Teaching: Journey, Thoughts, Pause, Reflection

Teaching Yoga

A few years ago in class, yoga teacher Francesca Asumah of Hot8Yoga said, "once you practice long enough and feel called to share the work, you may look into teaching."  As I lay in savasana, I thought to myself, "well, I really want to keep yoga as my practice without teaching it so I don't think that path is for me."

In the past, I always ended up teaching what I practiced (group fitness, kick boxing, spin, pole).  Though enjoyable and fulfilling, time for my own practice seemed compromised.  Since I loved yoga so much, I decided that I did not want to teach.

In the fall of 2015 one of my teachers Julia PT mentioned that she would be leading a teacher training and that we were welcome to take the training not necessarily to teach but to deepen our practice.  The latter sounded better and after meditating on the option, I said, "Yes!"

In the fall of 2015, everyday I asked my guides to assist in aligning me with my highest path and life purpose.  Therefore, before making choices I would meditate on, "is this choice aligned? Does it feel good, right?"  If yes, I would go for it.  If no, I would decline.  This training seemed aligned so I signed up for the Hot8Yoga 200-Hr Power Teacher Training with Brit.

2016 was definitely one of continued transformation, personal evolution, endings, beginnings, shifting relationships, shadow work, and more.  Yoga TT was a huge part of this.  Another interesting occurrence was that I had a positive balance of $250+ on my Hot8 account at the announcement of the Yin fall TT with Rebekah.  It was the perfect place to allocate the funds!

Teaching yoga was natural and fluid: teacher training graduation, mentorship, community classes, audition, regular classes.  The system guides you step by step if that is part of your calling.  Some people from our group decided to teach, others not right away.

Whenever I lead XPERT Pole & Aerial Teacher Trainings, I tell the group that we are all teachers and our journeys differ.  Perhaps you pass the training course, take a few more months of pole classes and you're teaching.  Perhaps you take the course and end up teaching years down the road after gaining more experience.  Maybe you already teach and are deepening your skills with this training.  Maybe you are retaking the course to refresh.  Whatever the case, we are all here, and we are all teachers.  We all start at a certain point and if meant to teach, we will.  It will be natural.

Last Week's Experience

Last week was intense: schedule completely full and energetically slammed by what felt like a tornado - workshop, social events, wedding, birthday parties, business meetings, family developments, healing sessions, classes to teach (regular + subbing + first week at Stadium Fitness Yoga and Evolve Dance).  As stand-alone events, I was thrilled for and looking forward to each one.  However, together in a row with little to no breaks or space between, I could not fully embrace and enjoy each experience.  By Saturday morning, my battery was nearing 0%, patience tattered, energy drained, body in pain, aura leaking, vessel clogged.

In 2015, I had to think of ways to free up my schedule.  To start I refrained from pre-planning as much as possible (mainly social events).

However, last week when worn down, I broke my rule and felt the consequences.  I compromised my own privacy, time, space, energy and value.  Therefore, over the weekend I decided that I needed to clean, clear, recharge and practice some serious self-healing and recuperation.

The weekend was absolutely perfect: Hot8 Beach day volleyball and ocean swim with fun and joyful friends, meditation + Reiki Circle with beautiful and nurturing girlfriends, Mel's awesome 90s birthday party, sound bath with Kathy, and private Middle Pillar healing with Naha at HOI.  

The results were tremendous!

Lessons Learned

From just a week's experience, I was closely reminded of these invaluable lessons:

• Carefully set and maintain boundaries (lines in the sand) with communication to respect your own time and value
• You cannot operate and function at your highest potential when worn down
• Practice what you preach.  Oftentimes, we discuss with other yoga teachers that we do not have as much time to practice when we are teaching a lot. Change that.  Make time.
• Regular time in nature (beach/mountains) is a must
• Cook your own food as often as you can
• Time in certain environments with certain people/energies can be equivalent to a solo spa day reset/recharge
• Be specific. Discern and refine.  Make choices that serve you best.  Your best self serves others.

Instructing vs. Teaching

I will use the specific terminology of instructing vs. teaching only to make a point and to distinguish between two far ends of the teaching spectrum: learned, memorized and regurgitated material versus shared deep, insightful wisdom and experience filtered through personal experience.

To me, "instructing" means passing a certification and reciting material per the manual.

To me "teaching" means sharing and expressing bits of knowledge, experience and wisdom plus weaving in that learned from ancient texts and trainings.

Takeaway & Finding Balance

In order to continue growing and evolving as a teacher, one must have the time and space to go deeper, to study, to experience, to deliver and to share.  

Allowing the time and space to do so is vital~

Question for Thought from My Friend Eileen

Move deeper into the truth of what your soul is now.  How does your soul want to express its light in human form?

Clean, Clear, Charge: Humans and Crystals

In this post, I recount deeper insight gained into the human experience through a recent revelation and ongoing crystal care~

I came off this weekend charged and alive with joy, radiance, excitement, and electricity!  WOW - how and why did I feel so good?  Two weeks prior I had landed from Africa and went straight into teaching and healing sessions.  I didn’t get enough sleep, but work called.  A higher force said, “push through” so I did.  With more sleep and conscious clearing practices, I slowly navigated back “on track.”  “On track.”  What does that mean?  Balance, centered, awake, alive, free from external pulls and pushes.  How to achieve this sense of harmony?  Handle business, catch up, communicate, deliver on commitments, leave space, and most importantly be present in the now.

As a teacher and healer, it is important to maintain Saucha, cleanliness, clearness and purity of body, mind and emotion.  Proper and clean hygiene, attire, living/practice area, head and emotional body space are essential.  When meditation, visualization, prayer, chant, Reiki, breath work, white light healing, smudging, time in nature, epsom salt/eucalyptus baths are not enough, perhaps a mini staycation in nature will do the trick.

In general, I am aware and mindful to keep clean and clear, but only this weekend did I have an epiphany about CHARGE!  I capped off a weekend of yoga, chakras, breath work, learning, teaching, delicious Indian and vegan feasts, group middle pillar ritual, friend time, and solo reflection with my good friend’s Kundalini teacher training graduation.  A group of 70+ radiant teachers clad in all white singing and celebrating on stage and a delicious post-celebration feast further filled my vessel with utmost love and joy.  A few days before, my friend gave me a 10 subtle body private kundalini lesson in the park on fresh grass with wind blowing.  The effects were profound and I experienced the science of how energy moves through the body.  We did a special Kriyā, chanted and meditated.  I felt like a vibrating quartz crystal!

