Yogarosa Blog

The Ropes Story

2011-12-14T14:44:00.001-05:00

Once Upon a Time, there was a yoga studio called Boca Yoga. This studio offered all kind of workshops, which I very often attended. The owner, Marti Parker, grew to become my friend, as well as Fairy Godmother. She suggested the workshops that I needed to improve my practice, and shared with me much of her vast knowledge of the world of yoga. She encouraged me and gave me advice on opening my own studio.

One sad day, she closed her studio, but not without sharing with me many props and equipment for yoga. My dream was her wall ropes. My constant visualization of her wall ropes hanging in my studio came true one day, after I took up a collection from our community. Her walls were transferred to my walls, and our community of yogis quickly learned to hang upside-down and to defy gravity in many unusual ways. During this time, the studio was growing, and I began to think about taking on a business partner, which I did.

I moved my students, my props, my wall ropes and my soul to the new location, which after one week I realized was not the right choice. But my commitment kept me there for 6 months. When I realized my ethics and values were being compromised, I decided to leave. When I left, the wall ropes unfortunately were kidnapped, and I decided to move on. I was devastated, because the wall ropes were not even mine. They belonged to the Yogarosa students. I felt annihilated by the situation, and was legally advised not to fight for them. So I didn't. I had to let them go.

My students took up a collection, led by Izabel Carsalade, one of our teachers, and with donations ranging from $3 to $400, we were able to raise the funds necessary to purchase the ropes. This included funds donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of South Florida for this purpose, since the students with MS were the most affected by the loss of the ropes. Including the MS Society in our efforts delayed our process many months, but it all paid off in the end. The ropes were selflessly installed by Ron Yoesting, husband of Madeline Yoesting, one of our Yogarosa pioneers. Enrique Cayeiro, and Lori Nadle, two of our teachers, as well as Madeline herself helped to actually put the walls together. I send them many blessings for their selfless service.

I also want to acknowledge Bobbi Goldin, of the Yoga Institute of Miami, Karen Gavrilov of Red Pearl Yoga, and Orli Rudolph, who also contributed to the New Rope Wall at Yogarosa. I also would like to thank Debbie Dhara Naim and Ricardo Triana, who painted a lovely Banyan tree and made our walls beautiful while they were bare. Brian from the Great Yoga wall gave us an amazing price so that we could actually finance the much needed project. And don’t worry, now that the walls are up, the tree is still there. It might be obscured a little, but it is still there. (Also, don’t worry, Marti will return in January!)

Our old ropes have been replaced with a deluxe system that is infused with love, caring, and unity. The lesson here is that no matter how much something means to you, and you lose it, there may be something waiting in the horizon which will serve you in ways you never dreamed of. The universe never takes anything away without replacing it with something better. My gratitude goes out to all the Yogarosa students who came together in this community effort. We can all enjoy this brand new yoga rope wall, knowing that it was a beautiful blessing for all of us.

Yogarosa Students, you are amazing!!!! Thank you!!!!!!

To celebrate, join us next Monday, Dec. 19th, 2011 at 7:30pm and learn to use the ropes!!! Come hang with us. Literally….

Being Different

2011-10-13T22:18:00.000-04:00

As a little girl, I used to love playing with my brother's toy cars. I would roll them on the marble floor, set up ramps for them, and I would create stories as I played. I remember many times seeing myself floating above myself, watching myself as I played for hours quietly with those beloved cars. As I got older, I would have those "weird" experiences, which I will call "out of body experiences". I am here, but my consciousness leaves my physical body and I can see myself from above. It only would happen when I was by myself in a quiet contemplative state. I was never scared, just surprised when I "returned". I would always think to myself, "I'm back."

As a teenager, I was painfully shy, and learned how to make myself "invisible" to protect myself. I always felt I was different. I wasn't interested in a lot of what the other kids were doing, and as a recent immigrant who dressed differently, I was reserved, quiet, and observant. Then I realized to be invisible, I needed to blend in more. So I got the tight jeans, the Lacoste shirt, and the uniform Nikes. Except, I WANTED to be different, so I found the jeans that had purple stitching instead of yellow, I found a Lacoste shirt color that no one was wearing, and I got the aqua colored Nikes instead of white.

