We were all asked to return to the Center this afternoon for a private "interview" with the faculty. It was a tad bit intimidating walking into the yurt and seeing 8 people sitting in a circle waiting for my arrival.
We talked for about 10 minutes regarding my Intake Form where I had to answer all sorts of personal questions about my life. We discussed the breast cancer (briefly), my thyroid medication, my excessive habits, and then we went onto the IMPORTANT subject ... my constant connectivity. Really? Come on, I only have a laptop, tablet, and smart Phone with me. What's the problem?
So ... they have now REALLY STRONGLY ENCOURAGED me to put it all away for this process. We even laughed about my bad handwriting and what good is writing a journal if I can't read it later?
So ... this IS my sign off for now. My next free day will be Sunday afternoon after another cleanse. They say it's a surprise. Yeah, right. Anyway, I am going to follow my own advice and CARPE MOMENTO and just see how I feel each moment. Maybe after a grueling week of cleansing and training, I might just want to come home and go to bed. WHO KNOWS?
Just know that while I'm going through this amazing experience, I can FEEL YOU supporting me. And that is more valuable than ANY piece of technology.
With Love,
Diana
Sunday, September 22, 2013
My Space in Sedona
Just so you have a visual of where I'm living for the next month, here are some images ~
This is my bedroom with my altar to the left ~
Another shot of my bedroom with the computer still set up. That is getting packed away tonight.
This is my private patio at my private entrance behind the house ~
Some of the young students who flew into Arizona for this training have no transportation. So this afternoon I took them around to the grocery store, Walgreens, Natural Grocers, and OF COURSE the Goodwill store. I had to buy a long shirt to wear in the evening after I shower and do my sesame oil massage. It takes a while for that oil to soak in!
So life is very peaceful up here, and I feel very blessed.
This is my bedroom with my altar to the left ~
Another shot of my bedroom with the computer still set up. That is getting packed away tonight.
This is my private patio at my private entrance behind the house ~
Some of the young students who flew into Arizona for this training have no transportation. So this afternoon I took them around to the grocery store, Walgreens, Natural Grocers, and OF COURSE the Goodwill store. I had to buy a long shirt to wear in the evening after I shower and do my sesame oil massage. It takes a while for that oil to soak in!
So life is very peaceful up here, and I feel very blessed.
I signed up for WHAT?
OK ~ I've done a cleanse before. You drink the tea at night, take some pills during the day, and drink lots of water. But today's "experience" had me both scared, yet open to try. So I took a big breathe, reminded myself that it was too late to turn back, and dove in.
Yes, Callie ~ I have now done a neti pot. And you were right, it wasn't bad at all. Of course I had a little trepidation due to breaking my nose in July, but thank God, that salt water flowed right in one nostril and out the other beautifully! And both ways! Squatting down in the rocks is not so bad (not allowed to sit on a step or a rock ~ heaven forbid!) But I wasn't done yet ... then there are the sharp exhales out of each nostril to get all that stuff out of my sinuses. And then we stand up and do strong forward bends with our arms swinging between our legs (Jeff calls it "snot throwing") that made me feel a little silly. And because all that snot can't be out YET, we do the Funky Chicken ... bend over with a flat back and forcefully exhale and slap our elbows into our ribs. I wasn't looking at any of the other 14 students squatting in the rocks right around me, blowing snot out of their noses, but I can only imagine they looked and felt the same way I did. Somehow that made it easier to handle.
Next cleanse is the eye wash. Fill a small eye cup with salt water, squat again, put the cup against your eye while looking down, and bring your head up. 50 blinks on each side while your eyeball is splashing around in the water. Not so bad.
But the 3rd one ... put a big pile of salt in your palm and drown it in sesame oil. Make a paste, and yes sir, squat again. This time you rub that salty/sesame paste onto your gums. Top and bottom both sides. And SPIT!
So I'm thinking that's great ~ I got that done. Well get this. WE WILL DO THIS EVERY MORNING AT 5AM after our morning chant. Out in the dark! And maybe in the cold because a storm is blowing through! And this starts tomorrow and we do it EVERYDAY.
So ~ when you wake up tomorrow and don't want to go to work, feel blessed that you're not squatting in the rocks, in the dark, blowing snot out of your nose.
Namaste ~
Diana
Yes, Callie ~ I have now done a neti pot. And you were right, it wasn't bad at all. Of course I had a little trepidation due to breaking my nose in July, but thank God, that salt water flowed right in one nostril and out the other beautifully! And both ways! Squatting down in the rocks is not so bad (not allowed to sit on a step or a rock ~ heaven forbid!) But I wasn't done yet ... then there are the sharp exhales out of each nostril to get all that stuff out of my sinuses. And then we stand up and do strong forward bends with our arms swinging between our legs (Jeff calls it "snot throwing") that made me feel a little silly. And because all that snot can't be out YET, we do the Funky Chicken ... bend over with a flat back and forcefully exhale and slap our elbows into our ribs. I wasn't looking at any of the other 14 students squatting in the rocks right around me, blowing snot out of their noses, but I can only imagine they looked and felt the same way I did. Somehow that made it easier to handle.
