When it comes to self accomplishments why can't we toot our own horn?
It's OK, really! You work hard everyday. You know it. Some people need that reinforcement from others to acknowledge triumphs and others don't to keep them motivated. But I feel that it's the self "tooting" that is the most motivational.
You know when you achieve something, even the smallest thing, so why is it hard to celebrate? We shrug off those little things and think it's the bigger things that mean the most, but I am hear to say that it's the little things PEOPLE. Yes, the little things!
So the next time you are on your mat with me and touch your toes for the first time in Happy Baby; its time to celebrate. Ok -- no need to jump up and celebrate right there, but feel free to tell me after class and we will celebrate together. I know the yoga is working when I see the little things and it's just a matter of time before a much BIGGER impact starts to evolve in YOU! How exciting is that?
Did you now I mentally evaluate each student I teach? Yep, your first class with me I make a mental inventory so I can celebrate with you when I see these little things happen. "Hey Yoga Yolanda, I see that you are getting deeper in XYZ pose. That's amazing and I love seeing your progress. Have you noticed a difference in your body?" I'm not just blowing smoke about your asana!
I am here to celebrate the little things with you! Keep stepping on your mat with me. Your rewards in yoga are why I am passionate about what I do.
Diane
![[This] Yoga Works! :: Private Yoga](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFLyqYzpP0hZrrgo_V_SxcFiFZnghaDIRYn4-ujiFRz3T3B10vc-cMaAjZEmA74UFJ48ZyUQhLoALlby6in2p6mAwqyyNkXborCRVT2AvzdjYvO4djlSL_afzt-aJiUQvq5Gyn9OzdQ5z/s840/yogaworks_bloglogoblue.jpg)
Welcome to the World Wide Web
I officially launched the This Yoga Works website today.
www.thisyogaworks.com
Catch the yoga fever there!
www.thisyogaworks.com
Catch the yoga fever there!
Born on the 4th of July
What is Independence Day to You?
As I look back in history and think about all the men and women who fought for my freedom and continue to keep me safe, it makes me so proud to be an American. Freedom was earned with a great plan, hard work and dedication. Notice I say "earned" and not just "given". In a society where we want everything in an instant its difficult to not expect immediate results with anything we do - including wellness.
People often struggle with stepping on that treadmill, leaving the couch to walk the dog more than 5 minutes and even stepping into the mat to do yoga. Yet without doing any type of activity we know that the lifespan diminishes.
Like Freedom, better health can all become a habit with a great plan, hard work and dedication.
Like Yoga, better health can all become a habit with a great plan, hard work and dedication.
As I look back in history and think about all the men and women who fought for my freedom and continue to keep me safe, it makes me so proud to be an American. Freedom was earned with a great plan, hard work and dedication. Notice I say "earned" and not just "given". In a society where we want everything in an instant its difficult to not expect immediate results with anything we do - including wellness.
People often struggle with stepping on that treadmill, leaving the couch to walk the dog more than 5 minutes and even stepping into the mat to do yoga. Yet without doing any type of activity we know that the lifespan diminishes.
Like Freedom, better health can all become a habit with a great plan, hard work and dedication.
Like Yoga, better health can all become a habit with a great plan, hard work and dedication.
Sloooowwwww -- dowwwwnnnnn
I wish I say how I got my roller coaster ride to slow down and catch my breath, but I can't pin point it to an exact day. Unlike a real coaster at Cedar Point where it just stops at the end of the ride and you get off, I would say mine slowed down and maybe even changed tracks in the middle. The ride I was on at the beginning changed course and it was all due to me.
I told you how positive thinking helped me get through. In fact, I was so zoned in positive vibes that I separated from people in my life who were not mentally healthy for me anymore. It was not that they didn't support me, but there is this way some people can only think of the glass as half empty when I was thinking it was full. We were both right, but I liked my perspective better and needed to be surrounded by those friends and family who were positive thinking. I was tired of hearing things like, when are you going to ___________, and how long will it take before you _________, and then what will you do after ___________ is done, how will you survive without ________. It's amazing how people have opinions of things they have never gone through in life and think their way is the best. All of these blanks were plans I had in motion, but repeating my story in a positive way to have someone come back with a negative spin was hurting my head (literally). I weaned myself off the negative surrounding and it was for the better.
