Photo: Kim Long Photography

What happens when you turn off your radio in the car, shut down your computer and Blackberry? What happens when your spouse is out of the house, the kids are on a play date and you find yourself alone? Are you able to sit down without turning to a distraction to just be? Most of us call a friend, pop onto Face book for a while, flip channels, or even read. But aren’t these all distractions? When are you quiet, the 5 minutes before you turn in for the night, right? But then your mind starts racing because of all the things you have to do, or you simply pass out. I know this.

My simple guidance is to sit down and be quiet, be still. I know life is crazy and stressful. We’re all trying to do a million things, but simply try to quiet your mind for 5 minutes to start. Set a timer so you don’t have to worry about looking at the clock. Take in all the sounds around you, the ticking of the clock, the wind through the trees, the sound of your breath. There is a shift that occurs in this space of silence, it happens almost immediately when you sit with yourself. It’s the opportunity to simply be alive and be aware of your place in the world. It’s vital that we check in with ourselves once in a while. We’ll call a friend to see how they’re doing, but how often do we check in with ourselves? Seems simple enough, but there are so many distractions in our lives that keep us from ourselves.

This lack of checking in with ourselves is one way the body can start to become imbalanced. Quiet offers us the opportunity to reflect upon what’s happening in our lives and to physically check in with what our body is trying to tell us. The body might be whispering pain, or pushing us to fatigue or nagging at us through other ailments. This turning-inwards helps us to recognize that steps can be taken to help ourselves before this imbalance becomes a more serious condition. This awareness is also crucial for how fully we experience our life. If we never stop to reflect upon how far we’ve come or where we’d like to be as we move through life, what kind of life have we lived? We are responsible for our own life. That life eventually becomes our legacy and our personal story. It was in my own moment of self-reflection that I created a saying you’ve probably heard once or twice if you’ve been to my classes, “Remember to breathe into each moment that makes up such an important part of your unique story”. You create your life. Bringing the breath into your experiences (breathing evenly and with awareness) will enhance every part of your life and add richness to your story.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. -Carl Bard

Here’s to you and your ever-evolving story! I know it’s a good one! BREATHE….

Namaste!
Julie

Photo: Kim Long Photography

Satya is one of the Yamas from Patajali’s Yoga Sutra’s and means truthfulness in speech, thoughts and deeds. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, all the stores and ads remind us this is a time to honor love (or just another Hallmark holiday for the cynics out there), but I find this a wonderful time to honor those we love and a time to bring Satya into focus in ourselves and in our relationships.

Truthfulness. That word holds a different amount of weight for different people. If you live in truth, meaning, you live in such a way that you are truthful to yourself and others, speak in such a way that you are sensitive to others feelings and act out of the spirit of love and take responsibility for your actions, you might feel a lightness in relationship to this word. If you are hiding from yourself or others, making judgements about others and holding grudges, this word might carry a burdening weight, but truthfulness to many of us can also be a journey of discovery. Who am I really? What is my truth? Many of us are always trying to fill that empty space that we are convinced needs to be filled in order to feel whole and complete. But what we forget is, we are already whole and complete, we were the day we were born. Listen to what you already know. Really LISTEN. This doesn’t necessary mean you’ll know what to do about what comes up (believe me, this I know for a fact) but the answer lies in that space. It might just be a matter of quieting the noise around you and sitting with yourself to hear it, feel it and maybe even more time to come to terms with it, but it is there. It is also the goodness you have to share with the world despite the bad experiences that life brings that has shadowed your light. Satya is not just taking responsibility for your life, it’s honoring the life you deserve to live. 

According to Patanjali, things come automatically to the person practicing Satya. “To one established in truthfulness, actions and their results become subservient.” In other words, you need not run after things, for they will run after you. That to me is worth living by.

This Valentine’s Day, enjoy your chocolates and celebrations, and remember to take some time to recognize Satya in your life.

