Inspiration: To practice being in the moment, even during weight-lifting.
Yoga. The term often brings to mind a group of like-minded people
assembled in a studio to chant, breathe, practice poses and to contemplate. My intention is to expand this belief and take it into everything we do; especially the gym arena.
The majority of individuals I watch while exercising vary: male/female, small/large,/low intensity output/large intensity output. What I like to see is if these people are present with what they are doing and breathing fully; on the inhale and the exhale. To my surprise, most of the individuals I watch are not at all!
Of course they are breathing, but what I am referring to is conscious in the moment breathing. Grunting and making loud noises, means our bodies are being taxed beyond their comfort levels and beyond what we need. Unless you are an elite athlete or training for some kind of event, personally, I feel this is unnecessary. The slower and deeper your breathing, the lower your heart rate on any perceived exertion. This in term translates to better performance, less stress and more joy.
Most recently I have become more conscious of breathing in my own workouts. I am able to lift the same workloads with less effort and more ease. I invite you to explore your breathe while going about your regular gym activity. If you focus on the inhalation and exhalation, you will be surprised at how much you can accomplish.
Have a very "peaceful" day.
Warmly, Denise
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Yoga in the Park, Monday 8/31
Inspiration: To continue to share my experiences.
Please join me for an evening of yoga with focused attention on the breathe. We will move slowly, in an authentic way so we can feel our breath and body as one unit. Hope to see you there.
Location: 63rd and CPW
Time: 6:30 pm
Fee : $ 20
Namaste, Denise
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Heart of Yoga (continued)
Inspiration: To continue to learn and study with great masters.
Yesterday I had my second of two workshops with Mark Whitwell at Vira Yoga. I am so happy I attended both trainings and look forward to pursuing more. He is the real deal. His approach to yoga is one of simplicity. It is for everyone. "Yoga is your intimacy with life". It is not about a strict doctrine of perfect postures but about
"Strength receiving". The masculine surrendering to the feminine in both the male and female. We are all striving so hard for outward acquisitions and acknowledgements. The real gift is in the surrendering to our breath and body relationship.Then can we really experience the magic in our ordinary lives. This is what Mark has to teach. A true genius.....For those who are interested, his book is called "The Heart of Yoga". I am most definitely going to read this ASAP.
Today during yoga class, I did my best to put these principles into use. It is a challenge when the sometimes "gymnastic" nature of a teacher causes you to focus on the movement in lieu of conscious breathing. AS with everything, this is a process that I will slowly begin to integrate into my practice and into my work and life.
I invite you to rediscover your intimacy with your breathe and the deep connection to the life sustaining force it provides.
Namaste, Denise
Yesterday I had my second of two workshops with Mark Whitwell at Vira Yoga. I am so happy I attended both trainings and look forward to pursuing more. He is the real deal. His approach to yoga is one of simplicity. It is for everyone. "Yoga is your intimacy with life". It is not about a strict doctrine of perfect postures but about
"Strength receiving". The masculine surrendering to the feminine in both the male and female. We are all striving so hard for outward acquisitions and acknowledgements. The real gift is in the surrendering to our breath and body relationship.Then can we really experience the magic in our ordinary lives. This is what Mark has to teach. A true genius.....For those who are interested, his book is called "The Heart of Yoga". I am most definitely going to read this ASAP.
Today during yoga class, I did my best to put these principles into use. It is a challenge when the sometimes "gymnastic" nature of a teacher causes you to focus on the movement in lieu of conscious breathing. AS with everything, this is a process that I will slowly begin to integrate into my practice and into my work and life.
I invite you to rediscover your intimacy with your breathe and the deep connection to the life sustaining force it provides.
Namaste, Denise
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Accessibility of Yoga
Inspiration: To share my love of yoga to the masses.
I have been deeply inspired by the class I took on Tuesday with Mark Whitwell. This morning while walking to a client, it hit me. How do I make yoga accessible to the fitness community? Being a lifelong athlete and fitness teacher, I feel that the time is now to incorporate the necessity of having some form of yoga into a fitness persons regimen. Today again, I am going to hear this great man teach. MY wish is to get "clearer" through his work how I can make a difference in the world with the skills and experience I possess.
