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Your 2011 Year in Review

December 28, 2011 in abundance, creativity, writing, Yoga | 10 comments

New Years Yoga Class in Concord

Before we turn the page on 2011… Let’s take stock.

No need to get too-heavy here, just acknowledging how far we’ve come, and where we’d like to go. It’s best to keep this somewhat lighter, and fun.

Carve out 20 – 40 minutes for this meditation & writing exercise:

Make a cup of tea, get a nice pen, three pieces of paper, and a pad of post-its. Find a quiet place where you can sit.

Light a candle, and get comfortable. Let your breath smooth out and slide into meditation for a few minutes…

Once in quiet – creative space, reflect on your experience of 2011. Let your mind drift through the past year, the milestones that have passed, the highs and lows. Let it all come. Breathe.

Embrace the whole of where you are at in your life right now. Acceptance and appreciation of now, is the base-camp for your journey into 2012.

In bold letters, title the first piece of paper:

What I’m leaving behind in 2011.

Inhale….Exhale… Start writing… Don’t stop, judge, or filter in any way. Get it onto the page. What are you so-done with? What will not survive the strike of midnight on December 31st?

Explore the facets of your life. Home, career, relationships, (might need more paper!) health, behaviors. Then get into the energetics. List your done-with fears, doubts, hesitations, and grudges… No, you won’t have to read this aloud in class. Keep going.

Have you been unkind or hurt anyone? Apologize. Has anyone treated you unkindly – unfairly? Forgive them. Make amends, Make your peace.

List your disappointments, and how you’ve disappointed others. Where are you kidding yourself?

(Breathe) Are you still carrying that bad habit? You know the one, the one you said you were done with last year. Go ahead and write it down. These ripples end here…

Phew. Still with me? great. Onward.

In bold letters across the top of the second sheet, write:

How i’ve grown and what I’ve learned in 2011.

What has living through 2011 revealed to you? What have you accomplished in the different areas of your life? how have you grown, what have you’ve learned, especially those tougher lessons.

(breathe, steady and evenly) What obstacles have you overcome… what have you gained? Where have you surprised yourself in your strength?

What are the important changes you’ll bring forward into the new year. What are the high points, peak moments, sweet memories you’ll savor?

Take some time with this, We’ll squeeze every last bit of goodness from 2011 before moving on. These waves live on.

These ripples will live on

You’re doing great. Keep going!

Here’s where it gets fun. Label the third sheet:

I’m happy – healthy and thriving in 2012.

How would envision your ideal life. Again, ponder the facets of your life, Relationships, work, creativity, your home, finances, health, your Yoga practice…

Write in positive and present tense, like it is already your reality, How will you feel? Describe in detail your day, from rising after a great nights sleep, your meditation, your breakfast… to the work you will do, to the beauty you’ll experience, all the way to tucking yourself in… (Or being tucked in?) content and slipping off into peaceful sleep.

Take a break, sip some tea, then meditate on this visualization, allow it to saturate you.

let a word or simple phrase of summary come to you.. One that sums up this direction you’d like to move in, this quality you’d like to see more of.

Write this theme, Your Mantra for the coming year – nicely on your post-it note.

FInish your tea, slide back into meditation for a few minutes before rising.

Bring your first sheet, and your candle outdoors, or to your fireplace where you can safely burn the list. Make a ritual of this, as your paper turns to ash, state:

I _______ release these qualities and experiences from my life…. and shed these anchors for real. So be it, cause I said so, Swaha!

The second and third lists you’ll read once more, then tuck away. Reflect on them in in a month or two, You just may need a refresher to get back on track.

Stick the post-it Mantra on your bathroom mirror, or a place where it will be the last thing you see before you go to sleep, the first thing you see before starting your day. Read it while you brush your teeth, ponder it for the full two minutes.

Putting pen to paper, and writing intentions seems to work. We leap from, “I might want to think about maybe making this change someday, to “I’m doing this!” For more on these practices of writing down our intentions, check out the book: Write it down – Make it Happen.

