Looking Back On a Magical Year

Wow what a ride 2010 has been. No complaints that is for sure. So much has happened since January and I am blessed to have had such a wonderful year.

I have learned a tremendous amount about myself and people and feel the better for those lessons. Some of the lessons were major highs and a few major lows but all in all they balance themselves out.

Highlights of my year are simple things like watching my boys play their favorite sport, helping in school, hanging out with friends, vacationing with family - bummer about the hurricane, but that is life. Fall camping trip, Cooperstown, Howe Caverns, welcoming new family members - Noah and the list goes on and on!

Baron Baptiste's bootcamp was a major high that I feel I am still riding with the opening of my own studio! "Love what you do and do what you love and you will never work a day in your life!" How true these words are to me - and I am so thankful.

This year I have become more grateful. Everyday "cultivating that attitude of gratitude." It is effort but worth it!

What I am truly grateful for? Health, faith, family and friends.

What will 2011 bring? Who knows but I am ready. Maybe I'll do another triathlon, more bootcamp. Change and growth will happen that is for sure, and that is a good thing.

As I say good bye to the old and get ready for the new one thing is for sure, I am rich in love!!!!

Have a beautiful New Year!!!
Namaste.

Schedule for Next Week

Schedule for next week beginning on Monday December 27th has been modified. We will be holding one class in the morning and one in the evening.

Monday Dec. 27 9:30 to 10:30am Mixed flow; 6 to 7pm Mixed Flow
Tuesday Dec. 28 9:30 to 10:30am Gentle Yoga; 6 to 7pm Power Yoga
Wednesday Dec. 29 9:30 to 10:30am Power Yoga; 6 to 7pm Yoga for the Stiff Guy
Thursday Dec. 30 9:30 to 10:30am Gentle Yoga; 6 to 7pm Power Yoga
Friday Dec. 31 9:30 to 10:30am Power yoga
Saturday NEW YEAR'S DAY 10 to 11:15am Power Hour!!!! Power Yoga!!!

Looking forward to seeing you all!
Namaste.

Remembering the Reason for the Season

As I begin - I admit a bit late - to get things in order for Christmas I was thinking, "What do I want to teach my children about the season?" Do I want them to feel stressed during this time of year? Do I want them to think only of themselves and their "wants"? Or do I want to teach them balance, kindness, charity, tradition and love? Well I choose the last string of ideas. Now I need to figure out how to do that. Many ideas came rushing in and I thought I would write them down so I can stay on track and remember the reason for the season.

For me this is a beautiful and spiritual time of year. There is so much I love about Christmas and I admit it stems from the wonderful experiences of my youth. Thank you mom and dad for setting it all out properly for us.

Here is what I have learned and what I hope to pass on. That the birth of Christ should remind us to be a bit more patient with others, to smile more frequently even at those that seem real grumpy for I bet they could use it the most and that giving is as much fun if not more fun than receiving.

Another thing I learned is that doing the right thing even though it is not popular (THINK ABOUT MARY AND WHAT SHE DID), and it can involve sacrifice and it will always take faith, courage and love. Those are beautiful gifts that we all should work on and pass to our children. In doing so, it will build character and peace.

So how do we go about doing this? Through example. Keep things in perspective, strive for excellence, not perfection - this is the balancing act I listed. Be mindful of the gifts we give children - what do the toys or games really teach and how do they reflect the spirit of the season? Make room for what is truly important, for me that is quality time, not quantity in gifts. I believe we should carve out a bit of "me time" and that even though we are busy we should strive to never be to busy for a cup of coffee with a friend or milk and cookies with a child.

This year is very different for me as I balance home life, a brand new business - yoga studio, my existing art jewelry business, "me time" and friend time. It should be an interesting season and a fun journey as I remind myself that it is the journey not the destination that counts.

Namaste.

Mother = Faith

There are so many words I can use to describe my mother Shirley. The best one now is "Angel" since it encompasses all she was, what she still means to me and her spirit that surrounds me still - I truly am blessed.

On the 4th year of my mom's passing I wanted to share with you all a reading from "Journey to the Heart" by Melody Beattie. For me this embodies what my mom taught me.