Next cleanse is the eye wash. Fill a small eye cup with salt water, squat again, put the cup against your eye while looking down, and bring your head up. 50 blinks on each side while your eyeball is splashing around in the water. Not so bad.
But the 3rd one ... put a big pile of salt in your palm and drown it in sesame oil. Make a paste, and yes sir, squat again. This time you rub that salty/sesame paste onto your gums. Top and bottom both sides. And SPIT!
So I'm thinking that's great ~ I got that done. Well get this. WE WILL DO THIS EVERY MORNING AT 5AM after our morning chant. Out in the dark! And maybe in the cold because a storm is blowing through! And this starts tomorrow and we do it EVERYDAY.
So ~ when you wake up tomorrow and don't want to go to work, feel blessed that you're not squatting in the rocks, in the dark, blowing snot out of your nose.
Namaste ~
Diana
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Orientation Day
It was with a little nervousness but much excitement that I woke up early on this first Saturday morning in Sedona. My bedroom is so lovely as it has a large, uncovered window which looks out at almost ground level to a very private backyard. This picture doesn't do it justice, but the sunrise was very pretty this morning.
Of course the first morning of anything is disorienting ~ but I made it out the door and managed the only THREE MINUTE drive to the Center. I was VERY surprised to walk in and see a large group of people sitting in a circle in the yoga room. As much as I was hoping for a small group, we are 15 strong, including 3 men. Since today was all about getting oriented, we also introduced ourselves. We have one man from Mexico, a woman from Canada, and 3 of us from Tucson! The reasons for attending are varied ~ 3 women are turning 50 and looking to reinvent themselves. Yes, I believe I am the oldest one there and the only one who is currently "leading" yoga classes.
We received our Training Manual and textbook (YIKES!) and more information than my reeling head could handle. I took notes like crazy and tried to find a comfortable position on the floor. As far as I can tell, all 4 weeks will be spent sitting on the floor. NOW I know why we'll be using Indian blankets when I return to our classes!
We took a lunch break and I picked up my favorite veggie wrap from Subway and of course had to check out Bealls and a GIANT Goodwill! I'll be back there again, for sure, on my day off.
In the afternoon, our Ayurvedic Chef started her lecture on Ayurveda. I AM CONFUSED about this, but I can tell that everyone else is, too. What I DID understand is the importance of doing a Daily Routine, or what is called "Dinacharya", in both the morning and evening. As I write this, I am fresh out of a hot bath and covered in Sesame Oil. My skin must be pretty hydrated because it's not soaking up very quickly! Of course I had to Google Dinacharya and I see that this is just like anything else ... THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO CREATE A ROUTINE. After some searching, it made sense to me to consider the more thorough routine outlined at The Ayurvedic Institute ~
http://www.ayurveda.com/online_resource/daily_routine.html
The importance of a Daily Routine is not a stretch for me at all. My current routine is to lay in bed and check my cellphone first thing ~ ha ha, but it's true. Mostly, this Daily Routine reminds me of my Mom. She ALWAYS took night showers and had a very strong routine in her mornings and evenings. Mom, I hope you're watching me now.
We need to arrive an hour earlier tomorrow (Sunday), as we have yoga class from 8AM to 9:45. Then an introduction to Sadhana and Karma Yoga, and then we're done at noon. Oh, except for individual interviews with the staff in the afternoon.
So tomorrow I will do my final business work and communication on my computer and cellphone. They are REALLY ENCOURAGING complete disconnect, and knowing that my day AT the Center will be from 4:50AM to 7:30PM Monday thru Saturday, then the decision about this blog may already be made by my body. We'll just have to see.
Sleep tight.
Of course the first morning of anything is disorienting ~ but I made it out the door and managed the only THREE MINUTE drive to the Center. I was VERY surprised to walk in and see a large group of people sitting in a circle in the yoga room. As much as I was hoping for a small group, we are 15 strong, including 3 men. Since today was all about getting oriented, we also introduced ourselves. We have one man from Mexico, a woman from Canada, and 3 of us from Tucson! The reasons for attending are varied ~ 3 women are turning 50 and looking to reinvent themselves. Yes, I believe I am the oldest one there and the only one who is currently "leading" yoga classes.
We received our Training Manual and textbook (YIKES!) and more information than my reeling head could handle. I took notes like crazy and tried to find a comfortable position on the floor. As far as I can tell, all 4 weeks will be spent sitting on the floor. NOW I know why we'll be using Indian blankets when I return to our classes!
