One of the best things about meditation is that absolutely any effort can be beneficial.
Five minutes a day is fabulous. Ten minutes before bed is lovely. Sitting in your car (parked, of course) for three minutes of silence and calm is totally worthwhile.
Did you do your meditation this morning? I didn’t. But, as my twin toddlers played happily by themselves, I found a few minutes this afternoon to sit, breathe, and re-connect. It made a big difference, even if the room was nothing like silent.
This is a sweet reminder to take the time you have and reconnect with your whole self.
Sit. Breathe. Relax. Reconnect.
Do you have two minutes right now?
Close your eyes. Turn inward. Breathe.
Ah, that’s so nice.
The same rule goes for the asana side of yoga: any effort is worthwhile.
“Thank you, Universe, for taking care of all the details.”
I’m pretty sure I got this from Mike Dooley, but I’ve used it so often it feels like my own. Every time I find my mind focusing on minutia, or worried about something, I fall back to this statement of trust.
Life, according to the wisdom of yoga and other traditions, is a pattern of showing up and letting go.
For me, one of the most important ways to show up is to set intention every day. I sit quietly each morning (even if there is toddler mayhem happening around me), and choose the qualities I want to bring into my day. For example, “Today I choose joy. I am a patient and loving mother. I am healthy, creative, and choose a day full of goodness.”
Something like that. My intention is generally surrounded by gratitude music, as well. Setting intention and bringing forth an abundance of gratitude help me train my mind to show up to the present moment.
But, no matter how often you envision what you want to happen, the crucial piece is letting go, and trusting that everything will unfold perfectly. Especially when things don’t look like you think they should.
Here is one way to do that…
Mini-Meditation:
Adjust your posture so you are tall and comfortable.
Take several deep breaths, pressing pause on the rest of your day.
Bring your mind to the moment by thinking of a few things for which you are grateful.
Now, what is your intention for today?
Be clear, as you invite your higher self to help you, and set the tone for your day.
Once you’ve stated your intention (silently or out loud), let it go. Know that the energy is even now rippling out to manifest.
If you like, you can end with the affirming statement: “Thank you, Universe, for taking care of all the details.”
Sit for a little longer, enjoying the stillness of meditation.
When you take just a few moments to do this every day, it is AMAZING the difference it can make!
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As the days get longer, the moon waxes, and my twin boys grow, I am noticing a welcome change in myself and my yoga practice.
And, though this writing is mainly an expression of where my own practice is growing and changing, it’s an example of how yoga is always available to each of us, in some form, no matter where you happen to be in your life.
For over a year my asana practice was reduced to a bare minimum of stretches and strengthening poses that helped me stay sane and care for my body. In that year, yoga has guided me through the emotional and physical loss of a miscarriage, the roller coster ride of pregnancy, the trauma and wonder of birth, and the long road to recovery postpartum.
Though my abdominal muscles are still learning how to return to an optimal position and state, my belly still somewhat soft from being pregnant, my body has become so much stronger.
Each day, given the time, I explore my capacity. Sometimes I only have enough time for what I call my “maintenance practice,” but more and more often a pose that had been out of reach becomes possible again.
Flying in crow pose on New Year’s Day
You probably know the exhilarating, empowering feeling of finally getting a yoga pose that had been elusive before. You find yourself there, breath moving, totally focused on that one moment, and it feels great!
On New Year’s Day I had that experience with two familiar but temporarily retired poses: crow (Bakasana), and forearm stand (Pincha Mayurasana). I felt strong in crow, so I tried forearm stand, which happens to be one of my favourites. Though it was a definite challenge, I did it!
Coming out of the pose, I laughed and then cried.
Since then, I’m rediscovering poses on a regular basis, and it feels amazing! I’ve even been playing with the idea of teaching again, though it would need to be a very small amount since my full-time, joyful job is being a momma. We shall see how that thought emerges into reality . . .
Yoga is such a wonderful, powerful way to see and feel yourself grow.
Savasana with my son, Zachary
Sometimes the growth is inward, and the practice teaches you how to be patient, back off, rest and be gentle with yourself. Sometimes the expansion is graceful and strong, energetic and playful.
Always, yoga offers itself to you, meets you wherever you are. It has carried me through fear, picked me up off the floor of hardship, and helped me climb out of the depths of depression.
It has given me a way to cultivate balance in my life and to recreate the strength I need and want, offering healing physically and on every other level.