I weaned myself off the negative surrounding
[TWEET IT]
It's funny how one change can make a big impact. Looking back it was probably one person doing all the negative chattering and now - guess what? No chatter!
The coaster slowed down and I was on a different track. Rather than being scared of the next hill, I knew it would be a challenge and yet something I could embrace and learn from. I knew what I was going through would help me grow as a person. I started to see how much better life could be on this new track of negative free people.
I told you how positive thinking helped me get through. In fact, I was so zoned in positive vibes that I separated from people in my life who were not mentally healthy for me anymore. It was not that they didn't support me, but there is this way some people can only think of the glass as half empty when I was thinking it was full. We were both right, but I liked my perspective better and needed to be surrounded by those friends and family who were positive thinking. I was tired of hearing things like, when are you going to ___________, and how long will it take before you _________, and then what will you do after ___________ is done, how will you survive without ________. It's amazing how people have opinions of things they have never gone through in life and think their way is the best. All of these blanks were plans I had in motion, but repeating my story in a positive way to have someone come back with a negative spin was hurting my head (literally). I weaned myself off the negative surrounding and it was for the better.
I weaned myself off the negative surrounding
[TWEET IT]
It's funny how one change can make a big impact. Looking back it was probably one person doing all the negative chattering and now - guess what? No chatter!
The coaster slowed down and I was on a different track. Rather than being scared of the next hill, I knew it would be a challenge and yet something I could embrace and learn from. I knew what I was going through would help me grow as a person. I started to see how much better life could be on this new track of negative free people.
As I look back I was doing some inner workings and pausing
The edge seemed so alone, so numb. At time I didn't even know I was on the edge of making decisions that would be developing my life into the now, the present. I could not see what that looked like or how I would get out of the rut I was in.
"Keep your options open", my assistant manager said on one of the most difficult days personally in my life. She was talking about the way the company was going (AKA The Unification) and the changes ahead that were unknown. Great, just like my personal life - I thought. What does that even mean - keep your options open? Did she mean for new opportunities within the company or to start looking outside. Who knew, but I did know that the words became an internal joke that merged into a reality for me. I knew in order to move past my rut, no matter where that was occurring in my life, that I needed to have an end goal - an ultimate desire of what I'd love to happen - and move toward that space positively. And although that was one of the worst overall top 5 days in my life, it was a turning point for me.
I could not tackle both my personal and business life at the same time to make overall changes, but I knew I had to start on one. For me, I needed to first look inward and work on my personal relationships.
It was not easy and my roller coaster continued. My best advise and what pulled me through on those dark days was positive future thinking and what I needed to do in the now to move forward. I had to believe that every single decision I was making no matter how huge, was for the better. There were days when I was not even able to make decisions. On those days, I just was still, no movement or action, but deep thinking.
As I look back I was doing some inner workings and pausing my mind. It was the time I needed before making the next big step. It was like I was ripping off a bandage thinking the wound was healed to find it still needed time to dry. Despite me knowing that eventually my wound would be healed, even showing a minimal scar, I had to take the time.
So you see, what I was encountering was finding my true self. Not what others wanted, but what I wanted. I was becoming more aware of me for the first time. I was pausing to witness what was happening before I acted on the next move.
I love this...
"Keep your options open", my assistant manager said on one of the most difficult days personally in my life. She was talking about the way the company was going (AKA The Unification) and the changes ahead that were unknown. Great, just like my personal life - I thought. What does that even mean - keep your options open? Did she mean for new opportunities within the company or to start looking outside. Who knew, but I did know that the words became an internal joke that merged into a reality for me. I knew in order to move past my rut, no matter where that was occurring in my life, that I needed to have an end goal - an ultimate desire of what I'd love to happen - and move toward that space positively. And although that was one of the worst overall top 5 days in my life, it was a turning point for me.
