The Healing Heart Energy

I am feeling so much better than I was last week. Seriously, for a while, I thought I was never going to get better. I felt like that plague-like flu was going to slowly deteriorate every ounce of me and leave me bed ridden forever. Okay, a little over dramatic, but you get it. What was the miracle cure, you ask? Was it the Cold Fx, the Tylenol Cold and Flu, the pint of blueberries, the perpetual rest, mom’s homemade vegetable puree soup, the warm almond milk with turmeric, the freshly squeezed daily glass of grapefruit juice, the cup of boiled water with cinnamon and honey, Roxanne’s snuggles, The Beverly Hills 90210 season 8 marathon, Vinny’s homemade pancakes? My conclusion: it was a mix of all of this, PLUS my Yoga Teacher Training.


I didn’t think I was going to make it to my training last weekend. While the flu got the best of me on the Friday night, it didn’t keep me from enjoying my Saturday and Sunday surrounded by good people and good karma. I wasn’t feeling 100% when I showed up to the studio at 8am Saturday morning, so I sat for the first hour and a half as I watched my fellow YTT friends perform their early morning practice. As much as I longed to go into Downward Facing Dog and Warrior I, I knew my body still needed to rest- it was not yet ready to over exert itself. So I sat, quietly with my legs crossed and a blanket draped over my lap, and observed those 15 ladies in all their glory. It was beautiful, like watching stone statues move slowly and gracefully. And you know what? By 10am, I started feeling a little bit better. My eyes weren’t as glossy, my sinuses weren’t as stuffy, and my energy level began to rise slowly. That’s when it hit me: these ladies all had a hand in helping me feel better. It was as though I could feel their healing and heartfelt energy directing itself straight for me. I began feeding on this collective liveliness that unmistakably filled the room. I thanked everyone after the practice for their generous exchange of energies. I imagined to myself that they had some secret communal agreement to have their healthy vibes cultivate and direct themselves from their hearts to mine. It really was quite remarkable. The power of the heart is just so significant.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Under the Weather

For the last 2 days I have been bed ridden with a plague-like flu.  I haven't been this sick in a long time.  My brother, father, boss and a few friends have been hit by this bug as well, so I suppose it was only a matter of time before my immune system decided to succumb to the pressure and take a much needed vacation.  Thanks, immune system, no really, I appreciate it.

Well, rather than complain about being sick, I decided to do all that I can to help my immune system gain back its forces!

Step 1: Cuddle with Roxanne.  She has been a superb nurse throughout all of this.

Step 2: Try a new home remedy to easy my aching throat.  Boil a cup of water and stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon, a teaspoon of honey and a bit of lemon.  Though it didn't quite cure anything, it definitely soothed my throat for a bit.  It was actually quite tasty, too.

Step 3: Rest.  I have not moved from my bed since Monday night, other than to use the washroom and make toast.  I have been fortunate enough not to fall behind on my work since Vinny picked up my work laptop for me at the office.  I know, I know, I shouldn't be working, but simply relaxing.  Well, I've been able to accomplish a few small things while in bed.  It has been nothing too strenuous or stressful at all, so I am happy to do it.

Step 4: Succumb to over the counter drugs.  I always try to cure any ailment naturally, but this time, it was unfortunately beyond me.  I have befriended Advil and Contac C, and they have left me feeling a little bit better.  For 6 hours at a time anyways...

Step 5: Mommy.  Yeap, my mom showed up at my door with homemade soup and a tasty looking pasta dish.  Made me wonder, maybe I should have the flu more often? ;)

And the final step, which I just couldn't wait to share with you, and actually to try myself as I have not yet, is this: http://www.yogajournal.com/health/117

Yoga Journal had a great article on poses to practice if you have a cold or the flu.  I am hoping that these asanas will be my guiding light back to health.  If you feel flu or cold symptoms creeping up on you, please take a gander at this article.

This upcoming weekend is my 6th Yoga Teacher Training, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be flu-free!  You are all welcomed to send me positive and healing vibes (and tip!)

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Love Love Love

Happy Valentine's Day, my lovely bloga friends.  I'm a fond believer that V-Day is not only meant to be celebrated amongst lovers, but to be celebrated with those we LOVE, and that means family and friends, too.  It should be recognized as a day to tell everyone that you hold dear that you love them.  But unfortunately, not enough people see it this way.  Many people in my surroundings mumble angrily under their breath when this day rolls around.  At first sight of this, I stop them mid-mumble and wrap them in my arms to let them know that they are, in fact, loved.



I am guessing it should
say "Be" but you get it!

 So yesterday, Vinny and I enjoyed our third experience with partner yoga.  We had tried it twice last year, and jumped on the occasion to lay our mats side by side again as my FabTeach taught a class of nearly 30 people eager to experience Tree Pose and Downward Facing Dog with someone they love.  Of course, every pose felt inexplicably special because I was performing them with Vinny, but there was another factor at play that made it feel so unique.  Our mats were surround by 6 other mats, and on those 6 mats were friends.  There was PetiteK and Dji behind us, who had actually accompanied us at a previous partner yoga session.  There was BMan and his lovely fiancée beside us dipping their toes in their first partner yoga experience.  And diagonal to us was my YTT partner in crime LovelyLau who had convinced her husband to try it out.  If his first-time experience was anything like Vinny's, it's hook line and sinker from here on in and he'll be joining her for every other partner yoga workshop.  Being surrounded by friends made the whole experience feel even more playful.  We helped each other and we let ourselves giggle in between asanas and sometimes during.  Of course, it was equally amazing to see those who had never really dabbled in yoga before enjoy their experience with an ear to ear smile.

