A. It’s a collection of original songs and mantras. It is uplifting, bringing a feeling of calm and peace. You’ll hear beautiful vocals with occasional hints of tribal beats, blues inspired moments, and enchanting tranquility.
I have been singing to my students in savasana for years.
Singing is part of my dharma, my spirit, my purpose in life, and a gift that I can freely offer out to the benefit of others and myself simultaneously. It feels good to sing, just as it is a joy to receive a song full of the purest, sweetest meaning.
Mantra is the repetition of sound, typically seen in the form of sacred song. One of the purposes of mantra is to take you into the heart of yourself, and also to help you recognize yourself in all that is around you.
This album, which I finally made after years of being asked to do so, is a collection of mantras.
However, though there is ancient tradition in all of these songs, many are original mantras in the way the words are combined, and all of the musical arrangements (i.e. melody, meter) have been inspired within my own heart.
Now, on to the words and meaning of the songs themselves.
The last chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is my favorite. Though the entire book is so full of wisdom that you could unpack it and contemplate it for lifetimes, I am drawn most to its last teachings.
The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most cherished ancient writings. It is said that Gandhi read from it every single day.
What we have in the Gita is a collection of teachings that are given in conversation between the warrior Arjuna and his friend and charioteer, Krishna. They’re having this conversation in the middle of a war, in the calm before the storm of a battlefield.
Which makes me think that the modern equivalent would be the crazy-busy-fullness of life these days. When life feels chaotic, it’s so good to check in with the wisdom of the ages.
Dr. Douglas Brooks describes the Gita thus in his book Poised for Grace:
“The Bhagavadgita, the Song of the Blessed One, is a defining moment in the history of yoga. It is a response to moral chaos; a guide for the perplexed; and a prolonged meditation on the nature of God, the immortality of the Self, and the practical needs of everyday life. Its importance only continues to increase as centuries of interpreters try to wrest its meanings from its inspired poetic vision.”
At the end of the Gita, after we have learned about the true nature of things, that all is one, and many guiding wisdoms to navigate life, Krishna (the Divine, Universal Consciousness, God – whatever name you prefer) goes on to speak of the most essential teachings of all:
He says, “Let go. Don’t cling to the fruits of your actions. Live your life and be unattached to what happens. Do this and you find real freedom.”
This is the key to overcoming worry and anxiety.
Don’t cling. Show up, let go.
And be who you are. Live your personal path, for your unique self contributes to the whole of life.
These two particularly powerful verses (again, from Poised for Grace) speak on the importance of living your truth, no matter what:
“A person obtains a true perfection by committing to one’s authentic task.”
“Better one’s own Dharma imperfectly disposed than another’s Dharma well-performed.”
“By honoring your own unique experience with Nature and answering your calling you glorify God. Living your truth you align with the Highest Truth. Here Krishna brings Arjuna back to honoring his darma (duty and path in life).
Krishna tells Arjuna, and thus the reader: do what must be done as it is your work–your dharma. Yet, as you walk your path in life, if you choose to give every thought, word and action to God, you will experience complete freedom, worry will vanish, and you will be carried by the wings of immersurable Love.”
St. Andrews on the Square. Located at the corner of 2nd and Seymour St., Downtown Kamloops
The energy of a place has a lot to do with the experience you have there.
That said, you can meditate in the middle of a sidewalk, or do yoga in the airport. Been there, done that. It can be fun, an excellent challenge, and an extraordinary practice.
However, the depth of opening and feeling you have access to when you are in an ideal environment
is very meaningful.
St. Andrews on the Square feels like a sanctuary. It feels safe, peaceful, spacious. It has a definite beauty that goes beyond the arched ceilings, stained glass windows and courtyard garden.
Isn’t it wonderful that, as human beings, we are able to make mistakes, feel, learn, reconsider, and be brave enough to try again?
We’ve all made quick reactions that we wish we could re-do, or said things in ways that maybe could have been more skillful, more soft. But I don’t think we’re meant to do everything the “right” way every time.
