On Fear

Inspiration: To allow the fear to speak to me, but not overwhelm me.

Fear. That paralyzing force that comes like a bolt of lightening. An emotion so powerful, it can unground us. Many of us allow this fear to dictate what is real. What is real, is the eternal now. Fear is just that voice, of insecurity, reflecting back to us a multitude of things: Our worthiness, our desires, our dreams.

Most recently, a deep wish of mine has come true. Initially, I was filled with a sense of freedom and expansion. But after I thought about it, (should never really think but feel), my fear started to erupt like a powerful volcano. Instead of externally directing this right now,  I will lovingly embrace the fear itself. Ask it the questions, "Why are you here? What message do you have for me now.". Out of this place will emerge the true answer.:-)

We all have fear? Do you allow it a "place" within, or do you push it away? Remember, "What you resist persists." (Neale Donald Walsch). Think about it, and have a very "peaceful" day !

With love and heartfelt compassion, Denise

Feeling our "True" Feelings

Inspiration: To continue to "feel" those things I would rather PUSH away.:-)

Our feelings. Of happiness, joy, sorrow and pain. It is easy to feel the fullness of expansion, but much more difficult to embrace our contraction. What I mean by this, is to feel our despair, sadness and longing.

Most recently, challenges I thought were in the distant past have resurfaced. Feelings that have been so very painful that I have spiraled; when I wasn't my authentic self and was living from a very fearful place.

Maybe it is all the yoga I have been practicing, which is literally "ripping" my heart space wide open. While this is truly a blessing, going through these emotions is in no way pleasant. Many tears have been falling from my eyes. The gift of this, is clarity. Into those areas that need to be seen and released for healing.

New situations and people have entered which has asked me to go deeper than I ever have. When we enter those hidden parts of ourselves that need to come to the surface, it can be very, very painful. If you can just stay present, with this discomfort, out of this space will emerge a very "beautiful" rainbow.

Think about it and have a very "blessed" day. :-)

With Love and heartfelt appreciation for what is real.......Denise

On "INTUITIVE" Counseling

Inspiration: To continued to be in "awe"of those with extra-clairvoyance and INTUITION.

Intuitive counselors. Those individuals who have what is called a "sixth" sense. Insights into other realms and dimensions where information is received. In English, what this means is that there are gifted individuals who can SEE what is going on, what has gone on, and what is yet to come. They can help assist you in making the best choice..

Most recently, I have entered a new "phase". Call it a celestial speed-up in the life of Denise Brandi. While this is exciting, it is also a bit scary. A time when I needed to connect with people who can truly SEE.......For years, my dear friend and mentor Elana Kilkenny has helped me to transform into the grounded, secure, goddess I am today. :-) (I use the word goddess because I am finally embracing my feminine,divine energy). Another  individual who has been truly "AWESOME"  this last year is Tony Leroy. Both are extremely "intuitive" and have their own unique viewpoints and personalities.

Since beginning my yoga teacher training a month ago, heightened  "energies" have bloomed. New opportunities have presented themselves which has left me a bit ungrounded. So in the last three weeks, I visited with both of these divine beings. It has been a real gift and blessing to hear what they had to say.:-)

While sessions were different, there was definitely an overlap in one particular area. Without going into story, they both agreed and yet disagreed. For now I will lovingly sit with both viewpoints. With that said, do you think it is better to know or not to know? There is always destiny and free will, but these two people are always correct in their "guidance" or should I say "guided" guidance......What should I do?  Guess I will have to go to church and  light some more candles.:-)

Have a very "sweet" evening.
With Love, Denise

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