Latitude Power Yoga Class Sunday 12/26 - Cancelled!

I updated my calendar but wanted to make sure everyone knows that the 10:30am Power Yoga class at Latitude is CANCELLED this Sunday, December 26th. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season! I feel so much gratitude and love for everyone who has shared a little of their love for yoga with me and I look forward to seeing you in the new year! Your presence is a gift week after week, thank you!!

Diwali and my inner light

Lately I've been acutely aware of my inner light, enjoying its warmth and glow when it's shining bright, and feeling a sense of heaviness and frustration when it's dimmer than I'd like it to be. Life is pretty amazing right now, as far as its filled with workshops, classes, trainings, conversations, and teachings which keep me in a constant state of contemplation and joy. In a yoga studio, on my mat, or with my teachers, my whole heart and body seem to burn with this light and I'm graced with this sense that everything is right in my world. A challenging class or a tough pranayama practice? That's the easy part. The challenge is to maintain that glow when I transition back to my daily responsibilities, back to my office, back to "real life". For a while it felt manageable, I knew that inside something was changing and everything around me just seemed to pause as this seed of transformation was planted and nurtured. And now, as I feel things getting BETTER and BETTER and as my heart opens up more and more to new possibilities, new ideas, and new practices, participation in the "real life" part of my days seems to coincide with a slightly dimmer light. Sometimes it feels like I'm just playing the role of the person that people expect me to be, externally stuck in this role that I've internally shed somewhere along the way. Funny how sometimes when we move through periods of transformation and spiritual, physical, or emotional growth we tend to also have growing pains, and we become much more aware of where we need a little more love and focus in our lives. My reiki teacher told me that I am meant to be exactly where I am right now and that when my light is no longer needed there, then I will be allowed to move on. So now I must practice patience. I must nurture my light and stay connected with it while the kinks of the transformation process are worked out.

In thinking about the idea of inner light, I came across an article on Diwali (The Festival of Lights) on www.spiritualityandpractice.com. Coinciding with the start of the new year, Diwali is, amongst other things, a time when we are encouraged to look inward, to find our truth, to evaluate thoughts, words, actions, to better understand any negative behaviors. It's a time to reflect on how we can "shine our light out into the world." According to Mahatma Gandhi, Diwali reminds us to "be the change you want to see in the world." Well, why wait until the New Year? I think I'll start right now. To celebrate this day and to begin this process of spiritual change, we are given a Vedic chant to recite:

Om Asato Ma Sad Gamaya
Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Lead us from untruth to truth
From darkness to light
From death to immortality
Om Peace Peace Peace

I continue to seek my own truth, to listen to my self, to allow my light to shine brighter, stronger, further, and MORE. And I want to see millions of other bright lights walking with me, our lights merging and growing together to create one gigantic burning light in this world. Spreading the ideas of truth, of presence, of simply being, and of taking this life one moment at a time, one breath at a time.

So, for now, I cherish everything. I continue to fulfill my role, trusting that this is where I am meant to be at the moment. Taking the time to check in with my truth, to re-evaluate often, and to recharge that light when it tires and dims so that I can share it with those who are seeking it and with those who may not even know that such a thing exists. For them, I will shine brighter.

Post-Thanksgiving Detox Flow COMING UP

It never gets tiresome to connect with that little voice inside that screams "I am SO BLESSED to be doing what I do!!" After another full and transforming weekend, I am filled with inspiration and can feel the continuing shift in my practice, my teaching, and my understanding of the powers of yoga and what it all means. I promise to share more details about EVERYTHING! BUT, for now, I just want to spread the word that Lorraine and I will be teaching a Detox Flow at Prana Winchester the day after Thanksgiving from 1-3pm. It's an all levels class that will focus on twists, backbends, and core strength and will help you shed all of the toxins and release any seasonal stress that has started to develop. Come have some fun with us!! The wonderful Lynn will be assisting and groovin tunes will support you throughout class! :-)

thirty-seven cents

Reiki training, yoga with Wah! and a liberating day with Shiva Rea were just a few of the amazing experiences that filled my weekend. But one of the most moving moments came in the last mile of my drive home this evening. I stopped to pick up a bottle of wine at a local c-town liquor store and walked by a man standing outside in the rain asking for money. Like usual I had no cash but managed to find 37 cents in the bottom of my bag and felt almost embarrased as I gave it to the man on my way out. But he could not have been more thankful or gracious if it were a $10 bill. He flashed a real smile as said "it's the thought that counts... most people just walk right by me." That last mile of my drive home was unlike any other this weekend. I feel blessed and appreciative on a daily basis, but this interaction made all of my blessings feel like almost too much. Here's this man, standing in the pouring rain, so thankful for mere pennies. And then there's me; despite all of the wonderful experiences I have been blessed with this weekend and this lifetime, I've certainly spent a fair share of moments worrying about unnecessary and comparatively extravagant things. This man reminded me again how blessed and fortunate I am, how blessed my family and friends are, and how important (and yet sometimes challenging) it is to truly appreciate each moment and each gift, even the ones that might not come in the prettiest wrapping. In that short drive home, I set a new intention: to always carry around change and to share it with those who ask for help, no matter how much or how little I have.