It’s been quite a journey for me this year, and I created this writing practice to lighten up, and be more open to the currents of creativity.

Much water has passed under the bridge as they say, and I’ve learned much through love and loss, bliss, good-fortune, and hardship. I have so much to be grateful for – and joyful about.

Not just on New Years, but each day I resolve to do my best. To show up, stay open and love fearlessly, to dust myself off after spectacular failures of my best whole-hearted efforts, and keep going.

I’ll stay in awe of the beauty of the little things in life, and open wide to possibility.

I will try not to be deterred or taken off course by the callousness, doubts, and fears of others. I’ll not limit myself through fear or hesitation, and will lean into uncertainty.

I love the quote about taking the leap… and growing wings on the way down, by Kurt Vonnegut. I know, dramatic, but hey, I’m on a roll here! And I’ve leapt, so he would surely approve.

Of the thousands who will read this post in the next few days, how many will actually try the exercise? It’s up to you.. Nobody can do it for you. But I plead with you, I challenge you. Get three pieces of paper and invest some time in You. Here’s a printable version for you: Year in review pdf

The people who count on you – are counting on you.

If you have a partner, a family, do it for them. If you’re single, do it for the next person you’ll be in a relationship with. You’ll be clearer, lighter, more open to possibility. I’ll bet you’ll feel it in your asana practice.

You count, you matter, you’re worth this effort. You can make a difference.

it just doesn’t have to be like it was yesterday.

Look around, you are surrounded by people who love you. Will you love them back? open all your doors and let the light in. Tamasoma Jyotir Gamaya.

I look forward to practicing with you all in the New Year. I’ll be teaching our New Years Day class at 9am.

On January 8th, Clarence returns with his gorgeous cello to shake our bones while we practice. Wait till you hear and feel what we’ve been creating together!

There’s no place I’d rather be, there’s nothing I’d rather be doing, so many thanks for your support.

Please forward this to a friend? click the like button, or tweet…  Imagine if we all introspected regularly.

May all beings be happy and free. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti…

john

p.s. by the way, ‘Onward’ is my post-it Mantra for this year. What is yours?

 

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How a Yoga Teacher Shops

November 8, 2011 in abundance, frugal living, recipes, Yoga | 2 comments

Free food from vitacost

We can live very-well, and also stretch our dollars far by making smart choices.

For years now, I’ve been buying much of my brand name food, teas, bars, superfoods, grains, soaps, toothpaste, cleaners, oils, and supplements online from Vitacost.

Their prices are *great*, their selection is vast, I get free shipping, and customer service is just the best.

Yes, companies like this still do exist. So, why do we deal with the ones that don’t treat us as nicely?

I wish they would teach Verizon a thing or two!

A few clicks, a couple times a month, and I get a big box from them. So simple. I would pay more for this kind of service…. but the kicker is, their prices are *much lower* than whole foods, and the shipping is free.

I also support the local health food store, and farmers market in season for my fresh veggies, a few stops a week and my shopping is complete.

Here’s just one instance: I pay under 5 dollars for 100 good quality organic green teabags. (yeah, I drink a lot of tea.)

A great deal: They just started this great referral program, for a limited time they are offering a no-strings attached ten-dollar coupon for your first purchase.

I hope you can pardon the commercial nature of this post, but I only endorse what I personally use, and I know you’ll love this company as much as I do. You’ll save time and money.

It’s gets better, (for me!) When you place your first order, they credit my account with a bonus as well. Win-Win-Win, I don’t expect this offer to last long.

To get ten-dollars off your first order (and keep a Yoga teacher flush with tea-bags) click on this link to signup:

—->  Vitacost Free Food New Customer Signup Promotion.

Like I said, no strings,  no hype, just good prices and service. Enjoy! and let us know how you make out.

Thanks Vitacost, Keep up the great work and low prices, I’ll be sure to send everyone your way.

