Sunday, February 28, 2010

The Stillness of Sunday Morning

Inspiration: To continue to find the stillness within.

Sunday mornings. A large majority of us sleep in. But if you have the opportunity to rise before dawn, there is a silent, powerful presence that goes beyond words. It is as if you can feel the veil between the visible and invisible.

As I now scribe, the birds are beginning to emerge. There is a sweetness in hearing this. An innocence, to what is most important. This moment. Birds do not live in the past of future, their needs are met in the present. It has been a long time since I have gone to the park in the am to feed these sweet ones. Probably because it is so cold in Riverside Park where the winds seem to come out of nowhere. Maybe this morning. That would be a nice beginning to this day.

It is helpful to have some kind of practice in the am, to ground and connect. The modality is not as important as the practice. Making time for yourself, this moment and the day ahead. Something as simple as five minutes will leave you in a more grounded place.

So everyone, enjoy your Sunday. Embrace the now, the blessings that are all around, always, in each moment.

Have a very "peaceful" day.

Love, Denise

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

On Patience

The inital posting for this entry was on 6/23/09. I thought it would be helpful to post again. Enjoy....

Inspiration: To graciously await all the miracles that lie before me.

Patience. How many times have people said "Just have some patience." Then internally you start to get more agitated that what you desire to happen is not. The act of patience, like anything else, requires discipline. The "I want it now" attitude will only further exacerbate the situation.

Patience is a great teacher. It shows us where we are holding on too tightly. Wayne Dwyer has said "Infinite patience produces immediate results." Then there is no more wanting but the allowing for your desired outcome to occur at precisely the right moment.

Patience also cultivates tolerance and compassion, for ourselves and others. It expands our sense of ego isolation saying "Now".We become more kind. This transfers into ever area of our life. When confronted with a challenging situation ask yourself' "What am I to learn here." There is always a gift in an uncomfortable moment. It is just a matter of one's perception.

So the next time you are find yourself standing in a slow moving, long line somewhere, this is an opportunity to practice; ........Breathing also helps. :)

Warmly,
Denise


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Monday, February 22, 2010

The Skinny On Exercise

Inspiration: To continue to move, in a way that feels authentic.

Today, let's talk about exercise. How often, how much, what kind. Depending upon who you ask there are a myriad of different answers. Ask a yogi, a strength coach or a long distance runner and you will find a variety of formulas and answers.

From where I sit, the answer is fairly simple. Eat well, move often and be happy. Weight, shape and happiness all correlate with one another. When you are happy, you usually eat better, listening to the body's messages. When you are in shape, you feel better. When you are happy, everything is just better....:)

In my own journey, I have found that at various times in my life, I needed to workout in a particular way. As I am now entering my 44th year, I view the body in an entirely different way. It has to be honored. We can push and push in our early years, but there comes a point in time when the body says, enough. Do we listen ?

Personally, I am still learning to listen. At least now I can hear what feels good. As I am human, I still tend to push myself. No matter what shape I find myself in, it definitely takes longer to recover. That is why yoga is so important. To bring the body back into physical and emotional balance(just to name a few).

Always remember, true beauty comes from within. I invite you all to lovingly look from "within" and see how you feel.

Have a very "peaceful" day.

With Love,
Denise

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Renewal

Inspiration: To continue along this wonderful path that brings my joy.

Yesterday, was a bit difficult. We all have days where we are not our most inspired. We feel angry, sad and discouraged. A feeling that we think will last forever. The good news is, it doesn't.

In these moments, the best we can do is to honor these emotions. Feel these feeling; deeply. Let the tears flow. It is the best way to release. Ask yourself "What is it that I am really having difficulty with." Usually, the answer is more general than a certain situation. The situation is the trigger to open our awareness. In many cases, it is the ego, I want it now, why isn't this happening, it has been too long that leaves us with a feeling of despair. Invite the ego in. Have a talk with him/her.

If we really stay present to what is in each moment, a softening of the emotions with prevail. It is when there are repeated projections into the past and future, that we lose our perspective. Call your spirit back to the here and now. Be with what is. Anything can shift in a moment when there is presence and complete acceptance.

Have a very "peaceful" day.

Warmly, Denise

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Inspiration

Inspiration: To continue to be inspired.

As I begin each post with an inspiration, I am currently at a loss. Right now, I am struggling with my own inspiration. To continue on the path I have begun many years ago. In my current vocation, I am at a crossroads. In the physical, my work is that of fitness trainer, but in my heart, I yearn to travel and teach large groups on the benefits of health, movement and wholeness.

Not that I am complaining. The people and work in my life are wonderful. My heart yearns for deeper connection, on a higher level of light and truth. The current model of the fitness world is sessions, $, sessions, $;especially if you have an association with a facility. Not that this is bad in itself. But what happened to service. Service for the people, their real needs, their issues, their feelings in each moment. This is what I long to undercover and share with more and more people.

When you work for yourself, it takes a lot of courage, heart and consistency to persevere. There are ups and down but the gratitude I feel for doing this kind of work is indescribable. I pray for assistance from both the seen and unseen to help me carry out this vision. The vision I have for expansion.

The reason I now share this is that we all have moments of doubt and fear. This is all part of the human experience. Many of you have deep dreams in your heart. Do not relinquish these dreams. Find the courage to move forward, regardless of what the circumstances may look like now. Embrace your feelings, even if they are uncomfortable. Only through these emotions, can we come to realize what is most important to us.

May we all realize our deepest and most heartfelt experiences.
Have a very "peaceful" day.

Love, Denise

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Sunbathing in NYC in February

Inspiration: To follow my guidance even if it seems silly at the time.

