Inspiration: To continue to be in my body, no matter what is going on around me.
Working Out !!! How much, how often, how long. There are endless professionals, writers and websites catering to this very question. Truth be told, the big question is "Why"? Are you a professional athlete or competitor? If not the answer is quite simple. Listen to what your body needs. Do not escape through such intense physical exertion that you no longer feel your true feelings.
This realization has become quite apparent to me as I deepen my love and practice of yoga. It is healing me in the physical and helping me to slowly let go of that which no longer serves. Yes, it is attractive to be cut and ripped, but at what cost? Your health possibly.
I never really viewed the body as such until I reached my forties. Various injuries and a surgery last year, has really caused me to look and search deeper. While this is an ongoing process, it is becoming clear that individuals that live and plan their life around workouts are in denial. Sorry, but true. They are denying themselves the fullness of their feelings. This was me and still is from time to time, but with conscious awareness.
It takes courage to be in the moment, present in the body. Until our health or well-being is in jeopardy, we rarely are concerned. The body is a temple. As you honor it, it will honor you. With ease, joy and sweetness.
Have a very "peaceful" evening.
With Love, Denise
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The Healing "POWER" of Almond Butter
Inspiration: To give myself permission to "let go" and savor; everything.
Almond butter. The texture, smell and taste. So yummy.:) This has become my (almost) daily indulgence. I look forward to visiting Westerly Market in Hells Kitchen NYC where they have an almond butter machine. Only almonds, free flowing when you press the button. I watch with a child's excitement as this oozes into my container. Why does this excite me? Because I am now allowing myself the freedom to let go. You have to start somewhere, right?
Savoring this creamy delight, will a spoon in hand in abundant portions has brought me much comfort this winter. Don't know exactly why, but it does. This is the beginning of allowing myself to release my strict and very ritualistic daily routines.:)
Wherever our inspiration comes from, we should just go with it. For now, it's almond butter. Next up, dance classes at Alvin Ailey. I was there once a few years ago, to take West African Dance. On this particular day all I wanted to experience was the loud drums playing and just moving to the rhythm. To my dismay, there were only four students present and the teacher, nearly forced me to do the dance perfectly. This has kept me from returning, but my almond butter experience is helping me to release this.
Whenever we give ourselves permission to explore, and let go a bit , new avenues of creativity and direction begin to unfold. So I lovingly invite you all to "open" a bit more. In whatever shape speaks to you. From this space anything is possible.
Have a very "peaceful" day.
With Love, Denise
Almond butter. The texture, smell and taste. So yummy.:) This has become my (almost) daily indulgence. I look forward to visiting Westerly Market in Hells Kitchen NYC where they have an almond butter machine. Only almonds, free flowing when you press the button. I watch with a child's excitement as this oozes into my container. Why does this excite me? Because I am now allowing myself the freedom to let go. You have to start somewhere, right?
Savoring this creamy delight, will a spoon in hand in abundant portions has brought me much comfort this winter. Don't know exactly why, but it does. This is the beginning of allowing myself to release my strict and very ritualistic daily routines.:)
Wherever our inspiration comes from, we should just go with it. For now, it's almond butter. Next up, dance classes at Alvin Ailey. I was there once a few years ago, to take West African Dance. On this particular day all I wanted to experience was the loud drums playing and just moving to the rhythm. To my dismay, there were only four students present and the teacher, nearly forced me to do the dance perfectly. This has kept me from returning, but my almond butter experience is helping me to release this.
Whenever we give ourselves permission to explore, and let go a bit , new avenues of creativity and direction begin to unfold. So I lovingly invite you all to "open" a bit more. In whatever shape speaks to you. From this space anything is possible.
Have a very "peaceful" day.
With Love, Denise
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
What Is the Soulmate Secret?
Inspiration: To continue to create space within, so true love can enter.
