Day 346 Intention ~ Let Love Rule

Day 346 Intention ~ Let Love Rule

 

 

This week I have been working on the anahata chakra, a.k.a. the heart chakra in my classes. This can involve backbending and chest opening that can make people feel vulnerable. Some of us guard our hearts so intently that once we try to open that area, it is a challenge.

 

Usually when this class is going on, people have such contorted faces and make noises to assure me of their discontent in attempting these positions. After a little while, as they start to warm up and even start to open up, things tend to settle down. People tend to quiet except for their breath. When the class is over, there is a new vibrant energy about the room and even many smiles.

 

 

When we can get the chest opening and that heart area opening, balancing the heart chakra, we start to find some space...for love. Not just self-love, but a love for others. A sense of community starts to form. We can start to see ourselves in each others hearts and vice-versa.

 

 

So ham, I am that. I am that I am.

 

Namaste, the divine in me sees and honors the divine in you.

 

Let love rule.

 

 

Til tomorrow...

 

Shanti,

 

Marcia

 

 



Day 292 Intention ~ Stand In Awe

Day 292 Intention ~ Stand In Awe

Last night was my husband's big art opening. I was amazed by the outpouring of support from friends, family, co-workers and my yoga students (who are also friends) that came out. It is difficult for me to express how touched John & I both were from all of this. I stand in awe of all of their amazing-ness.

I am also in awe of the turn out in the Cleveland Heights community and all of their kind words and support. It is always nice to hear from strangers. I do really enjoy living in this community, so to feel like my husband's work was appreciated here, at home, was a wonderful feeling. 

I am also in awe of the amazing range of artists that do support the community. The talents out there are amazing and I hope that we can all support each other in our endeavors and keep art alive & well! 

Keep living and loving those around you and your community will only grow and thrive. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 242 Intention ~ Keep It Personal

Day 242 Intention ~ Keep It Personal

There is a big yoga event going on this evening at the Rock Hall here in Cleveland. Believe in CLE is what they are calling it. An event sponsored by Lululemon with teachers from Inner Bliss leading the class. According to the event invite on Facebook, over 1000 people are going to go to this event. At first, I was excited at the idea of this event and the community building in the yoga spirit that it could bring, but now that the day is here, I just feel like laying low. 

Oftentimes, I try to avoid the "scene". Twenty years ago, I felt I always needed to be on the scene...these days, not so much. 

Although it's fun to practice with a bunch of people all breathing and sweating and flowing together, I tend to like my personal home practice a little bit more these days. So as cool as I think this event will be, I am going to lay low, keep my practice personal and spend the evening with my favorite beings, John, George & Stella. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 108 Intention ~ Meet My Neighbors

Day 108 Intention ~ Meet My Neighbors

John & I have ventured to Live Oak, Florida for the Wanee Music Festival. We like to pretend that we are young kids and go and hang out and rock out for that matter too on our days off. 

One thing to keep a peaceful and happy community around me when I go to these events is to meet my neighbors. It just makes things easier and usually helps keep a little bit of harmony in our area. 

I love to meet new people and learn where they are from and what their story is...but I also like to keep a friendly vibe around camp. 

So, for a few days, we will build our own little community out in the woods with folks who are interested in seeing live music and having fun. Sounds like a nice way to spend the weekend! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 61 Intention ~ Enjoy Community

Day 61 Intention ~ Enjoy Community

In yoga, a group of like-minded individuals is called a satsang. As I scanned across the room in my class this afternoon, I noticed the people. All these beautiful faces, some familiar, some new, all in that space for that 75 minutes for yoga. There were 2 new to me students today that couldn't have been more different from each other, but their smiles resonated the same joy, the same openness, the same light that made them one. Now, I can't begin to know what each of their intentions for class were or what got them to make their way to class today, but they were all there, at the same time, to practice yoga. This is one thing we were all like-minded about, hence creating our own little satsang for that moment in time. It's an amazing thing to share that energy and breath with people that are so open to what you are saying and teaching. 

This evening, I am going out to see some live music. It will be a different sort of satsang I suppose. A group of people in my community, whether I know them or not, that share a love of music, and this band or this style of music. I am hoping to embrace everyone and feel like part of this musical satsang tonight. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 40 Intention ~ To Support People Around Me

Day 40 Intention ~ To Support Those Around Me

I believe that we are all one. We should support each other. Especially those in the yoga community. Isn't that the community we are supposed to be building? The satsang? Don't we want the same things? 

I like to think that yoga, meaning to yoke, to join, a union, that my practice & that my community and how I behave in that community is a supportive environment. One that creates a positive place for us all to discover our inner Selves, practice and find that connection between us. For are we not all one on this universe? Everything we do effects  each other and the universe around us. 

Too much lately I feel like I have seen the opposite. Yoga teachers and studio owners not treating people right because they are trying to keep up with the (yoga) joneses or obsessed with the almighty dollar. Believe me, I understand having to make things work out, trying to make a living, but when you sacrifice your treatment of others to make a buck, I think it's time to reassess why you got into the yoga business to begin with. 

I have always been better at supporting fellow teachers rather than myself because I do think it's a community. I encourage my students to try all sorts of classes and all sorts of teachers because I want them to experience all different types of styles/teachings and really find what will work for them and their practice. So, even when someone is concerned that I only have 5 people in my class, I will still support my yoga community & hope that my intention to teach to all no matter if there are 50 people or 2 people will always hold true. I don't ever want to sell out who I am as a teacher just to make a buck (or two). 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia