What doesn't kill us...

...yeah yeah we know, makes us stronger. But it still sucks when bad things come along and sideswipe us.

I believe it's true. All of the big and little challenges in life are put there for a reason and how we handle them makes all the difference in the world.
For example, a bad breakup. Most of us have been there, done that. We make irrational choices, unnecessary phone calls, and cry bucket loads of tears. Sometimes to come out on the other side and think "wow, I wasted all of that energy on ______?" what was wrong with me???
But, you learned something didn't you? Maybe a weak spot within you, or that you made a bad choice or judgement call, or simply that the other person was a jerk and it really had nothing to do with you.

Nevertheless, you LEARNED something from it. Even if it's out of your control, (the worst) you hopefully grew as a person from it.

If you think about it, there are two things that cause change in life, a loss or a choice. Okay, on a more subtle level things can also "shift" and cause change. But when I say shift, I think of things like the weather. We planned for sun, it rained, the weather shifted... BUT how did the weather change affect your plans? Did it feel like "a loss"? You didn't "choose" it but you couldn't "control" it either.

If you made a bad choice, accept it and move forward for you cannot change the past. Yes there are extremes in bad choices... you can choose to do drugs or far worse or your can choose an ugly pair of shoes or a bad boyfriend. Nevertheless, once you make a choice and act upon it, it is done and cannot be changed. You can only learn and grow from it and hopefully there is that little place inside you that says "don't do that again".

Let me back up and repeat, YOU CANNOT CHANGE THE PAST. This is where acceptance comes in. (is that what I'm rambling about?) The past is just that... over, done, fine', kaput.

Take this moment for acceptance of the past. It is over and cannot be changed. Accept what is and move forward. Live in the present. The past is meant to be there for memories and a brief visit... it is not meant for an extended stay.

Now onto loss. Once again... many extremes. Uncontrollable loss of life, loss of love, loss of shoes (I love my shoes by the way). I will begin by saying that loss of life is not to be taken lightly in any manner and is not easy by any stretch. Especially abrupt loss or unforeseen circumstances. However, for those of you who have experienced loss on every level... life, love, shoes... know that deep inside you there is a part of you that can and will accept loss on every level.

We are strong creatures yet, our surroundings and our society tend to make us think that we are weak. As a race we have amazing ability to push through some of the worst situations... if we choose to. The human race has seen wars of insurmountable size compared to what we are fighting today not to mention famine, flood, drought, and crazy diseases yet we complain when our Internet connection is too slow... and we freak out because someone texts us to break up.

We all have the gift of love within us and the ability to forgive those who have hurt us (doesn't mean we have to like them!), accept those mistakes that we have made, and love and remember those who have loved us and left us behind to move on to a better place (*my personal beliefs, not necessarily yours) regardless of the circumstances.

Look inside you and find the strength within to conquer any battle that comes upon you... you have the gift.... use it.

This post was inspired and fueled by the passing of Radar Neill... my most amazing little 10lb sidekick for the past 13 years. Even in this loss, I am inspired by him each and every day and know I have the strength and the ability to move forward with him in my heart. Namaste, little man xo

Put it in perspective

I've recently observed a close friend, getting completely freaked out and overwhelmed with work (as we do!).
He gets short, aggitated, angry, flustered, and it's affecting his overall health both physically and mentally.
We all have to do a job to survive. Some people develop a skill based on an interest, and some simply take whatever passes their way to make a buck.
Regardless of which category you fall under, chances are that at some point in your career you will be irritated and frustrated. How you handle this situation is up to you.
First of all, put into perspective what it is that you do. How does your job affect others? Affect the world? Mankind? Etc... and then decide if it's worth having a heart attack over.
Next, how do you handle situations?
I am living proof that you can change you habits. In my past life I would get bitchy, crabby, short, overbearing, and demand that my way was the right way... a "strong personality" if you will :)
Once I started to practice yoga, things changed for me. I learned how to breathe better, and by simply focusing on my breath in times of stress, I was able to calm myself down. The other thing I've realized is that you mind is a powerful tool that can work with you or against you.
Try closing your eyes and sitting still for 3 minutes and see what happens. If you don't practice this regularly, chances are your mind will take over and your thoughts will race like lightening through your mind.
I'm not saying that I'm "cured" or perfect by any stretch of the imagination, however I have changed myself and therefore know it can be done.
When you are going to face a stressful situation, pull yourself together and go into a quiet space for just a couple of minutes (I found that a bathroom stall works fine!). Close your eyes and breathe in and out through your nostrils, counting your inhale and your exhale to yourself. Try to even out your breath. So if your inhale is 6 counts, make your exhale 6 counts. If your mind and your thoughts take over, come back to the counting and focus on nothing but the numbers... if you can turn yourself inward even deeper, stop counting and simply follow your breath through your body. If you need one more helper, say to yourself, "These thoughts mean nothing to me".
This is just a start. A start to a calmer, better day in whatever it is that you do to make this world a better place.
Namaste.

Traveling...

I named my company Traveling Yoga for what I hope are obvious reasons. I want to bring the practice of yoga to anyone, anywhere regardless of their budget.
I have been traveling more in the past few years than I have before. I've lived in big cities and small towns and visited the same.
One thing I realize is that regardless where you travel, live, or visit... there is a uniqueness to all people that we should embrace. Regardless of race, sex, religion or social status, on some level, we ALL have things in common.
The next time you think your problems are worse than anyone elses OR better yet, the next time you think you are above somebody, remember these few things...
We all encounter similarities in our lives... bills, illness, loss, grief, happiness and sadness. The air I breath, you breath... the air you exhale, I inhale... and lastly... we ALL face birth, we ALL bleed... and someday, we ALL face death... These are facts and yet they are also common factors in everyone on this Earth.
Take a moment each day to reflect on individuality and embrace it for what
it is, what it can be, and what it means to you....and the next time you comment or think to comment on someone's look, clothing, attitude, belongings, or ways... remember, karma is real...
and we are ALL of the same spirit.
Namaste

Welcome!

Welcome to Traveling Yoga's brand new blog!
After much consideration, I decided to break away from my old blog to tie all things in my life together under one heading.
Traveling Yoga...because that is who I am.
I hope not only to update regularly with schedule updates and events, but to bring you my thoughts, feelings, resources, comments, and information on yoga and life in general.
So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride that we call life.
Om Shanti