Zenki Christian Dillo 1/8/11

We had the opportunity to welcome Zenki Christian Dillo to the studio this weekend for a workshop about Zen philosophy and practice. Christian came from The Crestone Zen Center to speak and practice with us on a donation basis, and a great turnout of locals came to the studio to learn from him.

One of the main things he discussed was that as practitioners on a spiritual path we need to focus on what is nourishing for us, what is TRULY nourishing for us, and what is not nourishing for us. He even used the example of getting new gear. He said that would nourish many of us here in Crested Butte, but was it TRULY nourishing? What are those things that truly nourish our souls and cause “flourishing” in our lives, our families, community, and world?

This brought up the concept of renunciation. Instead of the traditional idea of giving things up, by becoming aware of what is TRULY nourishing, certain things in life would naturally drift out of our lives. This contrasts with our general idea that renunciation requires change, sacrifice, and discomfort. Christian’s concept of renunciation allows it to happen slowly, creating the space for us to “drift” into the changes with some ease. He felt that it was also important to allow ourselves to occasionally try those old habits/patterns/friends. This way, we could notice the way it was NOT nourishing us and would therefore help us drift toward new relationships and behaviors with more confidence and wisdom that comes from this type of discernment.

He also discussed that it was essential to REPLACE the old friends/habits/patterns with ones that would help us achieve a more flourishing life and the importance of sangha/kula/community to practice together. There would be an inevitable discomfort associated with giving up the old patterns and we would need to face the fact that some people would see us as duds, judge us, and not understand why/what we were doing. This paved the way for his discussion on how a sitting practice was an “upward bridge” and would help us to having a greater awareness of the mind/body. The practice of sitting helps us understand we are more than just physical body and how our mind/body interfaces and interacts with everything and everyone else is a primary focus in the Buddhist tradition.

The concept of suffering was also addressed as one of the major teachings in Buddhism. He explained that the way we experienced suffering could be diluted to being directly related to the degree of resistance that we had towards changing our habits and towards the circumstances that arose in our life. Pain is inevitable. If we do not resist, we do not suffer. If we resist less, we suffer less.

Zenki explained that once we begin to make more nourishing choices it becomes our spiritual path. Although sitting was the Zen method, he also addressed the importance of movement (Yoga, Tai Chi, etc.) particularly for the western body that is not used to sitting all day on the ground and the intricacies and challenges of adapting the practice to fit for the western world. Although Zen was traditionally created for young men, it is essential that it be adapted to include women and men living in these times.

I felt a renewed sense of commitment toward the path I have been on, the role of the studio in our community, and the kula that was blossoming in Crested Butte. I was inspired by the way my life seems to be flourishing despite many challenges, and grateful for the “upward bridge” and the teachers that have appeared on my journey.

Fall Blog 1/1/11

THE FREEDOM EXPRESS with Shiva Rea’s partner, Demetri, was a blast, and hosting “D” here was a special treat for me. His excitement in teaching his combo of Yoga, Trance Dance, and Buddhist meditation is infectious, and the way he transmits it with such ease, joy and knowledge is very special. We each gave the “conductor” our tickets and were off!

The Yoga Mala 108 on the solstice coincided with the eclipse and the full moon, so it was a very auspicious candlelit practice with the room full of locals, newcomers, and many teachers. This is one of my favorite seasonal events, and marks the passing season and forthcoming season with an element of ritual that imbues those of us gathered with our individual and collective prayers in a very powerful way.

Our winter schedule began in earnest the next day with more classes and some very special new teachers. It’s wonderful to have Dance Fusion back on the schedule with Nicole back for the winter, and Kristi Murrin who will be the co-teacher. I am thrilled to have Brynn O’Connell back on the schedule with her infectious laughter and light that fills the studio. Oriana Reed’s sweet voice and dedication to the Yogini lifestyle will be apparent in all her classes. Christie Hicks, (with the best free standing handstand you have ever seen), brings her strong practice and teaching skills with Shiva Rea and other L.A. based teachers to our Vinyasa and Prana Flow classes. I am proud to say we still have our solid core of teachers on the schedule, and a great all around schedule that includes early 7 am classes, more noon classes, and $5 community classes 4 days a week, created especially for locals. This way, we can truly say we offer YOGA FOR EVERYONE!

