Yoga Roads:: Travel Blog

2011-01-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

Embarking on another year is exciting and renewing. However I notice that as each new year passes it becomes less about setting goals and plans and more about applying what I have learned in all the small moments, uneventful days, and "normal" aspects of my life. I still try to remain open to learning and building but at the same time grounded in the daily rituals and gifts of my life. The drama and build up of a "new" passage of time or stage isn't quite what used it to be as I trudge, hop, skip, dance and stomp into the now and the next.

As I look forward into the next twelve months I see a lot of days. I see smaller units of time instead large, moving events. It's nice, and it leaves me open to a lot of change and spontaneity. I have ghosts of ideas, sparks that may light a flame or fizzle into dark. For the first time in a long time I feel connected to the bind of my life rather then constricted by it. I feel no need to run head first into inspiration. A day in a bed is sometimes just as yummy as a sprint around the trail.

That being said, there is always trips and travel. This year will simply involve a lot more spontaneity and a lot less agenda. Which leaves me yet again with a wealth of possibility.

Maybe I will see you on the road.

@)!)

2010-01-03T11:54:00.000-08:00

2010: Ready, Set, Go

I am beyond excited about embarking on this year. Creative ideas are overflowing, my health is fantastic and inspiration seems to be at every turn.

I am currently updating the website with all new retreats planned for this year. I decided on some new locations in addition to a few that are close to home-figuratively and literally.

My own personal list of things to accomplish or embark on is growing and expanding by the minute.

Let's hit the road running!

Retreat to Nothing

2009-08-12T10:57:00.001-07:00

September 17-20, 2009:

Eddie Ellner Retreat in Santa Barbara, CA

Eddie is a popular teacher with a near cult following and owner of the fantastic Yoga Soup studio in SB. He will be joining the White Lotus Foundation for this 4 day retreat on their property in the beautiful foothills above Santa Barbara. This a well priced retreat and includes lots of goodies. I am sure he will book quickly so grab your seat asap.

If you have not had the opportunity to play in one of Ellner's regular classes I highly recommend dropping in to Yoga Soup for some bendy, light hearted quality time with yourself.

His class description: An exploration in nothing. If we are lucky.

Contact the White Lotus Foundation for more information about the retreat.

Book Reviews

2009-08-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

The Wisdom of Yoga by Stephen Cope.

Cope is a psychotherapist and long time senior teacher at Kripalu.

The book explores the Sutra's of Patanjali and the modern application of their teachings. He weaves stories of a few of his students into the exploration of the Sutra's, the History of Yoga and how we can work to reduce suffering using these ancient tools in a tangible way. Cope's text is very accessible to students of all levels and appropriate for any beginner that wants to delve into the extraordinary text Patanjali left us from the second century. The translation of the Sutra's in the back of the book is one of my favorites.

A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield.

Kornfield is a well respected Buddhist teacher and author of ten books. Another favorite of many of my yoga friends is his book After the Ecstasy, the Laundry. This is another tangible book written by a superb author with an articulate and beautiful voice. I often catch myself rereading his prose and contemplating how precisely he describes the human experience. I have yet to finish this book, instead I enjoy reading chapters and revisiting certain sections depending on what is on my mind and what I might be working through. Highly recommend any of Kornfields book for those on a path of growth and acceptance.

Khaled Hosseini's latest novel A Thousand Splendid Suns is an unforgettable adventure in the realities of the history of Afghanistan from the perspective of two women's experiences. The characters are not based on actual people, but rather vignettes of what Hosseini gathered from stories of what women endured through the series of occupations and years with the Taliban. It is a heartbreaking story of endurance, survival and love. I read this book while on vacation recently. One night I read into the early morning hours while I watched my daughter sleep next me. I felt sorrow for the generations filled with suffering and also incredibly blessed for the life I am able to give my daughter. Hosseini discusses this novel and his last, The Kite Runner, in this interview clip.

2009 Great Getaways

2009-08-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

Colorado::

The state rich with breathtaking beauty for every season of the year. I think they boost 350 days of sunshine annually. In the spring beat the crowds to a National Park or two. Summer brings culture at the Aspen Classical Music Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Boulder Shakespeare Festival. In the autumn enjoy the aspen foliage, visit a few historic Western towns, or try your hand at a dude ranch. In the winter world class skiing takes center stage at resorts like Vail, Breckenridge and Aspen.

Croatia::

The Dalmatian Coast rivals the Caribbean for nightlife, beaches and boating. It has made headlines for the last five years as the new hot spot for investors and international travelers. Hvar is luxe island life at its best in late summer. Don't want to hang on the beach with the other tourists and celebs? Head to the port town of Zadar for a road less traveled (and less spendy). Looking for the perfect postcard vacation then stick with Dubrovnik, the staple UNESCO village with red tiled roofs, stone streets, and culture abound.

Brazil::

Always enticing with an endless coastline of beaches and an interior spilling over with lush rainforests, rivers and waterfalls. Then there are those "towns" famous for sultry nightlife, bikinis, Mojito's and carnival. Brazil literally has it all. Not only can you have any kind of vacation imaginable, you can have many. Non-residents can get great deals on airline tickets between Brazilian cities.

Check out TAM airlines for flights to South America from US cities.

Delta, Delta, Delta :: for Double Miles

2009-07-01T12:47:00.001-07:00

Delta American Express Offer::

Delta is offering all American Express Delta card holders double miles on every flight flown between July 1st and December 31st, 2009.

If you are an American Express cardholder be sure to register your frequent flier number to take advantage of this amazing offer. Once registered you will begin earning double miles on every flight you take this year. All Delta and Northwest flights are eligible. Reward travel is of course excluded.

Sing Along

2009-06-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

If you have never had the chance to experience Kirtan I highly recommend dropping in on a local show when it comes your way. Depending on where you live there may be multiple shows for you to enjoy every month, week, or day. Your local yoga studio is a good place to start. Often times they host kirtan groups on tour.

Some Events by larger then life Artists::
Jai Uttal schedule.
Krishna Das schedule.
Dave Stringer schedule.

You Tube also has some great Kirtan Video of Live Performances from many of the top names. Watching is obviously not the same as participating.

One of my favorite aspects of the last Dave Stringer show/experience I attended is how beautifully he wove in his own stories, a little history and a lot of yoga. (Not asana, but yoga all the same). One of things he brought up was how many words for love there is in Sanskrit. Why English gives us just a few derivatives (love, loving, in love, loved, loving it, lover, etc.) Sanskrit has over 50 words for what we simply refer to as "love". I did some quick research and discovered that according to the Cologne Digital Sanskrit Lexicon, there is indeed over 40-50 words referencing love.