I will continue to seek out people and situations that resonate with the deep part of who I am. In my own active world, I am slowly letting go of what no longer serves me.
My intention is to teach this to others I have the privilege of knowing and working with. I look forward to this opportunity with an open heart.
May you all have a very "peaceful" and easy day.
Namaste, Denise
I have been deeply inspired by the class I took on Tuesday with Mark Whitwell. This morning while walking to a client, it hit me. How do I make yoga accessible to the fitness community? Being a lifelong athlete and fitness teacher, I feel that the time is now to incorporate the necessity of having some form of yoga into a fitness persons regimen. Today again, I am going to hear this great man teach. MY wish is to get "clearer" through his work how I can make a difference in the world with the skills and experience I possess.
I will continue to seek out people and situations that resonate with the deep part of who I am. In my own active world, I am slowly letting go of what no longer serves me.
My intention is to teach this to others I have the privilege of knowing and working with. I look forward to this opportunity with an open heart.
May you all have a very "peaceful" and easy day.
Namaste, Denise
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Heart Of Yoga: Mark Whitwell
Inspiration: To continue to be amazed by the teachers that are here, now.:)
For some time now, I have written about my love of yoga. Yesterday,
I was honored to be in a workshop that offered me a completely new way of viewing this practice. It is called THE HEART OF YOGA. It is not focused on alignment, but the joy of feeling our intimacy with life right now. We are already where we need to be. There is no destination. Mark Whitwell is the teacher of this way of doing and being Yoga. It is for everyone. All ages and fitness levels. The focus is on breathing. Mark is in NYC at this time because of the Yoga Conference at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck. He is originally from New Zealand but resides somewhere in California. In his spare time here, he is giving classes this week at both Vira Yoga and Yogaworks, in Soho. I was guided to go. I knew meeting him would change my perspective.
The class I took happened to be at 2:00 PM in the afternoon. When I saw there would be less than 10 people in class, I knew this would be "intense." He kindly introduced himself to all of us, personally. When I met him he said to me " I am here to teach you." I believe this was said to me, specifically and boy was it. His focus was on the breathe, which is something I constantly reinforce in my own teachings. Funny enough, the joke (not really) was on me. My inhalation was not deep enough as far as the ujay, yogic breath. He explained that this is our receptivity to life. This has been something I have been asked to work on by my dear teacher, Elana. I had found the missing link !!!!
All along, it was really simple. The breathe. Not just any breathe, but the deep inhalation. Mark was repeatedly checking to see if my breathing was correct. He was very funny and warm. At one point he said " Don't try, it will come." This was a welcomed comment. It was a mirror for me to just allow, or receive what is. By the end of class he said I was the most improved and should get a gold star !!! It just shows me that we are always given the people and tools that we need. Receptivity, to the breathe, allows receptivity to life.
Again, tomorrow, I will experience this great teacher.
Vira Yoga:: 2-3:30 PM Thursday (580 Broadway in Soho.)
Have a very "peaceful" day.
Namaste, Denise
For some time now, I have written about my love of yoga. Yesterday,
I was honored to be in a workshop that offered me a completely new way of viewing this practice. It is called THE HEART OF YOGA. It is not focused on alignment, but the joy of feeling our intimacy with life right now. We are already where we need to be. There is no destination. Mark Whitwell is the teacher of this way of doing and being Yoga. It is for everyone. All ages and fitness levels. The focus is on breathing. Mark is in NYC at this time because of the Yoga Conference at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck. He is originally from New Zealand but resides somewhere in California. In his spare time here, he is giving classes this week at both Vira Yoga and Yogaworks, in Soho. I was guided to go. I knew meeting him would change my perspective.
The class I took happened to be at 2:00 PM in the afternoon. When I saw there would be less than 10 people in class, I knew this would be "intense." He kindly introduced himself to all of us, personally. When I met him he said to me " I am here to teach you." I believe this was said to me, specifically and boy was it. His focus was on the breathe, which is something I constantly reinforce in my own teachings. Funny enough, the joke (not really) was on me. My inhalation was not deep enough as far as the ujay, yogic breath. He explained that this is our receptivity to life. This has been something I have been asked to work on by my dear teacher, Elana. I had found the missing link !!!!
