Life can be so complicated at times, especially when you are communicating with others. We have so much on our mind, in our life at each moment. We face a multitude of situations that require actions and then our reactions. Communication and personality are at least partially learned behaviors that compound and compile on one another to make up the person and relationships we have in our worlds. Whether we are dealing with work, friends, family or intimate relationships: they all require work, consideration, care and caution.

To be able to be an effective communicator is one of the biggest and most complex challenges we face in our life. The result has a direct effect on our relationships in all areas of our life.

We all have desires, needs and expectations and communication is a byproduct of the energy manifested from these intentions. Once we become aware of this we have a choice of whether to pay attention to what that means to us and how to apply this concept to all, any or some of our interactions and conversations.

For me, I grew up in a way that I was not emotionally able to handle being true to others and myself. Being responsible and honest would have made it possible to speak from my heart. Speaking words that would have meant the same thing I said; unfortunately, this did not happen too often. It took me many years to understand that what I said and meant were often not the same thing. Of course, this becomes confusing for the person speaking and the people in their lives. This is a way of protecting, denying or ignoring what and how you are really feeling. If you can speak the words you mean you are on your way to being a true soul and a good communicator.

Because I have been through the process of reviewing and analyzing my communication and relationships in all directions so I could find the direct link between the past, present and future I find myself on the other side of the road. Clearing up your communication is a good way of setting yourself free of all the emotional clutter that drags you down.

Spoken vs. Unspoken words are the thing that makes communication real or fake. Intention is the key to both these entities and how communication plays out. Don’t we all know when someone speaks from his or her heart? Can’t you feel the purity of their emotion and intention? Whereas if someone is saying certain things and they mean or intend another you feel the confusion, you sense the mistrust. If you pay attention, you can feel the conflict of the emotions or intentions that make the spoken and unspoken words contrast instead of align in conversations.

Words can be so beautiful when they are spoken with energy and connection to a positive intention. If you look and listen carefully you will notice that other words really don’t mean much. 

It is the intention or unspoken words that we must look to in order to find the truth in spoken words. Even then, conflict and diversity exists in people most of the time and if we are to reach a higher level of existence in the physical or spiritual worlds we will be “working” on our communication for the rest of our lives.

RYAH Yoga and Health is a beautiful, expansive wellness facility nestled in the base of Conshohocken, PA. 424 E. Elm St. to be exact. They are only two years old and the place already seems like home. Earthy colors create an environment that soothes and calms you. A warm, friendly staff to greet you and educated, enthusiastic instructors to teach you. How can you beat that?

I met Maura Manzo (www.mauramanzo.com), a holistic health practitioner, and Jennifer McPherson from RYAH at Being Yoga Conference in NYC last month. We felt it would be good to stay in touch and develop our connection. Before I knew it I had the wonderful opportunity to experience RYAH and learn about TriYoga.                           

Phyllis, the owner of RYAH, has been practicing yoga since 1976 and teaching TriYoga since 2002. She has studied many types of yoga. She met her true teacher, Kashi, when she discovered the power and bliss of Kali Ray TriYoga. She now devotes her practice to TriYoga. TriYoga Flows (Prasara) is a complete hatha yoga method. This means a union of posture (asana), breath (pranayama) and focus (mudra). In 2006, Phyllis decided to share her joy and sense of well being that yoga has brought to her life and opened RYAH.

I took a class from Phyllis and her command of knowledge of the intiricacies of the form and her focused guidance made a good balance. Being exposed to a new style is always a good way to shake up your brain and work on your center. How you receive the learning and form is key to your development and to remain open even when you are unsure is a challenge in any arena. I found myself feeling not as free as I wanted to in class. I was pleasantly surprised when we took opportunities to connect to the energy that mine was right there for me. At the end of practice, in shavasana (corpse pose), I felt worked even though the flow was gentle and slow. This is a true test to skill and precision of the form and teacher.

RYAH aims to be a complete center and they accomplish this by offering many services: nutrition and lifestyle wellness such as homeopathic medicine, chiropractor, naturopathic doctor and a nutritional counselor. Other offerings are: corporate wellness, workshops on many diverse topics and massages of many modalities.

