Just like you...

I was finally able to log in and get everything fixed on my website. There's so much that needs updating so please bare with me as I get all of this completed. It has been so long since I've even blogged! September 2016... So much has changed since then. There are still things I very much plan to keep private. In fact, when I opened the blog tab and saw the "+" to create a new post I immediately froze and went into panic mode. It isn't that I don't want to create and share content with you all. I do! I'm just having an extremely hard time with putting words to paper these days. Writing has always been an outlet for me and to not have that, I have to say I've been a little lost. The 'problem' here is now I have this yoga business. I guess it's not really a problem; hence why I quoted it - But so many of my students think I am this person who has it all together. What happens when the walls come down and you see that I really am just like you? I have the same worries and problems as you all! And while I'd like to continue portraying that my life is near perfect; the simple fact of the matter is that it is very much so not anywhere near perfect!

I go to yoga classes and I think of my to-do list or my grocery list just like you. Something comes up that stresses me out and I deal with it just like you do! In fact, I have the added bonus of going to a class and paying attention to everyone else's mat but my own because that's just where my brain goes. "Is she in alignment?" "Does she need help?" "Why isn't this teacher offering her additional props or modifications?" Keeping my mind from wandering off my mat has become my BIGGEST challenge since becoming a yoga instructor. Add that to everyday worries and insecurities and well.... Here I am - just like you!

Being a yoga instructor isn't a magic fix for these kinds of things. They help; sure. But that's because they give me outlets to go to when I need it. I complain to my yoga instructor and she tells me to get my shit together and gives me a whole new outsiders point of view to look at the entire situation differently. I lag in my practice too guys! There are days when I just don't want to go to yoga. Maybe it's because I'm exhausted from the week... maybe it's because I don't want to deal with the issues that I have come up in my practice... maybe it's because the last 6 weeks in Savasana I've literally laid there and balled my eyes out for no apparent reason. Whatever it is; I give the same excuses as you do! I blow it off JUST like you do! and much like you, I can totally tell when I am needing yoga back into my life and still; it doesn't make it any easier! 

So; here I am. Back from my rut - or rather beginning to dig myself out of my rut because I'm done self-sabotaging myself. The mountains that I was merely only supposed to climb I've kept with me! I am only here in this place because of ME. MY ACTIONS! MY Choices! I want to hold better classes for you all and give you all what you all so desperately need! And that means you get to meet the real me! No smoke and mirrors this time!

I've got some things up my sleeve! I'm going to take the next couple weeks to get my website updated and I'll slowly unveil! If there's one thing I've realized it's that sharing yoga with you is most definitely part of my life's purpose. Being able to hold space for each and every one of you is one of the most humbling experiences I've ever witnessed. You all enrich my soul to no end and so I want to thank you for that! I'm so glad that I chose this path and yet somehow I think if I never ended up choosing it, it still would have been my destiny! 

life update + an impromptu links and loves

I'm using a status update I wanted to post as an excuse for a blog post :-) YOU'RE WELCOME!

So many things are happening right now.

About a month ago we bought a new car. Officially an SUV family! Going into it, I knew I didn't want another Chevy. We've just had far too many issues with ours. We've only had Chevy (Caprice, Lumina, Monte Carlo, Impala...) I didn't know that we'd end up with a Ford. But, I really love our new Explorer, so I'm glad we did. (Clearly we have a thing for cop cars lol)

I'm working on getting some new classes added to my schedule! I'm offering $5 drop-ins the month of August at FocusOm, and then from there the next series begins September 7th! I've added a new workshop class; Zumba + Curvy Yoga which my students LOVE! I'll be honest. It's intense. That Zumba, it hits you hard! But with the wonderful group of students that I've got, and the amazing newbies who try it out, we have so much fun in the process of adding a little movement back in. I find this class to be perfect if you've never done Zumba or yoga before. If you're so out of shape, going to a normal Zumba class would kill you... Well, not kill you, but literally kick your ass. even just doing 30 minutes of Zumba tires us out. I have no idea how people do it for longer. BUT, each time, you learn little more of a song, and it feels GOOD! You're laughing. You're moving. I love it! I have a couple people who I rotate through to lead the Zumba portion. Then I step in with a zenful cooldown right after. It's gone over really well and I'm continuing to add more classes!

Park Yoga is GREAT! I see new faces each month and I am enjoying meeting all of you! I'll be sad when winter comes and we have to break!

seriously though, how gorgeous is this photo she took?!