When translated, some of the different definitions of LOVE contain the following:

love as affection; attachment; impassioned; confining; bodiless; incorporeal; desirable; nearness; devotional; coaxing love; entreating; sinking; growing; fatiguing; mental; overpowering; partial/limited love; possessing; vehement; happiness; pleasure; beauty; amorous pleasure; being a part of; sexual love; engaging; faith; transitioning love; true condition or state; reality; receive; containing; pursuing/chasing; fixed affection; satisfied; invariable; want of energy or spirit; and to be filled with.

I looked up what Wikipedia had to say about the matter, and there are some interesting contributions regarding the linguistic, scientific, spiritual, psychological, religious, and poetic investigations into the elusive concept of love that all human beings throughout history have focused enormous energy on grasping at. It is THE topic of all the ages. I can say for myself it is under my consideration daily, and when looked at over a lifetime has evolved in and out of forms, ideas, memories, feelings, sensations, perceptions and mis-perceptions. My yoga practice adds another layer to my love experience and at the time dismantles a few. I can say the longer I practice, the more I see the practice expanding and contracting at the same time. Becoming larger and smaller. Much like the act and practice of love. As my friend Laura is fond of saying, "Love is a verb".

Will Kirtan enrich your experience and understanding of love? Possibly. I have no idea. You will need to tell me. But for me there is something unique and joyful in singing along to vowel sounds that vibrate and resonate, filling and emptying you at the same time. Maybe check it out and see what you think.

Working through the Sutra's....again

2009-03-14T20:14:00.000-07:00

Let me begin by stating that I am no scholar of the Sutra's. However, I do find some mind-blowing and applicable concepts and practices with in them. I wanted to share some recent favorites.
According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, yoga is to still the patterning of consciousness (1-2). There are five patterns of the consciousness: right perception, misperception, conceptualization, deep sleep and remembering.

For me conceptualization is the patterning I fall into most often. That stream of language that is constantly contextualizing everything, creating labels, searching for words and descriptions of every thought and experience. The chattering mind of terminology that tries to divide life into sections instead of perceiving and accepting it in it's natural state. Which is more like a river then a series a boxes.
Granted, I am linguistically orientated. I like to write. I like to read big books. I like words. So it is not surprising that I fall into this pattern most often.

But misperception is a companion as well. False knowledge, no matter how seemingly real, is still unfortunately not real. How often I have caught myself in a strong belief, only to later see how clouded my perception was. Sometimes years down the road I have been amazed by my ability to feel something so strongly and deeply that ended up having no basis in reality. But the Sutra's discuss even the minut daily misperception of objects, feelings and reality. Again like perceiving solidity in something that is infinitely transitioning. Problems seem to arise not just from our belief in non-reality but also our reactions to these misperceptions.

I love the sutra that describes deep sleep as a pattern grounded in the perception that nothing exists. So succinct and beautiful. Deep sleep, for many of us is magical in it's infinite possibility. If nothing exists, we can do and make whatever we want. Flying, spinning, swimming, speaking languages we don't know, writing dissertations, meeting god. All of these things are possible, and grow from a belief/perception of non-existence.

If one recognized validity in the Sutra's of Patanjali and wanted to explore or experiment with the very first one (the purpose of yoga is to still the patterning of consciousness), where would one begin?
Patanjali tells us: practice and non-reaction. Practice. Practice. Practice.

Which brings us to sutra 1-13: Practice is the sustained effort to rest in that stillness.
This is one of the few sutra's that is easy for me to translate to the asana. Sustained effort to rest in that stillness. It translates well to meditation too. Sustained effort to rest in that stillness. It translates well to my life. Sustained effort to rest in that stillness.

It might be easier to start with the physical. To start with the asana. Sustained effort to rest in that stillness. Each pose, each breathe. Sustained effort to rest in that stillness. Every moment is an opportunity to sustain the effort of letting go. This one might be a nice mantra for your next romp on the mat.

For a detailed examination of the Yoga Sutra's please check out Swami J's discussions and insights. The quoted sutra's in this post are translations from Sanskrit by Chip Hartranft.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

"This was going to be the year that we were going to get it together."

This quote is a running joke with my husband and our friend Brent. About 8 years ago we were all living on our boats in Santa Barbara and very much a part of the harbor culture. Brent started the SB Harbor association, my husband worked at Harbor Marine Works, and we spent at least one evening a week drinking too much at the yacht club or Brophy's. Mostly we hung out on our boats under the stars talking and scheming about our lives. It was truly a separate culture of living aboard at the harbor and we had a crew of friends that all loved playing on boats.

One night there was a typical windy storm that blew a few boats that had been on moorings up on to the beach. (In fact this happened to our friend's Cook and Conan's boat twice). Anyway- one of the boats that washed up in this particular storm was owned by someone who ended up getting quoted in the paper. It was a bit of a woe-is-me perspective that ended with the individual being quoted as saying..."and this was going to be the year that we got it together."

We laughed and laughed at that quote. We still laugh at that quote. It is so typical and hilarious.

I just wanted to share it as my happy new year quote. Just in case your hoping this is the year that you pull it off.

If you have been waiting for this year to finally put "it" into action, if you have been expecting the future to be the time that you make those changes then this quote may be for you too. If you are anticipating that this year is "it" then I hope you don't let the obstacles and set backs that will arise turn you into a victim. We can all do it-over the small stuff and big stuff. I myself am going to keep this quote in mind each time I feel the whine coming on, or start to complain about money or jobs or time. My life is always what I make of it, including my reactions to challenges and set backs. It is my responsibility, my joy and my experience. Not something that is happening to me. Not something to throw away-just like the opportunities that are sometimes packaged as failures or pitfalls.

So if you find your boat washed up on shore - it my be the catalyst that makes it your year.

My best wishes to all to keep moving and keep relishing the experience of being human.

Happy New Year!

Candlelight Yoga

2008-12-11T07:47:00.001-08:00

Candle Light Yoga: Friday, December 19th, 6-8pm

Other Holiday Classes I am teaching:
Dec 22, 23, 29th at 5:30pm.

I am also happy to announce that I will begin teaching public classes in FWB again starting in January on Tuesday mornings at 9am and Fridays at 10am.

Directions to studio.