It seems like you will be well taken care of once you put your trust in RYAH. They are there to help you: Relax.. Release.. Renew.     

Being healthy is a choice and it takes time, energy and effort. This week I made sure to indulge and educate myself by attending local events that are good for the mind, body and spirit.

Hanging around like-minded people has an energetic effect on the soul. Whenever you leave a gathering of people who join for a common purpose don’t you feel intensified? It is amazing how you can add strength, direction and commitment to your goals by being around others that feel the same way. Seek out publications, events, groups that promote the things that you want to exist and thrive in your world.

Brio Vim, a new health and community wellness center in Center City Philadelphia , hosted its First Sunday Vegan Brunch today. A few friends and I went over to check it out. Prana, one of the founders, greeted and served us. She was warm, friendly and didn’t let you wait until you needed something to bring it right over.

The food was fresh and the portion was hearty. They hydrated us with juice, cider, tea, coffee, H2O. It was great! The meal started with a pumpkin, white chocolate muffin or maple, nut bread that were both yum yum! They served vegan eggs w/ sun-dried tomatoes, grilled tempeh and a pear, cranberry, walnut salad they were all delicious.

Looking a bit ahead, they are hosting a vegan Thanksgiving Feast on Saturday, November 22 from 5-8pm. Everyone is encouraged to bring a beverage, alcoholic or non-alcoholic. On New Years Day, Brio Vim is hosting a Hangover Yoga class from 2-3:30pm followed by Make Your Own Juice Cocktail Hour (hair of the dog optional) from 3:30-5pm.

Check out their website, briovim.com, for Pay What You Can Yoga schedule, Feel Great at Work Yoga and Wellness, sliding scale massage and bodywork and all other events. I think I will go back and try their yoga and massage services!

Then, my friend and I headed over to Voorhees, NJ to see what was happening at the Healthy Living Expo. They put together regional health fairs to help educate their communities. You could find practitioners and experts to educate you on healthy alternatives, yoga, wellness, natural products and sustainable living to name a few. I found out more about solar power, efficient light bulbs, aromatherapy, natural house cleaners, super foods. All in one location which helps makes it fun and hassle free!

Today, I did something good for my health and wellness. I was rewarded by meeting some good, knowledgeable, nice people who furthered my learning on the healing path.

VOTING PROCEDURES - something to remember before you go into the booth. REMEMBER TO VOTE AT ALL COSTS!! Bring your id & a HOPE for CHANGE!!!!

Voting a STRAIGHT TICKET information:

IF YOU Vote Choose a Presidential Candidate by name & then,                    

PRESS - STRAIGHT TICKET..                                         

YOU NEGATE YOUR VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!                      

This is considered DOUBLE VOTING!!!

DO NOT DO BOTH!

EITHER:

Choose each candidate by hand

OR:

CHOOSE STRAIGHT TICKET

I repeat::::: DO NOT DO BOTH!

Check out the info here:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/ballot/straightticket.asp

Did anyone catch the rally in Philadelphia for Obama a few weeks ago??

I did & the energy, passion and enthusiasm for a new outlook was overwhelming!

As we continue to discover more about ourselves through the practice of yoga we are able to get deeper into the practice itself. Meaning the practice moves from the external to the internal.

When we begin, most of us are so focused on the body, trying to learn or “do” the postures. Once we secure some knowledge and familiarity with the form we have space to integrate other aspects as to what the practice can be for ourselves.

Unblocking, unleashing our true potential bit by bit is a process that requires us to be present in the mind, body and spirit. This is where the true learning begins and, hopefully, evolves until we reach enlightenment if we are so fortunate.                                                      

Setting an intention before you practice yoga helps you keep focus on what you feel is most important at that time. Practicing to bring: healing, understanding, consciousness, love, G-d, peace, light to yourself or others are all beautiful intentions.

Some Masters feel the practice of yoga is insignificant to the intention. Meaning the mind can do the healing without the body. This really hones in on the aspect of how powerful our minds and how without intention yoga is just an exercise. With the power to control your mind you we can do miraculous things.

