Notes from Nancy...

HAPPY CLAM MANTRA - Marching out of Darkness

Perhaps it was the darkness and the invitation to withdraw into hibernation, but I find the season of winter to bring a heaviness into my life. I eat heavier foods. I wear heavier clothes. I drive a very heavy truck. It is a heaviness that slows me down and drives me deeper into my Self. I have learned through my twenty seven Montana winters, that darkness and hibernation bring a balance. But sometimes, in the depth of the cold, I feel that there will never be an end.

After a marvelous month studying Spanish in Mexico with my daughter, we returned from 85 degree beaches to 5 degree mountains in January and immediately developed respiratory illnesses. For me it traveled up, giving me my first ever sinus infection. No headaches, but weeks of difficult breathing relieved finally with multiple daily Neti pot cleansing, liters of hot ginger tea, accupuncture by my dear friend Dr. Lynda, and lots of sleep. Weekly classes and traveling for teacher trainings to Missoula was really what kept me going or I might have spent the whole month of January in bed!

And after what felt like the longest February ever, even though it is the shortest month, the sun begin to shine again! Hallelujah! I thought I was lost. I had lost my drive for creativity, communication and extra-curricular activities. I was deep in the darkness of the winter blues and at the same time, thankful for my practice in yoga for I always knew, at my deepest core, that the pendulum would swing the other way as life is always in balance. Even though my small mind may view it otherwise.

The marvelous surprise throughout all of the suffering was the mantra that continued to dwell inside of me. I am sick as a dog, but happy as a clam. Now it seems to me that dogs are the happy ones, and I know many people who have gotten sick from clams, but that is the way the saying goes. And I found it ironic and comforting at the same time. And it brought a smile to my face each time I heard it repeated in my mind. And I was so grateful to be transformed from my misery to happiness.

So, what is your mantra these days? Mantra is, according to Wikepedia, a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that are considered capable of creating transformation. Basically, anything that is repeated over and over again, does create a response, for better or worse. The intention of traditional Mantra is to focus on spiritual teachings and sounds for developing a translation of the human will or desire into a form of action. It is my experience that, not only do ancient teachings offer these sounds into action, but each one of us lives in a continual flow of repetitive thoughts that generate very specific beliefs about our self and our lives. These repetitive thoughts take on the context of a few words that wrap around and around an endless loop of influence in our minds that also manifest in the actions, or non-actions, of our daily life.

Take notice what thoughts are filling your mind these days. The beauty of Mantra, is that we have the choice to change them. I suggest that if you find a limiting thought that continually repeats itself, stop. Give youself a few moments to breathe deeply and evenly, and wait to hear the message inside that best supports your higher well being and let that Mantra fill your mind affirming your one wild and precious life . Whatever you want or need to create in your life, begins with the first thought and as the thought becomes sound it is translated through words and then manifests into action. So, take action today, and let your Mantra manifest a life of happiness. Just like the clam.

I need quiet time
to hear my thoughts whispering
over all the noise.

Spirit in Haiku by Brian Lawless.

THE TRUE NATURE OF WHOLISTIC HEALTH --Acknowledging the Koshas.

Whether your interest in yoga is peaked by a desire to loosen your hamstrings, enhance your energy, de-stress your psyche or connect with your spirit, the road to wellness is paved by a practice of wholistic self-care called Yogasana. Most of us think of our bod as simply our physical form, however, this is only the outermost layer. It is this anatomical structure that encompasses five different levels or sheaths of being which must be completely integrated and in harmony with each other in order for us to achieve wholeness.

Health begins at the level of the PHYSICAL BODY, the most tangible aspect of our being. The physical practice of yogasana (postures) develops strength, flexibility and stamina, along with sensitive awareness and intelligent action. Through the process of mindful movement we learn to listen to the intelligence of the body. The breath is the bridge that opens communication between our bodies and minds. By listening to and controlling our breath we effect the sheath of our being known as the ENERGY BODY. Everyone desires more life energy and through the practice of yogasana we develop an energetic balance of vitality and ease. When our physical body is comfortable and our energy is flowing freely, we can address our PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL BODY, recognizing the patterns of our thoughts and feelings. When we objectively observe the messages and emotions of the mind we can trigger those support our well being and let go of what no longer serves us.

The observation of these three sheaths is made possible only when we awaken the INTELLECTUAL BODY. While the mind leads to thoughts, the intellect leads to wisdom, allowing us to make meaningful and health enhancing choices, first in our practice and then in our life. When we are free from physical disabilities, emotional disturbances and mental distractions, we open the gateway to our SPIRITUAL BODY - the true essence of our being. This authentic connection to spirit liberates us from suffering, returning us to our natural state of balance: physically, energetically, psycho-emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. Thus the whole person resides in the true nature of health.

