Lego my Ego!

Yo, wus happenin'?!?

I'm gettin' back on the blog saddle and for me that means lettin' go of my EGO!!!

Historically I tend to fall under the spell of that discouraging voice inside which says, 

"You can't do it!.....it's too much work!....you're too busy!....do you really know what you're talking about?.....who will read it anyway?"

But this is exactly why I know I'm meant to write, share and offer my personal perspective with the world (plus my amazing friend and spiritual guide recommended I stick with it; seriously check her out for incredible clarity & guidance). 

I have a fire inside burning brightly, just waiting to shine out to the world.  I've been pondering and reassessing the intention of this blog and it came to me that if I share my story, then more folks may be lead to appreciate their own. My intention is to inspire!

It's funny to me how the ego is an inherent element to living as a human on plant Earth, yet seemingly always earning a bad reputation, often spoken of in negative connotation. But it is our ego that helps us make decisions for ourselves, creating and dissolving boundaries, which leads us powerfully into our own greatness, self-esteem, passion and bright light.

The ego can be a strange trap for many of us, though. Simply put, if we become too caught up with ourselves, whatever the expression, we create a self-contained illusion that we are either above and beyond others---acting out of arrogance, greed and misused power & control---or conversely, afraid to express our unique gifts---withdrawing into doubt, fear, lack of self-worth, thus the shying away from our own power. 

In yoga, the ego is connected energetically to the navel point, our core, and the 3rd chakra Manipura. This chakra holds the burning flame of passion, power, intellect, drive, digestion and the liver. This space allows us to harness our unique gifts in order to first find comfort with ourselves, so that we can then find comfort with others. Here we explore the term and concept of tapas: consistency, drive, and determination. 

For most, tapas conjures up hunger for tasty appetizers...delicious! However, in this light we are referring to the burning desire to forge ahead and continue to follow our illuminated path. While the ego is seemingly magnetized toward difficulty, we can view this attraction as a way to "get over ourselves". It is not always easy to stand in the face of fire, but if we can be in that place, consistently and willingly, without attachment to the outcome, then we will find a balance. 

Remember, fire is a powerful element that can warm and transform, but also penetrate and destroy. Without fire there is no heat, there is no passion, there is no transmutation of energy. So as I embark on the path of practicing tapas, I also encourage YOU to step back and reassess where in your life you might be pushing too hard or falling away from your unique essence. Re-examine your goals and dreams, then mindfully start making them a reality by detaching from the outcome and just DOING IT! Give yourself something every day to come back to, whether that be a meditation seat, a yoga practice, a calm moment in nature or some daily dedication to your craft. 

Here's to practicing TAPAS!

Thanks for checking in! Stay tuned for more.....

SALUD!

XO

Photo credit: Room/22 Photography

For more awesome reading on tapas and related topics, check out:

http://www.judithlasater.com/writings/livingtheniyamas2.html

I'm not in love with the modern world, but I'm open to accept and receive it

My lack of "facebooking" is on my mind. Most days I could care less about posting anything or just don't even have a thought of doing it at all, because as the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind...", I rarely get on the computer for ANYTHING unless I have to.

My complex is obvious...I'm not a fan of this internetworking (is that a word? because it's pretty good). but it's the way the world lives! It's as though every single person I know uses this tool for every single element of their lives! I see people everywhere on their phones, even while driving, attempting to keep their connection. I realize I have my own judgements toward this, and yeah I don't think anyone should be on a phone while driving period! But it is neither good nor bad. Who am I to impose a judgement on the way others live? This is our reality right now and we're in a space of strange changes and shifts. Facebook is a mind-blowing social tool that DOES cultivate connection, encourages the sharing of ideas, and offers us involvement in a strange matrix of human interaction.

My personal feelings of connection are magnetized to the Earth and the Cosmos, various native cultures, ancient ways, art, music, exploration of the mind, and freedom of the soul to breathe and study the self. Many days I feel like an old Indonesian woman in a young white woman's body.
I spend much of my time in contemplation or in direct service to others. Rarely do I feel comfortable "marketing" myself or blasting to the world all of my life info. It's probably because I'm an Ascending Scorpio who likes privacy ;)

So this is no disrespect to those that do use facebook for what it's for. I actually admire others' dedication to community, nurturance of relationships, and the spreading of positive information! And that's what I want to do too!
It's just that this is where I'm at in my own personal awareness of resistance toward our man-made technologies and systems, and since this is MY page, well here I am....Speaking my TRUTH!