Yesterday (Monday morning), I left my friend a message: “WOW!  I felt so incredible after this weekend, was in such an amazing mood, and completely charged up and vibrating. She replied with something similar to what she had said before: meditation alone is not enough.  Additional modalities are needed to stir up energies and create CHARGE.

It became apparent again that I oftentimes become comfortable and content with silent meditation and a serene, peaceful, calm, and blissful state.  However, what about the charge and passion?

This reminded me of different crystal states and care: clean, clear, charged.  First physically clean the crystal with a cloth or water.  Next clear the crystal with elements: water, fire, earth, air, spirit.  Then charge the crystal with elements.  I thought of the difference between when my chakra wands are clear (light) and when they are full moon charged (pulsating with energy).  I then saw myself as a crystal and realized that lately I have been too focused on the “clear” (balanced, light, not holding others’ energies) and have not paid enough attention to the “charge” (pulsating with passion and electricity).  

I reflected and journaled, and came up with this list of “charging” practices:

• ☆ Visit your special beach and spend time in the water and on the rocks and sand, surf
• ☆ Visit a power place (energy vortex) such as Lake Shrine
• ☆ Get a campsite for the night and camp solo or with friends/family
• ☆ Hike at a spot that makes you feel alive (Topanga, Santa Monica Mountains).  Some spots resonate more deeply/powerfully.
• ☆ Indulge in delicious, nourishing food and drink
• ☆ Surround yourself with good company that uplifts and excites you
• ☆ Add invigorating breath work, chanting and singing to meditation practices
• ☆ Go outside and play: practice inversions, acro yoga, aerial play with the Ring Flyers at Santa Monica beach
• ☆ Make passionate love
• ☆ Lay out in mild sunlight (too much can be draining)
• ☆ Bathe under the full moon
• ☆ Spend time with energizing crystals such as tigers eye, carnelian, nirvana quartz, lithium quartz, moldavite, phenacite
• ☆ Douse in a natural waterfall
• ☆ Attend a sound bath with a facilitator/healer you love and enjoy his/her energy
• ☆ Fill your space with fresh, beautiful flowers
• ☆ Apply, spend time and learn about essential oils
• ☆ Act on divine inspiration to create art and express - draw, paint, write, sing, dance, start a project

When feeling ready to go beyond balance and peace (the clear), ask, “how can I, do I experience passion and excitement (the charge)?”  

Start by closing your eyes...visualize yourself as your favorite crystal...embody it...all its rainbows, facets, and qualities.  Feel the cleanliness, clearness and CHARGE~

Recommended Readings: The Charge by Brendan Burchard, Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

Reigniting Altar Intentions with Sanari Candle

This weekend while meditating I asked for a way to bring more joy and warmth into my living space, and an answer to my request arrived that night!  Years ago I had looked for a loft but never found the perfect spot.  Since then, I have had the subtle longing to move.  The urge became stronger around New Years (1/1/17).  I sense a new living space on the horizon that is on ground level with a garden.  In the meantime, however, I am meant to be here and would like to make the most of it!  One way is to express gratitude for the perks: sunny rooftop, pool, view of Griffith Park mountains/Observatory, a neighborhood village and close community.

Below is the ritual that came.  Read all the way through with notes before trying.

1. Prepare space/self with Palo Santo, rose water, selenite, sound instruments and any other methods you use. 
2. Light candles on each altar.
3. Light your Sanari Candle and place on East facing altar.
4. Invoke Spirit and Guides of Light.
5. Start with candle on East altar and invoke Archangel Raphael + air elementals.
6. Say out loud, "I ask for assistance in reigniting the intentions of altar/grid 'A': <list original intentions>.  So it is!" Chant AUM 1x.
7. With your Sanari candle in hand, walk in a clockwise circle to your South facing altar while envisioning a quarter circle of light between East and South altars.  Place candle on South altar.  Invoke Archangels Michael and Zadkiel + fire elementals.
8. Say out loud, "I ask for assistance in reigniting the intentions of altar/grid B': <list original intentions>.  So it is!" Chant AUM 1x.
9. With your Sanari candle in hand, walk in a clockwise circle to your West facing altar while envisioning a quarter circle of light between South and West altars. Place candle on West altar.  Invoke Archangel Gabriel + water elementals.
10. Say out loud, "I ask for assistance in reigniting the intentions of altar/grid 'C': <list original intentions>.  So it is!" Chant AUM 1x.
11. With your Sanari candle in hand, walk in a clockwise circle to your North facing altar while envisioning a quarter circle of light between West and North altars. Place candle on North altar.  Invoke Archangel Uriel + earth elementals.
12. Say out loud, "I ask for assistance in reigniting the intentions of altar/grid 'D': <list original intentions>.  So it is!" Chant AUM 1x.
13. With your Sanari candle in hand, walk in a clockwise circle to your East facing altar while envisioning a quarter circle of light between North and East altars. Place candle on East altar.  You have now completed the circle of light.
14. Fill in the entire circle you traced with golden white light and imagine this sphere glowing all the way to the edges of your room and beyond.  Perhaps to the walls of the building, the block, the neighborhood the city, the state, the US, the globe.  I got carried away :D!
15. State any intentions you have for your space. Ex. "May my space be warm, golden, loving, cozy, filled with 100% pure love and light, etc."
16. Walk with your candle to the center of the room and place on floor.  Take a comfortable seat in front of candle and draw hands to prayer.  Chant AUM 3x.  Meditate.
17. Close by thanking Spirit and Guides. NAMASTE. 

Notes:

• Stop at noteworthy spots in your room as you trace the circle.  Ex. your bed (Say, "I dismiss and release any past energies that are less than 100% light and not aligned with my true self.  May they be sent up and transmuted to light."  Good for clearing energy from past lovers.
• You can do this ritual in your main meditation room or in each room of the house.
• I use Sanari candle because it is 100% natural, plant-based infused with essential oils and love.  Makes a difference.
• Feel free to revise parts of this to make it resonate with you.
• Example of my altars: East altar = love for inner child and play, South = main altar for charging crystals, healing, abundance, meditation, chanting, West = creativity, self-expression, North = physical foundation and new living space.

