Self-Service

Anjaneyasana/Crescent Moon

This asana, for me, is the most humbling pose. Kneeling on one leg symbolizes our mission to serve. Lifting the arms up towards the sky symbolizes our reaching out to the Universe. Bending slightly backwards allows the heart to be open. The complete meaning behind Anjaneyasana (according to me) is: 'I'm humbled and grateful to the Universe for guiding me to serve others with an open heart'.

If you can make a positive difference in someones life by offering your authentic Self; you rock! After all, we're all servants in our daily lives. We serve our family, our clients, our bosses, even our friends. So, since you serve others already, try to consciously do so with an open heart; without judgement and criticism. You'll be rewarded with the same in return. In order to receive goodness, you must give goodness first. 

We're Connected!

Dedicated to Michael Tessier for his famous ties (Image:human-3d.com)

"We're all connected." The first time I heard that I didn't get it, but it remained in the back of my mind for some time. I knew one day I'd understand what that really meant. Guess what? I get it now! In short, every single being that comes into your life, is bringing something to you. Your unreliable friend, your amazing grandmother, your egocentric boss, even the friendly janitor at work; are all connected to you. Each individual touches something within us - light or dark.
Last night I received a phone call from an old colleague. He was hired as a Junior Graphic Designer for the department I managed. He was uber creative, passionate, funny, and personable. We connected deeply due to our similar work ethic. He went on to expand his career and live his big dream. After almost 5 years of barely communicating, he called me. At first I thought he was reaching out to me for references or work talk, but when he told me I'd been on his mind for a while, I was pleasantly surprised. He called to tell me that I inspired him and he was grateful for our connection! I was deeply humbled! After having gone years without talking, we spoke as though we had never lost touch - that's connecting to the human spirit!
People don't just coincidentally pop in our lives. Each unique personality awakens an emotion within us. Through our human relationships, we become who we are. It isn't our career, our education, or social status that defines us, but rather who we are as a result of our human links.
Take a minute to reflect on the connections that you've benefited from immensely - be it positive or negative, old or new, inspiring or irritating. Just like a puzzle, you need every single piece to complete the picture. All my connections are a piece of me, and my colleague Michael, reminded how powerful the human spirit can be. If you've wondered about a lost soul that touched you profoundly, reconnect with them. It can also be so powerful to contact someone you may have once mistreated. It's never too late to redeem yourself or give gratitude to a connection. No words can express the value in reaching out to someone who contributed to your puzzle.
To all my blog readers, you're drawn to me for different reasons. Whatever they may be, my words connect us and I'm immensely grateful for your continued support. Thank you for being a part of my incredibly dynamic puzzle!

Got a Light?

Hello Universe!

I've been working on a project that I can't wait to share with you! Today I took a big step and saw the light - literally! Although today's forecast announced showers, we were blessed with sunshine. I believe the peeking light, amongst the clouds, is reassurance from the Universe, that I'm being guided and never alone.

Some people choose to live in darkness, as victims. Others live knowing that you can always shine a light to get out of the dark. I try to see the light in every circumstance because I believe there's a reason behind everything. How we react to the circumstance varies from person to person. Those who ultimately trust in the Universe, will shine their light in their darkest hour.

Notice the signs; question them, and welcome their message, as you would a neighbor in your home. Be kind, giving, trusting and you'll always find your light.

On my way to Bhujapidasana

Kathryn Budig in Bhujapidasana (www.kathrynbudig.com)

Lil old Me in Bhujapidasana/Shoulder-Pressing pose

I'm on an arm balancing mission! After balancing comfortably in Bakasana/Crane pose, I wanted to take the next step. When I opened a yoga magazine and saw this asana, I told myself I had to at least try to attempt it. Based on my attire (a bikini!), you can tell I wanted to challenge myself ASAP.
If you take a look at Kathryn in the pose, it's obvious that I'm almost there. Just gotta tuck my shoulders under my knees and straighten my legs a little.....easier said than done ;) But I wanted to share my photo because even though I'm not 100% in Bhujapidasana, I'm still reaping all its benefits.
The next time you're on your mat and you're determined to attempt a difficult asana, go for it! You might not look as good as your teacher does in the pose, but you're doing the same work and that's what counts. Effort and application, on the mat, are wonderful actions that will serve you well in your own life. You get what you give, so give your best!