2008-11-17T07:03:00.000-08:00

The Journey

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers at the very foundations,
though their melancholy was terrible.
It was already late enough,
and a wild night, and the road
full of fallen branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.

Mary Oliver

yogi cookies

2008-11-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

How adorable are these yoga cookies? Check out the beautiful, creative custom baking from Baked Ideas.

Laura Tyree Retreat: Mudra, Mantra & Movement

2008-10-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

“Laura is not afraid to be fully alive and human. This along with her keen eye, many years of deep yoga practice and a heart like a full moon makes her a very special yoga teacher. Take her class and find new maps to your inner soul.”
-Rodney Yee

Join us for a long weekend retreat that includes Laura’s fluid asana blended with her beautiful voice in rich mantra. Hand and body mudras complement this fulfilling experience, allowing sound, movement, and present moment awareness to heal and enrich your practice. Also enjoy an Ayurvedic discussion, daily Ayurvedic lunches, and an evening of music with local Kirtan musicans. All in an incredible, unique setting in Santa Barbara.

Retreat is taking place at the beautiful Casa das Palmas, a private resisdence in Santa Barbara. Participants can enjoy of all the homes amenities including gardens, heated pool and more.

Ready for a longer retreat? Choose the four night option November 19-23 for $575

Need a Weekend Fix? Opt for the weekender break and enjoy Friday-Sunday for $400

Want the low down:

Complete Retreat Information or www.yogaroads.com

Shed Pounds, Prevent Cancer & Raise Healthy Kids

2008-10-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

For some reason I still get confused looks and snickering about why I buy organic and why my concerns about everything related to chemicals increases everyday. But I am starting to realize how little everyone (myself included) knows about the depth of what is happening to our water and food supply and how it is effecting people. I recently came across a link to this article and wanted to share it with you.

This article is from one women's perspective/experience.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/olivia-rosewood/i-used-to-be-an-island_b_126611.html

Other stuff to make you think, act & purchase with care--

Why doesn't anyone want American Beef? Two brief points:
http://www.preventcancer.com/consumers/general/hormones_meat.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/world/asia/11beef.html

Gross, yes. But guess where the beef does go? Tax payers buy it for schools!The discusting school lunch crisis:
http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2003/01/ma_207_01.html

What to do/how to learn more about:
http://www.naturalnews.com/024590.html
http://www.organicconsumers.org/organlink.cfm

Water: the next great commodity

2008-10-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

Curious about the dwindling water supply and how contaminated it is? You can check out the documentary FLOW.
.
From their website::

· According to the National Resources Defense Council, in a scientific study in which more than 1,000 bottles of 103 brands of water were tested, about one-third of the bottles contained synthetic organic chemicals, bacteria, and arsenic. (http://www.nrdc.org/)
· Water is a $400 billion dollar global industry; the third largest behind electricity and oil. CBS News, FLOW.
· There are estimates that from five hundred thousand to seven million people get sick per year from drinking tap water. Erik Olson, Deputy Staff Director of Barbara Boxerʼs Environmental and Public Works Committee (EPW), FLOW.
· Californiaʼs water supply is running out – it has about 20 years of water left in the state.Maude Barlow, author of Blue Covenant and co-author of Blue Gold, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, FLOW.
· There are over 116,000 human-made chemicals that are finding their way into public water supply systems. William Marks, author of Water Voices from Around the World, FLOW.
· In Bolivia nearly one out of every ten children will die before the age of five. Most of those deaths are related to illnesses that come from a lack of clean drinking water.Jim Schultz, founder of the Democracy Center in Bolivia, FLOW.
· The cost per person per year for having 10 liters of safe drinking water every day is just $2 USD.Ashok Gadgil, Senior Staff Scientist in the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, FLOW
· The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency currently does not regulate 51 known water contaminants. (http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/)
· While the average American uses 150 gallons of water per day, those in developing countries cannot find five.(http://www.charitywater.org/)
· The water and sanitation crisis claims more lives through disease than any war claims through guns.(http://www.water.org/)

stuck on you

2008-08-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

When I travel I absolutely love to go explore the local yoga. I find the studios or yoga classes and drop in on what sounds good or simply what fits my schedule. It is so fantastic to show up anonymously, outside of your social yoga network (and maybe your yoga norm) and take a class with no expectation. It is so good for your practice to break out of the routine of your yoga experience. You will no doubt discover something.

You may stumble upon the most amazing yoga experience you have to date. Like I did in April. Completely unaware, unprepared and with no idea.... I walked into a class that totally floored me. I was the most in my body I have ever been.

Or you may walk into a class that completely humbles you (happened to me in Bend, Oregon) or a class that is almost boring, or one that is a bit scary. But just like every other chance we take in our lives it is still worth getting on the bus for. I learned something at each and every class. I learned how little I know, appreciation for my teacher, patience and boundaries. And please do not forget the wonderful class that I stumbled into. That too was a regular yoga class, on a Sunday evening that I dropped in on because I needed to stretch out after a long flight. A moment of time fitting into a niche of space- and I was there for it.

I often hear people who have given up their yoga practice because their teacher moved. Or those that revere their studio or teacher so much that they refuse to sample something else. I understand the sediment. I even appreciate it. Some yoga schools of thought even state that you should have one teacher for life. This too I see the value in. But it is not always viable in our modern, western world where teachers and students are mobile and always shifting times, days and locations. And it is not always viable for where we are now.

I have stumbled upon some absolutely fantastic experiences. I encourage you to stretch your wings too and sample a little. Sample around town, sample out of town, sample at home with your practice. Just climb out of the box and see what comes up. Surely you will find a treasure- even if you need to polish it up a bit to see it sparkle.

so many roads to travel

2008-08-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

For my thirtieth birthday I wanted to take a trip with friends and family to celebrate. Timing and finances didn't work out for any of my loved ones so I was left with the desire to go somewhere and no one to go with. This is a rare treat in one’s life and should be taken advantage of at least once if not regularly. I had not traveled alone on a significant trip in many years. So I bought a ticket to Lisbon, Portugal and off I went with no plans or agenda. I spent ten long days walking around Lisbon and Sintra, reading, writing, watching, and listening. It was an incredible adventure. No, I did not make a lot of friends along the way (I had to learn to use the self timer on the camera). I didn’t backpack or stay in hostels either. Besides waiters and hotel employees I barley spoke to anyone. It was one of the quietest trips of my life. What emerged was unique to the point I was in my life, and full of lessons of insights into who I was as an individual at that moment. If I was to take that same trip now different things would emerge, unfold, unravel and blossom. At the time I was half way through my year long yoga teacher training program; a growth spurt in itself. I had considered finding a yoga retreat or ashram to visit, but nothing lined up at the last minute and I had some trepidation about “group” travel. I have never enjoyed structured vacations, tours or having to spend long lengths of time with lots of people.