Channeling your intention to the place you feel connected reveals part of your true nature. If you want to make changes: you take note of where, who and how you are and; then, visualize the intention and practice thinking and behaving in this fashion.

As you continue to set intentions you become more aware and conscious of how the intention of your action follows the course of its unraveling. Setting up your practice or your life through positive, pure intention can have great benefits to the quality of your life.

Whether you practice yoga or not being a positive force in this world has to be created and maintained in the mind. Yoga practice is a vehicle, a space to allow us the time and freedom to express that intention. Making time to slow down the mind, clear the head and listen to your inner self will empower you to become full of light.

It is hard to hide and be in the dark when the light is shining on you.        

Set an intention today and the next day and next day and watch how all these positive intentions link up to fortify your existence in a warm, affirmative way.

Columbus Day is the day of celebration of the anniversary of Christopher Columbus coming to America. Instead of finding countries in the Far East as he sailed from Spain he stumbled upon America.

A lot of Italian-Americans observe this day as celebration of their heritage. The first occasion was in New York City in 1792. In 1905, Angelo Noce, a first generation Italian, lobbied to make this day a national holiday. So, in 1934 the Knights of Columbus, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Congress declared October 12, 1492 Columbus Day a Federal holiday and we celebrate with a wonderful parade in New York City.

Watch how Totally Zen makes the most of being able to be a part of all the culture, excitement and people there in NYC to enjoy the festivity. It was a great fall day and being there was a treat!

            Getting out and experiencing ALL life has to offer

                   INVIGORATES  the mind, body and spirit!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Day

Do you ever wonder when you go to a show, maybe a concert how much work went into it (like a Madonna tour) or what had to happen to produce the event? I don’t know if I am strange; but I am sensitive to these factors all the time when I go to events. It’s probably part fascination to the creative world, part sensitivity to the physical world and other parts just plain mystified.

I bring this up because I was an exhibitor at a pretty big yoga conference for the first time. Now my experience of the “show” was from the back end and not the “glitzy” front end, which was a change from years past.

My experience began in Philadelphia. Trying to organize and then pack my small VW until you couldn’t get anything else into it ☺ Fully loaded, I drove to the Big Apple with excitement and wonder. Upon arriving, I found my way to the loading dock, a big truck with Omega Institute’s “stuff” and two sweaty guys trying to unload it greeted me.

Then, it was official; I was a vendor at The Being Yoga Conference. Now, it’s time to unpack the “stuff“. Finding your way up to the conference space from the loading dock took 2 elevator rides, a long walk down a hall and about 15 minutes each direction. Ahh, to have yoga in your life means to breathe, be calm and be happy. So, it wasn’t so bad, especially when I was finished. Setting up the booth I logged in more time to set up my virtual store, www.totallyzenstore.com, in the physical world; this was a cool manifestation for me!

Beginning the conference: I was present, enthusiastic and ready to greet and help each person which was an act of endurance and perseverance. It was an honor to meet and talk to each and every one of you I had the opportunity to do so with at the show! I enjoyed explaining my philosophy and experience in reaching this part of my journey. The yoga path/spiritual path is a long one and I was so grateful it lead me to that place and I look forward to what the future unfolds for my journey!

                                                                                                         Unfortunately, when you are busy overseeing your space and “stuff” there is no time to duck out and take some classes. So, I missed practicing and learning yoga with some very “tuned in” masters. I heard a lot of very positive feedback about all the wonderful opportunities to learn and grow in these sessions.

It was during the down times while people take classes that I got to know some of the exhibitors. It was so rewarding to hear other people’s stories about where they came from and how their companies’ manifested in their lives. The best thing was that there was so much heart and soul in every person’s story or company. I got to appreciate what it took for each person to get to that point. I enjoyed talking and sharing with them very much!

Funny, just three days later we were repacking everything again. The “show” was over and it was time to move on to other shows or back to another part of their life.

Either way if you are behind the scenes or in front of the scenes your experience is ALWAYS what you make it and part of that is your attitude and effort that you apply to it. I know everyone behind the scenes put a lot of love into getting the Being Yoga Conference to be the best it could be. I am sure that those that were fortunate enough to experience the conference were able to feel all that positive energy.