As a young adult in the 80's, I wore the latest fashions, but always with my signature "uniqueness". My goal as a twenty-something was to attract attention everywhere I went. So wore the tightest and shortest skirts, the brightest contrasting colors, and the highest heels I could find. My "uniqueness" was just happened to be in the beginning of the Latin craze. I prided myself in being different, bu also in attracting attention as I walked into a room.

I had a boyfriend that after dating a few years, he decided I was dressing inappropriately and tied to suggest I change my style. That didn't work. Then I met my husband, who happened to be Brazilian, and actually appreciated my style. Then I had children. I was left with no time or energy for any kind of style except comfort. I was still different. Not too many people had 3 children under the age of 6, so that kept me in the running of being different.

Having children redefined my priorities, and my main purpose became taking care of them. I learned to appreciate, differentiate, and respect their own uniqueness. One day, my oldest daughter complained to me, "Why do I have to bring "different" food to school? Why do I have to bring weird stuff like hummus, celery and snow peas? Why can't I just get a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on white bread like everyone else? I told her: "Because we're different."

hen I became a yoga teacher, I celebrated my student's varying personalities and traits. I have always looked at people and seen goodness. Sometimes I would have a difficult student in class. I became curious as to their state of being. And usually the difficult students were the ones going through difficulties in their lives or bodies. As compasion grew in my heart, I put myself in their shoes, knowing that sometimes being different can hurt.

If we take away the differences, the pain and suffering, the cloud that shrouds the divinity within. When that is removed, what's left is eternal light.

Different people enter and exit our lives at various stages of our lives. What makes them different? Lady Gaga is the personification of being different. Why is she being embraced by so many different kinds of people? Precisely because she has tapped into her own unbounded consciousness. What happens to us when we remove all the physical elements and roles we play? What is left is our own true nature. The essence of who we are. And in that essence it turns out we are all unbounded consciousness. We are different and the same. We may drive different cars, and be connected or disconnected to our bodies, but ultimately our atoms are in the end all the same.

Memories

2011-09-15T00:12:00.000-04:00

I just got my first Ipod, and as I listen to the music, I am amazed at the memories that have surfaced and the feelings that have been provoked. Being swayed by Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, I recall my father's hands gently bringing alive a piano. I can see his body moving along with each note, and can feel the hypnotic power of the melody. I am transported to another time, where my life was simple, but I didn't know it. The comforting feelings of spending time with my father, seemingly doing nothing. Those are my most vivid memories. Seeing him in complete illumination as his fingers conquered any piano. The memories evoke my love for him and also the sadness of not spending enough time with him. My guilt wishes I gave him those hugs that he wanted, but as a bratty teenager, I rejected. The advice I didn't follow, and wish I had. The time I didn't have for him. The appreciation of classical music that I inherited from him. The work ethic. The values. The passion for preventative health. Even the love of fine cheese. All these subliminal latent impressions, or samskaras, brought to the surface by one song eminating from a cute little red device called an Ipod. Memories....

AM Beach Yoga, June 22, 2011

2011-06-25T01:27:00.000-04:00

The ocean is calm, the waves are smooth. The crow eats processed cheese. Another beautiful morning on Hollywood Beach....

Iyengar Yoga

2011-04-05T16:44:00.000-04:00

So now I have been practicing Iyengar Yoga for almost 16 years. I feel so lucky! When I started, I thought it was all about alignment. In the beginning it was for me. I was stiff and I was weak. I used to suffer from back pain, and in this yoga I found relief. I also found myself. The postures were difficult in the beginning, but something kept me coming back again and again. When I decided to go to India in 1998, and saw Mr. Iyengar in action, I think I really started to understand this work. It was during his 80th Birthday Celebration in Pune, India, when he said that in Virabhadrasana 2 (Warrior 2) we had to feel our soul all the way to the fingertips. I felt somethingwarm vibrating from my chest into my arms, and ultimately into my fingertips. I had never experienced that before. It left me quiet, and at peace. (Even tough we were holding the pose for a while.)