I was reminded of this sentiment at a recent dinner party with other females my age. A few of them were talking about how they wanted to take this trip here or there but had no one to go along. These were independent women that liked the idea of traveling alone some of the time, but not for a whole 10-14 day trip. They wanted a pal for part of the trip. I knew exactly how they felt. It is still how I feel if I travel for longer then 4 days by myself. A balance of time alone and time with others makes for a wonderful experience. You have ample space to yourself and the comfort and laughter that comes with sharing an experience with others. I believe that is the same sentiment behind why retreats appeal to sisters, and mothers and daughters.

This is the feeling behind the structure of my trips and why I wanted to begin doing yoga retreats. I know there are others out there like me. Those that want to retreat from their busy life, deepen their yoga practice, discover something new about themselves but also explore a beautiful place with others.

I feel so blessed that I get to experience so many things I love and share those experiences with others. Hope to see you soon.

NEW::: Ojai Valley Yoga Retreat

2008-07-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

I just added a new Yoga Retreat in Ojai for August 24-28 as per some recent requests. Come experience the amazing Ojai Valley, rich with natural beauty and a relaxed personality. Ojai is widely known for being an active art community, retreat location and spiritual sanctuary. Located an easy 90 minute drive north of Los Angeles or a 45 minute drive south-west of Santa Barbara, the picturesque Ojai Valley offers a perfect location to unwind, rejuvenate and reconnect.

Retreat includes:
· 4 nights accommodations
· 2 Daily Yoga Classes
· 2 Dinners
· Daily breakfast
· 1 massage
· Guided day hike with lunch
· Airport transportation

Please see flyer for more photos and information.

2008-07-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

go green
I recently had the opportunity to browse through a great book while indulging in chocolate cake at a local coffee shop. cool green stuff is true to it's name. it is a book showing off art, homeware, and neat functional everyday items made out of recycled materials. and the stuff is cool. nothing overtly crafty or kindergarten art class style in here. it is a hefty collection of very inspiring design pieces from around the globe. not a single piece/artist/designer paid to be in the book-the author simple sought out a diverse collection a super neat, environmentally friendly stuff.

bag it:: i am sure you all already have your own cloth grocery bag (or like me you have three). but the cloth bag company lets you make your own custom cloth bag with business logos, slogans, etc. very well priced and established company. bags are eco-spun cotton.

fab pre-fab:: I got the chance to check out the sleek homes of green architect michelle kaufmann at the recent expo in santa barbara. kaufmann designs and sells "smart" pre-fab homes that are modern, sleek and breezy. who knew pre-fab had evolved to this point? it was news to me. they are not dirt cheap (total cost ends up being around $200-$300 a sq foot) but worth checking out. currently ships to california, oregon and washington.

travel tips

2008-07-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

Use travelocity's flexible dates tool to find great deals. I consistently find the best fares with this tool. It will list all special offer rates with restrictions. You can then click on which fares might work and it shows which dates have seats at that rate. After checking out all of my options I then jot down the itinerary and go directly to the airlines website to book. That way you save on the booking fee and log in with your FF# and preferences.
Earn those miles people! They are still giving them away. Get the airline's credit cards/debit cards and check out their special offers. If you use their credit/debit cards-it gets deposited into your miles account every month. You don't hassle with points or calling some outside agent to try and use points. You just book online at the airline’s website. Amex is our favorite miles card. You should be getting miles for shopping online, renting cars, paying bills, etc. It is almost silly how easy it is. And for goodness sake don't get on a plane without signing up for their free frequent flyer program that take all off 5 minutes online.
Shop online through airline mall. If you are going to buy stuff from Target.com or Bestbuy.com anyway-why are you not getting 5-20 miles for each dollar you spend? It is so easy. You just log in to the airline site and go to their shopping page in the miles section. Continental and Delta have partnered with a lot of major retailers. Beyond retail- you can even get miles for home loans, cruises, and stock investments.
Sign up for email offers. The airlines will notify you what is on sale for last minute travel, international travel, and even your favorite cities. American, United and Travelocity all let you enter home/favorite destination cities and will email you when those cities go on sale. Be sure to sign up for the smaller airlines too.
Go directly to the website of the smaller airlines that specialize in one way travel or specific regions (Alaska, Southwest, Jetblue, Airtran) for great web deals and easy one-way tickets. Also remember that many of the small airlines do not make it into multi-airline searchers like expedia.
International travel: try airtreks for a great price on a ticket with lots of city hopping. You can go around the world for about $1000.
Remember that the major US carriers will give you miles for flying on their international partners. So don't chuck the miles just because you don't think you will ever fly Copa again. Just get the miles from that long flight with your preferred US airline.
Buy travel insurance if you are unhealthy or may have to cancel. It may cost you $18 but save you $2000.
If you are planning a major event or trip call a travel agent. They know more.

Remember if you want to save money-sometimes you need to invest the time and look around..... and only take one bag!

The Art of Blogging

2008-07-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

The Art of Blogging
(1) I have begun reading more and more blogs lately. I am enjoying the connections and insights into the minds of people that I may never meet. I have long held the notion that if people could share their journals with others it may be enough. Even if no one read them-the act of placing one's expression into the world, fearlessly, could cause a radical layer of healing. The Internet is providing such an amazing forum for this expression. Images, art, words...no matter how redundant are being let free out of the minds of individuals.

Beyond the liberation of ideas from the confines of our minds, I also believe the act of creating is essential to being human. Making something-anything- daily reaffirms your existence to yourself and reconnects you to the beauty of living. Everyone is creative, everyone is an artist, poet and teacher. Every one's creations from the heart are worth listening to.

(2) In addition to blogging art, the art of blogging also references the business perspective of creating relationships and putting yourself out into the world so that you can be FOUND by those that are looking for YOU. Such a novel and incredible concept. Here is a great articl e about Tim Ferriss's success and putting yourself out there in the blogging world.

Want to take blogging to the next level? Check out the blog of Heather Armstrong. A professional blogger who supports her family of three from the income she makes from creative, Bridget Jones style musings of being a stay at home mom. We should all be so creative and business savvy.

