Photos from Mirbeau

Outside of Mirbeau. Beautiful!!!


The snow was incredible!

Mike at the Inn.

Skaneateles Lake taken from Main Street.

It took us about a half hour to dig our selves out of our parking space the final morning, that is how much it snowed overnight!!!!


All dressed up for our special night out!

One of my favorite shops. It is called Paris Flea. Absolutely beautiful!



Dinner at Rosalie's Cucina - the best Italian food ever!!!!


Mike and I went to Mirbeau in Skaneateles, NY to celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary (which was in November 2009)this past week. It was beautiful, and we felt like we were in France. This snow made it very enchanting and cozy! We both had a wonderful time! It was hard to come back.
Namaste.

Onto Week Two

Today starts week two of the "40 Days to a Personal Revolution." My practice is now 30 minutes and my meditation is now 10 minutes. I started this morning with the meditation and I have to be honest it was harder than the 5 minutes was. I found my mind wandering constantly and found my mind full of "Chatter" that I wasn't able to quiet this morning. I was getting frustrated but then I reconnected with my breath and calmed down. Very interesting to say the least.

Next, with my hot cup of coffee in hand, I read "Week Two" in the "40 Days to Personal Revolution" book by Baron Baptiste. The mediation section for this week made sense to me after I experienced all the chatter earlier. This week I am to just listen and "label" the constant chatter. For me my labels will say things like... "Mommy's laundry list of things to do" or "Must not Forget..." or "I wish I said this way back then..." This observation of the chatter will help me to recognize patterns that I need to let go of.

In week two I will be balancing my diet even more. The first week I discovered what my body needs and learned about foods, foods that cleanse the body; foods that build the body; I learned what are foods that are more heating and foods that are more cooling. With this knowledge I am beginning to understand how to recognize what my body needs and balance it accordingly. Week two the focus is on fresh food. Incorporating fresh fruits, vegetable, lean meat, fish and whole grains and preparing them simply. I love to cook and eat this way already so I will be challenging myself on avoiding any and all foods that come in a package with the exception of my morning oatmeal and yogurt. This should be interesting! I will avoid orange juice from a package and try my hand at fresh squeezed juices. Maybe I will make homemade pasta with the pasta press my brother-in-law gave me years ago that I still have yet to use. Needless to say it will be an adventure.

Here is the list of poses that I did this morning that I was able to fit within the half hour. They are as follows: Child's pose; Downward facing dog; Rag doll; Sun salute A; Sun salute B; Warrior 2; Triangle; Side plank; Crescent lunge; Twisting chair; Bridge pose; Wheel; Boat pose; Supine twist; Dead bug; Corpse pose. I also did handstand with my husband's help.Each pose was held for 5-10 breaths.

Last on my list for this week are the excavation questions. I found them very thought provoking. Here are the three that I am still pondering. 1. What is my most meaningful creation in life? 2. What is my most courageous act? 3. Whom do I resent and how is that affecting me? I jotted down my ideas but will continue to work on them throughout the week. Great food for thought!!!!

Here's to the next 7 days of self discovery!
Namaste.

Seven for Seven!!!

Yeah! I made it! Seven days of yoga and seven days of meditation have been completed as I continue my journey towards "40 Days to a Personal Revolution". I feel very good mentally and physically and am ready to up my minutes per day. I will now be meditating for 10 minutes and doing at least 30 minutes of yoga for the next seven days. I am finding a rhythm with my meditation and am beginning to understand clearing of my mind. It doesn't happen for the entire 5 minutes but I am able to do it for part of the time. I find it a very calming part of my day.

More to come in a moment - kids are calling better find out what they need!
Namaste.

Donation Yoga

Donation Yoga for Haiti tomorrow, Saturday Feb. 27th at 11:15-12:30pm at the Eastside YMCA in Penfield. The cost is $10. Please pay upstairs before the class begins. All the money collected is going to the Red Cross for Hait. I hope to see some of you there for this great cause! Remember you can make a difference!

Updates on day 5 and 6 of my "40 Days to Personal Revolution" to be posted tomorrow! I am still on track with yoga and meditation and feeling great about it.

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

Day Four

Today my day started off at 4:45am as I got up and went over to the YMCA. I did 20 minutes on the elliptical machine then into the studio for my 25 minute practice. I used the same practice that I used yesterday and noticed a difference in my hamstrings during "Parivrtta Krounchasana" (twisting lifted leg pose). It just felt better today as if my body knew what was coming and was ready.

After I did my practice I taught from 6-7am and was able to flow with the class for part of the time. It is a treat as a teacher to be able to flow a little bit with the class and tap into their great energy. I had a few new students this morning and that in and of its self is exciting to me. I hope they enjoyed their first class.

