shiny yoga*

Connection, Vulnerability, & 20 mins out of your day

2012-01-25T05:12:00.000+11:00

Connection is why we're here. It's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.

- Brene Brown

I love this woman. Watch this. Read this. Change your life. :)

Daily #Yoga Goals

2012-01-24T10:52:00.002+11:00

Yep I've got a big goal setting/vision board fun-shop planned for 11 February, but in the meantime, I'm posting some little 'daily goals' up on twitter for you to enjoy, over today and tomorrow.

A friend of mind did a month long meditation training in India and was given this list as a task to undertake - pick one of the goals each day, and have it as your focus/ theme/ intention.

So beautiful I had to share.
Go and check them out - www.twitter.com/shinyyoga

PS - scroll back a bit through my tweets and you'll also uncover 50 Ways to Cope With Stress. I got such resonance with these tweets! Enjoy xo

Goal Setting, Vision Boards & a Rocking 2012

2012-01-24T06:38:00.000+11:00

Here's the flyer for the workshop I'm running on Feb 11. Bookings are open now! You can do it via rozelle@bodymindlife.com OR shinyyoga@gmail.com

Be sure to COME FLY WITH ME! x

Monday Manifesto

2012-01-23T07:27:00.000+11:00

Ohh it's a goody :)

More Courageous Cleansing

2012-01-21T17:01:00.000+11:00

I'm on DAY 13 friends!!! Can you believe it? So really just a week to go.. although I'm looking to continue it. In what way, shape or form is to be decided and publicly announced, but at this moment it's definitely something to be continued.

I'm feeling much more clear headed, awake, & on it that I have in a while and it's just made me all the more excited to begin my study at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition mid-year.

Check out more guff below about the tummy tales of the 21 Day Adventure Cleanse :)

An Open Letter to the Fat Girl I Saw at Hot Yoga in New York City

2012-01-20T17:25:00.002+11:00

Have you heard about this? Oh it's so beautiful and delish and real and funny and I want to be best friends with this writer...

Go and have a look!! xo

An Open Letter to the Fat Girl I Saw at Hot Yoga in New York City

The Space Story

2012-01-20T10:05:00.000+11:00

I have mentioned earlier about my longing for space this year. For time to be free and not to have appointment after appointment after appointment booked in.

I'm glad to say that 2 and a bit weeks in, and so far this year is seeing me hold my ground with space - I've given up teaching 2 classes so I have time to a) sleep, and b) rest. Resting is so important, especially when you're not firing on all engines!

But more than that, I'm finding space in the way of boundaries. I was chatting with my dear best friend this week when she said, "I think people can tell when you're a pushover" or words to that effect. Both she and I are people pleasers, which in itself is not a bad thing. I think making people smile, and being helpful, and generous with spirit to others, is an oh-so-beautiful thing.

But when people pleasing turns us into pushovers, or more aptly, people who will put their own needs behind the needs and desires of others, well that is where the issues arise. That is where we get fatigued and tired for lack of listening to our bodies, and putting our rest first.

That place is where we struggle in relationships, for lack of giving them the priority that both our loved ones AND ourselves deserve.

That place is where we continually say 'yes' to others, in order to be nice to them, but we forget about ourselves, we put ourselves out, and put ourselves 2nd or worse, last.

That place of SPACE and boundaries is a beautifully enriching, nourishing and nurturing place.
But lets's be honest - often it'll be damn uncomfortable at first. We can feel GUILTY when we don't drop everything for others (especially when we've spent our lives doing it). We can feel SHAME for not being able to do everything for everyone like we've always done. We can feel like we're LETTING DOWN others when we recognise that we are worthy, simply by being, not by doing things for them or others.

I mean, it's obvious, isn't it?
If you don't rest, you won't have energy to please other peeps OR yourself. If you don't give yourself time to be, you're just really existing and running from one thing to the next without smelling the roses that are in your everyday moments.

But obvious isn't always easy. Simple, perhaps. Easy, probably not.
Thank god then, that life is all about just making our way through the days, picking up again each morning and starting again. Breathing through it, feeling our feet on the floor, and placing one foot in front of the other. Lucky then, that we just keep going, day at a time.

From me to you, here's hoping you have a year full of SPACE, of BOUNDARIES, of knowing YOU ARE PERFECTLY IMPERFECT, just as you are, and that's all we can ask for :)

xx

Shout Out: Green Flings

2012-01-19T16:47:00.003+11:00

One of my beautiful yogi friends has featured me on her hip n' savvy green blog - Green Flings. Please go and check it out :) It's a great article about how to stay green while doing yoga.

Interesting idea behind lululemon not stocking the organic pants anymore either! Food for thought.

Thanks Lisa xx

Courageous Cleansing - it continues

2012-01-18T04:27:00.000+11:00

I'm still cleansing and feeling better by the day. People have started commenting too. That awkward moment when you realise how tired you must have looked a few weeks ago? I'm there ;)

Enjoy x

February Workshop - keep the date free!

2012-01-17T21:52:00.001+11:00

I have decided to stick with love.

Hate is too great a burden to bear.

~ Martin Luther King Jr

COME and fill your heart and year with L♥VE, Sydney yogis!

My annual goal setting and vision board workshop is happening on

Saturday 11th February

12noon

It'll be a workshop full of meditation, discussion, inspiration, writing, dreaming BIG and wishing BRIGHT. More info coming soon but put the details in your diaries/iphones/calendars etc.

Hugs xx

Courageous Cleansing - Week 1 in Review

2012-01-16T10:50:00.001+11:00

I'm impressed folks!
It's been a while since I've done a good cleanse and I'm still here! Still on track, still cooking, cutting, drinking, eating, slurping and falling in love with food all over again.

I remember at the end of last year when my naturopath mentioned to me, "I just want you to get to have a good relationship with food again". It really shocked me, as I'd always had a good vibe with food. I always ate pretty well. But then with the adrenal stuff, feeling tired all the time over a number of years (that's what stress will do!) I shifted. I craved sugar, caffeine and all those yummy, processed, stimulating foods that really are un-yummy to your body.

So with a body physically under stress, and then me fuelling my temple with more stressful 'food', it was a recipe for disaster. A recipe for where I am today. And yes, I want to have a good relationship with food again - and I think this crazy sexy adventure cleanse is helping me get there! Phew :)

Today's menu - using up mango, strawberries, blueberries plus a handful of spinach, water and maca

So here we are, 7 days under my belt. That's me above, saying hi. I'll tell you the truth, I'm a little tired today, but aren't we all sometimes?

The weekend came and I ate mexican. Yep, corn tortillas, beans, heaps of salad, brown rice, avocado, salsa (and yes, sour cream). I thought if I was going to have one takeaway I'd not feel guilty, just enjoy it, but make the best choice of it I could.

Normally I'm pretty lax with my gluten free diet - over the last couple of months I've aimed for 70% GF, but often fallen below that. Not anymore! I'm so happy to share I've not had gluten at all. Well, I know gluten is in loads of sauces and things, so actually I'll be more honest in saying I've had about a 98% gluten free diet. Break out the sparklers!

On the whole, my energy is up - and even when I'm tired (like today) it's a different kind of tired. It's not a bone tired, dragging myself around. It's a 'I need an early night' but ok kind of tired. And again, that could be because now, on Day 8 of the cleanse, I'm officially caffeine free! Yep, another goal kicked!

Here's a little snap shot of the Grand Adventure so far:
Day 1 (Monday): prepped on the weekend, so have heaps of salads, beans, fish (didn't go vegan this cleanse) and green veggies in my diet. Oh, and stacks of water! 1 coffee today (soy latte), down from the 3 I was having daily in holidays.

Day 2: much of the same. Meditation helps, oh boy does it ever! Noticing the habits I've fallen into - sugar-filled dessert after dinner, be it lollies, ice-cream, whatever! I've also (with my Doctor's permission and guidance) gone down to just half a tablet (from a full tab) in anti-depressant meds today. Weeeeee!

Day 3: Try my first green smoothie today. Belly had a "woah Nelly!" reaction but after one quick visit to the loo (TMI??) I was all back on track. My body is quickly adjusting to this! Also realising how much time I waste watching TV and doing... I don't know! Just wasting time! When I come home, I'm right onto cutting and prepping food for the night, food for the next day. I feel quite conscientious!

Days 4 & 5: much of the same & still on one coffee a day. Still haven't cracked and had takeaway - BIG DEAL for me! Friday night a friend comes over and cooks me dinner - this is when I usually break the GF rule, as people freak out sometimes when they're so used to wheaty-packed dinners! Nope.. GF all the way! It's not that hard, you've just got to be organised! Extra greens in salad is easy too :)

Day 6 (Saturday): Raced off for some exercise in the morning and had a bit of a headache... decided to push through and have NO COFFEE! I also have a nap today, headache gets a bit overwhelming and I have a free day, so again - no guilt! Listening to what my body needs and responding. Oh, and then have mexican. All in balance!

Day 7: Do a huge grocery shop to prepare for the coming week, prepare a few meals so I've got things ready to heat and go (lunches and dinners) and again, NO COFFEE! Actually was preparing myself to start weaning off this week (one day on, one day off) as I normally do when I have a coffee break. But there's only a teeny tiny twinge of headache so I bite the bullet and go without.

Also, could it be true? Am I starting to fall in love with cooking again?

From this...

I think so! I bake veggies, and do a kick-ass marinated dory parcel (dory fillet with ginger, garlic, onion, lemon and dill wrapped in foil and baked till tender) for dinner. I'm impressed with my culinary skills.

to this!!!!

And Week 1 - there you have it! Not just succeeded, but killed, been amazingly awesome, cheerleaders are doing high-kicks kind of wonderful!

Has it all been easy? Hell to the no! It's not. It's yummy, tasty, invigorating, brain-clearing and tops: YES, but it's hard kicking bad habits. Headaches suck, diarrhea (how do you spell that?) sucks, cravings suck.

But you know what? I had hit a wall. I just couldn't go on with this adrenal & depression stuff. It was time.

Honestly, I am blessed that I am not so-so-sick that I could have a sneaky semi-ok and well thought out mexican takeaway. I am super-star-lucky that I could wean off coffee gently (as gently as it could be) and have half my fruit and veggies non-organic-but-in-my-price-range.

But I'm also damn SICK of being sick, of being exhausted, of having no energy to be my shiny, bright self, of being so down that days can go by when I can't leave bed. I don't want to be on adrenal supplements from my naturopath forever, nor do I want to be on anti-depressants from my doctor forever. If I have to be on them, of course I will. But anything that is in my power to help this stuff? I'm sure as heck going to do my darndest to make it work.

So here we are. Morning of Week 2. Wonder what this week has in store???

x

Monday Manifesto

2012-01-16T07:24:00.000+11:00

So bright n' happy :)

Green Smoothie Experiment

2012-01-11T21:59:00.000+11:00

Me & my first home-made green smoothie

I did it - it's Day 3 of the 21 Day Adventure Cleanse and I'm on fire.... Whipped up my first home-made green smoothie today (bought my first one from about life on Monday) and SUCCESS!

My advice? Absolutely make your own! Mine kicked butt over the fresh store bought version, although it's good to know there are places around if you're in a pickle. But why buy it when you can make your own specifically tailored to your own fab tastebuds?

I made my first smoothie buoyed by the inspiration of this banana recipe at the Green Smoothie Challenge... but it was little too 'lettucy' for me, so I whipped out the juicer, juiced some apples and blended the juice into the smoothie mixture. Ahhh just right! *Don't drink this juice warm! Throw some ice in the mixture and make sure it's beautifully chilled!

I LOVED the drink.. so much so that I had 3 big glasses! And whether it was the fact that I had 3 big glasses, or whether it was a little healthy for my tummy, or perhaps as it was Day 3 of the Adventure Cleanse... whatever reason, within 30 minutes of the smoothie going down, my tummy was not a happy place. I know that might be a bit TMI but here's the nuts and bolts and raw facts of my cleanse!

But that was quick lived, and the rest of the day was rocking. Heaps of energy, and I'll be back on the green smoothies tomorrow :)

Wanna change the world?

2012-01-10T06:09:00.000+11:00

One of my most inspiring, fave websites provides this amazing list. Great start & reminder to the new year :)

140 Ways to Change the World

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.
-William James

Doing something nice for someone can change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world.