Mama Mia! The Greek Isles

2008-07-20T17:51:00.001-07:00

I just went to see Mama Mia with my mother and my (almost) six
year old daughter. The fact that I have now introduced another generation in my household to the sensational, repetitive, cocktail-swilling beauty of "Dancing Queen" did not overshadow my enjoyment of the exploitation of the beauty of the Greek islands.

The movie was filmed on a sleepy island called Skopelos, in the Aegean Sea. But before you pack your bags- two things to note:
1) there is not yet an airport there (true to the film) and 2) the entire island is preparing for an invasion. They are even making t-shirts.

Luckily for me, I already have a yoga retreat scheduled on an amazing island in Greece for this September. I can not wait to stretch out and play in Santorini!! For some reason it is one of those locations I have never been to, but have longed to see since my parents went on an exotic sailing trip there when I was little.

If you're like me and the dream of blue waters, music, white washed villages (and yes, yoga too) entices you to empty the piggy bank and dive in, then why not join Yoga Roads and have your own Greek Isle Adventure? I have already confirmed that ABBA Gold is downloadable from itunes for your in-flight listening pleasure (so is Highschool Musical 2). Think of it....you will even have cool people built right into your holiday in case you want company with your wine and song.

If you want to play, bend, sail, swim, eat, laugh and dance - then come on! The water is nice.

"It's time to start living the life you've imagined". ~Henry James

2008-07-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

I usually don't pimp out expensive yoga "gear" because I am one of those people that loves the barefoot simplicity of the practice. But I had to post this great ad produced by lululemon:

Yoga is a fad. We give it another, say, 6000 years, tops. The pundits are right. It’s something that has recently picked up steam. Why, it was only in 1500 BC that it became codified in an ancient text call the Rig Veda. Hardly a real track record. Sure, it’s been around for some 7000 years. But will it last? Aside from the fact that it’s a form of activity that increases flexibility, strength, concentration, reflexes, balance, mental alacrity, stress control, and self-awareness. But does it really have anything substantial to offer? So, if you’re like one of the tens of millions of people who’ve hopped on the yoga bandwagon over the past 70 centuries, don’t be surprised when you may find yourself in the year 8007 putting your yoga mat in a garage sale. In the meantime, if you still want to ride out this seven-millenium-long fad, come and visit us.

I also enjoyed their company manifesto::

yoga for Pregos

2008-07-08T14:31:00.000-07:00

Go ahead and keep practicing! Pregnancy is a great time to really let your yoga practice evolve. You are listening to your body in a new way, your ego is releasing its attachment to your body as an image, and you are very in-tune to what feels right. For many students while they are prego they release their goal-orientated practice that had been focused on achieving a pose or form. This is the time that many practitioners find their practice deepens. Mediation, restorative shapes and pranayama begin to quiet the mind as the focus shifts away from the self. The discovery of selflessness during pregnancy is in itself the heart of the practice.

So if you already "do" yoga keep playing with the body in an effort to relieve those new symptoms and discomforts. It really does work.

**If you are a beginner-please seek out a certified instructor through a yoga studio that offers pre-natal, gentle or restorative yoga. Be sure to tell your teacher that you are pregnant and stick with what feels good for you.

What to enjoy:
The first and second trimester can include standing poses, moderate backbends, seated hip-openers and restorative poses. Use those props to modify! As you begin to lose your balance you will need to use more props (blankets, blocks, chairs and the wall) to support you. If you already have a yoga practice-most of these poses can be continued through the third trimester as well.

What to avoid::
Twisting, moderate/deep forward and back bends, inversions, pressure on the pelvis, strain on the abdominals, and over-stretching your pelvis which has increased in flexibility during your pregnancy. As the abdominal muscles and ligaments are stretched taut; most strong abdominal poses need to be avoided (boat, cobra, up dog). Avoid breath retention in pranayama and do not use the bandhas.

Standing poses:
Standing poses (Utthita Trikonasana [Extended Triangle Pose], Utthita Parsvakonasana [Extended Side Angle Pose], Virabhadrasana I and II [Warrior I and II Poses], Utkatasana [Chair Pose]) and balance poses such as Vrksasana (Tree Pose), Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose), and Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III Pose) are great for building strength in the legs and increasing circulation to prevent swelling in the feet and ankles—but do them at the wall or with a chair, in case they feel unbalanced. Make sure you know what muscles are working and how to protect them. "Wide-legged standing poses, like Virabhadrasana II, put a lot of strain on the pelvic floor, and it's already strained," says Judith Hanson Lasater, yoga teacher, physical therapist, and author of Yoga for Pregnancy. You can modify the pose as your belly gets bigger by sitting in a chair and putting your legs out in Warrior II, so your front thighs are completely supported by the chair. This adjustment allows for hip opening and some weight bearing, but it takes the pressure off the pelvic muscles.

Seated poses & Hip Openers:
Baddha Konasana, Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose), and modified Eka Pada Rajakapotasna (Pigeon- as a forward bend) are all excellent for opening the hips and relieving sciatic pain. Bridge pose and a supported bridge (with a block or blanket under the sacrum) work well to bring lower back relieve. Opening the chest can also assist in relieving the back body.

Chest and hip openers are favorite poses for the second trimester. The muscles of the upper back have the added weight of new breast tissue to support, so poses such as Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose) and Viparita Namaskar (Reverse Prayer Pose) help release tension. After week 20, a you should no longer lie flat on her back for any extended length of time, due to the weight of the uterus and baby on the vena cava (a major vein carrying blood from the lower body back to the heart). Poses such as Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Big Toe Pose), Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose), and Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose), which increase circulation to the legs, open the hips, and relieve the back, can be done on an incline by using blankets or a bolster to elevate your upper body past 20 degrees.

Hip openers Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose) and Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide-Legged Forward Bend Pose) are also important asanas in this trimester because they help relieve aches in the lower back and create space around the pelvis. Not only do these poses help release the lumbar spine and open the hip joints but they are good positions to make you more comfortable during labor, too. Pelvic tilts can alternately tone (by lifting) and soften (by lowering) the pelvic floor, while Marjaryasana (Cat Pose) can help shift the baby lower in the uterus and may even encourage proper positioning (head down, face to the back).

As you enter the third trimester you can still practice most of these poses depending on how you are feeling. Remember to use a chair or the wall for support in standing poses and prop yourself up with blankets in seated and restorative poses. You practice at this point should be more focused on meditation and pranayama and gentle asana.