Meet my greatest Teacher

Partner Vrksasana / Tree Pose

See this little girl in the photo on the left? She can bring out the absolute best and worst in me. She has excellent communication skills, loves to negotiate, and maintains an abundance of energy that only the Energizer bunny can compete with. On the other hand, she loves to antaganize me by preferring to watch dust settle rather than listening to my instructions. And then there's the fact that she can't seem to gather enough patience to enjoy the process rather than the end result. How aggravating!
Now, can you guess which little girl I'm referring to in the photo? That's right! I'm actually talking about the big little girl. The qualities that annoy me most about my 3.5 yr. old daughter, are very familiar to me. When she awakens my personal issues that I'd rather sweep under the bed; that's when I lose my temper. In all fairness, instead of taking my anger out on her actions, I need to resolve them within myself first.
Most recently, I taught a yoga class whereby I advised my students to check their ego at the door and refrain from any self-judgement. Just this week, as I was the student in a yoga class, my ego got completely in the way as I struggled with an asana. So, I'm great at talking but not so great at listening...to myself anyhow. And then there's my annoyance with the speed of life. I silently wish to wake up and suddenly arrive at my destination. What about the journey, Marisa? Well, the journey is taking too long!
There are definitely times when I get hit by a rough wave and need to re-evaluate situations (I'm a thinker, remember). The most important experiences for me are the ones that cause the 'AHA' feeling. I had that moment today while meditating on my relationship with my daughter. As I visualized our time together, I paid close attention to the actions that would aggravate me. As I tuned in, it hit me! Everything about her that upsets me, does so because I recognize it in myself. What does that mean? Whenever someone strikes our "bulls eye", there's a much deeper meaning behind our intense reaction. Usually what disturbs us so much about that person, lives within our core as well. The next time someone arouses anger in the pit of your stomach, ask yourself what it is that's bothering you so much about them and see where it lives within you.
I've always said that children are our greatest teachers. In my case, Chloe has allowed me to see that my lack of patience can sometimes take me away from the moment. She also made me realize that I need to live my yoga way beyond the physical. Tuning in requires much more listening than I ever imagined. To my dear Chloe, who I love deeply, thank you for teaching Mommy some great life lessons!

Fortune cookies feed the Soul

Got the same fortune twice! Guess that means the Universe wants me to get the message. 

As I struggled with thoughts of not being good enough this week, this fortune came at the right time. Though I don't strive to be perfect, I am hard on myself which makes it difficult to accept some of my imperfections. Until I accept my flaws, only then can I accept flaws in others. In this lifetime, I believe that lovingkindness and compassion will prevail. This message was sent to me as a reminder to be loving and compassionate with myself as well. Perhaps you need to do the same today.

High in Handstand

Adho Mukha Vrksasana :)

"We share one thing in common," he said. "We all want to be happy and free from suffering." Those were Anusara yoga teacher, Peter Barber's opening words before guiding us on a path to happy. Twenty minutes into the class, he had us bring our mats against the wall for Handstand. Usually, teachers save challenging arm balances for the end of the class, but today, Peter wanted us to let go right from the start. "We do handstands because they're fun!" he said smiling. Handstands, right up there with deep backbends, are actually scary for most of us. Arm balances scare us because we're solely depending on our hands to keep us up. We're so used to relying on our feet to hold us down that when we try the reverse, it throws us completely off. The fact of the matter is arm balances teach us how to support ourselves - on and off the mat. When you decide to be there for yourself, you'll trust yourself and that will make all the difference.
Ever try doing something that scares you? Isn't it such a rush? In yoga, when you free your thoughts and let go, you reach an indescribable high. Suddenly, your body is bending deeper, balancing better, and opening wider. So when he told us to flip up in Handstand, I got excited rather than scared. I remembered how amazing it felt the first time I was able to do it. When I got up on my second attempt, I was on a happy high! When you trust yourself and go beyond your limitations, you realize that the possibilities are endless.
There are countless yoga poses that bring me to a blissful place, but the most satisfying ones are those I once believed were impossible. The Me today is excited to attempt the asanas I once preferred to ignore.
When you choose to live your yoga off the mat, you're choosing to face your fears. Living in fear is living in suffering. And getting on a happy high means you're dismissing false beliefs of not being good enough,  and rising above all limitations. Every experience is a valuable stepping stone that'll bring you closer to the high you desire. With patience, trust, and a lot of breathing, you'll get your happy high - trust me!

