The Mind is a Powerful Thing

Today I finished my 10^th class at the Bikram Yoga Limerick studio.  In every class, I have thought to myself…. I am going to die!!!  And after every class, I come out with a big smile on my face.  What an amazing feeling it is to die and reborn again thru this yoga.

I have come to realize that everything in the class is Consistent!  The HEAT (40 degrees to the tee everytime.. hot hot hot just how we like it), the room, the walls, the mirrors, the mat, the towel, my water, the teacher.  The only thing that is different is Me.

The Consistency in the Hot Yoga Room forces me to completely focus and concentrate on my MIND.  Each class, I get to strengthen and challenge my mind.  I am a firm believer that if you put your mind to something, you can do it.  Within myself, I am pushed to find the motivation to thrive above and beyond my limits.  My self discipline and determination would not allow myself to do otherwise.

I am so thankful to have such an amazing Teacher and Mentor to help me find this new inner motivation and strength in my practice.  Cora, your consistent and accurate dialogue challenges my mind to listen and learn and re-learn the details, while your support, feedback, energy, motivation and genuine care inspires me to want to achieve more.

Everything I learn in my practice, I apply to my teaching.  There's so much more to learn and grow... the journey is never ending.  The New Year is coming up so perfect timing to make sure my head is straight and mind is strongJ  Excited for 2013!!!

Nothing will happen if you stay in a place where you are comfortable

Two months in Brussels have already flown by.  In the last 2 months, I have spent my time teaching full time (10 classes per week), maintained a consistent practice, improved in my postures (head to knee) and fed my thirst for travelling; visiting cities in Belgium (Brussels, Brugge, Zottegem, Antwerp, Ghent, Knokke), Germany (Koln, Aachen), France (Paris), and Spain (Ibiza, Mallorca).

Again, the world surprises me with amazing people that have exposed me to the sincerity and generosity of humanity, inspiration, knowledge and more.  I feel so thankful and blessed to be able to continue to travel, meet people who positively influence and enhance my experiences, and build life-long friendships along the way.

Leaving a city is always bittersweet.  But there are never Goodbyes in my vocabulary.  We will always meet again.

It wasn't difficult for me to pick up and move across the country (from Vancouver to Toronto), and although I was a little nervous at first, looking back, it wasn't difficult to pick up and move across the World!  You just have to do it... Don't think about it (actually, i only started getting nervous when i started thinking about it).  Make up your mind and put the actions in place to get you to where you want to be.  Once you are there, the rest will fall into place.

Nothing will happen if you stay in a place where you are comfortable.

Push yourself to the edge and beyond.  Surprise Yourself!

Living in a different country far from my own, I have been able to open my mind and heart even more so.  Europe has given me opportunity to grow and learn through a varies of different situations and obstacles.  I continue to freely express my personality and test and challenge my character and strength through my actions and courage to try new things.  

New things as simple as trying new food or new ways of eating certain types of food, to following directions on google maps to get to a new place, to asking questions in a new language, to hopping into a stranger's car as a means of transportation in europe to visit nearby cities, to visiting a spa only to find out it's an all-naked spa where everyone speaks german and amongst the several saunas it offers, one built with an oven inside and after 10 mins of baking in the heat (you and the dough), out pops a cookie for you to enjoy, etc etc...... the list continues, but each experience unique and equally significant to my life journey.  The details and stories I will share when the right time comes, for when a friend needs a little inspiration and push to follow their own heart.

I'm Thankful for my life and the Time I have to live it.
On to my next adventure.  I'm ready and excited for Ireland!

Girlfriends are one of life's most precious and valuable treasures!

As I travel from city to city, I always think of and reflect how lucky I am to have such an amazing group of girlfriends (you know who you are!).  Whether, we are a group of 10, 8, 4, 3, 2…. Each one of you are so important to me and I love you!

When I return to Vancouver, where all my things are currently stored, I get to look through all the memories that we have shared; whether it’s through pictures, scrapbooks, cards, emails, etc.  And I know how I feel about you in that exact moment, is how you are feeling about me.  Our relationship only grows and strengthens with time.  It doesn’t matter how far we are from each other, or how often we talk, when we need each other, we know we can always count on each other.

And when that special moment comes where we get to spend time face to face, everything is as it was when we last saw each other, or even better.

Just a message to let you all know that I am always thinking of you!

Thank You Rochester!

It’s been awhile since I’ve updated my blog…. Oops.  

I guess living life in the moment and embracing everything infront of you is a "go go" mechanism.  I’m beginning to think that that is just my lifestyle and no matter where I am or what I’m doing, I will always be on the go.  However, I do understand that it is important to stop and reflect from time to time.

So where have I been the last few months since my Bikram Yoga Teacher career kicked off.

