Inspiration: To continue to be grateful for my life, no matter what is going on in and around me.
Greetings. Day five. Yesterday was a full day. Emotionally. I felt great, I felt anxious, I felt sad. But most importantly I felt and feel grateful.:) Grateful for all of life's mysteries and opportunities.
My Thursday night ritual is going to yoga class with one of my favorite teachers and friend Eddie Teboul. Eddie has been trained in the Jivamukti style of yoga. Jiva means individual soul and mukti means liberation while living. It is a beautiful system that combines devotion, chanting, story and of course flow.
We always begin class with a call and response. A sacred chant that sets the tone to open ourselves up. As we began this invocation, Eddie took the opportunity to devote his teaching last night to a dear friend and fellow teacher who was going to pass in about two days time. He spoke of her devotion to yoga and it's principles and even shared that this extraordinary woman made peace with her impending passing and was ready to surrender her physical body with an open heart, joy and gratitude. That it was her time to end this part of her journey.
He had mentioned her name, but I didn't think much of it. From the onset, class held a heightened energy and created a space for us, me, to really embrace the fullness of this life, and to appreciate "everything". That the day to day mundane dramas, inconveniences and distractions will always be a part of its ebb and flow.
As usual, class was magical and afterwards my friend and I went out to grab a bite and hear some music. Then it hit me as we spoke and reflected on class. There was a recognition, when I heard her name again echo within me. I knew who this woman was, not personally, but I did attend some of her classes many years back. A woman now in her fifties, at peace with the life she has been given. I don't know what it is, but when you know who the person is, it really does hit closer to home.
So today I awoke early, excited to be given this life, my body, my mind and heart. Full of possibility about the magic each day brings to us. The more I, we, can live with gratitude, the fuller our experiences will become in each moment. This is my mantra for today:
"Each and every day is a divine opportunity to experience the fullness of who we are. I am grateful for the gift of my breath, I am grateful for this life."
Enjoy the journey and have a blessed day!
With Love, Denise
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Don't Panic, It Doesn't Help
Inspiration: To remember to take a pause, a moment before freaking out to see things clearly.
Day 4 of promise to scribe. I literally just had a mini-freak out! Yes, miss zen as some think of me. A situation I thought would be resolved today did not. I was counting on it. Expecting it. Blame it on Mercury Retrograde and people being off so to speak.
Not that this was intentional in any way. Just an oversight. So what did I do? I did my best to negociate in the moment and when that wasn't working I surrendered. After my disappointment and fear escalated, I took a moment to really go inside and ask for a resolution. The best possible scenario. It came in a manner I never would have expected. So I went with it and it worked out.
Of course I am purposefully being vague about the details but what I wish to share is that when we expect and or freak it is totally USESLESS! This is why it is best to have no expectations or rely on others in any way.
So the next time you begin to panic, take a moment to pause, to breathe and to ask. There is always another way, another option. We just have to look outside of our comfort zone. As I am still calming down from my mini-storm, I will now take my own advice and go to yoga class. OM.
Be good to you. Always.
With Love, Denise
Day 4 of promise to scribe. I literally just had a mini-freak out! Yes, miss zen as some think of me. A situation I thought would be resolved today did not. I was counting on it. Expecting it. Blame it on Mercury Retrograde and people being off so to speak.
Not that this was intentional in any way. Just an oversight. So what did I do? I did my best to negociate in the moment and when that wasn't working I surrendered. After my disappointment and fear escalated, I took a moment to really go inside and ask for a resolution. The best possible scenario. It came in a manner I never would have expected. So I went with it and it worked out.
Of course I am purposefully being vague about the details but what I wish to share is that when we expect and or freak it is totally USESLESS! This is why it is best to have no expectations or rely on others in any way.
So the next time you begin to panic, take a moment to pause, to breathe and to ask. There is always another way, another option. We just have to look outside of our comfort zone. As I am still calming down from my mini-storm, I will now take my own advice and go to yoga class. OM.
Be good to you. Always.
With Love, Denise
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The GREAT Procrastinator!
Inspiration: Simply put, not to procrastinate anymore.
Day three of my "commitment" to scribing. So here it is almost 9pm on a blistery, snowy and cold New York City winters day. It wasn't enough that we had Sandy last week, now we are being visited by a so-called Nor'easter and I had to take out my snow boots on November 8th.
