My Yoga Journey

Over the last few months I thought about returning to my blog, but so much of my time has been devoted to our journey through fertility issues, which can end up consuming large parts of your life. In the midst of many doctor's appointments and visits to the reproductive endocrinology clinic, I started yoga teacher training and the blog continued to take a back seat. But, today I came across an article that moved me to return to the blog and inspired me share my journey to yoga teacher training.

The article focused on how to set yourself apart as a yoga teacher by finding your "own personal why" -- essentially the "defining moment when you experienced deep transformation that may have led directly, or indirectly, to choosing yoga..." or "instigated your deep calling to choose a path of helping others as a yoga teacher."

Immediately one distinct memory came to mind. I believe I was a junior or senior in high school, hanging out one evening at a friend's house. Her dad practiced yoga, which in our small town seemed like a rarity. I don't remember exactly how it came about, but he gave us a copy of Yoga Journal and I remember sitting in the den reading the Wisdom section and having a profound "aha" moment of discovering this entire "other world" of yoga philosophy and this other way of thinking existed. I remember thinking, I really like this, this is me. I borrowed the magazine and poured through its pages, falling in love with everything yoga was about. I honestly don't recall if I even practiced yoga asana (postures) before my senior year of college -- I think I took a class at the studio where my friend's dad practiced, but it was the yoga philosophy and "wisdom" that hooked me, which is why that holds such importance in my practice and in what I envision to be my voice as a teacher. 

I ended up taking yoga as an elective during my senior year of college. It was my first real exposure to learning more about asana and my first experience sequencing a class (this was our final assignment). I enjoyed the class, but it wasn't until a year or so later, when I fell in love with yoga all over again during my first restorative yoga class. I had the most amazing teacher, whose classes left me feeling as though I was floating on air, had a two hour massage and had a spiritual experience all at once. While taking her classes, I was going through a difficult time and was having issues with chronic back pain and issues with sciatica. Being able to release deeply in supported postures was the medicine my body needed. At the beginning and end of class, she would read inspirational passages that cultivated that same feeling I had when reading my first Yoga Journal... "this is my kind of thinking, this is awesome, this is grounding, this is me..." She also used to place oracle cards (the Magical Mermaids and Dolphins oracle cards) out at the end of class, allowing us to select one from the pile. They were always face down and the one I selected always seemed to be exactly what I needed in that moment. The entire experience was ultimately a spiritual practice for me. 

During this same time, I began grow tired of writing about automotive insurance at the magazine I worked for and became more interested in yoga articles and compiling a wellness binder with Yoga Journal articles on yoga philosophy and wisdom, asana and various clippings on holistic wellness, happiness and health. After I left my job and began working at lululemon, my exposure to all types of yoga and prominent yogis and teachers within the community expanded. I started to identify the styles of yoga I loved and the styles that were not quite for me. I discovered my preference for classes that were more introspective in nature and I began to find myself on my mat. My mat was a place I slowly learned -- and am still learning -- to let go of judgement. It was a place I strengthened -- and also released -- my body. It was a place I remember shedding tears during sleeping pigeon when a favorite teacher would read a particularly empowering quote at the end of class. It was a place I did my first handstand and saw the world upside down. During particularly difficult times, my mat and my practice kept me balanced and helped me cope. It was, and still is, my space to express, challenge, grow, relax, connect, ground... to just be.

Years went by and I continued to evolve in my practice. After returning to school for public health and over time developing my personal and professional mission to help others live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives, my interest in yoga remained steady, but the thought to go through teacher training hadn't re-entered my mind. This past spring I realized something in my life was missing -- I found myself "seeking", as I often do. I knew I had always been so moved by yoga, spirituality, health, wellness and anything having to do with growth and fulfilling one's potential. Then it clicked. The underlying desire to teach and share the beauty and profoundness of all that is yoga has been there since the moment I opened that first Yoga Journal. That was the day the seed was planted. Over the years I nurtured that seed as it slowly sprouted and grew with the ups and downs of life experience. How fitting that in my decision to begin teacher training, I enrolled at a studio called Bloom.

My entire life experience has contributed to my "deep calling to choose a path of helping others as a yoga teacher," but if I look back it was that one moment that served as the spark. 

Take a moment and think about your "personal why"?  What is it that called you to your chosen path? 

