Anna's Yoga Space

La Dolce Vita Retreat in Italy: Radiance Through Yoga, Meditation and Food

2012-01-28T09:47:00.000-08:00

My dear friend, Jennifer Iserloh, a.k.a. www.skinnychef.com, and I are partnering again and hosting a retreat to Italy from May 26th-June 2nd, 2012 at the Villa Poggio right by Florence. If you're interested, please email me at anna.fidz@gmail.com

21-Day Challenge - Yoga Journal

2012-01-05T08:11:00.000-08:00

21-Day Challenge - Yoga Journal starting Jan. 9th, 2012!

Yoga for Strength: 10 minute home practice

2011-12-13T12:15:00.001-08:00

Home Practice for the Holiday Season

2011-12-06T05:04:00.000-08:00

How can we can bring light - to ourselves and others?

2011-12-02T06:08:00.000-08:00

Ground Control: Home Practice When Life Feels Crazy (about 15 minutes)

2011-10-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

Special Holiday Workshop in NJ: Empower Yourself for 2012!

2011-10-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

Time	Saturday, December 10 · 11:30am - 1:30pm

Location	NJ Yoga Zone www.njyogazone.com Margate City, New Jersey, US

Created By	Anna Fidz

More Info	Join me for a special workshop with a focus on reflection, letting go and, ultimately, renewal for the New Year! We will start out with a short journaling exercise to reflect on the PAST year and then set new clear intentions for the NEW year! We will then build some heat through our physical practice including lots of twists to wring out any toxins and hip-openers to release any negativity. Then we will weave our new intentions into a creative sequence of heart-opening postures. We will conclude with a well-deserved yoga nidra (deep, physical, mental and emotional release). You will leave feeling energized, refreshed and relaxed...ready to face 2012 with clarity, purpose and courage! Open to everyone except complete beginners. $30. Please let me know by Nov. 15, if you're interested as spaces are limited. Looking forward to seeing everyone!!

The Light Within [POEM]

2011-10-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

The Light Within [POEM]

Our struggles make us seek enlightenment from those around us and the stars above. However, it is when we uncover the light within that we finally illuminate a path once enshrouded by our false sense of incompleteness.—Dodinsky

Occupy Everything but NOT the Mind says Krishnamurti

2011-10-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

"Obviously you cannot have a fresh, eager mind if the mind is occupied. And the mind ceases to be occupied only when it sees the truth about its own occupation. You cannot see the truth if you are not giving your whole attention, if you are translating what is being said into something which will suit you, or translating it into your own terms. You must come to something new with a fresh mind, and a mind is not fresh when it is occupied, consciously or unconsciously." - J. Krishnamurti, The Book of Life

Morning Yoga Meditation with Elena Brower - YogaEarth

2011-10-21T04:48:00.000-07:00

Yoga Nidra Link (Deep Physical, Mental and Emotional Relaxation)

2011-10-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

http://blogs.yogajournal.com/audio/LM_yoga_nidra_richard.mp3

4-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Lenny Krayzelburg On Staying Positive

2011-10-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

Holidays in NY Yoga Workshop: Empower Yourself for 2012!

2011-10-12T03:54:00.001-07:00

Time	Friday, December 30 · 6pm - 8pm

Location	ISHTA Yoga 56 East 11th Street (between University Place and Broadway), NYC New York, New York

Created By	Anna Fidz

More Info	Join me for 2 hours of meditation and yoga with a focus of reflection, letting go and, ultimately, renewal for the New Year! We will start out with a short journaling exercise to reflect on the PAST year and then set new clear intentions for the NEW year! We will then build some heat through our physical practice including lots of twists to wring out any toxins and hip-openers to release any negativity. Then we will weave our new intentions into a creative sequence of heart-opening postures. We will conclude with a well-deserved yoga nidra (deep, physical, mental and emotional release). You will leave feeling energized, refreshed and relaxed...ready to face 2012 with clarity, purpose and courage! Open to everyone except complete beginners. $3o for the 2 hour workshop. Please let me know by Nov. 15th, if you're interested as spaces are limited. Looking forward to seeing everyone!!

"Preparing for the Holidays" Nov. 2011 Wkend Retreat to S. County Wicklow, IRE

2011-10-07T03:55:00.000-07:00

Weekend-long Yoga and Healthy Cooking Lessons

At the Beautiful and Elegant Victorian Courtyard, the Coolattin Lodge

S. County Wicklow, IRE, (Fri. eve to Sun.) Nov 11-13th, 2011

Come and set clear intentions on what you want from your holidays and the New Year. This retreat will prepare your mind and body for a stress-free and enjoyable holiday with your family and friends. Instructors Anna Fidz, MA, RYT and nutritionist Dee Daly, BA, HDip will blend advice and practice for vibrant and transformational health through yoga and diet.

At Coolattin Lodge (www.coolattinlodge.com) you are taken back in time in the atmosphere of this beautifully preserved Victorian courtyard, its fine old cut stone country house and attractive stone arched guest houses and farm buildings. Less than 1.5 hours from Dublin. Retreat fee: €390 (accommodation, all meals/day, yoga and cooking classes - everything excluding transportation to retreat). Spaces are limited to 12 people. To reserve your spot, a €200 non-refundable deposit is due by September 1st with the remainder due by October 12th, 2011. For more info/detailed schedule, contact Anna at (anna.fidz@gmail.com) or Dee at (dee@deelitefull.ie).

Why Yoga is Like Life Coaching

2011-09-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

We are at a critical time in human evolution, a time when we can generate true shifts in consciousness. To that end, there is a growing movement of people who want to exemplify truth, caring and consistency in the world. The values we cultivate in coaching, noted below, resonate from yoga practitioners to teachers of all kinds and back.

Oneness: A recognition that everything is universally connected, with a deep regard for how you impact yourself and others, using your thoughts, feelings and actions.

Truth: Not only the ability to know, evaluate and say what you really think, but also living your life in alignment with your truest, highest ideals for yourself.

Alignment: The understanding that wherever you're holding yourself back from being honest, you're suffering the results of that misalignment. And when you're truly living your dream, you're aligned, open, capable of fearless communication and ready for anything.

Love: Truly loving yourself and others means coming from a place of balance, in which you can regard your own truth -- and that of another -- with equal weight and respond from your heart in any moment.

The above is from the article by Elena Brower and Laurie Gerber: " Why Yoga is Like Life Coaching" from the Huffington Post. For the complete article go to: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elena-brower/life-coaching-and-yoga_b_980103.html

How To See Things As They Really Are

2011-09-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

"To stop labels from becoming judgments is a practice and a process, eventually evolving into a radical realization: In any experience, if I can become aware of the labels that rise to the surface, I can then also tune into associated assumptions and actual feelings triggered at a subtler level. Then, by making an effort toward awareness and balance, I start to see where I can inject choice into the equation. That itself is the first taste of freedom, opening up into a space in which we experience things in a fresh, new way -- closer to the way they really are." (from the The Neurobiology of 'Labeling' by Viral Mehta).

For full article go here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/viral-mehta/problems-with-assigning-labels_b_970326.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#sb=1130112,b=facebook

8 Secrets of Success in 3 Minutes

2011-09-13T05:06:00.001-07:00

Overcoming Depression with Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

2011-09-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

YOGA Inspired WORKOUT: Toned Arms, Legs & Abs with Anita Goa

2011-09-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Yoga and Me documentary trailer

2011-09-09T05:36:00.000-07:00

Guided Relaxation

2011-09-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

Guided Relaxation

Attention as an Art Form

2011-08-23T04:19:00.000-07:00

You have to read this article. Really, really good.

"Learning how to think really means learning how to exercise some control over how and what you think. It means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to, and to choose how you construct meaning from experience.It comes down to working with the core property of human experience -- attention, which can be broken down into four key aspects:

1. awareness
2. choice
3. engagement
4. flow

Every moment affords an opportunity to start paying attention, and as I do, I realize its gift. First and foremost, it is a gift to my own self, bringing me back to a place of inner alignment. Then, as I start to benefit from it, I can gift it to others. And finally, it is a gift that takes me beyond my own limited notions of identity and self-interest.

It can all begin right now, just with an intention to be aware. That increased awareness opens up windows of choice, and as I start to make more informed choices, I deepen the quality of my experience. In making this a continuous effort, I evolve from unconscious processing, to subconscious registering, to conscious awareness, to engaged learning; or, from data to information to knowledge to wisdom. Instead of just going with the flow, I can actually grow with the flow.(Attention as an Art Form, 2011)

Here is the full article: http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?sid=80

11 tips for being REMARKABLE

2011-08-12T04:56:00.000-07:00

Wise Words from the Dalai Lama

2011-08-03T03:31:00.000-07:00

Conscious Sadhana

2011-07-27T14:43:00.001-07:00

My sadhana is to meditate for 20 minutes every morning (no exceptions).

