Elsie's Yoga Class

Leave me feedback! eyogaclass@gmail.com or leave me a message on SpeakPipe Come see me at the New Media Expo in January! Tenacious Gratitude Thoughts? I can tell you mine. Tenacious didn’t quite feel “right” with me. I felt that being tenacious was not something I aspired to be. It’s too rough. Too hard. Too pushy. Too manly. I imagined the quintessential football player, the one that just stampedes over the competition regardless of anything else, bulldozing through pain, through obstacles, through physical harm - Raaaaaaaaaaah!!!! I’m not that. In fact, it kinda repulsed me. I didn’t want to be known as tenacious. And then I was introduced to Adeline Arjad from Chocbite by my awesome-sauce business powerhouse Erika Lyremark. Arlene said: “Tenaciousness + Gratitude = Success” And then it made sense. This larger than life word that I had chosen not to align with at all, became more than my subjective cultural upbringing and life experience. I let the word be. Tenacious: not easily stopped or pulled apart. Firm. Strong. Seeking something valued or desired. Continuing for a LONG time. Synonyms - devoted, faithful, relentless. I recognized that I pushed away tenaciousness because I was afraid to commit and follow through. Tenacious requires a deep, unwavering commitment to the things that you value and dream and I wasn’t willing to go that far. I wanted an out. I wanted excuses. I didn’t want to do the work, not fully. What if it didn’t work out? What if what I stood behind or for changed? What if I had to defend publicly what I stood for? What if… …..I failed? I’m ready - NOW - because of the magic of gratitude. You simply cannot be tenacioustenacioustenacious. It’s unsustainable. With gratitude thrown in the mix you’ve got a recipe for unwavering magic making. Gratitude refuels and replenishes. OMG this was perhaps the biggest lesson that I’ve learned. Gratitude is like doing a personal and spiritual detox. It’s like drinking and eating your greens. It’s the fastest way to clear out the cruft left by the fire of tenacity. I’m ready to embody tenacity. I’m ready to fuel it with the nectar of gratitude. Do you want to join me? How about practicing along and letting me know how tenacity mixed with gratitude felt in your body? Yeay or nay? COME BACK FOR THE IMAGES AND POSSIBLE VIDEOS TO HELP YOU WITH THE SEQUENCE!

It’s episode 100 of Elsie’s Yoga Class! This is not a yoga asana class today, but my goodness what we have is serious yoga study and conversation. This is super special because it’s the 100th episode and also my 6th year podcasting!!! In order to celebrate I gathered two of my most influential teachers and we have incredible conversations about yoga and life. The kinds of things that are shared are the best kind of yoga you can learn and be exposed to. Listening will undoubtedly take your asana practice to an unbelievable level. I ask my teachers the questions that you guys most often write to me about which are: In addition to all of that you will hear YOUR voices. I share your voices so you know that you are part of something so much bigger than this yoga podcast, so much more amazing. Our kula, our tribe our community is in the entire world and across time and space. You guys belong to a magical space and are in the cutting edge. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I certainly hope you enjoy! It is a super long episode, be warned :) Consider it a yoga workshop Elsie style ;) Sign up for my newsletter: elsiesyogakula.com/newsletter

I just wrote a post called When The World Doesn’t See You As You See Yourself, which was the basis for this episode. The execution of embodiment, which to me = action is what I feel in my humble opinion is a giant factor in creating lasting embedded change in our lives and something that most of us lack. We think a ton and don’t actually do anything. I know that I stay a lot in my head. I have the knowledge. I know what needs to be done. I am fired up and completely in, and yet for a huge percentage of the times, I stay in my head. In that last post I spoke of your yoga practice being 1/2 deep focus and 1/2 pure enjoyment. This is a teaching that was so succinctly encapsulated and driven home by Dr. Claudia Welch in one of the amazing calls in Cate Stillman’s and Dr. Welch’s Healthy Hormone’s Course. (If you guys are interested, I cannot even begin to explain how life changing this course is) Dr. Welch described this focus and enjoyment concept regarding meditation and as she explained it, I realized that this is applicable to everything, particularly if you are looking to create a specific outcome aka transformation. I knew I was missing pieces of this puzzle… So, in an effort to embody, I created a yoga class that began to get those concepts from the brain, into the body. How do you practice focus and enjoyment in your practice? What does it feel like? This week’s class is 37 minutes in length. I consider it to be about a level 1–2 class, and I feel beginners can absolutely give it a go. This class is perfect for an early morning, mid afternoon, or evening class to get you back in alignment with yourself, particularly if you’re feeling out of sorts or if you are working on getting yourself to deepen the why of your yoga practice. PS. I’m creating a mentoring yoga-life program, incorporating ayurveda, asana, and simple in-the-world practices to sweetly upgrade your life. Divine Moxie all the way baby! Stay on the list or JOIN MY NEWSLETTER aka The Divine Moxie League!

