Desiring Creativity and Freedom?
Posted by Cori in Meditation, Philosophy on August 19, 2010
You Should Read: A Big New Free Happy Unusual Life by Nina Wise
This is by far one of the most enlightening non-fiction books I have ever read. I am guessing you would find this book shelved under “Self-Help” in most bookstores. Nina Wise brilliantly goes beyond simply inspiring a person to help only themselves; she ignites a fire of transformation within that compels you to create and see the world in a whole new way.
This book is broken down into logical sections. The first few chapters related to the Self and its experiences within its surroundings. Nina Wise engages the reader quickly by “providing access routes that are expressive in nature” from activities of song and dance, to poetry and the visual arts. The background information she provides on each topic compels you to try the practice exercises that follow.
The subsequent chapters follow the same pattern of explanation and provide a way to incorporate the ideas into your own life. With seamless transitions, the next few chapters related to how we see and relate to people around us, from friends to colleagues to family members. Wise sums up the importance of human interaction when she says, “…activities we do in isolation are not sufficient to satisfy our longings-we also have a heartfelt craving for human contact.” She convinces you that practice of human contact will change your life!
Next Nina addresses our most intimate relationships. Yes, she goes there too, in an uncanny and realistic way. She weaves this beautiful web of how rhythms pervade our life, how important they are in our personal relationships, and how to deepen that rhythm of intimacy through play with music, light, and heartfelt acknowledging touch. This is by no means a sexual part of the book, but you feel sensual after reading this segment.
And just when you think she could not possibly have anything more to convey, Nina completes the most beautiful bridge in the book, the path to the divine. She allays any fears we have of the traditional ideas of “God-worship.” Nina describes the divine connection perfectly when she says, “…the inner path (to the Divine) does not always come from a structured environment, but rather you discover the Divine when the inner path leads to equanimity, wonder, and appreciation.”
This book has completely changed the way I think of daily life, and has definitely changed the way I chose to relate with my yoga students. I have much more of an inter-personal connection. I encourage everyone to read and re-read this book. I find something new and compelling each time I go over it!
Poetic Inspirations
Posted by Cori in Meditation, Prana Flow on August 9, 2010
from The Enlightened Heart edited by Stephen Mitchell
Poem 1: “All day and night, music, a quiet, bright reedsong. If it fades, we fade.” –Rumi
In this poem, Rumi suggests a beautiful metaphor of the inner voice. He evokes calm, while at the same time provides a powerful link to our intuitive self. Rumi invites us to listen to our inner voice. This serves great purpose in a yoga class. Tapping into our source of intuition is the way to really know ourselves, and understand our daily yoga practice. For example, being able to communicate to students that yoga is not a competition, because there is greater progress made in the intuitive soul that chooses to work safely within asana than the competitive, who sees asana as achievement. It is in realizing and hearing the “music” of our being that we truly begin to uncover the deeper meaning of our yoga practice, on and off the mat. What really strikes the heart is we should be comforted by the idea that our inner voice, although sometimes “quiet as a reedsong” will never leave us; it will be upon death that we would no longer “hear” our intuitive selves.
Poem 2: “To see a World in a Grain of Sand; And Heaven in a Wild Flower; Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand; And Eternity in an hour.” –William Blake
This is by far my favorite Poem in all of The Enlightened Heart! My heart feels completely full after reading this short verse. I am immediately taken away as I begin to “feel” time lengthening. I use this concept quite often in my classes, and find that after a few consecutive practices the students receive this concept well. In Western society, we are constantly on go, as time dictates what we are to do and when we are to do something. I encourage students who come to my class to “forget what did not get done this morning or what needs to be done this afternoon…focus on being present on your mat…knowing this time is just for you, and you have the ability to make time stand still.” Time after time I am told that for many time stood still.