I'm in the middle of relaunching my brand and website. One of my good friends, Ami, has been taking some stellar photographs of me and I'm diligently working towards using them for marketing and eventually a website re-launch I've got planned for the first part of October. Seriously though, she is amazing and I have no idea what I'd do without her! An iPhone can only go so far for photography :-)

I've got an open house planned for the end of September as well! Super excited about that. Only now that it's almost exactly a month away, I'm freaking out over how much I've yet to do.

I've got so many ideas and so little time. Organizing my thoughts tonight and planning a few workshops for fall/winter! I can't wait to share with you!

I just ordered this jacket this morning, and I'm hoping I look half as good as the model wearing it. (You sold it hunny!!) By the way, can you tell I'm ready for fall?

I also am patiently waiting for these shoes to arrive in the mail. Man I sure miss school clothes shopping! I love that I work in an office because I get to splurge on office supplies every August! :-) Speaking of... I should be making my list before it all goes away!

Is anyone else excited that Teen Mom OG is back? I literally cannot contain my excitement for the 2-hour premier this week!

Friday night I went to The Max; the pop-up Saved By The Bell themed diner, with my friend Christina. We were late due to rain and traffic... So, when we got there, we got detention slips AND had to sit in Mr. Belding's office! It was actually pretty cute. We made reservations and you literally get SOOOO much food with your reservation! It's insane. Their mac + cheese was the best things I've ever tasted! I can't wait to go back with my yoga sisters!

Saturday I literally did NOTHING.... I had planned to clean, and get things done. But I just felt achy and like I was getting sick. So I literally went to bed at 7:30 and slept until 10 the next day! it felt SO good.. But I'm still paying for oversleeping!

Last week I took the car to get washed at the place by us. It's super convenient because it's literally 5 minutes away. When I got there, they literally had everything coned so that you HAD to wash your car before stopping to vacuum it. I understand that they only want this saved for customers. But I'm one of those people who HAS to clean the inside of their car out before washing it. Not only do I like going into the wash with a clean inside... I hate coming out of a hot air dry to let it sit while I clean the inside. Those blowers don't get all of the water off the car, AND then I'm left with water spots after I just paid damn near $20 to wash my car. SO, we re-signed back up with Delta Sonic, which is 20 minutes away from the house. BUT they let you clean it before you take it in to the wash AND they even have people who dry off your car for you. The monthly plan was sale for $15 a month and I just went ahead and did that with the option to always add things on if I want to. I even get a discount on those add-ons as well as gas!

I frequent the Montgomery Starbucks regularly and there is a barista there whom I've grown to love! Seriously, she just brightens my morning every time I go there. I don't even know her name, but knowing that it's her taking my coffee order and that I'll get to chat with her when I reach the window literally MAKES my entire day! Today was no exception. I'm so sorry that I don't know your name girl! (I'm going to find out, I swear lol)

Walsh wedding this weekend!!! Super excited for O'Regan festivities and Powers Whiskey!!!

Kate over at The Small Things Blog posted this rug in her latest links and loves post, and I've literally been obsessing over it ever since. I want to order one in each color! (Little did I know this was going to turn into a Links and Loves post... Sorry in advance)

YOU HAVE GOT TO TRY THIS MASK!!! Seriously! You won't be disappointed!

I'm also super excited to read this book... You know, whenever it arrives from Amazon!

Tamale pie sounds good for dinner this week. I think I'll make that tomorrow (and share the recipe here in a future links and loves)!

Dear Future Student,

My goal in this yoga world has always been to be the stepping stone. 

A stepping stone for the one who says "I can't ever do yoga" or a stepping stone for the one who simply needs an hour of stillness. 

Yeah, I'm going to push you, but not in only physical ways. Sure some of the poses we will do may be challenging. But I’ll tell you, THE most challenging thing you can do is be on YOUR mat. In your own body and in your own mind. 

Everything; EVERYTHING in life stops us from tuning into ourselves even the slightest bit. 

So yeah. It's probably going to suck that I'm asking you to be still. To control your movement by using your breath of which you're also controlling. 

It'sp r o b a b l y going to suck that I'm explaining the pose, walking you through it a couple of times and then there is silence.

You're probably going to want me to talk.

To fill in the void. 

But guess what? 

This is where YOU come in. If you can't be okay with the silence, THAT'S where I need YOU work.