Start small. Start now.

Smile when you make eye contact with someone.
Hold the door open for the person behind you.
Send a hand-written thank you card to someone who assisted you with something.
Clean out all your old clothes and donate them to someone in need.
Give a compliment about a waiter, waitress, sales clerk, etc. to his or her manager. Or write a nice note to or about your waiter or waitress on the back of your bill.
Compliment a stranger’s appearance. Flatter them.
Leave encouraging post-it notes in a library books and other random places. (Read Operation Beautiful.)
Connect like minds. Introduce two friends or colleagues who you feel have something to gain from each other.
Send flowers to someone.
Be a courteous driver. Let people merge in front of you.
Volunteer at a children’s hospital or nursing home.
Donate blood.
Live each moment with enthusiasm.
Spend time with children and greet the world with wide-eyed wonder.
Eliminate the words ‘hate,’ ‘can’t,’ and ‘won’t’ from your vocabulary.
Volunteer. Get outside of yourself and help others. Your participation is needed.
Notice and appreciate the positive side of things and share this appreciation with others.
Send a check to your favorite charity.
Work in a soup kitchen.
Do one brave act today. Do it with love and for a good purpose.
Share your talents with someone.
Forgive someone.
Think, speak and act in a loving manner.
Buy house warming gifts for new neighbors.
Introduce yourself. Make new colleagues, classmates, etc. feel welcome.
Inspire others online. (Check out Makes Me Think.)
Send letters of appreciation to business owners/managers and other people who support you.
Treat everyone with the same level of respect you’d give to your grandfather.
Give everyone the same level of patience you’d have with your baby sister.
Appreciate people the way they are.
Share your lunch or a snack with someone who doesn’t have one.
Put some change in an expired parking meter.
Check up on someone who looks lonely.
Tell your boss, teacher or professor that he or she is doing a great job and that you appreciate what they’ve taught you.
On a hot day, buy someone something cold to drink. On a cold day, get them something warm.
Create places and things for others to enjoy. Like decorating your house for the holidays or creating a piece of art.
If you overhear that it’s someone’s birthday, go out of your way to wish them a happy one.
Ask someone for their opinion or advice.
Bring cookies or bagels to work for everyone.
Tip waiters and waitresses well when they deserve it.
Be a part of something you believe in. Those around you will notice your enthusiasm. (Read The Alchemist.)
Leave a thank-you note for the office janitors.
Help bag your own groceries at the checkout counter.
Offer your seat to someone when there aren’t any left.
Let someone with only a few items cut you in line at the grocery store.
Wave to a kid in the car next to you.
Spread good news.
Repeat something nice you heard about someone else.
Remember people’s names and address them accordingly.
Replace what you’ve used. For example, fill up the copier or printer with paper after you’re done using it.
Share your umbrella on a rainy day.
Listen intently to people’s stories without trying to fix everything.
Dance with someone who hasn’t been asked.
Call a stranger’s attention to a beautiful sunset or full moon. (Check outWhat Money Cannot Buy.)
Give words of encouragement toward someone’s dream, no matter how big or small it is.
Ask someone who enjoys cooking for one of their recipes.
Let someone else eat the last slice of pizza or cake.
Give someone a copy of a book that once helped you, that you think could help them
Stop and buy a drink from a kid’s lemonade stand.
Help someone get your parking space in a crowded parking lot when you’re leaving.
Ask someone you see every now and then if they’ve lost weight.
Do a little something extra to make someone else’s life easier.
Use all the manners you learned in Kindergarten.
Give without expecting to get back.
Encourage others to do one unanticipated kind or helpful act at least once a week.
Babysit for couples or single parents who don’t get out much so they can have some time alone.
Boost the morale of someone close to you by telling them what you love about them.
Hug a friend. Let them know how important they are.
Look for ways to save a few extra bucks a month and then donate it to a good cause.
Shop at your local charity thrift store. The money you spend there helps others.
Spend a few clicks of your time at Free Rice.
Leave an encouraging or positive comment on a stranger’s blog.
If there’s been an accident or a potentially hazardous situation presents itself on the road, report it to the local authorities. Your phone call could save a life.
If someone you love really likes something (a meal, a favor, etc.) give it to them when they least expect it.
Observe everyone without judging.
Say “Please” and “Thank you.”
Let go of anger. For instance, if somebody accidentally cuts you off in traffic, just let it go.
Believe in yourself with all of your heart. The universe will notice.
Don’t be so serious all the time. (Read The Happiness Project.)
Treat every small interaction with another person as an opportunity to make a positive impact in both your lives.
Greed, anger and ignorance. Avoid all three.
Speak the truth.
Teach others how to make a difference by setting an example.
Help others learn to be independent.
Give people the space they need.
Lend your shoulder to cry on.
Acknowledge people for a job well done.
Offer encouragement after a failure.
Tell a good joke.
Show others the magic in ordinary moments.
Adopt a soldier, inmate or someone who is down on their luck as a pen pal.
Express your gratitude to those who make your life easier.
Tell someone you love them.
Wave to your neighbors.
Send a letter, email, tweet, or text message out of the blue to someone who would appreciate it.
Open car doors for your passengers.
Donate books to a library, daycare center or school.
Dance with someone who doesn’t have anyone to dance with.
Share great food recipes.
Help a kid with their homework.
Donate unused computer time to cancer research (and other types of research) with BOINC.
Round up a few loose coins and put them in the next charity box you see.
Pay for the person in line behind you.
Do something unexpected that will inspire people and shake them out of a bad mood.
Plant beautiful flowers in places where others can appreciate them.
Search through your cabinets for a few cans of food you’ll probably never use and donate them.
Be a designated driver.
Volunteer your time to a suicide hotline center.
Offer someone a piece of gum or candy instead of waiting for them to ask.
Park your car further from the store and walk the short extra distance. This frees up spots closer for people who may need them more than you, and gives you additional exercise.
Donate things you no longer use to those in need.
Donate time or materials to Habitat for Humanity.
Clean the house for someone you know who is too busy to keep on top of it.
Grow your hair out, then donate it to Locks of Love.
Drop off your old eye glasses at your local LensCrafters as a donation to the OneSight program.
Don’t smoke. But if you must, don’t smoke near others.
Generate money for the charity of your choice by searching with Good Search.
Stop for a person waiting to cross the street.
Support independent artists and musicians by purchasing books and albums that aren’t yet in the mainstream.
Forgive a debt if you’re able.
Recommend friends to local businesses who might appreciate their services.
See the world as you wish it to be.
Make something for someone. Bake an extra batch of cookies, draw a picture, brew an extra cup of coffee, and give it to someone for no reason other than to see them smile.
Create a care package and send it to an active duty military unit.
Redirect gifts. Instead of having people give you birthday and holiday gifts, ask them to donate gifts or money to a good cause.
Stop to help. The next time you see someone pulled over with a flat tire, or in need of assistance, stop and ask how you can help.
Put a small personal touch on everything you do. People notice and appreciate individuality.
Take the time to teach someone a skill you know.
Help someone get active. There’s a coworker or acquaintance in your life who wants to get healthy, but needs a helping hand. Offer to go walking or running together or join a gym together.
Become a mentor or tutor.
Adopt an animal.
Contribute time, ideas, or a listening ear to other people’s passions.
Accept people just the way they are.
Stand up for someone. Lend your voice. Often the powerless, the homeless, the neglected in our world need someone to speak up for them.
If you see a couple taking a self-pic, offer to take the picture for them.
Help the weary shopper in front of you who needs that extra two or three cents to avoid breaking a 20-dollar bill.
Come to the rescue. If you realize someone is sick, bring them some hot tea, etc.
Stand up for your beliefs without flaunting them.
Make yourself available and approachable.
Over-deliver on all of your promises and obligations.

And yes, I realize this is a long list, but it’s really only the tip of the iceberg. Look for new and better ways every day to make the world a better, happier, and more pleasant place for everyone. If we all did just one thing every day, together we could truly change the world.

Self Love (part deux)

2012-01-09T20:26:00.000+11:00

Continuing on my post from yesterday about how I turned my shaky day around, I must share the next steps. Because self love rocks!

After I got home, I turned on my Christmas tree lights - yes, they're still up (as are the reindeer ears on my car) - and then put the kettle on.

I got a beautiful teapot for Chrissy, and a beautiful cup & saucer from a friend for my birthday (which was in November). It was time to christen them.

I had a gorgeous sleep, curled up tight with my new book, and then taught a 6am yoga class this morning. What followed? A big shop for veggies veggies veggies! Yes, I've started the 21 day adventure cleanse as recommended in Kris's book, and I'm well prepared! The thing that always gets me down in lack of preparation.. early mornings, late nights and round-a-bout hours mean preparation is a must! You can't really buy lunches on the go when you're gluten free ;)

And then it was time for my first official day back at work.
How'd it go? I'm grinning from ear to ear - had a ball, missed the students and my beautiful co-workers, I powered through the day and am so excited about the year ahead. Here's hoping the inspiration lasts for ages - but regardless, what a wonderful lesson for me to understand how my mind can have such a strong impact on my day and my way.

So a quick tip for you all in case you haven't grasped it yet, SELF LOVE ROCKS! Let's see how I go in about 2 or 3 days time when my cleanse has kicked into full detox gear - but right now, it's all about the self love baby!!!

Big hugs and cheesy grins xxx
stella

Monday Manifesto

2012-01-09T07:21:00.000+11:00

It's so so beautiful

Happy Holidays :) Happy Living :)

2012-01-08T20:27:00.001+11:00

Today is the last day of my holidays.. and I officially just taught my first class back for the new year. Wow! What a high :)

I'll be honest - I woke up in my own bed this morning after spending the last couple weeks down the coast, and I felt it in my chest. That tight, 'here we go again' feeling - the feeling of being back at work or more honestly, the feeling of not being on holidays. It was pretty interesting to lie in bed and untangle these thoughts and sensations, rather than just dwelling in them and getting more and more caught up inside them (as is my usual way).

So I went a step further - I pulled myself out of bed, sat tall on the couch and set up my timer for a couple of minutes of morning meditation. I focussed my awareness on my breath and the tip of my nose, and then I let my attention drift down to where I was feeling tight. It was all in my chest and all in my head! (again, as is the usual place of anxiety for me)

Instead of keeping the 'busy-ness' of those thoughts and feelings going, I brought my awareness down to my perineum to ground myself. I felt myself physically connected to the earth - away from my mind, and repeated to myself that I was supported. Now seriously, what an amazing support that is - the huge earth, completely holding my body.

And you know what? Right about then, as I was feeling good, my alarm went off and I was a different person. My world around me hadn't changed, but I had. And that is a great start to the day :)

I then connected with 2 friends I haven't seen in way too long for morning breakky, and played with the brand new bubby of one of them. We talked about love, about loss, about life - just like old times. It was just what I needed on my day-before-work-day.

I then realised I still needed some self-care.
So I took myself off to the bookstore and bought Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Diet.

I've been reading Crazy Sexy Life, Kris's blog, for ages. It's FRIGGIN' AWESOME if you've not dived into it yet. And this book was just what I needed. It literally jumped off the shelf towards me (seriously, it was on the wrong shelf, in the wrong section, but just where I was looking). So of course, I grabbed it, and then went to get a pedicure.
~DAY OF SELF LOVE RIGHT HERE~!

Crazy Sexy Livin' right here!

Now this book is amazing. I have been unable to put it down all afternoon, and I'm still digesting it. But it's speaking to me. This book speaks right to ME, ohhh I'm excited! So expect a review soon.

But all in all, I am so so happy that what started out as a lil' bit of a shaky day, has now done a complete 360 and it's been an AMAZING day. Again, nothing really changed - I live where I live, my friends are my friends, and I'm still at work. But I changed. Or rather, my perception.
♥ The friends I needed were right there (and this breakky was organised this morning).
♥ The book my spirit needed was right there (on the wrong shelf, but the oh-so-right shelf!)
♥ The self-nurturing and free seat at the pedicure palace was there.
♥ The beautiful students were there, and I was able to share laughter with them.

It was all there, just when I allowed it to be there. When I allowed my heart to open to all the goodies that are right in front of me. So friends, how about you? As a lot of us are heading back to work - are you seeing the joy that's in your world? Or just the commute and the tiredness and the busy-ness?

