Good morning! I slept in late this morning and plan to get out of the apartment soon, so today this post will be brief. I want to begin with a moment of respect for the courageous and inspiring soldiers we are honoring on this Memorial Day. Thank You.
May 31st marks the end of my third month of daily morning blogging. It's been a tremendous learning and growth experience for me, and I can truly see how much I've evolved and transformed by keeping this commitment and doing the work. That said, I'm honestly not sure I'm going to continue with this format. It's my decision to be candid and transparent that has me wavering. I write and then after the fact I sometimes freak out a bit about how much I just shared.
I'm feeling a strong desire to retreat into a more private place and while I do want to write, it may be that the more personal work to do is between me and me (and my confidantes), not me and a readership. We'll see but if you don't get anything from me tomorrow, that's why. Maybe I will continue blogging daily but just make it less personal. I can give you all a daily health tip factoid or something like that. A reminder to take your vitamins, I don't know. I'm creative. I can certainly come up with something. :)
I hope you've enjoyed my candid, memoir-style writing and that it's been helping you uncover personal truths and giving you the courage to go deep inside and reveal things to yourself and perhaps others. I know many of you have been helped, encouraged, supported, tickled, entertained and even inspired by my stories and shares. Some of you have told me my writing helps you to transform and make positive changes in your life and for this I am SO grateful.
Closing thought: I honor and give thanks to people who courageously serve others. I honor myself and my own transformation, noting that different things feel right at different times as I evolve.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Empowered To Rise: Do You See What I See?
Good morning!
I've just had pretty much the most amazing 48 hours of birthday celebration festivities that I can remember and I want to claim that I intended this experience. I really allowed myself to choose to feel amazing about myself and my life. I am feeling so grateful that I'm cultivating deeper relationships with friends and students of mine, as well as my family, and that I'm learning to ask for what I want and allow it in. So cool.
Both my classes -- Central Park intenSati yesterday and the one inside Equinox at Lex/63rd St -- felt amazing yesterday! Big numbers, yay, and it just seemed like everybody was very happy!! :)
I had the amazing opportunity to perform at Theater for the New City's Lower East Side Festival of the Arts thanks to the recommendation of my friend and fellow intenSati Leader, Kat Adamenko (http://www.katherineadamenko.com/). I was originally going to do a dance performance art piece but decided against it because I felt my body wasn't in the right condition and was also just scared to do something original. So, as an alternative, I decided to sing a few songs while accompanied by my friend on guitar. At 11:30am, I got a text that my guitarist wasn't going to be able to make it after all. I guess the Universe had other plans for me!
I had yesterday afternoon to put something together and ended up pulling it off with flying colors. It was awesome. I hope there's video I can share. I never would've worked it out if I wasn't so positive about it but I immediately applied intenSati principles -- I shared during my intro to my second class at Lex/63rd about how I was going to see this as an opportunity not an obstacle -- and kept my belief in myself to pull it off. I didn't skip a beat. No whining, crying, complaining, freaking, blaming. I just dove in, worked the piece out, got a little creative consulting help from one of my brilliant dancer/fitness instructor students and did it! 75 to 100 people were in the audience, including some of my best friends and students. SO amazing. I loved it!!!
Do you see what I see? I see breakthroughs, dreams unfolding and coming to life, and the realization of my deepest desires. I believe it is happening. I'm going to keep asking in my morning meditation for the willingness to go with the flow and attracting more and more opportunities to shine my light, because that is what my heart and soul want to do.
What do you see happening in your life today? Do you see and feel yourself in your brightness and brilliance? Do you feel close or far away from the full realization of who you are and want to be? Maybe you feel you still have quite a climb or need to come a long way. I relate to both sentiments. 5 1/2 years ago I was performing a Shakespeare monologue during a talent show in the psych unit of a hospital where I was getting treatment for bulimia and major depression. Well, I guess that experience helped me feel totally unafraid of Theater for the New City's slightly, umm, off beat characters. See, everything helps prepare you for some greater opportunity coming down the pike! :)
I'Il continue to share and offer my belief that there really isn't any darkness too deep to escape if and when you want it bad enough, tap into your strength to fight and are willing to ask for help.
Since it's a holiday weekend, I also want to say this as much for myself and for you, that I hope you RELAX and ENJOY yourself!!! it's going to be a gorgeous few days in the City, yay! If you're on the beach, wear sun block. :)
Closing thought: I see my growth and dreams unfolding and I am SO grateful. I choose to embrace opportunities over obstacles and go with the flow.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
On Memorial Day there are two intenSati classes happening! Jolynn Baca is teaching at 9:30am at Tribeca Equinox and Gregory Stockbridge is teaching on the Hudson Pier (at 23rd St) at 10am. Please message me for info if you want to know more or find them on Facebook!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Empowered To Rise: mAH dAH nAHHHH
Good morning!!
One of the benefits of doing a practice every morning no matter what, whether it's meditation or writing, a yoga flow or prayer, you can get a sense of where you're at based on how you're experiencing your practice. You're going to feel different each day but it's not because the practice changed, it's because something's going on with you.
I write every morning from my living room easy chair but today I felt a very strong desire to take it outside. It's kind of a gray morning in NYC. It feels like it could rain just about any minute. I'm very comfortable in sweats and flip flops and it doesn't really feel warm or cold. I've eaten breakfast and brought my coffee with me to the stairs across the street from my building along the Hudson Rivers so I can watch runners, bikers and people with their dogs do their thing. I think I just need to look out.
Yesterday's birthday celebration was amazing and incredibly fulfilling. I felt very loved and appreciated by friends and family. It is my deep desire to actually love and value myself to the same extent I am loved and valued by others. I am not one of those people who feels unloved. I am grateful I am so loved and aware of who loves me, as well as how people express love to the extent they are capable. So, my learning and what I hope to help others learn, involves moving from self-created spaces of negativity into open spaces of total self acceptance and self love.
One of the common ways people slam themselves is by measuring themselves up against others' accomplishments, achievements and successes. The drive to succeed and win a perceived rat-a-tat rat race can lead paralysis, an attitude of "it's not even worth it to try" or that common "I don't know what I really want" which is often fear of not succeeding showing up as indecision or ambivalence.
I slipped in a little YouTube clip of Madonna's "Get Into The Groove" 1985 Live Aid performance in my blog yesterday. Did you watch it? :) As it turned out, my brother bought me a birthday gift that affirmed and celebrated my Madonna obsession. He bought me Guy Oseary's book of stunning photos taken in 2008 of Madonna during her "Sticky and Sweet" tour. He also bought me her first CD, you know, the one with "Borderline," "Lucky Star" and all the rest, which is great because I don't have it on my iTunes.
If you missed my post yesterday, go take a look at the video because there she is, Madonna, the brunette, just shaking her tambourine and sounding pretty pitchy in front of thousands of people. You kind of marvel that this is the same woman who would go on to do what she has done as an artist. Madonna leveraged a decent singing voice, strong dance ability, latent creativity and A HUGE, MOTHER LOAD of ambition, drive, and belief into of the charts, world domination.
This morning, during my morning AH meditation (aka mAH dAH nAHHHH meditation, ha ha), I used the photos to see how it would stir up my desire and boy did it work! I wanted to analyze what this means to me, like, does it mean I deeply in my heart aspire to have a pop music career like Madonna? Does it mean I love her bold artistic style and just want to be courageous in my own creative pursuits? Does it mean I just want to feel free and fully expressed in my sexual power like she does and perhaps have a boyfriend 25 years my junior when I'm 50? Does it mean I want to go blonde?
I don't know.
I'm not going blonde. For me, a 3 inch trim and adding extra layers is a bold fashion move.
Since I make myself frustrated when I try and figure it all out, this morning I am not going to try. I'm just going to accept and continue to love Madonna, get some Madonna motivation cooking when I need it, listen to her first album while getting ready for my day, and feel inspired by her greatness, I also want to start making some more focused decisions with respect to my training. This, because my deep heart desires do in fact include dancing just like Madonna (and singing even better, actually, because I believe I have a prettier more voice. Definitely a wider range.) but not just in dance class though that's a start. In my fun visualizations, which lately seem to take on a life of their own, I am doing it on stage with many happy people smiling and singing/dancing along and snapping photos of me with their cell phones.
Now, if I were 23 and not 33 I would probably go for this full out. Why not! Yet, at 33 (ooh, this # has such a nice ring to it!), I have reservations. I wish I had intenSati when I was 25. Instead, I had this psychiatrist who, when when I told him I wanted to be a pop star, he told me these were symptoms of mental illness. Grandiosity? Magical thinking? I tried to explain to him that maybe if I was saying I AM MADONNA then that would qualify as some sort of psychiatric disturbance. I suggested the greater likelihood is I have passion and his ignorance of Madonna's power is a symptom of mental illness or at the very least, evidence that he's boring.
SO, I guess where we're arriving today, as the sun comes out this morning and burns away some of the clouds (YES!), is finding your own inner knowing. There is some place inside of me and that same place is inside of you and IT KNOWS!!!!! IT KNOWS, KNOWS, KNOWS what those little sweet peek a boos of desire are about and where you want to be going and what you want to be doing, age aside, looks aside, weight aside, money aside, support aside. It knows. And I believe, deeply, that it isn't going to go away until it's given what it wants, which is to go for it, whatever that IT is.
Patience, an open mind and willingness. Deep self respect. COURAGE.
Closing thought: Where would we all be if Madonna stayed in Michigan?
Closing thought 2: I have a heart and soul and I ask it this morning what I really want to manifest. With this knowledge and understanding of myself, I can take proper actions and steps (and dance classes) to successfully create what I really, really, really, really, really, really want.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
COME CELEBRATE TODAY!!
10AM Central Park intenSati
11:45AM Lex/63rd St EQ intenSati
6:30PM I'm singing 3 songs at Theater for the New City on the Lower East Side. 9th St and 1st Ave. FREE
9:30-11PM Dance it up at GlobeSonic on the Hudson Pier with me. It's a FREE open dance party. There will be drums. Shake it!
One of the benefits of doing a practice every morning no matter what, whether it's meditation or writing, a yoga flow or prayer, you can get a sense of where you're at based on how you're experiencing your practice. You're going to feel different each day but it's not because the practice changed, it's because something's going on with you.
I write every morning from my living room easy chair but today I felt a very strong desire to take it outside. It's kind of a gray morning in NYC. It feels like it could rain just about any minute. I'm very comfortable in sweats and flip flops and it doesn't really feel warm or cold. I've eaten breakfast and brought my coffee with me to the stairs across the street from my building along the Hudson Rivers so I can watch runners, bikers and people with their dogs do their thing. I think I just need to look out.
Yesterday's birthday celebration was amazing and incredibly fulfilling. I felt very loved and appreciated by friends and family. It is my deep desire to actually love and value myself to the same extent I am loved and valued by others. I am not one of those people who feels unloved. I am grateful I am so loved and aware of who loves me, as well as how people express love to the extent they are capable. So, my learning and what I hope to help others learn, involves moving from self-created spaces of negativity into open spaces of total self acceptance and self love.
One of the common ways people slam themselves is by measuring themselves up against others' accomplishments, achievements and successes. The drive to succeed and win a perceived rat-a-tat rat race can lead paralysis, an attitude of "it's not even worth it to try" or that common "I don't know what I really want" which is often fear of not succeeding showing up as indecision or ambivalence.
I slipped in a little YouTube clip of Madonna's "Get Into The Groove" 1985 Live Aid performance in my blog yesterday. Did you watch it? :) As it turned out, my brother bought me a birthday gift that affirmed and celebrated my Madonna obsession. He bought me Guy Oseary's book of stunning photos taken in 2008 of Madonna during her "Sticky and Sweet" tour. He also bought me her first CD, you know, the one with "Borderline," "Lucky Star" and all the rest, which is great because I don't have it on my iTunes.
If you missed my post yesterday, go take a look at the video because there she is, Madonna, the brunette, just shaking her tambourine and sounding pretty pitchy in front of thousands of people. You kind of marvel that this is the same woman who would go on to do what she has done as an artist. Madonna leveraged a decent singing voice, strong dance ability, latent creativity and A HUGE, MOTHER LOAD of ambition, drive, and belief into of the charts, world domination.
This morning, during my morning AH meditation (aka mAH dAH nAHHHH meditation, ha ha), I used the photos to see how it would stir up my desire and boy did it work! I wanted to analyze what this means to me, like, does it mean I deeply in my heart aspire to have a pop music career like Madonna? Does it mean I love her bold artistic style and just want to be courageous in my own creative pursuits? Does it mean I just want to feel free and fully expressed in my sexual power like she does and perhaps have a boyfriend 25 years my junior when I'm 50? Does it mean I want to go blonde?
I don't know.
I'm not going blonde. For me, a 3 inch trim and adding extra layers is a bold fashion move.
Since I make myself frustrated when I try and figure it all out, this morning I am not going to try. I'm just going to accept and continue to love Madonna, get some Madonna motivation cooking when I need it, listen to her first album while getting ready for my day, and feel inspired by her greatness, I also want to start making some more focused decisions with respect to my training. This, because my deep heart desires do in fact include dancing just like Madonna (and singing even better, actually, because I believe I have a prettier more voice. Definitely a wider range.) but not just in dance class though that's a start. In my fun visualizations, which lately seem to take on a life of their own, I am doing it on stage with many happy people smiling and singing/dancing along and snapping photos of me with their cell phones.
Now, if I were 23 and not 33 I would probably go for this full out. Why not! Yet, at 33 (ooh, this # has such a nice ring to it!), I have reservations. I wish I had intenSati when I was 25. Instead, I had this psychiatrist who, when when I told him I wanted to be a pop star, he told me these were symptoms of mental illness. Grandiosity? Magical thinking? I tried to explain to him that maybe if I was saying I AM MADONNA then that would qualify as some sort of psychiatric disturbance. I suggested the greater likelihood is I have passion and his ignorance of Madonna's power is a symptom of mental illness or at the very least, evidence that he's boring.
SO, I guess where we're arriving today, as the sun comes out this morning and burns away some of the clouds (YES!), is finding your own inner knowing. There is some place inside of me and that same place is inside of you and IT KNOWS!!!!! IT KNOWS, KNOWS, KNOWS what those little sweet peek a boos of desire are about and where you want to be going and what you want to be doing, age aside, looks aside, weight aside, money aside, support aside. It knows. And I believe, deeply, that it isn't going to go away until it's given what it wants, which is to go for it, whatever that IT is.
Patience, an open mind and willingness. Deep self respect. COURAGE.
Closing thought: Where would we all be if Madonna stayed in Michigan?
Closing thought 2: I have a heart and soul and I ask it this morning what I really want to manifest. With this knowledge and understanding of myself, I can take proper actions and steps (and dance classes) to successfully create what I really, really, really, really, really, really want.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
COME CELEBRATE TODAY!!
10AM Central Park intenSati
11:45AM Lex/63rd St EQ intenSati
6:30PM I'm singing 3 songs at Theater for the New City on the Lower East Side. 9th St and 1st Ave. FREE
9:30-11PM Dance it up at GlobeSonic on the Hudson Pier with me. It's a FREE open dance party. There will be drums. Shake it!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Empowered To Rise: Happy Birthday!
Good morning!!! Happy May 28th!!
Happy day I was born!!!
Happy celebrations!! Happy another opportunity to practice and express all that is positive and well in me!! Happy day to enjoy receiving love and positive attention from my friends and family!!
Happy day to meditate and write this morning...
to turn 33 at intenSati with Nati, 6:30am, I'm on my way...
Happy day to go to work where I'll feel gratitude for my job, the people and its gifts
and because it's a 1/2 day today
I'm done at one
and then it's yoga and chill time!!
Bar Boulud for dinner
FELA on Broadway!!
BECAUSE I DESERVE A SPECIAL DAY!!!
And in the words of the Queen of Pop,
and you can dance
for Inspiration
I know you want to
come on
Wishing me and you a life full of health, happiness, joy, spirituality, love and the manifestation of desires that are beautiful, that are for the highest good, and which make a positive difference in the lives of others!!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
ps Sati tomorrow is 10AM in CENTRAL PARK and 11:45 (1 hour earlier) at LEX/63rd ST EQ!!
Happy day I was born!!!
Happy celebrations!! Happy another opportunity to practice and express all that is positive and well in me!! Happy day to enjoy receiving love and positive attention from my friends and family!!
Happy day to meditate and write this morning...
to turn 33 at intenSati with Nati, 6:30am, I'm on my way...
Happy day to go to work where I'll feel gratitude for my job, the people and its gifts
and because it's a 1/2 day today
I'm done at one
and then it's yoga and chill time!!
Bar Boulud for dinner
FELA on Broadway!!
BECAUSE I DESERVE A SPECIAL DAY!!!
And in the words of the Queen of Pop,
and you can dance
for Inspiration
I know you want to
come on
Wishing me and you a life full of health, happiness, joy, spirituality, love and the manifestation of desires that are beautiful, that are for the highest good, and which make a positive difference in the lives of others!!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
ps Sati tomorrow is 10AM in CENTRAL PARK and 11:45 (1 hour earlier) at LEX/63rd ST EQ!!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Empowered To Rise: Getting Empowered!
Good morning! How are you on this lovely May day? :)
I'm in a good mood. I just completed my second consecutive day of morning "Ah" meditation as part of Patricia Moreno's 30-Day Meditation Challenge! Today, I chose 4 different areas for my manifesting subjects. It was cool to see which ones I was able to get emotional about and which ones didn't elicit as much of a reaction. I had a tough time sitting still today, though! I actually divided it into two 10-minute sessions so I can make my coffee and oatmeal so it would be ready when I am done :) I also didn't sit upright the whole time -- for the second 10 minutes I laid on my back with feet on the floor and knees up -- so I guess I don't meditate perfectly, oh well!