I continued on my path of learning, and along the way I found myself getting stronger, but I also found myself growing closer to my own spirituality. I found myself listening better in church, paying better attention to my husband and children. I have become more compassionate to other's suffering and pain. I have also become more willing to forgive. I find myself fervently praying for those who need support.

My path of yoga is leading me to a very peaceful light, that I experience in numerous ways. It has been spilled upon my head and drenched my shoulders. It has risen inside of my from my tailbone to my crown. It has poured out of me from my heart. Today I stand in front of my sticky mat, one of many that have been worn away and recycled creatively, and I feel like each asana is a prayer. I am reaching out into the divine, and the divine is merging with me. I feel light, and I feel like anything is possible.

Crazy Dance (Frog Dance)

2011-02-24T21:23:00.000-05:00

The Definition of Love

2011-02-01T09:20:00.000-05:00

This is the month best known for Valentine's Day. This could have two main effects on you. Either you love it, or you hate it. If you're in a relationship, there may be expectations built up, and if you're not, there may be some sadness, or loneliness. So how can we celebrate the month of love? First, let's define the word, LOVE. After all, we love our grandmother, and our puppy. We love pizza and chocolate.

What is love really? According to the Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, the definition of love is, "strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties." Dictionary.com says,"a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person." They both also define love as an attraction based on sexual desire. Webster's goes on to define it as "a person's adoration of God." There are other definitions, which vary on these three basic themes. But does love always have to be directed towards someone else? The dictionaries don't mention the love for oneself.

And what about children? They do not love based on sexual desire. They love for the love of love. My definition of love is beyond the printed definitions. I believe there is much more beyond these simple definitions. Perhaps love is something like God. It is so big and powerful that it can't be defined. Love can be tender, love can attract and create desire. Love can drive someone to kill. Love sounds complicated.

Perhaps we have overused the word so much we have become immune to its real meaning. I think we should ask children to define love. (Or perhaps they already do.) Children know what it means, and they know how to love whole-heartedly. Perhaps love is undefineable. Maybe it can be shown or described, but not defined. The clearest explanation of love for me is found in the Corinthians 1:13 Love Verse:

"Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."

This beautiful love verse can help us in dealing with ourselves. (How can we love others if we don't love ourselves?) If we can apply this verse to ourselves, then perhaps we begin to grasp the magnificence of love.

If Valentine's Day innerves you, then see if you can treat yourself to something that will make you feel special. If you are in a relationship, see if you can find your own love inside, so you are not dissapointed if your partner doesn't meet your Valentine's Day expectations. If we all take a moment on Valentine's Day to connect with the vast love inside of ourselves, we might not even need chocolate. (Ok, I won't push it.) Whether you have or don't have a Valentine, you can always buy your own chocolates.

Sept. 11 and Birthday Thoughts

2010-09-12T22:39:00.000-04:00

I arrived as usual on a Tuesday to teach a yoga class at Harbor Towers Condominium in Aventura. I had no idea this day would mark a historic day. The date was Sept. 11, 2001. I noticed two students in their car listening to the news. They told me they'd be in the class in a few minutes, as a plane had crashed into the Twin Towers, and they were trying to talk to their family, as a cousin worked there. I don't know why I thought it was not possible, and maybe they had wrong information. They came in, but warned me that they were leaving their phone on during the yoga class. I normally don;t allow cell phones on in class, but they were distraught and it seemed to be the right thing to do. Everyone else agreed.