"Remember Faith"
"There is a church in New Mexico where the ground is said to be holy, sacred, healing. As I sat in a pew in that church, I was amazed at the numbers that flocked there. I watched one man carry his sick wife, a woman so ill she couldn't walk or stand by herself. They came to pray, to touch the holy ground. They came for a miracle. I sat, watching and listening, in awe of the tremendous power of faith.

Many things in life test us, strain us, deplete us, and sometimes leave us without hope. Yet, there is a place in us where the ground is sacred and holy. That place in us is called faith.

Remember faith. It's important. Without it, life is dull, useless, and joyless. We may have moments when we say, "what's the use? Nothing will help." we may go through times when we're angry at God and don't want to believe anymore. But faith has the power to transform us. Faith can instill joy, bring peace and restore a sense of acceptance and fulfillment in our lives.

Faith is a simple place, but it is also a place of profound power. Faith can turn our lives around. Faith may not bring the miracle we want, but it will always bring the miracle we need. Cultivate faith, touch it, hold it in your hand.

In the back of the church in New Mexico where the ground is said to be holy, visitors are invited to take some of the dirt with them. I scooped up a portion, just a tiny bit, placed it in a small plastic bag and put it in my car.

Faith... You don't need much, a little bit goes a very long, long way."

Make it a happy day./
Namaste.

Five Priceless Gifts From Yoga to you.

My friends at Dancing Mind Yoga shared this on facebook today and thought it was wonderful. It was written by Erica Rodefer from Yoga Journal. Enjoy and start doing yoga!!!!!

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Tired Tuesday? (I made that one up.) For me, this time of year brings back memories of the most thoughtful gifts I've ever received and the gifts gone wrong. I'm already feeling the pressure and anxiety--the hunt for the perfect, most thoughtful, most cherished holiday gift is on. As I begin to make my holiday list and check it twice, I am reminded that the most meaningful gifts I've ever received were not the cutting edge electronics or even a hand-knitted scarf, but lessons learned that reveal something about ourselves and where we come from. Stories about family history, passing down great grandma's famous cookie recipe, or a secret shared between friends--those are the gifts you really remember 10 years later.

It's the same with yoga. It's true that the time we spend on our mats can eventually help us to attain impressive poses or a slimmer, more toned body. But it's the lessons we learn about ourselves in the process that change the way we view, and interact in, the world.

1. Strength. Physical strength is definitely a gift that helps me in my daily life. But it's the mental strength--the discipline--that I will be able to lean on even as my body ages and I can no longer hold myself in advanced postures.

2. Awareness. Thanks to my yoga practice, I am more skilled at noticing the physical signs of stress. I notice when my breath gets shallow and muscles get tense. And knowing is half the battle.

3. Confidence. There are many yoga poses that make me feel like I can conquer the world. If I could teach myself to stand on my hands, something that seemed SO impossible a couple of years ago, there are bound to be other seemingly impossible challenges today that I can conquer tomorrow.

4. Training for Difficult Life Situations. Even when my mind and my muscles are screaming to get out of a pose, I know I can stay there for just a few more breaths. That's what gives me the strength to keep going in uncomfortable situations in life, too.

5. Rest. This might be the most important gift I've gotten from yoga. It's OK to rest. There's never a reason to feel guilty if your body or your mind is asking for a break, take it! There's wisdom in knowing and respecting your limits.

What priceless gifts have you gotten from your yoga practice over the years?

Erica Rodefer is a writer and yoga enthusiast in Charleston, SC. Visit her blog, Spoiledyogi.com, follow her on Twitter, or like her on Facebook.

Our Annual Christmas Tea

Hello Everyone!!!

It is that time of year for my 4th Annual Christmas Tea!!!

Where: Inspire Yoga Studio located at 1802 Penfield Road behind the Dunkin Donuts

When: Saturday December 11th from 12 to 5pm – Open house come anytime!!!

What: Our 4th Annual Christmas Tea art show and Sale

Why: to help 2 local charities; to support our local female artists; and most of all to enjoy each other and the holiday season!!!!!

This year I am hosting the Tea at my new yoga studio called “Inspire Yoga” www.inspirepenfield.com

We have changed a few things this year to make it more festive and to give back to the community.