It isn’t that I’m not leading you. I'm watching. Of course, I'm going to make sure you aren't struggling. I'll even chime in to remind you to focus on your breathing and to make sure you aren't holding your breath. I’ll even step in sometimes and tell you where to focus your breath or your energy.

I'm going to throw things out like ‘Hinge’ pose, where I'm asking you to truly think about which body part is moving and when. This pose is great for your hamstrings, glutes and core. But do you know what's getting more of a workout? Your mind! 

You have to remember to inhale and raise your arm, to exhale and lower it at the same time you raise your leg, to inhale again and lower your leg and raise your arm up above your head. Then after all of that, you have to remember to stop. That on that next exhale you're only lowering your arm before you begin this whole entire sequence of movement again. 

Sure. Those muscles you're working are getting a great workout. 

But your mind… That's what’s getting the brunt of it. 

It's okay that you don't like slow yoga. 

It's also okay if you want a faster pace. 

That means you've progressed past the point of my instruction. That means it's time to push yourself more to experience the benefits of other styles and postures in yoga. To see what else there is that you like and don't like.

It could also mean that while you've mastered the types of poses I'm cueing, you haven't yet been able to in tune to your body. And although you can complete an entire Vinyasa flow sequence easily (which I commend you for), you may also need more work on slowing down and getting in tune with your body!

Please know though, in no way, shape or form did you just waste your time;  For one, you learned something about yourself. You learned what you like – and what you don’t. You even spoke up and said what you preferred! That’s amazing! Do you know how many people keep silent on that kind of stuff?

You should also know that you didn’t waste my time either. That last hour we just spent together is so valuable to me. I’ll use it to better my teaching in the weeks, months and years to come. I’ll make changes and tweak things we did. I’ll even pull things that I really liked from our time together and bring them into a future class of mine.

In that short amount of time we spent together; we both learned things! Seriously, how rare is that? How amazing is it you can leave a situation having bettered yourself, and the person you just experienced it with?

Just remember, in the midst of all the chaos, to always check back with yourself. To give your mind that work out again, and to take the time your body so desperately needs in order you to listen to yourself. 

hello, hello!

To sign-up for Mindful March go to; www.savvyserenityyoga.com/mindfulmarch (or click the picture above)

Wow you guys... It's GORGEOUS outside today! This very spring like Mid-February day is making me ache for long summer nights of bonfires, grilling and friends.

I realize I've sort of been MIA here for a while now. I've got some pretty amazing things planned coming up this March and I've been using my spare time to edit the content for that! If you haven't seen my promos yet for Mindful March (and how have you not lol) I am offering you all a month of mindfulness; all online and all completely f r e e! I'm working with some pretty amazing ladies in the area (and not) to deliver you all Mindful content for the ENTIRE month of March. That's right. EVERY day in March I will have some sort of content whether that's here on the blog or on my Facebook page! So please, go sign up if you haven't already!

So what else has been going on? Well, you've probably noticed my Curvy Yoga class moving throughout the week. I've finally found a way to make it work! Beginning in March I will be offering it as a 6-week series. I've gotten a great response so far and I am so excited to be able to share my Mindful March content with them too. Writing content that than correlate my online stuff to my in class stuff has been challenging. But I just know it will be worth all of my efforts; and then some.

My park district series is going GREAT! I have met some pretty amazing ladies through this class and it is an honor to be able to teach them. I really feel myself coming into this teaching gig. Don't get me wrong though. Sometimes I'll catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror as I am teaching and think, "Who is she?" and have this total out of body experience. A year ago I never dreamed I would be here doing this. Six months ago I never would have dreamed I would be teaching with no book... and no "read these as you teach" cues. Yeah, I still need a sequence. Sometimes I'll write how I want to say it. But the majority of it has been stick figures or pose names and me being IN class and not on the paper. (Mindy and Jane were totally right... IT DID COME TO ME! haha)

So that's the yoga stuff.

I feel closer than ever to Eric right now. Marriage is hard work! But it's worth it. We are taking 2016 to get back on track and back to fixing/sprucing up our home. We had a leak in our kitchen which has caused us to have to re-do our flooring. So, this is the next major project.

We've had never ending car issues it seems (both mechanic wise AND my car being hit in the parking lot at work). We've finally worked through that. Next and hopefully last thing on our list is to have the bumper repaired from the damage caused by someone hitting it while it was parked.

Our pups are doing great. I know I promised I would blog about Cooper. It's just been so hectic I never truly have time to sit down and write about it all.

