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By Amber, December 24, 2011

This is it.  Days before 2011 fades away and 2012 bursts on the scene.  The inevitable ‘New Year’s Resolutions are at hand.  I never did like the word ‘resolutions.’  This suggests that you have identified a ‘problem’ and have decided to ‘resolve’ it.  We are all works in process.  The only problem you have is your ability to embrace your life fully.   So, what if anything is holding you back from experiencing yourself as amazing?  How do you want 2012 to look?  What are prepared to let go of?  What are you prepared to work for?  These are all good questions and they are meant to stimulate your creative juices, not overwhelm.

Let’s look at the tools you have for mapping out your 2012 plan:   Universal Principles of Alignment.  Not just good for your way around a yoga mat, they provide structure and expansion to every plan you might have.  Let’s take a look at how you might use the main pulsations of Muscle and Organic Energies to help you with your intentions this year.

Muscle Energy/Resolutions: Set the goal(s). Plan for Success. Monitor progress.

Organic Energy/Affirmations: Set the Intention. Surrender. See it already accomplished.

Both options have a chance to succeed. But as you may have already guessed, there are limitations to these singular methods and pitfalls when Muscle and Organic Energies move out of balance. In the first method with Muscle Energy there is little room for expansion beyond the goals; no room for something other or beyond the goal to materialize. You harden your ‘resolve’ and in fact limit yourself. And too much ME manifests into berating yourself when you don’t hit the marks, eventually spiraling down into, “I’m never going to get this, I have no discipline, I’m not good enough, I give up.”

In the second method with Organic Energy there is very little if any structure for your affirmation – it is firmly rooted in ‘air.’ You have freedom with your affirmation and no place to contain it. And too much OE looks like this: “If I want it badly enough then this would happen for me.” If I were more connected to the Big Energy this would happen. Spiraling into, “I don’t deserve this.” And – “oh, well it wasn’t meant to be, maybe next year.”

On the mat you know that you have to balance Muscle and Organic Energy to find the place in the middle where both strength and flexibility are optimized for success. So how do you apply this to your intentions? It’s obvious. You know the answer. Find the balance between the two energies. This sounds soooo easy. But it’s not. If it were you would be manifesting your intentions right and left. The fact is, you have tendencies toward Muscle or Organic Energy by nature and you figure if you just try harder with your own methodology it’ll work. Good thought. But it doesn’t have the best chance of success. It didn’t work before, and it won’t work now. What is the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome…

Not this year. Let’s bring about our deepest desires for 2012 utilizing the tools of Anusara Yoga. Most of you have learned about the 5 Universal Principles of Alignment.

Let’s take a look at how they might look when applied to your intentions:

Resolution/Affirmation: In 2012 I am healthier in mind, body and spirit. (I chose this as you may find your intention centered around one of these.)

1. Open to Grace: May all that I think, act and say reflect my intention to be in better health in 2012. I open to the support of the Big Energy around and within for this intention. I am worthy to receive all the blessings necessary to see my intention into reality. I call to it right now. I see myself healthier. I am healthier. I notice the energy of good health in my body, mind and spirit. I assume it as myself. I remain connected and supported by this Big Energy no matter what the journey.
2. Muscle Energy: Specifically, it is my resolve to lose 15 pounds. I drink more water. I eat less between meals and after dinner. My mind is clear and calm. I meditate more regularly. I increase my daily activity level – more yoga, more walking, etc. I make all the necessary preventative medical appointments – from stem to stern. I know all my ‘numbers’ from blood pressure to cholesterol levels. My energy and strength is available to me to support all that I do.
3. Inner Spiral: I cook more creative, colorful and nutritious foods. I explore cooking a new cuisine. I am listening to soothing music. I challenge my mind with interesting intellectual material. I find fun, creative ways to incorporate exercise into my daily routine. The energy within me inspires me. I open to the Source of this great energy for continued support on this 12 month journey.
4. Outer Spiral: I have the power to commit to myself. I know that I am capable. I draw into my own power. I am resourceful. I can do this. I am healthier every minute. I draw to me information that supports and inspires my creative efforts to support my resolution.
5. Organic Energy: I celebrate my successes as they unfold. I offer it all back to the Source. Every attempt I make, however large or small does not go unnoted. There is great support for me, even when I slip up. I know that it just takes one breath to realign and step forward toward a successful outcome. I quickly let go of any self-defeating thoughts or actions. Through the many hours and days of 2012 I know that as I work, plan and sweetly hold my affirmation for a healthier self, I am also merely on a journey. I am grateful for my own power to proceed each day. I am grateful for the power that supports me along the way.