First: We will be raffling yoga gear, yoga classes, gift certificates and artwork for our local artists. Sponsors include Lululemon, Solia Boutique and Inspire Yoga to name a few. The charities we will be helping are: Bethany House (shelter for battered women and children) and Shepherd Home (a hospice here in Penfield). 100% of the money will go to these charities.

Second: Artists Lorraine Staunch www.staunchart.com and Jen Born www.psenjoyyourlife.com and myself www.nicholsforpennies.etsy.com will have our artwork for show and sale. Christine Knoblauch www.christineknoblauch.com will have her sculptured hearts for show and sale and Pistachio Press’s Rachel will have her letterpress work available www.pistachiopress.com and last but not least jewelry artist Michele Darin www.micheledarinjewelry.com will also have her work there too!!!

Third: To see our new studio and see old and meet new friends!

Looking forward to seeing you all there!!!

Namaste.

Home Away From Home

Home away from Home is just what "Inspire Yoga" studio is for me and many of our students. We have been open since November 6th and what a wonderful 2 weeks it has been Everyday someone new enters and begins their journey into yoga - how exciting. I have heard often in these 2 weeks how students love the look and feel of the studio. I have also heard them refer to it feeling like home which made my heart sing! Yeah!!!!

This week is our holiday kick off. On Thanksgiving morning we are hosting a donation only class to raise money for the YMCA's Invest in Youth program. This is a program that gives back to the community and helps needy children attend summer camp. Suggested donation is $10. Please note that the punch will not be able to be used for this special class. Come early and relax before the class starts. Class will be from 9:15-10:30am.

Holiday decorations will be up and lit on Friday November 26th.

December 11th 12:00pm to 5pm is our Annual Christmas Tea and Art show & Sale with a raffle to benefit Shepherd Home and Bethany House. Lorraine Staunch the wonderful artist, who painted our studio, will be there with more of her breath taking work. Along with Lorraine, Michele Da Rin from Syracuse will be there with her gorgeous and fashionable jewelry. Other artists will be represented. All of the artists are local and women. This is a wonderful time to stop by, say hi, enjoy some Christmas music, eat some wonderful treats from "Upper Crust" the brand new bakery in Penfield, shop USA (Rochester & Syracuse) handmade work, and help those in need this holiday!

Items that will be raffled will include yoga items from Inspire's boutique, artists work, Private classes, 10 pack punch card and LULULEMON items for the new store located in Pittsford! Tickets will be sold that day and at St. Joseph's church the weekend before! Come one and all!!!

Stay tuned for more exciting events!
Namaste!

Below is a photo of the entrance to our studio from Rt. 441 - Penfield Road. Great location and plenty of parking!

Inspire's Grand Opening!

I will be loading more this afternoon, stay tuned!

kathryn budig yoga

Inspire Yoga We Are Getting There!

At the beginning it was a deli. Then I saw the potential for something wonderful. Here in a photo essay is our dream come true - "Inspire Yoga" - Yoga with heart. In the beautiful words from Walt Disney, "If you can dream it you can do it!" And in the fantastic words of Baron Baptiste "Dream BIG!"










Inspire Yoga opens its doors Saturday November 6th at 10am. This is a wonderful day to open since it is also our 17th wedding anniversary that day!

Namaste!

Two Weeks From Today We Open

Inspire Yoga Studio is opening its doors to the public on Saturday November 6th at 10am to 5pm. Please join us for one of the free classes that day. The schedule is listed below, other wise stop in and say hello, look around, pick up a schedule, enjoy some refreshments, check out our yoga special that will be offered and look around our small boutique of yoga related items.

Schedule:
10:30am to 11:45am Power Yoga with Joan
12:30pm to1:00pm Mommy & Me with Joan
2:00pm to 3:00pm Power Yoga with Lou
3:30pm to 4:00pm Gentle Yoga with Joan

Special that will be offered throughout November: Purchase 5 classes for $50 ($10 per class is a 33% savings). This a great way to sample yoga if you are new to it or a beautiful way to continue your practice. Remember the holidays are coming and this makes a wonderful gift for anyone on your list.

Please visit our website www.inspirepenfield.com to read about our schedule, class descriptions and instructor bios.

Photos will be posted of the studio from start to finish this week.

Remember, "Be the change you wish to see in the world"
Namaste.