I could not tackle both my personal and business life at the same time to make overall changes, but I knew I had to start on one. For me, I needed to first look inward and work on my personal relationships.
It was not easy and my roller coaster continued. My best advise and what pulled me through on those dark days was positive future thinking and what I needed to do in the now to move forward. I had to believe that every single decision I was making no matter how huge, was for the better. There were days when I was not even able to make decisions. On those days, I just was still, no movement or action, but deep thinking.
As I look back I was doing some inner workings and pausing my mind. It was the time I needed before making the next big step. It was like I was ripping off a bandage thinking the wound was healed to find it still needed time to dry. Despite me knowing that eventually my wound would be healed, even showing a minimal scar, I had to take the time.
So you see, what I was encountering was finding my true self. Not what others wanted, but what I wanted. I was becoming more aware of me for the first time. I was pausing to witness what was happening before I acted on the next move.
I love this...
Watch your ‘Thoughts’, they become words.
Watch your ‘Words’, they become actions.
Watch your ‘Actions’, they become habits.
Watch your ‘Habits’, they become character.
Watch your ‘Character’, for it becomes your Destiny.
These are valuable ‘watch’ words for leading a meaningful life. Yoga fine-tunes your mind to a state of relaxed awareness, to live joyfully in the present moment.
Why now? Why tonight, Why me?
I was on the edge
My life was in roller coaster mode and I didn't know how to make it stop. It all was within my hands (and heart) to make a change.
Work and home life were all falling apart simultaneously. I was so unfocused I didn't even know where to start and honestly no clue even how.
Sound familiar? I had to use positive thinking and practicing yoga to pull me off that coaster on into a better space. At the time I had no idea that is what I was doing. It was not purposeful, I can assure you that.
Sound familiar? I had to use positive thinking and practicing yoga to pull me off that coaster on into a better space. At the time I had no idea that is what I was doing. It was not purposeful, I can assure you that.
Here is one story on this journey:
I was in a group yoga class trying to take my mind off of all the clutter filling it up with work and my personal life. I initially started yoga just for fun, then began to realize it was a stress release for me. So here I am, big group class of yogi just wanting some release. I was SO looking forward to the end of practice for Corpse pose. There were times I wish I could just stay there and sleep on my yoga mat al night.
"Just find a comfortable position, close your eyes and take in a deep breath", my favorite yoga teacher Leslie said to the class. As I was there for not even a minute tears began to flow out of my eyes, down my cheeks and onto my mat. I was CRYING! I knew why, certainly all the stress I was under, but never had this experience. Why now? Why tonight, Why me?
I gather up my things, took a long car ride home and knew that I needed to make changes in my life for that would make me happier in the long-term but would be a tough pill to swallow in the short term. I just had no idea where to start.
Follow me on my journey that took me from THAT DAY to this present moment. I went from being on the edge ready to fall flat on my face, to facing the boldest, terrifying and courageous moments of my life.
FORE! Yoga
GET GOLF READY WITH YOGA
Saturday, May 9th |10:00am
Get out of your head and into your body! [Tweet it]
Increase power in your drive, add focus to your putt and get the desired flexibility in your swing.Yoga is a well kept secret to developing great success in your golf game. Join us for a trial session to learn simple techniques that will help improve the way you play.
- Open to all level golfers
- Clinic Fee is $30 per hour
- Comfortable clothing suggested, golf attire not required
- Bring a golf club of your choice
- Bonus 5-minute technique for your pregame routine that will have others wondering your secret.
Class size is limited to provide personal attention.
Reservations are required to Diane Ernsberger. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies.
#555 Cinco de Mayo Challenge
It's the Cinco de Mayo Challenge! #555
OK, you might be disappointed because margarita, limes or salt do not come into play with this. Sorry, read it anyway and accept the #555 challenge. LOL
On this 5th day of the 5th month I want you to take five minutes, yes cinco to pay attention to your breath. You HAVE five minutes! During this precious five I want you to find a comfortable seat or even on your back. Then begin with taking in five deep breaths and focus on the inhale. Now take in 5 more deep breaths and focus on the exhale. Continue this breath exercise with your eyes closed and focus on lengthening the breath. Use the full 5 minutes to be still and be with your breath focusing inward.