Sending much love to you and your living space! ~~~

PARADIGM SHIFT, PURPOSE, CELEBRATION OF LIFE

We just shifted and are shifting into the age of Aquarius, but traditional schooling has not fully prepared us for this new era as these institutions are based on the past looking toward an unpredictable future.  I love learning, education, and school and spent much time studying in wonderful private institutions: science, math, history, business, art, English, accounting, athletics, more.

However, we must acknowledge a new form of learning: “schools” that teach self-knowledge and intuition.  Taking information for face value and blind belief do not withstand.

Some of these schools include, yoga studios (uniting body, mind, emotion, soul), aerial studios (flipping your relationship with gravity to gain perspective), nature (return to our roots.  Go outside and you will learn lots), study of invisible knowledge (22 Teachings at House of Intuition - learn how to develop/use your Intuition and much more), and individuals themselves.

Institutions, physical infrastructure, big business, duality - black/white, masculine/feminine, good/bad - and patriarchy, characterized the Age of Pisces.  However, in the age of Aquarius, roles shift/redefine, masculine/feminine qualities blend/harmonize, the divine feminine rises, and individuals reclaim their human power.  We move away from titles that define our occupations based on old institutions, and we move toward new labels or non-labeling. 

Traditional job titles such as CEO, manager, digital analyst, doctor, lawyer, advertising agent, homemaker, etc. are not all-encompassing.  In a sense, simpler more traditional titles such as craftsperson, teacher, healer, entertainer, artist, medicine man/woman are more fitting.  Since many of us are pioneers and road pavers, we need to think of our own titles.  I met someone last year that gave me his business card: title, “Communicator.”

As reincarnates of this time, many of us are here to help usher in the new age, raise consciousness, to connect, and build the bridge between Pisces and Aquarius.  

We all have our unique ways.  My friend Lauren “weaves consciousness in our material world.”  My friend Eileen holds space for people to release the old while nurturing the growth of their gifts and talents.  My mentor Saharah pierces to the core of issues blasting through the emotional body into our soul contracts.  I am a catalyst for change.  I help people define and SEE their current situations with clear lenses.  I spark change and growth by inspiring questioning, curiosity, and disruption of old habits.  What about you?  

I will share an example from today:

This afternoon atop my sunny rooftop, I read my friend Natallia Nemes’ book from start to finish.  Natallia is a beautiful, vibrant, vivacious and remarkable woman who embodies the celebration of life.  In her book, The Sh*t They Should Have Taught You in College, Natallia recounts her own life journey and valuable lessons learned along the way in a humorous, clear, easy-to-read style with fun cartoon illustrations.  

Natallia is 100% real and honest as she covers topics such as family addiction problems, financial struggles, personal eating disorders/addictions, and failed romantic relationships.  She integrates invaluable life lessons from these experiences such as how to celebrate yourself and take even better care when sh*t hits the fan, that the root of charity is compassion and the pure intention of giving, to take vacations, the more we give, the more we get, how to redirect the quality of courage from destructive outlets to creative ones, the value of meditation, yoga, dancing, going upside down and having fun, and the most important lesson: to love ourselves.

The book feels like a personal friend-to-friend conversation and conveys wisdom in an accessible and relatable way.  Thank you, Natallia, for sharing your journey and for inspiring.  You remind me to c’est la vie.  Your presence is forever reinvigorating and a beautiful reminder to celebrate life!  Thank you for sharing openheartedly and for embodying truth.  You create space for others to do the same.

Read Natallia's book on iBooks and Kindle | Connect with her on Facebook, IG, Twitter

More than ever, it is important for us to know and understand our purposes.  Many of us may be operating within an outdated model/institution irking for change but are unsure of how to proceed.  Start with baby steps, follow what feels good and stay away from what does not feel good.  Seeing ourselves for exactly who we are and why we are here, can set us free!

Freedom Redefined

Just the other day, a transmission triggered epiphany - one on the meaning of freedom, perhaps a life lesson that needed to be learned through experience.

Throughout my 20s, I believed freedom equaled time, money, health and the ability to do whatever desired whenever desired.  I thought barriers to freedom were being an employee, lacking money, and limiting leisure time.  Working in corporate America equaled prison.  Not having funds to travel or do whatever I wanted was limitation.

Hence I made alterations and tailored a life devoid of anything that could block ultimate freedom.  However why wasn't doing whatever you wanted any time you wanted "freeing?"

I began to sense a lack of purpose similar to the feeling of traveling for so long that even the most majestic landscape becomes ordinary.  

Only recently do I FEEL that freedom is who you are mentally, emotionally and physically within an infrastructure.  Whether you are picking grapes, lounging on a raft in Bora Bora, gliding down the Alps, working a 9-5 office job, teaching yoga, running a company, or operating within any environment, freedom is in self and presence.  Freedom is the enjoyment of everyday moments - people, relationships, signs of progress and connection.

The initiation of healing work and teaching yoga this year has proven to be a path of newfound emotional and mental freedom - helping others, connecting, sharing knowledge from experience, and spreading light in a new manner.

I am excited for the mystery, excitement and journey of 2017 and hope this share opened something for you to carry forth into the new year!

Somatic Sexual Wholeness: My Experience

Rahi and I met in class at Hot8Yoga and randomly crossed paths at the Shen Yun show.  We connected soon after and agreed to share healing sessions.  I would experience one of Rahi's sessions and he one of mine.

My session with Rahi took place in August upon arriving home from Hong Kong.  After about a week of encountering repetitive lotus flower imagery prior to my appointment, I smiled at the beautiful Kuan Yin tapestry hung so gracefully in Rahi's sacred healing space - there was the lotus again.  My eyes danced over beautiful amethyst, clear quartz, selenite, Ganesha, and a picture of Yogi Bhajan.

To begin, we caught up with conversation and reviewed relevant points from our pre-session Skype.  My main intentions included liberating remaining energy from past sexual partners, further activating and empowering the sacral chakra and my own divine feminine essence, and exploring and discovering anything new in the physical and emotional bodies.  

The physical part started with Trauma Release Exercises.  I learned how to tremor, which releases tension held in the nervous system and past emotions from the psoas muscle.  The feeling for me was similar to holding smokey quartz - detox and energetic drainage.  The sensation of a whitish purple strobe light pulsed at my third eye indicating clarity, openness and activation.

We then moved on to a full body prone massage during which I felt like a delicate flower gracefully and slowly opening.  Now the lotus flower imagery was clear and perfectly aligned (aha moment)!  

