Should've, Would've, Could've

Louise Hay

Do you ever look back at your life with some regret? Ever wonder what your life would be like if you would've gone to University, lived in a foreign country, or married your first love? It's OK if you nod your head wondering if you made the best choices. After all, we live in a society that gets bored easily and is constantly in search of "the next best thing". Take Apple's iPad phenomenon as a perfect example. The iPad was released in April 2010, the iPad 2 in March 2011, and the iPad (3rd Generation) was just released in March 2012. Of course, genius marketing brainwashes us into believing that our outdated tech buddy just isn't good enough anymore. However, we the people, are always wanting better, faster, newer.
Ever think you're not good enough because you should've: graduated with a master's degree, accepted the other job offer, had two kids instead of one, or learnt to cook like Martha Stewart? In my case, none of the above apply, however I have caught myself saying that I should've completed my course fully, continued teaching yoga and by now I would've probably owned my own studio. While talking to a friend today, at one point she said, "I regret not taking that job back then. I should've accepted it and today I'd be..." - Freeze! Why do we always blame ourselves for the decisions we've made? Why don't we ask ourselves why we made those decisions instead and accept the lesson?
Listen carefully. Today you, me, we are exactly where we're supposed to be. There's a reason why my friend didn't accept that job. There are no coincidences, no accidents, no mistakes in life. Everything that is happening is happening exactly the way it's meant to happen, in order for your soul to grow and evolve. The Universe gives you what you need, when you need it. You also hear what you need to hear when you're ready and open to receiving that information.
Living with regret, in my humble opinion, just makes you a victim of an optical illusion. You think you're life would be better if you would've done things differently. Yet this better life you're visualizing is a false impression of reality. Had you done this or that instead, who's to say your life would be greater today? Even if you were a chain smoker and have been diagnosed with lung cancer, you still shouldn't think that had you stopped smoking, you wouldn't be ill today. Again, there's a whole Universe around us that dictates every moment we're living. It also gives us messages with answers to our worries, joys and tribulations. Forgive yourself for your past, forget what could've been and accept what is. Live in the now because you'll never get back the minute that just past. Love who you are right this instant. Accept the fact that every choice and decision you've made was right - for you! Thank the Universe for surprising you daily with exactly what you need.

Where is my Guru?

"A journey of a thousand miles starts in front of your feet"
-Lao-tzu

Take a good look at your feet. Do you realize that your feet carry you around all day long? If your feet could talk, what do you think they'd be telling you today? I'm sure there are times when you make them suffer for fashion. That's when you know they deserve to be rewarded with a pedicure or a yoga practice.
In yoga, we honor our feet right from the first standing pose, Tadasana or Mountain. We build the foundation from the feet up, which is why we take the time to stretch the toes, find our center, and firmly root them into the Earth. Our feet keep us grounded and since they're the closest to the Earth, they deserve a shout out. Let's face it; there'd be no yoga if we didn't have feet. Every single asana requires that they be activated, so they not only need to show up to class, they need to support us.
Although most of us take our feet for granted, in my case, they have gone beyond their duty of moving me around. During my numerous anxiety attacks, it was my feet that I'd turn to for security. When anxiety strikes, your thoughts go so far above the clouds that you feel as though you're riding a hot air balloon 200 mph. The most effective way to come back down to Earth smoothly is to stand on your bare feet, breathing deeply. By rooting them into the floor you're subconsciously bringing your energy down. Connecting your feet to the Earth brings you to the present moment. Anxiety takes you into the future where anticipation resides. So to anchor my hot air balloon, I'd call in my size 7 friends and their team of ten for reinforcement.
Be grateful for every limb that holds your body together, but be especially kind and loving to your feet. Not only do they bring you to places physically, but they force you to live in the present. I don't have to go very far to see my Guru - just gotta look down!

