turning to stone. We begin to freeze up, the mind goes blank and we’re stuck forever looking forward and never going anywhere. The fear, Medusa’s eyes, have us paralyzed...more Here
Yogic Prayer: Sometimes it's anger, sometimes it's tears, other times its complete joy, or the feeling of what it's like to be a soul. In the ends it's one thing...more Here
Body Talk: Yoga makes a mouth of it to share my truth.Free as a baby’s imagination. Let its flexing tell my story without ink...more Here
Nursery Yoga: Circles and Squares: This square, my doing what I am not meant to do, is wedged in this round area. The space cut out for me to live my passions, dreams and my calling. What to do with something crammed in a space that it won't get out of? Change,its size and shape!...more Here
Medusa's Eye's: Being paralyzed by fear: “Do not look directly at it!” are the shouts you can hear from a gang of warriors attempting to slay the monster Medusa.One look at this dreadful creature in the eyes and you turn to stone. Snake haired and mortal hating, she was a force to reckon with.Thinking of accomplishing a major goal makes me think of Medusa. If we look directly at what we’re trying to change it’s almost like turning to stone. We begin to freeze up, the mind goes blank and we’re stuck forever looking forward and never going anywhere. The fear, Medusa’s eyes, have us paralyzed...more Here
Yogic Prayer: Sometimes it's anger, sometimes it's tears, other times its complete joy, or the feeling of what it's like to be a soul. In the ends it's one thing...more Here
Friday, October 5, 2012
Yogic Prayer
| I did a google search "yogic prayer" and this is an image I got. |
| "Yoga in the sacred place. (Padmasana Prayer Anahatha) A man doing yoga in Canti Ijo buddhist temple at the highest point of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. from flikr.com |
Sometimes yoga and meditation can be like that. You are so open and honest with your body and the experience you have no choice but to lay in savasana, vulernable to what comes.
Sometimes it's anger, sometimes it's tears, other times its complete joy, or the feeling of what it's like to be a soul. In the ends it's one thing.
Truth.
~Writer Yogi
(Chelle)
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Nursery Yoga: Circles and Squares
Today I had the thought, "Who Am I?" Probably one of the oldest questions around and one whose answer can change from year to year or month in the same person. A friend of mine, Sharon Pingitore, read an article I wrote, The Yoga Diaries: Sweat & Spirituality, to her class. I was so honored she would ask to do this and that it turns out my words were well received and others could relate. I am so proud and in awe that I can make a difference to others which is exactly what I want to do.
This brought up the classic question. Who am I? The answer I got was "I am what I do". I do yoga. What I do with yoga is I explore it and spirituality. I write. I write of inspiration, and love and whatever else moves me. So I am a yogi, a seeker and writer of the truths I see. What an amazing feeling to know I am what I have wanted to be. Like in the article "You are already there." Man! I can't even explain how crazy it is. Crazy in a good way to know I am on the path I've been searching for after choosing the wrong way so many times.
It brings up the claustrophobic feeling I have had for the past week and into this one. I do work too much at a job I have absolutely no heart for. I do put effort into something that brings me no joy and I see as a waste of time I could be putting into my practice and writing for others. It took a while, but I have finally got it out! YES! (I have been contemplating this for some days now). Perhaps the claustrophobic feeling is coming from not necessarily having a lack of space, but trying to fit something into the wrong space.
Like trying to put a square into a circle. It's not that the space isn't sufficient, the circle fits just fine. The square just doesn't belong so it wont fit! There is no space for it, its all wrong. By George, she's on a roll! I have been feeling crowded because my current occupation is being crammed where it doesn't belong. It's the square to my circular space. Now, this space is a long space. It's big. That's why you can fit more than one circle in it. It just has to be a circle!
I'm working weekends, and all throughout the week, running around all day, then trying to find time to write, practice and spend time with the ones I love. The later is trying to stay where it belongs and is almost being pushed out because the stupid square is clogging up the space. Forcing itself to be where it shouldn't and therefore twisting and turning around to try to make room.
The sides are all smashed and wedged,chipping, and the area it's in is just about ready to burst! I've got to find a knife and hack away at it. Or gently begin to carve it out so it falls away. Or, better yet, shape it into a circle!