Pilates - experience the Barre

Pilates Barre beach side

Yesterday I decided to try something old but new - Pilates Barre. I was once hooked on the pilates reformer machine, so when I saw that a studio in Miami was offering pilates barre, I just had to try it!
The barre system is simply adding a ballet barre to the floor practice. The class was full, which was surprising since the studio just launched this concept. I guess women are really excited to get their foot up on a barre!
We started with basic pilates moves on the mat and then moved to the barre. I felt like I was in an ab, yoga, ballet class all in one. When I got out of bed this morning, my quadriceps were sore. I don't think I ever felt any major soreness from pilates on the reformer machine. It just goes to show that there's nothing like stretching your muscles by using solely your body weight. All those complicated machines you see at the gym have their advantages, but using my own body weight provides the best results for me. Not only do I reap physical benefits, but the mental bliss is priceless.
While out by the pool this morning, I couldn't help but relive my pilates barre experience using a railing. Though the class was enjoyable, the barre part is nothing more than stretching on any random rail. So next time you're walking around your house, get your foot up on that railing and bend forward. Breathe and bend a little deeper - this is called Pilates Partout.

Are you Good Enough?

Shoot! My left hamstring is lifting off the log, but is it good enough?!

Ideas are contagious, so here's an idea: you're beyond good enough. You work hard everyday, you give so much of yourself to your family, you listen to your friends, and these are just some of the small things you do naturally. How good are you?! As I experienced my first Miami yoga class, I tuned in to my greatness. I figured I'd try taking a few classes while on vacation. I was eager to see how the class would flow and what more I could learn. My intentions were beyond good.
My yoga instructor was a very lean yogi with a strong Spanish accent (predictable in Miami). As the class began with subtle twists propped up on two blankets, he urged us to keep our hearts open. It felt so good to draw my shoulders as far back as possible. I guess my heart was craving a little attention. I struggled with my balance in revolved triangle, which I found amusing given that my blog post yesterday was about balance! I've been off my mat for 5 days, so I've definitely been feeling out of balance and yoga confirmed that today. The studio had ropes which are a new yoga studio trend. Although we only used them for downward facing dog, I was so grateful for the opportunity to try something new in my practice. The bonus in using the ropes is that you can adjust your body weight allowing a deeper exploration of an asana.
I was so glad I experimented with a yoga class in a foreign place. The flow of this class was so different from what I'm used to experiencing. I had a few 'AHA' moments as well. First, I realized that it's so enriching to try different styles of yoga or even different teachers. No one likes to explore out of their comfort zone, but when you gather the courage to do so, it feels so rewarding. Secondly, I had some passing clouds in my head at one point. Though I was the only student who stayed in headstand the longest, I still wondered if I was good enough, as a student and as a teacher. The amazing fact of yoga is that you never quite master it. There are so many ways to deepen an asanas that your practice is infinite. As a student, my goal is to connect to my Spirit. When a pose seems challenging to me, I tune in. So when the question of being good enough surfaced, I felt a responsibility to share it. May be you're struggling with the same feeling in your life. Be it as a wife, a mother, a friend - the idea of not being  good enough is present.
I was interested in trying a class here not only for my own practice, but to learn something new that I could share with my students. Isn't that good enough? We tend to set our personal bar so high, quietly building over-the-top expectations. Why are we so hard on ourselves, yet when it comes to others struggling with similar emotions, we're overly compassionate? I'm my toughest critic, but starting right now, I'm patting myself on the back for a job well done. You're welcome to join me in letting go of the crappy idea of not being good enough. We deserve our good. We deserve to be prosperous. Change your idea from bad to good and spread it! Let these ideas marinate in consciousness. May we all lead with good intentions, no expectations, and the ability to be as compassionate with ourselves as we are with others. Namaste.