I started teaching the class with prayers and blessings to those who may suffer, and for us not to worry until we had more information. The air seemed heavy. Is it selfish for us to be doing yoga when it seems that a tragedy just occurred? Halfway through the class, the cell phone rang. The student announced that a plane had just crashed into the Pentagon. "Oh my God. The Pentagon? This is not good." I thought. Everyone started freaking out. Give us more information. I realized this class could not continue in a regular way. IAfter I calmed everyone, I reaffirmed them. The best thing we can do is stay calm, pray, and not allow ourselves to get stressed. We continued with a few Surya Namaskars (Sun Salutations) and a few restoratives to calm our nerves. We then took some time to direct our energy into healing and blessings to the unknown. We had no idea. When the class ended, we hugged, and all of us rushed out to find out what was happening.

As soon as I turned the radio on in the car, I was scared, I cried, and I called my husband to tell him I was picking up my kids from school. After all, their school was in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Could we be next? When I picked them up from school, they had a lot of questions. I answered only that they would be safe, and we would be taking care of them. But i really didn't know if that would be true. We went home and prayed the rosary.

The next day, I went to teach my regular yoga class at the Quadomain, my students surprised me in honor of my birthday. I felt like it was not appropriate to be celebrating anything on the eve of this tragedy. But my students, most of them over the age of 70, told me something that I will never forget. Yes Rosa, there are tragedies in this life, but that doesn't mean we must stop living. Your birthday is and should always be a reason to celebrate. And we are blessed to be able to be here, so let's celebrate. With a heavy heart, I did.

Almost ten years later, on Sept. 11, 2010, my dear students, led by Kathy Levi, Margot Ellison, Madeline Mergler and Madeline Yoesting, managed to trick me into believing they were taking me out to lunch at the Aventura Mall for my birthday. On the way there, Madeline Yoesting ''happened to have forgotten her cell phone, which she needed because of some family drama that was going on. We turned around, and I offered to get the phone, thinking Kathy Levi would freak out if we were late, since we were on a tight schedule, since Madeline Mergler needed to go to work. I wonderred why there were so many cars at the studio, but assumed the students from the class were still hanging around, or maybe the Lymphatics place was having a seminar. Upon my opening the door, I saw Peter Cervoni with a camera, and I wondered, ''Why is Peter holding a camera?" It took me a while to realize what was happening. They had surprised me!!!

There was a beautiful spread of Pom and Enrique's delectable Thai Food, and in attendance were my students, whom have all become my friends and family. Pom, Enrique Cayeiro, Scarlett Headley with Preston, Shirley Lehman, Mary Rotscher, Gail Del Marco, Donna Brandt, Annie Sturman, Peter Cervoni, Kathy Krain, Mary Epstein, Carol Kovnot, Tatyana Zavatsky with Lauren, Marilyn Rubin, Patricia Cohen with Brownie, Lois Tepper, Irina Starobinsky, Paulo, and evryone else that I am drawing a blank on. And those who were there in spirit, I know who you are. Thank you all for being in my life. I wish you blessings, and love.

In the midst of pain, suffering or tragedy, it is reaffirming to know that living each day with passion and devotion is the nectar to savor each experience to its fullest. We never know how long it will last. Life gives us pain and pleasure, and both are temporary. Not being attached can help us get through each moment.

Live, love, enjoy, feel, experience, forgive, release. Namaste.

Daily Yoga Practice

2010-08-26T23:04:00.001-04:00

Our Yoga practice is much more than physical.

When we are feeling whole, our practice can support us in dealing with difficult situations or people. It's easy being peaceful in the studio, where the energy is quiet. (usually!) But how do we react with a driver who cuts us off? How do we react with difficult family members or business associates? This is the true yoga practice: off the mat. This is why it's called a yoga "practice".

For example, each time we practice Utthita Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), we are training our muscles to find a better position, and as we progress, there is growth. Similarly, when we are faced with a difficult situation, we can encounter it as another Triangle Pose: an opportunity for growth.

