Western Yogini

\\ Y O G A //

[westernyogini]

⠀ "Turn your face toward the Sun & the shadows will fall behind you."⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀- Maori proverb⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Thank you @mgfishnyc for sharing these words with me long long long ago.⠀ I keep them as a bookmark in my Yoga Sutras.⠀ ⠀ They mark sutra 2:46⠀ Sthira Sukham Asanam⠀ Asana is a steady, comfortable pose.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Feeling G R A T E F U L⠀ ⠀ Thanks for breaking the rules @mdyoung44 📸⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #happy #monday #justdoit #lookup #shine #fullmoon #sun #balance #namaste (at Chinati Foundation)

[westernyogini]

⠀ Sunday comics⠀ thanks to @newyorkercartoons⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #sundayfunday #comics #fullmoon #namaste

[westernyogini]

⠀ Today we prepare the Mind for tomorrow's Full Moon.⠀ ⠀ The Mind tries to define what we perceive⠀ Moment to moment.⠀ It wants to categorize our life's experiences,⠀ put them in a box of memories in an attempt to help us understand more clearly & navigate where we are + where we are headed.⠀ ⠀ In Yoga we practice⠀ M O K S H A = l i b e r a t I o n⠀ ⠀ Freedom from the confines of the Mind & how it defines us + the world around us.⠀ ⠀ Moksha⠀ Vimoksha⠀ Vimukti⠀ Mukti⠀ All are ways of saying⠀ Liberation⠀ Release⠀ Emancipation⠀ ⠀ ⠀ I've had Freedom on the Mind a lot this week, like so many of us in the U.S. who took time off to celebrate our Independence and Freedom.⠀ ⠀ To live truly free we would eat when we are hungry,⠀ sleep when we are tired;⠀ play when we feel like it⠀ &⠀ do the basic work to survive.⠀ We would live life by our natural rhythms.⠀ ⠀ Yet freedom also needs some structure in order to be helpful. ⠀ On the yoga mat we align to the structure + strength of the bones to free up the balance and support of the muscles that envelope the bones.⠀ ⠀ If you want to meet a friend for lunch, you can't just say "let's meet when we're both hungry."⠀ What if you're hungry at 11am and you're friend isn't hungry till 3pm?⠀ The structure of time helps us all find freedom to do certain things.⠀ And time can also confine us depending on our perception of an experience.⠀ When we're having a good time, it flies by.⠀ And when we're not, it's like time stops.⠀ We can limit ourselves⠀ lock ourselves down by the confines of our Mind.⠀ Or we can be set F R E E⠀ L I B E R A T E D⠀ ⠀ It's all in our Mind.⠀ And it's waaaaaaay too big for me to try to define.⠀ ⠀ So feel free to share what freedom is for you⠀ any tips + tricks for freeing your Mind⠀ or anything that's been on your Mind, you can unload & clear⠀ ⠀ ✌🏼💕⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #fullmoon #mind #freedom #moksha #meditation #mindfulness #liberation #fbf #marfa #art #namaste (at Chinati Foundation)

[westernyogini]

⠀ July Full Moon: ⠀ ⠀ Called the Buck Moon ⠀ for the velvety antlers emerging on young bucks; ⠀ ⠀ the Hay Moon ⠀ for this time of growth + bounty; ⠀ and/or ⠀ the Thunder Moon ⠀ for the many thunderstorms that can occur ⠀ and have been ⠀ here in Dallas. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Last night Mother Nature put on an impressive display in the sky. ⠀ For well over an hour lightning danced above us in the clouds. ⠀ Fingers of electricity reached down and out from time to time. ⠀ And rain fell to clean the air and earth from (hu)man's attempt at a similar show the night before with fireworks....nice try y'all.... ⠀ But there's nothing like the power of what Nature can do. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ I tried to capture the display on video, ⠀ but my phone could not understand what was happening so quickly, ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀so randomly, ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀in so many different places ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀at sporadic moments ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ and finished ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀just as they started. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ I caught one screenshot as my own feeble attempt to share this message, this thought, today: ⠀ ⠀ Today is meant for preparing our emotions for the coming Full Moon. ⠀ We are to use the energy to calm our emotions ⠀ which can be an interesting challenge because our emotions appear naturally ⠀ in a flash ⠀ illuminating a part of us that is sometimes unexplainable or hard to convey to others outside of what we are feeling/experiencing inside ourselves at that moment. ⠀ ⠀ Sometimes in an effort to "calm" our emotions we stuff them inside or push them away for a more appropriate time....which is unNatural....and often they erupt like a thunderstorm because we are not able to contain that power, it must move through us! ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Emotions: ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ✨Energy in motion ✨⠀ let them move you ⠀ let them illuminate you ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ✨your Nature ✨ ⠀ and the them cleanse you ⠀ heal you ⠀ feel you! ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #fullmoon #july #thunder #moon #emotions #feels #nature #mothernature #yogini #namaste (at Dallas, Texas)