Water Resistant

Trying to keep your balance in the ocean isn't as easy as it seems. When the waves roll in, you feel their support. As they draw back into the ocean however, you feel as though you're being sucked in. The movement of waves is comparable to our quest for a balanced life. As a wave draws in and rises, it comes down crashing, bouncing right back into its original state.
Our days are consumed with phone calls, emails, meetings and other mental noise. When we reach our breaking point, we realize we're completely out of balance. This is usually when we schedule peaceful time to honor our Self. Some people pamper themselves, others take up yoga, and some just start to slow down. Since we're part of a society that's driven by doing more, it's so easy for us to get sucked back into the wave of life; back into imbalance or overload mode.
If finding equilibrium is your goal, then take the pledge to resist the natural movement of waves. Root your feet firmly into the earth and commit to your well-being. Refuse to be thrown back into your unhealthy way of living. Stand up for your Self! Schedule 'Me' time whereby cancelling isn't an option. Resist the temptation to flow like the waves because in actuality we want to rise up and stay there. Crashing down isn't on anyone's wish list, so as much beauty as the ocean holds, the pattern of waves in less than desirable. Find your balance, nurture your Self (the part that holds your passions), and resist the temptation to return to where you come from.

Yoga: Some like it Hot

Image: sweatblock.com

What is all the rage over Hot Yoga? Years ago the "hot" topic was Bikram, then Moksha took over and now it's just plain Hot Yoga that's popular. As an Ashtanga, Anusara, Vinyasa and Hatha yogi, the idea of taking my practice into a sauna-like room, never appealed to me. After 8 years of practice, I decided to finally try my first Hot Yoga class at Yoga Lounge Montreal.
As I confidently walked into the class, I was greeted by a wave of 40 degree heat that almost made me walk out! Don't get me wrong - I love heat and think AC should be banned.  However when it comes to yoga, I think it's challenging enough to coordinate your breathing with the poses, that the over-sweating part just gets distracting!
As I unrolled my mat, I told myself I'd do this without any judgement towards myself or the heat. I had to remind myself to be open as the beginning was definitely challenging! Between staying connected to my breath, paying attention to my alignment, and wiping my face, there was no room for spiritual enlightenment! That's when it all made sense to me. Most of the people I know who love Hot Yoga are new to yoga. They're interested in the numerous physical advantages, but not so much in trying to connect to their Spirit; and that's OK. Had it not been for Hot Yoga, they'd probably be sweating their stress out on an elliptical machine. As a yoga lover, I'd much rather see them reap the benefits of yoga over aerobics. Call me a gym snob, but step classes just aren't my idea of a mind blowing experience. Even those who practice yoga for superficial reasons, like the way it makes their bodies look rather than feel, I still believe goodness is manifesting within them.
As the class progressed, I was impressed with my stamina given the heat. Of course, I was doing mental cartwheels whenever the teacher demonstrated the next asana. You definitely need mini breaks throughout the practice or you're pretty much over heating your body unmindfully. This particular class was a Vinyasa flow, level 2-3, lead by Andreanne. As an experienced teacher in the heat, she surprised us with pockets of rest, while still exploring challenging asanas. Though I didn't connect to Spirit during the 75 minute class, she certainly touched it with her chant during Savasana.
I'm a Spirit junkie who yearns for mind, body, Spirit connection in my yoga practice. Is it achievable in 40 degrees? I think so. Even adjusting to heat takes practice. Who knows, may be soon we'll be seeing yoga in light rain and we'll adjust to that as well! Until then, you can sweat into OM at Yoga Lounge!

Warrior Moms Rule!

My version of Virabhadrasana II ;)

There's only one person I can thank for providing my core values - my Mother. My Mom is one tough woman who stops at nothing until she achieves greatness. She's probably the driving force behind my success. She taught me early on that hard work and passion will never disappoint. She encouraged me to always look at the glass half full, to challenge the norm, and set myself apart from the masses.
Mom, thanks for comforting me through every cold, upset stomach, and minor injury. Thank you for pushing me to new heights and endorsing my many adventures. Lastly, I'm eternally grateful for everything you do for my children...except the time you gave my toddler a soft drink!
As well, I'm very blessed to have another Mother figure whose strength is immeasurable! My famous grandmother, Nonna Maria is undoubtedly my maternal mentor. Her strong belief in faith inspired me early on in my life. My fondest memories date back to the early 80s when she accepted to be my chef and bodyguard. She walked me to and from school no matter the weather and when I'd arrive at lunchtime; she'd surprise me with a fantastic meal and the Flintstones. Moreover, she's currently battling cancer and enduring intense chemo treatments. Despite the fact that her body is in indescribable pain, she has yet to complain. Nonna Maria is a triumphant warrior! I'm beyond blessed to be her grandchild. A born giver, she defines the words, "loving-kindness".
To my Mother-in-law Antonietta, my aunt Terry, my cousin Rosina, my sister-in-law Rosanna and my sister Lolita - I admire each one of you for your boundless dedication to your children.
Lastly, to the ultimate warriors: single Mothers, Mothers of children with disabilities, and Mothers of children battling illnesses - you’re the chosen ones who’ve been given torches to bear so that you’ll forever live in light. May Mothers everywhere be honored beyond 24 hrs. Namaste.

