Dec 4, 2014 |
This article first appeared on Elephant Journal back on December 6, 2012. It carries a message that is near and dear to my heart, so I thought I would dust it off and share it again.
A few years ago I attended a sold-out yoga workshop given by Kathryn Budig, an internationally known yoga instructor, foodie, and animal lover. Kathryn is living a life I dream of: writing, teaching and practicing yoga around the globe with the perfect accessory, a major book deal tucked into the back pocket of her Lululemon yoga pants.
Kathryn unassumingly walked her petite, well-toned body into the room, perfectly accessorized with a smile and pearl mala beads, looking super-cool in a well worn vintage Journey t-shirt. With a great deal of humor and enthusiasm, she began her talk, and right away she told us her goal in life: to live an awesome life.
Holy crap, that’s my goal too!
You can imagine my delight when she clued us in on how to do just that.
One of Kathryn’s yoga DVD’s is themed around “Aiming True” in our lives. What is aiming true? It is all about making the choice to move from a place of fear to a place of love. When we embrace fear, we experience anticipation, expectation, dread and doubt. And guess what? According to Kathryn, this nasty anticipation stuff is what freaks us out. When we can let go of fear, we can move to a place of love and embrace the present moment.
When we let go of fear, we start believing in ourselves, and that is when the awesomeness begins to happen. (If Kathryn doesn’t have a theme song yet, I’m thinking “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey would do.) The cool thing about this “Aim True” concept is that you can apply it to just about any life situation, not just those on a yoga mat. Here are a few simple ways to give this Aim True stuff a try in your life:
1. Sunday night meditation.
I don’t know about you, but most Sunday nights I start getting a little knot in my stomach as I start worrying about all the responsibilities of the coming week. This Sunday night (and every night and morning, for that matter), stop for a moment and take a few deep breaths, let go of the anticipation of what is to come, let go of the fear of what might happen, and just live peacefully in that present moment. Because right here, right now, according to Kathryn, is perfect.
I asked Kathryn if she gets the knots on Sunday night, and yes, she does experience these moments. But she applies her “Aim True” philosophy, and instead of dread, Kathryn focuses on how much she loves her job, how great she feels when she has completed a workshop, and how much she knows the students enjoyed it.
“My duty is to be my best, to show up as the best version of myself. It’s easy to get caught up in our own little bubble of insecurities and fears, and we need to break out of that bubble and venture out into the world. I’m grateful for the gift of travel, but most importantly, I’m so thankful for my traveling because it makes me realize how wonderful my life already is,” Kathryn explained.
I have started to teach a yoga class on Sunday nights at Yoga Bliss Akron called Sunday Night Relax and Recharge that is aimed at bringing a sense of peace and calm through an asana practice that consists of gentle stretching, restorative poses and deep meditation. The class is from 4:45-6:00 PM if you want to check it out.
2. Make a love (pros)/fear (cons) list.
What is it that you want in life? What do you dream about doing? What is holding you back? Is it fear, self-doubt, or worry about what others think? Whatever it is, write it down and then make a column with all of the good things (what you love about it, what it will bring to your life) and then make a column and list all the things holding you back from the dream (worry that you are not good enough, fear of the unknown). Study the two columns and then make a choice.
Are you going to embrace the love or the fear?
I went through this scenario when I was planning my first beach yoga travel retreat. I was letting fear paralyze me and allowing myself to fill up with self-doubt, and then, thankfully, I had an ‘a-ha!’ moment. I told myself, “WTF Maria! Did you not listen to a word of what Kathryn said at that workshop? Are you going to let the fear keep you from your dreams, or are you going to aim true and choose a place of love?”
I shut down the fire hose of fear and self-doubt in my mind, got to work, and guess what? I held my first beach yoga retreat in Aruba in April of 2013, and in 2014 I led yoga retreats in Stowe, Vermont and my second Beach Yoga Bliss Retreat in Aruba. In 2015 I am thrilled to be going back to the gorgeous white sand beaches of Aruba for my third Beach Yoga Bliss Retreat and in September I will be hosting a yoga retreat in Santorini, Greece.
So what’s it gonna be for you? One of the great things about life is that you have a choice.
Make loving and believing in yourself become a personal mantra, one you repeat to yourself each and every day. You can either stay in the fear camp, or you can come join me and Kathryn over at the love camp. Become the master or mistress of your mind, stop making excuses, start living out your dreams and enjoying a truly awesome life. I’m here to tell you that when you let go of the fear, life is way more awesome!
The theme and mantra for my 2015 yoga retreats is “I Am Love,” and together we’ll learn how to live that mantra, letting go of fear, stress, or whatever is keeping you from living out your intentions and opening the heart wide open to love.