This square, my doing what I am not meant to do, is wedged in this round area. The space cut out for me to live my passions, dreams and my calling. What to do with something crammed in a space that it won't get out of? Change,its size and shape! I'll cut off the corners a bit. Round out the rigid sides. Condense it a bit, and there. you've got a circle! If I am working harder at anything, it needs to be changing my career to being a writer. Change my lifestyle to include more yoga. Explore more spirituality from my practice and myself. Then share what I have and continue to learn from others.
Geez, I am so glad I finally got that all sorted out. We learn our shapes when we are young. Triangle with the triangle. Star with a star. But as we get older, we think we're smarter than that and try to fit things where they don't belong. It's like we regress. "Nope, this rectangle is going to fit into this star by God! I can do it!" It's scary to do what comes easy to us at times. To go with the natural flow of things. Letting the circle drop oh so smoothly into the round space.
It comes from society and ourselves. In my case, a little of both. How many times have you hear "Oh, so you want to be a writer? You don't think you're going to be Stephen King do you?" Or "There is no money in that" And there is yourself. "What if people don't read me?" Mixed with society. "I really love what I do, but how will I make living? I guess I'll have to get a regular job on the side right?"
Wrong. You can, but that doesn't mean you should. You don't have to. Another old saying, "If there is a will there is a way". People live by being writers and yogis all the time. And that is what they do. Some with other jobs on the side. And some not. More yogi's I am getting to know who have jobs on the side, love that job! We get caught up in doing what we are supposed to do to supplement ourselves and forget, You can do what you love even if you are not rich and famous. Something I feel is a message that lacks advertisement.
I will leave you with this. Are there any squares shoved in your circular space? Is there a way for you to change its shape? If not, don't sculpt it, just cut it out and let it fall away. Whose coming back to nursery school with me? Let's work on our shapes!
~Writer Yogi
with love, namaste
This brought up the classic question. Who am I? The answer I got was "I am what I do". I do yoga. What I do with yoga is I explore it and spirituality. I write. I write of inspiration, and love and whatever else moves me. So I am a yogi, a seeker and writer of the truths I see. What an amazing feeling to know I am what I have wanted to be. Like in the article "You are already there." Man! I can't even explain how crazy it is. Crazy in a good way to know I am on the path I've been searching for after choosing the wrong way so many times.
It brings up the claustrophobic feeling I have had for the past week and into this one. I do work too much at a job I have absolutely no heart for. I do put effort into something that brings me no joy and I see as a waste of time I could be putting into my practice and writing for others. It took a while, but I have finally got it out! YES! (I have been contemplating this for some days now). Perhaps the claustrophobic feeling is coming from not necessarily having a lack of space, but trying to fit something into the wrong space. Like trying to put a square into a circle. It's not that the space isn't sufficient, the circle fits just fine. The square just doesn't belong so it wont fit! There is no space for it, its all wrong. By George, she's on a roll! I have been feeling crowded because my current occupation is being crammed where it doesn't belong. It's the square to my circular space. Now, this space is a long space. It's big. That's why you can fit more than one circle in it. It just has to be a circle!
I'm working weekends, and all throughout the week, running around all day, then trying to find time to write, practice and spend time with the ones I love. The later is trying to stay where it belongs and is almost being pushed out because the stupid square is clogging up the space. Forcing itself to be where it shouldn't and therefore twisting and turning around to try to make room.
The sides are all smashed and wedged,chipping, and the area it's in is just about ready to burst! I've got to find a knife and hack away at it. Or gently begin to carve it out so it falls away. Or, better yet, shape it into a circle!
This square, my doing what I am not meant to do, is wedged in this round area. The space cut out for me to live my passions, dreams and my calling. What to do with something crammed in a space that it won't get out of? Change,its size and shape! I'll cut off the corners a bit. Round out the rigid sides. Condense it a bit, and there. you've got a circle! If I am working harder at anything, it needs to be changing my career to being a writer. Change my lifestyle to include more yoga. Explore more spirituality from my practice and myself. Then share what I have and continue to learn from others.
Geez, I am so glad I finally got that all sorted out. We learn our shapes when we are young. Triangle with the triangle. Star with a star. But as we get older, we think we're smarter than that and try to fit things where they don't belong. It's like we regress. "Nope, this rectangle is going to fit into this star by God! I can do it!" It's scary to do what comes easy to us at times. To go with the natural flow of things. Letting the circle drop oh so smoothly into the round space.