Kripalu and Seane Corn

Life just keeps getting better and better. After a surprising and amazing evening on Thursday, I packed my bags and drove the two hours to Kripalu surrounded by the most gorgeous foliage ever. Fall has always been my favorite season, so to have such a perfect day and gorgeous foliage seeing me off on this endeavor, I knew that it had to be indicative of what was awaiting me in the Berkshires. Just as the sun was beginning to retire for the day, we drove through the quaint town of Lenox and were soon greeted by the ruins of an old mansion (the history of Kripalu is a story in and of itself!) and a long curvy drive opening up into sprawling lawns.




While we were there for Seane Corn's Empower Flow weekend, Kripalu offers an overwhelming amount of activities for everyone. Upon check-in, I was reminded of a cross between summer camp (well, what I imagine summer camp to be like!) and orientation weekend at college. We checked in and met with our personal "let me show you around" Kripalu representative. Our first stop: the giant wall of daily activities, which included schedules for each of the numerous programs taking place that weekend as well as daily yoga classes (Kripalu style, offered in gentle, moderate, and vigorous) and nightly events. We all agreed that it would be JUST as amazing to go for a "retreat and renewal" weekend, where you have no scheduled programs but can rather decide moment to moment how you wish to spend your days. Oh, and the "Healing Arts" (helllloooooo massage!) center was less than a jump away from the activity wall. There's also a "Sanctuary" room overlooking Lake Mahkeenac, a meditation room, a jacuzzi, and sauna just to name a few of the attractions. Because our days were so full already we really didn't even have a chance to fully enjoy much of which Kripalu has to offer! Of course, we gleefully experienced the Kripalu kitchen (over and over and over and over...), which is a vegetarian's DREAM. Yes, there is even a little something for you meat-etarians, so you will love it too!

In between program sessions (one Friday evening, two Saturday, and one Sunday) and between meals, we explored the grounds, frolicked through the leaves, and "hiked" through the woods by the Lake. The views were breathtaking and the foliage could not have been more perfect. And of COURSE we had a little fun along the way!







Seane was more amazing and inspiring than words can describe. She speaks from her heart and her soul and at one point I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. Yoga inspires me every single day, but she took my love and my passion and yearning for more to a new level. Her messages were clear, strong, and powerful and her flow was appropriate for everyone in the room. She is truly magical and I cannot wait for another opportunity to train with her!



Overall, this week has been unbelievably humbling, inspiring, moving and rejuvenating and has left me spinning in the sensation that I am EXACTLY where I am supposed to be. An undeniable reminder to remain open to all of life's experiences and to trust that when we are truly open to these experiences and where they may take us, we will be led in the direction that is meant for us at the time.

Om Shanti.

From Salutations and Salsa to Salutations and SURPRISES

If you told me two years ago that I would someday TEACH a yoga class with Lorraine, my amazing and inspiring and transformative teacher, I would have laughed at the thought of (a) teaching (what?!) and (b) teaching with my teacher (you've got to be kidding me!!). However, last night, this incredible event came true... and SO MUCH MORE. I can't begin to adequately describe how it felt to be present in that classroom during those 90 minutes... the energy was unbelievable, the playlist was perfect, the whole atmosphere felt electric! I couldn't stop smiling throughout the entire class, every once in a while hearing that little voice in my head scream with excitement "how in the WORLD did I get here?!" Two years ago, when I was worried about my law career and consumed with planning everything, I would never have guessed that I'd find myself on this incredible journey. I would never in a gazillion years imagine that the amazing women from Lululemon would arrange an entire night in order to surprise me with the honor of becoming an ambassador! I cannot put down in words how truly truly blessed I feel to have found this path in my life, and to be supported and encouraged and taught by so many AMAZING people, friends, peers, and teachers. I LOVE YOU ALL SO DEARLY. Ok, off to Kripalu for a weekend of yoga and bliss! Stay tuned!

Big Apology to my faithful and awesomel Latitude students!!

I told you tonight that I'd updated my calendar... but of course you were RIGHT and I wrong! I actually updated the wrong one! So sorry! It's up to date now and I PROMISE to keep the right one updated from now on! And while I'm on the subject, I want to let you all know how much you mean to me and how much I am amazed and inspired by your dedication and willingness to stay calm and focused, work with breath, and remain open to new challenges. Sending so much love to all of you! THANK YOU!!