M is for Master Moms

Only a Mother can find light from any angle.

When I Grow Up....

Redeem your Big Dream

Vasisthasana or Side Plank

Keep your eye on the prize - that's my definition of Side Plank! This pose requires balance (which we all need to be successful on and off the mat) and a desirable focal point. When we set goals, the key is to dream big. Your goal list should be so over-the-top that it makes meeting the Queen of England seem easy. Load your list up with passions, strong desires, all the things that make your heart melt. Now take a good look at this pose. Aside from balancing on one hand and foot, my attention remains focused on 'the big picture'. My goal in Side Plank is to grab hold of the sun so I can live in light eternally :) Dream big, think big, love big, give big!

Road Block 101

My latest mental accessory: pylons!

Dear Universe,
I'm having a rough day with my inner voice. Three days away from the mat and the pylons have taken over! I desperately need to spend quality time on my mat or else it starts to get cloudy in my head. Bottom line - a few words of doubt slipped through the cranium cracks causing the pylons (which represent obstacles) to take center stage.
Universe, c'mon you know I'm your biggest fan. You can drop any bull**** on my lap and I'll still give you props. Today is just one of those days. My head is filled with anatomy, yoga philosophy, pranayama techniques - basically it's overloaded with info. In less than 42 hrs, I'll be writing my long overdue Anusara yoga exam. As I'm trying to get all the details, sanskrit words, and meanings mentally aligned, I'm starting to doubt myself.....and I'm upset that for doing so. As I visualize those bright orange pylons, I start to re-connect to my breath. The breath always brings me back to the present moment, so whenever I feel emotionally stuffed, I breathe it out. As always, it brings me back to center, back to the source.
The source is where all the goodness we hold internally manifests. We're all on the path of life - some paths are smooth for years, others are full of detours, and some are just loaded with pot holes and u-turns. Whatever path you're on, the journey holds the meaning. My path is pretty smooth, but I definitely have a lot of hills. Occasionally, I get the unexpected road block. That's what happened today. The first pylon held a sign saying, "Route ahead questionable". A few kilometres ahead, the second pylon read, "The OM road is under construction". Lovely! So I follow the paved road to the third pylon that reads, "Enter at your Heart's risk". Pause. Hit the brakes. Let's not forget who I am. I'm Marisa, the almighty thinker! It takes about 8 minutes of mental analysis (so freakin' exhausting!) and then I choose to put the pedal to the metal and run right through that pylon!
Yes, Universe, this is a thank you letter! I wasn't writing to complain (although it did start off that way).  I've been studying so hard, that I slipped into the 'kleshas' zone. Self-inquiring meditation and universal support got me back on track. The knot in my stomach (always read your body's messages), as well as the quality of my inbreath (reflects our readiness to participate in life as it unfolds within us) explained everything. This feeling of doubt clearly reveals that I'm 'doing' more rather than 'being' more. Sometimes the pylons are heaven-sent symbols advising us to slow down and even stop, breathe, be - commit to living in the moment.
Namaste,
M

Spirit Souldier Oath

Spirit Souldiers: term I invented for beings wishing to connect to Source

 Spirit  Souldiers are beings who wish to connect to Spirit, Source, or God through meditation and yoga. The S.S.O. is an oath I encourage myself, as well as others, to say as a mantra or prayer. If you choose to live with pure goodness in your daily actions, welcome to the Spirit Souldier crew.

May I declare my struggles to be my greatest teachings.

May I recognize my own anger & sadness in others.

May I refrain from judgement & criticism towards myself & others.

May I be motivated by acts of lovingkindness towards all beings.

May I serve with tolerance, empathy, & respect towards myself & others.

May I see nothing but goodness in myself & others.

May I trust my relationship to the Source.

