Monday, January 14, 2013

De-stess & Relax This Week. Try a Yoga Class:)


This week you’re invited to experience a mental & physical exercise that will de-stress & relax you:)

This morningJ January, 15th: 6:30am /Hatha Yoga /Lifetime-Novi
Wednesday, January 16th 2:00pm /SlowBurn /Lifetime-Canton
Wednesday, January 16th: 7:00pm /Hatha Yoga /Lifetime-Novi
Thursday, January 17th: 6:30am /Hatha YogaLifetime-Novi
Thursday, January 17th : 5:00pm /Slow Burn /Lifetime-Canton
Friday, January 18th : 5:45am /Slow Burn /Lifetime-Canton
Friday, January 18th : 9:30am /Vinyasa /Lifetime-Canton
Saturday, January 19th : Noon /Hip-Hop Yoga /Mind, Body & Soul Nutrition-Pontiac
Sunday, January 20th :11:15am  /Vinyasa with Martina /Lifetime-Novi

-Kerrie

Savasana is very relaxing and peaceful 

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Inspired


When you are inspired by a great purpose,
some extraordinary project,
all your thoughts break their bonds;
your mind transcends limitations,
your consciousness expands
in every direction,
and you find yourself in a new,
great and wonderful world.

Dormant forces,
faculties and talents become alive,
and you discover yourself
to be a far greater person by far
than you ever dreamed
yourself to be.

-Patanjali


Thursday, January 10, 2013

Golden Lotus

Michael McCarthy is super cool. Not only because of all of his awesome tattoos but because he has magic hands and the realest Facebook statuses.

The status below totally relates to Obstacles = Opportunity:


Also be sure to check out: 

Click here for info


Obstacles = Opportunity


Obstacles = Opportunity

Not too long ago, Claudia a more experienced yoga teacher, asked me to substitute-teach her class.  Initially, I was concerned because I assumed her class would be far more advance because of her impressive teaching credentials or find my teaching style and/or experience deficient in some way.  

When I subbed for Claudia, I worked really hard to be as challenging and rigorous as I remembered her being in a class I attended of hers a while back.  Some students walked out, complained during class, "the flow is too fast, slow it down for us" and complained to management.   I was quite upset after class.  I had never received so many complaints from a class.  I meditated and reflected on what happened for a while and recalled a passage I had read during yoga teacher training.  The passage suggested we begin practicing taking our ego out of situations, removing the I-am-ness.  Meaning, take the "I", "Me" or "Mine" out of a situation.  The focus should be on the task at hand and not ourselves

After, re-reading/skimming several books about Asmita (the ego) and reflecting on the passage, and feedback and advice I received from Claudia I realized taking on this 6:30 am Hatha Yoga class was an obstacle turned opportunity. Each week I studied yoga and focused on teaching Hatha Yoga (not the past-the classes or teacher before me.) I decided to meditate before each class and free myself from the negative thoughts fueled by my ego.  Each class became better and better. Students stayed throughout the class, were able to follow and learn the flow, and even offered positive feedback at the end of class. Today, was my last day teaching this class and many students told me that they liked the class and that I had improved. I am extremely grateful for the training I received at LifePower Yoga, Claudias feedback, the feedback of the students and the tools which allowed me to set my ego aside and focus on the course and the students.

-Kerrie


Monday, January 7, 2013

Emotions


Emotions, feelings…. anger, excitement, fear, love, inspiration, joy, pride…….

Emotions are something that I’ve been dealing with and trying to manage for my entire life.  They could be intense, sending me into tears, anger or I can be numb without any feelings at all, with the happy go lucky medium.   Yoga and meditation have really helped me to observe and let myself ‘feel’ without labeling as good or bad, right or wrong, which can be difficult.  I strive to get myself to a level where I accept them, take a deep breath and allow myself to feel.

I have observed over the years the extremes are decreasing with ever diligence to work through and embrace the ‘feelings’ that I have.   Even the way that I try to manage or deal with emotions is a sign that I still have a long road of awareness ahead of me.  I tend to like things to make sense or want to know why something is the way it is which can also add to my stress and anxiety. 

As I’m writing this, I am having mixed feelings about expressing this honestly.  I feel vulnerable and strong at the same time.   I meet other people all the time that are yearning for peace so I know it’s important to share.  I am blessed that there are people that are supportive in my journey because they are on their own journey of healing and peace too.  We are all in this together.

Today,I’d like to extend support to all of you.  I understand that it seems overwhelming but remember there is peace.  

Yoga
Of course my favorite method to help maintain calm and balance is yoga.  It challenges my mind and body to work together, helping me to feel more confident in both.  I have been practicing for about 5 years and I think back to my state when I started and I really do see a lot of growth and discipline over the years. Personally I enjoy going to yoga studios, but I also practice at my home... mat prefered but not required. :)

Meditation
I do struggle with this.  I attended at 10-day meditation course in 2006 and it was one of the most life changing things I have ever experienced. I learned the Vipassana technique. I have utilized the things I learned every day since. I have tried Zen meditation and mantras as anchors. 

This experience isn't always relaxing but I find myself weeding through all the garbage that I’ve collected in my head and coming a place of peace. 

Yoga Nidra
A newer experience for me.  I went to a workshop, mentioned in an earlier blog post Yoga Nidra Part 1 and Yoga Nidra Part 2.  I found this technique to be very relaxing, entering a level of subconsciousness allowing for healing mentally and physically. One hour is equal to four to five hours of sleep.  How to Yoga Nidra      Yoga Nidra Video

EFT
My cousin recently send me a video on this.  I did it last night and it brought  up some emotions but I felt at peace today and I'm glad I experienced those realizations. There are a wide variety of topics that can help you.

Reading Material



I don't have any experience with the first two yet, but Deepak and Eckart are great reading or listening guides.


Pick one of the above techniques and give it a try.  Don’t give up after the first time.  It may be uncomfortable at first but I can guarantee you will feel the benefits.


May Peace be with you!

~ Ruby

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Be Cool This Year


"Praise and blame, 
 gain and loss, 
pleasure and sorrow
come and go like the wind.
To be happy, 
rest like a giant tree in the midst
of them all."
    
-Buddha


In other words... be non-reactive & be happy regardless of whatever happens..good or bad in 2013