The word soul mate. We see this loosely used to describe the "perfect" person. The ONE who will change our lives forever. We tend to think of this only in romantic terms, but a soul mate can apply to anyone who you feel "connected" to in a profound way.
For this post, I am only going to speak to the love kind of soul mate. Last month a friend of mine fowarded a teleseminar to me given by Arielle Ford. She is the author of "The SoulMate Secret". Since I have been home sick this entire week, I snuck out to the bookstore to pick up this decadent read. As I am only in the early pages, I can already see where some of my "blocks" or preconceived ideas are slowly falling away.
We all desire true love. To be seen for who we are, without judgment or expectation. For someone to witness us in all of our beauty and suffering. To be there no matter what. So under this new moon solar eclipse yesterday, I put out my wish list. The first item being a romantic partner. Here I will briefly scribe out my wish:
~ I am open to meeting a man of like-mind and heart. A man who is spiritual, intuitive, soulful, kind, available, grounded, creative, secure, has integrity, at least 5'11 and younger than me. A man who sees me for who I am and accepts me unconditionally. Who I embrace fully and allow them to be who they need to be. May this man flow to me at the perfect time when we are both ready to receive one another. I give thanks for this wonderful relationship and release it to the ethers. Amen.~
So, I lovingly invite you all to dare to dream! What is your ideal partner? Are you ready and open to let them in or is there some clearing that needs to take place.Think about it and have a "wonderful" evening.
With Love, Denise
The word soul mate. We see this loosely used to describe the "perfect" person. The ONE who will change our lives forever. We tend to think of this only in romantic terms, but a soul mate can apply to anyone who you feel "connected" to in a profound way.
For this post, I am only going to speak to the love kind of soul mate. Last month a friend of mine fowarded a teleseminar to me given by Arielle Ford. She is the author of "The SoulMate Secret". Since I have been home sick this entire week, I snuck out to the bookstore to pick up this decadent read. As I am only in the early pages, I can already see where some of my "blocks" or preconceived ideas are slowly falling away.
We all desire true love. To be seen for who we are, without judgment or expectation. For someone to witness us in all of our beauty and suffering. To be there no matter what. So under this new moon solar eclipse yesterday, I put out my wish list. The first item being a romantic partner. Here I will briefly scribe out my wish:
~ I am open to meeting a man of like-mind and heart. A man who is spiritual, intuitive, soulful, kind, available, grounded, creative, secure, has integrity, at least 5'11 and younger than me. A man who sees me for who I am and accepts me unconditionally. Who I embrace fully and allow them to be who they need to be. May this man flow to me at the perfect time when we are both ready to receive one another. I give thanks for this wonderful relationship and release it to the ethers. Amen.~
So, I lovingly invite you all to dare to dream! What is your ideal partner? Are you ready and open to let them in or is there some clearing that needs to take place.Think about it and have a "wonderful" evening.
With Love, Denise
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Welcome 2011 !!!
Inspiration: To live my truth and shine my light.
Greetings:
Hope you all had a very "sweet" New Years. Me, I passed out from utter exhaustion before the clock stroke midnight. The evening before I went to see one of my favorite bands, Govt Mule at the Beacon Theatre in NYC. It was a school night; meaning I was working in the morning. I scored a single ticket, 5th Row center, about five hours before. The heavens were on my side. Prior to the concert, I took yoga class with one of my favorite teachers at Pure Yoga, Ariel Karass.
It has been a bit since I have taken his class downtown at Kula Yoga Project. It was 4:30 pm on Thursday. The energy oozed Upper West Side. You get my drift.:) Class was ecclectic, creative and "soulful" . He is a truly beautiful man. I thanked him afterwards and gave him a hug. I told him "you always bring tears to me eyes." (at the end of class he always says something inspirational). So my celebration was really on Thursday 12/30/10.
Last night, I did manage to light a candle, bless this year and welcome in the next. I am so very grateful for all of the experiences and people in my trajectory. As this year begins, I will continue to remain open, loving and non-judgmental to the best of my ability. (I am only human). May everyone I meet and connect with be blessed and may they extend that out into the world.
