Mending......

Today's post will be boring....just a fore-warning.

You see....I'm sick today. Hacking, coughing, sore throat, dizzy and achy. Just plain YUCK!

I did not go to yoga today! And I'm feeling all sorts of guilt about it!
But....I am reminding myself that technically I AM two days ahead in my challenge.
(by doing a two-a-day on Friday and starting on the 1st)
And....I really really needed rest!

PLUS....more-so....I did not want to bring my nastiness into my new yogi friends and share. So wouldn't have been well received.

So.....Namaste!

I thought of you all during class times today....I hope to be back on Wednesday!
In the meantime....I will be doing some restorative poses and moon salutations....(depending on my dizziness) here at home.

May you all be and stay healthy!


Namaste ~ from my heart to your heart~

Peace,
Chantelle

A Little Push......

I did not want to go to yoga today. I came up with all sorts of reasons, and excuses why I shouldn't or couldn't.....and I was TRYING to tell myself that it would be ok. After all.....it was Sunday.....the day of rest right? And I wasn't feeling well....like AT ALL! The "crud" finally hit my throat and it's scratchy and clamping and hurts to breathe. How the HECK would I even breathe in a yoga class if I couldn't even breathe without pain in my living room? AND....on top of that....I pulled something, I think, in my left hamstring....probably from my two-a-day on Friday. And....it WAS Sunday after all! ( oh ya...I already said that!) And.......hmmmmmmmmm......well..........ya!

So there I was....with all these negative thoughts pulling me away from my challenge....ALREADY! It's day 8! ONLY! Day! 8! And I just wanted a break! Is that really so bad?? IT'S SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!
Plus on top of it all.....I have been feeling all sorts of "out". Just emotionally and weirdly, and wacky. ( For lack of more poetic or "smart" words......'cause I'm feeling LOT of things right now....but smart is currently at this exact moment not one of them!) I think that for me being gone so long in South Africa, which was AMAZING by the way ( more to come in later posts), I still just feel like I missed out. I missed the magical and full of sparkli-ness Christmas season. I missed it with my other two kids. Well....I didn't MISS it exactly. We were home 4 days before Christmas (and believe me we hit the ground running ignoring the insane jet-lag- which I thought was just a phenomenon, but trust me ....IT IS NOT!)
But for me....the season is so much more than just one evening and a day. It's everything that leads up to that, and it's a relaxed and loving pace and it's soaking all the scents, and sights & feelings of the season .....all 25 days long! Not commercially or materialistically. Just magically and with family. And I feel that I missed alot of that with them. And now it has come and gone and there is a void.
I have been trying to just let go of the feeling....but weirdly it keeps coming back to me. And I feel like I need to let it sit and just grieve over it awhile. It's seems really silly...I know. And really frivolous. Even as I write this and re-read it....it just seems so downright small and silly. While there are so many more world wide troubles going on.
BUT.....it's my promise to be more present and live with intention and really listen.
So...I am listening and observing, and feeling and experiencing....and then learning some more. My hope is that when I really hear myself and honor whatever it is that's going on......I may be able to release it more quickly and then clear that space and move on and forward to the next " thing". (And hopefully soon enough I will run out of "things"!)

Anyway......I ended up going to yoga anyway, telling myself the maybe just maybe it would do me good. And it was a "community" class with a new teacher from the yoga community and I was just a bit interested. So I went on that! ( Plus the 30 day challenge is sorta kicking my butt out the door!)
And....I must say I am oh so very very glad that I did. This teacher has the most amazing yoga experience and credentials, and she brought amazing energy to the room. And I not talking...."ra-ra" over-the-top energy....but just filled the space with good, positive and motivating energy. I really enjoyed her, and her class. I allowed myself to enter the room and set intention for myself that it would be ok today to just ease into the class and the poses and to just observe how I feel with each pose and go from there. Even if I took most of the class in child's pose. It would be ok. The fact that I was there....was enough.
I actually surprised myself quite a bit....and was able to breathe without pain after focusing my breath INTO the sore areas......and I did find the strength to go more than I thought I would.
So.....in peace and joy and gratitude for a gentle push....I give thanks. To me. To the instructor. To the 30 day challenge. And to Balance Yoga Studio.

But man.....I really really MUST try to stop planning my dinner menu on my mat while in Savasana. Must work on that!
Anyway....in case you're curious, tonite......Vegetarian French Onion Soup and a Simple Green Salad.
Now off to knit something, and sip some Yogi tea, and listen to my kiddos laugh and giggle while they watch their new kitties explore and play.
Happy Sunday to you all! Finally...it is time to be restful!


Namaste! ~ from my heart to your heart

Peace,
Chantelle

Trust, Belief ( in the process), and Breathe......

Ok....so I am behind. I know! I know!