I want to write this morning about choosing empowerment over playing the victim. I'm very aware of a tendency I have to let myself -- sometimes quite subtly and other times very obviously -- allow situations, people, events, my own thoughts/feelings, the past, etc., to diminish my power. I used to be much more vulnerable to this and am grateful for my growth and increasing strength even as I contend with the pattern and watch for it daily.
Here's a situation from the last few days. There is water damage to the closet floors in my apartment from a leak upstairs. It resulted in damaged, wet carpet and carpet underlay materials in my bedroom and hallway. The smell evokes the bikram experience I wrote about a few days ago -- can we say foreshadowing?! Or, maybe law of attraction in action! -- and the process of replacing and fixing it (which the building is handling) has left my apartment in quite a crazy state of affairs!
Closets are emptied, yesterday they used this (toxic?) emulsifier to treat the carpet so there was a new, equally unpleasant smell that's bad for me (that's reality) and so I've been sleeping on my living room couch for 3 days where the air is better but not exactly perfect. This is EXACTLY the sort of situation that tempts me to play the victim. I can even hear that little victim cracking a joke like, "God, if you're going to have to sleep on the couch at least let it be because you and your husband got into a fight! Oh wait, you don't have a husband! HA HA HA!!!" Then, I have to just be like Stop it and avoid the land of negative projections.
What this situation does require of me is:
-patience while the building continues to treat the carpet (they're coming back today or tomorrow to finish the job)
-hanging my clothes in the closets that are fine instead of leaving them on one chair like the Leaning Tower of Pisa
-going to any one of my very sweet friends and sleeping on their couch tonight if I still feel the air is that bad in here
-relaxing and releasing any kind of negative thoughts about how this won't improve
The fuel for these thoughts and behaviors is anger and frustration. It's normal to get frustrated at the building or the apartment upstairs for having a leak in the first place. What's harmful is letting said resentment fester or taking it out on me and my own space. That's the I Am A Victim Of This Scenario mode and it sets up a chain to be treated by others in that way if that's how you're treating yourself.
Choosing an empowered mindset over the playing the victim is one of the most, if not THE MOST, important things I work on every day. Yesterday, I got so sick of hearing myself complain about cigarette smokers in midtown who light up and blow smoke in pedestrians' faces every day (the biggest bane of my commuting existence) that I decided I'm going to try and help some people quit smoking. This will help them and my attitude and peace of mind! I just hate spinning and doing nothing.
Same goes for Money, honey! I've ignored personal finance responsibilities. My taxes are still not filed. I've given designing and sticking to a budget the complexity of NASA plotting a trip to Mars. Then there is my performance and feelings at work regarding salary. Again, if you're acting out and playing the victim you're hurting yourself and others so what I've learned is the way to clean that up is to let go of the resentment.
By finding acceptance and making peace with the moment, you're actually letting go of what would block you from attracting more wealth. I've been resentful and ashamed for years that I wasn't making more money and finally decided that for today IT IS WHAT IT IS and to just deal. What that looked like for me yesterday was going grocery shopping at Fairway for the first time in like 6 months. I bought food for the whole week so I can pack lunches and snacks and stop spending so much on eating out! This felt VERY healthy for me because I know I am pulling myself right out of a victim mode cycle of just buying what I want and spending way more money than necessary on restaurants and take-out.
Can you look at an area in your life where you may be playing the victim and choose instead to take empowered actions? It doesn't have to be that dramatic or major. In fact, maybe start with something small and see if you can do a small dance from feeling trapped or taken by a situation into facing it from a place of strength. It's really fun to be strong and what's particularly exciting is when you start to see results, like other people giving and treating you with a lot more respect.
Closing thought: I choose an empowered mindset and actions today that free me from old cycles of self-victimization.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Sati update
This Saturday my Lex/63rd St EQ class is earlier and starts at 11:45AM. Guest passes are available so message me!
Central Park intenSati starts at the usual 10AM!
Have a beauuuuuuuuuuuuutiful day!
I'm in a good mood. I just completed my second consecutive day of morning "Ah" meditation as part of Patricia Moreno's 30-Day Meditation Challenge! Today, I chose 4 different areas for my manifesting subjects. It was cool to see which ones I was able to get emotional about and which ones didn't elicit as much of a reaction. I had a tough time sitting still today, though! I actually divided it into two 10-minute sessions so I can make my coffee and oatmeal so it would be ready when I am done :) I also didn't sit upright the whole time -- for the second 10 minutes I laid on my back with feet on the floor and knees up -- so I guess I don't meditate perfectly, oh well!
I want to write this morning about choosing empowerment over playing the victim. I'm very aware of a tendency I have to let myself -- sometimes quite subtly and other times very obviously -- allow situations, people, events, my own thoughts/feelings, the past, etc., to diminish my power. I used to be much more vulnerable to this and am grateful for my growth and increasing strength even as I contend with the pattern and watch for it daily.
Here's a situation from the last few days. There is water damage to the closet floors in my apartment from a leak upstairs. It resulted in damaged, wet carpet and carpet underlay materials in my bedroom and hallway. The smell evokes the bikram experience I wrote about a few days ago -- can we say foreshadowing?! Or, maybe law of attraction in action! -- and the process of replacing and fixing it (which the building is handling) has left my apartment in quite a crazy state of affairs!
Closets are emptied, yesterday they used this (toxic?) emulsifier to treat the carpet so there was a new, equally unpleasant smell that's bad for me (that's reality) and so I've been sleeping on my living room couch for 3 days where the air is better but not exactly perfect. This is EXACTLY the sort of situation that tempts me to play the victim. I can even hear that little victim cracking a joke like, "God, if you're going to have to sleep on the couch at least let it be because you and your husband got into a fight! Oh wait, you don't have a husband! HA HA HA!!!" Then, I have to just be like Stop it and avoid the land of negative projections.
What this situation does require of me is:
-patience while the building continues to treat the carpet (they're coming back today or tomorrow to finish the job)
-hanging my clothes in the closets that are fine instead of leaving them on one chair like the Leaning Tower of Pisa
-going to any one of my very sweet friends and sleeping on their couch tonight if I still feel the air is that bad in here
-relaxing and releasing any kind of negative thoughts about how this won't improve
The fuel for these thoughts and behaviors is anger and frustration. It's normal to get frustrated at the building or the apartment upstairs for having a leak in the first place. What's harmful is letting said resentment fester or taking it out on me and my own space. That's the I Am A Victim Of This Scenario mode and it sets up a chain to be treated by others in that way if that's how you're treating yourself.
Choosing an empowered mindset over the playing the victim is one of the most, if not THE MOST, important things I work on every day. Yesterday, I got so sick of hearing myself complain about cigarette smokers in midtown who light up and blow smoke in pedestrians' faces every day (the biggest bane of my commuting existence) that I decided I'm going to try and help some people quit smoking. This will help them and my attitude and peace of mind! I just hate spinning and doing nothing.
Same goes for Money, honey! I've ignored personal finance responsibilities. My taxes are still not filed. I've given designing and sticking to a budget the complexity of NASA plotting a trip to Mars. Then there is my performance and feelings at work regarding salary. Again, if you're acting out and playing the victim you're hurting yourself and others so what I've learned is the way to clean that up is to let go of the resentment.
By finding acceptance and making peace with the moment, you're actually letting go of what would block you from attracting more wealth. I've been resentful and ashamed for years that I wasn't making more money and finally decided that for today IT IS WHAT IT IS and to just deal. What that looked like for me yesterday was going grocery shopping at Fairway for the first time in like 6 months. I bought food for the whole week so I can pack lunches and snacks and stop spending so much on eating out! This felt VERY healthy for me because I know I am pulling myself right out of a victim mode cycle of just buying what I want and spending way more money than necessary on restaurants and take-out.
Can you look at an area in your life where you may be playing the victim and choose instead to take empowered actions? It doesn't have to be that dramatic or major. In fact, maybe start with something small and see if you can do a small dance from feeling trapped or taken by a situation into facing it from a place of strength. It's really fun to be strong and what's particularly exciting is when you start to see results, like other people giving and treating you with a lot more respect.
Closing thought: I choose an empowered mindset and actions today that free me from old cycles of self-victimization.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Sati update
This Saturday my Lex/63rd St EQ class is earlier and starts at 11:45AM. Guest passes are available so message me!
Central Park intenSati starts at the usual 10AM!
Have a beauuuuuuuuuuuuutiful day!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Empowered To Rise: Door Open
Good morning!!
I just finished meditating for 20 minutes using the sound of "Ahhhh" while in a seated position. This is from Wayne Dyer's "Meditations for Manifesting" and I'm doing it as part of Patricia Moreno's Sati Life 30-Day Prosperity Challenge (Go to www.patriciamorenothrive.blogspot.com for more info!).
Back in late 2008, I was in a relationship with someone who was a Zen Buddhist and lived in a Buddhist temple. I was so impressed with his discipline. He'd rise every morning to meditate at 6AM and I could not for the life of me figure out how he did it. Now, a year and a half later, I'm up meditating at 5:30am and I want to call him and share what I've committed to but he's in Seattle and it's 3:20am. I'm going to have to practice some Zenlike patience and wait.
So, yesterday's post which I thought was a non-post actually motivated some of you to reach out to me in beautiful ways. Thank you! Feel free to leave your comments on my blog so others can read your kind and wise words! :) One just said it was amazing to let go, another said, "Right on, It really is OK!", another affirmed my authenticity, and yet another, speaking of Zen, said, "it is not the ink on the paper that you should pay attention to. It is the space on the paper that has been left untouched where the art might be expressed." I am not sure whether he was quoting that or said it himself, but either way, it was generously offered to me from Sam Willocks, a dynamic intenSati leader in LA!
My friend and NYC-based health coach Jennifer Goodson sent me the Elizabeth Gilbert TED talk on creativity and writing, which I will post here for you this morning. Listening to her is SO inspirational! I promise if you are engaged in any creative process at all and especially if you are a writer, you will love it...
I don't even feel like I started writing yet this morning! What can I dive into here, words, where are we going? The Birthday. MY birthday. Yeah, that's on Friday. I'm turning 33, woah, which is how old my mom was when she had my brother. For the last few days, while PMS'ing, I would think of the number and just get a little weepy. I had this feeling, as if a big, heavy door is closing and on this next birthday it's going to close a little more on me. Kind of an awful image but that's the first thought I had, one that I am very consciously choosing to witness and release and replace with a better feeling thought.
So while it's normal to feel some fear, I can appreciate and honor my feeling and then turn to my resources which suggest how to handle it. Maybe start with creating my own bumper sticker reminder, "You're here. You're 33 and single. Get over it!" I mean, really, come on. 33. If I freak out big time now, where am I going to go when I'm 40? It's exactly like what I learned in acting classes. You can't start a scene from a really high emotional place unless it's called for, which it rarely is, bc scenes aren't written that way. Rather, you have to give it room to build. Not that I want to project a life story which has me freaking out more and more each year...sooo, let's try something else, shall we!? Yes.
I love to use visualizations. I can choose to see in my mind's eye the image of a door OPENING WIDER to allow my expansion and greater authenticity, loving nature and joy. I choose to see and feel now my room becomes flooded with more light as the door opens even more and I am in it, dancing in this well lit room. I am a little girl child dancing. I am an awkward teen with Aussie-hairsprayed curly hair, braces, washed out jean shorts and neon "smiley face" t-shirts, dancing.
I am in college studying in the fishbowl, which is what we called one of the freshman libraries at Cornell. I am in my 20's in NYC but very depressed and severely eating disordered. Dancing? Yeah, why not. It's my visualization. Then, I am in my early 30's, waking up, healing, growing much stronger and happier, healthier, until I am right up to the moment in my room, flooded with soft light. Door OPEN. Letting more in. Still dancing. Nice.
I'm glad I'm doing a little pre-paving here for Friday and set out with a positive intention to ENJOY my birthday celebrations and revel in the abundance I have in my life, the growth I've experienced in the last year and positive changes I've made, not to mention my accomplishments -- there have been many in the last 12 months and I can choose to feel grateful.
Can you choose to see doors opening wide for you today? If there is any area of your life where you feel something diminishing, shrinking or closing in, can you instead declare the opposite intention? There can be a widening of the passage and expansion of the space but this is really up to you to declare it here and now. Let's have fun creating what we want and need...
Closing thought: If I ever feel like a door is closing on me, I pause and turn that thought/image right around. I instead see and feel doors opening and spaces widening, brightening and expanding. I AM enjoying life and the celebration!!!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
I just finished meditating for 20 minutes using the sound of "Ahhhh" while in a seated position. This is from Wayne Dyer's "Meditations for Manifesting" and I'm doing it as part of Patricia Moreno's Sati Life 30-Day Prosperity Challenge (Go to www.patriciamorenothrive.blogspot.com for more info!).
Back in late 2008, I was in a relationship with someone who was a Zen Buddhist and lived in a Buddhist temple. I was so impressed with his discipline. He'd rise every morning to meditate at 6AM and I could not for the life of me figure out how he did it. Now, a year and a half later, I'm up meditating at 5:30am and I want to call him and share what I've committed to but he's in Seattle and it's 3:20am. I'm going to have to practice some Zenlike patience and wait.
So, yesterday's post which I thought was a non-post actually motivated some of you to reach out to me in beautiful ways. Thank you! Feel free to leave your comments on my blog so others can read your kind and wise words! :) One just said it was amazing to let go, another said, "Right on, It really is OK!", another affirmed my authenticity, and yet another, speaking of Zen, said, "it is not the ink on the paper that you should pay attention to. It is the space on the paper that has been left untouched where the art might be expressed." I am not sure whether he was quoting that or said it himself, but either way, it was generously offered to me from Sam Willocks, a dynamic intenSati leader in LA!
My friend and NYC-based health coach Jennifer Goodson sent me the Elizabeth Gilbert TED talk on creativity and writing, which I will post here for you this morning. Listening to her is SO inspirational! I promise if you are engaged in any creative process at all and especially if you are a writer, you will love it...
I don't even feel like I started writing yet this morning! What can I dive into here, words, where are we going? The Birthday. MY birthday. Yeah, that's on Friday. I'm turning 33, woah, which is how old my mom was when she had my brother. For the last few days, while PMS'ing, I would think of the number and just get a little weepy. I had this feeling, as if a big, heavy door is closing and on this next birthday it's going to close a little more on me. Kind of an awful image but that's the first thought I had, one that I am very consciously choosing to witness and release and replace with a better feeling thought.
So while it's normal to feel some fear, I can appreciate and honor my feeling and then turn to my resources which suggest how to handle it. Maybe start with creating my own bumper sticker reminder, "You're here. You're 33 and single. Get over it!" I mean, really, come on. 33. If I freak out big time now, where am I going to go when I'm 40? It's exactly like what I learned in acting classes. You can't start a scene from a really high emotional place unless it's called for, which it rarely is, bc scenes aren't written that way. Rather, you have to give it room to build. Not that I want to project a life story which has me freaking out more and more each year...sooo, let's try something else, shall we!? Yes.
I love to use visualizations. I can choose to see in my mind's eye the image of a door OPENING WIDER to allow my expansion and greater authenticity, loving nature and joy. I choose to see and feel now my room becomes flooded with more light as the door opens even more and I am in it, dancing in this well lit room. I am a little girl child dancing. I am an awkward teen with Aussie-hairsprayed curly hair, braces, washed out jean shorts and neon "smiley face" t-shirts, dancing.
I am in college studying in the fishbowl, which is what we called one of the freshman libraries at Cornell. I am in my 20's in NYC but very depressed and severely eating disordered. Dancing? Yeah, why not. It's my visualization. Then, I am in my early 30's, waking up, healing, growing much stronger and happier, healthier, until I am right up to the moment in my room, flooded with soft light. Door OPEN. Letting more in. Still dancing. Nice.
I'm glad I'm doing a little pre-paving here for Friday and set out with a positive intention to ENJOY my birthday celebrations and revel in the abundance I have in my life, the growth I've experienced in the last year and positive changes I've made, not to mention my accomplishments -- there have been many in the last 12 months and I can choose to feel grateful.
Can you choose to see doors opening wide for you today? If there is any area of your life where you feel something diminishing, shrinking or closing in, can you instead declare the opposite intention? There can be a widening of the passage and expansion of the space but this is really up to you to declare it here and now. Let's have fun creating what we want and need...
Closing thought: If I ever feel like a door is closing on me, I pause and turn that thought/image right around. I instead see and feel doors opening and spaces widening, brightening and expanding. I AM enjoying life and the celebration!!!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Empowered To Rise
Good morning!
It's now 7:32 am and after meditating and writing for an hour, I am still not coming up with anything that feels authentic and like it's really connected to my core. So, rather than spend more time here and make myself late for work, I'm going to let go.
I release the need to fill the space. I'm not sure what is going on inside but it's O-K.
Closing thought: I show up and do my best. I let that be enough.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
It's now 7:32 am and after meditating and writing for an hour, I am still not coming up with anything that feels authentic and like it's really connected to my core. So, rather than spend more time here and make myself late for work, I'm going to let go.
I release the need to fill the space. I'm not sure what is going on inside but it's O-K.
