Cowgirl Yoga

My January love list

2012-01-24T14:59:00.000-08:00

My love list right now:

Winter. As in the season, which has returned to Montana recently (although we could certainly use more), and as in the book Winter: Five Windows on the Season that I just started reading and am loving by Adam Gopnik.

1st grade. I wish it would last forever. My daughter makes my heart ache with her love and life truths. Last night, she asked me where my heart was, and then identified where hers was. She then proceeded to hug me so that our hearts touched. Big. Lump. In. Throat.

Stargazing. On clear winter nights, we have a stellar (haha) view of Jupiter and the constellation Orion. It's become habit to look for them when I wake up during the night.

Big Sky Skiing. This goes hand in hand with the winter thing...I forgot how much fun it is to play in the snow after missing last year's ski season while we were in London.

Chair lift chatting. I also forgot how much fun it is to meet people on the chair lift, and when they ask what I do, tell them about Cowgirl Yoga and see their fascinated reaction.

Snowshoeing. Who knew it could be 1. so much fun 2. such a great workout? We recently snowshoed Beehive Basin, one of the hikes on our fall Eat Pray Love Yoga retreats. That's the basin pictured above.

Eagles. We've seen countless bald eagles this winter, up to 8 in a single day. I take it to be a good omen.

Eagle, the yoga kind. I was recently craving eagle pose, and ended up in a Bikram class (which is a rare occurrence for me). Confession: it felt so good that I bought a pass, and am planning to go once a week this winter.

Athleta's Chaturanga Tight. I'm really not a tights kind of girl, but I've fallen for these. They are soft, supple, and amazingly enough for a tight, don't feel too revealing. I am wearing them to the gym, to practice yoga, with my winter boots. I wish I could wear them everyday.

Cowgirl Cab. The latest addition to our retreat wine menu. Which we are going to sip during our cooking lesson on this weekend's Winter Wonderland & Wellness retreat.

What's on your love list so far for 2012?

Behind the scenes: my at-home yoga studio, part II

2012-01-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

The floor installers are doing their finishing touches as I type this. Susie of Envi Design is Buddha shopping in NYC (more on that later). My new home yoga studio has reached a key turning point: I will be able to christen it with a practice this very weekend. (If you missed installment one, read it here.) I am daydreaming about what that practice will feel like. Yeah I know, you can do yoga anywhere - but I'll also be the first to tell you that sometimes where you do it makes all the difference. I've owned a yoga studio and rolled out my mat in some beautiful places, but there is something about this that feels like mine. As in, Mine. Husband said something about moving his stationary bike in there and installing a flat screen tv...ohhhhhhh nooooooo. Mine, all mine.

It's been a lot of coordinating people and having them hang out at our house for hours (painter, floor installation guys) who have all had tons of hardware questions I didn't have answers for. There's been a lot of banging and funky smells. I'm one of those people that has a hard time visualizing what works-in-progress will ultimately look like once finished...but 6 year old and I kept peeking in and squealing about the dark pink ceiling, the pieces of lovely dark bamboo floor. I could see it. I could see myself on my mat in there. Very "bliss den", indeed (as Susie is calling it).

Do you like design details? Check out Susie's blog post on colors and materials selections. And while beginning a new phase of my yoga practice in this beautiful, thoughtfully planned space is exciting enough - the last design installment may be even more so: think east meets west. Like Buddhas and horses and lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu, all in one room. Like Cowgirl Yoga and Yeehaw & Namaste. Stay tuned.

p.s. Can't wait for Susie's workshop on how to zen your home at next weekend's Winter Wonderland & Wellness yoga retreat! I'll definitely report back on that here on the blog.

Cowgirls vs. Cancer 2012

2012-01-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

I am sooooo excited to announce our eight - yes, EIGHT - Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipients for 2012. Our first year, we brought out two scholarship recipients; last year, four, and this year, we are dedicating an entire retreat to Cowgirls vs. Cancer. This has been made possible due to the generosity of everyone that we work with at Cowgirl Yoga. We've all witnessed firsthand the wonderful effects of healing with horses and yoga, and everyone involved is committed to making it bigger. Cowgirl sized! Yeehaw & Namaste to that.

Read about our eight cancer kickin' cowgirls here (be sure to scroll down) - three of them are named Amy! You'll probably cry, and you'll definitely be inspired by their stories. We can't wait to kick up our heels and celebrate life with these ladies on our special Cowgirls vs. Cancer retreat this June.

You can support this program by purchasing one of our fun COWGIRL tees! Giddy Up and get one, for a good cause.

Connection

2012-01-13T11:48:00.000-08:00

I toyed with the idea of writing a post addressing last week's NYT article How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body, but the response has been overwhelming and for some reason I didn't feel the need to put in my two cents. Regardless, I will post my fave responses (read: the ones I wish I had written) here shortly after I mull it over a bit more.

Meanwhile, here's something I did write, that I think fits in with the New Year. I realized the other day that New Year's blew by and I didn't once think about - get ready - New Year's Resolutions! Which leads me to believe that I am feeling fairly fulfilled. That's not to say that I couldn't use some improving - but that's a daily given, isn't it? A constant work in progress. Anyhow. I was recently featured on lifebyme.com, where I answered the question of what is meaningful to you? with connection. Because I think that if you boiled down all those resolutions, that's the underlying theme. Here's what I had to say:

Connection is the craving behind all human existence. In the words of T.S. Eliot, “Hell is a place where nothing connects with nothing.” We’re healthy when we connect with others in meaningful ways and when we connect with animals, nature, and what’s going on inside ourselves.

As a yoga teacher and entrepreneur, I’ve witnessed the awakening of connection in myself and in many others. People wonder why yoga feels so good. There are many reasons, but consider that the word yoga means union.

Despite the Internet, Facebook, and Twitter, we live in a disconnected culture. In an ironic twist, technology has caused us to become disconnected from ourselves in ways that threaten our humanity. Whether we realize it or not, we crave connection on a more simple, primal level. This means enriching our lives by spending time with other people, spending time outdoors, and reveling in the basic processes of moving and breathing – as we do in a yoga practice.

The evolution of my yoga practice and teaching has led me to this one word: connection. And my thoughts about this are still evolving. After more than ten years of doing my own yoga practice and teaching hundreds of others, I’ve had many warm, fuzzy moments that have sometimes been hard to define. Yoga is so appealing because it is cumulative and because there are connections forged through yoga. Every time I’m on my mat I connect to something inside myself. Every time I teach or touch someone, we connect. It all adds up.

About five years ago, my family and I moved from a big city to Montana and I started a yoga retreat business founded on connecting yoga to the benefits of being outdoors in one of the most wildly beautiful places I’d ever seen. Bringing together yoga and the outdoors has created connection on a much deeper level for me. It’s evolved into my life’s work to share that with others.

I see disconnection as the biggest life challenge we face in our culture at this time. Whenever we get on a path of disconnection and continue down it, we move away from an understanding of what we need to create meaningful connection in our lives, and we lose things: perspective, physical and emotional health, relationships, and our potential for happiness.

Reconnecting requires effort and energy. For me, reconnection comes from yoga, horses, and being outdoors. Without those connections, I feel like my soul is starving.

Photo: Larry Stanley

Giddy Up & go get COWGIRL Magazine

2012-01-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

Got the January blahs? Run out and pick up the Jan/Feb 2012 issue of COWGIRL Magazine, which always has fun and funky features to fire up your inner cowgirl. But I also have an ulterior motive to this suggestion: this issue has a gorgeous, 7-page spread about our LUXE Cowgirl Yoga retreat, with the title "In Perfect Balance - Big Sky Yoga Retreats offers horses, 'gourmet ranch' cuisine, indulgent hospitality and some of the best yoga instruction in the west".

The author truly captured the essence of everything we offer on retreat, so being the tell-it-like-it-is girl I am, I was very pleased by the accurate (not to mention flattering) portrayal of what we do. Many women often inquire about coming on their own, not knowing anyone; I always try to reassure them that over and over again, I witness the dynamic of women who just met acting like they've been BFFs for years. COWGIRL said it like this: "Developing effortlessly and organically, the female camaraderie at our retreat was a priceless element of the Big Sky Yoga retreat experience".

And I am so tickled to have been described as "A willowy, comely brunette, with strong features and expressive doe eyes". Moi? I'll be riding high on that one for awhile! You can find COWGIRL at Barnes & Noble, and be sure to become a fan on Facebook. Yeehaw & Namaste.

Inside a Snow Globe

2012-01-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012! I know, I'm a few days late...but the new year is still fresh. We kicked off our new year with a visit to the Old Faithful Snow Lodge in Yellowstone National Park. After our fall visit, I decided that we needed to take advantage of having such an incredible place in our backyard, and committed to visiting at least once a season.

We journeyed in by snowcoach, which is much slower than car...gives you plenty of time to soak up the beauty of YNP's winter wonderland. Eagles stand out against the snowy backdrop (we saw 8), steam rising from the geysers and thermal areas lend an eerie effect, and animals like buffalo and elk move about sluggishly (kind of like the snowcoach) to conserve energy. Animal tracks abound in the snow, weaving together many individual journeys. Trumpeter swans are perfectly color coordinated with the winter landscape. It felt like we were inside a snow globe.

If you've ever been to Old Faithful during the summer, you might remember the crowds more than the geysers...I'm here to tell you that winter is the time to go geyser gawking. Our first morning, 6 year old and I were the only ones out watching OF erupt. Then we put on our snowshoes to explore Geyser Hill and the 10+ other geysers and pools on the way up to Morning Glory Pool. Again, we pretty much had them all to ourselves. I kept thinking how they seemed more magical 1. without swarms of people around 2. with their fire and ice effect, steam against snow. The majority of the world's active geysers are right here - only 4 other places in the world have similar concentrations of hydrothermal features. (And there're not exactly easy to get to: Russia, Chile, New Zealand, and Iceland.)

I highly recommend a winter visit to YNP...but if that's not happening for you, check out Tom Murphy's photography book, Silence & Solitude: Yellowstone's Winter Wilderness. Our upcoming January Winter Wonderland & Wellness yoga retreat is sold out, but you can still join us for the March 1-4 retreat - ask me, I'll help you plan an add-on trip to Yellowstone!

2011 Round Up

2011-12-31T11:53:00.001-08:00

It's the last day of 2011! I know you knew that already...but here I am to remind you. I hope that you have fun plans to ring in the new year, with festivity and at least a few minutes dedicated to reflection on the past year, plus hopes/anticipation for the year to come.

I thought it would be fun to pick my top posts from this year, on the 5 topics I love to write about on Cowgirl Yoga: Montana, yoga, horses, food, and motherhood. I am grateful that these wonderful things are the pillars of my life.

Montana: this time last year, my family and I had just kicked off a six-month stint in London. While it was an amazing, expansive experience, I was very happy to return hOMe to Montana in June, just as we kicked off our retreat season. One of the things I aim to do here is capture the magic of the many Montana moments we enjoy living here. A few of 2011's best include: our visit to the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas; my fave summer MT moments, and our fall Yellowstone visit (we head into YNP again tomorrow, in a snowcoach, for our winter visit).

Yoga: OM my, what can I say?? I spent the first half of 2011 with an almost daily practice at Jivamukti London, and I spent the summer and fall teaching yoga to amazing women on our retreats. How lucky am I, that I get to truly live my yoga? I could go on and on, but instead I'll give you my fave yoga posts of 2011: Yoga second chances, Come away from the wall, please, and My yoga nemisis.

Horses: Yoga and horses are my therapy. I'm not sure I could survive without them. While I appreciated the time I dedicated to my yoga practice in London, I definitely missed horses: their smell, their touch, their warm breath, their wisdom, their ability to awaken such powerful feelings. I found that I physically crave horses, maybe as much as yoga now. 2011 horse highlights: my favorite lesson from my horse; equine poetry in motion, and healing with horses and yoga, our Cowgirls vs. Cancer program.

Food: I have to say...while we eat very well at home in Montana, my fave foodie moments from this year were from London and Morocco. High tea at Fortnum & Mason on my 40th bday, visiting the Marrakesh souks, and shopping for spices to infuse almost every retreat on chef Kate's popular Moroccan night, eating as much Indian and Middle Eastern fare in London as humanly possible. If you believe that rumor about the food in England being bad, you are very mistaken.

Motherhood: here's where I get all teary-eyed. There is nothing else that makes me want to stop time as motherhood does; yet, part of its joy is seeing your child grow. I will treasure the travel experiences we shared with 6 year old during our time in London, and watching her eyes open to a bigger world beyond where we live (love this post from our time in Morocco, and this one from Venice)...along with everything else we have shared this year, such as violin lessons together, horseback riding, and stargazing while snuggled up in bed. My favorite quote from her this year is the following gem: hugs share the most love because your hearts touch. There are no words to describe the myriad of ways my daughter inspires me to be a better person.

Thank you 2011, for everything. Welcome 2012! Yeehaw & Namaste.

Movement vs. Meditation

2011-12-30T11:38:00.001-08:00

OK I need to get this out on the table: I'm in one of those melancholy, uninspired moods that I am blaming on there not being enough snow in SW Montana (in damn fact, it's more like spring than winter. It's not right). Or, as careful as I've been to manage and balance my energy this holiday season, it may be the inevitable post-Christmas mood swing, or maybe the deer-in-the-headlights feeling as a new year is upon us. All in all, bad timing since normally I savor the new year and the reflection it invites.

I've been busying myself with activities that don't usually generate much reflection: errands, Christmas clean-up, laundry. I've pushed through some intense workouts at the gym to blow off steam. I guess I've been avoiding thoughtful reflection, dodging the new year's bullet as best I could. I've protected myself from it with movement. That's usually how I cope with any negative emotion: movement, action, productivity.

Then a voice overrode my circuits with this command: SIT STILL, for godssake. Ironically, I spend a lot of time advising people to savor stillness, yet I myself flee in the opposite direction when stillness is what I need most. So today, I sat my butt down and stopped moving, and noticed my mind's reaction: WTF? HOW CAN YOU STOP MOVING WHEN I NEED THAT MOST?? Exactly. The good ol' monkey mind, it will never let you down. I've realized that movement can sometimes fuel its fire. So I stopped. Moving. After the requisite period of fidgeting, that is (I figured that wasn't too much to ask for). My index fingers found my thumbs, in jnana mudra. Jnana mudra symbolizes uniting the individual self (index finger) with the universe (thumb). I was needing to get outside the self, and more connected to the rest of the universe, so this seemed appropriate. Cue Yoga Sutra 1.2: Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. Oh yeahhhhhh. Silence. Stillness. Sweet.

I'm not about to tell you that meditation is easy, because speaking from my own personal experience, it's been anything but. However, just as your body craves asana, your mind craves meditation, and it lets you know when you're overdue. Today was one of those days.

New Year's Resolution #1: meditate more. My 2011 reflections to come. Happy 2012.

Merry Montana Christmas

2011-12-26T13:08:00.000-08:00

I hope that you've been able to slowly sip some of this holiday like you would a fine, full-bodied cabernet...(vs. slamming it like you would a shot.) More musings soon, my big glass of cab is calling me.

Sweet surprise in my Xmas tree

2011-12-16T15:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, in, not under, my Christmas tree. We cut down our tree this year in the Gallatin National Forest, and it's a beaut. We got a spectacular 12 foot tree for $5, the cost of the permit. (You can read more about the last time we did this here.) We didn't notice until we were loading it up that our tree had a sweet surprise nestled in it - a very elaborate birds' nest. I was of course aghast at the possibility that we just took someone's home...but I am hopeful it was in fact abandoned back in the fall, and that whatever talented birds built it will create an even better nest should they return to the same neighborhood in the GNF.

When we decorated the tree, we placed some egg ornaments in the nest, some bird ornaments around it, and said a blessing for the bird family who used to live in it. And I feel blessed that this little treasure is part of our holiday this year. Every day when we turn the tree lights on, I look for it and smile.

My Holiday Hints

2011-12-15T15:31:00.001-08:00

I have to admit: I'm really enjoying the holiday season. Somehow, I've been able to strike a balance with it all, and haven't felt like it's run away with my sanity (yet). Of course, compared with my less-than-festive December getting settled in London last year, celebrating at home in Montana feels extra special this year. I've been pondering why the holidays can so often be a time of unhealthy excess: doing too much, spending too much, eating and drinking too much. It's a time when our life-balancing skills are pushed to the limits.

I realize holiday stress-busting tips is a topic that's been addressed ad nauseum...but I've just got to pass along the ones that are working for me this year...simply because, they're really working.

Set limits. So we've declined a few invitations...and we haven't lost any friends. Make careful choices about your time, and accept that you can't do everything. And that's ok. If you missed someone's holiday get together, make an effort to reach out in the New Year.
Don't just go through the motions to make 12/25. I've had way too much fun with my holiday shopping this year. Maybe it's because my daughter is 6, the golden age for Christmas...maybe it's because we sort of missed out on the gift-giving last year in London. Regardless, I'm enjoying the spirit of giving vs. checking people off my list. If you need more time to put more thought into a gift, does it really matter if it's a bit late?
Indulge on a schedule. Yeah, I know, how un-fun does that sound? But it works. If you know you're going to a party on a certain night, eat lightly and don't drink the few nights before. Don't just say, 'tis the season and vow to undo the damage in January. I've found that balancing out my indulgences (alcohol, sugar, heavy holiday fare I might not allow to pass my lips any other time of year) not only helps me feel better, but also helps me enjoy them more.
Let go of something without the guilt. I didn't send Christmas cards this year. I'm connecting with people I care about in other ways. And I don't second guess this decision every time a Christmas card arrives.
Yoga. I've said this before - it's when we need it most that we mostly can't do it. The irony...it would be easy to find other things to do this time of year, but I am making myself fit in time to practice, even if it's only a few poses. You can try some of my ideas on the Athleta Chi in 12 Days of Yoga Gifts, One Pose Wonders, and OM for the Holidays: How to Detox Now.

Ironically, I did buy a box of Christmas cards...but mainly because I loved the quote on them, from Howard W. Hunter (who turns out to be a Mormon prophet):

This Christmas: Mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and speak it again.

I'll definitely send them next year.

We 3 queens of Bozeman, we are...

2011-12-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

Husband is out of town for work this week. He calls yesterday and inquires, "So what did you do today?" I answer: "I went Christmas caroling on horseback to two senior centers, dressed as one of the '3 wise women'." Silence ensues. When I told 6 year old after picking her up from school, I got the same reaction, which is unusual since she's been especially chatty lately. As husband seemed to be in a state of disbelief, I told him to check out the article in the Bozeman Chronicle today.