In December, the weekend of his first birthday, something spooked Cooper in the yard and he took off. He was missing almost 3 days in the cold. When we found him he was hurt. He had been hit by a car. He's had several x-rays and a surgery to repair his broken leg as well as a skin scraping to re-grow the dead tissue on his belly and is finally now back to the spunky little puppy we once knew. Perhaps even spunkier; if that's even possible. We're glad to have him back! He definitely completes our little family.

So yeah. It's really just been us rolling with the punches of life and me getting used to becoming a yoga instructor. 

After March, I definitely plan on getting back into a regular schedule. I'm still working out the kinks in that. It will all come together though, I have no doubt about that.

I hope you all are having a wonderful start to your year.

We'll chat soon!

PS. Have you heard the 'new' Mumford & Sons? Ok, it's not new... It came out in 2009... But holy cow! I heard a song last night at yoga and I've been in love ever since. I am working diligently into incorporating their album into my yoga. I'm loving the songs but more importantly the words of those songs. 'Sigh No More', 'Awake My Soul' and 'After the Storm' have been on repeat since last night's yoga class.

Second Look: Manduka EKO SuperLite yoga mat

Last month I received an email letting me know of the add-ons for my monthly Birchbox subscription. Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that sends you 4-5 beauty products to test out monthly. You can review the product on their website for points that eventually equal to dollar amounts. (For every 100 points, you earn $10) You can also order products through their site and earn points to use on different products you are interested in trying or those that you love and want to repurchase again and again.

In my e-mail I was excited to see that not only was a yoga mat an add-on item, BUT it was a Manduka mat. I thought the price was pretty decent, and without overlook added it onto my January box. After ordering I checked over the reviews and I've come to realize that they are pretty much 50/50. So, I decided I would pass along my review if you're on the hunt for a new yoga mat and are looking at this one.

The Mat:

Manduka EKO SuperLite(TM)

The Claims:

"The eKO SuperLite Mat is a superior travel yoga mat that provides excellent grip. Wherever your practice takes you, the eKO SuperLite is the best yoga mat for yogis on the go!"

The Cost:

$32 as a Birchbox add on but you can expect to pay between $30 and $40 respectively depending upon location.

I actually tried this mat for the first time during a class I taught last night. The first thing I would say I noticed was how light the mat was. The better quality the mat, the heavier they seem to get. All through training I had (and still have) a Jade yoga mat; which I love. But lugging that thing around the city was such a pain in the butt. It was just heavy! I dreaded bringing it to class with me and ultimately ended up keeping it there at the studio for the duration of training. This mat was literally SUPER LIGHT! I think I caught myself thinking this quite a few times actually. Especially when I rolled it out to set up my area for teaching. It unrolled like a dream. For sure a win in my book!

Of course with the mat being literally weightless, you're going to lose out on thickness. This mat comes in at only 1.5mm thick. So, I guess this is where you could start with the pros and cons. Unless you prefer a pretty dense and squishy yoga mat, then this is perfect. Now that I've tried it, I almost think I prefer it to my thicker Jade mat. I get the same grip, and I like the firmness of the floor that you can feel through the mat. Which brings me to my next point; grip.

Typically until broken in, Manduka mats are somewhat slippery. While I did have socks on (hey, I was cold), I have to say, I didn't notice at any point where I felt I was slipping. Granted, my practices are usually more gentle and restoring. I think I will have to play with this and see what happens when I do more of a vigorous practice and also practice without socks. I feel like if you use a carpeted surface, you will probably prefer a thicker mat that will stay in place. But on a hard surface, this mat doesn't move much for me.

The thinness of this mat allows it to be rolled OR folded. This makes this mat to be the PERFECT travel mat because it can fold up to fit in your suitcase, carry-on or even purse (depending on your purse size, of course). The downside to this; this mat tends to have a memory of those folds. So, you'll likely permanently have them in your mat if you chose to store/transport it this way. But if that's not something you mind, and you're solely looking for a travel mat then I think you'll still be perfectly happy with it. For me, I'm just a little too OCD to have the folds permanently in my mat. So, I prefer to roll it.

Another downside you could say would be if you normally use a yoga mat bag. I just got this one here from Hugger Mugger and I absolutely LOVE IT. Expect to have TONS of room left over (which actually might be great because you can throw in a block (foam so it doesn't get too heavy), strap or an extra sweater/shirt to change into. You may actually not even need the yoga mat bag anymore. Which for me is sad, because I really love my bag.