Closing thought: I show up and do my best. I let that be enough.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Monday, May 24, 2010
Empowered To Rise: Heart Space
Good morning,
Last night, I listened to a friend of mine sing a beautiful ballad on stage at the Triad theater in New York. She was the closing act of a benefit show organized in her honor. It's been just 4 months since she survived acute liver failure and a liver transplant. My vantage point during her song was an interesting one -- I was sitting on a stool behind her along with the rest of the women with whom I helped organized the evening -- and I think just being that close to her in a position of support from behind moved me very deeply.
I didn't have to do anything but sit there and be present which to me illustrates the power of presence. I've written about this before but is so worth repeating and I need to remember it this morning. Sometimes all a person needs is the knowledge that you've got them. You're not holding the person up entirely but you are there in strength and will certainly be supportive if they need to lean back. I should reframe those pronouns and frame it in the "I" because I know that's certainly what I need these days as I build independence and strength but admittedly can't do it alone. I'm grateful for the powerful people who've got me and support me from behind. They are solid and I love them!
My friend looked and sounded gorgeous and when she sang you could see and feel how deep she was digging. Amazing. Although we did not draw the number of people for which we had hoped, it was an intimate evening that I'm confident uplifted my friend's spirit even if the amount of money raised will probably just cover the cost of one, maybe two, uninsured hospital visits with a specialist. Btw, it's not too late to donate money so if you're interested in helping an artist cover her health bills, by all means please let me know!
The other topic I wanted to address this morning has to do with two intenSati affirmations I'm practicing and teaching this month:
I allow my heart's desires
and
I put my heart above all else
I'm a single woman and I want to meet and fall in love with my SOUL mate, get married and eventually have a few babies. I have no idea how or when this is going to happen and the lack of control over the timing can be verrrrrry difficult for me. I appreciate very much that this is a time for me to mature and become an even healthier and stronger woman who can eventually enjoy the responsibilities of family life and motherhood.
My heart's desires and putting my heart above all else would mean I honor my vision and respect that after many years I am really clear about what I want in a relationship. Yes, I do know what I want. It's difficult to wait and pause and be in the space of positive expectation and deep desire, but it's not impossible. As the heart works there is a pause between each beat. It pumps. It rests. It pumps again. Then, it rests again. Something about that image of the rest period reminds me that I can live in the pause between the beats. The pauses are actually as necessary and nourishing as the beats themselves.
Closing thought: I support others and I am supported. I live comfortably in the space I am creating, space that is essential to allowing and attracting the deep desires of my heart that are for my highest good.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Last night, I listened to a friend of mine sing a beautiful ballad on stage at the Triad theater in New York. She was the closing act of a benefit show organized in her honor. It's been just 4 months since she survived acute liver failure and a liver transplant. My vantage point during her song was an interesting one -- I was sitting on a stool behind her along with the rest of the women with whom I helped organized the evening -- and I think just being that close to her in a position of support from behind moved me very deeply.
I didn't have to do anything but sit there and be present which to me illustrates the power of presence. I've written about this before but is so worth repeating and I need to remember it this morning. Sometimes all a person needs is the knowledge that you've got them. You're not holding the person up entirely but you are there in strength and will certainly be supportive if they need to lean back. I should reframe those pronouns and frame it in the "I" because I know that's certainly what I need these days as I build independence and strength but admittedly can't do it alone. I'm grateful for the powerful people who've got me and support me from behind. They are solid and I love them!
My friend looked and sounded gorgeous and when she sang you could see and feel how deep she was digging. Amazing. Although we did not draw the number of people for which we had hoped, it was an intimate evening that I'm confident uplifted my friend's spirit even if the amount of money raised will probably just cover the cost of one, maybe two, uninsured hospital visits with a specialist. Btw, it's not too late to donate money so if you're interested in helping an artist cover her health bills, by all means please let me know!
The other topic I wanted to address this morning has to do with two intenSati affirmations I'm practicing and teaching this month:
I allow my heart's desires
and
I put my heart above all else
I'm a single woman and I want to meet and fall in love with my SOUL mate, get married and eventually have a few babies. I have no idea how or when this is going to happen and the lack of control over the timing can be verrrrrry difficult for me. I appreciate very much that this is a time for me to mature and become an even healthier and stronger woman who can eventually enjoy the responsibilities of family life and motherhood.
My heart's desires and putting my heart above all else would mean I honor my vision and respect that after many years I am really clear about what I want in a relationship. Yes, I do know what I want. It's difficult to wait and pause and be in the space of positive expectation and deep desire, but it's not impossible. As the heart works there is a pause between each beat. It pumps. It rests. It pumps again. Then, it rests again. Something about that image of the rest period reminds me that I can live in the pause between the beats. The pauses are actually as necessary and nourishing as the beats themselves.
Closing thought: I support others and I am supported. I live comfortably in the space I am creating, space that is essential to allowing and attracting the deep desires of my heart that are for my highest good.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Sunday, May 23, 2010
You The Builder. Can You Fix It? You The Builder. Yes You Can.
Good morning,
Yesterday, when I taught intenSati at Equinox, I began class as intenSati instructors always do with introductory share related to the series I'm teaching. I like to bring new ideas on the spot and yesterday was no exception, as I found myself comparing personal transformation to fixing and decorating a wall. Yes, a wall.
In many people's cases, myself certainly included, the wall needs some repair. Now it's a GREAT wall, don't get me wrong, but it's got a few cracks. That's ok. Maybe some areas have a little water damage accumulated over the years and perhaps a few places where the paint is chipping. It can also use a little decorative art because some of the pictures are pretty old and just don't feel quite right anymore.
One option would be a quick-fix, speedy G effort that involves tossing some bright, glossy Benjamin Moore paint all over the wall. You can paint right over the cracks and cover up that water damage by adding a few coats. Maybe you can get this done in an afternoon! Some people would be immediately attracted to the shiny, freshly painted wall and perhaps come to see it and spend time admiring it... some because really like gazing at walls, particularly if it looks like their own or close to it, since there's a comfortability in what's familiar.
The problem is, what happens in that case is that over time the cracks will start to come through the paint. Or, areas of the wall will soften and perhaps start molding in the water saturated spots, creating a texture and odor that will be unpleasant. The wall could even fall down or crumble if the crevices that were ignored get bigger. The people who were attracted to your wall might leave rather quickly to find a prettier wall now that yours isn't looking so hot from their vantage point, even if it's still hot but has a few teeny flaws, because they can only tolerate standing at a wall that looks perfect on the outside.
Now, let's take person B who decides to spend a little more time repairing and transforming her wall. B uses whatever it is that painters use to fill up the cracks and then plaster over them so they are repaired. If there is a section or two of the wall that needs to be replaced then that process happens as well.
Okay, I just learned you can do it using a peel patch and it doesn't even take that long. :)
So, some areas may take a few hours to repair, others may take a few weeks or months if you try something that doesn't work and then you try again until something does. When it comes time to paint your wall, you're ready! Maybe the paint doesn't have to be so glossy because you're not trying to hide any wall damage. You can choose a softer color. Whatever works for you as long as you allow yourself to find just the right color.
You can also hang a few pictures because the wall is much stronger and can sustain the weight something very big and beautifully framed. Maybe you'd rather create a new photo montage with your own individual style. After all this work you're completely unafraid to be you and express yourself uniquely:
Okay, I just spent 30 minutes watching bizarre home decorating videos on YouTube and completely forgot where I was going with this!!
My point, oh yeah, I am going with B. I am B now!! I wrote yesterday about living in your light and brilliance. What I find comforting is the understanding that shining and repairing, healing and transforming are not mutually exclusive. You can be and most probably are doing both at the same time! Maybe they're different rooms of the same house. Maybe you want to spend a little time in both rooms today, knowing full well that you are co-creating and integrating spaces that are structurally sound and fabulously decorated in a home just for you!
Btw, one of my intenSati students is an interior designer and his name is Duane Kaschak. His work is beautiful!! My Uncle Joel is also an interior designer and brilliant. His website is http://www.gevisdesign.com/swfs/index.html. Can't resist the chance to plug my student and family :)
Closing thought: I accept that aspects of my healing and growth take time and careful attention, which I choose to give it because I am ready. I also revel in a joyful space that has great light and style, just like me!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
ps Reminder that tonight I am co-hosting and singing at a fundraiser for a friend of mine who survived a liver transplant. She is courageous, powerful and strong. She's also paying down her hospital bills and we're all going to help her out with that big time!
PLEASE come out and show your LOVE!!
Location: The Triad Theater, 158 W 72nd Street, (212) 362-2590
Time: 8-10 p.m.
When: TONIGHT! Sunday May 23
Tickets are $20 and there's a reasonably priced 2-drink minimum at The Triad.
If you can't make it but want to make a supportive donation, please use the PayPal account at consult@east-westpsychotherapy.com and the money will get delivered as a check. Make your donation today, please, and let me know if you have any questions. Thank you!
Yesterday, when I taught intenSati at Equinox, I began class as intenSati instructors always do with introductory share related to the series I'm teaching. I like to bring new ideas on the spot and yesterday was no exception, as I found myself comparing personal transformation to fixing and decorating a wall. Yes, a wall.
In many people's cases, myself certainly included, the wall needs some repair. Now it's a GREAT wall, don't get me wrong, but it's got a few cracks. That's ok. Maybe some areas have a little water damage accumulated over the years and perhaps a few places where the paint is chipping. It can also use a little decorative art because some of the pictures are pretty old and just don't feel quite right anymore.
One option would be a quick-fix, speedy G effort that involves tossing some bright, glossy Benjamin Moore paint all over the wall. You can paint right over the cracks and cover up that water damage by adding a few coats. Maybe you can get this done in an afternoon! Some people would be immediately attracted to the shiny, freshly painted wall and perhaps come to see it and spend time admiring it... some because really like gazing at walls, particularly if it looks like their own or close to it, since there's a comfortability in what's familiar.
The problem is, what happens in that case is that over time the cracks will start to come through the paint. Or, areas of the wall will soften and perhaps start molding in the water saturated spots, creating a texture and odor that will be unpleasant. The wall could even fall down or crumble if the crevices that were ignored get bigger. The people who were attracted to your wall might leave rather quickly to find a prettier wall now that yours isn't looking so hot from their vantage point, even if it's still hot but has a few teeny flaws, because they can only tolerate standing at a wall that looks perfect on the outside.
Now, let's take person B who decides to spend a little more time repairing and transforming her wall. B uses whatever it is that painters use to fill up the cracks and then plaster over them so they are repaired. If there is a section or two of the wall that needs to be replaced then that process happens as well.
Okay, I just learned you can do it using a peel patch and it doesn't even take that long. :)
So, some areas may take a few hours to repair, others may take a few weeks or months if you try something that doesn't work and then you try again until something does. When it comes time to paint your wall, you're ready! Maybe the paint doesn't have to be so glossy because you're not trying to hide any wall damage. You can choose a softer color. Whatever works for you as long as you allow yourself to find just the right color.
You can also hang a few pictures because the wall is much stronger and can sustain the weight something very big and beautifully framed. Maybe you'd rather create a new photo montage with your own individual style. After all this work you're completely unafraid to be you and express yourself uniquely:
Okay, I just spent 30 minutes watching bizarre home decorating videos on YouTube and completely forgot where I was going with this!!
My point, oh yeah, I am going with B. I am B now!! I wrote yesterday about living in your light and brilliance. What I find comforting is the understanding that shining and repairing, healing and transforming are not mutually exclusive. You can be and most probably are doing both at the same time! Maybe they're different rooms of the same house. Maybe you want to spend a little time in both rooms today, knowing full well that you are co-creating and integrating spaces that are structurally sound and fabulously decorated in a home just for you!
Btw, one of my intenSati students is an interior designer and his name is Duane Kaschak. His work is beautiful!! My Uncle Joel is also an interior designer and brilliant. His website is http://www.gevisdesign.com/swfs/index.html. Can't resist the chance to plug my student and family :)
Closing thought: I accept that aspects of my healing and growth take time and careful attention, which I choose to give it because I am ready. I also revel in a joyful space that has great light and style, just like me!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
ps Reminder that tonight I am co-hosting and singing at a fundraiser for a friend of mine who survived a liver transplant. She is courageous, powerful and strong. She's also paying down her hospital bills and we're all going to help her out with that big time!
PLEASE come out and show your LOVE!!
Location: The Triad Theater, 158 W 72nd Street, (212) 362-2590
Time: 8-10 p.m.
When: TONIGHT! Sunday May 23
Tickets are $20 and there's a reasonably priced 2-drink minimum at The Triad.
If you can't make it but want to make a supportive donation, please use the PayPal account at consult@east-westpsychotherapy.com and the money will get delivered as a check. Make your donation today, please, and let me know if you have any questions. Thank you!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Empowered To Rise: Light and Up
Good morning!
I'm currently healing "trigger points" in my upper back. They're these rather painful little doodads that are intense and sensitive. The American Family Journal defines them as, "discrete, focal, hyperirritable spots located in a taut band of skeletal muscle. They produce pain locally and in a referred pattern and often accompany chronic musculoskeletal disorders."
More generally, WebMD calls a trigger point, "a specific point or area where stimulation by touch, pain, or pressure induces a painful response."
I can see now that my body's manifested a condition -- trigger points-- that reflects how I'm learning to cope with triggers and handle situations that cause pressure without going for a "painful response" which is any emotional or behavior REACTION that causes even more pain!
I was recently re-introduced to the powerful Marianne Williamson quote which says, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us."
I've come to believe that fearing my own power and light has been one of my biggest triggers over the years. I accept that, as a result, I reacted by manifesting, attracting, practicing behaviors and allowing things into my life that threw a big, dark blanket over my light. If we're afraid of our light then yes, the natural response would be to create darkness or try to escape it, right? Yes, habits like overeating, spending recklessly, drinking, drugs, abusive relationships, work scenarios that are unfulfilling, not to mention self abusive habits like self criticism, negativity, self blame, etc., PUT OUT THE LIGHT, if only temporarily.
Can you imagine yourself in your light for a few moments. Whatever comes to mind -- it's the time when you feel free, blissful, powerful, connected and full of JOY...
Now, after a few minutes, can you think about stopping and shrinking into a slightly more darkened yet comfortable place. The familiar is back. The familiar job, routine, chronic injuries or sicknesses, emotional and behavioral reactions that you've done for a really long time. I'm not saying you're in the black, in fact, there may be some light peeking in there, in and out, but there are still limits and controls. Can you feel the contrast?
When you are your freest, your brightest, your greatest, your most magnificent -- when you are full of joy and in that kind of energetic place, you are not doing anything wrong. You are doing everything right!!!!!! You are also freeing others to feel their own light and how amazing it is that we're all helping each other release the pressure, release the pain and feel so connected to our power that what used to be trigger points just disappear or don't elicit a response at all.
You know you are making progress when your darkness behaviors begin to feel less comfortable than your moments in the sun. Can you also feel how this is not about being the best? It's not even about getting any kind of recognition or being seen or witnessed. It's very personal and can be something that happens in your most quiet place.
I hope you find the "Grace of the Sun" in yourself today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZckBl46cbs
(sorry that the hyperlink function isn't working or I haven't figured it out but cut and paste that song, it's soooo worth it!)
Closing thought: I slow down and open up to my own magnificent light today. I am so grateful I am connected to the grace of the sun inside me!!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
See you in class later!!
10AM CENTRAL PARK
12:45 PM LEXINGTON AND 63RD ST EQUINOX
I'm currently healing "trigger points" in my upper back. They're these rather painful little doodads that are intense and sensitive. The American Family Journal defines them as, "discrete, focal, hyperirritable spots located in a taut band of skeletal muscle. They produce pain locally and in a referred pattern and often accompany chronic musculoskeletal disorders."
More generally, WebMD calls a trigger point, "a specific point or area where stimulation by touch, pain, or pressure induces a painful response."
I can see now that my body's manifested a condition -- trigger points-- that reflects how I'm learning to cope with triggers and handle situations that cause pressure without going for a "painful response" which is any emotional or behavior REACTION that causes even more pain!
I was recently re-introduced to the powerful Marianne Williamson quote which says, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us."
I've come to believe that fearing my own power and light has been one of my biggest triggers over the years. I accept that, as a result, I reacted by manifesting, attracting, practicing behaviors and allowing things into my life that threw a big, dark blanket over my light. If we're afraid of our light then yes, the natural response would be to create darkness or try to escape it, right? Yes, habits like overeating, spending recklessly, drinking, drugs, abusive relationships, work scenarios that are unfulfilling, not to mention self abusive habits like self criticism, negativity, self blame, etc., PUT OUT THE LIGHT, if only temporarily.
Can you imagine yourself in your light for a few moments. Whatever comes to mind -- it's the time when you feel free, blissful, powerful, connected and full of JOY...
Now, after a few minutes, can you think about stopping and shrinking into a slightly more darkened yet comfortable place. The familiar is back. The familiar job, routine, chronic injuries or sicknesses, emotional and behavioral reactions that you've done for a really long time. I'm not saying you're in the black, in fact, there may be some light peeking in there, in and out, but there are still limits and controls. Can you feel the contrast?
When you are your freest, your brightest, your greatest, your most magnificent -- when you are full of joy and in that kind of energetic place, you are not doing anything wrong. You are doing everything right!!!!!! You are also freeing others to feel their own light and how amazing it is that we're all helping each other release the pressure, release the pain and feel so connected to our power that what used to be trigger points just disappear or don't elicit a response at all.