If we didn’t make mistakes, we wouldn’t grow. Uncomfortable situations make us stronger, wiser, and more flexible.
I mean, look at yoga! Most of those poses aren’t easy, and can be awkward especially when you’re starting out. Yet when you don’t give up, keep practicing, and believe that you can learn, amazing things happen.
I’m very happy to say that Shaylen, the owner of Let’s Move Studio, contacted me this weekend and offered to come to an agreement that we both hope is in the best interest for the students who attended Let’s Move specifically for my classes.
This makes me feel good for many reasons:
1) It transfers the credits for students who wish to continue classes with me so there is no need to worry about class cards, refunds and whatnot. Just show up, roll out your mat, and take a deep breath.
2) We can move forward. There’s closure. I like that. All I wanted in the first place was a smooth transition and a space conducive to my teaching, where students can feel safe and go deep into their practice.
3) Conflict makes me feel icky. But this was a valuable opportunity for me to practice something that has long been difficult in my life: “Don’t take things personally.” I’m still working on this.
Humility.
I want to take a moment here to honour every single individual teacher for sharing their passion and caring, as well as the studio owners and teams, and the spaces themselves (Let’s Move, the Yoga Loft, Kamloops Hot Yoga, Bikram Yoga, the Mind Body Connection, our new sanctuary at St. Andrews on the Square, and all the other rooms and buildings that hold space) for helping people to move, breathe, and connect with who they truly are.
We’re all in this together. We all need to let go of stress while bringing more happiness, health, play, peace and empowerment to their lives. And every person who teaches yoga, fitness, dance, movement, and any other modality that contributes more harmony to the world is needed. And to you, the students, I bow.
The last yoga class I taught at Let’s Move Studio was all about being strong enough to flow with life, and trusting the Universe while knowing you’re supported by inner and outer strength.
I did not know that would be the last class I would teach there. Perfect theme, really.
When I told Shalen, the owner of the studio, that the noise and distractions at the studio were conflicting with my teaching, and that I am moving my classes to St. Andrews to better serve my students, I got a big surprise.
I spoke from the heart, with the intent that the transition be smooth and easy for all involved, especially my clients. I did everything with integrity, honesty and respect to the best of my ability.
And her response was to request that I leave Let’s Move. Immediately. No notice. Even though my students expected me to teach there on Monday.
I was shocked by the corporate, sterile feel of the conversation when my entire business is based around service and helping people. Especially when I have been teaching at that studio for so long.
This said, I know she is doing what she needs to do for herself, while I do what is best for myself and my classes. I also know all of it is unfolding perfectly. Shalen later came to me with a compromise in the best interests of the students, and I am sincerely grateful for this.
There are very good people at Let’s Move Studio, and I wish them all the best.
Beginnings and Endings
The first yoga class I ever taught was at Let’s Move Studio seven years ago. Many of the students who were in that very first class were also in the last classes I taught there this week. Again, perfect.
In fact, many of my clients have been with me since Let’s Move was located downtown. These clients, and so many others who have found my classes through the years, have become my friends.
I taught at that studio for 7 years, and have done much to support, grow, and help the business and community there. Though I am leaving I wish all of the teachers and the studio team the best of success. Every teacher and space is important, and Let’s Move serves many people in wonderful ways.
To you, my friends and students, I want you to know that I left Let’s Move Studio in response to your requests and my own knowing of what kind of space is best for the yoga I teach.
This wasn’t a business decision on my part. I chose to switch locations because it was the right thing to do for my students.
It is my highest priority to provide you the most authentic, full spectrum practices.
And I can’t do that when the noise from the gym downstairs is so loud that my voice is drowned out when I sing mantra in savasana, or subconsciously you’re holding tension because the room is too cold, or 6 guys come up to use the bathrooms on the other side of a thin curtain, or there’s a guy beating on a heavy bag downstairs while you’re trying to meditate.