"Sadhana means a practice of self-discipline that allows one to express the Infinite within one's self. It is a time each day to notice the patterns that lead away from higher consciousness and to transcend those patterns. Sadhana is a conscious activity. We consciously choose to rise up, to exercise the body , and to meditate. Each day is different. Each day, we are different. every 72 hours all the cells of the body totally change. Sickness comes and goes. Motivation waxes and wanes, but through all the flux of life, through all the variations of the mind and heart, we consciously choose to maintain a constant and regular practice."

Yoga Bhajan

My Article from MindBodyGreen: The Day I Ditched All the Pills...

2011-07-26T04:19:00.002-07:00

Please take a look at the article that I posted on MindyBodyGreen. It's about my personal struggle with social anxiety/phobia, and how yoga and meditation has helped me to treat it.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-2834/The-Day-I-Ditched-All-the-Pills-for-Yoga-Meditation.html

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

10 Ways to Raise Your Consciousness

2011-07-19T07:39:00.001-07:00

1. Forgive yourself and others.

2. Practice Gratitude and Appreciation.

3. Live each day as though it were your last.

4. Meditate or Pray. I will add YOGA to this one!

5. Suspend Judgment: One judges another to feel less guilty about one’s own misgivings. Judgment energy is dense, dark and heavy. ON the other hand, unconditional acceptance is light, free and accepting.

6. View every experience as a gift.

7. Stay consciously aware of all your thoughts and feelings: It is easy to fall into negative patterns of complaining and feeling like a victim of society and your life. When you catch yourself in the negative zone, don’t feel badly about it and beat yourself up. Simply choose to switch your consciousness to one of gratitude and positive thinking.

8. Treat your physical body as your temple: Your body is the only vehicle you’ve been given for this ride called life. The better you care for your body by eating a healthy, balanced die, and by implementing a regular exercise routine, and by giving your body the rest it requires, the more you will experience increased energy, vitality, joy and freedom.

9. View the world through the eyes of a child.

10. Give love, love, love from your heart.

from the Indian Times

Transformational Wkend Retreat with me and Dee Daly: October 14-16, 2011 at the Coolattin Lodge in S. County Wicklow

2011-07-05T05:07:00.000-07:00

October is all about transformation. The trees become brilliant shade of color and even the food we eat changes at the fall harvest makes its way to our tables. Yoga and a healthy diet have the power to transform your lives, and it’s never too early or too late to start. Instructors Anna Fidz, MA, RYT and nutritionist Dee Daly, BA, HDip, DipNT, mNTOI will blend advice and practice for vibrant and transformational health through yoga and diet.

-90-minute yoga and meditation twice/day
-three meals per day and daily cooking lessons
-free time to read, walk, social or be alone

Accommodations: Coolattin Lodge - you are taken back in time in the atmosphere of this beautifully preserved Victorian courtyard, its fine old cut stone country house and attractive stone arched guest houses and farm buildings. Less than 1.5 hours from Dublin.

TO REGISTER: Retreat fee: €390 (accommodation, all meals/day, yoga and cooking classes - everything excluding transportation to retreat). Spaces are limited to 12 people. To reserve your spot, a €200 non-refundable deposit is due by August 1 with the remainder due by Sept. 12^th, 2011. For more info/detailed schedule, contact Anna at (anna.fidz@gmail.com) or www.deelitefull.ie

Practice Yoga to Deal With The Four Aggravations

2011-06-22T02:21:00.000-07:00

From Tommy Rosen, www.tommyrosen.com: "In the two decades that I have been living recovery, I have come to view addiction as a human condition, not limited to any class of people and inclusive of just about everyone walking this planet. I actually feel that addiction is that widespread and quite misunderstood, especially in some of its less visible forms. I ask a lot of people what their addiction is. Many of them say they don’t have one. Then I give them my definition of addiction: Any behavior that you continue to engage in despite the negative consequences that the behavior leaves in its wake. If you are not addicted to any of The Big 5 – drugs, alcohol, food, sex or money, then you might be struggling with what I call The 4 Aggravations: Resentment, Negative Thinking, Self-Doubt and Procrastination. These “less harmful” addictions sap us of our energy, cause lots of damage and must be faced in order for us to live a life of fulfillment and to heal ourselves and the world."

Yoga and Healthy Cooking Retreat in Turkey (June 2011)

2011-06-20T00:58:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share some memories and photos from our Turkey Yoga and Healthy Cooking Retreat. I partnered with my dear friend, Jennifer Iserloh, (aka Skinny Chef) to provide daily yoga and cooking lessons close to Antalya in Turkey. Thank you to everyone that came! It was a beautiful group of people from the United States, Switzerland and Ireland. Thank you to Jennifer Iserloh (for her delicious detox recipes and lessons), to Uli Iserloh(for his technical support and overall kick-butt reliability), to Anna Csoenge (for her amazing snorkeling abilities), to Alice Carroll (for her fantastic restorative yoga lesson), to Nora Dillon (for her infectious smile and medical expertise), to Reena Shah (for her glowing inner and outer beauty), to Mary and Susan Dowd (for their exemplary mother-daughter relationship and amazing enthusiasm), to Imelda Condon (for her naughty smile and fun-loving resilience), to Amy Faery (for keeping us laughing at all times), to Suzanne Fagan (for the determination she brought to all the yoga classes), to Chef Mustafa and the staff at Heliotrope for their exceptional service and yummy vegetarian cooking! I learned something from each of you :)
Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

My Vipassana Meditation 3 Day Retreat at Passaddhi

2011-06-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

I had the honor to go on a 3 day Vipassana Retreat at the Passaddhi Meditation Centre on the Beara Peninsula in the SW of Ireland. The retreat centre is managed by Marjó Oosterhoff and her husband. Passaddhi holds various retreats and teaches the techniques of vipassana and metta meditation. These are available to anyone: Buddhist or non-Buddhist.

These vipassana retreats are actually held all over the world. I became interested in this type retreat ever since one of my friends attended a 10 day retreat at another location. She said it had changed her life. Although I had a huge interest and desire in attending, I was also apprehensive whether I'd be able to survive 3 days of silence and only meditation. I decided to over come my fear and meet the challenge. What did I have to lose?

I had to admit it was a tough three days, but I learned so much about the teachings, vipassana meditation and myself. This particular retreat was led by Bhante Bodhidhamma who is the Spiritual Director at the Satipanya Buddhist in Wales. He was a brilliant and compassionate teacher who answered all the million questions I had.

The Passaddhi Retreat Centre is located in a gorgeous part of the country with stunning views and beautiful landscapes. The group of people that joined me for the weekend were lovely and like-minded. The food and hospitality were fantastic as well.

As for my personal insights about meditation, this retreat reaffirmed my belief that meditation is absolutely beneficial if not ESSENTIAL to my daily life and I have now started to meditate 20 minutes per day. There is medical research that supports this as well. I also had some powerful personal insights and feel like I cleared a lot of my mental sloth. I'd recommend this type of retreat and meditation to everyone. Thank you to Marjo and Bhante for such a rewarding experience! Thank you to the lovely group of people who joined me as well! Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

5 minute "Radical Self Love" Workout=>Core and Heart

2011-05-24T05:03:00.000-07:00

"Heartfire: Cultivating Radical Self-Love: - with Ashley Turner from YogaEarth on Vimeo.

21 Day Yoga Challenge from Yoga Journal (Free Videos)

2011-05-19T04:49:00.000-07:00

http://21daychallenge.yogajournal.com/challenge/week/1

Ryan Giggs (athlete) on Yoga

2011-05-17T10:12:00.001-07:00

Core Workout from Anita Goa

2011-05-14T05:22:00.000-07:00

"the less reactive you are, the more magnetic you become"

2011-05-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

The Mindful Smack No. 9, Elena Brower for TheDailyLove.com from Elena Brower on Vimeo.