All in all, for the price of the mat and durability I've experienced thus far, I have to say I'm super happy with this mat.

Be on the look out for this mat at a discount similar to what I paid for it through Birchbox at retailers like; Marshall's, TJ MAXX, Nordstrom Rack, etc. You can also order it here on Manduka's website at normal retail price ($40 + shipping).

*If you're interested in signing up for Birchbox and it's $10 monthly subscription that you can cancel at any time; please check out Birchbox's site and sign up here!

---

Flash Forward:

• Beginning February 3rd, Curvy Yoga will now be held Wednesdays at FocusOm Batavia from 7:00 - 8:15pm. You can find this class on FocusOm's website under Yoga For The True Beginner if you'd like to pre-register.
  
  
• Beginning March 2nd, Curvy Yoga is changing to the format of a 6 week series. Here, we’ll meet you where you are on the mat and focus on helping you on your journey to happiness and well-being. Each week we will guide you through a practice with thoughtful instruction and support to help you reach your goals safely and most importantly; at your own pace. We’ll use physical movement along with guided meditation and some yoga philosophy to not only help you develop strength, balance and flexibility but also help reconnect the mind and body; all while within a fun, comfortable atmosphere. 

March's series will be surrounded by Mindfulness and will also be a part of my Mindful March event. (stay tuned for details on Mindful March)

Curvy Yoga will run from March 2nd to April 6th and will cost just $85. Register here!

Slow down!

I keep saying "I just have to get through November" or "this sucks" in reference to missing Sundays... My husband... FALL... But in all honesty, I don't know what I'm going to do without these girls in my life every week!

As much as I say "I don't want to do this" pertaining to something challenging... I push myself through it, and I have these girls to witness it. As much as I say "Man, I really HATE being here for 12 hours EVERY Sunday"... I have these girls experiencing it right alongside me. So - yeah I want my Sundays back. But I wouldn't trade this for the world.

I've become one of those girls who can cry on the fly. That's teacher training. It's changing me. It's bringing things out that I buried deep inside and things I didn't know were there. We're sharing and we are changing and growing together just as much as we are separately. I find each one of these ladies SO inspiring! It's going to be hard when this comes to a close. So, I'm getting the tissues ready!

Friday night we went to Chicago Diner after training. I'm definitely looking forward to more outings like this! The best part was our dessert circle; 3 desserts constantly circling the table. :-)

Sunday morning we had a restorative training. If you didn't already know I was super into restorative yoga; my notes surely give me away! I found myself not wanting to do the poses (I've done all of them before) but taking notes frantically as Cindy spoke. I'm looking forward to a certification training from her next year!

Officially, I'm the cool kid storing her mat at her studio... (But more importantly, I got tired of lugging it back and forth all weekend lol)

Ganesha Plus Training... :-) *That's a thing now!

I was all cute and matchy matchy Sunday. bears sweater, headband, matching tank colors. I rocked it!! Then someone asked me who we played and I had no clue. (Turned out it was a Bye week!) lol My response was "I just wanted wear my new sweater and look cute!" lol Here's me Snap Chatting during lunch!

Sunday we also went over Business of Yoga. Which happened to be perfect for when I got home. I've yet to make my own official announcement; but those important to me know AND my husband sport of spilled the beans on Facebook. I love his love and support for me. It means the whole world to me!

I'll be making a more detailed announcement in coming weeks. But I'm proud to share that come December, I will be a part of the team at Focus Om (formerly A Journey Om) in Batavia. I will have 2 regular classes; True Beginners on Thursday mornings and Curvy Girl Yoga on Saturday mornings beginning the first week of December.

I've began to add these tabs under my Class Schedule here on the website. But, I'm sure you want more detailed info as to the cost, and whether you have to sign up before hand. So I will be sharing that information soon enough! Right now, I'm just designing my classes, getting my information ready for their website, and starting to market myself.

I still plan on having other locations that I will be teaching as "Savvy Serenity". More details on that will be coming soon! I'm also structuring those classes, securing locations and dates! I'm planning a small series of classes called "On The Mat" so look for that real soon! You can sign up for notifications on those classes here;

giving the gift of Yoga

Going into my first class, I wanted to make it extra special. Sometimes on really amazing practices, a couple of my instructors would also have a bowl of chocolate set up for you to grab a piece on your way out. Sometimes we would even grab a tea bag to have when we got home or the morning after.