Acting from love with love makes the world a brighter place.

Sorry, I didn’t get some more action shots from the conference; I must have been glued to my booth.

Continuing our Qigong Fundamentals Series with some thought into, How to Practice Correctly. Like anything you engage in practicing Qigong correctly is the key to receiving the greatest benefits of this energy exercise form. Qigong is a very powerful healing discipline and should be engaged in with concentration and focus.

The most important element of Qigong is the breath. Breathing is the key to the creation and movement of energy. Without a constant stream of deep breathing the body is unable to cultivate true chi (vital energy).

Usually you begin Qigong with a meditation to connect to your breath and relax your body. After you sink into meditation it is useful to begin visualizing the breath as white light that flows through your body. As your practice progresses you will be able to channel the energy to places in your body that need to be healed.

The system of internal arts or healing discipline is based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory. Using the acupuncture points to circulate energy throughout your body. This will allow your body to naturally balance the yin and yang forces.

Proper posture is imperative each and every time you practice. Mentally scan your body to see that:

• The feet are planted firmly into the ground at the ball, heel, left and right side of feet
• The knees are bent slightly
• The legs shoulder width apart
• The buttocks tucked under the hips
• The head tucked under so the nostrils are flesh to the Earth
• The tip of the tongue is curled up so that it rest on the back of the upper teeth
• Arms should be engaged on the outside and open and easy on the inside
• Usually the arms are rounded and lifted away from the torso to let the body breathe fully

Practicing with an educated teacher will prevent unwanted mental or physical side effects.

People should not practice when they are:                      

• Pregnant
• Have a fever
• Dizzy
• Internal bleeding
• Infection

Try to practice Qigong at the same time every day to establish a body rhythm and habit of practice.

Practicing three days before and after the full moon increases the blood and chi’s circulatory ability because of the gravitational force of the moon.

Practicing outside is best because you absorb the energy of the natural elements around you. If you practice around trees in the park you will feel differently than indoors. I just experienced a lovely session of Qigong in the park. The sun was warm and the light perfect. The temperature outside was moderate with a small breeze and the change of season ripe in the air. I felt so calm; but, still buzzing with energy after the session.

Practice Qigong correctly and you will experience tremendous energy, vitality and health improvements.

You could say Houston, Texas has a special place in my heart. I grew up there. I haven’t lived there in some time; but some family, friends and loved ones live there. Houston/Galveston are not the first places to experience tragedy such as Ike. But, it seems when events hit close to home that you feel inspired to get a little more vocal and involved in the process.

In the recent past: we have seen hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes take out many people, families, homes, businesses and cities. Whether we learn about it from the television, computer, newspaper we feel affected by the news; but we are not effected by the event.

The importance of a home, basic necessities and a stable environment are essential. Without these things people and life can get a bit scary and strange. It is one thing to never know these essentials and another to have once had them and in an instant have them taken away.

How can we truly help these millions of people get back to a normal life? Mother Earth is omni-powerful and natural disasters will never cease, it is part of the cycle of life.

In yoga we learn compassion. * Compassion for others is a feeling of deep sympathy for another who is stricken by misfortune and a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. Helping physically, mentally, financially or even spiritually can bring relief to others and allows you to empower yourself.

With so many different cultures, religions, lands in trouble it is hard to know where to focus your energy. You can help build community and responsibility by getting involved. Giving is admirable and will warm your heart. Maybe you can pick one or two causes that resonate in you. Helping rebuild people’s lives one at a time or in tandem is choosing to be a part of the solution. Once disaster moves through putting the pieces back together is the only solution.

In yoga practice, sometimes you feel mighty and other times meek. Which disposition is the truth? I think they both are depending on the moment. It is the same in nature. That shouldn’t mean we give up, when there is hope there is growth.

May all the people everywhere that experience great tragedy feel hope enter back into their lives and pick up the pieces to move forward as best as they can given the circumstances.

If you would like to make a donation to the Houston Food Bank which provides food to the victims, follow this link: http://www.houstonfoodbank.org/default.aspx

Image of Ike from above comes from: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/multimedia/hurr_ike091008.html

* Wikipedia definition of Compassion