ROLL OUT THE MATS! 
Now, more than ever....your world, my world, OUR world requires some grounding and stress reducing activities. Even if you've never stepped onto a yoga mat, I would like to challenge you to try it. Set aside your preconceived notions of yoga and if you don't have a mat...just lay down on some firm carpet. Start by laying on your back, closing your eyes and BREATH.  Seems simple but many might find this difficult or challenging. In YOGA, this posture or asana, is called Savasana (corpse pose). This pose is usually practiced as the last pose in most yoga classes. Sometimes, a "mini" Savasana is practiced at the beginning of a class. Many yoga scholars, teachers and practitioners consider this pose as one of the most important and can be one of the most difficult. It can also be a pre-curser to practicing meditation. Not to say that standing on your head or practicing a backbend isn't challenging, but for most of us human beings, remaining completely still (while conscious and not sleeping) and quieting the mind can be quite unnerving, maybe initially anxiety provoking. Some of us may find our fingers twitching, we may fiddle with our clothing, and perhaps have a ton of thoughts and to-do lists passing through our minds. If practiced consistently for even 5 minutes, one might begin to experience a peaceful, calming, grounding, relaxing, restorative, response. For me, The best is when I'm in a deep Savasana for 10 + minutes and I can faintly hear the sound of my teacher's voice or the meditation bowls and I really don't want to come back to the present. AAAAHHHHH......Please try this on your own or join one of my new on-line classes. We all need to find some relief and relaxation in these turbulent times. Until next time, be safe...be well. Namaste....Queenyj

I haven't written for 18 months and quite a bit of history has happened since then. I'm not sure why I stopped writing but I recall making a statement to a friend . It went something like this," I don't feel like being nice, or having gratitude, or being kind right now.!" She commented, "I think you should write about that. I think other people are feeling like that." But I didn't write about my angry, uncomfortable feelings, instead, I went on a self-discovery expedition.  A literal journey to my inner self. A journey to learn about myself, to dissect myself and what makes me tick. A journey to learn how I want to be and how I want to live. Don't get me wrong. It's not like I haven't led an absolutely wonderful, satisfying, beautiful life....but I kind of yearned for something and I wasn't quite sure what it was. I really didn't share this little slice of myself with anyone. I dropped little bread crumbs along the way but it's difficult to explain that your searching for something and you don't know what it is. It's not only confusing for the searcher but as well for the tribe. Many things have happened along the way, The election process, campaigning, and ending inauguration of the new President most likely stopped me in my tracks with not wanting to be nice, kind or grateful at the time. Nine months later, my father died which left a profound emotional impact and then I went to India (which I had been thinking about for the past 2 years.) My journey to India was a spiritual feast for all my senses. I will always have a piece of Rishikesh, India in my heart. I feel compelled to write again.....Namaste, Queenyj

What is the definition of kindness? The quality or state of being kind.  To be kind is to be of a friendly nature; generous or hospitable; warmhearted; good. The definition continues in the dictionary with other words describing kind as charitable, helpful, showing sympathy or understanding, humane and considerate, forebearing, tolerant, courteous, thoughtful.
If we practice kindness towards ourselves,  can we then be kinder towards others? I know that when I am kinder towards myself I am a happier person. I experience increased quiet, improved mindfulness, increased ability to be present for myself and others. I have found that I am less reactive and might pause before I speak. I have to actually stop, take a breath and be silent. That being said, I still experience judgemental thoughts, I still experience harsh, "unkind" thinking about myself and towards others but as I attempt to work on myself and practice kindness, I find that I do not verbally state those harsh, unkind thoughts and words as impusively as I used to. When I have had those instances, I feel horrible and immediately feel a sense of shame and try to learn from the behavior. As I work towards being a more thoughtful, compassionate soul, I have found more energy, more love, and diminished negative, judgemental thoughts. Just this morning, I was reading some views on facebook and became upset with a comment. I began to type a response to this person making the comment. I stopped in the middle of the sentence and canceled the response. Not earth shattering or world changing but significant movement for myself in growing, noticing, learning , changing. Not having to add to the negativity but rather quietly Respond with Silence. I feel good about myself....My Grandma Annie used to say, "you get more with honey than vinegar"...That simple, perhaps silly statement/belief has never rang truer! I read something in one of my yoga books....Sri Sathya Sai Baba (born 1926) India said, " Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence?

