It is officially winter!!! In Crested Butte, this is really something we all appreciate, especially when we have already gotten over 100 inches of snow!
The solstice came as a very welcomed day. The return of the light to me means that things will start to get easier for us all. Even with the economy and the financial crisis that is happening, I think there has been even more personal and emotional crisis of late. So, for me, I am thrilled to be opening to the light in my own personal life, as well as for the studio.
YOGA FOR THE PEACEFUL is now a non-profit, “awaiting to have our 501(3) (c) tax exemption status.” In November, we sent out a fundraising letter to about 250 people on our mailing list to help us build a foundation to continue providing our services to the community and the visitors that come here. So far, we have received five generous donations and are hoping that number increases radically. We completely rely on the community and visitor support to keep offering our services, so I am hoping that small or large donations continue to arrive. 75% of teachers on our staff work for free, and I have an amazing board of directors and a list of volunteers that help make this studio the special place that it is. We are now doing outreach to the Adaptive Sports Center, Six Points, CBMR Ski School employees, free and donation classes, and much more to come. We can only do this with your support. With the help of my teachers, board of directors, volunteers, students, and friends, I will continue to lead us into 2009 with the hopes of providing people with the health and healing benefits of Yoga to take the world into a new paradigm. Please hold this space for us and stay in touch with your thoughts, ideas, and prayers.
God Bless Everyone this Holiday Season!
Monday, December 29, 2008
What a Whirlwind!
The past few months have been a whirlwind! I taught a retreat in my country of heritage, Colombia in November, which was amazing! The opportunity to connect with my roots and teach in this beautiful eco-retreat in the tropical coast of the Andes was transformational. My sister flew out to from the Bahamas, and one of the teachers at my studio also came with me to assist. There were people from Colombia, Venezuela, Germany, Canada, and the U.S., and within moments we were all bonded! Experiencing the beauty and culture of a country with much conflict was very intense. It made me want to become more stable, powerful, and adept in my teaching, my studio and my own life, so that I could come back and do some things to bring more light and healing to this country that felt like home to me. It is hard to describe the richness of this trip and hope that you might be able to get a feel for it from the pictures.
I will be back in May for more, so if you want to get to know this special country, have lots of yoga, mangoes, and warm Caribbean water, I will see you there!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving message from Monica
A week ago today I was in Colombia, South America. I taught a retreat in the dry tropical forest on the coast off Santa Marta, and also got to visit my family in Cartagena. It was an incredible retreat to say the least. People came from U.S., Spain, and mostly Colombia. I was able to teach them from the wealth of teachings that I have learned from Shiva Rea all these years, and we all immersed ourselves in the sacred space of this beautiful eco retreat. The combination of the Caribbean coast, Andes Mountains, and Spanish culture was amazing! For me, it was incredibly fulfilling and empowering to be able to teach in my country of heritage, to connect with my roots, and to serve my gifts in this special way.
We got up with the sunrise to chant the Gayatri mantra and flow our bodies, made malas, swam naked in the moonlit sky, snorkeled in the pristine waters and coral reefs, ate Colombian food, danced to the beat of tribal drummers, laughed, cried, and made lifelong friends. This is a country that is overflowing with natural beauty and history, as well as wonderful people who inhabit its lands. As we all know Colombia is a country with many political and economic problems. It has inspired me to want to go back be able to serve and become involved to somehow lend a hand and bring the gifts of yoga to people who can then use it to help turn the country around. I believe in the power of yoga to be the rocket fuel needed in these transformational times, no matter where we live. Please go to www.tayronayoga.com to see more pictures.
As the founder and director of the studio, I have decided to branch out and begin teaching master classes, workshops, and retreats. It will enable me to reach more people with my teachings, bring attention to the studio, and enable me to contribute more to the studio funds.