*An excellent book that will carry you well beyond your pregnancy is Iyengar's Path to Holistic Health. The back of the book shows recommended practices for specific health issues. It shows all the poses in a modified, restorative versions with props. This is a great visual ad for how to modify poses with props. I highly recommend this book. It is a great resource for anyone at anytime.
I also recommend:::
Gaiam Pre-Natal Yoga with Shiva Rea (Video)
The Pre-Natal Yoga Deck
Baby Om: Yoga for Mothers & Babies

Santorini, Greece

2008-06-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

Come play!
September 23-30, 2008

Trip includes: 7 nights lodging, cliffside with verandas and views; daily yoga; sailing day trip to volcanic island with springs; daily breakfast, 2 group dinners, and airport transfers.
Amazing island with amazing energy.

links, links, links

2008-06-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

travel/lifestyle::
have you read the four hour work week? did it change your life?
author tim ferriss has an excellent blog pertaining to all things travel, business and news.
check it out: Four Hour Work Week Blog

energy::
this is an amazing talk given by Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor. what can I say about it?? it is about stepping into the right side of the brain; the nature of energy, and what we have found in yoga and reiki from the perspective of the brain. this is a scientific perspective you don't normally hear.

yoga games::
want to test your knowledge of poses? this is a cool game that lets you match up pose names with images. you can choose english or sanskrit.

2008-05-22T07:37:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled to announce that this year Ojai Yoga Crib at Lulu Bandha's will be including it's first non-Californian teacher ever......and it happens to be my great friend and teacher Laura Tyree!!!! Yippee. It is such an honor and pleasure for everyone that Laura will be joining all the other fabulous teachers this October in Ojai for a weekend to play, grow and practice.

Please check out the website for more info. And remember.....it sells out every year!!!

stepping into liquid:::

2008-05-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

Lately, my personal practice, (and my classes) have been revolving around the exploration of the liquidity of the body, the nature of movement, and the liquidity of life.

We are in a constant state of shifting and moving-never stagnant, never static. There is no permanence in our bodies. Much like each given moment holds no permanence-no matter how much we effort to hold on to it.

The efforting and gripping of life is reflected in how many of us handle our bodies. We can begin to treat the body and breath more like a building and less like the ocean it is. We carry, we grip, we handle, we strive, and we try…..and yet we still do not “have a hold” of it. All that happens is that we become stiff, tense and possibly armored. The breath longs to help the body release its grip and move into a softer more supple existence. It wants to savor the body, as the body longs to savor the breath. When we move the breath into the form and structure with the intention to release the kinks, holds, and stresses a wonderful thing happens-the body surrenders to its nature. Even in challenging shapes, poses or situations we can still release our hold. We can breathe into the crevices and surrender to the fluidity of our body and energy with radical acceptance and love and let go.

At least this is the wave I seem to riding along for now.
Give it try-walk on into your ocean.

peeling the onion

2008-04-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

Those who chat with me about the path of yoga probably hear reoccurring themes in my language. Unraveling and dismantling are some favorite words. Or the image of unfolding or peeling back the layers..like an onion. This process of unraveling can leave you incredibly raw and exposed. During some of my least compassionate phases it was not as gentle as peeling; but more like taking off layers with sandpaper. Those phases were harsh. But like all forms of aging and wisdom we can not go back.

As I shift and move and grow my heart opens more and my compassion for myself increases. I feel more connected to the abundance of love available-in all it's crazy forms, shapes, sizes and lengths. This greatly enhances my ability to move more compassion and love forward and out and to ultimately be a better teacher.

The last few weeks was a time of shifting and peeling for me- on many levels. In this time I had the amazing gift of getting to do a private, restorative retreat with a lovely lady named Christina. We focused on a lot of breath work, meditation and restorative poses. Spending a week in a personally focused way is very therapeutic (hence the term). You can see dramatic shifts in a person's body, energy, and groundedness. Creating a unique practice for her and providing the framework for a lot of restoring and rejuvenating was in turn a blessing for me. It was a great reminder that holding the space for others to heal in turn heals us.

These acts and gifts need not be grand or time consuming. Sometimes it can be as simple as calling a friend.

Wrapping this all up in a neatly dismantled package of onion peels....please check out the amazing music of sean hayes, recently introduced to me by mantilicious, drishti, & yoga soup all in the same week. I seriously can't stop listening to these albums. Hayes articulates this peeling and loving in a heartbreaking, lingering and articulate voice that will be sure to seduce you too ::::

site opens on onion

...you can call and thank me for it.

off the mat, out of the studio & beyond the ties that bind

2008-04-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

so I am a little behind on posting, but I have been darn busy in the thick of it. and yes- at times the last few weeks have felt a little thick. but throw in a lot of light, a little heavy, some hungry and very, very full. and oh yes- lots of moments of joy & freedom. so..... what has been going in this little bird's life?

::: April's official kick-off retreat at El Capitan went off with a hitch (or two). All in all we had an excellent week, but behind the lines it was a tremendous learning experience for me as a teacher, as a business owner and as a human being stumbling around in this world with other humans. One of the things I learned is that the balance of administrator and yoga instructor is a juggling act. When the group sales department is throwing you curve balls and your cel phone is ringing constantly while you are walking in to lead a class into meditation it is a tremendous act of courage and surrender to carry the practice off & on the mat, to hold the space for others, to trust the workings of the universe, and still resurface to stand your ground in the "real" world. It is literally living your yoga. All teachers experience this, but when you are holding all the plates and balancing on your head it is nothing short of crazy. The gift in this struggle of balance is that we have to surrender. There is no other choice. No other way out. No excuse, no attachment, no habit of clinging to the mind's game of trying to figure it out or handle it. You have to let go of gripping the moment, of fooling yourself into thinking you are controlling the future. You have to be there, present and available. It is an incredible experience.
(But incredible experiences aside, I am hoping to tackle the administrative end a bit differently from now on).

What else did I learn you ask? Well since its my blog and I am talking:: I realized that I have to bring yet another level of honesty to my business. When you have established relationships with students there is a depth that evolves between you and they come to know and trust you as a person and teacher. On a retreat this relationship needs to be established very quickly. I realized that I need to focus a lot of attention on creating a open space (from the first moment) for people to see me for who I am and to also convey to me who they are and why they are there. With a retreat, someone is spending a chunk of time and money to experience something that means something to them. As the teacher I have to discover this and establish a trusting relationship from the very beginning. It will set the stage for the entire week and allow participants to clarify their intentions to themselves and to me. And when I have a students intentions to heart I can more fully be available to them, I can reach for the right lamps to turn on for them, I can more fully deliver an unforgettable experience that goes back with them into their life.