Winter is definitely upon us here in New York. Last week we had a snowfall of nearly a foot in NYC and this am, again, the snow began to fall. We tend to hibernate, both literally and metaphorically in these months. Putting on layer upon layer to step into the cold is not really fun, especially if you are a summer bunny like myself.
I miss reclining in the rich green grass.

No matter how cold it is, I do my best to take daily walks in the nearby parks, if only for fifteen minutes. Yesterday afternoon, I was in Riverside Park. The rock formations covered with snow were simply breathtaking. The sun was rather strong, and a small voice inside of me said to recline on the bench. Mind you, I was bundled up in my heavy boots and long Northface coat. I decided to heed this inner voice and lay on a nearby bench. The warm I felt, not only on my face but my inner being was totally expansive !! I couldn't believe that I could feel this way in winter. After about a 15 minute stint, I arose into the most peaceful, calm.

For the rest of this day, I held those moments deep in my heart, amidst the hustle and chaos of the city. The message: do what brings you joy even if it may feel absurd in the thinking mind. Once you begin to explore, what guidance you receive, act on it. A peacefulness with shortly follow.

Enjoy this beautiful day !!!! With Love, Denise

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Hearts Day !

Inspiration: To give and receive love in each moment possible.

St, Valentines Day. A global holiday of mass proportion. Sometime in early January, stores adorn themselves in vivid colors of red. Cards and candy establishments fill their space with a myriad of options for sale.

For many this is a joyous day. For some, it may bring up feelings of isolation and loneliness. Quite the contrary. Today and everyday, is really about love. The burning love you feel for life. The joy in your heart in celebration of all the wonders of this magnificent world.

In my early twenties, I was working in a bank. There, I was friends with a lovely man who had feelings for me. One this day, I received a dozen long-stemmed red roses at my place of work. Everyone was asking who they were from. I was embarassed to say from who because I did not share the same feelings. From that day on, I realized that externals are nice, but the most important thing is the feeling heart.

So today, I invite you all to experience the love that resides within. Yes, it is wonderful to share with another. But if you are solo at this time, do something loving and kind for yourself. Having a lovely dinner, going to a movie or an indulgence of deserts can be quite fulfilling. Something you have not done in a long time but would really enjoy. Make it a sacred experience.

I wish you all much love.

Warmly, Denise

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

It's Snowing in NYC

Inspiration: To embrace the natural elements.

Greetings:

It is amazing how grown ups turn into children when then know snow is on the way. Here in NYC the snow is beginning to accumulate. It is time for the heavy boots to emerge....

NYC is one of the only places where snowfall does not really effect the day to day routines. There is never a shortage of food, cabs and public transportation. This is why, if you are going to be in a snowstorm, this is the best place to be.

I remember growing up in the burbs and so excited when I could take out my sled and go head first down the local park mountain. Where did that daring child go? Over time we can lose our "spark" our zest and our childlike wonder. No matter what age you are, it is never too late or silly to bring that kid back to life. So on this day, bring the child within to the surface.:)

Enjoy the white, fluffy clouds that are forming on our streets today. Take a walk in the park and savor in the beauty of this winter wonderland or simply roll in the snow....

Have a very "peaceful" and easy day.......Warmly, Denise

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Expansion at JIvamukti Yoga

Inspiration: To continue to explore different experiences that are here for me in NYC.

Friday nights I usually just sit at home and veg in front of the TV or computer winding down from the week. Most days I awake by 5:30am so by now I am quite content to stay in my comfort zone.

Last night, I noticed there was an event downtown at a yoga facility I used to practice at some years ago, Jivamukti Yoga. Classes here are a bit different than other studios. It is located in the Village so it tends to have a more eclectic, and younger mix of students. On this particular night, one of my favorite teachers was dropping by with his music partner to throw down tracks from their new release the Yoga Sessions. So all day I pined about whether to drag myself down town to a 6:15pm class. So glad I did.

Being outside of the confines of my "humble" Upper West Side apartment into such a diverse mix of flavors was a reminder that I control what is in my world. The class was awesome !!! Live drums, a girl in a tutu, another in gold spandex pants. You can't get that everywhere.:) It felt wonderful to be able to practice again more fully since recovering from a surgical procedure some months ago.

So many of us are comfortable just doing what comes easy. Some times, it takes a push, a bit of effort on our part to change the trajectory. Small subtle shifts, that is all that is asked of us. The result, feeling more empowered and alive !

May we all expand our horizons.......With Love, Denise

Monday, February 1, 2010

The Importance of Flexibility

Inspiration: To continue to move and inspire individuals on the importance of flexibility, in the body and mind.

Flexibility is such an important component of a workout and lifestyle regime. Not only does it improve range of motion, it eases the body and calms the mind.

Every two years, fitness professionals are required to take continuing education to keep their certifications present. For as long as I can remember, I usually do this over the weekend for eight hours on Saturday and Sunday.

The class was very interactive but I limited my participation due to my healing from surgery a few months ago. Not that I am unable to exercise. I can. But this particular workshop was teaching Boot camps; a popular, growing, FAD to gain endurance,lose weight and become more "inflexible".......Not that I am a cynic. It is extremely beneficial on a physical level. A quick, painful way to reach your fitness goals.

I had the pleasure of participating in what drills I could. This included running sprints, a ridiculous amount of push ups, squats and lunge movement patterns. After two days of being indoors, seated a lot of the time, my body was so uncomfortable. I could not wait to get myself to yoga class after completion of this course.

By sitting inside and moving a bit in two days, the tightness in my body was unbelievable. A large majority of us spend our time indoors seated all day long. I cannot emphasize enough, how even gentle stretching will relieve a lot of our tension, both physical and emotional.

The message; flexibility on all levels, is an important component of daily life.

Have a very "peaceful" and flexible day.

Warmly, Denise