Almost the New Year and much of our society makes a big deal of the changing of the year. We often feel pressured to make New Years resolutions often ending in disappointment as we set our standards so high that we are almost doomed to fail. I know I'm sounding a little glass-half-empty but I want to reassure myself and all of you that we don't have to make resolutions and we don't have to set intentions for the new year. Don't get me wrong...intentions are awesome and often propel us to move towards a desired end result, improve our awareness, increase growth or just plain keep us on the-straight-and narrow....keepin' it real. However, I am thinking along the lines of no resolutions and no intentions...at least immediately. I am taking a note from my kids philosophies and "going with the flow"...."letting things unfold"..."staying in the present"  Then as I am writing this, I realize that by stating these "philosophies" to perhaps live by...they could be considered intentions or resolutions. So maybe my way of being or thinking is all a big sham and my way to be groovy and stay vital....my way to be avantgarde . Hmmm? Yes...I'll go with that...Livin' La Vida Loca......By the way...If you do want to do something for someone else and make a difference...just be a kinder and nicer person and volunteer somewhere...Upcoming blog will be a list of available volunteer opportunities in Los Angeles. Have a peaceful New Year....Namaste, Queenyj

Some days it is so difficult to get on my mat. Ever had one of those days? This week, in particular, has been difficult to stay focused and remain disciplined. Because, after all, yoga is a practice. And frankly, I could think of a million other things to do than roll out my mat...and get on it. The holidays seem chaotic...not necessarily in a bad way but in a disruptive and distracting way. Family and friend get-togethers, work parties, tons of available food spreads, shopping, wrapping, eating more...drinking...more....eating stuff I normally tend to stay away from! Yikes...what does a girl do? Well, I indulged in all of the above, with some moderation...have survived, thus far...and although I didn't practice as much as I usually do...I did practice. I also taught 2 classes but those were not difficult because I have a passion for teaching others and it doesn't seem like work. All my students seem so nice and grateful .So why does it feel like "work" to engage in my own practice? Today, I really tried to talk myself out of going to class. I spent the morning shopping, and while heading home towards class....I actually heard myself saying....I could just skip class and practice at home (the beginning of the end!) But then I gave myself a little intervention affirming how great I feel after practice and how crappy I might feel if I don't partake. So I reluctantly dragged my ass and my mat to class....and yes....felt better afterwards. I felt calmer, rejuvenated and my back didn't hurt quite as much! I went home and had enough energy to sew some eye pillows for my students later that night. At the end of class, I reminded my students (and myself) that getting on the mat is always good for our bodies, mind, breath and soul. I thanked my class and then thanked myself.

Wow, The saying goes,"The best laid plans.." I had the '"best" intention of writing on my blog, at least weekly...but as one can see...did not happen! So, what do we do when we don't follow through with our intentions? I choose to allow for the process to evolve and not become bogged down with the "why" and "how come?" I choose to remain committed to my intention. I choose to begin where I left off. Again, having an intention to write/blog, at least weekly, with some interesting, perhaps informative, creative, humorous topics related to yoga and living with passion and purpose. So, you might ask yourself, "What is an intention?"  It is an aim, plan, purpose, and a commitment to carrying out an action or actions in the future. Have you ever taken a yoga class and the teacher might ask you to "set an intention." Setting an intention can help manifest action, direction and energy towards goal completion. Your intention might be really simple like, "increase awareness to my breath," or "ask my older neighbor if she would like some help today?" How about the intention of, "to not react." Your intention might be more complex and detailed like, "To build a world renowned health center," or "to go back to school." You can make an intention at anytime, anywhere, simple or complex. Your intention might be ongoing and you might say it mentally to yourself, you might say it out loud, you might write about it to help with focus and direction. It might be short term, like an intention made in a yoga class, specifically for that time period. Whatever you decide, keep it personal, meaningful and passionate. Keep it real and true. After all, it is your intention. This is your life.