Be Here, Be Grateful

Shortly after deciding to commit to my gratitude jar "practice", I also decided to try the #100HappyDays challenge on Instagram. My cousin just reached her 100 days and it made me happy to see she had so many wonderful things to be happy about. I wasn't sure if it would have any real impact at first, but now I see it as another way to help bring you into the present moment. I've made a few observations over the last few weeks:

1. Some days I find I could add 10 slips of paper to my gratitude jar and post several #100HappyDays photos, whereas other days, it is isn't so easy. What I love about the #100HappyDays challenge is that it holds you accountable to posting every day and finding something that makes you happy and that you are grateful for. It surprises you when you really can find something every day - big or small, there is always something to be grateful for.

2. I think using both a gratitude jar and doing the #100HappyDays challenge is helpful to fully cultivate happiness and gratitude, because some things are better captured visually, while others can only be captured in words. 

3. I noticed that when I take photos with intention, I am able to remember what I was feeling when I took the photo and it helps me tap back into that joy, happiness and gratitude I felt in that moment. It's funny how something, when done with intention, can produce a result with more depth and meaning.

4. I came to the realization yesterday that I am much more future-oriented than I desire to be. I wasn't always this way, but over the last few years I've caught myself focusing so much on what's ahead, what I have to do next, and what I want in the future, that I don't fully appreciate the present. I've struggled with anxiety and often this is where anxiety comes from -- when you're over "there" and not here. I read something yesterday that said, "letting go of being too future-oriented doesn't mean you stop planning, it just means you don't let the planning get in the way of the present moment." This will continue to be a journey for me, but I think that being aware and focusing on practices that bring me into the "now",  will move me along the path to living a more present life. I'm sure my yoga teacher training will also teach me a thing or two ;)

#100HappyDays moments: Relaxed, At Peace, Feeling "Home", Whole, Happy, Grateful, Accomplished, Calm Mind, Happy Body, Grateful, Joyful, In Love, Happy, Smiling from the Inside Out, Nostalgic, Happy, At Peace.

When you practice staying present, pay attention to the feelings and emotions that arise. I think you'll be surprised how many times being happy and grateful pop up.  

Natural Beauty

In my posts I've been focusing mostly on visions, goals & self-discovery, but there are many other things that contribute to feeling healthy, happy & fulfilled. Because I know how difficult it can be to find great natural or organic beauty products, I'd like to share some that I love.

A few years ago, I became interested in swapping my "conventional" beauty products for "healthier" natural and/or organic options. I tested different brands, but never really found products that I loved. So, I went back to most of what I was using before. It wasn't until I attended a lecture this past fall and found out about the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, that I really committed to making the switch.

The Skin Deep Cosmetics Database allows you to look up nearly every beauty & cosmetic product on the market, view its contents and it will notify you of potential ingredient health hazards (1= low hazard, 10= high hazard). After taking a look at some of the products I had been using, I decided it was time to find healthier & safer alternatives.

I haven't made the switch with every product I use, but here are a few that I absolutely love!

Real Purity Deodorant

Pacifica Island Vanilla Perfume Roll On

Beauty Without Cruelty Eye Makeup Remover

EO Everyone Face for Every Day Tone

EO Everyone Face for Every Day Moisturize

EO Everyone Lotion Face Hands Body Coconut + Lemon

EO Everyone Face for Every Day Exfoliate

Rarely does a natural deodorant get five star reviews. After trying at least seven different natural deodorants that failed for various reasons (sticky, smelly, didn't last, left white marks, etc.), I was so happy to find Real Purity. It actually works. I'm not kidding. It smells light and fresh, goes on clear, it isn't sticky and it lasts all day -- even in the summer! There are times I will reapply, but overall this is an amazing product and I am so thankful my natural deodorant search is over! 

(EWG score: 1)

Nearly all perfumes have a high hazard score on Skin Deep. I'd like to make my own perfumes with essential oils, but haven't done that just yet. For now, I did find a lovely alternative. Pacifica Island Vanilla perfume has a sweet vanilla scent, mixed with honey-jasmine. It is perfect for every day wear.

(EWG score: 4 - The perfume is not listed, this is for the Island Vanilla Body Wash)

I love this eye make up remover by Beauty Without Cruelty. I apply it to a cotton ball and my eye make up comes off effortlessly -- no pulling or rubbing on the eye area needed. It is gentle, fragrance free and doesn't leave any greasy residue. It is all around a wonderful product!