The combination of having tmy main squeeze and friends present made this particular partner yoga experience unforgettable.  Not only were Vinny and I celebrating our love for each other, but we were sharing this loving experience with friends.  And that, in my most humble opnion, is what Valentine's Day is all about.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Yoga with the Youngsters

Vinny and I had a lovely weekend hanging out with two of our favorite tater-tots: our niece LilM and nephew LilC.  A good chunk of our weekend was dedicated to the following:

1. Watching Go Diego Go.  I am told he is Dora's cousin.  I now know how to say the following in Spanish: agitar (shake) and donde esta la piñata (where is the pinata?).  LilM helped me out with some of the pronunciation.

2. Art and Crafts.  We made a cow, a pig and two dogs out of little pom-poms, felt and pipe cleaners.  My dog is named Brownie, LilM's is Spot (though I was clearly told that I can call him Pongo if I prefer), LilC's cow was named Sam, and Vinny's pig was named Mr. Stinker (then changed to Pinky).

3. Tabogganing.  After making a hill in our backyard, the kids just had to check out the one across the street that was about 10 times bigger.  We brought them to Farmer's Hill, an unofficial landmark in our little burbs of a town.  Vinny and I would slide there as kids, and now further generations continue.  It looked a lot smaller than we remembered- we figure it's either because we got bigger, or the hill is eroding.  Either way, it was a blast!  We even went down backwards- yeah, we're risky like that.

4. Baking Cookies.  LilM read out the ingredients (for a 6-year old she is incredibly smart), I would grab them from the top shelf, and LilC would bring them to the counter.  We all took turns pourring in the ingredients and stirring.  The best part?  Eating them, duh.

5. Wrestling.  Uncle Vinny has officially taught them how to body slam.  Bad influence? Nahh.

6. Homemade pizza.  Vinny and I got a bare pizza dough and donned it with any and all toppings the kiddies desired!  Their pizza of choice: they chose the simple route, tomato sauce and cheese.  They did however love sprinkling the cheese on, and helping us clad our half with lots of veggies.

And what else did we do?  Well, the kids gave me my very own yoga lesson.  Here are some of the poses they taught me:

LilC demonstrating Bumblebee Pose.  If I could add a sound clip you would hear his adorable little voice go Bzz Bzz Bzzzzz.

LilC in Bird Pose.

LilM giving me her best Cobra Pose- all the way up to the hip bones, well done!

One of her favorites: Downward Facing Dog.

LilM testing her balance in Tree Pose, one of my personal favorites.

Of course you can all imagine how proud this yoga-loving Auntie is of her little tykes!  I find it so fantastic that they are discovering yoga at a young age, and just falling in love with it.  Next time we have a slumber party extravaganza with them, I'll roll out the mats and learn some more.

Namaste,

Lady Lotus 

A Much Needed Nudge

Hello. Is it me you’re looking for? How I manage to insert a Lionel Richie reference is beyond me, but there, I did it.


It’s been a while, has it not? January and February have been extremely busy (professionally speaking). Most of you who read this know me as a passionate yoga student and teacher-to-be, but on the flip side of my life I am a Communications Coordinator for an extraordinary organization that has one BIG goal: to eradicate cancer. My days have been filled from 9am to 5pm, and sometimes earlier and later, with a very busy yet extremely rewarding work-load. Much of my energy was placed towards my work, that when I got home, the last thing I wanted to do was sit in front of a computer again. But now, something has changed…

My boss (who I full-heartedly believe should be nominated for boss of the year) and I had a discussion about blogging. BossMan is he himself an avid blogger, and an aficionado of all media related aspects of the world. When I admitted to him that I had not blogged since January 4th (a symbolical way of showing how busy and hard at work I have been!) he strongly encouraged me to not let my blog slip between the cracks. It is easy to fall off the horse (like when you don’t go to yoga for a week, and a week becomes two weeks…don’t fall off the yoga mat of life!) So being the naturally good employee that I am, I am taking BossMan’s advice and will blog more frequently! It’s not like I don’t have anything to write about. For those of you who know me more personally you know I can talk anyone’s ear off, especially when it comes to yoga!

So keep your peepers peeled in the next few days because I will have some fun stuff to tell you about, like Vince and I’s weekend babysitting extravaganza. Yes, my niece LilM and my nepewh LilC are having a slumber party at our house. And they just can’t wait to show me the new yoga poses they learned…notably BumbleBee Pose. Intrigued? Me too. Expect pictures!

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Blogging Around the Christmas Tree

Friends, the holidays are officially over. I took the last two weeks to rest and rejuvenate…well, I tried! While the holidays are probably the most joyful time in my life, it is also the busiest. I have always been a huge Christmas nut. When it comes to finding gifts, I’m that person that will spend more on a gift than I expected to if I think the person I’m shopping for will reallllllly like it. But most importantly, I’ve always spent the holidays with those I love, and this year was no exception. I got to see friends I hadn’t seen in a long time, and got to spend some much needed quality time with my family. Christmas itself has been even more special in the last few years as my family now has 3 little rugrats. With my niece and nephews around, the magic of Christmas seems to blossom even more profoundly. Their smiles and excitement are absolutely priceless. I think that’s my favourite part of Christmas- living vicariously through my little kiddies, and just feeling so happy to be surrounded by so much love.


