the Sower

As I left the class today...
I realized that I "lost It" in class.
The "It" is like "that Voice"... the guidance that is always with me.
I mean... I didn't really lose IT, I just got distracted.

The technique I guess I've developed is to not tune in too far into this person or that person...
So I don't get too distracted as I am guided.
The "juicy people" aren't so bad if you play with them, cause there actually helping to a-tract, not dis-tract :-)
They are filling up... obviously and thats where were all "headed"

The other people are like trying to water hard, dry earth I guess.
You can see the info "beading on the surface", but it doesn't seem to absorb.
That can be distracting to me, because in a room full of people... I don't always get a chance to help "poke a hole" so "some gets in" :-) But at least It was on the surface for that while I guess.

So the Voice said as I drove home...
This "watering" your doing... a farmer doesn't stop the sprinklers when he notices this "hard soil."
He just keeps at It from day to day :-) The seeds will sprout when They are ready.
You don't need to be distracted about WHEN that time will be... only focus on THIS moment.

Which brings me back to my mission...
I am about planting and nurturing Seeds of Light. I Love to see them grow and I'm shown these sprouts from time to time.
But I don't need to see the Fruit of this process, I believe in the process.
So I will continue to be a Sower...

From now I will look at these moments like tonight and KNOW that some "water" is always absorbed...
Trusting in the journey each Soul is on and that the Path will unfold as needed.
I will focus on attracting the nutrients and spreading them as I am guided,
Letting Love take care of it from there.

the Crib vibe lives on...

OK...
I know its been awhile since I wrote my thoughts down here.
It's not because i haven't had any... as if thats even possible :-)

Well... I know it is possible and IT is the level I am reaching towards.
I had an excellent time at this year's Crib
Being in Ojai... sharing time with the Peeps and bathing in all the Love that we create together as a yoga community!
Can't believe this was my fourth romp through the playground!!!
Oh Kira.. how fortunate I am that you picked up my call that faithful day 3+yrs ago and created my first experience... forever grateful!

Had all new teachers this time around and Erich again of course :-) The dharma chat was great as usual... hope he liked the goodies I shared!
Fell in love Uma as i played dj for her dances :-)
I've been incorporating her words into my life and sharing them with the classes I have been leading...
I choose to have "beautiful eyes" and to see the unmanifested potential in all moments. To be a wise man and to forget suffering and see the positive in each minute.

It's fun to share enlightening truths with the students as we experience our asana practice. It must be working since the hours I teach, the room has been packed with people bringing their friends for our good times. I love it that they come to laugh and smile as we tune in to our own alignment. I'm sure that Uma and Kira would be pleased to see these moments that we share during our Wednesday nights.

Been playing "the sir mix alot" yoga dj...
Hanging in poses as Marley, Johnny Cash, Beatles, Pearl Jam, U2, JohnMayer, Jack Johnson, Earth, Wind & Fire blast out the tunes... haha just showing them that it is "legal" to bend the "rules" and search are "limits" and make each moment "ours."
I don't mean to tip sacred cows... only to "reinvent the wheel"... show that not all circles have to be round.
As we search for the Truth we must ask why and question the answers and accept the revelations...
And be willing to listen to our Heart for directions!

what'z the meaning of LIFE?!

Saw a friend today, "a blast from the past" as they say...
Fun to have someone shine a reflection that you may not have seen,
"Still doing the health thing?"... "Found that KEY to LIFE yet?"...
All glimpses of where I've been. :-)

Time seems to stand still for me, though I see it all moving around me.
Not sure what it all means, but I know I have been blessed many times over! :-)

Standing naked before the gods...

I have been leading yoga classes at school and it has been interesting...
Diving into that experience that started at a hot yoga studio and now trying "It" out in a recreation center.
With people that maybe have never done asana poses or understand anything about the lifestyle beyond the "workout".

The interesting thing is me and my connection with this "gift"
It is still present since the first day I led that class for the owners and other instructors back at the studio...
Was kinda shocking to witness it then, but I have come to embrace it :-)
Finding myself more comfortable as we explore our sessions, always willing to find a laugh or interlink reality with the infinite possibility!


Today I realized I am "standing naked before the gods"...
A term a teacher shared with us in History and Philosophy of Human Movement class.

Bareing your Being to the Source of All... complete honesty without judgement or thoughts of consequences.
A place I attempt to stand while in front of others that gather for insight with me... us, pursuing the Truth.
I have always enjoyed committing myself to an adventure, regardless of the outcome, truly in the moment.
Many of my hobbies require this focus and attention, so I try to bring It into every minute...