This ones for you Lynn

After class a week or so ago my friend Lynn, who was in yoga class that evening, loved this reading. Thank you for your patience - you rock!

"One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself or anyone else is inspiration. Inspiration to get in touch with your dreams. Inspiration to seek out your deepest passions. Inspiration to make a difference in the world, a difference that only you can make. This is not about success; it's about significance. It's not about making a living; it's about making a life. It's not about fame; it's about contribution and service. Instead of asking, "What can I get from life?", watch what happens when you ask, "What can I give to life?"

Have a beautiful day!
Namaste.

Change is in the Air Here in Penfield

Wow - I love Mondays!!! I just wanted to announce that I am now the proud owner of "Inspire Yoga - yoga with heart" a new yoga studio getting ready to open its door on November 6st, 2010!!!! The lease has been signed, the LLC in place and construction - remodeling is under way as we speak.

The "before" photos are coming. Lots of cool changes are in store for this old deli. I will be posting regularly.

I wanted to thank all those who believe in me and what I am doing - you are the wind in my sails!!!! And I wanted to thank my husband for all his love, kindness, support and believing that I can do it!!! Michael you are priceless to me and always have been. And to my kids who think this is just "Cool" you two rock!!!!

Stay tuned for all the neat happenings as we create "Inspire Yoga - yoga with heart".
Namaste.

Rain Must Fall That is How We Grow

In every life some rain must fall, it is necessary, that is how we grow. As you can tell last week was challenging for me, many lessons learned and I emerged stronger. The lessons continue to be taught in the most unexpected ways. Kindnesses shown by the people you least expect, notes from friends that encourage, and of course the unexpected smiles that can brighten the cloudiest days. This is truly a gift from God. These gifts are the bright lights of our lives that we sometime don't truly understand until the lights have dimmed for what ever reason. My yoga practice this week has been less physical and more mental as I have become more present in my life. I have taken back my energy for the greater good and have chosen to spend that precious energy on those I love! All in all a good week and a lesson well learned!!!
Namaste.

Bump in the Road

I was just reminded of something that I needed to remember. First that we do live in a beautiful universe and there are bumps in the road.

This past weekend I hit a bump in the road. I became aware that people aren't always what they seem. This is a hard lesson for me since I tend to trust everyone. It is a gift I give freely. I give trust rather than making people earn it over time. Have I been burned in the past, yes, did I get burned again, yes. What will I do about it? Learn. What have I learned? That people's character, no matter what they say, will show through eventually in their actions; that being a bit guarded is sometimes necessary; that karma is full circle; that true friends will always have your back; and that life is still good!!!!!!

This “bump in the road” also taught me that I have great ideas!!!

This “bump in the road” has continued to enrich my love and relationship with my husband - who can see people's true character better than I - and has helps me put things in perspective.

This “bump in the road” has brought me to tears and I felt cleansed afterward. I released my sadness and am moveing on lighter.

This “bump in the road” gave me clarity.

I could go on and on about how this “bump in the road” has effected my life positively but it all comes down to this, it was put there by God to help me slow down, observe others and their motives, and for this I am grateful.

Let me leave you with a smile and these two quotes:
1. "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it then change how you think about it."
2. "Takers may eat better, but givers sleep better."
Namaste.

Wow Lots to Tell

Wow, lots to share since I last wrote. I will quickly recap our summer in less than 1,000 words! It was GREAT!!! We went to Cooperstown, Howe Caverns, Outer Banks, camped in the backyard, read lots of great book, did tons of yoga, and the list just keeps on going!

The kids went back to school and I have been preparing for my art show this weekend at the Memorial Art Gallery here in Rochester, NY. I am very excited and have completed over 100 new pieces. I am exhausted and thrilled at the same time!

Here are some photos from the summer and new work. I will write soon!
Namaste.

Just in the Mood to Write

Wow lots has happened over the last two weeks. For starters I taught religion school for 5th graders at our church St. Joseph's in Penfield. At times it truly was a practice in patience but all in all I loved it! I was whipped everyday I came home, so I let the laundry pile up and took an hour nap on most days. That helped refresh me so I could do the lesson plans for the next day, get the kids where they needed to go and to teach more yoga. Each day we would get there at 8:15am to set up and the kids would get there at 8:45and leave at 12:00. By the time we cleaned up and headed home it was generally 12:30. Note I teach yoga at 6am and am usually up by 5am! Nick was my helper which was wonderful and my son Timmy said it was the best religion school ever. Hearing those words made all the work and effort worth it - and I would do it all over again for him.