It was an amazing day with Janice, our Cowgirl Yoga wrangler, and Vi, our Winter Wonderland massage therapist, joining me as the other wise women. Of course it's fun for us whenever there are horses involved, but to be able to bring some holiday cheer to the seniors was definitely the icing on the cake. Love Bridger stealing the show in this picture by sticking his tongue out. Happy horsey holidays!

12 Days of Yoga Gifts

2011-12-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

For the first day of yoga gifts my true self gave to me...

Happy first day of December! If you're not already in full holiday throttle, you'll probably get there soon...so how about some encouragement to savor stillness, even if it's just tiny little bites, to help you stay grounded while the season swirls all around you (and may at times threaten to knock you down).

I always loved the song the 12 days of Christmas; the repetition lends it a soothing chant-like quality. And I might add, who doesn't love the image of a partridge in a pear tree? A few Christmases ago when 6 year old was a toddler, it was her favorite song, which cemented its status for me. This year I wrote an article for the Athleta Chi inspired by this tune: 12 Days of Yoga Gifts. Head on over to the Chi to learn how to give yourself some small yoga gifts that pack a big pranic punch: 2 books with healthy tips in small packages (perfect for short holidaze attention spans); 2 bountiful blessings; 2 mudra meditations; 4 balancing one-pose wonders to keep you grounded; and looking ahead with your third eye — a few yoga intentions to inspire you for 2012. Add it up and you’ve got 12 Days of Yoga Gifts, just for you. Let me know what you think by posting your comments there.

Happy Holidaze!

Photo by Larry Stanley, taken at Bozeman's Your Yoga studio

Behind the scenes: my at-home yoga studio

2011-11-30T12:40:00.000-08:00

Game on. Susie Hoffman of Envi Design has embarked on my at-home yoga studio project, which she will be chronicling along the way...here's installment #1.

Years ago, I had the good fortune to design for Clodagh in her New York studio in Soho. Originally, I was drawn to the design Guru because of her holistic approach to design and to the spirituality she seemed to impart on each project. During my tenure with Clodagh, I designed the West Side yoga studio for YogaWorks, a nationwide yoga studio born from the boom in yoga practice during the early 2000s. This project ignited a passion in me to continue within this vein of design: Yoga, Spa and Wellness. I found a direct link between the spiritual mind body connection and the physical mind body connection. I continue to strive to create environments that enhance the experience of being.

Since I have begun my own interior design practice, Envi Design, I have designed a private bath house and spa in Whitefish, worked with Sage Spa Living and Your Yoga, both in Bozeman respectively. When long-time friend (and former client) Margaret Burns Vap, founder of Big Sky Yoga Retreats, asked me if I would consider creating a yoga studio in her home, I beamed at the opportunity. We developed idea after idea and decided to document the transformation of her basement home studio. As a follow up to this transformation, I offered to teach a seminar for her newest Winter Wonderland yoga retreat in January: How to “zen” your home. I will give tips on how to bring the yoga experience to your own home.

And so commences the step by step process of Yoga Studio creation. The challenge?

How to transform this less than inspired room (above) into a bliss den for the Cowgirl Yoga guru of Big Sky Yoga Retreats.

I’d say we have our work cut out for us. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest in our design work. First, we will explore the human senses, sight, sound, and smell and how they relate physical experience. i.e. to tear out the carpet? or not to tear out the carpet.

Mission Impossible: staying yogic at Disney World

2011-11-27T11:23:00.001-08:00

Yoga perishes by these six: overeating, overexertion, talking too much...

socializing and restlessness. -Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Hello again. I've just returned from a week in an alternate universe: Disney World. If you are a big fan, I may offend you with this post. I'll try to keep my bah-humbugs to a minimum, since I truly don't want to spoil the magic...but damn, I design and lead active vacations for a living, and Disney kicked my ass. The upside is that 6 year old had the time of her life, and I'll admit I had my moments too...but I think we will cross that parenting rite-of-passage off the list without looking back.

It was tough to stay centered chez Disney. Yoga? pppfffftttt. I optimistically packed my yoga mat and luckily was able to squeeze in a few poses here and there, but I was surprised that what I wanted to practice more than anything was breath work. The kind you might use in preparation for childbirth or stressful events. So I could go on about why I don't ❤ Disney, but I'll keep this focused on one main theme: throughout our week of sensory overload extraordinaire, I often wondered why people think they need to be constantly entertained and distracted; we're teaching our kids this at a place like Disney. I know, it's Disney and not real life, it's supposed to be fun and fantasy, etc. etc. - but the sheer number of opportunities to overstimulate astounded me. It was overwhelming, and at times, not so fun or fantastic. How many rides can we go on, how many things can we buy, how many giant-sized food portions can we consume...all I wanted to do at the end of my Disney days was sit quietly in a dark room and breathe deeply to calm my nervous system down.

I think there is a parallel outside the world of Disney: we often lose touch with stillness in our daily quest to constantly "do". In fact, it's almost become a bad thing to be still. I think what irked me so about Disney is seeing this cultural problem being exploited and encouraged to the nth degree. I'm part of a movement that is trying to get people to slow down and savor stillness. It's no wonder I had a hard time staying yogic at Disney.

Alright, rant over. Rest assured that I rallied for 6 year old's sake, and rode every roller coaster with a big smile on my face (practicing pranayama, of course).

Winter Wonderland Lotus debut

2011-11-15T10:09:00.000-08:00

Last day to get the Winter Wonderland and Wellness retreat early bird discount of 10% off! To further entice you, a few words from interior designer Susie Hoffmann of Envi Design, who will be giving our how to zen your home workshop at WWW. Susie was my very first friend in Bozeman; we were introduced by a mutual friend from Yoga Works, for whom she designed a few spaces. And she is about to start working on my at-home yoga room - yippeeeee! We'll be chronicling that zen-ing of my home right here, soon.

Susie says:

Every time I return home from a retreat, or even an inspired yoga class, I strive to recreate the experience in my own home. After all, one of my favorite benefits of yoga is that you can practice anywhere, any time; not just under the glorious Montana sky. However, when I do get to my house, I am often less than inspired to roll out my mat to return to the spiritual place from whence I have just returned.

Perhaps it is the clutter of everyday life that prevents me from dedicating time for myself. The distractions of chores, work, children, (even pets!) cause me to leave my mat in the corner, a nagging reminder that I am NOT practicing yoga.

As an interior designer with a background in spa and wellness design, I have developed a few simple ways to incorporate yoga into your home. During Winter Wonderland, we will review ways to create dedicated practice areas. We will also discuss methods to “spread the zen” throughout the whole home.

As a special treat, the Winter Wonderland yoginis will be the first to see the furniture from my newly developed yoga furniture line: Lotus. These hand-crafted pieces provide storage options for yoga gear and double as altars for yoga practice. They are truly beautiful and I can’t wait to introduce them to the Winter Wonderland yoginis!

See you there!

Winter Wonderland & Wellness Yoga Retreat

2011-11-14T11:55:00.000-08:00

It's been a bit wintery around here. Although it was unbelievably chilly in London (that whole humidity thing), we didn't see much snow...so I forgot how gleeful it makes me to see the big white flakes falling. My 6 year old is getting reacquainted with it as well - it snowed all day Saturday, and she spent a big part of the day outside playing...after many hours of building forts, making snow angels, and moving snow around in her sled, she came in, took off all her gear, and marched over to bed for a power nap. What a fun way to wear yourself out. Makes me look forward to doing the same on skis soon.

Montana is truly a winter wonderland. You've got a guaranteed white Christmas, snow sports galore, and no, it's really not that cold - so you can get out and enjoy playing in the snow (again, the humidity thing: the lack of it makes for a more comfortable winter, vs. a bone chilling humid one). I'm getting super excited about our Winter Wonderland & Wellness retreat in January, which is going to be all about playing in the snow, plus cozying up inside to learn how to stay healthy during the winter season. Here's what we'll be doing (deep breath): yoga - massage - cooking lesson and seasonal eating discussion - a tea-making workshop - cross-country ski lesson - snowshoeing - a how to zen your home workshop, including setting up an at-home yoga space. Whew! So no need to hibernate - make winter a season of wellness. We'll show you how! Only 2 spots left on this retreat, and tomorrow November 15 is the last day to get the 10% off early bird discount!

We're back at the astonishingly gorgeous Double T River Ranch for this retreat, which means yoga in the barn. Join us! I'd love to welcome you to Montana this winter. Namaste.

Interview with a Rocket Girl

2011-11-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to say how long it's been since our last interview...but this spunky yogini here will get things going again. She divides her time between DC and Montana (that sure sounds familiar!), rocks the Ashtanga practice, and will hopefully join us on retreat at some point in the near future, to blast us with some Rocket Yoga. Or teach us all how to do firefly pose while hiking, as she is perfectly pictured doing in Glacier. Meet Peg, who authors a blog called MySpace.OM that will make you laugh out loud, remind you to enlighten up, and inspire you to get your butt on your mat, no excuses (she has that effect on me).

A paragraph on Peg the yogini, please.

Eleven years ago, Peg (I love writing about myself in the third person) was a reluctant yogini at best. She came to yoga in search of arms like Madonna’s. Not as interested in the rest time yogis seemed to like after a vigorous practice, she would not-so-quietly roll up her mat and take off for a kickboxing class around the corner. Her life was quite full between kids, work, and school - with meals on the run and sleeping as a luxury.

Then this yoga, which was really just supposed to be a shortcut to buff arms, started to get in the way of life as she knew. All of a sudden, she was eating better, sleeping sounder, and even traded in for good, the boxing gloves for a yoga mat.

Today, she practices 5-6 mornings a week and indeed, has arms like Madonna - but wouldn’t even consider using them to hit anyone anymore.

One of the original intentions for Ashtanga yoga was to help teenage boys blow off steam. What about this practice drew you so strongly (at an age slightly beyond your teens)?

Hey – did you just call me old?

(I’ll now move on from third person, if you don’t mind.)

I love the physicality of an Ashtanga practice. Is that wrong to admit? Do you think less of me now? There’s more, but it’s important to recognize that this type of yoga is a very physical practice and those that are drawn here find the benefit of a strong and supple body.

But like I said, there is more …

Ashtanga challenges me, inspires me, and keeps me grounded. It is a practice that encourages - actually demands - commitment and dedication. Much of my day is spent in a creative capacity (I’m a writer) with little to no structure – I need and crave the steadiness and discipline from my yoga to keep my world in balance.

If you HAD to choose…Ashtanga or Rocket?

You did not just ask me this, did you? That’s like asking which child I love better? I have one child who is disciplined, reliable, and a real go-getter. The other is a whimsical, easy going, and will never die of a heart attack - according to his second grade teacher. And I love them both with all that I am, for each makes my life better and happier and more fulfilled.

Ashtanga is that disciplined, reliable, and high achieving practice. Its daily practice is structured in a way where each posture is introduced as the student is ready to receive. It is a practice of mastery and dedication and not for the faint-hearted.

Rocket is based on the Ashtanga sequences but offers students variations and the opportunity to experience the more advanced postures they may not necessarily be proficient in yet. It is more creative and fun and gives the student room to play with their edge.

Ashtanga is very much about working from the place you are now – and Rocket is more about working from a place of possibility.

I need them both so, nuh-uh, I’m not choosing.

When you’re in DC, what do you miss most about MT? When you’re in MT, what do you miss most about DC?

I remember driving down the Boulder road one summer morning with a view framed by the mountains, river, and intensely blue sky. My husband said, “Enjoy this view for soon it will be replaced by a jammed interstate, tall buildings, and grayer skies.”

I miss that beauty and majesty right now. When I’m in Montana, I can slow down, relax, and truly just be. It’s like a long and luxurious exhale. I miss the great outdoors, the hiking, and even the fly fishing (my husband’s form of yoga). But most of all, I miss my girl, who is currently a sophomore at MSU. I’d have to say, I miss her the most.

DC has an energy that’s palpable. I enjoy the frenetic hustle and bustle of the city. I love the excitement, the diversity, and if I were to be honest – the shopping! I practice and teach at the Ashtanga Yoga Center in DC where we offer both traditional Ashtanga and now Rocket Yoga. So more than anything, when I’m in Montana, I miss my teachers, my students, and my morning Mysore practice.

Because I just have to know: what is your fave pose in the Ashtanga primary series, and what lessons has it taught you? your least fave pose, and its lessons…?

I love all of primary series. Yep, even kurmasana, supta kurmasana, and marichyasana D. Crazy, right? (editor's note: yes. especially if you love supta kurmasana. I'm just sayin'...) But the primary series focuses mostly on the parasympathetic nervous system, a lot of forward folding, hip opening, etc. Kind of like that long exhale of Montana living.

I’m not so cracked up about second series, however. So much stimulation with it’s backward bending - gets my heart racing till I want to put on the brakes.

But perhaps there is something more...I require less assistance in primary series, but in second, I have to have help all over the place. There are at least three postures that to really get, I need to be “put” into them. And the worst is supta vajrasana. No one can do this posture without assistance – though I’ve seen many creatively try. It entails lotusing up your legs, binding your hands behind your back, a teacher pretty much sits on your legs and drops you back on your head 5 times. (I can’t make this shit up!)

We learn most from the postures we hate than the ones we love. And yes, you guessed it. Most of all, I hate to need help – I hate to surrender. Surrender to rest, surrender to a teacher, surrender to a higher power. This continues to be my lesson – on and off the mat.

Practice (violin) and all is coming

2011-11-06T14:23:00.001-08:00

I have a new passion. Uh oh, you might say...as would most of my friends/family were they to hear me say that out loud. So many passions, so little time. Anyhow: it involves a musical instrument and my 6 year old daughter. Through a random series of events, we've ended up taking violin lessons together. I am completely enchanted by the sound. Even if right now, we are only hitting a few notes that sound enchanting, while the rest sound a bit like a sick cat. But as Pattabhi Jois said, Practice and all is coming. We'll get there.

I've had a crush on the violin for a long time - it just strikes me as gorgeously romantic. I guess I was fulfilling my fantasy by having 6 year old take lessons; she's been learning the basics for a little over a year. But the sad truth is, I'm not very musically inclined. I've mentioned my insecurity about my voice...and I let that spill over into believing that I couldn't play an instrument either. So I decided, screw that - it's not like I want to become some violin virtuoso. I just wanna play. I just want to enjoy it. I want to share it with my daughter. Those three things are enough to make me explode with musical joy, and who the hell cares what I sound like. (Although I do feel bad for our dogs - one simply runs away when the violins come out, the other just sits and looks at me as if to say, what is that and why are you hurting it??)

Once again, like what happened when I was first learning to horseback ride seriously, I am reminded of the practice that is yoga when I pick up my violin. The focus on the breath. Being in the present moment. Um, coordination of movement (6 year old has been helping me with my bow hold - she's been doing this a bit longer than I have). And best of all, the way everything else melts away for awhile while you make music. I shocked myself silly when I played "twinkle twinkle little star" for the first time, like that first time you do crow pose and come down surprised and smiling.

"Twinkle twinkle little star" has taken on new meaning. Music for the soul, indeed. I'm off to practice (violin followed by yoga)...coming up next: interviews are back! And I think you'll really enjoy this one.

Pumpkin OM & scary MT face

2011-10-31T11:17:00.001-07:00

Can you see the scary face...?

It lives at the terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone Park.

Happy Halloween from this Montana Cowgirl Yogini! OM.

Cowgirls vs. Cancer 2011: Tanya's story

2011-10-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

October is breast cancer awareness month, and we're now accepting nominations for our 2012 Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship program (until November 10, so there's still time!). Cowgirls vs. Cancer is healing with horses and yoga for breast cancer survivors, and next year will be its third. Also this month, I'll be sharing stories from our four 2011 recipients, about their Cowgirl Yoga experience with us this summer. Here's Tanya's story. Yeehaw & Namaste.

Yoga and horses can fix anything. They're kind of like duct tape and hay string.

- Facebook post by Tanya (pictured above with Tres)

Even though I have been riding for around 15 years, and have practiced yoga for close to 4, I will still admit to being nervous about making the trip to Montana for Cowgirl Yoga. The thought of riding out in the wide open, over mountain trails on an unknown horse is a far cry from riding in a groomed 20x60 meter arena, or a short hack on a close by trail with a horse of my own. Yoga is also an area of my life that I am passionate about, and had become somewhat set into my ways. My friend Diane, who is a past Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipient (and bona fide cancer butt kicker) assured me that it would be the experience of a lifetime. She would be returning to Montana for this retreat, along with other inspiring friends including Susanna, who had just the previous year completed a half Iron Man. How could I chicken out with women like these along for the ride?

Soon after arriving, I realized that I NEEDED to be there. Janice has such an amazing way with the horses, and I learned so much from her that changed the way I view my own horses and riding. Ron’s calming influence helped keep me at ease as I learned completely new ways of doing simple things that I had long taken for granted. Western tack is a whole new ballgame!

After the first day’s ride, I was sore and tight from being nervous throughout the day. The yoga definitely helped balance this out, and Margaret gave me a new way of thinking as she explained to let each pose flow, rather than attacking or “making” them happen. I started to practice yoga shortly after completion of my cancer treatment, and came to think of it as physical therapy and a way to stay in shape. And though yoga is both of these, it is also something much deeper, and having Margaret’s perspective on allowing flow has changed my practice in a permanent way for the better. I also kept this thought in mind on the following day’s ride, and as my nervousness melted away I was able to enjoy every moment of the long and amazing ride though the most stunning scenery I have ever seen.

It was a whirlwind few days, and also a life changing experience that I will never forget. Memories with amazing friends, plus a new perspective on life. The pink mat from Jade Yoga has been with me for my every yoga practice since returning home, and the pink cowgirl hat from Athleta has a permanent spot on the bed post above my head. It is a great way to end and begin each day with a reminder of my time in Montana! Yeehaw & Namaste.

Just breathe - the ultimate yoga cliché

2011-10-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

I had someone once tell me that she hated it when yoga teachers say, "just breathe". It's like the ultimate yoga cliché - you go to class and the teacher is constantly reminding you to breathe. Like you would forget or something, right? OK but seriously: how many times have you found yourself in said yoga class, holding it?! I've been thinking about this a lot lately, because I've been guilty. Years of yoga, both teaching and practicing, and there I am, losing my connection with the breath, front and center on my mat. Jeesh.