On this 5th day of the 5th month I want you to take five minutes #555. (Tweet it)
OK, you might be disappointed because margarita, limes or salt do not come into play with this. Sorry, read it anyway and accept the #555 challenge. LOL
On this 5th day of the 5th month I want you to take five minutes, yes cinco to pay attention to your breath. You HAVE five minutes! During this precious five I want you to find a comfortable seat or even on your back. Then begin with taking in five deep breaths and focus on the inhale. Now take in 5 more deep breaths and focus on the exhale. Continue this breath exercise with your eyes closed and focus on lengthening the breath. Use the full 5 minutes to be still and be with your breath focusing inward.
On this 5th day of the 5th month I want you to take five minutes #555. (Tweet it)
Purpose is Priceless
In a world on of multi-tasking, homing from work and rushing kids to the next extracurricular event, when do you have time to slow down? Never, right?
What if I told you a slow, purposeful yoga practice could help?
Intrigued?
I've found that purposeful yoga, meaning each pose and breath has a purpose, can be powerful. [Tweet it]
Last night I worked with one of my amazing private clients. She has a full family of 3 (2 cute dogs) and a great hubby with activities out the ears and still works full-time. Her breaks are few, but she always finds time for self-care including weekly private yoga with me.
I've seen so many changes in her since our first session less than a year ago. I see her movements into each pose taken with care and grace. Her breath now works for her movements rather than against. The most amazing part is that she is making self alignment adjustments based on how her body feels in that moment and what she needs. She feels the muscles engage and strengthen adding power mentally and physically. She is listening to her body and slowing down her world while in my care. That one hour is meaningful and carries over into her daily life.
Last night with a proud moment for me as a teacher. This is why I teach!
Teaching yogis to practice yoga with purpose is priceless!
What if I told you a slow, purposeful yoga practice could help?
Intrigued?
I've found that purposeful yoga, meaning each pose and breath has a purpose, can be powerful. [Tweet it]
Last night I worked with one of my amazing private clients. She has a full family of 3 (2 cute dogs) and a great hubby with activities out the ears and still works full-time. Her breaks are few, but she always finds time for self-care including weekly private yoga with me.
I've seen so many changes in her since our first session less than a year ago. I see her movements into each pose taken with care and grace. Her breath now works for her movements rather than against. The most amazing part is that she is making self alignment adjustments based on how her body feels in that moment and what she needs. She feels the muscles engage and strengthen adding power mentally and physically. She is listening to her body and slowing down her world while in my care. That one hour is meaningful and carries over into her daily life.
Last night with a proud moment for me as a teacher. This is why I teach!
Teaching yogis to practice yoga with purpose is priceless!
Are You a Tree?
It's funny where life takes you and how you adapt. I recently reconnected with a freelance designer Wanda Espana of Wee Design Group. As we were chatting about life changes and how we adapt she quoted a phrase her elementary teacher used to say,
"The trees that survive the storm are those that bend with the wind"
Tell me, are you a tree that bends?
"The trees that survive the storm are those that bend with the wind"
Tell me, are you a tree that bends?
It's Not Just Physical
Strength - When you think of that word, you think "physical". But what if I told you there is an inner strength within that when you dig down deep you can find it for emotional support. Some say it's listening to your heart. Could even be doing what you believe whole heartedly is right for you in that moment. What do you think?
Find your strength on and off the mat to dig deep, listen to your heart and be in the moment. (Tweet it)
Think on this:
You are in a relationship that has lack of communication. Neither of you are willing to budge and say the first word that will unravel that uncomfortable conversation. This relationship is important to you, but you also feel that you should not always be the one to take that first step. Blame comes into play and perhaps time goes by that creates stress in you and the relationship. You can choose to stay in limbo and never talk, allowing it to place a wedge in your relationship OR you can dig down deep within, find the strength to be courageous and say that first word into the uncomfortable. Even if you have no idea what the outcome will be, at least you are not still in the unknown and letting time go by. Digging deep can hurt.