So I lovingly invite you all to shine your light this year. Be the vessel for your "soul". What makes your heart sing? What brings you joy?
Have a very "peaceful" evening.
With Love, Denise
Greetings:
Hope you all had a very "sweet" New Years. Me, I passed out from utter exhaustion before the clock stroke midnight. The evening before I went to see one of my favorite bands, Govt Mule at the Beacon Theatre in NYC. It was a school night; meaning I was working in the morning. I scored a single ticket, 5th Row center, about five hours before. The heavens were on my side. Prior to the concert, I took yoga class with one of my favorite teachers at Pure Yoga, Ariel Karass.
It has been a bit since I have taken his class downtown at Kula Yoga Project. It was 4:30 pm on Thursday. The energy oozed Upper West Side. You get my drift.:) Class was ecclectic, creative and "soulful" . He is a truly beautiful man. I thanked him afterwards and gave him a hug. I told him "you always bring tears to me eyes." (at the end of class he always says something inspirational). So my celebration was really on Thursday 12/30/10.
Last night, I did manage to light a candle, bless this year and welcome in the next. I am so very grateful for all of the experiences and people in my trajectory. As this year begins, I will continue to remain open, loving and non-judgmental to the best of my ability. (I am only human). May everyone I meet and connect with be blessed and may they extend that out into the world.
So I lovingly invite you all to shine your light this year. Be the vessel for your "soul". What makes your heart sing? What brings you joy?
Have a very "peaceful" evening.
With Love, Denise
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Lost It IN A Cab Ride Today
Inspiration: To realize that no matter how much inner work I do, I am still HUMAN and possess some qualities that are not so great. :(
Anger. Not a positively charged emotion. But certainly one. Today my anger came out full-force on a very kind cab driver. It was not his fault that the cars were crawling through 79th Street Crosstown. It was my mistake not "listening" to my gut.
I was in need of a yoga class, but not just any class. A class that spoke to my mind, body and spirit. Who better than acclaimed Equinox yogi Adrian Molina. The only class that fit into my schedule he taught was at 6:15pm on 33rd and Park Avenue. Mind you, I reside on West 78th Street. So about 45 minutes before the start of class, I make my way to the 79th Street Crosstown stop. It was about 5:35pm and I just missed a bus. The safe thing was to just grab a 6pm class on the West Side but that was just too easy.
So now it is nearly 5:45pm, no bus in sight. I quickly jump into a cab with a very kind driver. We muddle crosstown and I am beginning to "FREAK the F--K" Out ! I personally know Adrian well, and I did not want to be disrespectable and show up late. Truth be told, I have a lot of judgment about people who show up late to class. After today's experience, I will surrender this attitude.
To make the story shorter, traffic was rampant and I began to have a bit of a hissy fit. The old Denise was emerging. The angry, aggressive, but apologetic, "fiesty"Denise. A part of myself I long thought I threw away but just guess it was buried down inside. So I finally make it to class about 8 minutes late, jump in, and begin to breathe. Instantly, I feel better.
After class, I shared this experience with Adrian who gently reminded me that I am human and to try my best not to judge myself. It is so "wonderful" to have this reflected back to me.:). Life continues to be a journey and a process. Be kind to yourself, be present and stay positive.
Have a very "peaceful" evening.
With Love, Denise
Anger. Not a positively charged emotion. But certainly one. Today my anger came out full-force on a very kind cab driver. It was not his fault that the cars were crawling through 79th Street Crosstown. It was my mistake not "listening" to my gut.
I was in need of a yoga class, but not just any class. A class that spoke to my mind, body and spirit. Who better than acclaimed Equinox yogi Adrian Molina. The only class that fit into my schedule he taught was at 6:15pm on 33rd and Park Avenue. Mind you, I reside on West 78th Street. So about 45 minutes before the start of class, I make my way to the 79th Street Crosstown stop. It was about 5:35pm and I just missed a bus. The safe thing was to just grab a 6pm class on the West Side but that was just too easy.