Our teacher training began on the Solstice weekend, with our lead teacher, Shakti, who also runs the non-profit organization YOGA WORLD REACH, bringing yoga outreach to poverty stricken third world countries. It was an alchemical group that will be together one weekend a month for the next year, and we quickly bonded and were excited about all we’d be learning from this program. Even though I have enough teacher training under my belt, I wanted to be a part of this program because there is ALWAYS more to learn in yoga, and I wanted to be able to share this with the wonderful people who showed up. We are excited to be able to offer this program annually and a few of us who are taking it now will be leading it with Shakti.

The holidays filled the studio with joy, festivity, and soulful classes. Our first annual Hanuman New Years Eve gathering was surprisingly well attended. We began with some wonderful food and did a practice that included meditation, asana, and chanting the Hanuman Chaleesa for 108 minutes until midnight! It was a wonderful way to spend the holiday with like-minded people gathering together to raise their vibration and celebrate in such a sacred and conscious way.

I have many intentions for myself this year, but wanted to share with you the goals for the studio in 2011:

108 Kula memberships (locals and visitors) to stabilize and thrive
“Yoga Rocks the Butte” Festival in summer 2011
Shiva Rea workshops and modules with Shiva and certified master teachers
Yoga Outreach & Adventure trips to Africa, Nepal, Colombia, and Haiti
Yoga Kids Program
Teen Yoga teacher training
Opening our first franchise in a wonderful community
More men joining Y4P
Less money spent on alcohol, coffee, online shopping, and more money on yoga, healing, and conscious consumer purchasing.
More peace and loving relationships!
More people taking advantage of our $5 classes!!!
(Please let us know your own hopes and wishes that you want us to provide!)

Please join our Y4P facebook page and friend me (Monica Mesa) so you can stay in the loop and benefit from our FB promotions and specials, and let me know if you read this blog!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Catch Up Blog! 11/8/10

Honestly, I have tried to write a new blog for soooooo long! The problem is, I write in my head and never end up getting it on paper! It is hard to imagine everything that has occurred in the past few months since my Colombia Yoga Retreat…I will try to think of as much as I can in case anyone reads this! (Please let me know if you do!)

Shortly after I returned from Colombia, we moved into our new space just 2 doors down on 120 Elk. It used to be the old Penelope’s building and was beautifully renovated and remained un-used until we moved in. Carolina Alling helped me to design and decorate it, and it quickly blossomed under my very eyes. As much as we all loved our “intimate space” at 114 Elk, this was a huge improvement and our community of locals and visitors were pleasantly surprised! Aside from the huge expansion of the space, the retail part of our business was also greatly enhanced. Because I have so many friends with earth friendly businesses and product lines, it is a joy for me to showcase them in the studio. This aspect of this business really helps us increase our revenue and this enables us to continue our goal of providing YOGA FOR EVERYONE. Plus, us girls like to shop.

So, we began our summer schedule at the new studio and quickly filled many classes with up to 27 people, and had many fun events, gatherings, and specials including;
Our first Yoga Mala 108 in our own space, winning third place in the 4th of July parade, Shyam Das Kirtan chant concert, a free Yoginos Kids Yoga workshop, hooping workshop, Wildflower Festival hikes, lots of special wedding yoga classes, the Living Journeys Summit Hike, Tantra Yoga with Paul and Mary Alice, Meditation with Sarah Darval, and much, much more summer fun!
I was blessed to travel to many wonderful Yoga Festivals this summer and assist Shiva Rea. The fun began with Wanderlust in Lake Tahoe, the Telluride Yoga Festival, Yoga Rocks in Snowmass, Bhaktifest in Joshua Tree, the YabYum Retreat at Tara Mandala, and Yoga Journal Conference in Estes Park. Being with Shiva is always so inspiring, hanging with the Prana Flow Tribe fed my soul, and meeting new people, and all the chanting and living yoga off the mat fueled me for a very intense initiation in the fall. Going to all these places and hanging with all the amazing people is good for my own path, and also stimulates all my programming at the studio and builds wonderful connections.