As I say this, I have absolutely nothing against the guys downstairs. I love that they give’er! It just doesn’t quite work for me when I’m teaching on the floor above.
There is a certain challenge in finding peace and being able to focus within all of those elements, and yes, challenge is a part of life, but it is not the safe, comforting environment I want to create so that you can get the most of your practice. So I went seeking a more suitable option, especially after many people have voiced their concerns about the distractions.
St. Andrews on the Square is my favourite place to teach. It is a sanctuary at the heart of the city.
It’s peaceful, absolutely beautiful, spacious, and has the most amazing acoustics for singing to you in savasana! Plus it’s always nice to have more bathrooms so you don’t have to wait.
Let’s bring it back to what’s really important here:
This is about yoga, not business. I really just want to teach exceptional yoga classes in an ideal space.
Though the transition was not what I had envisioned, it doesn’t matter. It’s done, and our new space is perfect! So, time to move on and get back to what it’s all about.
Just yoga, you know?
Myself and Carrie Few both love teaching at St. Andrews!
Honesty. Integrity. Intention from the Heart.
These three virtues, “Honesty, Integrity, and Intention from the Heart,” are the guiding forces of my life.
And by following my heart I always arrive in the right place.
I am truly excited about creating a yoga sanctuary at St. Andrews on the Square!
It’s perfect, and I know without a doubt that everything is happening in the best possible way, even if it’s a bit of a shock and really fast.
When things need to happen, the Universe can make them happen NOW.
I’m okay with that.
There are beautiful new props ready to be enjoyed, including bolsters with organic covers.
I think everyone who comes to class in this new space is going to feel a tremendous difference in the energy of the room, which will translate into a more meaningful practice, whether it’s a playful Align and Flow class or peaceful Restorative Yoga.
My intention with the space and the investment I’ve made in the props is this:
Teach authentic, meaningful yoga in an ideal environment.
Balance the benefits of physical practice and asana with those of meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), and holistic wellbeing.
Collaborate with talented independent instructors wanting to share their skills and heart in playful, peaceful, empowering service.
Yoga classes at St. Andrews on the Square.
This will truly be a sanctuary of the heart.
And we’ll have a grand opening night on June 20th, Summer Solstice. I’ll let you know more about it soon, but expect a night of song and celebration (this will also coincide with the release of my new Yoga Music Album titled “Gratitude”).
In closing, I’d like to say this:
It’s all good. I am so completely flowing with things right now because everything up until this point has given me a foundation of both strength and the ability to surrender and trust.
And, most importantly, I feel so very supported. The genuine caring that has been shown to me from my friends and students (you know who you are!) goes right to my heart.
In my way of seeing it, yoga mentoring comes in many forms depending on the circumstances.
For instance, you might ask for mentoring as a yoga student, a yoga practitioner wanting to be a teacher, a yoga teacher in training or in the process of becoming certified, or a certified teacher looking to grow.
There are many stages along the path of practicing and teaching yoga. Mentoring is something that can be sought out whenever you yearn to grow with one-on-one training and guidance.
I have mentored many students who have become teachers or who came to me for further development in their teaching. What I am starting to do, and really enjoy, is acting as mentor and trainer to personally certify yoga teachers who have been students of mine. This one-on-one mentoring is something special and I’m glad to be exploring this avenue of serving as a teacher.
It’s outside the box in today’s world of yoga teacher training programs and courses, though most of these programs are excellent and have great benefits. So I’m in no way knocking anyone else’s way of training teachers. This is simply what I’m doing right now, and this article examines my thoughts on this role I’m playing.
Through one-on-one mentoring I can not only teach the essential knowledge any yoga teacher would consider a necessary foundation, but I can cater to the individual student’s specific needs of development. I can also draw upon experiences and trainings the individual has received elsewhere to enhance and integrate their existing skills.
“Happiness is part of who we are.
Joy is the feeling.”
― Tony DeLiso
Abundance and oneness is the nature of the Universe.