Invite joy to your day, my sweet friends. And tell me how you see it :)
Much love,
stella xx

Food Glorious Food

2012-01-08T09:20:00.001+11:00

So with my adrenal fatigue stuff comes a whole host of relearning - ways to eat, ways to rest, ways to exercise. One thing my naturopath is helping me with at the moment is protein in every meal.. she actually said, "Right now, I don't care what you eat but if you came to me and said you'd had protein with each meal I'd be happy". Baby steps.

Lunches and dinners are fine - but it's the breakkies I'm asking for help with. A snapshot of my morning is as follows:
5 - 5:30am - alarm goes off, I snooze & snooze again
5:30 - 6:30am - I'm driving to my first class of the day and am teaching
8am - finish & am ravenously hungry

I have trouble eating early in the morning, so I've been having some protein shakes to get me through. They take 30 seconds to make, and I can have them in the car. Now that's what I'm talking about!

So, any suggestions my friends?

FYI I'm going for a gluten free diet, so I'll keep you updated on how it goes :)

9 Tips to get you ON THE MAT

2012-01-06T05:09:00.000+11:00

Sometimes the hardest part of your yoga practice is just showing up. It’s literally just getting to the part where you roll out your mat. And once you've done that... you’re in. You’re flowing, breathing, moving, sparkling.

So how do you get onto the mat on those days where you'd rather just sleep in? In this time of new years resolutions, put your goals out there! Start drawing up your roadmaps for the year ahead. Here’s a couple of tips I help find me:

Do it with a pal
Yoga is about union, so what better way to join together than with some buddies? Not only is it motivational, but it’s fun. I made a commitment to myself last year to do something special with a friend each fortnight – whether it was a cup of tea, a lunch, a movie, a dance class. These quickly became my highlights of the fortnight. Combine that with your yoga!

Get grooving

I love practicing to modern music interspersed with ‘traditional’ yoga music. Check out some of my soundtracks here. Create an awesome playlist of your own and your practice will become fun, rather than a chore.

Do it your way

Yoga is moving and breathing and doing it with intention. A walk on the beach can be your yoga, if you’re noticing how your feet softly land on the sand. Washing the dishes while washing the dishes (ie not letting your mind wander and not letting yourself speed through it like there was no tomorrow), with mindfulness and awareness, can be yoga. My yoga has completely changed as I'm battling fatigue, so this point is more than ever relevant! Yoga is so much more than asana!

Do a 'Yoga Tour'

Oh it’s been a while since I’ve done one of these, but they’re due every couple of years.
#1 - Grab a friend and
#2 - write a list of all the suburbs you want to travel to/studios you’ve wanted to visit.
#3 - Then go do them!
My list this year includes: Anti-Gravity Yoga, Power Yoga at Manly (day trip to manly!), The Living Room yoga (yoga to a soundtrack of the ocean – a real life ocean!) just for a few!

Buy a class pack

Class packs work out cheaper than buying a regular drop in rate, and you’ll also be committed. Lots of studios have 5 or 10 class packs, at a slightly cheaper rate. Budget friendly, yoga friendly :)

Try the Intro Offers

Most studios have special introductory offers – the studio I manage has 2 weeks of unlimited yoga for just $25, and you'll find most studios have a couple of weeks or few days for a crazy cheap rate etc. Dive in and try them. Most times, if you go even just twice in the period you’ll have saved money. Yes please :)

Via Pinterest

Book it in

* In pen.
* Into your diary/iphone/calendar.
Just like you would any other appointment. And then stick to it, just like you would any other appointment.

Think of the end

I know, we always talk about being present in yoga, and enjoying each moment. But just for today, think of the end of your practice. I always feel better after practice – I’ve stretched, released endorphins, sweated and breathed out all that stress. How can you not feel good after it?

Just do it
Nike were right. For 20 minutes a day, just do it. Show up, & stretch, and then if 20 mins is enough, fabulous. You’ll more than likely want to do a bit more. Funny how it works ;)

Space - what it means

2012-01-03T06:04:00.000+11:00

What does my word of the year involve?

Down time. Non-rushing. Time to be. Meditation.

Mind wandering. Doodling on paper.

Release. Nurture. Saying no. Saying yes to me.

Living wholeheartedly.

Have you chosen your word yet? xo

Monday Manifesto

2012-01-02T07:19:00.000+11:00

Quiet with the voices in the head! :)

2012 Word of the Year

2012-01-01T12:04:00.000+11:00

For a couple of years I've moved away from the idea of new years resolutions, and more so loved the idea of a 'word of the year'. There's always debate about resolutions versus goals versus this or that, and simply, I do believe in all of them. I love having a roadmap to follow throughout the year.

Businesses have biz plans, companies have goals to reach and achieve, why should individuals not have theirs too?

Each year they look different, they generally encompass vision boards and the like, and this year, I've been swayed towards the word SPACE.

This in no small part comes from the fact that I'm still in the world of adrenal fatigue - almost a year and a half of consistent, absolute exhaustion. It's changed my diet. It's changed my practice. It's changed my motivation and inspiration. It's changed my expectations of myself - and that is a positive thing. When you physically can't do things, you have 2 choices - to either get frustrated and over it all, or just get on with what you can do.

Oh I'd love to share that I just got on with things. But the reality is slightly different. I got frustrated and was over it all. And then I came to the second option out of desperation ;) But I got there. And realised that pushing, forcing, keeping on doing what I was doing was not working.

So here we are. A clean slate, a new start.
Oh how I love new starts!
And space. I love space.

I've filled my minutes, hours and days to the brim for most of my life. If I have a spare moment, I fill it. Multi-tasking should be middle name. But that's not balanced. And I'm a yogi! My life runs most awesomely when it's balanced. Busy-ness is overrated, but balance, space, time, breath, ohhh that's where the juiciness is found. It's where the dreams are nourished, the sparks are lit, the passion for live is kindled.

So space is my word for 2012. What is your word, friends?
xo

**Exciting news. Come Fly With Me, the annual goal setting & vision board workshop I've been running for the last couple of years is happening again early 2012. Stay tuned for the date - and start saving your magazines, quotes, photos, bits n' bobs. We can uncover your word then if you still haven't found it!

2012 Manifesto

2011-12-31T16:45:00.000+11:00

With thanks to my gorgeous friend Amanda of Illuminate Yoga. She's spot on :)

Honour thyself.

Meditate. Bathe. Unplug, unfurl, untame. More balance, less juggle.

Make space in you and around you for goodness. Create, serve,

over-deliver. Commit to excellence. Make everything you do an

expression of presence & authenticity. Be organised, be flexible. Infuse

your words, actions & thoughts with unconditional love. Less shouting,

more pausing. Earth, sun, sea. Drink exotic tea. Light candles, burn

incense & oil. Write. Write. Write some more. Innovate, inspire, indulge.

Get on a plane. Stop judging, assuming, feeding fear. Get on your

mat. Curl up, kick back, switch off. More: cartwheels, colouring,

drawing, doodling, painting, poetry, film, music, movement,

wind-in-your-hair-running, stomach-hurting-hilarity.
Read more non-yoga stuff. Read more yoga stuff. Be a woman of your word.
Lead with integrity. Identify your inner circle & worship them with more

dinner dates, flowers, wine. Laugh at yourself. Create ritual, find faith,

practise prayer. Surrender to divinity, soften, trasform, expand.

Breathe. Bow in gratitude especially when you're angry. Courage. Light.

Peaceful warriorship. Take care of your roots, let things flow, then fly.

Forgiveness, healing, strength. Seek truth everywhere. Slay your

dragons then stand atop their bloody carcasses and roar. Craft a

crystal-clear vision of your dream self living your dream life. Then

pursue its manifestation with fierce, uncompromising, sweet, intensity.

No excuses: laters, tomorrows, if onlys.

Today is the day.

Onward. Upward.

Be brave, be brilliant.

Be someone who makes things happen.

Be you.

♥ Pink joy via the gorgeous Susanna Conway

What's the point of the craving?

2011-12-29T09:10:00.000+11:00

If we are what we repeatedly do, it's no wonder then that I'm a ball of fatigue now.. having been a ball of stress for the last couple of years. I hate to think what I would have been like if I didn't do yoga through that time!

So here we are.. and here is today. This moment. Neil Pasricha tells us, "Life is so great that we only get a tiny moment to enjoy everything we see. And that moment is right now."

The moments that made up the end of 2011 looked like this: Dinner time - I've just downed a pizza for dinner along with some buttery, wheaty garlic bread, all washed down with soft drink. So in this moment I've fed my addictions of sugar and wheat cravings, because 'I deserve it'.

What do I 'deserve'? Gee. I deserve home delivery.
You know, I work a lot!
I work late nights and early mornings!
I don't want to cook and shop and wash.
I deserve to have what I want.
I work hard, I have had a tough life, I just want what I want without it being a big drama.

We all have these stories, and whether they're true or not:
that's not really the point at all.

Try this on for size - next time you're tired, or stressed, or down, and you just want a pizza for dinner.. or a glass of wine (or 2, or 3) to wind down with at the end of a day.. or that chocolate.. or that sex.. that exercise.. that drug.. whatever it is, STOP. Take 10 breaths.

And ask yourself what it is that you're really craving for.

Oh I know sometimes that sugar or drug or whatever it is, is completely a chemical reaction. Or it's something that releases charge. We all want to not feel the stress or sadness or 'feeling' that is hard.

For me, having downed the pizza and soft drink (when I'm meant to be gluten free and sugar free to help with the whole adrenal issue!) made me feel good.. for a moment. There's nurturing involved in sugary, high carb foods. What do I want? I want life to be simple. I want love (don't we all?). I want a feeling of wholeness, uncomplicated beautiful wholeness.

I currently - when I succumb to the gluten and sugar - find all of that in some bites of food, which sets off chemical reactions, which floods my body with this stuff. So the questions is: how could I find this stuff elsewhere?

Simple. Meditation.

Yin yoga.

(any yoga, when it serves your body & your mind)

Yoga nidra.

Whole foods.

Slowing down.

Meeting with friends.

Space.

Just breathing.

Feeling my feet on the earth and being present.

So here's a good pointer of what I need in this new year.
In fact, that above list could be my 2012 resolutions.
The point isn't always to understand what we're trying to fill/ignore/create/avoid... but sometimes just to sit through it the best we can. These are ways I can get through life, the best I can.

How about you? What's on your list? xo

Monday Manifesto

2011-12-26T01:13:00.000+11:00

♥ ♥ ♥

Monday Manifesto

2011-12-19T01:10:00.000+11:00

Magical Yoga Mix Tape ♪♫

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000+11:00

Been on a roll creating some new playlists lately. Here's one I've been practicing with/teaching to lately :) Let your spirit shine, yogis!

Ganesh Invocation / Craig Pruess

Om Mani Padme Hum 1 / Jane Winther

Dull To Pause / Junior Boys

Pranafestation / Desert Dwellers

Islands / The xx

Babylon / Angus & Julia Stone

Kothbiro / The Constant Gardener OST

Om Ahh Hum / Jane Winther

Peacock Tail / Boards of Canada

Bronte / Gotye

Descending / Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors

Invocation To Water / Shaman's Dream Project

Om Namah Shiviya / Sacred Earth

Humble Me / Norah Jones

Northern Skies / Dido

Monday Manifesto

2011-12-12T01:08:00.000+11:00

I <3 Harry Potter x

Interview with a Yogi :: Julian Bialowas

2011-12-10T17:00:00.000+11:00

When I started this series, my intention was to go 'beyond the mat' with the people I talked to. I am a big vinyasa fan, I love to live and breathe and move on my mat, but yoga is so much more than asana. Yoga is union, it's living your life to the fullest, it's finding harmony with that which is around you.

So today, I'm all giggly excited to share with you some insights from a brilliant artist who has inspired me no end. Introducing Julian Bialowas, a Canadian freelance designer and photographer, and brains behind the 365 Day Project (how I came across him), his new exploration 16 Hours, and of course Julian Bialowas + Hey Bialowas, his Tumblr page.

I have an admission - Julian, I love you.

And readers, when you check out his phenomenal soul work, you will too.