I loathe the cold. So why do I live in NYC? Maybe because this is where I am going to meet my next husband and find work and vocation that makes my heart soar! Just kidding and maybe not. Anyway, New York City is really one of the only places where this is still some semblance of life pulsating amidst the snowy chaos.
So today, my dear friend Tony did a reading for me over the phone. This is why I am now writing. When I say he did a reading, what I mean is an intuitive card reading. Without going into the airy fairy details, what most important, was to look at my present situation. It said not to procrastinate any more. Was there anything I have been putting off ? How funny and how true. I have been a procrastinator all of my life. So to unlearn this behavior takes A LOT of practice.
He asked me what I have been procrastinating about and something crystal clear entered my minds eye. I had asked the Universe (and the universe has asked me) to somehow, someday connect me with someone who may assist ( or motivate) me to write a book. Not that I am even close, but an opportunity came my way to submit a bio to a publisher here in New York. This was over three weeks ago. Did I do it? You already know the answer...A big Negative! Why? Because of my fear and what it would actually feel like. That and I would actually have to write the damn thing.
So right now, I am using this medium as a promise to myself to get this done. Within a weeks time ( actually longer than one needs), I will do this. Whatever happens happens. I need to step into my deepest dreams while lovingly embracing the fear of the unknown. I have been asking for some time "What is next for me?" It is much easier to stay stuck in what is familiar than move forward. I am pretty much done with the last sixteen years incarnation of being known as a fitness trainer. Anyone that says that to me I want to ----. Yoga teacher or GODDESS is okay though.:)
So people, what might you be procrastinating about. What have you been putting off that you know would be beneficial to do, to explore? There is no better time than the present. Dare to live your wildest dreams! Think about it and have a "magical" night.
With Love, Denise
Day three of my "commitment" to scribing. So here it is almost 9pm on a blistery, snowy and cold New York City winters day. It wasn't enough that we had Sandy last week, now we are being visited by a so-called Nor'easter and I had to take out my snow boots on November 8th.
I loathe the cold. So why do I live in NYC? Maybe because this is where I am going to meet my next husband and find work and vocation that makes my heart soar! Just kidding and maybe not. Anyway, New York City is really one of the only places where this is still some semblance of life pulsating amidst the snowy chaos.
So today, my dear friend Tony did a reading for me over the phone. This is why I am now writing. When I say he did a reading, what I mean is an intuitive card reading. Without going into the airy fairy details, what most important, was to look at my present situation. It said not to procrastinate any more. Was there anything I have been putting off ? How funny and how true. I have been a procrastinator all of my life. So to unlearn this behavior takes A LOT of practice.
He asked me what I have been procrastinating about and something crystal clear entered my minds eye. I had asked the Universe (and the universe has asked me) to somehow, someday connect me with someone who may assist ( or motivate) me to write a book. Not that I am even close, but an opportunity came my way to submit a bio to a publisher here in New York. This was over three weeks ago. Did I do it? You already know the answer...A big Negative! Why? Because of my fear and what it would actually feel like. That and I would actually have to write the damn thing.
So right now, I am using this medium as a promise to myself to get this done. Within a weeks time ( actually longer than one needs), I will do this. Whatever happens happens. I need to step into my deepest dreams while lovingly embracing the fear of the unknown. I have been asking for some time "What is next for me?" It is much easier to stay stuck in what is familiar than move forward. I am pretty much done with the last sixteen years incarnation of being known as a fitness trainer. Anyone that says that to me I want to ----. Yoga teacher or GODDESS is okay though.:)
So people, what might you be procrastinating about. What have you been putting off that you know would be beneficial to do, to explore? There is no better time than the present. Dare to live your wildest dreams! Think about it and have a "magical" night.
With Love, Denise
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
The Grass IS Always Greener
Inspiration: Day 2 of being consistent in my thoughts, deeds and actions.
So yesterday I decided to commit to writing 21 days straight in this blog. I am excited to continue to express whatever musings and insights come into my minds eye. When contemplating what to scribe today, what "popped" in was a conversation I had with a friend last week.
This friend is a very talented musician who is married with two adorable children. His wife is an extremely successful international performer/singer. So for the past few years he has become mother so to speak; staying home, putting his creativity and dreams aside. They lead a very "comfortable" and abundant life on the surface, traveling all over the world, taking vacations to wherever they desire.