[westernyogini]

⠀ Today starts the Full Moon Energy Cycle for the Full Buck Moon this Saturday. ⠀ ⠀ This is a day to do something to physically prepare for the power of the Full Moon. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ It is recommended that we get outside and be in Nature because that is so healing deep in our being. ⠀ ⠀ Yet for the last few days we've had Nature in our house, tending to a young bird who now must go to the bird sanctuary where people much more skilled than us can help her fly. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ It's time to let go! ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Sometimes that's easier said than done. ⠀ This sweet little creature has filled our home with song, allowed us to feed and care for her; and yet she cannot stay no matter how much love and meal worms we offer....that would be selfish of us. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ What are you willing/able to let go of? ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #baby #bird #loveallcreatures #letgo #fullmoon #energy #physical #care #nature #justdoit #namaste

[westernyogini]

⠀ ⠀\\ S O L S T I C E //⠀ ⠀⠀⠀sol = the sun⠀ sistere = to make stand⠀ ⠀ Today the sun appears to stand still in the sky at it's highest point⠀ making for the longest day of sun light in the Northern Hemisphere:⠀ the Summer Solstice⠀ That's from where I stand⠀ ...from my perspective...⠀ People in the Southern Hemisphere are experiencing the complete opposite today.⠀ With the sun so far away⠀ people will experience the shortest day of light.⠀ ⠀ r e m e m b e r⠀ ⠀⠀ it's all⠀ PERSPECTIVE⠀ ⠀ Sometimes we have a hard time seeing ourselves because we are too close to see the whole picture.⠀ Remember to stand still for a moment⠀ Sit sill⠀ or lay down⠀ just stop⠀ & ⠀ reflect⠀⠀ ⠀ Shine a light on⠀ All that you have⠀ &⠀ All that you are✨⠀ ⠀ ⠀ "My soul is in the sky."⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀- William Shakespeare⠀ The sky is in my soul.⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀- another perspective⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #shine #grateful #light #love #summersolstice ⠀

[westernyogini]

⠀ This book⠀ My Velveteen Rabbit⠀ Loved⠀ Carried tucked under my arm⠀ Worn & slightly torn⠀ Dog eared ⠀ Underlined w notes scribbled in the margins⠀ ⠀ This book has helped remind me of what Yoga ⠀ \\ what Life//⠀ Is⠀ &⠀ Is not.⠀ ⠀ This last week the New York Times had an OpEd that called for yoga teachers to have a code of ethics.⠀ We do⠀ We have⠀ and this book lays it out⠀ Clearly⠀ Simply⠀ Beautifully⠀ ⠀ Yoga is so multifaceted so much more than asana⠀ Yoga is a rich tradition that I am so grateful to have access to, and to be given the opportunity to share with people in classes (and platforms like this) every day.⠀ ⠀ Yogis study themselves and their surroundings⠀ They study medicine, philosophy, Nature, the Universe & the Divine.⠀ ⠀ As we move forward from the Full Moon⠀ we send out the energy prepared over the past few days moving from⠀ Mental⠀ Emotional⠀ Physical⠀ Each unique⠀ & yet connected⠀ even dependent upon each other.⠀ ⠀ As we move through the Reality Check of this month,⠀ remember that there are many sides to ever story.⠀ Look deep⠀ Question everything⠀ Universal Truths are Universally known.⠀ Yoga is more than asana. ⠀ ✌🏼💕⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #fullmoon #perspective #inspiration #yoga #philosophy #positivevibes #namaste

[westernyogini]