There's No Place like OM

Seeing one of my articles published in Yoga Journal magazine would make me deliriously happy! The first articles I look forward to reading, every month, are featured on the OM pages. Yesterday, I submitted one of my yoga stories to YJ hoping to one day see it in print. I'm reaching out to my supportive blog followers to manifest this wish into actualization. Please help me achieve my goal by collectively engaging in thoughts of Joy. As the highest energy of all, Joy is also said to be "the magical sense that everything is possible". When you believe, you can achieve! Namaste, M.

My Life: Vol. 1

Illustration: Marcos Chin

Yesterday I wrote the last page of my life story, Volume 1. I've officially made a u-turn from my career in fashion to continue on my spiritual yogic path. I'm not starting a 'new chapter' in my life. I'm starting a new Volume because I believe I'm living 'Part 2' of my life. Volume 1 holds my life from birth to age 35. It's filled with happy memories, such as family vacations, figure skating competitions, personally escorting Cyndi Lauper into a NY Fashion Week show - just to name a few. As well, to maintain life's balance, it's filled with painful memories too.  There's the time when my mom pulled me out of my high school fashion show due to slipping grades, or my countless hair dying nightmares, and of course, having to repair my broken heart a few times. Everything works in parallel, so overall, my happy and painful memories are somewhat equal.
Volume 2 went into production today as I taught my first yoga class in 5 years. Thanks to my dear friends, I shared my yoga knowledge in hope that they'd connect both physically and spiritually. As I begin Day 1 of my new journey, a sense of calm fills my spirit. At this moment, I'm meant to give to others through teaching yoga and its spiritual benefits. To get to the root of my truth, it took time, patience, practice and dedication. If you're at a crossroad in your life and you really, truly want to be guided in the right direction, be prepared to invest in your higher Self. This is your time to connect to your divine spirit, with an open heart, a willingness to listen, and the patience to honor the process. Be loving and kind to yourself so you can manifest miracles supported by the Universe.
If you take anything with you from this post, let it be to always trust your heart's desires, so you may serve in a way that brings love and happiness to yourself and others. May your life in print, be so rich with inspiration, that it'll top the New York Times best sellers list!

the Universe is my BFF

Today is an 'AHA' day. I've been sending the Universe my conflicting thoughts, over my future, for the past weeks. I asked for signs to validate my heart's desire. My prayers were finally answered and my blessing was delivered! Thank you Universe for closing one door for another to open.

To my blog followers, I cannot stress enough how every message you send out into the Universe, comes back to you. Ask the Universe for support and be open to receive. The blessings that manifest will help alter your future for the better.

THANK U MERCI GRAZIE DANK U MAHALO GRACIAS DANKE TAKK OBRIGADO

Gucci Bag VS. Yoga Mat

the GUCCI bag

or the YOGA mat?

How did I go from obsessing over fashion designers to loving yoga masters instead? There's no denying that at I looked forward to seeing my favorite designer labels during fashion week. When I'd see the 'IT' bag of the season grace the pages of Vogue, there's also no denying that I'd much rather invest in that than a yoga workshop! Fashion is in my DNA. I'll forever appreciate an Alexander McQueen original, but something within my spirit shifted recently.
After giving birth to my second child, I began having anxiety attacks. I became so mentally consumed by my role as a mother of two, that I just felt emotionally overwhelmed. My anxiety would get so intense that I hated leaving my house. As a result, I became worried that I'd fall ill, I was confused as to why I was living this, and I isolated myself from friends and family. Something within me just didn't feel right. I'm a doer, so when I didn't recognize myself anymore, I looked for help.
Through a combination of behavioral therapy, meditation, and yoga, a spiritual awakening materlized. During this process, I had no interest in the designer bag I carried over my shoulder. I was being guided by a much stronger force than Anna Wintour (Editor-in-Chief for Vogue US). And throughout my fashion career, Coco Chanel and Anna were my inspirations, but today, they've been replaced by Louise Hay and Seane Corn. I'll always maintain the utmost respect for these fashion icons for they changed the industry. That fact hasn't changed for me. What has changed is my interest in my journey within.
So, when thinking about the best accessory of the season, there's no doubt that the yoga mat tops my list. You see this accessory goes beyond short term happiness. On the mat, you move, you learn, you grow into a better you. You get to the root of every emotion you're living - there's no designer anything that can give you that! Let's be honest, whenever I'd get a designer purse, I'd be overjoyed - until the end of the season. Today, I'm interested in a long term, committed relationship with my higher Self that I can get on my $20 mat. Unfortunately, Gucci isn't carrying that in their collection.......may be next season ;)


