Archive for the ‘Inspiration’ Category

Yoga Nepal 2011: Pilgrimage and the 21st century Yogi

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Posted 28 Jun 2011 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Events and Workshops, Inspiration, Yoga

Today’s guest post is from Marni Kravitz, director of Yoga Nepal, a dharma student, and freelance film and TV producer from Washington, DC. She interviewed Radhika Thakkar and Shawn Parell, co-teachers for Vinyasa: Finding Your Flow, November 7-18, 2011, a retreat taking place in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Registration ends soon! For more information visit Yoga Nepal‘s website.

*****

It’s hard to believe that Yoga Nepal 2011 is already approaching.  It seems like only weeks ago that Cory Bryant, Radhika Thakkar, and I led our 2010 retreat through the Kathmandu Valley.  Practicing in the sacred valley where Buddhist and Hindu cultures converge brought us closer to the meaning and purpose of yoga. We had the chance to immerse ourselves in the cultural riches of the valley’s many temple towns, brave Kathmandu city traffic together, receive teachings from Buddhist masters, and take many deep breaths in the presence of the Himalayan mountains.  The retreat was the perfect mixture of pilgrimage and play, and most importantly, genuine friendships grew among the participants that continue even now.

Gearing up for this fall’s programs, I had the chance to talk to Radhika, who returns for 2011, and DC’s own Shawn Parell, who will co-teach this year’s retreat, and find out what pilgrimage, practice and retreat means to the modern yogi.

Marni: What motivates the two of you to teach yoga?
Radhika: I was drawn to yoga after my first class in 1999 – after an hour and a half of fluid, vinyasa movement, I felt like I had hit a refresh button on my physical and mental energy and washed tension out of my body and heart.  For me, a vinyasa yoga practice – movements inspired by the connection between breath and body – is like a moving meditation.  I teach to create this experience for others – whether they are looking for a workout or a chance to connect with something greater in their lives.  I offer my students a fluid but challenging physical vinyasa flow infused with inspiring music to help them find their internal body and breath rhythm, disengage from the typical patterns of stress often played out in their daily lives, and connect with themselves on a deeper level. 

Shawn: I teach yoga as an offering of devotional service.  As the greatest agent of integration and change in my own life, after 15 years of daily practice, it is also the most personally inspired gift that I have to share with others.  My intention in teaching is to hold space for others’ awakening and healing. How does it work? We simply move, and breathe, and bring kind attention to the energetic unfolding of practice. In an alchemical conversation with self, we discover our vibratory, essential, and expansive aliveness. And as we awaken to the nature of our own being, we realize that we are connected to the beings around us — that we belong to the natural flow of the universe.

Marni: What role has pilgrimage and retreat played in your life?
Radhika: Pilgrimage enables us to dedicate time and focus to deepen our own practice, however we define ‘practice’.  One doesn’t need to be very religious or ‘yogic’ to go on pilgrimage, and everyone, even the casual yoga studio aficionado, can benefit from retreat. In a very fast moving world, with lots of professional, personal and social activities and commitments on my plate, I sometimes find myself so caught in the motions and rhythm of life that I am disconnected from the purpose of my actions.  Going on retreat represents the ability to silence the noise of our life and practice the act of absorbing, reflecting and grounding ourselves.  I find myself more connected to my work, the people in my life and my sense of self after taking time off to practice living yoga.

Marni: Radhika, what inspired you to teach in Nepal again this year?
Radhika: I loved that the stunning scenery, natural beauty and many symbols of Nepal’s varied religious and cultural history were uniquely inspirational.  More profoundly, the Kathmandu Valley seems to represent a place of living spirituality. Whether it’s a quick glance at prayer flags flapping in the wind, watching devotees offer flowers to the feet of Ganesh, quietly reciting mantras with a mala in hand or performing prostrations in public, people’s actions and the physical spaces they occupy serve as a reminder of connection to something greater, more universal.
I vividly remember seeing school children in uniform and grandparents with canes circumambulating the stupa at Boudhanath early in the morning on their way to school or opening up their stores and offices and thinking how beautifully people have woven their spirituality into their everyday lives.  I left Nepal with that lesson in my heart – regardless of what we believe in, we can so easily keep ourselves connected to what matters in the bigger picture with a simple action or quick glance at something that reminds us to connect to our beliefs on a daily basis.