Whether it is the physical practice of yoga, the peaceful anchor of meditation, or the ever-present philosophy that guides me to look for the beauty, trust in the process, and remember the bigger picture of All That Is, I remain extremely grateful that I have yoga in my life.
As the year opens up and the days get longer, may you find the aspects of yoga that are most supportive for you, and grow stronger (or softer if that is what you need) with the light.
“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
There is a concept in Andean culture called “Ayni.”
Ayni is the exchange of reciprocity in every way. It tells us that all is interwoven, and is the central, root principle of the Andean culture.
One of the beautiful things about having this awareness of reciprocity as a foundation to all of life is that it encourages respect, kindness, knowledge, and the blessings that each person has to be shared. Through this sharing, there is not only enough for everyone, but an abundance of goodness and wealth in every sense.
Here’s a quote demostrating the same concept from a great yogi:
“Divine Abundance follows the law of service and generosity. Give and then receive. Give to the world the best you have and the best will come back to you.” ~ Paramahansa Yoganada
We all want abundance and flow of goodness in our lives. And I know that you likely have this concept in your awareness in many ways.
However, I’d like to draw your attention to another perspective of Ayni or reciprocity that often draws less focus, but can create great abundance of health, happiness, and success in your life.
Perfection and Great Healing in Reciprocity
Just as giving to the world brings those gifts back to you, what you give yourself is what you receive.
Let’s look at this example: say you have an area in your body or life that you are unhappy with. Perhaps there is a physical discomfort or limitation, or perhaps there is a judgement you hold for yourself on some level, be it physical or otherwise.
If you extend feelings of judgment, anger, impatience, or dislike to yourself in any way, these heavy energies show up in what you receive from yourself and can manifest physically.
In contrast, if you practice giving yourself love, kindness, and complete acceptance–espeically those parts of you that have not been receiving these gifts–you will find a great healing occurs in the quality of what you feel and experience in your body and life.
When your focus is to give lovingkindness, joy, compassion, peace, and light to yourself and others, these elements are abundant in your experience.
And what is abundance, truly, if not the physical and energetic manifestations of goodness and freedom?
When you are in right relationship, or balanced reciprocity with the world and yourself, all that you desire comes forth. This includes health, wealth, and fulfillment on every level.
I always wanted to be Princess Leia when I was little.
Her character is courageous, strong, beautiful, capable, and totally dedicated to saving the universe from evil forces. I was very drawn to the idea of fearlessly living a life devoted to saving the world. I also was intrigued by the idea of a mysterious force that provided powers to those trained in its ways.
In yoga, there are stories of superpowers attained by master yogis. And yet, I don’t think you need to master yoga to benefit from its gifts.
Simply being able to create inner peace, find freedom in your body and mind, be in the moment, and remember to take a deep breath when life is challenging are superpowers as far as I’m concerned.
But there is a mysterious energy that yoga helps us discover. It has always been there, but we sometimes forget to notice it until yoga or nature or something else calls us to wake up and be present.
You can call it “The Force” or “The Universe” or “God” or “Source Energy” or whatever you like. You might feel it in meditation or in the space between your breath. It might be strong when you’re in a particularly challenging pose, or when you simply take time to pause and feel.
For me, one of the most powerful ways I tap into this energy that weaves all of life together is when I am in nature.
I love looking at the beauty of nature upside down!
I just returned from a trip to the Kootenay Mountain region of my home province, British Columbia. It was beautiful, breathtaking, inspiring, and such a welcome opportunity to simplify life by being in the moment.
When I am in nature, I come home to myself.
The trees remind me to be still and breathe.
The lakes and creeks and rivers remind me to flow and that the depth of my potential is limitless.
The sky reminds me that the truth of who I am is vast, and to simply be open to what is.
The birds and chipmunks remind me to laugh.
The earth reminds me to be.
Even in the city, nature calls to us. The sky is still there. The flowers and trees just waiting for you to notice them and listen to their wisdom.
The Force, the energy that is life, makes anything possible. Tapping into it and being with it in everyday life is what yoga is all about.
When you’re on your mat, you get to cultivate courage and strength, beauty and peace. When you find the flow of your breath, you connect with the source of superpowers.
This is so liberating! And I am so glad to share it with you.
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
~ Albert Einstein
“I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes.”
3) I’ll have a whole 15 video Dragon Rider Series coming soon that goes with the book!
Okay, maybe I’m more stoked about this than you. But here’s why you’ll like it:
There’s two free yoga videos there for you.