(EWG score: 2)

I am in love with the EO brand. The products are high quality, but affordable. The Everyone Face Tone I use in the evening after I wash my face. It is gentle (I have oily and sometimes sensitive skin) and removes the last traces of oil and make up, leaving my skin feeling refreshed. (EWG score: 3) 

I wash my face twice a day with the Everyone Face Exfoliate. Normally, exfoliating more than once a day can be harsh on the skin, but this is very gentle. It has a light citrusy smell and leaves my skin feeling clean, but also moisturized -- not stripped. (EWG score: 2)

The Everyone Lotion in Coconut + Lemon is a favorite. Not only do I love this lotion because coconut & lemon is my favorite scent combination, but because it is not at all greasy and does a great job moisturizing skin all year round. Did I mention it smells amazing? :) (EWG score: 2)

Lastly, the Everyone Face Moisturize face lotion has become my staple face moisturizer. Over the years I have probably tried at least 10 -- not kidding -- different face moisturizers. Because I have oily, sensitive - and in the winter more combination - skin, other products would make my face greasy, breakout prone, or red and itchy. This lotion is light, not greasy and wears well under make up. I love it! The smell is a bit odd, but it does the job so well, I can look past the smell! (EWG score: 2)

I hope you found this helpful if you are looking for new natural beauty products -- or if you're thinking of making the switch! In the future, I plan to test out some homemade beauty products and share them here!

Dreams Manifesting...

I am so excited to announce my upcoming class!

Vision Board Workshop

Where: Bodhi Spiritual Center
                 2746 N. Magnolia
             Chicago, IL 60614

When: Thursday, July 24 - 7:00 to 9:00 pm

This is a relaxed class sure to help you get clear on your goals, while also allowing you to tap into your creative side! Come with an open mind, leaving feeling inspired and empowered!

Learn more and register here. 

Hope to see you there!

Gratitude Jar

Why can it be so difficult to be grateful for what we already have? We all know we should practice gratitude every day, but for many of us this can be difficult when we are not fully present. Admittedly, I am someone who is often future-oriented. I'm always looking at what else I can learn or do, and I'm often thinking, "Ok, what's next?" Advancement and being focused on your goals is key, but so is living in the present moment. 

There are times when being present is much easier. When I'm meditating, practicing yoga, or spending time in a sensory deprivation tank (you have no choice but to be present when you are essentially weightless, in the absence of light and sound!) -- it's easier to tune into the "now". It seems the challenge comes when we are in the midst of "daily life".

Many of us spend the majority of our time at work, running errands, and doing day-to-day things that may not seem all that glamorous. How often do we pause to reflect on the beauty of the present moment and recognize how grateful we are for what is?

There are those of us who spend our time in the past, while others are off somewhere in the future. What if we spent more time tuning into what is going on right now? 

Being grateful for what we have and being grateful for what is, opens us up to receive more wonderful things in our lives. We attract what we think about most. It's the same with gratitude. Gratitude creates abundance, while complaining or wallowing is restricting and cuts off the flow of receiving. I recgonize that for me, this can be challenging when it comes to goals. At times there are many goals I want to acheive and sometimes I focus so much on these goals and wanting them to manifest now, that I let the present moments slip by.

Perhaps you've come across the quote by Eckart Tolle, "Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make now the primary focus of your life." Recalling this quote and thinking about the challenges I have faced with finding the balance of staying present, while also focusing whole-heartedly on my goals, led me to create a gratitude jar.

My gratitude jar isn't fancy, although you could spend time crafting and creating a work of art in which to place your gratitude notes. I found a Ball jar and began writing on small slips of paper, things I am grateful for. I found it best to do in the morning before work to sort of "set the tone" for the day, but I think this would work well in the evening -- or really any time of day! Perhaps I'll start doing this right after a yoga class or meditation... I'm curious to see if I have a shift in my perspective after a month of intentionally focusing on what I am grateful for. 

Try starting your own gratitude jar "practice" and see if it helps shift those thoughts of lacking and not having, doing, or being enough, to those of gratitude, joy and appreciation for what you already have in your life.