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

More and More Doctors are Prescribing Yoga and Meditation

2011-05-11T03:15:00.000-07:00

Go to this link for the article:

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-2411/More-Doctors-Prescribing-Yoga-Meditation.html

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Guacamole Recipe from www.treehugger.com

2011-05-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

Best Damn Guacamole Ever

4 ripe avocados
3 tomatoes
1 lime, zested
2 limes, juiced
1/2 bunch of cilantro, washed and dried
1 red onion, finely chopped
2 green onions, diced
1 serrano chiles, finely diced
1 clove of garlic
Salt

1. Carefully cut each avocado lengthwise around the seed.

2. Twist the two halves to open.

Photo by Jaymi Heimbuch

3. Hold the avocado in one hand with a towel, for safety (do as I say and not as I do).

4. Gently whack the pit with a knife to wedge it in. Twist the pit out.

Photo by Jaymi Heimbuch

5. Scoop the flesh into a large bowl and mash.

6. Slice the bottom off each tomato using a serrated knife.

Photo by Jaymi Heimbuch

7. Using the same knife, make "C" cuts to the tomato. The key here is to cut off the flesh and to avoid the seed membrane.

8. Dice the tomato slices. The remaining tomato ball is perfect for soup stock!

Photo by Jaymi Heimbuch

9. Finely chop the red onion, garlic and green onions.

Photo by Jaymi Heimbuch

10. Remove the cilantro leaves by holding the bunch with one hand and "peeling" off the leaves with a knife away from you.

11. Don't worry if you get some stems. Finely chop the leaves.

12. Finely chop the serrano chile. Wear latex gloves if you are sensitive to the oils. Seed first if you want less heat.

Photo by Jaymi Heimbuch

13. Add the above ingredients to the avocados.

Photo by Jaymi Heimbuch

14. Zest one of the limes. Add the zest and the lime juice to the mixture. Juice the second lime and add it.

Photo by Jaymi Heimbuch

15. Mix enough to coat all of the ingredients with the mashed avocado. Salt to taste.

16. Reserve some for yourself because once your friends and family get a hold of it, it will be all gone!

Photo by Jaymi Heimbuch

Nice Vinyasa Flow Sequence from Anita Goa

2011-04-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Yoga Inspired Arm Work-out

2011-04-19T05:28:00.000-07:00

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Excellent Short Video on Purity

2011-04-17T03:10:00.001-07:00

Practice for Global Resolution and Peace

2011-04-11T13:28:00.001-07:00

From Alan Finger:

In order to help trouble-stricken areas in the world, one needs to be reminded that we are all connected. Like a drop from the sea, we each have our own identity, shape, and form, but we all are made up of the same substance and come from the same ocean of consciousness. Our minds make us seem separate and distant, as the mind and the senses are dependent on time and space. Once the mind has been quieted, it is easy to direct electromagnetic forces that move beyond the speed of light to anywhere on our planet at any time.

In regards to the devastation that has stricken Japan, the war in Libya, and all the other conflict-ridden areas of the world, people can direct attention to create abundance for whatever they feel others need or for what they need themselves; love for healing and insight to be creative in recovery, to name a couple. Here are the tools to create positive energy that can move beyond borders, communities, family and any other lines that divide humanity. We are all one and can help influence each other energetically and otherwise on a global level.

The Practice:

1. To create abundance, use the mantra Om Lakshmi Vam Shri Kamaladaram Swaha 27 times, directing the feeling of abundance to the area that is affected. One can use an image of the disaster area, or the country in general to direct the field of energy to it.

2. To develop an intense feeling of unconditional love in your heart, just pure loving, bring your hands into Anjali mudra (prayer pose) and use the mantra Om Namo Narayanaya 27 times to the area and all beings.

3. To direct unbound intelligence in order to inspire beings, feel that you draw universal awareness in through bramharandra (the top fontanel) on the inhalation using the mantra Om and on the exhalation, direct it out through the keshertram point of ajna, which is between the eyebrows and a little bit above, using the mantra Shanthi. Do this 9 times.

Hari Om, Om Tat Sat.

Great Butt/Bum Workout from Anita Goa

2011-04-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

My New Courses Starting in April 2011 at Sunrise Yoga!

2011-03-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

1. Hatha Flow - Tuesdays, 7:45pm

6 week term starts April 5th - €90

Improvers

2. Hatha Flow - Tuesdays, 6.30pm

6 week term starts April 5th- €90

Advanced

3. Hatha Flow – Wednesdays, 7:45pm

6 week term starts April 6th - €90

Improvers

4. Restorative Yoga – Thursdays, 8pm

6 week term starts April 7th - €90

All levels

For more info or to book, phone Anna at

086 662 0159 or book online at www.sunrise.ie

1.If you are returning student, get euro 5 off your price.

2. If you bring a friend, get 10% off.

3. Book any course and get 20% off the clothing at Sunrise.

4. Book any two courses and get 20% off.

New Class at Open Mind Center on Fridays at 6pm

2011-03-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

In addition to the courses and drop-in classes I'm teaching at Sunrise Yoga in Dun Laoghaire, starting on Friday, March 11th I will be teaching a Friday class at 6pm at the Open Mind Center. Your first class is FREE! Hope to see you there!

http://www.openmindyoga.ie/yoga-classes.html

Namaste and Blessings,
Anna

Turkey Retreat June 12-19th, 2011!

2011-02-15T06:50:00.000-08:00

Rejuvenating Yoga Holiday
Weeklong Yoga and Healthy Cooking Retreat
in the Idyllic Mediterranean Turkey
June 12 -19, 2011
Heliotrope Yoga, Olympos, Turkey

This Yoga Retreat will relax, rejuvenate and inspire in one of Turkey’s most
beautiful settings near sandy beaches and Lycia’s ancient sites. Instructors
Anna Fidz, MA, RYT and New York-based Jennifer Iserloh (www.skinnychef.com) will blend advice and practice for vibrant health through yoga and cooking.

Retreat Features

• 90-minute yoga/meditation classes twice
a day in a beautiful outdoor setting
• Daily cooking classes focusing on
simple, delicious meals for better health,
weight and energy levels
• Free time to use the swimming pool,
beautiful beach, a Hamam (Turkish
Bath), go walking, hiking, visit the
ancient ruins or go to the local market
place

Accommodations
Angels Garden is a beautifully built collection
of wooden chalet-style rooms set in the
mountainous forest near the seaside village
of Olympos. There is a swimming pool, a
Hamam (Turkish Bath), along with a yoga
space and restaurant area all within the
grounds.

Registration Information
Retreat fee: €675 (accommodations, meals,
yoga and cooking classes - everything
excluding airfare). Spaces are limited. To
reserve your spot, a €300 non-refundable
deposit is due by March 7 with the remainder
due by April 12th, 2011. For more
info/detailed schedule, contact Anna
(anna.fidz@gmail.com) and visit Heliotrope’s
website at heliotrope-yoga-holidays.com

BELIEVE

2011-01-24T11:29:00.000-08:00

I have to share this with you. One of my favorite yoga teachers from New York, Elena Brower, shared the following mission statement that she constructed after doing some unraveling work on herself:

"BELIEVE in yourself. BELIEVE that you chose the right family, and the perfect parents for your mission. BELIEVE that all the people around you are your teachers, here to show you the way. BELIEVE that you’re able to handle everything that comes to you. BELIEVE that you will get an answer whenever you really ask. BELIEVE that you can have every conversation elegantly. BELIEVE that you are on the correct trajectory to your highest freedom every time you tell the truth."

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Free Videos for your Home Practice

2011-01-12T02:37:00.000-08:00

If you're interested in supplementing your regular yoga classes with a home practice, check out these free videos from Yoga Journal.

Day 3: Core Focus

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

My New Courses at Sunrise Yoga in Dun Laoghaire starting in Jan. 2011

2011-01-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

In addition to the drop-in classes that I'm teaching at Sunrise Yoga Studio, I'll be teaching the following courses:

1. Hatha Flow for Improvers: Tuesdays, 7:45pm-9pm
6 week course starts Jan. 11th, 2011 Euro 90

2. Hatha Flow for Improvers: Wednesdays, 7:45pm-9pm
6 week course starts Jan. 12th, 2011 Euro 90

3. Hatha Flow for Beginners: Thursdays, 6:30pm-7:45pm
6 week course starts Jan. 13th, 2011 Euro 90

4. Restorative Yoga for All Levels: Thursdays, 7:45pm-9pm
6 weeks course starts Jan. 13th, 2011 Euro 90

To register, please go to: http://sunrise.ie/index.php/Latest-News/january-2011-timetable.html

If you have any questions, you can email me at anna.fidz@gmail.com

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Benefits of Yoga as Explained by Dr. Lipman

2010-12-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

Dr. Lipman and Elena Brower discuss the extremely powerful benefits of yoga. Dr. Lipman on his experience of yoga: "yoga is a subjective experience..when I do yoga..I'm so much more patient, aware and present..yoga helps me so much when I listen and my perception and intuition is enhanced. I'm a completely different person on so many levels...I think this is extremely powerful..I don't know what else does this."

