Six Down...Six to Go

Half a year down, some of what I have learned thus far...

I love random handstands.
Anything is possible (good and bad). 6/29/10 update: i was reminded in a dream last night that tantric perspective says it's ALL good.  the lesson is, Anything can happen.
Life is beautiful and a gift.
An impassioned cry is GREAT therapy.
Drilling for oil is dangerous.
Opening and closure are very similar.
I still love surprises.
Know it, feel it and then take action!
Thoughts are simply products of the mind, the way urine is a product of the kidneys!
Root down to rise up.
My yoga practice has come SO far.
Certainty is an argument waiting to happen.
Japa meditation rocks my world.
Amazing opportunities appear when you ask someone for help.
Facebook is a conundrum for me.
Sadness does not = Unhappiness.
I can brew some AWESOME kombucha.
Studying with Sue Elkind and Naime Jezzney has changed my life for the better.
It is a relief when things that don't align, dissolve.
I feel stronger in my body and my heart.
Tennis players are amazing yogi(ni)s - they NEVER give up.
I love teaching private yoga classes.
My favorite breakfast in the summer is avocado on toast (this hasn't changed in years...).
They symbolism in deity statues is deeply meaningful to me.
I have amazing friends.

I bow to the lotus feet of all the teachers and beloved's who have contributed to these realizations. Namaste.

Beginner Immersion

Beginner Yoga Workshop with Shani
Saturday July 24th, 1 to 3 pm
Take the next step and immerse yourself in the the fundamentals of flow. Learn how to align your body in yoga poses to be healthier and more vibrant! 

Expect a detailed practice dedicated to refining your alignment with empowering expression of the heart. This workshop will go deep into applying the therapeutics of muscular engagement while flowing in basic postures. 

Shani will guide you through a fun beginner level sequence. Recommended for those who have completed the beginning yoga series and those new to the practice, but all will benefit and enjoy!

$20 registration is required before July 24...call JPY to register (Call 717.975.9642 or 717.379.3626) or register in person at the studio.

Nine Years to Integration

Love.

It’s a dreamy world during those first few months/years. It’s effortless, spontaneous and alive.  The heart is clouded by an illusionary perception that, “we are one”.  A tremendous amount of energy is put into maximizing similarities and minimizing differences.  Expressing passion and romance and desire is done easily and often.

Reality.

The romantic bubble pops.  The fantasy that the relationship is immune from difficulty is dissolved. The clouds in front of all the differences are cleared and now conflict, anxiety and disappointment with the relationship is visible.  Confusion begins to settle into  the wonder of how to create that initial closeness once again.  Yet, cravings for independence within the intimacy begin to develop.  THIS is when the relationship actually begins.

Shifting.

Minor incidents trigger large disagreements.  Independence is defended, fiercely.  A short while ago, the relationship appeared to be the embodiment of true love and now it appears to be the embodiment of self-centeredness.  Each partner longs for THE OTHER to “change.

Assessment.

Do I really want this?

By now, there is a clearer picture of the relationship.  The work now is to invest in the value of the relationship.  To move deeper together, each person must continue to develop individually AND be able to honor the other’s journey of self discovery.  This requires very open and raw communication.  I believe that this is the only way the relationship can survive.

Awakening.

Genuine desire to connect as partners occurs, again.  Acceptance of the differences in the relationship are approached with a new attitude.  Conflict becomes an opportunity for growth.  The realization occurs that the differences are real...and they won’t go away.  Conflicts are accepted and there is a sincerity in learning how to come to a satisfying resolution. The authentic beauty of the relationship is revealed here as the partners see themselves in the other.  They see each other as slightly flawed but as a good people who are making a determined effort to love and to be close and to acknowledge their own desires.

Integration.

The couple stays connected while maintaining their own identities.  

Gratitude is sustained in the knowing how to support each other and how to take responsibility for their individual lives.  Took me nearly 9 years to figure this much out...what's next?