As I begin to find balance using this technological tool for the good of the whole and for my own abundance and growth, I want each and every one of you to know how much it means to me that you might actually read this verbose piece of prose, and take a glimpse into my heart of hearts and feel my Truth. I am not seeking a solution for this quandary per se, but merely offering a vulnerability to the technological "powers that be" that I be supported in living comfortably in this modern world.
I DO desire for connection, for I know I have the power of Spirit within me to influence others in a most awesome way. What a blessing!!!!

So I wanted to share my genuine appreciation for your love and connection to me, my work and my life.... and I apologize for my lack of initiative in this realm.

THANK YOU for coming to my classes, THANK YOU for supporting the work I do with herbs, gong, chakras, astrology, meditation, self-inquiry, yoga, art, and public speaking. I share these gifts selflessly, from the bottom of my heart.
SALUD and SAT NAM.....!

the most tender place in my heart, is for a stranger's...

thanks, Neko Case, for such lovely words!
I've been MIA for a couple of months but all for good reason :)
we've had friends in town from out-of-state, painted the inside of our house, spruced up the outdoors, I've been playing piano, and creating lesson plans.
I lead a workshop with my homegirl Jordan aka J-Ma on ChakrAstrology and it is very inspiring! (keep your eyes peeled for more of this!)
I've begun teaching Herbal Medicine Making and been busy as a bee!
...Yoga Rocks the Park was fabulous! Thank you to those who supported, created, and facilitated the event, raising money for the Melonhead Foundation, providing support and sustenance to families dealing with children's cancer, and special thanks to the lovely folks who came out to practice. It was such a fun day!

I also have schedule Monthly Gong Meditations the first Sunday of each month in April, May & June 2013 at Desert Sage Herbs in Chandler, AZ. You can come to one or all. No experience or expectations needed.
Please cleanse your soul and treat yourself to this vibrational healing for only $15 for a 45-min. session, or get all 3 for $36. Vibrations from the Gong serve as a catalyst for healing transformation, strengthening the Immune System, calming the Nervous System, and supporting healthy digestion. These healing vibrations rearrange molecular structure in the body, thus opening energetic blockages decreasing pain & inflammation. Bring a physical or emotional issue currently at hand if you desire, and we can tailor our meditation towards the energy of the group. Bring a friend and get $5 off each person! Call 480.785.9065 to register. Pre-payment is required to reserve your space. Cash or check only, to The Wise Owl. Thank you and see ya soon!

I've also been crafting up some amazing herbal goods, a couple of which I'll feature in a blog post soon:

" Inspire Cider Spring Tonic" Lookin for a gentle yet invigorating Spring Tonic to clear out the old? Inspire Cider is hot, tangy, spicy, & awakening! 
Raw apple cider vinegar, onion, horseradish, cilantro, cayenne, garlic, ginger, black pepper, hawthorne berry, honey, water, & whiskey. Delicious with a garlic-stuffed olive or pickle.
"Gotu Kola Infused Castor Oil".
For beautiful firm skin, collagen support and strong healthy joints, Gotu Kola and Castor Oil are perfect companions for facial care, scar tissue repair, premature aging, joint inflammation & more! I'll post instructions on how to turn this delicious infused oil into a skin-rejuvenating tonic!
Gotu kola, castor oil, aloe vera gel, rosewater, sea buckthorn, calendula, rose geranium, lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, lemongrass, beeswax, benzoin


Until next time,
WORD!
xoxo

tangy baby!...medicine making with lemons

Like many Phoenix Valley dwellers, I am so very blessed to have the most beautifully delicious lemon tree right in my own front yard. 

Maybe they're not technically "certified organic" by governmental standards, whatever that really means anymore, but these lemons are grown in a loving space and never sprayed with chemicals, so they are organic to me. They are hands-down the BEST tasting, sweet and tangy lemons I've ever had!

ooo my mouth is watering just looking at them!

.................................................................................................................

Here's a summary for some of lemon's healing powers:

Botanical name: Citrus limon. 

Primary actions: Antiseptic, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Febrifuge (reduces fever)

Lemons are not only foods but effective medicine as well. According to the Natural Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine written by Andrew Chevallier, lemons are thought to have originated in India and were then cultivated in Europe during the 2nd century AD. Now lemons are propagated throughout the world and have served as one of the most important, widely used, and most versatile natural medicines for use at home.

