Make space. Clear the way. Widen the paths. And in this liberation…heal. The theme of my July classes was FREEDOM; and we kicked off our month of focused practices with a special “Declaration of Independence” workshop. I teach this July 4th workshop annually; and each year, I’ve approached the session with a hint of motivational speaker…
Tag: surrender
Jumping Off Of Bridges (From The UYD Archives)
19 JUNE, 2014 A couple of months ago, I heard about a California yoga teacher trainee who committed suicide. Everyone in her yoga circle was completely shocked. They said there were no signs… Last week, I received a gutsy, honest message on my Urban Yoga Den Facebook page about my “Jumping Off Of Bridges” post from March…
When Things Go South
“Grant me strength, as I go from here, to do your bidding.” ~ prayer from recovery programs Today I want to be rigorously honest. Today I want to speak as a person for whom the stars have never miraculously aligned in my favor, simply because I visualized an ideal, or “manifested” an outcome, or even,…
Jumping Off Of Bridges
Five years ago this month, I was scheduled to jump off the Ben Franklin Bridge. I wrote it on my calendar for March 7, 2008: “Philly.” I was planning to drive from DC to see the Irish band Hothouse Flowers, get drunk, and then jump. That February, my fiancé had broken up with me –…
20 Years of Yoga. 10 Years of Recovery. 1 Day at a Time.
Over the past 20 years, yoga has changed me. This journey of cultivating a constructive way of living has guided me through many styles and teachers, many stops and starts, and many hard-learned lessons. When I first started practicing in 1993, the transformation felt quick and intense. My insides were uprooted and exposed. I started…
My Mother is My Guru
Mom’s been on my mind a lot lately. And y’know, it makes sense. I’ve been singing a lot (my mother taught me to sing). It’s Autumn (October 2nd would have been her 81st birthday). Thanksgiving is approaching (my family celebrated our last holiday season with Mom 10 years ago). And I recently celebrated my 9th…
Clearing the Obstacles
I am sorry to hear your pain. You are a wonderful human being and deserve tranquility, peace, and love. I would suggest that you stay focused on what is good for YOU, rest will follow. – letter from a friend This quote sounds like something I would say to a student or friend. Instead, it…
Falling Off The Yoga Wagon
Why does it take a sick day for me to realize I have totally abandoned my yoga practice? For the past two days, I’ve been battling a sinus infection. This morning, after sleeping 11 hours, I woke up, chanted mantras, said prayers, wrote in my journal, practiced breathing exercises and sat to meditate. All of…
Focus Wrap Up: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
“If I wasn’t making some people uncomfortable, I wouldn’t be doing anything important.” – Justine Siegel, 1st woman to throw batting practice for Major League Baseball and founder of “Baseball for All” I didn’t plan to write this today. I have cleaning to do, laundry to fold, breakfast to cook. But I feel compelled. Plus,…
Focus: Yoga In Action – Surrender
I like the peace in the backseat, I don’t have to drive, I don’t have to speak, I can watch the country side, I can fall asleep. I’ve been learning to drive my whole life. – Arcade Fire, “In the Backseat” A few weeks ago, I completely unplugged for five days – no phone, no…
The Urban Yoga Den 