Please Help us spread the word, encouraging more reasonable food prices. Please forward this post to a friend, and/or click the FB like button below.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

-john

P.S.  Bindy’s playing her singing bowls for our Monday 4pm class. Please come early so we can start right on time. Check the events page for more info, and the scoop on Thanksgiving weekend.

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Be This Happy

October 15, 2011 in abundance, Yoga | 4 comments

Why not be this happy

The best camel pose I’ve ever seen!

When was the last time you were this happy?

This level of joy surely lives within us all. What could you do more of, (or less of)

to express your inherent joy?  What are you saving it for?

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

-john

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Rough Road Ahead

June 24, 2011 in abundance, Yoga | 4 comments

rough road ahead

Yeah, no kidding, but imagine how much rougher if we didn't have a practice?

Through regular practice we visit challenging places with poise, grace, and joy.

We become more flexible and resilient, inside and out. We  are preparing for challenging times, that are sure to come.

When we can experience a less-conditional happiness, we get glimpses of unconditional happiness:

How we could live – more of the time.

Have you smiled yet today? Laughed?  Been happy?  Have you made someone else smile?

Sit still for a moment and count three things you are grateful for. What matters most to you?

Say thank you. Set a tone of appreciation. It's just a nicer way to live.

Joy happens below the surface, Nobody can do this inner work for us, but we don't have to do it alone.

We know all this… we forget all this…. Yoga reminds us.

how many smiles have you caused today? it's still early… get busy.

Om Shanti, I'll see you in class.

-john

p.s.. our community sharing on Facebook is growing and I'm moving towards this page, find me here: 

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When to buy organic

June 13, 2011 in abundance, frugal living, recipes | 9 comments

farmers markets massachusetts organic food guide

The second topic I'm asked about most frequently is food. Students know that I'm passionate about simple, good, clean, mostly-organic Vegan food. 

I don't like the idea of pesticides on my food, poison for us, for the bugs, and they make a mess of the environment. But, we can't always find or afford what we'd like in the organic section. I love the Environmental Working Group's annual list of The Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15, which produce has the most and least pesticide residue.

By choosing more of the cleaner foods and less of the contaminated foods, we can reduce our pesticide intake by up to 92% before even springing for the organic veggies.

I'd still suggest buying organics when you can, it's just better for the land, it's a more sustainable choice, and often tastes and looks better than the conventional. But when you need to decide where to best-spend your organic dollars, this guide can really help you navigate the farmers markets this summer.

Here's the list, Let me know what you think, where you try and spend your food dollars. If you need some inspiring recipes to whip this amazing produce up with, check out Alicia Silverstone's lifestyle blog: The Kind Life.

The Dirty Dozen (wash really well)

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches 
5. Spinach 
6. Nectarines (imported)
7. Grapes (imported)
8. Sweet bell peppers
9. Potatoes 
10. Blueberries (domestic)
11. Lettuce 
12. Kale/collard greens
 

The Clean 15

1. Onions 
2. Corn 
3. Pineapples
5. Asparagus 
6. Sweet peas
7. Mangoes 
8. Eggplant 
9. Cantaloupe (domestic)
10. Kiwi 
11. Cabbage 
12. Watermelon 
13. Sweet potatoes 
14. Grapefruit 
15. Mushrooms
 
Please, share this important post with your friends, family and FB community. If we all buy less of the dirty foods, we send a clear message (sell cleaner food!) to the food companies.
 

Who can remember all of this? Click on The Dirty Dozen – Clean 15 for a nice printable, wallet-sized card form EWG.  

Om Shanti,

-j

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A Clean Sweep

December 27, 2010 in abundance, books, calling, creativity, Reviews by john, writing, Yoga | 12 comments

a clean sweep

One benefit of living on a busy street is that anything put out on the curb is gone in a flash. There's no time to change my mind and get it back.

I've lived in the same place for some time now, and much has accumulated. While I have been open to the new coming into my life, there was no clear path out for what no longer had a place, the flow impeded by sheer busyness, and by my grasping for permanence. 