In formulating your intentions this way you have a better opportunity to monitor your use of both expansive energy (open to Grace, Inner Spiral, Organic Energy) and structured energy (Muscle Energy and Outer Spiral). You find a balance of Resolution and Affirmation. You’ll have the play of these two energies at your disposal for 2012. So here’s what your ‘dashboard’ might look like:

1. Open and Ask for Support
2. Set realistic doable goals that can be measured and monitored
3. Continue to create new ways to attain the intention
4. Support and commit to yourself and the intention
5. Offer the gift of this opportunity back to the Source with gratitude

This week and next we set our intentions/resolutions with all the support and surrender necessary for amazing success. And just think, on January 1, 2012 you’ll be all set to move forward into the New Year!

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By Amber, December 17, 2011

A Gift of Light.

At the end of this entry, you’ll find a meditation that you can offer as a present for your loved ones this holiday season…it doesn’t cost you anything but time and heart-felt intention…Read on for this week’s theme:

Winter Solstice:

A long time ago, people thought the sun was leaving.  Each day, the sun appeared for shorter times and climbed less and less into the sky.  Fearing that it would stop its assent and descend completely over the horizon and not come up at all, people celebrated the day of the Solstice, translated as the ‘sun stood still.’  After that day, the sun began to climb ever so slowly into the sky and the days became longer.  The light makes a stand against the dark and prevails.  People all over the world  celebrate Light in many forms at this time of year.

Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice….all celebrations of Light, Wonder and Goodness…as Tantra yogis we see the entire world as One thing and that Oneness is Light-filled, Supreme Consciousness.  This season of great de-Light is a time to remember the amazing Light that resides within and all around you.

Blessed are we this season to know the Light and to know it in every form of ourselves and the world around us.  We gravitate toward bright and shiny things this season.  We decorate with light.  These symbols are merely a reflection of the constant Light that is within us and all around.  The Light is most welcomed at this time of year when we are in our darkest days.  At Good Life Yoga this week, we honor this dark time and savor its existence.  As we hold it dear it is a constant reminder of revelation.  At any given moment the brightness of understanding will burst through.  A ray of light relinquishes the darkness and we ride high on hope and trust in the Goodness that always abides.  Yes, the sun will return. Yes, the oil will remain lit.  Yes, the Son is born.  We light the candles and remember the miracle of this season.  Turn up the luminosity and light the night sky with your bright spirit.  Remember that you are a miracle.  May Light-filled moments of Wonder be yours this Holy-Days Season.

Using everything to our advantage, we take this time of darkness to go in and contemplate and reflect on this past year.  Forward folds, hip openers and time for introspection are on the docket for you at Good Life Yoga this week.  Expect to hunker down and relish the darkness.

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Delight in the Light!  Give something priceless this holiday season:  The gift of your full presence in a focused meditation dedicated to your loved ones.

A Gift of Light:

Sit comfortably as you would for meditation – or lie down.  Breathe easily, deeply several rounds to calm yourself and to bring yourself into a centered, peaceful place.  Imagine a beautiful, warm supportive light within your heart.  It may be a fireplace with many burning logs, or a beautiful room with many candles.  Visualize tremendous vitality, beauty and warmth within you.  You have an unending supply of this energy and light.  Acknowledge its power, majesty and expansive goodness.  Fill yourself with this light, every cell, every bone, thought and emotion saturated with this Eternal energy.  See it.  Feel it. Let it you.  It is love.  It is peace.  It is joy. Take as long as you’d like swimming in this amazing luster.  Now you are prepared to offer this gift of abundant light to your loved one(s).

Bring light down through the crown of your head and into your heart.  Take your time.  From the heart, bring the light down into your hands.  Feel the connection from above you, to your heart and to your hands.  Open your palms softly and outwardly.   Your hands may feel warm.  Offer light to your loved one.  Visualize them clearly.  Let light come to their heart and fill their body.  As the light from your heart pours through them, notice that light begins to come down into the top of their head from someplace else.  You are creating a magnet for more light with your intention of giving.  See them surrounded by you, surrounded by and filled with light, love and goodness.  Their body is healthy, vibrant and beautiful.  Their mind is expansive and calm.  Peace flows through them offering them ease of heart.  Wish them joy.  Wish them good health.  Wish them courage and abundance.  Tell them whatever comes to you that is important to convey.  Trust the light and your ability to understand its intentions.   Continue your goodwill wishes for them until you feel the time is right to stop.  Release them gently.  Leave them light-filled.  Bring your hands to your face and bathe in the lingering light.  Place your hands on your heart and notice how sweet and wonderful your heart space feels.  Your intention created more joy, wellbeing, and love for yourself as well.  Here is a message that you might follow up with for them:

Today I sat quietly and set my intention to offer you a gift of light, love and abundance of joy this holiday season.  Every part of me; body, mind and spirit held this intention.  My heart revealed a full light, a fire of warm thoughts and glad tidings for you.  I enveloped you with this light – visualized it streaming down into your head and to your heart.  I bathed you in the deepest love of the eternal. Good wishes came your way for abundance, health and deep peace.  You are amazing.  Your spirit shines.  You are loved.