No it isn't always "easy," but to "fake-it" or "mail-it-in" ain't ever going to be my style!
Experience has allowed for this stance to be supported & guided...
and for that I am Eternally Grateful :-)

Following my lead...

So I have been working with a friend, a private client who has witnessed so much grow from her practice and maintained her independence. Basically proving that the biological ageing doesn't have to run as fast as the chronological timekeeper. What was interesting to hear her say today was what came to her mind as she waited for her doctors appointment. He kept her waiting for 30 minutes, so she decided to do some yoga in his office, while she waited! Mostly breathing exercises... and I loved how she has caught on to my technique that "everywhere is a good place to do yoga." :-)

We learn so much from each other, though we may be different genders and generations... mutual respect and admiration makes life feel so rewarding. I am blessed to have this friend sharing my life and this wonderful gift we call "yoga." It's many branches seems to shelter us from most of the harms society seems to dole out to the public. I think a sense of curiosity, a willingness to view past, present and future, plus faith in the divine Spirit creates a sweet nectar for enhancing our time on this planet. Compassion and patience also comes in handy too!

I share this poem:
Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the Truth. It always hopes, always preserves. LOVE NEVER FAILS!
-Paul

May he rest in peace

I lost a buddy tonight... wasn't easy to say goodbye :-(
Made a few calls to friends, but know one was around to pick up.
So I had to face it alone...

Strangely, I saw reflections of my past... of my father and his last days.
I sat in that small room and desperately wanted to do some yoga...
Maybe a good handstand would help turn things upside down, bring blood to my brain and eleviate some of my misery.
But I could only sit there quietly and listen for something...

I'm not afraid to cry...
Rather let it flow then hold back... tough guys are those that are honest I think.
Those that admit we have emotions and dealing with them is better than ignoring...
Isn't that what I'm always reminding students during asana practice!?!!

So I say farewell friend... no regrets.
I vote that God enhances your next "adventure" and I am grateful for the times we shared.
I am reminded again to never take things for granted and to do my best.
I will learn to do it NOW and not wait for "tomorrow".
I choose to have my memories be those filled with laughter and love :-)
R.I.P.

Life Rolls On...

This is my mantra today. Life rolls on...

It's times like this that I look to others for reminders that tomorrow will bring new dreams.

What seems to die only fertilizes that which was meant to grow next.

Though my heart sings a somber song today.

To shed the light on how these "clouds keep rolling on in" ... I must share that I have been trying to practice the yoga of relationship. Not as easy as my personal asana practice since it requires the partner. Has been like playing ping-pong by myself! Not fun and quite frustrating at times... am I supposed to also teach my partner "how to hold the paddle?"

I have always been a searcher of Truth and acceptor of Its vision... though it is admittingly hard some times.
But there is nothing a good surf session can't cure :-)
Though my heart sings and heals from the swipe of the Sword of Truth...
I am reminded the Life Rolls On...

Schools in Session!

It's here again.. beginning of a new semester at the University!
I had started teaching this summer at the recreation center since it would be a good way for me to phase back in and test out my "style" in this environment. After a few months of smaller class sizes, I decided to take on a class during the Fall semester.

Today was the first one and the class was pretty packed. I haven't been planning out what we're going to do during class, I just open myself to inspiration & curiosity for "what's meant to be expressed." I start this process early in the day and "let things catch my attention for later that day." Its an interesting journey and somehow always comes together as "designed."

I noticed that each of my first classes for these past semesters, I begin with some of the standing series of he hot yoga I began my teaching career. Kinda like falling back into a comfort zone I've created with years of experience. But the growth of my total experience comes through how I lead the transitions from where ever we are in a sequence and where I would like us to go. I'm never to certain how this gets pulled off, but it's fun to get to the peak pose and then realize how we just got there. I have always enjoyed taking classes with the many teachers I've met and witness our transitions and trying to anticipate when we would "get to the other side." Observing how others teach is something I have been doing my whole life and I came to realize this when I found out that my "calling" is to teach. That may sound funny, but the truth is teaching choose me... not vice-versa. Luckily, this ground work lead me to accept this "revelation" and helped develop the skills necessary for my journey in helping others.


I am excited to witness, participate and share what I have been working on these past few years with Kira & the LuLu gang Its a "Pay it Forward" thing to suggest to others to tune in to their own alignment. This liberating approach has been exciting to witness as others "get it" and fits my style of making yoga fun. Some may imagine that I might be "tipping scared cows," but I truly respect from whence we came and a humble commitment for where we are going. Namaste

I'm Baaacccckkkkk!