So each time you are faced with a challenge, think of your teacher when she says: "Come watch". Don't judge it, but look at it from the outside. Be a witness, and you'll find peace in on observing rather than in reacting. It's practicing Ahimsa (Non-Violence) with your self. be gentle with yourself, and take time out to practice silence.--Rosa

Yoga and Soccer: The Path to Enlightenment

2010-06-14T16:59:00.000-04:00

The start of the World Cup with Mexico vs. South Africa made me think about the parallels of yoga and soccer. The word yoga means union, and the World Cup is just that: The world comes together during this exciting time. Even those of us not lucky enough to be watching the games live in South Africa, are glued to the TV. Which brings me to my next point. In yoga, we develop a focal point to help aide concentration. This focal point can be a candle, a chant, or even the body. In soccer, it's the ball. We follow the ball, or should I say, millions of us follow the ball. During this time, we are not thinking about anything else-- this is the goal (another similarity) of yoga: to quiet the mind.

The players are like the mind: running around trying to get focused. But what about when there's a goal? If it's your team, you have experienced enlightenment. If not, you return to the obstacles of yoga: anger, envy, etc. And if your team wins? Euphoria, bliss, Samadhi (the goal of yoga--union with the divine). And if your team loses? You experience klesa (pain, anguish, suffering).

It's only the beginning of the World Cup, and at least I have a few choices. I was born in Brazil of Mexican parents, and I am an American Citizen. I root for all three of my countries, since they are all in my heart. Brazil is the world's favorite, however, as the underdog, I always root for Mexico first. I think they should all win, so there will be no suffering. (At least until the finals...) Just three more weeks left of Samadhi or Klesa!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-02T22:46:00.000-04:00

Whether you are one, have one, had one, or want to be one, we wish you love and blessings. If you are at peace with your mother or not, we send you blessings. If you are a mother and are suffering, we pray for you. If you are causing your mother's suffering, we pray for you. Mothers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are loud, some are soft. Some are nice, some are not. Some may have taken that role for someone's benefit. However yours manifested into your life, she helped you become who you are today. Thank her for that, and know that our world is temporary, and so is our (and her's) pain and suffering. Let go of past pain. Live in the moment, and choose peace in this moment. Namaste.

Lite Miami at Yogarosa

2010-04-23T23:42:00.001-04:00

Check out this video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdU9cOz0Bn8&feature=player_embedded

Two Famous Women: One Day

2010-04-23T23:20:00.000-04:00

I won a Radio contest called Susan's Job Swap. Radio Personality, Susan Wise, was looking for the hardest jobs in South Florida. Today she came to Yogarosa to be a Yoga Instructor, even though she had never done yoga before. This is what she had to say on Facebook about her experience:

LiteMiami: 101.5 LITE FM Radio It was my first experience at a Yoga class...but I can tell you it wont be my last. I am totally hooked. I loved it. But I'm sure a big reason for that was our yoga instructor, Rosa Santana. She truly embraces Iyengar yoga. It was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar in India over 65 years ago and has a rich and extensive linea...

101.5 LITE FM - Refreshing

In the afternoon, Rebecca Lerner was inspiring us with her luminous teaching. The Teacher Training was a success, and the evening forward bends class was soothing and magical. Today was a beautiful day, with new friends, and my wonderful teacher. Namste.

Yogarosa back hOMe

2010-01-26T20:33:00.001-05:00

After a brief move to another location, the students are ecstatic to be back in our original location at 110 N. Federal Hwy # 304. Here is a compilation of the e-mails I received to announce the move:
Email responses to email of Grand Re-Opening of Yogarosa

You made the right decision. Good for you!

I'm glad to hear you're back in your old studio. Your place is special and I have so much confidence in sending my patients to you, Rosa Santana, the beautiful teacher.

YEAHHHHH!!!!!!!!

I plan on continuing my study with you. After almost 4 years, I found a teacher/method that strongly resonates within me. I like practicing other styles, but the Iyengar and your instruction is the most grounding, sensible thing that "sticks" and expands. Can't think of another way to explain it's meaning for me....

"Glad your home. Happy reopening to you!!!"

WONDERFUL YOGAROSA.... WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH...YOUR MIND IS ALWAYS BALANCED, STRONG AND WISE.... BE YOGAROSA FOR EVER ......

cOMmUNITY leader, Rosa Santana of Yoga Rosa will be reopening her studio in it's original space!!!...If you have not taken her class, please do so. Rosa is an amazing teacher filled with lots of love & knowledge. This is a great place for ALL levels of practice...

