"Allow yourself to trust joy and embrace it.
You will find you dance with everything." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Writing the previous post was incredibly therapeutic... I was able to cry after I shared about my uncle. It never ceases to amaze me how incredibly beneficial writing is. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to write and express and to feel a connection to you through this blog.

I am currently in the process of getting ready physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually for Shiva Rea's Yoga Trance Dance Teacher Training. After completing the training, I will be able to lead groups in Yoga Trance Dance, which is one of the most liberating experiences I've gone through since beginning the practice of Yoga...

I intend to eat all raw food while I am away and to not drink any alcohol, as well. As I grow in my practice, I am finding I desire alcohol less and less. It almost always impacts the way I feel in my practice and tends to cause a lot of bloating in the belly. When I consume alcohol, I feel like I retain so much water, too, and it just makes moving through the poses more difficult. Of course, anything in moderation is ok, but I prefer to not drink during the week. If I do drink, it is on the weekends and in smaller and smaller amounts all the time.

One of the other preparations I am going through is getting a colonic. I had my first one today and my second one will be tomorrow. I hope this is not t.m.i.-too much information. This is a practice Dharma highly recommends. He referred to the importance of cleansing the colon many times. He recommends drinking salt water to cleanse the colon, but getting a colonic is also effective. This has been a recurring theme since I began studying the practice of Yoga and wellness in 2001. Even Anthony Robbins advocates colonics and cleansing the colon as the most powerful prevention for keeping the body free of disease (other than our diet, of course.) Dharma expressed the same belief.

So, I may not post until I return from my training next Monday. In the meantime, I do want to share another passage from A New Earth.

This, too, will pass. What is it about these simple words that makes them so powerful? Looking at it superficially, it would seem while those words may provide some comfort in a bad situation, they would also diminish the enjoyment of the good things in life. "Don't be too happy, because it won't last." This seems to be what they are saying when applied to a situation that is perceived as good.

These words are not telling you that you should not enjoy the good in your life, nor are they merely meant to provide some comfort in times of suffering. They have a deeper purpose: to make you aware of the fleetingness of every situation, which is due to the transience of all forms-good or bad. When you become aware of the transience of all forms, your attachment to them lessens, and you disidentify from them to some extent. Being detached does not mean that you cannot enjoy the good the word has to offer. In fact, you enjoy it more. Once you see and accept the transience of all things and the inevitability of change, you can enjoy the pleasures of the world while they last without fear or loss or anxiety about the future.

The recognition This, too, will pass brings detachment and with detachment another dimension comes into your life-inner space. Through detachment, as well as nonjudgment and inner nonresistance, you gain access to that dimension.

When you are no longer totally identified with forms, consciousness-who you are-becomes freed from its imprisonment in form. This freedom is the arising of inner space. It comes as a stillness, a subtle peace deep within you, even in the face of something seemingly bad. This, too, will pass. Suddenly, there is a space around the event. There is also space around the emotional highs and lows, even around pain. And above all, there is a space between your thoughts. And from that space emanates a peace that is not "of this world," because this world is form, and the peace is space. This is the peace of God.

Namaste! Read more

I feel like I need to cry. Have you ever had that feeling where there's intense happiness and sadness simultaneously? And, because of that, it feels like neither one can release fully?

I feel as though I've been emotionally overwhelmed recently. Or, maybe I'm just ready to breath into the full intensity of life and everything there is to feel. I want to share something with you from A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle. I love that I just turned exactly to the page I wanted to find:

"Someone recently showed me the annual prospectus of a large spiritual organization. When I looked through it, I was impressed by the wide choices of interesting seminars and workshops. It reminded me of a smorgasbord, one of those Scandinavian buffets where you can take your pick from a huge variety of enticing dishes. The person asked me whether I could recommend one or two courses. "I don't know," I said. "They all look so interesting. But I do know this," I added. "Be aware of your breathing as often as you are able, whenever you remember. Do that for one year, and it will be more powerfully transformative than attending all of these courses. And it's free." - A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle...

So, the last few days when I've sat in meditation I've noticed my breath has been uneven and constricted. I've felt tension in my chest and restlessness in my mind. Observing my breath has enlightened me to the changes I need to make to find my alignment with myself, my Truth.