But on this particular day, I received a text from this friend asking if I had time to meet with him. He has never done this so spontaneously before, so I knew it was important. We met at a local coffee shop and I immediately knew when I saw his face what had transpired. His wife had an affair...He looked so vulnerable, so sad. But out of this space I saw a tremendous future for him. Let me explain.
For some time, he had conveyed to me how unhappy he was in his marriage and how the light, spontaneity and luster had disappeared. How he had pretty much felt like an invisible doormat. So we sat down and chatted for a bit. I told him, "This is a huge blessing and opportunity! You have told me how unhappy you have been and this is the doorway. It might not FEEL like it right now, but in time you will be amazed how wonderful this is."
He then when on to tell me he found a new studio space to practice his drumming and that new opportunities had already been presented to work with prominent musicians. All since this news went down with his wife!
Interesting right?
The universe or world we live in is like a cosmic computer. Our thoughts, feelings and actions ultimately manifest in some way in the physical. Many times, it is not to our liking. We would much prefer sugar coated ice-cream sundaes and magic fairy dust (just like how that sounds for some strange reason). What we usually get is a kick in the ass to wake us up!
So for my dear friend, I feel (and intuitively he knows this), he has turned a corner. A door is opening that he is beginning to walk towards. This will take time, but what he received is a divine opportunity to step out of that which no longer serves and to give birth to what makes his heart sing in all ways. With patience, kindness and compassion, may he find his rainbow...
In closing, I invite you all to lovingly take a good look at what your life looks like. Are you happy? Is there something that needs some fine-tuning or letting go? Ponder that for a bit and have an amazing day!!!
With Love, Denise
So yesterday I decided to commit to writing 21 days straight in this blog. I am excited to continue to express whatever musings and insights come into my minds eye. When contemplating what to scribe today, what "popped" in was a conversation I had with a friend last week.
This friend is a very talented musician who is married with two adorable children. His wife is an extremely successful international performer/singer. So for the past few years he has become mother so to speak; staying home, putting his creativity and dreams aside. They lead a very "comfortable" and abundant life on the surface, traveling all over the world, taking vacations to wherever they desire.
But on this particular day, I received a text from this friend asking if I had time to meet with him. He has never done this so spontaneously before, so I knew it was important. We met at a local coffee shop and I immediately knew when I saw his face what had transpired. His wife had an affair...He looked so vulnerable, so sad. But out of this space I saw a tremendous future for him. Let me explain.
For some time, he had conveyed to me how unhappy he was in his marriage and how the light, spontaneity and luster had disappeared. How he had pretty much felt like an invisible doormat. So we sat down and chatted for a bit. I told him, "This is a huge blessing and opportunity! You have told me how unhappy you have been and this is the doorway. It might not FEEL like it right now, but in time you will be amazed how wonderful this is."
He then when on to tell me he found a new studio space to practice his drumming and that new opportunities had already been presented to work with prominent musicians. All since this news went down with his wife!
Interesting right?
The universe or world we live in is like a cosmic computer. Our thoughts, feelings and actions ultimately manifest in some way in the physical. Many times, it is not to our liking. We would much prefer sugar coated ice-cream sundaes and magic fairy dust (just like how that sounds for some strange reason). What we usually get is a kick in the ass to wake us up!
So for my dear friend, I feel (and intuitively he knows this), he has turned a corner. A door is opening that he is beginning to walk towards. This will take time, but what he received is a divine opportunity to step out of that which no longer serves and to give birth to what makes his heart sing in all ways. With patience, kindness and compassion, may he find his rainbow...
In closing, I invite you all to lovingly take a good look at what your life looks like. Are you happy? Is there something that needs some fine-tuning or letting go? Ponder that for a bit and have an amazing day!!!
With Love, Denise
Monday, November 5, 2012
My 21 Day Challenge
Inspiration: To continue to be consistent as my dreams unfold into reality.
Consistency. Something I have been asked to work on by those that inspire me for many years. To keep the energy and my joy growing on a consistent basis. I am so good at what others may find challenging; a disciplined workout/yoga/meditation regime and mindful eating. This comes easily to me because I practice consistently.
Today, international spiritual teacher Deepak Chopra is beginning his worldwide 21 day meditation challenge. I watched this inspiring man yesterday on Oprah's Super Soul Sunday. He said it takes twenty-one days to create a habit. So today I begin my own 21-day challenge. It is to write for twenty-one days straight in this blog.