So school is starting (for some kids and adults) and now is the perfect time to renew your personal goals to remain healthy in your mind, body and spirit! . Why wait for New Years to "set goals or intentions?" It is so important to reflect on our lives and assess what is going on. We get busy, things pile up (literally and figuratively speaking) and we perhaps lose touch with what is really important. Sit down, take a breath and write down some things you would like to do for yourself. They could be as simple as make time daily to have a cup of tea or practice taking a deep breath before reacting or responding. Perhaps, sneak in a movie or walk through a garden. As someone who wears a lot of hats (wife, mother, worker, teacher, friend, family member) I know it is hard to juggle our daily lives and still etch out a little time for ourselves. For me... what has worked is committing to specific daily , weekly and even monthly practices ( and even then, I get sidetracked) These include my work schedule, my teaching schedule, my personal yoga practice, time for chores /home management, time with loved ones, time for "fun" hobbies.
Sounds overwhelming? No, not if you start small, maybe one goal or intention over the next month and continue to take care of yourself, first and foremost via health, sleep, nutrition and "moving". Doesn't matter whether you practice yoga (however I am personally biased!), walk, ride a bike, take Zumba, lift weights, or take a few stretches for yourself. Perhaps when you get out of bed in the morning, yawn and do a few stretches...Simple as that! Sooo important to do something physical. It could be as SIMPLE as sitting down and taking a few breaths and be present in the moment. Yes... Breathing is physical. George Leonard said "Practice, the path of mastery, exists only in the present." Queeny says, (that would be me!)  "Be present for yourself...so you may be present for others."

I have the best students in the world (you know who you are) ! You make me laugh (we have some good laughs together in and out of class), you bring curiosity and questions, you are enthusiastic and together we are building a warm, welcoming, supportive little yoga community. I so enjoy teaching you what I know, learning new things to share, and I am excited to see each and every one of you on the mat, every week! This weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to study and train with Jillian Pransky for Restorative Yoga Teacher Training. She was so warm and willing to share everything she could put on the table (or should I say mat!) The training was both eye-opening and re-affirming. I met many wonderful yogis and professionals from all walks of life. Among the yogis, there were also students who were not currently teaching yoga. I met a school teacher, psychologist, reiki therapist, nurse, physical therapist and policewoman! Yes, a policewoman who is interested in teaching yoga to those professionals who work in the helping but trauma fields/first responders, where they themselves may benefit from restorative yoga. For three days, I studied,shared, listened,worked and practiced yoga, side by side, with 40 compassionate people. 40 human beings who not only want to gain experience for themselves but to share with others. Really, when you strip it all away, the multiple definitions of yoga, the sanskrit, the groovy slogans, the marketing and all the paraphernalia...Yoga is simply learning skills to become a better you. A better person. Perhaps, healthier in body, clearer in mind and free in spirit. If we all tried to do that...If we just gave ourselves a chance, an opportunity to get on the mat...we can then decide if we like yoga...not based on bias, barriers, books...but based on our own, real-time experiences. I am honored to be part of a small little tribe of yogis in a small little part of the community, to learn, laugh and share together. You make me a better teacher...you challenge me in the most honest, sincere ways...you keep me on my toes...you make me WANT to be a better teacher and the best me I can be.....Thanks...I look forward to our continued relationships as I too am always a student. I learn from you as well as from the mat...Keep spreading the love....Namaste, Queenyj

