Jun 5, 2012 |
I’m here to tell you that one of the many reasons why I love yoga is the incredible blissed out (yoga high) feeling I get when I finish up a practice. The muscles in my body are tingling, the oxygen-rich blood from all that pranayama breathing is pumping through my body, endorphins are pinging around in my brain, and best of all, my mind is clear and focused so I’m ready to take on the day.
I used to be a runner, so I also know how euphoric a runner’s high can make a person feel. If you’re not familiar with this sublime experience, let me share my new friend Liz Ferro’s take on the runner’s high:
“For most of my life, lacing up for a run has been as much a part of my day as taking a shower…The sweat seems to wash away all the heaviness in my heart and on my mind and replaces it with a joyful and light-hearted feeling, which I can’t wait to feel again after it fades. Maybe this is why people get hooked on heroin? I will never know because the empowerment that I receive from running and crossing the finish line is the best high in the world to me. It keeps me coming back for more so I can feel it again and again…No matter what you need from your run, it will grant it.”
In essence, Liz has just nailed how I feel about my own addiction to yoga. I crave that blissful feeling and can’t wait to get back to my yoga mat time and time again. Somehow, my yoga mat always knows what I need, and if I truly listen to my body and breath and allow my mind to clear, I get exactly what I came for – peace of mind, peace in my heart, and that joyful blissed out state. Yoga: it’s the natural, healthy, legal, inexpensive, and oh so highly beneficial high.
Liz has skillfully used the power of this high to carry her throughout her life, and let me tell you, she has had a pretty tough life. Passed around in foster care and finally adopted at age 2, she was the victim of childhood sexual abuse from a neighbor, suffered from bulimia and low self-esteem issues, and endured abusive romantic relationships. She chronicles her life in the book Finish Line Feeling, where she tells the compelling story of how she overcame these obstacles to found the nationally recognized running organization Girls With Sole.
I just recently finished reading Finish Line Feeling, and I have to admit, some of the story was tough to read. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to be the victim of sexual abuse, and at one point, I didn’t know if I could finish reading. But Liz’s brutal honesty and sense of humor throughout the book drew me in, and I ended up reading almost the entire book in one day. It is filled with inspirational quotes and stories about how Liz overcame obstacles to ultimately build a beautiful life and family for herself.
“Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.” – Lou Holtz
Liz could have stayed negative and bitter about what had happened to her, but instead she let go of her past, got on with her life by participating in sixteen marathons and a few Iron-distance triathlons, and used all of her life experiences to bring goodness into the world with the development of her non-profit organization.
The mission of Girls With Sole is to use free fitness and wellness programs to empower the minds, bodies, and souls of girls ages 9 to 18 who are at-risk or have experienced abuse of any kind. The programs include traditional team sports, running programs, YOGA, dance, and self-esteem building exercises. The programs encourage girls to make healthy choices in every part of their lives and to build a positive self-image. Right now, the organization is based in Cleveland, Ohio, but Liz has received requests to set up Girls With Sole in other parts of the country. Her dream is to keep working with the girls here in Cleveland while also working across the country to set up new Girls With Sole chapters in order to change the lives of girls in need nationwide.
I was incredibly lucky this year to be introduced to Liz and Girls With Sole and have become one of their volunteer coaches who teach yoga to the girls. I can’t even begin to tell you how much joy this has brought to my life, so instead, I’ll let Liz tell you how it feels, as she captured my feelings completely.
“I don’t judge people when they don’t ‘get’ what it is that Girls With Sole actually does for the kids. The only thing that matters to me is the happiness I see in the girls as a result of the programs and the way they embrace and respond to the programs in such a positive manner…The girls bring me so much joy and fulfillment, and I often think they give more to me than I could ever give to them.”
Liz was able to find that mind/body/soul connection at an early age through running and swimming. But, for the most part, at-risk communities and kids in the foster or juvenile justice systems have very little to no access to any types of recreational fitness. Girls With Sole gives them that much-needed connection. It shows them that there is a way out of the darkness and that they can find this light without drugs, alcohol, or self-harm. These girls need someone to introduce them to the mind/body/soul connection, and I can’t think of a better way to help them than through the practice of running and yoga. To quote Liz, “Once they ‘get it’ they won’t ever let it go. But someone needs to show them the way to get there.”
