One Joyful Yoga

Magnify Your True Self !

2011-09-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

...Lessons from an I Phone

I bought my I Phone this past spring. It seemed like a good time as the current phone simply would not hold a charge. (Ever feel that way? not able to achieve or hold a full charge? Notice how you feel after attending a Purna Yoga class...Here's the Fall schedule.

I am sure "my" first Apple Man, Craig from Best Buy, would be very happy to know that I now own an I Phone. Through my years of getting to know him, we have discussed the many yogic 'merits' of Apple products. One of which includes my previous website- from which I am currently evolving (more on this in a later blog post).
The very fact that my I Phone 'syncs' with my computer-to me-is the ultimate in networking efficiency. Really. I get to 'sync' with myself, whether I like it or not LOL. If you believe we are all connected then you, too, must be smiling at the notion of you (phone) connecting with you (laptop, etc.). I am sure that the Divine appreciates my finally grasping the Joy and Ease of super-efficient connection.

Technology can be a friend, as with anything if you put the right attitude into it. While my I Phone continues to me many Purna Yoga lessons (eg. Transformation of self), I must reveal the first lesson I learned also made me laugh at myself. Almost immediately, I became aware of how hard I had been 'punching' the old phone key pad while texting. The new phone with the T O U C H screen was actually very responsive to my gentle touch and I was surprised by the sharp learning curve to use it. Hmmm kinda like Purna Yoga meditation techniques-once you find the heart center and begin to kindly, gently connect with it all kinds of goodness starts to flow.

A recent meditation workshop attendee on Day 2 using her new skills conveyed this to my by texting what a great tool it was to be able to find a deep sense of peace by simply 'tapping' her heart center as learned during the workshop. (I'd love to be able to share her exact words but I cleaned 'house' too well twice now and deleted her quote-ah the efficiency and ease of technology revealing my lack of being in the moment).

Of course, retaining and radiating this level of Truth is the challenge for us all; keeping the energy level "up" may be another way of looking at it. While it's not up to us to create the energy, it IS our job to connect with it and BE the device.
I love that my I Phone taught me yet another way to 'tap' the links. Yes it almost constantly reminds me how easy it is to 'delete' the seemingly unnecessary or 'copy and paste' the desirable. Sometimes that smartphone tells me there are new aps to download. WOW! I get to upgrade and become even more protected against 'the hackers'. It seems that phone will serve me as long as I take care of it.

By the way, when are 'they' gonna come out with a cell phone with a built-in solar charger? For now though, we have to purchase and plug in with a separate solar panel. Ahhhhh, evolution requires patience. :D We humans, may be one up of the machines with regards to the recharging.
We can recharge simply by choosing to be mindful and intentionally tap our heart center to focus, being mindful about the food we ingest, with whom and what we surround ourselves.
You get the picture? Step ONE: create an environment that nourishes you rather than draining you ☼ even when you are on 'coast' or "float" mode. (OK we bike and paddle alot around here).

Of course, learning to discover the most useful aps (applications) is part of owning this device and my all-time favorite feature of these 'smart' phones.....the magnifying screen ability. Kinda like magnifying the Truth and Wisdom that dwells in my Heart :D
How are your relationships going these days? If you are interested in magnifying your heart's capacity to Love AND create Oneness, Harmony and Peace in all your relationships (yes ALL of them ;-), then I hope you will join us for a block of classes this Fall at Sunny Shore Yoga (the studio on land)
Soothing Sundays 4p, Tuesdays 6p for Purna Yoga Flow and Saturdays 10 Effort and Ease join the continuing Weds 10a and 7p class schedule.
The class intentions are to help you grease the wheels; help you release stress and not only restore yourself but transform your life...upgrade to some new applications if you will. Plan to stretch the body, center the mind and quiet the breath. Expect to learn and feel the effects of traditional restorative poses (asana) on Sunday, flow through a series of movements on Tuesdays and a smattering of both on Saturdays. All classes include selected Purna Yoga Meditation techniques and will assist you in feeling how your intentional breath can calm your nervous system. ('touch' instead of 'punch') Beginner's may start anytime. Here's the class pricing. You'll notice the most you invest, the more you are rewarded.
If the schedule isn't working for you, please contact me-Jayne-to arrange for a reasonably priced private class.

