YOGA by Brittney

I haven't been too inspired to write lately, but the truth is, sometimes it's just about starting. I've felt like if I didn't have some profound message, it wouldn't be worth reading. But God speaks to me through people. How am I to know how what I say will affect others? I trust the words will find the hearts it's meant to... and I still stand by sharing My Truth and revealing What's Under My Yoga Pants , despite the Lemon I was dealt as a result. Now that I'm in a new area, I think it's important for those just meeting me to know my authentic self. I write a lot about my recovery from alcohol and addiction . I had a "burning bush" experience after working my twelve steps, and knew I was meant to leave my stressful, draining job, take a leap of faith, trust the universe and follow my heart, pursuing my passion. That's how YOGA by Brittney was birthed. I'll be 18 months sober on May 20th - One day shy of my first weddin...

When I was younger, I moved to LA for a short while, and to NYC as well. I also traveled frequently to Minnesota. I always loved to "get away." It was nothing for me to pick up and go, and it didn't seem I was close enough to anyone for it to impact me. After college the world travel and moving around continued into and all around DC. I found friends, but kept them at a distance. (Me in Paris, where I enjoyed too much champagne.)  In March of 2014, I found my way into the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous. I managed to string together my first 30 days of sobriety after a messy year of trying to escape myself. I'd come to the realization I had a problem - that once I started drinking, I couldn't stop or control my drinking.  Around the 40 day mark, I was to go on a trip to Vegas with the start-up I was working for. I decided to start drinking again, already having made the decision I would drink on the trip. It was immediately clear to me, I wasn't dr...

There is much more to yoga than meets the eye. The practice of yoga was developed in ancient India over 5,000 years ago by monks and other enlightened beings for health, happiness and longevity. Following is a very brief and simplistic overview outlining what Raj yoga, or Ashtanga yoga is according to Patanjali's Sutras, from my Advanced Teacher Training lecture notes. The goal of yoga is union of the self with the supreme reality. There are eight limbs. 1. The Yamas {Purification of Nature}: a) Ahimsa (non-violence), b) Satya (truthfulness), c) Asteya (not stealing), d) Aparigraha (non-collection), e) Brahmacharya (non-indulgence) 2. The Niyamas {Purification of Nature} : a) Saucha (cleanliness), b) Santosha (contentment), c) Tapas (self-discipline), d) Svadhyaya (self-study), e) Ishuara Pranidhana (surrender to God) 3. Asana {Purification of the Body} : The physical practice of yoga postures 4. Pranayama {Purification of Energy} : Breathing exercises to control th...

It took three days and five flights to get me to Khajuraho. If you ever get the opportunity to fly Quatar airways, or see the Doha airport - Do it! It's luxurious. I got really airsick, and thereby homesick, on my last three flights with Air India, and could hardly sleep, as I kept waking up with the shoulder pain I left with. Alas, there were six or seven others enroute to the Ashram that joined me from Delhi to our final destination, and I was comforted by them immediately. Adriana is Brazilian, but lives in Spain. She was to my right, and Laura from Holland was to my left. Laura had just seen a Shaman in Peru and after her cleansing experience, assured me my vomiting didn't bother her. Puppies greeted us in the parking lot as we waited for Laura's lost luggage; the little black one's paw had been run over :'(  We checked in to the Ashram, and I adjusted to the 13.5 hour time difference without a problem, sleeping through the first night. I got up ...

I'm nervous...  What I've learned and experienced of self-reflection and spiritual growth thus far: It can be painful. But to gain self awareness, enlightenment and to awaken is powerful and what I believe we've all essentially incarnated for. So, from an internal perspective, I'm excited, trusting, albeit apprehensive about my trip to India. The facilities of the Arhanta Yoga Ashram are simple, offering the possibility of immersion in traditional Indian culture and lifestyle, free from western luxury and comfort. The idea is to minimize materialistic influences and attachments, renounce material dependencies and to bring the focus within. Situated outside the historical city of Khajuraho amidst 17 acres of green land,  beautiful lush nature, surrounded by hills, forests and seemingly endless fields - the environment is a serene place for yoga, meditation and focus on spiritual growth. It is quiet and secluded promoting a deep connection with creation. I g...

It would be really nice to have a glass of wine with dinner. I miss having cocktails with friends, and holidays, like Halloween, make me miss letting loose and "having fun." Those are no longer privileges of mine though, unfortunately. You see, I am bodily and mentally different from others. I have a genetic predisposition (nature), plus my environment throughout life has contributed (nurture) - whatever, it's who I am.  I respond to alcohol different from my fellows; I'm essentially allergic, except instead of it being like an allergy to strawberries, for instance, I'm judged harshly for it - and it can wreck havoc on not only my life, but my families as well when/if I choose to consume it. Also - I have a mind that prioritizes alcohol over basic living needs for survival, and a body that craves it. Do people who are allergic to strawberries have strong cravings and a mental obsession for them? I'm not sure, but I doubt when people who are allergic to stra...

"The essential lesson I've learned in life is to just be yourself. Treasure the magnificent being that you are and recognize first and foremost you're not here as a human being only. You're a spiritual being having a human experience." - Wayne Dyer Early in February, I met a lady who I've come to affectionately refer to as a spiritual advisor. Her life's work is a vast understanding of the subconscious. In one of our first conversations, she gave me the name of someone else I should connect with professionally. I happened to know this person already, but shortly after I started subbing yoga classes for her and we began getting to know one another on a more personal level. Eventually, this friend referred me to the owner of Red Dirt Running Company to be a vendor for the Cornhusker State Games earlier this summer. While at the State Games, I met a couple who approached me after reading my "YOGA by Brittney" sign. The lady, who I'll ...