Next was a full body supine massage including inner pelvic release.  Sensations included, full body tremoring, tingling, bright greenish white light at third eye, heavy breath, laughter, release, snake and serpentine stone images at mind's eye, flower petals opening, SELF LOVE, and finally REBIRTH! 

In the subsequent days I had greater internal physical body awareness including how the mouth connects to the pelvis, the subtle differences between left and right sides of certain body parts, and the evolution of pain or neutral sensation to pleasure.

Whether one has undergone sexual trauma, I think Somatic Sexual Wholeness should be experienced by ALL women not only for deep healing in the sacral chakra, but also for greater body awareness, for heightened sensitivity at the seed of creation, and for amplification of one's life force!

A trailer of edited clips from testimonials by female health and wellness professionals speaking about their experiences of Somatic Sexual Wholeness and receiving sessions.

Learn More:

Holidays and Conflict

Oftentimes during the holidays, we get together with family that we would not otherwise choose to spend time.  We attend family gatherings out of tradition, for enjoyment and perhaps to keep peace.  

I personally am not a fan of holidays at all - the drama, conflict and inability to be myself without judgement or criticism.  I used to escape by snowboarding to avoid them altogether.  However, recently I have attended the big ones focusing on those whom I enjoy.

After each event comes a "recovery period" - healing, making peace with whatever part of self felt probed or derailed, and physically from food I would not generally eat.

Every year, I am torn.  I have wonderful groups of friends that have lovely and vibrant dinner parties, but once again: to go and escape or to face another cycle of obligation?

I have tried viewing the situation and people through a lens of compassion and forgiveness. Before every event, I prepare with strong energetic protection.  I push my limits, tolerance and flexibility to the max.

Despite much effort I concluded that frequencies and personalities are disparate - they do not vibrate harmoniously.  They don't match.  They don't get along.

I know there is a karmic lesson here but I'm stuck and unresolved.  What are your opinions and ideas?  Would love to hear your insight.

Seek Without, Find Within

Coasting atop Swiss Alp powder,

Bathing in Hokkaido hot springs,

Charging in Capri’s electric blue waters,

Drinking from the fountain of Evian,

Getting lost in Japan’s blue forests and cherry blossoms,

Living as a monk at Koya-san,

Feeling spirits at San Francesco D’assisi’s tomb,

Farming in the French Pyrenees,

Experiencing the magic in Coelho’s literature while retracing his footsteps,

Riding horses on sands of many seas,

Diving in the warm, pristine Gili Islands,

Swimming amongst parrot fish, turtles, sharks and colorful ocean life,

Biting into ripe Tahitian fruit for the first time,

Exploring Caribbean shipwrecks,

Overlooking and pondering the Bitter End,

Understanding the true sacredness of water at L’Alhambra,

Dancing in the red Flamenco fire of Sevilla,

Dining spontaneously with locals on the seas of Southern Spain,

Adventuring through untapped beauty of Cabo de Gata,

Tasting juicy Barcelona bites,

Practicing yoga in lush Sayulita,

Exploring eagerly as many museums, paintings, sculptures, cathedrals in Europe,

Climbing spiral staircases of grand Austrian castles,

Reflecting solemnly on the grounds of German concentration camps,

Connecting deeply with the philosophies of Emerson and Thoreau,

Tracing Napoleon’s footsteps across Elba Island,

Catching Oia Santorini sunset,

Vespa-ing in the Tuscan countryside,

Admiring compassionately wildlife of Africa,

Observing remnants of Pompeii,

Reliving past lives in Knossos,

Floating in beautiful Bora Bora mermaid lagoons,

Watching geishas in Kyoto,

Gliding atop Alaskan glaciers,

Tumbling in Hawaiian seas,

Sipping tea in the verdant British countryside,

Tingling in redwood forests,

Mud bathing in the magical Earth of Ubud.

To…

Realizing, that no matter where or what, I was still me in my own body.

What Can We Learn from Judgement and Shadow Work?

"The effect of the shadow is judgement - positive or negative - of another that we do not think is related to us personally."

"Sometimes we need to enter into the unknown parts of ourselves to find exactly what we need to grow in peace, creative self-fulfillment and happiness.  The challenge can be to trust that we will arise from this darker place again.  Just as the Spring always follows the Winter...so too will any inner work with the shadow precede a beautiful rebirth."

- Kuan Yin Oracle Maiden Ma Gu by Alana Fairchild

Judgmental is the furthest adjective I would use to describe myself.  Someone could say her dream in life is to ride a rainbow on a unicorn and it would not phase me.  I view all people equally - homeless or wealthy, mentally ill or "sane," highly educated or self-taught, scientist or artist, mean or kind, child or adult.  Acceptance blurs lines and boundaries (Neptunian).  Its focus is soft, not sharp.  Anything is possible in this realm. Think Jupiter.

In these past few weeks, however, I have been judging people constantly:

• How can a teacher mispronounce terms?
• Why do people continually post conceited photos of themselves?
• Why did a student leave my 1.5 hour yoga class after an hour?
• Why are people so self-absorbed and self-centered?
• How can someone not know "X" (in an intellectual capacity)?
• Why do people talk so loudly and so much?

Every time these thoughts or words arise, they seem not me, but something external and darker, an unfamiliar territory.  My higher self rushes in with the reminder that we are one and to view everyone and everything through the lens of love and compassion.  

Yet, this judgement persists.

Yesterday after much reflection, it became clear that these past two weeks have consisted of deep and ugly shadow work further explained by the following incidents:

• Initiation of Yin Yoga Teacher Training (style of yoga that asks one to go within and explore the darker side of self)
• Crow/Fly totems
• Strong need for a Purify candle
• Constant urge for long, deep exhalations 
• My clairaudient friend delivered a question from Spirit during our magic date, "how do you handle darkness?"
• Fall Equinox (from light to dark, outer to inner themes)
• Sun shift to Libra
• Goddess Maat presence (judgement)
• Chat around self-trust/confidence with Naha during our Middle Pillar Session
• Idea of walking through fear and darkness in Kundalini with Colin

Egyptian Painting of Maat and Hathor on Papyrus from Venice Boardwalk

Shadow Work Insights - New Moon Tarot Spread - Morgan Greer Deck

We choose what we see in people and the world so if my past two weeks have been thoughts and words of judgment, what does this indicate and what can be learned?