I imagine if Yoga had a currency it would say "In flow we trust" across the top. “let it come, let it go” across the bottom… and of course, a picture of Patanjali in the middle.

Over the last few months I've been earnestly clearing out, I came across a great book which helped me in the process of making space, not just in my home, but in my mind, and in my life:  Your Spacious Self: Clear Your Clutter and Discover Who You Are

How can I realize my abundance with all this stuff in the way?

Out onto the curb go the belongings, mementoes, and anchors that no longer serve a purpose, or bring joy. Sometimes I see the new owner from my window, loading my old relics/their new trophies, into their car and driving off. I make sure to wish them both well, the material has become very easy for me to let go of.

It's happening, sometimes it’s scary. I started this outward flow, and who knows how deeply it will go. 

We’ve got so much invested in who we think we are, that there’s no room for who we’re becoming.

Old habits, no-longer friendly relationships, ideas, masks, and tendencies are going out onto the curb of my consciousness. Some by choice, some perhaps just getting caught-up in the outgoing tide. 

This is formidable, nobody takes these away. They were part of me, they defined me, and I am compelled by their gravitational pull. I’m practicing new ways of being, in hope that they take root.

The old us holds on for dear life, but the bold light of awareness loosens the grip.

As if by providence, I was sent two nutritional cleanse kits. One to give away, and one to try out and evaluate on my blog. They are from DrNatura, the Advanced Internal Cleansing Program.

Between the cleanse, some changed habits, a stronger practice, and a heartbreaking 'growth opportunity' that whacked my appetite, I've shed 18 pounds from my physical body, and much more than that energetically.

I can finally fit into the clothes that I gave away last month. 

My part in the economic stimulus will be buying some new clothing. If you happen to make black Vegan tee shirts, expect a surge in sales this coming year.

I feel so far away from my teachers, but can hear them say “keep going.” Forgotten postures are revealing themselves from the dusty corners of my Yoga practice. There’s new space in my music, in my Pranayama.

I'm opening to new ideas in my writing, my practice, and in what I've been offering in classes, and our retreats. I’m bringing vibrant colors into my space, new art, and new possibilities. I’m eyeing a sweet little house that I just may move to.

Trying not to rewind, or fast forward, I sit still, sometimes squirming with what I’m missing, what is no longer. Some things baffle me, and just cannot be figured out, some things are clearly out of my hands. Gate Gate – Para Gate, Parasan Gate – Bodhi Swah. They feel so gone, beyond gone.

As Rilke alludes, “May you someday live into the meaning.”

Loosening my grip I look forward to the new that will surely come… but for now, I'll sit with, and savor this beautiful space. Many thanks for sharing this journey with me.

We don’t have to wait till spring to start cleaning…

Just in time for New Years Resolutions, I’ve got this DrNatura nutritional cleanse to give away to a lucky reader. It’s the #1 rated kit, and has a retail value of $80. Here’s how we’ll do this. Make a comment on this post, let us know what you’re going to let go of in the coming year. A week into the new year I’ll choose one post randomly, and you’ll be well on your way to being shiny inside and out.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class, -j

P.S. We’ve got a great class raffle for January. Jason from Revolution Community Acupuncture is awarding one lucky Yogi three healing sessions. 23 chances to win this month. Also, please join us in ringing in the New Year with our Live Music Yoga Class – Sunday January 2nd 9am. West Concord.

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Do it anyway

July 7, 2010 in abundance, ahimsa, Yoga | 4 comments

Written on the wall in Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.

  Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.

  Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you'll win some unfaithful friends and some true enemies.

  Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.

  Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.

  Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.

  Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.

  Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.

  Give your best anyway…

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The Cookie Thief

June 27, 2010 in abundance, jnana, writing | 8 comments

A woman was waiting at an airport one night,
With several long hours before her flight.
She hunted for a book in the airport shops.
Bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop.

She was engrossed in her book but happened to see,
That the man sitting beside her, as bold as could be.
Grabbed a cookie or two from the bag in between,
Which she tried to ignore to avoid a scene.