But.....such is life sometimes. And it is in my best interest and best intention this year to be more gentle with myself...and therefore....no guilt about it.


So today.....you get three days in one!


Thursday class was one of struggle and challenge AND discomfort for me, as well as awareness.
Even tough it was a restorative class....it was very intense for me. It was a true struggle for me to breathe and meditate through the poses, since I was feeling such discomfort. It was a shoulder opening class....and OH Man....are my shoulders ever tight! It's where I hold alot of my day, well....my life really. I tend to roll my shoulders forward, almost in a hunch shape....and I have learned that it is a for me, unconsciously, to protect my heart. So opening my shoulders up was physically painful, as well as emotionally painful. And while I feel I didn't to very well in the class that day, I was able to release it because I felt gratitude for being open enough and aware enough and PRESENT enough to really listen to my body and my heart. And from that.....I learned alot.

Friday I did soemthing I have never done before!
TWO yoga classes in one day!
The first was a Hatha class...which I always love and I think it's my favorite style of yoga to do....( it always has been!) I think the thing I like best about Hatha is the chance or opportunity and time to really allow oneself to slowly fall into the pose getting a deeper stretch and appreciation for each pose for 4-5 breaths.

THEN.....the MOST amazing and beautiful class yet......Candle Flow. This was a Friday evening Vinyasa Flow class, but to candles. There were candles set between every one's mat and in front of each mat. It was both beautiful and calming and energizing! I HIGHLY recommend it! It's definitely hard to put words to it, so come experience it for your self!

This journey is definitely a work in progress and I am oh so glad I stepped up to the challenge of the 30 days of yoga! I am really exploring so many limitations bot inside of my body and being and outside of my body.

And today I attended the amazing "Intention and Attention" workshop by Ce of Balance Yoga Studio. The workshop aligns so well with my new word of the new year ( and I use word and NOT resolution). This really gave me so much food for thought regarding setting my intention for the year. And while I knew exactly what I wanted to set my intention on; the workshop provided tools and fuel for thought, on how to further explore how I can fully move forward to meeting that intention every day.
I actually have more than one intention, and I feel I will work on each as a "first come first serve basis" or as each comes along and which ever demands the most attention at that moment.

And.....now I'm signing off to spend the rest of my evening.....cuddling my children, munching vegetarian pizza, and knitting.......I will leave you with this amazing piece of writing that was shared with us during our candle flow class...... to ponder for your weekend;

"The Optimist Creed"

"Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.

To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud word, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you."

By Christian D. Larson


Namaste! ~ from my heart to your heart


Peace,
Chantelle

Reflections upon contrast.....

Tonight's class was Yin and Yang yoga.

It centers on the philosophy that we do some real practice with warming or heating ( our core bodies - NOT the room) Vinyasa poses, while centering and balancing that out with more restful and cooling poses. Alot of contrast.

Because it was the last class of the evening, in contrast to the morning and day time classes, we did many lunar salutations. Our breath flowed in and out while raising our heart centers up towards the moon. While the yoga itself was challenging, the movements were slow and concentrated, the poses were held for a deep inhalation followed by a deep exhalation before moving one. It was one big graceful flow of breath and movement.


I felt like a beautiful graceful swan ( or ballet dancer).

I loved this class both for it's energizing qualities yet contrasted by it's calming and restorative qualities.

Readying me for my journey to lunar dreams.


~Namaste~ from my heart to your heart.......


Peace,
Chantelle

The Opening of Doors....and a sweet cup of tea!

Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!


That's it! That's my blog post for today! Just aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! One word! Pretty much sums it all up!

Namaste!

Ok....I'm just kidding. About that being it for my post today. But so NOT kidding about the word. Is it even a word?

Anyway.....whatever aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! is......it sums up today's yoga class for me on Day 3 of my 30 Day Yoga challenge. Seriously....even just thinking about it now as I write this.....FOUR hours after the class....I can still summon up the same feelings.

I chose to go to the Restorative class today. For a few reasons. ( And by the way....I say chose....because there are so many great classes to choose from at Balance Yoga Studio, that there's really something for everyone and everyone's schedule! Check them out at http://www.balanceyoga.co/ )
Anyway.....the reasons I chose today's class are not really relevant.To me, yes. To you, probably not. But what I came out of it with...... is.

I would have to liken the class today, with the similarity of savoring a sweet cup of tea after a long , stressful, busy and cold windy day in front of a roaring fire. Yup! Like yoga in a cup!