• Judgement helps one discriminate for positive outcomes such as knowing how to set healthy boundaries that protect personal time, space and energy.
• What do I seek to gain from these judgements?  For example, if noticing the arrogance and self-absorbed nature in individuals, how can I embody humility?  Or perhaps I wish to better communicate and express myself?
• Oftentimes judgement arises from insecurity.  Where am I insecure and how do I develop confidence in this area?
• If judging the selfish qualities in another, how may I cultivate selfness (a positive focus on self)?
• If noticing anger, where can strength be built?
• If observing manipulation, where can I be direct in my own needs?

Though uncomfortable and dark, through shadow work, beautiful facets of self emerge.  From dark comes light.  From the muddiest swamp blooms the most radiant lotus flower. 

Kuan Yin Oracle by Alana Fairchild. 

My Pole Dance Journey

In 2006, my friend Lisa invited me to pole at BeSpun by Leigh Ann Reilly.  At the time, I was working in Westwood, and driving to Hollywood in rush hour was not appealing.  Instead, I referred my friend/co-worker, Perri, to meet my friends and try lessons.  She became an avid student and teacher.  

In 2007, I moved to Japan for a year.  From afar, Lisa would update me on her progress and I would watch Leigh Ann’s mesmerizing YouTube videos. 

Upon arriving home in 2008, I decided to take a class at BeSpun (then located on La Brea/Hollywood).  The first week, I felt clumsy, ungraceful and weak!

However, after executing a fun spin and pirouette, I became hooked and began attending classes 5 days/week.  All I could think about was pole! 

Back in those days we would spend all night at the gym dancing, creating new moves (~6:00pm-10:00pm).  I naturally gravitated towards helping others learn and started teaching in 2009.

The first day of pole to present has been a transformative journey from learning, to teaching, to performing, to competing, to working in the industry and to discovering self.

Pole has always been an outlet for self-challenge, expression, creativity and movement.  Unlike traditional fitness where the majority of action occurs in linear planes, pole dance movement is circular, elliptical, and rotational.  This latter type of motion activates energetic centers (especially the emotional body at the hips).  Pole has helped energize the divine feminine, awaken the inner goddess, and ultimately free my soul!  

Now I run the PCS (Pole Championship Series), lead XPERT Pole and Aerial Fitness Teacher Trainings, instruct classes, jam and perform for fun.  I enjoy my ever-changing relationship with pole and look forward to what the future holds!

A Divinely Orchestrated Paradise

Simply put our trip was a gift from the Universe.

Bri and I blocked off two weeks at the beginning of August for an adventure to celebrate the end of Bri's bar exam and new beginnings.  Options were a surf road trip to Mexico or up the California coast.

With the time soon approaching, Hawaii manifested swiftly and easily like a wave.  Time - two weeks. Plane tickets - booked.  Exact location? Well...

About one year ago my Auntie Sue in Hawaii showed my Uncle Lani who is a big surfer a picture of my broken board.  After that he sent me the BEST new one and we had future plans to do a surf trip.  Why not combine our intentions to surf/play music?!  So it all came together - Honolulu bound.

We were warmly welcomed to beautiful seas, warm winds, majestic cliff sides, band practices, and family.  We had the best time surfing with Uncle Lani and friends, exploring gorgeous beaches, climbing magnificent mountains, sweetly listening to and practicing with Infinite Horizons Hawaii band, merrily shopping, walking, and stargazing with Auntie Sue, visiting Auntie Fumie and Auntie Fran, learning lots about Polynesian culture with Bruce, being serenaded at Hawaiian bar Tikis, singing and delighting in delicious baos with Cousin Grant, absorbing wisdom from Uncle L, rescuing sweet conure Gracie, canoeing with Legend Nappy, enjoying the Lionsgate Portal, receiving new crystals/stones/rocks and metaphysical books, eating flavorful and juicy foods, integrating new energy upgrades, and imbibing the beautiful vibration of Earth from such a special place.

One day as we looked upon Chinaman's Hat from shore, a random person swam up and out of the water exclaiming twice, "Thank God you're here!  Thank God you're here!" with a big smile.

Upon further meditation, it struck me: "Thank God very much that we were there and for this beautiful trip."  I then felt weightless, floating on clouds of the universe, a buoy in constant uplift. 

Bri and I are extremely grateful for this wonderful, life-changing, transformational trip.  Transformation starts not with a massive earthquake but rather a micro-shift in the direction of one's life compass.  We soaked up wisdom of gold and planted more seeds in the garden of freedom, joy and vibrancy!

Interesting Side Notes:

• Trip happened to fall exactly between the new and full moons - August 2nd and 18th (moon sandwich)
• Repetitive Themes/Imagery: endings/beginnings, lions, divine eye, transformation, 555, 666, 777, 888.
• Lost moonstone ring (was perfect because I wanted to leave a stone here)
• Discovered Natural Awakenings publication and Leahi - AMAZING!
• Dropped into a very interesting healing overview and experienced the Synchronicity Wave Room at the Hawaii Wellness Center

Why Energy Work?

Why do we work on an energetic level with the intangibles, things that we can't "see" but know?

Because energy is everything, and everything is energy.

Tim Ferriss made a good point on one of his podcasts: get to the root of an issue.

Drinking too much coffee example:

I drink too much coffee. Why?  To stay awake. Why? Because I am going to bed too late. Why? Because I am socializing and going out 4-5 nights/week to hang out with friends and co-workers.  Why at the expense of being tired all of the time? To keep up and be accepted.  To not miss out.  Why? Because I am not standing firm in who I am. Why?...

We can continue to ask "why?" and dig for the root.  To do so, we may have to return to childhood, ancestral patterns, past emotions we hold in the physical body.  

In all of my academic and experiential studies/gatherings, I have found that energy work is the most effective method to discover and heal.  It pierces to the point and goes way beyond the physical body (surface) of a situation.  It aids and allows you to receive guidance and intuitive messages from a higher source, the divine that lies within us all.  It highlights our intuition and wisdom, aspects that we see and know but don't always follow or trust.

In energy work, we use tools such as crystals, sacred geometry, planetary alignment, tarot/oracle cards to connect, communicate, receive and deliver messages. 

There is information we know and learn in a cerebral context, but there is much more knowledge and wisdom to discover that lies beyond the mental and physical bodies.