Oh what a story do I have to tell in this episode! At least you know what’s it’s going to be all about looking at the artwork for this post. That image was taken very soon after I walked through my door after I got held up. I found both of my girls immersed in watching My Neighbor Totoro one of our family’s favorites. Such dichotomy. You can of course listen to me tell the story of the whole event in the class. There is a 5 minute intro and then the class begins with me telling the story of how I got held by a young man with a gun a block away from my house. Crazy! This is a great class to practice when you are feeling ungrounded, defeated and/or a little scared. It’ll help you get your moxie on and help you reconnect to your strength! I mention two links in the intro: Yogidetox My free newsletter which is The Divine Moxie League HQ Also, do to the tragic events this week in Boston and in Texas I wrote this deeply personal piece that I’d love for you to check out: Surviving Terror- A Personal Story Let me know what you think! email me at eyogaclass@gmail.com or call me at 310 651 6238!

When was the last time you invested in yourself? I’m not talking about buying something, whether it be a yoga class, a workshop or even a nice new outfit. I’m talking about taking some REAL time to be with yourself, to feel your body, to listen to what’s going on in your heart and in your head. When was the last time you did this right smack in the midst of holiday season? Particularly when you weren’t feeling your best….? Then this class is for you! Practice along and…. So get going and practice yoga at your own time and yet be part of something much greater Goodies and Inspiration Mentioned in the Intro Buy the Elsie’s Yoga Class AppiPhone/iPadAndroidyogeekHEREBreathe Blend Evolve Your Winter’s Traditions eCourseSo good.You up for working privately with me?HEREIf you want to stay connected, sign up for my Newsletter please, I'd love to get to know you better!

Guess what I did??? Free Video Yoga Class is the House! This is my first full on video yoga class which includes my signature intro PLUS a cameo appearance of my girls Hunter and Mae! There is no theme. It's only 30 minutes. It's an intermediate level class, because I don't break things down to much and it keeps a pretty steady pace. I would LOVE your feedback on this format. I am still going to be publishing audio classes, so don't worry :) I may just sprinkle the video classes here and there...and maybe make these more of a 'premium' offering...not sure. Give it a go. Let me know what you think! Support the podcast leave me a review in iTunesGo here

How Are You…Really? How many times has someone asked you “how are you?” and you mindlessly say “I’m fine, thanks.” When you are not. When I say, you are not, I don’t mean that you just had someone you love die, or you just lost your home, or your job, or you just found our your beloved was cheating on you…I mean “you are not,” because you don’t actually know anymore. “I’m fine, thanks” is something we say countless times and most of those times, we don’t even think about it. Our mouths answer before we even truly think about what we are saying. It really isn’t that your life sucks. In fact it’s probably a nice life. There are ‘things’ that aren’t perhaps what you wish they were…but hey, you have tons of things that other people don’t…a place to live, friends, a decent partner…blah blah blah. At least that’s what you tell yourself. BUT there is something in your belly, a slight little feeling, that your life isn’t where it’s meant to be. It’s that feeling that you only feel when everything around you gets quiet. When the world stops in between each breath. When you notice the quiet in between each breath. Which doesn’t happen too often ;) I bring this up because this yoga class episode was inspired by an amazing project by Adam Baker called “I’m Fine, Thanks.” It’s a VERY important life changing project that all of you should be aware of and consider donating to. THERE ARE ONLY 9 DAYS LEFT TO DONATE! For Some Complacency = Death Really? Yes. If I would not have made the choices that I made in the fall of 2007 I would in no way be as alive as I am right now. I feel it in my bones that my health would have suffered greatly. I am 100% certain that I would not be a mother. I didn’t have a horrible life, in fact from the outside it looked just peachy. I looked just peachy. I sounded just peachy. But in between the breaths, I was not. The following class is an opportunity to practice stepping deeper into your heart, and ask yourself “how are you?” And answer yourself truly, in the privacy of your own mat, in your own practice. The class itself is not particularly challenging in terms of the poses, but it is slow deliberate and I don’t teach from the ground up. You’ll get the most of the yoga class if you already have a practice, simply because you get an opportunity to forget the ‘poses’ and make it more about a moving meditation. Let me know how it goes!