I walked into class after a busy day and I was even running a bit late. So..... frazzled is never a great way to start class, but so today went. (See...I am really trying to live with intention and be present, and just let the present moment be what it is. It is what it is. Did that even make any sense?)
Anyway- I was really looking forward to the relaxation of the restorative class. And while many of you right about now may be voicing your inner opinions about relaxing not quite being a challenge.......( or is that my inner voice again?? Mental note #2), then you try to run from your day into a wonderfully warm dimly lit room full of mats and bolsters and blankets and eye masks waiting for you. I know....doesn't sound hard at all.
But wait.........

So the basis of restorative yoga is practice poses that allow your body to deeply relax and encourages rest, relaxation, and healing from within. When deep relaxation is achieved the body, and mind, can nurture and heal itself. Yoga props, such as bolsters, pillows, blocks and blankets are used to assist with creating this relaxing environment. The room is warm, dimly lit, and soothing music is playing in the background.
Jealous yet???

But honestly....as relaxing and AMAZING as it sounds - and it was, restorative yoga can also be quite challenging in it's own right. You see....while settling down into a resting pose, on bolsters, opening up our heart center and perhaps our hips and rib cages....we also must quiet our minds. And as any one who has ever tried to meditate knows......that ain't no cake walk! So while my body was slowly melting into the bolster and my hips and shoulders were slowly opening up in a gentle stretch, ( working out the last few days of yoga) the work was being done in my mind. ( Or was supposed to be.) Return to your breath, the instructor would say. And I would....every time. But it was in between those moments...that I was making my dinner grocery list for right after class ( Thai Noodle Soup with tofu by the way-lemme know if you want the recipe!), and I was making a mental note of paying my daughter's preschool tomorrow, and wondering if I should take down the Christmas tree tonight. ( It's still up.)
But the point is.....all this deep opening, and healing and nurturing and relaxation can't happen...unless our minds are super quiet and still. And THAT my friends.....THAT is THE challenge! But..I have to say...and I pat myself on my back a bit....that during this class...I did feel I made strides much closer to what I know the outcome should be. And for that I feel intense satisfaction and gratitude. So....thank you to me! ( We should all thank ourselves once in awhile!)
And I just know that while I opened up and made space in my rib cages, and my shoulders, and my hips today...I also know.....that I opened a door, even if just a crack, in my mind and soul. And THAT is exciting. Because by opening up that door, I am opening up space to be able to be more present.

But really, really....I felt so great and energized after that class. I honestly felt like I could stay for the Vinyasa Flow class right after! And I would have... if I didn't have 4 hungry mouths waiting for my noodle soup at home! I still feel energized! And it could be from the deep stretch and opening I experienced....or it could be from the excitement at the prospect of what's to come.
Either way!
It's my cup of tea!
Wanna cup???


~Namaste~ from my heart to your heart


Peace,
Chantelle

Thankful x2!!

Yesterday...I was feeling so thankful for the Vinyasa Flow class I attended to kickstart my 30 day yoga challenge! I was gung ho! Ready to go! Energized! The class was tough, challenging, but invigorating and energizing. Also renewing! Which feels so great! I was very thankful for the class. And......I said thank you to myself for pushing forth in day one of this challenge.

This morning.....I was thankful too.....however....in a WHOLE different way! I was still very thankful for getting my very sore buttocks out of bed....and still very thankful for making the choice to go to yoga class! But I was twice as thankful today because the class was the " Gentle" yoga class! "cause let me tell you.......my a$& hurt....like nobody's business! A "good" kinda hurt.....like we all have known.....but man oh man.......ouch!!!!

And I then thought......many may say...or think..... "A gentle yoga class can't count towards the yoga challenge!!!!" ( But this is where I need work because why should it even bother me what people say or think? Must work on this! Mental note.)

Well. Why not? Yoga is yoga is yoga. A yoga pose is a yoga pose. Mountain pose....is standing on a very basic level.....but while IN mountain pose....it's SOOOOOOOOO much more than standing. Child's pose....is a yoga pose. Yes....it's a resting pose, yes you're crouched down on your knees and resting your forehead into the ground....but....it's still a pose. Savasana...or corpse pose.....is another resting pose. BUT....it's still a pose! And as our great teacher of today's class; Ce Boehme, stated...it's probably THE MOST difficult pose as it's extremely hard for people to just let go. Just let go of all control. That's a hard thing to do!

But today's gentle class was way more than just resting poses! The gentle class just allows for each of us to move into each pose more slowly and therefore more deeply, allowing for a deeper stretch , and also allowing for us to practice the pose more than once, and allow for reflection and awareness of what external and internal sensations are occurring.
And......It was still a challenging class. It still pushed my limits at times. It was still all about awareness. And balance. And breath. And truth. What truth is for me. For each of us.
I was aware of the fact that in this gentle class today that I did have more time during and in between classes to reflect and really listen to my inner dialogue about what was going on and what was speaking to me.
But it was also so very beneficial to helping me with working through that pain from yesterdays class. And this evening....I feel soooooooo much better! And for that....I am oh so thankful!
More-so though.......I am thankful that I am gently pushing myself to meeting this challenge......and if it takes a gentle or restoration class in between the Vinyasa and Power classes then....I will let it be. Just let it be so. And no matter what...... I will be present. And continue to practice practice intention no matter what class I'm in.
Because yoga is yoga is yoga...after all.