I hail the believers and knowers.  I invite any skeptics or those who are curious to explore the work.  Perhaps read up on the subject, take a class, explore a session.

You'll never know if you don't try~

Wanted to share this conclusion and enthusiasm with you ;) <3

Related Article LA Times Article: July 16, 2016 'New Age shops offering crystals are experiencing a resurgence in L.A.'

Healing Table (Linds)

Healing Table (Steph)

Healing Earth Mandala with malachite/blue azurite centerpiece, clear quartz and white flowers

Malachite, Mars, Meditation

Every morning, I arise from bed, go to the bathroom, light incense and candles for the altars, do a few stretches to prepare for meditation, and then sit quietly until it feels natural to come out.  Sometimes I add chants or sound vibrations.  If needed, I will do a chakra clearing with crystals.  However, most mornings, it is silent sitting.  The soreness or tiredness before meditation dissipate as the physical, emotional, and mental bodies become calm and light like the tranquil sea.

Only until very recently have I desired to dig deeper, activate further.  The movement has begun.  In no particular order, here were the signs/progressions:

• Internal knowing that I was ready to work with malachite in Africa (May 30th)
• Repeated snake, caduceus imagery and a desire to dive further into Kundalini/deeper breath work (May/June)
• Strong Ek Ong Kar presence/encounters
• Angel number shift from 1111, 1234 to 00, 000
• Receiving insights from my friend who practices sadhana @3:45AM everyday
• A profound experience in Marlize Joubert's 7/10 meditation class

Marlize leads a breath work class at Hot8Yoga Sunday @7:00PM.  I used to go more often but started taking Sunday morning class instead.  However, last night was the first time back in a long while and the experience was deep.

At the beginning of class we introduced ourselves and set an intention.  My intention was to make my meditation practice more active and to dive deeper.  I briefly explained that I needed more than silence.  I need to add breath work/kriya to activate/dig deeper/heal rather than bathe in peace alone.  Perhaps the next layer of work.  Marlize highlighted the connection between this urge and Mars going direct (YAY!).

In class, we practice an in/out through the mouth breathing technique filling first the belly and then the upper chest.  This breath and breath of fire produce similar effects for me.  Tonight almost my entire body felt electrified/vibrating/pulsating with energy.  The major sensation started in the solar plexus and traveled up to the heart space, throat, along both sides of the neck, third eye and crown.  Legs/feet, arms/hands felt the same.  At one point a heavy weight seemed to rest on my sternum.  All I could see in third eye space was swirling green malachite.  At times the entire body felt cramped with most intensity at the hands.  

The 25 minutes passed so quickly.  Upon ending and returning to a regular breath, my entire body was electric and paralyzed.  I could not feel breath.  I laid in this state for as long as possible...

I'm not sure what will come of this new phase, but I'm excited and will start to do 30 minutes of this breath work everyday!

This story is a reminder that once we get comfortable in a habit or phase, there is always the next layer. #digdeeper #awaken #activate #beyondcomfort

A Transformational Journey: The Process

I would like to share the last few years of LNK Co. and invite you to join the process of transformation.  Take a leap with me on the Fool's journey!

I launched LNK Co. in March 2014 offering business development and marketing services to help companies grow.

I thoroughly enjoyed using creativity to help businesses in the arenas of marketing and development.

Throughout the past few years, I have been digging deeper via consistent yoga and meditation practices and concluded that the success of a business goes far beyond operations, sales, marketing, HR, accounting and customer service.  

I became more interested in the people involved (owner, leaders, employees, customers).  If each person functions optimally, the machine balances and business prospers.

What creates optimal human functionality?

Clarity, fulfillment, joy, peace.

How to achieve this?

We don't acquire, but rather discover these states.

The process from personal experience:

During my teens and twenties, I hungrily travelled to some of the most beautiful places in the world seeking life purpose, fulfillment, happiness, beauty - Jacques Cousteau's favorite Caribbean dive spots, Bora Bora lagoons, Balinese sunsets, Japanese hot springs and gardens, snowy Colorado backcountry, Tuscan countrysides, volcanic Greek islands, Chinaman's Hat, vibrant Sevilla, Pyrenees cliff sides, and many more. 

However, no matter who, what, or where, lots of money or few funds, a small void always dwelled.

A beautiful lover once filled this void; however, when gone, it was back to "the search."  The search for things outside self.  At some point, however, exhausted were externalities.  It was time to go within - a deep dive into fear, weakness, vulnerability, the unknown, truth.  The process of releasing inauthentic fragments of self, rediscovering and reclaiming individual power, radiating brilliance and creativity, understanding true nature, life purpose, and  passion.

The methods?

☆ Daily Meditation
☆ Intuitive Energy Healing
☆ Tarot Reading
☆ Chakra Clearing/Balancing
☆ Crystal Work
☆ Grounding Through Yoga
☆ Flight Through Aerial

Through the above, self-experimentation, and close observation, I have determined that we all have infinite wisdom and knowledge.  We can use practices such as yoga, meditation, and energy work to tap into this source.

I will continue to practice the above and would like to share them with you.  Many people, mentors, coaches, teachers, and leaders have helped propel me.  I would like to provide help, healing and clarity, perhaps embodying the catalyst that helps others transform.  I feel the greatest joy in introducing people to a new activity or method that has helped me.

My dear friend Eileen and I send each other voice notes throughout the week.  The other week, I could not send a note via text because it was too long and opted to email instead.  Eileen responded, "you should share your process and journey for this next phase of life!"  I thought, "this is a cool idea!"  Hence, I will share experiences via writing, recordings, videos, and photos so that we can hold hands during this leap.

Let's go!

*If interested in hearing my personal voice note to Eileen, please contact for password to Lab where I experiment with new content.

A Deeper Look into Motives | Evaluating Then Reworking Intentions to Align with Self-Truth

ACTING HONESTLY How many times have you done something out of obligation?  Though exhausted, you attend a party because you would feel guilty if you didn't don't show up?  You feel like you must call someone back because they keep reaching out to you?  You continue training in a certain modality because you have for years and don't want to lose your edge?  

I used to act on what "I should" do.  I attended the numerous parties.  I returned everyone's requests.  I continued pushing myself to train in certain areas just to keep up.  My calendar was filled almost every moment of the day.

Exhausted around the end of 2015, I took a new approach in January: cease planning all extra-curricular engagements (those outside of business).