Now other than spending time with those we love and gift giving and receiving, the holidays also bring something else: food. My goodness. So much food. I really outdid myself this year. It was as though I was testing my insides to see how much food I could stuff in. Have you ever been to the Teddy Bear Factory, where you stuff your own bears? That’s kind of what I felt like. I just couldn’t resist the urge to taste a little bit of everything, and with about 6 dinner parties on my schedule, my tummy got quite he beating. My first Jazzercise class was yesterday, and I thought I was going to pass out on my step. I could literally feel and smell the Tofurky roast oozing out of my pores. However, I felt like a million bucks afterwards. And my first yoga class today since the holidays? Mind-blowing. Triangle pose never felt so good. Oh and that side plank with tree pose intertwined in it? Magical. I woke up this morning feeling a little bummed since I had to return to my desk at work after a two week hiatus, but yoga brought my mind back to its regal place and now I am welcoming all of my daily work’s challenges with a smile.

The holiday season winded down with New Year’s Eve. And that evening was spent with close friends, in our pyjamas, playing Partini, eating finger food (of course, more food), and watching that ball drop. In my own expert opinion, there is nothing that can beat that. Oh wait, yes there is: seeing New Kids on the Block performing live with The Backstreet Boys right before the ball dropped? Yeah, I giggled like a school girl, I’m not gonna lie. And what comes along with NYE? Ah yes, that fear-provoking resolution. It creeps up on you, and you can’t ignore it, because everyone will ask you: What’s your resolution for 2011? So let me share my 2011 projects with you.

1. To continue to fuel my body with the most positive of energies. Yoga, jazzercise, family, friends, Roxanne, smiling…all these things will help.
2. To be more crafty and creative. Rather than going out and buying things, I am going to first ask myself: can I make these? And if I think I can, then I will try. Example: I needed curtains for my kitchen. Rather than going out and buying pre-maid curtains, I turned a lovely table cloth into lovely curtains. Not bad for someone who has never really handled fabric- I still tape my pants at the bottom when they’re too long rather than hem them- oops, embarrassing confession!
3. To be more confident. I have a nasty habit of convincing myself that I can’t do anything as grand as I hope to. Well, that needs to change, and it will! I think number 1 and 2 will help with that.

I hope that you all had the happiest of holidays. May 2011 bring you much deserved happiness and hugs.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Happy 26th

Well, my birthday has come and gone! Yes, on the 14th of December I celebrated my 26th birthday.


I don’t like to make a big fuss out of my birthday. Everyone asked me “What will you be doing? Going out? A bar? A club?” For the last three years, I have enjoyed celebrating my birthday with friends in a quiet and intimate way. Whether it’s a small dinner at a cozy restaurant, or even at home, or going out to a movie. This year, I celebrated in a few ways:

1. I spent the day with my best blonde friend K, going to Bulk Barn (my new obsession, really), cooking, baking (improvised coconut macaroons, yum!) and watching Christmas movies.
2. I enjoyed a tasty pizza party with the family at mom and dad’s!
3. Vinny prepared me a tasty Indian-style dinner. He is quite the chef, I may add.
4. I indulged in the glory of a wonderful yoga class. Nothing better to offer yourself on your birthday than that!

I am always left so dumfounded at how wonderful the people in my life are. Yes, there was about eleventy zillion facebooks messages on my wall, and I loved reading every one of them. And there were also the phone calls from friends, some whom I hadn’t heard from in a little while, which made it even more special. And I received hugs and gifts from so many people, I felt ridiculously spoiled. I especially loved all those hugs- those are my favourite!  And the cards...those wonderful cards.  I have kept every card that has ever been given to me since I was 18 years old.  They are so lovely to go through every now and then.  My grandpa's cards always make me teary, and this year was so exception.  Vinny's card was bigger than I am.  And my Big Bro and Sista in Law got me a great yoga themed card actually- how à propos!

I guess what I’m really getting do is that when my birthday rolls around every year, it acts as a constant reminder of how fortunate I am so have so many people in my life who love me, and that I love back. In the end, there really is no better gift. Oh, and when it’s your birthday, treat yourself to a little yoga class, it really is a lovely way to celebrate.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

A Sweet Yoga Treat

For those of you who don't know this about me, beneath the tattoos is actually a little Suzy Homemaker just eager to pop out.  And as a result, here is what happened.

Yes, delicious shortbread cookies in the shape of Warrior II, one of my favourite yoga poses.  This past weekend was my last Yoga Teacher Training until after the holidays, and I decided to make a little something for the wonderful ladies in my class.  With the three simple ingredients at hand (cane sugar, whole wheat flour and soy based maragarine) the grandma in me spent the night baking these bad boys and individually wrapping them for each person.  I owe the shape to cookie cutters I found called Ninja-Bread Men.  By slightly adjusting one of the ninja shaped cookie cutters, I was able to deliciously recreate this asana and turn it into a tasty treat.  Oh if only my bloga was edible. 

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Happy Mornings

I feel great. I have countless people around me that are sick with some sort of viral bug, but I still manage to feel great. *Knock on wood* And do you know why I feel so great? Vinny and I have been waking up an hour earlier lately, and have devoted that extra hour to sipping tea and stretching. Yes, we sip tea- in the manliest of ways, in Vinny’s defense. We then lay out our mats and partake in some gentle morning stretches that leave our bodies feeling awake and ready to start the day. We alternate the kind of stretching that we do. Some days we practice yoga poses that stretch out various parts of the body. The next day Vinny will show me some stretches he used to do way back when, as a football player. Funny though how some of the tough guy football player kind of stretches resemble many of the yoga poses, notably the ones that stretch the legs. While Vinny demonstrates these stretches, he is actually showing me Staff Pose, Great Seal Pose, Posterior Stretch…yoga is all around!