Important Lesson in Yoga

2010-12-05T13:19:00.000-08:00

Yoga for Wine Lovers - www.haroldsplanet.com

2010-11-24T04:45:00.000-08:00

My Workshop Schedule for Nov.and Dec. 2010

2010-10-31T08:01:00.000-07:00

1. Pre-Holidays Detox: Twist and Flow Yoga Workshop

Date: Sunday, December 5th, 2010

Time: 11.00 – 13.00

Cost: € 25

Place: Sunrise Yoga, Dun Laoghaire (www.sunrise.ie)

Prepare for the holidays by setting the intention to stay centered during the busy season with this two-hour workshop. This workshop is designed to detoxify on every level of your being. Let go of the old to make space for the new!

We will focus on twisting postures and a flowing practice designed to cleanse your body and mind. Twists stimulate circulation and have a cleansing and refreshing effect on the organs and associated glands. When spiraling the organ receives a tourniquet effect which squeezes out old blood and when twisting in the other direction, allows new blood to flow in. This in turn stimulates the metabolism, detoxifies the system and brings rejuvenation.

Aside from the physiological and structural benefits of twists, there are centering benefits to your consciousness. As the layers of muscle and bones revolve deeply, your attention is drawn into the stable, unmoving center of the pose. This ability to stay centered in twists on the mat will allow you to bring this centering off the mat in your daily living among the unsteadiness of the world.

The workshop will end with a ½ hour yoga nidra, a guided meditation that promotes complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation.

Please reserve your space in advance by registering online at www.sunrise.ie, or emailing me at anna.fidz@gmail.com.

2. Relax, Refresh and Renew (Restorative Yoga Workshop)

Dates: Sunday, November 28th and December 12th, 2010

Time: 16.00 – 18.00

Cost: € 25 each

Place: Sunrise Yoga, Dun Laoghaire (www.sunrise.ie)

Learn to actively relax, release any stress and renew your mind, body and spirit.

Restorative yoga is a practice that reduces your stress and improves your health. It is helpful when you feel stressed, weak or overwhelmed by daily activities or major life events. Restorative yoga is especially valuable for those suffering from stress, cancer, menopause, injury, depression or other challenges. Even those who feel perfectly healthy report that restorative yoga has helped them develop more energy and sleep better.

All postures (asanas) will be done in a passive manner with the support of blankets, blocks and other props. You will have an opportunity to linger peacefully in these soothing and well-supported poses with gentle hands-on adjustments, candle-light and lavender oils. The class will end with a ½ hour yoga nidra, a guided meditation that promotes complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation. No previous yoga experience is necessary.

Class size is limited to 12 people, so that you receive the attention and guidance you need. All props are provided.

Please reserve your space in advance by registering online at www.sunrise.ie, or emailing me at anna.fidz@gmail.com.

Blessings and Namaste,

Anna

True Celtic Spirit! Watch this AMAZING short film!

2010-10-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

DARK SIDE OF THE LENS from Astray Films on Vimeo.

Blessings and Namaste,

Anna

The best gift I ever survived: Watch this Video!

2010-10-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

This actually happened to one of my friends...

"The next time you face something that's unexpected, unwanted, and uncertain, consider that it just may be a gift." Stacey Kramer

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

How to Live to 98 (at least!)

2010-09-27T04:10:00.000-07:00

One of My Favorite Poems: DESIDERATA

2010-09-22T03:46:00.000-07:00

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

--- Max Ehrmann, 1927

a word about COURAGE

2010-09-18T07:58:00.001-07:00

" Courage" is one of the qualities I admire most in people and try to cultivate in my own self and daily living. So I did some research on books that discuss this topic and what it really mean to live with courage and embody it. And I what I found is really interesting and enlightening. This is from the book: "Courage - The Joy of Living Dangerously" by Osho (Chapter: The Way of the Heart).

"The word courage is very interesting. It comes from a Latin root cor, which means ‘heart’. So to be courageous means to live with the heart. And weaklings, only weaklings, live with the head; afraid, they create a security of logic around themselves. Fearful, they close every window and door - with theology, concepts, words, theories - and inside those closed doors and windows, they hide.

The way of the heart is the way of courage. It is to live in insecurity; it is to live in love, and trust; it is to move in the unknown. It is leaving the past and allowing the future to be. Courage is to move on dangerous paths. Life is dangerous, and only cowards can avoid the danger - but then, they are already dead. A person who is alive, really alive, vitally alive, will always move into the unknown. There is danger there, but he will take the risk. The heart is always ready to take the risk, the heart is a gambler. The head is a businessman. The head always calculates - it is cunning. The heart is non-calculating."

The 3 most important aspects of courage I think to take away from this quote are:

1. Courage is Not Fearlessness: That’s right. Since you are going to be dealing with the unknown and with uncertainly, there is bound to be apprehension. That’s ok. Courage is to move forward despite this fear. So don’t feel like you lack courage simply because you have fear. Look at the fear as an opportunity to exercise your courage muscle. As Osho would put it, embrace uncertainty.

2. Listen to the Heart, Not the Mind: In the article How to Escape Your Suffering: The Blind Man vs. The Cripple I went into this point where your guide ought to be your heart and not your mind. The mind will endlessly battle for security, it will wobble between the pros and cons. The heart, on the other hand, will help you to jump into the great unknown and help you to be true to your passions.

3. Courage Allows you to Live in the Present: This is the essence of courage. To allow the unknown future to take shape and be willing to move out of the mind and into the moment. So instead of trying to manipulate life to avoid uncertainty, simply take an innocent attitude instead. There are no guarantees here that things will go right, there is only danger and mystery, courage means to be willing to go forward nonetheless.

Any thoughts on this?

Blessings and Namaste
Anna

The Reason & Season (beautiful poem from www.dailylove.com)

2010-09-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

The Reason & Season

by Mastin Kipp

The path of your heart will lead you many places
And most of the time
You won't know why

The alchemy
Of trusting the mystery
Pulls your dreams down from the sky

And if you see the edge ahead
And are afraid that you
Might die

But the edge you see
Is your opportunity
To grow your own wings and fly

Remember that
Life changes with the season
And when you think that
Your love is leavin'
Sometimes things fall apart
And break your heart
To let the love within be the feelin'

So leap off the edge
And say
Goodbye

And when you jump you'll see
You've been set free
And it's only your fear that's meant to die

So just let go
And start believin'
You don't need to have
A reason
If you don't know where to start
Follow your heart
Cuz love is never out of season

Delicious Smoothie Recipe with a twist!

2010-09-10T03:11:00.000-07:00

I've been into making smoothies lately and found this delicious recipe with a bit of a twist! Blender drinks provide a super-simple, healthy treat. Refreshing and delicious, smoothies make a great breakfast drink or an afternoon pick-me-up snack with healthful benefits. Here's a favorite blend, with a special twist to spice it up a bit:

In a blender, put 2 cups of milk, non-dairy milk, yogurt, fruit juice or water. Add the following: 1 banana, 1 apple (peeled), 1/4 cup of frozen blueberries and 1/4 cup frozen raspberries. (Frozen fruit retains its nutritional value, as it is usually frozen right after picking - plus it gives a refreshing coolness to your smoothie.) Now the "twist" – add a pinch of turmeric, a pinch of cinnamon and a heaping teaspoon of fresh chopped ginger. If you like it a little sweeter, add a 1/2 teaspoon of agave nectar. Blend up a single serving or enough for the whole family. Be creative, add what you love and feel free to experiment. Enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal in a glass!

Perfect for after yoga practice replenishment and nourishment! Thanks to www.yogamint.com for the recipe!

Blessings and Namaste

Anna

What Yoga Means to ME

2010-08-23T06:59:00.001-07:00

An optimist is a person who sees only the light in the picture, whereas a pessimist sees only the shadows. An idealist, however, is one who sees the light and the shadow, but in addition sees something else: the possibilities of changing the picture, of making the light prevail over the shadows. Anon

I've always been labeled as either an optimist or an idealist, but the quote above makes me think how my yoga practice has made me an idealist. I see the light and darkness in the world (the reality of all the crap that's going on) and try to be a light myself for others and ask myself: "how can I rise above all this? how can I make things better? how can I bring more light into the world?"

How can I strip away all the bull*^#' from everything and everyone (including myself) and see things as they really are?