⠀ 🍓Strawberry Full Moon 🍓⠀ ⠀ This June is a Reality Check.⠀ Are you living your reality⠀ or somebody else's?⠀ ⠀ This Full Moon offers us the opportunity to get real about what inspires us.⠀⠀ ⠀ The music⠀ \\ the transformation //⠀ of The Beatles⠀ has⠀ does⠀ & will⠀ inspire many to⠀ L I S T E N⠀ P L A Y⠀ D A N C E⠀ in the Strawberry Fields⠀ F O R E V E R⠀ ⠀ ⠀ "Let me take you down 'Cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields⠀ Nothing is real⠀ And nothing to get hung about Strawberry Fields forever⠀ Living is easy with eyes closed Misunderstanding all you see It's getting hard to be someone⠀ But it all works out⠀ It doesn't matter much to me Let me take you down 'Cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields⠀ Nothing is real⠀ And nothing to get hung about Strawberry Fields forever⠀ No one I think is in my tree I mean it must be high or low That is you know you can't tune it⠀ But it's all right⠀ That is I think it's not too bad Let me take you down 'Cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields⠀ Nothing is real⠀ And nothing to get hung about Strawberry Fields forever⠀ Always know sometimes it's me But you know I know when it's a dream I think I know I mean a "Yes" But it's all wrong That is I think I disagree Let me take you down 'Cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields⠀ Nothing is real⠀ And nothing to get hung about Strawberry Fields forever Strawberry Fields forever Strawberry Fields forever"⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #strawberry #fullmoon #june #thebeatles #inspiration #forever #dance #play #live #love #positivevibes #namaste

[westernyogini]

⠀ Today we prepare our mind for the Full Moon.⠀ ⠀ Focus on the positive.⠀ Let our minds be free of negativity and criticism of self or others.⠀ ⠀ Inspiration is everywhere! ⠀ ⠀ Watched this egret catch breakfast before I could get my phone out to capture it’s beauty (and patience). I love that there’s the sound of plane passing overhead just as this majestic bird takes flight.⠀ ⠀ #nature #lover #fullmoon #perspective #inspire #positivevibes #selflove #namaste (at Turtle Creek, Dallas)

[westernyogini]

⠀ "Then, suddenly, my consciousness was lighted up from within and I saw in a vivid way how the whole Universe was made up of particles of material which, no matter how full and lifeless they may seem, were nevertheless filled with this intense and vital beauty.⠀ For a second or two the whole world appeared as a blaze of glory.⠀ When it died down, it left me with something I have never forgotten and which constantly reminds me of the beauty locked up in every minute speck of material around us."⠀ ⠀ - Aldous Huxley⠀ The Doors of Perception⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ Full Moon Energy Cycle starts today!⠀ Each month brings a 7 day high energy.⠀ The highest energy of any month is the actual time of the Full Moon.⠀ And the 6 days surrounding that have their own unique energy to help us prepare and distribute the energy.⠀ ⠀ This month is a Reality Check!⠀ Get real about what inspires you!⠀ If you’re not inspired in your life, you are probably trying to live up to someone else’s reality.⠀ ⠀ People told me I was crazy for following my dreams⠀ my inspiration.⠀ Often because they had a different reality from me.⠀ Our reality is formed from our experiences.⠀ And I want to experience as much as I can.⠀ I never wanted to look back and say, "I wish I had…"⠀ So do what inspires you!⠀ As long as it isn’t harmful to you or anyone around you⠀ Do what inspires you!⠀ And inspire others to be inspired, too.⠀ ⠀ Today is Preparation of our Physical Body.⠀ Take action to increase your health and well being.⠀ ⠀ song credit: Walking in Space from the Original Soundtrack to the musical Hair⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #fullmoon #june #inspiration #realitycheck #thepowerpath #lila #perspective #yogini #namaste

[westernyogini]

⠀ This New Moon in Gemini is not about twins⠀ but the theatrical masks of⠀ Tragedy & Comedy.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Notice where you are experiencing and maybe even creating drama in your life.⠀ Don't take it all so seriously.⠀ This life is not a Tragedy.⠀ You are the writer and the actor on this stage.⠀ Laugh at the dualities of⠀ right & wrong⠀ good & bad⠀ because it's all just the Lila of Life.⠀ It is the great Cosmic joke that's meant to challenge us.⠀ It's the Coyote trickster teaching us Universal truths.⠀ ⠀ ✌🏼💕⠀ ⠀ #newmoon #gemini #lila #play #bethechange #yogini #namaste

[westernyogini]

⠀ The Full Moon's energy continues to resonate⠀ reminding us to be in harmony with our emotions.⠀ ⠀ The horse story is still echoing in my awareness⠀ And it makes me nervous to share this⠀ But I've always said everything in life is a Practice....⠀ So here's my Practice:⠀ A Horse w No Name⠀ by America⠀ Good?⠀ Bad? Who knows? ⠀ It helps me calm down⠀ focus and feel good!⠀ ⠀ Move beyond fear and doubt to resonate with the beauty you are!✌🏼💕⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #oldhippie #practice #harmony #emotions #yoga #shineon #yogini #namaste