“The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being.”
– Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dali Lama
The primary message of Finish Line Feeling is that we all have the inner strength and tenacity to persevere. One of the teachings of yoga is finding acceptance and peace in your life and loving yourself exactly as you are, and Liz’s story could be used as a perfect illustration for this and so many of the yamas and niyamas: practicing ahimsa (non-violence and compassion for ourselves and all beings), santosha (letting go of the past and finding contentment in your life), and ishvar pranidhana (believing in yourself, asking for guidance, relaxing into your life, and surrendering to the needs of your body).
Plus, Liz provides the perfect example of seva, the act of selfless service and the desire to uplift and assist people, giving help and compassion to others with no thought of what is to gain or what is to be lost by doing so.
One of the most inspirational things about the book (which most people who read it will never know) is that Liz wrote it in four months. She then went out on the quest to get it published, would not take no for an answer, and within another few short months found a publisher and got the book out on the market. For someone who has thought a long time about writing a book, this has to be one of the biggest, most motivational kicks in the ass I could have ever received! Thanks, Liz – if you can do it, so can I, and every time you see me, I want you to please remind and maybe even egg me on a bit! (Yep, I’m putting that intention out there in the universe.)
Liz ends the book with this thought, “There is a confidence and a positive light that radiates from an athletic person. It is easily recognized by others and attracts them to you like a moth to a porch light on a summer’s night.”
If you are lucky enough to meet Liz, you will experience this light; it radiates from her smile and her enthusiasm, and I guarantee it will fill you up with joy.
Want to support Liz and Girls with Sole? Here are just a few of the ways you can get involved:
- Get inspired and read Finish Line Feeling, available to purchase on Amazon
- Celebrate the fact that Liz is now a published author by coming to The Rock & Sole book launch being held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, on Friday, June 15th. The price of $50 per couple gets you into this private party at the Rock Hall, appetizers, drinks, dancing with a live band, and a copy of Finish Line Feeling.
- Contact Girls with Sole through the website for volunteer and donation opportunities.
May 24, 2012 |
I love it when a student tells me that they took something they learned in one of my yoga classes off the mat and into their world. I think that, for any teacher, this just may be one of the most gratifying elements – to know that you have passed on a valuable exercise or lesson that has helped a student grow.
I always start out my classes with breath meditation or a pranayama breathing exercise. For me it is the best way to quiet the mind, get in touch with the body and breath, and prepare for practice. One of the breathing exercises I teach and also practice on a daily basis is bhramari. The word comes from the Sanskrit name bhramar, which translates to “humming black bee.” One of the reasons I love bhramari breathing is that its list of super-power benefits includes:
calming the mind
reducing stress
improving concentration
easing tensions, anger, and anxiety
aiding in sleep disorders and insomnia
lowering blood pressure
That, my yogi friends, is one powerful pranayama!
One of my students has what I would imagine is one of the most stressful jobs around: an emergency room doctor. She came up to me after class a week ago and told me that she was experiencing a particularly stressful evening in the ER, filled with lots of traumas and a frazzled staff. She called her team together in a huddle and proceeded to teach them the bhramari breathing exercise she learned in class. She explained that, after they did the exercise and for the remainder of the evening, a renewed sense of calm was evident, and the good feelings remained as her co-workers would walk by her, smile, and then give her a quick “buzz.”
The power of pranayama can be applied off the mat, in the car, in the office, and even in a crazed ER room.
Want to get in on the buzz! Here’s how to do bhramari breathing:
1. Sit in easy sit pose or any comfortable seated position.
2. Firmly plug the ears by inserting both thumb tips into your ear holes with a little pressure.
3. Take your hands and cup them gently over your eyes, blocking out light and sight.
4. Fill the air in your lungs to the brim with a deep inhale, hold the breath for one count, and then exhale slowly through both nostrils, making a humming sound like a bee.
5. Keep the sound going as long as you can keep the exhale. The louder the better!
6. Repeat the bumble bee breath a total of five times.
7. After completing the fifth round, bring the hands to the knees with palms up, keep your eyes closed, and feel the vibrations of the bhramari breathing throughout the head and the body. Notice the calming effects of the breath and the calm, relaxed state that has been created. Let the yumminess of the bhramari breath just soak over you.