"The Lord said:

The life force (prana) verily is one's greatest friend; the life force verily is one's greatest companion. O beautiful one, there is no greater kinsman than the life force; indeed there is none." - Shiva-Svarodaya

I believe our breath, prana, can become constricted for many reasons. Perhaps, we are going through, or have gone through, an intense experience and we are not fully feeling the emotions connected to that experience. Or, the breath can also become constricted anytime we experiencing immense growth, especially emotionally and spiritually. The breath can also become uneven when we are not following our Truth. In other words, when we know what we need to be doing, but we are not doing it, so we are in conflict with our Self.

Constricted, shallow breathing is not a bad thing. It's only a problem when we are unconscious of it. Once we become conscious of our breath, then we can allow it to reveal to us where the balance, opening, release or change needs to take place in our Self.

So, as I sat the past couple of days in a very distracted meditation, I had no choice but to be with my breath and let it reveal to me what I needed to see about myself. And, it did. One of the awarenesses I had is I haven't been spending enough time taking care of and nurturing myself. Any 'free time' I've had recently, I've committed to spending with other people. I love people, so it's easy for me to find myself in this situation. After feeling how uneven and tense my breath was, I have resolved to take better care of, and spend more quality time, with me.

I'm really realizing the truth of what Eckhart is talking about. We can literally be enlightened about ourselves just by observing the breath. It makes so much sense, but my guess is very few of us are aware of it very often.

"Being aware of your breath forces you into the present moment-the key to all inner transformation. Whenever you are conscious of the breath, you are absolutely present. You may also notice that you cannot think and be aware of your breathing. Conscious breathing stops your mind. But far from being in a trance or half asleep, you are fully awake and highly alert. You are not falling below thinking, but rising above it." - A New Earth

Perhaps, feeling emotionally overwhelmed recently has had something to do with my breath becoming constricted and needing to spend more time with Self. As I mentioned, there are so many wonderful things unfolding on the horizon. Next Wednesday I leave for Yoga Trance Dance training with Shiva Rea in Venice, California. When my mentor with Shiva Rea's Teacher Training Progam was talking to me she said, "Ya, that training will definitely have you shed some layers of your skin." In other words, it will be a powerful experience to liberate Self and dissolve away the limitations,constraints and insecurities of the mind.

And, the Summer Solstice Yoga Retreat is really coming together. I can feel the life-enhancing power this retreat is going to have for all of us who are there. It's already opening up my life, and having me grow, in positive ways just in the preparation of putting it together.

Mixed in with all of this, though, is a loss I've been going through on a personal level. My dearest Uncle passed away two weeks ago today. Some of you are aware of this because I took time off from teaching (one day) to feel the pain, and grieve, this loss. But, the reality is, I still feel it. I had no idea it would have such an impact on me. Have you ever had that happen? Not realize fully the depth of how much you loved someone until they are gone? My Uncle lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and in the past five years I haven't seen him and my aunt. Life became so busy, I was working hard to get on my own two feet, and trips to visit them didn't seem like a viable possibility financially. In other words, life came up. What I know now, that I didn't know in my twenties, is life come's up and keeps coming up. There is no perfect time, or a time when everything is resolved. So, we need to make the most of the moment we are given.

And, I realize I do not fully have closure. So, part of me sharing this with you is me creating that. It came up for me to share with some of you in class that I was experiencing this loss, but I didn't know if it would be necessary for me to talk about it. So, I held it back. Now, I know I at least need to open myself up and share...not for sympathy, just so my heart can release, let go and be in an open space. I wish I could have seen him one more time. He was such an incredible person. He was absolutely hilarious, fun-loving... one of the most loving and generous people I've ever known. He treated every human being as his equal and would make everyone he met laugh. (Not to mention, he was brilliant, a Structural Engineer and had a Masters Degree from Carnegie Mellon.) One of the qualities I admired most about him was that he was completely unconcerned by what people thought about him. I don't think it even occurred to him to worry about this. It's such a refreshing way of Being. How many of us can claim that? It seems most of us are deeply preoccupied with what people think. We can all learn something from Uncle Jack. Just be yourself. Don't worry about what people think about you. Don't even spend one moment thinking about it. Because it doesn't matter...all that really matters is what YOU feel about yourself. His carefree Spirit will stay with me in my heart and I am so grateful my heart was blessed to know him and love him...a true teacher, guru (remover of darkness/ignorance), was with me all my life and I didn't even know it or realize all the lessons he was teaching me until he passed. Namaste, Uncle Jack...I love you.