Cue this song, appropriately called Just Breathe. (as I mentioned - I've left the 90s behind with my music technology!)

Personally, I think we need to be reminded to just breathe, on a daily basis. We're working against evolution here - our flight or fight response triggers a shortening of breath. So anytime we're feeling challenged or stressed, we're not breathing deeply. Sometimes we're not breathing at all. I think that justifies the ongoing reminder. And truly, my yoga practice is responsible for helping me appreciate the power of my breath, so that I won't take it for granted. It may be a natural thing to breathe, but it's definitely a practice to cultivate strong, powerful breath. Like asana, we have to work at it. With intention. With reminders.

Sometimes it's the simple things that we lose touch with - in this case, our most basic life force. So if you're in my yoga class and I tell you to breathe, sorry for the cliché.

Cowgirls vs. Cancer 2011: Kelly's story

2011-10-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

October is breast cancer awareness month, and we're now accepting nominations for our 2012 Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship program. Cowgirls vs. Cancer is healing with horses and yoga for breast cancer survivors, and next year will be its third. Also this month, I'll be sharing stories from our four 2011 recipients, about their Cowgirl Yoga experience with us this summer. Here's Kelly's story. Yeehaw & Namaste.

I’m wearing my pink Athleta cowgirl hat, channeling a ride in the Bridger Mountains as I write this.

We’re winding through the pines of a mountain forest, a line of women and horses. The smell of the pine, carried on a soft breeze, is intoxicating. I can feel the warmth of my horse, Dillon, beneath me and the sun above me. I hear the sounds of the leather saddle squeaking and the birds trilling, the laughter and low murmurs of my fellow riders and I am happy, completely happy.

I recall turning to Margaret and saying that this moment would become my “happy place”, envisioning it for years to come. She replied, “Just wait, there’s more.” And there was more, so much more.

The Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship was a huge blessing in the midst of a challenging time. There is not enough praise or gratitude enough to thank the Cowgirl Yoga team and those who support it. Although my chemotherapy and radiation treatments had ended months before, I still felt like I was holding my breath. Cowgirl Yoga released that breath, and I breathed deeply of calm and confidence.

Confidence returned to my body and mind, as I moved from timid and rigid in the saddle to synching with Dillon’s stride (and what a good and patient horse he was with me!), so that I could finish my week with a gentle gallop up Yeehaw Hill. The yoga classes reminded me of how amazing the human body is as I felt its every muscle and nerve, the air through my lungs, the silent place in my mind - and I thanked it for its service .

For the first time in over a year, I slept straight through the night, no hours of tossing around, no anxious moments. The days of fantastic food, beautiful weather and amazing women were a balm for my soul.

I was especially grateful to be with such a special group of people, yoga lovers, horse lovers, adventure lovers, lovers of laughter, my best friend, Becky, who nominated me and joined me at the retreat, and fellow cancer thriver, Su. I felt at ease, joyful, silly, comforted, relaxed and full. There was no room for worry or what-if’s because I was so completely full…stuffed, in fact, with positive, healthy, happy emotions.

That ride up the mountain is still my “happy place”. When I let the busy-ness of life avert my attention from its real purpose and meaning, when I forget how blessed I am to be here, when I feel like I’m at the end of my rope, I close my eyes and breathe in the pine.

Yeehaw & Namaste.

Photo of Kelly and Dillon by Larry Stanley

October Friday faves

2011-10-21T12:46:00.001-07:00

I think I finally slowed down this week. I'll admit, some of it was by necessity...I've been sick and lost my voice (still am croaking vs. talking)...which I decided must mean that it's my turn to listen instead of talk for a bit. Although I've been irritated by the lack of my usual energy, I've noticed that I'm losing that jumpy feeling. I'm appreciating more time and space in my life right now, and savoring some blessings I might not have lingered on during my busy season. Here are a few of my fave October things:

My horse. yeah I know, you've heard it before, but the blanket of soothing energy he wraps me in never ceases to amaze me. When I touch him I feel anxiety leave my body. When I ride him I forget whatever I was obsessing about, at least for awhile. And I love that knowing look he gives me, like, what's with you now? forget about it and just hang with me.
Lessons from little ones. It's hard not to get excited about Halloween and pumpkins when there's a 6 year old in the house. My daughter and I gleefully went over our plans for baking some October-inspired treats this weekend, and it would be hard not to catch her enthusiasm. I also had an unplanned riding lesson from a young girl who rode with me today...she seemed to sense that I needed some nurturing. Sometimes it's really nice to not always have to be the grown-up.
The Power of Myth. Myths haunt this time of year...and this darn book has been haunting me for a long, long time. I keep starting it and stopping. I've committed to reading it through, so maybe I'll have to hold myself to that by promising a book review here. So it requires a bit more concentration than a vampire read, but I'm up for it. And when something Joseph Campbell said clicks with you, it's a beautiful, inspiring thing.
Viparita Karani. Thank God for legs-up-the-wall. It's been my yoga prescription all week...I self-medicate, in a good way. This pose is perfect when you need your yoga moves to be on the slower side.

Happy Friday.

desperately seeking yoga high

2011-10-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

Not feeling well makes me feel ungrounded; it's like adding insult to injury. I know I should accept the need for rest and a slower pace, but what really ends up happening is I feel like a caged animal, wanting to do things and wasting energy getting annoyed that I'm not really up for much. I can't even settle in with a good book - I have this big list of books I feel I *should* be reading. What's up with this never ending sense of obligation? Can't I just read a book for pleasure? Good question.

Truth is, I've been a bit jumpy lately. Retreat season is over, and despite the fact that I was looking forward to downshifting to a slower gear, it's not always an easy transition. At least I'm noticing that I seem to be chasing my tail a little too much...and trust that I will settle down here soon. Do more yoga, you say? I'm working on it. I've had trouble settling into my post-retreat season practice. I miss Jivamukti London; when you get that spoiled, it's hard to get anything else to measure up. It's not that I don't have access to great yoga - I do. I just can't settle in (do you sense the recurring theme here?!). I've been trying out some new classes, plowing through some of my former fave home practices, I even did the Ashtanga primary series for the first time in forever. It all feels great - I mean, it's yoga - but I'm missing that big, contented in-the-moment afterglow that's so damn addicting once you get a taste of it. I'm in search of that pure yoga high, because I know it's out there, so why settle for less?

I think that with a yoga practice, as with life, we need to establish a solid foundation that we can draw from at all times. There are so many yoga styles, teachers, classes to choose from - which is wonderful, because it means that every yogi can find a good fit. And I've always believed that you shouldn't be a slave to one style, teacher, or class...yoga variety is a good thing. But, when you find one that gives you that feeling, that healthy addicting yoga high, you need to tune into that too.

The other day, as I went to put on one of my tried-and-true audio practices (without great enthusiasm), the cd got stuck. (Please note that I am in the dark ages and still use cds.) I took this to be a sign, and finally broke out of the feeling-sorry-for-my-yoga-self rut (and 90s technology) and downloaded a Jiva podcast one of my London teachers had recommended. And then, everything else went away...except for the nagging thought that it took me waaay too long to do that. I've found my fix.

Now if I could just curl up in bed with one book only...

Cowgirls vs. Cancer 2011: Pam's story

2011-10-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a few weeks and I'm still processing my LUXE Cowgirl Yoga experience at the fabulous Double T River Ranch. I was the recipient of a Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship (thank you, thank you, thank you to all the cowgirls who bought t-shirts to support the cause!) and the retreat was healing in a way that is difficult to describe. A fabulous group of cowgirls to hang out with, a cozy cabin by the river (with bald eagle as neighbor), delicious and healthy meals, beautiful surroundings (including a yoga studio to die for) and ….horses, horses, horses! If I'm lucky, I'll never finish 'processing' it, and it will be with me forever!

Certain asanas are linked with horses for me now - we practiced them on horseback to stretch tense and tired muscles and improve our balance. And my yoga practice has been reinvigorated. Although I've been practicing for several years, since my surgery I have been afraid to keep growing or to push myself at all. Margaret took the mystery (and, yes, fear) out of vinyasa flow and taught me a series of alternatives beyond just resting in child’s pose when challenged – and now I’m eager to explore a bit and try some new things. I am also fired up after spending several days in a row in the company of horses, learning from Janice and her team. Life is too short to live without horses! Somehow I will find a way to recapture that joy and spend more time with them. After all, there are two parts to being a cowgirl yogini, right?

Yeehaw & Namaste.

Pictured: Pam & Picasso, by Larry Stanley

I ❤ bugling elk

2011-10-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. -Albert Camus

We got our first big snow in the mountains the end of last week - yay! Fall has settled in, and in Bozeman that means we're surrounded by mountains that look like they've been dusted with powdered sugar. Inspired by the amazing autumn we've been enjoying, I packed the fam up for an impromptu Yellowstone Park visit last weekend. I decided that we needed to take more advantage of having a place like Yellowstone right next door, so we're committing to go at least once a season (already signed up for the Old Faithful Snow Lodge this winter!). I find a sense of renewal with the changing of the seasons...and what better place to seek further inspiration than our country's first national park? It's a place to really soak up and appreciate nature's seasonal rhythm. In the fall, the leaves are changing (the primary color in YS is yellow, from cottonwood and aspen trees), the snow starts to fall and dust higher elevations with its magical white...and best of all, the elk are bugling. I am mesmerized by this phenomenon, and it makes me smile and giggle and marvel at the wonder of being able to witness how the seasonal change affects this majestic animal.

What is an elk bugle? It actually includes a variety of sounds: grunts, popping, whistling, deep moans. Why does a male elk bugle? Apparently there's some debate about this in the scientific community; some say it is to blow off steam from the stress of mating season. The majority vote is that it's a challenge to other bulls, saying "I am ELK, hear me roar" - as in the biggest, the best, the strongest. We visited Mammoth Hot Springs in north YS, home to the largest elk herd in the park (almost 10K)...and these elk just do not care that there are people all over, so we got front row seats for the bugling, the rutting, and everything in between. The best was watching the local dominant elk boy try and run his women around. I wanted to cheer, "run girls, show him who's really boss!", but I didn't.

Other highlights included hiking to some funky rock formations called The Hoodoos, visiting the Mammoth Terraces (thermal features), and soaking in the Boiling River - a hot spring that has the largest discharge of thermal water in YS. If you're interested in the seasons of Yellowstone, I highly recommend a series of photography books by Tom Murphy. Start with The Comfort of Autumn. I'll be chronicling my family's future YS visits here, so stay tuned.

Cowgirls vs. Cancer 2011: Su's story

2011-10-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2010, everyone told me that there was always a silver lining and it would help me appreciate life, blah blah blah. But I couldn’t seem to find that silver lining as the doctors told me bad news every day, with every test, every scan. You have triple negative breast cancer, the type that is most hard to kill and that re-occurs the most… you have stage III-C, just a tiny step away from metastatic cancer…grade 3, the most aggressive form…when my mom started crying sitting next to me as the bright red kool-aid colored chemo moved into my body, and the nurses told me to hold still because if it accidentally leaked out of the IV and onto my skin, it would burn it so bad I would need a skin graph…as my hair fell out in unimaginable clumps leaving me looking like a baby chicken and sobbing in my friend’s arms...and my dad called crying, asking me if I was suffering too much and I reassured him over and over that I was just fine, it wasn’t too bad…I thought: what lessons could I be learning? Where is this silver f'in lining they keep talking about?

Then in the most humbling way, I started to feel supported. And loved. In a way that I had never been before. In an ACTIVE way, I felt actively, tangibly loved. My friends became like family. And my family? They became my friends. People gave to me. In flowers, and gift cards, and deliveries of apples (the only thing I craved), but mostly, in time and beautiful words and kindness. And as my friends came over almost every night with ice cream and whatever I could eat, and they tried on my wigs with me, and cried with me, and watched me while I slept…I started to feel the beginning of hope, and the transformation of my life.

When I found out I had won a scholarship for the Cowgirl Yoga retreat in Montana, I couldn’t believe it. I never win anything! It’s something I never would have been able to afford to attend. And when I stepped foot into the studio for our first yoga session, with the light gently coming in through the windows, and the amazing sky as picturesque as can be, and Margaret handed me my pink yoga mat (for me to keep!!), I felt gratitude wash over me.

Whispering in my horse Bridger’s ear about the bigness in my heart, and watching the laugh lines around wrangler Janice’s eyes as she hooked her fingers into her jeans and tipped her cowboy hat back…laughing and giggling like children with the beautiful women in my group…learning to trust in my body again as I pushed and pulled and nurtured it…and going head to head with Ron in hula hooping as Mike the dog lazily watched from the porch…I felt joy. I borrowed from the strength of Bridger’s long muscles and confident strides, until I could claim them as my own. I gathered the laughs and pure fun and used them to feed my soul. And the light that just plain happened from the genuine kindness and love of what they do helped clear the way for me, to see that silver f’in lining in the clouds.

Pictured above: Su with Bridger, by Larry Stanley

Words to live by

2011-10-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

‎You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle.

-Steve Jobs

Thank you Steve Jobs, for your creative genius and for being a visionary in my lifetime...rest in peace.

One Week of One-Pose Wonders

2011-09-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

Fall has arrived. It often feels more like a new beginning than New Year’s: that lovely chill in the air, back-to-school time, settling down from summer. It also usually means a big shift in daily schedules, which always takes some getting used to. As you acclimate to the changing of the seasons and all the changes that it brings, you might feel time-crunched and unable to fit in a longer yoga practice in between back to work/back to school. Take heart – when you’re craving connection with your yoga mat, a little yoga is much better than no yoga at all. Even if it’s only one pose. Check out my latest yoga tutorial One Week of One-Pose Wonders on the Athleta Chi Blog and start posing!

One-pose wonders are just like they sound — one pose that works wonders. (OK, maybe a teeny bit more than just one, but each pose or sequence takes less than 5 minutes!) None require a warm-up, so each can be done on its own, anytime of day — whenever you need to tap into that uplifting, healing power of yoga but can’t do a longer practice. Each addresses a different part of the body where stress is likely to show up and accumulate, so over the course of a week you’ll hit all the hot spots. And if you have a little more time, you can put them all together for a simple, effective sequence. It may not be 90 minutes of power vinyasa…but it just might do the trick.

Got other one-pose wonders you'd like to share, or have me explore here? Please post in the comments! Namaste.

Pictured: one of my latest one-pose wonder faves, locust pose - works wonders for the low back. Photo by Larry Stanley.

Small yogis, larger-than-life gifts

2011-09-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I did what that Eleanor Roosevelt quote instructs: do one thing every day that scares you. Teaching yoga to adults? No problem. I haven't been nervous about that for some time. Teaching yoga to kids? Scary! I mean, that's a tough crowd. No one wants to be told what to do. Attention spans are short, and they aren't going to be polite and fake it either. When I was asked a few weeks ago to come speak to Kindergarteners and 1st graders about yoga, I said sure. When the day arrived, I found myself a little bit scared.

But I put on my game face and trooped into the school with my yoga mat slung over my shoulder, hoping I looked somewhat cool. As I stood in front of my first class with 20+ eyes all on me, I gulped, smiled, and felt a small trickle of sweat run down my back. I knew the moment I had their attention would be fleeting if I didn't get it going on. And then - I unrolled my yoga mat and invited them all to come feel it ("soft and squishy!" "like butter!"). I asked them to close their eyes and focus on the sound of their breath, and to remember that they could do that anytime they felt upset. We did lion's breath, and once I got them roaring they were hooked. We balanced on one foot and became strong, silent trees for a few moments. We went down on all fours and arched our backs like Halloween cats, in honor of the approaching holiday. Basically, I had a hard time stopping once I got the yoga party started.

I was reminded of one of yoga's lessons that I keep coming back to: it's about harnessing our energy. I think that's what I was worried about, since as the mother of an energetic 6-year old, I know how hard that can be with children. But yet again, yoga taught me a lesson in how it works for everyone. As my time was up with one of the classrooms, and I stood there grinning and not wanting to leave, 2 girls came up and stood in front of me for a moment. Then they each hugged me, and I thought my heart might burst. Every day, I receive unexpected, larger-than-life gifts from this practice. Namaste.

Pictured: me and my favorite small yogini, my daughter, practicing partner tree. Photo by Larry Stanley.

Yoga, Hiking, & a Horse Handstand

2011-09-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

Soooo much to share! But I have to be quick, because I am off to our last retreat of the 2011 season today - Eat Pray Love Yoga & Hiking in Big Sky. Yesterday I warmed up on one of my fave Bozeman hikes, Hyalite Lake, which is 11 miles, 11 waterfalls, and 2,000 feet elevation gain...so dancer pose was much needed after the ascent! (It's an amazing quad stretch.)

Last weekend's season finale of Cowgirl Yoga - the LUXE version - was high energy in every sense of the word. This horse handstand with my Dude Boy gives you a feeling for that...check out more fantastic photos here. Thanks Cowgirl Yogini Susan (a former gymnast) for the great idea, it may be my new favorite!

I'm looking forward to hunkering down for fall starting next week. I'll be reflecting and reading more, spending time in my kitchen and finally putting to use what I learned from my cooking lessons in Morocco, diving in deep to my own yoga practice, and last but not least...lots more blogging. Yeehaw & Namaste.

Season Finale: LUXE Cowgirl Yoga

2011-09-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

Ooooh. Aaaahhh. Our last Cowgirl Yoga of the season, the LUXE version, is this weekend. And I confess that it might be my fave retreat (although it's certainly a tough choice), especially because the Double T River Ranch is, well, so very luxe. We'll get to celebrate with another cancer kickin' cowgirl, our 4th Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipient this year, we'll get our yoga on in the restored barn, there's a crispness in the air that calls for some complex red wine, Chef Kate is planning her usual off-the-charts menus, Kris from Hill Botanical is joining us with her healthy herbs and tea blends (she's working on a custom Big Sky Yoga Retreats blend for 2012!), and we've got some very interesting things going on behind the scenes...can't disclose now, but one of the items on my to-do list today was to pick up 15 sets of false eyelashes. You know if there are going to be false eyelashes involved, it's going to be fun with a capital F. (No, we won't be putting them on the horses...although come to think of it, that would be Fun!!)

