Just Be Yourself

Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you. - Dr. Seuss

Noah Maze Workshop Challenge

I spent all weekend in Boise, ID attending a 3-day workshop with Noah Maze. He's a super amazing Anusara yoga instructor if you didn't know that. You can find his classes on Yogaglo (at the top of the page) if you wanna check it out.

We worked hard and I learned that 3 minutes is kind of a long time for me to be in Downward Dog. I practice long holds on my asanas, but Noah literally made me whimper once (in utkatasana). Just once... I'm tough. I was truly challenged in every session and I actually DID finally do a drop back in the middle of the room by myself. It wasn't 100% successful, but I did finally punch fear in the face and make it happen... and even though it wasn't perfect, the world didn't end. Yay!

I learned some new poses and just generally had a great time. I just hope Noah didn't mind my incessant note-taking. It was awesome and I am happy. I'll shut up and leave it at that. You may recall that when I went to a workshop in Portland a couple months ago - that I did not have a good experience with the locals. They were really awful. The Boise Kula, however, was soooo welcoming and nice. They were really lovely people and I didn't meet a single asshole. Much thanks and gratitude to the Boise Kula and to Noah Maze for this grand weekend of reflection and hard work.

Elena Brower Wanderlust 2010 (Video)

OMG more video! I know... it's like a theme... and I keep meaning to stop putting up video after video, but they just keep coming out and being so splendid.

I felt so overly compelled to share this video of Elena Brower speaking about the Freedom of Discipleship at Wanderlust 2010... that I knew if I didn't share this (preferably right away) that I would just explode. To me, this talk resonates on such a personal level it's like Elena's heart is speaking directly to mine. As she speaks on becoming soft - she is soft and it just comes out so heartfelt and honest. I love it and if you don't watch this video then you are crazy.



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John Friend Interview via Bay Shakti Part 2 (Video)

As promised, here is Part 2 of the Bay Shakti interview with John Friend as he kicks off his 2011 Dancing with the Divine Tour. This interview features an interesting discussion on Anusara's Shiva-Shakti Tantra philosophy and whether it's supposed to be dogmatic.

Spoiler: *Anusara supports thinking for yourself.*



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John Friend Interview via Bay Shakti (Video)

Anusara and John Friend have been everywhere I look this week, so I might as well finish off the week with more great videos. These two Bay Shakti videos are a little long for those with a short attention span, so I'll post Part 1 today... and tomorrow Part 2.



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Grounded & Happy

I wrote a couple days ago about listening to upbeat music to balance out the winter blues. Balance kinda feels like a theme I've got going this week at home. I usually do a really vigorous athletic practice, but since I reinjured myself last week and I have a Noah Maze workshop coming up this weekend I wanted to take things slow. This is not an easy task for me. I am not a restorative yoga person or a savasana fanatic. I'm very active. Vata could've been my middle name.

My practice is still very challenging, but I'm taking a slower pace and focusing more on the lower body than the upper body. Putting less intensity into quantity of handstands and more intention into the quality of them. I feel like it's really grounding my energy. This could potentially be seen as a bad thing when I'm battling the gray day sads (because it draws the energy down instead of lifting up), but I feel like it's making me feel very stable in body and mind. That is a very good thing.

♥ These Feet Are Grounded AND Happy ♥

Today take some time to assess your usual mode of existence. Take a balanced approach by trying to do something a little different or the opposite of that. Slow down or speed up, stay in or go out, dress up or grunge down... check out the grass on the other side. It may not be any greener, but it will likely even out your inner workings a bit.

John Friend Wanderlust 2010 (Video)

I know there've been a lot of videos on here lately. I'm not sure if you guys love or hate that. Maybe you're indifferent... but it makes me feel like i'm being a lazy ass. So I apologize for that alone. However, this video just got released and I think saying it's "worth watching" is a massive understatement.

At Wanderlust Festival 2010 John Friend gave a talk... which I didn't manage to attend. Now that it's available I think I was really missing out, but I'm thrilled they've made these available to the public. Listen as he speaks about living a full and wild life... I love it. ♥



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