This yoga class is simple Nothing fancy. No crazy poses. In fact, there are very little poses. This is more of a practice of just doing THIS. One. Thing. It's more about dharana- one pointed concentration. It's about stopping doing all things at once (including quickly getting a yoga class in as part of your continued multitasking.) ;) Let me know what you think! This is a new format as the class was recorded at home, with no students, just you guys and me! Look below for the yoga class sequence. Episode 94 Links! The awesomely fantastic tunic colca, which I ADORE. This is one of my favorite pieces of clothing from [Prancing Leopard[pl], the Tunic Colca. It's sort of like a super sophisticated and styly racerback ribbed tank top. It's got this KILLER asymmetrical neckline that totally rocks, and it's crazy long. It totally covers by bum. It's so comfy. It looks great, it's awesomely fashionable AND I can very easily breast feed in it. Seriously, you gotta get it! Remember to use coupon code eyk at checkout to get 15% off. This code is specially for the Elsie's Yoga Kula community! Anna And Modern Day Slavery When human trading becomes one of the most profitable 'businesses' in the world...one brave hacker, risking everything,leads a fight to end them... If you can help support this incredible project, please do so! You can check out all about this HERE. Check out all about this piece

Discover The Eve Of Your Breath FINALLY!!! The more I live my life, the more I recognize that the most important aspect of the practice of yoga is the breath. Every key insight either about me, a specific pose, the way my body functions or even my relationships has come through a growth in the breath. I remember two distinct times while practicing backbends that they unfolded themselves to me when I FINALLY breathed optimally while working deeper into the postures. I also remember my first feeling of wholeness as I let go into savasana for the first time, I believe because I released into my breath for the first time. The breath has particularly played a ginormous part in staying sane after the birth of Mae and becoming a Mama of two, through three pretty powerful experiences with pain and discomfort (during labor, when my sacrum went out 2 weeks after birth and when my impacted wisdom tooth got infected.) The breath just came to my aid recently, not regarding to pain this time, but anxiety You can hear how the breath helped me come back from an almost full blow anxiety attack! Here are a few other things covered and mentioned in this special breathing class episode: Courage, Prayer and ActionBeth's websiteRichard Freeman's Breathing CDMother and Infant yoga The practice is meant to be the first step you take into the power of your own breath. This is a breathing practice for beginners The breathing practice focuses primarily on cultivating your own natural breath, by discovering it's movement within your body. If you feel like you are anxious, fearful, disconnected, or tired, give this practice a go. If you are someone that has never done any kind of breath practice or have never paid attention to your breath and how it affects your health, this is the practice for you! Go ahead, practice! You won't regret it. (THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVE THE APP, YOU WILL GET AN MP3 OF ONLY THE 20 MIN CLASS WITHOUT THE INTRODUCTIONS AS WELL!) I would simply adore to hear how this practice works for you! Oh, Wanna know specific reasons of my choice regarding my affiliation with Anusara ™yoga, please feel free to email me and I'll break it down for you in a more private way :)