You know you are making progress when your darkness behaviors begin to feel less comfortable than your moments in the sun. Can you also feel how this is not about being the best? It's not even about getting any kind of recognition or being seen or witnessed. It's very personal and can be something that happens in your most quiet place.
I hope you find the "Grace of the Sun" in yourself today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZckBl46cbs
(sorry that the hyperlink function isn't working or I haven't figured it out but cut and paste that song, it's soooo worth it!)
Closing thought: I slow down and open up to my own magnificent light today. I am so grateful I am connected to the grace of the sun inside me!!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
See you in class later!!
10AM CENTRAL PARK
12:45 PM LEXINGTON AND 63RD ST EQUINOX
Friday, May 21, 2010
Empowered To Rise: Help On The Way
Good morning!
There are ample opportunities to be of service in the world. How cool is it that the internet has made it a cinch to get hooked up with organizations that are doing work you can support? Every exchange you have with someone is a chance to pay it forward. You patiently accept a waitress who's clearly having a bad day and got your order wrong 3x. Or, your welcoming smile quiets a toddler who's been screaming his head off on the crosstown bus. You just gave his mom (and yourself!) a moment to relax. I'm working on being more aware of others during my morning commute, especially on the subway, because I sometimes inadvertently swing my bulky gym bag around like a tether ball and whack people if I'm moving too fast. This is not exactly raising the positive vibration of the 6 train! My point is that we're constantly interacting and contributing to the energetic environment of ourselves and our surroundings so we may as well do our best to keep it clean.
This Sunday night at 8pm I am performing at a benefit/fundraiser for a gorgeous, talented, performing artist friend of mine who is in the midst of paying down thousands of dollars of hospital bills she sustained after getting sick and needing a liver transplant. Why did she need a liver transplant? A legal, mainstream, over-the-counter diet drug that she took gave her acute liver failure.
I have deep compassion for my friend who did not have any idea the drug she was taking would jeopardize her health and throw her life into a tailspin. I can identify and relate to going to any lengths to control my weight and ending up with a mountain of health bills. I was hospitalized 5 1/2 years ago for an eating disorder and the insurance didn't pick up my outpatient treatment because of the "pre existing condition" clause. Despite months of contesting, I lost the case and the cost was in the thousands of dollars range. This is different than my friend's scenario, of course, but getting together for her does feel like I am taking a stand for myself, too, as well as anybody else for whom a diet plan and attempts to curb the appetite snowballed into something far more life threatening than a few extra pounds.
So, if you're in town this weekend and want to come to the event on Sunday night, it's going to be a really fun time!! Lots of singing (myself included), a sweet raffle, and even a Single Guy Auction, though I'll warn you now that I'm saving my money to bid on the cutest guy there so you're going to have some competition from me! :) If you can't attend but you do want to make a donation to help support my friend Monique, please let me know. She's accepting checks made out directly to her and your gift would be very much appreciated.
Event details
Date: Sunday, May 23, 2010
Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Triad, 158 West 72nd Street
Cost: $20 cover and 2 drink minimum
Closing thought: I open my heart to someone who needs my help. I am so grateful for the gift of life. It is worth going to any lengths for my health and happiness!!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Sati class reminder...
I am teaching twice tomorrow on SATURDAY! 10am in Central Park and 12:45pm at Lex/63rd. I look forward to seeing you in class!! Msg me for a guest pass!
There are ample opportunities to be of service in the world. How cool is it that the internet has made it a cinch to get hooked up with organizations that are doing work you can support? Every exchange you have with someone is a chance to pay it forward. You patiently accept a waitress who's clearly having a bad day and got your order wrong 3x. Or, your welcoming smile quiets a toddler who's been screaming his head off on the crosstown bus. You just gave his mom (and yourself!) a moment to relax. I'm working on being more aware of others during my morning commute, especially on the subway, because I sometimes inadvertently swing my bulky gym bag around like a tether ball and whack people if I'm moving too fast. This is not exactly raising the positive vibration of the 6 train! My point is that we're constantly interacting and contributing to the energetic environment of ourselves and our surroundings so we may as well do our best to keep it clean.
This Sunday night at 8pm I am performing at a benefit/fundraiser for a gorgeous, talented, performing artist friend of mine who is in the midst of paying down thousands of dollars of hospital bills she sustained after getting sick and needing a liver transplant. Why did she need a liver transplant? A legal, mainstream, over-the-counter diet drug that she took gave her acute liver failure.
I have deep compassion for my friend who did not have any idea the drug she was taking would jeopardize her health and throw her life into a tailspin. I can identify and relate to going to any lengths to control my weight and ending up with a mountain of health bills. I was hospitalized 5 1/2 years ago for an eating disorder and the insurance didn't pick up my outpatient treatment because of the "pre existing condition" clause. Despite months of contesting, I lost the case and the cost was in the thousands of dollars range. This is different than my friend's scenario, of course, but getting together for her does feel like I am taking a stand for myself, too, as well as anybody else for whom a diet plan and attempts to curb the appetite snowballed into something far more life threatening than a few extra pounds.
So, if you're in town this weekend and want to come to the event on Sunday night, it's going to be a really fun time!! Lots of singing (myself included), a sweet raffle, and even a Single Guy Auction, though I'll warn you now that I'm saving my money to bid on the cutest guy there so you're going to have some competition from me! :) If you can't attend but you do want to make a donation to help support my friend Monique, please let me know. She's accepting checks made out directly to her and your gift would be very much appreciated.
Event details
Date: Sunday, May 23, 2010
Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Triad, 158 West 72nd Street
Cost: $20 cover and 2 drink minimum
Closing thought: I open my heart to someone who needs my help. I am so grateful for the gift of life. It is worth going to any lengths for my health and happiness!!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Sati class reminder...
I am teaching twice tomorrow on SATURDAY! 10am in Central Park and 12:45pm at Lex/63rd. I look forward to seeing you in class!! Msg me for a guest pass!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Empowered To Rise: Learning To Heal
Good morning!
How are you? This question is often thrown around as if it's rhetorical. Now, we're more likely to think in terms of "What's my status?" as opposed to how we really feel. So, as if you were the best listener with all the time in the world, can you pause and listen to your own answer to the question of how you are really doing or feeling right now?
I think the reason we don't check in with ourselves often is because we're afraid we might discover an answer we don't want to hear. For instance, if we recognize a need for more self care, that can be scary or frustrating, right? It's like, Oh shit, I really do have a pain here or an unresolved issue with that person over there that it's time to deal with....now I'm aware of it and need to take some action!
That's where your strength comes in. I've alluded to but haven't been entirely specific about a few injuries I've sustained lately. The truth is I have a pinched nerve in my neck, trigger points in my upper back, a lower back/hip issue as well as something happening in my left fibula bone that is very likely a stress fracture (I'm seeing my sports ortho tomorrow). This is in addition to my right ankle which is never at full strength due to past ligament damage. Eeegads.
You can imagine how much I wanted to run from the pain and the responsibility of cleaning this all up by figuring out the causes and healing my body!! I've been fighting the urge to beat myself up for this and blame myself for overtraining and failing to do things that would support my body -- things like yoga, strength training and appropriate rest periods. Does that help the situation? No. The loving thing to do though in this case is love not judge. Then, follow the best course of healing and therapies I can in faith I will be restored to excellent health. So, if you're wondering how to tap into your strength I would say one of the best things you can do is stop criticizing or blaming yourself. As I've heard it said, "Put down the bat and pick up the feather."
Another gift of an obstacle or some adversity is it teaches you new ways of doing things. I am learning to modify movement while I teach and still be effective and motivating. I'm learning how to carry my body around the City with care and relax it throughout the day so I'm not carrying as much stress. I'm also learning to breathe into and tolerate pain and discomfort. I'm even changing up my exercise routine and trying things like pilates, yoga and spinning. I miss not being at full power and strength but I know that will return. The faith piece is so huge, isn't it?
Then there is perspective. Does it help you reduce the intensity of your "problems" by comparing them to someone who has clearly got it worse? I sometimes feel weird doing that but lately I found this one scenario I'm just keying into. I don't know if you follow international soccer but the captain of the German national team, Michael Ballack, was injured in league play (he plays for Chelsea) after he was tackled by a guy on the opposing side (Portsmouth). His ankle ligaments are torn and now he can't play in the World Cup next month. Anytime I go to complain about my situation, I think about Ballack. Then this pops into my head, which is, "Now THAT sucks." Then I feel mine is so not bad in comparison. I feel so bad for this guy. I mean, can you imagine his disappointment as well as how German fans around the world who were so excited for next month are feeling!? I imagine Ballack has to do what he can do to put his own scenario in perspective and I guess it's all relative. I'm not saying this works for everybody but it's helping me to think about what he has to contend with and it inspires me to just let go of my self pity.
The final thing I'll say with respect to an obstacle is that maybe it's going to end up being a greater gift than you could've imagined. Since I've been forced to physically slow down, I am feeling like I am actually slowing down mentally and emotionally, too. I'm feeling more present and in the moment as opposed to CONSUMED by a rush to get certain places asap!! This desire to get places quickly has been a big one for me and in some cases it's proven to be useful but in other instances, entirely debilitating. Why? Well, I've compromised my patience and wanted to control others, started to disregard PROCESS and lost site of what I used to understand quite well -- that doing a thorough job with something takes time, especially if you've never done something before, and a rush job can lead to just a mess of a result, even if you are coming from a place of love and passion.
I have a lot more I want to say this morning but I think the important takeaways are:
Be Honest with yourself about how you really feel
Find Strength and Perspective to help deal with any issues you need to address
Slow Down so you don't do a hack job with yourself and your life.
Have a great day!!!!! XO
Closing thought: I practice stellar self-love and self-care by being honest, strong, reasonable and patient.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
How are you? This question is often thrown around as if it's rhetorical. Now, we're more likely to think in terms of "What's my status?" as opposed to how we really feel. So, as if you were the best listener with all the time in the world, can you pause and listen to your own answer to the question of how you are really doing or feeling right now?
I think the reason we don't check in with ourselves often is because we're afraid we might discover an answer we don't want to hear. For instance, if we recognize a need for more self care, that can be scary or frustrating, right? It's like, Oh shit, I really do have a pain here or an unresolved issue with that person over there that it's time to deal with....now I'm aware of it and need to take some action!
That's where your strength comes in. I've alluded to but haven't been entirely specific about a few injuries I've sustained lately. The truth is I have a pinched nerve in my neck, trigger points in my upper back, a lower back/hip issue as well as something happening in my left fibula bone that is very likely a stress fracture (I'm seeing my sports ortho tomorrow). This is in addition to my right ankle which is never at full strength due to past ligament damage. Eeegads.
You can imagine how much I wanted to run from the pain and the responsibility of cleaning this all up by figuring out the causes and healing my body!! I've been fighting the urge to beat myself up for this and blame myself for overtraining and failing to do things that would support my body -- things like yoga, strength training and appropriate rest periods. Does that help the situation? No. The loving thing to do though in this case is love not judge. Then, follow the best course of healing and therapies I can in faith I will be restored to excellent health. So, if you're wondering how to tap into your strength I would say one of the best things you can do is stop criticizing or blaming yourself. As I've heard it said, "Put down the bat and pick up the feather."
Another gift of an obstacle or some adversity is it teaches you new ways of doing things. I am learning to modify movement while I teach and still be effective and motivating. I'm learning how to carry my body around the City with care and relax it throughout the day so I'm not carrying as much stress. I'm also learning to breathe into and tolerate pain and discomfort. I'm even changing up my exercise routine and trying things like pilates, yoga and spinning. I miss not being at full power and strength but I know that will return. The faith piece is so huge, isn't it?
Then there is perspective. Does it help you reduce the intensity of your "problems" by comparing them to someone who has clearly got it worse? I sometimes feel weird doing that but lately I found this one scenario I'm just keying into. I don't know if you follow international soccer but the captain of the German national team, Michael Ballack, was injured in league play (he plays for Chelsea) after he was tackled by a guy on the opposing side (Portsmouth). His ankle ligaments are torn and now he can't play in the World Cup next month. Anytime I go to complain about my situation, I think about Ballack. Then this pops into my head, which is, "Now THAT sucks." Then I feel mine is so not bad in comparison. I feel so bad for this guy. I mean, can you imagine his disappointment as well as how German fans around the world who were so excited for next month are feeling!? I imagine Ballack has to do what he can do to put his own scenario in perspective and I guess it's all relative. I'm not saying this works for everybody but it's helping me to think about what he has to contend with and it inspires me to just let go of my self pity.
The final thing I'll say with respect to an obstacle is that maybe it's going to end up being a greater gift than you could've imagined. Since I've been forced to physically slow down, I am feeling like I am actually slowing down mentally and emotionally, too. I'm feeling more present and in the moment as opposed to CONSUMED by a rush to get certain places asap!! This desire to get places quickly has been a big one for me and in some cases it's proven to be useful but in other instances, entirely debilitating. Why? Well, I've compromised my patience and wanted to control others, started to disregard PROCESS and lost site of what I used to understand quite well -- that doing a thorough job with something takes time, especially if you've never done something before, and a rush job can lead to just a mess of a result, even if you are coming from a place of love and passion.
I have a lot more I want to say this morning but I think the important takeaways are:
Be Honest with yourself about how you really feel
Find Strength and Perspective to help deal with any issues you need to address
Slow Down so you don't do a hack job with yourself and your life.
Have a great day!!!!! XO
Closing thought: I practice stellar self-love and self-care by being honest, strong, reasonable and patient.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Empowered To Rise: Ask Your Intuition
Good morning!
Today I am going to share a little writing exercise with you. Simply start by taking a few deep breaths to center yourself. Then, imagine the distractions and things that are pulling you in so many directions just falling away so that all that remains is you in your stillness. You can pick up all those other things -- work, family obligations, bills, facebook, twitter, the gym, figuring out what to wear today -- in a couple of minutes but for right now, they're on the shelf. All that remains is the part of you that has a very clear, direct line to your intuition and inner strength. Now, ask, What do you want to say to me this morning? Then, take a deep breath and write.
You can do that now if you want :)
Or, if you want to just read what came up for me, here it is:
You are healing. Slowly. It takes time. Can you do less so you feel less scattered? Can you do more for your needs and trust I'll fill your life with abundance, plants, flowers, little kids, joyful dances, a deep sense of purpose, a connection to what is real...you create the space and I fill it up.
So that's my morning conversation with my intuition and I see that it's about healing, letting go and remaining open to receive what the Universe has to offer. I love that there's something in there about a deep sense of purpose because with respect to my career pursuits, I was feeling very frustrated again yesterday and wondering how much longer I'm going to spend 40 hours/wk working as an executive assistant. I haven't quite figured myself out yet. I've certainly figured out I'm a writer and the last I heard there are venues for writers to write and get paid but I don't go there. I am staying inside a few boxes, perhaps, and maybe the slowing down is going to help. I need to feel a little less like a soft crepe spread thinly across a pan and more like a big, abundant fluffy pancake (can't help the breakfast talk at this hour). I want to transition into career work I love and feel excited to get up and do each day. I also accepted yesterday that maybe I don't have to have careers or financial payoffs in ALL my passions. I'm not saying I'm giving up the idea but it's a lot of pressure to associate everything I love with "success" in the commercial sense.
Singers sing. Dancers dance. Actors act. Writers write. intenSati groupies lead intenSati. :) Helpers help.
I do all these things now and maybe some will be "hobbies" forever and others will be "jobs" and still others will form my "career" and would that be the end of the world? Not if I'm feeling the passion and bliss of each activity.
Maybe take some time this morning or today to do that writing exercise at the top of the page. You will almost certainly discover something new or reach a deeper level of awareness. Writing just lifts the veil.
Closing thought: I invite my intuition to speak to me and as a result I feel a deeper connection to my inner strength. I am open to new ways of looking at the work I do and ask for real purpose in my life as well as courage to guide me in all my endeavors.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Today I am going to share a little writing exercise with you. Simply start by taking a few deep breaths to center yourself. Then, imagine the distractions and things that are pulling you in so many directions just falling away so that all that remains is you in your stillness. You can pick up all those other things -- work, family obligations, bills, facebook, twitter, the gym, figuring out what to wear today -- in a couple of minutes but for right now, they're on the shelf. All that remains is the part of you that has a very clear, direct line to your intuition and inner strength. Now, ask, What do you want to say to me this morning? Then, take a deep breath and write.
You can do that now if you want :)
Or, if you want to just read what came up for me, here it is:
You are healing. Slowly. It takes time. Can you do less so you feel less scattered? Can you do more for your needs and trust I'll fill your life with abundance, plants, flowers, little kids, joyful dances, a deep sense of purpose, a connection to what is real...you create the space and I fill it up.
So that's my morning conversation with my intuition and I see that it's about healing, letting go and remaining open to receive what the Universe has to offer. I love that there's something in there about a deep sense of purpose because with respect to my career pursuits, I was feeling very frustrated again yesterday and wondering how much longer I'm going to spend 40 hours/wk working as an executive assistant. I haven't quite figured myself out yet. I've certainly figured out I'm a writer and the last I heard there are venues for writers to write and get paid but I don't go there. I am staying inside a few boxes, perhaps, and maybe the slowing down is going to help. I need to feel a little less like a soft crepe spread thinly across a pan and more like a big, abundant fluffy pancake (can't help the breakfast talk at this hour). I want to transition into career work I love and feel excited to get up and do each day. I also accepted yesterday that maybe I don't have to have careers or financial payoffs in ALL my passions. I'm not saying I'm giving up the idea but it's a lot of pressure to associate everything I love with "success" in the commercial sense.