This decision to start stretching in the morning has come at quite the perfect time as one of my last reading assignments for YTT concentrated on the importance of stretching. How à propos!  Now, we have decided that not only will we begin our morning with tea and stretching (oh, and of course we enjoy a healthy breakfast, too) but we will also add in some cardio work. It’s incredible how letting your body feel alive first thing in the morning, before the sun comes up and before even anyone on your street is awake (the houses are still dark at that time) leaves you feeling completely and utterly wonderful for the rest of the day.  You should all try it sometime if you don't already, you won't regret it!

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

101!!!

You know what movie I love?  101 Dalmatians.  Pongo!

Speaking of 101...this is officially post number 101!  Wowzers.  Have I really already logged in and blogged more than 100 times? 
So, what is something special to write about for this grounbreaking 101st post?  That's easy- I put up my Christmas tree last week.  Yes, I tried to wait until December 1st, but the excitement of the holiday season ate me all up and I had to do it!  Plus my new ornaments were calling out to be exposed.  But what does putting up a Christmas tree have to do with yoga?  Well, yoga makes me happy.  My Christmas tree makes me happy.  I have been doing my YTT readings, comfortably on my couch, with my tree gloriously displaying all its beauty.  It allows me to enjoy my homework even more than I already do!  Does that sound dorky?  Well when you love your schooling as much as I do, homework doesn't seem like a chore, but more of a wonderful experience and oppurtunity to grow.

I'll make sure to upload some pictures of my tree, and of course all the other pretty decorations.  Oh, and my stockings are literally hung from the fireplace- love it!

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Confessions of a Dilligence-Deficient Lady

1. It has been almost two weeks since my last bloga entry. Though I have promised numerous times before to blog more often, I inexorably continue to fall back on my word.

2. Today, I went to yoga class, after an uneccesary week and a half hiatus from practice.

3. Since my last November 12th YTT weekend, not once have I practice taught- a substantial train wreck when you consider that practice teaching is one of the most integral components to the teacher training process.

4. Every second week for the last month and a half I have stayed home on the couch rather than attending my Monday night Jazzercise class. Yes Jazzercise, the activity all our mothers relished in, clad in body suits and sweat bands.

5. Almost everyday I have besmirched my dinner habits to quick fixes, not taking the proper time or means to ensure that my vegetarian eating habits are met with the appropriate nutrients.

If it is not yet evident through these last five personal disclosures, it has become quite obvious that I have done something awful: I have let myself fall out of love with my body.

There were times where I would delight in the thought of updating my blog, that I would make it the very first priority of my day.
I used to sacrifice sleeping in and come in to work earlier just so I could take a longer lunch break and enjoy a blissful afternoon yoga class. With my new position at work I don’t even need to sacrifice anything as my Nu-boss is very considerate of the importance of yoga in my life that he lets me go whenever I please because he trusts that I am doing a swell job.
I used to prompt Vinny in to letting me use him as my yoga student guinea pig so that I can practice my teaching language and my posture adjustments.
I would come home from work after an à la Garfield kind of Monday and change into my work-out clothes, pumped for Jazzercise- a change from my usual yoga, something requiring quick and smooth coordination was a challenge I took on full-heartedly.
I would fill my cupboards with mason jars full of delicious food items bought in bulk at the local organic food store, excited to test new healthy recipes.

Then, as though something came crashing down on me, these actions quickly disappeared. And for the last month or so, I have succumbed to being comfortable with simply doing nothing. But not the good kind of nothing where you take time for yourself and enjoy reading a good book. The kind of nothing where you simply stop caring, and prefer a sedentary lifestyle rather than fueling your body with all the wonders it is capable of. The good news, however? I have finally woken up and realized that I have been lacking the zest for life, and am now doing something about it.
Here is how it happened. Last night, I found myself yet again looking for an excuse not to go to Jazzercise. Actually, let me take a step back and explain to you my newfound love for Jazzercise- see, had I been kind to my beloved bloga, you would have already known by now that I have graduated to official Jazzerciser status.  Having moved back to the burbs, I discovered the large range of community activities one can get involved in.  These activities are restricted solely to residents of our town- ooh how exclusive!  I woke up one day and decided that I would take part in one of these ventures.  My initial goal was to sign up for a yoga class, but all three classes filled up in the blink of an eye so I missed my chance.  That's when I thought to myself`why not try something completely new?  And as my eyes scrolled down what appeared to be a never ending list of cultural and physical activities, one in particular tickled my fancy- Jazzercise.  I suddenly fell into a lucid daydream where I remembered following my mom to her Jazzercise class every Sunday and watched as dozens of women (and the occasional man) would tone their buns, chassé across the floor, stomp on their steps and sweat to the sweet, sweet sounds of early 90s pop.  Then, to my utter surprise and enjoyment, they introduced a JuniorJazz course.  The observer became the partaker, and I got together with a bunch of girls and a handful of boys my age every Saturday and learned fun choreographies whilst remaning physically active.  Yes, it was actually a very fond childhood memory.  Once I stumbled back to reality, without hesitation I clicked the register button, and 67$ later committed myself to Monday night Jazzercise classes from September to December.  Now that you're up to speed...last night I putzed around with the idea of not going to class.  I didn't care that I hadn't gone the previous week either.  But Vinny looked at me and said "Babe, just go to your class...you love it."  And he was right.  I do love it, so why am I struggling with the notion of whether or not to go.  Well, I put on my stretchy pants, changed into a tank-top, laced up my running shoes, took a puff of my asthma pump (the workout is surprisingly extremely intense, a puff is a must before leaving), filled up my water bottle and made my way to class.  The class, by the way, is literally at the corner of my street, I'm not even joking.  As I grabbed my step and strategically placed myself not too far back but not too up close where people can see my sometimes humiliating lack of dance coordination, something dawned upon me.  "Geez, I really do love coming here." And as the class started I thought to myself "Geez, this feels wonderful!"  And when the class ended i thought to myself "Geez, I feel like I can conquer the world right now.  I feel strong, I feel grounded, I feel...like I've just done a yoga class- except I'm way sweatier and my heart is pumping a lot faster."  I had ignored the great similarity between something calm like yoga and something energetic like Jazzercise.  Both leave me feeling so happy and so empowered.  After class I stayed back and chatted with my Fab Jazzercise Teacher (who is actually the mama of one of my childhood friends) and told her how wonderful I felt when I took her class.  As I left I promised myself never to miss another session.  If ever Monday evening arrived and I found myself doubting my decision to go, just remember exactly how I feel in this moment. 