Vision Board Class

This past Sunday I led a vision board* class with a small group of friends. If someone asked me to describe the evening in a few words I would say: awesome, vibrant, motivating, peaceful, joyful, and fulfilling. It created this wonderful sense of community in a room with only four people. One of my friends commented that it was so nice to work together in a group, but in silence. So rarely do we spend time in each other's company without talking, watching TV, looking at our cell phones or with an abundance of background noise. We had some quiet guitar music playing and talked every so often, but it was so cool to see my friends shift into a place where they could tap into thoughts that they normally may not allow themselves to spend too much time with. There was an excited, but peaceful energy in the room and by the end of the class I (and I think everyone else, too!) was so filled with joy. As the teacher in that moment, I was so happy for what my friends were able to create for themselves during our two-hour session. For whatever reason, at the end of class my natural reaction was to keep bringing my hands to prayer pose (in Sanskrit, Anjali Mudra) and thanking my friends for sharing their time with me. Anjali Mudra is a symbol of respect, gratitude and recognition of honoring the moment, which seemed quite fitting at the time. I love the following description and feel like it captures the essence of the feeling that was flowing through the room:

"This gesture signifies the potential for an intention to progress to greatest spiritual awakening. When done properly the palms are not flat against each other; the knuckles at the base of the fingers are bent a little, creating space between the palms and fingers of the two hands resembling a flower yet to open, symbolizing the opening of our hearts" (Source: Bodhi Surf School). 

In our jobs, we often think or talk about whether or not our work aligns with the company or organization mission -- and if it does, we know we're moving in the right direction. A few years ago, I realized my own "personal mission", which is to "help others live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives". You know something aligns with your mission when it makes you glow from inside out, when it challenges you in the right ways, and makes you feel whole. I can say with certainty that leading this class aligned with my personal mission. 

This has led to my next step... to create Soul Full Space Vision Board Workshops... coming soon! :)

Namaste,

* What's a vision board? Essentially, a collage of inspiring words, quotes, images and photos, which serves as a visual, creative expression of our goals and dreams. In my class we work through your values, goals and approach the process with intention. It's a fun, inspiring activity to help you manifest your dream life!

You are the Creator of your Own Reality

Yesterday I decided to re-watch The Secret. The first time I saw the film was in 2007, and to be honest, I didn't remember much of it. Some pieces may have stuck with me, but overall, it must not have been the right time for me to watch it. Do you ever feel that way? This seems to happen quite often in my life, that a quote or book I read, film I watch -- even ideas or dreams -- resurface weeks, months or years later, at just the right time (watch The Secret). 

I filled up four notebook pages of notes while watching. I'll admit, parts of the movie are a bit cheesy, but there are so many great messages delivered in the film. The underlying idea is that you have and become what you think about -- you are the creator of your own reality. I've known and believed this concept for a while now, but somehow, this time it really stuck. The idea that resonated with me most was that if you think about things that you fear and things that make you frustrated or angry, you'll get more of those things. One of the lines from the film I wrote down was, "Most people think about what they don't want and what their afraid of, and wonder why it shows up in their life over and over again." The idea is that everything that you have and you are experiencing in life right now -- including the things you complain about or are fearful of -- you've attracted.

This concept speaks to me right now as I move toward pursuing goals, but find fear standing in my way. Even with this blog, fear kept me from starting, which generated more fear and doubt, which eventually left me at a standstill. But, when I shifted into a place of pushing fear aside and moving forward anyway -- it became easier and ideas began to flow.

Watching the film also gave me the push I needed to move forward on another goal that has been clouded with fear. I set the intention to teach a vision boarding class sometime this summer, but fear and uncertainty kept me from creating a plan and setting a date. The more I thought about this fear and uncertainty, the more fearful and uncertain I became about moving forward, so I didn't. But after the film yesterday, I pulled out my own vision board and added some moving and inspiring images, words and quotes and hung it back on the wall in my office, where I'll look at it daily. I've started to draft a script for my class and I will run a practice session with some friends in a week. Then I'll set the date. Thoughts become things and if I shift to thinking positively about achieving this goal, moving past the fear will become easier and I will attract a positive outcome.

One quote that I pinned to my vision board -- which it was crazy that I unknowingly already had a quote by Joseph Campbell on my board -- was this: "Follow your bliss and the Universe will open doors for you where there once were walls."

Whether you agree with all of the concepts and ideas in The Secret or not, I think we all can benefit from the underlying messages. Open yourself up, act when you have inspired thought, focus on and visualize what you want, but be grateful for what you have. The next time anxious, fearful thoughts enter my mind, I will remember that I attract what I think about most.