So she munched the cookies and watched the clock,
As the gutsy cookie thief diminished her stock.
She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by,
Thinking, "If I wasn't so nice, I would blacken his eye."

With each cookie she took, he took one too,
When only one was left, she wondered what he would do.
With a smile on his face, and a nervous laugh,
He took the last cookie and broke it in half.

He offered her half, as he ate the other,
She snatched it from him and thought… oooh, brother.
This guy has some nerve and he's also rude,
Why he didn't even show any gratitude!

She had never known when she had been so galled,
And sighed with relief when her flight was called.
She gathered her belongings and headed to the gate,
Refusing to look back at the thieving ingrate.

She boarded the plane, and sank in her seat,
Then she sought her book, which was almost complete.
As she reached in her baggage, she gasped with surprise,
There was her bag of cookies, in front of her eyes.

If mine are here, she moaned in despair,
The others were his, and he tried to share.
Too late to apologize, she realized with grief,

That she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief.

Please.. share this with someone.   If you like this, you may like:   Yoga Poems: Lines to Unfold By, and Go In and In: Poems From the Heart of Yoga

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9 Questions With Jill

March 21, 2010 in abundance, interviews, writing, Yoga | 4 comments

Jill Manifests, creates her own reality, and says that we can too:

Manifest your reality

When did you first realize your ability to Manifest, has it always been there?

I've always had faith.  I knew on some level that "you get what you expect" and you have to keep a positive attitude and all, but now I see life from a spiritual, not a material perspective.

Has it developed over time?  Have you worked on strengthening it?

Yes, it has developed over time — the more I realize my "Oneness with God" the more of a "cosmic sweep" my thought has.  I guess you could say I think on purpose.  If you want to call meditating "strengthening" then, yes, I strengthen it all the time!

We’ll need some context, Can you expand on what ‘God’ means to you?

It's really a personal thing isn't it — it's whatever it means to you. Universal Mind, Infinite Intelligence, Cosmic Consciousness, Source, Being, Truth, Creator, etc. . . are some expressions that may have a deeper resonance with us.

As far as what it means to me? It's always evolving. When I meditate on divinity within, my understanding of the Infinite expands. It's hard to put into words. The soul has it's own language — silence. Let's just say you know it when you feel it!

Where has manifesting brought you the biggest benefits?

Just knowing that God provides for me, in every way, on a daily basis, has brought me great freedom and peace. All we have is this moment in time, this day, and I don't really need anything more than this day requires.

So, I don't have the burden maintaining a lot of stuff or worrying about it. If I need something, I ask in faith, knowing that God will provide it.

Do you try understand or explain your gift?

It's not so much that I try to understand it as much as "I now understand.” When I meditate on the Infinite, it's as if I'm blessed in some way with understanding and wisdom. I accept it and express gratitude. Appreciation is a big part of manifesting.

The first step in making a demonstration is to understand that "God will provide." Second, is to "affirm" there is no lack or limitation in spirit. Establish in your mind the difference between the appearance of lack or limitation from what it is your asking for . Third, visualize yourself as already having it and give thanks for it!

Can we can all do this, and does Yoga help?

That's a good question — I think so. Everybody already has it within themselves, they simply need to awaken to it. I started practicing Yoga a little over a year ago. The silence of shavasana was not lost on me. The calming postures of forward folds brought me clarity. I awakened spiritually. I saw the duality in everything and realized I was "One with the Whole."

I’ve heard you have a thing for the American flag, can you explain?

When I see the American flag, I see the face of God. It speaks to me. I feel the Spirit of it. Spirit is everywhere and in everything. This nation was founded on God and the American flag represents that. All I have to do is think of the American flag and one appears in my sight!

How about a specific story, what have you manifested lately?

About a month ago, on a Sunday night my husband and I were facing seemingly empty pockets. Although he was expecting to be paid in a few days, the immediate prospects weren't looking so good. The situation felt a little desperate. Knowing that there is a supply for every demand, I asked God to supply for this need.