I wanted to be able to incorporate this into my class to show how much I appreciate all those who came out to support me truly begin my journey as a teacher.

So, I came up with a little "fluff pack" as one friend likes to call them. Essentially, it's a little piece of heaven for them indulge in and a little piece of me to remember while they enjoy their treats.
 

I came across this tutorial on Pinterest and fell in love with the cute packaging!

From there I began gathering my materials;

• Treat Bags - I found similar treat bags on Amazon here.
• The Goodies - I decided I was going to give away both Dove Chocolates and Tulsi Organic Tea and some Tazo Green Tea bags; so I purchased both milk and dark chocolates and a couple different flavors of the Tea (including Peppermint - my favorite) at my local Target. (Because that's where I purchase EVERYTHING!)
• Fabric - (I ventured to Hobby Lobby and began choosing fabric that caught my eye. I ended up selecting 3 different fabric prints and ordered 1/4 yd each of them. You really don't need much here.
• Lace Ribbon (you want this thick, like in the above photo and it's totally optional; I didn't end up using any of this)
• Pinking Shears (not necessary, but I love the way this look on fabric - and someone even commented on the fact that I used them! Which was nice.)
• Twine (You'll need a needle big enough for this to thread it through the top of the fabric. You may also choose to make a tiny slit with your fabric shears)
• Gift Tags - (I found cute brown ones from Hobby Lobby)
• Rubber Stamps/Ink Pads - you may already have this on hand. I just selected a few stamps that I felt had the most positive message and used those.
• Pretty paperclips - Target Dollar $pot has a GREAT selection of these. They always have the cutest things.
• Washi Tape - (this will secure the package closed)

From here I just began cutting the fabric/ribbon, stamping the gift tags and cutting the twine so that I could have an assembly line when I was ready to put my packages together.

When I was ready to assemble my bags, I also took out my amazing business cards that I ordered from Zazzle. A few weeks back, I took advantage of their 50% off sale. I also became a member of Zazzle Black for 30 days so I could also receive the perks of free shipping. You can literally go into your account and choose not to extend the subscription after you place that first order. So I didn't have to set a reminder - HUGE PLUS! I ended up ordering a few sets of business cards, loyalty punch cards, 5 class packs for when I begin normal classes, referral cards and one free class passes. Zazzle often runs 50% off business cards and other various discounts regularly.

So I set up my assembly line;

And here's what they ended up looking like when I was finished stuffing them!

I have to say; I am pretty impressed with myself on the way these turned out! I even had a few people come up to me and say, "Do you ever sleep?" haha. I had one say "Are you kidding me? These are so cute!!!! I'm taking a few!" It was an awesome feeling to make so many people's day with just something I took the time to make. Not even with what was inside; although EVERYONE enjoyed their tea and chocolate. But, because of the package. I really just wanted to take the time to say THANK YOU for coming to support me and for believing in me!

I've managed to Pin a few more packaging ideas that I really liked. Not only do I want to spoil my Yoga students with fun gifts like this, but it would be great for Christmas time for cookie exchanges or small gifts to friends and loved ones.

Anyway, I actually have a few things up my sleeve based solely on this practice, so I would definitely want to welcome those who attended this class with me. In my packages, I have included things that will not only bring them back, and also bring their friends. I'd love for them and anyone else to follow along on my journey with me! Please continue to share my posts with your friends! I love that I'm inspiring all of you not just in Yoga but in your lives. The fact that I can do that means the world to me!

My First Teaching Experience

As most of you already know, the night before I began Teacher Training at Ganesha, I embarked on my first ever Yoga class as a teacher.

All the planning and practicing lead up to me finally making my debut. I am so grateful to Caitlin for making this happen! For believing in me and pushing me. And to Kay for allowing me to come into the studio and teach. I am just so blessed!

I had a GREAT turn out! It was an awesome group of 11 amazing women made up of family, friends and friends of friends. The fact that each and every one of them came to show their support is just mesmerizing. It wasn't for every one, and I'm okay with that. But for those who I did "change" - it was an amazing feeling to be a part of that.

I arrived at the studio at 5:45. My class didn't start until 7. I just needed to breathe, in a comforting environment and "get in the zone". I took some time to read over my class and then I decided to set up the room. I knew I would have quite a few people and I didn't want to spend 20 minutes just getting set up. So, I set up 11 spaces. Thanks to my fabulous family and friends, I ended up having the most attend for the drop-in. Which was AWESOME!