The results have been truly liberating as the time and space allows for greater creativity,  spontaneity, and opportunity that is more closely aligned with highest self.  Superfluous connections dwindle.  The quality of time with people heightens.  Stress decreases.  Life is peaceful, calm, joyful, and free.  Enjoyment is in the present moment.  Things happen at the most perfect and opportune times and are not forced.  People with whom I truly connect understand and share a similar outlook.

REFINING INTENTIONS As the person on the other end, don't you want to receive someone's presence, words, gifts, or advice with only the purest intention(s)?  Examples of pure intentions: empowering someone because you truly want to see him or her succeed, attending a social gathering because you one hundred percent want to be there, spending time with someone because you love his or her presence and feel energized afterwards, taking part in an activity because you love it, working in a certain field for which you are passionate.

Examples of impure intentions: helping someone in a way that weakens their own power (enabling), doing things for recognition (ego), attending an event because "you should," sacrificing your well-being by putting yourself in the presence of negative, energy draining individuals, participating in activities because in theory they may be "good for you," working in a field because it seems practical.

ADVICE Oftentimes you are in such a habit, you may not even recognize the heart of your intention anymore.  Take a step back.  Meditate.  Get to the root of why you do the things you do.  Ultimately you do not serve others if your intentions are impure.  Acting and speaking your inner truth allows energy to flow freely.  Internal and external blockages and boundaries dissolve.  You can then start to function as a sparkling, clean diamond of truth to best serve yourself and others.

Multi-Body Responsibility

A slew of calls from people wanting to complain and problem dump in the same manner that they have for months and even years has prompted me to write this piece.  When we have a physical ailment, we visit the doctor or treat ourselves homeopathically.  With mental or emotional issues, we talk to friends and family, work through them on our own via a creative or physical outlet, perhaps see a professional therapist.  

I propose exploration and understanding of subtle bodies so that one may identify and recognize his or her own emotional, mental and spiritual imbalances/blockages.  From the place of recognition, one can begin to heal. 

We handle our physical illnesses responsibly not only for our own sake but out of the courtesy and respect for others.  For instance, one would not mingle at a party with strep throat.  A similar standard of responsibility should be followed for issues in all bodies.  Pouring these upon people can be draining and detrimental especially if they are not equipped to handle.  

To clarify, I am not saying to withhold expressing your feelings to others.  However, if your content becomes habitual or you are stuck in the same "mental loop"/pattern, it's time to transform.  Repeating the same information to the point that others can expect you to be a certain way indicates that your energy is stagnant, which in turn becomes negative.

Like taking responsibility for your physical health and well being, maintain high standards for your emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies not only for yourself but for others.

Thoughts on Digital Etiquette

We accumulate physical objects in our homes, cars, and workplaces, but have you ever thought about digital clutter?  Every object contains energy and affects the subtle body.  Environments and all surrounding objects influence our energetic fields.  Therefore, it is important to heed exactly what is in our space.  Get rid of objects that are old and unnecessary as they are most likely weighing you down.

Similar to how physical clutter can burden us energetically so can email, text, and message.  All of these words become physical when they enter and sit in our inboxes, message boxes or text chains.  Digital garbage can affect the mental and emotional bodies.  How many times have you felt overwhelmed with hundreds of emails flowing into your inbox?

We will continue to have things and receive messages, but what I propose is to be mindful of what you choose to project, receive and keep in your space.  

For instance, how many times have you exchanged dozens of emails to get the exact same result?  Probably many.  Therefore, similar to anticipating the next few moves in a game of chess, think about an email before composing it.  Include all of your points, provide answers to questions before the recipient needs to ask.  Like a party invitation, include all details (who, what, where, when, why).  Try this tactic instead of "throwing up" in someone's inbox.  Replace hasty, careless emails with a thoughtful one.

As the recipient, let the sender know if they are bombarding you.

Like organizing and cleaning physical space, do the same with your messages.  Organize them into digital folders, Google Drive, or DropBox.  Delete old messages and empty your trash.

To clarify, I am not proposing that you purge everything.  We can surround ourselves with beautiful art, furniture, decor, plants, crystals, etc., and we can store meaningful conversations and messages.  However, I say, 1. get rid of the junk and 2. don't produce it.

Proper digital etiquette will help keep minds clean and clear.

Force and Ease: Exerting Just the Right Amount of Work

As my friend Lauren and I paddled in the ocean, she said, "I want to show you something.  Grab my wrist."  She squeezed my wrist tightly and after a few twists and pulls, I escaped her grasp.  She then asked to try again.  This time I had trouble escaping.  The only thing she changed was a looser grip.  

Wait!  Why was it harder to escape the loose grip?  My mind flooded with imagery: over-tightening a screw, over-extending a tension pole, hyper-extending a knee in asana, loosing balance on a surfboard, over-tensing traps during a pull up, working out to the point of exhaustion, drinking too much, over-adorning an outfit with accessories, listening to someone blabber, studying the effort curve in Ergonomics.  In sum, all instances exemplified "over-X," extreme behavior, or excess.

In that moment floating on calm ocean water, I felt and understood the idea of working too intensely versus easing up.  The experience further solidified a mindfulness to work intelligently and not "hard."

Shortly after this day, while spending time with another friend whom I deeply admire and is married to a famous athlete, I asked "What makes you two great?  What is your secret?"  She said, "this sounds simple, but really we just follow every path that comes easily..."  

There is no perfect.  If there is, the state is momentary.  Replace 110% with ease and grace.

2016 Rebirth: Wind, Fire, Earth, Water

Bri, my good friend since 7th grade, started an annual tradition of camping on New Years Eve.

Arriving early, I strolled to the beach with a bright constellation and small flashlight illuminating the way.  The rocky shore and dark, roaring ocean seemed infinite and slightly frightful.  Cutting the light and allowing my vision to adjust, I felt calm when suddenly a guy walked over to chat.  After a quick screen, I determined he was harmless and we began talking about the stunning Milky Way, gratitude for life in California, and what a good idea it was to camp on New Years Eve.  After a moment of silence and deep breath he said, "I figured out life a few days ago."  "Oh yeah, what did you conclude?" I replied.  "LOVE," he said and proceeded to tell me that he found the love of his life a few days prior.  Smiling I said, "Yes, love is the root.  Love is all."  I stayed a few minutes enjoying the mysterious night and friendly visitor, then excused myself to meet up with Bri and Bella, Bri's mom, at the campsite.