Are you ready to nurture your spirit, refuel with positive energy, and find your bliss? If the answer is yes, please join me in either Aruba or Santorini next year! The deadline to reserve your space for Aruba is February 11, so don’t delay! The awesome team at The Travel Yogi is ready to help you make your reservation for either retreat.
Aug 9, 2013 |
What would you think if I threw a yoga retreat?
Would you grab your mat and come to the beach?
Lend me your ears, and I’ll chant you a mantra
And I’ll try not to chant out of key
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, I get a yoga high with a little help from my friends!
Oh yeah, it never ceases to amaze me what I can do with a little help and support from my friends.
I’m having a little yoga retreat the weekend of September 6–8, 2013 at the beautiful Firefly Beach Resort in Huron, Ohio, and it just keeps getting better and better because I have an awesome group of friends who are going to share their talents with you. Let me tell you a bit more about these exciting activities!
Jim Lawhead, the owner of Lake Erie Paddler is going to bring 10 stand-up paddle boards (SUP) and provide demonstrations on how to use the boards. Plus, he’s offering mini-lessons in paddling and hybrid yoga fitness for anyone who is interested. If you would like to go paddling or even to try out a few yoga poses on the water, you can rent a board for $10 an hour. Quite a few of you have expressed an interest in trying out the boards, so I would recommend that you contact Jim at (440) 935-1645 to reserve your space at 10 am, 11 am, or 1 pm. You can contact me to make reservations as well.
Another good yogini friend, Tracy Rhinehart, is an E-RYT 200, RYT 500 yoga instructor recognized by the Yoga Alliance. She is also a Thai Massage practitioner and Body Wisdom practitioner and will be offering some unique ways to relax this weekend. On Saturday, you will have the opportunity to get a 45-minute Thai Massage or a Body Wisdom consultation with Tracy from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.
So what is a Thai Massage you ask? With a 2200 year history founded in Ayurvedic medicine and Yoga, Thai Massage is gaining popularity in the West. This unique form of bodywork is a part of the traditional healing practices in Thailand. It is done fully clothed on a cushioned floor mat. It is often described as having someone ‘do yoga to you’. Thai massage is appropriate for all ages and compliments any lifestyle. Benefits include:
- Improved circulation
- Detox of the lymphatic system
- Increase in flexibility and range of motion
- Improved muscle tone
- Heightened immune functioning
- Recovery from over-exertion
- Relaxation of sore or tense muscles
- Enhanced natural healing processes
Body Wisdom is a therapeutic process that allows you to listen to your own body and access your inner wisdom. While resting comfortably in savasana, you are guided into a deep meditation that helps you access your personal information and insight. Through releasing and affirming statements, your old, unproductive patterns are released and new, productive thoughts and behaviors are acquired. This healing art can help you hear the guidance you need to make healing, empowering and meaningful changes in your life.
The cost for either a Thai Massage or a Body Wisdom session is $45, and you should definitely make a reservation to ensure your spot by contacting Tracy at 216-551-0707 or email trhinehart108 at gmail.com or me at (330) 289-7026 to book time with Tracy in advance.
Tracy is also going to co-teach the 8:30 AM yoga class with me on Saturday morning, and I am really excited about sharing her energy and passion with all of you. Did I mention that Tracy is one of my favorite yoga teachers? You are in for a treat!
Wanda, Joy, and Patty – the Firefly Beach gals – extended their friendship and had the belief in me to allow me to bring beach yoga to Firefly a few years back, and for that I will always be grateful. They have a pretty incredible little slice of heaven up here in Huron, so if you are looking for a place to stay, please check out their cottage rentals, or pitch your tent next to mine in their camping facilities (RVs are welcome too). The Erie Kai Tavern has a tiki bar vibe and is a cool place to get a bite to eat, or a refreshing drink after class.
And, I could never get by without my friends who continue to show up for my classes each week. You know who you are, and I love you! I am thrilled to hear many of you are planning to attend this special weekend of yoga. Sharing yoga is my passion, so thanks for allowing me to do what I love.
Yes, I get by with a little help from my friends.
With a little (well more like A LOT) of help from my friends.
Beach Yoga Bliss at Firefly Beach, Huron, Ohio
Yoga classes will be held right on the beach overlooking the lake at Firefly Beach Resort in Huron, Ohio.
Friday, September 6
Sunset Vinyasa & Meditation | 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Saturday, September 7
Sunrise Meditation | 7:00 to 8:00 AM
Vinyasa & Meditation with Tracy Rhinehart & Maria Santoferraro | 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Afternoon: Free time to explore Vermilion and Huron on bike, kayak or standup paddleboard. Have lunch at one of the great restaurants in downtown Vermilion, visit the shops and nearby wineries, hang out at the beach, relax, and unwind.