I no sooner finished asking when I looked up and my eyes landed right on an envelope, with my name on it, that was hanging on the kitchen door. It was a paycheck for some temporary office work I had done just days before. It had been hand-delivered to my house earlier that day. Needless to say it was plenty enough! 

Should we ask for what we want or just what we think we need?

We should ask for both what we want and what we need. Our desires are the God in us looking to be expressed! And we should ask largely — don't skimp. God provides — period. Spirit doesn't recognize quantity.

This is an abundant Universe and it responds to your thought. So the more abundant and prosperous you feel and think the more it will respond in kind.  It may appear that we get what we need as opposed to what we want because most likely our belief and intention is stronger for what we think we need.

Please expand on "Ask."

To ask means to claim your good, to feel, to believe and have faith. It's a little misleading in so far as asking implies there could be a yes or no answer when in reality the Universe is always manifesting what your feeling and believing in this moment. Try it! Ask for what you really want or need . . .

I was thinking about your experience in India and your burning desire for a Q-tip! When one appeared on the street, dirty and trampled on, you joked about how you should have been more specific. Actually, the dirty Q-tip was part of the manifestation of the real thing.  

When you're lost at sea, you know dry land is ahead when sticks and twigs are floating in the water. It's a sign of what's ahead — the real thing! and you did get a box of shiny, new, multi-colored Q-tips shortly thereafter. So the lesson is — don't give up, banish any doubt and believe "with God, all things are possible!"

There you have it.  Say hi to Jill at our Tuesday night class.  I've got some great interviews with our fellow Yogis lined up.  If you've got an aspect of Yoga to share, or know someone who would like to answer 9 questions about their practice, let me know!     Om Shanti,  I'll see you in class.  -j

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Covered

February 2, 2010 in abundance, calling, jnana, writing, Yoga | 2 comments

Amachi Om Tapestry

The Om tapestry that covers my television

Last Fall, on one of those amazing warmish days, I had all my windows open, and had a great practice going.  When it was time to wind down I settled in for a nice shavasana.  As I lay there checking in, realized it was a bit chilly.  
 
My body voted for rest – my mind clinged to comfort. "Move, and get a blanket was the predominant thought."  My body won.  Just as I surrendered to the chill – to contentment,  a strong wind blew the Om tapestry off my TV.  It landed perfectly, covering my feet.
 
 I'm grateful, but not surprised anymore when I get just what I need, right when I need it.
 

While traveling India I found myself in a few precarious situations. Things turned out okay… not always the best outcome, but okay. 

This one time, I was on the back of a motorcycle, hurtling through impossible-traffic in Gaya.  The term 'holding on for dear life' must be indian in origin, and the only thing scarier was the thought of the return trip.  My hands went numb.  Taking a few deep breaths of the thick air, my grip loosened.
 
"Worry is a prayer for what we don't want."  -Sharon Gannon
 
A smile came over me, inside and out.  I seemed to realize It'll be okay… or not… but the fierce grip wouldn't help either way.  It's a level of trust, that I could handle whatever is coming my way.  My illusion of control dissolved.
  
"You can't always get what you want – you get what you need."   -Mick Jagger
 
An aspiring meditator who I work with individually, was walking in the woods when she came across a railroad crew working with power tools on the track. They were loud and she resented their presence.  They were 'ruining' her peaceful walk.  Her practice kicked in, trying to find peace, she created thoughts of how the crew was protecting life, making the trains safe etc…  
 
Alas, she walked a bit further than usual and actually got lost.  When she got still and tried to get her bearings… off in the distance she heard the workers, and their sounds guided her home to safety.  
 
When what is 'bad' becomes 'good'  what really changes?

Don't hold on so tight, and we'll get what we need… We're covered. 
 
I've got a great interview in the works from a Yoga student who is a master at manifesting.  She's going to share some of her stories with us.  If you've got a story about being covered, please, Click on the comments link, and share it with us.
 
Om Shanti, I'll see you in class.
 
John

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