So excited like kids on a wildlife school retreat, the three of us built a fire and pitched a tent.  We chatted for hours over good whisky, homemade guac and tasty snacks, read tarot glimpsing at future possibilities, and burned wish paper in the roaring fire expelling anything unwanted on sheet #1 and anything desired for 2016 on sheet #2.  The experience was cathartic.

We toasted with delicious almond champagne at midnight, proceeded with our girl talk for a few more hours, then kissed Bella goodbye as she had to return home to take care of the dogs.  Bri and I dove headfirst into the tent and wrapped up tightly in layers, blankets and sleeping bags.  Inhaling crisp, fresh air and melting into cold, hard earth felt restorative and grounding.

The next morning, 1/1/16, a beautiful view, bright light, branches and leaves kissed the tent.  We danced in enlightening, profound conversations over freshly ground, bold coffee, s'mores and Fleetwood Mac tunes.  Our kind of day ;)

Good Morning Sunshines

Tent with a view

Drawing water goddess cards the night before, Bri Sedna and I Sulis, we ventured to the sea!  Though eager to find a good surf spot, there was no swell.  Instead, we captured our traditional jump in one shot at Leo Carrillo and settled on Point Dume for a swim.  The dip was ice cold but utterly invigorating and awakening.  Next we strolled the coast and scaled a rock formation overlooking a secret beach.  The view was nothing less than picturesque and ocean perfect.

First stop Leo Carrillo 

Sauntering back, we bathed in feelings of happiness, fulfillment and calm keeping this serene lull for the drive home and rest of evening.

Noteworthy symbolism/highlights/thoughts:

• Ending the year in dark with a fire
• Starting a new year under sunrise and light
• Vast, ominous experience of the ocean at night
• Warm, friendly beach during the day
• Biblical imagery laying then arising from cold, hard earth 
• 3 birds, 3 ladies, 3 of cups (trinity)
• The ability of an ice cold Pacific Ocean bath to shock and invigorate 
• Craft an ideal experience
• Extraordinary experiences and extraordinary friends all of the time
• From nothing, everything is possible

Epiphany in Exile

“Nature arms each man with some faculty which enables him to do easily some feat impossible to any other.”

- Emerson (The Conduct of Life. Wealth) 

“The great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.”

- Emerson (Series I Self-Reliance)

Solitude.

One weekend in Spring 2006, I escaped to the very same island of Napoleon’s exile, Elba.

Overall the weekend was peaceful and educational (learned more history on Napoleon from visiting his villas and interacting with the islanders), but Saturday’s event is a story in itself. 

My adventure that day resulted in a great sense of accomplishment and ended in epiphany.

Without a plan in mind and few options because tourist season hadn’t yet hit, I woke up and randomly ascended a long flight of marble stairs outside Alpe Albana, my hotel. It turns out that these stairs were just the beginning of an ascension. 

After visiting the smaller of Napoleon’s two main villas on Elba, I hopped on a Pullman to Marciana simply because I had seen that it was a mountainous region on the map. I asked the bus driver if it would be a good place for hiking and he wished me luck. Unaffected by his lack of response, I got off the bus and started walking towards the mountains with dark clouds overhead and thick mud beneath my feet from Friday’s storm. 

The path was open.

Suddenly I spotted a small sign for “Madonna of the Mountain,” which seemed appropriate for the nature of my trip, solitude.

After about an hour and a half of climbing, I encountered a series of Roman numeral labelled niches each with a phrase and fresco from Jesus’ life. I guessed there would be ten for the Ten Commandments, but there were seventeen. 

Stones lining the path.

After a mysterious build up, I reached Madonna of the Mountain, later to discover was a well-known sanctuary on Elba. Water ran from only one of three lion head fountains and other than the drip, all else was silent. Flowers, cards, signatures, and paintings by people from all over the world cluttered the small room. Having not seen a single person since the bus driver, a large Madonna fresco whose eyes stared down and seemed to follow me sent a shiver down my spine.  Without fully defined religious beliefs at the time, I began to pray like I had at San Francesco’s tomb.

Madonna of the Mountain.

After a while I exited the church and followed a small wooden arrow pointing to Chiessi. I walked up and down mountains for a total of about five hours encountering wild boar, a thundering stampede of ram, breathtaking cliff views, brightly colored birds, a huge body of silvery reflecting water, and a variety of new plants and wildflowers. One of the best parts was starting out in cold, misty weather with dense vegetation in the middle of Elba and then ending in a drier climate with cacti, blossom trees, and sun.

Wooden signs.

 Followed the path of intuition.

Silvery seascape from Marciana.  Views were stunning.

At one point beginning to worry that the trail would not end before dark, I started formulating sleep plans (perhaps under a rock or tree). Luckily I spotted farmland and proceeded to make my way down to Pomonte. Upon setting foot on flat ground, an elderly woman hunched over tending to her garden and an old man with wrinkles so deep they resembled the cracks of desert earth appeared. Their visages and body language suggested years of toil. I envisioned them as young kids playing in the farmland.

The weather grew warmer.

Starving from the hike, I bought two apples (one red and one green) and a two liter bottle of water all for 1 euro. Passing through the center of the small town on my walk to the water, I established exactly where to catch the bus, which was coming in an hour. After a ten minute stroll, legs feeling like jello, I reached a gorgeous white pebbled beach with a few big rocks where the waves broke. I dipped my apples into the perfectly clear Mediterranean water and enjoyed the taste of sweet and salt. I then stayed for one of the most beautiful sunsets ever.  Our study abroad coordinator Giuditta later told me that she and her husband watched sunset for their honeymoon at Pomonte.

Pomonte where I washed the apples

Sunset

I took a Pullman back to my hotel enjoying the darkness and nice seat on the bus and then ate the most delicious meal of smoked swordfish, cabbage, and white wine. Since I had been “troppo gentile” the night before according to the waitress, she discounted my dinner. Her husband insisted on giving me his number for scuba diving should I happen to return that summer.

Dead tired, I stretched and passed out…

Upon waking the next morning, I felt noticeably different - spiritually, mentally and physically stronger, accomplished, independent, and confident. I felt more alive and had gained internal stability from the sanctuary and hike. Words cannot come close to describing the feeling, but I can say one thing about traveling.

Rather than worrying about seeing every sight, rushing to catch a bus and confusing oneself with maps, just go with the current like water flowing down a stream.