As we await our 501 (c) (3) approval, we are limited by the ways we can raise funds. Running a yoga studio is not a profitable business even in large cities. In Crested Butte, it has been a real challenge. I, as well as my board of directors and teachers, believe that this community needs and deserves the services we provide. Yoga brings health, peace, healing, (and so much more) to people as individuals, as well as a sense of community and opportunities for spiritual growth to all who come to our classes and events. We recently sent out a fundraising letter that you may have received by now. It is our hope in this season of hope and giving you will consider a contribution to allow us to continue to offer our space and services to the community. It’s a tough time financially for most of us. I feel strongly that in these times more than ever, we need to invest our money in the things that help the world and its people. By the services we offer at the studio, we can develop inner peace and strength to meet challenges with wisdom and clarity, keep joy in our hearts, and become empowered to serve our gifts in the world.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to ALL the people who are a part of the studio. From locals, to our beloved visitors who make our community what it is, to the kids, families, and even those people who just happen to check us out on the web or on the sidewalk, we are here for YOU, and because of YOU.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
With Gratitude and Love~
Monica
Love everyone, serve everyone, remember God ~NKB
We got up with the sunrise to chant the Gayatri mantra and flow our bodies, made malas, swam naked in the moonlit sky, snorkeled in the pristine waters and coral reefs, ate Colombian food, danced to the beat of tribal drummers, laughed, cried, and made lifelong friends. This is a country that is overflowing with natural beauty and history, as well as wonderful people who inhabit its lands. As we all know Colombia is a country with many political and economic problems. It has inspired me to want to go back be able to serve and become involved to somehow lend a hand and bring the gifts of yoga to people who can then use it to help turn the country around. I believe in the power of yoga to be the rocket fuel needed in these transformational times, no matter where we live. Please go to www.tayronayoga.com to see more pictures.
As the founder and director of the studio, I have decided to branch out and begin teaching master classes, workshops, and retreats. It will enable me to reach more people with my teachings, bring attention to the studio, and enable me to contribute more to the studio funds.
As we await our 501 (c) (3) approval, we are limited by the ways we can raise funds. Running a yoga studio is not a profitable business even in large cities. In Crested Butte, it has been a real challenge. I, as well as my board of directors and teachers, believe that this community needs and deserves the services we provide. Yoga brings health, peace, healing, (and so much more) to people as individuals, as well as a sense of community and opportunities for spiritual growth to all who come to our classes and events. We recently sent out a fundraising letter that you may have received by now. It is our hope in this season of hope and giving you will consider a contribution to allow us to continue to offer our space and services to the community. It’s a tough time financially for most of us. I feel strongly that in these times more than ever, we need to invest our money in the things that help the world and its people. By the services we offer at the studio, we can develop inner peace and strength to meet challenges with wisdom and clarity, keep joy in our hearts, and become empowered to serve our gifts in the world.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to ALL the people who are a part of the studio. From locals, to our beloved visitors who make our community what it is, to the kids, families, and even those people who just happen to check us out on the web or on the sidewalk, we are here for YOU, and because of YOU.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
With Gratitude and Love~
Monica
Love everyone, serve everyone, remember God ~NKB
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Monica's Chai Tea Recipe
4 C water
plenty of fresh ginger (about 1-2 tbsp)
crushed cardamom seeds and pods (about 1-1.5 tbsp)
8 T of black tea
8 T of sweetener of choice
milk (the higher the fat the better)
boil water and add fresh ginger, cardamom seeds and pods, then black tea, while you chant your favorite mantra
remove from heat, cover, and go meditate, do some yoga, make love, or play with your kids.
strain all the stuff out so only the beautiful shaktified water remains.
add sugar.
put in a beautiful glass jar and set in the sun if you would like it to become sun charged.
whenever you want chai, add equal amounts chai mix and water and sit with your Divine Self or loved ones and imagine the taste of the chai filling yourself and your world with bliss.
if you are going to use the chai for a gathering or know it will be enjoyed quickly, you can always add equal amounts of milk to the mix and store or serve.
one more thing. if you like ginger (its so good for you!), i like to put some peices of it into the jar to marinate.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
We must become engaged!
I would like to share some thoughts with the community that has been coming to me in the past few weeks. As a yoga teacher and owner of the YOGA FOR THE PEACEFUL studio in town, I hope that my perception may be considered by the friends and families of Crested Butte.