Poem 3: “The great sea has set me in motion, set me adrift, moving me like a weed in a river. The sky and the strong wind have moved the spirit inside me till I am carried away trembling with joy.” –Uvavnuk
This passage definitely invokes the water element, and brings the true idea of Prana, as a life force, to the forefront. I feel it is when we truly surrender, letting go of inhibitions (on the mat), that we open ourselves up to transformation. Imagine lying on a raft, in a river, and allowing the current to take you as you please. Now imagine you are completely happy with wherever and whenever the river current guides you. You relinquish control, and allow life to happen. You are creating your happiness, and Prana begins to tingle from the top of the head all the way to your toes as you smile in complete contentment. This concept definitely serves a purpose in a Prana Flow class, a natural progression!
Living Ayurvedic Elements
Posted by Cori in Meditation, Travel on July 31, 2010
In Ayurveda, there are 5 great elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether.
For the past three years, I have been living in Air. However, I am not Air. In Ayurvedic terms, Air (Vayu) means both air as we think of it, the wind, and also the backdrop of our environment (the surroundings that we may not always notice). It is dynamic and mobile; existence without form. The main characteristic of Air is movement.
Finally, since moving to Colorado I feel my feet on the Earth. Earth (Avani) represents the solid state. It manifests stability, permanence, and rigidity. Earth represents the foundation of life and rootedness in physical life. It is steadfastness of mind, faith, persistence and dependability; the stable substance. However, I am not Earth, rather I depend on its presence, its stability, to remind me of the vastness of my mind (Ether) and the hope for the future.
Honoring the Ether…Ether (Akasha) is the space or emptiness and is the empty space between atoms. As we know from quantum physics, matter is much less solid than it appears, and is mostly composed of empty space. Ether also corresponds to what many call the undifferentiated cosmic force, or the one mind. Ether is sound or vibration; its main characteristic is lack of resistance. I am not purely Ether. Yet, as I begin to take in the element of Ether into my body, I am reminded of my own presence. The water of my soul.
Water (Ag), in its liquid state, characterizes both time and change and is necessary for the survival of all things. Without water the universe would be formless and lack cohesion. Water is the binding element; it is the conductor of all the other elements.Water is a substance without stability; rather it exists more as an ability to ebb and flow with the natural rhythms of the other elements: Earth, Fire, Air, and Ether. However ironic, I am Water, through and through!
Why is this ironic? If you know anything about me, I hate the water! Showers, yes, but submerging myself in a pool, lake, or even the ocean I find completely maddening. I have a limit to the amount of water I can expose myself too before my heart begins to race and the feeling of suffocation begins to take over. I guess it comes down to the fact that if you put too much water into a pool, you get a flood!
Finally, before I forget, I must bow to the Fire (Agni), Water’s creator. Fire is the transformative element. It is form without substance, and the engine of all processes. It was in recognition of my own inner Fire and my devotion to Ether (the steadiness of the mind) that I have once again found myself in Water.
At any one time, we usually are living in cooperation with more than one element amongst our bodies. However, one element will speak more to our heart, mind, and soul more than any other. What is it for you? How does this element construct your life?
After three years, I am once again beginning to ebb and flow, and enjoying this wave in the tide of life.
I am Water.
Gratitude is Endless
Posted by Cori in Philosophy on June 17, 2010
I am grateful for many things, but today I want to list a specific 30.
I AM GRATEFUL FOR:
1. My father, a great source of inspiration.
2. My two beautiful children.
3. My husband to share them with.
4. My siblings, without them I would think my life insane.
5. My family-in-laws…yes each and every one of them, because that’s what family IS about!
6. My mentor and dear friend.
7. Yoga.
8. Meditation.
9. Hiking in the mountains.
10. Walking the nearby paths.
11. Playing in the park with my kids.
12. Being able to live in Seattle for such a short time, just enough to realize that I did miss the sunshine.
13. Being able to live in Southern California for such a short time, just enough to realize that earthquakes are not cool!