It comes from society and ourselves. In my case, a little of both. How many times have you hear "Oh, so you want to be a writer? You don't think you're going to be Stephen King do you?" Or "There is no money in that" And there is yourself. "What if people don't read me?" Mixed with society. "I really love what I do, but how will I make living? I guess I'll have to get a regular job on the side right?"
Wrong. You can, but that doesn't mean you should. You don't have to. Another old saying, "If there is a will there is a way". People live by being writers and yogis all the time. And that is what they do. Some with other jobs on the side. And some not. More yogi's I am getting to know who have jobs on the side, love that job! We get caught up in doing what we are supposed to do to supplement ourselves and forget, You can do what you love even if you are not rich and famous. Something I feel is a message that lacks advertisement.
I will leave you with this. Are there any squares shoved in your circular space? Is there a way for you to change its shape? If not, don't sculpt it, just cut it out and let it fall away. Whose coming back to nursery school with me? Let's work on our shapes!
~Writer Yogi
with love, namaste
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Body Talk (Poem)
 |
| image from ashtangayogameditation.blogspot.com |
Yoga makes a mouth of it to share my truth.
Free as a baby’s imagination
Let its flexing tell my story without ink.
As reaching fingers in a sun salutation grab at
air
Forming my intention.
My most back (bending) and forward (folding)
Negativity sweats out of my pores.
In Warrior I my thighs yawn widely the details.
Without practice, my tongue is still as a lost
child in a great cave.
What really comes of a mouth that hangs open and
shut
As a broken door on well-oiled hinges?
Ah, how the heart unfurls like secret flowers.
What passion it expels
As the body begins to feel wispy in a vinyasa
ballet.
By savasana, there’s no need for verbal words.
The body has said it all.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
What's In A Name?
Dear Jen,
I noticed something about your last name. I feel it represents a lot about you. Read it slowly.
Pastiloff.
Did you get it? Here, I'll break it up Past-Il-Off.
The message I get is: Passed Ill Off.
That's one of the main things you talk about. About shaking off the past negativity. The "shoulda, coulda, woulda" as you say. Learning from it and being fine it happened because you are no longer there.
Everyone has flashbacks. Everyone looks back to where they were and spends some time looking around. The point is to not do it too often and to not stay there. Don't live where you don't belong.
You practice living in the moment. Moving forward. And only seem to go to the past to help others, and yourself if needed, with obtaining the greatest present and future! How brave is that? I can't even look at my journal from the past year, heck the past month! Even if it's all good news. You go back Years! You go into the jungle of past unpleasant experiences and cut the negativity of tangled vines with a machete.
Everyone has things in the past that they don't like to remember. We don't like that we wasted time with this, or didn't do that. You on the other hand, and I'm not sure many can, take the past, put in a jar, study it, and then present it in the world as something worth seeing.
You stand as the Ringmaster on stage before the Circus. The Passed Ill Off Circus! We think it's going to be a show of other wonders, (but it's a reflection of the own show we need to put on for ourselves).
Your past is on display. We arrive unaware on how this will effect us and are amazed with glitter a unicorn and twinkling lights. We think it's going to be something we haven't seen before. A new wonder to take us away from where we have been. To stop thinking about it. Instead, your show of the history you lived somehow bleeds into our own.
We weren't expecting this. The crowd is wide eyed and perhaps slack jawed. It's a better surprise and wonder than we ever could have imagined! We didn't realize how much we needed a ticket to this show.
For those surprised and perhaps fearful, and those of us touched and heart swollen, we can hear you calling from the spotlight during a brief intermission.
"Look at this hurt, this experience! Look at his hate and this love! This past me and perhaps a past you as well. Look at what you are manifesting now. This isn't just for me, it's for you too. Don't shy away. Be touched, dazzled, brought to tears or silence. Here is my past. You've got one too!"
The show begins again. The audience sits still as you show us where you have been and where you're going. We are allowed to come along. It's interactive! No expectations, no certain ways things are supposed to be done. Only connection on the highest level and producing the most wonderful-filling manifestations.
Who knew there could be so much good in where we've been? Even the parts that leave a sour taste on the tip of our tongue.
At the end of the show, there's and invitation to come again.