Happy Holidays.

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By Amber, December 4, 2011

We continue on with our technical exploration of Outer Spiral, Anusara’s 4th Universal Principle of Alignment.

We discovered last week that Outer Spiral contracts the back body.  We reviewed that Inner Spiral expands the back body.  And then we played around with understanding how both legs need to be doing both spirals, but that one spiral needs to be emphasized to find equanimity because depending on where the leg is (in general) one spiral tends to dominate.  Whew.  We spent a lot of time in lunges exploring these ideas.  This week we will solidify these concepts and add in balanced actions of the arms to create good integration in the upper back.  Remember expanding spirals of the arms?  It was not possible to discuss the expanding spiral without the contracting.  And so it is this week that we jump back into discussing contracting spirals along with expanding…..spirals are like that… one side of a coin needs the other to be a coin.  Your inner body needs your outer body to be completely and utterly magnificently…You.

See you on the mat expanding and contracting to the rhythms of life.

Remember, there is no class this coming Saturday due to John Friend’s workshop!

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By Amber, November 27, 2011

This week we move back into working through the Universal Principals of Alignment and in particular #4 – Outer Spiral.

Technically, an Outer Spiral, when referring to the hips and legs, narrows the back body.  There are 3 aspects of Outer Spiral:

1. Turns the legs and pelvis outward.
2. Moves inner edges of the legs and pelvis forward.
3. Draws sides of the pelvis and legs toward midline.

Outer Spiral moves in balance with Inner Spiral.  Your legs and hips are not just inner spiraling they are also outer spiraling at the same time.  Sometimes we have to know the tendencies of our legs in particular poses to know if we need to apply more of one or the other.

Just as Inner Spiral opens us to the greatness of ourselves and connects us to the Universal energy, Outer Spiral deeply confirms or commits our awareness back to our Individual nature.  Think of Inner Spiral in the pelvic and legs as a widening of the inner body – particularly the back body where it opens to the Universal.  Outer Spiral takes that grand opening and sweetly confirms it; lovingly draws it in close to be confirmed, savored and enjoyed.  Outer Spiral does not over power Inner – and Inner Spiral left on its own can be too open, allowing energy to flow over needlessly.  Maintaining a balance with these two spirals leads to optimal balance and energy flow in your poses.

Once again at Good Life Yoga we learn to open to Divine Energy (Open to Grace), define it as ourselves (Muscle Energy), continue to brighten it (Inner Spiral), confirm it (Outer Spiral) and then hand it all back with a smile (Organic Energy).

Come this week and confirm for yourself how Outer Spiral can sharpen and strengthen your poses and your connection to the Divine.

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By Amber, November 20, 2011

We add a huge portion of ‘thanksgiving’ to our gratitude practice this week. We share our gratitude for one another at this holiday time and give thanks for all that our life has to offer.   We look back on the year and recount the many blessings that visited us.  We choose this time of year to reconnect with our loved ones, friends and family alike and share in the bounty and abundance that is our life.  Along with the cranberries and potatoes, I encourage you to pass along your gratitude.  Share a story, make a statement or just say ‘thank-you’ to everyone at your holiday table this year.  And if you are the recipient of gratitude, graciously accept and pass it on.  Gratitude is the only dish that replenishes itself and offers guaranteed satisfaction on every level.  “Pass the Gratitude, Please”.

On the mat this week we continue to be grateful and filled with awe for the amazing life that we have.  On a practical level, we will turn up the volume a bit, and add some ab work to the sequence in preparation for that extra helping of holiday favorites.

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By Amber, November 13, 2011

Take a minute to remember the reality in which you live. An interactive play land of possibilities – some fabulously wonderful and others fiercely wounding. What connects and binds these two disparate experiences? Gratitude. You are in the game. A player. It’s messy and straightforward. It’s peaceful and violent. You have one choice. Remember Gratitude. It’s an honor to play the game of life. If you can remember that simple idea, it will be your lifeline.

I’m not saying that all will be rosy and more peaceful than not. I’m saying that when in all the chaos of daily living you are drowning in pain or swallowed up in suffering, you can hang on to the thread of gratitude and it will lead you straight back into the remembrance of sacredness. It will lead you straight into the center of your heart. From this vantage point, you can remember the interactive quality of this play land. You remember that inherent in this reality is duality. You remember that only with gratitude can you step beyond the duality and remember that it is all good – that you chose to step into this game after all.