8. Spend a few more moments in silent meditation. Feel that you are at peace. You can focus your awareness on your third eye at the center of the forehead, the sides of the eyes, and can feel the warmness of the bhramari breath until the echo or vibrations fade away.
9. Gently open your eyes and take a few moments to observe your surroundings with full awareness and bliss.
This practice can be done at the start or end of your day, before a yoga practice, or anytime you need to clear your mind.
So much of what we learn on the yoga mat can be applied in our everyday lives: letting go of the ego and judgment, showing love for ourselves and our bodies, remaining present, and taking the time to pause, breathe, buzz, and enjoy the moment.
Bumble Bee Image: Andrej Sevelin
May 15, 2012 |
I just want to go on the record to say that I have the best summer job ever. Not only do I get to teach yoga, but I get to do it on a beach! I am thrilled to announce that I will be back on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie in Vermilion and Huron, Ohio this summer to serve up some pranayama breathing, asana practice, and meditation, all with the best outdoor studio accoutrements – the sun, a yoga playlist courtesy of the rolling surf, gentle cooling breezes, and the sounds and sights of nature in hi-def. Well sometimes those breezes aren’t exactly gentle, but the elements typically all come together for a little slice of nirvana.
My beach yoga schedule is as follows:
Firefly Beach Resort in Huron, Ohio
Friday & Saturday mornings 8:30 – 9:30 AM
Sunset Yoga on Thursday evenings from 7:30 – 8:30 PM
The Firefly Beach Resort is located directly behind the Erie Kai Tavern at 4903 Cleveland Road East (Route 6) in Huron, Ohio.
Main Street Beach in Vermilion, Ohio
Monday & Wednesday mornings 8:30 – 9:30 AM
(please note this is a change from Thursday to Wednesday)
Main Street Beach is located in downtown Vermilion. Just take Main Street until it dead ends into Lake Erie!
Click here for more information on these beach classes.
I’m also excited to let you know about some special classes I have coming up.
Yoga & Meditation
Monday, January 21, 7:30 – 8:30 PM. Join me for a blissful hour of pranayama breathing exercise and gentle asana yoga practice, followed by meditation. Great for yoga students looking to deepen their understanding of meditation, or those who want to get started with a daily meditation routine.
Beginner’s Workshop – Saturday, May 19 – 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Have you always wanted to practice yoga but didn’t know where to start? If you are seeking an experience that will demystify yoga and teach the basics in a supportive and fun environment, then I’ve got a workshop or series of classes that’s right for you!
This workshop will begin with a brief introduction to yoga. Next we’ll move to warm-ups and pranayama (breathing) exercises, proceed to step-by-step asana (pose) instruction of the basic yoga postures to demonstrate proper alignment, providing you with an active yet gentle practice that focuses on breath work, strengthening the core and back, stretching, toning, and guided relaxation. Suggestions for modifications to poses will be presented throughout the class, along with proper use of props and the Sanskrit and English names of the postures. What to bring: A yoga mat (mats are available to borrow at the studio), water, and an open beginner’s mind. Questions will be encouraged and welcome throughout the class. Wear comfortable clothing. Class is held at Yoga Bliss Akron right behind Summit Mall at 3045 Smith Road. Class size is limited to 20 students, so register early by calling (330) 571-7861.
Beginner’s Class Series – Wednesday’s May 16 through June 12 – 7:30 to 8:30 PM
This five-week series of classes covers the same principles taught in the workshop with each class building on the next, leaving you with a core foundation to start your yoga practice. This class is also held at Yoga Bliss Akron.
Please contact me at (330) 289-7026 if you have any questions or need additional details about the classes.
Hope to see you on a yoga mat soon!
Got a favorite summer job? Leave a comment below and tell us all about it!
May 8, 2012 |
I come from an advertising background, so I’m always in search of a good slogan – a few catchy words that sum up a product’s essence and also just so happen to look good on a t-shirt. Not that I was looking for a slogan or tagline for yoga, but sometimes a great one just smacks you up the side of the head.
I teach a lot of new students and meet a lot of people who are curious about yoga. In fact, this past weekend I was at an event to promote my summer beach yoga classes in Vermilion and Huron, and I got to meet a lot of awesome women who either have always wanted to try yoga, or have already stepped onto a yoga mat. One woman said to me, “I’ve done yoga, but I’m not very good at it.” Before I could chirp out a response, Marianne Greene, my lovely event buddy, did not miss a beat and responded, “You don’t have to be good at yoga. That’s the beauty of it!”