I've been at home A LOT lately. My body has gone through a pretty massive transformation since giving birth, as it should, since it facilitaded an entire new human being to come out! My goodness does that still keep me in awe. It floors me when I think of what this body is capable of. If something is magical, it's our bodies :) I'm also keenly aware that as magical and intuitive as it is it MUST be nurtured. I had my sacrum/si completely go out on me about 4 weeks postpartum. Thank God my parents were here visiting at that time. I could barely get out of bed, let alone pick up my infant daughter! It was rough. No amount of yoga therapy instantanously 'healed' me. In fact, the simple act of sitting and standing was excruciating. It was then that I learned, um...RE-learned that yoga is not about the poses. The gifts that yoga has given me have nothing to do with the poses, but with the simple and all powerful discovery of being, breathing and feeling. This discovery comes from the un-abiding choice recognize and honor Home. What is Home? Have you heard "Home is where the heart is?" I think Home is the Heart. Yoga didn't give me extra super powers. Yoga hasn't made my life any easier. I still have to address important issues, deal with stress, navigate financial woes, and experience physical pain! Ugh. That is sucky :( But, the practice of yoga facilitated my recognition of Home aka my Heart, and when that happens living becomes simpler, still challenging, still unpredictable, still difficult, but simple. It seems contradictory huh? And therein lies the magic ;) The practice of Home, developing a yoga practice at home, sustaining a yoga practice at home begins in the Heart. Are you up for that? Practice along :) or even simply listen along. Let me know if Home became clearer to you and in what ways? I'd love to hear from you! WANNA GET ALL THE EXTRA TREATS? Sign up for my Newsletter :)

I know there are some of you still in the midst of Winter. Maybe your winter has been going on for so long you're not sure how to deal with it or if you can deal with it. Winter, or at least the qualities of winter, the darkness in particular, that darkness that forces you to remain inward, to cover yourself, and to slow down is great in little bits but when it's prolonged it can get challenging. Some of you may be physically going through Winter, the season, while some of you may be going through an emotional or spiritual winter, even though the sun is brightly shining all around. In this level 2 yoga class we go use our bodies and our hearts to fully step into the darkness, see it as an opportunity to root and ground into all that we are capable of so that we may welcome springtime and blossom through light. I am 8 months pregnant. When I recorded this class I was 4 months along, barely out of my first trimester having gone through a rough and long winter time. My beautiful new little life needed me to remain inward, steady, calm and receptive to allow the growth of light within. The rising of vibrant Springtime was a direct reflection of the power of the darkness. How about practicing along and dancing with the dark and the light and blossom into the world around you? As mentioned in the podcast, get yourself a copy of the awesome audio book "The Help" through Audible and get two FREE movie tickets with your purchase!!!! You won't regret it http://audiblepodcast.com/elsies

The theme for this class was inspired by one of my friends Hillary Rubin. She has this amazing post plus video, asking questions that needed to be asked at that moment....hmmmmm. Or at least I needed to ask these questions ;) It was all about RUNNING OUT OF GAS! Well, at least for me it was about running out of gas. It made me think about the various ways that we deal with running out of gas: whenWe are going to run out of gas. I fit into number 3. Before becoming a Mama, I fluctuated between 1 & 2. I was conscious of my choices and continued to do my best to not run out of gas. I was close a bunch of times, but managed to get my fuel on time ;) After being a Mama I have found myself without a gas station in sight quite a few times. That is a whole other ball game. side note- y'all know I'm not referring to actual gas or driving right? this is all a gigantuan metaphor ;) No Gas In Sight? It's Gonna Be OK. When I first found myself without a gas station in sight I panicked. I honestly thought it was the end of the world. I had a total and complete meltdown. I felt so alone. As I sat in my despair I did recognize that I needed to let someone know, I wasn't alone you know, I had my toddler with me. I reached out: God, my beloved, my friends, my teachers and most importantly myself. I let myself soften. It opened my eyes to see that it really wasn't the end of the world. People run out of gas all the time. It's what we do about it that matters :) I still run out of gas...and I'm ok. I always have an extra tank of gas with me. I always let my family and friends know where I am, in case I need an unexpected pick-up ;) And most importantly, I absolutely make sure that I enjoy the time while I wait for the gas to once again be filled up.