This is One Joyful Yoga and I am committed to offering classes from my sense of passion about Purna Yoga---cultivating Love and Oneness in a very large way {{{ ♡ }}}

ps Thank You for reading this on the 'temporary' blog site. You'll notice I used to post here on blogger. the blog "Living My Yoga at Sunny Shore" will return as I learn how to update my website files. Stay tuned for another riveting blog about the Joy of technology at Sunny Shore :D

Share a yoga class

2010-05-07T06:11:00.000-07:00

One two or three people may share a one hour yoga class for $45; add $15 for each additional person.

Uncover your joy-filled heart at Joyful Yoga @ Sunny Shore ♡

New Website includes Blog

2010-04-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

www.onejoyfulyoga.com

Thank You Female Red Bird

2010-03-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today, I noticed it's that time of the year when the birds are beginning to stake their territory in which they will nest. A female redbird for weeks now has been periodically pecking at the windows. I'm trying to do my part and not clean my windows :-) so the birds won't fly straight into the glass as they believe the sky is unrestricted (hmmm, 'nother blog)
  Anyway, I am like that bird...fighting an image of myself as I try to set up what I believe to be healthy boundaries. An image that is a not-so-clear reflection through a dirty window. Boundaries that will create a safe place in which I may raise my young (self).
  Purna yoga teaches us to focus on the beautiful Image in who's likeness we were created. Never mind (get it?-don't let your mind take over) the distorted image you may think you see through a dirty window (veil of illusion). Just stay focussed on what dwells deep in your heart center to guide you through the day.... Calm, Strength, Safety. These things a precursor to Absolute Truth, Peace and Love.
  As I realize, post-retreat, even more deeply the importance of living my yoga (connection with the Divine) with each breath, I've decided to change the name of the blog to Living at Sunny Shore and I intend to switch over to Word Press to facilitate more efficient blogging (for everyone's sake).
  More as it happens at Sunny Shore and thank you Ms. Redbird.

We are just a piece of a River

2010-02-13T06:22:00.000-08:00

In spite of the intense cold, my husband and I noticed this morning a few things about life on Sunny Shore and the lessons they illustrate for us. We hope there may be a small nugget of absolute Truth in sharing them.

1. The river still moves beneath the ice. Find the part of you that is (still) alive.

2. The ice prevents a clear reflection of the light. What parts of you are like the frozen ice; unwilling to move and reflect; unwilling to share joy; to live the life you were born to live?

3. The sun melts the ice on the river; of course transforming it. Concentrate on magnifying the warmth that dwells deep within your heart center.

4. A goose somehow survives the crisp cold of a winter night, generating heat from within, so it can seek moving water and food. It doesn't land on ice, it goes for food and moving water and it does so when there is light.

Wake up. Take a deep breath, stretch and nourish your body. Follow that voice deep within you, moving towards the person you were born to be. Deepen your connection to why you are breathing, what is your purpose for being here? Shed that icy, cold ego that prevents you from clearly reflecting the Light. Your choice to move forward will help sustain life in others around you; because we are all One when we live in the place of Truth, Light and Peace.

So what parts of this post represent the pillars of Purna Yoga? Asana, meditation, pranayama, nutrition, lifestyle choices.

Where are you?

2010-01-22T14:47:00.000-08:00

  This week it seemed to be all about navigation. Most new students found their way to the open house and a few did not. One student mentioned in class that she's just trying to figure out where she is; having to cope with re-entry from caregivers' hell. Another did not like where she was when she discovered that her body wouldn't "do the things it used to"; all these situations created by the mind.
  As students, once we move the body a little with the yoga asana (poses- not a sauna ;-) we are better able to offer our prayer of intention to "be" the vehicle through which the Divine manifests. The only navigational skills required are a sincere aspiration to 'be home'.
  Truly, home is where the heart is. You came equipped with the navigational button that will take you home. Take your third finger of the right hand to your heart. Press the sternum with a light, gentle, kind touch. "I am here" "I am home"   Notice the feeling of the mind becoming quiet as you intentionally inhale peace-filled light and aspire to exhale abundant joy. Welcome home <3