My writing is something I have been called to do for some time. I don't really know why, as it has not been my focus or study at any particular point in time. For years, I have been keeping journals; documenting my life struggles, dreams and wishes. As I had gone back over these, I realize many of my dreams have come true in miraculous and amazing ways! Additionally, I have been sending out monthly wellness newsletters and the feedback I have received has been extremely positive.
So today begins for me. I am a writer! I am an inspiration to others and I surrender the need to figure it out! I will do what I am "guided" to do whether it makes logical sense or not. I will continue to keep inspiration near, in whatever form moves me in any particular moment. I have no idea whatsoever what will flow out of me in these next remaining days...but I will use this as an incentive to no longer procrastinate with what makes my heart sing.:)
So what do you aspire to create in your life? Be honest with yourself. Maybe it is to join Deepak in his meditation challenge? Maybe it is to be of service to others in some way? Think about it and have a beautiful and blessed day!
From my heart to yours. With Love, Denise
Consistency. Something I have been asked to work on by those that inspire me for many years. To keep the energy and my joy growing on a consistent basis. I am so good at what others may find challenging; a disciplined workout/yoga/meditation regime and mindful eating. This comes easily to me because I practice consistently.
Today, international spiritual teacher Deepak Chopra is beginning his worldwide 21 day meditation challenge. I watched this inspiring man yesterday on Oprah's Super Soul Sunday. He said it takes twenty-one days to create a habit. So today I begin my own 21-day challenge. It is to write for twenty-one days straight in this blog.
My writing is something I have been called to do for some time. I don't really know why, as it has not been my focus or study at any particular point in time. For years, I have been keeping journals; documenting my life struggles, dreams and wishes. As I had gone back over these, I realize many of my dreams have come true in miraculous and amazing ways! Additionally, I have been sending out monthly wellness newsletters and the feedback I have received has been extremely positive.
So today begins for me. I am a writer! I am an inspiration to others and I surrender the need to figure it out! I will do what I am "guided" to do whether it makes logical sense or not. I will continue to keep inspiration near, in whatever form moves me in any particular moment. I have no idea whatsoever what will flow out of me in these next remaining days...but I will use this as an incentive to no longer procrastinate with what makes my heart sing.:)
So what do you aspire to create in your life? Be honest with yourself. Maybe it is to join Deepak in his meditation challenge? Maybe it is to be of service to others in some way? Think about it and have a beautiful and blessed day!
From my heart to yours. With Love, Denise
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Happy Post Halloween
Inspiration: To continue to be inspired.:)
Greetings. I cannot believe how time flies! It is already November and we have just seen the passage of pumpkins, witches and super heros. I am fortunate enough to reside on the Upper West Side where our block on 78th hosts many little peeps dressed up in adorable costumes on Halloween. So with post Hurricane Sandy, it was truly a gift to be able to sit outside my brownstone steps and give sweet treats to these amazing kids.
A few days prior, we witnessed one of natures biggest extravaganzas on the East Coast. This hurricane of epic proportions, bringing most of our beloved city to a standstill. I am fortunate enough to be spared the loss of power and had plenty (too much) food, too much yoga and too much gym as these were the only things to really do; for me anyway.:)
The rest of New York, New Jersey and other places, not the case. Many are still left without power and will be for some days. Our subway system has started to revive itself with limited service. Let's just say, as a whole we got hit Hard! But there is also a gift in all of this. For us to bond, for community to work together as a unit. We tend to forgot that we really do need one another and this was an excellent opportunity for people to come together.
It has also been a time of introspection. Seeing what is real. The truth is, we never really know what is going to happen. This not only applies to national disasters but to what transpires in our own lives. How we live each day, each moment, creates the next. How are you living? What are you thinking, feeling and experiencing? Nature spreads her wings to get our attention. Are you listening now?
Think about that and spread your wings. Make a difference in some small way.
With Love, Denise
Greetings. I cannot believe how time flies! It is already November and we have just seen the passage of pumpkins, witches and super heros. I am fortunate enough to reside on the Upper West Side where our block on 78th hosts many little peeps dressed up in adorable costumes on Halloween. So with post Hurricane Sandy, it was truly a gift to be able to sit outside my brownstone steps and give sweet treats to these amazing kids.