We forget this sometimes, falling into the illusions of lack and feeling like there isn’t enough, or we’re not doing enough, or we’re alone in the world.
In yoga this idea of scarcity and separateness is called Anava Mala. The “Malas” are like veils–illusions that often derail our best intentions.
However, when you practice yoga and weave a perspective of Oneness into your life, it is much easier to see past the illusion of lack and isolation into the truth of abundance and joy!
Yes, it definitely helps to open up your physical body and your breath, so that you can receive more feelings of fullness, wholeness, and ease.
Getting on your mat, moving around, and tuning into your breath go a long way in shining a light past the illusions so you can access your heart and brightest experience of spirit.
You can also find a great deal of transformative power in the practice of being open to see the abundance you already have, and finding gratitude here and now. And when you choose the feeling of happiness over the feeling of hardship, life is a whole lot more sparkly!
Here is a message I received along these same lines:
Lesson Number Four:
“The best thing you can do, dear one, is enjoy each moment for what it is. There is enormous wisdom in this. How? By allowing yourself a spaciousness, by releasing the self-induced pressure, by trusting that each moment holds everything you need right now, and that the Universe has everything else covered. Do what comes naturally, and give yourself permission to let go of the struggle so you can show up for the dance!”
Or, to put it another way, open up to your inner child and live in joy and wonder!
The night of April 30th and day of May 1st (Beltane or May Day) is traditionally associated with fertility, abundance, and dance. You might take this time to receive, in your own way, these elements of life’s natural flow.
Quotes inviting Abundance and Joy:
“Keep your best wishes close to your heart and watch what happens”
― Tony DeLiso
“Plant seeds of happiness, hope, success, and love; it will all come back to you in abundance. This is the law of nature.”
― Steve Maraboli
“Today expect something good to happen to you no matter what occurred yesterday. Realize the past no longer holds you captive. It can only continue to hurt you if you hold on to it. Let the past go. A simply abundant world awaits.”
― Sarah Breathnach
“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.”
― Anthony Robbins
“You are what your deep, driving desire is.
As your desire is, so is your will.
As your will is, so is your deed.
As your deed is, so is your destiny.”
-Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Hello!
I missed the newsletter last week because I was moving into my new home with my man and my 3 furry kids.
For years I’ve yearned for a home in the country, with all the peace, quiet, access to nature and freedom that brings. The sparkle of stars in all their brilliance, the sound of loons on the lake . . .
And after much searching, visualizing, and putting my requests in to the Universe, we now have a home surrounded by trees and with a view of Pinantan Lake.
While that may or may not sound like heaven to you, my point is that one of my dreams has come true. I’ve made it happen. And I’m convinced that part of the reason it has all come together, besides perserverance and hard work, is my deep trust that everything always works out for the best.
What about you? What is your dream? How can you grow even more open to the gifts of the moment while calling in the experience or situation you most want in life?
As my yoga practice and self-growth continues to evolve, I appreciate the present moment more and more. That allows me to trust in the unfolding process of life.
Sure, I keep talking about this, but here’s one of the great things that happens when you’re experiencing the Here and Now:
Your mind clears. The confusion of thoughts about past and future subsides, and you are able to enjoy the gifts you have right now.
For me that is often a practice of appreciating the purring kitty on my lap because I’ve let go of thoughts of work or the endless things that need to be done around the house.
What about you? What do you notice yourself missing when your mind wanders? How much more gratitude do you feel when you remember to be present?
We seem to need constant reminding of our true, limitless nature.
For me, the more I tune in to my Infinite Self in meditation, or read something that helps me understand the essence of my Divine self, or feel the connection I have with nature, the more I enjoy life.
I think we can grow more and more into an experiential knowing of the endless truth of who we are.
And WOW does that feel good!
You are Infinite. Truly.
The message I’m sharing with you this week invites you to find that direct access to your Infinite Self by clearing your mind, and by doing so, open to the vast expanse of wisdom available to all of us. . .