Things I learned while painting the studio

2010-01-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

1. The best finish comes from a heavy primer coat with a roller followed by a kind, gentle light stroke with a brush.

2. It's OK that some of your best work may never be seen by any human.

3. Painting CAN be your yoga practice if you set the intention.

4. When someone asks you if you need help and you truly need it, joyfully say 'YES'.

5. When you truly need help and no one is offering, joyfully ask for it.

6. Following your heart can be immensely rewarding, not following your heart costly.

7. A job "done well" may best be determined by the lessons learned along the way.

See more studio pics

Out with the Old, In with the New

2009-12-30T17:18:00.000-08:00

Old habits, thoughts, feelings....what's keeping you from living your dreams? I want to live each day like Scrooge waking up on Christmas morning realizing he still had a chance to make a difference. He threw out his old tightwad habits, his negative thoughts and his gloomy outlook. To his hearts' delight, he traded it all in for something new to him: the true joy of giving.

So join the masses as the New Year approaches if you dare to reflect, hopefully not so reluctantly that ghosts have to appear to jar you into reality. hmmm, or are they? Pick an old belief, thought or emotion and dare to jettison it into the fire of love. Banish it from your very existence. Then, summon the courage to replace it with something so bold that it fills you completely with delight. It's not enough to banish the old thought, it's critical to fill the space with something useful that helps you realize your dream. A positive thought or belief, an action that is uplifting for yourself or others.

Wishing you abundant joyfull light throughout this next year 
Jayne

Need inspiration? Consider purchasing Fire of Love by Aadil Palkhivala. It's written for you who wish to wake up and really live your life to the fullest.

Open House and Gratitude Party

2009-12-15T06:04:00.000-08:00

Tuesday January 19, 2010
5-8p (Class is from 5:45-7p)
A Purna Yoga Basics class including restorative yoga and meditation

Light refreshments to follow

This free event is a part of Yoga Day USA
and is open to everyone.
Please pre-register by completing this registration form
and send it to Jayne

Recycle, Reduce.... Reuse from the Heart {{{ <3 }}}

2009-12-06T09:14:00.000-08:00

Saturday is usually recycling day at our house. Do you recycle because it's the thing to do or because you really want to be less offensive towards the earth? Sometimes we let our Ego trick us into thinking that as long as we keep moving we're "good". Mirra calls this white shadow. When we are doing something that outwardly looks 'good' to the rest of the world but the truth is it is not truly an action born from love. It's usually born from fear and it creates a separation from the Divine. This doesn't make us feel well at all.

Another example: we may choose to continue helping a child that truly needs to experience the consequences of their own decisions. Our ego tricks us into believing that helping that child is a "good" action when in fact it may be an expression of a lack of courage; an expression of my fear of "what will happen if I don't". "What will others think of me?"

  The truth is we truly don't know "what will happen if..." Our ego mind tricks us into believing that we do know. This is an example of living from our mind, separate from the Divine.
  Purna yoga teaches us to be aware of these moments of disconnect and helps us train to surrender our ego (small self);  recycling the energy to our heart (Divine Self) receiving more than we could ever imagine. Living in union with Divine truth is more deeply satisfying in this way as it is more efficient use of energy focussed on Divine Will; no more mental fatigue or exhaustion; only satisfying opportunities for joyful work and rest. It feels great!
  What is keeping you separate? What can you truly do less of? What can you offer for recycle? Make every day a recycle day. Use this holiday season as an exercise of unburdening yourself. Offer your thoughts to the Light you hold in your heart and then live from the abundancy that will flow from it.

Why are we not satisfied with the opportunity to rest?

2009-11-29T06:44:00.000-08:00

  Why are we not satisfied with the opportunity to rest? I believe it may be a lack of trust; our ego still thinking it's the author of our lives. It take courage to choose to retrain the (brain) muscle, which creates thoughts, to surrender to the heart. In Purna Yoga Meditation, this is referred to as centering the mind (mental) energy.
  If you find yourself, putting conditions on the opportunity, then surely it's ego; " I can rest when.... is occurring". Knowing when to rest requires a deep sense of honesty with yourself.
  As we seek absolute Truth, Peace and Love, let's use this holiday season to perform a reality check. Turn off the life 'movie' our ego minds have created by centering our minds. Look deep within our hearts for what we truly require to achieve Peace and Love; a definition authored by our heart. Be patient for the guidance. Be courageous 'enough' to obediently follow that guidance.
  As Joel Osteen recently wrote, "Each step...a knock on the door". I believe we all hold the keys to those doors that we create. Sincerely step into that moment of rest that awaits us if we are bold enough to move forward.
  Start right now by breathing in Light,. As you exhale, begin to release even more tension, fatigue, conflict. Go deeper than you ever have before.
  I hope you have the most restful holiday season ever as you not only receive the Light, but realize the rest-filled joy of sharing Absolute Peace and Love with no conditions.