Whoever believed photos and quotes could be so life changing?

Julian, How do you find peace and befriend your life, where you are, with all the mayhem of the world going on around you? Juggling freelance work, personal projects and wrapping up design school, day in and day out, can certainly take a toll — even though I absolutely love what I do. I still need to remember to take moments and unplug for a while. I do this by venturing out to the mountains. And not just the actual summiting of a mountain — but everything building up to it.

The moment the alarm clock rings at quarter to the five in the morning to driving through a dark, quiet motionless city to pick up my best of friends. To be on an empty highway before dawn breaks listening to the sounds of Ára Bátur by Sigur Rós. And into the woods before the sun has risen. To rise onto a ridge as the sun peaks overs the nearby ranges, to continue climbing and finally stepping onto the summit.

Which is a feeling I cannot put into words. Thatʼs where I find my peace, and inspiration. Itʼs what I live for.

Describe your yoga practice - remembering that yoga is union, and not just asana. How do you live yoga on the mat, and off the mat? This could absolutely be about your inspiration for starting your photo project.. where you get yr quotes from.. how it came about.. My "yoga" practice is a simple one, to find peace not necessarily through silent meditation but through activity:

To go out, and simply — do.

To tackle that mountain, or go for that run you’ve been putting off. To get outside and travel, explore, have an adventure. Hop on a plane, take a road-trip or just go to the park. Never waste a day, you'll be surprised how at peace you are by the end of it.

Is meditation part of yr practice? If so, in what way? I guess for you, finding that peace you capture so well in your photos is absolutely what meditation is about - space, breath, peace.. As I said, I believe for myself at least, my meditation and peace is found through travel and adventure. These two topics aren't typically related to peace, but I find it's the best way to obtain it.

What is your fave book? site? studio? style of yoga? pose? sequence? For you, this could be yr favourite author, inspirer, place to snap, place to think.. Music plays a large roll in my work, and life as it does for the majority of people. Artists and composers such as Olafur Arnalds, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Max Richter, Sigur Rós and Jonsi all impact me greatly. I believe it shows in my work too. I can't quite explain how or why, you'll have to go listen for yourself as the music truly does speak for itself.

As for favourite locations to photograph and think, once again I'd have to say the Rocky Mountains. They'll never cease to amaze me and you'll never have the same experience twice. Be it because of weather or season, or your mood going out. You can hike the same mountain twenty times and still be amazed by new colours in the sky & different views of the vistas below.

As someone who'd love to be more creative myself, I'm very much in love with your work.. it is so peaceful and touching. How can we all find that spirit in our lives? At all costs, you must love what you do. It's as simple as that. If you don't whole heartily enjoy your work the inspiration and enjoyment will never come.

What is one thing that today you are grateful for? Being able to wake up excited in the morning for the work the day holds day in and day out.

How do you slow down and smell the roses? Try every weekend to tackle a peak. To leave the phone and mac at home and off for the day.

Any ideas on stressing less & enjoying more? Not to sound like a broken record here but again—love what you do. When I say "work" it shouldn't feel like work. Do something your passionate about, it'll make all the difference.

Readers, some hOMework for you:

Pull out that camera/or that iPhone, and look at the world today through the lens. Take a 10 minute walk if that's all you can do. And SNAP. Furthermore, SHARE. Don't look for the perfect shot. Take 20 photos in a minute, snap snap snap, look up, look behind, look down. And be creative without trying. Pull out that right side of the brain creativity, and see the world differently. Not into snapping? Paint it, collage it, whatever it.. just Do It. Love to see what you come up with :)

8 Habits of Highly Effective People

2011-12-10T08:21:00.001+11:00

Today is my first Saturday off in a loooong time.. full Saturday, that is. No plans, just plenty of ideas. And really, if I just spend the whole day sleeping, I'm ok with that too :)

I woke up quite (unexpectedly) early this morning, and find it amusing that I found this piccie online, minutes after writing a To (Possibly) Do list.

Source

I had planned to wrap up all my Christmas shopping, getting it all done well and truly before the last minute (as I so often seem to do) but my pay hasn't hit my account yet for some reason, so I'm counting the blessings of a day off instead. Expect more blog posts soon. Maybe.

Enjoy your weekend yogis xo

Monday Manifesto

2011-12-05T01:05:00.000+11:00

Can your see the beauty in your world? xo

I am not a Tree! I am not a Tree! Repeat.. repeat...

2011-11-30T05:36:00.000+11:00

For some reason this quote just wouldn't leave my head this week, "I am not a tree!"

And up it popped, while I was teaching yoga, watching students get caught up in habits and thoughts. "You are not a tree!" I wanted to share with them. So I did!

Source :)

When we're stuck - in life, in a job, in a relationship, in a yoga pose - in something that is not serving us, we can change. We always have a choice.

I spent years feeling 'stuck' on the treadmill of life. And don't get me wrong, it was terrifying to make such a big career jump and leap into the unknown. You can take baby steps, or you can dive out there. Heck, you don't even need to make a move in any which direction at all, today. But remember, you are not a tree. You can move. You can change. You can. The choice is yours.

Is there some area in your life today that is not serving you as best it could? It could be as simple as a yoga pose - something you can't crack. Why not back off? Why not stop 'pushing'? Just let it be, change focus, keep practicing as normal, and in time, in gentle time, I guarantee, you will get there.

Is there something bigger? A job? A calling? A relationship? Something that as it is, today, is not serving you as best it could? Commit to 10 minutes of simple time with a pen and a paper. Write down what it is, and then cross it out. Write down, jot down, draw, scribble, throw random words about, but with your own hands spend 10 minutes expressing a different scenario. It could be your dream scenario or outcome, it could be outlandish or real.
It doesn't matter.
The idea is to realise that you are not stuck.
There are options.

I looked to my own life this week, when I was struck with another bout of fatigue. It always creeps up on me.. I think I'm doing well.. that I have things under control and they're ticking along nicely. Then BAM! it's bed for days.

Sure I cried, I got frustrated, I wanted to hide away. Instead, I allowed myself to wallow and then I got damn angry. "I AM NOT A TREE! I AM NOT A TREE!" I shouted! And I may have even stamped my foot in frustration.

But then I asked for help.

Some of you will realise how hard that is for me to do, and if you don't, I'm telling you - it is really hard for me! I like to look in control. I like to feel like I've got all my bases covered. Which is probably exactly why I have been battling adrenal fatigue for the last couple years - because there's no control with something like this. There's no simple answer.

So I'm shifting my roots, I'm asking for help from lots of different people, and I'm even a little excited at the possibilities ahead. Oh, I can't wait for the day when I have lots of energy again! Even just normal energy! Hoorah!

And I am completely blessed as I have many strong, beautiful and talented people around me who are just all too willing to help... if only I ask.

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves, and this week I was reminded in a not so gentle way, that I'm not stuck. You're not stuck. We are not trees.

So go and move, my friends. Move, dance, skip, hop and fly.
Make a change and be the change.
xo

Om Namah Shivaya

2011-11-28T07:54:00.000+11:00

"I honour the divinity that resides within me"

YOU, my friend, are a divine being. Yes. I know sometimes it might be hard to believe (especially when you're beeping at that car in front of you in peak hour traffic), but deep down there inside your heart, you are a miracle. Your love, your kindness, your inner spark. It's divinity :)

Today in class, the first thought we set up was "Om Namah Shivaya". I had a pretty exhausted weekend - not sure if I'm coming down with something or it's just the end of the year-tiredness, but I allowed myself to stay in bed for most of the day on Sunday, and it was gratefully accepted by my tired body. I feel I'm getting another bout of full on adrenal fatigue, and so allowing myself to come to the mat, exactly how I am, and still see that there is divinity in me, it was very freeing.

I have no issue finding the divinity in others - I honestly, absolutely believe in the joy that people hold. But when it comes to myself, sometimes it takes a little longer to uncover those pearls. So when I was looking for a theme to set up today's intention, I couldn't go further than this.

Divinity. In each and every one of us.

When we start our week, and our day with that intention of being divine, what a glorious setting.

So to you, my dear friends, on this beautiful sunny Monday, Namaste. The light in me, honours the light in you.

GO and say it aloud! Om Namah Shivaya!

Monday Manifesto

2011-11-28T01:03:00.000+11:00

Thank goodness for that :)

Today I'm Grateful...

2011-11-22T10:32:00.000+11:00

♥ for beautiful yoga students who smile as they practice with me
♥ for little 'nephews' who tell me they love me over the phone (baby talk is the best)
♥ for weekends away, to sit, nap, be still and listen to the country sounds
♥ for a beautiful roof over my head, food in my fridge and a phone full of friends
♥ for cool morning breezes, hot sunny afternoons, and the knowledge that tomorrow it's all on offer again
♥ for the moments in between the highs and the lows, the sorrow and the joy. These moments, this is life.

xo

Monday Manifesto

2011-11-21T01:02:00.001+11:00

It really will be xo

Monday Manifesto

2011-11-14T00:53:00.000+11:00

Beautiful, isn't it?

I'm teaching at a Yoga Retreat!

2011-11-11T17:13:00.000+11:00

Yogis, many of you have been asking when I'm finally going to take you all on retreat.. and I've got so much fun planned for next year! But in the meantime, want to come spend my birthday with me on a gorgeous retreat this November???

Next Thursday to Sunday, I'm going to be teaching with the gorgeous BodyMindLife gals at our Living Yoga Retreat.

Experience a beautiful weekend away to welcome summer with open arms. Be nourished with yummy food and great company in a stunning natural environment. Enjoy two yoga classes per day in addition to meditation and workshops designed for connecting to and opening the heart.

Massages, AcuEnergetic treatments, river swims, reading a good book, or simply enjoying time out will be highly encouraged.

Return to the city feeling thoroughly reinvigorated, connected, and radiant.

Over three nights and three days you will experience:

Invigorating Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Restorative and grounding Yin Yoga
Meditation
African drumming
Kirtan – Music for the soul
Fire ceremony + Ritual celebration
Gourmet meals (vegetarian available)

Join the BodyMindLife Yoga tribe for an unforgettable weekend of connection to the heart through yoga at the beautiful Jasper’s Village Resort, Mt Seaview (via Port Macquarie), NSW.

On Hiatus...

2011-11-11T17:09:00.000+11:00

This week I've joined our current lot of Yoga Teacher Trainees at Jaspers Village, and am in the country. There's even cows here.

No city smoke for me!

Patchy internet means I get a real break, but also plenty of time to Nanowrimo it up. I'm making strides!

I've also had time to recommit to writing my goals and visions out, and wow, within one day of sharing my secret dreams with a friend here, I've got 2 possible jobs upcoming doing what I love!

So things are moving and I'm inspired, and I'll be back on the weekend to share more love with you all :)
xo

Monday Manifesto

2011-11-07T03:10:00.000+11:00

Happiness is TODAY

A Week of Goodies

2011-11-06T19:01:00.000+11:00

♥ I'm loving 55 ways gentle ways to take care of yourself!
♥ This song just keeps going round + round in my head :) Fun!
♥ If you're on a feed reader, you may have missed that lil' old Shiny Yoga* has been fantastically redesigned! I love it! Awww thanks Kyla + Freckled Nest!
♥ I played with my friend's new little puppy Buddy this week. Pups are just pure happiness!
♥ I dived into my first Nanowrimo experience!

♥ My sweet friend got me some tickets to see my fave Band of Horses this week!! Band of Horses!!! They played with Kings of Leon, hello, awesome night! I sang along to all the words. Experience some of the joy here :) (Random clip, phenomenal song)

♥ Another gorgeous friend left me a package at work - with homemade veggie cannelloni, and parmesan and rocket salad. I almost cried :)
♥ I discovered a new budgeting tool and it's going well so far. Fingers crossed :)
♥ Having a crappy day? I feel your pain. Share it, or not.
♥ I ran my Give Love Get Love Yoga Workshop with a sweet friend yesterday, and seriously, the room was buzzing with love! This is why I do yoga :)

Have a good week my friends xo

I am BRAVE

2011-11-01T09:50:00.000+11:00

Today's word was bought to you by my gorgeous friend Nadine, and it's filled with yogAttitude!

I definitely feel I need to be a little brave right now, so it was fitting that this was the juicy word to start my day with.