When I started class, I got a little nervous. I knew I was going to have that moment where I froze. So, that's why I took the time to write everything out. Even with that, there were still some points I skipped.

I only got lost once. That was at the end of the practice. I would say the room was half relaxed and half "what do I do? I can't hear". I wasn't sure what tone to use. I didn't want to scream. It's also hard to get up there and command things of people. Especially when you're nice. So, I'd say I haven't found my yoga voice yet. But I'm getting there.

It was actually amazing to have that under my belt before doing the round robin at teacher training. I felt more comfortable, PLUS I went off what I had sequenced in that class.

I wanted the evening to be about balance and bliss. Not so much balance pose wise. But finding that balance within life and your practice. I wanted people to feel like, "oh my gosh! this helps with all of the stress I had today. I NEED TO COME BACK!" Some did.

And some it just wasn't for. They wanted to m o v e. And I can't blame them for that. As I've said before, the beautiful thing about yoga is it can be so many things. I want my practices to be of course a challenge to you, but be gentle and relaxing all the same. You could say I would want it to challenge you more mentally than physically in the fact that I want you to challenge YOURSELF to put YOU first!

There were quite a few who asked me when I was teaching next! Genuinely; they loved it! That was so amazing! It was worth everything!!! I even had my Mom call me to ask "Well, when are you teaching there again?" "Oh, well, they should add a drop in!" and "Well, Okay, I think I want to come to Caitlin's class with you!" I've been begging her to come with me to Caitlin's class for almost 2 years now!!! So, If I could turn my Mom... That was an AWESOME thing for me. Lots asked me when I would be back, when there would be more yoga for them, and where I would suggest they go to find it. It was an awesome feeling to be able to bring this into people's lives. MY YOGA... MINE... My yoga made them start to love it and long for more of it. That still gives me chills.

Finding MY YOGA is a work in progress. I know what I want; for the majority. I'm finding things I want to add. I'm just starting my training. So, it could very well change. I'm just keeping an open mind about everything. If I don't feel I'm ready to teach in November, I won't. or maybe I'll limit myself to what I teach until I get ALL of the training I want. That's the beauty of this. I can go at my own pace. I have the judgement to control when and what I teach. Sure, I can come out of this and be like, "LETS GO!" But... It's not about that for me. I want to be the best teacher I can be! So, if I have to wait; I'll have to wait. We'll see what happens. I'm excited! I've got lots of things planned to learn all I can!!!

This is my true calling, and I couldn't feel more at peace!

My First Weekend of Teacher Training

Last weekend was my first weekend teacher training! It was exciting, intriguing, amazing, and exhausting; mentally, physically and emotionally! Like, literally ALL of those, rolled into this HUGE ball of a w e s o m e!

Friday was short and quick. There are 8 of us total; including the teachers. So, 6 students. Everyone is so different. We all look different. We have different styles. We have different reasons for wanting to share yoga with the world. But we're all here for the same thing. I found that SO awesome. Truly, we're an amazing bunch! I can't wait to get to know these ladies!!

The Holy Bible.... AKA, My Manual! :-)

We ended Friday night with a gentle practice. WHICH WAS AWESOME!!!!! Everything was on the floor. Which didn't mean it wasn't challenging. But it was REALLY neat to be able to do the entire practice on the floor. Something I totally want to try!

Saturday was longer. I was tired, but it was manageable. Practice was a little more intense. I guess the other thing I wasn't expecting was so much practice. Obviously I look now and think; DUH! And I'm so glad it isn't just sitting and listening to lecture all day/night. The practice was a happy medium in between my normal practices. Which was super nice.

For the most part, aside the practice - this is what Saturday looked like... This was in the beginning of the day when i just set up my stuff!

Sunday was the worst. And I say that the best way possible. It wasn't bad.... Actually, it was GREAT! I was just EXHAUSTED mentally at that point, and with little sleep the actual practice was super hard for me. Granted, it was a harder practice too. It took everything in me to not stomp my feet like my inner toddler and throw a tantrum. When the pain in my feet got too intense, I took a break. I left the room. Splashed water on my face. Took a couple breaths. Got a ball to roll my feet out with. Then I came back and tried again. I'm so proud of myself for that.

We also had a lot of information to get through. But the beauty of it is; even though it was 12 hours, it was FUN and exciting!

Of course, by the end of the weekend, I had a pretty sweet drink collection going on.