When we wake up to that realization – perhaps over coffee – perhaps metaphorically after a seismic event, we can continue in our scurrying and creating with the recognition that our hands, feet, mind and heart were offered as gifts. We assumed them. We inherited them. We wear them now.

You are not at the mercy of craziness if you find the anchor of gratitude in your heart. It is there. You came with it. It is at the gateway of this reality and the ultimate reality of supreme consciousness that runs through every street, mailbox, cat and mouse. It runs through every journey, train stop, bully and victim. It is our ability to elevate ourselves above the streets of our lives and see the full world of possibilities that keeps us sane, hopeful and fully in the game.

Yes, yes, there are challenges in your world. It doesn’t always feel good. But what is good is your place on the game board. And if you don’t like what’s happening right now. Have gratitude for the opportunity to change it. Then change it. And if you can’t change it, have gratitude for the play and move on to the next. Take with you gratitude and learning and developed skills for living better. Don’t assume you have very little power to affect your life. Assume your greatness. You were offered a spot. You are worthy of the game. What connects you to the mother board is your ability to be grateful; full of greatness. Your mantra…I am grateful. I am grateful. I am great full. Gratitude is the attitude of remembering your greatness. And by ‘your’ I refer to the greatness that is anchored in your heart – the doorway to remembering the ultimate Greatness in your world.

This week and next we’ll hold fast to Gratitude.

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By Amber, November 6, 2011

This past week we have been applying the key aspects of Inner Spiral of the legs and pelvic areas to all of our poses. Over and over we’ve looked at ‘in, back and apart.’ As you know, these directions of turning and moving seem to change when we move our bodies into different shapes. But once we have firmly placed in our brain the actions of Inner Spiral we are delighted at the continued offering of freedom.

And that has always been the plan. All these ‘technical’ skills that we are developing are nothing more than a more precise way to get to the good stuff. Once we get there, it’s up to us to simply abide in the joy and freedom. Think of the UPA’s as a technology to find the balance between stability and freedom and ultimately our own true nature. We can get so caught up by the ‘gadgets’ themselves that we can forget the purpose they serve.

Not on my watch. I have no interest in helping you get juiced up about the whiz bang technology of Anusara yoga if you lose sight of the ‘why.’ That’s why you come to Good Life Yoga. We never lose sight of the ‘why’ of our practice. We celebrate our ability to align with the greatness that is our own beautiful heart. And that, my friends, is what we continue to expand with this week and the week after this and the week after that and the….

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By Amber, October 30, 2011

This week and next we will concentrate on the technical aspects of Inner Spiral in the hips and legs or an Expanding Spiral as it is referred to in the upper back.

The Universal Principles of Alignment are applied in order and then are worked simultaneously. In order to create an Inner Spiral you first need Muscle Energy. Without that steady physical property to the pose, a widening of the back body just doesn’t occur. And that is exactly what an Inner Spiral does – it widens and integrates the back body into the Universal form of ourselves. We choose to always remember the Universal, the Big Energy if you will in an Anusara yoga class. We don’t go far without it. An Inner Spiral is offering the body an opportunity to more deeply integrate with this energy. You gain power, freedom and bliss as a result. Your hips open. Your hamstrings lengthen – your shoulders support your heart and – Life Is Good.

Key aspects of Inner Spiral of the legs and hips
1. Widening of the back body
2. Turns legs and pelvis inward
3. Moves inner edges of legs backward
4. Broadens leg and pelvis laterally

Key aspects of expanding spiral of the shoulders/arms
1. Expands the upper back and back of the shoulders
2. Widens the shoulder blades away from each other
Find the balance of rotating the upper arm outward and rotating the forearm inward.

Every time we deepen our ability and understanding of the Universal Principles of Alignment we give ourselves the possibility of reawakening to our energetic optimal body blueprint. And when that happens, the body and spirit sing in recognition of our true nature. Freedom, strength and bliss are our birthright. Let’s grab some of that this week at Good Life Yoga.

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By Amber, October 23, 2011

Muscle energy is a powerful tool. When wielded effectively, we come away from our practice strong, confident optimistic and ultimately light-hearted. Last week we worked primarily with the technical aspects of Muscle Energy. We will continue that work and add contemplations on the deeper aspects and qualities of Muscle Energy.

We know that our bodies feel supported, integrated and stable in a practice with properly applied Muscle Energy. What about the affects of Muscle Energy on you psychologically, emotionally and spiritually? Could you radiate confidence, feel secure and be more compassionate? That’s right. The answer is, “YES.” And what if you applied too much Muscle Energy could you become inflexible, arrogant, stubborn and self- absorbed? Unfortunately, the answer is, “YES” again. This week we continue to dive into this fascinating Universal Principle of Alignment #2.