Leap into Happy

Bakasana or Crane

It's amazing how the steps required to getting into a yoga pose, can be similar to those applied to change in our personal lives. In short, getting into Bakasana goes something like this: you begin in a squat, widen the knees and then move your trunk forward. In order to get into this pose, you have to trust your hands, for your entire body is balancing on them.

I'll never forget the day I nailed this pose. I was taking a class with Celine at Studio Lyne St. Roch, in Montreal. I was so determined to maintain this pose that it took about five attempts, within that same class, to get it. I got it alright! At that moment, I understood that to find success, you need to take a risk and trust yourself. You might fall forward a few times, but when you let go of that fear and insecurity, you realize that you're being supported. The feeling is magical! I want to relive that feeling off the mat. To do so, I'm going to dive forward and teach my first yoga class next week, after five years. Naturally I'm a little nervous, but in order to stay on my path to 'Happy', I have to trust the 'everyday miracles' I've been living.
My perception of all the signs the Universe has been sending me, is to act on these blessings. Every day, we are given miracles. Some may be small, like scoring prime parking with a full meter. Others may be grand, like discovering you're cancer free. Whatever the size of the miracle, the importance is celebrating the blessing. There's a significant message in every miracle. When you're open to accepting it, it'll appear. Often times, the message is right in front of you...like in the spot you gaze at in Bakasana.

"What you seek is seeking you."

-Rumi

Rock On Dr. Seuss

Lululemon - thru Thick 'n Thin

Today I had the pleasure of sharing yoga talk with wonderful women from the Lululemon team. As previously mentioned, I've been a Lulu devotee for almost a decade! Aside from creating sweat-friendly apparel, the Lulu store staff everywhere is always warm, friendly and helpful. I'm pretty sure permanent smiles and a happiness chip are prerequisites for working there. Whatever is in their water, I'll have some too, please!
Not only were these women open to new information, but they were incredibly supportive and accepting. There I was expanding on a dream of perhaps teaching yoga again, and suddenly they turned into the ultimate cheerleaders. Having met them for the first time, they were so encouraging they even volunteered to attend my classes with other Luluers! Again, we should all be drinking what they're drinking!
I felt they deserved to be honored in my blog today because their open hearts and generosity left me on such an emotional high. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, but a positive lasting impression is noteworthy. I couldn't help but thank the Universe for  helping manifest a wonderful new relationship. What we send out into the Universe, always comes back to us. As I questioned my new path earlier this week, today the Universe sent me the Luluers and my answer.
Looking back at my relationship with Lululemon, I can say that their "groove" pants have been with me through pre-birth contractions, as well as through every 'AHA' yoga moment. Thank you Lulu for being consistently dependable and expandable ;)
Sending light and love to Cara, Kaitlin and Shana!

Namaste

thru THICK...

and THIN!

Excuse me, Is this the Right Path?