This week show is brought to you by Ice.com, please visit ice.com/yogaclass to get 25% off sitewide. I'm getting soooo fancy! This class was inspired by one of you lovely people. The mighty Jennessa posted on my Facebook wall asking if I would consider doing a prenatal class in the next couple of weeks and voila! Here it is. Here is the disclaimer: This class is aimed at pregnant women that already have a working knowledge of yoga and have done yoga prior to attempting doing this audio yoga class OR that recently have decided to practice yoga because they heard that yoga was good when you are pregnant. Always be mindful of your own body and consult your doctor or midwife before attempting any physical activity such as this class. This yoga class is not medical advice. Sorry to be so serious but it comes from my deep desire for you to choose what's best for you and to be mindful of the choices that you make especially when you have a beautiful little life growing inside of you. Given that, this prenatal yoga class is a little over an hour, not too intricate but deeply focused. It is what I consider a level 1-2 class and not the best for absolute beginners of yoga. You may do the actual class or you may use it as a meditation and simply listen to me speak, and do an extended savasana :) Props to have near you if you happen to have them, blocks, blankets and bolsters. Use them as you please. The Meaning Within The theme of the class is all about creating meaningful boundaries. I find that when it comes to parenting physical reminders really help me. I have a gold pendant of the virgin mary that my Mom sent me, that is actually for Hunter when she gets big enough, I also have bought myself a couple of rings and a bracelet that hold deep meaning to me, due to the precious stones, the metal and even the shape. They serve as physical manifestations of sacred choices. It sort of magically worked out that this episode's sponsor was a jewelry site. I found a lovely amethyst silver ring that resembles one I wear when I want to choose to remember promises I've made to myself as well as a silver cuff that is almost exactly like one I own when I want to remember power, strength and grounding. If you wanna get yourself some power jewelry for yourself for Mother's day go to http://ice.com/yogaclass and get 25% off the entire store PLUS free shipping! How about that for a treat? There is TONS to look through! All right, enough! On to our class :) The 60+ Minute Prenatal Yoga Class Sequence Tadasana Tadasana with Anjali Arm Salutations Uttanasana Play Uttanasana Ardha Uttanasana (Strong foundation plus tons of side body long) Stand back up to Tadasana Move to the back of the mat Prenatal Half Sun Salutes Uttanasana/Ardha Uttanasana Downward Facing Dog Balasana All fours Down dog Plank Teeny Baby Push-ups Cobra and variations DownDog Walk hands back to Uttanasana Uttanasana/ Ardha Uttanasana/Uttanasana/Tadasana Half Sun Prenatal Sun Salute with baby chattarunga push ups Tadasana arms interlaced above the head stretching to the sides Sit down Sukhasana plus kegels Marichyasana Open Twist Badhakonasana Wide supine twist Savasana (Supported in Whatever way feels the best)

This whole podcasting thing has taken a life of it's own. You guys are my inspiration. You are what keeps me going. Yet again, I was inspired by another one of you. This podcast episode is dedicated with love to the virtual kula, specifically to Michelle and Alfie ♥ If you'd like to support the show's sponsors, please feel free to purchase the Elsie's Yoga Kula Podcast App for the iPhone or Android for $3.99 OR go on over to Prancing Leopard and get yourself some lovely duds using the coupon code eyk for 15% off your purchase! If you've got some time, check out my 20 minute interview on Build A Sexy BodyEpisode 20 :) I taught/practiced this class on February 12th at The Pittsburgh Athletic Association in Oakland. I teach one class there a week: Saturdays from 11-12:15. If you are not a member but would like to drop by as a guest, please email me eyogaclass (at) gmail (dot) com. It will be $19

Hunter got sick and it totally made me think about immunity. I'm sure that those of you that read this blog and perhaps other content that is similar are aware that immunity is not just about bacteria and viruses being present in your body and all of a sudden you get sick. It's not just about the physical. It's all about the beautiful trifecta of mind, body and spirit. All of this affects the how your body reacts and doesn't react to pathogens that decide they want to wreck havok inside of your body. The optimized circulation (inter-relationship) of our thoughts, our deep desires and the clarity of our body is the magic formula to sustain supreme health in all parts of our lives. I want to work more on that circulation. While Hunter was sick I found myself getting harder, more fearful and less willing to soften, trust and be grateful. She has a cold for goodness sake! I felt a deep tightness in my belly. I let my mind go to places that it should not have been going to, and in the process I was feeling pretty crappy myself, wound up, stressed out and nauseous. My circulation was off. It took all of me to focus and remember the goodness, the steadiness and the beauty. This practice is what I did to get myself back together. I put myself upside down. I forced myself to physically get into a place that I was NOT in. Getting into the shape transformed my ability to see more than the little things and re-attune myself to the Bigger picture :) Physical benefits of this inversion/immunity practice: Strengthening the circulatory system (big focus for me this year). If you want to know more here are a couple of articles that are FANTASTIC about inversions and their affect on your body :) Yoga And The Lymphatic SystemYoga Anatomy The Lymphatic SystemThe Yoga Class Sequence The focus of this entire practice is all about staying centered when life puts you upside down. Hands and knees Downward facing dog 3 min Balasana Pincha Mayurasana 1-2 min Balasana Handstand 1-2 min Uttanasana Pincha Mayurasana 1-2 min Vajrasana with arms interlaced behind the back Handstand 1-2 min Uttanasana with arms interlaced behind the back Siddhasana Let me know your thoughts about this shorter class in the comments!!! The Show Sponsors iPhoneAndroidPrancing Leopard Organics@prancingleopardPrancing Leopard FB page