Marni: Shawn, why do you think pilgrimage and retreat is so important to the path of yoga?
Shawn: As students of yoga and mindfulness, we are asked to explore the sacred that lives within and around us in any moment. Although our intentions for mindfulness practice may be resolute, many of us nevertheless experience our daily lives as both abundant and demanding, blessed and (… let’s face it) stressful. If we are paying attention, in any moment we can catch ourselves in a consuming cycle of thought: determining what we could or should be doing, wondering what others think, trying to figure things out, organizing and digesting information, trying to solve a problem, planning for the future, reviewing the past, etc etc. The more we pay attention, the more we wake up to the fact that we spend much of our lives caught in a trance of wanting to get somewhere else.  Making time for retreat is a commitment to step out of that trance and to reconnect with our basic and essential flow of being. In this sense, the true destination of a pilgrimage is never a place, but a new way of seeing. As a macrocosmic gesture of pratyahara (one of the eight limbs of classical yoga that describes the process of attuning one’s sensory experience from the external world to our inner landscape) it is also an integral step along the path of yoga. As writer Lillian Smith put it, “no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within.”  This is the essential invitation and opportunity of pilgrimage: to step out of our responsibilities and routine intentionally, to shift our attention inwards with compassion and possibility, and to open to the deeper currents of consciousness within us through this process. And, in so doing, we just may find our hearts, minds, and eyes open to the world in a brand new way.

*****

Join Radhika and Shawn for Vinyasa: Finding Your Flow, November 7-18, 2011, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Registration ends soon! For more information visit Yoga Nepal‘s website.

Phillip Askew – New York City Vinyasa

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Posted 13 May 2011 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Inspiration, Video, Yoga, Yoga Off the Mat

Some of my favorite images are those that juxtapose the craziness of city life with the calm tranquility of yoga practice. This video of Phillip Askew is one of the best I’ve seen of this genre – and captures his practice in some of NYC’s most-trafficked spots, and also India’s. (Stick around until the end of the video, when a swarm of Indian children clap in delight over Phillip’s practice… It’s so touching!).

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Take Your Practice Off The Mat (Part 2)

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Posted 03 Mar 2011 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Events and Workshops, Guest Posts, Inspiration, Seva: Selfless Service, Yoga, Yoga Off the Mat

Local yoga teacher Holly Meyers joins us again for part 2 of her series on the upcoming Off the Mat Into the World Intensive Workshop coming to DC later this month. Enjoy!

(For part 1, scroll on down…)

*****

I hear there are about 10 spots left in the Off the Mat Into the World ® (OTM) Intensive here in DC.  If you’re still wondering whether this training is for you, please consider how my experience has shaped my life…
 
I never imagined, after participating in “Yoga, Purpose & Action” at New York’s Omega Institute last June, how much inspiration and support I would continue to receive from the OTM team – plus, from their regional ambassadors around the world.
 
When I arrived at the OTM Intensive last June, I had a pretty clear idea of my “purpose” – to establish an organization that decreases violence in families and among youth, by passing on the healing tools of yoga and related practices.  Today, as teens and young adults in my urban neighborhood murder each other in the streets, and as families in the suburban neighborhoods of my childhood hide their troubles behind closed doors, I remain committed to this cause.
 
To start this organization, I will need help.  I will need collateral.  I will need collaborators.  I will need community support.  Through ongoing involvement with and mentoring from OTM, I am learning what it takes to develop this help.  I am getting some practice in all of these areas.


 
Participants in the OTM Intensive have the option to continue working with the organization as “ambassadors” in their local regions by coordinating Yoga in Action (YIA) events.  YIA is the grassroots initiative that brings the Off the Mat experience to the local level.
 
For example, last fall, I lead the Yoga in Action DC campaign on Facebook.  OTM introduced this fund/awareness raising initiative worldwide and asked local ambassadors to help spread the word.  For me, the campaign was a small effort (compared to the fund-raisers and events that more experienced OTM ambassadors held); at the same time, it helped me continue to come out of my shell and incubate the OTM presence here in DC.  Until that activity, I felt a little shy about reaching out to Washington-area Karma Yogis.  I’d been practicing yoga in the city since 1993, but only started to feel linked-in after my teacher training in 2008 (to no fault of the community; just my own self-doubt).  Coordinating the YIA-DC campaign pushed me to seek and connect with fellow yogis who are devoted to service.  It also forced me to embrace Facebook!  As friends point out, I went from 0 to 60 in no time on the social network!  I now love connecting with and being inspired by yoga and other mindful pals around the world.
 
There are infinite ideas, inspiration and motivation out there.
 
