Living and Embodied Life

A home is not simply a building; it is the shelter around the intimacy of a life. Coming in from the outside world and its rasp of force and usage, you relax and allow yourself to be who you are. The inner walls of a home are threaded with the textures of one's soul, a subtle weave of presences. If you could see your home through the lens of the soul, you would be surprised at the beauty concealed in the memory your home holds. When you enter some homes, you sense how the memories have seeped to the surface, infusing the aura of the place and deepening the tone of its presence. Where love has lived, a house still holds the warmth. Even the poorest home feels like a nest if love and tenderness dwell there.

~ John O'Donohue

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I have been reading John O'Donohue in my classes lately. How he describes a home reminds me of the practice of yoga. There is no other practice I have found in my life ( 52 years to be exact) that has provided me with the great gift of becoming embodied and living a more embodied life. When we are embodied we live from a more authentic place. And we live a more heart centered life. We are able to access the intrinsic intuition and interconnectedness within ourselves. One of my favorite meditation teachers, Jack Kornfield, describes this intuition as "heart wisdom" . When we arrive on the mat to practice asana (the physical poses of yoga ) or any meditation practice really, it is an invitation every time to rest at home within the body, breath and mind. It is an opportunity to listen and to reciprocate to the wisdom of the body...its intricate anatomy and nervous system you reside in. The relationship becomes more and more collaborative....more and more reciprocal. Essentially, you make peace with yourself. This is the purpose of the practice. The peace within you naturally extends outward to those around you. What a gift.

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I am so excited to be hosting a retreat with my dear friend Rita Murti again this October 15th- 18th at the Sterling Forest Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. Rita is a physical therapist and yoga teacher as well as a deeply knowledgeable teacher of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is rooted in the wisdom of India's timeless traditions within the philosophy of yoga. It teaches that true wellness arises when body, mind and spirit exist in balanced alignment. Rita will introduce you to some of these teachings in a very practical and accessible way. (Instagram @ ritab_murti). This year we are collaborating with my dear friend and culinary trained chef, Angie Zaki. Angie will be preparing all of our meals on the retreat that will be inspired by an ayurvedic yogic lifestyle. Anything Angie makes turns into something delectable to eat! (Instagram @onthelinewith angie)

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. This retreat is a perfect weekend to connect with yourself and others. Bring a friend. Please go to my website to register. To learn more about Sterling Forest Lodge go to www.sterlingforestlodge.com

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WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sundays 4:30pm-5:30pm www.bhaktibarn.com

Mondays 9am-10am Summit YMCA www.thesay.org

Tuesdays 11:15am-12:15pm www.bhaktibarn.com

Fridays 11:15-12:15pm www.bhaktibarn.com

30 MINUTE GUIDED MEDITATION

Fridays 12:30-1pm in person and on zoom. www.bhaktibarn.com

     Been awhile since you unrolled your mat? Email me if you are interested in starting back quietly for privates or small group privates at your home including guided meditation sessions