Shine Your Sacred Self
A dear friend will be publishing a compilation of stories about turning 30. She’s including stories from women around tbe world to explore the cultural and personal significance of this decade for women.
I’m honored to have my story included in this compilation. Follow the link below to read it, and more from Laura’s blog!
Laura is still searching for contributors. If you feel inspired to share your story, please do so by connecting with her through her blog.
Hasta pronto!
I have been a whirlwind of activity lately as I pour myself into writing projects, planning special yoga series and a teacher training, and biking or hitchhiking to and from Puerto Viejo to connect with life in town. These things add some extra sweetness to my days: Continue reading “Gratitudes”
heyam dukham anagatam
The suffering from
pain that has
not yet arisen
is
avoidable.
I wrote earlier about the kleshas, or five poisons for the mind that can lead us off the yogic path towards moksha, or freedom from suffering. The next klesha I’d like to discuss is Dvesha – the avoidance of suffering.
Prior to leaving the US, Vinyasa and Anusara yoga were the main components of my regular asana practice. Yin Yoga is a style of yoga that involves holding the poses for a longer time in order to allow the body to receive deeper benefits. While yang yoga, or faster moving yoga, often is structured around a peak pose with a goal to attain, yin yoga presents the challenge of showing up and being present. As we sit with each pose, connective tissues and fascia slowly heat and soften. Most asanas in a yin yoga class are held for a minimum of three minutes, and up to as long as twenty minutes. Sitting with the poses allows us to watch the reactions in our mind and gives us practice in simply being present.
Yoga Philosophy talks much about Kleshas, or things on the yogic path that can lead us astray. Like all moments presented to us in life, the kleshas can also help point the way back home to our divine self.
The Kleshas are described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras as afflictions on the path to enlightenment. As we are able to identify these afflictions, or games our minds play, we are able to overcome them and move forward freer, lighter, and with a stronger connection to truth. Continue reading “Kleshas – Avidya Dances with Maya”
My favorite thing to do lately is take long walks on the beach. It’s temporada baja, or low season right now, and the normally uncrowded beaches are virtually deserted in some areas. As I walk, there is endless ocean on one side, unspoiled sand in front of me, and a jungle lush enough that I can forget about the road on the other side. Sometimes the jungle pushes right up to the ocean and I move to a cool path that follows the beach. This allows for more interaction with the wildlife, like the other day when I paused to watch a Capuchin monkey enjoying the delights of a pecan tree.