"There it is. It's all there. Nothing to hide and everything to see. Heartbreaks and headaches. Loved ones and sticking to your guns. Holding yourself back and losing your track. New life creating and karaoke yoga gyrating. We are the combination of our past but we don't have to stay there. Passed Ill Off Circus! Whose ready to join me?!"
All I know is, I'll forget about my ticket. I'm running away to join the circus!
xoxo
~ Chelle aka Writer Yogi
I noticed something about your last name. I feel it represents a lot about you. Read it slowly.
Pastiloff.
Did you get it? Here, I'll break it up Past-Il-Off.
The message I get is: Passed Ill Off.
That's one of the main things you talk about. About shaking off the past negativity. The "shoulda, coulda, woulda" as you say. Learning from it and being fine it happened because you are no longer there.
Everyone has flashbacks. Everyone looks back to where they were and spends some time looking around. The point is to not do it too often and to not stay there. Don't live where you don't belong.
You practice living in the moment. Moving forward. And only seem to go to the past to help others, and yourself if needed, with obtaining the greatest present and future! How brave is that? I can't even look at my journal from the past year, heck the past month! Even if it's all good news. You go back Years! You go into the jungle of past unpleasant experiences and cut the negativity of tangled vines with a machete.
Everyone has things in the past that they don't like to remember. We don't like that we wasted time with this, or didn't do that. You on the other hand, and I'm not sure many can, take the past, put in a jar, study it, and then present it in the world as something worth seeing.
You stand as the Ringmaster on stage before the Circus. The Passed Ill Off Circus! We think it's going to be a show of other wonders, (but it's a reflection of the own show we need to put on for ourselves).
Your past is on display. We arrive unaware on how this will effect us and are amazed with glitter a unicorn and twinkling lights. We think it's going to be something we haven't seen before. A new wonder to take us away from where we have been. To stop thinking about it. Instead, your show of the history you lived somehow bleeds into our own.
We weren't expecting this. The crowd is wide eyed and perhaps slack jawed. It's a better surprise and wonder than we ever could have imagined! We didn't realize how much we needed a ticket to this show.
For those surprised and perhaps fearful, and those of us touched and heart swollen, we can hear you calling from the spotlight during a brief intermission.
"Look at this hurt, this experience! Look at his hate and this love! This past me and perhaps a past you as well. Look at what you are manifesting now. This isn't just for me, it's for you too. Don't shy away. Be touched, dazzled, brought to tears or silence. Here is my past. You've got one too!"
The show begins again. The audience sits still as you show us where you have been and where you're going. We are allowed to come along. It's interactive! No expectations, no certain ways things are supposed to be done. Only connection on the highest level and producing the most wonderful-filling manifestations.
Who knew there could be so much good in where we've been? Even the parts that leave a sour taste on the tip of our tongue.
At the end of the show, there's and invitation to come again.
"There it is. It's all there. Nothing to hide and everything to see. Heartbreaks and headaches. Loved ones and sticking to your guns. Holding yourself back and losing your track. New life creating and karaoke yoga gyrating. We are the combination of our past but we don't have to stay there. Passed Ill Off Circus! Whose ready to join me?!"
All I know is, I'll forget about my ticket. I'm running away to join the circus!
xoxo
~ Chelle aka Writer Yogi
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
In All Earnestness
During a wonderful practice with Amy Fecher, one of the great teachers at Practice Yoga, I get three things I love. Yoga, Sweat and Spirituality.
Great asana that crumples you up, or twists you around and bends you so at the end, you are open. In reality, you don't feel mashed at all. At the end of class, I feel all ironed out. I'm smooth. I am oh so happy.
The sweat means I'm warm. I'm working. My Ujjayi is rolling in and out. All the toxins and bad vibes are seeping through my skin and on the surface. Taking a towel I can wipe them away. There are points when I don't even have to. It can't hold on for it's life and drips to puddles on my mat.
When my mind wandered in savasana, as it often does, I won't even deny it (and neither should you) I noticed what it was actually wandering too. Oooh, I should make a smoothie with that frozen fruit I have, I'm glad I have been practicing daily lately, My body feels so good it's like it's not even there. I think I may be my soul right now, a bit outside of my limbs.
Amy always says, "You are already there." I Love That! Every time. I am already there. When she says it, my mind immediately perks up with excitement and victory. Yeah I am! I'm good. I am who I am supposed to be. There is no battle, I already won. Everything I think is not going to be okay, already is okay.