Fall began with the Yoga Mala 108, right after the retreat at Tara Mandala. This retreat was a highlight for me because I got to go with my partner, Dave Penney. This retreat with Shiva and Demetri, (as well as Sarah and Russ from Y4P), and many other friends, gave Dave and I an amazing practice to do together, and cemented our love in a very special way. Everyone at Y4P was a part of this romance that grew in the spring, and has been celebrating this union with me ever since!

Although coming off the retreat “high”, I was also facing a huge family crisis and was trying to do everything possible to “do it all”, and keep it all together. Because we had celebrated the equinox at Tara Mandala with 108 sun salutations already, doing another 108 a few days later for the studio’s event, proved to be too much for my body and I could not finish the whole 108 during our ritual. This was very humbling for me and brought up so much for me as I tried to push through the pain, and then finally just gave up and sat through the second half of the mala in tears…

We finished in our traditional circle format only this time there were lots of tears, huge hugs, and prayers and words being shared that were a little more soulful than usual. It was clear to all of us then, that my dream of a community studio had come true.

All of this love and support from my beloved, Shiva, my tribe, my family, and the Y4P Kula (community) has continued to help me through this initiatory rite of passage in my life. Life goes on, and the studio has continued to grow and thrive in many ways. The “off season” has not been off for Y4P. just a few days ago, I had 23 people in class, and it has been the best fall we have ever had. Having Sarah Darval as my “Lakshmi assistant” has been one of the best things for the studio. Her help with planning events, flyers, marketing, any and all random things I need help with, her blossoming yoga classes, and her overall muladhara presence in my life has been a monumental gift in my life. Her, my mother being here to support me during this challenging time, Juliet Stillman's unwavering support as my partner in the studio, my wonderful friends, family, Yoga Kula at the studio, and the love of Dave, has held me up and given me so much to be grateful for.

People often ask me, “How do you do it?!” and I realize that it is Love. Love that holds me up, the love of yoga, and the fact that I have the opportunity to offer what I love and believe to people who are so open and willing to learn and grow with me, and the opportunity to walk the talk, that enables me to “do it”. I know that although this is a hard time for my family, it is but a speck in the larger picture of it all. I keep focusing on all the blessings in my life, and believing that everything is unfolding for the highest good for all…

We have now gotten our first snow. Some are mumbling with dread, and some are waxing their gear in excitement! At the studio we are excited with many upcoming events including our first 200 hour teacher training, Shiva Rea’s beloved coming to teach a special class he calls The Freedom Express, our annual Thanksgiving Gratitude class, the Winter Solstice Yoga Mala 108, teaching at the Elevation again, and my own upcoming Yoga & Surf Retreat at Via Yoga in Sayulita, and many more events to inspire us through the winter months. Today marks the new moon in Scorpio, and it is a perfect way to prepare for the winter by doing the deep excavating and exploration to heal, uncover, and dive into any dark or hidden areas of our spirits. I still firmly believe in the power of yoga as one of the greatest tools for this sort of spiritual development and am honored for the studio and myself to be one of the instruments to spread the teachings of this sacred lineage.

As my guru (NKB) always reminds me, “Love everyone, serve everyone, remember God.”

5/25/10

I just got back from teaching my retreat on the coast of Colombia (Tayrona National Park), and teaching workshops in Bogota. This is my third annual trip, and each time I go, it's even better. There are really no words to explain how magical it is to be amongst my family, the beauty of Colombia, and to teach to people who are so thirsty and appreciative for the Shiva Rea style that I teach. Tayrona is a magical place...if you have never been there I highly recommend it! I felt like I was in “Avatar Land”. Mountains, rocks, crystal blue ocean, rainforest, exotic food, flowers, plant life, indigenous people, and I even found a surfing beach, complete with hammocks to sleep in and attendants to bring you coconuts, fresh fish, and plantains. The surf spot will remain a secret…surfers will understand this, but if you come with me next time, I will take you! This year, a free diving champ from Colombia came to the retreat and taught me how to free dive. I have always loved doing this on my own, but learning the skills was awesome, and now I am hooked on this magical and meditative way to experience the underwater world. Us water freaks kind of get each other, so Carlos and I bonded instantly. Check out his blog at clubdelphinus.blogspot.com