Find your strength on and off the mat to dig deep, listen to your heart and be in the moment. (Tweet it)
Think on this:
You are in a relationship that has lack of communication. Neither of you are willing to budge and say the first word that will unravel that uncomfortable conversation. This relationship is important to you, but you also feel that you should not always be the one to take that first step. Blame comes into play and perhaps time goes by that creates stress in you and the relationship. You can choose to stay in limbo and never talk, allowing it to place a wedge in your relationship OR you can dig down deep within, find the strength to be courageous and say that first word into the uncomfortable. Even if you have no idea what the outcome will be, at least you are not still in the unknown and letting time go by. Digging deep can hurt.
That's So Private!
|
I Dare You!
At times, what you want to happen and what actually happens are not the same. I'm sure you can think of a recent example in your own life, so I don't really need to be specific with my story.
So why is it I have these preconceived notions of what will happen. I can't predict the future, so why would I think I could control absolutely ANYTHING!
The best part of this is I can take what might not be a desirable outcome and find a way to make it positive. This is not a gift of mine, it's a skill I am trying to learn and implement.
Where in your life can you apply this skill? In your daily life? On your mat?
Try it...I dare you!
So why is it I have these preconceived notions of what will happen. I can't predict the future, so why would I think I could control absolutely ANYTHING!
The best part of this is I can take what might not be a desirable outcome and find a way to make it positive. This is not a gift of mine, it's a skill I am trying to learn and implement.
Where in your life can you apply this skill? In your daily life? On your mat?
Try it...I dare you!
Was that on Purpose?
Ever wonder how you got here? No, I'm not going to talk about the birds and bees. I mean how you got to where you are right now, this very moment as you even read this blog. Where are you? How did you get there? What steps did you take to get there? Was it easy? What support did you have along the way? If you think you stumbled into whatever life you have, think again. We all take steps and make decision to get to this very moment.
For example, I am watching the Super Bowl and not all that into it, well OK the commercials, but picked up the laptop to start writing. It was no accident. I purposefully did everything and took steps along the way to make it happen.
Yoga is the same. Where are you on your mat? How did you get there in that pose? What steps to take to achieve the pose? Was it easy to get into? What support in the pose did you have along the way? If you think you stumbled into the pose, think again.
Make yoga purposeful otherwise what is the point.
For example, I am watching the Super Bowl and not all that into it, well OK the commercials, but picked up the laptop to start writing. It was no accident. I purposefully did everything and took steps along the way to make it happen.
Yoga is the same. Where are you on your mat? How did you get there in that pose? What steps to take to achieve the pose? Was it easy to get into? What support in the pose did you have along the way? If you think you stumbled into the pose, think again.
We all get lost along the way at times [Tweet it]Need support and a plan to move forward. The next time you are on your mat consider where you are on your mat and how you could make it better. Is it a private session? or just a question at the end of class to your yoga instructor about how one thing you did could make it all better?
Make yoga purposeful otherwise what is the point.
Chakras and What That Means
I love Pinterest and post so many things I may never use, but each are in my back pocket just in case. Tonight I discovered a great cheat sheet on the Chakras, and had to share. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
Enjoy!
I'm Not Just a Mat You Can Walk All Over
Ever wonder how to take care of your yoga mat. After all, you walk all over with sweaty barefeet for an hour each class. So it is just a mat you walk all over. :)
Mats are personal space for yogis, even sacred and yet after class we roll that all up, blood sweat and tears until the next class. Yuck!
Start cleaning you mat before leaving class!
Here is a way to make your own personal mat cleaner at home.
Mat Cleanser
1cup white vinegar
3 cups filtered water
1 tsp tea tree oil
Essential oil (approx10-20 drops depending preference of peppermint, lavender, or anything you want that is natural
Place all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well before each useSpray your mat on one side and let it sit for a few minutes then With a damp cloth, wipe it. Towel or air dry
Enjoy!
