Yogatorium Improvements

Things are really coming together at The Yogatorium.  One of my big annoyances was the open loft area where I stored stuff in full view,  but now?  NOW look!  What a difference two panels with magnetic catches makes!  I am blessed with a handy man who is VERY creative!   For six years all I could think of was hanging a curtain.  So, the loft problem has been solved.  Hallelujah!  In addition to the super loft enclosure, there are two new cabinets with doors,  stacked washer/dryer, and a cabinet for mats, bolsters, and blankets - all super improvements for The Yogatorium - not to mention the three-tiered deck!  THANKS TODD!

Reclined Bound Angle

Although this might look like torture, in fact, it is one of the most relaxing, comfortable restorative yoga poses we know.  It is called "Reclined Bound Angle."  There is a bolster propped up on a block creating the body and head rest behind her.  It takes a bit of time to get into it, but once there, you don't want to come out.  Notice the 10-lb sandbag on Tammie's torso - adds some compression that is quite comforting.  If you haven't yet attended one of the retreats this year, mark your calendar for May 17 - the next one, 3rd of five for this year.  The structure is basically the same, but the theme differs.

Manifestation, Love, Wisdom

Shamanic Ritual

Here's another photo from the retreat weekend - me and Viki in a shamanic ritual conveying blessings of manifestation, love, and wisdom.   Come try it, you might like it!  And, we offer many other procedures and rituals  that can be beneficial to those who are seeking peace and energy body healing.  Until April 16, a bargain price of $20 for the first session if it follows a regular yoga class Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 pm, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10 am.

Self-sufficiency Handicap

Today I'll share my reading this morning from Lenten booklet of writings from the mystics.  It spoke so directly to me!
Let the self-sufficiency that I so treasure
 and have for so long sought
 die with this day.  
In its place 
plant the seeds of humility and modesty
that alone can give strong roots
to a true spirituality.

Retreat Highlights

The Mindfulness Retreat on Saturday was an absolute success.  Two hours of yoga, including a restorative session.  The 11 of us bonded  with beautiful energy floating throughout the room throughout the day - and even extending out into the woods, the labyrinth, and all the way around the entire 53 acres.  Walkers everywhere! During the two-hour silent period things were seen in nature that are not ordinarily observed in the day-to-day existence.  An appreciation for being still, watching the flames of an outdoor fire, hearing birds sing, seeing a tiny newborn snake.  Even goose poop in the labyrinth - a favorite walking place of the two geese who have been visiting lately.  Dancing to Karen Drucker's I Give Myself Permission.  Victoria Markham introduced us to the Enneagram.  All in all, a day of sharing space that will warm our hearts for weeks to come - until the next retreat May 17, all day long again.  Mark your calendars for a day you will thoroughly enjoy - especially the energy flow among like-minded people!

Compassion has no limit

Compassion has been my main thing word now for several months.  Most of you have heard me say "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing."  I didn't write that - Stephen Covey did.  But, I have adopted it as a code.  Even so, I find it difficult to always  keep it in mind.  This morning I got a message from Spirit in the form of my tea bag tag words:  "Compassion has no limit.  Kindness has o enemy."  Perhaps the fact that compassion has no limit is what keeps me from feeling like I'm doing it well.  Always there seems to be more needed and it is hard to choose what, where, and when to express it.  My hope is that eventually it will be an all-pervasive characteristic of mine.   A large part of my work currently is to have compassion for myself.  I try to live as my Self but invariably my ego jumps on stage at the slightest opening.

Slowing Down

Today is a day of rest.  Spending my day just being, napping, reading, drinking lots of water, eating lightly.  About once a week - surely once a month - I need a day like this where everything slows down and especially, I slow down.  Somehow I manage to keep moving most days like everything that comes to mind must all be done at once.  In fact, very few things truly have to be done at once.  There is always time to stop and do nothing at least for a minute or two.  These short breaks can be extremely beneficial to my peace of mind and general health - simply stopping and watching my breath a couple times in and out.  Somehow this has a calming effect that carries over into the next hour or so of DOING.  If I wait until I have an hour to meditate, it sometimes doesn't happen at all.  If I can just keep my head about me and take advantage of the minutes that become available, life is better.

Techie troubles

Why is it that just when I get somewhat adept at using my techie stuff - MacPro laptop and  iPhone 5 - changes occur - seemingly for no rhyme nor reason - except my bad habit of punching without knowing what will happen when I punch.  Just yesterday I figured out (with Luke's help) how to google a question and get an answer for anything I could think up - in particular, no sound alert for text msgs.  I was not the only one with the problem - a whole string of replies came up from others who had the same problem and in most cases offered solutions.  Well, the reset solution worked BUT now everything looks a bit different and I can't figure out how to use the microphone to text - which I had just learned how to do two days ago.  Now the screen looks very different and there is even a different voice talking back to me.  How can she get Kate Taylor on face something or another (MY UGLY face showing up) when I asked her to text Todd Kaufman?  Answer that for me!  Luke assures me the voice will soon learn to understand my speech - BUT not if the voice keeps changing!!!  Another bothersome thing - Why is it that there are always FEMALE voices talking and you have to know how to do it to get it changed to a male voice.  I don't want to spend all my time with females!  Especially if I'm gonna pay for it - I want a man to talk to me!  Sam found one for me but when I reset everything I lost him and now some broad is back talking to me.