This episode was absolutely inspired by one of you. I was asked basically how to practice yoga daily. This is something that I think about every day, that I meditate on, and continue to refine. I'm not going to describe my own process but tell you what it boils down to, at least for me: Meaning and Truth. If you don’t first and foremost ask yourself who you want to be in the world, what has meaning, what has value to you, and continue to refine the answer and deepen the questions again and again, whatever you decide to do (be it a daily asana practice) will be unsustainable. If you do refine your questions and lack integrity in the way that you live your life, by telling yourself little lies and convincing yourself that they ‘don’t really matter’, no matter what you do, you will not be able to sustain your practice. Particularly your practice of being the best human being that you can be, with a full and clear heart. I'm only sharing ‘cause I've been there. I tried really hard. Doesn’t work. The more that you refine the sacredness of your life and live in truth the more freedom and lightness you will have and reflect. It is through choosing to remain steady with great sensitivity no matter what, that the ease and goodness of life becomes a daily gift to unwrap and enjoy. You will then not only have the deep strength needed to sustain this but also offer this great support to all those that you touch :D Now on that positive note ;) Happy New Year! This episode’s yoga class is a Level 2 class that does require at least a basic working knowledge of yoga poses. It is both available by clicking the link below as well as through my yoga podcast and through either my iPhone Yoga App or my Android Yoga App. I'm also honored to have Prancing Leopard Organics once again as a sponsor for this episode :) If you haven’t checked them out PLEASE DO! And upon check-out use code eyk and get 15% off!!! Woo hoo! I taught this class on December 30th at BYS Yoga Studio in Pittsburgh. The Level 2 Yoga Class Sequence Downward Facing Dog Eka Pada Downward Facing Dog/High Lunge/Downward Facing Dog Eka Pada Downward Facing Dog/Lunge Twist Uttanasana/Ardha Uttanasana x 3 Surya Namaskar x 4 Tadasana with arch back Vinyasa Parsvakonasana/Vira 2/Reverse Vira Vinyasa Parsvakonasana/Vira 2/Reverse Vira Skiers Pose into Utkatasana Uttanasana/Ardha Uttanasana Plank on tops if feet into upward facing dog Downward Facing Dog Vira II right and left Reverse vinyasa Ardha chandrasana/square hips/standing splits variation Adho Mukha Svanasana Ardha chandrasana/square hips/standing splits variation Uttanasana Tadasana/tadasana on tippy toes/squat on tippy toes Uttanasana Deep lunge on forearms Uttanasana Standing hip stretch Standing baby cradle Vinyasa with salabasana with arms behind the back Pigeon/pigeon twist Lunge with thigh stretch Dhanurasana x 3 Childs pose Downward Facing Dog Uttanasana Easy supine twist Savasana

Who Is The Bully? I've been doing a lot of meditation on worthlessness or the feeling of being unworthy. Often times this feeling arises from the way the world speaks to us, perhaps in the form of bullies around us, family members, peers, bosses, etc. but what has really become clear is that it's not the world that is the root of this feeling, but ourselves. The biggest bullies that we have in our world are not outside of ourselves but within ourselves. In this class I went back to one of my favorite books, Christina Sell's Yoga from the inside out, as she speaks of this bullying within the book so very clearly. She inspired me to teach this class to get you to look at yourself honestly and recognize the bully within. See it and transform it. Recognize how worthy and beautiful you are. Stop the bullying. I know that I have been a bully to myself. I also know how that personal bully can break the heart much faster the outside ones. Are you a bully to yourself? Practice along with us. Give yourself the time to rediscover your worth. You won't regret it!