Singers sing. Dancers dance. Actors act. Writers write. intenSati groupies lead intenSati. :) Helpers help.
I do all these things now and maybe some will be "hobbies" forever and others will be "jobs" and still others will form my "career" and would that be the end of the world? Not if I'm feeling the passion and bliss of each activity.
Maybe take some time this morning or today to do that writing exercise at the top of the page. You will almost certainly discover something new or reach a deeper level of awareness. Writing just lifts the veil.
Closing thought: I invite my intuition to speak to me and as a result I feel a deeper connection to my inner strength. I am open to new ways of looking at the work I do and ask for real purpose in my life as well as courage to guide me in all my endeavors.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Empowered To Rise: Bikram and Body Love
Good morning!
One of the places my mind wandered when I was practicing bikram yoga last night for the first time was to how I'd describe the experience for my blog. I was coming up with metaphors for the initial scent of the studio (salty Pringles potato chips that were left out in a rainstorm and started to decompose), reactions to placing my sock-clad toes onto carpet moistened with sweat that wasn't mine (I'd rather walk over coals), and judgments towards other students (Wow, boy shorts really are cute but hmm, not in leopard print.).
The challenge I had for the first few minutes on top of those sensations was my instructor. She was a petite woman who probably weighed about 90 pounds but had such strength I thought she could take on and defeat multiple Sumo wrestlers at once. The reason I thought "Sumo" was because she had a thick, thick Japanese accent. I honestly had a very hard time understanding what she was saying partly because she spoke so fast! The Sanskrit words were completely lost on me. All I tuned into at first was what she directed at me and the other first-time students -- "Very good, new friends, very good." The style of her coaching was like leading an auction at Sotheby's, each pose being a different item up for bid, because she shouted commands slowly at first and then increased and increased the speed. "Arms overhead, fingers interlaced, relax your shoulders, reach, reach, REACH, AHHHHH!" I swear it was like, "Do I hear 40? 40 to the woman in leopard boy shorts. Do I hear 100? 100 to the lady in red boy shorts. 100 going once, twice, SOLD, to the Lady in Red boy shorts, the highest bidder!" Great, now I had UB-40 in my head, too. (NOTE: UB-40 does not sing Lady in Red. They sing Red Red Wine. Lady in Red is by Chris DeBurgh and I only know this thanks to one of my Facebook friends who commented on my post.)
I had a case of the giggles and as I started to sweat I could only make more and more jokes to myself. Defense mechanism activated!! More bizarre, heat activated thoughts. I imagined myself as the Wicked Witch of the West saying, "I'm mellllllting," in a Japanese-dubbed version of The Wizard of Oz. Ok, you get it -- I was entertaining and distracting myself -- and I started to judge myself for that! I was there to practice YOGA, what the heck is going on here?! So, I took a deep breath and just tried to focus on my breathing. In and out. In and out. Through the nose. Calming breaths. Sweat dripping everywhere. I began to settle down. Pfew.
I started to really like and trust my little powerhouse of a teacher (especially after she gave us permission to sip water) and l let it go that I couldn't make out 100% of what she was saying, realizing that because I was focusing so hard on holding the postures, I don't think I would've been able to hear anybody clearly. Anyway, she was really skilled and had a sense of humor, too. "Keep your booty dowwwwn!" and the room chuckled and started taking on a light, buoyant energy. I started to relax more and concentrate. I was doing it and it felt really good. At times I was in the zone. The HOT zone!! :) I did end up getting a great workout and really dug the experience, the challenge and intensity of it, and how great I felt afterward (not much nausea at all). There's this open terrace area outside the studio and right after class I went on it and stood outside. It was now 9:30pm. I felt the cool, crisp air and relief and the rhythm of passing cars down below. I smiled.
I like stories that have happy endings but even if all I did during last night's class was crack jokes and giggle to myself, judge, complain, ruminate, want to escape and hated it or whatever, it would not have mattered. I was there to try something new. There's no right or wrong, better or worse, when it comes to these sorts of things. I'm glad I was able to quiet my mind and practice but really, if I didn't, does that mean I failed? Nah. It is what it is. I tried something new in the interest of better health, healing and improved flexibility and strength to support my intenSati, dance, and cross training activities.
We are such intelligent people. We have answers and ideas inside of us to let us know our needs. I hope if this morning affords you the opportunity to be still and quiet, you can ask yourself what you really need to do today to love your body.
Wherever you are in your physical being and shape, can you accept reality and work with it, gently and lovingly?
Closing thought: I love myself and my body. I take actions that are healthy and treat myself really well! It is up to me and I enjoy the responsibility of taking care of myself.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
One of the places my mind wandered when I was practicing bikram yoga last night for the first time was to how I'd describe the experience for my blog. I was coming up with metaphors for the initial scent of the studio (salty Pringles potato chips that were left out in a rainstorm and started to decompose), reactions to placing my sock-clad toes onto carpet moistened with sweat that wasn't mine (I'd rather walk over coals), and judgments towards other students (Wow, boy shorts really are cute but hmm, not in leopard print.).
The challenge I had for the first few minutes on top of those sensations was my instructor. She was a petite woman who probably weighed about 90 pounds but had such strength I thought she could take on and defeat multiple Sumo wrestlers at once. The reason I thought "Sumo" was because she had a thick, thick Japanese accent. I honestly had a very hard time understanding what she was saying partly because she spoke so fast! The Sanskrit words were completely lost on me. All I tuned into at first was what she directed at me and the other first-time students -- "Very good, new friends, very good." The style of her coaching was like leading an auction at Sotheby's, each pose being a different item up for bid, because she shouted commands slowly at first and then increased and increased the speed. "Arms overhead, fingers interlaced, relax your shoulders, reach, reach, REACH, AHHHHH!" I swear it was like, "Do I hear 40? 40 to the woman in leopard boy shorts. Do I hear 100? 100 to the lady in red boy shorts. 100 going once, twice, SOLD, to the Lady in Red boy shorts, the highest bidder!" Great, now I had UB-40 in my head, too. (NOTE: UB-40 does not sing Lady in Red. They sing Red Red Wine. Lady in Red is by Chris DeBurgh and I only know this thanks to one of my Facebook friends who commented on my post.)
I had a case of the giggles and as I started to sweat I could only make more and more jokes to myself. Defense mechanism activated!! More bizarre, heat activated thoughts. I imagined myself as the Wicked Witch of the West saying, "I'm mellllllting," in a Japanese-dubbed version of The Wizard of Oz. Ok, you get it -- I was entertaining and distracting myself -- and I started to judge myself for that! I was there to practice YOGA, what the heck is going on here?! So, I took a deep breath and just tried to focus on my breathing. In and out. In and out. Through the nose. Calming breaths. Sweat dripping everywhere. I began to settle down. Pfew.
I started to really like and trust my little powerhouse of a teacher (especially after she gave us permission to sip water) and l let it go that I couldn't make out 100% of what she was saying, realizing that because I was focusing so hard on holding the postures, I don't think I would've been able to hear anybody clearly. Anyway, she was really skilled and had a sense of humor, too. "Keep your booty dowwwwn!" and the room chuckled and started taking on a light, buoyant energy. I started to relax more and concentrate. I was doing it and it felt really good. At times I was in the zone. The HOT zone!! :) I did end up getting a great workout and really dug the experience, the challenge and intensity of it, and how great I felt afterward (not much nausea at all). There's this open terrace area outside the studio and right after class I went on it and stood outside. It was now 9:30pm. I felt the cool, crisp air and relief and the rhythm of passing cars down below. I smiled.
I like stories that have happy endings but even if all I did during last night's class was crack jokes and giggle to myself, judge, complain, ruminate, want to escape and hated it or whatever, it would not have mattered. I was there to try something new. There's no right or wrong, better or worse, when it comes to these sorts of things. I'm glad I was able to quiet my mind and practice but really, if I didn't, does that mean I failed? Nah. It is what it is. I tried something new in the interest of better health, healing and improved flexibility and strength to support my intenSati, dance, and cross training activities.
We are such intelligent people. We have answers and ideas inside of us to let us know our needs. I hope if this morning affords you the opportunity to be still and quiet, you can ask yourself what you really need to do today to love your body.
Wherever you are in your physical being and shape, can you accept reality and work with it, gently and lovingly?
Closing thought: I love myself and my body. I take actions that are healthy and treat myself really well! It is up to me and I enjoy the responsibility of taking care of myself.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Monday, May 17, 2010
Beautiful and Awake
Good morning!
I love the moment just before my fingers stroke my keypad. I am just sitting in my chair, sipping coffee and wondering where I will travel in my mind and heart. I am reflecting on yesterday and integrating some feelings and events I just experienced. There were a lot this weekend and sometimes when that happens the less I say the better and the most important thing I can do as I write is not rush things. That's a little hard since I have to leave for work in about an hour but that's Ok. Maybe I'll say less but it will be from a more grounded place.
I am a dancer. I didn't know to what extent I could move my body for two days straight in all sorts of ways, shapes, bends, boogies, and expressions but BOY did I learn and WOW, my heart calls me to dance for a reason. It is my love, my joy, and the deeper I go into this passion the freer I am and the further away my past feels. For years I let my past keep me, NOPE, wait, I've CHOSEN to let my past keep me from delving into dance and other passions for I think two main reasons: 1. I let it give me the excuse that it's too late now and just sit in the wishing/wanting I "didn't waste so much time" 2. I let it convince me I was a failure and could only fail at that which I wanted to try.
You don't even need to know the details of my past. They are irrelevant, a lost story, and mine is gone, gone, gone. Was there pain? Yes. Suffering? Sure. Regret? Roger that but am I the only one who didn't escape some ups and downs? Ha. That's laughable and pretty egotistical, not to mention distorted, and I say that with love not judgment. I've spent many years thinking, speaking and writing about my past as if I have some sort of hearing disorder and didn't get it the first 200 times. I don't. Have a hearing disorder, I mean, I'm actually quite a good listener -- particularly to my own drama -- and the same way I appreciate it when people trust me to be quick on the uptake, I can give myself the same credit. After many years of therapy, group work, writing and whatnot I don't need to be repeating my story to myself or anyone else.
As I was reminded this past weekend, the slate is blank and we begin again anew every single day. We are able to write and craft the stories we want starting now.
Who knew my path and the kind of growth and maturation I need would be found practicing and teaching group fitness but that's exactly what's happening. You get some deep stuff when you find the right teachers and formats! It's like Forest Gump with his box of chocolates and never knowing what you're going to get. You think you have plain chocolate (as if chocolate could ever be plain) until, wait, what's that?! Bing! Surprise! It's a chewy, cherry center!
Didn't you know that cherries are the universal sign for "deep stuff" or even spirituality!? Ha ha, well, not exactly but they sure taste good annnnnd the cherry blossom does have some meaning! This, according to Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, who write, "The cherry blossom is seen as a symbol of beauty, awakening, and the transience of life. In a haiku, Issa has written:
"In the cherry blossoms' shade
There is no such thing as a stranger."
Maybe chocolate is just the universal sign for FUN!
I am here for a few reasons but one is definitely to help people work out, dance, move, write, wake up, heal, explore, laugh and who knows what else. I love this!!! Towards that end, if you live in NYC and wants to take class with me please let me know. I've decided to set up shop at a (tbd) studio and teach a few group fitness classes. I also travel to teach and give workshops. Love fitness will travel. Awesome.
Lots of love to you and I wish for you growth and love. Thank you for listening and reading these words this morning. Ooops, I almost forgot a closing thought....
Closing thought: It is a new day and I celebrate that I am a beautiful, free spirit, a dancer and a healer.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
I love the moment just before my fingers stroke my keypad. I am just sitting in my chair, sipping coffee and wondering where I will travel in my mind and heart. I am reflecting on yesterday and integrating some feelings and events I just experienced. There were a lot this weekend and sometimes when that happens the less I say the better and the most important thing I can do as I write is not rush things. That's a little hard since I have to leave for work in about an hour but that's Ok. Maybe I'll say less but it will be from a more grounded place.
I am a dancer. I didn't know to what extent I could move my body for two days straight in all sorts of ways, shapes, bends, boogies, and expressions but BOY did I learn and WOW, my heart calls me to dance for a reason. It is my love, my joy, and the deeper I go into this passion the freer I am and the further away my past feels. For years I let my past keep me, NOPE, wait, I've CHOSEN to let my past keep me from delving into dance and other passions for I think two main reasons: 1. I let it give me the excuse that it's too late now and just sit in the wishing/wanting I "didn't waste so much time" 2. I let it convince me I was a failure and could only fail at that which I wanted to try.
You don't even need to know the details of my past. They are irrelevant, a lost story, and mine is gone, gone, gone. Was there pain? Yes. Suffering? Sure. Regret? Roger that but am I the only one who didn't escape some ups and downs? Ha. That's laughable and pretty egotistical, not to mention distorted, and I say that with love not judgment. I've spent many years thinking, speaking and writing about my past as if I have some sort of hearing disorder and didn't get it the first 200 times. I don't. Have a hearing disorder, I mean, I'm actually quite a good listener -- particularly to my own drama -- and the same way I appreciate it when people trust me to be quick on the uptake, I can give myself the same credit. After many years of therapy, group work, writing and whatnot I don't need to be repeating my story to myself or anyone else.
As I was reminded this past weekend, the slate is blank and we begin again anew every single day. We are able to write and craft the stories we want starting now.
Who knew my path and the kind of growth and maturation I need would be found practicing and teaching group fitness but that's exactly what's happening. You get some deep stuff when you find the right teachers and formats! It's like Forest Gump with his box of chocolates and never knowing what you're going to get. You think you have plain chocolate (as if chocolate could ever be plain) until, wait, what's that?! Bing! Surprise! It's a chewy, cherry center!
Didn't you know that cherries are the universal sign for "deep stuff" or even spirituality!? Ha ha, well, not exactly but they sure taste good annnnnd the cherry blossom does have some meaning! This, according to Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, who write, "The cherry blossom is seen as a symbol of beauty, awakening, and the transience of life. In a haiku, Issa has written:
"In the cherry blossoms' shade
There is no such thing as a stranger."
Maybe chocolate is just the universal sign for FUN!
I am here for a few reasons but one is definitely to help people work out, dance, move, write, wake up, heal, explore, laugh and who knows what else. I love this!!! Towards that end, if you live in NYC and wants to take class with me please let me know. I've decided to set up shop at a (tbd) studio and teach a few group fitness classes. I also travel to teach and give workshops. Love fitness will travel. Awesome.
Lots of love to you and I wish for you growth and love. Thank you for listening and reading these words this morning. Ooops, I almost forgot a closing thought....
Closing thought: It is a new day and I celebrate that I am a beautiful, free spirit, a dancer and a healer.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Time Is Flying So Have Fun!
Good morning!
I hope you're enjoying your weekend!
Can you begin this morning by pausing and recognizing your own growth? Do you have more belief and faith than you used to? Do you now believe that any negative thoughts floating around in your brain only become predictions and intentions if you listen to them? That's great progress. Even if you still think these thoughts, at least you're not buying them or allowing them to keep you from taking action!
I woke up feeing that time is moving fast. I am not one of those people who you'll hear saying, "Is it May ALREADY? I can't believe it's almost Memorial Day! I can't believe it's almost Summer!" yet I do feel myself wishing things would slow down a bit. Wow, it really is almost summer!!
That said, with time moving, let's truly make the most of it!
I was searching just now for Gwen Stefani's song, "What You Waiting For" and came across this Dr. Seuss quote, so let's go with that first...
Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite. Or waiting around for Friday night or waiting perhaps for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil or a better break or a string of pearls or a pair of pants or a wig with curls or another chance. Everyone is just waiting. ~Dr. Seuss
Does that resonate? That's probably been one of my biggest excuses in the past -- that there is always a "a better time" to do some of the things I want to do so I'll just wait a little bit longer. Weight's a big one. When I'm thinner I'll start dating, auditioning, performing, etc., Self esteem is another. When I FEEL more confident I'll start...No and no. If there's a reason to delay either, make sure it's legit because otherwise you're just sitting on and squashing your own potential for expansion and growth.
Bring on Gwen! This clip is really funny and even starts off w/ a little play on the search for inspiration...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdcObAQ5OOM
"Life is short you're capable." Love her!!!!
One more thing. Do you LOVE having FUN? I know that may seem like a no-brainer question -- who doesn't like having fun, right? -- but it's really something to be mindful of because I think a lot of us can get so mired down in pressures (self induced or external), distracted by projects or situations, or disconnected from the really playful, joyful parts of ourselves that fun starts getting a little lost. So today might be a good day to let loose a little and do some things where the only purpose is to HAVE SOME FUN!
Closing thought: I have more faith than ever before. I make the most of each day by doing what I love and having fun!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Sati class update!
Elise Green is wonderful and amazing and she's teaching intenSati at NYU from 1:30-2:30pm. 40 E 14th St. New York, N.Y. 10003 (Multi-Purpose room on the 3rd Floor at the Palladium. Entrance is at 140 E 14th St. next to the Trader Joe's. If you want to go, message me and I'll put you in touch with Elise OR friend her here on Facebook and send her a message!
I hope you're enjoying your weekend!
Can you begin this morning by pausing and recognizing your own growth? Do you have more belief and faith than you used to? Do you now believe that any negative thoughts floating around in your brain only become predictions and intentions if you listen to them? That's great progress. Even if you still think these thoughts, at least you're not buying them or allowing them to keep you from taking action!