XOXO,
Julie

Photo: by Kim Long Photography

How much do you know about your closest friends and family? We all think we know everything, but do you REALLY know what your partner’s greatest fear is, what keeps your best friend up at night and how your aunt got through being a single mom? Does this matter to you? Of course it does, but my question to you is how much do you really know, and can’t we all learn more about one another to deepen our connections? I am one who believes that it’s our connection to one another, as human beings, that provides the most happiness and joy in life. I love people and I love learning about them. I have always believed that everyone is interesting and has a story. And more often then not, their eyes light up at the opportunity to share their experiences with me. I love learning about people’s interests, goals, passions and history, It’s inspiring to me, and I learn so much about life through other people’s experiences, as well as my own. So, I ask questions.

One day, I realized, at a family gathering of all places, that there were people related to me that had NEVER asked me a single question. I’ve know these people for years and yet I realized they haven’t a clue about me despite the number of times I’ve inquired about their jobs, travel, relationships etc. I struggled with this epiphany because I wondered why it bothered me so much. For a long time, I felt that it was because they must think I’m boring or uninteresting, and then it bothered me because I felt maybe It was my ego longing for attention. As I dug deeper, I realized that this experience wasn’t unique to me. My husband and friends had experienced the same thing. It’s that people are often closed off, insecure and self-conscious, so the last thing they are thinking about is YOU. Simply picture your last large get together, be it with family, friends or a work gathering, and think back. What conversations were going on? Were you engaged in the discussion? Were you included, or were you content to be on the sidelines? As I started to observe people more closely, I discovered that there is always a silent dialogue people seem to be having in their heads as they sit quietly or even while talking. I can tell this because they are clearly not in the present moment. How do I know this? Their eyes are not even connected to the person they are talking to! I realized how disconnected so many people are from each other and it made me quite sad.

When we experience being stuck in an airport and strike up a conversation with another stranded passenger and find out their story, it’s usually fun, right? Well, if at the very least you have a good story to tell when you get where you’re going! Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m no Del Griffith, but I’m not afraid to be friendly. Most of the time people are happy to return the favor. What happens when people are forced to talk together? Is it really THAT bad? Is it THAT risky to say “how are you?” or “how was your weekend?” and mean it? We have so many wonderful ways to connect electronically, but what about when the computers and iPhones are tucked away? How do we communicate? How do we connect with others? Try talking to the clerk at Target next time you’re there. Ask them how their day is going, sympathize with an exasperated mother, or simply smile and say hello as you pass someone on the street, instead of looking down. You know you’ve been the recipient of random kindness. It feels good, but it feels even better to be the one giving kindness. 

Our society is so afraid of protecting our privacy (for good reason in many situations) but you’re in control of what you disclose. If it’s a friend or family member, reach out and deepen that connection. I’ve met some wonderful friends by simply reaching out. Don’t stop being interested in other people. We all have something to learn from one another. You never know, you might just get the best advice you ever received from the person sitting next to you.

Photo by: Kim Long Photography

What are you thinking about right now? Are you thinking you shouldn’t be reading this because you have online shopping to do before it’s too late for shipping gifts for the holidays? Are you thinking how exhausted you are as you try to settle down after putting in a few more hours at the office to make end-of-year deadlines? Or, maybe you’re stressing out about getting the house ready for out-of-town guests? It’s a busy time, there’s no doubt, but it’s important to slow down and spend time reflecting on your life.

There are only a couple more weeks before we bid farewell to 2009 and welcome a fresh, new year. Many of you may be more than happy to see 2009 become history, but before you push past these last couple weeks of the year simply to start anew, it’s important to find time for self-reflection. Self-reflection is part of self-awareness.

I invite you to finish this question, ”What I love most about my life is….”and then ask yourself why? What is it that makes that part of your life so special? And then sit in that feeling of happiness and contentment. Then ask yourself how you embraced that part of your life this past year. Did you spend good times with your family? Were you healthy all year? Did you get a promotion? Whatever you love about your life can be explored more deeply through self-reflection. And even if it was a rough year, ask yourself if you came out stronger, are you more confident? Maybe you’re apprehensive about your future, that’s okay, and acknowledging that to yourself can be cathartic. Admitting you’re having a hard time, might encourage you to take time to get the help you need to live the life you deserve.