Namaste~ from my heart to your heart

Peace,
Chantelle

The Beginning - Day One..... of many things!

During my many downward dogs this afternoon~ at Balance Yoga - ...I came upon a huge AH HAH moment for me!I am sharing it with you in case you too, need an ah hah moment in your life right about now.

Today is the first day of my 30 day yoga challenge. I came away from the best class! More on that in a moment.....

Today is also the first day of 2012.
And....I feel..... it is the first day of many good beginnings.

The first day of a new year. With that comes.....renewal. Doesn't that just make you want to breathe our a giant sigh of relief.
RENEWAL. Take a moment to take that in. BREATHE it in.
Renewal of health. Renewal of love. Renewal of relationships. Renewal of promise. Renewal of hope. Renewal of goals. Renewal of breath. Renewal of ......life.

There's just SOMETHING about this year...for me. ( and maybe you too!) That "something" that I just can't quite put my finger on, but I feel it....oh so strong....in my soul and all the way down to my toes! And....it feels AMAZING, and from it...I am becoming amazed. It feels strong and from it I am gaining strength. It feels magical...and from it I am believing again. It feels slightly breathtaking...and from that...I am reminded to....just breathe!

In past years, I have made resolutions. But...that word....for me, and all it entails; expectation, success and failure,pressure, has never really sat well with me or resonated to me.
Because of this...last year, I didn't make any resolutions! Not one!
I did however, make ONE promise to myself, which I feel I lived out fully and beyond my expectations! (To fill in here for those who do not know me....I finally allowed myself to pursue a quiet but life long passion for photography, poured myself into learning as much as possible, -BUT NOT NEARLY ALL- , and in eight short but super fulfilling months, braved my fears and opened up mu photography business Live. Love. Laugh. Photograph)

This year....no RESOLUTIONS! ( yuck!) ~ ...and please....not at all meant to offend if the word resolution means and works for you...by all means...we all have "our" words!
Only more promises. But really....more so.....only INTENTION. That is my word for 2012. It seems it may be a popular word for many in 2012. It keeps popping up everywhere for me...other friends are using it, I see it on facebook, in popular book store titles, I read it on inspirational websites, and again heard it today in yoga class.

Intention- by dictionary definition- means "a determination to act in a certain way."
For me...the meaning stretches beyond that...and speaks a bit louder. It means to me to simply lie my moments with presence and purpose, and utter and pure mindfulness. " Wherever you go, and whatever you do, there you are." ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn

It is not here or now that I will begin to list all of my intentions for you. I may probably not fully be aware of all of them right this moment. ( Which kinda pretty much excites me!)
But this is my place and my space where I will blog about my renewal of yoga and my intention, and my journey and discovery and explorations that come along with the experience. And hopefully there will be many more ah-hah moments! But this is YOUR space too. I hope you will join me. Just read along, or blog along, or comment along. Post your journey with me. Or start your own journey! Just do it with intention and mindfulness.

I will blog each day about my 30 day yoga challenge journey, which I am doing at the amazing Balance Yoga- studio right here in Woodinville. Great teachers and staff! You really MUST try it! $20 gets you 20 classes! And it's not too late to sign yourself up for your very own 30 day yoga challenge. You will feel renewed on so many levels!

Each day will bring a different blog post; some long, some short, some one liners, and some days just inspirational quotes or photographs and images. The beauty of it is that I do not know what each day will bring. But I am so open to the magic and promise of it all.
And once again...I invite you along this journey with me. Laugh with me. Cry with me. Share yours with me. Breathe with me. Do yoga with me!

Together lets live this year with intention!

I would like to leave you with this very powerful quote from our yoga class today that the very inspirational yoga instructor, Carrie Hopperstad, shared with us, (which basically summed up everything I have been feeling lately and it always absolutely floors and amazes me how we seem to attract our exact thoughts and needs, and everywhere the past week I have seen signs and glimpses of this ah-hah moment...and it took this to finalize it all for me);

"The single resolution that takes care of all the rest is to be present and , the best we can, with lightness and ease. Otherwise our resolutions place demands on the future. We then sentence the future and put it in a prison and become merciless guards over it. To be present frees the future. Miracle after miracle, beyond our best resolution, transforms our relationships . We do nothing but be NOW!"

~Namaste~ from my heart to your heart......

Here's to our best intentions and our best presence in this year of renewal!

Much Peace......
Chantelle