Etiquette at Pure Yoga

Inspiration: To continue to surrender judgment about people who are rude in yoga class.

Compassion, openness, love, seeing people as the divine "light" that they are. This all depends at what frequency you vibrate. Many times, I do my best to see the truth (satya). Sometimes it is a bit difficult. :-(

I consider yoga class a sacred sanctuary. It appears that this may not be the general consensus (especially here in the WEST), or at least at Pure Yoga; an Equinox affiliated "high" end studio. Recently, I  joined after deliberating for some time. Personally, I prefer smaller yoga studios. But since daily travel has increased, I thought it best to belong two blocks from my apartment which offers classes daily from 6am to 9pm. This way, I don't have to deliberate about where and when I am going to take class.

Another reason for joining, was that many of my FAVORITE teachers happen to teach here. Ariel Karass, Derek Beres and Scott Harig to name a few.  On this particular Tuesday evening at 7:00pm, I took class with  Jivamukti Teacher Matt Lombardo. He has the unique ability to teach class in an authentic way which invites the novice to begin to explore the deeper dimensions of this practice(with a sense of humor). Class was taught with detail to alignment, breath and intention. This is always a plus. He spoke about contentment and having enough right where we are now. "I have enough friends", "I have enough money", " I have enough bootleg cds." You get my drift.

All around it was a balanced class. For those who are unfamiliar with this practice, class always ends in deep relaxation called "savasana". When it was time for this (after a seated meditation where I was blissed out) I heard many individuals leaving the room and shutting the door. Not very discretely I may add. ....A lack of respect for the students, the teacher and the practice. This is the cherry on top of the sundae, so to speak. The icing on the cake.

Regardless, I did leave class in a daze,"buzzed" so to speak. My eyes half closed as I walked out of the studio. Needless to say, the benefits of practicing always happen. It would just be "nice" if everyone present was respectful of one another. I guess I will just have to embrace the POSSIBILITY that these individuals are just unaware. OH well. I feel good........Have a very "peaceful" evening.

With Love, Denise

On Being Grounded

Inspiration: To continue to be more "FULLY" and present in my body.

What does it mean to be grounded; present ? To feel the fullness of what is happening, right now. To not emotionally or energetically "escape" through either zoning via substance, movement or any addiction.  While what I just scribed may appear a bit harsh, my intention is just to bring to light what I know to be true. When we are somewhere else, we are ungrounded.

Groundedness (balance) has been something I have been asked to work on for years. This past week, I was gently reminded by my teacher and friend Elana, that anyone or anything that takes me away from my center, is not in my best interest. Being an Aries, or just being DENISE,  historically I am an all or nothing kinda person. Black or white. Gray does not exist or dabbling as she so eloquently puts it.

Being grounded means being in your body. Literally. Not denying what is. Feeling your true feelings. Addressing and embracing the positives and negatives you may be experiencing right now. Avoidance of any kind shows up in sometimes destructive and harmful ways. This week I was lucky, I only sprained my toe. A "subtle" yet powerful  (feet and legs represent grounding and the first chakra or rootedness) clue to start to really pay attention to my actions and behavior.

We are all being asked to be present. To experience the richness and fullness (or what may appear to be lack thereof) in our lives. To pay attention. To act according to our "inner" guidance or gut feelings. Think about it.......and have a very "peaceful" evening.

With Love, Denise

Isn't Sanskrit Fun?

What the F--k?

Inspiration: To continue to be open to expanding; in all ways.

Sanskrit. A language of India based in Hinduism. This past weekend, I spent many hours sitting on blankets, attempting to make sense of this. Having not slept more than six hours ( usually 4.5 each night) in the last two weeks- seeing squiggly lines in varying directions was an enigma. Fifteen hours to be exact over three days. Words I am unable to pronounce, especially write. I am screwed if I don't learn this by June. Plenty of time. It would have just been "nice" to learn this when I was there. But I was somewhere else.

This was my second weekend, in a six month Yoga Teacher Training I have committed to. Now I know why I have put this off for some time. I wasn't ready; until now. There is so much power in being among like-minded individuals. Whether individual or collectively, there is a subtle exchange that go way beyond words. In a short time, I have met such wonderful people. One who feels like my soul-sister. Turns out we actually have the same acupuncturist ( see below blurb). :)

The past couple of weeks has brought many insights. New "energies" are birthing within me. During this time, I have been on an adrenaline high (spiritual high), training clients, practicing yoga, working out, etc.  Thank heavens for my Chinese herbs ( Gabriel Sher acupuncturist -AWESOME ! :) I am so very grateful for this, but at the same time, need to get "grounded". After spraining my toe yesterday in my "humble" abode, I realized I better get myself in check. There is only so long you can run around, even in a state of bliss, before you are asked to come back to earth.

There are times in our lives, when we ask the question "What is next for me?" This has been marinating within for some time. Once you ask, be open to receiving. The universe responds "quickly" to taking ACTION. Not just thinking about something, but actually DOING IT ! When I committed and began this Yoga Teacher Training, is when my physical life began to shift in miraculous ways. I see "possibility" on a daily basis. It is said, that "God is in the details." .....

Think about it.... Be happy..... Sleep sweetly. :-)

With Love, Denise

Waking UP Before the Birds

Inspiration: To continue to listen, be still and move forward, fearlessly in the direction of my dreams.:-)

I awoke this morning (actually got out of bed) at 4:44am. A divine number series which according to Doreen Virtue means I am surrounded and protected by thousands of angels. All is well. Nice.:) It is in these early morning hours, that the greatest "insights" or inspirations can be received. Messages from above.

To some that may sound very new-agey, but it is true. The silence in the early AM can facilitate much clarity and focus towards the trajectory of your life and path. In the last week alone, I have noticed the importance of this. There is a POWER in rising early in the morning. A peaceful stillness; before the day can become muddied with our thoughts and projections of what should be.

Waking at these hours may seem obscene, but this is where answers to questions can be most easily accessed. I welcome this opportunity to go deeper. Would be nice though to sleep until 6 am.

So, If you happen to find yourself "buzzing" early in the morning and cannot go back to sleep, have a cup of tea or coffee. Then when you are more conscious, sit for a moment. The answers may start to flow out of "nowhere".......metaphorically speaking.:)

Have a "sweet" day.

With Love, Denise

Why Do Individuals Workout So Hard?

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

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

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