Self-reflection isn’t always easy to do, but the results of being honest with yourself will only make this new year a time for real growth and potential.

Enjoy finding time to bake cookies or gather around a good movie with family and friends and look around you and just sink into the goodness of your life, then find a quite moment to be proud of all you’ve accomplished this year, or all the suffering you’ve overcome. The validation comes best when it comes from within.

Enjoy your holiday season, and may you all find the good stuff in 2010!

Photo by: Kim Long Photography

I am inspired to write about my amazing students at The Cleveland Raquet Club. Not only are these students dedicated to showing up week-after-week, but they are truly committed to their practice.

This commitment was never more evident to me then at a recent class. I showed up early, as usual, set-up my mat, music and chime and suddenly the fire alarm when off. “What do I do?” I thought. Most of us ask the same question when an alarm goes off from our experiences with school fire drills. I remember how we had to put on our coats and trudge out in the cold every year to stand there for 20 minutes, only to find out little Jimmy set it off, again! “But better safe than sorry”, I thought, so I headed outside to wait for my students.

When my students arrived, we decided to start our class once we saw the fire department show up. We figured the alarm would be shut off in a few minutes, plus, the noise was muffled when we closed the door to our room. I chose to move our traditional opening 5 minute meditation to the end of class, and begin the physical practice. As soon as we began, a piercing RAA RAA RAA blared into our room as a strobe above the exit sign flickered a blinding, bright light, jolting us all out of our gentle neck stretches! Then, after a few minutes (which felt like the second we settled into the next posture), the alarm would blast into the room again, RAA RAA RAA with the strobe clicking and flashing. I offered to cancel class and let everyone go home several times, but the students insisted on staying. Maybe it was because they were already there and dressed, but believe me, after 20 minutes of this insanely loud racket, I fully expected a mass exodus. Nope. 

I can’t explain the concentration on these students faces. There was something different about the way they looked as they followed each prompt. I expected to see tightness in their faces and squinting eyes, an overall annoyed and distracted expression. As I observed them, I could see they were in a different place, each one of them. Each focused in their own way but, with gentleness in their faces. As we moved into tree, a student had one arm reaching for the sky and a finger to her ear in an effort to cut some of the noise and it looked so natural! Other students moved through the postures as if in a meditative trace. Hearing my voice, but their attention focused inward, blocking all the distraction, which was, at times, painful! It was beautiful and tremedously inspiring to witness their focus. Ironically, the alarm abruptly seized with a perfect 5 minutes left to enjoy a truly restful savasana!

To the students from this class reading, I hope you use this experience as an example of your inner power to focus, despite outward distraction, even when it involves pain. And to ALL readers, the next time you practice and feel distracted, simply breathe deep and bring your focus to your body, mind and breath. That’s YOGA at it’s best! Oh, and be glad the fire alarm isn’t going off!

Share your comments with me about your experiences with focus in yoga or life by clicking on the Comment button under the line below.

Peace, and a quiet practice to all!
Namaste,
Julie 

Swami Atmarupa Saraswati

Atma Center is an award-winning yoga center in Cleveland Heights, Ohio dedicated to SATYANANDA YOGA. Their instructors are some of the most highly-trained in the nation.

Thank you so much, Atmarupa, for taking time out of your busy schedule to participate in this interview.

I am honored to have had the opportunity to study with you and other teachers at Atma Center. As a yoga instructor, I am always soaking up as much information as I can when I come to classes and workshops with you. Each time I see you, I always leave thinking how I’d love to  learn about how yoga became a part of your life and of the many adventures you have had. I know I’m not alone in my curiosity, as many of your students can attest. So, I thank you in advance for sharing your history, thoughts and insights with me, my readers, our students and the world. -Julie Konrad

Luna Presence: When did you find yoga, or did yoga find you?