Speaking of Timmy he turned 10 last week - it doesn't seem possible. He was thrilled as everyone came over to celebrate. We had 27 for dinner that evening!!!! Mike and I gave him a tent which he was thrilled to receive! We were suppose to have a camp out over on Saturday but the heavens opened up and it poured all day and we were not able to get the tent up. Timmy took it all in stride and we went out to an awesome Mexican restaurant called "The Blue Cactus"!!! When we got home we gave Timmy his last present which was a scrape book I made for him of his first decade - he said it was the best present - wow I am on a roll - Timmy is good for the ego! Ha Ha!!!

Now onto Monday - which I love Mondays, they are like mornings when everything is possible and fresh! This week we hope to hear some great news about something we have been working towards - so please pass your prayers and positive thoughts this way! When it is a go I will tell you all about it! Meanwhile I have lots of laundry to catch up on along with grocery shopping so you know what I am up to now!!!

Make it a positive and peaceful week!
Namaste.

I Believe....

As I was sitting here waiting for my decaf coffee to brew I started thumbing though the book "All I Really Need to Know I learned In Kindergarten" by Robert Fulghum. I was looking for something to share with the children I am teaching over at St. Joseph's summer religion program. I have often found thoughts in this book very inspiring and was hoping I would find one that will complement my lesson for today. And it just so happens that I was lucky and did. Here is what I found!

"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death!"

Here is to another gift from God - today! Must be going - my coffee is ready!
Namaste.

Toy Story, What a Tear Jerker

Well last night the four of us went to see "Toy Story 3" - Timmy picked out the movie. What I wasn't prepared for was how much of a tear jerker it was and I had no tissues!

The movie brought back beautiful memories of our own boys when they were little guys and how they played with their toys. Some favorites included Buzz Lightyear, Woody and of course all the characters from Thomas the Tank engine. When they played you could see their wonderful imaginations at work. It was such an innocent time of life and there was great beauty in it as I witnessed it.

What the movie illustrated so perfectly was how quickly time passes and that being there for one another is truly the top priority. In other words staying present is key!

After the movie we all came home and hung out in the family room and just talked. No TV just the 4 of us talking and then of course a wrestling/tickling match broke out between the boys which is typical and I have to admit quite funny. Then everything seem to settle again and we found ourselves in the middle of the floor hugging as we had a major pill up on top of Mike.

This truly was one of my favorite evenings ever spent as a family. For that moment we were all truly present and appreciating each other in the simplest ways!

Namaste.

Note: The photo I used was taken over 3 years ago and illustrates how the wrestling/tickling matches begin with the two of them screwing around. How they crack me up!

Authentic Success is a Work in Progress!

Authentic success, what does it mean? Well Webster dictionary describes authentic as, and I quote, "1. Authoritative; 2. worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to fact or reality, trustworthy; 3. not imaginary, false or imitation."

When I read "Simple Abundance" by Sarah Ban Breathnach, her entry for September 15th rang true and clear for me. It starts "Authentic success is different for each of us. No single definition fits all because we come in all sizes. One afternoon years ago, while wandering through an abandoned cemetery, I discovered a wonderful definition of authentic success inscribed on the headstone of a woman who died in 1820: "The only pain she ever caused was when she left us."

Wow that is powerful, moving and something to strive towards.

For me authentic success is sometimes a mystery and at other times I feel as if I am achieving it. Some high points for me are... prioritizing my time properly so that family and friends are on top...answering "if not now when?" with NOW!... knowing in my soul that I did my best and being okay with it regardless of the outcome...Making peace with my past... recognizing my talents and sharing them and not diminishing them when they are recognized by others... making a difference in the world one smile at a time... sharing laughter often and being okay with my tears and the tears of others... truly listening to someone else without interjecting my opinion...valuing my dreams and working consistently to reach them and dream even more... cultivating the attitude of gratitude... and being blessed with faith.