Well, I spent the months of July teaching in both Toronto and Vancouver studios.  Having a loose leaf schedule with 1-2 classes a week, it was a no-brainer when an opportunity came up to teach full time in Rochester, NY.  Of course, having 2 of my fellow trainees from teacher training there was a bonus…. And the top 10 reasons list from Gonzalo made it a 110% Yes! 

Going from an average 50 hours work-week schedule to 20 hours work-week schedule has been somewhat of an adjustment.  Nevertheless, I find myself just as busy, occupying myself with a never-ending to-do list. 

Being a Bikram Yoga Teacher, I have adapted to a “living day by day” lifestyle. Everyday is a new day.  You live in the moment.  The schedule is never the same.  You have everyday to wake up and make up your mind what to do and when to do it.  Students ask me all the time... what day it is?… and I honestly never have any idea.  I’m living the day as it is.  I’m not sure if that’ s a good thing or bad thing.  But in the meantime, I’m enjoying teaching and learning and growing in my new role.  The students are inspiring and seeing their efforts and progress in class inspires me to continue with my practice.  Patience is key!  And continuing to take classes from different teachers allows me to continue to learn and apply new things to my teaching.  I’m so grateful for this new life and new adventure, allowing me to pursue 2 of my passions; travelling and yoga. 

Teaching at Bikram Yoga Rochester has allowed me to flourish and gain the confidence to, not only develop as a teacher, but within myself.  The opportunity to meet new people, see new things, go out of your comfort zone, take risks, etc  it’s all there for you to explore!  I’d like to think that I have also impacted those around me to take the leap of faith and just go for it- whatever it is!!!  Some secrets I will never tell (lol). 

In training, we discuss the subject of Yoga and the means of Yoga to help people discover themselves and humanity.  I’ve been able to see the differences in people’s lives and what this yoga brings to them….. Incredible!  Every experience has been extremely valuable and I want to thank everyone in Rochester, especially my Rochester family for giving me this opportunity, allowing me to go thru the ups and downs,  and supporting me through the whole way.  I love you guys! <3

Now, I begin my adventure out in Europe, teaching first in Brussels for the next 2 months. 

All you need To-Do today

First Class in Rochester!

Come get Sweaty!
Saturday, August 18- 11am class

Hello San Francisco

Quick stop in San Francisco before leaving to NY to teach for 6 weeks.

Our BFF is getting married

Seeing your best friend get married is one of the most incredible experiences in life. The feeling is indescribable, beyond anything imagined, and nothing short of amazing♥

We've been friends since we were 5 and have gone thru pretty much every stage of life together- from kids going to sunday school, teenagers hanging out late at night figuring out a way to get home, young adults exploring and abusing all privileges, to growing up to becoming beautiful, successful women.

Although we have spent the last few years apart, living in opposite ends of the country, every time we get together, it's like nothing has changed.  A second together re-confirms our life-long friendship.  Without even knowing it, you are so loyal.   Your generosity and genuine care for others has no limits and with no hesitation, you would do anything for your friends.  That's just who you are... You are amazing!  Throughout the years, you have always told me how proud of me you are, and have supported me with every decision I made.  

What I want to tell you... is How Proud of You I am and how Happy I am for You! 

Growing up, you always had a strong head on your shoulder.  You always knew what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.  You were like the big sister leading the way.  I always looked up to you and your strength and determination to achieve what you want only continued to strengthen and grow as we grew.  I am so lucky to have such a beautiful, generous, self-less and inspirational friend.

Time, distance, oceans, mountains.... nothing can break us.  Only makes us stronger.  Congrats Jess.  I love you!!

"T" is for Toronto

Toronto.... I love you.

In the last 4 months... it's been from LA to Vegas to Vancouver and back to Toronto.  Toronto is truly one of the greatest cities in the world; the vibe, the energy, the people... everything!

7 years ago I made, what seemed like, a split second decision to move my life to Toronto.  Knowing absolutely nothing and no one of the city, I took a leap of faith and somehow knew and felt that it would be a good thing.  7 years of my life here I spent growing, learning, discovering, and living in this amazing city.  I'm so grateful and fortunate to have met so many wonderful people that have become my family, allowing me to call Toronto my home.

The world is big, yet small at the same time.  Again, I feel the urge and need to find home and comfort in a new and exciting city..... somewhere out there.

Till next time Toronto... I love you.

Teaching my first class

Teaching my first class today:
Friday, June 29, 2012
3:15pm
Burnaby Metrotown Location

After today, it's official... I'm a Bikram Yoga Teacher!!  woooo hoooooo

This is my textbook.  Feels like the first day of school again.  I'm nervous, excited and ready as i'll ever be.  Most importantly, what am i gonna wear???

Post-class comments:  Brad says the stars were aligned for my class today.
Thanking my lucky Stars!!!