14. Technology.
15. The benefits of a good book, and a warm cup of tea.
16. Being able to hear Sienna sing and see her dance.
17. Seeing Logan’s big smile and hearing his laugh, totally contagious!
18. Foot massages with no fee attached 
19. Waking up and seeing the majestic Rocky mountains each and everyday.
20. Being able to stay at home with my kids for the first years of their lives.
21. Knowing that in one year I will be working full time, teaching.
22. Movies.
23. Chocolate with at least 80% cocoa.
24. Aspen Trees, and the way the wind sounds as it blows through their leaves.
25. Being able to meet different, interesting, and strange people almost everyday.
26. Feeling the ecstacies and intimacies that most people only dream of.
27. Feeling fit.
28. All of the people who bring laughter and joy to my life.
29. Living to see my 3oth birthday, TODAY!
30. In knowing that I will be able to continue adding to this list in life’s infinite amount of ways…
(J)ump start your Meditation practice this June!
Posted by Cori in Meditation on June 5, 2010
A dear friend was asking me about meditation. I thought if she had questions about meditation then some of my other friends probably did too. Why not share my thoughts?
When beginning a meditation practice, you should ask yourself, ” What does meditation mean to me?” It can be so many different things to different people. No one usually has the same goals, or expectations.
A spiritual guru, who is also a dear friend, taught me how to meditate. I never learned it from a book. Therefore, my idea of mediation cannot be found in a book, but sometimes I use books or passages from certain books to bring about a meditative state. My idea of mediation books are those that create (or bring me to) a meditative state, or reflection. My favorites do not actually discuss the art of meditation itself. I have listed them below, links attached.
To get insight of a different kind, I emailed a yogi friend, out of Seattle, whose studio specializes in leading all sorts of meditation from single person to large group meditation. I checked out the list she sent me, and was quite impressed by its potential value. I am now passing this very list along to you. Check out her links below too.
An overall accepted definition of meditation (or meditative state) can be defined as occurring when the body and mind are both at peace to facilitate your inner being to become one with or to acknowledge your connection divine within. Meditative states can be encountered during the following situations:
*Breath work (Pranayama)
*Mantra (Chanting): Check out my Blog
*Imagery: Light, Colors, Scenery
*Yoga Nidra: My favorite you can buy from iTunes by Rod Stryker (Relax into Greatness)
*Walking Meditation: usually done in labyrinths, mazes, or trails
*Mandala Coloring: There are a ton. I just picked the first one listed. Great for kids too!
*Music: My favorite is the Gregorian Chants
*Chakra Meditation
I encourage you to think about these forms of meditation. Choose one that speaks to your heart, and run with it. You might be more apt to find time to meditate when you enjoy how you are meditating.
My Book Suggestions:
Spirituality: (1) Bhagavad Gita translated by Eknath Easwaran (2) The Little Book of Hindu Deities by Patel
Poetry: (1) The Gift by Hafiz translated by Daniel Ladinsky (2) The Enlightened Mind edited by Stephen Mitchell
Creativity: A Big New Free Happy Unusual Life by Nina Wise
My friend’s book suggestions:
Yoga Beyond Belief: Insights to Awaken and Deepen Your Practice by Ganga White
I am ThatL The Science of Hamsa from the Vijnana Bhairava by Swami Muktananda
Meditate: Happiness Lies Within You by Swami Muktananda
Find your potential inner peace can be accomplished from anywhere in the world! So don’t hesitate and (J)ump in!
Zooming into Colorado
Okay, I left all of you way too long in St, George, UT. Absolutely longer than I had been there!
Utah, 2010
After leaving St. George, we were determined to get to Denver by the end of the day. The kids were strapped in and ready for the long day. In the quiet moments of this early morning drive, I felt the weight of overpopulation being lifted off of my chest. The surrounding sights made me realize how insignificant I am in comparison to the vast, vast world. The rock formations rose up towards the heavens as if in testament of how close they would rather be to heaven than earth.
Finding our inner warriors! Richland, UT
We spent a long 3.5 hours in the car, just to stop in Richland, UT for a bathroom break. Sienna and I found our inner warriors! We called upon all of our strength and focus in order to surge on and find out way home to Colorado.
After no time, it seemed like we crossed the border into Colorado and were heading into Glenwood Canyon (without a doubt my favorite part of the entire drive). Driving through the winding, whirling canyon makes me feel like a winding river carving my own path through the dense rock. Before we knew it we were approaching the Eisenhower Tunnel at 11.000 feet! We knew it was all down hill from here towards Denver (literally).