We've also just recently added a new winter retreat in January 2012 at the Double T River Ranch: a Winter Wonderland & Wellness weekend. Because winter is not for hibernating - it's a wonderful time to focus on your well-being. We'll be doing some amazing workouts in Montana's winter wonderland: Nordic (cross-country) skiing is a cardio kick-in-the-pants, as is snowshoeing. We'll be warming up our muscles with yoga, of course. There's a cooking lesson emphasizing healthy eating ideas for when it's cold outside, and we'll learn how to make a warming winter tea brew. And did I mention massage...? So come play in the snow with us, and afterwards get warm and cozy inside, healthy-style! Say you saw it on the Cowgirl Yoga blog and you'll get 10% off if you book before October 31.

Hiking Highlights

2011-09-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

It's September but it's still feeling like summer in Montana...I'm looking forward shifting into fall, savoring the hint of coolness in the air, and anticipating a season of pumpkins and cozy sweaters ahead. It's coming: snow! I can't wait. But meanwhile, there are trail rides and hikes to be done, and two more retreats to enjoy this month. We had our annual Eat Pray Love Yoga & Hiking retreat over Labor Day with a fabulous group of athletic and enthusiastic women, who as one of them put it, enjoyed getting their "rears kicked" with all the yoga and hiking. In between we savored EPL themed dinners (Italy the first night, Indian the second, and Asian the third) and sipped wine from Namaste Vineyards. I'm sharing some of the hiking highlights in pictures - as you can see, Montana weather decided to go easy on us. Happy September, wishing you much health and happiness this fall.

Couples' therapy, & being a little bit of a badass

2011-08-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

I just got reacquainted with fear, something I've spent a good part of my adult life trying to conquer...see, I was brought up to be scared of getting hurt. Which is why I think I've ended up doing things like horseback riding and skiing as an adult. It's some part of my subconscious working out the need to prove that I'm not scared and that I'm a badass. Well, I'd settle for being just a little bit of a badass.

I've worked through it in increments. It's actually been awhile since I've been scared by a horse. But today, my equine Dude and I just weren't getting along. Like everyone else, we both have our issues. One of his is not wanting to be away from the herd, so he gets mad when I make him go out with just me. Sort of like an old boyfriend in high school that couldn't be away from his guys. And when he gets mad, I get nervous. Then we both are on high alert. So, this is one of the things we must work on, together. It's good for us and our relationship - every couple needs alone time, right? But today, Dude was not having it. As I cantered him out in the field, he decided to amp it up and try to make a run for it back to his buddies...like I wouldn't notice. My brain went into panic mode as I worked to get 1,200 lbs. of movement and muscle to slow the hell down. I've learned to love speed on horseback, but it took a long time to feel safe with it. This was taking me back to the bad old days. FEAR was flashing red hot.

And then I got mad. A little anger is sometimes good for a relationship, when expressed constructively. I hauled that horse around and got him to listen to me (badass!). It was one of two choices - let him be the boss, or assert myself as boss. Fear subsided as I took charge (wait - would this work with husband, I wonder?).

And then I relaxed. He relaxed. The adrenaline rush was over, and we both breathed deeply and let it all go. I even apologized (though I probably shouldn't have). It was some sort of horse-human couples' therapy. Horses have taught me a lot about communication and expressing my emotions (including the not-so-attractive ones), and learning how to work through them constructively. And after all, isn't making up after a fight the best part?

Photo of me and my Dude Boy by Larry Stanley

End of Summer sighs

2011-08-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

The official end of summer rapidly approaches...and I can certainly say that it's going out with a bang. The last 10 days have been packed full of summer fun, including: our last Cowgirl Yoga Ranch Camp for the season; a few day long trail rides that made my bum ache it was in the saddle so long, and finally seeing the movie Cowboys and Aliens (weird - but I'll take Daniel Craig in chaps any day). And I've also been slowly shifting gears for fall. Our first Eat Pray Love Yoga & Hiking retreat is next weekend, so I hit the trails (on 2 feet instead of 4) in anticipation of that. I adore the fall season - it's always felt like more of a new beginning than the actual new year. That shift into cooler weather, slowing down from summer, and digging into routine. Six-year old starts school (not sure who is more excited about shopping for school supplies, her or me...brings back great memories!), my own yoga practice will become more of a regular thing, and I'll have more time to process. It's a seasonal shift into less doing and more being.

And as I settle into the fall season and being more of a homebody, I'll savor lots of summer Montana moments, just a few of which are pictured here: our funky, open-air yoga studio at the CY ranch, that always leaves me smelling like incense, lavender, and horses; our CY branding sessions around the campfire (see the CY "brand" on the boots?); an exhilarating ride up to 10,000 feet, with Sacajawea peak above and Fairy Lake below; and the fish jumping in this remote mountain lake that we rode to yesterday. What summer memories will you savor this fall...? Yeehaw & Namaste.

Tiptoe Fish

2011-08-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

And yet another picture from the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas...practicing yoga in such a sacred space, under Montana's Big Sky, and having my fave photog and friend capture it on film - I'll look to these pictures for inspiration often. This one is of my favorite pose this summer, tiptoe fish. We've had a lot of fun playing with it on retreats. Speaking of, kicking off our last Cowgirl Yoga Ranch Camp of the summer this evening (pssssttt...online registration is up for 2012!). Yeehaw & Namaste.

Getting Connected

2011-08-15T15:30:00.001-07:00

I wish I had something profound to say. Maybe it's not a bad thing: my brain is taking a much-needed break. After two back-to-back retreats, I had to shut down for a few days. Don't get me wrong, it was a great ride, but it's also intense in lots of ways. I needed to go within, and nurture that for a bit with some solitude, some silence, some home practice. I also needed to reconnect with my family. 6-year old has had a fabulous summer full of playdates, horseback riding, rock climbing camp, and swimming lessons - not to mention our visit to the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas - but I know she's been missing me when I have to be away. So why do I do it? Because ultimately, the rewards go way beyond loving my job. I may not have anything profound to say right now, but my gratitude for what I do runs deep.

After every retreat, I am showered with thank you notes and gifts, and each and every one brings me to tears. I do not say this to brag. It humbles me. I am grateful that we can have this kind of impact on women's lives. The experience inspires me, as do the women. We come together for this whirlwind of horses and yoga, each on its own the catalyst for "emotions too complex to voice yet too important to ignore", and combine it with the power of Montana's natural beauty. On top of all that, there is connection. We recognize, we remember that we are all connected (and I'm not talking about Facebook!); the horses, the yoga, the nature all weave together and whisper the unspoken command: connect. Above all, we come together to connect with each other in ways I never dreamed possible. This feeling of connection inspires me to be a better mom, family member, friend, yogini; it inspires me to seek how to uplift not just my own life, but also the lives of others.

I was once asked in an interview who my heroes/role models are. I answered, my yoga students. One of the best things about making yoga my career is the inspiration I get from teaching people. I'm constantly amazed and inspired by every individual and his or her life experiences, challenges and goals. We have so much to learn from each other, and it's powerful to recognize that. Namaste.

COWGIRL Chic 101

2011-08-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

Here's an intro to Cowgirl Chic by contributing fashion editor to COWGIRL Magazine, Mary Donahue. Mary is a yoginista, and the trail partner of a spunky, go anywhere, try anything palomino piece of equestrian eye candy named Teardrop...and she's here to inspire you to rock your inner cowgirl. Thanks Mary!

If you’re reading this blog, you already have what it takes: spunk, compassion, independence, integrity; we’re just going to have some fun expressing these qualities in true cowgirl style! In doing so we will live our values, spice up our relationships and serve as a model for our sisters, particularly those younger in age, spirit or circumstance as they find their universal paths.

Here are two cowgirl inspired looks that are right on trend to try today:

Summer dress with cowboy boots. You’ve seen it, maybe you’ve already rocked it; it works for everybody. Mix a floaty, sheer or cottony-feeling dress with a heavier boot—this contrast in textures is a must. A mini will up the sexy scale and show off higher boots for those who have the equipment ;). When temperatures dip, add a retro sweater or barn jacket on top and some leggings underneath (tip: don’t try the leggings look with an all white dress). Still not sure, try one of my examples below:

Urban hipster: chiffon leopard print mini dress/skirt with Old Gringo or Falconhead boots-hot!
Traditionalist: white cotton or eyelet “Marianne” dress with vintage Dan Post boots or a sassy Luchesse pair. A print dress can also work. For extreme fashion versatility, a neutral buckskin, caramel, or chocolate color boot is a good choice.
Ranch gal: emblazoned tee, canvas skirt and Ariat boots (red ropers?). Not for branding day or splitting logs, but a comfortable and stylish alternative to our daily jeans for mucking and a trip into town.
Formal affair: A hand-stitched, couture ball gown in super soft deer suede and a custom pair of robin-hood style boots by Montana Dreamwear will wow ‘em in New York, Nashville, Sedona or Bozeman. Don’t forget the MD hat…these are the most fantastic creations in the Milky Way, cowgirls honor.

Yoga, cowgirl style! We at COWGIRL Magazine love to wear the newer bootcut equestrian breeches as yoga pants. They are sturdy, shapely and provide a firmer hold to all parts south than many traditional yoga pants—a nice feel on days when our confidence may not be at top mast. One day after unsuccessfully rooting around the laundry piles for my yoga pants, I slipped these on for a class and a crossover style trend was born! The best ones are technical riding pants, they happily stretch with any asana. Look for breeches made with breathable fabric in a summer or three season weight, especially for you studio sisters. A slightly heavier breech can make an autumn al fresco practice feel very comfortable, especially in the mountain West! (Bikram beware, you might overheat in these). I like to pair a traditional little yoga top with the breeches. Right now I’m wearing a pair of the Kerrits brand microcord bootcut breeches. I like the thin vertical ribbing which helps elongate my 5’4” frame. I tried a dark brown pair and am really happy with them (trying to kick my everything-in-black habit…). Check out the photo of my gorgeous older sis, Deborah Donohue, rocking bootcut style breeches in COWGIRL Magazine (Jan/Feb 2010 issue). Deborah is an in-demand yoga instructor in Santa Barbara and super cute late-bloomin’ cowgirl. Bonus? Chaps and chinks slip right on and off these breeches for a post-practice ride and can also protect the breeches from snags on the trail.

Tell us what cowgirl and yoga looks you’re rocking this summer on our Facebook page. We’d love to hear from you! And check out COWGIRL magazine…for all things cowgirl cool. Not your daddy’s cowboy magazine! Yeehaw & Namaste.

Cowgirl Yoga visits the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas

2011-08-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

You might recall that last fall I posted on the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas here in Montana...yes, in Montana (read that post here). I finally got to this wonderful place last week, with Larry Stanley of Montana Wedding Photographer. We basked in good energy, and let our surroundings inspire some yoga and photography. Even though it's a work in progress (the 1,000 Buddhas are currently being crafted), it's already a spiritual setting; and as Larry put it, one of his favorites, next to the Lhasa Tibet and the banks of the Yellowstone River.

Here's the plan for the 1,000 Buddhas:

1,000 Buddha statues will be placed back to back down the spokes of the Dharma wheel. Each of the handmade concrete statues contains prayers, mantras and blessed substances. 1,000 Buddhas are predicted to appear and teach during this aeon...Buddhas, through many lifetimes as beings practicing compassion and awakening, are those who have perfected the view which liberates us from samsara, the cycle of suffering. They bring blessings, peace and harmony...All beings possess the innate qualities for becoming Buddhas. Buddhists do not worship statues...practitioners bow to the enlightened qualities of loving-kindness and primordial wisdom which have been perfected by those who have become Buddhas...

Just another one of Montana's many pleasant surprises...for more of Larry's photos from that evening, visit his blog. Namaste.

CY Ranch Camp Round Up

2011-07-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

Once again, there are so many fun things going on, I can't keep up here on the blog! Last weekend's Cowgirl Yoga Ranch Camp was a beautiful blend of lovely ladies, perfect Montana summer weather, yoga and horses...and shortly after that finished up, I brought 6 year old to Missoula for a visit with my in-laws combined with yoga photo shoot with MT yoga photog Larry Stanley at the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas in nearby Arlee. Whoa and whew! Stunning images images from that to come. But first, a few of my fave moments at CY Ranch Camp:

Top-notch birdwatching: we saw a golden eagle, who kept coming back to the same spot throughout the weekend, for our viewing pleasure; and a pair of sandhill cranes with a baby, doing their eerie call and funky bird walk through the field every morning.
Playfully practicing garudasana eagle pose, krounchasana crane pose, vatayanasana horse pose and gomukhasana cow face pose, in honor of the animals we shared the weekend with.
A hummingbird visiting our open-air yoga studio while we were meditating the first morning (is there a hummingbird pose...?)
Cowboy Ron showing off his hula-hooping skills.
"Boss Mare" Janice racing Red (aka Ready Set Go) up Yeehaw hill - an awe inspiring sight, accompanied by the amazing soundtrack of thundering hooves.
Me getting to practice dancer pose with my horse Dude Boy during our CY photo session with Larry.
Our sunset hike up to photo-op hill, where we were surrounded by views of 3 mountain ranges: the Crazies, the Bridgers, and the Absarokas.
A lovefest with the neighbor horse herd at photo-op: they ran over to greet us, and much sniffing, snorting and gentle nibbling ensued.

Happy last Friday of July! Yeehaw and Namaste.

Namaste Nuzzle

2011-07-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

Another picture worth 1,000+...whenever I look at this, I feel a sense of calm come over me.

Headed off the grid tomorrow to our July Cowgirl Yoga Ranch Camp, where this picture was taken recently. Can't wait to meet our next round of Cowgirl Yoginis, and see who else decides to nuzzle the Namaste sign.

Health, Happiness, & Horses

2011-07-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

Is it really the middle of summer already?! We are in the throes of Cowgirl Yoga season, and it's always a roller coaster ride. I adore my job, but I also have to be careful to manage my energy. This weekend has brought some much needed downtime and I am grateful. Like with a good yoga practice, you have to find the rest between the work. It's the daily quest for balance that is truly our life's work.

I went into last week's retreat a bit unbalanced. I had just had a bad back episode, and I think my living in London time away caught up with me - I had a lot on my plate and wasn't making much progress plowing through it. I felt overwhelmed. I did my usual fretting over details. Then something shifted; our group of women blended together in a beautiful way. There was honesty, openness, and tons of laughter and silliness. I felt myself lighten up. Although I was the retreat leader, the energy of the group lifted me. Basically, they were doing my job, on me!

For me, one of the most uplifting parts of this last week was having two of our Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipients here. We plan this program all year, and then when the women arrive, we get to see it all come together. Best of all, we get to see them celebrate health and happiness, with horses. It brings tears to my eyes every time. Thank you Su and Kelly for showing us all how to embrace life, no matter what it throws at you. Thank you Su for your wicked sense of humor that had me rolling on the floor, thank you Kelly for always smiling (I don't think she ever stopped), and for coming up with our hat's off photo opp!

Pictured above are Su & Bridger, plus Cancer B*tch, Su's anti-cancer voodoo doll who also joined us for the retreat; and Kelly with Dillon. See more of Larry's spectacular photos of the ladies in their Cowgirl tees here. Yeehaw & Namaste.

A picture is worth...

2011-07-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

...1,000 Yeehaws and Namastes! Hats off to these lovely ladies!

What a photo to capture this week's Cowgirl Yoga retreat. I'm not quite sure how it happened...but as one cowgirl yogini pointed out, the fact that no one even questioned the idea for a moment gives you an idea of how everyone was embracing the experience...and to quote another cowgirl yogini, just going where it took her.

It's a perfect reflection of the fun we had and the cowgirls' fun-lovin' personalities. We had two of this year's Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipients here - they inspired us all, and reminded us how important it is to giggle like girls. More to share from our week, coming up this weekend.

Photo by Larry Stanley

Poetry in Motion

2011-07-09T08:02:00.001-07:00

The nostrils of a racer are like petals of a rose...the neck is an elongated wave from which floats brilliant ripples of silken mane...the ears, inward pointing, are lilies in trembling water, and the whole body of the mythical, yet fleshly, horse sways with the supple strength of wind, sun and sand.

- unknown Arab poet

Photo of the Cowgirl Yoga herd being turned out to pasture for the night - always a breathtaking sight; and a sunset silhouette at Bozeman horsecamp.

A rockin' time at the RRR

2011-07-07T14:46:00.001-07:00

I've been a bad blogger. It happens a few times a year; I get so caught up with livin' it that I don't have the time or headspace to write about it. Last week, I took Cowgirl Yoga on the road for the first time, to a dude ranch. It was an exciting and refreshing experience that awakened new possibilities for our program, and for Red Rock Ranch's Spa & Fitness Week next year. As I always like to say - yoga makes everything better. My family got to come along for the dude ranch ride, so not only did I get to do the job I love, but husband and 6 year old (5 year old actually turned 6 at the ranch, and was lucky enough to celebrate with a gorgeous horse head cake!) got to participate in the fun. Here are a few of my fave takeaways from this experience:

I was awed by everyone who participated in the Spa and Fitness Week. Two of the families that participated have 4 kids. These people were outstanding examples of leading a healthy lifestyle, no excuses. They are teaching their children the importance of good health, and sharing the experience of an active vacation together. So inspiring!
My first vaulting lesson was pure joy. I couldn't stop smiling for hours! It reminded me so much of yoga, and what it felt like that first time you discover how much potential exists between you and that mat...the same goes for the horse-human relationship. I hope to learn more and ultimately incorporate some elements of vaulting into our Cowgirl Yoga program.
I also enjoyed my first experiences with square dancing, cow sorting, and team penning - my face hurt from smiling so much! (Picture above is of our team getting the record time of 37 seconds - this after we gave husband a good talking-to when he messed up our first go!)
Montana's beauty may be #1 in my heart, but Wyoming comes in a close second. The picture above was just one of the breathtaking backdrops for all our riding, hiking and yoga.

Enjoy the pix. Yeehaw & Namaste.

Meet Cowgirl Yogini Su

2011-06-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to introduce Su, one of our four Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipients for this summer. I hope you will be as inspired as I am by the grace and strength of these cowgirl yoginis. Yeehaw and Namaste.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June, 2010. I started aggressive dose dense chemotherapy (every 2 weeks) in July. My last chemo was in November, followed by a lumpectomy and axillary node dissection, and lastly 6 weeks of radiation.

