YOGA by Brittney

A regular silent meditation practice has powerfully transformed my life. It's the time I take to listen to God. In those still, quiet moments, I often receive creative insight or divine inspiration. About 6 months ago, I felt as if I was walking hand in hand with the spirit of the universe. After a long period of meditation, a flame was lit within and a fire began to burn, fueling me to write "My Truth" and reveal "What's Under My Yoga Pants" - believing that my willingness to be vulnerable might help or encourage someone also struggling with addiction, alcoholism, anxiety or depression to not be ashamed. To get help. Have hope. That things can change... I shared the blogs on my personal social media pages in a humble, brave and courageous effort put myself out there, somehow for a greater good.  And despite my intended message - that no one is perfect, mistakes are a part of life, and the world needs more acceptance, compassion, togetherness...

I have now been a vegetarian for a total of two weeks. My reasoning for eliminating meat in my diet is two fold: 1) I have a very sensitive digestive tract and needed to make some sort of change, and 2) One of the five yamas (self-restraints, or moral and ethical   guidelines for yogis ) is Ahimsa, or non-violence, and I wanted to more deeply integrate this practice into my daily living in a way that was meaningful to me. I began with a one day Ayurvedic cleanse . Ayurveda is essentially a "Science of Life" that originated in India (like yoga) and marries yogic philosophy beautifully. Ayurveda teaches that the mind and the body are inextricably connected. The Khichdi cleanse is basically comprised of soft, easily digestible foods, tea and lots of water. It's meant for three days, but I didn't eat much meat to begin with, so I felt one day was sufficient for me as a digestive reset. For breakfast, I had plain oatmeal, and for lunch and dinner Khich...

It's a rare Strawberry Full Moon and Summer Solstice tonight + This yogi starling is six months sober and clean. Crazy, and cool, but not what this post is about...  It started here at Jivamukti Yoga School in New York City about a month ago, where I learned to do this pose below, Revolved Hand to Big Toe Pose, or Parivrtta Hasta Padangusthasana. (Side Note: What a feeling to be in front of this amazing wall of Inspirational Yogis!) We were in Wheel, or Urdhva Dhanurasana, during class when I saw the girl behind me lower to her forearms and begin to kick her leg up. She fell over and the instructor came running. I thought, "So THAT'S how you get into that dreamy looking pose!"  I figured since the student behind me took a tumble, I'd likely need a spotter and more practice before ever getting into the posture myself, but a seed was planted. I had drooled over images of other yogis in that asana on Instagram, but didn't think I was quite there yet. ...

When you get married, you hear from just about everyone, "enjoy the process" or "enjoy this time" and "enjoy every moment." Tough stuff when planning involves thinking about the future, and when coordination, details, vendors, food, friends, family, rings, and dances all seemingly demand your attention simultaneously. The same mentality applies though, with stress on the flip-side, when you go on a vacation (or honeymoon in my case); you just want to soak up every second and immerse yourself within every morsel of time... Ego aside, I figured if anyone I knew could really manage this almost ungraspable concept it should be me. So with the weeks prior and days within, I tried my very best, and truly hope to carry out my efforts to be present every day in the same way and share my lessons learned with you. Life is so short. And the passing of time is relative, as with all things. That's really what remained at the forefront of my mind throughout...

I think it was the Jim Carrey movie, "Yes Man" that first got me thinking about being a "Yes person." The idea is to begin a collection of experiences with positive affirmation, to change your life. The problem though, is that it's actually always been more difficult for me to say, "No." Just months ago, I decided to give my 8-5 job in finance a big ol' "NOPE!" Anxious all the time, and waking up depressed about going in to work, I decided to really listen to my heart. Why was I so miserable? I had great benefits, a salary that most my age would be excited about, and by all societal standards I should be happy - but I wasn't. Because I wasn't serving my soul. I wasn't doing what I loved or honoring my passions. So I quit. I quit being blamed for my bosses problems and quit the business of other-people pleasing; I quit the benefits, salary and steady hours; I quit ignoring my innermost desires. I ditched the work dres...

1. Life is still  really  good when you know how to count your blessings. Count the highest when it's hardest.  2. There is good in bad, and opportunity in every crisis.  3. Hard times can launch you into periods of immense spiritual and personal growth.  4. What makes you vulnerable, makes you more you.  5. Sharing your authentic self builds bridges for love, compassion and understanding to cross -- it also makes for a richer more vibrant human experience.  6. Shame and guilt are soul deadening vibrations.  7. More love. 8. Everything is temporary.  9. Happiness is a choice.  10. Embracing the whole journey is possible.

Look to this day,  For it is life,  The very life of life.  In its brief course lie all The realities and verities of existence,  The bliss of growth,  The splendor of action,  The glory of power -  For yesterday is but a dream,  And tomorrow is only a vision,  But today, well lived,  Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness  And every tomorrow a vision of hope.  Look well, therefore, to this day.  Sanskrit proverb by Kalidasa Fifth century A.D.  I found this beautiful sanskrit teaching within the first few pages of some of my AA literature. Sanskrit is a rich, ancient, Indic language used in yoga to define the asanas (poses). The Hindu scriptures are written in sanskrit.  There are no accidents or coincidences in my life. I love yoga and 12 step programs because both are spiritual ways of life, but neither are religions. Both encompass religious teachings and yet neither impose.  ...