Shortly, we made it to our intermediate humble abode until the close on our new home. It was nice being welcomed by the beautiful clear blue skies of Colorado. As I stepped out of the car, I breathed in a big gulp of the thin clean air feeling an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude.
~A Tribute to the Palm Tree~
Posted by Cori in Asana, Meditation, Travel on May 1, 2010
Our over night stay landed us in St. George, UT…
St. George, Utah also called “Dixie,” is situated in the extreme southwestern corner of Utah, at the northernmost extension of the Mojave Desert. Its location on Interstate 15 makes it the western gateway to Zion and many other Utah National Parks and Monuments. (Population 100,000 / Elevation 2,860 feet above sea level). Oh, and a truly vital statistic – the last opportunity to see the ever so popular Palm Tree that over abundantly decorates the California landscape.
The Palm tree (Palmaceae) have been termed “the princes of the vegetable kingdom.” Historically, they have been “symbolically representative of victory, peace and fertility.” This does not surprise me. Admittingly, not my favorite trees, these facts just confirm my opinion that as the palm stands high reaching towards the heavens it is simply a phallic symbol. According to these Palm Fact pages, “neither the anatomy of the Palm tree stems nor the conformation of their flowers, however, entitles them to any such high position in the vegetable hierarchy.” This I may argue! I do find Medjool Dates scrumptiously delectable.
Regardless of how I see the Palm Tree, I have decided to bow in gratitude to its sheer magnificence. As I stand under a mature Palm tree, I find myself so infinitesimal. I find myself questioning where I fit in, and belong in this flow of life. I see the Palm Tree erupting from the ground and immediately realize its internal strength, especially its ability to remain firm as the earth quakes beneath its feet. From this I learn that as my world is quaking beneath my feet with this move, I can meditate on the strength of the grand Palm. I can stand strong and find myself reaching towards the heavens.
Part 2, the Journey Begins
Posted by Cori in Asana, Philosophy, Travel on April 29, 2010
…as we pulled away from the house, Chad decides that he would like to stop at an unmentionable coffee shop for a quick perk to fill his new eco-friendly reusable green coffee cup. I reluctantly agree because I fear if we stop too long I might realize that I forgot something at the house, or worse decide that we have gone crazy and moving our family again is justifiable proof!
As we come to a stop, Sienna shouts, “Are we here, already!” While giving my husband a sideways glance, I think to myself: Oh my goodness, this is going to be a very very long drive. I draw in a very deep breath, as Chad gets out of the car, and closes the door. The door closes with a vaccuum-like sound, and this forces me to exhale, turn around, and gently explain to Sienna, my dear 3 year old, that “No, we are no where near Colorado and we have a very very long drive ahead of us.” It wasn’t but a few minutes later that Chad got back into the car, and we were zooming down the freeway. It wasn’t but a few minutes after that Chad gives me an ever so familiar look as he acknowledges the eerie quite of the car. We both glance into the backseat to find…
This is just about the ONLY time Sienna actually slept on the drive.
This is just about the ONLY time Logan did NOT sleep on the trip.
Chad and I smile quietly and decide to enjoy the scenery as we head West across California.
BY the time we cross the border into Nevada, both the kids were awake and marveling at the sites.
Zooming through Nevada, the time seemed to pass quickly. Our first time to gas and go was upon us. Great, I thought, because if I do not get up, stretch my legs, and go to the bathroom we are going to have a serious problem. I had to drink…I felt myself drying out as I saw the sand dunes in the distance, so I created my own little oasis in the car. I might be an extremely flexible yogi, but this does not mean that my bladder can handle all of that water I chose to gulp down as I looked out the window at the passing Mohave Desert. So we stopped…and I danced with joy for a short while until it was time to get back into the car. 
It seemed before we knew it we were driving by Vegas. All of a sudden from the back seat we hear Sienna shout, “Look there is Disneyland! I thought we were driving AWAY from California. Where are we going?”