When OTM announced their DC Intensive, I offered to lead a “bridge event” that would raise awareness about the style of OTM trainings.  “Chill Time with Yoga in Action” was held last December at Past Tense Studio in Mt. Pleasant.  In the two-hour class, participants built an altar, shared about their service-related jobs, family roles and community activities, then practiced yoga collaboratively.  This community-building class will continue at Past Tense quarterly, so additional Karma Yogis can join the circle for rejuvenation in their lives and sustainability in their work.  The best part was – I didn’t have to invent the concept.  OTM leaders and ambassadors helped me shape the Intensive elements to meet the needs of DC’s active Seva community.
 
Collaboration is a huge part of OTM and YIA work.
 
In fact, I am looking forward to meeting potential Yoga in Action co-facilitators at the March “Yoga, Purpose and Action” Intensive!  All three of the DC yoginis who attended the Omega training last year moved away from the area soon after, sadly.  My next hope for YIA activity is to lead the 7-Week Small Group curriculum, which unites a finite group for a journey of peer-supported self-inquiry, collaborative exercise, and yoga practice (of course!), leading to a unique Karma Yoga project for our DC community.  OTM’s vision is to seed these YIA small groups of change among local communities, to inspire collaboration and connection among yoga activists.
 
I have been deeply inspired seeing the amount of noble service work accomplished by YIA facilitators and other relationships that have bloomed out of the Intensives.  Last year, past OTM Intensive participants cheered-on each others fund-raising efforts for OTM’s Global Seva Challenge.  And as the emotional stories from that recent South Africa Seva journey currently saturate the walls of Facebook, this year’s fund-raising Challenge for a 2012 Haiti project is in full swing.  Here is another way that OTM’s mentorship can support my own vision to start an organization – by participating in the Global Seva Challenge, I would get great fund raising experience!  

Since the Omega training, regular conference calls with Off the Mat Into the World mentors – including Hala Khouri, Claire Williams, Kerri Kelly and Davian Den Otter (all of whom you will meet next week at the DC Intensive if you attend) – have infused me with creativity and confidence.  Off the Mat Into the World is committed to investing in their Intensive participants’ leadership growth – as regional OTM ambassadors, and, toward their own visions and purpose.  Hearing the experiences of others who participated in the 5-day Intensive around the world has been immensely fortifying – for my YIA work, my yoga teaching, and, my life.

We all support each other as brothers and sisters who experienced the intensely deep journey of self-inquiry, connecting to our purpose and each other, and activating into the world.
 
OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.  Peace, Peace, Peace.
 
Learn more about OTM’s Yoga in Action initiative, the Global Seva Challenge and future “Yoga, Purpose & Action” trainings here.

*****
Yoga teacher Holly Meyers is a DC ambassador for Off the Mat Into the World ® (OTM), a nonprofit that uses the power of yoga to inspire conscious, sustainable activism and ignite grassroots social change.
 
OTM’s 5-day “Yoga, Purpose & Action” Intensive – coming to DC March 10-14 – guides participants through a deep, transformational process of self-inquiry and skill building facilitated by yoga, visioning, lecture and group process. There are still a few slots left for this amazing journey.  Visit Flow Yoga Center’s website to register.

Take Your Practice Off the Mat

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Posted 22 Jan 2011 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Community, Events and Workshops, Guest Posts, Inspiration, Yoga Off the Mat

Yoga teacher Holly Meyers guest blogs for us today. She is a DC ambassador for Off the Mat, Into the World ® (OTM), a nonprofit that uses the power of yoga to inspire conscious, sustainable activism and ignite grassroots social change. OTM’s 5-day “Yoga, Purpose & Action” intensive – coming to DC March 10-14 – guides participants through a deep, transformational process of self-inquiry and skill building facilitated by yoga, visioning, lecture and group process.

The early-bird discount (a $100 savings!) for OTM’s March 2011 “Yoga, Purpose & Action” Intensive is available through TODAY, Saturday, January 22nd!  Visit Flow Yoga Center’s website to register – payment plans are available. 

*****
Last June I participated in Off the Mat Into the World’s 5-day leadership intensive at the Omega Institute in New York. As the DC intensive approaches, I’m feeling as giddy as a little kid!
 
I am super excited to practice with three of the most effective teachers of yoga and leadership. OTM founders Seane Corn, Hala Khouri and Suzanne Sterling are like a power trio who fuel the training with their unique strengths.
 