To me yoga is much more to yoga than bending, folding and twisting your body. Yoga challenges me every day..on AND off the mat. Yoga also stretches/opens my mind by asking me to challenge my beliefs about myself, my body, my consciousness, my identity, my community, society and the world. Yoga has created (and continues to create) a real and lasting change in my life. The physical postures produce the added benefits of cleansing my body, ridding any unwanted fat and healing old injuries. But yoga is not an exercise. It is a body awareness technique aimed at liberating my consciousness from old, habitual was of thinking, being and acting. The flexible yoga body is merely a seductive by-product of the work of awakening my consciousness.

Yoga challenges me to live more authentically, be more present, and be more aware and mindful of my every interaction. It teaches me to be more fully engaged in my every day living and face every day with clarity strength and courage. And if I can accomplish this sense of attention and mindfulness on the mat, I can duplicate this in my life off the mat.

What does your yoga practice mean to you?

Blessings and Namaste
Anna

Morning Meditation with Garth Stevenson at Wanderlust

2010-08-17T14:49:00.000-07:00

Emotions and Our Hips

2010-08-01T04:27:00.000-07:00

Here's an excellent article on how and why we hold emotions in our hips:

Get Hip to Your Feelings

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Handstand from baby steps to breakthroughs

2010-07-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

A big THANK YOU to all my students!

2010-07-16T04:58:00.001-07:00

I dedicate this post to all my yoga students for their discipline, dedication, support and hard work! They are all brilliant stars! THANK YOU to all of you for being YOU! This is for you:

"To be a star you must shine your own light, follow your own path, and never fear the dark for that is where stars shine the brightest." ~Author unknown

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."~Antoine de St. Exupery

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Yoga of Living 5 Day Course

2010-06-18T04:55:00.001-07:00

I am currently in the middle of doing Elena Brower's 5 day course entitled, "Approaching Acceptance" and am finding myself really becoming more understanding and respectful of myself and others. I HIGHLY recommend this course to everyone. It's online and free and can be found here:

http://www.artofattention.com/category/yoga-of-living-course/

I'm deeply greatful to Elena Brower for creating this brilliant course. The world would be a better place if everyone completed this!

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

With deep gratitude

2010-06-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

I just had to share with you the lovely, lovely painting that one of my students painted for me. It is soooo beautiful, and I'm so deeply grateful! I'll hang it up in my new apartment! Thank you so much, Martha!

Blessings and Namaste,
anna

Michelle Whelan's Workshop!

2010-06-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to reconnect with someone I had trained at YogaWorks in New York last weekend. Michelle Whelan came to do a "Hips, Heart and Hamstrings" 3 hour workshop at our Sunrise studio in Dublin (and her husband, Greg, played acoustic guitar!)

Michelle divided it up into classes, a yin and yang. Michelle was original and thoughtful and received amazing feedback from everyone that attended! Thank you, Michelle and hope to see you soon!!

Blessings and Namaste,
anna :)

A Complex, Challenging Posture Broken Down into Simple Increments

2010-06-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

Blessings and Namaste,
anna

20 minutes of a Hip-Opening Sequence for your Home Practice

2010-06-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

YogaEarth Mixtape 2010 - Elena Brower

2010-05-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

How do you become a genius? Nurturing creativity...

2010-05-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

This is a really great video from author of Eat, Pray, Love... Elizabeth Gilbert. She talks about the expectations from artists and geniuses -- and "letting genius catch you."

Very funny, informative and inspiring for anyone with a courageous spirit who wants to nourish your creativity!

Blessings and Namaste,
anna

Yoga as a form of art and a creative expression of the self

2010-05-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite yoga instructors and activists, Seane Corn, talks about yoga and why it's a form of art, a creative expression of the self. Each individual is responsible for her own unique expression and the growth of her creativity. Discover how to uncover your own unique expression of being and how your yoga practice will grow and change with you.

Watch this short video here:
http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Seane-Corn-and-the-Art-of-Yoga-Video

Blessings and Namaste,
anna

15 minute Practice for Complete Beginners!

2010-05-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Fish

2010-05-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

Fish: "Add a touch of nature to your page with these hungry little fish. Watch them as they follow your mouse hoping you will feed them by clicking the surface of the water."

Practicing Patience in Stressful Times

2010-04-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that patience has never been one of my virtues.

Life seems to move at a very fast pace and this makes patience even harder to practice. Yet, the ability to tolerate delay without getting upset is a must-have quality that contributes to our greater sense of well-being.

Patience creates feelings of peace and calm, as opposed to the anger and frustration that often arises with impatience. And finding a way to be at ease mentally while waiting in a doctor’s office or sitting in a traffic jam can also help us stave off a slate of stress-related illnesses, including high blood pressure and autoimmune disease.

M.J. Ryan, author of The Power of Patience, talks about how to muster patience when it goes against every fiber in your being during a moment when things aren’t going your way or happening fast enough.

In his book he explains that patience is made up of three things. One is persistence. That’s the capacity to keep on going even though you can’t yet see the end result. It's what keeps us moving toward our goal and thus helps us make our dreams come true. Two is acceptance. Accepting that whatever is happening right now is the way it is. The third is a sense of peacefulness or serenity or calmness in the face of what is.

Why is patience important? Well, in order to understand this, we have to ask “What is impatience?” Impatience is on the anger continuum. First you have irritation, then impatience and then anger and, at the far end, rage. So, besides helping us reach goals, what is important about patience is that it keeps our anger turned off.

Ultimately, patience allows us to act more mindfully and wisely. You get peace of mind when things are challenging, and you also have better relationships with other people — parents, kids, co-workers, spouse. Lord knows, patience is a quality we most need for high-functioning relationships. It allows us to hang in there and keep going, whether with a person or with a process, or in a business.

The more patience and compassion we have for ourselves, the more we can and will learn. Also, we can only be as patient with others as we are with ourselves.

What you really want to do is create more space between impulse and action. This is how we build more patience. Counting to 10 — or even 100! — really works for creating that space. Pausing and just taking an inhale and exhale (breathing) works as well! Think pranayama or breath work!!

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Very Cool Interview with US teacher, Elena Brower

2010-03-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

Blessings and Namaste,
anna

Basics of Yoga Philosophy: the Yamas and Niyamas

2010-03-02T01:50:00.000-08:00

Prior to my life as a yogi, I looked toward institutions for guidance in finding the truth: religion, my education and the world/people. Individually, each held an essential nugget of truth, but I was missing a connection and integration.

It was yoga that ultimately brought the three seamlessly together.

While yoga is not a religion, it is a spiritual quest complete with beliefs universally shared by Jews and Christians, Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus alike.

Yoga is also not therapy, yet every day millions of people find self-fulfillment and enlightenment not on a counselor’s couch, but on a yoga mat.

Yoga is not a school, but I can think of no singular place where I’ve gained more wisdom. In fact, to adapt a phrase: everything I ever needed to know, I learned from yoga.

You see, yoga is literally a unification. And while separately it is neither a religion, a psychology, nor a learning institution, it is an integration of the above.

Literally, it all begins with just a few golden rules.

We call them the yamas (how we treat others) and niyamas (how we treat ourselves). Admittedly, none of these concepts are rocket science, but in practice they are profound. In fact, our very evolution as individuals and as a society depends on our willingness to not just practice yoga, but to live our yoga, as well.

Outlined succinctly in the second chapter of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (the yogic textbook, you could say) are 10 simple practices. These are a yogi’s “ten commandments”—that don’t involve twisting legs into a pretzel.

The Yamas or do unto others:

1. Ahimsa: Be kind to others. A comprehensive do no harm: not in words, thoughts, nor actions. This one rule trumps all others, including the next . . .

2. Satya: Tell the truth. “. . . and the truth shall set you free (john 8:32)”

3. Asteya: Only take what is yours. Remember playing in the sandbox? The same rule applies!

4. Brahmacharya: Be respectful and reverent. Brahmacharya is a higher awareness in our relationships—one that transcends the physical one.

5. Aparigraha: Share. Anne Frank once said, “no one has ever become poor by giving.” In fact, it is in giving that we may also receive.

The Niyamas or self observances:

1. Sauca: Be pure. A shower is nice. Brush your teeth too, please. But don’t forget, purity also means being cleansed of bad habits and negative emotions.

2. Santosa: Practice acceptance. Contentment—not to be confused with complacency—means we learn to love ourselves with unconditional positive regard. It means allowing ourselves to seek happiness not from outside of ourselves, but from within.

3. Tapas: Do your work. Sri Pattabhi Jois reminded his students, “practice and all is coming.” He was referring to a yoga practice, and a meditation practice too. This doesn’t happen through osmosis: we must do our work and let the benefits unfold in time.