"The heart of the business can never be erased, negotiated or shared...your beat is loud and clear! Kudos to you Rosa, you will be great as always. "

You're back! Congratulations! Best for you on 2010!!!

"I always missed your old studio, the new place never felt like home.I am so very happy for you. I wish you the best for the new year to come."

"Hope to see you soon! Can't wait to see your old place again"

I am happy to hear you back in your own studio.

Yahoooooo!!! Congratulations again!!!! It's all good from here. Luv u.

Hi rosa all the best all this world Now that you are YOU again!!!

…best wishes for a successful New Year in your new endeavor. I will always be thankful for all the positive energy that you have brought into my life.

I'm happy you're going back to your original studio. :)

Rosa,I am very happy to have you back where you belong. I wish you every happiness and success for this new year and all the years to come. You are a very special person that radiates love, compassion and understanding through your teaching.

"Rosa - I wish you and all that create a loving and transformational Yogarosa community a prosperous, peaceful, and powerful New Years! Thanks for being a part of my own transformational journey!"

I can’t wait to come back home! We’ll be in Naples from Dec 31 through Jan. 4 but as soon as we get back, I’ll be back where we all belong. Best of luck on your reopening

Glad you are back in your own space.

I will be celebrating your welcome home to OUR WARM of heart studio

So happy for you

I am so excited for you and look forward to coming to YOUR space for classes! After receiving my MRI report, I've been told I have 3 herniated discs at C4, C5 and C6. I am hoping to explore a serious self-healing regime to help this situation and perhaps you have some suggestions. Have a blessed holiday and enjoy the process of returning to your yoga "home" !!!

quite truthfully, i'm grateful you'll be returning to your former studio.....i much prefer the cozyness & feeling of well-being. we look to you for love, healing and family and not as a business!!!

everybody is so happy that we are going back HOME with our beloved Rosa:)

THANK GOD!!!!!!! I've been waiting for this email. Phew!

feeling very grateful for all you have taught me over the years. congratulations.on reopening your delightful studio.

Dear Rosa, You can not imagine how much I missed Yogarosa. Through this quote, I share what practicing with you has meant to me. "When you take care of a tree in its growth, in due time it blossoms into flowers and then gives its natural culmination which is the fruit. Likewise the practice of yoga has to culminate sooner or later in the spiritual fragrance of freedom and beatitude. As the essence of the tree is contained in the fruit, so too the essence of your practice is contained in its fruit of freedom, poise, peace and beatitude." Quoted from The Tree Of Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar. Can't wait to start again.

"There is no place like home :*) and great teachers!"

I'm LL, and first attended your classes in Hallandale this summer through Yoga bear program for cancer survivors. I love your spirit and sense of humor and appreciate your knowledge of alignment/ very impressed at how you accommodate your students on many levels. I loved that little pink studio with great energy and was impressed at how you packed so many props and possibilities into that small space. I miss looking up at the clouds from the high windows. So I, for one, was very disappointed when you moved and really missed your original space. I celebrate your decision to return and continue your wonderful work! Rosa, I will come to celebrate and welcome you back with open arms.
The space that you call home is intimate, warm and inviting. How wonderful that you are returning! I am excited because now I can recommit to Iyengar yoga with you. YogaLove,
Mazel Tov!

Looking forward to being back in your classes, Rosa! Good luck with your new/old venture, and welcome back.

This notice gave me the "YIPPEE!!" feeling all over again. I'm so happy that you're returning to our future. If I can help with the moving, please let me know.

We like it very much!!!!: Yogarosa continues to stretch bodies and minds since 1995 and that is not a dream is a great reality. Many human beings are extremely grateful to Yogarosa, including me

Hi! I was so surprised to read your e-mail, but I will follow you anywhere.