These tart, tangy, sour, and slightly sweet citrus fruits are ideally harvested in the winter time when they're really high in Vitamin C (twice the amount in an orange!). As a long-standing staple in warding off infections, providing antiseptic properties, and supporting healthy digestion, we mostly stifle lemons into the category as a refreshing summertime drink or a condiment to fish and veggies.

But don't limit the power of lemons merely to the juice or to the side of the plate! The most volatile oil (essential oil) and bioflavonoid content is found within the juicy aromatic peel, and in the white, slightly bitter tasting pith that lines the inside of the peel. These bioflavonoids are "antioxidant and strengthen the health of the inner lining of blood vessels". (Chevallier) The volatile oil is antiseptic and antibacterial. So the juice, peel, and pith be used medicinally!

Lemons can be used to treat issues in acute circumstances such as colds and flus, stimulate a healthy appetite, treat stomach acidity and ulcers, and can be used as a gargle for canker sores and sore throats. As an overall general preventative tonic, lemons help those prone to arteriosclerosis, fevers, and acidic conditions.

Interestingly so, although lemons are acidic, once ingested and digested, lemons are actually alkalizing to the body; thus balancing pH levels, supporting healthy circulation, and especially good for the stomach, liver, intestines, and veins and capillaries.

*please do not ingest lemon essential oil
*always consult a holistic health care professional for proper dosaging

When I pressure-rolled these lemons on the cutting board to open up the juice and volatile oil before slicing, the peels were just bursting with zesty aromatic vibes and glossy with rich oil. Herbalists use this "organoleptic assessment" to assess quality and characteristics of our herbs and veggies. All it takes is an exploration of the senses to determine what good quality is. Ya don't see lemons like this at Walmart!
What a treasure to behold! 

After all of that build-up, let's talk about a few ways to use lemons in everyday living!

 FRESH LEMON PEEL EXTRACT


Today we are speaking of an herbal medicine making technique known as the FOLK METHOD.

For this tincture/extract you'll need the following:

* 2-4 med-large lemons ( I used 2 1/2 large lemons for this)
* a clean glass jar w/tight-fitting lid (32 oz QT canning jar is show here)
* a small piece of unbleached parchment paper to fit the size of the jar opening
* 100 proof vodka .....OR...
* everclear & distilled water

Incredibly easy and fun, folk medicine allows us the freedom to be creative and whimsical in our process. Who cares if you don't do it exactly right or things don't turn out perfect. The point is to get into and enjoy the action!
Begin by cleaning your workspace (shoot you could use a combination of lemon essential oil, white vinegar, and water to do that!). Then wash and dry your lemons and begin rolling them back and forth under your palm on a clean, stable cutting board for about 15-30 seconds. As mentioned above, this will open up volatile oils and inner juice. Chop off the ends of your lemons and then slice the lemons vertically in four sections. Squeeze out the juice from each segment into a separate glass vessel. Save the juice for later...

Taking the ends and leftover peels, chop them into quarter-sized pieces (this is the act of comminuting or breaking plant material down for a more effective medicinal extraction). Toss them into your clean jar and fill about 3/4-7/8 of the way up, leaving some space at the top.
Then pour your vodka straight over the lemon peels, or if using everclear, create a 50/50 dilution of alcohol and water in a separate jar, stir, and then pour over the peels. *your dilution can be of any amount...for my recipe I combined 1cup water and 1cup alcohol. I had a bit leftover that I will save in a jar for another day of medicine making*

Cover the opening of your lemon jar with the parchment paper, twist on the cap nice and tight, and give a few gentle shakes (or agitation in the herbalist world). Create a label with all the important info, such as: Fresh Lemon Peels in Vodka started on 1/28/13 and ending on 2/25/13. I always include the date I made the medicine as well as the date the medicine will be done. Generally, extracts/tinctures require a lunar cycle/4 weeks of maceration (soaking time). The key is to shake, or agitate, each day. This offers an additional force of dynamic extraction to the process and your medicine will be of much better quality if you do. This way your medicine will hopefully not just taste like only alcohol but also hold the characteristics of the lemons. Keep your extract out of direct heat or sunlight but in a place where you won't forget about her.

Once the soaking time is over, filter the peels away from the liquid into a clean glass jar. You can use a fine mesh strainer, muslin cloth, cheesecloth, or coffee filter. You may need to filter twice (or colate) to get all the sediment out. Then cap off your lemon medicine and add a fresh label including the date you filtered, how to use it, and you are set! Store your prepared medicine in a cabinet or amber glass bottle. Because the medicine is extracted and preserved with alcohol, your lemon extract will be good for at least a couple of years.