OK maybe I understand Sienna's confusion...
Adios, Vegas…we are Colorado bound!
And so we drove…
It was in those quiet moments traveling through Nevada that I realized I am truly in the present moment, living, breathing, being. Nothing feels more inspiring~
Part 1, A Journey
Posted by Cori in Philosophy, Travel on April 26, 2010
I woke up on Friday, April 23rd to thousands of butterflies fluttering in my stomach. What was I thinking? Is this really happening? Today begins to rest of my life…
I could see the day rhythmically unfolding before my eyes: shower, early morning wake up call from the kids, breakfast for everyone, and so on. The morning carried on like any other. It was not until lunch was finished, the dished were cleared, and the car was being packed that what had been so clear that morning suddenly became very hazy. I felt drawn into a tunnel of uncertainty. What was I thinking? Is this really happening?
Those darn butterflies were back again, as I looked at my crying daughter saying good-bye to what had become her California home for the past year: “Good-bye playroom. Good-bye bedroom. Good-bye living room. Good-bye kitchen. Good-bye patio…” I have heard this same tune come from her voice just one year prior when our family relocated from Seattle to Southern California, but why had this time, of all times impacted me so?
Because now I am conscious. For the first time ever during a relocation, I am conscious. Coming into this moment of sheer consciousness is not the bliss that I had expected, rather it spun me into an emotional vortex and created a sense of uncertainty in what the future will hold. How can I gain control? Perspective? This is when I remembered, “What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us (Thoreau).”
And so in that moment, I came into the present. I felt the asphalt beneath my feet, the blood rushing back into my extremities, and the air reentering my lungs. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale…one breath at a time I latched my children into their car seats, I got into the car, reached for my husband’s hand, and said, “Let’s go. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives.”
The two day drive took me from Southern California to the Foothills of Colorado, and unfolded infinite moments to experience living yoga. ~Follow the Journey~
Coming Full Circle
“Om Separate Office Space Namah”…
A few months ago, I posted this on my Facebook page as a joke to a fellow yogi that if we pray hard enough we always get what we ask for. I am posting this today, because I will finally be receiving the separate/private office space that I asked for a few months ago. Oh, no it won’t be in California!
My little surfer will need to become a mountain climber!
Where will it be…in Colorado! Yes, I am moving yet again. This move, however, I was promised would be the final move in order to get my life in order, if there is such a thing.
There is so much more significance to the timing of this move than the sheer prayer for office space. If I may digress for a moment…
The number 108 has always held great significance for yogis. Although, the number’s significance is open to interpretation, 108 has long been considered a sacred number in Hinduism and yoga. For example, malas come as a string of 108 beads +plus one for the “guru bead,” around which the other 108 beads turn like the planets around the sun (Note the circular significance here).
Renowned mathematicians of Vedic culture viewed 108 as a number of the wholeness of existence.
Distance: This number connects the Sun, Moon, and Earth: The average distance of the Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108 times their respective diameters.
Sanskrit alphabet: There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.
Pentagon: The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108 degrees.
Breath: Tantra estimates the average number of breaths per day is 21,600, of which 10,800 are solar energy, and 10,800 are lunar energy. Multiplying 108 by 100 is 10,800. Multiplying 2 x 10,800 equals 21,600.
Paths to God: Some suggest that there are 108 paths to God.
Okay, right, what am I getting at?!
This move back to Colorado will have been approximately 3 years (to the date), 108 is a multiple of 3, since my first leaving Colorado in 2007. Life tends to bring us into a full circle of awareness daily, after 24 hours the day begins again; seasonally, after summer, fall brings in her much needed chill; yearly, for some this is representative of the new year celebration. For me, I was brought full circle within 3 years (Colorado – Virginia – Washington – California – (back home apparently where I belong) Colorado!
Hiking the Flatirons, 2000
I have met so many beautiful people along this journey, and I have made countless meaningful connections.
We will forever be linked through this invisible string of life as our journey continues.
Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu!
My Little Dancer, 2009
~May we all learn to dance in this flow of life~
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