No matter which direction you look, the answers are there

How do you know when the honest truth is coming from your heart vs your head? You think your life is ready for a major change. You've embarked on a quiet, unknown path, yet you feel calm rather than anxious. So, you start to wonder if your life is now yearning for calmness, but wait, you thrive in fast-paced environments surrounded by chaos. Are you simply having a temporary moment of bliss or have you just adapted to a new way of living?
The unknown is scary, yet when you find an inexplicable comfort in that fear, is that your heart telling you this is where you're meant to be now? Hold on, the logical mind just popped in to acknowledge that change is good, however it may not be good right now. So, who wins? I believe the heart always wins but in this case, the heart's desire looks a little foggy. Don't you just wish you could log into your emails and find your life's purpose waiting in your inbox?
Finding your true calling is a process and what you're presently living is actually part of your life's purpose. Your intention must always revert back to you. Today my intention is to serve, share and teach others how to live their best life. There's a sense of worthiness that fills me when I put my fears and insecurities out there for everyone to read. I always felt valued at my job - my opinion mattered and my ideas were appreciated. I just had yet another revelation - I felt valued, yet I didn't value myself, so I looked externally to fill that void. Now that I'm more connected to the Spirit, the Universe, the Source, I feel this overwhelming sense of worth. I don't need anyone's validation to know I'm great.
As I question where my path will lead, uncertainty is definitely present. However, I also know that living in the state of "what if" only awakens fear. Why wait for a better time, more money, or an illness to take ownership of our happiness? Whether you're thinking of making an extreme career change, wondering if you need some R&R down south, or are considering flushing an undependable friend, your heart has the answer and so does your body. Ask yourself: How do I feel when I'm with my self-absorbed friend? How do I feel when my head hits the pillow at night? How do I feel when I visualize my new career? If you can't read your heart's message, read your body's inbox. Our answers reside within each one of us. We may be afraid to face them,  but the least we could do is listen to them.

Kundalini Yoga: Rookie Experience



"When you don't go within, you go without" -Yoji Bhajan

Today I took my very first Kundalini Yoga class. I had always associated Kundalini with white turbans and chanting - both of which I felt were for "older" people. I preferred a yoga practice that was physically intense, yet awakening. Little did I know, Kundalini Yoga is exactly that! Though the practice is very different from the Westernized yoga most of us are familiar with, it was definitely physically, mentally and spiritually intense.
Kundalini is considered one of the most spiritual types of yoga. The emphasis is on breathing, meditation, mudras and chanting. As physically challenging as it is, it goes beyond the performance of poses. The practice is described as untapped energy located at the base of the spine, that when activated through the body, awakens each of the seven chakras.
I recently read a truly inspiring story about Yogi Bhajan (late founder). He left a career in Indian government to bring Kundalini Yoga to the West. His first lecture in Los Angeles drew not a single person that evening, yet since he was there to teach, he went on to lecture to an empty hall. I'm so fascinated by that story. As a teacher myself, I've feared not having a single person attend my class. To hear that Yoji Bhajan began his Western experience speaking to an empty room, goes to show the power of honoring your truth. Needless to say, he went on to work with world renowned religious figures such as the Dalai Lama and Pope John Paul II.
I attended this Kundalini class with a open heart and mind, with an intention to reject any personal judgement that may surface. By consciously remaining connected to my breath, I was able to feel strong energy movement rooting from my belly. After nearly 8 years of practicing yoga, I tried something ancient, yet new! Put your ego aside and take that class you've been shying away from. It's never too late to try something new - you might actually love it!


What is Yoga?

'When his mind, intellect and self are under control, freed from restless desire, so that they rest in the spirit within, a man becomes a Yukta - one in communion with God. A lamp does not flicker in a place where no wind blows; so it is with a yogi, who controls his mind, intellect and self, being absorbed in the spirit within him. When the restlessness of the mind, intellect and self is stilled through the practice of Yoga, the yogi by the grace of the Spirit within himself finds fulfillment.'