We took a lunch break and I picked up my favorite veggie wrap from Subway and of course had to check out Bealls and a GIANT Goodwill! I'll be back there again, for sure, on my day off.
In the afternoon, our Ayurvedic Chef started her lecture on Ayurveda. I AM CONFUSED about this, but I can tell that everyone else is, too. What I DID understand is the importance of doing a Daily Routine, or what is called "Dinacharya", in both the morning and evening. As I write this, I am fresh out of a hot bath and covered in Sesame Oil. My skin must be pretty hydrated because it's not soaking up very quickly! Of course I had to Google Dinacharya and I see that this is just like anything else ... THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO CREATE A ROUTINE. After some searching, it made sense to me to consider the more thorough routine outlined at The Ayurvedic Institute ~
http://www.ayurveda.com/online_resource/daily_routine.html
The importance of a Daily Routine is not a stretch for me at all. My current routine is to lay in bed and check my cellphone first thing ~ ha ha, but it's true. Mostly, this Daily Routine reminds me of my Mom. She ALWAYS took night showers and had a very strong routine in her mornings and evenings. Mom, I hope you're watching me now.
We need to arrive an hour earlier tomorrow (Sunday), as we have yoga class from 8AM to 9:45. Then an introduction to Sadhana and Karma Yoga, and then we're done at noon. Oh, except for individual interviews with the staff in the afternoon.
So tomorrow I will do my final business work and communication on my computer and cellphone. They are REALLY ENCOURAGING complete disconnect, and knowing that my day AT the Center will be from 4:50AM to 7:30PM Monday thru Saturday, then the decision about this blog may already be made by my body. We'll just have to see.
Sleep tight.
The EVE of the Equinox!
You know how I LOVE the Eve of any special day (thank you, Mom), and today is no exception.
Today's Eve is PERFECT timing for both Dennis and me ...
All good thoughts to you for a WONDERFUL EVE in your world.
The
Fall Equinox is Sunday, September 22 at 2:44 PM Mountain Daylight Time. The
equinox is always a time to revisit your intentions as well as to be in
gratitude for your harvest whatever it may be. Acknowledge all that you have at
this time and focus on the abundance of the harvest rather than any lack.
The equinox is also a time to think about cleaning, pruning, and making any
changes that you are inspired to make as a way to make more space for what you
want. It is a time for expansion, freedom and commitment. Take some time to
ritualize change. Honor the change of season and use the energy of the fall
equinox support the release of any burden you may have been carrying for
someone else. Put it down once and for all.
Today's Eve is PERFECT timing for both Dennis and me ...
- Today, ALL of our furniture in our home gets moved and ready for tear out, which starts on Monday AM
- Today, I start my Yoga Teacher Training at 9AM
All good thoughts to you for a WONDERFUL EVE in your world.
Friday, September 20, 2013
I Have Arrived!
Thanks to everyone's good wishes for a safe drive to Sedona, I slip-streamed all the way up here. Thank you for protecting me with your good energy!
I arrived around 4PM, but took some time to enjoy the scenery before coming to my temporary home.
I arrived around 4PM, but took some time to enjoy the scenery before coming to my temporary home.
My roommate, Kim, is a lovely person, and her cat, Buddy, took to me right away. Of course I immediately invited him to sleep with me. Oh how I hope that happens while I'm here!
She gave me a tour of my quarters and I was REALLY SURPRISED. My private entrance in the back takes me into a family room with a flat screen TV, a big double-sink bathroom, and a very comfortable bedroom with lots of closets and drawers. And the bonus ~ my entrance includes a private patio with a table and chairs! This is DEFINITELY going to work for me!
And she is so thoughtful ~ she put flowers in my room with a welcome card. I decided to make that dresser top my altar ...
I'm sure this will evolve and expand during my time here.
So it all starts tomorrow at 9AM. The house is already quiet so I think I'll follow that cue. I'd love to go outside to check out the full moon, but I don't want to disturb Kim on the FIRST night!
I'm grateful for the lovely evening Dennis and I had outside last night together. It was MAGICAL under that moon!
So good night to all ~ may we all have sweet dreams.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
The beginning of my Renaissance
It's been almost 3 years since I've posted to this blog.
And since I'm about to embark on my own Renaissance, I feel this is the perfect time to give this blog a rebirth also.
In two days I'll be driving to Sedona, Arizona, to attend a 30-day Intensive Hatha Yoga Teacher Training at 7 Center Yoga Arts.
http://www.7centers-yoga.com/200-hour-hatha-yoga/
Intensive certainly does seem to be the operative word. I'll be in training 6 days per week from 5:30 AM to 7:30PM for a month.
I am both excited and scared. My own doubts in my ability to evolve and grow bubble up into my consciousness. A lifetime of habits are fighting for their own survival.
I am determined to LOVE THEM FREE.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)