As a teacher it is thrilling to share a first class with a student. You never know how they will take to it and it is fun to see them start their own journey. Sometimes they come back and sometimes they don't, or they don't for a while then you will see them and they will say they needed it. And the coolest thing is when they come back and smile at you. You know they will keep on practicing, when that happens. It is just something you feel.

About my 40 day journey, so far I feel on top of the world. Prior to this adventure I was feeling down, almost lost, which for me felt very foreign, but it was true, that is how I felt. Everything was bothering me, stuff that I would normally be able to brush off I couldn't for some reason. Now I feel as if a soft breeze of change has blown my way giving me direction and the energy that I was lacking.

I find that the meditation at the beginning of the day seems to help me set my mind to the tasks at hand. It is such a pleasure to spend those first few moments of the day just "being still".

Like most people I came to yoga for the physical reasons of healing my body and then wanting to tone it. What I gained over the years and am fully recognizing and appreciating is the healthy dose of mindfulness training that I also get. That has made practicing a pleasure even though it is very challenging. In the words of Baron Baptiste "I believe that this quality is what gives yoga its magical and transformational powers..." How true that has been on my journey.

Make it a peaceful day - you do have the power to do that!
Namaste.
PS You are already so much more that you think you are!!!!!

Day Three

Today has been a nicely paced day so far. I started with my 5 minutes of silence (meditation) then did the usual routine with the kids in the morning, walked the dog and then got to do my yoga practice once everyone left.

For my practice this morning I used the CD from Baron Baptiste's "The Yoga Bootcamp Box". I did the 20 minute vinyasa flow. I enjoyed being led through the practice and not having to think - truly a treat for a yoga teacher. I noticed my mind really connecting with my body. I am a bit stiff from my run/biking yesterday and this helped release the quads which have been screaming at me. I feel more alert.

I also took time to prepare 2 yoga classes for children that I will be teaching later today. As I was gathering my material, I reread the introduction to "My Daddy is a Pretzel" by Baron Baptiste. It is a very simple book and great for children 3-8 years of age. However the "Introduction" and "Tip" at the back of the book have great ideas that are ageless and important to all. The following paragraph in particular struck me as a parent and yoga teacher. I believe you will agree.

"As every parent understands, children imitate what they see, hear and feel. They naturally look for examples to follow. Although children have an inner compass that points them towards a true north, they do not know the difference between habits that give life and habits that take life away. They simply imitate and do what they see, hear and experience. So it makes a big difference when we adults make efforts to give direction and show what habits lead to a vital, healthy and happy life."

Most children do as they see, not always what they hear. So let's give them a hand and teach them through good examples that they can see and experience.

Have a peaceful day.
Namaste.

Day Two

The second day I still feel very excited and hopeful for personal growth. I was up and at the YMCA at 5am. I cycled for 65 minutes in class, ran for 25 minute-21/4 miles, then I went to the studio and did a 30 minute yoga practice. Once home I did my 5 minute meditation in between one son leaving for middle school and having to wake up my younger son for elementary school.

I am trying to keep up with my cardio for now. I realize at some point in my 40 days I will have to reduce it as my practices get longer. I still only have 24 hours a day to work with.

Here are the first few laws of transformation written by Baron Baptiste in his book "40 Days to Personal Revolution".

Law 1: Seek the Truth, letting go of the ego and repenting which in it's highest form is self acceptance.

Law 2: Be Willing to Come Apart, we can give up the illusion that everything is okay and that we control anything, that is when the true spiritual work can begin.

Law 3: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone, Jesus taught, life is about letting go of anything and everything that blocks wisdom from shining through.

Law 4: Commit to Growth, remember there are two forces (wolves) living within each person: a pull toward security - preservation of ourselves as we are and a pull towards growth. Whichever we hold as more precious (feed) we cultivate.

As I read and reread the 12 laws of which I told you about the first 4, I will go into more depth as I understand them and apply them to my life and growth. One theme I seem to get is "Faith". We must have the hope or faith that we can do better and then just go for it!

Have a peaceful day.
Namaste.

Got Ready, Got Set and Today I Began

Today has been a beautiful day in more ways than one. First let me describe outside here in upstate New York on February 21st. The sky is crystal clear and the sun is brilliant. There is no wind and it feels warmer than the 32 degrees reported. A perfect day for a walk and to build a snowman.

I got up naturally at 7:00am did my meditation then went to the YMCA to run and do my yoga practice. It is great getting there so early on a Sunday. It is peaceful and relaxing. After I ran for 3 miles I went in to the studio and did my practice for 35 minutes. I felt great and it was such a pleasure to do savasana with no distractions. When I practice at home my dog Charlie loves to lay on top of me at that point which is sweet but very distracting, needless to say!

After getting home and having my decaf coffee I read another "Law of Transformation" and got ready for church. We all went to the 11:00am mass. I love it when the homily and life are in sync with one another.