With all the challenges before us, it occurred to me how beneficial Yoga can be in these times. The purpose of Yoga is to make us strong, flexible, and balanced, as well as to unite with the Divine Spirit inside of each one of us. We all need to be strong at this time and not allow negativity, doubt, and hopelessness to pervade. Becoming flexible enough to adjust the way we currently live, and find new ways to fit our current paradigm are now in order. Now is the time to listen to the voice of Allison Gannet and learn ways to not only "save our snow", but save our precious planet.
Furthermore, how we can support each other in our own community. We can utilize the fruits of our spiritual practices to become centered, balanced, and clear enough to make wise choices and boldly become "the change we wish to see" (Gandhi). Although I am coming from a Yoga perspective, I recognize that all spiritual traditions are available and able to offer some of the same effects. Yoga happens to work from the inside out, and is a totally ecumenical approach open to all religions that inspires us to utilize our healthy bodies and sound minds to transform the current situation into an even better future for all. Aligning with the Divine inside each one of us, we tap into the God force that is unstoppable, infinitely powerful, and can create possibilities greater than we could ever imagine.
We can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines. In my Yogic spiritual community, we are asking people to become ENGAGED. It is time to take our spiritual practices and move in the world with compassion, equanimity, and the dedication to live our values. Mostly, to stay optimistic in these times and know that if we respond with the wisdom and grace that is called for; we are going to change the world for the better. I believe in us, and I know we can do it.
Monica Mesa
YOGA FOR THE PEACEFUL (Formerly Yoga for the People)
P.S. Please Vote FOR OBAMA
With all the challenges before us, it occurred to me how beneficial Yoga can be in these times. The purpose of Yoga is to make us strong, flexible, and balanced, as well as to unite with the Divine Spirit inside of each one of us. We all need to be strong at this time and not allow negativity, doubt, and hopelessness to pervade. Becoming flexible enough to adjust the way we currently live, and find new ways to fit our current paradigm are now in order. Now is the time to listen to the voice of Allison Gannet and learn ways to not only "save our snow", but save our precious planet.
Furthermore, how we can support each other in our own community. We can utilize the fruits of our spiritual practices to become centered, balanced, and clear enough to make wise choices and boldly become "the change we wish to see" (Gandhi). Although I am coming from a Yoga perspective, I recognize that all spiritual traditions are available and able to offer some of the same effects. Yoga happens to work from the inside out, and is a totally ecumenical approach open to all religions that inspires us to utilize our healthy bodies and sound minds to transform the current situation into an even better future for all. Aligning with the Divine inside each one of us, we tap into the God force that is unstoppable, infinitely powerful, and can create possibilities greater than we could ever imagine.
We can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines. In my Yogic spiritual community, we are asking people to become ENGAGED. It is time to take our spiritual practices and move in the world with compassion, equanimity, and the dedication to live our values. Mostly, to stay optimistic in these times and know that if we respond with the wisdom and grace that is called for; we are going to change the world for the better. I believe in us, and I know we can do it.
Monica Mesa
YOGA FOR THE PEACEFUL (Formerly Yoga for the People)
P.S. Please Vote FOR OBAMA
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
More About the Conference in Estes Park!
Our last night at the conference was super fun because we had a party that my friend Shannon hosted. Shannon is a gifted business woman who owns OMTIME Yoga studios in Boulder and Denver, and is also an assistant for Shiva Rea. She has the midas touch, and somehow managed to get all the Yoga AllStars to her little party to watch the presidential debates. Shiva Rea, John Friend, Seane Corn, Amy Ippoliti, and more! Being among these Yoga masters was an honor and an affirmation for this exciting stage of my own Yoga path.
Juliet, Shelley, and I had to leave the conference early on Saturday because I had nominated Juliet for the Business Woman of the year award ("Woman Who Shines" is the actual name of the award). It was part of the womens business conference and I had to convince them to leave the conference early to go to this without letting Juliet know she had won. So we got there by the skin of our teeth, and I got to present this dear student/friend/teacher of mine with this fabulous award. Juliet owns the pet ranch here in Crested Butte, is on my board of directors for the studio, and has been a huge supporter of my business this past year. I was VERY proud to honor her in this way!