Teaching in Bogota was also wonderful…especially the amazing people I met. I taught a live music class with some amazing musicians and precious new Kundalini teacher friend, Paola! We were totally in sync, and the whole class was a huge bhakti yoga celebration! Teaching at Yoga Studio Colombia was also wonderful, and I am excited to go back there to teach more workshops and teacher trainings…
Seeing my family was incredible, and just being in Colombia always has this way of grounding me, filling me up, and inspiring me…

On another note, about a month ago, wind swept through my life and my heart has opened to a love that I always knew was on the horizon...you can never be ready for that and the surprise of it all makes it all the more special. Oh, the magic of love! My heart is full, and I can see how this kind of love is so empowering. It has shined light on the beauty of my own spirit, life, and has given me even more energy and inspiration to extend back into my own life, children, studio, teaching, everything. This kind of love is a miracle, and I know that there are more miracles out there now in many different areas I don't even know about yet. A miracle for the oil that’s spilling, a miracle for the poverty of Colombia, a miracle for more couples to feel the power of divine union through tantric loving, a miracle for my children to have more peace in their lives, a miracle for my challenging relationships to have civility, resolution, healing, a miracle for our little studio to attract all the people into its doors that need what our special teachers and sacred space have to share, a miracle for Haiti, a miracle for all the prayers of the people, and a miracle for our planet...
Luckily, I believe that the power of prayer, intention and right action together create miracles!

I am happy to be home in my community, with my kids, Dave, and the excitement of the studio expanding to a new space.
120 Elk Ave!!! Look for our newsletter coming up with more details!


Love to all and look forward to hearing and seeing you…

Cleanse to Recharge, Renew, Rejuvinate! - 4/25/10

Spring is a time of rebirth, renewal, and metamorphosis. The changes happening outside are a mirror to what is, or can be happening in our own selves.
During these peak seasonal transitions, our bodies are primed to eliminate toxins, purify our system, and recharge ourselves on every level. During this season, the body moves into cycles of rebuilding and cleansing the organs and systems, so it’s the perfect time to cleanse past toxins from spirit, mind, and body. Luckily, we can utilize the tools available to change old lifestyle and eating habits to live a healthier and more empowered life.

Some signs that you are ripe for a cleanse include congestion, weight gain, allergies, headaches, depression, irritability, foggy thinking, muscle tension, skin eruptions, fatigue, and more. During the winter months we tend to eat foods that are more acidic and high in protein which cause the intestines to harbor harmful bacteria. This can cause intestines to re-absorb toxic materials back into the bloodstream causing a strain to the liver and symptoms to manifest.

This is where spring cleansing fits in. Dedicating a little time and energy to rejuvenating your spirit, mind, and body will add years to your life, as well as a depth and quality that can jumpstart your life.

The spirit is the most vital area to cleanse and renew. It’s a good time to wipe the slate clean and release old negative energies that may have been lingering. Beginning a yoga or meditation practice can bring you closer to your true self and help you find that inner peace and beauty that resides in each and every one of us. There are many ways we can get closer to and renew our spirit that are unique to each individual. The important this is that you find what works for you and apply a little “tapas”, (focus, discipline, energy) to integrating it into your life. The benefits are extraordinary and will be a pleasant surprise!

A clear and refreshed mind is the hallmark of a happy and successful person. Take a little time to de-clutter your personal to do list, re-evaluate your priorities, life goals, and dreams, and re-assess what you are working towards in your life. Are you living the life YOU want to live? Are you getting there in the most enjoyable way? Is your mind focused on what you want, or are complaints and worries taking up the majority of your thoughts? How often do you practice the art of gratitude? Now is a good time to spend a little time cleansing your mind. As we have a little down time before summer, you may want to ponder some of these ideas on how you can be your most authentic self and live the life of your dreams.