Atmarupa: I originally found yoga through the “Light of Yoga” in the early 80’s.  Then a friend of mine in Australia also became very involved with Satyananda Yoga and encouraged me to try it.

LP: Many students feel confused with all the different styles of yoga out there from Iyengar to Bikram from Ashtanga to Jivamukti. How is SATYANANDA yoga different from other styles of yoga?

A:  Satyananda Yoga® is an integrated form of classical yoga that was developed by Swami Satyananda, who is still alive in India.  It draws on the ancient teachings, but has been adapted to modern living and includes practices that can be done by everyone.  The popular view of yoga is that it requires flexibility at nearly a gymnastic level, or that it is a fitness practice.  Yoga is so much more.  Yoga is truly of science of living and the practices of Satyananda Yoga® are designed to help people deal with daily stress, to find inner peace, and the physical practices are accessible to every body type or level of fitness.

LP: There are many people out there who are interested in yoga, but are afraid they aren’t flexible enough or who might be intimidated. How do you encourage these folks to give yoga a try?

A:  It is so important to realize that yoga is about awareness.  When someone is practicing with full awareness, in the present moment, without attachment to the results, this is yoga.  So, it is possible to be practicing more yoga while doing simple movements linked to the breath than while struggling to do the more extreme postures while listening to music.   We believe that yoga should fit each person rather than trying to fit each person into some preconceived idea of yoga.

LP: How did you get your Sanskrit name, Swami Atmarupa Saraswati, and what does it mean?

A:  My name was given to me as part of an initiation with my guru, Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, who is the successor to Swami Satyananda.  A guru gives a disciple a name based on what they feel the disciple should become.  Atma means the true, unchanging Self beyond this personality or time or space.  Rupa means to take form.  My name, therefore, means that I am to realize the form of my true Self.

LP:  I loved participating in the Sanskrit classes. It’s a real workout for the brain. How long did it take you to feel confident pronouncing the alphabet and reciting Sanskrit mantras?

A:  I don’t think I feel confident even now!  Within the tantric tradition, pronunciation is important, but not of great concern provided one chants from the heart.  In the vedic tradition, correct pronunciation is considered extremely important.  Lucky for me, Satyananda Yoga® is more tantric.

LP: Do you have a favorite mantra(s). Which one(s) and can you share with us why?

A:  There are many mantras that I chant regularly.  The mantra “Om” is of course one that is most powerful to me.  If you read the Mandukya Upanishad, you realize that Om is everything. 

LP: How do you incorporate yoga and yogic principals into your life when you are outside the studio?

A:  I believe that yoga is a part of everything that I do.  I try to be fully aware of the moment I’m in and witness my mind’s activity regarding what is going on.  Learning to “witness” the play of the mind and emotions has allowed me to be much more contented in my life as I learn again and again that if I wait a moment before reacting I have much more choice in what the experience will be.

LP: I think most teachers and students find they struggle at times with always keeping in the yogic spirit and following the Sutras (Yamas and Niyamas), for example; living in the present moment, exhibiting non-possessiveness, finding contentment, etc. What do you do to guide yourself back when you find yourself slipping out of the moment or out of your practice?

A:  The first thing I do is to connect with my breath and remind myself that all experiences come and go.  I am not the experience that I am having.  Whatever state of mind I am experiencing can and will change. 

LP: You grew up in a very small town in the middle of NW Ohio called Ai, in a family that never traveled, but you have since gone on to travel the world including, Tibet, China, Delhi, and Nepal. What has been your most favorite trip?

A: That’s a really tough question.  I’ve had so many amazing experiences.  I have been up to Mount Everest Base Camp and down scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.  I really can’t say which trip was a favorite.  Maybe the next one. 

LP: Can you share one unexpected moment that had significant meaning to you while on one of your adventures?