All along, it was really simple. The breathe. Not just any breathe, but the deep inhalation. Mark was repeatedly checking to see if my breathing was correct. He was very funny and warm. At one point he said " Don't try, it will come." This was a welcomed comment. It was a mirror for me to just allow, or receive what is. By the end of class he said I was the most improved and should get a gold star !!! It just shows me that we are always given the people and tools that we need. Receptivity, to the breathe, allows receptivity to life.
Again, tomorrow, I will experience this great teacher.
Vira Yoga:: 2-3:30 PM Thursday (580 Broadway in Soho.)
Have a very "peaceful" day.
Namaste, Denise
Monday, August 24, 2009
Yoga In Central Park......8/25 and 8/26
Inspiration: To continue to move in a balanced, authentic way that brings me joy.:)
Please join me for two glorious evening this week in Central Park. Practicing in nature provides us with a deep connection to our "spirit". To feel the ground beneath your feet and the sky above, is truly "magical". It is an experienced not to be missed.
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: 63rd and CPW entrance
Fee: $ 20
Looking forward to these evenings. The weather is going to be AMAZING !!!
Have a very "peaceful" day.
Namaste, Denise
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Exercise and well-being
Inspiration: "Exercise is an integral part of being." DBrandi
In 1996, when I made up my first batch of business cards, I imprinted the above quote.
This has stayed with me until the now. We need to move our bodies for many reasons.
If we sit around, we just get stiff.
If we sit around, we just feel bad.
If we sit around, we just get lazy.
If we sit around, we just get fat (maybe not).
If we sit around, we keep stagnant energy in the body.
Exercise is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. No matter where you are, age wise or other, it is never too late to begin. Life is constantly challenging us with one thing or another. The way we handle our responses to these situations is helped with moving the body. Any form of movement will begin to make you feel better. It is not about perfection....Nothing is perfect, well maybe the sunrise of sunset. That is of nature which is magic in itself. On the physical level just choose any activity that resonates with how you are currently feeling. The key is to honor "How you are feeling", not "What should I do"? With heart and dedication you will feel more empowered to move through life's peaks and valleys.
Have a very "peaceful" day.
Warmly, Denise
In 1996, when I made up my first batch of business cards, I imprinted the above quote.
This has stayed with me until the now. We need to move our bodies for many reasons.
If we sit around, we just get stiff.
If we sit around, we just feel bad.
If we sit around, we just get lazy.
If we sit around, we just get fat (maybe not).
If we sit around, we keep stagnant energy in the body.
Exercise is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. No matter where you are, age wise or other, it is never too late to begin. Life is constantly challenging us with one thing or another. The way we handle our responses to these situations is helped with moving the body. Any form of movement will begin to make you feel better. It is not about perfection....Nothing is perfect, well maybe the sunrise of sunset. That is of nature which is magic in itself. On the physical level just choose any activity that resonates with how you are currently feeling. The key is to honor "How you are feeling", not "What should I do"? With heart and dedication you will feel more empowered to move through life's peaks and valleys.
Have a very "peaceful" day.
Warmly, Denise
Monday, August 17, 2009
Yoga in the Park
Inspiration: To feel the deep connection to the grounding elements found in nature.:)
Namaste....Hope you are all having a "sweet" summer. The warm weather is finally upon us. What can be a more natural way than to spend some quality time outdoors. I am very pleased to be offering the following yoga classes this week:
Yoga in Riverside Park: Wednesday, 8/19 at 10 AM
Yoga in Central Park : Thursday, 8/20 at 6:30PM
Fee: $ 20 All levels
I am also looking to expand classes to include above 90th Street on the West Side.
For more information on offerings, please feel free to contact me at
www.dbrandi@earthlink.net.
Have a very "peaceful" day.
Warmly, Denise
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Attention
Inspiration: To focus only upon what I desire.
Attention. Do we really give 100% to what we are experiencing? Do outside influences prevent you from giving your undivided attention?
Here is an example I experienced just this past week. I was lying on the grass in Riverside Park in NYC. This is one of my favorite places to escape to connect with the "quiet" of the city.