I am 39, with 4 sisters, 11 nieces/nephews, amazing friends, and 1 cat that uses the toilet! I am a psychologist in Oakland, CA, where youth are expected to be shot or go to jail, vs. graduating. I foster dogs that are about to be euthanized at kill shelters. I was raised by my uncle, aunt, and 4 cousins (now my sisters). My mother died when I was 4, and my father when I was 11. I have grown up being a survivor, a warrior. I wrote this update to family and friends after my second round of chemo: "I wish I could say inspiring things, like woo hoo, I am kicking cancer's ass, etc., but truthfully, I am not sure why everyone uses language like 'fight' and 'battle', because I don't feel that is the case at all. I don't feel like any soldier I've seen in the movies. I feel terrified, quiet, and passive; as though I have already been beat down, and I am quietly turning my head and closing my eyes, wishing I was far away. Last night, I dreamt I was a super hero. I was BIG! Like Godzilla, and I saved a childcare center from a big earthquake. I was strong. Then I woke up, looked at myself in the mirror, and remembered."

I love horses. In truth, I have not had enough time with horses, but I would ride and be with them every day if I could. I have always felt a special, peaceful connection to them. For me, horses hold magical powers of healing. I worked at a residential treatment center for severely abused children, and we had a ranch onsite. I wish I did more yoga. I wish it to be part of my life practice. Yoga means strength and awareness to me. I want to build back my relationship with my body so that I can trust its strength again. My update in February 2011: "Chemo done. Surgery done. Radiation done. First yoga session in months and my legs and arms are shaking and I am sweating. But it feels good. Pure. And I am grateful".

Having cancer has been beyond "challenging". More than taking my health, cancer has taken a part of who I am: my light, my spunk, and my voice. I want the chance to heal, to connect to a strong source of grace (horses), and reconnect to strength in my own body (yoga). For me, "yeehaw" and "Namaste" mean the same thing: gratitude.

Confessions of a reformed non-chanter

2011-06-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

Chanting is asana for the heart.

- Ram Dass

Way back when, I was mortified to chant in yoga class. I'm not going to lie - I don't have a great voice. I mean, I can be loud for sure, I can express myself verbally no problem, but it just doesn't sound like music to anyone's ears. So, chanting in my first yoga classes took me back to junior high tryouts for choir and never seeing my name on the 'made it' list. I went along with it, but only when I knew that the other voices in the room would carry my weak little warble along with them. If the class was small, my heart rate would jump with fear when the instructor announced we'd be chanting OM. I do also remember one day that we sang row row row your boat, and thought that was sort of fun...but other than that, not my fondest yoga memories.

I'm a reformed non-chanter. I LOVE it now. I think over ten years of developing my voice through teaching in all kinds of situations has helped. Or maybe it's just gotten better with age...but I can feel that my voice is stronger. Every once in awhile I croak, but it doesn't mortify me like it used to. And chanting is a big part of Jivamukti yoga, which if you follow this blog, you know is where I started my yoga practice and where I just spent a lot of time practicing in London the first half of this year. Chanting felt cleansing, healing, powerful. I liked how I sounded, how it made me feel. I will confess to being a wee bit jealous of the beautiful voices my teachers there had, and wishing I was not "missing" this component in what I have to offer as a yoga teacher.

This past weekend on our Cowgirl Yoga Ranch Camp, after our last yoga practice one of the women asked me why some teachers chant and others, like me, do not. I may have made great strides in my attitude towards chanting, but it's quite rare for me to lead one when I teach. I answered her honestly about my voice insecurity, and - shocker - then I actually asked her and the group if they would like to chant. They said yes. And guess what - I didn't freak out! I belted out OM, they joined, and it felt so wonderful that we added two more. I was proud that after all these years teaching, I finally led a confident chant. And you know what? I think it may have even sounded a bit nice. Namaste.

Yoga, Horses & Hula Hoops

2011-06-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here are more photos from last weekend's LUXE Cowgirl Yoga retreat, courtesy of the always-amazing Larry Stanley. I'm a little proud of my horse Dude Boy, who appeared in quite a few, showing off his gorgeous side. Check out more pix on Larry's blog. Enjoy!

Laid-back Luxury

2011-06-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

Just back from our first Cowgirl Yoga retreat this season, what a fabulous few days of laid-back luxury at the Double T River Ranch. Despite epic water levels in Montana right now (flooding, rain, flooding, more rain), we were blessed with some beautiful weather for LUXE CY. I had been a bit nervous about getting back in the saddle - both literally, and with my yoga teaching, since I took a long sabbatical in London...but both felt soooo good and natural. As usual, I was amazed by this group of lovely Cowgirl Yoginis and the feeling of instant connection among us. We spent the long weekend deepening this bond, our yoga practice, and our horse-human connection, and savoring gourmet meals, spectacular birdwatching, and rainbows (the picture above of us dining al fresco has not been photoshopped). I. Love. My. Job. Yeehaw & Namaste.

hOMe again

2011-06-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Sooooo good to be hOMe in Montana! After a 2-day trip (don't ask) and a few days of jet-lag, I feel like we're settling back in. Got reacquainted with the dogs, our house, driving on the right side of the road. Soaking up being surrounded by wide open spaces again, mountains (still snow-capped! photos above of the Spanish Peak and Bridger ranges), and nature (photo above of elk herd behind our house). When we were leaving the airport after landing in Bozeman the other day, 5 year old opened her window, leaned her head out, and said, "ahhhhh, nature." I couldn't have said it better myself.

As I think I've mentioned before, good travel changes you. I was wondering what it would feel like to be home after six months of amazing journeys, how I would see things, what would have changed. Although I've been disoriented the last few days, and wanting to move things along so I would feel more grounded, I also realized that this was just part of the process. The moving dust will settle. Old routines are re-appearing effortlessly, but I now have the perspective to examine them in a different light. All the old toys 5 year old left behind are being rediscovered as if they were brand new; I'm feeling the same way about my clothes. Most of all, I've gained a new layer of appreciation for the place I call home...and I was already head-over-heels in love with Montana.

I've also been reconnecting with friends and colleagues, going over plans for the start of the retreat season (next Thursday June 9 is the official kick-off!). There is, however, one divine being I haven't seen yet...my horse. I get butterflies in my stomach when I think about our upcoming reunion. Stay tuned for my report on getting back in the saddle, and hitting the ground cantering for Cowgirl Yoga! Yeehaw & Namaste.

The bittersweet flavor of goodbye (and cupcakes).

2011-05-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

Why is it that no matter how long you know something is coming, or how well you prepare for it, sometimes it still feels like cold water in the face? Packing up to head hOMe to Montana tomorrow - very bittersweet. There were many tears all around on Friday, 5 year old's last day at British school. We took in red, white and blue cupcakes with American flags for her goodbye party. Goodbyes are inevitable and often sad. But when you see your little one struggle with the reality of goodbyes, it seems doubly painful. After the excitement of the party wore off and we were back at home, my daughter sat looking at the book of notes and photos her classmates made for her and burst into tears. "What if I never see so-and-so again?" I struggle to tell her why it's not impossible for that to happen (knowing it isn't exactly likely in the near future). Eventually, I just hold her while she sheds her tears, and I cry too.

I will admit that six months ago, I wasn't overly enthusiastic about leaving Montana to come to London; however, I feel satisfied that we made the most of our experience here. But it's not as clean as, we came, we saw and now we're heading home...we've made attachments here that we now have to cut. More than anything, I want 5 year old to remember school, and how that community enriched our time here like nothing else. It gave us the chance to experience living here firsthand. Which for me, is the whole point of travel.

Today, I pack with both a heavy and light heart, thinking of: sad goodbyes. the end of this amazing experience. going home with an exciting summer ahead. going home to everyone and everything I love. The complex, emotional swirl that is what good travel is made of. And a reminder that this is the essence, the true, raw emotion that underlies why we ever leave home in the first place: to taste that bittersweet flavor of goodbye. Softened, perhaps, by a cupcake.

Meet Cowgirl Yogini Pam

2011-05-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to introduce Pam, one of our four Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipients for this summer (one more left to introduce in the next week or two, so stay tuned!). I hope you will be as inspired as I am by the grace and strength of these cowgirl yoginis. Yeehaw and Namaste.

'Healing with horses and yoga'...I don't know about you, but I feel better just reading those words. Horses have brought comfort and joy my entire life. I learned to ride when I was six, if you call sitting with your best friend on the back of her mom's gentle roan gelding while he grazed in the pasture, riding. That same friend's big sister taught me basic horsemanship a few years later (I was thrilled to be allowed to ride her Palomino mare). I helped clean the corral and kept the tack/feed room tidy in exchange for lessons once a week. I still remember struggling to ride my bike home, temporarily bow-legged from a long lesson, and feeling on top of the world. That "on top of the world" feeling never fades - I still feel it, every time I'm around horses. Fast forward a few decades, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to attend Cowgirl Yoga with my friend Mary, who nominated me for the scholarship and is a cowgirl through and through.

Yoga was a later addition. I took a class at the gym my husband and I belonged to because I'd heard from friends that it was a great stress reliever, as well as a way to build flexibility and strength. I felt ridiculous at first, very awkward and self-conscious. But I'm so glad I stuck with it. It has helped me regain strength and range of motion following my surgery. Yoga breathing even saved me from a panic attack during radiation therapy. I was in my third week of daily treatments, and the process had become routine. One day while I was lying on the table, I became convinced that the machine had been on too long, that something had gone terribly wrong and that I was receiving a massive overdose of radiation. Terror washed over me so suddenly that literally from one breath to the next, I went from boredom and day-dreaming to feeling like I was going to die that very second. The only thing that kept me from leaping off the table was focusing on my breath, one breath at a time, until the feeling subsided. Of course there was nothing wrong with the machine, and I have no idea where the panic came from - I've never felt anything like it before or since I'm just glad hat I had a way to cope; all those years of practice paid off.

And now, I'm looking forward to learning some new things, meeting some amazing horses and inspirational people...I'm counting the days til I can say Yeehaw & Namaste!

My Yoga Nemesis

2011-05-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

The yoga pose that awakens fear in my heart like no other is - get ready for it - paschimottanasana. Yep, that's right, a simple forward fold. I will gleefully do pincha mayurasana, hanumanasana, titthibasana, just to name a few oft-thought-of-as-advanced poses, before ol' paschimo if given the choice. It hasn't always been this way. I used to be able to forward bend with the best of them. But ongoing back trouble, often brought on or exacerbated by forward folding, has made it this way.

I'll spare you the details, but suffice it to say that a muscle known as the QL goes into fits of rage if I forward bend too deeply, too fast, or too soon after backbending...and the result is an alarming pop somewhere in my lower back, followed by pain and immobility. Fun! So it's no wonder that I approach this forward bend with lots of caution, props, and modifications. I've also thought about just skipping it, and opting for something like dandasana, but it's become an exploration these days. I want to figure out what's going on, all in the name of preventing future back episodes. Knowledge being power.

And then there's this little annoying thing called the ego. Whenever it's time for this pose, my ego starts reminding me of my Ashtanga days when my forehead was smashed against my shins in a forward bend (see above photo of me being adjusted by Manju Jois, back in the day). Go ahead, you can do it, my ego whispers devilishly. And sadly, this is the hardest part of it all - being able to tell my ego to bugger off (to borrow a Britism) and let me do what I need to do to soften the pose and adjust it for my needs now. And what it comes down to is this: is it worth forcing myself into a pose for a few minutes, when the result could be disastrous and last much longer than the pose ever did? Which begs the question, why force yourself into any pose, ever? (Ego.)

It fascinates me, this yoga journey, and how our body's journey through asana over the years can take so many off-the-beaten paths. Not all of them arriving at fabulous destinations, but even so, many lessons to be learned on the road called the yoga mat.

Also, while I'm on this topic: I really hate utkatasana. Always have, always will. And I'm afraid there's nothing very illuminating about that - but at least I've come clean. Your yoga nemesis...? Do tell!

Travel Yoga

2011-05-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

Just back from our last travel hurrah, a weekend in Provence. I know, life is tough. But know what? I'm ready to go home. I'm a bit travel weary. And the countdown is on - we're heading hOMe on the range in less than two weeks. We've got lots of plans to finish off our time in London with flourish, so I'm doing my best not to leap ahead just yet so I can fully enjoy it. Even though I can't help thinking about mountains, my dogs, horses...and the exciting summer of Cowgirl Yoga ahead!

I'm finishing off strong with my daily classes at Jivamukti London. I've been super spoiled with this, and as a result I definitely felt the absence of yoga when I traveled these last few months. So, my latest yoga tutorial on the Athleta Chi, Travel Yoga Practice, was created to address on-the-road yoga cravings, to keep body and mind in top travel shape. This mini-practice will help counter the toll travel can take, and keep yoga cravings in check until you can get to class again (or until you are traveling to a yoga retreat!). Enjoy your journeys, yoga and otherwise!

Garudasana, eagle pose, is part of my travel yoga practice. This photo was taken in the mountains of Morocco, with North Africa's highest peak in the background.

Meet Cowgirl Yogini Tanya

2011-05-11T06:11:00.001-07:00

I'm thrilled to introduce Tanya, one of our four Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipients for this summer (two more left to introduce in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!). I hope you will be as inspired as I am by the grace and strength of these cowgirl yoginis. Yeehaw and Namaste.

In February of 2007, I brought a new horse into my life: Winter Spirit, aka "Fidget". I was looking forward to moving up the dressage levels with my new partner. That June, just as we were starting to get to know each other, I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. As my doctors laid out my treatment plan, all I wanted to know was if I would be able to continue my riding. Each dr. encouraged me to ride whenever I felt up to it, seeming to know it was as much a part of my life as breathing and sleeping. I am also blessed with family and friends who pitched in to care for the horses, and made sure that there was always time for a ride when I felt up to it.

Two weeks after my first round of chemo as my hair was falling out, I was tired of feeling like a sick person and just wanted to ride. Still a little weak in my upper body because of the mastectomies and the beginning stages of reconstruction, I needed my husband to assist me while tacking up and also to help me into the saddle. I also had to dismount "backwards", raising my right leg over Fidget's mane and sliding off with my back facing him. And although Fidget isn't exactly the type of horse one would consider for therapy riding, he quickly caught onto his sudden career change and took great care of me throughout chemotherapy.

After treatment ended, I had lingering aches and pains from the toll that chemo took on my body and the residual stiffness in my upper body from the surgeries. Lymphedema in my left arm and neuropathy in both hands also caused discomfort which made riding a challenge. While discussing these issues with my surgeon, he recommended yoga to me. A friend encouraged me to meet her at a yoga class one morning, and soon I found a new passion. Yoga provides a way for me to increase physical strength, and spend time focusing on me. The mat gives me a place of safety, where I don't have to think about what I've been through; I can just be in the moment working towards improved mental and physical strength. The bonus is that yoga improved my riding, and balance in the saddle. For me, dressage is like yoga for the horse, and connecting the two together has helped me pick up where I left off prior to my cancer diagnosis. Namaste.

Photo of Tanya courtesy of WNC Photography.

Giddy Up & go get the June YJ

2011-05-09T09:41:00.001-07:00

I had a nice surprise the other day.

A friend emailed to congratulate me on the mention in the June issue of Yoga Journal, to which I replied, what mention?! Cowgirl Yoga ranch camp was featured in the article Call of the Wild: climb, paddle, or surf your way to bliss on a yoga adventure. Giddy up and go get it, and check us out on page 40. Yeehaw & Namaste.

Roses & Yoga

2011-05-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

On Mother's Day USA (UK Mother's Day was in April, so I am getting to celebrate twice), a reminder from my daughter to stop and smell the roses. I was enchanted by the names of the different roses at the Queen Mary's Gardens in Regent's Park: lovely lady - pink, of course, chianti for some deep red ones, golden wedding for rich yellow roses. With our London days being numbered, I'm using this reminder to stop and enjoy each day here, instead of leaping ahead in my mind to our big shift back home in a few weeks. This weekend's relaxing pace has been the result of practicing living in the moment, something adults often forget, and are often taught by their children. And yoga. Roses and yoga, a great Mother's Day combo! Lucky me, I got both.

Happy Mother's Day. Be sure to stop and smell the roses on your way to yoga.

More Horse History

2011-05-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

This falls into the very cool category, particularly if you like horses + ancient history. It may be unusual to some that one of my fave places from our travels has been Britain's oldest hillside carving, the Uffington White Horse; we're surrounded by history here, but I am mesmerized by the really old stuff. It's a taste of the mystical and mysterious, with quite a few unanswered questions, such as: why would people living approximately 3,000 years ago feel the need to carve a huge horse in a hillside?? One thing's for sure: the timelessness of the horse-human connection (which I posted on previously here).

From the book HORSE - How the Horse Has Shaped Civilizations:

For millennia, horses have shaped belief...Epona, the Celtic horse-goddess whose daughter was Gaul, was taken up by the Roman cavalry as a spirit of that place; and, probably in honor of her British incarnation Rhiannon, the great white horse of Uffington - about 365 feet long - was cut out of the turf on a hillside in the Berkshire Downs over 2,500 years ago. The story continues all over the world, with horses snorting and snickering in sacred woods and on the wide-open steppes and in the skies and under the soil throughout the ages.

Unfortunately, the best view of the White Horse is from the air. Oh well. You can, however, walk all around it and view it up close, which we did. This is the sort of sightseeing that gives me chills; it reminds me that the poignant feelings I have around horses have deep roots in human history. Yeehaw and Namaste.

Does yoga make me a homebody?

2011-05-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

After a month-long school holiday, lots of travel thrills, the royal wedding, the big OBL news...I am craving a lack of excitement and some serious yoga. A return to the same-old same-old. A daily routine, if you will. I like consistency. I am, it seems, a bit of a homebody. I want to do the same thing every day for a bit - especially when that involves daily yoga class.

Today, I practically hurled myself onto my mat, following my month-long hiatus from the studio. Of course I've done some yoga - but it's not the same as full-on dedicating yourself to a focused practice (btw - travel yoga tutorial forthcoming on the Athleta Chi, with the deets on what I did while on the road). My time away from yoga only inflames my passion for it more - a fine example of absence making the heart grow fonder. It's my bedrock, the cornerstone of my health and happiness.

This is not the first time I've been reminded of the life balancing benefit of yoga. Yesterday afternoon, while strolling through Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace, I felt on the edge (as good a place as any for some emotional drama, I guess). I just felt full of intensity that needed someplace to go, following a month of new places and experiences. I needed grounding after all the excitement, drama, and big world news. This morning at yoga, I could move out of my head and into the asanas, guided by my breath. I left yoga with a better perspective, and a better attitude. I firmly believe that yoga helps me manage all the excitement of life, and makes me happy to be a hOMebody. What about you?