[westernyogini]

⠀ A story that's been on my mind as we continue moving through this Full Moon's energy:⠀ ⠀ One day the farmer's horse ran away.⠀ Scared by thunder and lightning⠀ he jumped the fence and ran away⠀ ⠀ All the other farmers came around and said:⠀ Bad luck, losing your horse.⠀ ⠀ The farmer answered:⠀ Bad luck⠀ Good luck⠀ Who knows⠀ ⠀ ⠀ A few days later⠀ the horse came home.⠀ and⠀ Trailing behind him was a herd of wild horses.⠀ so⠀ All the farmers came around to say:⠀ Good luck!⠀ Look at all the horses you have now!⠀ and⠀ The farmer shrugged:⠀ Good luck⠀ Bad luck⠀ Who knows⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Because the next day his son was trying to tame one of the wild horses when he was thrown and broke his leg.⠀ and⠀ All the farmers had to come around to state:⠀ What bad luck.⠀ Who will help around the farm?⠀ The farmer simply says:⠀ Good luck⠀ Bad luck⠀ Who knows?⠀ ⠀ ⠀ It was later that week when the army came through the farmer's town looking for all the able-bodied young men they could round up for their mission.⠀ Because of his broken leg⠀ the son was left on the farm.⠀ and⠀ You know those farmers.⠀ They came by to give their two cents:⠀ Such good luck!⠀ and⠀ of course⠀ you realize⠀ there's no end to the story⠀ it just keeps going⠀ onward⠀ over and over. Unfolding naturally.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #trusttheprocess #fullmoon #flowermoon #flowerpower #storyteller #yogini #shineon #yoga #namaste #tbt (at Montana)

[westernyogini]

⠀ Peekaboo Moon⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Between old and new⠀ Past and future, There is what's present, Right here and now.⠀ ⠀ The gift of the present moment is the space to choose Hold on or let go⠀ Shut down or show up⠀ Open or close⠀ Your mind⠀ Your heart⠀ Your Self.⠀ The choice is yours.⠀ ⠀ Celebrate!⠀ This is a good time!⠀ ⠀ ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ The building on the left is where I grew up, ages 4-14.⠀ I was like Eloise living in the penthouse of a hotel that was built during the time of prohibition. There were secret passageways from one room to another, even an escape route down to the next floor if there was a police raid....lots of fun history.⠀ On the right is a new building built by the same hotel as residences. This new building is largely unoccupied.⠀ I live across the street (a story for another time) and caught this picture coming home from class last night.⠀ If a picture's worth a thousand words, this could be my biography.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #mindthegap #fullmoon #flowermoon #flowerpower #shineon #yoga #yogini #namaste

[westernyogini]

⠀ Today is to prepare mentally for tomorrow's Full Moon⠀ ⠀ Watch your thoughts.⠀ Infinite beauty resides inside.⠀ Look beyond the surface.⠀ Open up to what is possible.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #fullmoon #may #flowermoon #flowerpower #meditation #peace #amethyst #crystal #clear #yoga #shineon #yogini #namaste

[westernyogini]

⠀ Today we prepare our Emotions for the Full Flower Moon on Wednesday.⠀⠀ ⠀ Slow down⠀ Be with Nature⠀ Meditate⠀ Remember ⠀ ⠀ Buddha sits inside the Garden of Enlightenment surrounded by a wall with only one gate to enter.⠀ Standing guard at the gate are two evil looking demons.⠀ ⠀ Buddha sits inside the garden w his right hand held up to say: Stop + Look⠀ Those demons you are afraid of are not real.⠀ They are illusions.⠀ Buddha's left hand beckons you.⠀ Move beyond your fears!⠀ Come in⠀ Enter the garden and sit with me.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #fullmoon #meditation #flowermoon #flowerpower #buddha #mudra #spiritualgangster @spiritualgangster #breathe #yoga #yogini #shineon #namaste

[westernyogini]

⠀ The Full Moon Energy Cycle starts today.⠀ ⠀ This is a good time to prep the physical body for the energy of May's Flower Full Moon.⠀ Move⠀ Be in Nature⠀ Let Nature move you⠀ Let how you move feel natural⠀ Move⠀ Fully⠀ Naturally⠀ There is a lot of instability this month.⠀ Slow down⠀ Allow things to unfold naturally.⠀ ⠀ There's no need to rush anything.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Remember to B R E A T H E⠀ +⠀ Trust in the process.⠀ #alliscoming⠀ ⠀ #fullmoon #flower #moon #may #breathe #yoga #perspective #yogini #namaste