Lesson Number Three:
“Infinite wisdom is accessable to a clear mind. When small, scattered thinking is removed and your Divine self is guiding your perspective, you can tap into the limitless nature of knowing.”
When your mind is clear and you tap into that essential, limitless self, it is SO much easier to live your dreams and create your destiny.
May you live your purpose in life, one moment at a time, knowing that the mystery of All That Is offers itself to you willingly!
Inspiring Quotes
“Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy and serenity. We need only be awake, alive in the present moment.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh
“What we think we become.”
— Buddha
“Learn to be calm and you will always be happy.”
— Paramhansa Yogananda
“You may believe that you are responsible for what you do, but not for what you think. The truth is that you are responsible for what you think, because it is only at this level that you can exercise choice. What you do comes from what you think.”
― Marianne Williamson
Lesson Number Two: “Wherever your intent is directed, your essence follows.”
Yoga, as well as many other teachings, continually directs us to the here and now.
Why do we need this constant, repetitive reminding? Because as human beings we frequently find ourselves scattered, thinking of too many things and trying to do everything at once.
Or that’s what it often feels like anyway.
The practice of drawing yourself to the present moment is a worthwhile endeavor, no matter how difficult it seems or how silly you may feel as you catch yourself “doing it again” when you just took a deep breath to re-center.
It’s okay. It’s a process. It’s a practice. Just be persistant and you’ll notice yourself spending more time in the present, and less time feeling distracted and overwhelmed.
The message I’m sharing with you this week speaks not only of being present, but also WHY it is so important to keep your thoughts on what you choose . . .
Lesson Two:
“Your thoughts are your power. Wherever your intent is directed, your essence follows. So if you are doing yoga but thinking about work, you are giving away your power. When you are doing one thing but focusing on other things, your power is leaking out of you and draining your potency physically, energetically, and mentally. The more you focus on who you are in the moment, focusing soley on the task at hand, the more concentrated and balanced your power becomes.”
Wow!
It makes it so clear doesn’t it? How important it is to channel the power of your thoughts to the present, to what you’re doing right now?
I’ve been working with this and noticing how much more powerful, peaceful, and full of vitality I feel when I’m present, versus the diluted and less energetic feeling I have when I’m not.
And yes, that feeling of being in my own true power comes with a sense of peace too! Isn’t it interesting how we seem to have separated these two things in our idea of what power is, when the true, inner power is something that aligns with the limitless peace that dwells within you?
Try it for yourself and see what happens!
Just to clarify, what you’re doing right now could be envisioning the future you’re creating.
It’s not that you never think about the future or the past, but if you do, ask yourself if the thoughts you’re having are helpful. Are they contributing to the enjoyment and experience of your life? Are you feeling a drain on your energy, or are the thoughts you’re creating bringing more potency to the power of who you are right now?
Something to think about. 😉
Quotes about True Power
Taking back our power means deciding who we are, and who we wish to be. This is only possible when we no longer make our past or other people’s opinions “about us.”
— Melanie Tonia Evans
“It is time to redefine power, to expand our concept of what being powerful really means. True power is love. It is not power over someone. It is everyone, all of us, standing together in a circle, building power side by side. As I build my power, I create a mirror, a reflection of power that you can use to build your power. It is not rivalry, but rather healthy competition-a world where I inspire you and you inspire me; and together we create a world of healthy, interdependent, creative people.”
— Lynn V. Andrews
“Something amazing happens when we surrender and just love. We melt into another world, a realm of power already within us. The world changes when we change. the world softens when we soften. The world loves us when we choose to love the world.”
― Marianne Williamson
In the spirit of honesty, I continue to share my personal soul adventures with you. In these articles and in my classes I do my best to provide you with the wisdom and perspectives that are changing my life for the better.
It is my intention to make these teachings universal, always inviting you to interpret these offerings in ways that are relevant and right for YOU.
Lesson Number One: “To unlock your heart you must clear your mind.”