To take this medicine, always consult your local herbalist or health care practitioner, but a 1/4 -1/2 tsp. diluted in warm water taken before meals would be a great place to start. Be mindful that you've created some powerful medicine so start low and take it slow, and then go from there! (you could even add some cayenne, crushed fresh garlic, and raw honey for a nice cold and flu remedy!)

If you are a martini or lemon-drop shot-taker, you could consider preparing this medicine with Grey Goose or Stoli vodka to prepare some tasty homemade cocktails. mmmmhmmmm....so many ideas!

****As for the juice, you can either pour into ice cube trays and add to drinks as needed, or easily make homemade lemonade by combining 1/2 cup - 1 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (depending on personal preference), 1/8 cup - 1/4 cup melted raw honey, and a bottle of Pellegrino sparkling mineral water. Mix well, serve in a beautiful glass carafe, and pour over ice and garnish with fresh mint, basil, a couple frozen raspberries, or even make your own simple lavender flower syrup! The possibilities are endless!

Hope you found some inspiration to take lemons to the next level for the sake of your health. These tangy babies are nature's golden nuggets! Check out your friends who might have an abundant lemon tree or support your local farmer's market to obtain organic, fresh-harvested produce. Tis the season!
When life gives you lemons do something creative!

thanks for reading,
THE WISE OWL
oxoxoxo

ya can't always get what ya want, but you can set your intentions accordingly!

the full moon energy from Saturday is still present and palpable...
for this is a time of love-inspired action, acknowledging that all things must be as they are, as will all things pass. 
this is a perfect time to act on your own behalf. taking action NOW!
in order for things to change we must realize that all change begins from within! 
be present in this moment, offer yourself the gift of healing vibration to loosen apprehension and hesitation, and rekindle your inner flame of passion!
you have the support of community whether you realize it or not.
all you have to do is show up!

join me tomorrow:
HATHA GONG YOGA @ 8:30am on Monday,
@ the SPIRIT OF YOGA in Tempe.

------->>>>-------------------->
one of my fabulous yoga students crafted this hand-beaded magical pouch for me (awwww!)
i now carry specific stones in this pouch for what is going on in my life, and wear it with INTENTION.
this is just one way to consciously cultivate a path that is aligned with our truest selves.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO TAKE ACTION AND SUPPORT YOUR INTENTIONS?
feel free to comment with your personal take on this or share questions of HOW?

personally, I seek guidance through healing plants, stones, chanting, burning sage, moving my body through yoga poses, and other rituals.
but it doesn't have to be someone's else "thing"...you don't even have to drink any kool-aid!
all you have to do is TAKE ACTION with purpose! maybe you find this through writing a letter to a relative, exercising regularly, making a meal at home with your favorite music playing, or going for a walk to feel the sun (or rain today) on your face?!
in order for change to occur, you must be willing to make the change.
thanks for listening,

sat nam (truth is my name, truth is my identity!)
xoxo
The Wise Owl

ebb & flow

"There can be no transforming of darkness into light and of apathy into movement, without emotion."

                                                                                          --- Carl Jung

Svadhisthana, the Sanksrit word for the sacral chakra, translates to: "one's own abode", our home and unique, creative self.

As mentioned on the gong section of my "Services" page, chakras are spinning wheels of life....a revolving door of energy, if you will. These energetic centers can be moving fast, slow, stagnant or blocked, open or vulnerable. Here is a place where we take energy in and let energy go.

The sacral chakra in particular is represented by the color orange and is the house of our water element. This is the womb of creation...the place where all potential dwells. As we draw ourselves up from the root chakra, the source of foundation, stability, and structure, we explore the depths of the ocean....the ebb and flow of life!

I've recently come into contact with a great book called, Quantum Supplements: A Total Health & Wellness Makeover with Vitamins, Minerals, & Herbs by Deanna M. Minich.

Already it's an outstanding resource for connecting herbal health, nutrition, and chakras energy centers. I highly recommend this read as an easy-to-understand yet intelligently-insightful manual for correlating mind, body, and spirit.