Knock, knock. Who's There? EGO!

Ego talk - Sound familiar?
Cartoon: econesting.com

Oh boy! Here comes the substitute teacher from hell! If Fear is our greatest teacher, I'd say the Ego is a close second! Yoga has become so popular in the last decade; I wonder how many people are practicing to connect mind, body, and spirit. My interest in yoga peeked when I researched Madonna's workout regime. When I read her toned arms were sculpted thanks to yoga, I immediately signed up for Ashtanga. In the beginning, my mind space was very similar to the cartoon on the left. The pace of the class was so fast I had no clue what the teacher was saying, never mind the breathing part. But my Ego stood by my side throughout every uncomfortable pose. I even remember wearing a tank top to class that read, "Check your Ego at the door". As if that was at all possible! Even when I attempted a handstand in my basement that caused a trapezius injury, my Ego still cheered me on. I was so caught up in the physical aspect of yoga, that I was missing the whole point!
Most of us don't even realize when our Ego is behind the wheel. You see we have two centers - the real center is the Self and the false center is the Ego. When we have a strong sense of Self or Spirit, we're independent souls who need not the opinions of others to soar. The real center is the Self, the soul, the God, the truth that resides within every single one of us. However, if you're not spiritually attuned with your higher Self, chances are your Ego is guiding you throughout the day.
Why is it so easy for us to identify Egos in others, yet when it comes to ourselves, we fail to acknowledge its existence? Next time you feel strong, negative emotions towards yourself or others, close your eyes and try to get to the root. When you're able to identify your Ego as the driving force behind your issues, you're disconnecting from that false source and in turn, are connecting to your Self.
Your ego isn't going anywhere, so don't bother trying to get rid of it. The best advice I can give is to be inviting when it knocks at the door. Try to understand the message because without "getting it", we wouldn't grow into our highest Self. And it's through relationships with others - good and bad - that we become who we really are. So the Ego isn't so bad after all – except when it deceives you into thinking your foot would love to rest behind your head!

Gen A: Spirit Junkies

Ustrasana: Open the floodgates 

'Generation Affirmation' includes all spiritual beings who believe that repeating affirmations will enrich their lives. Affirmation is defined as "assertion that something exists or is true". Though the idea of repeating positive statements, as an act of manifestation, has been around for centuries, spiritual gurus such as Louise Hay and Wayne Dyer have re-popularized them.
I cannot express the value in sharing positive statements with the Universe. Of course, repeating that you're rich, in hope of winning the lottery, isn't the type of affirmation I'm referring to! Gen A is all about opening your heart, your mind, and your spirit to manifest change.
In yoga, Ustrasana or Camel pose, allows you to open your heart. Aside from all the physical benefits, the 5th chakra, which is the throat, is activated when the head is tilted back. By exploring this pose in steps, you'll be able to feel any emotional restraint. As you know, yoga holds up a mirror, so when emotions are repressed, that's usually when we're out of balance and need to connect to Spirit.
Here are a few guidelines to get you in with Gen A:
Step 1- Write 5 positive statements that hold meaningful truth to what you want to achieve.
Step 2- Repeat these affirmations in the morning, as well as in the evening before falling asleep. While sleeping, your affirmations will 'check in' to your subconscious mind.
Step 3- Try repeating your affirmations in front of the mirror and see if any emotions are awakened as you speak your truth. Take time to honor whatever surfaces.
Thanks to Louise Hay, I've created a bank of affirmations that I repeat consistently.

Here are a few that might resonate with you:

• I love and accept myself
• I am capable of managing my busy thoughts
• I believe in myself
• I am patient and kind
• I am loving, lovable, and loved
• I am healthy and full of energy
• I am willing to change and grow
• All is well in my world
• I am fearless and strong
• I now release old negative beliefs
• I am free of the past

If you truly believe that you deserve better, repeat your affirmations and pay close attention to what awakens as you say them. Whatever you believe about yourself becomes your truth, so start believing you're the BEST! Stop. Breathe. Be. There's a lesson you're living that is for your highest good. You may not see it that way when you're feeling powerless, so ask the Universe what the experience is trying to teach you. Your fate lies in your words, your thoughts, and your body. Peel away at the layers of negative beliefs and get to the heart of the matter. Life is too short to live stuck in your head...the view is much nicer from the heart!