My first experience with Seane – whose advanced yoga poses grace the covers of Yoga Journal and other magazines – was one year ago, at her 3-day Chakra Vinyasa workshop. Being a traditional Hatha teacher with just a little Vinyasa experience – and, knowing about Seane’s butt-kicking Asana practice – I was a bit nervous! My fears soon dissolved as I immersed myself in one of the most liberating experiences of my life. I did not simply “get through” the three days – Seane’s prayerful support and encouragement propelled my practice beyond my imagination.
 
Complementing Seane’s intensely physical style is Hala’s wisdom as a psychologist. Her music choices uplift the heart and soul, and encourage emotional release through the body. During last year’s intensive, U2’s “Grace” hit the air and I felt a visceral surge of self-acceptance that still brings me great serenity today. Hala’s lecture on Somatic Experiencing provided tools for maintaining balance during emotional triggers, which are invaluable for people like me – a survivor of hardship who now works in service to those with similar backgrounds.
 
Suzanne rounds out OTM’s leadership with her mystical energy, and background in indigenous ritual, percussion and vocalization. Her compassionate heart, attentive ear and motivational voice sparked rich levels of self-discovery, openness and security among the 40 participants at Omega last year. Her drumming and chants provided a cohesive soundtrack for the week’s process. In my classes I often play her celebratory “Jai Ma” – which she chanted as a gentle lullaby during our deep relaxation – during Sun Salutations and her ethereal “Savaasana” during Yoga Nidra.
 
Seane’s, Hala’s and Suzanne’s fusion of transformational Asana, psychological empowerment and liberating ritual are beyond compare for leadership development for Karma Yogis, Yoga Activists, Seva Yogis…whatever you choose to call someone who takes his or her yoga practice off the mat to be of service in their everyday world.
 
Through OTM’s intensive, any yogi who plays a role of service at their job, in their community and/or for their family will find the nourishment, rejuvenation and empowerment to do that work more sustainably. I hope to see you this March!

*****

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Holly’s blog,coming in February, describing how ongoing mentorship by OTM leaders encourages her leadership growth, empowers her yoga teaching and sustains her service work.

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Back On My Feet

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Posted 08 Dec 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Guest Posts, Inspiration, Running

Back on My Feet. Those four words might not mean anything to some people, but to an increasing number of people in the District and around the U.S. it means family, commitment, hugs, friendship, accomplishment, running, fitness, relentless movement forward, and so much more.

I became involved with Back on My Feet in the Spring of 2010. At that time I was earning my Master’s in Sports Industry Management from Georgetown University. I read that Back on My Feet was opening a chapter in D.C. and recalled reading an article in Runner’s World a few years back about a woman (president & founder- Anne Mahlum) in Philadelphia who had this great idea of using running to move lives forward. Back on My Feet is a non-profit that promotes the self-sufficiency of the homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build strength, confidence, and self-esteem. I checked out the organization’s website and registered for a volunteer orientation to get involved. After attending the orientation at a Pacer’s Running Store, I made it out for the first ever Back on My Feet D.C. morning run. Not exactly sure what to expect, I woke up at 5 a.m., a time I once dreaded and now love, grabbed a protein bar and hopped in the car to drive to the Clean and Sober Streets location. Upon arriving, I walked up to a huge circle of people and was immediately greeted by a hug from a middle aged man in a bright yellow beanie. I then met all the other res (homeless) and non-res (volunteer) members. We went around the circle, introduced ourselves, broke the ice, and then hit the early morning streets of D.C. for a run. The first run was only a mile, but the sense of accomplishment and feeling of friendship was strong. I went home that morning knowing that this organization was something special and something I wanted to be involved with.

It’s hard to believe that day was almost nine months ago. That middle-aged man in the yellow beanie I came to know as Dave Withers, a res-member at Clean and Sober Streets, and someone whom I now consider a great friend. I have witnessed attitudes change, friendships formed, members placed in jobs, and races run. Upon completion of my Master’s, Back on My Feet D.C. had an opening for Director of Corporate Communications & Special Events. I don’t think that was a coincidence. I now serve in that role and have seen tremendous growth and change in the Back on My Feet D.C. Chapter. I could take up plenty of your time recalling the numerous heart-pulling and inspirational stories that I have had the privilege to experience, but instead I hope you will take several minutes to watch the below videos and see what we’re all about. It’ll be the best 8 minutes of your day.

CNN
CSN

Back on My Feet does not provide food or shelter, but instead provides a community that embraces equality, respect, discipline, teamwork and leadership. Our organization consists of much more than just running: our members participate in a comprehensive program that offers connections to job training, employment and housing. Those benefits are earned by maintaining 90 percent attendance at the morning runs three days a week for our six to nine month program. Find more about the program here.