I woke up feeing that time is moving fast. I am not one of those people who you'll hear saying, "Is it May ALREADY? I can't believe it's almost Memorial Day! I can't believe it's almost Summer!" yet I do feel myself wishing things would slow down a bit. Wow, it really is almost summer!!
That said, with time moving, let's truly make the most of it!
I was searching just now for Gwen Stefani's song, "What You Waiting For" and came across this Dr. Seuss quote, so let's go with that first...
Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite. Or waiting around for Friday night or waiting perhaps for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil or a better break or a string of pearls or a pair of pants or a wig with curls or another chance. Everyone is just waiting. ~Dr. Seuss
Does that resonate? That's probably been one of my biggest excuses in the past -- that there is always a "a better time" to do some of the things I want to do so I'll just wait a little bit longer. Weight's a big one. When I'm thinner I'll start dating, auditioning, performing, etc., Self esteem is another. When I FEEL more confident I'll start...No and no. If there's a reason to delay either, make sure it's legit because otherwise you're just sitting on and squashing your own potential for expansion and growth.
Bring on Gwen! This clip is really funny and even starts off w/ a little play on the search for inspiration...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdcObAQ5OOM
"Life is short you're capable." Love her!!!!
One more thing. Do you LOVE having FUN? I know that may seem like a no-brainer question -- who doesn't like having fun, right? -- but it's really something to be mindful of because I think a lot of us can get so mired down in pressures (self induced or external), distracted by projects or situations, or disconnected from the really playful, joyful parts of ourselves that fun starts getting a little lost. So today might be a good day to let loose a little and do some things where the only purpose is to HAVE SOME FUN!
Closing thought: I have more faith than ever before. I make the most of each day by doing what I love and having fun!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Sati class update!
Elise Green is wonderful and amazing and she's teaching intenSati at NYU from 1:30-2:30pm. 40 E 14th St. New York, N.Y. 10003 (Multi-Purpose room on the 3rd Floor at the Palladium. Entrance is at 140 E 14th St. next to the Trader Joe's. If you want to go, message me and I'll put you in touch with Elise OR friend her here on Facebook and send her a message!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Objects In Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear
Good morning!!! :)
I taught intenSati last night at 19th St EQ (I subbed for Erin Stutland -- http://intensaticreativeworkshop.com). I gotta admit -- despite having like 4 parts of my body to be mindful of as they heal, I had SUCH a great time! I then went to a celebration with my family for a milestone achieved by one of them (is that vague enough -- I don't have time at 6:21am to get clearances for everything!). Such a sweet way to close out the week and if you want to come with me and take Erin's class at 19th EQ next week or whenever, just let me know. I have a few guest passes!
SO, here we are, Saturday morning and for some reason I started, umm, reflecting on the phrase, "Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear". During my intro to class last night, I talked about being "fast forgetters" and how we can sometimes be quick to forget when we were really feeling powerful, confident, inspired, etc., and how important it is to reconnect to that feeling if it falls away. So for ex., for me, the Adidas intenSati event happened 6 days ago but if I take a moment to reflect and call up feelings of gratitude, accomplishment and abundance I felt while teaching, the object is closer than it appears. It actually feels here now and I can use those positive feelings to set new intentions, yes!!
The other aspect of FAITH and BELIEF that has to do with objects in the mirror being closer than they appear is this: What IF...what if what if what if... YOU CHOOSE TO BELIEVE that what you DESIRE is coming REALLY, REALLY SOON and much sooner than the time line you've believed to date. Take out a pen and list your top 3 desires...mine are:
1. I want to fully heal and restore my body to perfect health.
2. I want to leave my job as an Exec Asst and make more $ than I already make (I have a figure in my mind, specifics) working in my PASSIONS: teaching group fitness, writing, acting, dancing/choreographing, singing, producing and directing.
3. I want to meet and fall in love with my soul mate, that is, the amazing man who is to become my lifelong partner and father of my children.
4. I want a dog. I know we said 3 but I REALLY REALLY x 100 want my own DOG. A Boston Terrier mini sized if they make them.
Now, sometimes I think and feel the fulfillment of my desires is soooooooo far away. Check out my negative thoughts! "I'm new to the music scene so it'll take 5 years to get great and noticed. I don't have an agent so I still won't get to audition for and BOOK the acting gigs I desire. I've only been teaching intenSati less than a year. My body won't heal until I stop exercising for 6 month and just sit on the floor and meditate all day. This is all going to take a lonnnnnnnng time." BLAH BLAH BLAH! You might want to try listing yours. Julia Cameron calls them, "BLURTS". Blurrrrt.
What I've learned is that we all have a choice. What do you choose to believe???
I am choosing to declare and BELIEVE that above-mentioned objects (1, 2, 3 and my mini boston terrier or full sized one if there are no minis) are CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR and are going to be here so soon!!! I'm believing in 90 days or less. Wow, that just gave me a tingly feeling, hmm, interesting!!
Have you ever done a visualization where you imagine what you desire is here now and you celebrate it?? I'm going to pause and do that for 5 minutes -- I'm going to combine it all and see myself performing my dance music on stage in my gorgeous, healthy and healed intenSatisfied body with my amazing boyfriend watching me from the audience and holding our dog. I'll use this SIA song as background bc I'm obsessed with it and it makes me feel GREAT which means it's a great manifesting tool. Here we gooooo!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRTEkYcAuiQ
That was FUN!! Go for it!! :)xo! Set it up and use your imagination to see it and get into the feeling of having what you desire now!
So, that's the work! Now let go and detach by going about your business today, living in the moment, enjoying what is here now and saying THANK YOU for it all!!
Closing thought: I believe that what I desire that's for my highest good will be honored much faster than I've been believing all along!!! I remain open to miracles and breakthroughs and I have complete FAITH that these objects in my mind's eye mirror are close and getting closer! I can even feel them here now!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Sati updates!
Greg Stockbridge is subbing for me in Central Park this morning! Go, it's so gorgeous outside!! 9:45am at the gold-topped CC statute and class starts at 10:00am sharp. Greg will be the tall, buff, handsome guy on a scooter in a Warrior tee-shirt! :)
I AM teaching my 12:45pm intenSati class at Lex/63rd and still have some guest list slots so message me if you want one!
Add'l
Check out this great, one-day workshop in NYC led by the Handle Group happening on Sun., 5/16. Topic is Finding The One! :) http://www.handelgroup.com/life-coaching/life-coaching-workshops/urban-retreat/
For more about intenSati, go to www.satilife.com and check out recent footage of Patricia Moreno on FOX News!
I taught intenSati last night at 19th St EQ (I subbed for Erin Stutland -- http://intensaticreativeworkshop.com). I gotta admit -- despite having like 4 parts of my body to be mindful of as they heal, I had SUCH a great time! I then went to a celebration with my family for a milestone achieved by one of them (is that vague enough -- I don't have time at 6:21am to get clearances for everything!). Such a sweet way to close out the week and if you want to come with me and take Erin's class at 19th EQ next week or whenever, just let me know. I have a few guest passes!
SO, here we are, Saturday morning and for some reason I started, umm, reflecting on the phrase, "Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear". During my intro to class last night, I talked about being "fast forgetters" and how we can sometimes be quick to forget when we were really feeling powerful, confident, inspired, etc., and how important it is to reconnect to that feeling if it falls away. So for ex., for me, the Adidas intenSati event happened 6 days ago but if I take a moment to reflect and call up feelings of gratitude, accomplishment and abundance I felt while teaching, the object is closer than it appears. It actually feels here now and I can use those positive feelings to set new intentions, yes!!
The other aspect of FAITH and BELIEF that has to do with objects in the mirror being closer than they appear is this: What IF...what if what if what if... YOU CHOOSE TO BELIEVE that what you DESIRE is coming REALLY, REALLY SOON and much sooner than the time line you've believed to date. Take out a pen and list your top 3 desires...mine are:
1. I want to fully heal and restore my body to perfect health.
2. I want to leave my job as an Exec Asst and make more $ than I already make (I have a figure in my mind, specifics) working in my PASSIONS: teaching group fitness, writing, acting, dancing/choreographing, singing, producing and directing.
3. I want to meet and fall in love with my soul mate, that is, the amazing man who is to become my lifelong partner and father of my children.
4. I want a dog. I know we said 3 but I REALLY REALLY x 100 want my own DOG. A Boston Terrier mini sized if they make them.
Now, sometimes I think and feel the fulfillment of my desires is soooooooo far away. Check out my negative thoughts! "I'm new to the music scene so it'll take 5 years to get great and noticed. I don't have an agent so I still won't get to audition for and BOOK the acting gigs I desire. I've only been teaching intenSati less than a year. My body won't heal until I stop exercising for 6 month and just sit on the floor and meditate all day. This is all going to take a lonnnnnnnng time." BLAH BLAH BLAH! You might want to try listing yours. Julia Cameron calls them, "BLURTS". Blurrrrt.
What I've learned is that we all have a choice. What do you choose to believe???
I am choosing to declare and BELIEVE that above-mentioned objects (1, 2, 3 and my mini boston terrier or full sized one if there are no minis) are CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR and are going to be here so soon!!! I'm believing in 90 days or less. Wow, that just gave me a tingly feeling, hmm, interesting!!
Have you ever done a visualization where you imagine what you desire is here now and you celebrate it?? I'm going to pause and do that for 5 minutes -- I'm going to combine it all and see myself performing my dance music on stage in my gorgeous, healthy and healed intenSatisfied body with my amazing boyfriend watching me from the audience and holding our dog. I'll use this SIA song as background bc I'm obsessed with it and it makes me feel GREAT which means it's a great manifesting tool. Here we gooooo!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRTEkYcAuiQ
That was FUN!! Go for it!! :)xo! Set it up and use your imagination to see it and get into the feeling of having what you desire now!
So, that's the work! Now let go and detach by going about your business today, living in the moment, enjoying what is here now and saying THANK YOU for it all!!
Closing thought: I believe that what I desire that's for my highest good will be honored much faster than I've been believing all along!!! I remain open to miracles and breakthroughs and I have complete FAITH that these objects in my mind's eye mirror are close and getting closer! I can even feel them here now!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Sati updates!
Greg Stockbridge is subbing for me in Central Park this morning! Go, it's so gorgeous outside!! 9:45am at the gold-topped CC statute and class starts at 10:00am sharp. Greg will be the tall, buff, handsome guy on a scooter in a Warrior tee-shirt! :)
I AM teaching my 12:45pm intenSati class at Lex/63rd and still have some guest list slots so message me if you want one!
Add'l
Check out this great, one-day workshop in NYC led by the Handle Group happening on Sun., 5/16. Topic is Finding The One! :) http://www.handelgroup.com/life-coaching/life-coaching-workshops/urban-retreat/
For more about intenSati, go to www.satilife.com and check out recent footage of Patricia Moreno on FOX News!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Empowered To Rise: Love Yourself
Good morning! I'm surprised it's taken me about half the month to get to addressing the part of this month's series declaring your readiness, willingness and ability to love yourself right now!
Some of us get lost in the whirlygig -- Oh, I'll love myself when I feel better about myself but I know I'll feel better about myself when I start loving myself...but I'm just unable to start loving myself when I don't feel good, shit, what am I supposed to be doing again?!
There are so many ways you can choose to love yourself. For starters, there are simple self care actions that make you feel healthy and strong. I know that when I'm feeling pretty good about myself it is easier for me to take special care of me. For ex., this week has felt very abundant and I'm attracting and accepting new opportunities left and right. Exciting! Wouldn't you know it's been easier to stick to my food plan, take time off to heal some nagging injuries, and let the momentum inspire me to take loving action after another?
It feels great! I'm not sabotaging my success. That said, I have a history of emotional eating triggered by, well, many things actually, but certainly when I was feeling like a failure. I would binge eat within 30 seconds of an audition I tanked, after a disappointing date, during a frustrating day of work and whenever I had a "Fat" day, which is to say the ones when I was thinking thoughts that were negative and insanely self critical against my body.
I can recall a time I needed an endoscopy to check out some gastro symptoms. It required light anesthesia and I couldn't eat the whole day before the test, which was in the afternoon. I didn't arrange or ask for anybody to help me home. I told myself I'd be fine doing this alone! Well, when I woke up out of my anesthesia-induced slumber, I ate the apple juice and Chips Ahoy cookies that sat on the little hospital table and then proceeded to go home and buy frozen yogurt and then a ton of other crap to overeat.
This incident was such a powerful lesson to me about how clearly I need to love myself and practice better self care. I "comforted" but really HARMED myself with food. If you're engaged in any false friend behavior, are you clear about the harm you're doing without judging yourself for it? It's a fine line to walk but for me when I was able to get to that place of awareness without it being punitive, it did help me to say this has GOT to stop. I mean, my gosh, I had just had a tube stuck down my throat and esophagus to see if I had an ulcer or cancer! At the time, I think I ate bc if I did have any problems in my GI tract it would've been bc of my eating disorder history and therefore my "fault" or something I caused. This was a tough thing to swallow. Responsibility.
I know what you're up against when it comes to loving yourself through those certain circumstances that make make you just want to unload at Coscos. You've probably heard the suggestion to love yourself as you would a friend or even your own child. Any thought about not being able to find love in yourself is just be an excuse. This is not about turning brown eyes blue. You've got it in you now!
I really love practicing and teaching the affirmation, "I am ready, willing and able to love myself right now!" in class. When you're sweating it out and rocking to some great music, well, this is not your Stuart Smally affirmations practice, although staring into a mirror and saying affirmations is a powerful thing when you find your way into the experience. More on that another time. :)
You DO have it in you and the POWER OF LOVE to heal you is available all the times. Can you call it up? Orrrr, how about this, imagine your LOVE calling you up. Oh yeah, your LOVE has your digits!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxoBaEQGMPo
Closing thought: I have the power of love inside of me and I choose to love myself right now. If I feel disconnected, I breathe and do my best to reconnect to that feeling and take actions that are sweet, nurturing and loving.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Schedule updates.......
*I'm subbing tonight for Erin at 19th St EQ at 6:30pm!
*I'm teaching tomorrow at 12:45pm at Lex/63rd St EQ!
*Greg is subbing for me in Central Park tomorrow at 10AM! He's wonderful and has been practicing intenSati nearly 4 years and teaching about a year! Very committed, talented and passionate guy so go take his class and ENJOY!
Some of us get lost in the whirlygig -- Oh, I'll love myself when I feel better about myself but I know I'll feel better about myself when I start loving myself...but I'm just unable to start loving myself when I don't feel good, shit, what am I supposed to be doing again?!
There are so many ways you can choose to love yourself. For starters, there are simple self care actions that make you feel healthy and strong. I know that when I'm feeling pretty good about myself it is easier for me to take special care of me. For ex., this week has felt very abundant and I'm attracting and accepting new opportunities left and right. Exciting! Wouldn't you know it's been easier to stick to my food plan, take time off to heal some nagging injuries, and let the momentum inspire me to take loving action after another?
It feels great! I'm not sabotaging my success. That said, I have a history of emotional eating triggered by, well, many things actually, but certainly when I was feeling like a failure. I would binge eat within 30 seconds of an audition I tanked, after a disappointing date, during a frustrating day of work and whenever I had a "Fat" day, which is to say the ones when I was thinking thoughts that were negative and insanely self critical against my body.
I can recall a time I needed an endoscopy to check out some gastro symptoms. It required light anesthesia and I couldn't eat the whole day before the test, which was in the afternoon. I didn't arrange or ask for anybody to help me home. I told myself I'd be fine doing this alone! Well, when I woke up out of my anesthesia-induced slumber, I ate the apple juice and Chips Ahoy cookies that sat on the little hospital table and then proceeded to go home and buy frozen yogurt and then a ton of other crap to overeat.
This incident was such a powerful lesson to me about how clearly I need to love myself and practice better self care. I "comforted" but really HARMED myself with food. If you're engaged in any false friend behavior, are you clear about the harm you're doing without judging yourself for it? It's a fine line to walk but for me when I was able to get to that place of awareness without it being punitive, it did help me to say this has GOT to stop. I mean, my gosh, I had just had a tube stuck down my throat and esophagus to see if I had an ulcer or cancer! At the time, I think I ate bc if I did have any problems in my GI tract it would've been bc of my eating disorder history and therefore my "fault" or something I caused. This was a tough thing to swallow. Responsibility.
I know what you're up against when it comes to loving yourself through those certain circumstances that make make you just want to unload at Coscos. You've probably heard the suggestion to love yourself as you would a friend or even your own child. Any thought about not being able to find love in yourself is just be an excuse. This is not about turning brown eyes blue. You've got it in you now!
I really love practicing and teaching the affirmation, "I am ready, willing and able to love myself right now!" in class. When you're sweating it out and rocking to some great music, well, this is not your Stuart Smally affirmations practice, although staring into a mirror and saying affirmations is a powerful thing when you find your way into the experience. More on that another time. :)
You DO have it in you and the POWER OF LOVE to heal you is available all the times. Can you call it up? Orrrr, how about this, imagine your LOVE calling you up. Oh yeah, your LOVE has your digits!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxoBaEQGMPo
Closing thought: I have the power of love inside of me and I choose to love myself right now. If I feel disconnected, I breathe and do my best to reconnect to that feeling and take actions that are sweet, nurturing and loving.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Schedule updates.......
*I'm subbing tonight for Erin at 19th St EQ at 6:30pm!
*I'm teaching tomorrow at 12:45pm at Lex/63rd St EQ!