R U Breaking Up With Me?
Have you ever had a relationship that needed to break-up? I'm not talking about people, but things! It could be bad habits, hectic lifestyle, stressful work or an unorganized life, You know exactly what I mean. So how do you know when it's time to make that break? These habits will not break themselves. It's not like a relationship where two human have other opinions and can call it quits. It's all about you in this one!
Think about something that you'd like to break away from in your life. What is stressing about it? Could it be changed even a bit to make things better? How long will you have a relationship with this "bad creature" until you reach a breaking point that become unhealthy for your mind and body?
Let's break the habit. Today I encourage you to write down your "bad creature" and then 3-5 steps you could take to break up starting now and a timeframe to accomplish your goal.
Mine is like this:
Eating Treats (I heart chocolate)
1). Don't buy any new treats at the store. I mean it!
2). Toss away old treats that are tempting. Don't eat one last treat while walking to the trash can.
3). Each time I crave something sweet I will drink a glass of water. Boy, will I be hydrated!
4). Write down each time I am tempted daily for 7 days. Will it decrease?
5). Celebrate with one treat, OMG, I am totally joking. OK, for real - Celebrate at the end of 7 days with a non "bad creature" reward. Perhaps new yoga pants or a Starbucks Tea!
R U Breaking Up With Me? YES I AM!
Think about something that you'd like to break away from in your life. What is stressing about it? Could it be changed even a bit to make things better? How long will you have a relationship with this "bad creature" until you reach a breaking point that become unhealthy for your mind and body?
Let's break the habit. Today I encourage you to write down your "bad creature" and then 3-5 steps you could take to break up starting now and a timeframe to accomplish your goal.
Mine is like this:
Eating Treats (I heart chocolate)
1). Don't buy any new treats at the store. I mean it!
2). Toss away old treats that are tempting. Don't eat one last treat while walking to the trash can.
3). Each time I crave something sweet I will drink a glass of water. Boy, will I be hydrated!
4). Write down each time I am tempted daily for 7 days. Will it decrease?
5). Celebrate with one treat, OMG, I am totally joking. OK, for real - Celebrate at the end of 7 days with a non "bad creature" reward. Perhaps new yoga pants or a Starbucks Tea!
R U Breaking Up With Me? YES I AM!
Do What You Love - Love What You Do!
When I was a little girl I would do cartwheels in our 1970s living room as much as I could. Give me a spot and I would do it. Gymnastics and twisting my body into impossible positions was fun. I could even wrap both legs behind my head (OK, don't judge me!)
I never took my passion to the next level through gymnastics like May Lou (you'll break your arm! I would hear). The closest I came to flipping around was as a cheerleader beginning at age 13. Although I loved flipping all over the high school gymnasium, I will always fearful of breaking a bone. Looking back, those words that echoed in my ear probably held me back from what could have been an exciting passion come true.
Now fast forward 25 years! I am 40-something and still flipping around. I can do cartwheels, handstands and backbends in my everyday life now through yoga. I no longer worry that I will break my arm, since I listen to my body. I don't randomly do flips, but know to warm-up the body first. My passion has grown and with this path I can also teach others as I share my passion. I love what I do and do what I love and it's not work at all to me.
What do you love? Do you do it?
Tell me!
I never took my passion to the next level through gymnastics like May Lou (you'll break your arm! I would hear). The closest I came to flipping around was as a cheerleader beginning at age 13. Although I loved flipping all over the high school gymnasium, I will always fearful of breaking a bone. Looking back, those words that echoed in my ear probably held me back from what could have been an exciting passion come true.
Now fast forward 25 years! I am 40-something and still flipping around. I can do cartwheels, handstands and backbends in my everyday life now through yoga. I no longer worry that I will break my arm, since I listen to my body. I don't randomly do flips, but know to warm-up the body first. My passion has grown and with this path I can also teach others as I share my passion. I love what I do and do what I love and it's not work at all to me.
What do you love? Do you do it?
Tell me!
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