Be happy, it's one way of being wise-Sidonie Gubrielle

going on 88 and a real inspiration

I love it when she says "when they say it can't be done i've got to do it." This woman is the perfect example of if you use it you "keep it" (as opposed to, "if you don't use it you lose it"). Lifetime learning, trying new things by pushing the evelope, and and moving her body through her her yoga practice and dance has clearly kept her balanced, vital, clear, and both strong and flexible in body and mind.

They say there are two kinds of people. The elderly, and those who will be elderly (if they livelong enough of course). This woman is lovely, though I'd share.

Some Christmas funnies!

Whatever your sense of humour I'm wishing you LOADS of laughter in the new year. And to those who celebrate, a VERY Merry Christmas (and if you don't, after today it will be over!)

Almost forgot how much I love the Jingle cats!

I love these cats! They really know how to rock. I hope they tour again soon. They put on a great live show. ( lol! ) xo

I'm not a fan of new years resolutions. you?

Resolutions no, intentions YES. Specifically for the New year? Not so much. I'm more of an "as I go" type of gal. I know myself so well and for me, the second I make a resolution (a.k.a. put pressure on myself), or say "I'd never", I'll do it. haha.. And then I feel horrible..blah, blah,blah (thankfully I grew out of that, and now save myself a lot of pain)!

I strongly believe in the line never say never. How do I know what I am going to be doing when I am ninety years old? (or if I will even get to be elderly in the first place?) I am simply not a fan of beating myself up, so I try not to. At this point in my life I make choices as I go along, and am always asking myself what I want more of, and less of in my life. I am hugely blessed to be in a solid relationship (the new year will mark 10 years), where my partner and I are generally on the same page. When we're not we really try and do the right thing for both of us. That often times means compromise. Thankfully we are both pretty easy going so that isn't usually too much of an issue.

The new year still holds so much hope for so many though, and with good reason. As far as the environment, global warming etc goes, the passing of time does make a very real difference, if we don't change our ways. I think that most of us have made some big changes that do and have, made a difference (or at least I hope it has, and will continue to do so).

In many ways I suppose the new year is a fresh start. *Although it's nice to know that if you blow it, every morning thereafter is a fresh start too. Its another opportunity to to ask yourself questions and decide to bring in more of what you love, and ditch what no longer serves you (or at least limit the stuff that no longer serves you). If this post sounds a little matter of fact, I sure don't mean for it to. I would never want to imply that making changes is easy, or that life is for that matter. Quite the contrary! lol! I just find that for me, having a strong support network, admitting when I am wrong, stopping to ask myself questions along the way, and most of all asking for help, helps me. And I find (for me) that setting intentions is being much kinder to yourself. I've quit a lot of things in my life and made enormous changes in my life over the years, and it was never the result of a New Years resolution.

But hey, thats only me right? it might just be the ticket for you or someone else!

I just love that provided we have good health, each moment can be a new start in just about any direction you choose in this part of the world. We just have countless choices that those in so many other places in the world couldn't even fathom. I wish all of my friends, family and loved ones, and those in my community, and all across this miraculous planet of ours a wonderful, healthy, vital, loving, joyous and peace filled 2011. I'm ready to bring it on.

Namaste xo

embracing change. its now winter in our city. ♥

Ever hear of Kriyas?

Kriyas are ancient purification exercises called the Shat (six) Karmas (actions) or Kriyas.There are 6 purification practices were mentioned in many ancient yogic texts. They are meant to purify the whole body, as well as open the energy pathways of the body which are called nadi's. These practices are very powerful and advanced and should not be attempted without an experienced Teacher. Originally kriyas were all taught as part of The Hatha Yoga tradition, but unfortunately they are rarely part of a Yoga Teacher Training program here in the west. I have been blessed to have studied and practiced at great lengths with some very knowledgable teachers here in town (Shakti Mhi and Bernie Clark). I learned first hand (and through much practice), how to safely practice them, and safety is key. The few that I do quite regularly are: Neti-(nasal cleansing), Nauli- (abdominal massage), and as some of you practice with me, Kapalabhati (purification of frontal lobes and lungs). Kapalabhati is a kriya as well as pranayam technique. Some kriyas I wouldn't even try personally (no matter how much instruction I had and no matter who the Teacher was) but for the most part, some of these kriyas may change your life. You may find yourself feeling better, with more vitality than you have in years! Neti in particular is worth trying and is safe for most folks. *Check with your Doctor* Neti pots are for sale literally everywhere these days. When I was taught neti it wasn't with a neti pot. It was with a full cup of saline using both nostrils at the same time. I was basically drinking (sucking) a full cup of saltwater up both nostrils at the same time as it poured out from my mouth. I know, it sounds so strange, and gross! hahaha.. But it really isn't bad at all (as long as you have the salt water ratio down) *and the technique was being passed down to me by my teacher*. Neti has been used by practitioners of yoga and Ayurveda in India for hundreds, if not thousands of years. And like so many other yoga practices it has gone mainstream with Doctors widely recommending it to their patients for nasal issues, allergies and colds, sinusitis etc. I've never really had any ongoing nasal issues (other than the common yearly cold) but I love how it makes me feel. Purification is a central theme in yoga, and from an energy standpoint the practice cleanses the energy channels and helps to balance the right and left hemispheres much like nadi shodana.

There are more advanced techniques using various herbs and oils, but the simplest technique known, is jala neti. Jala neti uses water (jala) for the cleansing process. Above is a pic of my neti pot I snapped this morning before embarking on my morning neti. Neti isn't part of my daily routine but I do it a few times per month (and it is best to lubricate your nostrils with sesame oil after doing neti as it can dry out the nasal passages). With all the dust, pollen and other irritants we breathe in we can get really clogged up and not even realize it. Neti is a good place to start kriya-wise. And with cold/flu season being here it is an inexpensive, holistic and drug free way to breathe freely. Like anything, you should do your research and speak to your caregiver, and as far as any of the other kriyas out there. Only practice under the guidance of a VERY qualified teacher. After all, we are playing with the energy body and that is powerful stuff. Namaste.