So now it is nearly 5:45pm, no bus in sight. I quickly jump into a cab with a very kind driver. We muddle crosstown and I am beginning to "FREAK the F--K" Out ! I personally know Adrian well, and I did not want to be disrespectable and show up late. Truth be told, I have a lot of judgment about people who show up late to class. After today's experience, I will surrender this attitude.
To make the story shorter, traffic was rampant and I began to have a bit of a hissy fit. The old Denise was emerging. The angry, aggressive, but apologetic, "fiesty"Denise. A part of myself I long thought I threw away but just guess it was buried down inside. So I finally make it to class about 8 minutes late, jump in, and begin to breathe. Instantly, I feel better.
After class, I shared this experience with Adrian who gently reminded me that I am human and to try my best not to judge myself. It is so "wonderful" to have this reflected back to me.:). Life continues to be a journey and a process. Be kind to yourself, be present and stay positive.
Have a very "peaceful" evening.
With Love, Denise
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Jivamukti Yoga: On A Blizzard Day in NYC
Inspiration: To continue to venture outside of my neighborhood, regardless what the weather is doing.
Greetings. It it the day after Christmas and my ex-husbands birthday. Truth be told, this is the first year that I really didn't curse him and actually wished him a happy birthday (silently of course). A year of growth for me, right? So what does this have to do with this post? Absolutely nothing.....
Anyway, today is a rather snowy day here in the Big Apple. They are expecting nearly 16 inches by this time tomorrow evening. For the most part, I canceled most of my appointments tomorrow because travel can become "complicated." A good day for reflection , introspection and some kindness.
Well for some reason today, I decided I need to take a yoga class full of chanting, breathing and devotion. What better place than Jivamukti yoga in Union Square. A place I had practiced much prior, but the devotion (and cultish attitudes) began to get on my nerves. Sometimes, it is just nice to flow and not think so much. So today, I ventured down in this winter wonderland at 3pm to try out a teacher who had been in my trajectory (or list of teachers to experience) for a while.
Class started out will oming and a call and response. The warm-up consisted of about one minute of do whatever you want. Within five minutes we were attempting handstand in the middle of the room. The standing series was short, and we were at the wall for most of the class going upside down and doing hip opening poses. Sounds like fun right? Not really. The instructors voice ( a she) was speaking via microphone in a tone reminiscent of performing. Performing for who? I just needed to have a decent class, flow, structure and mediation. Is that too much to ask for?
If I am complaining, I really don't mean to as complaining is a negative energy. I was just a bit disappointed as was hoping for a better experience being I traveled downtown and crosstown. However, the healing benefits of a yoga practice always shine through. I am calmer and more in my body. Ready for anything to happen, or not. Sounds good. :-)
What did you do on this "magical" wintry day ? Hopefully something divine.:)
Wishing you all a very "peaceful" evening.
With Love, Denise
Greetings. It it the day after Christmas and my ex-husbands birthday. Truth be told, this is the first year that I really didn't curse him and actually wished him a happy birthday (silently of course). A year of growth for me, right? So what does this have to do with this post? Absolutely nothing.....
Anyway, today is a rather snowy day here in the Big Apple. They are expecting nearly 16 inches by this time tomorrow evening. For the most part, I canceled most of my appointments tomorrow because travel can become "complicated." A good day for reflection , introspection and some kindness.
Well for some reason today, I decided I need to take a yoga class full of chanting, breathing and devotion. What better place than Jivamukti yoga in Union Square. A place I had practiced much prior, but the devotion (and cultish attitudes) began to get on my nerves. Sometimes, it is just nice to flow and not think so much. So today, I ventured down in this winter wonderland at 3pm to try out a teacher who had been in my trajectory (or list of teachers to experience) for a while.