I just spoke to KL and she told me the good news. I look forward to being with you in your new/old location. You know, in Jewish life there's an expression that when you change your address, you increase your good fortune. We wish you all that and much more........Your grateful student, J. (P.S.) FYI (I saw “A” at an opening and she said that she and her husband were more comfortable in the old location)

Glad you’re home. Happy Re-Opening to you.

A sad day in Ft. Lauderdale

2009-12-16T09:51:00.000-05:00

I haven't written in a while, but today I must. This morning, as I was driving into Ft. Lauderdale High School to drop off my daughter, I noticed a lot of police officers gathered around the school. Needless to say, it looked like something was up. Then I saw protesters holding signs (mostly very expensive signs, a few hand made) which had different messages. "America is Doomed", "God hates fags", "Israel is doomed", "Fag Xmas" (with two stick figure males in a pornographic posture.) Then I remembered that just last night my friend had sent me a Sun Sentinel article about a Christian group from Kansas that was making their way all around Florida protesting. I wondered why they didn't stay in Kansas and protest there. As I looked at their message of hate, it not only made me sad, but also gave me a sick feeling in my stomach. As a devout Catholic and believer in Jesus, I know that Jesus would not want those who are judging others to be casting the first stone. Jesus taught about unconditional love, tolerance, forgiveness, and compassion. As I watched the spectacle in front of me, I wondered why they had chosen a High School where the majority of the students are black. My impression was that they would be protesting at synagogues, and other places of worship. What are they protesting? That gays shouldn't be gay? Jews are doomed because Jesus won't save them? That Obama is black? Sounds to me that this is a Kuklux Klan disguised as Christians. Why are they so angry? And why did they get to me? Those who are so afraid of someone who is different or who had different ideas only show their own ignorance. Their lack of understanding. One sign read, "Jews killed Jesus". It wasn't Jews. It was ignorance. The lack of consciousness that still breeds hate in people's hearts. What a sad day in Ft. Lauderdale when the start of a promising day displays the ignorance in people's hearts, all the way from Kansas.

Goddess Time

2007-07-15T22:11:00.000-04:00

Friday the 13th at Red Pearl Yoga. Making new friends, Henna, and bellydancing. Very empowering.

Sunday, back to Red Pearl for a restorative "Relax and Renew" class with Lisa and Joy. I was curious how teachers not trained in Iyengar Yoga could teach such a class. They were very sweet, if they get more Iyengar training their class will be fantastic. I could do without the poetry, while I'm trying to tune in to the soothing relaxing music. Loved the scalp and foot massage. (I just didn't want her to stop once she touched my feet.) I think their idea is great for beginners who need to learn to relax. For me, practicing Ujjayi in a semi-supported Setu Bandha Sarvangasana didn't work. I really got stressed when my forehead and right eye started burning from some orange aromatherapy something. When restorative yoga is combined with other stuff such as aromatherapy, poetry reading and pranayama, each element becomes diluted. I feel refreshed after my morning pranayama session, because my only concern is to breathe. When I practice restorative yoga, pioneered by Geeta Iyengar, the details of positions are so important, that restoration comes naturally. When I get a massage, I savor each stroke. The teachers are well intended and very sweet, and create a very relaxing mood. It's good to know others are reaping the benefits of the therapeutic work of the Iyengars, even if diluted, and with only partial information. (My biggest stressor was knowing that many of the postures being held for several minutes at a time are contraindicated for pregnant women. (I did speak up at one point, but I was here to learn, not to teach, so I escaped into my own cave.) Many non-Iyengar students believe that Iyengar Yoga is only about alignment, and many are not aware of the vast knowledge that has come from Mr. Iyengar's 70+ years of personal yoga practice and teaching. The good news is that some non-Iyengar students are discovering the benefits even if very slowly.