Gratitude-the key to opening the heart

2009-11-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

  Sometimes I feel disconnected from absolute peace and joy. Taking a moment to be still, I withdraw my sense of hearing and sight and look within. Retraining my mind to seek something positive for which to be grateful. I don't have to be happy with my situation but I can find something good about it.
  With an open, flexible mind I move forward with a joy-filled heart. Trusting that I don't know the plans the Divine has for me, I surrender my ego mind(small self) to my heart (Divine Self). This action brings about the connection I seek. Gratitude opens what appears to be my closed heart. It opens my eyes and ears to sense the goodness that surrounds me; to feel the peace and joy deeply.

  In the book, The Heart Speaks, the author speaks of heart valves opening when gratitude is expressed. This opening facilitates increased blood flow within the heart muscle itself. It's a win-win when you can find something 'good' in every person, place, thing, event. You may even heal your own heart. {{{ <3 }}}

Gratitude for Rockslides

2009-11-09T04:38:00.000-08:00

My husband chose to take the slow back country road to visit the grandkids (and their parents ;-) this weekend. My choice would’ve been to take the fastest shortcut around the rockslide that recently occurred just East of Newport, TN.

He happily reports that the winding roads forced him to focus on his driving while he was surrounded by the beauty of the colorful mountains. He saw a real ‘old time‘ general store. Along the way he stopped at one of the numerous country stores punctuating this ‘slow route’. This one afforded him the opportunity to speak with some ‘country folk’ who were thrilled to speak with someone ‘not from around’ there.

They offered him a freshly-prepared Friday night meal. Seems like Friday night is the transitional celebration, even if your week is radically different from that of the faster-paced urban dwellers.

When he declined saying he was traveling to eat Friday evening meal with the kids, they offered an invitation to return sometime so we can visit more.

Thanks Ben for the reminder that you never know when the slow route may contain some fun surprises: peace-filled, colorful mountains, new people, enjoyable conversations. Thanks I-40 rockslide for showing us our we are all connected through our sharing hearts. The rockslides in our lives give us an opportunity to see and experience a different life. Purna yoga teaches us to embrace the rockslides and enjoy the unimaginable gifts of the slow route.

Flexibility of mind

2009-11-01T07:04:00.000-08:00

  Sometimes we take the easy way out and create rules to live by. These rules, created by our minds as a crutch or habit, permit us to be a little less awake and not in the moment. In this way, our minds become the authors of our lives rather than our hearts. To live our yoga requires us to live in the moment following the guidance of our hearts. Living in the moment requires flexibility of the mind. It's like eating food that's "in season"; right now a lettuce salad likely does not have cucumbers in it. Our minds may tell us that "salad = cucumbers" but our desire to eat "in the moment" or in season, guides us to explore other salad component options.
  This desire to eat in season or live more fully in the moment, prompts us to be more creative; to brainstorm about what our options are and to try 'new to us' salad ingredients. Our sense of taste may actually be more gratified by these 'new' additions to our diet and our bodies more completely nourished by what these seasonal foods offer. Have you tried combining a sweet apple and the bite of a freshly shredded radish in your lettuce salad lately?
  In fact, nature, a force greater than our minds can fathom, may indeed offer us more than we realize. It's not our 'job' to know all there is to know about these foods. It may be actually more important to simply be awake to the choices and flexible and "open" minded about our choices; letting our hearts guide us to what may best nourish us in the moment. I was amazed to discover that pumpkin seeds contain zinc; a compound that boosts the immune system but then pumpkins have always offered us the opportunity to boost our immune systems when we may most need it-as the seasons change.
  Purna yoga teaches us to honor the gifts of creativity (vital) and focus (mind) as we offer these gifts to our hearts (surrender) and then joyfully, patiently listen for the guidance. It affords us an opportunity to act peacefully, quietly, calmly as we choose how we will live our life; hopefully as awake and in the moment as possible; stimulated by the adventure of it all.