Back on My Feet is a family. It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white, rich or poor, young or old. When we’re together we are runners, friends, and teammates. I encourage you to check out Back on My Feet and get involved. Even if you’re not a runner or can’t fit the runs (M/W/F mornings- 6 different locations and Thursday nights/Saturday mornings) into your schedule consider attending one of our multiple other events. We also occasionally supplement morning runs with Yoga through Yoga Activist or Strength Training  at BodyfitDC. Next time you’re at a race or on a run, keep a look out for Back on My Feet.  Interested in getting involved, running a race for Back on My Feet, or have questions? Contact me.

Back on My Feet realizes the importance of tracking results and continuing to grow a program that is effective in promoting social change. It is a cause to believe in that gets results. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions about Back on My Feet!

*****

Andrew Dawson is the Director of Corporate Communications & Special Events for Back on My Feet D.C. He recently ran his first marathon, ING NYC 2010, in 3:44 and plans to run the SunTrust National Marathon in March to celebrate Back on My Feet’s D.C. Birthday and first marathon distance for its members.

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A Spectator’s Inspiration

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Posted 18 Nov 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Inspiration, Running

About two weeks ago, I had the chance to watch two of my best friends run the New York City Marathon. For one friend, it was her 1st, for the other, her 11th.

I spent most of the day hopping on and off the NYC subway with their husbands, searching for them among thousands of runners, and cheering at the top of my lungs while shaking a cowbell.

Go girl go!

As I watched all of the amazing, strong runners zip past me on the course, I was totally inspired. When I saw the smiles on my friends’ faces spotting us in the crowd, I jumped up and down with enthusiasm. At mile 19, I joined the fearsome twosome for about five miles of the race (all my six-month pregnant body could handle). After the race, we (the runners, husbands, me and other friends who joined us to cheer them on) had a little victory pizza party complete with our favorite war stories from the day (costumes, signs, hardest miles to run, finish line madness, etc.).

In the end, the whole day really felt, to me, like the culmination of years of training and encouragement, by-products of a three-way friendship that has enriched my life for the past 10 years.

It was exhilarating.

See we’ve grown up running together, we three. I don’t mean from when we were kids; I mean that post-college quarter life crisis kind of growing up when you have to really figure your shit out. In the midst of graduate school, first jobs, serious breakups and marriages, losing parents, moving to new cities, and other grown-up stuff, these two friends and I decided  to start training for and running races together. None of us had really ever run long distances before as adults (I don’t count jr. high track, which was heinous), but we picked a half marathon six years ago and trained for it, and we’ve been signing up for races like that on and off ever since. The thing is, none of us live in the same city as the others. We’re spread out over the Midwest and east coast, and even for a little while, we went international.

Mile 24 and still smiling

But our support for each other, virtually and emotionally, has been one of the greatest inspirations for me to train for and run longer races over the past six years. We’ve emailed training schedules, done virtual check-ins on weekend long runs, compared notes on gels, shoes, running belts, and other accessories. Typically, a visit to one of our respective homes for a weekend by the others involves a run of some kind and an in-person chat about what race we’re going to do next. Overall, we have done everything that team members do to support each other when taking on a big challenge like a race or a game.

Had I not been cut from the race through the lottery process and/or pregnant, I probably would have joined my friends in running the NYC marathon two weeks ago. It would have also been my first, and not something that I EVER EVER would have done on my own. I would have been able to better empathize with the rigorous training schedule they were under, relate better to the “taper” that they kept talking about, and felt the sweet victory of accomplishing something so huge. But I didn’t really feel left out because they made me feel like my role as a supporter and spectator was equally important to their training. For this time around, that was my contribution to the team.

Find inspirational partners like this guy, even if you're just inspired to run away from him

If I ever do run a marathon, and I don’t know that I will, it will be with these two wonderful, inspirational women whose emails, text messages, horror stories, and love keep me going, both within a training schedule, and in life.

Next time you hear of a big race and you have a chance to cheer those runners on, do it. You never know what they might inspire you to think, do or feel. I found my teammates among friends I already had, but you could find your supporters through a run club, CraigsList posting, or at the gym on the treadmill next to you. If you have a goal in mind, start talking about it and see who comes forward to join you and support you.

It reminds me of this quote from yoga teacher Rolf Gates, ”practice is really about making something a priority. As we enact that priority, an energy builds in our life to support it.”