*Greg is subbing for me in Central Park tomorrow at 10AM! He's wonderful and has been practicing intenSati nearly 4 years and teaching about a year! Very committed, talented and passionate guy so go take his class and ENJOY!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Empowered To Rise: Great Stuff
Good morning!
I am so happy to share with you this morning 3 additional intenSati happenings that I confirmed yesterday! The first is at the Figment arts festival on Governor's Island from June 11-13. It's an amazing outdoor gathering of visual and performing artists and the event encourages interactive participation from the audience. I think I'll be practicing in the beautiful open landscape and then onlookers can join in, like they sometimes do in Central Park, yes!
Second, I booked a 2-hour "Let Your Voice Lead" intenSati and writing workshop at Pro-Skills Plus wellness studio just outside Washington, DC on July 23rd. I am now in the process of asking studios and spaces -- including the Equinox in Tysons Corner and the Adidas Store (crossing fingers!) -- if I can teach there while I'm in town from July 23-25. Can't wait to see how this amazing trip is going to unfold!! Building the dream board for it is going to be FUN!
Third, I am doing a 2-hour "Let Your Voice Lead" intenSati and writing workshop right here in NYC at a private studio in June (date TBD)! I am working on the structure of the class now so if you attended my workshop a few months ago at Pk/33rd St EQ and have any feedback, suggestions, or favorite writing exercises or themes, by all means, please let me know!
"Are you ready now?! Are you inspired?! Do you allow your heart's desires?!"
That's the intention, guys! When you really begin to live from your heart with consistency and faith, opportunities start rolling in one by one and you catch them!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJPSO2dqcec (Note: If someone can tell me why certain days hyperlinks work and other days they do not, I would be very grateful!)
Do you really, really, really want to unleash the desires of your HEART and catch the opportunities to live them!?
One of the reasons intenSati is so powerful is because there is a collective intention shared, practiced and powerfully expressed to LOVE life, take risks, live with passion, be inspired, and go for greatness -- sometimes all in one hour and one series! :) You inspire yourself! Plus, by playing full out in class you are definitely helping your fellow students open up, unleash their desires, and find the courage, passion and strength to GO FOR THEIR DREAMS!!
Exercise in general and intenSati in particular plays a critical role in my recovery from major depression, anxiety and eating disordered behaviors. I am now more willing than ever to discuss aspects of my experience and point of view if it's going to help someone, so please feel free to ask/write in confidence if you have some questions. I'm also available to give public talks on the topic and will begin co-creating these opportunities so my voice is added to the discussion about how to help people successfully treat eating and mood disorders.
So, maybe my offering this morning is if you're in a situation that's a bit of a, uh, Situation, HANG TIGHT as you work through it and begin to let go of things that are not working and find what DOES WORK for your benefit, health and happiness.
If you're at a point where you think nothing is going to work and there is no way through or out of whatever you're dealing with, whatever it is, my suggestion is that it's your BELIEF that's got to change first.
When you start believing you CAN deal with, improve, change and evolve in ANY situation, you've officially unlocked the door to your cage. Even if you don't feel yet like you have any strength to push that door open at least it's now unlocked thanks to your positive belief! Speaking of which, you also never know who's going to come along to help with that door not to mention what kinds of beautiful miracles are on the other side.
I am so beyond grateful to be dancing and playing in fresh, open spaces today. Beyond, beyond grateful.
Closing thought: I am now inspired and allow my heart's desires! I build my belief muscle every day and let myself be free! I courageously share what I've learned from my past in order to benefit others and further my own growth!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
More Great Stuff
1. Check out the "Finding the One" Workshop with the Handel Group's Marni Nir and Laurie Gerber this Sunday. Go to www.handelgroup.com for more info and mention my name when you sign up to get a $50 discount.
2. Greg is subbing my Central Park intenSati class this Saturday. He's awesome and inspiring so please go to class and work it out!!!
3. I may be subbing out my Saturday class at Lex/63d and will let you know if I am!
4. SOB's (the bar/club in downtown NYC) is having a fun ZUMBA party/class night with Tanya Beardsley this Monday night!
http://www.sobs.com/events/global-jam/monday-night-zumba
5. Speaking of open air spaces to practice intenSati, Natalia is teaching what will be an amaaaazing class in Bryant Park on June 8th at 10AM!! Go to "I love intenSati" for more details and join that page to stay on top of ALL intenSati events bc there are so many going on I can't report them all here! :)
I am so happy to share with you this morning 3 additional intenSati happenings that I confirmed yesterday! The first is at the Figment arts festival on Governor's Island from June 11-13. It's an amazing outdoor gathering of visual and performing artists and the event encourages interactive participation from the audience. I think I'll be practicing in the beautiful open landscape and then onlookers can join in, like they sometimes do in Central Park, yes!
Second, I booked a 2-hour "Let Your Voice Lead" intenSati and writing workshop at Pro-Skills Plus wellness studio just outside Washington, DC on July 23rd. I am now in the process of asking studios and spaces -- including the Equinox in Tysons Corner and the Adidas Store (crossing fingers!) -- if I can teach there while I'm in town from July 23-25. Can't wait to see how this amazing trip is going to unfold!! Building the dream board for it is going to be FUN!
Third, I am doing a 2-hour "Let Your Voice Lead" intenSati and writing workshop right here in NYC at a private studio in June (date TBD)! I am working on the structure of the class now so if you attended my workshop a few months ago at Pk/33rd St EQ and have any feedback, suggestions, or favorite writing exercises or themes, by all means, please let me know!
"Are you ready now?! Are you inspired?! Do you allow your heart's desires?!"
That's the intention, guys! When you really begin to live from your heart with consistency and faith, opportunities start rolling in one by one and you catch them!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJPSO2dqcec (Note: If someone can tell me why certain days hyperlinks work and other days they do not, I would be very grateful!)
Do you really, really, really want to unleash the desires of your HEART and catch the opportunities to live them!?
One of the reasons intenSati is so powerful is because there is a collective intention shared, practiced and powerfully expressed to LOVE life, take risks, live with passion, be inspired, and go for greatness -- sometimes all in one hour and one series! :) You inspire yourself! Plus, by playing full out in class you are definitely helping your fellow students open up, unleash their desires, and find the courage, passion and strength to GO FOR THEIR DREAMS!!
Exercise in general and intenSati in particular plays a critical role in my recovery from major depression, anxiety and eating disordered behaviors. I am now more willing than ever to discuss aspects of my experience and point of view if it's going to help someone, so please feel free to ask/write in confidence if you have some questions. I'm also available to give public talks on the topic and will begin co-creating these opportunities so my voice is added to the discussion about how to help people successfully treat eating and mood disorders.
So, maybe my offering this morning is if you're in a situation that's a bit of a, uh, Situation, HANG TIGHT as you work through it and begin to let go of things that are not working and find what DOES WORK for your benefit, health and happiness.
If you're at a point where you think nothing is going to work and there is no way through or out of whatever you're dealing with, whatever it is, my suggestion is that it's your BELIEF that's got to change first.
When you start believing you CAN deal with, improve, change and evolve in ANY situation, you've officially unlocked the door to your cage. Even if you don't feel yet like you have any strength to push that door open at least it's now unlocked thanks to your positive belief! Speaking of which, you also never know who's going to come along to help with that door not to mention what kinds of beautiful miracles are on the other side.
I am so beyond grateful to be dancing and playing in fresh, open spaces today. Beyond, beyond grateful.
Closing thought: I am now inspired and allow my heart's desires! I build my belief muscle every day and let myself be free! I courageously share what I've learned from my past in order to benefit others and further my own growth!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
More Great Stuff
1. Check out the "Finding the One" Workshop with the Handel Group's Marni Nir and Laurie Gerber this Sunday. Go to www.handelgroup.com for more info and mention my name when you sign up to get a $50 discount.
2. Greg is subbing my Central Park intenSati class this Saturday. He's awesome and inspiring so please go to class and work it out!!!
3. I may be subbing out my Saturday class at Lex/63d and will let you know if I am!
4. SOB's (the bar/club in downtown NYC) is having a fun ZUMBA party/class night with Tanya Beardsley this Monday night!
http://www.sobs.com/events/global-jam/monday-night-zumba
5. Speaking of open air spaces to practice intenSati, Natalia is teaching what will be an amaaaazing class in Bryant Park on June 8th at 10AM!! Go to "I love intenSati" for more details and join that page to stay on top of ALL intenSati events bc there are so many going on I can't report them all here! :)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Empowered To Rise: I Move With Ease
Good morning!!
I didn't last very long in ballet. My mom enrolled me at Jan Martin Studio on Long Island when I was about 6 or 7 years old. Jazz? No prob. We did a routine to "Material Girl" that is cemented in my memory and for good reason. I have 3 words for you -- shocking pink lace. I think I wore that recital costume on multiple Halloweens and around the house, throwing it out only after a: it no longer came even close to fitting me b. Madonna was evolving so of course I had to follow suit c. Janet Jackson had entered my world view and she would neeeever wear shocking pick lace (or the sequins that adorned the costume).
So, that was jazz! As for ballet? I didn't make it past plie. It bored me to tears. I can remember clear as day how I felt staring out the window into the small parking lot while an old man plunked on a piano as we "danced". I don't know remember how close I actually came to yelling, "Speed it up already, grandpa!!" but I do remember the inhibited, constricted feelings I had while we went through drills made me want to twist and shout.
I stayed with jazz and performed a lot of mainstream music video inspired routines :). I was tomboyish and played sports with "aggressive" as a leading quality, and you can imagine how that went. I stopped watching ballet because I felt really ungraceful compared to them but I made an exception for the Nutcracker once a year, although I preferred the one on ice with Dorothy Hamill.
This is all a share leading up to why the affirmation, "I move with ease" which I am teaching this month in my intenSati series is a challenging yet very rewarding one to practice. As years went by, I kept up with the mindset/self image that I was NOT exactly a refined, graceful lady and I envied those who did move and dance with such ease. I repeated the belief that things for me can be hard, that it takes a lot of bumps and fits and starts, lines up down and all over the graph like an abnormal EKG. The idea that I move with ease never really entered my mind until I began to practice the affirmation and accompanying intenSati ACTION for "Ease".
What does "I move with ease" bring up for you? What kinds of associations? How do you give this affirmation meaning?
To get into the action and affirmation for Ease, it helped me to choose some words and add them into my 1-liners while I teach. Words like "flow", "circle", "soft edges", "seamless transitions" and "graceful" cue me and trigger good feelings. So does just slowing down. Wouldn't you know it that when you slow your pace it can be a bit easier to move with ease? True! :) Then you build up speed but not until you've mastered moving with ease at a pace that feels appropriate and right.
I can already feel and see myself changing in other areas of my life as I seek to create less drama. Moving with ease to me is a reminder of keeping things in the low-no drama zone, so if something happens and I'm tempted to react or, more accurately, OVER react, I do think to myself "I move with ease" and try letting go of my need to pump things up.
As for dancing and movement, I rarely practice any ballet but I do at times feel a real ease in my movement when I am in the zone, very warmed up and usually when I'm also practicing yoga during the week. Or, when I'm just dancing totally freely in the comfort of my own home. Amazing how you can let go and if you haven't done that lately, perhaps this morning you can put on the music you love and just let go and dance it out!
Speaking of dance, I have to share amazing news!! I was just accepted into a training program with Misty Tripoli to get certified in, are you ready, the "Groove Method". It's a group fitness exercise format that is all about FREE SPIRITED, very loosely choreographed dancing designed to help YOU find your own unique GROOVE. Ummmm, I CAN'T WAIT!!
Training is this weekend (!) and I anticipate being fully blissed out. I won a scholarship through Equinox so I am beyond, beyond grateful for the support I am getting from them. I guess I may have to form another Facebook group called, this one called, "Get Your GROOVE on with Lindsay Davis". Works for me and I hope for YOU!
Closing thought: I move with ease. I am a strong dancer who moves across floors and through life with grace. Today, I choose to make seamless transitions and go with the flow.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
ps Stay tuned for an update with a lot of really great intenSati, coaching and special event announcements!!
I didn't last very long in ballet. My mom enrolled me at Jan Martin Studio on Long Island when I was about 6 or 7 years old. Jazz? No prob. We did a routine to "Material Girl" that is cemented in my memory and for good reason. I have 3 words for you -- shocking pink lace. I think I wore that recital costume on multiple Halloweens and around the house, throwing it out only after a: it no longer came even close to fitting me b. Madonna was evolving so of course I had to follow suit c. Janet Jackson had entered my world view and she would neeeever wear shocking pick lace (or the sequins that adorned the costume).
So, that was jazz! As for ballet? I didn't make it past plie. It bored me to tears. I can remember clear as day how I felt staring out the window into the small parking lot while an old man plunked on a piano as we "danced". I don't know remember how close I actually came to yelling, "Speed it up already, grandpa!!" but I do remember the inhibited, constricted feelings I had while we went through drills made me want to twist and shout.
I stayed with jazz and performed a lot of mainstream music video inspired routines :). I was tomboyish and played sports with "aggressive" as a leading quality, and you can imagine how that went. I stopped watching ballet because I felt really ungraceful compared to them but I made an exception for the Nutcracker once a year, although I preferred the one on ice with Dorothy Hamill.
This is all a share leading up to why the affirmation, "I move with ease" which I am teaching this month in my intenSati series is a challenging yet very rewarding one to practice. As years went by, I kept up with the mindset/self image that I was NOT exactly a refined, graceful lady and I envied those who did move and dance with such ease. I repeated the belief that things for me can be hard, that it takes a lot of bumps and fits and starts, lines up down and all over the graph like an abnormal EKG. The idea that I move with ease never really entered my mind until I began to practice the affirmation and accompanying intenSati ACTION for "Ease".
What does "I move with ease" bring up for you? What kinds of associations? How do you give this affirmation meaning?
To get into the action and affirmation for Ease, it helped me to choose some words and add them into my 1-liners while I teach. Words like "flow", "circle", "soft edges", "seamless transitions" and "graceful" cue me and trigger good feelings. So does just slowing down. Wouldn't you know it that when you slow your pace it can be a bit easier to move with ease? True! :) Then you build up speed but not until you've mastered moving with ease at a pace that feels appropriate and right.
I can already feel and see myself changing in other areas of my life as I seek to create less drama. Moving with ease to me is a reminder of keeping things in the low-no drama zone, so if something happens and I'm tempted to react or, more accurately, OVER react, I do think to myself "I move with ease" and try letting go of my need to pump things up.
As for dancing and movement, I rarely practice any ballet but I do at times feel a real ease in my movement when I am in the zone, very warmed up and usually when I'm also practicing yoga during the week. Or, when I'm just dancing totally freely in the comfort of my own home. Amazing how you can let go and if you haven't done that lately, perhaps this morning you can put on the music you love and just let go and dance it out!
Speaking of dance, I have to share amazing news!! I was just accepted into a training program with Misty Tripoli to get certified in, are you ready, the "Groove Method". It's a group fitness exercise format that is all about FREE SPIRITED, very loosely choreographed dancing designed to help YOU find your own unique GROOVE. Ummmm, I CAN'T WAIT!!
Training is this weekend (!) and I anticipate being fully blissed out. I won a scholarship through Equinox so I am beyond, beyond grateful for the support I am getting from them. I guess I may have to form another Facebook group called, this one called, "Get Your GROOVE on with Lindsay Davis". Works for me and I hope for YOU!
Closing thought: I move with ease. I am a strong dancer who moves across floors and through life with grace. Today, I choose to make seamless transitions and go with the flow.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
ps Stay tuned for an update with a lot of really great intenSati, coaching and special event announcements!!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Empowered To Rise: You Are A Beautiful Free Spirit
Good morning!
Wow, for the first time I just wrote a whole post and deleted it entirely because I didn't like it! It would've been fine, acceptable, I was writing about the "act as if" principle as a means to building confidence and attracting results you want. Then I just stopped writing, had the thought "just surrender" and proceeded to delete 30 minutes of work. Just surrender. Just be here and chill out.
I like this song "'Moment of Surrender". It kinda gives me chills:
http://www.last.fm/music/U2/_/Moment+of+Surrender
Bono says at the top of the video, "It's a very special feeling to be here. Very special indeed."
Yep, that just about sums it up. Thanks, Bono. :)
This month, one of my intenSati affirmations is "I am a beautiful FREE spirit". Check out the picture to the right from my intenSati class at Adidas! That's when we are all saying "free spirit". I definitely feel free when I just accept and embrace how much I don't know about what's coming up in my life and stay here in the day, in the moment, without trying to run away from what's happening, which I used to do A LOT of, trust me on that!
I know this has been said so many times over and I can't exactly say I'm articulating it in any way that feels particularly creative or exciting this morning, but I am definitely feeling it. My offering to you is to just slow down and "Be Here Now".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBSnR4ZP2MI&feature=related
Loooooooooooove that song and performance, wow.
Closing thought: I surrender to the moment. Whether joyful, painful, light, hard, easy, anxiety ridden or entirely blissful, I breathe and stay present. In that presence I find I AM a beautiful free spirit.
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
Schedule Updates......
I'm subbing intenSati for the amazing Erin this Friday night at 6:30pm/19th St! Her class is a rockin' "Sati Pati" party and I'm grateful to step in and work it out with everybody! Msg me for a guest pass!
Coaching opportunities......
1. The Handle Group is running a "Find The One" workshop this Sunday, check it out:
http://www.handelgroup.com/life-coaching/life-coaching-workshops/urban-retreat/
If you mention my name while signing up, you get a nice $50 discount. Any questions, please ask, I'm happy to share my experiences in group and individual coaching with the Handel Group (www.handelgroup.com)!