Another thing I notice is, I go to her class knowing full well I can't keep up with everything but I Don't Mind. I go to her class and am willing to modify the heck out of whatever I need to or just child pose for a moment. Like all beginners, and some not, I don't always feel completely at ease when everyone else is still flowing. That's normal. The point is, for the most part I am fine. The moment of not appreciating where I am at passes rather quickly. Realizing this today opened my mind up to my own home practice and Mysore style.
The reason I don't feel the same for my home practices is for the fact I don't come to it with the same attitude. I skip a pose because I know I'm not there yet, even though I probably could at least try. I leave out a few vinyasa's to save energy to finish the practice later. That is Not giving my all to myself! I understand, you are not supposed to wear yourself out. I am not saying that. You Do however have the obligation to put whatever you have into it. Be fine with the fact you know good and well you can't keep up and Modify the heck out of it!
After class my mind went to the Yoga Sutra's I am making my way through. The Sutra that hit home the most so far is "Practice becomes firmly grounded when well attended to for a long time, without break and in all earnestness" (I.14). Did you catch it? "With All Earnestness"! I go into Amy's lovely class completely comfortable with my skill level and give it all I have. That is how my practice will grow if I can do it For Myself and On My Own! No matter what practice, whose practice or where, in order to reach my fullest physical, mental and spiritual potential I must approach it with all earnestness or I will forever stay stagnant.
Thanks Amy for the wonderful class again! I really learned a lot today!
Namaste my Friends,
~Chelle aka Writer Yogi
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
What Tears Are These?: True Story
I respect my body and my journey.
When I thought that up for my mantra, I don't even think I completely knew what it meant. I knew, but the depth wasn't there. I knew I wanted to focus on my goal for better health and patience on my journey through yoga and properly following my calling in life. Okay, I'll go with it.
I was holding my mala. Rubbing each uncultured pearl in my right pointer finger and thumb. Then my left. Switching between the two. At first just going through the motions.
One, two, three.....
Sixteen, seventeen....
Thirty Seven, Thrity Eight, Thrity Nine....
I respect my body and my journey. I respect my body and my journey. Have I reached the middle of the strand? I don't want to miss one pearl.
Uneven and smooth in my fingers.I respect my body and my journey. Again and again and again until I made the choice to use the mala for what it was for.
I'm going to put this mantra into my mala. I will put my energy into every pearl so it can't forget. It will forever hold this energy and mantra as the foundation of its power. I respect my body and my journey.
Fifty One,
Fifty Two... Fifty Two,
Fifty Three,
Fifty Two,
Fifty Three,
Fifty Four... Fifty Four... Fifty Four....
I wasn't counting anymore. I was trying to feel the pearls at the end and repeated some. There wasn't enough to move on and I didn't want to go back to where I was. So I grabbed the whole mala in my hands. Clutching them like a baby blanket from years passed.
I respect my body and my journey. Why am I crying? What tears are these? Is it because this has turned into a prayer?
Just below room temperature and the size of dew drops. I can't bend my mala to fit completely in my hands like warm stones from beach sand. So I clutch and rotate.
I respect my body and my journey. I respect my body and my journey. I won't stop until this trinket has all the energy I have to give it. I will build a foundation of good energy. This will be the beginning of all that is good for me. I will leave my prayer here and I can always come back for it later. Then add more.I respect my body and my journey. Tears to chin. I respect my body and my journey. Tears to t-shirt. I respect my body and my journey. I respect my body and my journey.
I finish with a Namaste to the yogis before me for passing on the practice, Namaste to the universe, Namaste to myself for being brave enough to practice and meditate. Who knew it would turn into a prayer?
~WY
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
3 Reasons To Live An Ujjayi Life
Reading the section on breath in "The Ashtanga Yoga Practice Manual" by David Swenson, I read this and stopped. Then re-read. It means what?! Let me explain why I was so blown away. It totally enhanced my understanding of yoga, breath, and the meaning of my own blog. So here are my 3 Reasons To Live An Ujjayi Life.