4. Svadhyaya: Take time to reflect. No matter what your field of work, I bet it involved study and years of schooling to become the person of knowledge and expertise you are now. Become an expert of you. Learn you.

5. Isvara pranidhana: Stay humble. No matter how big you are, how wise or right you are, how powerful you become—recognize you are not the absolute. With a sincere meekness, know and honor divinity.

The meaning in our lives is discovered not by the practice of yoga—but by its embodiment. In becoming a person free of jealousy, dishonesty, discontent and destruction … and in taking the time to put our beliefs into action with others and ourselves … we discover who we were meant to be all along. Our true state of being is revealed—one of love and utter joy.

Blessings and Namaste,
anna

February 2010 Meditation Challenge!

2010-01-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

Join me in meditating for 10 minutes per day in February and see what happens after 28 days! Some benefits that have been documented in medical journals: joy of doing increases, intuition increases, pleasure of life grows, negativity recedes, stress decreases, awareness increases...

Meditation is ‘mental development.’ Meditation is a means of taming the mind by bringing the entire range of thoughts, feelings and physical sensations into awareness, making the unconscious conscious.

To experience a taste of this luminosity: try sitting quietly in an upright posture. It could be in a chair or on the sofa or cross-legged on the floor. Keep your back straight. Or lie down if you would rather. Let your eyes gently close. And just focus on your breath (the inhale and exhale). If your mind wanders, as it will, bring your attention back to your breath. Be gentle but firm. Meditation means bringing your mind back when you notice it has wandered, it’s not about keeping your mind from wandering in the first place. Just observe your thoughts, don't judge or hold on to anything..

There's no excuse for not doing this every day unless you're not breathing!! You can do it in the airport, at work, home, cafe, train, plane,...

Post your comments below on how it's going for you!

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna :)

My Yoga Retreat with Todd Norian at Kripalu, US!

2010-01-01T17:49:00.001-08:00

I just returned from my 5 day retreat at Kripalu with Todd Norian, a brilliant, inspiring, eloquent, very shri-filled and gifted Anusara teacher. Todd was skilled in his instruction, related well to everyone and and had such a delightful and peaceful presence about him. The retreat, "Illume Your Soul thru Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama in the Anusara Method" was held from Dec. 26th thru Dec. 31st at the Kripalu Yoga Center in the Berkshires of Mass., US (above is the view from my window ...lots of snow!!).

My wonderful teacher in Ireland, Tahnee Fournier, inspired me to explore Anusara, and I wanted to learn more about the philosophy and principles of this type of yoga. I was trained in ISHTA (which is a hatha system as well), but like to incorporate different styles in my practice and teaching. I had the most amazing time, met the brightest people and was able to rejuvenate myself and my practice! It was also an auspicious time of year, where I was able to reflect on the past year/let go and set some new goals for 2010! I feel more courageous to face the New Year and know that I will always be supported by the Universe if I follow my heart and stay true to myself! Here's a synoposis of the five-day experience and what I learned (apologies in advance for any misspellings/omissions or misinterpretations!!!):

Arrived in the evening, and Todd gave us a nice introduction to Anusara, explained the philosophy of Tantra, we worked on our intentions or sankalpas for the retreat and did some asana practice (including some fun partner work). Anusara means “flowing with Grace" and “following your heart.” It's grounded in a Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness and everything in this world is an embodiment of Divine (Supreme Consciousness) and the purpose of practicing Anusara yoga is to align with this Divine. It is a yoga that's focused on the celebration of the heart!

Anusara classes are all centered around a theme, and Todd's theme for the second day was darkness and lightness. He explained that there could be no light without darkness and that we all go through times that challenge and test us (but he elaborated that the Universe sends us these times of darkness when she knows we are ready to meet them and grow!) Posed the question: How has the darkness served you? He also spoke about the three godesses (Kali, Lakshmi, and...Saraswati) and what they stood for. He provided an explanation of the 3 A's of Anusara:

1. Attitude: why are you practicing the yoga? philosophy behind it..

2. Alignment: application of your intention

3. Action: expression of the balance of the two forces (stability vs. balance)

Todd explained the 6 attributes of our true nature (absolute nature):

1. chit: consciousness-universal energy is awake

2. ananda: pulses with joy

3. spanda: pulsation (dynamic energy pulses like your heart beat and breath)

4. parmatva: there are no missing parts (we are whole and perfect)

5. svatantya: unique freedom (we are free to choose)

6. shri: goodness, auspiciousness (divine beauty and life is constantly becoming better)

Five Priciples of Alignment:

1. Opening to Grace: setting the foundation (light)

2. Muscular Energy: drawing in

3. Inner Spiral: expanding (ex. inner rotating legs to create alignment)

4. Outer Spiral: contracting (ex. scooping tailbone)

5. Organic Energy: shining out (from the focal point) a natural desire to stretch for something greater but you have to hug in

Todd explained that this is all done to optimize our freedom of our life force and shakti and move toward our true nature where we feel lighter. Then after the theory and philosophy, we applied some of the principles and did an awesome practice.

Todd explained that the two highest purposes of Anusara yoga are chit ananda. The theme for today was courage. Courage means "of the heart" and it's the ability to face danger, difficulty, uncertainty, or pain without being overcome by fear or being deflected from a chose course of action. He wove this through eloquently throughout the entire class with shoulder-opening poses which led us to do some beautiful backbends including the wheel pose (a true heart opener!)

Then we reflected and wrote in our journal on the following: "what challenge would I like to bring more courage to in my life?" He emphasized about the courage to let go and be vulnerable. A warrior knows when to let go and healthy engagement...looks into his/her heart and steps back and reflects. (Todd assisting/instructing in hand-stand prep in photo above).

Then we went into the optimal blue print or alignment for our skeleton and bones for our shoulders:

1. side body long: shoulder comes to the base of the neck and inner body bright

2. head of the arm bones back

3. shoulder loop: shoulder loop (curling lower tips of shoulder blades under the heart) shoulderblades are flat and hug in

4. broaden: expand shoulderblades and no pinching

He stressed that although we are all free to choose our thoughts and have freedom, we also have responsibility.

The theme for today was: "celebrate!" Todd explained that we should celebrate the opportunity to awaken and love, laugh (take things lightly), and life FULLY. The more joy and light we can hold, the more we light up! But he said not to give yourself too easily, because you become the company that you keep! But put on your party hat!

I found this to be very insightful:

Samadhi Samskaras: every thought creates a groove in the mind.

Samskara: grooves or patterns in the minds/ways of thinking and living. Negative patterns are bad habits, but they can be changed.

Samadhi: even, united and balanced

How do we learn in ways that are life-affirming and enhancing? How do we transform samkaras?

1. Step 1-> Become Aware: Don't judge yourself, but watch with acceptance and an equanamous mind. Train your mind to have awareness and see with calmness.

2. Step 2->Alignment: Descipline, choose to align with the Divine with determination and skillfullness

3. Step 3->Heat: Apply tapas, austerity and power of transformation. Yoga should be fun and transforming, but you need heat or action.

4. Step 4-> Extend and create new groove with Prema (or unconditional love).

We should navigate life and engage more. We do yoga to get into transcendence and manifestation. We ground and reach and value who we are. Yoga is taking care of ourselves in the most skillful way. As John Friend puts it: "Yoga creates a sharp (clear/lucid) mind, energetic/healthy body and a soft heart."

To conclude, Todd played the harmonium and we all chanted Om Nama Shivaya.

The following day, Todd asked: "why did the Universe create you?" For the sheer delight, is the answer! Here are the nine categories of Divine feeling: love, compassion, humor, lightness, warrior, anger, disgust, fear, wander and peace. He said that we should have no veil experience, but see with the eyes of a child (with awe) and connect with the source.

Karma is the horizontal plane or the work for a reason and lila is the vertical axis or divine play for no reason. How do you bring playfulness to your work? When is your technique or practice getting too rigid? Then we did a practice that worked with the theme of awe and playfulness. See the world through the eyes of a child!! (like my almost 3 year old nephew below)

On the last day, Todd explained that we should be able to RECEIVE! We need to soften and let down our guard! How do you receive your breath and your day? A gift is something you don't deserve, so practice receiving from the Universe. Receive the gift of life. What is your song? What is your gift?

He later explained the 5 koshas or sheaths: body, mind, breath, wisdom and bliss

Each day with Todd was filled with some theory/a theme and a wonderful practice/meditation breathwork/reflection/journaling/partner exercise that incorporated his teachings! I know I probably missed some stuff in my synopsis above, because Todd's class was so rich in theory and practice, but I did the best to capture the main things that I walked away with above. I walked away feeling empowered, confident and rejuvenated!