Nothing particularly scary is going on.. I think I'm just filling up to the edges of my container and my dreams are going to need a bigger space! So my heart is filling & growing to take care of it all, and it's good, but definitely requiring some self-belief, courage and yes, bravery. x

You can get some yogAttitude too :)

Wise Words

2011-11-01T00:42:00.001+11:00

Throughout the years of my yoga teaching, I just keep returning to Pema. This gorgeous Buddhist monk simply talks to my soul.

I was first turned onto Pema Chodron's work by a former yoga teacher of mine. I was really battling with depression and life, and she recommended the book "When Things Fall Apart" to me. It was an introduction to a long lasting relationship between Pema and I.

Her heart just comes through the pages of her books. Her words speak to me - they're relevant, funny, touching and simple.

I haven't actually re-read any of Pema's books for a wee while, but this morning out of no where, I encouraged my students to 'start where you are'. To be where you are, today. I mentioned Pema's book (by the same title) and some students asked me about it after class. Clearly, we all can be reminded to start here, now, where we are in this moment. So now, I share this with you.

May you and Pema have just as long, beautiful & supportive a relationship as I do with her.

x

“Life is glorious, but life is also wretched. It is both. Appreciating the gloriousness inspires us, encourages us, cheers us up, gives us a bigger perspective, energizes us. We feel connected. But if that's all that's happening, we get arrogant and start to look down on others, and there is a sense of making ourselves a big deal and being really serious about it, wanting it to be like that forever. The gloriousness becomes tinged by craving and addiction. On the other hand, wretchedness--life's painful aspect--softens us up considerably.

Knowing pain is a very important ingredient of being there for another person. When you are feeling a lot of grief, you can look right into somebody's eyes because you feel you haven't got anything to lose--you're just there. The wretchedness humbles us and softens us, but if we were only wretched, we would all just go down the tubes. We'd be so depressed, discouraged, and hopeless that we wouldn't have enough energy to eat an apple.

Gloriousness and wretchedness need each other. One inspires us, the other softens us. They go together.”

― Pema Chödrön, Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living

Monday Manifesto

2011-10-31T03:09:00.000+11:00

Buddha-ful words

Interview with a Yogi :: Rachel Hawes

2011-10-24T12:30:00.002+11:00

Rachel is a Punk rock yogini, a teacher, a writer, a massage therapist, a sprinkler of fairy dust + a lover of glitter, cake, kitties and Dave Grohl. She lives in Cambridge UK in a falling down house with her photographer/IT tech boyfriend + two frustrating felines. She is the owner of Fusion Massage + Movement, has a Masters degree in Victorian Gothic, geeks out over human anatomy and The X-Files, hates snark (she likes to call a spade a spade) and loves Australian soap operas. She blogs at Suburban Yogini.

Follow her on Twitter or Facebook

How do you befriend yr body?

Four little words: move, breathe, smile, eat cake – sorry that’s five words. Eat and cake are have become one word in my head!

Move every day – even if it’s just a walk around the block, 10 minutes of sun salutations or 3 planks and a set of shoulder rolls.

Check in on your breath – breathe deep. Inhale energy, vitatlity, good health. Exhale stress, tension, worry.

Smile – even when you really really don’t want to. Even if you have to grit your teeth to do it. It helps.

And you know, eat your greens and your proteins and your carbs, but always make room for cake. Everything in moderation! I recently gave up eating wheat and the first thing I did was teach myself to bake cakes with wheat alternatives!

Describe your yoga practice - remembering that yoga is union, and not just asana. How do you live yoga on the mat, and off the mat?

As a Viniyoga practictioner (from the Paul Harvey school) I work with my teacher on a one-to-one level to create a practice that works for my unique body. We meet about every six weeks to see how I’m going. I tend to work with my yoga and movement clients in the same way these days and only really teach one group class anymore. We all have unique bodies, we all move differently which is why one-to-one work is so incredibly powerful.

My asana practice lasts about 30 minutes and I follow it with 10-15 minutes of pranayama. I’m a late afternoon practitioner – I’ve still not mastered the art of early mornings I’m afraid!

I take my breath off the mat with me. For me the key to a simple stress-free existence is breathing well. Breath is the union between body, mind and spirit and if you’re not breathing right, you may as well be doing gymnastics!

Now, don’t get me wrong here, I get as panicked and stressed as the best of them, but when I check in on my breath – take ten even breaths and then come back to whatever was stressing me, things do get simpler. I promise!

Is meditation part of yr practice? If so, in what way?

Meditation and me have had a love/hate relationship for years. I think the biggest breakthrough for me was when I realised that you don’t have to sit on the floor to do it! Sit in a chair, stand, walk. I’m still lucky if I can go more than 5 minutes without my monkeymind kicking into fourth gear but I’m getting there. Slowly, slowly catch a monkey as they say.

What tips would you give a new meditation or new yogi?

Of all the questions I get asked about anatomy, philosophy, physiology + yoga in general this is the one I find hardest to answer! See I went to my first yoga class as a child with my mum and my first meditation group as a teenager with my dad so it’s almost in my blood, and it’s hard to remember what it was like knowing nothing about this life.

I would say the absolute number 1, no arguments, is to find a good teacher. Don’t try and teach yourself yoga or meditation out of a book. Learn from someone good. And by good I don’t just mean someone well qualified (although that is hugely important as, sadly, there are a lot of not particularly well qualified people out there), but also someone you click with. You absolutely cannot learn from somebody you don’t get on with. The students and clients I have are the students and clients I am meant to have. Plenty of potential clients have gone elsewhere because they just don’t click with me and that’s fine.

So, yes, find a good teacher even if you have to shop around and also give yourself time. Yoga and meditation aren’t “quick fixes” . It can sometimes take months or even years to start reaping the rewards, but I promise you, it is so worth the wait!

What is your fave book?

It's always been a toss up between Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, Charles Dickens' Bleak House and Donna Tart's Secret History....but I'm guessing none of those are really relevant here!

So my favourite yoga book – and a book I recommend to anyone who is seriously starting to step out along their yoga path and wants to delve deeper - is Darren Main’s “Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic” . It’s no secret I have a little internet crush on Darren – one of my biggest dreams is to practice with him in San Francisco! It’s also no secret that I recommend this book to everyone – seriously, Darren, if you’re reading this where’s my cut?!

I don’t ever recommend things lightly – an awful lot of yoga books out there are unadulterated crap but this is beautiful. Every time I read it I find a new layer to unpeel. I have two very dog-eared copies - so that even when I lend a copy I always have another copy in the house. Just in case!

What is your favourite sequence?

I thought about this one for ages and ages – there are so many awesome sequences and then I thought I’d just share this video I made recently of five yoga poses you can do at your desk:

What is one thing that today you are grateful for?

Love. All you need is love. And cake.

How do YOU live a wholehearted life?

And so we come full circle….

Move, Breathe, Smile, Eat cake.

It’s really that simple in my mind. I think we all spend a lot of time worrying about finding the life of our dreams, worrying that we will never do the things we want to do. When really if you kick back a little and stop sweating, the life of your dreams will find you. Ultimately, even when we are living the life we’ve dreamt of (and I’ve been dreaming of self-employed small business ownership for a long long time), we still have bills to pay, bathrooms to clean, we still get headaches, we still have arguments, people still piss us off. So ultimately whatever you’re doing and wherever you are on your journey all you have is now.

Move, Breathe, Smile, Eat Cake.

You can put that on my gravestone!

Monday Manifesto

2011-10-24T03:08:00.000+11:00

How happy are you? xo

Monday Manifesto

2011-10-17T03:07:00.000+11:00

Words of wisdom

Give Love Get Love Yoga Playshop :)

2011-10-14T16:00:00.001+11:00

RSVP now! Come & Play x

Monday Manifesto

2011-10-10T03:06:00.000+11:00

YOU are a genius :)

Skinny Bitches take on the World

2011-10-05T10:32:00.001+11:00

It's marketing - calling us Skinny Bitches, and those girls have nailed it. I love them. And I love their wonderful new book, 'Skinny Bitch: Home, Beauty & Style: A No-Nonsense Guide to Cutting the Crap Out of Your Life for a Better Body and a Kinder World'.

I've been taking a lot of notice lately about organics and environmentally friendly products. Probably in no small part because in my new (not really new anymore.. but you understand) job I'm responsible for ordering all the cleaning products, the stock etc.. and we try to make everything we purchase sustainable. It's a task, let me tell you! We are a nation of convenience - and while making things easy is great, it does come at an expense. That expense is quite often the very environment we live on and in!

So when I came to read the Skinny Bitches latest book, I'm excited (they rock!), I'm scared (there's so much crap out in the world!) but also very inspiring (we can make a difference!).

I had no idea about the toxins in our very own wall paint. I had no idea about petroleum being in my fave paw-paw ointment. I had no idea what petroleum really even was and why it was bad for us. I had no idea about the chemicals in my own washing detergent. I mean, everyone uses this stuff, right? Well yeh, they do, but it doesn't mean they're the best things to use!

I am only now discovering that plant-based dishwashing liquids are actually really good, they don't harm the environment (like regular ones do) and that there are so many things we can make a difference in. THANKS to my gorgeous green girl friend for introducing me to a lot of this stuff. THANKS to wonderful work places which encourage green living for all. THANKS to the internet (hehe) and twitter and social media that share amazing sites and further inspiration. Aren't we blessed?

Namaste x

PS - welcome to all the beautiful readers from Healthcare Colleges, am stoked to be in the Top 100 Yoga Blogs!

Monday Manifesto

2011-10-03T03:05:00.000+11:00

Mother Theresa was pretty special : )

Meditation Podcast

2011-09-29T18:53:00.000+10:00

It's been promised for a while, and here you go :) A mini-meditation podcast for you to download, enjoy and chill out to. As you know, I'm currently in the midst of the Baron Baptiste 40 Day Revolution, and in Week 1 of the program we do a daily 5 minute meditation... so here's a little help along the way!

Of course, you don't need to be doing the Revolution to enjoy the meditation. We can ALL use some meditation time in our days.

Download the podcast by clicking here or simply listen below :)

Be gentle - it's my first attempt at a podcast :)
Hope you enjoy it xo

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Be Here Now

2011-09-29T16:56:00.001+10:00

Last week I focused on a theme of presence in yoga class, taken as it was Week 1 of Baron Baptiste's 40 Day Revolution at the studio I manage. Throughout class I have asked people to notice when their mind wanders (what is it we're focused on other than this moment?), to notice when they're fixing their hair instead of coming deep into pigeon pose (what are we avoiding?), and to be aware of feelings both good and uncomfortable as they arise in class.

I often joke around with my students and tell them "So what if this pose is uncomfortable?" "So what if you don't like the music being played?" (that's a big bone of contention, such personal tastes as we have for music) "So what if the room is busy?"

And the yogis all dutifully nod, and me too - I listen to myself, and nod. And when I'm practicing, and am rolled out in pigeon, I try to let my glutes relax, my jaw chill out, and my mind surrender.

But then I'm caught in a traffic jam, and all those thoughts fly out the window, etc.

The Buddha laughs and says, "I'm not a saint, I'm not a god, I'm just awake" (paraphrasing there, but you get the idea). Awake. Ohh it's tricky to be awake. It's a day at a time, moment by moment equation.

via pinterest

One of the questions we were urged to explore in the theme of Week 1, was are we hiding anywhere in our lives? Is there a particular area where we are not awake? Again, for me, I looked at the personal side of life, the heart openers I'm battling with at the moment, and the back issues I'm having that my chiro tells me is more emotion than physical. I'm definitely awake to these things, but have I found the answer yet?

Not today.

But little by little, by SHOWING UP, I'm preparing myself for a life of presence. I have to believe that.

Friends, are you aware of where you are 'asleep' in your life? Do you want to share?

xo

Monday Manifesto

2011-09-26T03:04:00.000+10:00

Love me today xo

A diet for Supermodels - pfftt....

2011-09-23T04:13:00.000+10:00

I'm not usually a fan of the 'amazing secret diets' of this or that super model. Because really, let's be honest, if I had millions of dollars, personal chefs and trainers (not to mention, awesome genetics), I reckon I'd look pretty hot too :) But more power to Miranda Kerr, who had a feature in the Body+Soul Sunday newspaper lift out this past weekend, and who actually a) eats more than just fish and veggies, and b) eats FABULOUSLY.