Faith in "For Me"

Day One of my MUCH needed and long-awaited week-long vacation in Maine. All week I visualized 7 little full suns on weather.com. And, much to my dismay, the next four days are showing nothing but clouds, rain, and thunderstorms! I'm staying positive and having faith that the sun will come and the clouds will part sooner rather than later. But most of all, I'm trying to maintain my faith that this is all happening for me and that there's some greatness that will come to my vacation be it sunny or rainy!

joy in teaching

Today was an AMAZING day. To be honest, nearly every day is a pretty amazing day lately. But to understand what I'm feeling today, it may take a glimpse of the past... Recently, in the midst of a journal entry, I began reading old entries and came across one particular entry from a few years back; it essentially said the following: "I'm happy with where I'm at but there's something MORE for me. I feel it, I know it's there, seems I'm right on the brink of reaching it... but I don't know what IT is." So now, two years later, the hairs on my arms start to straighten when I think back to that time, long before I ever imagined I'd someday be teaching yoga. And I feel so incredibly lucky to have found IT, without struggle! I wasn't even really looking. I'd set my intention, not to teach yoga but just to be open and let things unfold and to notice what felt right. Of course now it all seems so clear! I feel incredibly blessed to have had life unfold in this way and humbled to be able to share something that means so much to me. And to think that I just let go of control, left it up to the universe, and the universe brought me into the BEST place ever. No matter what happens during my day, when I step foot into the studio to teach, the energy and the curiosity and openness of my students fills me up with joy and inspiration (like tonight!) So, every day that I am able to share what I love, to suggest that feeling of "letting go", to help someone find some peace, to enjoy some of my students energy, well, that's an AMAZING day. Namaste and goodnight!

one small but significant leap of faith

Ok Ashley, you totally motivated me to get on the ball and update - thank you! See, ask and you shall receive! ;-) This past week has been a huge reminder to TRUST that everything is happening FOR me and that it doesn't matter whether I leap with my eyes open or closed... the result will be the same and it will be as it should. I've always struggled with letting go, making the choice to end chapters in my life; but this week I did just that. I said good-bye to my first yoga class! I'd known for a while that the commute was too long and that I'd eventually have to give it up. But, as one of my very first permanent classes after teacher training, it was difficult for me to come to grips with this decision. As things unfolded (class time is being moved up by a half hour, coincidence?! Of course not!) it became clear that I could no longer teach the class, so I finally took the leap and gave it up. It was difficult but necessary and felt somewhat freeing. ... An ending? Or a beginning?... In a matter of days, I found out that I had the opportunity to take on a permanent class at Prana, my "home base", where MY teachers inspire and where I find solace on my mat and in the studio nearly every day. I am absolutely ecstatic to have this opportunity and know that it was just waiting for me to take that leap and open myself up to the next chapter in my journey. I know that things worked out as they should and that I am EXACTLY where I should be right now - and it feels amazing!

NYC Yoga Scene

Though I consider myself a Bostonian I can't deny my NY roots, and my weekend girls trip to NYC certainly made me proud of my home state.

First stop: Anti-Gravity Yoga at Om Factory. Never mind the numerous benefits of this practice (improving strength and flexibility, developing core strength, calming the mind, more frequent and longer inversions, etc), it was just plain old FUN and EXCITING! Having been somewhat of an avid tree and monkey bar climber when I was little, there was no fear; only excitement and a reminder that there remains a dynamic child in us all! And hanging upside-down in an orange piece of silk sure is a great way to bring it out!

Second stop: Pure Food and Wine, a raw food restaurant in the East Village. There are no words to explain how incredibly delicious the porcini ravioli tasted... better than "real" ravioli (sorry mom!) Waiting in line for the restroom we struck up a conversation with another girl who'd just eaten and I think her quote says it all: "The cheesecake was DELICIOUS! We told the waiter we loved it and he told us it was RAW... we didn't even know this was a raw food restaurant!!!"

Third stop: Summer Solstice celebration in Times Square. I have never seen Times Square look as beautiful as it did with 500 yogis simultaneously moving through sun salutations. Even during our Bikram class I had to take a moment to soak it all in. There was something so unexpectedly calming and energizing about practicing yoga and focusing on the beauty of breath and slowing down in one of the busiest and most dynamic intersections and cities in the country. I'm still in awe.

Thank you New York for a wonderful RELAXING weekend of yoga!

Welcome!

Thank you so much for visiting my blog!! This is my VERY first encounter with blogging, so please bear with me! :) As I grow, both as a teacher and dedicated practitioner, so will my blog... so stay tuned!! More to come... thanks again!!