On this particular day, I was in my "spot" and about to slip into a blissful state. Then, I happened to hear the sound of a very LOUD lawnmower. I was really agitated. At that moment I had a choice; I could focus on the mower or get back to the blissful state I was falling into. I began to take very deep breaths. With each one the sound of the mover began to fade into oblivion.
The point is: where we focus our attention becomes magnified. It is very easy to shift our focus when there is an annoying sound or situation we may be confronted with. It is also easy to begin to take very deep conscious breaths, releasing in each moment. You will be amazed at how something very, very simple has trans- formative powers. Along time ago, my first teacher asked me "what can you not live without?". I did not have the right answer....The answer was BREATHE. You do not have to be a yogi to realize how essential this is to health and well- being.
So the next time you are "knocked off" center, remember this.:)
Have a very "peaceful" day.
Warmly, Denise
Attention. Do we really give 100% to what we are experiencing? Do outside influences prevent you from giving your undivided attention?
Here is an example I experienced just this past week. I was lying on the grass in Riverside Park in NYC. This is one of my favorite places to escape to connect with the "quiet" of the city.
On this particular day, I was in my "spot" and about to slip into a blissful state. Then, I happened to hear the sound of a very LOUD lawnmower. I was really agitated. At that moment I had a choice; I could focus on the mower or get back to the blissful state I was falling into. I began to take very deep breaths. With each one the sound of the mover began to fade into oblivion.
The point is: where we focus our attention becomes magnified. It is very easy to shift our focus when there is an annoying sound or situation we may be confronted with. It is also easy to begin to take very deep conscious breaths, releasing in each moment. You will be amazed at how something very, very simple has trans- formative powers. Along time ago, my first teacher asked me "what can you not live without?". I did not have the right answer....The answer was BREATHE. You do not have to be a yogi to realize how essential this is to health and well- being.
So the next time you are "knocked off" center, remember this.:)
Have a very "peaceful" day.
Warmly, Denise
Monday, August 10, 2009
Yoga in the Park : 8/11 and 8/12 at 6:45 PM
Inspiration: To connect with the healing elements found in nature.
Please join me for two glorious evenings of yogic "bliss". We will practice barefoot, in beautiful Central Park. This experience is truly UPLIFTING !!!
Location: Entrance at 63rd and CPW
Time: 6:45 pm
Fee: $ 20.
Kindly r.s.v.p. at www.dbrandi@earthlink.net or 917-902-2061.
Looking forward to seeing you there.:)
Namaste,
Denise
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Weekend in Woodstock
Inspiration: To bottle the feelings and dreams I experience.
This past weekend, I spend with friends at their country home in Woodstock New York. I have been here a number of times before. The feelings and "openness" I experience when I am here is truly amazing. Being in a natural environment,in the midst of the trees and gorgeous pastures, fill my breathe with ease. They say, there is an energy or vibration to every place and it truly is special here.
I spent two glorious days practicing yoga, sleeping in the grass, reading, eating and just feeling the endless possibilities that exist. There is true "clarity" when I am here. No stress whatsoever or worry as when I am in the big city. I am a rather active person, always needing to be moving, but here I am comfortable just doing virtually nothing.
One of my favorite spots in town is a lovely bookstore named Mirabai.They have a separate room with Hindu statues along with decorative wall hangings and djembe drums. I could spend hours alone in this room .This is where I feel the forces greater than myself. Whether you below in Buddha, Kuan Yin, Ganesha or Nataraja(you say who is that?), it does not matter. This room envelops you even if you do not know why. The main room houses many books on subjects such as heath, wellness, spiritually and shamanism. There is something for everyone here. They also have beautiful crystals, cards, jewelry and household adornments. Definitely worth checking out if you find yourself in this beautiful place.
