I forgot my music for class last night.  I made sure everyone knew before class started, in case they were expecting it - really because I thought it might bother some to have a silent class.  Truth is, I was edgy about it.  I like having quiet relaxing music during class.  I find it soothing and nowadays I need all the quiet soothing I can get.

It's interesting that I can be edgy around silence.  I had to create a day of silence during my yoga therapy training and almost skipped it all together, though after I made it happen I was sure glad I did!  I'm a quiet person and rarely turn on music when I drive.  I hardly turn on the TV when I'm home alone.  I like silence.  So why is it edgy for me?

I "lead" classes rather than "teach" them.  I am more comfortable with that distinction and it allows me to participate in the class as well.  So here I was, no music and edgy about it.  I knew the class would be different but didn't know how.

As it turns out, I loved the class more than usual.  I was MORE relaxed and less distracted.  I'd never noticed before that the music was a distraction to me.  I was more aware and was able to go deeper with my insights.  At one point I found myself searching for support against the wall with my foot while I was competely relaxed in corpse pose.  I doubt I would have noticed that I was even doing that if there had been music.  And because there wasn't, I was able to take the awareness to a deeper level.  Why was I seeking out support when I was fully supported?  How does that statement translate to my life?  Seeking support when I'm fully supported and AWARE of being fully supported.  Still processing that one.

My point is, I came to a much deeper level of awareness because of the silence during my practice.  This is exactly how my day of silence turned out.  It was a beautiful day.  I challenge and encourage you to try it sometime.  After you try it, you'll want to create more opportunities to do it again and again.

It has been an adventure to talk up YogaHub's first annual Virtual World Yoga Conference.  It's such a unique opportunity and I'm so looking forward to participating myself that it's been a fun commitment to volunteer to get the word out.

At first I e-mailed everyone in my data base...those who participate in my yoga classes and those who are on my list but whom I've never met.  Then I received flyers and postcards which I distributed between 3 local(ish) yoga studios and the massage therapy practice at which I also offer Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy.

No one I talked to had heard about the conference so I really felt that I was doing a service to the community, especially the local yoga community and YogaHub.  I feel that everyone may benefit from yoga and that this virtual conference offers a unique way for people to learn more about it - people who otherwise may not go to a studio or take a class for various reasons.  What I hear most from folks when I mention that I am a yoga therapist/teacher is: 1.  "I can't do yoga, I'm not flexible enough"; and 2.  "I'd like to try but I've never done it before". 

I'm convinced that this conference is probably the most non-threatening way to learn about yoga there is!  You may choose to participate alone at home or you may share your experience with someone else by participating as a group.  Either way, there is much to be learned and I know we will all walk away inspired.

It was great to get in touch with Jim, one of the owners of Downtown Yoga in Pleasanton.  I dropped off flyers and postcards at that studio and was reminded what a wonderful space it is.  I spoke with Lisa Gray, the owner of Cosmic Dog Yoga in Livermore.  Turns out that she and I share common interests and I look forward to being in her studio soon.  She has flyers and postcards there for her clients as well.  And of course, there are several at Flow Yoga Studio here in Tracy.  All of these materials have a discount code on them that may be applied at registration for $100 off the fee of $197.  For a three day conference you cannot beat the price! 

If you choose to participate (which I hope you will), please talk about your experiences by joining in my blog!  I would love to hear anything you would like to share.

Thanks for reading!

Last night ended my February restorative yoga class series.  I will not be offering Tuesday classes until April.  My Friday night classes at Flow Yoga Studio in Tracy will also resume again in April.

Check in periodically as I will post my new schedule in March.

Join me for a Partner Yoga Class on Saturday February 13 from 1:30-2:30PM at Flow Yoga Studio in Tracy!

Bring your relationship to the mat.  Bring the partner of your choice with whom to practice.  No yoga experience is required. 

So I'm learning to blog.  What to talk about?  What to say?  Certainly it must be profound in order to be a blog!

My goal is to create a place where local fellow yoga enthusiasts can visit, see what I'm doing, share what they are doing and so inspire eachother.  A place of mutual inspiration.  Yoga is such a large part of my life and such a small part of my geographical community.  I hope that this place will be one of growth.

Growth...creating space...allowing.  Being open and receptive.  I strive for these things each and every day. 

I am thrilled to be a part of the volunteer effort behind Yoga, Health & Happiness, Yoga Hub's 1st Annual Virtual World Yoga Conference.  When I first read about it I thought it was a fantastic idea.  Then I saw the list of presenters and got even more excited.  I have studied directly with several and learning more from them would satisfy me.  But there are so many more presenters offering more than I can probably fit into that one weekend.  Look at that - another opportunity for growth!  I can listen and learn and be exposed to new ideas.  It's a thrilling prospect.  And what's more, because of the nature of this conference, I can share it with everyone.  It's so accessible.  I can not only tell people how I've been influenced by these presenters, I can lead directly to them!  When we return to share our experiences later, I know that we will all be in new territory.  We will be there together and perhaps this will be the opening to a deeper and wider well to hold my new community.