-from the Bhagavad Gita

Managing your Boss

stikrz.etsy.com

Last night, I was talking to a friend/colleague about bosses that are motivated by their Ego. Though they have an impressive list of credentials, they seem to be missing the human touch. Often times, they lack responsibility for the words they use to communicate their message. The Egocentric boss forgets that they're leading people, rather than robots.
When it came to my work history, I was attracted to leaders that got their high from belittling their staff. As a result of my unhealthy work environments, I became so jaded by ambition, that I looked down at those who lacked the same drive. When I finally landed a management title, I completely lost my sensitivity chip and became a whip-cracking ringleader.
So when my friend mentioned the hurtful choice of words her boss spoke, a sense of shame came over me. There were numerous incidents whereby my poor choice of words left my department discouraged. I was on such a power trip, my ego could barely fit through the head office doors. How did I get so nasty? 
Looking back, I believe we become a product of our environment. Where I came from, yelling and swearing, from my former bosses, was common. They used their authority as an intimidation tool. Though I always hated the days I got s*** on, when I became a Manager, I certainly didn't acknowledge my insensitive behavior.
During a workshop at the Yoga Conference, we were asked us to share memories of inspiring mentors. As I talked about my 3rd grade teacher Miss Rita, and my former boss (he was a good one!), Lou Adler, I had a revelation. The two people who truly left a lasting mark on my life, shared the same core values. They were both compassionate, kind, giving and supportive. I was drawn to their kindheartedness and humility, yet it took me this long to see that I didn't lead by those life principles.
Since I believe it's never too late, I hope this post can help leaders commit to elevating their human relations skills. The key criteria of a strong leader is to encourage personal growth that'll, in turn, motivate and inspire people. Respectful communication is essential in building solid relationships with others. If you act like the mentor you admired from the past, you'll be held in high esteem by your staff.
In Anusara yoga, we're taught 'The 4 Gates of Speech'. Before speaking, we're asked to examine our words by asking ourselves the following questions:
Is it truthful?  If not, we stop right there.
Is it necessary to say?
Is it the appropriate time?
Can it be said in a kind way?
We don't need to be bosses to stop and ask ourselves these questions regularly. In doing so though, our relationship with ourselves, as well as with others, will prosper. In the end, all that's recognized is our reputation and integrity in defining moments.

Trophy Mom

Balancing Act

If Forbes had a 'Top 20 Best Mothers' list, would you make the cut? Guess it depends on the criteria. I think a capable mother requires basic skills such as being loving, compassionate and patient (that's the tough one; better known as an 'acquired' skill). But being a dedicated mom isn't that simple. Like everything else in life, there needs to be balance.
I never really thought 'balance' was a necessary maternal skill, until I was meditating. As I focused on the balance between giving and  receiving, I suddenly tapped into my inner child. It was then that I discovered that being a great mom not only requires a long list of qualifications, but it also takes balance.
On one side of the seesaw you have Logistics, while on the other side, you have Self Esteem.  We'll call Logistics the 'Personal Assistant'.  As the PA, we're the masterminds behind our child's schedule. We organize appointments, coordinate naps and feedings, manage their activities accordingly. The Self-Esteem, can be called the 'Spiritual Guru'. The SG nourishes our child with love, appreciation, understanding and patience. Now, do you think you're a balanced mom or do you teeter slightly more to one side?
I provide my kids with all the unconditional love imaginable (like any honorable mother), yet there are times when I seem to focus more on logistics than play. In the end, our kids appreciate that their schedule is well managed. You may not realize it, but this gives them a sense of security. It's also rewarding to know that we've organized our child's entire day without a hitch. But is that enough? What our kids would much rather prefer is having a mom that's present, providing attention and appreciation for all the silly, scary, unimaginable things they do.
Being a mother is by far the toughest job in the world, with the least amount of recognition. On days when I feel overwhelmed as one child is pulling on my sweater, while the other is screaming for attention, I turn to the Universe for support. Those are the days when Forbes wouldn't be calling to say I made the 'Top 20' cut. Then, an AH-HA moment is realized as my 3 year old shares a touching comment like, "Thank you Mommy for making me play extra long tonight". That's a mom moment that doesn't require any media attention to know its value. Find the right balance between PA and SG that works for you. Keep in mind that in giving our hearts to our children, we'll in turn be receiving many more AH-HA moments then expected. Now, that's what makes a Trophy Mom.

E.A.S.T.E.R.