2. My very smart, loving and talented friend and intenSati student Jennifer Goodson is available for holistic health coaching. She's got a true passion and for helping others meet their health goals and you can check her out at:
www.jennifergoodson.com
An intenSati class to check out.....
Triccia Ramos is an intenSati Leader with an indomitable spirit, joyful energy and total commitment to intenSati. She teaches Wed night at Ripley Grier studios and you join her FB group "intenSati with Triccia" for all the info!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Empowered To Rise: Showing Up and Rocking Out!
Good morning, I hope you had a great weekend!
My day has been off to a most interesting start. Probably due to leftover adrenaline from yesterday as well as some neck pain, I could not sleep well at all and have been up since 4:30am. Not usual for me but here's the revolutionary change part of my morning. At about 4:45 I started cleaning and organizing my apartment! :)
I had papers piled up like flapjacks in my office area, clean dishes to unload from my dishwasher, laundry from 3 weeks ago to do, clean sheets to fold and put away, old mail to open, etc., omg...
Well, just two hours later and here I am sitting in my writing chair with hot coffee, warm oatmeal and a single candle burning in a holder, the base of which reads, "Live. Dance. Love. Sing" (I bought at Bed, Bath and Beyonnnnd). I feel very calm in my space. I LOVE IT. Cleaning rocks.
So, yesterday's intenSati class at the Adidas Sports Performance Store in NYC was nothing short of AMAZING and a huge, major, wham bam thank you ma'am learning experience. Can I just tell you about the neurotic breakdown I almost had yesterday morning/early afternoon before the event? I could NOT stop obsessing over how little promoting I did -- nothing beyond FACEBOOK and a few emails asking people to ask their friends/students/coworkers etc. I was beating myself up over what I COULD have done to get the word out but did not do because...why...not sure...I was afraid? I didn't really want to bring in a lot of people? I was trying to sabotage my success?? What. I dunno. Whatever the case, by about 1pm I had convinced myself nobody was going to show up except for about 5 or 6 of my friends and Sati regulars. I tried quieting my mind but it didn't really work!
Then, I started believing I wouldn't perform well and everybody would be mad at me. This is not the "Land of May Believe" I set out to create at the top of the month! I don't know what could've triggered this but something did and it may have been the sensitive nature of the day, Mother's Day, and some feelings that came up in the morning for me which I blogged about yesterday. I don't know. It was all just kind of weird, honestly.
WELL, I can't tell you the comfort and relief I began to experience and feel once I was not alone anymore and it was time to get going. My amazing brother came to help me and Dan move Dan's DJ equipment so I wouldn't have to lift anything (I asked for help because of a sore back. I did not want to do anything to risk injuring myself before this important class!). Then, during the drive to Adidas, I shared some of my anxieties and it felt great to unload. Then, we did some literal unloading (of all the DJ equipment) and found a parking spot with ease, done.
Once inside Adidas, the organizers and staff were exceptionally nice and welcoming. They outfitted me for the event and I was able to find the PERFECT gear! :)! This bright orange, strappy sports tank, matching grey yoga pants and the coolest pair of trainers that had iridescent orange Adidas triple stripes. I have to admit that I felt like Carrie Bradshaw finding her perfect Manolo's. I was like, REALLY!? Iridescent Adidas stripes!! And the angels sing, "Ahhhhh..."
Well, then the real angels starting showing up. One by one, my Equinox and Central Park students, old friends, new friends, fellow intenSati Leaders, my parents and brother, Patricia and her wife, longtime friends of Patricia's and then Adidas customers turned spectators. I was now pumped and nervous excited as opposed to nervous I-feel-like-I-am-riding-the-Comet-roller coaster-at-Hershey Park.
I did a quick on camera interview and probably spoke a mile a minute but the music was pumping, sound check went fine, we held until about a quarter after 4 and then it was GAME TIME!
Once the intenSati music started and everybody took the intenSati pose of responsibility, my nerves melted away and I forgot my fear. I just felt carried and able to completely focus on the class and I had SO MUCH FUN! Everybody's energy was palpable and contagious, people were so excited and smiling and this is the case in practically EVERY SINGLE intenSati class I teach or take. The students are dynamic, fierce, powerful, courageous, fun and incredibly hard working. The endurance you need to sustain the workout while shouting the affirmations is no joke and yesterday the A/C at Adidas wasn't working right so we were all sweating verrrry hard but just kept going!
I really commend everybody who participated. Saying an affirmation like, "I love my body. I put my heart before all else" while facing a crowd of people watching takes a LOT of courage. I believe it is raising the consciousness and opening the hearts of people to witness our practice so while I understand doing intenSati in public is not for everybody and can feel uncomfortable at times, I definitely stand by it and will continue teaching and practicing in front of people as well as in private studios.
One more thing, I could feel myself getting judgmental about things like my less than perfect balancing during the lower body series or the fact that I sometimes cued late or said things like "Beautiful" when my back was to the class. Last night, when I started seeing pictures of myself from the event that also started to trigger some negative thinking about my body so I stopped looking.
I'm just going to say loud and proud that I am doing amazingly well with all my eating, working out and self care and that my intention is to "love and accept myself exactly as I am!" I'm actually starting to think that my physique as is -- soft belly and all -- one of my best assets as a fitness pro because I am very accessible and hopefully inspiring to others who are seeking to make peace with their own imperfections. Most of the time when I do get into the zone while I teach or practice in class, I'm not judging my body at all. I am quite liking it and feel free!
I really hope you can find the beauty in your efforts, progress and growth today. If you're feeling afraid to try something new, but that fear is also mixed with desire and passion, I hope you can tolerate and release some fear and start taking action anyway. Also, keep asking for help from your friends to support you and share in your JOY! Asking for help and receiving it is an amaaaaaaazing feeling!
Closing thought: I am so proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone. I do not have to be perfect and can simply keep saying YES while I focus on my strengths, passions and joy!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
intenSati option for today:
Gregory Stockbridge, an exuberant and amazingly energetic intenSati Leader, teaches a FREE class this morning on the Hudson River Pier 66 St at 23rd St. It's at 10AM and today I'm sure it will be inviggggorating so go, go, go!! :)!
My day has been off to a most interesting start. Probably due to leftover adrenaline from yesterday as well as some neck pain, I could not sleep well at all and have been up since 4:30am. Not usual for me but here's the revolutionary change part of my morning. At about 4:45 I started cleaning and organizing my apartment! :)
I had papers piled up like flapjacks in my office area, clean dishes to unload from my dishwasher, laundry from 3 weeks ago to do, clean sheets to fold and put away, old mail to open, etc., omg...
Well, just two hours later and here I am sitting in my writing chair with hot coffee, warm oatmeal and a single candle burning in a holder, the base of which reads, "Live. Dance. Love. Sing" (I bought at Bed, Bath and Beyonnnnd). I feel very calm in my space. I LOVE IT. Cleaning rocks.
So, yesterday's intenSati class at the Adidas Sports Performance Store in NYC was nothing short of AMAZING and a huge, major, wham bam thank you ma'am learning experience. Can I just tell you about the neurotic breakdown I almost had yesterday morning/early afternoon before the event? I could NOT stop obsessing over how little promoting I did -- nothing beyond FACEBOOK and a few emails asking people to ask their friends/students/coworkers etc. I was beating myself up over what I COULD have done to get the word out but did not do because...why...not sure...I was afraid? I didn't really want to bring in a lot of people? I was trying to sabotage my success?? What. I dunno. Whatever the case, by about 1pm I had convinced myself nobody was going to show up except for about 5 or 6 of my friends and Sati regulars. I tried quieting my mind but it didn't really work!
Then, I started believing I wouldn't perform well and everybody would be mad at me. This is not the "Land of May Believe" I set out to create at the top of the month! I don't know what could've triggered this but something did and it may have been the sensitive nature of the day, Mother's Day, and some feelings that came up in the morning for me which I blogged about yesterday. I don't know. It was all just kind of weird, honestly.
WELL, I can't tell you the comfort and relief I began to experience and feel once I was not alone anymore and it was time to get going. My amazing brother came to help me and Dan move Dan's DJ equipment so I wouldn't have to lift anything (I asked for help because of a sore back. I did not want to do anything to risk injuring myself before this important class!). Then, during the drive to Adidas, I shared some of my anxieties and it felt great to unload. Then, we did some literal unloading (of all the DJ equipment) and found a parking spot with ease, done.
Once inside Adidas, the organizers and staff were exceptionally nice and welcoming. They outfitted me for the event and I was able to find the PERFECT gear! :)! This bright orange, strappy sports tank, matching grey yoga pants and the coolest pair of trainers that had iridescent orange Adidas triple stripes. I have to admit that I felt like Carrie Bradshaw finding her perfect Manolo's. I was like, REALLY!? Iridescent Adidas stripes!! And the angels sing, "Ahhhhh..."
Well, then the real angels starting showing up. One by one, my Equinox and Central Park students, old friends, new friends, fellow intenSati Leaders, my parents and brother, Patricia and her wife, longtime friends of Patricia's and then Adidas customers turned spectators. I was now pumped and nervous excited as opposed to nervous I-feel-like-I-am-riding-the-Comet-roller coaster-at-Hershey Park.
I did a quick on camera interview and probably spoke a mile a minute but the music was pumping, sound check went fine, we held until about a quarter after 4 and then it was GAME TIME!
Once the intenSati music started and everybody took the intenSati pose of responsibility, my nerves melted away and I forgot my fear. I just felt carried and able to completely focus on the class and I had SO MUCH FUN! Everybody's energy was palpable and contagious, people were so excited and smiling and this is the case in practically EVERY SINGLE intenSati class I teach or take. The students are dynamic, fierce, powerful, courageous, fun and incredibly hard working. The endurance you need to sustain the workout while shouting the affirmations is no joke and yesterday the A/C at Adidas wasn't working right so we were all sweating verrrry hard but just kept going!
I really commend everybody who participated. Saying an affirmation like, "I love my body. I put my heart before all else" while facing a crowd of people watching takes a LOT of courage. I believe it is raising the consciousness and opening the hearts of people to witness our practice so while I understand doing intenSati in public is not for everybody and can feel uncomfortable at times, I definitely stand by it and will continue teaching and practicing in front of people as well as in private studios.
One more thing, I could feel myself getting judgmental about things like my less than perfect balancing during the lower body series or the fact that I sometimes cued late or said things like "Beautiful" when my back was to the class. Last night, when I started seeing pictures of myself from the event that also started to trigger some negative thinking about my body so I stopped looking.
I'm just going to say loud and proud that I am doing amazingly well with all my eating, working out and self care and that my intention is to "love and accept myself exactly as I am!" I'm actually starting to think that my physique as is -- soft belly and all -- one of my best assets as a fitness pro because I am very accessible and hopefully inspiring to others who are seeking to make peace with their own imperfections. Most of the time when I do get into the zone while I teach or practice in class, I'm not judging my body at all. I am quite liking it and feel free!
I really hope you can find the beauty in your efforts, progress and growth today. If you're feeling afraid to try something new, but that fear is also mixed with desire and passion, I hope you can tolerate and release some fear and start taking action anyway. Also, keep asking for help from your friends to support you and share in your JOY! Asking for help and receiving it is an amaaaaaaazing feeling!
Closing thought: I am so proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone. I do not have to be perfect and can simply keep saying YES while I focus on my strengths, passions and joy!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
intenSati option for today:
Gregory Stockbridge, an exuberant and amazingly energetic intenSati Leader, teaches a FREE class this morning on the Hudson River Pier 66 St at 23rd St. It's at 10AM and today I'm sure it will be inviggggorating so go, go, go!! :)!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Empowered To Rise: Mother's Day and Simplicity
Good morning!
I'm sitting here on my easy chair and feeling a bit at a loss for words, honestly, not to mention slightly queasy. I am definitely having some feelings related to this special day -- Mother's Day -- and when that's going on my only real choice is acceptance.
I just got off the phone with my mom. I recognize the fear I feel that something could happen to her and my deep desire is for her to live until at least 100 years old, for me to meet and marry my soul mate and have a family and for her to be a grandma and knit for my kids. She knits really, really beautiful clothing.
I know she wants this too so I'm grateful we're on the same page!
So, I sit in the hope and faith that this will manifest. I try to release the fear it will not. I sit with awareness that I am powerless and this moment and this day is all I have! I intend to drop any remaining energy balls of fearful projections right at my feet, kick them off the field and play in this day only with a ball of JOY and GRATITUDE!
I am aware of how lucky I am to have a mother who is so loving and present to me. When we spoke this morning we agreed our relationship just keeps getting better and better. Positive transformation at any stage, any age -- it's never too late for that! -- and I am so grateful.
I have a very mothering energy even though I am not technically a mom. I am nurturing, compassionate, strong, protective, and full of love. I am trying very hard to mother myself as best I can and am finding that by relating to others and experiencing mutually beneficial compassionate relationships, my own self care skills improve.
At 32, I am increasing belief that I would be able to handle raising children that I would be healthy and strong enough myself to have a family, and this is such great progress to celebrate because I used to not feel I'd be able to do it at all.
There is so much I can say about how amazing and inspiring a person my mom is and want to write about her in more detail but won't do that unless I have her consent.
I feel a lot of compassion for people who don't have their biological mothers in their physical world anymore. I also feel sad for people whose relationships with their moms are mangled and without peace.
I'm definitely a feminist and revolted by sexism which still exists in MANY forms and believe that as women continue to claim strength, power, intelligence, and emotions, we'll begin to undo and end widespread, accepted, collective mindsets and actions that degrade women.
It is ALL about RESPECT, right mom? :) Self respect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1M2fk72mfw
So, that's where I am this morning and I am grateful I'm feeling and thinking with awareness. That's the meaning of "Sati" -- a Pali word for mindfulness -- in case you were wondering what this message has to do with intenSati. :)
Wishing you a beautiful day lived in the present and with acceptance and love!!
Closing thought: I am aware of how I feel today. I love my beautiful mom. I am also grateful for all the mother figures in my life who are loving, positive, thoughtful and inspiring!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
I am teaching a FREE intenSati class inside the ADIDAS Sport Performance Store (610 Broadway) TODAY at 4pm! It is going to be such a FUN event with DJ DAN STERLING, 30% discounts on ADIDAS clothing and a really loving and high ENERGY series honoring motherhood and love! PATRICIA MORENO is stopping by and copies of her book, "The intenSati Method: 7 Principles to Thinner Peace" and DVD's will be available! See you later at the Mother's Day intenSati Adidas love celebration!!
I'm sitting here on my easy chair and feeling a bit at a loss for words, honestly, not to mention slightly queasy. I am definitely having some feelings related to this special day -- Mother's Day -- and when that's going on my only real choice is acceptance.
I just got off the phone with my mom. I recognize the fear I feel that something could happen to her and my deep desire is for her to live until at least 100 years old, for me to meet and marry my soul mate and have a family and for her to be a grandma and knit for my kids. She knits really, really beautiful clothing.
I know she wants this too so I'm grateful we're on the same page!
So, I sit in the hope and faith that this will manifest. I try to release the fear it will not. I sit with awareness that I am powerless and this moment and this day is all I have! I intend to drop any remaining energy balls of fearful projections right at my feet, kick them off the field and play in this day only with a ball of JOY and GRATITUDE!
I am aware of how lucky I am to have a mother who is so loving and present to me. When we spoke this morning we agreed our relationship just keeps getting better and better. Positive transformation at any stage, any age -- it's never too late for that! -- and I am so grateful.
I have a very mothering energy even though I am not technically a mom. I am nurturing, compassionate, strong, protective, and full of love. I am trying very hard to mother myself as best I can and am finding that by relating to others and experiencing mutually beneficial compassionate relationships, my own self care skills improve.
At 32, I am increasing belief that I would be able to handle raising children that I would be healthy and strong enough myself to have a family, and this is such great progress to celebrate because I used to not feel I'd be able to do it at all.
There is so much I can say about how amazing and inspiring a person my mom is and want to write about her in more detail but won't do that unless I have her consent.
I feel a lot of compassion for people who don't have their biological mothers in their physical world anymore. I also feel sad for people whose relationships with their moms are mangled and without peace.
I'm definitely a feminist and revolted by sexism which still exists in MANY forms and believe that as women continue to claim strength, power, intelligence, and emotions, we'll begin to undo and end widespread, accepted, collective mindsets and actions that degrade women.
It is ALL about RESPECT, right mom? :) Self respect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1M2fk72mfw
So, that's where I am this morning and I am grateful I'm feeling and thinking with awareness. That's the meaning of "Sati" -- a Pali word for mindfulness -- in case you were wondering what this message has to do with intenSati. :)
Wishing you a beautiful day lived in the present and with acceptance and love!!
Closing thought: I am aware of how I feel today. I love my beautiful mom. I am also grateful for all the mother figures in my life who are loving, positive, thoughtful and inspiring!
With xo and gratitude,
Lindsay
I am teaching a FREE intenSati class inside the ADIDAS Sport Performance Store (610 Broadway) TODAY at 4pm! It is going to be such a FUN event with DJ DAN STERLING, 30% discounts on ADIDAS clothing and a really loving and high ENERGY series honoring motherhood and love! PATRICIA MORENO is stopping by and copies of her book, "The intenSati Method: 7 Principles to Thinner Peace" and DVD's will be available! See you later at the Mother's Day intenSati Adidas love celebration!!
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