15 MINUTES A DAY --Do not just do something, sit there.

The word yoga means to unite, join or connect. The intention of yoga is to create a harmonious connection with ourselves so we may live a life of comfortable fulfillment. All we need to establish this connection is sitting right here inside of us. The best way to experience this connection is at the tip of our nose. I invite you to experiment with the following exercise and see for yourself the simplicity of the practice of mindfulness and the dynamic results that are available. The challenge is to practice. Just 15 minutes a day can effect every other hour. See for yourself.

As the last days of Summer give way to the cooling, colorful season of the Fall, allow yourself 15 minutes to be completely absorbed in the present moment. I suggest finding a place to sit. Not necessarily on the ground. Perhaps a chair on your front porch, a picnic bench, a hammock or the couch you may have ignored all summer. Many of us have created lovely areas for relaxing and rarely take advantage of them. Now is the time. There is nothing like the present.

Starting now and forever, give yourself 15 minutes to consciously stop all your doing and shift into the being mode. Allow yourself to be a witness, watching the present moment without out changing anything at all. Simply become aware of your breathing. Feel the current of air coming in at the tip of your nose. Sense the fullness of your breath inside your lungs. As you exhale, let go. Feel the release of your breath and settle yourself deeply into the moment. Notice how you feel and what you perceive to be happening. Feel the air against your skin, notice the lights, colors and textures that surround you, listen to the sounds in your environment as well as the sound of your breath. Avoid changing anything. Just breathe and let go. Breathe and let be. There is nothing more important or that cannot live without you for these 15 minutes. Give yourself permission to let yourself be exactly as your are right now. Notice your mind, notice your heart. Breathe. Feel your breath coming in. Feel your breath moving out. Then, after 15 minutes, when you are ready, move in the direction your heart tells you to go.

For me, the past few months of summer have been filled with these 15 minute intervals of connection. In all its simplicity, the unfolding of a present moment awareness has created a deep reservoir of peace. Peace with myself. Peace in my home. Peace in my world. I am grateful to my teachers to have taught me the art of mindfulness and it is my hope that I can share it with you in the intention of creating more peace in the world, one breath at a time.

Namaste, NANCY

Suggested reading: Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Available at YogaMotion

WALKING THE WALK

I am sitting in the sunshine, absorbing the warmth of an early Spring wondering what happened to winter. After living in Montana for 25 years, I know that Mother Nature runs her own show, so I will let go of my expectations of how it should be and simply enjoy this fabulously sunny, blue sky day. Especially since I am able sit outside on the patio while typing up this last piece of our second issue of CONNECT. The response to our first issue has been amazingly supportive. It seems that the informational efforts are appreciated and effective.

In accordance to all that is being offered at YogaMotion this season, I have chosen to simplify this issue in order to balance my own life a little more. As we offer a new course in Meditation and bring back our monthly Restorative Yoga Workshop, I see it as fitting that we practice what we teach in theses classes - take time to do nothing. As Anodea Judith writes in her book, Wheels of Life, "The simple practice of doing nothing is fundamentally regenerative and produces benefits that include increased intelligence, productivity, clarity, peace, well-being and health." And in order to have some time to do nothing, we must create windows of opportunity by letting go of something that we do.

To create some time for myself, I have made a few changes in my everyday life. First, I have chosen to let go of a few pages of CONNECT. Though our premier issue was eight pages and included the educational articles I feel are an important part of this publication, I had to release my attachment to the bigger picture and be content with keeping it simple. I think you will still find this issue informative and inspirational through the many experiences being offered and the favorite quotes scattered throughout the pages.

Secondly, after seven years of teaching classes at the studio, I will be taking an extended hiatus to rest and renew. Teaching yoga can sometimes be like living with the cobbler and children that wear no shoes. Not to say that I am not "doing"yoga, since for me yoga is a way being, but more and more, I have been wedging my formal practice into smaller spaces that appear in my day for personal attention. I have found myself working late nights and weekends in an effort to "get caught up" with all the projects I have manifested. It is time to stop all the doing and catch up with myself . It is scary to step out of something so familiar but it is time to surrender. And as we teach in yoga, trust the process. It is time to walk the walk.

I will, of course, continue teaching in other ways. I also look forward to YogaMotion Instructor Trainings, this year in Costa Rica and at on Flathead Lake. The intensive format of living yoga for an extended period of time always culminates in profound, lifetime benefits. It is so rewarding to share in the blossoming of better well-being. I also look forward to our 7th annual Womens Retreat at Flathead Lake. This year will include the invitation to a few maidens, including my 12 year old daughter, as I want her and others to experience the nurturing, supportive circle that manifests in the company of women practicing the art of just "being". There will also be the opportunity to gather with women in the practice of yoga every Friday at YogaMotion as Susan Tate offers a class in "Yoga for Women".

With this issue of CONNECT, I hope you will allow yourself the time to step into these opportunities to practice being with yourself.

Happy Spring!