Benefits of Purna Yoga

2009-10-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

A friend recently asked:
Hi Jayne,

Being completely uninformed I have to ask what are the benefits of Yoga? As uninformed as I am it appears that it is a series of stretching exercises and meditating about how uncomfortable it is. I'm sure there must be more to it than that. Ha! Blaine

So wonderful of you, Blaine, to intuitively know that there is more to it than stretching and being uncomfortable.

Yoga has helped me wake up! As for discomfort, think of the body as an antenna and the poses and active meditation, the food we eat, our lifestyle choices all facilitate receiving a more clear signal. Discomfort may serve as a rather useful ally; spotlighting where we have created a disharmony; not meant to be dwelled upon; just observed and surrendered to the heart; showing us opportunites to make new choices.

Purna Yoga is the complete yoga that includes the poses, breathwork, meditation, nutrition and lifestyle. This is why I chose to study it in depth. It's not just about the body's strength, range of motion and coordination but the mind as well. It certainly relieves stress and actually assists me in creating less stress in my life.
It helps with mental focus and this style, Purna, calls for focussing our emotions (vital energy=survival) as well. Focussing both mental and vital to the heart permits one to unite ('yoga" - "yoke") with absolute Truth.

In other words, living from the heart . This surrendering the mind and ego energy is a component of that process.
Thanks Blaine for asking

Reciprocal Inhibition = Community

2009-10-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

I harvest food on Tuesdays at the Sequatchie Cove CSA. I think of my friend Robin who picks up her food on Wednesdays. I harvest her food. She used to join me in the T harvest and her new class schedule allows her to harvest on Fridays. I pick up my food on Saturdays. :-) We each support the other in this way. The paired muscles in our bodies are like that. One works so that the other is free to do something else; like not work as hard ;-) One muscle cannot do the entire job. When they work together is when we receive the greatest benefit: increased safety in an asana pose, nourishment from a bountiful harvest. In anatomy terms this is called 'reciprocal inhibition'. In life it's called community. Working together frequently produces yields that are greater than (for example) 2 fold. In an asana pose, a sense of safety can lead to increased mobility, range of motion and strength. On the farm it can lead to new friendships, good eating, new recipes. :-) Yum! This is how we can live our yoga <3

Intention or outcome?

2009-10-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

I was reminded this week that sometimes we get distracted by the harvest and completely forget to look at the efforts made to produce a bountiful crop. While it is 'easy' to measure outcomes, perhaps it is more wise to look at one's intentions. In doing so, it may actually be 'easier' to see the goodness in all efforts. Studying Purna Yoga affords you the opportunity to practice seeing the good in your efforts. The very first meditation tool that is taught focusses on light as you inhale and intending to release tensions and blockages as you exhale. Therefore, connecting the mind with the breath begins to help you focus on your intentions for creating a bountiful life.

The Inner Google

2009-09-29T04:39:00.000-07:00

One of my teacher trainers brilliantly referred to the process of going to the heart as "the Inner Google". As you may guess, our class had many questions during the course of our training. He prompted us to learn to regularly (and frequently) go to what we ended up calling "IG" (Inner Google). When we go to our hearts we are establishing a relationship with the ultimate life coach; the ultimate teacher, the ultimate trail guide and gardener. The work of Purna Yoga is to establish and strengthen relationships; with our community, our friends, family and ultimately with our Self, our Inner Google. When you set up your computer you have so many choices which hardware and software, what type connection, what boundaries you set as you interact online. The same is true of life. The work of Purna Yoga is about learning how to hear the voice of our Inner Guide so clearly, so loudly that we have no choice but to say "YES" to the absolute truest of answers to all our questions. Our Inner Google is always available and always has our best interests at heart. <3

Graduation Open House

2009-09-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

Sat Oct 17
9-noon

doors open at 9a
9:30-11:00a
free Purna Yoga Basics Class
includes meditation and restorative yoga

open to all levels
a willingness to explore required :-)

refreshments to follow class