An Advanced Yoga Class for your consumption! Tons of sun salutes, strong hip openers, handstand, plus arm balances, be ready to rock and roll! Those of you with the app, check out the extra features: class sequence and also the mini tutorial for Vishvamatrasana I wrote a more in depth blog post over at in the Shownotes for Ep. 84 at Elsie's Yoga Kula, regarding listening and how it has and continues to affect my life and relationships. If you want to win Shannon Gannon's new Album Sharanam please go ahead and leave a comment over at the blog, OR at the Elsie's Yoga Kula FB Page :) Sign up for Newsletter Magic and be in the know of what's going to be going down for EYK very soon! Look forward to hearing from you!

25 minute meditation. These past few months I nearly got overwhelmed by anxiety. This hasn't happened to me in a LONG time. I lost control of my rational thought process and simply dove into a feeling that was suffocating and terrifying. I can't say that I was in any way comfortable. The only thing that pulled me out of it was my toddler Hunter. She forced me to get out of myself and engage her. The moment that I disconnected from her off I went into a very uncomfortable sense of overwhelm. I refused this. Take Control of Your Anxiety and Fear Instead of allowing myself to be pulled by this avalanche of anxiety and fear I chose to meet it, with softness and full consciousness. I looked at it straight in the eye. I used a technique that I heard in a podcast, and I sooooo wish that I remembered what episode and what this guy's name was because I would share it, believe me, but at this moment, finding the episode would take me YEARS, so that will wait. I may update this post to add the info . Anyway, the technique was to feel where the emotion was in my body, fully. You are to notice which was its winding, clock wise or counter clock wise, and slowly unwind the feeling the other way until it dissolves. At first just moving into that hard ball of tension in the middle of my diaphragm was enough...but as I practiced this technique I began to see that I could literally unravel the anxiety! Unraveling- It's all about creating space, space to feel, to choose, to remember, and to find your ground. Most importantly, finding space helps you remember that you are part of something so much bigger. Anxiety is about disconnection and isolation. It's an emotion that rises when you absolutely become limited and small. As you unravel the feeling, you begin to get more spacious, there is literally more room in your body, your breath, your mind, your heart, and you can step back a bit and see things as if you are watching from a bird's eye view. You are ok. You truly are. You are more than ok in fact :D A couple of days ago I received and email from one of you requesting a more breathing centered practice. Although this simple audio meditation is not specifically about the breath, there is no way to escape the breath. Space is breath. Every time choose to center myself and incorporate this very accessible and easy meditation practice, you get the opportunity to re-attune yourself to align with something more than anxiety and fear. I want that! Listen, practice and do this and tell me what happens! I'd love to hear if this works for you Have you subscribed to my newsletter? . Kitaro "South Wind" (mp3) from "Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai Sampler, Vol. 1-4" (Domo Records) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Amazon MP3 More On This Album

An iPhone 4 Yoga Class For Your Enjoyment! And here I thought that I was going to get some time to be able to publish more episodes to you guys...in JULY. Not so much, but alas! Here’s a yoga class to start the month off right! This one is close to my heart. It’s focus is all about the way we are swayed and often times misguided by what we see and hear all around us, especially the media. It is a call to take responsibility for our choice making and the way we go about making choices. The inspiration for this class came straight from all the hoopla around the iPhone 4 and its antenna issues. If you happen to follow me on Twitter or are part of the Facebook Elsie’s Yoga Kula Community, you would know that I have an iPhone 4! Yipeeee! So I speak from my own experience with the device, and I’m totally loving it! Given that I’m sure you have heard at least something about the whole antenna thing, so I sorta offer my 2 cents about it and wrap it around a yoga class. What’s interesting about this theme is that it mirrored the hoopla around an article on my beloved teacher John Friend in the NY Times. If you haven’t already, please read the article, John’s response to the article PLUS Elephant Journal’s exclusive interview with John. Interesting how perspectives and opinions shift and change if you simply choose to step deeper into them :) And move from your heart. This week’s online yoga class This yoga podcast class is a level 2 class, and if you have a yoga block in the house, please feel free to take it out and play with it during our backbends towards the end of class. I cut a bit of the class in the middle because I did a demo that doesn’t really work if you weren't there so why put you guys through it :) If you do hear references to it, or to another demo that I had a student do, just dismiss them. Pretend that you went to the bathroom during that part of the class!