Holding Space

Why You Aren’t Good At “Holding Space”

The only space we can truly hold is our own. Our own bodies, our own breath, our own thoughts… When we facilitate another person’s process, we can practice being an impeccable host. Hosting space is very different than holding space. Knowing the difference lessens the burden and takes the weight off our shoulders. It’s much less exhausting. But to be a host of space is a great responsibility. To be done well, it must be done actively and consciously. To play the role of host requires the upmost care and consideration…

Yoga Challenge 2017

Secrets Of a Successful Challenge

The tenth annual Yoga Union Yoga Challenge begins April 1st, 2017. We host the yoga challenge every April. We do it primarily for the three reasons:
1. It reminds us of the joy that consistent yoga practice brings into our lives.
2. It motivates us to emerge from winter hibernation into the glory of spring.
3. It builds community through a common goals.
The Yoga Challenge is meant to be empowering. The last thing you want to do is set a goal you can’t attain and then beat yourself up for failing. I’ve been participating in the annual yoga challenge every year running. I haven’t always completed it, but I have received some valuable lessons along the way. I’m happy to share some of what I’ve learned. Below are my essential secrets to ‘success.’

Why do this teacher training? / Yes, you are brilliant.

The main reason why I felt so sure in choosing this training was the fact that I’ve done private sessions with Annie. That she’s shown me true healing happens from someplace deep inside, someplace nameless. I knew I wasn’t signing up for a teacher training to be able to get into crazy instagram-worthy inversions or “be super flexible.” I signed up to witness the magic that is as simple as breath. To study the interfaces of the body, the skin of language, its texture, quality, effects. To connect these threads.

Why I stopped going to Yoga – And Why I’m going back

The problem with yoga and all this self awakening shit is that you are aware of your own mental tricks. The things your brain used to do to get you out of bad situations and make you feel ok with yourself and justify that the way you are is perfect and needs to alternation, they don’t work anymore cause you’re “enlightened” or whatever buzzword is popular this week. Really, it’s because you’re being honest and relatively aware of your own consciousness. Enlightened sounds entirely too graceful for what is really happening.

Awakening Heart Intensive – Bhukti/Mukti Engagement

“Bhukti” means enjoyment or worldly fulfillment. “Mukti” means spiritual liberation. Tantra is the bridge between bhukti and mukti. It is a way of reconciling the apparent opposition of spiritual and worldly fulfillment. The message here is that in the tantric practices it is possible to enjoy a “worldly” existence and discover full spiritual liberation in this life.