Asha Yoga

Meditating Babies

2009-10-20T22:55:00.000-07:00

Recently my daughter was flipping through Yoga Journal Magazine and she pointed to a picture inside and asked, "Mommy, can you do THIS???" I reflected for a moment silently... Yes, at one point in time I COULD do that... before getting pregnant. Out loud I simply said, "Nope. Not anymore!" And her sweet, loving reply was: "Oh yeah, you're too old. I bet I can do it though, I'M not too OLD!" and she promptly hopped into side plank while holding the toes of one foot in one hand and extended them both toward the ceiling.

Ouch! That hurt a little for a moment. But the truth is, I'm not too old. Yes, my asana practice has changed some since having a baby. But other parts of my practice have flourished. I began to get serious about meditation only AFTER my daughter was born. For a long time Kalia wouldn't sleep unless she was being held. So, in the wee hours of the night, morning, during 9am naps and afternoon naps, I missed the chance to step onto my yoga mat because I was holding a baby. So I began to sit for meditation. (As I held a sleeping baby in my arms.) In early motherhood I had no time and no energy for a daily asana practice, but I did not give up on yoga. I adapted and grew immensely- for which I am eternally thankful.

The profound shift I experienced from having a regular meditation practice is the inspiration for trying to make meditation a regular part of each practice here at Asha. I hope so much that you'll explore this part of the practice, but at the same time I know that it will be there for you whenever you're ready. (So don't feel bad if all you care about today is getting a good work-out!) --It's all good!

The Perfect Yogi...

2009-05-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Recently, two friends came to visit me from Santa Rosa and we went for a DELICIOUS dinner at the Water Boy.
Together we were comparing my life in Hawaii as a Yoga Teacher and Studio owner with my life now in Sacramento... as a Yoga Teacher and Studio owner.:)

In Hawaii: I was very conscientious about living a healthy lifestyle- some might say a little extreme. My husband certainly did when I was 9 months pregnant and begging him to get me deep fried zucchini on a stick while I hid in the car for fear of being seen by a yoga student. After all- generally I would only be at the health food store, eating organic food and abstaining from caffeine and alcoholic beverages regardless of pregnancy... setting a good (and YOGIC) example.

In Sacramento:... a little older, a mom now, a tiny bit further along on the yogis path, in a bigger city (sort-of), sipping red wine, finishing pork belly (Yes, pork belly), and ordering Port for dessert ...setting a (Good, Yogic??) example as a Yoga student says hello from the bar. (And incidentally sends another round of port- very much appreciated, Thank you Steve!)

So, the question is: Somewhere between Hawaii and Sacramento, did I actually stumble off the path to enlightenment, loose my way and then begin to walk backwards in the opposite direction? ...Or is it possible that we can enjoy the delights of the world in moderation AND stay committed to a life of Spiritual Practice, inquiry and Yoga?

My opinion may sound like a convenient excuse (and very well could be!) but I am a modern Yogi living in the 21st century and if I am to be completely honest... missing out on good (or even deeply fried!) food and an occasional glass of wine while hiding the truth about myself in the car seems to be missing the point. The yogis path is a journey and we must set priorities along the way. And these days, in Sacramento, I choose my priorities NOT because they are easier or more convenient, but because they seem more effective and more important to me. I chose to practice non violence by not yelling at my daughter or my husband and by being kind to almost everyone I interact with, but so far I still eat meat (which some would say is FAR from non-violent). I buy mostly organic food at the grocery store, but eat out regularly (organic or not!), drink wine and sometimes even a lychee martini, even though some would say I am polluting my body and the earth with toxins. I chose to be honest about my life and my practice, even though sometimes that means I set a bad example for yoga students! I chose balance over extremism... but sometimes I do use the attainment of balance as an excuse to let a priority slide and sometimes I do yell at my daughter and sometimes I exaggerate and/or omit the truth... and then, in the spirit of yoga, I start again. Because each moment is a chance to do just that. To truly practice yoga takes hard work, commitment and the best of intentions. --But it does not require perfection. Luckily. So don't be hard on yourself, don't be hard on others, set your own priorities, work very hard every day to fulfill them, and when you slip...Start again. Enjoy your life along the way!

Please post your comments, questions or topics for discussion.
Have a beautiful day!
Cori

We Have Walls and Great Teachers!

2009-02-09T09:59:00.000-08:00

We have plumbing, electrical, walls and a beautiful design that gets closer every day to being an amazing yoga studio and retail boutique. I had thought that in this blog I would be sharing the challenges of the build-out, but so far things have been incredibly smooth. (Thank you Shawn Eldridge at Capital Paint and Construction, Andy Ekstrom with Heller Pacific and Catherine Reon with CRKW designs- to name only a few of the folks who have been instrumental in things working out so well!)

In fact, the other day when I hung up with my designer/architect/second cousin in-law (who has done more work than I ever imagined or intended she would do when I asked her to help me out a little at the "family rate") I was struck by the level of commitment and dedication so many people have already put into creating Asha Yoga. How does it happen that all of these great people appear in my life at the perfect moment and are willing to give so much? Once upon a time ago I would have said that I was lucky that way. "I am lucky enough to always be surrounded by incredibly wonderful and generous people." But, years ago I made a statement like this and the person I was talking to pointed out to me that LUCK is a matter of perspective. "If you focus on the good things in your life you'll feel lucky. If you focus on the bad things you'll feel unlucky. Because the reality is that we all experience both all the time." He said.

So here comes my sales pitch... It's Yoga. It could be karma and yoga reminds us to do more good and so then we receive more good. -Or it could be that yoga changes our attitude/perspective in a way that helps us see more of the good and therefore experience more as good. Either way, I'm sure yoga does make a difference, and I am happy to have my focus primarily on all of those who have been so helpful in this process so far!

I hope to introduce our fabulous teachers soon! They are another blessing to me.... and hopefully soon to all of you as well!
Namaste,
Cori