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Happy Spring and Easter! It's been way too long since I last posted. Things have been effulgent. As many of you know, I sent out the Spring Edition of the True Yoga Newsletter last week. I'm really looking forward to the Summer Solstice Yoga Retreat I am leading in the breath'giving' Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. I can feel the energy and momentum building for an intensely positive, life-enhancing experience for all of us who will join together this summer. We specifically scheduled the retreat to take place during June 21st (The Summer Solstice) as this is an immensely powerful time of year, especially this year. We are awakening to a heightened Consciousness and it will be amazing to celebrate this transformation together in the Seasons, and in ourSelves, in such an uplifting atmosphere...

Last weekend's workshop with Dharma Mittra was an incredibly enlightening experience. Because of his guidance, I have given up eating fish and am committing to this for a month. I have not eaten meat for several years, but have continued to eat fish. He spoke to us about the importance of being a compassionate vegetarian and said if we choose this practice, we will drastically accelerate our spiritual growth. He said to try it for a month and see what happens. He says the only way to know is through direct experience. This pertains to anything, including knowing God through meditation. So, I figured it would be best to not wait to find out if there is Truth in his teachings and to make the change NOW. I've just finished week one. Not sure if I can expand on any radical transformations in my spiritual evolution at this point, but, it does feel I am listening to the Will, and therefore, I feel in alignment with my Highest Self.

Here is a video of Dharma. I love the way he speaks, his eloquence, and his beautiful accent. He is so poised and graceful. I look forwad to sharing more with you in the weeks ahead as I intend to post regularly again now that the newsletter has been released.

May your Spring and Spirit be filled with the ever-renewing Joy of the One who infinitely renews all things.

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I just finished a weekend workshop with Master Yogi, Dharma Mittra. I feel blessed to have been able to be in his Presence. There are no accidents. When our time aligns...our time aligns. I have much to share about my experience with this True Yogi. It's been a while since I last wrote. Things have been effulgent as we complete the cycle of Winter and awaken to the birth of Spring this Thursday, March 22nd. I am working on releasing the Spring edition of the True Yoga Newsletter. If you do not receive the newsletter, you may sign up for it online here. Once I send it out, I will be back in the flow with sharing all my Yoga news with you on the True Yoga Blog...

Until then, I was asked if I would post this information about a new book for sharing Yoga with toddlers and pre-schoolers. It's so wonderful to see children opening up to the benefits of Yoga. There was a young girl who attended one of the sessions with Dharma this weekend. How amazing to begin a Yoga practice at such a young age!

Named the “Baby Yoga Expert” by Newsweek, Helen Garabedian, a certified yoga instructor and founder of Itsy Bitsy Yoga, offers an illustrated guide to simple, health-enhancing yoga sequences for 2- to 5- year olds.

Yoga can help your child have:

● Fewer tantrums
● Better and longer sleep
● Increased motor coordination
● Improved listening and ability to follow directions
● Better self-expression
● Higher self-esteem
● Easier relaxation
● A healthy and physically fit lifestyle

Praise for Itsy Bitsy Yoga:

“Many adorable and loving ways for parents and young children to spend quality time—interacting and learning—together. Fun, creative yoga movements coupled with songs, games and say n’ play encourage healthy times for moms and tots!”—Marsha Wenig, Founder, YogaKids®

To learn more about the book and its author visit:

itsybitsyyoga.com

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Join world traveler and adventure guide, Kate LaCroix, myself, and Global Dance Teacher, Lucia Cordeiro for a life-enhancing experience this summer in the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains of New York (Keene/Lake Placid/Keene Valley) June 19-23!

Enliven and transform your body, mind and spirit as you spend 5 days / 4 nights immersing yourself into the pristine nature of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve in upstate New York, and its community, during one of the most powerful times of year – the Summer Solstice.

Each day, we will travel deep into the ELEMENTAL - Earth, Water, Fire, Air - NATURE of our Inner Self to awaken peace and well-being as we guide you through complimentary activities...

Our daily itinerary will consist of:
-morning yoga
-eco-adventure (hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and more!)
-dance experience

In addition, we will have special activities – including the opportunity to volunteer a couple hours of our time to become deeply involved with the local mountain community and assist them with an Adirondack Nature Conservancy project!