The sacral chakra rules the kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries, testes, sacrum, and hips... all of the watery organs and "issues" within our low belly and genitals. Svadhistana draws our attention to the pain and pleasure of being alive. No, this is not always a cotton-candy factory people! Sometimes, especially through the practice of yogic techniques, we develop a practice that unleashes some of these emotional elements that were either hidden, neglected, unknown, or looming and obvious. But this is not a negative thing. We can use the hidden informations in the dark caves and crevices of ourselves to draw out the light of understanding, recycling that energy back into the Earth or taking it up into the space of the solar plexus, home of our personal power, self-confidence, independent thought and firey-action.

The sacral chakra teaches us to be playful in our behavior...to offer vulnerability and curiosity to our creativity. Here we discover the duality of our dimensional space.

...

Masculine vs Feminine

Light vs Dark

Sun vs Moon

Outward vs Inward

....

as so it goes

...

these are the differentiations of the polarities, hot-cold, yes-no, right-wrong.

Most importantly, this is the area where we tend to hold emotional traumas and triumphs.

Seemingly juvenile or elementary in one sense, this area of ourselves is known to be most influenced during the ages of 5-7. It is during this time in our lives we develop the attributes that will later define us as adults. But to reassess this space and reconsider our beliefs, habits, patterns, and tendencies is available to us at any time. It is completely relevant and mature to travel into this space. We can revisit our inner child and reconnect with who we are emotionally to support our endeavors here in this present moment!

In Hatha Gong Yoga this week, we will be exploring this space within ourselves, observing emotional reactions to postures, exploring the use of breath (prana) to create a flow with physical movement (asanas), and embody the ebb and flow of the changing watery tides as we acknowledge emotions and surrender to the natural fluctuations of life.

I hope this resonates with you right now, as it does me, and maybe you'll join me for class tomorrow morning!?

***Monday @ 8:30am at the Spirit of Yoga in Tempe, AZ for some vibration and rejuvenation!***

Also, come join me for an All-Levels Vinyasa Yoga Class, same place, same time, on TUESDAY!

We will also be flowing, moving with the tides, and strengthening our breath with focus on sweat, strength, energy, and fluidity! 

Much Love,

The Wise Owl

oxoxoxoxo

abundance!... the choice is ours...

I know a talented and beautiful lady named, Jordan who is not only a most fab yoga instructor but also works as an Astrologer to enrich the healing path of her clients. As I've been learning a bit more through her lately, I'm inspired to share a connection with lunar cycles and the themes of our lives.
Much can be learned from observing what is happening outside of ourselves in the bigger picture.

Do you recall the Hermetic phrase, "As above, so below,"? This philosophy illustrates that the macrocosm and microcosm reflect one another...that there is a harmony between human and universe. And it's such a sigh of relief to learn of Cosmological influences on specific times and situations, forces of movement and change, and even one's entire life path and lives past, based upon information held within the Zodiac. We are not alone and separate the Universe. We are full of abundance and potential, just as the Universe is infinitely powerful!
According to Be Yoga World/Cosmic Consciousness, a New Moon in Capricorn occurred January 11th, 2013. The energy of New and Full Moons affect us 3 days before and after the occurrence, mindful of what is also happening in our emotions. This is a time of acknowledgement for our Truth and Power, Relationships and Finances, Gratitude and Abundance.

Here is an offering for this current energy:

Celebrate and enjoy what you have, as well as what is also coming into your life. How abundance manifests is different for all of us, but there is one important key that MUST be present...
"YOU MUST ALREADY FEEL ABUNDANT FOR ABUNDANCE TO COME!"
(whoa....ya may want to read that again)
Take notice of where your Truth and Power reside.
Are you in alignment with what offers your life true depth and meaning?
Where are the sources of struggle or fear? Where in your relationships with others are you reactive rather than responsive? What serves your purpose as YOU TODAY?!

New Moons offer a time of intention-setting, cleansing, turning inward, and shedding the old...even the most challenging of days.

Set an intention to offer gratitude for the simple pleasures in life, for pleasure is one of the rewards for being alive. You need not earn it, you must simply partake of it. Set an intention to follow-through what you have set out to do, staying focused on patience and persistence. Set an intention to reconnect Self with Spirit during times of transition.

These are the themes for this week's Hatha Gong and Vinyasa Yoga at Spirit of Yoga in Tempe, AZ. I teach classes there on Sundays @ 11:30am, Mondays @ 8:30am, & Tuesdays 8:30am, respectively.  If you'd like to put your New Moon intentions into motion by combining the breath (pranayama) with invigorating physical postures (asanas) that calm the mind, strengthen the body, and ease the soul, please join me!


Cheers!
xoxoxo
The Wise Owl