1.) It's the key to Yoga and Asana practice. Often You will hear the teacher say "You may now begin your Ujjayi breathing" or ""Don't forget your Ujjayi." I can now think of this term beyond "lions breath" or the "ocean sound". I can begin my victorious breathing. Can't forget to my victory. See how fulfilling that is? I can see why it is often said if you can breathe, you are practicing yoga. According to Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras "If the restraint of the mental modifications is achieved one has reached the goal of Yoga." We accomplish this by breathing. Clearing, enhancing and strengthening the mind. (Let me not get ahead of myself).
Breathing into a pose will be so much more meaningful now. Usually the thought crosses my mind that I need to push so that I can stay in the pose for just one more breath. If we breathe ujjayi; victorious, into our falling arms or heavily sighing thigh muscles in Warrior II, it can be a more pleasant experience. A boost up into the pose instead of a push forward.
2.) Breathing clears the mind in more than one way. (Now onto the mental aspect.) The breath gives you something powerful to focus on rather than you're own random thoughts during meditation. All that good ole oxygen helps increase grey matter in the brain. I'm not the the scientific sort so I unfortunately can't fluently describe this. In Chelle speak: "It's good stuff for your brain woot!" In times of frustration, sadness, stress or what have you, what are we always told? "Calm down and take a breath." Now, I won't take any breath. I will let the ocean soar from my throat or a humble lions roar. Victory in and out of my lungs. What ever is gong on will soon enough be sorted out.
3.) Life Itself! When I realized I named my blog "Victorious Life" my heart jumped weeping excitedly. Is that not the goal of this blog, my life, all our lives? Controlling all the negative nonsense that floats around in our heads. Being present in every moment possible so we don't miss today, which is everyday. Expressing who we really are, which is always inside of us and fulfilling our purpose. Connecting and learning from one another as if we all had ancient secrets in our DNA that mutated beautifully with freedom. Opening our hearts so they are not whole vessels but cups perpetually to be simultaneously filled and overflowing with love.
So here it is. My Official Introduction to my blog.
Welcome to Ujjayi Life
Our Victorious Life
Welcome and Namaste My Friends
Yours,
~Chelle aka Writer Yogi
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Be Bold: A Fresh Slate
 |
| from outreach.com |
The sky early this afternoon reminded me of what this day was all about. A clean slate! So blue and clear like it was ready for me to finger paint on it. Today, I've gone natural. I've cut all the chemically treated hair off and am left with what grows out of my head as is. I can now accept and embrace my lovely strands for how they are meant to be. A way to accept myself for how I am meant to be.
A few months ago, I realized I was really fearful of this process! Instead of waiting only 4 months to cut my hair, I was going to wait a year. That's all fine and dandy until I realized why. Not doing something because you are afraid is not a good reason at all. Finding this out, I went from waiting for 12 months to skipping the last 8!
 |
| Sassy and syked! |
 |
| Before! |
One fear about this process was, am I rushing into this? I can't really go back in the way I want if I'm wrong. What if I fail again? (I have tried before and that didn't go so well). My last fear was, My hair will be SO Short! I'll look like a boy. I've wanted long hair for such a long time, why would I do the opposite?
My mind was a few steps behind what my heart already knew. I'm not rushing. I am taking all my extra baggage and leaving at the bus stop. Why pack for a month when you'll only be gone for a week? I've been wanting a completely fresh start for such a long time. This is my chance. Now is the time to take it, not later. Having natural hair is a journey of self acceptance. I have a post on lessons learned from Yoga and going natural HERE. It's accepting the way that I am instead of trying to change it. Especially when those changes are Not working.
So here I am. One goal down before the year is out and I can barely even organize my thoughts in this post for my immense joy! In the words of the Lovely Jennifer Pastiloff "Fuck You Fear!". I've decided, it's time to Be Bold!
 |
| !!!BEING BOLD!!! |
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Yoga Barbie. A Good Start We Need To Finish
There will also be kids like myself (I hope still) that hardly used their barbies soley for what they came in the package as! I would change their outfits and have my own adventures that I made up. Then, my mom gave me swatches of cloth, string of all colors sizes, some with sparkles and I would have a field day because I had more props (just to name a few)! Then dont forget the kid who cares neither way and will cut all her hair off and color the dog.
What I am trying to say is, Matel is a company, and sadly companies jobs are about money and what sells. It is our responsibility as consumers and those who are parents,to help kids understand things better.Educate them properly.
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Namaste My Friends,
~Writer Yogi
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
