This was a really, really, really good yoga week on the teaching front. I am grateful every time I lead a class but this week my yogis went above and beyond with their energy and focus. They showed up BIG. I can’t even describe what it’s like to be a part of but it makes me equal parts joyful and over the top emotional at the same time.
So in the spirit of this awesome week of energy, the focus of this weekend’s classes at Om Yoga and Y2 Yoga was JOY! I read the following post from Danielle LaPorte.
We need you to tell us your good news.
Tell us how deeply in love you are.
Tell us how your life is rocking.
How free you are these days.
Tell us how wonderful your family is.
How many opportunities are coming your way.
How great it feels to make your work in the world.
How lazy, luxurious, or revitalizing your holiday was.
Tell us how fulfilled you feel in your job.
How sexy you felt on the dance floor, on your bike, in the interview.
Tell us how well you’re being loved.
How delicious your dinner was.
How healthy and sturdy you are these days.
Go ahead, tell us how lucky you are.
Do you feel so utterly blessed at times that it blows your mind?
Ya? Tell us about it. Please.
Even if you have to stretch to find the one golden thing in your existence right now, accentuate that. And give it to us.
We need you to light up our realities. Don’t shrink from sharing the story of your good fortune. Give us examples of well-loved living. Give us evidence of the rewards of courage, that it pays to hold out, or to go wild, or to burn prayer candles.
Declare your fulfillment without restraint.
Create conversations of fulfillment so we can step away from the shadows of media madness
and habitual, repressive, dampening complaining of the day.
Forget about arrogance and your britches.
Never mind potentially envious reactions — envy can be a positive agitator.
Yes, be gentle in the face of another’s lack, but still, let them know that certain happiness is possible — you’re living proof.
Tell us what’s good in your life so that we can believe in it for ourselves, so that we can reach out and join in.
Speak of your joy. Whatever it is. Often.
At Om Yoga on Saturday morning I had my yogis not only not face the front of the room but face each other. After the warm up I had them pull their mats to the wall to work on forearm balance and then I asked them to stay that way for the standing flow. They were a little freaked out at first but they ended up LOVING it! We finished class using the wall for things like frog and legs up the wall savasana. It was beautiful!
At Y2 Yoga this morning we worked on revolved side plank with a bind and drop backs. My yogis were so great this morning and they laughed, willingly tried whatever I threw at them and supported each other. There were moments where they “wooed” and clapped for each other as people tried things for the first time. Standing up to fear! Again, it was beautiful!
Now on to this week’s playlist!
The two songs you must download from this playlist are the “Midnight” Coldplay remix and the “Tennis Court” Lorde remix. Both are so good! And also, I’ve been playing the song “Passion Play” for years and it is super special. Download it!
And that’s all I’ve got. Have a JOYFUL week!
I absolutely love The Funeral by BOH. And way to go with adding Sigur Ros in there. Love them!
I was HIGH AS A KITE all day after that class – you are right the whole room was bubbling! Thanks so much!
OOOOhhhhh I wish I could take your yoga class, but live on the opposite coast!
I definitely wish I lived on the east coast so I could take yoga from you!
I so wish I could take one of your yoga classes!
I’ve done only a handful (really… Maybe 5!) of yoga classes in my life but decided at the last minute to try a studio close to my house as they offer a free class as new teachers hone their skills. I am so glad I did! Our intention was borrowed from Nike – Just Do It! We were reminded that if we hold back that we’re not true and honoring to ourselves or those around us. It hit home to say the least. I will be back 🙂
Also – great playlist as always!
Sounds like a great yoga class! That’s great that everyone was so supportive of each other.
I love yoga classes when people are so encouraging! Great playlist as well and just in time since I was looking for some new to me songs!
This class description reminds me of the Women’s NIke Half Marathon I ran yesterday. SO MANY WOMEN encouraging and inspiring one another : )
LOVE those pants! The brighter the better…I also believe that is hard to wear yellow and not smile…Have a beautiful Monday! 🙂
Love the playlist and the Joy message! Such a beautiful photo with the sun shining in. I wish I was there!!! Thanks also for turning me onto William Fitzsimmons. I play Passion Play as well and love his new album! Hold On is a good one.
i haven’t listened to the new album so thanks for the suggestion. i will now!
YES! I meant months ago to suggest London Grammar to you but got sidetracked- you should definitely check out their album if you haven’t already, they have so many great chilled out songs. Definitely calms me down during long commutes
i haven’t checked out the album so thanks for the head’s up. i will now!