Exhibit A: my Sprite left over from dinner on Saturday, My Passion tea cup from Saturday (that I originally wanted to keep, but ended up throwing it out, my water, the coffee I drove in with Sunday, and then an Oatmeal Latte from Bakin' & Eggs (SO FREAKING GOOD!). I also enjoyed a delicious Blueberry scone. YUM! It's probably a good thing they're moving locations LOL

I also got a pretty SWEET bag from Target to lug all of my books and such with. I'm really digging it! Like; INSANELY digging it. I'm in love! And I love that my wallet matches the "leather" part on the bag too.

I also found out, apparently, I'm drawn to purple! LoL (water bottle, coffee cup, bag, mat and bolster... ALL purple!)

I have to say. Not being around technology all that much was SUPER great! I think that's definitely something I'm going to work on! Getting rid of that addiction! Because it was AWESOME!

I also have to say, as tired as I was... It was something that I constantly held gratitude for. I was constantly finding myself in that state of "Wow! I'm here, and I'm so thankful that I am." On top of that, I felt like it was just where I was meant to be. Everything felt right! Like everything was happening the way it was supposed to and this truly IS what I'm supposed to be doing! 

Funny thing is, I have this thing where prior to starting something new within yoga; an animal or insect crosses my path. Like, literally. Before I started practicing, each time I started a new class (like when I ventured on my own), and NOW when I enter yoga teacher training. You can choose to believe in this kind of stuff or you can think I'm a little weird or "cooky". I am just the type of person who believes EVERYTHING happens for a reason and has meaning.

This didn't happen until Sunday. I was sitting on my bolster, taking notes and listening to lecture when I noticed a cricket like, ALL in my space. I'm not the biggest insect fan. But, I know enough; or rather I believe enough, to know not to kill it. So, I scooted it along. As I watched it scurry over to my mat, and just chill staring at me. Once it felt like I had noticed it's presence, it just kept walking/hopping away towards the front of the room.

When I googled Cricket Spirit Animal This is what I found;

*I usually use Spirit-Animals.com for this.

If Cricket has jumped across your path;

It is a sign of extreme good luck. All the things that you have been working toward and dreaming about are now possible. Stay open to guidance and cosmic messages and you will know exactly what you have to do. Whether its buying a lottery ticket, interviewing for a new job, or being in the right place at the right time. All things are possible right now – all you have to do is feel that you deserve it!

Additional Associations for Cricket…

Good luck

Emerging Self

Enhanced intuition and psychic abilities

Ability to change focus and direction quickly and easily

Grounding

Contentment

Inner Voice

Teaching the power of song in darkness

New Vibrational Energies

Happiness

Finding ones way out of darkness by following their song

Self Expression

Understanding the time to jump out of a situation

Satisfaction

Communication

Good Fortune

Pleasure

Connection to the plant kingdom

Positive Outcomes

So, even if I wasn't truly believing that I was where I was supposed it be THIS totally reassured me. It was eerie, but REALLY really nice! And you can TOTALLY think I'm a weirdo for reading that much into it. But it's so odd that literally, EVERY TIME I start something new in Yoga, some type of animal crosses my path.

I CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT WEEKEND!!!

Balanced Bliss Sequence

Words cannot begin to express how grateful I am to all of those who came to my class last night! Thank you all!

I tried like heck to make this available on Spotify, but I couldn't find a lot of the songs there. To be honest, I'm not the greatest with Spotify either. That's why I went with what I knew. But, both playlists are about an hour and twenty three minutes. The first playlist is what was started in class. After the reading, I switched to the second playlist.  If you remember or want a specific song, let me know and we can probably figure it out.

Here's a screen shot of my iTunes playlists in case you want to purchase any of those songs. (Photos show the order they were played; from left to right). I'll figure out this whole sharing thing sooner or later :-)

This was played through the actual yoga sequence

This was played after the reading. Towards the end of Enchanted Forest, I had begun to have you come back to 'reality'. We completed the end of the practice with Balance playing; which was also the song we started the practice with.

The reading was an excerpt from Melody Beattie's Journey to the Heart. If you'd like the exact reading, let me know!

You can find this book on Amazon.com which is where I got mine!

If you have any questions or want further explanation on any of the poses we did, please let me know! Simply fill in the information and click submit. Once I receive it, I will get back to you as soon as possible.

 

**Please note; due to me being in training the entire weekend of August 21-23rd; I may not be able to get to my email right away. Expect a response no later than Monday August 24th.

It was a pleasure having you in my first yoga class!