Emotions
Awaken
Spiritual
Truth
Encouraging
Reflection

Confront your Comfort

Thanks to a comment I received from my "Unfinished Business" story, I felt it was important to address some of our daily struggles. Be it food, shopping, gambling, or any other addiction we turn to for comfort, in the end, these behavioral patterns are simply distractions. We subconsciously give our power to these addictions in hope of comforting a concealed wound.
Until recently, I proudly labelled myself a shopaholic. I'd spend any free time at malls and when closed, I'd turn to online shopping until the wee hours of the night. I had no issues joking about my debts because I believed I was being fulfilled by all the "stuff". My credit card was the gift that kept on giving - temporary happiness, that is.
When my friend, Mavi brought up her love affair with food, it was clear that we both had the same struggles through different addictions. The underlying fact remains that we turn to our distractions when we're craving something much deeper than a poutine or a pair of Louboutins. We all seek happiness, yet when it's not easily obtained - be it in relationships, our career, in parenthood - our distraction is always available to comfort us with short term joy. More often than not, we buy into the sinful pleasures, only to feel regretfully defeated later. Everyone has some sort of escape they hope will bring them happiness. How do you get your happy fix?
As a born again yogi, my perspective on my life has been altered. Eight years ago, yoga was my idea of a great workout that provided a sense of calm. I'd show up to my classes with judgement, fear, and expectations to leave a better person. Today, my goal is to practice yoga with loving kindness, an open heart free of any preconceived thoughts and appreciation for all it awakens within me. Learning to live my yoga off the mat has become my ultimate goal. Through this internal growth process, I learned that shopping was my happy fix. The thought of taking free time to look inwards for raw happiness, scared me. What if I didn't like what I felt inside? Somethings are better left unknown, I'd think to myself.
Weight battles are probably the most difficult to conquer. I mean if Oprah admits to being defeated by food, it's gotta be tough. Yet Oprah also came to realize that in constantly giving to everyone, she neglected to give her Self love and support. When you love your Self enough, you will take care of YOU.
The same way the scale doesn't lie, neither does the mirror. Take a long look at yourself. Look into your eyes with questions. Try to get to the root of your cravings. See if you seem distracted or disconnected. I bet you are. I also bet you're out of balance. Somewhere on the life scale, you probably dedicate less than 5% to 'Me Time'. In a 24 hour day, you're doing yourself the biggest disservice if you take little time to nurture your Self through exercise, meditation, or just plain alone time. No matter how hectic your life is, you'll never feel accomplished if you continue to let your guilty pleasure win. Bottom line - you don't feel deserving enough to honor your Self with love and acceptance for who you are.
It's difficult to say this, but our temptations will forever exist. The difference will be in how we manage our deeper issues. Food will always be around; especially when we're down and out. Based on my persoanl experience, I choose to conquer my comfort by taking time for my Self (aka 'Me Time'). 'Me Time' needs to be scheduled just like any important meeting. If you want to finally confront your problems, grab your cell phone, schedule 'Me Time' as a daily reccurance in your calendar. It's time to give back to your Self (the soul; that which knows truth, desires, sufferings). Devote appreciation and love to YOU on this never-ending journey.

Breathe

Unfinished Business

I have a confession. Over 5 years ago, I committed to a teaching experience I thought my heart believed in, but when I preferred to follow my distractions instead, I quit. Needless to say, the guilt from quitting, continues to haunt me. Why am I feeling guilty, you wonder?
Well, I kinda feel like a runaway bride. Picture this: you accept the marriage proposal, because you believe this is the person you should spend the rest of your life with. As you're going through all the wedding hoopla, you start to second guess yourself. You figure it's normal to be scared. Your big day comes and you wake up saying , 'WTF am I doing?'. That's when you take your honeymoon tix and disappear. Ok may be I'm being a bit dramatic by using this analogy, but in the end, the same guilty feelings surface for both scenarios.
While taking my teaching course, I was convinced that the timing for this new venture was perfect. Then, I let the mental noise block the passage to my heart. I started putting pressure on myself, letting my fears cloud my intention. And these same thoughts, masterfully fabricated a multitude of excuses, to justify my decision to quit. But in the end, the guilt from disappointing my teacher who invested in me, kept reappearing.
Now, 7 years later, still thinking about this lingering regret, I've decided to finish what I started.  It's not about my teacher or my bruised ego. This time I'm honoring, what I trust, is my life purpose. Looking back, the timing wasn't right. I was there for the wrong reasons. If you're one of many who feels a certain shame for not finishing what you start, go back. Get out of your head, dive deep into your heart for the answers to why you're still fixated on checking out early.
Let's face it, giving up is so easy!  Just take a look around you at the gym. Come January 2nd, you could barely find a free treadmill. Four weeks later, same time, same place, you're just a handful of cardio junkies left. Hence the easiness to abandon commitments when they get challenging. We tend to repeat patterns because of unfinished emotions from our past. Every experience comes with a lesson. Release any past attachments that may be holding you back. Today, you're a new person, with new intentions. Forgive yourself and move on. Welcome to Day 1 of committing to new ventures with happy endings!