Today is the new moon, so I am starting a new Sadhana; a month of bramacharya, cleansing, deep internal processing, and focusing on getting the our IRS application finished so we can move forward with our plans and programs as a non-profit studio. Cash flow is a little tight during this transition time, so praying for abundant flows of donations and support from the community and seasonal friends. Stay positive during these challenging times and know that everything is unfolding in our highest good.
And please, VOTE FOR OBAMA!
OmLove!
Monica
Friday, September 26, 2008
Yoga Journal Conference in Estes Park
I am thrilled to let you know that Shelley, Juliet, and our Yogini sisters fom Gunnison, Leah and Susan, are at the Yoga Journal Conference In Estes Park. I am here to assist and practice with my teacher, Shiva Rea, which is always so inspiring! Being up here so close to the Rocky Mountains is incredible...There are elk running around the grounds and little bunny rabbits everywhere! It’s Yoga Camp here with over 900 Yogis from all over the world. Paradise for me! Everyone here is talking about the financial markets and how important it is for us to become active in local and global issues and to vote this year for sure! (For Obama, I might add).
We will be coming back on Saturday totally shaktified and ready to rock the studio with our newly inspired yoga juice.
OmBlessings!
Monica
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The "Chino House" Blogged about Monica!
This blog is definitely worth reading. It’s a wonderful description of how Monica teaches and class and shows you just why she can touch so many people.
http://chinos.wordpress.com/2007/08/15/crested-butte-yoga-part-1/
Monday, September 22, 2008
Transformational Breathing Workshop
Please be sure to mark your calendar for the Transformational Breath Workshop with Christian Minson. Held on October 5th from 12:00 - 3:00 pm at the Yoga for the People studio, this promises to be a wonderful way to profoundly accelerate healing and well-being through breathflow transformational breathing (tm). For more information, please see our Special Events page.
The deadline for early registration is Sunday, September 28th. Limited space available.
Global Mala/Anniversary Party
Well, I am thrilled to tell you about my wonderful weekend. It started with my birthday on Friday in my new house that I am totally in love with! I now live about 2 minutes (on a bike) from anything in town, including the Yoga Studio! It was great to celebrate with my family, new friends, old friends, kids and my beloved...
On Sunday, there was MUCH to celebrate! The fall equinox coincided with our Global Mala Project as well as the one year anniversary for the Yoga Studio! Over 20 people gathered on this special day (which is ALSO the UN Internation Peace Day) to do a sacred practice for peace and activism. We raised over $300 for our community schools sister school in Afganistan. This school will educate over 1500 women! Teachers, students, and friends gathering for peace and activism was very inspiring. These are transformational times we are living in, and coming together in this way with our powerful intentions makes a HUGE difference. It takes only 1% of the planet to change the world!!! (bold)
It felt wonderful to recognize my teachers, "Board of Angels", and some special students and volunteers from the studio and just get to socialize with these special movers and shakers in the community.
I was especially proud to recognize my three boys, Cheyne, Skye, and Ronin, as well as the Youth Yogi's in the studio; Avery Forsythe (5th grade) and Maddison Garcia (senior in high school). The youth of the world are the ones that are making a huge difference in the world and i am so proud of them!
Onward and upward into fall! I am off to The Yoga Journal Conference to practice and assist my teacher Shiva Rea, along with Juliet and Shelley who also teach at the studio! We will come back shaktified and eager to spread the love and teachings!
OmBlessings!
Monica
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
June 2008 Newsletter
Dear Yoga Family,
Today it is officially summer!!! The summer solstice marks the longest period of daylight in the year. All the religions of the world have celebrations of their own to celebrate this day which celebrates the earth, the feminine aspect, or yin forces, fire festivals, love magic, dancing, and the miraculous power and energy of the sun. Here in Crested Butte, after an incredibly long and snowy winter, we are ecstatic to celebrate this particular season!
Some big changes are underway at YOGA FOR THE PEOPLE!
In an effort to truly provide Yoga for ALL PEOPLE, we are in the process of becoming a non-profit organization. This means we are now able to accept tax-deductible donations and wish list items (stay tuned or inquire about this). We will be able to become more active in local and global charities, and continue to provide residents and visiting friends with Yoga, dance, music, and art. Please stay tuned for the ways you can become involved in our studio and check the website periodically for updates. Studio news for the summer includes some new classes and teachers, special workshops and visiting teachers, as well as some new conscious retail for your Yoga lifestyle. We will be posting these special events soon! Special thanks to the recent angels who have stepped in to help and the Yoga posse of students and teachers who make our studio the special place that it is! To my children, my beloved, and my healers, friends and family, I LOVE YOU!