THANK YOU to Todd for a most magnificent way to end 2009 and begin the New Year! Hopefully, you learned something from reading about my experience...

Happy New Year! It will be the best one yet!!! I just know it!!

Blessings and Namaste,

Anna

Beautiful and Sparkling Yoginis Celebrate the Holidays in Style!

2009-12-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

A bunch of us got together for great food, drinks and company to celebrate the holidays at Alexis restaurant! Fun time was had by all!!Check out photos above.. (pictured yoginis: Katherine, Adele, Fiona, Sarah B., Christine, Stephanie, Sarah L. and Anne)

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Happy Holidays to Everyone and my Holiday Schedule!

2009-12-11T03:28:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a very, very merry Christmas...lots of joy, love, peace, health, abundance and of course yoga! Don't forget to keep up with your practice during the holidays! If the studio is closed, just do one of the videos I have posted on this web space! And when things get too hectic with all the festivities, food and relatives.. just go in..inhale and exhale. Just find your breath.

I'll be in the US visiting friends and family from Dec. 17th to Jan. 3rd. I'll also be at Todd Norian's "Illume your Soul through Asana, Meditation and Pranayama" retreat/training for 6 days at the Kripalu Center in Mass., US. So, I look forward to rejuvenating my practice and coming back with new tricks! :) See you on the mat in the New Year!!

Love and Blessings,
Anna

My New Teaching Schedule (Starting week of Dec. 7th, 2009)

2009-12-01T04:55:00.000-08:00

All classes, courses and workshops taught at the Sunrise Studio in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin (www.sunrise.ie)

DROP INs:
MONDAYS
6:15pm-7:45pm (Hatha Flow Level 2)
8pm-9:15pm (Beginner Hatha/Vinyasa Level)

TUESDAYS
6pm-7:30pm (Hatha Flow Level 2)
7:45pm-9pm (Yoga for Men)

WEDNESDAYS
7:45pm-9:15pm (Hatha/Vinyasa Flow Open Level)

THURSDAYS
7pm-8:15pm (Hatha/Vinyasa Flow Open Level)

SATURDAYS
11:30am-1pm (Hatha/Vinyasa Flow Level 2)

WORKSHOPS:
Chakra Workshop:
Sunday, January 10, 2010 (11-1:30pm)

Relax, Refresh, Renew Restorative Workshop:
Sunday, January 17th, 2010 (4-6pm)
Sunday, February 14th, 2010 (4-6pm)

COURSE:
Introduction to Yoga (fundamentals, both theory and practice of yoga)
4 class course: 4 Saturdays (3pm-4:30pm) starting on Jan. 9, 2010 to Jan. 30th, 2010)

To register for the workshops and course, please go to www.sunrise.ie

Please let me know if you have any questions, and see you on the mat!!!

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

20 minutes of Twist and Detox!!!

2009-12-01T04:42:00.000-08:00

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

10 minute meditation with yoga teacher, Bridget Woods-Kramer

2009-11-29T10:37:00.000-08:00

Enjoy!

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Arm Balance Sequence leading to Wild Thing with John Friend!!

2009-11-16T04:34:00.000-08:00

Lower Back Relief Sequence

2009-11-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

1hour,2 blocks, 2 blankets, 1 strap, 1 bolster (optional)

Lie on back (with knees bent or bolster under knees)

Relax senses one by one

Pranayama - ujjayi breath review

Apanasana - kees to chest - roll to side to all fours

Cat/cow

Down Dog (DD)

Modified plank knees on floor

Cat Chattaranga 9x

Plank

Walk up hands to feet

Uttanasana - Standing forward bend (with blocks high knees can bend)

Tadasana - mountain pose

Urdva hastasana - hands over head

Virabhudrasana 2 - warrior #2 - right and left (r&l)

Parsvakonasana - right angle pose r&l

Trikonasana - triangle pose r&l

Vrksasana - tree pose r&l

Virasana - hero pose (on blocks)

Gomukasana - cow face arms in Virasana r&l

Lie back

Setu bandhasana - bridge 2x

Pavan muktasana - wind expeller into

Supta padangustasana - reclining hand to foot pose r&l (with strap)

Reclining ankle to knee r&l

Jathara parivartanasana - reclining twist r&l

Savasana - final relaxation (with bolster under knees)

Yoga Helps Us to Nourish the Seed of Greatness that's Within ALL of US!!!

2009-11-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

Watch this great video where Todd Norian, well-recognized Anusara yoga teacher in the US, speaks about how yoga helps us to nourish the seed of GREATNESS that's in all of us!! I will be fortunate enough to study under Todd for a week this December at the Kripalu Yoga Center in Massachusetts, US. The workshop/continuing education course is focused on "Illuminating the Soul through yoga, meditation and pranayama"! Can't wait to learn new things, re-energize my own practice and come back with all new tricks!! :)

http://dh-sky.dreamhosters.com/projects/flash_player/www/?v=48BF159173270

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

My November Schedule!

2009-11-08T12:25:00.000-08:00

MONDAYS
8pm Sunrise Studio (Beginner Hatha/Vinyasa Level)

WEDNESDAYS
6pm Dalkey Studio (Breathwork and Meditation)
7:45pm Sunrise Studio (Hatha/Vinyasa Flow Open Level)

THURSDAYS
7pm Sunrise Studio (Hatha/Vinyasa Flow Open Level)

SATURDAYS
11:30am Sunrise Studio (Hatha/Vinyasa Flow Level 2)

SUNDAY, November 22nd
Chakra Workshop, Sunrise Studio

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Awaken and Strenghten the Arms: Excellent 20 min Sequence

2009-11-08T06:06:00.000-08:00

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

I might have the answer to conquer the lack of sunlight in Ireland!!!!

2009-11-05T16:43:00.000-08:00

Jyoti (Inner Light): A Source of Healing for Seasonal Depression

According to the ancient yogis, Jyoti is our inner source of divine light. During daylight savings time when days are shorter, people become light deprived and experience signs of Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) such as depression, lethargy, and apathy. It is at this time that they need to tap into their internal glow.

The analogy of a plant awakening and growing in sunlight, then losing its vitality, becoming limp, and recharging from the inside during the night while at rest, can help us to understand how by turning to our Jyoti, we too can better function while awake when the sun goes down and our vitality is low (we do not have the luxury to purely rest and renew like the plant during the dark hours). Though science has tried to accommodate our schedules by creating special lamps at a frequency similar to that of the sun, we cannot fill our surroundings with that light which also makes us feel energized inside. Practicing five minutes of Jyoti where you experience the light internally, has a far longer reaching effect than the external stimulation of sun lamps.

Jyoti occurs when the brain is in a relaxation similar to that of sleep, yet the person remains awake. Holding the attention to the midbrain and diencephalon region (Ajna Chakra) stimulates this inner light. Science acknowledges that there is an optical radiance that takes place in the mid brain during a state of deep relaxation.

Practice:
Count backwards from ten to zero, tapping the center of the forehead. Between each tap, pause for 2 seconds , feeling your consciousness move to that point in the center. When you reach zero use the mantra "Aim" (ah-eem) to relax and clear thought, allowing the light to remain in the mid brain region for five minutes. When finished, rub your palms together to create heat and move the energy down chakra by chakra to reground. Practice this every day in the late afternoon.

Blessings and Namaste!
Anna

Pranayama: Alternate Nostril Breathing (Balancing the Brain)

2009-10-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here's instructions on how to perform alternate nostril breathing as demonstrated by my teacher, Alan Finger.

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama
alternate-nostril-breathing

This profound technique creates a balance between the right and left sides of the brain.

The right nostril governs the sympathetic nervous system; it is related to the mathematical, analytical, active, left side of the brain, harnessing Ha, or sun energy. The left nostril governs the parasympathetic nervous system, the creative, free-associative, passive side of the brain, ruled by Tha, or moon energy.

Every eight-eight minutes, one of these nostrils is dominant, then for up to four minutes both nostrils operate equally, and for the next eight-eight minutes the other nostril becomes more dominant, and so on. You can experience this when your nasal passages are congested; all of a sudden the congestion passes from one nostril to the other.

Alternate-nostril breathing tricks the brain; it does not know which nostril to make dominant, so it lets the breath flow evenly in and out of both. This allows the brain to balance and move into a more meditative state.

On an energetic level, it balances two of the three main nadis (energetic channels) in the body.

The result is that the consciousness draws inward, allowing you to sense the central meridian, Shashumna nadi and draw the energy from the base of the spine back up to the crown.

1. sit in a comfortable cross-legged position. place the back of your left hand on your left knee with your thumb and index finger forming a circle.