Sunset Vinyasa & Meditation | 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Sunday, September 8
Morning Vinyasa & Meditation | 8:30 to 10:00 AM
All classes except for the Saturday morning meditation class are one hour and a half to provide extra time for discussion, pranayama breathing exercises, a longer savasana, and meditation. Each class is $15. The sunrise meditation class on Saturday is $5. Early bird pricing for the entire weekend is $55 if you sign up before August 30.
All Levels Welcome!
If it is raining or there is a chance of rain, classes at The Firefly Beach Resort will be held under a covered pavilion that has an awesome view of the beach!
How to Get There
The Firefly Beach Resort is located directly behind the Erie Kai Tavern at 4903 Cleveland Road East (Route 6) in Huron, Ohio, just minutes away from Sandusky, Ohio and Vermilion, Ohio.
Please park in the front by the Erie Kai Tavern or in their side parking area and walk down towards the beach. Check-in for classes is under the pavilion at the top of the beach.
You can sign up in advance for one class or the entire weekend below using PayPal.
Jul 3, 2013 |
The Daily Downward Dog is seeking a dependable and cheerful certified yoga instructor to lead weekly yoga classes on the beach. Please read the job description below and leave a comment if interested.
Job Description:
Beach Studio Maintenance. The beach is your yoga studio, so you will be responsible for keeping it maintained. This duty includes raking the beach to prepare your beach studio floor, and may also include removal of debris, the occasional dead fish, and at times large sandcastles built right in the middle of your beach studio. Basically, you will need to arrive early and be prepared for just about anything; you never know what unexpected delights a storm, heavy wind, or beachgoers might have left the day before.
Meteorologist. Knowledge of weather patterns and a degree in meteorology or experience as a storm chaser is preferred. You will need these skills to determine if a class should take place or be cancelled due to inclement weather. This is Lake Erie, Ohio, so you have to go with the flow and at times teach a class when it is a bit chilly, or when the heat feels more like a Bikram yoga studio, or there is a slight drizzle of rain, or huge gusts of wind threaten to blow your mat away. Sometimes when there is heavy rain class will wind up under the cover of a pavilion. No matter what, always keep the safety of your students as a number one priority! Your students are dedicated yogis, so even if you think the weather is not going to cooperate, they will be there ready to practice yoga come rain, snow, or sizzling hot temperatures.
Strong Voice. You will need a voice that can project over soaring winds and crashing waves. Some days you can deliver your cues in a whisper, and other days you will need your voice to carry like you are delivering a speech in a huge auditorium.
Adaptability. The ability to stay calm, be in the present, and think on your feet is a necessity. You will encounter many distractions: eagles soaring through the sky, dogs running into your practice area, fish jumping out of the water, rainbows, small kids that pull up their beach chairs to watch the class, and at times noisy boats or beach tractors. But none of this will bother you, of course. You’ll teach through the distractions with the sheer focus of guiding your students to a place of bliss.
Expandable Heart. At times you will be so full of joy from the sun shining down on you, the smiles on your students’ faces, and nature’s playlist of wind and waves that your heart will feel like it is going to burst wide open. At these precise moments, your expandable heart will need to kick into full gear so you can share this incredible joy with the entire class.
Benefits: We provide a benefits package that includes sunscreen to keep your skin protected, lots of water to keep you hydrated, plenty of sunshine, and smiling faces. If you are lucky you will also get to pick up a few pieces of sea glass and make many new friends!
Ok, truth time: I’m not really looking for instructors. I just thought it would be fun to share my summer beach yoga job description with all of you. Even on those days when I show up at the beach and have to bury a dead fish, I still pinch myself that I get to do what I love and that I get to do it in such a beautiful place – with such awesome yogis!
I’m sending out a big thanks to everyone who has come to a beach yoga classes this summer! We still have two months to go, so if you have not made it out for a class, please check the schedule and join me soon for a little beach yoga bliss.
![Yoga Anatomy, Alignment, and Kinesiology]()
Jan 23, 2013 |
Can I just tell you how excited I am for Kreg Weiss to come to Richfield, Ohio? You heard that right – not Cleveland, not Columbus, but my very own ’hood! Kreg is one of the founders of MyYogaOnline, a certified and highly experienced Hatha yoga instructor, international presenter, super nice guy, the teacher of one of my favorite yoga videos “Siesta for the Spine”, and kinesiologist.
Say what? You had me until kinesiologist.
Kinesiology is the branch of physiology that studies the mechanics and anatomy of the body in relation to human movement – or, in simpler terms, it is the science of movement.
Kreg is coming to Nirvana Yoga in February to lead a series of workshops that will take students on a journey through the fundamental elements of anatomy and kinesiology that will enhance their yoga practices. If that seems a little intimidating or heady for some yoga practitioners, Kreg has promised me that the material will be presented in a fun, user-friendly manner that is accessible to all (regardless of previous experience with anatomical concepts). Now we’re talking!