On a personal note, I recently had an experience that "initiated" me into becoming the mother of a teenager. Wow. I think there might always be a Wow in my newsletters. Well, as one of my teachers has told me, my path is to help my students grow spiritually, as I myself grow. So, I tell you, the growth has been very transformative and I am grateful for the process, although not always an easy one! Please know that I continue to be dedicated to serving, loving, and embodying God through my teaching and the studio's emerging new stage of expansion, and let me know how I can serve you on your path. Above all, enjoy the summer! Let the magic in, express yourself, dance, wear a Brazilian bikini at Long Lake (my weakness), set some raging bonfires, make wild love, and honor the earth in any way you can! (Let me know if you need ideas). I will look forward to seeing you soon!
~OmLove~
Monica
Today it is officially summer!!! The summer solstice marks the longest period of daylight in the year. All the religions of the world have celebrations of their own to celebrate this day which celebrates the earth, the feminine aspect, or yin forces, fire festivals, love magic, dancing, and the miraculous power and energy of the sun. Here in Crested Butte, after an incredibly long and snowy winter, we are ecstatic to celebrate this particular season!
Some big changes are underway at YOGA FOR THE PEOPLE!
In an effort to truly provide Yoga for ALL PEOPLE, we are in the process of becoming a non-profit organization. This means we are now able to accept tax-deductible donations and wish list items (stay tuned or inquire about this). We will be able to become more active in local and global charities, and continue to provide residents and visiting friends with Yoga, dance, music, and art. Please stay tuned for the ways you can become involved in our studio and check the website periodically for updates. Studio news for the summer includes some new classes and teachers, special workshops and visiting teachers, as well as some new conscious retail for your Yoga lifestyle. We will be posting these special events soon! Special thanks to the recent angels who have stepped in to help and the Yoga posse of students and teachers who make our studio the special place that it is! To my children, my beloved, and my healers, friends and family, I LOVE YOU!
On a personal note, I recently had an experience that "initiated" me into becoming the mother of a teenager. Wow. I think there might always be a Wow in my newsletters. Well, as one of my teachers has told me, my path is to help my students grow spiritually, as I myself grow. So, I tell you, the growth has been very transformative and I am grateful for the process, although not always an easy one! Please know that I continue to be dedicated to serving, loving, and embodying God through my teaching and the studio's emerging new stage of expansion, and let me know how I can serve you on your path. Above all, enjoy the summer! Let the magic in, express yourself, dance, wear a Brazilian bikini at Long Lake (my weakness), set some raging bonfires, make wild love, and honor the earth in any way you can! (Let me know if you need ideas). I will look forward to seeing you soon!
~OmLove~
Monica
February/March 2008 Newsletter
Dear Yoga Family,
February passed before my very eyes, so this newsletter is coming a little late! It has been a busy month for me, and probably for all of you too.The freezing weather may have frozen some of our souls a bit in January, and all the snow has had its joys as well as challenges. As deep winter moves into Spring on the 19th of March, I am sure we will find that things begin to flow with more ease. I had the pleasure of assisting Shiva Rea this month and whenever I am with this “master of flow”, I am reminded to live the Tantric philosophy that is central to the style of Yoga that I teach…embracing what IS my reality, allowing the natural rhythm of my life to flow, instead of fighting and “trying”, to DO, and make things happen, and finally, to see the Divine in everything. Everything? Yep. Everything. Wow. Even the stuff that is not so nice? Yep, that too. So, there you have it. As we embrace and face the lessons and conditions of our life, we can move through it and come out to the other side. And that’s the essential part. What’s on the other side? That’s when we utilize the power of our minds to imagine and feel the life we want to live and the actual results that we are wanting to achieve. The latest research in quantum physics proves that what we put our attention on, is what will manifest itself in our life. So, let’s focus our energy on all the good and let the fear, doubt, and worry GO! Believe me, this is what I pray and meditate on daily!
OBAMA
RED LADY
GREAT SKI DAYS
SPRING
SURFING
ABUNDANCE
PEACE
SUCCESS
SERVING
LOVE
HEALTH
WISDOM
CLARITY
HAPPY FAMILIES
SIMPLE LIVING
KIDS LAUGHTER
WILDFLOWERS
DANCING
~OmLove~
Monica
February passed before my very eyes, so this newsletter is coming a little late! It has been a busy month for me, and probably for all of you too.The freezing weather may have frozen some of our souls a bit in January, and all the snow has had its joys as well as challenges. As deep winter moves into Spring on the 19th of March, I am sure we will find that things begin to flow with more ease. I had the pleasure of assisting Shiva Rea this month and whenever I am with this “master of flow”, I am reminded to live the Tantric philosophy that is central to the style of Yoga that I teach…embracing what IS my reality, allowing the natural rhythm of my life to flow, instead of fighting and “trying”, to DO, and make things happen, and finally, to see the Divine in everything. Everything? Yep. Everything. Wow. Even the stuff that is not so nice? Yep, that too. So, there you have it. As we embrace and face the lessons and conditions of our life, we can move through it and come out to the other side. And that’s the essential part. What’s on the other side? That’s when we utilize the power of our minds to imagine and feel the life we want to live and the actual results that we are wanting to achieve. The latest research in quantum physics proves that what we put our attention on, is what will manifest itself in our life. So, let’s focus our energy on all the good and let the fear, doubt, and worry GO! Believe me, this is what I pray and meditate on daily!
OBAMA
RED LADY
GREAT SKI DAYS
SPRING
SURFING
ABUNDANCE
PEACE
SUCCESS
SERVING
LOVE
HEALTH
WISDOM
CLARITY
HAPPY FAMILIES
SIMPLE LIVING
KIDS LAUGHTER
WILDFLOWERS
DANCING
~OmLove~
Monica
January 2008 Newsletter
Dear Yoga Family,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! May 2008 bring you much peace, harmony, and abundance in all its forms! For those of you who know me, the road has not always been smooth, and it still has its hurdles before meÂ… but so much good has happened to me recently, so many good people, and so much magic, that I know that 2008 is going to be better than ever. Not just for me, but for all of you who give your love, support, friendship and gifts to your causes, loved ones, and daily life. Yoga is obviously such a huge part of my life and it is such a joy for me to share that with youÂ… Using our body, breath, and consciousness to become healthy, strong, and peaceful inside and out, we can strive to integrate that into our daily lives to become warriors. Warriors of peace, love, and activism. I have had to be a warrior lately. I have had to stand up for myself and fight for justice, for peace, for my rights. It has not been easy. Sometimes my claws have come out and I have not acted with the grace that I would have liked. But I get back on my mat, meditation cushion, or just lay it all down to my guru, to God, and get back on track. I hope you can all utilize these practices that you learn here to continue this good fight. And maybe whisper some prayers for me.
And please, let me know how I can pray for you. WeÂ’re all in this together!
~OmLove~
Monica
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! May 2008 bring you much peace, harmony, and abundance in all its forms! For those of you who know me, the road has not always been smooth, and it still has its hurdles before meÂ… but so much good has happened to me recently, so many good people, and so much magic, that I know that 2008 is going to be better than ever. Not just for me, but for all of you who give your love, support, friendship and gifts to your causes, loved ones, and daily life. Yoga is obviously such a huge part of my life and it is such a joy for me to share that with youÂ… Using our body, breath, and consciousness to become healthy, strong, and peaceful inside and out, we can strive to integrate that into our daily lives to become warriors. Warriors of peace, love, and activism. I have had to be a warrior lately. I have had to stand up for myself and fight for justice, for peace, for my rights. It has not been easy. Sometimes my claws have come out and I have not acted with the grace that I would have liked. But I get back on my mat, meditation cushion, or just lay it all down to my guru, to God, and get back on track. I hope you can all utilize these practices that you learn here to continue this good fight. And maybe whisper some prayers for me.
And please, let me know how I can pray for you. WeÂ’re all in this together!
~OmLove~
Monica
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