Morocco Mourning

2011-04-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

I had planned to write more about Morocco, but not in this way...a suspected terrorist bomb in a Marrakesh cafe killed 14 people yesterday. A cafe on the main square, where we got our henna tattoos and wandered through repeatedly. A cafe where we had mint tea, and after-dinner ice cream. The cafe where this picture was taken.

I am thinking about all our pre-Morocco worry over the possibility of something like this. I am thinking that I sat at that cafe with husband and 5 year old, my family. I have a knot in my stomach over the people that were there on this day, 2 weeks after we were. I came back from Morocco feeling blessed by the gifts of travel. Now I feel shaken and saddened by the risks of travel.

Who can ever know what is safe and what is not? After our days in Marrakesh, while we were in the mountains of Morocco, 5 year old tripped on a step and hit her forehead on a table. She needed stitches, and it took a lot of cross-cultural communication, a mule ride, and over an hour in a car on winding roads to get them. I consoled myself with the idea that this could have happened anywhere (although I confess it would have been a lot less stressful had it happened at home). I'm not sure I can say the same about what happened at the Marrakesh cafe. I'm sad for the impact this will have on tourism in Morocco, a vital part of a fragile economy. I'm sad for the impact this will have on fear of travel. Mostly, I am sad for the people who this time yesterday were planning to go to a lovely cafe, just as we did a few weeks ago.

Meet Cowgirl Yogini Kelly

2011-04-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

I've still got more Morocco musings on the way...but first, a Cowgirls vs. Cancer intro. I hear it's still winter in Montana, which means more snowpack and the likelihood of a gorgeous summer ahead; it's getting me in the mood for our upcoming Cowgirl Yoga season. I'm thrilled to introduce Kelly, one of our Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipients for this summer (three more to come over the next few weeks!). I hope you will be as inspired as I am by the grace and strength of these cowgirl yoginis. Yeehaw & Namaste.

I had the invitation list written out. I was humming the songs we would dance to. I was calling it my "Celebration of Life" party. It didn't happen.

In the midst of planning my party, and five years almost to the day of my first diagnosis, I discovered a lump on the site of my mastectomy. It's funny; you think you always find these things in the midst of your scheduled, monthly breast check while intensely searching. But while lying on the couch watching tv, my hand randomly brushed my chest wall and I felt it. Complete panic rushed through me in a hot, nauseous wave. It can't be cancer. My first diagnosis was actually a non-invasive pre-cancer called ductal carcinoma in-situ. But there was so much of it, they recommended mastectomy. So it's all gone, right? This has to be scar tissue or fatty tissue or something else. IT CANNOT BE CANCER. But it was.

There are no words to describe how betrayed I felt by my own body...again. How I berated myself. What did I do, what didn't I do, to get this a second time? Didn't I eat well, didn't I pray enough, didn't I exercise enough? Did I allow myself to become stressed over too many things that didn't even matter? What was I supposed to learn from cancer the first time that I didn't get, so that now I have it a second time??

The first time there was no chemo or radiation. This time, and at the doctor's suggestion, I ordered everything on the menu: surgery, chemo, radiation, tamoxifen. And I changed my mind.

Change your thoughts, change your life. If I was going to guide my life and my health in the right direction, rather than ricocheting and reacting to events, things were going to have to change.

I had great success in increasing my energy levels and my overall health with acupuncture and herbs, but had let life and limited income keep me away. I renewed my enthusiasm, found a great acupuncturist and bolstered my immune system. I signed up for a meditation class. I wanted to start listening to my body again.

I was surrounded by friends and family who fed me, prayed for me, who organized many weekends to finish renovating our bedroom so that I could be comfortable (a HUGE task), kept me laughing and loved, and one friend signed me up for yoga class. I loved it.

I had attended yoga classes on and off for years, but had not remained dedicated. As soon as I recovered from surgery, she took me to a restorative class. As we held our positions for seemingly endless periods of time, bolstered by pillows and blankets, the instructor guided us through meditation. I can't remember the words, I only remember the feeling of peace and calm that came over me. As if my body had been craving this. When the instructor began talking about feeling the floor underneath our bodies, how we could trust it to support us and how we should think of people around us in the same way - I thought of my family, friends, total strangers who had supported me and held me up. There was no fear of falling for me, into despair or self-pity or fear. I felt safe and full: full of life, full of love, in and around me. I left that yoga class with a deep sense of calm and expectations of good things to come.

One of those good things came to fruition when my best friend Becky nominated me for the Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship. How surprised and blessed I am to have received this gift! I have loved horses from near an far my whole life. As a young teen with my own horse, I remember the smell and warmth of my horse and how it comforted me, how riding made me happy. In my adult years, I have taken every opportunity to be with horses that I can...and I'm looking forward to my upcoming experience of healing with both horses and yoga at Cowgirl Yoga this summer. Namaste.

VIP pass on a leash

2011-04-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

A few months ago when everything started to heat up in the Middle East, I became a bit worried about our travel plans to Morocco. (Although it should be noted that I am well aware that Morocco isn't Libya or Syria.) Mostly, I was concerned about traveling with a small child and wondered if we were doing the right thing. We kept an eye on the news and went ahead with our plans. I did however purchase a child leash (NOT the same as a dog leash, people: it's a horse backpack with a leash-like hold attached to it). And can I just say, it was the best damn thing. The souks can get crazy, especially when motorbikes fly through the narrow alleys at high speed and without much warning. Not to mention, it made us lots of friends. I think they may still be talking about us and our child leash in the Marrakesh souk.

We discovered that children are revered in Moroccan culture. 5 year old was treated like royalty everywhere we went. She was like a VIP pass. She collected many head pats, hugs, kisses and gifts. The warm welcome she received melted away our previous doubts and trepidation of any culture clash; it made us smile and relax. We let our guard down a bit, and interacted more genuinely. Yes, we still had to haggle and all, but it felt less like culture clash and more like an adventure with our little VIP pass on a leash. I think it took the experience into a more authentic realm that we may not have touched upon as much, had we traveled without her.

Warm travel fuzzies aside - our experience and the attitude of Moroccans towards children made husband and I recognize that our own culture can sometimes be annoyed by childlike exuberance; we don't embrace it as often (and I plead guilty). It reminded us to allow 5 year old to be, well, 5, and not fall into the trap of our own adult expectations. Again I quote Tahir Shah, from The Caliph's House: Morocco has an antique culture, one that's still intact, with the family at the core. For me, the greatest thing about living here has been that [my children] can play against an inspiring backdrop teeming with a full spectrum of life. As a parent, I have escaped the sense of guilt that drowns all parents in Britain, where the Victorian conviction persists that all children should be seen and not heard. I encourage [my children] to be loud, to shout, to dance in the streets, to be themselves.

We are thrilled to see travel teach our young daughter many life lessons. We didn't foresee the bonus of getting some lessons in parenting too.

Morocco Memories

2011-04-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

Fresh back from Morocco and one of the very best and most intense trips of my life. Note to travelers: if you are considering going to Morocco and want a relaxing, do-nothing vacation, you might want to choose another destination. Sorry for the cliché, but it was an overwhelming feast for the senses. Actually, it was more like complete sensory overload. It reminded me of how much lies "in between the lines" when you are reading a travel article: all the stuff they can't really tell you about a place like Morocco. All the things you have to experience on your own, and let shape you. A trip like this changes you.

We spent most of our time in Marrakesh, and then ended with a few days in the mountains (which reminded me in many ways of the mountains of Montana). We threw ourselves into experiencing the intensity of a different culture, the souks, the mint tea and the food (the FOOD!), the hammams, the architecture and history, the swirling, pulsing, intensity of North Africa. We'd come back to our riad in the afternoon, shut all the shades and just lay there quietly, decompressing. I love this quote from Tahir Shah, in his book The Caliph's House, about Marrakesh: The medina there is an emporium of art and craft like no other; the narrow streets are packed through the long, dusty days with a frenzied tangle of life. There are donkey-carts piled high with pots, armies of vendors laden with brass lanterns and silver lamps, and swarms of small boys touting rough wooden toys. There are blind men soliciting alms, sunburned tourists with cameras in hand, pickpockets and undercover cops, bicycles and scooters, fortune-tellers and snake charmers, madmen and hustlers.

I'll be sharing lots of reflections from this travel experience over the next week. But I wanted to start with what may be my favorite memory of Morocco: the Islamic call to prayer. Five times a day, the muezzins of the mosques remind Muslims of their duty, via loudspeakers. The first of these is at dawn. You might think that for Western non-Muslims, this wouldn't fall into the fave category. Especially not the dawn one. But that one was indeed my absolute favorite, as it would pull us gently from sleep and remind us where we were, waking us up to the possibilities of the day ahead.

The call to prayer made me wonder what it would be like if we could all be reminded five times daily to pray, express gratitude, or just reflect on all the blessings in our lives. To dedicate ourselves five times each and every day to the vibration of positive energy. I'm not Muslim, but it was a reminder for me, a call to my own prayer. It's going to be a souvenir from Morocco that I hope I can continue to do in my own way, long after the henna tattoos have faded. Namaste.

Get the balance right

2011-04-08T03:47:00.000-07:00

My goodness. I've been a bad blogger. I've been London tour guide for the last few weeks for both husband's and my parents, 5 year old is out of school for the entire month of April, and we are about to kick off a few weeks of travel. For someone who thrives on good, solid routine, even fun "disruptive" events can be a bit ungrounding. But I was thinking how it all comes back to one word: balance. We've put in a few months of routine here, with 5 year old in school and me in yoga every weekday. Then we shifted into a new gear: we've given both sets of grandparents whirlwind tours, welcomed a lovely spring (the likes of which we really don't see much of back in Montana), and are leaving for a big adventure in Morocco tomorrow. By the end of this month, we'll have been places I could only dream of before. And come the beginning of May, it'll be back to the routine for a bit before we return to the States. It's actually quite balanced.

Too much routine can get boring; too much excitement can be draining. I may not be getting in 1.5 hours of yoga every day right now, but I am practicing on a smaller scale and in other ways. One isn't necessarily better than the other. It's about finding ways to balance, no matter what's going on in your life. For me, yoga is the continuous thread. How does yoga help you get the balance right? (And any 80s alternative fans out there: what band am I quoting?)

Just Be vs. Just Do It

2011-03-31T08:45:00.000-07:00

I'm one of those people who is really into efficiency. I like to be on time (OK, confession - I arrive on the early side. There are those people who are always late, well, you can count on me to always be early). I'm a planner and it makes me happy when things flow smoothly.

So somehow, my planning and efficiency and being early land me at Jivamukti London with half an hour or more to spare before class starts. At first I viewed this as, you guessed it, inefficient. But then, this "stolen" time turned into a luxury...I plop down on my mat, do some restorative yoga, and mostly just lie there. Closer to class time, I let the rush of incoming students swirl around me. I'm already in a different place. I've had the luxury of letting go of everything it takes to get me there (5 year old school drop off, 2 rush hour tube rides with a stop off at Starbuck's in between, one bus ride), of just being able to roll around on my mat and clear my head. By the time class starts, I feel like a clean slate. I realized today that this may be one of my favorite London memories in the making.

This happened to me by accident, because I can almost guarantee that if I had planned the down time, it wouldn't have worked out quite as brilliantly. It's as if the universe decided to address my type-A tendencies. It's reminded me that we don't always need to be doing, and how important and self-nurturing it is to spend some time just being. What do you do to just be? I'd love to know...Namaste.

One word: Stonehenge

2011-03-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

When husband brought up the London thing last fall, one of the first thoughts to float into my head was one evocative word: Stonehenge. The opportunity for all the stuff I've read and shows I've seen to culminate in my own personal visit to this mysterious, magical place. I've been looking forward to it since we got here; we went this past weekend, with special inner circle access tickets for an early morning visit. (You can no longer walk amongst the stones without these tickets.)

It's one thing to see ancient artifacts in a museum, and quite another to visit a place such as Stonehenge, where the actual history has happened. You are standing in that spot. If only those stones could speak. There's visitor graffiti carved on many of the stones (now you are not allowed to even touch them!), and my favorite was the Neolithic dagger and axe (move away from the screen and you'll see them more clearly in the photo).

Why? When? Who?

So many questions left unanswered at this place. Which is part of its appeal. We also visited nearby Avebury, yet another ancient stone circle and the largest of its kind in Europe. I did a very special handstand there.

Friday Faves

2011-03-25T11:33:00.001-07:00

Today's Friday faves, on a beautiful springy day in London, include: bright yellow daffodils and sunshine, these elephant cookies from the Borough Market, me fulfilling my need to strike a warrior pose by the Tower of London (just seemed appropriate), and the studio at Jivamukti London. I spend most of my time in a spot by the altar, which means I am looking at Sharon Gannon's lovely arm bind (upside down) quite a bit. Happy Friday.

A Montana Minute

2011-03-22T04:49:00.001-07:00

And now, back to Montana...wanted to share these gorgeous photos that Janice, our head Cowgirl Yoga wrangler, has been sending me here in London. I miss Montana, but am also savoring the lessons of life in London and enjoying the present moment. I'll return to my mountain home with a fresh perspective on many things, and a heart full of meaningful memories too.

Love seeing my horse running free, wishing I could untangle his mane, and missing all the snow...sort of.

Keep Calm & Carry OM

2011-03-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

Fellow blogger Babs (check out her fun blog babsbabble - yoga ramblings) sent me this after seeing my Keep Calm & Carry On post. It's the yoga version. Love it. Live it. Namaste.

Emotional Excavating with Yoga

2011-03-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

My yoga practice is getting into some uncomfortable places, deep nooks and crannies of my being. Sort of like an emotional excavation. Today at class, I had an experience that left me in tears a few times, dizzy and nauseated. But - and this is going to sound strange - not in bad ways. I knew I wasn't sick, in the clinical sense. I went into class feeling somewhat emotionally shaken. The last few days have brought some bad news, on both a global and personal level: the Japan disaster, my (younger) brother hospitalized on his birthday for the ongoing heart condition he struggles with. News of a tragic murder in the DC area yoga community, where many people I love are. A friend and retreat alumna recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

We had a guest teacher from Germany today, and the asana wasn't as intense as usual. In fact, I don't think we did a single warrior pose. On another day, I might struggle with this and not like that we didn't move as much as I (thought I ) wanted to. Today I did not. We did some pretty intense pranayama and massage work on our lymphatic system. I felt tears prick a few times during class, seemingly out of nowhere, but I didn't let them come because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to stop. I fled home after class, although I was supposed to be having lunch with a friend. The moment I walked in the door, I cried for a good 10 minutes. Whew. All that from a yoga class!

I feel lighter, cleansed. The heaviness and sadness in my heart that accompanied me to class this morning has been lifted. I marvel at the many ways in which yoga allows me to serve (family, friends, my students), and serves me. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for its gifts. Namaste.

My London loves

2011-03-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Time for more Friday faves. This round: London. I've been here long enough now to know what I like. It's been an incredible experience on many levels, and I'm looking forward to getting as much as I can out of my remaining time here.

Yoga, yoga and more yoga. Firstly, let me dispel a myth; just because I am a yoga teacher doesn't mean I practice every day. Practice time is precious, and I've been very fortunate that during my stay in London, my morning commute is to yoga. It's been a rare opportunity to have an extended period of time like this to dedicate to my personal practice. I am enjoying taking class 5 days a week at Jivamukti London, learning from many new teachers, and being part of this wonderful yoga community.

Eastern Eats. Back in Bozeman, we don't have Indian or Middle Eastern restaurants. London is as good as the real deal in both, and I've been enjoying them so much that we haven't even eaten at a pub yet. Moroccan, Persian, Lebanese, various regions of India; I'm going to miss these flavors so much that I will have to seriously amp up my cooking skills when I return to Montana. Good thing I'm signing up for cooking lessons on our April trip to Morocco.

Flowers. There's a lot of grey weather here, but you'll find flowers everywhere. Tube station and street flower vendors are bursting with color. It makes such a difference to have fresh flowers in the flat, and I've established a little ritual of changing them weekly.

The Tower of London. There are obviously many sights to see in London, but nothing beats the Tower. History, intrigue, drama, ravens, ancient secrets and ceremonies, Yeoman Warders, the Crown Jewels. We recently attended the Ceremony of the Keys, the traditional locking of the Tower that has taken place every night for the last 700 years. Now if that doesn't make you feel like you're witnessing history, not sure what will.

London public transport. Is it weird that I never tire of studying the Tube map? I've put in some time on the Paris Metro and the NYC subway, but the best people watching is hands down on the Tube. I also love the big red double decker buses; a good bus ride has an oddly meditative quality to it, especially since most people are very quiet on public transport. And the views from the top of the bus are spectacular.

Happy Friday from an American Cowgirl Yogini in London!

My fave yoga pose (for now)

2011-03-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

It's tough to answer the question, what is your favorite yoga pose? It's impossible to narrow it down to one, plus it's a moving target. What you love today may not serve you tomorrow. I find it kind of amusing that a basic paschimottanasana is my recent nemesis, given my low back sensitivity, but that tittibhasana now comes with ease. Huh.

If I had to really choose just one pose, it would probably be pigeon (which I've mused on before here). But a close second is a pose that isn't quite so pretty or fancy - in fact, it may be the plain Jane of yoga poses, and a bit cheeky too: it's often referred to as wind-relieving pose. But that is only one of its benefits (if you choose to look at it that way)...it's just about the best darn low back release evah. I am always, always doing this pose, every day, multiple times a day. All you have to do is get down on the floor and hug your knees into your chest, and voilá - knees-to-chest pose. Lovely. Sometimes I feel like I could stay here for hours.

There are many things you can do with apanasana: you can hug both knees in together, or one at a time; you can roll around and massage your low back, or rock forward and back to massage your spine; you can take a gentle supine twist to either side; you can transition into happy baby. Give it a try and soothe your spine and your mind. Namaste.

Yoga = Keep Calm & Carry On

2011-03-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

Being in London, I've seen the "Keep Calm and Carry On" image on just about everything: mugs, tees, cards, etc. I like the effortless simplicity of expressing a very powerful idea to make everyone's day a bit better. The history is interesting: the colorful, modern-looking posters were created by the British government at the onset of WWII, to raise morale. It wasn't much used for a variety of reasons, but was re-discovered in 2000 and found new life, once again for a variety of reasons. It's a fairly timeless message (and a modern marketer's dream, I might add).