Kreg showed off his one-handed peacock pose for me when we met up at the New York Yoga Journal Conference in 2012.
I’m a big fan of Kreg’s classes on MyYogaOnline because of his unique style of teaching that combines asanas, pranayama, and meditation to create a peaceful yet powerful yoga practice. It’s not easy to do, but Kreg has the ability to deliver classes that provide a challenge, but in a way that not only keeps you safe but leaves you feeling full of peace. If you want to check out his style, Kreg has posted excerpts from quite a few of his videos on his website.
Wanna geek out with me and get a good fix of yoga anatomy? Here’s the deets (what, where, when) on Kreg’s upcoming workshops in Richfield, Ohio.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Exploring Core Elements of Vinyasa
Enjoy exploring the foundational elements of vinyasa as we break down key poses and transitions of this classic flow. This yoga anatomy workshop will offer an integrative approach, providing insights and tips on how to enhance integrity and functional form so that vinyasa practices retain a therapeutic, nurturing intention.
*6:30 – 9 PM $45 / $35 before Feb. 1
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Enhanced Steadiness and Integrity for the Knees
Delve into the world of kinesiology and yoga anatomy as we examine functional elements for maintaining strength and awareness in our knees. From how we stand to how we sit, we will look at how we can best manipulate the entire chain of joints and muscles in key poses in order to keep the knees safe while acquiring the optimum benefits of each pose. Following this 2.5-hour workshop, we will integrate these concepts into an energizing Hatha yoga flow.
12:30 – 4:30 PM $55 / $45 before Feb. 1
Hatha class level will be moderate to intermediate.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Practicing Yoga with Functionality and Relevance
Our daily health is greatly determined by how we settle into our posture. This yoga anatomy workshop will look at posture-related issues including Upper/Lower Cross Syndrome, Forward Head Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, open locked/closed lock principles, kinetic chain effects, and other similar conditions affecting postural health. We will explore how to address this from a restoration perspective and cover the necessary modifications in our practice to enhance recovery and rebalancing of our musculoskeletal and energetic systems. We will follow this workshop with a Hatha yoga practice that will interlace these concepts into the flow.
10:00 AM – 2:30 PM $55 / $45 before Feb. 1
Hatha class level will be moderate.
Follow Kreg Weiss Yoga on Facebook and on Twitter.
One last plug for Kreg, if you run a yoga teacher training program and are looking for someone to come in to cover the anatomy portions, please get in touch with Kreg.
If you’ve done one of Kreg’s online video classes, please leave a comment below and let me know which one you’ve tried and would like to recommend to other yogis.
Aug 2, 2012 |
Sharing a little TV love today with a video clip from the July 27 New Day Cleveland show on Fox8. David Moss visited Vermilion, Ohio, and along with the entire production team behind New Day Cleveland, put together an incredible show that showcased Vermilion as a road trip and vacation destination. It’s less than an hour away from Cleveland and Akron and is a great place to escape for some beach time, great food, shopping, and beach yoga!
I was thrilled that New Day Cleveland decided to include a segment on the Daily Downward Dog beach yoga classes that take place every Monday and Wednesday morning at Main Street Beach in Vermilion.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/aNxuCvVa7Vg[/youtube]
Woo Hoo, my 15 seconds of fame! At least my mother got to see it, and I think she’s pretty proud of me.
Sending a big THANK YOU and shout out to my yoga students who appear in the video, David Moss, New Day Cleveland producer Kristen Wunderle, and to the real stars of the show, the beautiful city and people of Vermilion, Ohio.
Beach yoga classes at Main Street Beach will continue through the end of August and are free and open to the public. My full schedule of summer beach yoga classes can be found below and you can find additional details on locations, class description, and fees at: https://dailydownwarddog.com/beach-yoga/
2012 Summer Beach Yoga Schedule
Mondays
8:30 – 9:30 AM | Main Street Beach, Vermilion | All Levels Hatha Flow (through August 27)
Tuesdays
7:30 – 8:30 PM | Linwood Park Beach, Vermilion | Sunset Yoga (through August 28)
Wednesdays
8:30 – 9:30 AM | Main Street Beach, Vermilion | All Levels Hatha Flow (through August 29)
Thursdays
7:30 – 8:30 PM | Firefly Beach Resort – Huron, OH | Sunset Yoga (through August 30)
Fridays
8:30 – 9:30 AM | Firefly Beach Resort – Huron, OH | All Levels Hatha Yoga (through August 31)
Saturdays
8:30 – 9:30 AM | Firefly Beach Resort – Huron, OH | All Levels Hatha Yoga (through September 1)
There’s just one month left of Lake Erie summer beach yoga, so plan your road trip to Vermilion today and go from stressed out to blissed out with the Daily Downward Dog.
