Welcome to the Yogalosophy homepage, where you can follow the intention of the month.

What is Yogalosophy (View Video):

I have found that changing my attitude affects my emotions, and my body changes accordingly. Sometimes I am motivated by nurture, sometimes by intensity. My motivational hybrid technique revolves around cycles of change. Yogalosophy can help you use the natural flow to recreate your body through intentions, emotions, and other motivational triggers.

DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

MANIFESTATION

“Turn obstacles into opportunities.”

This month's themes (click below):

• Resolutions
• Goals
• Recognition
• Be Your Own Authority
• Respect Your Limitations

Resolutions

January 11th is my birthday, so, unlike most people, I do not try to accomplish a lot at the beginning of the year. Instead, I ease into it. I don't even think about my resolutions until after 1-11. I take stock over the first 10 days, and set up my shot for the year as best I can. This is the type of ruminating and inner work that the hibernation period of Winter offers. It is at this time that I create a vision or goal for myself. One New Year's Eve, I was in my yoga class and the teacher gave each of us a handout of a quote to choose. The one I chose was very poignant to me, because it was a quote I used to hold in my heart as a young actress and it goes:

This was very prophetic for me, and has unfolded in the most fulfilling and surprising ways. Our words have power.

My new years resolution has been building lately... and this year it is turning into something like : “ENJOY THE RIDE”. I will keep you posted on my Yogalosophy Facebook Page after 1-11.

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Goals

I enjoy goal setting. Sometimes I will decide “I am going to practice yoga for 30 days and see what happens” or “Touch my chest to my thighs”. One of the most common mistakes with goals is that we set our sights too far ahead and get discouraged because we do not see the results. That is why I believe in short term goals. All goals begin in the present moment. Starting in this moment, in this body, as it is RIGHT NOW. The primary reason to have a goal is to be able to have the experience along the way.

Three years ago, I started dreaming of producing my DVD. I had no clue as to how to make it happen, so I just kept doing the next designated thing. At times, it seemed like it was taking too long and that I would never complete it. This slow and painstaking process allowed me to learn the only way I know how - through direct experience. As a result, I created the VISIONMAT so that I could visualize my goals while I practiced yoga. I came up with the name YOGALOSOPHY to describe the way I motivate. I teamed up with YOGAMATIC to host the web series POSERS. They helped create my logo. I grew my private classes and let go of my group classes. During the process of reaching the long term goal, I overcame small hurdles along the way. Basically, the process gave me so much more than just a DVD, including self-esteem. Yoga and the practice is a process... the destination is the journey, right?

Please visit and join the YOGALOSOPHY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY and share your short term goals, along with your New Year's Resolution!

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Recognition

Many times I felt the fear that I might fail, so I did not complete something I started. Other times, I let fear of the unknown keep me from taking a risk. I have had a fear of being seen for much of my life. Fear that people may not like me if they truly knew me, or that I would disappoint and not live up to expectations. Fears that I did not have enough knowledge, or enough to give, or did not deserve success. Yet somehow I found a voice within that gave me strength - an encouraging voice that would cheer me on (often by encouraging others to keep on going!). We each have an inner voice. Mine has told me that there is plenty for everyone, and that it doesn't take away from anyone else for me to be as big and bold as possible. In fact, it is contagious.

So CHECK ME OUT! This is just the tip of the iceberg!

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Be Your Own Authority

I am such a rebel. Nobody likes to break the rules more than I do. Believe me, the moment someone starts telling me there is only one way to do something, I want to find the out. My father (who rebelled against his father) introduced me to Iyengar Yoga. This is a very specific practice that uses props and focuses on alignment. While this is wonderful to have as a foundation, as I have grown up and come into my own with yoga, I have found that being a little less rigid is important for me. What feels right for my body may be very different from what feels right for someone else’s body type.

We all must take authority over our own self, who we are. Whenever I am defining myself within a structure, it is important for me to find freedom from within. Discipline is actually the flip-side of freedom. To be really free in my bodies, I have to have discipline. This is a secret that only those who have a consistent regular practice understand. Nothing feels better than working very hard and then finding the freedom within the work. I do encourage you to draw inward this month to ruminate and become the authority on what your authentic goals and desires are for this year. Think about what you can eliminate, and where you would like to improve, as well as what you have done well. That is true sovereignty.

The center of your body connects you with your identity. Boat Pose will activate this area of your body.

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Respect Your Limitations

I am a very physical person, so I am used to feeling in control of my body. I have excelled athletically by being strong and flexible. It is easy to get cocky and to feel invincible. Therefore, some of my greatest gifts have come in the form of injuries. Each injury has given me some very valuable education about my body. My torn meniscus and my knee surgery taught me patience and trust, as well as the ability to rehabilitate. My bulging discs have taught me to respect my body’s structure and limitations. Having dental work has taught me to accept my genetics.

Illness creates a crisis in the body. In my experience, it pins me to my body so that I become extremely present and grounded. It is through these experiences that I have learned the resilience that is truly within me. This is also how I have learned to understand bodies that are different from mine. I know how intimidating and frustrating it can be when it seems that everyone around you can do a pose that you can't. So this has taught me humility, respect, and acceptance.

See my TIPS and LINKS for some modification tips for various limitations.

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