I stand corrected - some of these supermodels really do take care of their health and treat their bodies like a temple. Here's some of her goodies that I had to pass on:

Coconut Water

They say: Packed with electrolytes, coconut water is a powerful natural hydrator. It's an undeniable source of vitamins C & B, protein, calcium, iron and zinc.

I say: As a hot yoga teacher, this stuff is gold. Did you know it's got the closest composition to human plasma possible? It is an amazing rehydrator, and for Aussies living in and enjoying a hot summer, you can't do better than this. Add the coconut flesh to a smoothie and it's even better. Fresh is best but Cocobella do a yummy guava flavoured one too :) A+++

Tamari Almons

They say: Almonds are high in fibre, low-GI and a source of vitamin E, magnesium and riboflavin.

I say: Have you tried these? Yes, nuts are good (go for activated* ones if you can, or do them yourself and save a packet) but even better, tamari nuts taste A-mazing! Seriously. Best. Snack. Ever.

Raw Dark Chocolate

They say: Aside from its antioxidant benefits, raw dar chocolate is lower in fat than milk chocolate.

I say: Chocolate rocks. Simple and true. But the thumbs up here goes to the flagging of the Loving Earth brand - an organic, Aussie company. So good for you, good for the country, and happy for your belly! *drool*

A kinda healthy chocolate superfood recipe? I'll have some of that : )

Chia Oil/Seeds

They say: Chia is rich in antioxidants and omega-3. Miranda uses this in shakes and muffin mixes.

I say: I use chia seeds in my morning smoothie, as well as certified organic wheatgrass powder. You can't even taste them but you get an absolute hit of goodness. Go the super foods!

Maca Root Powder

They say: Rich in amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, this is the "Peruvian superfood"

I say: This has been recommended to me for so long, this is the sign I'm taking to use it!

There were even more goodies listed in the article - for all of them, check it out here. Tell me friends, have you tried any of these goodies? Got good brands to recommend? Interesting recipes to try them in? Share the love!

*How the heck to you activate nuts? Stay tuned, info coming!

Attitude of Gratitude

2011-09-22T04:05:00.000+10:00

I'm in debt.

I'm not at the health status I'd like to be.

None of the programs on my computer are working after an upgrade.

Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by all there is to get down on in my life. But then when I practice what I preach in yoga - I look at one thing I'm grateful for, and the world shifts. It's such a simple thing, you think I'd have it ingrained in my consciousness to do so. But alas, however I'm wired, it just takes some reminding.

Last week I got my yoga students to list just one thing they were grateful for at that very moment in time. We created an intention of gratitude though out the class that absolutely uplifted the energy. Because really, there's always going to be someone better at yoga than you. There's always going to be someone who rocks their booty in those yoga pants better than you. There's always another who'll earn more money, be more happy, yadda yadda yadda… When we focus on this stuff no wonder we feel heavy, downtrodden and overwhelmed.

I promise you though, that you will always have things in your life to make you smile - a roof over your head, a loving family, a best friend, ice cream, whatever it is today, right now, there's something that will make you smile.

What are you grateful for, right now, in this very moment?

I kept those lists from that yoga class, and I'm sharing them with you now. If you're in a dark place, or even if today's just a bit tiring, have a look below, see if you identify with any of these gratitudes, and take them on as your own. Because you're pretty damn fine yourself : )

Today I'm grateful for:

my family

incredibly grateful for my car space before yoga

My health

loving family

my health

great friends

beautiful family

i am grateful to be alive

i am grateful to live in this wonderful city and to be a part of this wonderful studio

the sunshine

being alive and healthy

health

family

my beautiful little boy

being able to enjoy a stress free weekend

health

new beginnings

i'm grateful for my job

my family

my daughter

my family and friends

my family

the health of my children

family

my family

being able to trust myself

my family and friends

about to go travelling for 4 months

kindness, life, my children's smiles my family's good health

the opportunities and choices i have

health and happiness

icecream

breath

that my heart is opening up

having a body that can move and be useful

my sister, my home

my homeopath

the opportunity to travel

i'm grateful for my family and supportive friends

the love from my family

being able to enjoy it here in beautiful australia

family

friends

love, health, zest for life!

Getting Back in the Flow

2011-09-21T16:07:00.001+10:00

How utterly blessed am I to work in a place where people are nice. The older (& wiser?) I'm getting, the more so the simple things in life (like smiles, thank you's, doors held open, people letting you in on the roads) are those that make me brim with happiness.

I work in a place where a scowling person entering the building is a rarity. I was quite shocked when I started work here this year, because I was used to working in places where it was the other way round & the smiles were often the rarity - or at least a lot less common than I'm finding now.

So when I had a phone call today with someone who had clearly gotten out of bed on the wrong side, I struggled to shake it off. Like a duck shaking water off it's wings, I physically tried to let the contraction of a harsh conversation go. It didn't work in full, but it was a start. So how else did I get back into the flow?

1) to start with, I MOVED my body. I shook my hands, I tried to physically rid myself of the energy the phone call left with me.

2) then I had to BREATHE. Big breaths in and out - to bring myself completely into the present moment. Do you ever notice that when you're stressed or arguing or being spoken to in an unfriendly way, you shrink? You pull back? So I wanted to feel present again, feel here.

3) I practiced GRATITUDE. Seriously, on this gorgeous sunny day, I wasn't going to let anyone ruin my day! Especially a person with a small heart, who needed my compassion more than anything else. I called to mind: *where I work & how smiles are the norm! *the jasmine in the air *my beautiful strong body feeling the effects of the #40DayRevolution *coffee & park dates with wonderful pregnant friends, just to name a few things.

4) I came to notice WHAT IS. And what is? The truth is that I'm so lucky to have all the gratitudes in my life, I've a healthy body, a strong mind, a roof over my head, and I solved the problem without this person's help. So all ended good - both inside and out.

Friends, how do YOU get back into the flow when the road twists and turns?
Stella xo

No Longer 'Making Do'

2011-09-19T11:00:00.002+10:00

Well blow me over, it really is true! Yes, our chemical, physical and emotional bodies are so closely tied together, that when one falls out of whack/alignment/behaviour, the others are immediately affected.

I know this stuff is true, but when I see things happen in my own body SO obviously, it just reminds me.

This morning I had a wonderful chiropractic session - a visit I've had many times over the last 4 months. I've had issue after issue with my spine, my balance, tightness etc. Something I've never really paid that much attention to before.

I guess it's one of those things - you just 'make do' with back pain, you just 'get used to' having a tight neck and shoulders. I would always feel better after a yoga class, and knew that I held all my tension in my neck & shoulders (as so many of us do), that I didn't think twice about it.

But when I had a chiro session a few months ago, where I saw X-rays of my bones, how they're tight and bending and contracting, and realised week to week how if I was upset or depressed, my spine would be worse - If I felt good and happy, the pain wouldn't be there - as I realised all this, I decided I didn't want to just 'make do' anymore.

It's amazing how feeling average can become normal. And average is ok - it's neither here nor there really. But wow, when you feel WELL, it's like a whole new world opens up for you.

Today, as I got adjusted and Mr Chiro was moving my body this way and that, he mentioned that "This is probably the best I've seen your lower back and sacrum" and for me, who's been in tears on the chiro table because I've been in pretty much consistent discomfort and pain lately, this was amazing. Not only to hear that, but to honestly, 100% FEEL that.

He asked how my body had felt since I'd visited 5 days prior - and it took me a moment, but then I realised that for the first time in a long time, I hadn't felt sore. I hadn't had that niggling back pain that is often my constant companion. My back was free, and so was I.

When I first walked in, we'd talked about my nutrition - and you're all aware of my sugar addiction, my firmly planted sweet tooth and my love of all things hopped up (caffeine etc) to combat adrenal fatigue. But for the last couple of weeks I've really made an effort to adjust this. To eat breakfast (a big one for me). To take all my supplements and vitamins daily. To have dinner (that doesn't consist of a magnum ice-cream).

And lo and behold, when my nutrition got better, so did my spine.

via pinterest :)

Mr Chiro showed me the connection between the gut and the lower spine (just look at the close proximity at the very least) and the light bulb well and truly flashed. Of course they were so closely related. Of course I had a crap lower back with issue after issue when my digestion and gut were struggling. Throw in some funky adrenals on top of that and it all made perfect sense. So chemical, physical, and emotional were clearly all affected.

"It's not rocket science" Mr Chiro said - and you know what? That is so true! It really is common sense. But we all know that if the world ran on common sense, there'd be no obesity, no fatigue, no poverty. Alas, we're humans - and individual strong humans at that. So here we are. But today, I've found a little common sense and it's made a huge difference.

Here's to you discovering some today too :) Cheers xo

Monday Manifesto

2011-09-19T03:04:00.000+10:00

Take time today!

Interview with a Yogi :: Angel Singman

2011-09-15T08:58:00.001+10:00

My dear friend Angel (from the Modern Yoga Collective) is the creator of the most fun Future Sound of Yoga (with her partner Matt). Not only that, she is one amazing yogini who lives and breathes the spirit and fun that is YOGA.

Angel teaches vinyasa flow in Sydney, and has taken her FSOY extensively around Australia as well as being featured on the lineup of a number of international festivals. These include the Hawaii Spirit Festival, the Bali Spirit Festival, and the Hong Kong Asia Yoga Conference. Here's some wise words from the funky gal:

What tips would you give a new meditation or new yogi? To find a teacher that you resonate with, try out different schools and styles until you reach the one that you love.

What is your fave book? site? studio? style of yoga? pose? sequence? My Fav pose is Ardha Chandrasana (half moon pose). I love the feeling of finding balance and grace in this posture whilst radiating out in every direction!

How can people bring yoga into their everyday? By being AWARE - aware of yourself, others around you, the relationships that you have, what you do, what you say, how you treat the planet. That is yoga!

What is one thing that today you are grateful for? Just one thing?? But there are so many..!!! Erm, I am grateful for my supportive friends and family, the love from my husband, the cuddles with my cat and the love heart socks I am wearing to keep my feet toasty!

How do you slow down and smell the roses? I like to have a nice massage, acupuncture or reflexology, something that enables me to slow down, to process my week and to switch off.

Balance!

2011-09-15T08:38:00.001+10:00

We teach what we most need to learn, so the saying goes. And I do believe it's true. So last night I taught a most amazing Balance workshop at lululemon Mid City (where I'm an ambassador). There were an amazing bunch of yogis who came along for a Yoga & Chocolate Balancing workshop and it was a total hoot.

I absolutely love that over the last couple of weeks I've had some neck and ankle issues which have made it reeeeally hard for me to actually hold any balancing poses. What a lesson in yoga and presence that is - having to run a balancing workshop whilst struggling with balance! But being present, showing up, and giving your best is what really counts and it didn't hold me back from having a beautiful night with the best people in the city.

Stay tuned for some chocolatey pics coming soon :)
xo

Fatigued of Fatigue

2011-09-13T09:24:00.002+10:00

It's always amazing when a friend comes back from holidays or some time away, and they have had all these amazing adventures, while you've just plodded along. Ordinary things, regular days, that make up your life :)

I've been having an ordinary, regular life lately, which is beautiful in it's simplicity. Study (yoga teacher training), teaching (yoga), working (yoga), resting. I'm trying to get more rest in because I'm still battling with adrenal fatigue - it's just a big ole lesson in patience that I'm receiving with this! For a speedy gal who works too much and fills every waking moment with 'stuff', it's a HUGE stop sign. Truth be told, I'm tired of feeling tired all the time but the universe thinks I need to slow down more, so slow down I am.

What's that fitting quote? Something about the universe not letting up until you've learnt the lesson? I'm living that now :)

I'm reading lots, napping loads, and having wonderful chiropractic and kinesiology sessions to help put me back together with loving energy. Today I'm also having a one day vegie & juice cleanse, to kick start this new moon phase off on the right foot. The glorious full moon we had last night was (as always is) a good time to look forward - to forge a path of what we want, what would benefit us, what is no longer fitting us and our lives. It's a fresh, clean slate!

