Am I the only one who didn't know Van Morrison released an album in 2005? I was looking for music for Yoga class, and I stumbled upon a song of his called Stranded, which is really good.

So, you may have received the announcement about the Special New Year 'Prana Flow' Yoga Class I am leading this Saturday at Natural Trends. I have found a renewed sense of inspiration in my Yoga practice and I am looking forward to sharing it with you in a class that allows us to go deeper into the flow and the opportunities for opening in our body, mind and spirit. Since the beginning of this year, I've been finding there is so much more potential for opening and strengthening we can align into, but an hour long class is just not long enough sometimes...

Since first beginning Yoga in 2001, I have experimented with many different styles of Yoga. When I first studied with Shiva Rea in the summer of 2007, I felt a deep alignment with her energy/style, but ever-increasingly, the power and positivity of her inspired practice continues to become illuminated to me. Of course, all the different systems of Yoga have so much value. I really believe it's about finding this appreciation and integration of the different styles/teachers of Yoga and allowing them to become one, for ourself, in the way that is going to best serve our growth and body at this moment. This doesn't mean we shouldn't have one teacher we resonate with most deeply, but i have found so much value in being open to the grace and guidance of many teachers on my path. I never thought I would really find a deep appreciation for the Ashtanga system, which are actually Shiva Rea's roots and where her Prana Flow style opened up from, but from the Fall of 2007 to just this past Winter, I practiced the 2nd series of Ashtanga Yoga every week, in my home. I found going to class, was often too rigorous for my body, which is also what Shiva discovered after about 10 years of Ashtanga practice. But practicing that system, not only allowed me to grow into powerful places in my practice, but it also enlightened me to the ingeniousness of the style of Yoga, Prana Flow, that Shiva teaches, because it is so healing. So, I am finding an even deeper appreciation for the incredibly healing movement therapy and practice that Shiva has shared with us, and it is, not only opening me up to healing, but also it is opening me up in my body in ways I have been hoping and dreaming I would be able to open. With that being said, I hope you can come this Saturday, so you can also really experience the potential for opening and transformation which lies within your own body, mind and breath.

One of the great insights opening up for me, I believe through my practice, is the awareness of love as a journey, not a destination. Sometimes, I think I have been afraid to love, and allow my heart to be open, because I have been concerned about the end result. In 2009, I am releasing any and all obsession with a destination, be it in my relationships, my Yoga practice, or in any other way I am relating with my Self or another.

Oh ya, also, also, also, Desiree Rumbaugh, who is an Anusara inspired teacher is coming to Dallas in February 13-15. I have studied with her once before and she certainly has a lot of Light to share. And, I am also thrilled that Dharma Mittra is returning to Dallas in April 25-26. And as one of the great Master Yogi's on the planet, he certainly reflects back to you the Light within your own Self. Those of you who attend class with me in the area, I hope you will consider attending at least one of these workshops. I suppose if you had to pick, one or the other, I would suggest experiencing Yoga with Sri Dharma, but if you can attend both, definitely do!

I'd like to share this affirmation which was given to us at the Center for Spiritual Living last weekend. It's very powerful...

Today I am conscious that my relationships
are a reflection of me,
an opportunity for growth,
and an expression of Spirit's Love.
I consciously engage in my interactions
with others.
And so it is.

One more thing, you can watch the Chant4Change on a live webcast, on Monday, January 19th!

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