It reminds me of the second Yoga Sutra, yogas-citta-vrtti-nirodhah: yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. I think this Sutra is the essence of why we do yoga - to get all those voices inside our head to, forgive me, shut the hell up. That little slice of silence that happens when we forget about all our internal dialogues - the citta, the ongoing chatter - is what brings us back to the mat again and again. Our yoga practice then provides us with many tools to take off the mat, so that we can keep calm and carry on in our daily lives.

Apparently, no one knows who came up with Keep Calm and Carry On...I wonder if he/she did yoga.

Horse History

2011-03-02T06:48:00.000-08:00

The horse can take you back to a place where you work with, and trust, your instincts. These days, humans know more and more, but they feel less and less. The horse was here on earth a long time before us. You can tell that he knows, he's much older than us. So the horse is, for me, a philosopher. They are far wiser than humans.

- Bartabas

I just read an article about this man, who is performing here in London with his horses.

I don't ride much in the winter, but I still had a hard time with the idea of not seeing the horses for so long when we left for London. Now, we are exactly halfway through this London gig...I'm looking forward to enjoying the next three months here, but my heart does beat a bit faster when I think of seeing the Cowgirl Yoga herd again, including my sweet Dude Boy.

But, horses have turned up in ways I didn't expect over here. OK, so not the living breathing ones so much, but the historical horse. It's made me ponder the timelessness of the horse-human connection, and what an ancient relationship we engage in when we spend time with horses. This dance has been done many times before. And after making horses such a big part of my life when we moved to Montana, I notice things I didn't before. It's not just another horse statue or painting (yawn); it's a part of the past that I can truly relate to. Just as my relationship with horses has awakened so many emotions, it has heightened my appreciation of horses in history. Husband had to practically drag me away from these bronze horses in Venice. They date back to the second or third century AD, and were installed on San Marco's facade in the late 13th, where they remained until the late 80's when they were restored, put inside, and replaced with bronze replicas. I could understand why 5 year old wanted to sit down in front of George Stubb's 18th century painting Whistlejacket at the London National Gallery, and draw it herself. And this past weekend at the Tower of London, husband once again had to nudge me forward as I imagined the horses of English monarchs, while checking out the Line of Kings: 17th century painted wooden horses that once held their suits-of-armor.

I'm adding this one to the book pile: Horse - How the Horse has Shaped Civilizations.

Yeehaw and Namaste.

Friday Faves

2011-02-25T06:08:00.000-08:00

It's Friday, and I haven't blogged about my fave things in awhile, so let's have a little fun. This title refers to material goods and is a moving target, so periodically I like to share what I'm loving.

Secret passions lie in my past as a product marketer in the beauty industry; for some time, I went almost cold turkey, paring down my beauty products because - believe it or not - I was tired of trying and comparing them all and cluttering up my bathroom, which husband used to refer to as 'an offsite R&D facility' (but it's my job! I would insist). So it takes a lot to get me to make an indulgent beauty purchase these days. I'd rather spend that money on a massage. But lately I am a sucker for anything rose; maybe it's because we're going to Morocco in April, and I have visions of rose petals and rosewater. Therefore I couldn't resist The Body Shop's new Moroccan Rose body butter. It's really a sumptuous treat for your senses, not to mention dry winter skin.
The Tenaya Pant has taken over the Dipper as my fave non-yoga pant from Athleta. I'm not going to reveal exactly how many days I have worn this pant since we arrived in London, but suffice it to say that it's stood up to serious wear and travel, is unbelievably comfortable, feels new despite frequent washings in the unpredictable UK machine, and best of all - looks stylish. And even better, they're on sale right now so grab yourself a pair or two.
Have I mentioned China Gel? Well yes, I have, but indulge me again. With my new norm being 5 days of challenging vinyasa class each week, my practice and my body are venturing into new realms (and let me just say, this is a rockin' way to kick off being 40!). Muscles I forgot I had have been awakened (read: sore). Between those lovely in-class Jivamukti adjustments and my own personal use, China Gel is now as much a part of my daily routine as the neti pot.

Enjoy! And if you have some faves your want to share, please post.

Happy Friday.

60 days of Bikram Yoga: heaven or hell?

2011-02-22T08:53:00.000-08:00

Amy, a Big Sky Yoga Retreat alumna, ~~journeyed to hell and back~~ did the Bikram 60 day challenge last spring. And here's what she had to say about it. Thanks Amy for sharing your experience, and a big Congrats on your yoga achievement.

I did the 60 day Bikram yoga challenge last spring. I have been doing yoga for years, and discovered Bikram about six years ago. I have always loved yoga and the peace and flexibility it brought me, but Bikram was a whole different cup of tea. Not only do you get the traditional benefits of yoga, but you also get the bonus of an amazing cardio workout. At first, I was doubtful...spend 90 minutes in a room with 20 other people that is heated to 99 degrees? (editor's note: we had about 60 people in class here in London. I'm guessing that makes the room even hotter?!) No thanks! But it's one of those things that you have to go into with an open mind, and all they ask is that you try and that you stay in the room. After the first class, I was hooked. It's intense, for sure. You sweat like you never knew it was possible to sweat. But the heat and humidity let you go farther in postures and help your body to really open up. The 'yoga high' afterward is amazing, and you can sense changes in your body after just one class. It's a physically hard class, but I found that much of the struggle was overcoming the mental challenges: focusing on being in the room rather than on what you have to do after class, and trying not to think about how HOT it is in there, and keeping out the thoughts that say, 'I can't do this today'.

I did Bikram for several years, sometimes a few times a week, sometimes not for several weeks in between classes. It seemed to be just what I needed to complement my other workouts. I remember the instructors congratulating people in class on being almost done with their 60 day challenge, and I remember thinking, No thanks. You'd have to be crazy to want to do THAT much Bikram yoga!

But over the years, my joints started aching after some of the grueling workouts I was putting myself through, and I was tired of having sore muscles and being so worn out from my workouts. Then I read an article in Oprah magazine by a woman who had done the 60 day challenge because she was overweight and having health issues. It inspired me, and made me think: I would like to know what my body would feel like after all that yoga. My husband had also run an ironman triathlon several years before, and I was envious of his having set a goal and accomplished it. I wanted the 60 day challenge to be my ironman.

The Bikram yoga 60 day challenge is going to class six days of the week for ten weeks; you get one day off a week to rest. It's a big time commitment: the class is 90 minutes, plus prep and travel time. After I finished, I was glad to have more time in my schedule. That freedom was welcome, but I do miss the classes. Here are my key takeaways:

Bikram yoga really taught me to be in the moment. The poses take focus and concentration and if you aren't concentrating, you'll know right away (like when you fall out of a balance pose). There was nothing else to think about except balancing on my toes or whatever the task was at hand. Yes, my mind still wandered, it's a work in progress, but I am grateful for that ongoing lesson on being in the moment.
Bikram yoga shows very tangible results. There were postures I couldn't hold even the beginning set up for, and by the end of the challenge, I was holding the full expression for the full amount of time. It's an amazing feeling.
I felt much more grounded and relaxed. The heated room is wonderful when it's freezing cold outside, and the way my body would let go of stress during class helped with many aspects outside the studio.
The sense of community. The Bikram instructors are amazing. They truly care about the students, and want them to get the most out of their experience. Everyone was so supportive of those of us who were doing the challenge. The energy in the room is powerful, and stays with you the rest of the day.
Anybody can do it. It doesn't matter how much you weigh or what shape you're in...everybody can do it and everybody can benefit.

If you haven't tried Bikram yoga, you don't know what you're missing. It does take a small leap of faith and an open mind to go to that first class. You might be intimidated, but as you look around the room at the strong and flexible people who can hold the poses, you realize that they were once in their first class too...and you will be inspired. Namaste.

British Bikram

2011-02-19T03:43:00.000-08:00

I've never really warmed up to Bikram Yoga. (HA ha! pun intended!) I'm guessing it's the heat: not that I don't like to sweat, but perhaps not that much, and I seem to always sweat profusely from my face (WHY?!), which is annoying and distracting. Maybe it's that I can't wear my eye makeup, without which I feel very naked, as it would only slide down my face within a matter of minutes. Perhaps being a germphobe and former yoga studio owner, I just can't get my brain around how they keep those studios clean with all the super sweaty bodies (with carpet, no less!). And lastly, as a slave to novelty I cannot imagine doing the same sequence, and hearing the same teaching script, over and over. Pictured: dancer pose, one of my faves in the Bikram series.

Alright so maybe Bikram's not for me. That's cool. Obviously I've found my yoga groove in Vinyasa. I do love that Bikram works for so many people. Sometimes I may question that, especially if you're one of those die-hards that go almost every day, simply because I believe in cross-training your body and your brain with different challenges and moves. But every once in awhile, particularly during ski season, I get the urge to go to a Bikram class. Even though ski season is N/A here in London, I've wanted to check out the studio in my hood. Because as you know, there is practically a studio in every hood (although I didn't find one in Venice, and yes, I looked). And it was...I hesitate to say "great", but pretty close. Maybe it was just the British accent, but my teacher seemed so polite, vs. the barking-army-general typical Bikram thing. The studio seemed clean (although every once in awhile, I caught whiff of something horrid, and worried that it might be me). It was a great antidote to a chilly rainy London morning, after a week without much yoga, due to 5 year old being on half term school break. I'm feeling pretty darn good right now, thanks to Bikram.

As a yoga teacher, I will always tell my students to keep trying different styles until they find one that clicks. But I also feel obligated to keep trying the styles that never really clicked, just to see. You never know.

What do you think? Are you a Bikram regular? Tell me your thoughts. Next up: a retreat alumna wrote about her experience at the 60 day challenge. Namaste.

My Venice Valentine

2011-02-18T06:48:00.000-08:00

Spent Valentine's in Venice with my family. How's that for romantic? Even with a 5 year old. You really just can't go wrong with Venice (well, maybe in the middle of high summer tourist season: think hot and smelly). I've been to Venice multiple times, but this visit was extra special because it was with 5 year old. If adults find Venice enchanting, imagine what it's like through the eyes of a 5 year old? She was wowed at every turn: streets of water, bridges, colorful masks, gelato. I felt like we were living the pages of Olivia goes to Venice, which has been a fave book of late for obvious reasons.

Husband and I both took cues from our daughter, in order to savor our little getaway. Italian internet isn't all that, so husband had to let go of work stuff (which, I might add, was the idea anyhow). It's impossible not to get lost in Venice, so I had to let go of knowing exactly where we were at all times and finding the most efficient route from A to B. We settled into a few days of wandering, eating, and enjoying.

We travel to be inspired, I think. But let's face it, travel is rife with possibility for encountering pains in the ass. Traveling with a child can often fall into the latter category. This was not the case. My 5 year old reminded me how to be inspired. Grazie mille, la mia bella ragazza.

Banish Shoulder Stress

2011-02-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

Just back from Valentines weekend in Venice with my fam, more to come on that in the next day or two...but meanwhile, do the mid-winter blahs have you all bunched up in the neck and shoulders? How about a quick yoga session to address these two hot spots - check out my latest yoga advice on the Athleta Chi. I'd love to see your comments there - I want to know if what works for me works for you! Namaste.

O China Gel

2011-02-10T04:34:00.000-08:00

So I'm kind of addicted to China Gel. I've dabbled it in before, and bought some at Jivamukti NYC last fall, but here in London it's become a daily thing. Sort of like my latte. I know I throw around the word 'amazing' a lot, but this stuff is nothing short of amazing. It's billed as a topical pain reliever, and it does that quite well...but even if you don't have any aches and pains, it just feels good. It's cooling and soothing and after a few minutes it kicks in with this super-amped up tingly sensation. Its ingredients are a potent natural cocktail of good stuff: menthol, camphor, ginseng extract, angelica extract, lavender oil, aloe vera and witch hazel.

My understanding of topical pain relievers is that they distract you from the pain sensation with the hot/cool/tingly ones. The China Gel website claims that massaging it properly into the skin will help to stimulate circulation, initiate the pain relieving endorphin response, and eliminate lactic acid in muscle tissues. This allows the muscle to relax, thereby lessoning pain, discomfort, and enhancing healing by utilizing the body's natural methods of pain relief.

Hmmmmmm. Think the FDA might have a field day with that one (and I would know. I used to work with them back in my L'Oreal days). But, I'll take it. My bad back and I are here to tell you that it really works. And I think husband, who is a skeptic of all things such as this (and whose reaction to my recent cupping sessions has been, you're paying someone to bruise you?!) has been sneaking it to use on his post-major surgery knee.

China Gel is ubiquitous at Jivamukti London. Students bring along their tubs with their yoga mats, and rub it on their shoulders, neck, and low back before class. The teachers adjust and massage with it. Not kidding. Almost every day I get a China Gel quickie massage on my shoulders in tadasana, or on my low back in down dog. Just that is enough to keep me coming back every day. I plan to add this little gem to my teaching repertoire on retreats this summer. Namaaaaaaahhhhhste.

London Foodie Fave

2011-02-09T06:56:00.001-08:00

Fortnum & Mason, the Queen's grocer for the last 300 years+, has become one of my favorite places in London (besides Jivamukti Yoga, of course). It's posh yet not snobby, with elegant and exquisite everything. I could easily spend all day in there. We went for our first high tea on my birthday, and 5 year old just couldn't believe the food came on tiered trays for this event. Had to share this pic of her peeking from behind the yummy assortment, and in front of one of the gorgeous windows on Piccadilly Street.

Brfday Blog

2011-02-07T05:06:00.000-08:00

I just celebrated the most amazing 40th birthday. I would have never guessed that I'd do so in London, and it definitely added a special touch to this milestone. Husband and I had our first date night out here (even hired a babysitter!) to a fabulous Moroccan restaurant, which was appropriate since he's planned a trip to Morocco for my present. Yesterday, we took 5 year old for high tea and to see Cirque du Soleil. My Facebook wall overflowed with birthday wishes. And best of all, I got a handmade card from 5 year old, in which she wrote out her birthday message to me half correctly and half phonetically. I was for some reason moved to tears that she spelled birthday brfday.

How lucky can a girl get? (And can I still call myself a girl at 40?!) I'm beyond grateful for the love of my friends and family. I've been reflecting on how much I learn from everyone in my life, every day. Viewing our experiences through a lens of learning can change how we react. And one of my intentions for 40 is to not take these learning opportunities for granted, even when they aren't welcome. At yoga class the other day, I opened up my chant book, and the following jumped out at me (I'll spare you the Sanskrit):

Even if you have good looks, a beautiful lover, great fame and mountains of money, if you are unable to bow at your teacher's lotus feet - what is the use? What is the use? What is the use? What is the use?

-Shri Adi Shankaracharya, from Guru Ashtakam

I'm not going to pretend that I don't enjoy going out for a lovely dinner, taking a nice vacation, or being entertained by a dazzling show...but I feel that I can say that at my age (cringe), I also know that novelty wears off fast, and what matters is who we love and what we learn. And that we continue loving and learning, no matter what. That is my biggest brfday wish. Namaste.

SHAPE names us Best Fitness Getaway!

2011-02-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty pleased to share that SHAPE mag named Big Sky Yoga Retreats, and specifically Cowgirl Yoga, as the 'best fitness getaway' in their 5th Annual Healthy Travel Awards. Pick up the February 2011 issue and check it out! Better yet, reserve a spot on one of this year's retreats - they're filling up fast so giddy up and get on it. Hope to see you in Montana this summer, on the mat and in the saddle. Yeehaw & Namaste.

If a tree (pose) falls during Forrest yoga...

2011-02-01T06:14:00.000-08:00

OK bad yoga pun, sorry. I stepped out of my yoga comfort zone this weekend, and attended a workshop with Ana Forrest here in London. I've been hearing about her for years, mostly that she is very challenging, and that I should be very, very afraid. After a month of pretty intense practice at Jivamukti, it was as good a time as any to face this challenge. I was as ready as I'd ever be.

A word on yoga groupies, which Ana seems to inspire: it's an interesting phenomenon. A book could be written about it. I am only going to scratch the psychological surface here by saying it makes me wonder what motivates certain people to 'follow' (sometimes around the world!) one particular teacher with an almost ferocious devotion. Personally, I think it's all good, so I am a self-declared yoga mutt. Obviously I have my preferences (and after a weekend of Forrest yoga + a day of rest yesterday, I felt like I was returning home when I went to Jivamukti this morning). If it works for you, that's great; but just like with religion, don't assume the rest of the world needs to be converted in order to be saved.

And you know what? Despite all that intensity, I truly liked Ana. She may have a cult following (and truthfully, what well-known yoga teacher doesn't?), but she is one down-to-earth woman who presents yoga as a healing and practical gift. It's a gift; but that doesn't mean you don't have to work hard to get its benefits. It was a very physically demanding practice, and one that pushed me outside of my yoga comfort zone (for example, we used pranayama, some serious ab work, and pose holds to warm up and build heat. It worked, but I much prefer sun salutations). It was a practical presentation: the workshop titles were 'celebrate your practice', 'journey to the core, 'heal your back'. On our name tags, we also had to write our injuries, and that was not just for polite inquiry; Ana and her assistants addressed these thoroughly. I got a lot out of the three sessions, and was completely yoga buzzed by Sunday evening.

Love this about Ana on yoga.com, as it really captures a lot of my impressions from my first time with this talented, tell-it-like-it-is yogini. It also talks about her passion and lifetime love for horses, which of course I can appreciate. Have you practiced with Ana? Would love to hear your comments about your experience. Namaste.

She calls me 'mummy' now

2011-01-27T05:23:00.000-08:00

You might have noticed that I am very attached to my 5 year old daughter, who has lately taken to calling me 'mummy', and to using words like 'brilliant' and 'loo' . I never thought I wanted kids, but then she came along and rocked my world 5.5 years ago, causing me to feel love like I had never felt before. The kind that takes your breath away. I could go on and on with the cliches about motherhood, but I won't. She has been my inspiration, my guru, my pure true love. On a daily basis, she helps me see the extraordinary in the ordinary.

