Embodying our experiences

Embody all of your activities

Whether it be through yoga or through other means of moving the body such as hiking or surfing, our experience is embodied when we let our body absorb the essence of the movement allowing it to sink in to who we are. It is here that we no longer think with our mind and our ego, but feel with our mind-body. Here is where the magic begins.

Think now of the difference between hiking for two full months along a medieval trail mimicking the ley lines of the stars above vs. reading a book about the transformation of such a journey or path. Think now of the difference between surfing in the Pacific Ocean feeling the pure power of nature as it carries you to shore vs. watching a movie of someone else doing this and reading about their feelings of the experience.

The outcome of the experience cannot be easily described in words. The nature of it has the power to teach that silence, breathing, and being present with the experience are the true transforming powers.

The more awesome experiences in our lives are probably the ones that brought up the most fear in advance. What becomes torturous is putting ourselves into situations that force us to feel what we fear most. Surrendering and challenging our fear through boldness is the way, however, to crack open the secrets inside.

"Leap and the net will appear" (Zen saying).

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Finding truth

Where are we from?

I see the universal truth like a tiny speck of sand that I can collect in a treasure box. I can cherish the treasure like my own life. When I crave the truth I can open it up and select the most valuable grain. The truth is sand and we are all part of it. Each of us has a part of the truth. We are all parts of a whole.

This idea is freeing. I can feel this freedom easily if I go for a long walk on the beach on a sunny day and pay attention to how each grain of sand reflects the sunlight and can be like stars, and how people can be those stars. With this knowledge, how can I worry about being alone? It is not possible. I am the first and the infinity. To imagine this is unbelievable in ways. When I evolve, the world evolves with me. Looking up into the sky knowing this, I feel such an incredible presence.

Yoga has helped me find my self

To express this most precious part of myself I have turned to my yoga practice. It has led me on my path, as I surrender to all of the answers in my body. Spiritual and psychological meaning is trapped in my body until I move it. It is through the movement during the yoga asanas that I have been able to find truth

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The sacred in everyday life

I follow my fire

The poetic fire in my heart will undoubtedly lead the way as I feel my way through life guided by its sacred energy.

I am an eater of the "poisonous leaves of the plant" (John Welwood) in order to truly feel, and then become immune, as I invite intense situations to exacerbate them in order to see my boundaries. In doing so, it unlocks the vitality contained in the poisons—that which can help me maintain my connection with the earth, my passion, and everyday life.

Unlock the poisons

In other words, I go straight into the fire. Ideally, I see my path in life as an ineffable river that simply flows as I follow my instincts, moving my body and mind as if I am escorted as a puppet on a Divine string.

I see the sacred everywhere

I feel this sacred subtle presence moving through me in many facets of life. It is inherent in the elemental composition of my body, in my Hatha yoga practice, in my angelically guided path, in my connections to other beings, in my connections to myself and in my connections the Divine itself where I feel deep love in my heart.

I speak internally to this reality as “you”, knowing that although I move within the boundaries of different covering of layers, they are all one. I experience a vibrant warmth when knowing overcomes me and I can feel that it is actually sacred and much larger than myself, and I feel as if I am without a buffer between myself and my true nature.

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Yoga for kids: Rainbow Kids Yoga teacher

Yoga kids

Children have a natural knack for yoga postures whether they know it or not.

image © robin ellen lucas

Many are dying to practice like many of the adults in our society now. Many of the schools offer after school yoga programs or even have yoga weaved into their P.E. curriculum. Yoga is spreading...

For teaching children yoga the biggest challenge is getting them to focus, stay still and be silent. So the strategy for teaching yoga to children is somewhat different than it is for adults. It also depends on the age group.

The younger children, up to age 10 (maybe younger for some) respond better to making yoga fun and not serious. They can still get the benefits of gaining strength, flexibility, and clearing out their minds.

They prefer to listen to energetic music and stand in a circle so they can all see each other. It is great to go around the circle and let each child take turns making up a yoga pose that mimics a certain animal (sounds included). The idea is to keep them together as one unit so that they remain engaged in the activity and enjoy it. Always keep the activity moving so that they pay attention. They can be taught the simple task of learning the yoga breath.

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Making the perfect yoga music playlist for a dynamic yoga practice

Music and yoga paired

For making the best yoga playlist, from my experience it's all about the chakras—the energy centers located along the spine and in the head connected by channels which funnel energy throughout the body...

During a phenomenal yoga practice your mind, body, heart and soul move through the whole chakra spectrum, ideally starting at chakra 1 and progressing upward to chakra 7. Therefore, it creates a moving and dynamic yoga practice to have the music emulate this journey.

For a 90 minute practice, or I prefer a 108 minute practice...

Chakra 1) is about being grounded and survival mode. It's at the base of your spine. It's all about plugging your feet in the earth and allowing the grounding force to connect us to the energies that empower our being. Chose one song that is tribal in nature like drums or Tibetan.

Chakra 2) is about sexuality and creativity. Its focus is in the lower abdomen. It's about feeling that inner craving and sexuality within yourself and transforming it to inner fuel. Chose a couple songs that stir this part of your nature.

Chakra 3) is about momentum, getting moving, making things happen, and feeding our self-esteem. Its focus is in the solar plexus—below the ribcage. Chose fast songs that make you really want to move. You will remain in this chakra for longer than the prior two so, chose 3-4 songs.

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Starting or getting motivated for a yoga practice

New yoga class

Are you new to yoga and hesitant to begin? Do you feel like you are the only one left who has never tried yoga?

Do you let an injury hold you back, and tell yourself, "I'll start when it's healed"? Do you feel like it would be too difficult? Do you feel it would be too boring?

Do you tell yourself you are not flexible enough, not strong enough, not spiritual enough?

Whatever the reason, I am here to tell you that there is no good reason to hesitate. Yoga comes in all shapes and sizes. There is a yoga practice for everyone. Start today!

There is no better time than the present to invest in your mind, body, heart and soul....

© 2010 Yoga Robin^®