And that, my dear readers and friends, is how the lightning bolt hit me.  I realized that I had slowly started giving up on so many things that I love, and as a result my body and my mind were suffering.  I didn't love my body anymore.  I was blatanly malnourishing it by placing so many beatutiful things on my life's backburner- writing, movement, food...But now, I have awoken from this awkward and unpleasant place that I let myself get lost in, and am taking hold of myself.  I am going to update and share on my bloga way more often.  I am going to embrace my on-the-mat/off-the-mat yoga practice.  I am going to Jazzercise the heck out of myself.  I am going to indulge my tastebuds with food that is worth while to take the time to prepare.  I have fallen back in love with my body, and will continue to fuel every part of it physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  This since-yesterday unveiling has already left me feeling more comfortable in my skin and more confident with my work.  I went to yoga class today and left there feeling so happy that I wanted to cry.  I just finished a delicious home-made dinner chock full and oozing of tasty vegetable goodness.  Now, if you excuse me, I need to go practice teach with Vinny...

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Can I Wear my Poppy All Year Round? It's So Pretty on my Jacket.

On this 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, I did a solid minute of sun salutations. Funny how a minute felt much longer as I lost myself in the moment and dedicated my minute of sun breaths to so many men and women, present and past. I’m not going to pretend that I know a whole lot about war and politics and what not, but what I do know is that Vinny’s great grandpa, both his grandpas, and my grandpa are amongst the men who went to war. So those sun salutations were for them, and everyone else who went to war, and their families and friends that were affected.

Namaste,

Lady Lotus

Tweetasana

Well, I've succumb to the masses.  I opened up my very first Twitter account- it wasn't by choice, but for work purposes.  I've been dabbling in the world of tweeting a little bit and I suppose it is very slowly rubbing off on me.  But something fun did come out of this adventure in Tweetland- I've created a Downward Facing Blog twitter account!  The name however was too long, so it can be found under Lady Lotus Yoga.  I have created a link at the right hand side of this page so, if you are a Twitter fanatic, please do add us (and by us I mean me and good ol' bloga here) to your list of followers.  It will also give you the oppurtunity to see who we're following, and there are some pretty interesting yoga-esque people and groups out there!  So please, do me the favor and become a total Twitter Nit Weet (see what I did there? Ha!)  Like I said, I'm still learning, so it's taking me some time to be extremely active on the site, but I'm doing my best to catch up to the flow.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Your Hip Bone's Connected to Your...Gluteus Medius and Iliotibial Tract?

Good news: I won't be the youngest person I know to get hip replacement- yippee!

My wonderful physiotherapist J (who has known me since I was a teenager and also works on every member of my family- group rate, anyone?) worked her magic last week and told me what's going on with my naughty hips.  So boys and girls, time for an anatomy lesson!

The reason my hips are sore is far more complex than just doing too many balancing poses in yoga.  Since I am of a somewhat slender physique and have been doing so much yoga, my body is starting to let me in on a little secret: I still need to work on all those nasty little muscles that I've been ignoring!  So here is the breakdown:

1. My gluteus medius is weak.  Not the maximus, not the minimus.  The cozy one that rests right in between like the cream filling of an oreo (or a Fudgeeo, which ever one you prefer to imagine tasting right now).  Like the center of a butterscotch candy, tee hee.  As a result...

2. My fascia lata is weakened as well.  That's the deep tissue fiber surrounding the muscles found in the upper part of my thighs, near my hips.  And because of that...

3. My iliotibial tract is strained and tight.  That's the long fibrous reinforcement that's connected to my fascia lata.  It basically lunges from my hip down to my knee.

Oh, and another thing just for kicks.  J asked me to walk in front of her in a straight line.  After about 3 steps she said "Ok ok come back here...".  When I walk, my hips sway.  Not like sexy super-moel swaying, but like they naturally sway left and right in an unsual way, which also adds to the pain I've been feeling- and the awkward crunchy rubbing I've been feeling when I press my hands against my hips when walking.

So all these players here are a tag-teaming trio out to hurt my hips- boo hoo!  But it's not their fault.  They didn't know that they were weak.  It still amazes me how so may little things can play such an integral role in the human body.  I've said it once and I'll say it again- the human body is a wonder.  So J gave me some gentle exercises to do at home to strengthen them.  Pretty easy stuff- it takes about 15 minutes and I can already feel the muscles being worked in the right way.  In the meantime, I've had to be gentle with my yoga practice.  Nothing that will strain this area even more.

I go back for a second session this Wednesday- lets see if I made these bad boys stronger.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

It's Hip to be a Square

I love the title of this post for two reasons.