Posted by: Jamie

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Moving with Mimi

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Posted 11 Nov 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Insights, Inspiration, Teacher Trainings, Yoga, Yoga Teachers

At some point during the hectic workweek, we need to give ourselves permission to stop. Stop working. Stop worrying. Stop getting from here to there.

But this is often easier said than done, particularly for those of us who are a little more type A, energetic, or just can’t seem to sit still. (I know I am guilty of this).

Enter Mimi Rieger. Mimi is one DC’s most well known yogis, and has become somewhat of a Budokon evangelist in the District. Under her instruction, it somehow becomes easy to disconnect from the frenzy of the workweek, and replace it with a playful, spiritual, movement-based experience.  She takes you through a rigorous workout; the physical as well as spiritual effects remain with you long after.

A Southern Girl

A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mimi’s voice and hospitable demeanor drip with southern charm. But shrinking violet, she is not. Mimi currently teaches 30 classes a week, and long athletic resume includes budokon, kick boxing, tae kwon do, and dance.

“I broke up with my boyfriend after moving to DC and needed a way to channel my anger!,” Mimi jokes as we chat after her budokon class a few weeks ago.

In 1997, Mimi indeed moved to DC. As a former dancer and cheerleader, she loved to move and naturally drifted to intense activities like kickboxing. But after working in equally intense careers as a lobbyist, event planner, and real estate agent, Mimi turned to yoga.

Budokon Finds Mimi

Mimi discovered ashtanga and earned her teacher certification at the Ashtanga Yoga Center in Tenleytown in 2003. One year later, Debra Perlson-Mishalove, the owner of Flow Yoga Center, connected her with Cameron Shayne, the founder of Budokon.

“Budokon was life changing,” Mimi says.

Mimi was determined to learn more about this practice, which she describes as “thoughtful, conscious, masterful movement” yet “playful and spirited”.  She sought out Cameron Shayne and soon found herself in the four-phase budokon certification program in New York City, where she learned all 102 budokon moves in 200 hours of dedication.  Back in DC, Mimi began taught part-time while working her 9-to-5 job, teaching about 12 classes a week.

But last year,  Mimi took what she calls “the leap”.  She quit her 9-to-5 job and began teaching Budokon full-time, leading 28 classes a week.

“It’s much better than working in an office,” says Mimi. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Photo Courtesy of ABC News Online

Mimi’s Budokon Community

“Great crow – nice work, Michael!” Mimi exclaims while encouraging her students. Her love for the practice and her students is evident from her classes, and the community that she has grown in DC.

A typical Budokon class has three sequential elements – a yoga sequence, a  jiu-jitsu sequence (or ground fighting mixed with stand-up sparring), and a “play” sequence, where you stretch the body through a series of poses that resemble animal movements.

The tone of her class is as spiritual, determined, and playful as the three elements.

But what is perhaps most unique about her classes is the supportive, loving community she has grown. In a Mimi Rieger Budokon class, adults become kids again, laughing, playing, and utterly abandoning all notions that the world is a serious place. Students – who know each other by name – encourage and help one another through tougher moves, and applaud when someone masterfully completes a difficult move.

The class ends with laughter, after everyone completes a round of “monkey cartwheels” then awkwardly slides across the studio floor imitating dolphins.

Take Budokon Classes

It’s one of Mimi’s personal goals to spread awareness of Budokon, and to give this class to every gym and studio in the District.

Anyone interested in trying Budokon can take class with Mimi at The Studio DC near DuPont Circle, where she teaches classes on Saturdays at 1pm. Members of Results, Vida, and Balance Gyms can also take a Mimi Rieger class. Please see individual gym schedules for details.

Become a Budokon Teacher

For yogis interested in becoming a certified Budokon teacher, Mimi will be hosting a teacher training December 3-5, 2010 at the Vida Verizon Center. For more details about the training, visit Mimi’s website: PureFitnessDC.com.

Posted by: Kelly

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I’d Rather Do and Fall Than Wish and Watch

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Posted 08 Nov 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Events and Workshops, Guest Posts, Inspiration, Yoga

From March 12th-19th, 2011, Vanessa King and Peg Mulqueen will be leading a week long Yoga and Surf Retreat in an enchanted forest and pristine beaches of the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. Indulge yourself with 2 yoga classes a day- ashtanga vinyasa in the morning and acro yoga play in the afternoon. In between, hike to amazing waterfalls, view exotic wildlife, and maybe even learn to surf the long clean waves of the Osa.  Their retreat package includes 7-nights accommodation, 3 meals/day, 2 yoga classes/day, your first surf lesson, unlimited beach and an unforgettable vacation. There are only 15 more spaces left – and less than 2 weeks left to receive a special early bird discount.