In my last blog, at least one month ago, I shared a story of my friend being present for her mother. I then made an intention to be present. I have to say that I have been practicing "being present" since that intention and have never felt happier. Yes...I still get cranky....angry...irritated...sometimes scattered...I am human after all. However, I don't feel like I am missing something. I don't feel harried, rushed or stressed out! I feel organized and move through each day with a sense of calm and purpose. When I have multiple tasks or events in one day, I have been writing them on little post-its and placing on my desk. Okay, I know that might sound corny, weird , nerdy or slightly compulsive but it has to do more with "not forgetting" and organizing. Some people keep dates on their phones or computers, some still write on paper calendars, I just started this little ritual and it works for me...I like it. It makes me smile when I see the little post-its and read the days events and then I cross them off and eventually throw away the post-it. (I've always been a list maker) I don't necessarily have a post it for each day and I don't know how this recent ritual has evolved ...but I like it. Does it have anything to do with being present or helping me to be present? I don't know. What I do know is that when I am engaged in a task, or at work, or talking with someone, or reading, or teaching...I am present. I am not thinking about anything else. I am clearly in the moment. Just like I encourage my students to be. Just like I encourage my patients to be. Just like I suggested to my dearest sister to be. I think that is why I have forgotten about my blog. I actually thought about writing the other day and told myself I better get on it.  I wrote it on a post-it. Then I started questioning the importance and validity of my blog. I began to evaluate it's importance in my life and for that matter...in anyone's life. Hmmm...why am I writing...what do I have to say...why am I saying it???? I'm not sure but I like to write and I'm not going to place pressure on myself to "have to write once a week, or daily or at all for that matter.!" I started this blog as a means of communicating the joy and passion yoga has given me. To share information and insights. To perhaps, entice, excite and engage another person into this beautiful practice of yoga. As I continue to practice and teach, I am starting to experience the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) shifts that happen with that practice. At times, instead of reading one of my latest books stacked by my bed, I reach for Pantanjalis yoga sutras and randomly open a page. I recognize that I am trying to live out and practice several sutras and my thoughts and behaviors are really changing. Some old patterns are shifting...peeling off and being replaced by new ones. I stop myself when I begin to engage in ridiculous gossip, I think about what I am choosing to eat and purchase at the grocery store. I notice that I can choose to react or not respond. I am stopping and thinking before I speak or act (well..okay...this will be a long transformation!!! Let's get real...anyone who has ever known me, knows that I have  a big mouth with enough opinions to go around) CHANGE feels so good. People around me tell me they notice I'm different. Some of my work colleagues stated that I'm not as fun as I used to be since I have been "namasteying!" Their words...not mine! I started laughing and snuck out a little "old queeny" just to share a laugh. I'm here now...present ...and that is all that matters.

So much easier to say it...much harder to practice it. In this nutty, chaotic, cuckoo world, it is soooo difficult to remain present. I had lunch the other day with a friend from high school, who I hadn't seen in perhaps 30+ years! We had such a great time and talked each others ears off for 5 hours and can't wait to meet again. She was telling me about the passing of her Mom and on one particular day during her illness. My friend stated that she had made a "to-do" list and was very focused and intent on getting through the list. However, her Mom was having a rough day and wanted to get out of bed but could only get to the edge of the bed. She couldn't get up but didn't want to go back. My friend said she sat next to her Mom, with her arm around her, supporting her both physically and emotionally. My friend said it was really hard to be quiet and just sit there. She said she sat there for a very long time, mostly in silence. She said it was really hard as her mind would start fluctuating with thoughts of her "to do" list but she realized that it was more important to just be there with her Mom. To just be present. My friend's eyes welled up with tears and I thought what a gift to have had each other in that moment, on that day, present for each other, with each other. This made me reflect on how many times I have hurried from one activity to the next, from one conversation to the next, without really being present. Fully present. I want to be present...all the time.

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.