1. Huey Lewis and the News...need I say more?
2. When practicing certain asanas, it's very important that your hips be squared.

I just love plays on words, don't you?

But let's get to the dealy-o of this post.  It's all about my hips.  And my hips are a-killin' me.  For the last few days I have been feeling a great deal of tenderness in both my hips.  It's quite the uncomfortable sensation.  But my hips have been unruly for quite some time- for as long as I can remember, my hips have "clicked".  When I get out of bed, when I get up from a chair, when I move my legs from crossed to straight to extended to bent...my hips "click", "crack", "snapple", "pop"...they're noisy little (and I use the term little quite loosely as I do find my hips quite curvy and hey, I'm not complaining) buggers.  But today, oh my, today my hips were on my mind.  I couldn't sit in any way that felt right.  My hips were just so sore no matter what.  I guess Sunday's YTT class of balancing poses didn't quite help either.  I was having so much trouble balancing on one leg without having pressure shoot down into my hips.  I grounded my legs, engaged my femurs, lifted my patellae...bu the pressure just wouldn't free itself.  I noticed today that when I walk I feel bones rubbing up against each other in my hips- ouch.  And now the pain has also started teasing my lower back- my poor sacroiliac joints perhaps.

I'm off to see my physiotherapist on Wednesday to see what she thinks.  And of course I will ask my FabTeach what she thinks I could do to help my poor tender hips.  I will keep you all posted!  In the meantime, enjoy this video:

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

I'm Here and Ready to Share!!

I wish I could tell you that I was off traveling the world and had limited to zero access to a computer because I was living on top of a mountain surrounded by an overwhelming amount of beauty...but I can't lie to my favorite friends and readers!

My month-long hiatus was due to an incredibly over-whelming month.  I've started a new job position at work to which I devoted much of my time to- being somewhat of a perfectionist (or perhaps just incredibly hard on myself) I wanted to assure that I proved worthy to fill the shoes of this exciting new position.  I would tell myself every night when I got home to update my precious bloga, but the fatigue overpowered me and I couldn't quite find the right words to type and share.  But now, here I am baaaaby, come and take meeee (my apologies, I'm listening to Al Green).  I feel like I have so much to say now!  Let's break it all down.

My Yoga Room
It's beautiful.  I mean, really beautiful.  You all know the walls have been painted, but I also started decorating.  I have a book shelf that adorns what appears to be a neverending array of books, both yoga and non-yoga related.  There are 3 cute little white ceramic brids perched on one of the shelves, as well as a silver elephant.  Elephants hold a strong symbolism as representing warriors filled with inner strength and nobility- what a perfect animal for my room!  And apart from being incredibly adorable, my little birds have a nice meaning as well.  Birds used to be thought as the supernatural link between Heaven and Earth.  How nice to think of this as I'm grounding my feet to the earth and lifting the crown of my head to the sky.  I have a lovely lamp in the corner illuminating my room, as well as a scroll on the wall which displays the following quote from Yagananda : "Those who live passionately teach us how to love, Those who love passionately teach us how to live".  Yeap, the yoga room is definitely a shield of serenity.  Oh, and of course the neurotic neat freak in me played a roll in its creation: my yoga props are all neatly tucked away in a basket.  How organized!  I know I promised photos, but I still want to wait for all the finishing touches- namely the curtains and the new molding that Vinny will so kindly install for me soon *ahem nudge nudge wink wink* 

My Very First YTT Weekend
It seems funny writing to you about this only now, since my next YTT weekend is the one coming up!  But the vigorous emotions that went through my being are just as present today as they were those few weeks ago.  Let me tell you: the YTT experience is intense.  It is also, however, unbelievably remarkable.  I hand't done so much yoga in one weekend- I could hardly walk the following Monday.  Let me break down the weekend for you:

Friday
We all sat around in a circle, cushions and blocks comforting our buns, and introduced each other.  Now when I say we, I mean the group of about 20 of us.  To think that the YTT had been postponed a few months because there was about 7 people who applied last year.  Now, we are close to 20.  It was well worth the wait!  We all spoke a little about each other, about why we were here, how we discovered yoga, what we do for a living- basically anything and everything we wanted to share.  To my surprise, I was actually one of, if not the, youngest person there.  It is such a diverse group- older ladies, mothers old and new, yoga teachers who want to deepend their study or learn a new tradition, some who have traveled far to be there...it was so nice to see a grouping of strong women opening their hearts.  We then took a quick break and came back to end the class with a yoga practice.

Saturday
More yoga practice!  Yahoo!  It was the perfect way to start an early 8am morning.  We then moved into what are called Posture Clinics.  This part was extremely absorbing.  We learned how to properly align our bodies in Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Ardha Chandrasana (Half-Moon Pose) and Virabhadrasana Eka (Warrior 1). But it was more than being taught proper alignment.  We discovered common misalignments and how to adjust other students.  It's boggling when you realize how important the human touch is when adjusting someone.  Our hands were shown how to touch people in order to help them attain the most from each pose.  To see how every detail in the body is at play within individual poses really blew my mind.  The human body is such a wonder, seriously.
We also discussed theoretical aspects of teaching, such as how to set a certain mood in your class, appropriate teacher behavior, and how a yoga teacher can be viewed in a student's mind.  You really get an up-close account at how powerful a yoga teacher really is.  They are teachers and healers.  They are people we at times confide in because we feel safe with them.  A yoga teacher can play a very integral role in the lives of their students.  I found a lot of myself throughout this discussion.  I think I tend to put my teacher on a pedastal, which is not necessarily a bad thing at all times, but its's important to remember that we are both human, and I am just as capable of fiding answers to my questions if I simply let myself dive deep inside.  A yoga teacher can guide you to those answers, but inevitably we as students are the ones who find them.  We then ended the day with another yoga practice- a perfect ending to a perfect Saturday.