The body is what houses our spirit and mind, so it can be a powerful way to initiate change into all the areas of our life, including our physical health. There are many programs available for cleansing diets available. Pick the one that’s right for you and stick to it for at least 7-30 days. The local foods available through our extensive organic community can be a huge support, as well as supportive herbs and products. Fresh, organic, local food is packed with the earth’s powerful nutrients, and can help transition us into the new season. Food is literally energy, and if chosen wisely, can be the fuel that can instigate transformational changes into our spirits and minds as well. For those of you adventurers of life, try a different sort of challenge. Consider eating only local, organic, and whole foods for a week or a month and just see what happens in your life. Yoga, as well as other types of bodywork can also help the body heal, enliven, and ease into new healthy patterns. Try something new or go back to go back to something that may have slipped out of your schedule this winter. Take a little time for YOU this spring.
Now is the time of year to focus on your health and well-being!

Full Moon in Libra- Balancing Relationships 3/29/10

This full moon is the second blue moon in 2010. A blue moon is when the full moon happens twice in the same month. Oddly enough we already had a blue moon month in January and this rare occurrence will not happen again until 2012. The first full moon after the vernal equinox is also called a pink moon, which got its name because of the many flowers that are now blooming. Pink moon is also known as the Pascal, or Easter moon.

That said, with the moon being in Libra, the main theme is BALANCE. Because of the other planetary influences, particular attention is on relationships. It is a good time to work on healing the problems in your relationship and opening to new forms of love. We may feel pulled in many directions as well, and it’s important not to dwell on making perfect decisions, but to make a choice and see where it takes you. Aries rearing its head at this time can cause heated debates and problems stemming from inability to quell the fiery emotions.

How to keep balanced? Which direction to go?
Find a way to create a balance in all areas of your life, share ideas, open to various forms of relationships without judgment, and channel earthy ambition into goals and dreams that are moving you forward.

The posture shown here with my Yoga Kids students is Vrksasana, also know as Tree Pose. This is a posture of balance, and in this particular photo, the girls are working together to hold each other up. There is a wide range of ages and sizes, but somehow, they are making it work, and enjoying it, no less. It’s always so good to learn from kids. Kids don’t give up so easy, and it’s amazing how they will innately find a way to make things work. My mom always told me, “Bloom where you are planted, Monica.” Cool the fire, get balanced, heal relationships, and bloom.

New Moon in Pisces- Go Deep 3/13/2010

Each new moon gives us a chance to rethink, change direction, or re-affirm what we are focusing on.  It’s a good time to set aside old ways of doing things and have a little courage to try new ways of thinking, doing, and relating.
 
With new moon in Pisces, we are encouraged to quiet the outer and even inner voices, and go deep into the intuitive voice that is sometimes hidden.  With so much activity and beauty that surrounds us here in Crested Butte, it can be easy for that still, quiet voice to remain unheard.  This is a good time to redirect our energy from earthly pursuits and turn our attention to our inner selves. Something is knocking on our psyche’s back door telling us to look for other ways to think, be and do. With mercury in retrograde until the 17th, it calls for us to be more introspective, slow down a little, and allow time for solitude. This is not a time to force things, get into heated discussions, or hucking the crazy terrain. Honoring these inward opportunities can bring clarity, focus, and creative ideas that can bring you closer to your dreams.
 
The asana Monica is shown doing is called eka pada raja kapotanasana. This is a deep hip opening posture that also requires an immense shoulder opening and backbend. Experienced yogis can have a blissful experience in this asana as the hips are grounded into the earth, the heart expands, and the hand reaches up towards the sky. The drishti (gaze) is towards the heavens, and you can’t help but whisper a prayer or request to your spiritual guide. Modifications are available for less experienced students and the full posture can be practiced over time with proper instruction and discipline. The way that the human body can bend, move, and open is extraordinary. For those of you willing to be spiritual adventurers now is the time to go deep! Expect the unexpected and peel away the layers to unveil the truth, clarity, and insight that are hidden inside you.
 
For those of you wishing to go deep, Monica Mesa is teaching a Master Yoga class on Friday from 5-7:30 at Yoga for the Peaceful. Please contact Yoga For the Peaceful at www.yogaforthepeaceful.org or 349.0302 for more information.