Jean's Yoga Lovenotes

For many summers, we traveled to the ocean in North Carolina and I would walk the beach towards the piers in Cape Hatteras and would watch the surfers.  I love the surfers.  The funky cars, the gear in the back, the camaraderie that they seemed to have.  It all looked like so much fun to me.  The best part was watching them on their boards out in the water.  They would sit on the boards for long stretches just waiting for the perfect wave.  It looked very zen to me to just sit out on the board, feel the sun and the water and watch and wait. I would tell tell myself that I should give it a try.  But then the opportunity would come and go.  I had tons of excuses.  I was a mom, and should take care of my kids.  I was too old.  I was too fat.  Women don't just get up on boards and surf.  I'd probably crack my head open and die. Then recently I opened an email from Emily Garrett, a local yoga teacher friend,  inviting...

I was talking with the eldest Campbell child the other day because he just bought this really funky short-bus Ford.  I was thinking, “Really, another  vehicle?”  and  gave him “the stare” .  They have warned me about my stare.  It happens automatically when car purchases and expenditures come up….… I asked if the recent purchase made him happy.  He said to me, “Mom, in general, I only do things that make me happy.”  Ahh, yes, out of the mouths of babes come wisdom that is so amazing and powerful.  I am learning to embrace this concept wholeheartedly and I encourage you to consider it too. After all, don’t most of us just want to be happy?  Isn’t that a pretty awesome life goal for anyone?  To ease into the flow of life by following the very simple instructions of Do What Makes You Happy!  I can’t find much flaw in that concept, can you?  As long as you are not hurting yourself or another it sounds like really sound advic...

Happy Summer Yogi Friends! Ahhhhhhh! Summer! It is so wonderful to have warm weather, growing gardens and time to do yoga outside! I have just returned from a wonderful 4 day yoga conference at Stratton Mountain Vermont called Wanderlust . I had the blessings to attend many yoga classes from some amazing teachers such as John Friend, Seane Corn, Rodney Yee & Collen Saidman, Kia Miller, Lauren Hanna, and Desiree Rumbaugh. It was pure bliss the whole time as I learned about meditation, opening my heart to grace, and all kinds of yoga. On top of all that Saturday night there was a Michael Franti Concert that rocked the mountaintop! He is such a great musician and has such a big heart! With all the gardening I have been doing I have noticed that my back is sore and created a video for you that will help you if you are feeling the same.  Here is some quick and awesome relief! Outdoor yoga! I am thinking about starting a Thursday afternoon/evening outd...

Creating clear space to work in has been a goal in the past few weeks.  Maybe it is spring cleaning on my mind, or just a need for the space I work in to be more cleaned up and organized.  Whatever the reason I have found that defining, arranging and clearing up the space I work in and do yoga in helps me to perform better, think more creatively --- instead of chaotically!  I have found that taking it in small steps helps and makes it not feel so daunting.  For example, I cleaned up all the piles of paper off the top of my desk and placed where there once was a pile of disorganization, a beautiful flower.  Give this a try and let me know if you notice any change in your day! Breathe in Gratitude, Breathe out Love!

Everything exists for joy. There is not one other reason for life than joy. We've got nothing to prove to anyone, because nobody other than All-That-Is is watching. In other words, we're not trying to get brownie points from some other galaxy. We're not trying to get someplace else; we're not trying to get it done, because there is no ending—we cannot get it done. Everything exists for the purpose of joy in the moment. --- Abraham Hicks

Here is a great article on unplugging from technology and regenerating from my yoga teacher, Shiva Rea. Read it here  Peace!

As the days are getting longer and we are all eager for springtime weather I find myself working with springtime athletes who are starting to get their game on and helping them incorporate yoga and mindfulness into their practices. Here are a few nuggets worth remembering as you start a new sports season. * Remember that if you are starting up an activity after not having done it for a while to start slow and be sure to stretch before and after practice to help alleviate soreness and injury.  It doesn't have to  be long, maybe 5 - 10 minutes each but consistency is KEY! * Drink water and lots of it.  Try to remember to hydrate about an hour before practice so your body has time to absorb the fluid. * Think about what your goals for the day. How are you going to be better today than you were yesterday?  What can you do to be a great teammate? * Have fun!  The journey is the adventure! "If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; e...