Today was a close encounter of the historical kind :-)
It had been several hundred days since I last led an "official" yoga class.
But the time has come for me to get back on the mat and share what has been percolating for some time...
I had decided I was ready to take up this "torch of shedding light on life" as I was driving up to Ojai in May for Side B Part 2 at LuLu Bandha's

Of course, earlier today... the thoughts about "i'm not prepared" tried to prevent this experience... just like they always try to do as we embark on our destiny. Since I had "an out"... I decided to not decide until the time came that I HAD to decide! :-) I make my best decisions this way...
I pondered what would come out of my mouth as I envisioned some type of vinyasana flow... What about music?? Well... I do have 3 gigs worth on the iPod, there must be something there ready to support us during our asana play!?! Ended up using Raymond's Heart of the Mother... one of my favorite all-time albums.
Walked into the studio, pushed play, and allowed the session to unfold...

Summer time at the SRC is pretty mellow... thats partly why I decided to "dive back into the yoga teacher mode". Had 9 females show up for this session... most with some minimal experience and all in pretty good shape. They expressed a willingness right from the start for the "adventure" I laid before us. I'm not afraid to express my truth and I think they were intrigued (as I was) to find out what would happen in our hour together :-)

The practice started with an intention and some clarification of "doing yoga right"... leading into some alternate nostril breathing. Onto our backs for some work with the strap, then into a horse position for some introductions to our "tailbone pointing ability"... they seemed to enjoy imagining a tail and how it's movement influenced the sensations of our spine. The flow incorporated a lot of basic sun salutations and hot yoga postures. I was able to share the past years in an effortless flow... encouraging "rebellious modifications" as I demonstrated a version of Swami Satchidananda's euphoric trikonasana pose. There was lots of laughter and smiles during this hour of yogic play.
We ended with a nice savasana...

My intentions was to "fly by the seat of my pants" and allow the sweetness to flow naturally. I was pleased to find what was needed as the moment presented itself and look forward to build upon this re-immersion into leading others into tuning to there own alignment...
It was nice to witness the expression of the yoginis as we closed our practice with gratitude for our time together and the infinite possibilities that lay ahead... I have a distinct feeling that we will be having more "adventures" together on Thursdays this summer :-)

I've been to the Other Side

This past weekend was really good, 12 explorers looking for the "teacher within."
Kinda like a bunch of astronauts on an adventure to the other side of the moon...
The unknown being discovered, light being shone into areas that need illumination.
Exciting to be part of something totally new and spontaneous... surely meant for greatness.

I now feel like a modern-day Magellan...
Mapping pathways for others to follow and find the bliss that comes with yoga.
Creativity holds no bounderies for this exploration...
And I agree with Einstein that imagination is more important!

So since I've "sailed back to my home land"...
I continue to contemplate my journeys inward.
Conceptualizing trails for others to follow me, or actually find themselves.
It definitely is a Hero's Journey

The next step is into videotaping some of my "travels" & insights...
Definitely plans to be unscripted and spontaneous as these blogs.
Probably will only be able to view them once personally,
and then let them float off into the history known as the world wide web...

Forever Young

My life is interesting... always finding clues as I walk my path.
Lately this term has been popping up everywhere... "forever young"
Fascinating how it calls to me from so many directions

I'm not afraid of growing old, this world insures that will occur eventually...
Wisdom that I search for comes with time and experience...
"Youth is wasted on the young" is a quote I've heard before, but wisdom may be wasted on the aged.
So many people accept that as the months are torn off the calendar, so are the possibilities!

Working on a college campus, I am shocked at times by those that feel "24" is old or that someone "my age" is somehow different. I rarely , if ever share a number because I don't fit in their box. The things i do defy the norm and biological aging is very independent of the calendar. I'm like a dog where we have to multiple by 7 to get a "correct age". Except with me you subtract 15 and then use a complex algebra formula that factors in yoga sessions, board & cycle wipeouts, and the number of miles driven in freeway traffic. Usually I just say, "how old would you guess I am?" followed with a "good guess!" I don't care, so why should you?!?!

So it leads me back to forever young. Since the Spirit never dies...
May we remember that "we are not here for very long..."
I pursue excellence, and though hair my gray, wrinkles define, and my memories give me away...
So please don't ask me to "act my age"...
I will be forever young.

Gas Station Yoga Session

OK... watching my dollars trickle into my tank is never very entertaining...
So last night as that ritual was being performed, I slipped into a rather natural flow series.
Of course anything to do with touching something other than my own body is out of the question.
A gas station is not your typical "studio", but isn't asana more about action & personal connection than location?!