A few days prior, we witnessed one of natures biggest extravaganzas on the East Coast. This hurricane of epic proportions, bringing most of our beloved city to a standstill. I am fortunate enough to be spared the loss of power and had plenty (too much) food, too much yoga and too much gym as these were the only things to really do; for me anyway.:)
The rest of New York, New Jersey and other places, not the case. Many are still left without power and will be for some days. Our subway system has started to revive itself with limited service. Let's just say, as a whole we got hit Hard! But there is also a gift in all of this. For us to bond, for community to work together as a unit. We tend to forgot that we really do need one another and this was an excellent opportunity for people to come together.
It has also been a time of introspection. Seeing what is real. The truth is, we never really know what is going to happen. This not only applies to national disasters but to what transpires in our own lives. How we live each day, each moment, creates the next. How are you living? What are you thinking, feeling and experiencing? Nature spreads her wings to get our attention. Are you listening now?
Think about that and spread your wings. Make a difference in some small way.
With Love, Denise
Thursday, October 4, 2012
"Searching"...for the Sugarman
Inspiration: To continue to learn from and be inspired by the journey of others.
It was a recent weekday evening, when my yoga teacher did something bold; very bold. He played the soundtrack from the movie, "Searching for Sugarman" in its entirety. A movie I had been guided to see a couple of months ago by a client, who happens to be an executive at the company that released it. So here was a very BIG sign.
He briefly went into a short description of what the movie was about. An incredible documentary based on the life of musician Sixto Rodriguez. A story of loss and redemption. A story about humility and faith. A young musician who had recorded two rock albums but had no commerical "success". He never saw a dime. A man who supposedly took his life onstage in front of others. Supposedly...Little did he know that he was a rock icon in South Africa. That's all I will say about this film without giving too much away. That and I am in no way a movie critic.:)
So flowing to this wondrous collection of songs in class really touched the deepest core of my being. The songs, inspired from Rodriguez's own journey and gentle heart.You could feel how geniune this man must be; body, mind and spirit.
The very next day, which was a perfect, rainy afternoon, I made my way to Lincoln Plaza Cinemas. I got my aisle seat (my fav) and fastened my seat belt to be enlightened. To say that I was touched and humbled is putting it midly. This man was like a prophet. His humility was truly awe-inspiring.
To say that anything is possible is an understatement. All I know to be true is that there is really divine timing in everything. Not when we "think" we are ready, but when a power beyond our comprehension turns on the lights. In the physical, we may have expended much time working towards the fulfillment of our dreams. Many of us give up prematurely, just before a loving hand miraculously steps in and makes miracles...
If we can all embrace this journey, one step at a time, we will savor in the magic and mystery that can only be experienced in the present. May you all realize your deepest, heartfelt dreams. And definitely, go check out this flick.
With Love, Denise
It was a recent weekday evening, when my yoga teacher did something bold; very bold. He played the soundtrack from the movie, "Searching for Sugarman" in its entirety. A movie I had been guided to see a couple of months ago by a client, who happens to be an executive at the company that released it. So here was a very BIG sign.
He briefly went into a short description of what the movie was about. An incredible documentary based on the life of musician Sixto Rodriguez. A story of loss and redemption. A story about humility and faith. A young musician who had recorded two rock albums but had no commerical "success". He never saw a dime. A man who supposedly took his life onstage in front of others. Supposedly...Little did he know that he was a rock icon in South Africa. That's all I will say about this film without giving too much away. That and I am in no way a movie critic.:)
So flowing to this wondrous collection of songs in class really touched the deepest core of my being. The songs, inspired from Rodriguez's own journey and gentle heart.You could feel how geniune this man must be; body, mind and spirit.
The very next day, which was a perfect, rainy afternoon, I made my way to Lincoln Plaza Cinemas. I got my aisle seat (my fav) and fastened my seat belt to be enlightened. To say that I was touched and humbled is putting it midly. This man was like a prophet. His humility was truly awe-inspiring.
To say that anything is possible is an understatement. All I know to be true is that there is really divine timing in everything. Not when we "think" we are ready, but when a power beyond our comprehension turns on the lights. In the physical, we may have expended much time working towards the fulfillment of our dreams. Many of us give up prematurely, just before a loving hand miraculously steps in and makes miracles...
If we can all embrace this journey, one step at a time, we will savor in the magic and mystery that can only be experienced in the present. May you all realize your deepest, heartfelt dreams. And definitely, go check out this flick.
With Love, Denise
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