A big thing with my fatigue is diet, and it's a vicious cycle. I'm tired, so crave sugar. I don't want to cook, I'd rather have takeaway. But the things that will heal me, are 100% without a doubt, the wholefoods, fruits and vegies that nature provides. Michael Pollan famously told us, "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants". My food lately is mostly made IN plants, not FROM plants. So I've just downed a yummy breakky smoothie, my first of the day. And lo & behold, it tasted Goooooood!!! Spinach, banana, cos lettuce, lime, apple & spirulina. Yes seriously, tasted YUM!

Here's to a yummy, energetic week ahead friends xo

Monday Manifesto

2011-09-12T03:03:00.000+10:00

Yes!

Monday Manifesto

2011-09-05T03:02:00.000+10:00

True!

Extreme Love

2011-09-01T15:06:00.000+10:00

I don't know where Love More Fear Less find the stunning videos and images, but they are so share-worthy. See below :)

Staying Creative in a (sometimes) gray world!

2011-08-31T14:52:00.000+10:00

I was reading a beautiful lot of words recently, about how to stay creative in life.

In a prior world, I was a music publicist. I worked with rockstars, indi champions, people with big egos - many of whom really shouldn't have them, people with genuine hearts and inspiration and truly talented beings.

Music has always been a big part of my life but over the last year since I left the industry, it's taken me almost 12 months to the day to actually start enjoying music again. Gigs became work to me. I couldn't listen to the radio without wondering about what the Music Director was thinking. It all became 'work'.

Now, thankfully, I'm finding the joy in it again. And when you hear amazing new music like this, it's easy to see why :)

A Week of Joy

2011-08-29T11:13:00.000+10:00

If I could sum up my last week, it would be via a smell.. the smell of jasmine. Jasmine makes me smile, and from the looks on everyone's faces this last week, it makes everyone else smile too. Yep, Spring is in the air!

I've had a wonderful week, full of:

Wandering around the city with good friends, finding cafes offering freshly baked scones with cream and jam down narrow alleys.. & constant reminders to be present, to be here, to be breathed...

Early morning starts with yoga, driving over bridges and watching the sunrise... & Catch ups with Friends.. True Blood & Pizza..

My friend's beautiful Buddha painting ~ Early morning skies on the way to yoga

Enjoying the special in everyday moments... Looking UP and DOWN..

Looking Down ~ Looking Up for different perspective, and to feel right sized!

Going to art galleries, museums, looking at the beauty in our suburbs.. smelling jasmine, loving jasmine, wearing jasmine in our hair!

The 52 Suburbs Exhibition at the Sydney Museum ~ Jasmine! Persia! 2 sweeties :)

How are you going, dear yogis? xo

Monday Manifesto

2011-08-29T03:01:00.000+10:00

Wise Words

Monday Manifesto

2011-08-22T03:00:00.000+10:00

Sail away, my friends : )

Some days...

2011-08-17T20:01:00.000+10:00

Some days the universe knows when you need a hug.

I was greeted by the sun rising and looking oh-so-sweet bright and early this morning on my way to yoga.
Universe, thank you :)

beautiful 6am sky

A gorgeous student gifted me my new oh-so-favourite paw-paw & honey organic balm (with a too-cute bow!). Shiny lips :)
Universe, thank you :)

As I left class, I got a text from another oh-so-sparkly student which gave me tingles. Seriously, I thank my students as much as they thank me!
Universe, thank you :)

I saw my oh-so-fave chiropractor who heals not just my bones and body, but my spirit too.
Universe, thank you :)

And then I taught 2 more oh-so-joyous yoga classes where the love, the spirit, the energy and passion filled my heart up - right to the brim.
Universe, thank you :)

Lastly, I got to work on some promo materials for work in a job I love. Day = great.
Universe, thank you x 1000000 :)

hahaa just love this!

These were really just the gifts I needed today. I am oh-so grateful :)

Monday Manifesto

2011-08-15T02:47:00.000+10:00

A beautiful way to look at the world : )

Yoga & Chocolate! Because life is all about BALANCE :)

2011-08-13T16:23:00.001+10:00

click image to enlarge :)

...

2011-08-13T15:46:00.000+10:00

FOR JUST ONE SECOND, LOOK AT YOUR LIFE AND SEE HOW PERFECT IT IS. STOP LOOKING FOR THE NEXT SECRET DOOR THAT IS GOING TO LEAD YOU TO YOUR REAL LIFE. STOP WAITING. THIS IS IT: THERE’S NOTHING ELSE. IT’S HERE, AND YOU’D BETTER DECIDE TO ENJOY IT OR YOU’RE GOING TO BE MISERABLE WHEREVER YOU GO, FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, FOREVER.Lev Grossman (The Magicians)

Monday Manifesto

2011-08-08T01:24:00.000+10:00

Image Credit

Today I'm grateful..

2011-08-06T18:08:00.000+10:00

I'm so grateful today for beautiful friends who are living their dream whilst travelling the world. Wonderful buddies who constantly inspire me to keep dreaming, to keep planning, and to keep flowing, baby!!! Love it : )

~ yes please!!!

Part 2 :: Turn, Turn, Turn - a Sydney memoir

2011-08-03T20:07:00.002+10:00

In this the final phase of my life in Sydney, which spanned over the last 6-12 months, I have probably learnt the most. It was in this time that I ‘officially’ completed my studies and was a real ‘actor’, whatever that means (we are all actors, every single one of us. It’s what we do every day, in different situations, in order to survive).

With that word crept in fear and the old feelings of not being good enough. I started to doubt and push, a recipe for disaster. The worst kind of actor is a desperate one, and that is what I was becoming. I was becoming impatient, no longer in the moment but with my eyes firmly set on my future. I focused once again on what I was lacking and started searching outside of myself for answers. I was out of touch with me, my heart, my body, my soul and one of my greatest assets as a person and actor, my intuition, that which guides me where I need to go. I was frustrated and angry, which came from pushing to make things happen and pushing to revisit the magic that I had once found in Manly. I was tired and a little empty but I knew I had to stop this down ward spiral quickly. I had worked far too hard and learnt far too much to let it all slip away...

I decided to move back to Manly, the place I had felt most whole and complete. However unlike the first time where everything fell into place, this time everything was so hard. From this place of complete despair I bravely reached out to my friends, again scary but in this moment affirmed the truth of our relationships. With their help I started to see clearly again. All this anger, frustration and despair came from resistance. I was resisting change. I love Manly, I always will. It will always have a scared place in my heart, as it is where I found myself.

But I didn’t need Manly or any other place to do that.

I just needed to do what I had learnt to do there, ground back into my body, listen to my heart and allow my spirit to guide me, and above all have faith. That is what happened, I grounded, listened and was guided back home. I realised I was ready. I had done all I had set out to achieve in Sydney and the reason I found myself in such a rut was because I was standing still in fear, I was resisting change and I wasn’t accepting that ‘to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven’.
My time in Sydney had drawn to an end and I was ready to surrender the fear and step forward into the next exciting chapter of my life, whatever comes. Although I am physically stepping away, my heart leaves full with all the treasured friendships I have gathered along my way. This may be the end of my time in Sydney, for now, but my friendships remain. Just like before they require love, work and perseverance. Something I am committed to always providing.

In my last week’s I visited all the places in Sydney that had moved and inspired me and here I offer them to you. I also have written my own verse to the song ‘turn, turn, turn’ which I dedicate to all of you.

‘To everything-turn, turn, turn

There is a season-turn, turn, turn

And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to break, A time to heal

A time to listen, A time to learn

A time to overcome fear

A time to open your heart and receive'

Turn, Turn, Turn - a Sydney memoir

2011-08-02T20:07:00.005+10:00

‘To everything- turn, turn, turn

There is a season-turn, turn, turn

And a time for every purpose under heaven’

If there is anything I have recently learnt, it is that which was captured so perfectly 46 years ago in the 1965 Byrds hit- Turn, Turn, Turn which is based on the book of Ecclesiastes. They are as true today as they were the day they were written. The reason these words moved me so was because they resonate in perfect synchronicity with where I presently am in my life.

all photos via gorgeous mel x

Where to begin? Let’s just say that we all have a story and this is a little exert of mine that I share with you.

For about a decade of my precious life between the ages of 10 and 20, I was completely lost and broken. From my earliest memory I was so overwhelmed by the noise in my head. This noise would prompt anxiety, fear and heaviness for life. As a result through my eyes I chose to see life as dark, cold and empty. A place that was unfair and people would just hurt one another. A place I did not belong and I guess and did not want to belong. My life and all that surrounded me grew darker and more hollow. I didn’t get it, I didn’t understand and everywhere I turned I couldn’t find any answers. This state of emptiness was reflected in my body, which was fading away and starting to shut down.

I had almost given up hope when as a last resort my beautiful loving parents (who did all they could to love, protect and nurture me) took me to see a spiritual healer. I liken her to a living angel, my angel on earth.

In our first encounter she spoke 7 precious words that broke the spell of destruction that had been culminating within me ‘You are perfect just as you are’.

Let me be honest, it did not happen overnight. It took a lot of work but in that moment she reignited the flame (my spirit) and bit by bit it began to glow brighter and brighter as my hope was being restored.

‘I am perfect just as I am’ - wow! I had never heard such words before and with them came an overwhelming sense of peace and surrender. From this place of hope, anything is possible. Magic can happen.

It’s strange but it’s as though at the ripe age of 20 I really began to see and live. My world had lit up and my surroundings were so beautiful and vivid. I began to experience things, like for the first time. Everything was beautiful and perfect, just like me (Everything is open to interpretation. We have a choice to see the glass half empty or half full).

What I had found was stillness and presence, which brought forth quietness in my mind. From this place of being in the moment you really get to taste and experience life with all your senses. And from here I had clarity, a drive, passion and purpose. I learnt life is precious and short and that if you let it, fear can cripple and rob you of your life. I had a dream and passion to be a successful actress and I listen to my intuition and heart and moved to Sydney for the next chapter of my life. It was in Sydney that my true healing took place.

I remember spending a week in Sydney before my big move, to get a feel and real sense of the city. I called my mum in tears saying this wasn’t the place for me, it just didn’t feel right. The next morning I caught the ferry over to Manly. I instantly fell in love and new that I was home. Manly was my home for the first couple of years in Sydney. I fell so completely in love with my surroundings; the trees so grand and wise, flowers (their perfected colour and scent), the ocean the way it would glisten in the sun and stretch out to the horizon (it gave me the sense of endless possibility).

This is when I received my greatest gift in life I fell in love, with life and more importantly with myself ‘I was perfect just the way I was’. It was here that I found me. Who I really was, not who I wanted I thought I should be. Not whom I believed others wanted or needed me to be but who I was.
- I learnt the truth about what dwelled in my heart, what made my spirit soar and make me come alive.
- I had taken the time to stop, listen and learn.
- I began to reap the knowledge of the universe that was always inside of me, I simply had found the key.
It answered every question I had ever had. I felt whole and complete. I did not need anything or anyone. I didn’t really know anyone in Manly (or Sydney for that matter) but I never felt alone. I would speak to anyone and everyone. I would open my heart and share a little about me. But what I really loved was learning about others (I had spent my whole life up until now focusing on me, I was ready to really listen). I didn’t have a lot but at this moment I had never felt richer. I was surrounded by so much magic and it didn’t cost me a cent.

In the next phase of my life in Sydney I continued to study acting, learn and grow. At this time I was making friends and was finding that my life was on the other side of the bridge. I was ready to take new risks and to beacon new challenges.

I moved away from my beloved Manly and went through my greatest learnings. It was now that I opened my heart and began to trust (the scariest obstacle to date). I surrender my control and allowed my bubble of protection to burst (I knew I was comfortable and happy with myself, all of me, the good and the bad. But I didn’t know how I would be received by others). It was scary, but I think the greatest things in life come through fear, because they come with high stakes. I made true friendships like I had never had before.

My family was my world. They were the ones that taught me about unconditional love, but I thought that was something that only came with family, but I found it in my friendships. I truly began to understand the statement that ‘It’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all’.

A life without love is no life at all. I am so glad that I took the risk and opened my heart as it has brought me some of the my most valuable treasures, my friends, such as my dearest Stella Bella, whom I dedicate this to.