Sunday
Of course, more yoga, yay!  Aftewards, our next posture clinic was Virabhadrasana Dwi (Warrior 2), Utthita Parsvakonasana (Side Angle Stretch) and finally Trikonasana (Triangle Pose).  Again, similarly to the previous clinic, we broke down the poses and practiced explaining them to other students and aligning their bodies appropriately. I realy loved all the hands-on work.  It made me realize how diffitul it actually is.  It appears so easy when I see my own teacher adjusting me as well as others, but to actually muster up the courage inside to place your hands on someone and guide their bodies into the poses can be very intidimating.  But once you've done it and done it right, it's accomplishing.  We then learned how to center the beginning of a class.  How we can create a serene environment to ready it for an actual practice.  We learned and also discovered our own language for setting the right mood to allow students to feel present.  I felt like a real teacher, it was phenomenal.  We then furthered our discussion about yoga teacher ethics before breaking up into groups.  Now, the groups are wonderful.  Four to five people from completely different backgrounds, sitting together and sharing their weekend experience.  We then taught an actual yoga class amongst ourselves.  One person would start with centering, a couple others would go into teaching asanas, and the final person would end the class with relaxation- I did that part and it was completely stunning.  I got to watch as I guided my small group into a state of relaxation, calm and bliss.  It felt good, really good.

The entire weekend seemed to fly by.  The weekend was jam packed with information, but not the kind that necessarily leaves you feeling overrun.  It leaves you excited to keep learning and further the training.  Leaving the studio almost felt sad.  I wouldn't see these girls for another month, with the exception of my group because we meet once a month in beteween trainings to chat, practice and go through our homework assignments- yes, there is written homework, and it really makes you use your brain to its fullest capacity!  But now, as though it was just yesterday, I'll be spending more time at the studio this weekend and filling my body and mind with all the knowledge my teacher has to share.  And I can't wait!

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

The Mile High Happenstance

How rude (à la Stephanie Tanner).  Here I am, back from a mini vacation, and I didn't even tell my most favourite bloga readers that I was leaving.  Well, I left...but now I'm back!  I just returned from a lovely getaway to Nova Scotia.  My dad is orignally from there, so I try and visit as often as possible.  It's so nice to see family members who I unfortunately don't get to see as often as I'd like- Aunties, Uncles, Cousins and yes, of course, Nanny (who I blogged about previously).  I also caught up with an old friend, and perused the local gift shops.  It was so nice to spend some time on the beach by the ocean- I had a torried love affair with that salty water, I swear to you. 

Interesting story- you know those little serendipity moments that make you tilt your head to the side and think "Gee, wasn't that such a warm occurence that just happened."  Well, I had one of those.  On the plane back, I sat beside a lovely middle-aged woman.  We exchanged a friendly hello as I scootched by her to get my seat by the window.  I then started reading my new book on Shambhala Meditation entitled The Path of the Warrior (which I also blogged about previously- fact.) As I put the book down to enjoy my complimentary glass fo red wine (yes, it was early in the afternoon, but a small glass of red wine is always acceptable in my books)  this lady turned to me and said "You know, I completed my first session of Shambhala training back home..." Now tell me, what the heck are the odds of sitting beside someone on a plane who just happens to have an interest and devotion to Shambhala Meditation!?  A shy smile plastered across my face and we started bits of conversation about Shambhala.  It was so refreshing to hear what she had to say about her experience, and it inevitably reved up my excitement within to continue deepening my understanding of it.

Oh, and on another unrelated note: I start my Yoga Teacher Training this weekend!  You can bet your buns that I'll be updating you on my first weekend experience!

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Painting my Prana

Ladies and gentlemen...the Yoga Room is painted.  I am in love!  After one coat of primer and two coats of color, Vinny and I dressed the walls with an angelic blue that just screams (or I guess I should say whsipers) peace, quiet, serenity, yoga, happy, smile- all those words that gush out positivity.  The next step: decorating.  Ooh the most exciting part.  I have already picked out a few things to dawn the now bare area.  I hope to have it set-up very shortly, so I can share my pictures and my happiness with you all.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

I Was Hungry. I Wanted to Pray. I Was in Love.

Last weekend my best blonde buddy K and I went on a date.  How romantic!  We treated ourselves to a tantalizing array of Lebanese delicacies (thank you, stretchy pants) and then spent the next 2 hours with our eyes glued to the ginormous theatre screen in front of us.  After finishing the book only days before, I saw Eat Pray Love.  My initial concern was that I would be dissapointed.  The story was so freshly-squeezed in my mind, I was worried about comparing every fraction of it and be upset if it wasn't an exact duplicate of the phenomenal pages that filled my eyes with glistening hope and my heart with inrrefutable passion.  But despite my fears, the film encompassed my soul with that very feeling of wonder that shot through me after having read the book.  K and I walked out of there with an ooey gooey feeling, like we were drowning in warm syrup.

The Eat made me hungry, despite the gluttonous feast we had indulged in only a few hours prior to the movie.  Though we didn't let our stomachs get the best of us, we did break down our guards and splurge on a delicious bottle of Quebec-disguised-as-Australian red wine.  We bought it at a gas station convenience store- accompanied with a 1 litre bottle of RC Cola for K's beau.  The attendant must have obviously thought we were classy ladies.  It may not have been as rich as the Italian red wine in the film, but it was good for us. 