Buddha print available here

Be YOU

It is the best feeling when you experience moments that align with all of your being. It is in those moments you are authentically you. When you recognize what your soul needs and you seek to nourish it, you feel whole. This is a feeling I'm sure many of us wish we could experience 100 percent of the time in our day-to-day lives, but sometimes there is a disconnect between what is going on in the outside world and who we are inside.

Sometimes rather than nourishing our souls, thoughts we have or things we do drain us or make us feel inauthentic. One of the most draining things is to live in a way you think others want you live, rather than in a way that is true to who you are. Sometimes we let outside influences or our insecurities take over, rather than just letting our souls guide us.

There have been moments where I lived or acted in a way I thought others wanted me to live or act. In these instances it watered down who I was and stifled my passion. But, over the last few years I made the decision to live in a way that felt authentic and nourishing.

Something that really helped me shift into this way of living was discovering I was an introvert, specifically an INFJ. The INFJ stands for Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging and is one of the 16 Myers-Briggs Type Indicators® (MBTI). "The purpose of the MBTI personality inventory is to make the theory of psychological types described by psychiatrist Carl Jung understandable and useful in people's lives. The essence of the theory is that much seemingly random variation in the behavior is actually quite orderly and consistent, being due to basic differences in the ways individuals prefer to use their perception and judgement (Source: Myers & Briggs Foundation)." You can take a test and find out your type here.

Known as "Protectors" or "Counselors", INFJ's are one of the most rare types and make up one to two percent of the population. They are sometimes referred to as "outgoing introverts", and are often mistaken for extroverts because of their deep interest in other people -- it's just that they usually prefer deep, one-on-one discussion or small group gatherings, followed by ample time alone to recharge. They are sensitive, complex and may grow up feeling a bit misunderstood. They are often known to be "old souls." Some of the images below capture the INFJ quite well ;)

Ever since I discovered my type, it was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. It's as if I finally got permission to be exactly who I am. For a long time, I thought something was wrong or missing, but now I understand I was trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. When you are authentic and true to who you are, it's a freeing feeling.

Take a moment to reflect on who is really inside you. Do you feel as though you are being true to who you are, or are you living or acting a certain way because you think it's what people expect of you?

Guideposts

I created this blog about three weeks ago and struggled with writing the first post. I felt like I had to craft the “perfect” first post that would convey everything that I hoped this blog to be. I think part of this is due to my INFJ personality type (a separate post for another time) holding me back because I feel like a total fraud if I’m not an “expert” in something, in this case, blogging. I Googled, “how to write your first blog post”, researched other blogs, polled friends who are bloggers or know bloggers. My worst fear was that I wasn’t going to be as good as the great bloggers already in existence. I started to look at wellness blogs and blogs about “finding your potential” and started to feel a bit discouraged, because people were already doing what I hoped to do. Then, I came across a book (I don’t even remember what book it was, because I’m usually reading five books at once!), that reminded me, “no one is you.” This is true; no one can bring the exact same perspective as someone else. No one’s journey is the same.

One of my greatest passions is helping others discover tools, resources, practices and ways of living, that help them become happier, healthier and live to their fullest potential. I love sharing things with others that have helped me grow, learn and heal. These things and people that have helped me along my journey have served as “guideposts” – directing the way to what was meant to be. I believe in the Universe having a plan and in synchronicity. Our guideposts “show up” for us at the perfect time and help us grow and transform into who we are at this present moment and lead us down the path to who we will become.

Lately the Universe has been delivering the same message over and over again for the last few weeks: “do something that scares you”. Our comfort zones are, well, comfy. The area outside our comfort zone is a bit – or quite – uncomfortable and that’s where true growth happens. I’ve often said this out loud and really believed it, but have I been living it? Recently, my sister shared the following picture of a "tagline" for the ad agency she interned for. It's what helped to nudge me to start taking steps toward pursuing dreams that otherwise would continue sit on the back burner. Never stepping outside of your comfort zone is “good enough” – and “good enough sucks.”

                                         

So, here I am. Doing something that scares me. I jumped into blogging and I look forward to having you join me on this journey. I see this as a space that will meld my passions (which grow and change frequently – another post for another time!) and a place where together we can share the things that inspire and fulfill us. Perhaps this blog will serve as a guidepost for you. Maybe you’ll find inspiration in a post, photo, quote, an idea, that serves as a step toward your own personal transformation.

What’s something that scares you? Something that you dream of doing or want to achieve? Perhaps it’s time to just go for it.

Namaste,