Devoted to Seane Corn

Me & my yoga mentor, Seane Corn

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. You don't get anyone more authentic and raw, in the yoga world, than Seane Corn. In my yoga life, this is the one teacher that has touched my core so deeply, she's brought me to tears on my mat. Seane embodies the true meaning of yoga. She begins every class with a spiritual understanding of what will follow physically. I'd love to share my 'Everyday Miracles' class with all of you, but to be honest, the range of emotion I experienced cannot be written in a short post. That being said, I still feel an obligation to share her key message. "Truth and Love" is all we need to live a symbolic life. Everything we experience is a spiritual guidance that's magnetically drawn to us. Our ego holds on to limited beliefs, taking things personally, whereas the soul doesn't. Our perception of greatness varies from one person to another. By declaring your willingness to grow spiritually to the Universe, you're offering your trust to the Source. Open your heart to the everyday miracles you're living, and appreciate the 'AH' moments when they come. And trust me, they'll come.

Thank U

One month ago today, I started this blog. I'd like to thank my readers for their continued support and kind comments.  During my YC week-end, Seane Corn told us a story about the significance of 11:11 in her life. Ironically today, my blog hit 1,111 total pageviews!  These are 'Everyday Miracles' ;)

Obstacles as Path with Cyndi Lee

One of my all-time favorite, NY based yoga instructors, Cyndi Lee, brought us face-to-face with our obstacles in yoga. She began the class by asking us to state our favorite and least favorite pose. Almost all of us admitted to avoiding the poses we disliked. Since yoga holds up a mirror to what's going on internally, we know it goes much deeper than disliking heart openers.  Be it a person who annoys us, something about ourselves that's bothersome, or even our racing mind - these are all obstacles we'd rather ignore. It's so much easier to pretend they don't exist.  By dismissing these interferences, we're just tying knots in our hearts. But who wants a rock solid, knotted heart anyway?
For me, my greatest hindrance would probably be my mind, which is loaded with racing thoughts. There were times when I mentally sensationalized situations greater than The National Enquirer. Then anxiety would kick in, followed by shortness of breath and ending with complete mind, body, soul disconnect. Pretty ugly feeling that no one wants to live. I'm learning to 'lean in' to the noisy thoughts, tell them to take a hike, rather than buy into them. Just like The National Enquirer - if we keep buying the bull*, we're simply keeping them alive.
When facing your obstacles (plural because, let's face it, we all have more than one), try to look at them carefully. There's a reason you're feeling challenged by this person or personal matter. Instead of distracting yourself from what's problematic, acknowledge it with an open heart by trying to understand what it's touching inside. Leaning into an uneasy circumstance is uncomfortable. We live in a society that finds comfort in running away from reality. You might not like what you discover about yourself, but that's your truth which deserves to be honored.
It comes down to this: if you set aside your ego's fears, you'll most likely find wisdom through your obstacles. This wisdom will give you compassion for your Self and others. To think, all this time you're resisting getting into your sore spot, you're missing out on living your best life.

Me & Cyndi Lee