That said, I don't have any guilt that I am very much enjoying my days to myself, while she is in school. Not just half a day like before, but aaallllll day. When we were preparing to move to London, every school we inquired at told us there was no space available, particularly just for 6 months. I prepared myself to use London as the classroom and home-school her. During the month of December, when we were together 24/7 searching for a flat, moving, and when I was sick, I realized that maybe being together all the time wasn't so good for us. Remember back in high school/college, when you passionately pined away for your boyfriend? School, and perhaps your parents, didn't allow for you to be together all the time. Hence the pining. I've decided there is definitely something to that old saying, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

I'm not going to say that I don't miss her, or that I've been able to let go of the neurotic worries that pop into my head out of nowhere when she is in someone else's care (i.e., what if she chokes on her banana I sent for snack?). But while she is at school, she thrives. Let me say that again: she THRIVES. It is better than we ever anticipated; she is happy as a clam every morning when I drop her off, and can't wait to tell me all about her day when I pick her up. While she is at school, I thrive. I go to yoga class, I write and work, I plan our London adventures. I have time and space and quiet, without the constant distraction of wondering: what is she doing/is it good for her/is it causing any damage. When we spend the evenings and weekends together, the fact that we are thriving in ways unique to our age groups enhances the way we relate. It's like we learn our dance moves all day and then come together for a perfect waltz, without stepping on each other's toes. It's absolutely, positively lovely.

Cheers to the journey of motherhood: the mundane and marvelous places it takes you, and everywhere in between.

Come away from the wall, please

2011-01-24T06:54:00.000-08:00

I can do perfect headstands and forearm balances. At the wall. The funny thing is, I never even touch the wall, nor am I right up against it. It's my inversion security blanket that I just can't seem to ditch. In Jivamukti classes, we often do both sirsasana and pincha mayurasana, and I slink over to my wall space hoping the teacher won't yell at me. It's the same sort of embarrassment as when you're younger, and you realize that your blankie is sort of a baby thing, but no way are you getting rid of it.

Of course I've had my shining moments where I've been able to do these poses away from the wall. But they aren't comfortable. I feel the emptiness around me, the lack of support just in case something happens. Well, yeah, 'just in case' we would always prefer to have a back up, right? I sense that distinct possibility that I could just tumble over into that emptiness and - gasp - hurt myself. I've struggled with this for years. The poses have evolved and advanced, but my mindset has stayed the same. Oops.

It doesn't take a therapy session to draw a parallel to my life. I thrive with structure and support. Spontaneity, for the most part, scares me. I need to plan, and I excel at it. (Hopefully someone out there who knows me can attest to the fact that I can be fun. Really!) When we came over to London, the only certainty we had was that husband was going to be super duper busy. We knew we'd have a place to live, but we didn't know where. We hoped our 5 year old would be able to have the amazing opportunity to go to school here, but the chances appeared slim. I was on shaky ground with all these unknowns (read: lack of "wall"). But like yoga poses, every day things evolved and now here we are, feeling as grounded and supported as we can possibly be as ex-pats. And having a fabulous time with it all, I might add.

Sometimes when we come away from the wall, we might fall, but we also might conquer some of our fears and bust out the most gorgeous yoga pose (or outcome) ever. Find small ways to move away from the walls in your life and see how you bloom.

Btw, I had someone spot me while coming up into pincha mayurasana before this picture was taken by Larry Stanley.

Cowgirl Yoga, Dude Ranch style

2011-01-21T04:30:00.000-08:00

While I want to savor every moment of being an American Cowgirl in London, I'm also getting pretty excited about the upcoming summer. I return just in time to kick off of our Cowgirl Yoga season in early June. From now through March 15, we're offering an early cowgirl discount of 10% off the 5-day and LUXE CY retreats, so what are you waiting for, go ahead and sign up!

I'm also thrilled to share that I will be teaching yoga at Red Rock Ranch in Wyoming (pictured above) during their June 26-July 2 Spa/Fitness week. It's a week of yoga and riding, hiking, spa treatments, running clinics and healthy, but hearty Western food. So join me for Cowgirl Yoga, Dude Ranch style - contact Red Rock directly to sign up.

Hope to see you this summer in MT or WY, in the saddle and on the mat! Yeehaw and Namaste.

Yoga Second Chances

2011-01-18T06:28:00.000-08:00

I'm experiencing an intense period of "refurbishment", as they say over here. We've got the routine going on now, and while 5 year old is at school (I swear she is already speaking with a British lilt to her voice - so odd to hear) I am at yoga class, between 4-5 times a week. It's an intense practice to be doing that often, but that's sort of the point...I am intrigued to have this opportunity to see what changes it brings about. Today on the mat, I happily had this thought: I am getting my butt handed to me by this practice, in the best possible way.

The Monday morning class has a bad ass for an instructor. Her soundtrack includes Morrissey (when, I ask you, have you ever heard Morrissey in a yoga class?!), Ofra Haza, Prince, and Dead Can Dance. She's challenging. I went yesterday with a bit of trepidation, as the Monday before I tweaked my back in her class. (I've got a history of back trouble, which is one of the many reasons I do yoga.) I know how it happened, I was overenthusiastic and went too quickly from intense backbend to forward bend. Been there, done that, lesson apparently not learned yet. So yesterday, I was very tuned in to staying aligned, keeping uddiyana bandha in check, all that. I'll be damned if I am going to mess up this London experience with a back episode! And I realized, we were doing the exact same practice as last week (to the same soundtrack, hooray). Savvy Cowgirl Yoga blog readers may remember this exact same thing happened to me at Jivamukti NYC last fall. And I immediately thought: this is my second chance. When we came to the part where I tweaked my back, I modified and backed off. I was grateful for the opportunity to do it again mindfully.

I was thinking more about this...the practice of yoga offers many second chances. And third and fourth and so on. There is always another opportunity to do that pose, to be more mindful, to expand your yoga repertoire. Even the exact same practice can be a completely different experience one week later. It's amazing, if you ask me. Every time you come to the mat is another chance to grow. Even if it's the same teacher, same soundtrack, same poses. And quite possibly, you are being presented with that second chance for a reason; I know I was. Namaste.

I love this picture of me preparing for virasana, by my friend Larry Stanley. We spend a lot of time in virasana at Jivamukti.

Foodie Friday in London

2011-01-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

This week, I paid a visit to a place that I walk by pretty much every day. And somehow, amazingly, hadn't been in yet; so I made up for that and went twice. Theobroma is billed as a "chocolate lounge" (I know, I know, why would I wait so long to go in a chocolate lounge?), with 10 flavors of hot chocolate. I fully intend to sample them all. So far, I've had the ginger and rose hot chocolates - but I may not make it past the rose. It was hard not to make an audible sound of pleasure upon the first sip of that. They also give you a complimentary chocolate with your hot chocolate. That's a lot of chocolate, so I save mine for later...and so far, can't make it beyond the out-of-this-world champagne truffle. They have gorgeous confections in fun shapes and sizes, including animals: I've gotten a pig and a dolphin for 5 year old, and it will be hard to resist the rest. But most of all, I think I may want this leopard skin chocolate stiletto for my upcoming birthday.

And speaking of food porn, I went to the Borough Market today with a foodie blogger friend, who was also one of my very first yoga students and now lives in London. My trusty London guidebook informs me that there has been a market in Borough since Roman times, and I definitely felt (tasted?) the centuries-old good food vibes. Yum. Happy friday, hope you can make it a foodie one too.

Mind, Body, Sting.

2011-01-12T07:04:00.001-08:00

I'm afraid I can't take credit for this title. It was an article about Sting in the Delta Sky magazine that I took from the plane to London. Of course it touches upon Sting being a yogi (and even mentions his infamous comment on tantric yoga way back in the 90s, snicker snicker). I like Sting; like Madonna, his music has been there for a good part of the ride that's been my life. Synchronicity = 7th grade, "Every Breath you Take" at junior high slow dance, the best concert I ever went to in high school, etc.

Sting does a lot of yoga with Jivamukti founders David Life and Sharon Gannon, and he wrote the forward to their book, which I often recommend (reminder that I am filling up my yoga cup here at the Jivamukti London Centre). Here's what Sting has to say about yoga, in the Delta Mag article: I've studied yoga for 22 years...And what I've learned in that time is that the problem the body has is one of conditioning. The reason that we talk ourselves into being inflexible or stiff is a conditioning of the mind. We tell ourselves that. It's the mind that's controlling everything. Yoga is really about deconditioning the mind, getting the mind to surrender, so that the body can achieve its fullest potential and movement. I was a little disappointed that he didn't work in a quote about pranayama that included every breath you take, but oh well.

On our walking tour the other day, our guide showed us where Sting lives in London, and assured us that he probably wasn't at home since he has about seven other places elsewhere. Which kept us all from ringing the doorbell. Here is my 5 year old on Sting's front porch.

London Eye Candy...

2011-01-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

...including the London Eye. Can't believe it's taken me this long to post something like this, but as you may already know...living somewhere people go on vacation isn't quite the same as going there on vacation. It's taken some time to get settled and get jazzed about sightseeing. After school started last week (more musings on that soon), after finally feeling myself again after holiday illness, and after establishing my yoga routine, I'm pouring over the guidebooks to make our London master plan. Six months, which on the front end seemed like an eternity, now seems as though it will go by in the blink of, well, an eye.

I have two new London loves:

London walks, a genius way to see the biggies, and more. For example, we did our first one yesterday to take in the main sights and get oriented, and in transit walked by Sting's London home (more on him this week too). Secretly that may have been my fave thing on the tour. They even offer a James Bond walk - 007 and Ian Fleming's London, the 'shaken not stirred' pub walk - sign me up for that one. Maybe we could pass by where Daniel Craig lives??
The British Museum, where I plan to spend lots of time. Took 5 year old for the first time today, specifically to see the Egyptian mummies. There is some serious eye candy from antiquity in this place, oodles of guided tours, children's activities...and just soaking up that museum vibe makes me feel more sophisticated, even with a 5 year old by my side.

Pictured: London Bridge, London Eye, Westminster Abbey (west entrance, where Prince William and Kate Middleton will enter for their wedding), St. James Park and last but not least, Shiva at the Indian place we hit for dinner. Enjoy. Will continue with interesting London photos weekly.

New beginnings - Jai Ganesha!

2011-01-05T04:27:00.000-08:00

First new moon of the new year (and a solar eclipse); a new moon brings lots of new possibilities. First day of school for my 5 year old in London, and her first time wearing a uniform (super exciting)! First day of my first unlimited monthly pass at Jivamukti London. First time the sun's been out so far this year (I think), shining on my yoga mat. First time I've done kabalbhati in purvottanasana - better than a latte to wake you up. Chanting to Ganesh, the god of new beginnings.

Make some plans on this new moon day, and start something good with its energy.

Jai Ganesha!

New Year's Wishes

2011-01-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

I must do it, even though I realize that many consider New Year's Resolutions to be crap. But I say, why not take advantage of any opportunity to re-evaluate and improve? And this has been quite an unusual New Year for me, kicking off 2011 in London...which has had me mulling over what I want to do better this year. Something about new country, new year. So let's call them wishes, vs. resolutions. And have them be words to try and live by, vs. things to beat myself up over later when I don't do them. And perhaps if you read this blog, they may resonate for you too, since I'd bet we share similar interests. Here goes:

Deepen my yoga practice. As I've always said, yoga is one of the few things in life that I seem to be able to accept as a journey, one which never ends or gets mastered or checked off the to-do list. That is the beauty of it. There is endless opportunity to deepen your yoga journey, and that thought was what carried me through the darker days of getting settled here, far away from home. Tomorrow is my American little girl's first day of London school, and while I love her dearly, you may hear me all the way in the US as I whoop with joy and hop on the tube to head to yoga class, sans guilt. So I won't be skiing in Montana this winter, I won't have my regular routine or be teaching classes, and I am going to take advantage of the space that creates to deepen my own practice. Everyone wins: me and my well-being, my family, those around me, and when I return to teaching, my students.
Deepen my meditation practice. I'll admit: meditation has never really turned me on. I am not one to sit still well. But I recognize it as part of the practice that I need to deepen. And something is calling me to it right now, so I plan to heed that call. I discovered that one of the largest Buddhist centers in London is 4 blocks from my flat. Is that a sign, or what? They offer weekly Vipassana meditation instruction and practice. I need this. Now.
Be here. Now. To borrow the simple yet powerful words of Ram Dass...and to borrow the words of my friend who thinks so much like me it is frightening: In this coming year I am going to be continuing to work on letting go of my personal constant paranoia that whatever it is I am NOT doing must somehow be far superior of an experience than what I AM doing...Maybe all those regrets about decisions made badly were not so - maybe I am where I need to be and doing what I need to be doing. I promise to stop checking the ski report for Big Sky...and just be here, in London, now. But truly, these words to live by can be applied often and anywhere.
Fire up my inner cowgirl yogini. This is my life, my work, my identity. So I need to fire it up, not just in myself, but in others. It's the balance of adding a little Yeehaw to my Namaste. It's playing with my edge, and knowing when to pull back too. And like yoga, it's a never ending process.

Tell me your 2011 wishes...

Happy 1/1/11!

2011-01-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a very happy and healthy 2011 from the Cowgirl Yogini in London, and the CY herd in Bozeman (pictured). Resolve to fire up your inner cowgirl yogini this year, and add a little yeehaw to your Namaste.

I am.

My London Christmas

2010-12-28T08:01:00.000-08:00

And so, I capped off my tumultuous time getting settled in London with getting royally sick. I actually do not remember the last time I was this sick. Almost as if on cue, we walked in the door to new fab flat and I came down with the works. For a week. On one bad day last week, I was in bed for eighteen hours straight. The timing of this, just before Christmas, made me want to throw a tantrum, but I didn't have the energy (plus I'm too mature for that). Our much-anticipated Christmas in London didn't end up exactly as I planned. And now that I mention it, I never exactly planned to be in London for Christmas, anyhow.

This is the time of year that I live for, which is made even better by two key things: festive food and drink, and the joy of having a small child. This year, I couldn't taste anything and had no appetite, and it was all I could do to make sure that Santa made it to our new flat. I got up in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve and looked at our super-small, non-Montana sized tree and the very few gifts under it, and just about cried.

I know, I know, it's not about how many presents anyone gets. But it was more than not getting to indulge my 5 year old the way I really wanted to; it was feeling like I had the holiday joy sucked out of me by stress and sickness. And then, she got up on Christmas Day and exploded with all the joy I had been missing, at the wonder of it all - Santa had been to visit us; he ate the cookies, left her a note and even gave his reindeer the snacks she had left for them. And after that lesson on joy, I did cry.

Now, I'm back on my feet and my mat; I've made it to yoga class at Jivamukti London two days in a row, and am utterly delighted by my new OM away from home. Like a dried-out sponge (which actually, is a fairly accurate description of the way I've been feeling), I soaked up the rich tapestry of all things yoga that these two classes poured over me. We began class yesterday with a chant from the Bhagavad Gita: If one offers me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.

It may not have been the Christmas that I wanted to offer my family, but it was offered with love and devotion, and it was accepted with delight. Here's my girl at Trafalgar Square, Christmas Day.

Hope you and yours had a very Merry Christmas.

Holiday Cheer on Horseback

2010-12-20T07:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a visual that would make the grinch smile - head Cowgirl Yoga wrangler Janice on head herd horse Bridger, singing Christmas carols to folks last week at the Bozeman Senior Center. Janice and other members of the Gallatin Equestrian Partnership mounted up to spread their own special brand of holiday cheer on horseback. They were mentioned in the Bozeman Chronicle and on the local news!

Frazzled? Fold forward.

2010-12-17T09:36:00.001-08:00

If you've been following this blog, you'll know that my recent yoga practice has primarily consisted of one-pose wonders...relocating to another country, even if only temporarily, can throw a wrench in your yoga practice/fitness endeavors. But I was inspired by a recent post on elephant journal to do my best to accept what is. In other words, take what I can get. Today was a special treat: my daughter occupied herself quietly while I practiced the standing and finishing postures in the Ashtanga series, and she even came and massaged me while I was in savasana. Bliss! Tomorrow, we move into our new, much more spacious flat, and Sunday - gasp - I may even be able to attend my first yoga class in London.

IMHO, some of the best one-pose wonders are super simple. Not much to 'em, and you can easily do them almost anywhere. It doesn't get much simpler than this one: folding forward, with a restorative twist - balance your bum on a wall. And stay there for awhile.

The How-to:

Stand up with your back on a wall, your feet about a foot (or less) away from the wall.
Fold forward. Slowly. If your hamstrings are tight or your low back sensitive, bend your knees as you do so.
Take hold of opposite elbows.
Be sure to let your head and neck completely relax, and keep your knees slightly bent if needed. Otherwise, work towards straight legs to open up the muscles in the backs of the legs.
Let all your holiday stress pour out the top of your head.

If you're overloaded at work, short on sleep, or even in the middle of a holiday fête, you can take a breather with this pose and soothe your frazzled nerves. Happy Holi-daze.

Accepting What Is, again

2010-12-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

I mentioned this blog post from elephant journal the other day, but I have to revisit. Since finding it, I've read it over and over. I could have written this (maybe not quite as eloquently); I should have written this. I cannot get over how directly it has spoken to me/for me. OK so I don't have three kids. But I do have one, and a lot of juggling to do. Point being, I think we could all make a long list of reasons why we don't have time to practice yoga. But underneath all that, we know how good we feel when we do, and as the author put it, how crappy we feel when we don't.

The last few weeks I've been with my 5 year old 24/7, in a new country, finding our family a new home and new routine. I've yearned body, mind and soul to practice yoga, but it's barely been possible. I've eked out a few short practices here and there, but to be totally honest, I couldn't focus on it. Ironically, in the time I needed it most, I could not do what was necessary to get grounded. That's ok. It was temporary. I told myself what I always tell my students when they worry about not getting on their mat: yoga will always be there for you when you come back to it.

And the Accepting What Is author practically knocked my socks off with this reminder: ...don't beat yourself up about the days you don't get there. That's part of yoga too: accepting what is at that moment. To be fully present in your life, without being preoccupied by what you're missing, or getting caught up in your constant inner dialogue. Yoga tells us to move from equanimity in all things.

In January, my daughter will be in school all day, five days a week here in London. This involves a lot of letting go for me; back home, I (selfishly?) still had her in half days because the kindergarten year was the last chance I had for that. Lately, I recognized that maybe it wasn't such a good thing for either of us, and she's not a baby anymore, even if I still want her to be. This upcoming transition for her marks a big opportunity for me: I will be committing to yoga class 4-5 times a week, an opportunity I haven't had since before she was born. Knowing what it's like to long for just ONE nice juicy practice a week, I feel pretty confident that I'll take full advantage of it, and that the benefits will be enjoyed by myself and my family. I'm looking forward to sharing my London yoga journey in the new year. Meanwhile, I'm accepting what is with a few poses a day.