A: I think maybe it was the first time I went to India.  I was doing a trip called “5 Ways Across Asia”.  The first leg was riding camels through the Indian desert for about five days.  I think it was on the third or fourth day as I was swaying back and forth from the ungainly gait of the camel and looking across the endless, barren terrain that I was suddenly overcome with the realization that while I was there riding a camel across the India desert, that back here in Cleveland all my coworkers were still being stressed out by all that goes on at work.  It was in that one moment that I clearly saw that everything I am involved in is my choice.  I clearly saw it.  It doesn’t mean that I always remember it, but there was definitely a shift in my consciousness at that point.

LP: Atma Center celebrates its 12^th Anniversary this weekend. What has been the most exciting experience for you since you opened the studio?

A:  I really enjoyed being able to renovate the center about 5 years ago because it provided the students with a much nicer facility.  You know this place was a State Liquor Store prior to becoming the Atma Center - from spirits to spirituality!

LP: Any plans for the next 12 years you can share with us?

A:  I try not to think too far into the future since it never turns out the way I think it will.  I hope that the Atma Center and the teachers and students here will continue to provide a foundation of personal growth and well-being within the community.  And finally, what do you do when you are not teaching yoga?

LP:

A:  I try to live what I teach.

Truly inspiring! Thank you so much! Namaste!

Photograph by Kim Long Photography

I am thrilled to annonce that I will be teaching at Inspiral Motion!

Namaste!
Julie

Thank you to everyone who attended my special outdoor yoga event to raise money for The Sanctuary for Senior dogs! It was a warm and beautiful morning of yoga under the big blue sky! I appreciate the generosity of all, as I’m sure the senior pups do as well!

Here are a few things we can learn from our furry friends:

Namaste!
Julie

Photo: Courtesy of Kim Long Photography

Weather looks pretty decent, so let’s do it! Bring an extra towel or two to lay under your mat if it’s damp or to wrap up in for savasana. Thanks for coming!

FREE YOGA AT HORSESHOE LAKE PARK, SHAKER HEIGHTS

GET GROUNDED!
Join me for outdoor yoga on Sunday, July 19th at 9am*. If you’ve never taken your practice outdoors, here’s your chance to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit in the arms of Mother Nature! This relaxing, gentle, hatha class is geared for adults, but young adults are certainly welcome.

Click HERE for a map

Donations will be welcomed to support the Sanctuary for Senior Dogs

*Please visit this website www.lunapresenceyoga.com the morning of the event if weather is questionable.

Hope to see you there!

Namaste,
Julie

I am certain there is no greater feeling in this world then the first time you see your child, YOUR baby. The first time you see their little head, squinty eyes, and feel their incredibly smooth, brand new skin and realize this tiny human came from you! The first moment they look into your eyes, confused by the sudden jolt from the warm, cozy womb to the harsh light and cold of their new world is a moment you know you’ll remember forever. I have been blessed to have experienced this amazing moment three times, and each time, I have been drawn to tears by the sheer miracle that is life! Looking into their dark eyes, meeting this new, little person for the first time, is a moment that can be matched by none! From the second we are brought into the world we are adapting and adjusting to environment, stimuli and natural, physical changes. The way a baby sniffs out their mother’s scent, trying to find food is instinctual and reminds me of how natural birth is, even if the delivery wasn’t exactly “natural”.  Just watching a newborn, is a great reminder that we have natural instincts built-in. Newborns wail and alter the pitch and volume of their cry to get what they need like food, attention and love. They snuggle-in close to hear their mother’s heartbeat to feel reassured and safe. Becoming a mother is a huge re-awakening to tuning into my instincts. I’ve learned to trust these instincts and follow them, but I question why we lose so much of our ability to identify our natural instincts along the way of life? Why do we question what we already know? Why do we question ourselves when the answer always lies within? Why do we start to “mess” with nature and fight what’s natural? We are products of our surroundings, that’s for sure, but I think that coming back to ourselves and trusting what we already know and feel is such a great way to reconnect with who we really are. The next time you see a baby, watch a little closer and notice what they already know… pure and simple!