2. take the first two fingers of your right hand to the fleshy part of your palm, letting the thumb and last two fingers remain extended. Lift your breastbone to stabilize your collarbones and shoulder girdle, and let your chin drop down to lengthen through the back of your neck.

3. lift your right hand to your nostrils and place your thumb on your right nostril and your ring finger on your left nostril where the hard cartilage and soft cartilage meet. Note: the thumb and ring finger remain in contact with the nostrils throughout this breathing technique.

4. exhale through both nostrils, block your left nostril completely with your ring finger, and inhale through your right nostril. block both nostrils and hold your breath as long as is comfortable. (Note: if pregnant, skip retention of breath.) when you need to exhale, keep your right nostril closed and let the breath out through your left nostril.

5. keeping your left nostril open and your right nostril fully blocked, take your next inhalation through your left nostril. hold your breath in as you block both nostrils, and when you need to exhale, breath out through your right nostril. this completes one round of alternate-nostril breathing.

Practice at least six rounds to prepare your mind for meditation, more if your mind is particularly busy. try to lengthen your breath and, if possible, develop the ability to use the ratio 1:4:2. [inhale (1) hold (4) exhale (2)]

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

October is all about Transformation!!

2009-10-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

The month of October is all about transformation. The trees become brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow; new birds appear at the feeder on pit stops during their travels to winter homes; and even the food we eat changes as the fall harvest makes its way to our tables. I believe that yoga has the power to transform lives as it has mine....It's never too early or too late to start. Begin where you are...and here's a cool quote that I found that I hope you'll like:

"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary..."

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Global Mala Photos!!

2009-09-26T12:17:00.001-07:00

The Global Mala in Dublin, Ireland was a huge success!! We saluted the sun and celebrated UN International Peace Day on Sunday, Sept. 20th at Stephen's Green! Nearly forty of us moved to music and raised over Euro 200 for charities!! Thank you to Siobhan and Tahnee and everyone who came and took part!!

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Yoga as Medicine: Meditation and Pranayama (Breathwork) Course

2009-09-14T04:54:00.000-07:00

Description: Pre-and post-meditative asanas are used to prepare and restore the body for meditation, while the ancient tools of pranayama, visualization, and mantra are used to still the mind. This class will leave you feeling centered and more in tune with your true self. Open to all levels and great for those recovering from stress, illness or disease.

YOGAVILLAGE

4b St Patricks Rd, Dalkey

Starting on Wednesday,October 21st, at 6pm (6 week course)

http://www.yogavillage.ie/

Blessings and Namaste,

Anna

Come to a Chakra Workshop!

2009-09-12T12:22:00.000-07:00

What are chakras and how do they impact our bodies, mind and spirit?

Join me for this informative, hands on workshop, and unravel the mystery: balance your seven bodily energy centers (chakras) with yoga poses, breathing exercises, mantras and more. From love to health to prosperity and more, the state of your chakras directly affects every area of your life. Come create positive change by balancing your chakras. Open to all levels and no yoga experience necessary.

YOGAVILLAGE
4b St Patricks Rd, Dalkey
Sunday, October 11th
11am-1pm, Euro 30
Sign up by email or call:
info@yogavillage.ie or 087 232 2481
http://www.yogavillage.ie/workshops.htm

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

GLOBAL MALA FOR PEACE (Ireland, 2009)!

2009-09-09T02:15:00.000-07:00

Sunday, September 20th from 2-4pm (Dublin, Stephen's Green) rain or shine!! Everyone is welcome!!

The event will consist of a yoga practice and deep relaxation (108 minutes) led by Siobhan Murphy, Tahnee Fournier, Caragh Egan and me and set to live music!

Inspired by Shiva Rea, the purpose of the Global Mala is to unite the global yoga community from every continent, school or approach to form a "mala around the earth" through collective practices based upon the sacred cycle of 108 on September 20th. This is the Fall Equinox and the yoga world's offering to bring more awareness to the UN INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY.Any funds raised will be sent to organizations to address the most urgent issues of our times. www.globalmala.org

"Perhaps the key to transforming war is to give so much joy to the world that we all stop needing violence to reduce our frustrations, ignorance and fear..."

"We, the peoples of the United Nations, determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal right of men and women and of nations large and small....And for these ends to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors...have resolved to combine our efforts to accomplish these aims." Preamble, Charter of the United Nations.

The Biggest Myths and Misconceptions about Yoga Debunked

2009-08-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

Whenever I tell someone that I teach yoga, they look at me like I have 2 heads (they must picture a contortionist in Circe de Soleil) and ask: "you must be very flexible!!" Followed my some other ignorant remarks (not a very yogic statement but that's really what it is). :) Although I practice and teach yoga doesn't mean that I can perform amazing postures and possess feats of physical prowess. I am probably more flexible because of yoga (but that's a result, not a prerequisite). We all started somewhere and just like anything else, yoga produces results if you are dedicated and work hard.

Also, if I mention yoga to somebody who doesn’t practice that person is likely to say one of the things listed below (they are all frequently heard excuses for not trying yoga, and they’re all inaccurate):

1. “I’m not flexible enough..you have to be a pretzel!"
Not true! I already explained that flexibility can be a result of a consistent and dedicated yoga practice. I myself don't have the most open hamstrings!! That's why it's called a practice!!

2. “Yoga is for women!!”
Not true! One look at well-known yogis -- from B.K.S. Iyengar to Baron Baptiste -- should dispel this one. While the majority of yoga practitioners today are women -- 72.2 percent according to Yoga Journal’s 2008 “Yoga in America” study -- it originated among men in India about 5,000 years ago. For many men, stepping into a class dominated by women, especially one that requires movements that are completely different from anything they ever have tried, can be intimidating. That why some studios will offer men’s classes. If that’s not an option, try bringing a friend to class.

3. “I can’t sit still and do nothing”
That's not all yoga is..there are many types..some more physical and the other slower and more restorative. You can find a school and type of yoga for any personality!! YogaFit master trainer Suzie Celentano has been there. In 1998, her step instructor mentioned she was teaching a yoga class and Celentano decided to try it. “I loved that first class, except for the relaxation. I was a Type-AAA personality and sitting still did not agree with me,” she said. Still, she said the physical poses made her feel great, so she kept practicing. After five years, the gym she was teaching at needed a yoga instructor and Celentano volunteered. Step into one of her teacher training sessions and the Type-AAA personality still shows up, but she also has learned to relax and still her mind over time. It takes practice, but in many ways, the people who are least likely to relax on their own benefit the most from yoga’s deep relaxation time.

4. “Yoga is for those earthy-crunchy weirdos”
Yes, many yogis and yoginis are vegetarians; many eat organic or prefer natural fibers. Those who delve deeper into the practice and its philosophical underpinnings, such as ahimsa, or nonviolence, often begin to change their habits. But it’s a rare studio that will only allow a student in the doors if they first renounce meat. Likewise, many studios do a lot with candles, incense and chanting. Others don’t. Gyms and fitness centers are least likely to embrace those pieces of yoga, in part because they’re catering to people who want the flexibility benefits as part of their workouts.

What myths have you heard? Please share :)

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Creating Space on and off the mat.....

2009-08-07T03:21:00.000-07:00

Creating Space in our lives is a simple concept - a concept that we all understand. Yet it’s a concept most of us find difficult to put into action. Through our yoga practice, we can re-discover it together... and although creating space isn’t easy, the rewards are worth our efforts.

In our yoga practice, we can look for space in our bodies, and explore its possibilities with an open curiosity and without expectations. We can see that creating space in our body by “undoing” the tension and stiffness, allows us to move deeper into a particular yoga posture. We can create space in our ligaments, joints, bones and muscles. And space means freedom...throught extension, expansion and through our movement...through our focus on the breath and meditation...

We can also create a space in our minds, and in our breath, allowing us the opportunity to discover what it’s like to live more freely and openly. More space in our thoughts, feelings...space for other people: for the differences, limitations, and dreams...

Contemplate what it would be like to create space in our lives – more space to explore ourselves, more space to play with our loves ones, more space to experience what we love. We become in a position to receive....

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna

Music Can Enhance Your Yoga Practice

2009-07-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

I always try to play music in my yoga classes to deepen and enhance the students' experiences and practice. I really think it works. Speaking of music, U2 is in Dublin (their home!!) this week, and in their honor and in appreciation of the power of music I make this post..enjoy!! This is an audio swap: "Sweet Mary Talks to You"...but it's really Bono performing "Beautiful Day" at Live 8...

Blessings and Namaste,
Anna