As I reach the cross roads of my life I understand where I have been, liking where I am now and loving the ideas that tomorrow brings. And as I remain present to what really matters, I am achieving my "Authentic Success".
Namaste.

What Does a Great Life Look Like?

Ask a hundred people what a great life looks like and you'll probably get a hundred different answers - But certain answers will make virtually everyone's list.

Most people would agree, for example, that a great life includes something worth living for, maybe even worth dying for. A portion of a great life would be devoted to something BIGGER, greater, grander than yourself. Something that inspires you, energizes you, pulls you forward. Something that responds to your unique Talent or Touch and ultimately, makes a difference in the world around you.

A great life would naturally bring more meaning, purpose, love, peace, laughter, wonder and adventure to your days. And, at the end of your journey you would look back on a life of significance, rather than of regret - knowing in your heart that you left the world a better place than you found it. Knowing that you made a difference in the lives of others. Knowing that you got something wonderful out of it and you gave something wonderful back.

A great life, of course is not something we leave to chance, it is something we create!

This is a reading that I found in Starbucks and the author is unknown to me. I use this at the end of my yoga classes from time to time and I love it! Enjoy your day!
Namaste.

Food for Thought

"What impacts children the most is the unrealized dreams of their parents" - Carl Young.

Life is a Blessing!

This past weekend my son Timmy and I drove to Rhode Island to welcome our new little cousin Noah. My cousin Christina just got back from Kazahkstan where she adopted Noah. He is a dream. Very sweet, personable and loves to blow kisses and give hugs. May God bless you all now and forever!!!!

My newest cousin Noah. Welcome sweetheart!!! We love you!!! Christina he is beautiful!

Mother and child after a long day!

Noah and Mommy (my cousin Christina) having fun on Newport beach! Noah's first time!

My cousin Tommy with Noah - A beautiful and watchful Uncle!!!

Me holding Noah infront of my uncle's retirement home with my cousins Mia and Tommy and my Uncle Tom.
Namaste.

Right Where I need to Be

As I was reading from my daily meditation book, "Journey to the Heart" by Melody Beattie today - catching up from the missed meditation from yesterday, I had an "aha" moment that I thought I'd share.

Last evening I was lucky enough to spend with a group of amazing women that are my dear friends from high school. Each have strength that moves me to be a better person. Their courage and kindness are truly gifts from above. And their straight talk is based on their love - priceless.

As we picked up from when we were last together, not skipping a beat, sharing all our "news", they helped me realize that people and experiences cross our journey's path to teach us needed lessons and get us to the next level in life. I shared my Baron Baptiste Bootcamp experience and opened my heart. They reminded me to live in the present and to see what a gift it truly is and to release my ego and use my energy to move forward and fulfill a dream. Like I said their straight talk is priceless.

Here is yesterday's meditation:
"You are right were you need to be - on your path, guided, in just the right place for you today.
Many times on my journey I stopped short, convinced I would never find the place I was trying to find, only to discover that it was right in front of me all the time. I had gone there instinctively. Gone right where I needed to go, right where I was heading.
There is a part of us that knows where we need to be and understands where we really want to go. There's a place in us that has the map, even if our eyes and conscious mind can't see it, can't figure it out, or aren't certain it's there.
If you's spinning in circles, feeling lost and confused, trying to figure out where you need to be and not all that certain where you're going, stop. Breathe deeply. Look around. You are right where you need to be. Maybe you've been there all along."

So here is to the power of friendship, listening and trusting our hearts!
Namaste.

New Work for End of School Year Celebration!

I wanted to share a few photos of the completed bracelet that I made for Miss Durr’s end of year gift using the children’s signatures. I added foil from chocolate wrappers and cut out words from an 1890’s prayer book that describe Miss Durr. Here are a few examples: Love, grace, patient, kind etc… Finally I added cut out hearts and a hidden house to the collages. The final steps included sandwiching the artwork between two piece of cut glass, wrapping each charm with copper tape then melting the silver solder and attaching a jump ring and miniature clasp to hook onto the sterling silver chain. Then I made a heart of fine silver and attached that to the end of the chain.

Miss Durr has taught these 4th graders for the last two years and has had a beautiful impact on their lives and we are grateful to her and all her hard work!!!
Namaste.