Me Time

2007-06-30T14:12:00.001-04:00

So when I am not at work, I am now occupying my time with things important to me. Like catching up on my reading, going to the beach to see the waves, and picking out where I want and what I want to eat. (I am usually pretty easy going and compromise, so having so many choices is a little overwhelming.) Whole Foods and Eddie Hills have been nourishing me well. I finally had time for a haircut and even highlights! I am becoming one with my pool, and appreciating the work my husband goes through to keep it sparkling. Cleaning out the occasional leaves has become my morning meditation after an hour of Pranayama. My dogs have been enjoying their daily massage, but they look at me like they want answers. They don't understand where everyone is, and they are not enjoying my long hours of disappearing. I have discovered new palm trees in my backyard. (I never noticed them......) I realized the avocado seeds that I planted that I thought had not grown, were camouflaged amongst weeds. Weeding, digging, and planting various things to see what will grow has become an intimate affair. Mother earth and I, have developed a loving relationship. I feel like I want to thank her for giving me fruits, and I want to give back by adding trees, and more beautiful flowers. I enjoy the juicy mangoes from my tree (most of which are all in my neighbors yard). The tree is old and tall, and teases me with mangoes that seem so hard to reach. Reminds me of Samadhi--so hard to reach, but if you have patience, the mango will be ripe and fall. It's like when I started yoga, my hamstrings were super tight, so I did not enjoy forward bends. They have stretched out in 12 years, but it has taken a long time, patience and dedication. In the meantime, I watch the mangoes, to see if those ripe high ones will decide to fall when I'm looking. If not, I go inside, sit down, and work on my hamstrings.

Introspective Summer Vacation

2007-06-29T22:54:00.001-04:00

Inspired by Mary Dunn, I am starting a blog. Don't know how, but here it is. Many of you know that my kids and husband are away for the summer. Many of you have asked me if I'm lonely, and if I miss them. No, I am not lonely, and I just started to miss them yesterday. For those of you who don't know, I have a very demanding Brazilian husband, and three beautiful daughters, two of which are teenagers, one 'tween (almost a teenager). My life is usually spent between driving them to volleyball or enriching their social lives by driving them to their friends houses and/or activities.

We decided to send them to Brazil so they can all spend time with their paternal grandmother, who had heart surgery last year, and cannot travel anymore. The benefits also are that they get to bond with their father (He had no idea what he was getting into!!!!!), and they will be able to have many more activities there than they would have here. (The oldest (15) refuses to go to camp anymore.) What's a business owner to do? Agree that it is important for the girls to have an opportunity to learn about their father's culture and country, also the birthplace of their mother. They left on June 12th. Paulina was unhappy about leaving her friends for so long, for as she put it "Everything happens in the summer. When I come back, I won't understand the inside jokes, and my life will be ruined!" Daniela (13) agreed with her sister, but she was willing to go for one month, not two. Julia, on the other hand, had already saved up her money from birthdays, Christmas, etc... to buy a surfboard. (They are only $300 in Brazil as opposed to double that here. Turns out many of the greatest surfboards are made in Brazil...)

They have been surfing, playing volleyball on the beach (Ipanema and now Cabo Frio.) Paulina even went Hang Gliding!!!!! (I don't know how I didn't instill my fear of heights onto her.) She can't wait to do it again, and I hear she has a video of it. They are all hanging out with their cousin, Layla, and enjoying their grandmothers soups and homecooked meals.

Meanwhile back in Florida, I have been cleaning everything out of my fridge, as I don't see the need to cook for one. I have gone out to lunch with friends, and I have been working more than usual, but it feels like less of a load. I guess the word got out, and many of my students (and some new ones) have been booking private sessions. I, in the meantime, have been enjoying my house, and the delicious silence around me. No TV's, no loud teen music, no one arguing, No one screaming about who stole who's shirt. Just birds singing in the background, occasional barking of dogs, and the sound of the barracuda cleaning the pool. I can actually think, hear my thoughts, and enjoy moments of nothingness. I revel in quiet mornings, and a newspaper just to myself to enjoy. No messy house to pick up, no dishes left in the sink. Now I understand my mother. She used to love staying home while my father took us to the circus, the movies, or just out to the park. I always worried that she would feel sad because we were leaving, but now I can picture her cranking her Bee Gees records and dancing around the living room....