I also learnt that there is a honeymoon period that accompanies relationships, but this ends and this is where they require work and perseverance. They are worth the honestly and the battle. There are the good times but there are also the bad times that hurt like hell, but here we learn and grow the most. Plus ‘to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven’. How can we truly appreciate the good without having tasted the bad.

Stay tuned for Part 2, following : )

Courage = (insert thoughts here)

2011-08-02T17:49:00.002+10:00

Sometimes it looks like dogmatic stubbornness.
Sometimes it looks like bravery.
Sometimes it looks like martyrdom.
Sometimes it looks like doing the impossible.
Sometimes it looks like love: of self or others.
Sometimes it looks like naïveté.
Sometimes it looks like doing it alone.
Sometimes it looks like doing it together.
Sometimes it looks like elegance and poise.
Sometimes it looks like snot and tears and sweat.
Sometimes it looks like doing it ”in spite of…”
Sometimes it looks like alienation.
Sometimes it looks like risk.
Sometimes it looks like tender vulnerability.
Sometimes it looks like breaking through.
Sometimes it looks like stoicism.
Sometimes it looks like pacifism.
Sometimes it looks like rebellion.
Sometimes it looks like relentless compassion.
Sometimes it looks like cutting something loose.
Sometimes it looks like forgiveness.
Sometimes it looks like admitting defeat.
Sometimes it looks like uncompromising integrity.
Sometimes it looks like stopping.
Sometimes it looks like starting.
Sometimes it looks like power.
Sometimes it looks like weakness.
Sometimes it looks like blind faith.

This gorgeous set of words leapt out at me today as I perused Your Courageous Life. It was a tough day today. Being sick is never fun, and often lying in bed can be hmmm, well not the best thing! Lying in bed is when my mind gets busy making lists, Lists of Overwhelm I sometimes call them ;)

They're the list of reasons I'm not good enough. Or the list of things I've yet to achieve. The list of things to do, debt to pay off, friends I've been trying to catch up with but haven't, reasons I'm here instead of there (wherever that is).

So this evening, I take a moment and look at the world through a different lens.

Take care friends xo

Serenity, courage & wisdom be mine!

Interview With A Yogi :: Philippa Moore

2011-08-01T21:30:00.001+10:00

I'm absolutely honoured to have my inspiring friend (and Aussie gal!) Phil here on Shiny Yoga to share her story. You know those friends of yours that you just take so much inspiration from? Those people that change their life, commit to shining, and do it, just Do It? That's Phil. You want to know this girl!

* * * * * *

Phil is a passionate yogini, as well as a world traveller, tea drinker, marathon runner and wannabe novelist. She currently blogs at Green Ink and Skinny Latte Strikes Back, the latter of which was recently ranked number 6 in the Cision Top 10 UK Diet and Nutrition Blogs. Originally from Hobart, Tasmania, she now lives with her husband in London with no kids, no pets, and many pairs of running shoes. Read more about the gorgeous Phil here :)

1. How do you befriend yr body?
With many things. Exercise – that’s a big one. I’m not a member of a gym so all my exercise is done in the great outdoors, just the way I like it! I love getting out in the fresh air, running along by the river and through grassy tree-filled parks. I don’t have a car, so I walk everywhere. Keeping active grounds me, reminds me of how strong my body is and what it can do. I love revelling in my good health and vitality.

Image of Phil courtesy of catchcompose.com

I also try to dress well and take pride in my appearance – you don’t need to do much, it’s not like I spend hours with the hair straightener! - but just taking ten minutes in the morning to do my hair and makeup, and set out clothes the night before so I don’t grab yesterday’s shirt with pasta sauce stains on it goes a long way to making me feel confident and put together. I’m not saying you have to be full of yourself, but I think it’s important to be able to look in the mirror and like what you see.

For a long time the concept of “befriending” my body was a very foreign one to me. I did a regular internal log of things I hated about my body and viewed any compliments with suspicion. Now, I focus on the things I like and am getting much better at believing the nice things others say. I’d like to think that I would still do this if I hadn’t lost 30kg in the process – but I truly believe that once I found more caring and helpful ways of living my life, my physical problems were no longer the barriers I once thought they were. It’s been hard work, certainly, but it’s also become second nature because life is so much better this way. Making friends with your body is one of the secrets to living a happy, healthy life. Your body is your ally, your constant companion in life. Take care of it and accept it, warts and all.

2. Describe your yoga practice - remembering that yoga is union, and not just asana. How do you live yoga on the mat, and off the mat?
My yoga practice can be anything from a structured class with a teacher and group, to a home practice in my tiny living room. I enjoy the structure of a class, but I like the freedom of doing what I want to do at home. I love working through a vinyasa. I work on the core a lot, and do long holds of downward dog and various favourite forward bends and standing poses like tree. There are some poses that ground me more than others so I gravitate towards those. I love to dedicate my practice to someone I care about who is in my thoughts. Breath is important too. Yoga is so much like running (I’m a long distance runner) in that the body, the mind and breathing really have to work together in unison so that you don’t get unbalanced.

How do I live it off the mat? I guess by trying to be compassionate and balanced in both my deeds and thoughts, being aware of how I behave and how that affects others, but also being detached when I need to be. I try to channel my energy into the appropriate places. I used to put a lot of energy into things that, in the grand scheme of things, really were not important. I’m also slowly getting over this mindset I had from my teenage years that I had to like everyone and everyone had to like me. It’s not a fun way to live! Over the last few years I've slowly shed myself of the energy vampires. I felt terribly guilty about this at first but life is too short to spend with people who make you feel bad about yourself.

At the end of the day, I’m very much a work in progress but fundamentally I try to adopt this idea of “ahimsa” in my daily life; kindness to all living things. I live consciously, and try to do things that will have a minimal impact on the environment. I try to meet any negativity that comes my way with kindness. I’d like to think that what I do, big or small, makes a positive difference in other peoples lives.

3. Is meditation part of yr practice? If so, in what way?
Not in a structured way, I let meditation arise in the practice naturally if I feel moved to. I mostly do mindful breathing meditation, and it’s more for calm than for insight. I’d love to learn more about it.

4. What tips would you give a new meditation or new yogi?
I did a yoga class with a man called Raja while I was in India a few months ago, and I’ll never forget something he said to me. He said, “no one who comes to yoga goes away empty handed.” I thought that was beautiful, and so true. By exploring what yoga and meditation has to offer, whether you can do a handstand or not, you’re opening yourself to ideas and philosophies and a practice that truly changes your outlook on the world. So I would start by encouraging people to give it a go, even if they think it might not be for them. Scratch the surface and see how far you want to go. Be patient with yourself, and take the time to appreciate yourself for doing something so special for yourself. It’s a journey, first and foremost. Being able to finally do crow pose after six years of practice is amazing, granted, but it’s not the whole point of it all…if that makes sense. Mastery is one thing, but it is very much a process that you become enfolded into. The more you practice, the deeper you’ll go. It’s such an adventure.

5. What is your fave book? site? studio? style of yoga? pose? sequence? (these can be associate with yoga or anything inspiring you love!)
Oh there so many things I love! My writing web site Green Ink had a whole series on things I love!
My favourite pose is downward dog (SO good for runners!).
For a home yoga practice I can't recommend Shiva Rea's Yoga Shakti DVD highly enough. My friend and fellow yogini Mary got me on to it about six years ago, and I am yet to get bored with it. Although I don't use it as much any more, the home practice I do is heavily based on the sequences I learned from it.

Other things I’ve been loving lately…..the novel Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier; chocolate cake; ginger tea I brought back from

India

; writing (the love comes and goes with that!); piano music (Ludovico Einardi and Michael Nyman are my favourites); Pinterest; the Book Show podcasts from ABC Radio National. None of them particularly relating to yoga, but all inspiring in their own way and contributing to the deliciousness of life : )

6. How can people bring yoga into their everyday?
By paying attention. Having a holistic approach to living. Building habits of mindfulness and quiet into your life. A few minutes in downward dog does wonders for restoring balance.

7. What is one thing that today you are grateful for?
Love. I never take that for granted.

8. How do you slow down and smell the roses?
My husband and I have a “coming home” ritual at the end of each working day. We light incense and candles, put favourite music on softly, and then either make a cup of tea, or pour a glass of wine (if it’s been a rough day!) and sit down together and talk about our days. It’s just lovely. I look forward to it.

Image of Phil courtesy of catchcompose.com

9. Any ideas on stressing less and enjoying more?
I believe a lot of stress in life comes from worrying about things that might happen, bearing the burden of the “what ifs”.  Calvin and Hobbes said it well -  “We’re so busy watching out for what’s just ahead of us that we don’t take the time to enjoy where we are”.  It’s hard when you don’t live in the moment – it’s hard for you and it’s hard for the people around you.  Trying to be present, really present, and live in the moment can do wonders for stress relief.

Minimising our catastrophic “all or nothing” thoughts is a stress reliever too.  We are a lot stronger than we think and if the worst ever does happen, we find a way of coping with it.  By the time I was 26, I had already survived two of my worst nightmares.  Prior to those things happening to me, I had been terrified how I would cope if they ever did…but they did, and I was ok.  More than ok, as it turned out.

I think a lot of people go through life with a fear that they’re missing out, and that can lead to stress and unhappiness.  It might sound strange to combat stress with stress, but why not take a few risks?  If you really want to do something, why don’t you find a way to do it, or at least get started on the road to that dream?  It won’t happen by itself. Sometimes you just have to take the leap and not worry too much about where the net is. It will appear. Things always work out.

Finally, the last piece of advice I would offer is to never do anything that makes you unhappy. It’s not worth it.

10. How do YOU live a wholehearted life?

The above image is one of Phil's faves, she found it at myfriendjules.blogspot.com

I think it comes down to the simple things. Connecting with like minded and positive people. Taking time to make a meal from ingredients singing with freshness. Sitting on the couch or in my garden with a chai latte and a book I can’t put down. Knowing I am never obligated to a dream or a belief; if something isn’t working, I can change it. Dreaming, setting goals. Choosing to commit to a joyous life. Encouraging others to do the same.

Monday Manifesto

2011-08-01T01:22:00.000+10:00

Image Credit

Today I'll practice...

2011-07-27T04:31:00.000+10:00

...saying NO.

I'm a yes girl.
Ask me to help out, I'll say yes.
Ask me to do a yoga cover, I'll say yes.
Ask me anything, chances are I'll say yes.

Read between the lines - I'm a bit of an over-committer; A bit of an 'I'll help you, it doesn't matter if I'm tired/busy/sad/already booked etc etc'- kind of person. I do this from a place of wanting to help others, but recently I'm also discovering it's coming from a place of needing to feel loved (I'll do this for you, so I'm worthy, if that makes sense).

It's funny, it's taken me 30 odd years to figure that out.

There's a beautiful fine line between helping others and over-committing yourself because you need to prove your self-worth and at long last I think I'm starting to dance that line a little better.

Big hugs to you dear friends. What are you practicing today? xo

Monday Manifesto

2011-07-25T01:19:00.000+10:00

Image Credit xo

Slowing Down

2011-07-19T04:35:00.000+10:00

As you probably can tell by now, dear friends, I'm busy. I do lots. I rarely have time alone, time to just chill out. If I find I magically have that time, I'm normally so tired I will sleep it away :)

But despite all those signs of busyness, it took the universe slapping me round the head to actually slow down. Or rather - the universe pushing me down the stairs.

Yep, it was a week of OUCH for me. Last Monday I somehow managed to twist my sacrum (yes, my chiro was equally as impressed as I in figuring how the heck I did that). On Tuesday got it sorted (my chiro is magic). Went back to the chiro on Wednesday as the pain was still there - it had moved further down my back and was more around the tail bone, which lovely chiro expressed was not so much a physical thing like Monday's twisted sacrum, but that I was holding onto things (suppression) that were making me sore - so it was an emotional issue. Hmmm, no surprise there!

Magic chiro fixed me - and within the hour I'd slipped down some stairs at work! Yowch! Back to severe pain, another chiro visit the next day, lower back pain and neck pain now as well. I'm nothing if not consistant.

But 4 chiro visits in the one week and now I'm doing so much better. Phew.

A sign to slow down? Not run down stairs? Take a breath?

Thanks Universe, your opinion is noted : )

Cute image via Pinterest