Bingo – Slogan Nirvana! Marianne had just nailed what should be (if yoga had a brand advertising agency) the marketing strategy for yoga. You don’t have to be good at it. You just have to show up on your mat, breathe, and do your best. I think I’ve found not only a new slogan, but a new mantra.
It doesn’t matter if you’re flexible; we come to our mats to become more flexible.
It doesn’t matter if you can’t touch your toes; each time you come to your mat and practice, you get the opportunity to get a little bit closer.
It doesn’t matter what is happening on the yoga mat next to yours; you get to make it your own practice.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a pretty Vinyasa flow; just get inside your body and your breath, and get down with the beauty inside you.
I always say yoga is not a competition, and I am so thankful for that; otherwise I would never participate.
Yoga – You Don’t Have to Be Good at It!
I love it! Short, sweet, concise, factual, and it delivers on the product’s key selling features. That’s my brand management blood still flowing through my veins and popping up from time to time.
Got a favorite yoga slogan, one that makes you smile, one that sums up how great your practice makes you feel? Leave a comment below and share your marketing genius!
May 4, 2012 |
I’m starting this post out with a big WOO HOO! And that comes courtesy of the simple fact that winter in northeast Ohio is officially over. Spring has sprung, and those of us lucky enough to live in Ohio (yeah – I really feel that way!) can forget about letting it snow, snow, snow. It’s that glorious time of year when we let it GREEN, let it GREEN, let it GREEN.
I can’t tell you how much pleasure I derive from looking out the window into my backyard and seeing a virtual sea of green. In fact, any window will do. Last weekend on a long road trip I noticed that I was feeling an overwhelming sense of joy in my heart. I looked around and realized that the earth all around me was bursting with the color of green – from the grass, to the bushes, to the budding green leaves on the trees. It was a big honking orgy of green goodness!
I always knew I liked the color green, but over the past month I’ve come to have a deeper understanding of its significance. Green is the color of the anahata or heart chakra. When our anahata chakra is open and balanced, we are compassionate, loving, self-loving, empathetic, peaceful, and balanced. Those are all qualities that I aspire to.
The sudden appearance of the green in the spring is like a mental cue to me to be more loving of myself and others, and it reminds me that there is an infinite supply of love (just ask my husband when he keeps having to mow that green grass!).
All this green outside has really gotten me in touch with my heart chakra, and perhaps, I don’t think it is a coincidence that I have a couple recent green acquisitions: my eKO Lite moss green mat from Manduka and an awesome new Luck t-shirt.
I met Michelle the awesome yogini that started WEARLUCK.com at the Tadasana Festival. The idea behind their WEAR LUCK clothing line was created to trigger the ideas and thoughts that make us happy. WEARLUCK wants you to find your happiness within and know that you can achieve what you really want in life when you set your intention, dream, and believe in it. When we focus on these happy ideas and thoughts, guess what? They will naturally happen. My Luck t-shirt is kind of like a yellow sticky note reminder for me to stay focused on my intentions and to keep my heart chakra open and balanced.
The inside of the shirt also has a spiritual (or fortune cookie) message. My shirt says, “Prosperity You are Just Getting Started” and has the following message on the tag:
Prosperity
You can do anything! Wear this lucky PROSPERITY Bamboo* Tee as a reminder to be fertile in your thoughts, always enjoy what you have, accept where you are, pursue where you want to be, and remember where you came from!
Hmmm, sounds a little like the concept of santosha to me!
This lovely rose bush magically appeared this spring in my herb garden!
Lucky for me, the trees in Ohio stay green until fall, so I’ve got a constant reminder to keep my heart full of love and joy, to stay focused on my intentions, and to bring me balance. Come on, sing along with me – Let it Green, Let it Green, Let it Green!
*Shirt is made of 68% bamboo, 27% cotton, and 5% spandex.
Feeling lucky? Take a trip over to wearluck.com and check out their entire line of inspirational tops, pants skirts, vests, and gifts, and be sure to leave a comment that you heard about them on The Daily Downward Dog.
Want some additional green inspiration? Check out this yoga clothing spring greens collection from my fellow yogini pal Lo.