Spirituality Plus Religion

How can it be that I haven't written since last Sunday!  Where do the days go?  It is true that much more activity is occurring in my life - many new students at the Yogatorium, upcoming drum circle, and all-day retreats, returned to Course in Miracles meetings, Sunday afternoon sessions, and so life is simply happening.  And what a beautiful life it is!  I am so blessed with so many wonderful friends and happenings to keep me running on FULL!  For this, I am so grateful!   I've also shifted gears to celebrate Lent this year in a different way. My focus is to indulge my longing for a deeper spiritual connection.  I'm practicing more different rites and meditation techniques.   I'm reading The Book - a lay person's easy-to-read bible that is actually keeping my attention for much longer reads than I expected!  This was a gift from Jean Roberts in 2005 when I was just beginning to reconsider religion, along with my deep commitment to spirituality.  And now, they are partners.  And it is a very comfortable, exciting place to be.

Noticing

Now, today it begins to really look like Spring is coming!  Ray planted the daffodils a couple years ago - this one my favorite - at the labyrinth.  And the time has changed.  Strange how awful it seems to have lost an hour!  But then how great it will be to have gained an hour of afternoon daylight!  Now in the evening yoga classes we will enjoy the light lasting a bit longer and watch it gradually get darker again.  What a miraculous world we live in!   Every day miracles are occurring all around me - and finally I am taking note of many of them.  Some days are simply days to notice.  I think that's what I'll do all day today.  Notice.

Chakra Cleansing and Illumination Offerings

Spring Cleaning at 

                                                     The Yogatorium

Chakra Cleansing and Illumination

Special one-time offer: 

We are creating one or two openings 

for a memorable energy healing session 

immediately following M,T,W,Th classes.

March 17 through April 16

$20 - approx. 30 minutes

Me and Buddha at Black Bean Co.

Must show you this great Buddha found at Black Bean Co. in Charleston!  Great lunch with new friend, Viki.  Fun trip networking with her and Ian!  Who knows what may come of it?  Stay tuned.  Now back to dreaming up new ways to expand our reach at The Yogatorium.  Stay tuned - good things coming up.    If you have ideas, tell us!  We're always open to trying new approaches.  For right now - only 4 spaces left for the March 22 Mindfulness Retreat.   Get your $10 deposit in NOW so you don't miss this great day among like-minded adventurers!  Sorry, Drum Circle/Fire Ceremony March 16 is filled.   If you're interested in the next one, probably in April, get your name in to us NOW.

Word Power

Mindfulness is on my mind this morning.  Thich Nhat Hanh's The Miracle of Mindfulness suggests a process that seems worth considering.  He writes:  "Allen said 'I've discovered a way to have a lot more time.  In the past I ….looked at my time as if it were divided into several parts.  One for Joey, one for Sue, …..The time left over I considered my own to read, write, do research, go for walks….now I try not to divide time into parts…..When I help Joey with his homework, I try to find ways of seeing his time as my own time.  The same with Sue.  The remarkable thing is that now I have unlimited time for myself."
This telling reminded my of my decision thirteen years ago that when I retired, everything I did from that time forward would be "play."  It is truly amazing how changing the words we use changes our feelings.  If all my activity is play, how can I possibly be unhappy?

Yogatorium Activity

Lovely, busy few days - new cabinets in The Yogatorium will remove much of the clutter and make room for even more students - 14 were here Saturday morning.  What a delightful, inspiring, fulfilling hour we had!  Come join us - there's always room for more.  And, the energy flows so easily and bountifully in a space filled with lovely spiritual beings!……..In case you wonder, there are still t-shirts available for $12 each in many sizes - even a few men's shirts.  Ask to see them or just open the door - they are now stored in the big white cabinet……..The drum circle/fire ceremony space is filled again!  What a wondrous thing - all three have now been filled with people from as far away as Johnston, SC, Augusta and Thomasville, Ga.  If you haven't yet visited The Yogatorium - come soon.  You will be pleasantly surprised.   If you are already a paid member, bring a friend.  When she or he joins, you get a pass for the next five times you come!  And to those of you who are already building our membership with guests, keep it up!!!!  My goal is to reach everyone who has ever even momentarily wondered what yoga can do for them.  I promise you won't be disappointed.  Keep in mind also, Todd and I are offering energy healing sessions - $35 for single sessions, discounted rates for following multiple sessions of 3 or more.  Curious?  Check out our web sites or call and talk with us:  Todd - 515-371-5838, www.mendinglifeenergy.  Jaquie 864-506-4063, yogatorium.blogspot.com.