The Pray made me even more excited to start my YTT and get into meditation.  It was portrayed as spiritually and as beautifully as it was written in the pages of the book.  It also made me want to go to India- I know, I know, one thing at a time!  It was my favourite part of the book, and it remains my favourite part in the film as well.  It also motivated me to get started on my yoga room at the house, so last night Vinny and I primed the walls to get them ready for the blue paint.  I say that by this time next week, it should all be set-up.  And yes, pictures will follow!

The Love...well, I can't very well say that it made me want to fall in love since I already have my love lobster Vinny.  So it made me thankful to have such a presence in my own life.  It also, however, made me daydream about Javier Bardem!  Funny how my initial excitement was about James Franco, and it quickly veered to Javier once he emerged in full handsomeness on the screen.  What an enchanting and brawny man.  Oh, and it also helped me discover a Brazilian guitarist/singer named Joao Gilberto.  I have been told that he is extremely popular, but this is my first encounter with his music.  I've proccured two of his albums already.  His voice and strings carry me away.

I lent my mom the book this week so she could read it and see the movie afterwards.  She read it within a day, and said she wants to re-read it.  And only then, she says, will she be prepared to watch it on the big screen.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

The handsome Javier.

Joao in his younger days.

Grandpapa Guru

Another fantastic perk of having moved back to the Burbs is that I am now a hop and a skip away from my Grandpa (or as I have always called him, Papa).  Papa literally lives about an 8 minute walk away from my new home.  Having lived here now for officially one month and 8 days, I'm ashamed to admit that I had not yet visited him.  My mom told me he has been asking about me regularly- "How does she like her new home?  Is she all settled in yet?  Is she happy?"  Well, today after having met a friend for brunch and giving mom a quick visit (did I mention that my parents live about an 8 minute walk away as well?) I did what any good granddaughter should do and went to see Papa.  Now in my defense, I have had one heck of a busy Summer thus far- work has been quite hectic, and I am also Maid of Honor to my best blonde buddy K, so an awesome Bachelorette was in the midst of being planned as well.  But now, with work quieting down (for now) and the super duper most amazing fun filled Bachelorette weekend behind us, I found the time to pay Papa a visit.

It was a short stopover as he was going to go watch a tennis match (what a busy body) but in that brief time that we sat on his back porch, I was just so happy to be there with him, in the company of his ever so wise and resounding voice.  What I love so much about Papa (well, one of the many things anyways) is that he is always up to date on what I am up to.  After being welcomed with a big, bold hug, he placed his hand on my shoulder and said "I hear you're embarking in another direction come September?"  Ah yes, my Yoga Teacher Training.  He was so authentically pleased to hear that I have found something that I feel so passionate about with every ounce of my being.  I sat down and told him a little bit about what it is I'll be learning, and what I am most excited to learn.  He sat there quietly as I spoke, with a smile on his face and that old sage regard staring right back at me.  For years, Papa and I have spoken about my future.  Every time we were together, it went back to that.  "How are you liking school?  What do you think you want to do afterwards?  Now that you're done school do you still want to do the same thing?  Now that you have found something, is it what you want to do?"  And every answer to those questions was similar: "I'm not sure."  But now, for the first time in all the 25 years that he has known me, Papa heard me speak with my heart pouring out with excitement, about my YTT.  I could tell by the look on his face that he was thinking "Ah ha, I told you so.  I knew you would find something that made you smile this way."

Papa has always been someone who consistently made it a point to tell me that I am going to accomplish great things.  Now great things didn't necessarily mean making lots of money and becoming famous.  Great things meant doing something that will make me happy, and that I will love with all my heart.  After my grandmother (my Mama to my Papa) passed away almost 6 years ago (miss you, Mama), Papa was passed down a very important torch: the writing of our birthday cards.  I have kept every card I have ever received since my 18th birthday.  As much as I love them all, Papa's cards still remain my most cherished and favorites.  Any time I am feeling down, I go through his cards and read through his words.  He calls me a star, writing that I shine more and more each day.  He writes that Mama is definitely proud, watching over me and witnessing the woman I am becoming.  He writes that I never cease to amaze him, with everything I do.  He writes that I am oozing with the zest of life, and that it is a gift I should never take for granted.  He writes that when I feel the soft, subtle wind blowing through my hair on my birthday, if I listen closely, it's actually Mama whispering Happy Birthday.  Papa is a man of such resounding stature- the type of man that you really listen to when he speaks.  His voice is so deep, it feels like you're listening to an old wise man who has seen it all.  I wish he could cut a record so I could listen to him speak over and over again, sharing stories from the past.  And when he writes in those birthday cards, those inked spots just flow right through your head, all the way down to your heart.  He is such a wonderful man, and I feel so blessed to have him in my life, and now so closeby.  He may move slower, but his heart is as strong as ever.  Sometimes in Yoga class we chant a Guru Mantra.  My FabTeach asks us to envision someone in our lives who has, in one way or another, inspired us.  On one occasion, Papa took the cake.

So with all this being said, I am so happy to finally be able to visit Papa more often.  I look forward to sharing my YTT experiences with him- and I know he will ask me every time I see him, with eager anticipation, how I am enjoying my new passionate experience.  I also look forward to hearing how he is doing, to having him ask me how Vinny is doing, to get my hands on some of those tasty vegetables he grows in his garden (again, busy body!) and simply just sitting there, in his presence, and sharing with him.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Papa and Mama.  Love love love.