This concept of cultivating immediate trust and depth of course goes well beyond just my retreats. It is my intention to pull this level of honesty and personality more fully into everything. We can get a little personal can't we? A little more intimate, a little more silly, and a hell of a lot more loving?

As far as Yoga Roads this will be reflected in changes to the website, newsletters, etc. I am excited- I am evolving again! One aspect of this is collaborating. I have some really inspiring retreats in the works with other people. More on this soon.

Thank you to everyone who made the April retreat possible and wonderful!!!!

i left my heart in santa barbara

2008-03-25T10:12:00.001-07:00

Santa Barbara has this amazing pull to it. Everyone I know who has ever been seems to be trying to get back in one form or another.

So what is the magnetic force that draws us all in? You can sit around and chat about the qualities of "paradise" all day long-and that is some of it for sure. Beautiful things, people, plants...never a dull moment. But it something about how it feels. There is this naked spontaneity to its obnoxious beauty that just makes you feel sparkly, if not down right giggly. It is almost as if you could wind off a familiar trail and find a little grotto with Pan frolicking in the daylight with nymphs- and not be the least bit surprised.

So by all means-take in the films, see the festival floats, dance all night to the dj, rise at dawn and surf, buy your wild strawberries with full abandon...the feeling I get is that it will all be replenished for you. That energy will be there again tomorrow. Especially if your heart remains playful and free.

Ahhhh..... santa barbara. Keep it coming.

"hot spots"

2008-03-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

Mexico: I noticed a recent article in USA Today travel section labeling Sayulita and the Riviera Narayit the next "hot spot". Apparently people are beginning to show up in higher numbers, many buying homes and property on a whim while on vacation. There are even celebrity sightings. I thought I would share the T & L Article about the area- which has a little more flare.

Luck of the Irish: I keep hearing that Ireland is heavy on the tourism this year. I never knew it was low on it. According to my very top secret sources not just golfers, wiccans and guinness drinkers are venturing to the emerald isle in droves. Delta now has direct flights into Shannon airport from Atlanta and other US cities. Lots of good deals into Dublin too. I could do yoga here.

Bhutan:
I want to go here!
I am sure it is trendy to admit-but ever since I first laid eyes on the beautiful mountain temples and colorful prayer flags blowing in the wind I have been entranced from a great distance. National Geographic showcased the country in the most recent issue and informed would be travel lusters like myself that Bhutan is weary. It's recently opened doors does not come without it's limits: travel passes are spendy and there is NO independent travel allowed. You must go on pre-planned, pre-paid guided tour or custom designed travel program. 2009!

Yum Yum..... Reiki

2008-03-04T15:06:00.000-08:00

My dear friend (and incredibly spirited and generous teacher & healer) Felicia is now coming to you LIVE on the internet. Felicia's new website Evolve has great information about Reiki, the energetic body, and of course, yoga. For those of you that are curious about Reiki and it's healing benefits please check out her new site. Her wealth of knowledge, consistent drive to understand and learn more, and humble spirit are always inspiring.

*If you are in the Gulf Coast area-she also includes her schedule of Reiki trainings, talks and workshops, and yoga classes.

silly stuff

2008-02-26T10:55:00.001-08:00

since I can rarely be relied upon to supply a sense of humor i found some funny people to hawk off on my blog:

that's right it is BUSH YOGA
(click link above to see all his poses)

Another funny site: My Third Eye Itches. I was especially intrigued by his newly patented system of 12 easy to follow poses.

For the serious high-brow spiritual seekers & connect-the-dotters..

If you can handle it, it might be funny: http://www.souljerky.com/

Tired off all your friends and their blah blah blah yoga talk? Maybe you need some new gear that expresses what you think about yoga. Check out this: f--- yoga

And my personal favorite per SB : yoga beans

where do you want to go?

2008-02-23T15:22:00.000-08:00

me: sailing. greek islands.

Sayulita Mexico:

2008-02-17T19:39:00.000-08:00

Sayulita Mexico

April 18-23

See the flyer...

truth: at the roots of yoga

2008-02-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

Today's literary quote of the day by william blake inspired me to dedicate a post to truth.

"A truth that's told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent."

When approaching yoga from the perspective of an eight limb path, the first of the eight limbs is yama. The yamas can be seen as the self's relationship to it's environment/conduct. The second of the yamas is Satya -or truthfulness.

I have to admit this is one of the harder ones for me. Not just because I am a story teller but also because I have a tendency to not always level with myself. I enjoy Blake's quote because it illustrates that the practice of truth runs deeper then simply not telling lies or searching for a big answer. For me the practice of truth can be significantly more challenging and rewarding then remaining in search of some larger philosophical understanding labeled "The truth". That deserved a drum role. But you know what I mean-especially those of you that are searching for this.

By observing or practicing Satya, one remains in a state of truthfulness in thoughts, actions and words. So beyond those little white lies and sewing circle gossip lunches-what does it mean to try and live truthfully? The mind is a good place to start. Rationalization, ego, delusion, manipulation. These can all take subtle forms in the mind as we move through our day thinking, acting, speaking, reacting and interacting.

Just following the discipline of a daily yoga practice is always a play with Satya for me. How truthfully I listen to my body, when my ego is strong holding, or when I procrastinate all day with distractions. It is all me wasting energy on not being truthful with myself.

The truth reveals itself to me in my interactions with what I choose to leave out. When I fear rejection I will hold back those words that should be said. I may have said a lot, but there was a dance. It is the subtle difference that the Mad Hatter refers to as "saying what you mean" as opposed to "meaning what you say."

Which comes to the heart of living a truthful life. What is in your heart? What is your soul's journey and it's true, pure, expression of itself?

Life is easier when I am truthful with myself and others. Generally there is less conflict-internally and outwardly. There is also usually more joy to go around. So while I may never be totally free from conflict, I am sticking with my observation of Satya. To be clear, thoughtful, compassionate, and with heartfelt intent in the face of conflict is worth its weight in gold.

Launching the Website

2008-01-30T08:42:00.000-08:00

Today I am officially launching the website. Yippee!

While some aspects will continue to evolve and grow- it is for the most part finished. There will definitely be more trips & dates added in upcoming weeks-so check back in from time to time. Be sure to add your email to our mailing list so you can be included in the newsletter mailing and kept up-to-date on new trips, travel specials, and juicy yoga tidbits.