We will be staying in an original stagecoach stopover – a mountain-surrounded property with a 150-yr-old Farmhouse, a carriage house and log cottages - in Keene, NY, home of the Adirondack’s High Peaks. The location is exceptional – as we are encompassed by nature and we are a beautiful 15-minute drive from Lake Placid, home of the 1932 & 1980 Winter Olympics.

If you wish to pre-reserve* a space for this soulful adventure, please e-mail travelwithmetoday@hotmail.com or call Global Soul Adventures, 518-632-4741.
Our detailed adventure itinerary & pricing will be available in late March, along with the release of the new Global Soul Adventures website.

*To pre-reserve, all we need is your name, phone #, e-mail, and we’ll hold a spot for you (no deposit necessary) until the release of our website and full itinerary in a few weeks!

Introducing your elemental adventure guides:

ECO-ADVENTURE
Kate LaCroix – of Global Soul Adventures, in Keene, NY – USA
Kate’s love and passion for international travel has served as the springboard for an extensive exploration of communities, cultures and environments around the globe during the past 11 years, including the completion of an around-the-world journey. On a regular basis she can be found anywhere taking to adventure sports or enjoying yoga in nature. She is passionate about yoga and has a dedicated practice - a life-long journey that has already opened many new doors for her and the global community. She has worked professionally for years with group events in both the corporate and sports sectors - specializing in sales, marketing, account management and consulting. A dual-certified top-level Tennis Professional, and previously certified personal trainer, she knows what it takes to coach and lead individuals in a more active and learning environment, and facilitate an exciting and enjoyable experience in the process.
www.globalsouladventures.com (new website coming soon!)

A special Adirondack Mountain note…Between the inspiration of training Olympic athletes seen all around the Lake Placid/Keene vicinity on a year-round basis and being engulfed by the beauty of the high peaks and their changes with the season, Kate has a special love for the Adirondack Mountains… and, in turn, made this one of her homes back in late 2002 …in January 2006, Global Soul Adventures found its home-base in Keene, NY. Welcome to the neighborhood… we look forward to having you join us for this special soul adventure!

YOGA
Leanne Hall – of True Yoga Inc., in Dallas, Texas - USA
After graduating with a B.S. from Ohio University, Leanne moved to Dallas in 2001 to begin a career in Advertising. Today, Leanne is the Owner of True Yoga, Inc. and is "inspiring, awakening and empowering people everywhere to fulfill their dreams, realize their true potential and live an extraordinary life physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually." Since taking her first Yoga class in 2001, Leanne has been on an incredible journey of self-empowerment, transformation and wellness. Her journeys have taken her to study with some of the most famous Yoga Masters worldwide including her teacher Shiva Rea, as well as, Baron Baptiste, Sharon Gannon and David Life, John Friend, Eric Schiffman, Tim Miller, Saul David Raye, Bryan Kest and Manju Jois. In the last few years she has traveled around the country with one of her greatest teachers, international speaker, Tony Robbins of which she is a graduate of his world-renowned Mastery University program. Through his programs Leanne has learned from some of the greatest wellness experts worldwide including Deepak Chopra and Carolyn Myss. Recently, Leanne worked with one of the Dallas Mavericks basketball players teaching True Yoga to him throughout the 2004-2005 NBA Season. Leanne created the word True, in True Yoga as an acronym to mean, Truth Resides Universally in Everyone.

DANCE
Lucia Cordeiro – of Rio de Janeiro – BRAZIL
Lucia began Classical Ballet studies at the tender age of 6. With more than 50 years of dance experience, Lucia has an extensive background in Modern, Contemporary, Sacred and Circular dances, as well as a deep knowledge of Brazilian Folklore, Mass-Media Communication and Body Awareness. She has been awarded the 1st place choreography at the Dance Festival in Bahia, Brazil, and has been invited to a number of world events & conferences as a special guest, including Dr. Deepak Chopra’s Alliance for a New Humanity in 2006. Her most recent honor was her 2008 induction as a member of the CID – International Dance Council by UNESCO – a world celebration of her commitment to teaching and performing dance throughout her life. She currently teaches an instructor’s course and performs solos and ministers workshops on Popular and Sacred Brazilian dances in many countries around the world.


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