Also,there a numerous eclectic places to eat. From authentic mexican to vegan, there are many types of dining that cater to everyone. I leave knowing that tranquility is just a short trip away whenever I need to recharge my "spirit". Shortly , I will return to the big apple. I will keep my fond memories of how I yearn for the dream of living in a more natural environment. I know one day, my wish will become a reality. Until then,I will surround myself with people and experiences that bring me joy. What are your dreams? Dream big. Anything is possible if you believe....:)
With Love,
Denise
This past weekend, I spend with friends at their country home in Woodstock New York. I have been here a number of times before. The feelings and "openness" I experience when I am here is truly amazing. Being in a natural environment,in the midst of the trees and gorgeous pastures, fill my breathe with ease. They say, there is an energy or vibration to every place and it truly is special here.
I spent two glorious days practicing yoga, sleeping in the grass, reading, eating and just feeling the endless possibilities that exist. There is true "clarity" when I am here. No stress whatsoever or worry as when I am in the big city. I am a rather active person, always needing to be moving, but here I am comfortable just doing virtually nothing.
One of my favorite spots in town is a lovely bookstore named Mirabai.They have a separate room with Hindu statues along with decorative wall hangings and djembe drums. I could spend hours alone in this room .This is where I feel the forces greater than myself. Whether you below in Buddha, Kuan Yin, Ganesha or Nataraja(you say who is that?), it does not matter. This room envelops you even if you do not know why. The main room houses many books on subjects such as heath, wellness, spiritually and shamanism. There is something for everyone here. They also have beautiful crystals, cards, jewelry and household adornments. Definitely worth checking out if you find yourself in this beautiful place.
Also,there a numerous eclectic places to eat. From authentic mexican to vegan, there are many types of dining that cater to everyone. I leave knowing that tranquility is just a short trip away whenever I need to recharge my "spirit". Shortly , I will return to the big apple. I will keep my fond memories of how I yearn for the dream of living in a more natural environment. I know one day, my wish will become a reality. Until then,I will surround myself with people and experiences that bring me joy. What are your dreams? Dream big. Anything is possible if you believe....:)
With Love,
Denise
Monday, August 3, 2009
Vision
Inspiration: To see myself as already there.:)
Do you have a vision or dream?
Do you have an idea of what you would like your life to look like?
It is easy to say I want this or that, but are you consistently and consciously empowering yourself in that direction? Wishful thinking is just that, wishful thinking. True vision is the ability to hold steady to your trajectory with unwavering focus. This is often challenging when our day to day lives may feel quite overwhelming.
"Keep your eye on the prize." Great things take time. If you are like me, we say, "It's enough already. I have been wanting this for years." The world (or universe) responds to us "So what". You always get more of what you are thinking about. The best advice I have stumbled upon is really to only focus on your hopes and desires and not your fears. Fear creates more fear and stagnation and elongation in purgatory; as I like to call it.
Here are some suggestions for staying on track:
*Find a mentor, coach, or alternative practitioner.
*Pray and ask for guidance.
*Have a practice of gratitude for those things that are in your life now.:)
*Spend time in nature everyday and release past patterns.
*Take small (even if it is one thing) steps each day.
*Pray and ask for guidance. This is between you and your source.
*Be open to receiving or allowing. We must "feel" open to receive the answers.
I wish you all a "peaceful" and easy day.
Warmly,
Denise
Do you have a vision or dream?
Do you have an idea of what you would like your life to look like?
It is easy to say I want this or that, but are you consistently and consciously empowering yourself in that direction? Wishful thinking is just that, wishful thinking. True vision is the ability to hold steady to your trajectory with unwavering focus. This is often challenging when our day to day lives may feel quite overwhelming.
"Keep your eye on the prize." Great things take time. If you are like me, we say, "It's enough already. I have been wanting this for years." The world (or universe) responds to us "So what". You always get more of what you are thinking about. The best advice I have stumbled upon is really to only focus on your hopes and desires and not your fears. Fear creates more fear and stagnation and elongation in purgatory; as I like to call it.
Here are some suggestions for staying on track:
*Find a mentor, coach, or alternative practitioner.
*Pray and ask for guidance.
*Have a practice of gratitude for those things that are in your life now.:)
*Spend time in nature everyday and release past patterns.
*Take small (even if it is one thing) steps each day.
*Pray and ask for guidance. This is between you and your source.
*Be open to receiving or allowing. We must "feel" open to receive the answers.
I wish you all a "peaceful" and easy day.
Warmly,
Denise
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)