Right now, my growth is mostly happening on the spiritual plane. I spend a lot of time in meditation and am practicing being mindful as much as possible when I’m not sitting still.
Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of amazing unfoldment happening in the “real world” for me too, it’s just that I’m bringing the lessons learned in meditation into my reality more and more, and that’s huge!
Yes, I keep up my physical practice with yoga and being active, which is super important to me so I feel healthy and strong, but my radical expansion is currently happening in the arena of personal growth, meditation, and applying what I learn to the day to day experience of life.
For many people, it seems like 2013 has so-far been as intense as 2012. What I’ve learned is that the Unity Consciousness and higher vibrational energies that came in during 2012 are now making it so that whatever “old, fear-based stuff” that is still lingering in our lives is coming up.
The message here is to get on with it already! Step out of the past with the lessons learned, but not the baggage.
If we keep replaying the same tracks, the same patterns, it isn’t very much fun.
However, if we can learn to let go, to flow, and to move into the truth of our higher selves then life starts to be amazingly joyful again!
One of the most important ways to get out of fear and into a higher, more free and flowing way of life is to question, clear, and consciously choose your thoughts.
Not so easy, eh? The monkey mind is tricky and messy at times.
That’s where yoga and meditation are so helpful. They give you tools to clear your mind and access your heart.
Tip: Focus on the present. Breathe deep. Re-focus on the present, on who you are and what you sense right now. Let go of scattered thoughts that don’t belong here and now. Breathe deep again. Re-focus again. And again. And again.
You’re doing great! 🙂
One of my guides, a being of a very high order who gives me messages in meditation, is helping me to understand how the conscious awareness and ordering of my thoughts shapes my reality.
Sure, this is something I’ve been intellectually aware of, but I haven’t necessarily been applying it on a moment-to-moment basis. The difference is extraordinary.
She has started giving me little lessons, sort of like the Sutras in yogic philosophy. Here is the first lesson:
“To unlock your heart you must clear your mind. You must understand beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are so much more than the things you own or the relationships you have. You are VAST. Divine. No more hiding in this human illusion of smallness. Wake up to your truth!”
I will be bringing these teachings into class, weaving them gently into the asana sequences, and offering you ways to experience them in meditation.
It is my hope that you take the pieces that call to your heart, and that they help to bring more peace, love, joy and beauty into your life.
Art by Annelie
Thoughtful Quotes
“In the infinity of life where I am,
All is perfect, whole and complete.
I no longer choose to believe in old limitations and lack,
I now choose to begin to see myself
As the Universe sees me – perfect, whole, and complete.”
― Louise L. Hay | You Can Heal Your Life
“To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If you can control your mind you can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to you.”
― Buddha
“Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you rideing through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake up and LIVE!”
― Bob Marley
“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”
— Buddha
The last chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is my favorite. Though the entire book is so full of wisdom that you could unpack it and contemplate it for lifetimes, I am drawn most to its last teachings.
And be who you are. Live your personal path, for your unique self contributes to the whole of life.
Isn’t it wonderful that, as human beings, we are able to make mistakes, feel, learn, reconsider, and be brave enough to try again?
The last yoga class I taught at Let’s Move Studio was all about being strong enough to flow with life, and trusting the Universe while knowing you’re supported by inner and outer strength.
The first yoga class I ever taught was at Let’s Move Studio seven years ago. Many of the students who were in that very first class were also in the last classes I taught there this week. Again, perfect.
There is a certain challenge in finding peace and being able to focus within all of those elements, and yes, challenge is a part of life, but it is not the safe, comforting environment I want to create so that you can get the most of your practice. So I went seeking a more suitable option, especially after many people have voiced their concerns about the distractions.
There are beautiful new props ready to be enjoyed, including bolsters with organic covers.
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
In my way of seeing it, yoga mentoring comes in many forms depending on the circumstances.
We seem to need constant reminding of our true, limitless nature.
The Power of Your Thoughts
Free Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow