Global Mala

Last week was one of the best weeks I have had in a long time. On Friday, September 18th, I left for Tara Mandala for the retreat with Shiva Rea and Lama Tsultrim. Going to Tara Mandala is always a pleasure, but this time the convergence of events and auspiciousness was an alchemical mix that created one of the most memorable weeks of my life. We celebrated the new moon, my birthday, The Global Mala Event, Rosh Hashanah, Navaratri, the solstice, and being with Shiva and Lama Tsultrim all at the same time!  
The Global Mala Event was concepted by Shiva Rea for Yogis all over the world to come together and practice to raise Global consciousness on the day United Nations has declared World Peace Day. Studios around the world practice a MALA, 108 sun salutations as a body prayer for peace and to raise funds for charities. This was on Saturday, September 19th, my birthday, and coincided with the first day of the retreat. We started the day with meditation, then a silent hike up to Prayer Flag Ridge, continued up to an astonishing lookout point, then an amazing lunch, a tour of the temple, then 108 sun salutations! (Surya Namaskars). A delicious dinner, cake, and then for me, a watsu & waterdance session at Pagosa Springs! Five of my students from Crested Butte came for the retreat, and about 13 more friends including my kids for the Global Mala! I fell into bed at midnight grateful for one the best birthdays I could remember! 
The rest of the retreat just continued to be filled with surprising depth and gifts that can only be experienced. The way Lama Tsultrim and Shiva combined the teachings of the Yab Yum Mandala of the Male and Female Buddhas was extraordinary! The meditation practice and the embodiment through Yoga was a magical combination.   
Although I was there to assist Shiva, it was a much more relaxed atmosphere that the teacher trainings I usually assist her for. For me, I was able to fully dive in and become immersed in retreat mode. My Zen-like accommodations, extraordinary organic meals, and soulful people allowed me to relax and open myself for new teachings that I am eager to share and integrate into my life.  
Coming back to Crested Butte to the festivities of the studio’s 3rd Anniversary Party was a perfect way to keep the high going.  It was a great party, and seeing all the different kinds of people always makes me smile. There were some new people who have never even been to the studio, as well as most of the teachers, volunteers, and even kids.  The fire and poi spinning was a big hit and seeing some of my friends giggle and erupt with joy as they got the hang of it was wonderful! 
Well, we are officially in Fall (“Off”) Season, and it is a time when all businesses in Crested Butte cross their fingers and brace themselves for things to slow down.  Well, we’re in it for the long haul, so I am going to have faith that the season, although a little slow, will continue to bring infinite possibilities and blessings that enable us to continue to grow, thrive and serve our community.

Happy Solstice!

It is a powerful time this week! Starting tomorrow, we celebrate the new moon, Rosh Hashanah, Navaratri, and the solstice! With all of that going on, we have the opportunity to jump on the energetic train and utilize the forces to propel ourselves to a higher ground. My birthday also happens to fall on Saturday, which is also the day of the worldwide Global Mala Event to unite for peace and activism. This event was begun by Shiva Rea (my beloved teacher), and this year we are lucky enough to be hosting her at the Tara Mandala Retreat Center in Pagosa Springs. It is in conjunction with her retreat for sacred union with the divine and we will be exploring Tantric Yoga as well as the Buddhist teachings that Lama Tsultrim will be presenting.  
I leave for this tomorrow, and although I am assisting Shiva for this event, I am sure that I will be submerged in the retreat space of these teachings and enjoying the sacred beings that are all converging for it. Several of my students from Crested Butte are coming for the retreat and even more coming just for Global Mala! I know it is going to be amazing and full of surprises and I am so ready to dive in! 
I also want to take the opportunity here to say that we have begun our fall schedule and “off season” is upon us. For most businesses in CB, it’s a kinda tenuous time. This is when we really count on the community support of our locals and extended yoga family to keep the abundance vibes flowing for us. We do not skimp the schedule at this time. It is so juicy, with classes that include dance, meditation, ski-conditioning, and many yoga offerings for all. Donation classes are offered every day, and we always work with what you got. So, come in and if you’re not “here”, know that we are working hard to thrive so that we’re here when you return. I adore the visitors that come here from Texas, Oklahoma, NYC, Cali, Louisiana, and so many other places…I am missing you all… 
Thanks for a great summer, and I know we are all going to have a wonderful and transformative fall.
My prayers are with you all on this sacred retreat. Thanks for letting me be a part of your lives and do what I love! 
Monica