What have I learned today? I have learned that life is all about choices. We can make up all sorts of excuses as to why we won't better ourselves or situations. The excuse that is used most frequently is "I don't have enough time." We choice not to have enough time by over scheduling ourselves, our children, prioritizing poorly and then wonder why we are so frazzled. We tend to put "things" in front of relationships and we choose to put God last if we even think of him at all. Is it really a wonder why the world is in such a state?

It would be great if we all could choose to take five to ten minutes each morning to just sit and be. When thoughts pop up and they will, acknowledge them and send them on their way and reconnect with the breath. It is easy, painless and doable. It will set your day up beautifully. Let's remember life happens but let's enjoy the ride while we can.

Namaste.

PS I found this photo, thought of the Olympics and thought it would be fun to share especially since the sky that is pictured looks exactly like the sky in NY right now!

Game Plan

Well tomorrow will start day 1 of 40 for my "40 Days to Personal Revolution". Since Wednesday when Lent started, I took time to read the beginning of the book, the laws of transformation which there are 12 of, and Week One so I know what to expect. I also have been meditating everyday for 5 minutes, doing a 20 minute practice above and beyond my normal yoga practice and I dusted off my journal. Now I can keep track of my progress and I will also have a place to answer the "Excavation Questions" which are at the end of each week.

Each week has 4 main elements to it. First the physical practice, second balancing your diet, third the meditation practice and forth the excavating questions. When done in combination I believe lots can be discovered.

There are many things I like about this book so far. One of my favorite things is all the quotes that Baron includes from the Bible, Jesus and Buddha to name a few of the sources. Here are some samples: From the Bible, "There are no riches greater than a sound body." "Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew." Saint Francis.

I am excited and energized for this new beginning. Where it will take me only God knows.

Have a peaceful day!
Namaste.

Lent... Each Journey Must Start With One Step!

Lent just started this past Wednesday and I want to do something different and meaningful this year that I have never done before. I have been thinking about this for some time. Now in the past I have always been pretty good with giving something up that I truly enjoy but this year I want to add something rather than take away something. I thought how can I change the world, what can I add to it? I mean really I am just one person, then it hit me, it only takes one person.

I went and purchased Baron Baptiste's book "40 Days to Personal Revolution". To my surprise this book has beautiful insight into our souls and who we are and what we can do with effort. Sure there is a strong yoga element but it is presented as a means to an end. And that end is to create a better, kinder person, the person God wants us to be.

Of course in doing this program I will be doing yoga everyday for 40 days beginning with 20 minutes each day for the first week and then increasing it from there. Along with the the physical yoga practice I will be meditating for 5 minutes each day the first week and increasing it from there. There are other elements to this that I will continue to discover while I am on this journey.

My intention for Lent is to complete this program, grow towards the person I am meant to be and share the process with you. As I have heard it said before, "Anything worth doing is done better when shared." I will be posting my progress as it relates to this journey as often as possible with the hope that this journey I take will inspire at least one person and then I have changed the world for the better.

Oh yeah I still gave up chocolate!
Namaste.

Happy St. Valentine's Day

Happy St. Valentine's Day!!!!Even though today was filled with going to the boys basketball games (they had 4, 2 each) we all managed to have a relaxing and fun morning before all the chaos. I made a beautiful breakfast for everyone and we all opened our valentines that we made for each other. We had great laughs as we told each other why we loved each other. It was one of those moments you wish you could freeze. Then reality set in and off we went. We ended the day with my father and had dinner at his home. Truly a blessed day!

Namaste.

Authentic Self What does it Mean?

I have been struggling for some time now trying to figure out this question, "What is our authentic self?" Many times when I feel I have gotten it right, I find that I still have so much more to learn, which is a beautiful lesson in humility and good for my soul. I feel connected to who I am to be in this life during such moments of intense observation of myself.

Witnessing our world from my corner, I see so many wonderful aspects but I also see where we can all improve. That is what I struggle with, the lack of effort, faith and respect that I witness. I see it often in adults and then witness the trickle down effect to children. I struggle with not judging others since I do not walk in their shoes. This is hard for me.

When describing myself I would say I am an optimist and extremely grateful for the many blessing in life. I work on seeing the good in people and it is there for certain!

But answer me this, please, how does one teach a child not to fall prey to peer pressure when adults do constantly, and not pass judgement? As a parent I have been called upon to explain this to my children when they have witnessed it in the adults around them. This is hard especially when the adult behavior does effect them.

Life is so different from when I grew up. I am not sure about you all, but my parents didn't over schedule me, or try to fit me into groups that were not for me, when they said no they meant it for our own good and they always had strong moral courage and that was that. Where has that way of life gone? Is it still out there? Is it out there and hiding? Where has courage to do the right thing gone? Why aren't parents doing their job? If we all stick together we could get through this easier I believe.

This reminds me of a line in a reading that I often read in my yoga classes. It reads like this, "I want to know if you can disappoint another and still be true to yourself."

What is our authentic self and how do we find her?
Namaste.