One of the most interesting things I learned in this process:
I have one word for sitting at a computer- Ouch! (No wonder everyone has back issues). So please-those of you with desk jobs: go find your local yoga studio and get bendy. It will literally breathe life back into your body.
Thanks for dropping in.

Namaste-

Shannon

Happy New Year!

2008-01-20T17:11:00.000-08:00

Now that we are officially involved in 2008 and going to be launching the new website this month: I think it is time to share my word to live by for 2008.
New Year= new word for the year. This year I decided my personal mantra is

fearless
in yoga this is referred to as Abhaya: freedom from fear

...which doesn't have to be serious!
I think of fearless as the ultimate goal-the complete letting go of ego, expectation, control, and self-judgment. I also think of fearless as the embrace of the present moment, possibility, creativity and of infinite joy. In the past my fears have kept from my achieving personal goals, and going beyond my 'comfort zone'. So this year fearless is my motto and mantra.

About Us

2007-11-25T09:20:00.000-08:00

What can I say "about us" ? Hmmmm. Well mostly it is me. But I do have a few talented ladies that are going to join me on some ventures. A few still in the planning stages. And they are.....

Jennifer Bowen: creative, hilarious, one-of-kind Jennifer. Professionally she is classy, polished and artistic, and still manages to be laid back and unobtrusive. She captures the beautiful moments, the finest details of life, and the ever elusive examples of pure love. The fact that she loves what she does shows. Her photography speaks for itself: Jennifer's Website. She also manages to be one of those completely honest, genuine people that astound you with their humor and their humble spirit. I have spent thirty years around this woman so I know! That's right-she's my sister. People are inspired by her daily and attracted to her groundedness. If you get a chance to go on a workshop/retreat with her you will be inspired too.

Miss Courtney Fell: The girl loves to surf. She can skate too. I even hear she sky dives. All this from a mother of two, who also writes, runs those long races with K's in them, and helps run the family surf company Waterboyz with infamous hubby Sean. She is a rock star. Seriously-she is nimble, she's spry, she's the kind of girl you want to go to Mexico with. In fact she is the only woman I want to get out in the water with for the first time. That's why I roped her into a trip to Mexico -with the bribe of a Seattle trip in its wake. I am not the only one who knows what a surf diva she is-hence why Bella Mag did the very serious photo shot of her. Go Courtney!

Sarah Gibson: Healer. Yoga teacher. Sparkly Warrior Goddess. I want to be funny, because I have spent some gleeful moments in joyful, free-wheeling fits of laughter with Sarah. She definitely brings out that sort of glitter in people. But I don't want to downplay what an amazing healer this woman is. She is empowering in every sense of the word. She is a Reiki Master & teaches and attunes others to become clearer and more potent energetic bodies. She has a profound impact on the lives of the people she works with (including me). We are figuring out where we want to go together-so a trip will be coming soon. It will be focused on the different levels of the energetic body): and utilize yoga, reiki, chakra work/study, meditation, and pranayama. Her photo was really taken in Africa (we are not that goofy).

Laura Tyree: Last but not least. My great friend, teacher and mentor. She is an amazing blessing to her community & students. Owner and operator of
Dragonfly Yoga Studies and DYS Teacher Training Program, and co-facilitator of 500hr Teaching Training program with JJ Gormley & Eureka Yoga. Laura travels all over sharing her gifts through workshops and trainings. You can check out her website above to read her complete bio-cause her credentials are too long to list. Laura will be heading out to California in October and be at a Santa Barbara retreat with Yoga Roads in November.

Why travel?

2007-11-24T22:27:00.000-08:00

What is at the heart of travel? Why does it quicken the pulse? Expelling us from the monotony with a glance from a stranger or the sound of a train. Why is the sleep deprivation from traveling so enlightening? How does the replacement of expectation and routine with just the simple act of walking- with no destination -make us feel more alive? Why does traveling get under the skin and wake us up? Giving us another moment of grace, of beauty. Another chance to live just one more breathe of reality. Why are we more fully present?

I have often wondered if it as simple as slowing down and turning off. Obviously with no phones, appointments, or agendas there is no need to go bed with doubt, with lists, with all that flipping dirty laundry that clutters the mind. But it is more then that. I take different photos when traveling because I am viewing the world differently. When returning from days of playing behind a lens- even the details of the light on the airport windows intrigue me. I come back seeing things more clearly; as they truly are: beautiful.

So I try to travel in my day. I get on the mat again-and let it be whatever it is, with no expectation. I drive a different route, I take the bike instead and look at the road, the gardens, the dead leaves.

And then I start think about where I want to go. Not from the perspective of dissatisfaction or boredom; but from the simplistic desire of wanting to stumble around again in the unfamiliar.

Photos from trips

2007-11-24T13:36:00.000-08:00

The secret of happiness is freedom and the secret to freedom is courage.

-Thucydides

The right person is the one who seizes the moment.
-J.W. Goethe

The privlage of a lifetime is being who you are.

-Joseph Campbell

"Stillness of the mind is yoga." Patanjali

eight limbs of yoga

2007-11-23T23:56:00.000-08:00

Yoga is one of the six systems of Indian philosophy (Darsana). Darsana means to see, or a way to see, a view point or perspective. Yoga itself means “communion, unite, bind, coming together”.

This system is an eight limb path (ashtanga). The postures or asanas is often isolated by westerners as what yoga is. These are only a part of yoga. However, approaching the study via the body (by practicing the asanas & pranayama) is still yoga.

The eight limbs of yoga are as described by Pantanjali:
Yama, relationship to your enviroment
Niyama, relationship to self
Asana, posture/poses
Pranayama, rhythmic control of breath
Pratyahara, emancipation of the mind from external desires
Dharana, concentration
Dhyana, meditation
Samadhi, state of super consciousness

2007-11-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

Neither knowable, knowledge nor knower am I,

formless is my form,

I dwell with in the senses but they are not my home,

Ever serenely balanced, I am neither free nor bound-

Consciousness and joy am I,

and Bliss is where I am found.

-Atma Satkam (Song of the Soul)

by Shankara @800 c.e.

2007-11-21T11:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Yoga Roads new blog.We are currently working on building the website and all the fabulous trips for 2008. The blog will be the place to check out updates, trip details, traveling tips, airline fare sales, and other news. It will also be a spot for yoga students & friends to post their photos and comments. Thanks for stopping in and stay tuned for an exicitng new year!