For more information, visit Peg’s website. For inspiration, read her post below.

*****

I will probably always miss more rides than I catch – and fall, more often than not – yet I will never regret taking the risk and surrendering to the experience of catching even one coveted wave.
 
Because I’d rather do and fall, than wish and watch.
 
Once upon a time, I was the one sitting on the beach and watching my friends paddle out.  I’d watch them fight the ocean’s flow until they were mere dots, speckling the watery horizon.

After the struggle out and a patient wait, one would catch a wave and I could only imagine the sheer exhilaration of riding it all the way to shore.  Which is where I still sat – waiting and watching with envy.

I’m pretty sure I was encouraged to join.  I was probably offered a board and even a few pointers or lessons.  But doubt overtook desire and fear kept me captive.

And so I comforted myself with the promise of “later”  . . .

But all was not lost for it was my surfer friends who first introduced me to yoga, the two lifestyles seamlessly and profoundly connected.  Thanks to them – I found my hOMe on a yoga mat.

It wasn’t until years later that I would finally pick up a surfboard on my own.  As I silently cursed myself for not being brave enough earlier in life, when youth was my ally and the word ‘careful’ was not such an established part of my vocabulary, I finally made my way out, past the doubt and the fear. 

 No longer life’s spectator, it would be me to feel the swell of the waves beneath my belly and dance within the wave.

 

Surfing IS like yoga – it’s not about accomplishing anything- it’s about this greater connection and flow, this blissed out place of pure love and divine inspiration.

Because yoga is not just a bunch of postures. It’s simply a path to a beautiful unification, one that transcends this frenetic life we lead. 

Most often, I find this on a yoga mat.  

But sometimes, I find this spiritual state of consciousness – samadhi -at other times.  Like while meditating on the river’s bank or after a long climb to the mountain’s summit, as I breathe in the view.

And sometimes, I can find this same peace as I sync my spirit with that of the ocean, atop my board.  For a time, I am her and she is me.

*****

WelcomeOmDC Trapeze SchoolPeg Mulqueen is a yoga instructor and writer. When not on her mat, Peg can be found on a surf board in Maui – learning to fall off gracefully and get back up . . . . or suspended 500 feet in the air on a zip line over a Costa Rican jungle – conquering her fear of heights . . . or searching for the perfect cast, fly fishing in the wilder places of Montana. Visit her website to learn more.

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Crazy Wisdom

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Posted 27 Oct 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Events and Workshops, Guest Posts, Inspiration, Seva: Selfless Service, Video, Yoga

Today’s guest post and yoga philosophy lesson is from teacher Ricky Tran. Ricky will be in town next week to teach a donation-based class at lululemon athletica georgetown on Wednesday, 11/3 at 7:00 p.m. benefiting Anahata Grace, and for three days of workshops at STROGA (Friday, 11/5 4:00-7:00 p.m., Saturday all day and Sunday all day, see website for details). He’ll provide an experience you won’t want to miss. Enjoy his post on the yoga sutras and register for one, two or all of his workshops at STROGA today!

We are also pleased to announce a raffle fora free pass to attend the entire weekend immersion at STROGA.  To qualify for the raffle, come to the Wednesday class at lululemon and make a minimum donation of $5 to Anahata Grace.  We will announce the winner at the end of class.

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Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.33, The 4 Attitudes of a Yogi

maitri karuna mudito ‘pekshanam sukha dukha punya apunya vishayanam bhavanatas chitta prasadanam

According to the great rishi Patanjali, there is more than one path to yoga.  In other words, one does not have to practice asana, pranayama and meditate to achieve the state of yoga, which is a peaceful mind.  In sutra 1.33, Patanjali prescribes four (4) attitudes to be cultivated toward four (4) distinct objects (people).  When these four attitudes are cultivated toward 4 distinct objects over time, one’s mind will automatically become clear and lucid.

These four attitudes are:

  • Friendliness
  • Compassion
  • Delight or Appreciation
  • Indifference / Equanimity

The four objects (people) are:

  • Those who are in their agreeable space.  People who are content or happy.
  • Those who are not in their agreeable space.  People who are unhappy or suffering. Opposite of the 1st type.
  • Virtuous people.  People that do good things in this world.  People who are living their dharma.
  • People of vice.  People who do things deemed wicked by society.  Opposite of the 3rd type.