A few warriors started the juices going as my big rain jacket gave me a sense of privacy as cars came and left.
In fact I was oblivious of everything but my body's sensations... till the cop car rolled up on me.
The didn't say anything, but there expression was enough for me to crack up...
They must have been so jealous, hahaha :-) Yeah, think hard! What kind of ticket must I be earning right now?!! heehee

I did start comtemplating the Side B training with Kira Made me think of Alana and how she always wants to do hamstring stretches when I'm around?! So the flow went into trikonasana variations with some nice transitions into ardha chandrasana, warrior 3s & some of the star poses from Ganga White's class. Love doing this flow without ever putting my hands on anything but my own leg for support. Cops left when they saw I wasn't a criminal, just some kinda of harmless balance fanatic :-)

For the record...I'm not some yoga exhibitionist, just a guy who enjoys how good life is with movement.
I play hard and the key to remaining youthful may very well be yoga... plus it feels so good!
For me the "yoga mat" isn't a spot, but a state of mind.

The truth will always prevail

I stand before you as an example of this statement...
As today reinforces that day some years ago when it was first revealed to me.
Actually I questioned the statement, "I'm going to be a teacher?" (somewhat incredulously!)
North Shore of Kauai, a Heaven on Earth.

I thought... don't you have to actually be able to stand in front of a bunch of people?!
And not have your throat dry up like you swallowed 30 cotton balls?!!!?
Isn't that something people do if they "can't cut it in the real world?" (Something I remember hearing as a fourth grader from some smart-ass classmate).

With kindness... the Great Spirit laugh that fateful day.

I'm sure I heard that same "laughter" echoing in my ears today as I stood in front of two groups of students.
Intent on learning from my gift of sharing, receiving insights into my surfing lifestyle.
So natural It has now become, whether on a mat, in the surf, on the end of a rope...
I see now how the Truth always prevails...

Honesty is the lubricant, I believe, that facilitates the Truth to Shine.
Sometimes we see it before our eyes are ready for It's Light (as I did that day).
Other times it comes tumbling out of our mouths as sweet as a Rumi song...
How I love to be that crystal stream that breeds such soothing revelations!

Be assured that Truth does not need justification from another or your own ego.
Trust is the Altar that It shall rest upon!
Be strong and brave for you are a beacon of the Beloved that has chosen to express...
Humbleness shall carry this Vibration for eternity... so release the moment and allow it to linger on your Heart...

Anywhere Yoga

OK, i've come up with a name for my style of "private" yoga practice... "anywhere yoga"
Like zen muffin will contest, it all adds up :-)
As I have reported in the past, it works great for passing time when waiting for things to happen...
Allowing time to always appear productive and supportive to my well-being.

So today as I slipped into a session as I "helped" my friend pick out a new bikini...
Only second time we've hung out, so i was still feeling out the situation...
I realize my yoga practice also works to calm me in places of uncertainty.
A swimsuit shop sounds like "heaven" to most guys, but its a little awkward for me :-)
Kinda reminds of those days mom dragged me around the mall as I would try to sneak away to the tool or sports section.

So as I did a little "shoulder flossing" that Noah taught while politely suggesting "this one?" "or i like that one" :-)
I've come to realized how much i rely on my practice... almost subconsciously now, though I did become self-conscious of my "flow" when the helper girl caught me doing a couple of warrior IIs by the front door while my friend was in the changing room, hahaha!!
Went outside a dozen times so it was obvious i wasn't a perv! hah!!

Nothing like a few deep breathes outside the shop to ground me and some board groping in the shop next door to increase that testosterone flow again... Sidewalk crowd looked confused as I was in eagle arms to cactus/swamp monster chest openers. Thats the beauty of "anywhere yoga", you develop this inner island of "this is absolutely normal, have a nice day confidence." Though I still keep it pretty basic.
I did take it to a spicy level when i found this great handrail that allowed me to work on my peacock pose... though if I fell out of it I'd land on my head. Reminded me of the later days of teacher training when we worked on arm balances, having showed off to friends on the street my peacock pose that had me land on my nose, heehee!
Nothing like a little fear of bodily harm to help pull off a posture!

Well, I look forward to where my next session will find me.

resolution??

wow... first post of the year?!
i'm wondering... was that one of my resolutions? no typing of my feelings?!! haha!
Or is because of the revolution... "America is now saved," thanks Obama.
No I'm not going political with this blogspot!!!!



This year its all about the music!
Been banging on my djembe
It's like another form of yoga, finding that inner rhythm is so profound with a skin instrument.
Breathing... effortless flowing... relaxing those shoulders, as the music pours from my soul :-)

I attended my first drumcircle at this "godess temple"
Was fun and I was glad to have my buddy Albert there to back up my beat...
It gets chaotic in that type of session, especially compared to the traditional lessons I've been getting.
Loving my drum Matilija... she is a beauty to see and hear!