Yep. Right now. Waiting for you to access them anytime you want. They’re full length classes (75 minutes) featuring my amazing local students who are all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes. This is awesome because it helps you remember to honor yourself and work at your own level.
One class is a playful and strong “Align and Flow” practice, and the other class is a gentle “Deep Healing” yoga practice including restorative poses. The two balance very well. Yang and Yin, if you will.
You’ll also get access to the first two chapters of the book for free. If you want to preview the book in more detail, you can look inside the whole thing on Amazon: Yoga for Dragon Riders the book.
If you haven’t seen the book yet, be sure to check it out. Though the title may be a bit of a surprise for a yoga book, it is a wonderfully comprehensive guide to yoga.
And the Dragon Rider theme makes it a joy to read! If you’ve ever wanted to delve deeper into your practice, this is a beautiful way to do so.
So…
What are you waiting for? Head on over and get access to your videos. 🙂
Click here to see the brand spankin’ new Yoga for Dragon Riders website, check out the book, and get awesome free stuff.
Oh yes, one more bonus is this: not only does this free stuff not clutter up your house, but it offers you a way to clean house… Move, breathe, flow, strengthen, surrender, and feel alive!
I’ve never been comfortable with the feeling of being vulnerable. In fact, the word alone used to get me defensive.
Vulnerable. Naked. Exposed.
That’s how I feel at the moment. Nearly naked in the Ocean of Alchemy.
I was looking through my photos and found this one, where I’m all twisted in Parivrtta Trikonasana on the coast in Nicaragua. Before I put it in my yoga newsletter this week, I paused. I felt the moment totally differently than I did when the photo was taken.
My heart said, “Yes, this is what it is to be vulnerable.” It is a precarious place, barely balanced.
And yet there is harmony to be found here. There is an incredible availability to be open and see what the next waves bring. If this is the Ocean of Alchemy in which I surf and swim, then it means I am simply becoming the next version of myself as each wave washes through me.
This pose, to me, always feels incredible. Revolved Triangle asks you to balance, cross over yourself, and touch both Earth and Sky. Somehow in the smooshing together of internal organs in the twist, something always opens in my breath.
So, I write this blog post on the edge. I’m okay with being on the edge of this wave. It’s a refreshing feeling here, because whether I jump off, fall off, or the wind carries me somewhere else, I know I’ll be okay.
I know that the feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty and overwhelm are like the deep cleansing twist I find in this pose. Sometimes when I play in Parivrtta Trikonasana I am solid. Sometimes I teeter and sometimes I fall over. When that happens, I just try again with a bit more awareness and intention.
If you ever find yourself feeling like you’re barely treading water, my suggestion is this: flow with it. Find where the current is willing to carry you without so much struggle. Do the best that you can in each moment and be okay sometimes with feeling naked to the elements. Because when you let the waves wash through you they can actually clear out what’s been weighing you down.
And know, deeply and truly, that you are not alone. Because we’ve all been there. It’s a delicate and wondrous part of being human.
My suggestion (for myself and for you): Go to your mat and physically ride the waves of your breath. Flow. Twist. Bend.
Break open the parts that are ready to shatter. Let the pieces be carried away by the tide.
My all time favourite hot sauces made by my friend Ashif!
Yesterday morning in Yoga Boot Camp a friend of mine, Susy, taught us a blend of Latin Dance, Hip Hop, and fitness. It was a blast, with laughter and smiles all around, bodies moving to irresistible beats. I brought Susy in to spice up the camp, adding another dynamic element into an already outstanding program where every day is different.
Because it’s always fun to do something playful and different.
The same goes for your yoga practice. The variations and variety of possible poses and themes means you can taste a new flavour of yoga each time you come to your mat. Being willing to explore and expand helps you grow at whatever level your practice is at now.
This exploration, getting creative with your practice, brings immense enjoyment and wonder.
It doesn’t have to be through advanced poses either. There are playful and profound ways to
One of the best things about meditation is that absolutely any effort can be beneficial. 
Life, according to the wisdom of yoga and other traditions, is a pattern of showing up and letting go.
We seem to need constant reminding of our true, limitless nature.
There is a concept in Andean culture called “Ayni.”
Just as giving to the world brings those gifts back to you, what you give yourself is what you receive.
Well, wow!
You’ll also get access to the first two chapters of the book for free. If you want to preview the book in more detail, you can look inside the whole thing on Amazon: 