Explanation:

By cultivating an attitude of friendliness toward people who are happy, you become like these people.  Surround yourself with those who have what they want and want what they have and you will soon find peace of mind.  It is said we become who we hang around. 

By cultivating an attitude of compassion toward those who suffer, you will soon find peace of mind.  You don’t want to have joy or delight when you see someone suffer.  Likewise, you wouldn’t want to have compassion for those who are happy and content.

By cultivating an attitude of delight or appreciation toward people who make this world a better place, you will find peace of mind.  When you see someone do something good, like return a lost wallet, you should have delight and appreciation.  When you see someone help an elderly or disabled person across a busy street, you should have an attitude of appreciation.  When this attitude is cultivated toward these types of people, you will soon have peace of mind.

By cultivating an attitude of indifference toward those who do bad things, your mind will become clear and lucid.  If you surround yourself with people of vice, you soon will become a person of vice.  If you hang out with thieves, you too will soon be a thief.  According to Patanjali, one should not have an attraction or even an aversion toward this type.  If you become unaffected by these individuals, you will soon find peace of mind.

*****
Ricky Tran is an up-and-coming modern urban yogi who’s teachings are rooted in tradition. He’s traveled the country to teach workshops and teacher trainings in over 15 cities in the past couple years. He’s presented at the 2010 Texas Yoga Conference and will be presenting with them again in 2011. He will also be leading a week-long immersion at Kripalu in 2011. His classes are as invigorating as they are fun. When he explains something, it just makes sense, but don’t take our word for it.  Come and experience him for yourself. To get you even more motivated, check out this video to get inspired!

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My First Triathlon

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Posted 26 Oct 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Guest Posts, Inspiration, Running

By Danielle Pierce

Those who’ve spent any time with me over the past few months know all about my triathlon journey and how much I like talking about it.  So, when WelcomeOmDC invited me to be a guest blogger I jumped at the chance.  Literally, I jumped out of my chair and said “I get to be a blogger!”

My journey started about a year ago when I realized that I wasn’t spending nearly enough time taking care of myself.  So  decided to register for several races throughout the year to be constantly training.  I also enlisted a few friends to train with me.  Having more than one work out buddy was really helpful because I always had someone on my calendar who was counting on me, plus a backup buddy just in case.

I decided to register for the Nation’s Triathlon because I’m always looking for a new challenge and had only competed in running events in the past.  Since I was a novice triathlete, I got a lot of advice from my brother-in-law who competes in Ironman Championships and also spent quite a bit of time searching for things like “how to swim free style” or “how to change a flat tire” on YouTube.  I also created a training calendar and put it on the refrigerator next to my 30 Before 30 list.  Each night I looked at the next day’s workout and laid out my gear and equipment so that it was the first thing I saw in the morning.  I utilized DCs free indoor and outdoor pools to practice swimming (my weakest event) and wasn’t shy about asking good swimmers for advice.  I even enlisted small children to splash around next to me to practice swimming in a pack in the river.  I usually put in running miles following my swim sessions.  I bought a good road bike spent a big chunk of the summer doing laps around Hains Point and riding the C&O Canal Path.  Biking quickly became my favorite sport because I love going fast and seeing the entire city in one ride.

Starting out I wasn’t concerned with time.  I knew that as long as I could do the distance I would finish the race before the cut off.  So, each morning I strapped on my Vibram Five Fingers (oh, I forgot to mention that I decided to switch to barefoot running after seeing some Kenyan runners in bare toes at a race) and put in the distance.  After a summer of training it was time for the race.  On race morning I was excited and a little nervous, but I knew how great it was going to feel to accomplish my goal so I pulled myself out of bed, arrived at 5 a.m. in the rain, strapped on my rented wet suit, swam 1500 meters in the Potomac, biked 40 kilometers with a low tire, and ran 10 kilometers.  Sans the lingering taste of the Potomac in my mouth, it felt great and I immediately started making mental plans for my next race.

The physical and emotional benefits were tremendous.  Since I began training I’ve lost about fifteen pounds, I have more energy, I eat healther, and I enjoy the beautiful city more.  I would recommend triathlon to anyone who wants a challenge and likes to change up their workouts on a consistent basis!

Thanks so much to Dani for sharing her inspiring story with us! As a follow-up, Dani is still racing and just completed the Army Ten Miler this weekend. Congrats Dani, and keep on sweatin’ in the District!

Have an inspiring fitness or health related story to share? Send it to us to publish at welcomeomdc@gmail.com.

Main photo credit: http://www.deaxlesports.com/triathlon.html

Other photos: Dani Pierce

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