Class started out will oming and a call and response. The warm-up consisted of about one minute of do whatever you want. Within five minutes we were attempting handstand in the middle of the room. The standing series was short, and we were at the wall for most of the class going upside down and doing hip opening poses. Sounds like fun right? Not really. The instructors voice ( a she) was speaking via microphone in a tone reminiscent of performing. Performing for who? I just needed to have a decent class, flow, structure and mediation. Is that too much to ask for?
If I am complaining, I really don't mean to as complaining is a negative energy. I was just a bit disappointed as was hoping for a better experience being I traveled downtown and crosstown. However, the healing benefits of a yoga practice always shine through. I am calmer and more in my body. Ready for anything to happen, or not. Sounds good. :-)
What did you do on this "magical" wintry day ? Hopefully something divine.:)
Wishing you all a very "peaceful" evening.
With Love, Denise
Thursday, December 23, 2010
To Live in the World But Not be of The World
Inspiration: To continue to participate in life more fully.
For many years, I have been a on a deep, interior journey into the core of my being. It first began when I was 29 years of age, in a totally different place. Without going into story, I asked the question out loud "There has to be another way to do this, because this way of living is not for me." I was extremely unhappy.
Fast forward to December 2010 at 44 years young. I was living in California from 2000-2003 with a man I thought would be a lifelong partner. During this time, I completely abandoned my spiritual beliefs and what had sustained me prior. After this ended, I was back in NYC committed to begin my life in a whole new way. Through a series of events, both physical and emotional, my world as I knew it was transformed profoundly. Many times the great suffering we are asked to endure, is necessary to bring us to where we are headed.
So after many introspective and contemplative years, I am ready to enter the world in a much more grounded, secure and spirited way. The deep appreciation I feel now go way beyond words. I am so grateful for all of my teachers and "guides" who have stood by, waiting for me to birth this new chapter. Being an Aries, first sign of the Zodiac, I tended to be an all or nothing person. All the way or no way. You get my drift.:-) Now I am integrating all that I have learned and experienced without completely losing myself as I have done prior.
Mind you, it takes me many a ritual and prayer to be here. There is truth and protection through "communing" each day in some small way. Whether it be a walk in nature or a meditative practice, quieting down is essential if we are to be able to be among this world, but not lose ourself to this world.
My wish is for all of us to find our way with ease, beauty and grace.
Have a very "sweet" evening.
With Love, Denise
For many years, I have been a on a deep, interior journey into the core of my being. It first began when I was 29 years of age, in a totally different place. Without going into story, I asked the question out loud "There has to be another way to do this, because this way of living is not for me." I was extremely unhappy.
Fast forward to December 2010 at 44 years young. I was living in California from 2000-2003 with a man I thought would be a lifelong partner. During this time, I completely abandoned my spiritual beliefs and what had sustained me prior. After this ended, I was back in NYC committed to begin my life in a whole new way. Through a series of events, both physical and emotional, my world as I knew it was transformed profoundly. Many times the great suffering we are asked to endure, is necessary to bring us to where we are headed.
So after many introspective and contemplative years, I am ready to enter the world in a much more grounded, secure and spirited way. The deep appreciation I feel now go way beyond words. I am so grateful for all of my teachers and "guides" who have stood by, waiting for me to birth this new chapter. Being an Aries, first sign of the Zodiac, I tended to be an all or nothing person. All the way or no way. You get my drift.:-) Now I am integrating all that I have learned and experienced without completely losing myself as I have done prior.
Mind you, it takes me many a ritual and prayer to be here. There is truth and protection through "communing" each day in some small way. Whether it be a walk in nature or a meditative practice, quieting down is essential if we are to be able to be among this world, but not lose ourself to this world.
My wish is for all of us to find our way with ease, beauty and grace.
Have a very "sweet" evening.
With Love, Denise
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