Yoga was fun this morning. Tammy and the girls have become the regulars, with a rotating group of semi-regulars. A week or so ago, Bailey emailed Teresa- it has been on my list to do for some time- and wrote one of her flash emails, yoga is tomorrow at 9, hope you can come, Bailey- kind of things. As short as it was, it did the trick to connecting in someone from our previous community yoga crowd- Teresa emailed last night.
When she came in, we did the introductions. I figured she and Tammy had met somewhere along the line, since they live within a mile of one another. They had, but had not really known each other aside from a meeting with another of our former yoga folks who moved to Cailfornia several years back. This led to the reality sinking in that my eight year old's entire life has been almost free of the community yoga group.
That sounds like nothing, except that this group has been my only real connection to the community in which I live. I have been a professional in this industry since the early 1990s. But we moved out here in 1999. And other than the other folks I saw on the site council and PTA in the small district where the children used to attend school, I didn't know anyone. So I slowly started posting signs about starting a community yoga group.
This was well before facebook or craigslist, at least for me. I met my friend Toni this way. She brought friends from the school and I invited other parents. When I took the job on the reservation, it was the girls from the yoga group who helped me find the woman who we used for child care. They threw an impromptu shower for me before Wyatt Clay was born. After Wyatt was born, the group sort of fizzled out. Stacy moved to Montana, Terry moved to California. We had moved the group to the community center, but that seemed to take something away from its feeling as a family, and folks came less.
For the last three years, we have driven our children to town to school in order to keep them on track for college and keep Wyatt in programs to help with speech and all. Many of the other parents still here are doing the same. We moved to a 4H group on the northern end of the road we live on so that Bailey could work with other kids that do Pygmy goat. It has increasingly felt that the only thing we had left here in this community was the house.
I have been wanting to restart the yoga group for some time. Also wanting to teach classes here at the house has helped move this along. When I first logged on to Facebook a few weeks ago, Toni found me almost immediately. Tammy did too, our children having gone to preschool together and done Clover Club together before we moved our children to different town schools. Connecting this morning, and finding how we all fit together and seeing in all of our children the passage of time,it really brought this home today.
Before she left, Teresa and I caught up again as we have from time to time over the years, standing in the hallway where she used to be known for statements that hit home. When I walked her out, we discussed the community feeling and reconnection. She said that this was a kind of community in itself. Outside of our little houses, we come together once each week. Silly, laughing, not strict, but practicing together and passing it on to the next generation while supporoting one another and working on ourselves. Yep, our own community. And everyone is welcome. Thanks for keeping me on track, girls!!!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Steelers...
The Tucson Steelers are having a fundraiser! It is a raffle where the prizes include a ball hoop, and pop shot game, gift cards and much more...
Tickets are $3.00 or 2 for $5.00.
Raffle will be held September 30th during practice.
Interested? Let us know!
Tickets are $3.00 or 2 for $5.00.
Raffle will be held September 30th during practice.
Interested? Let us know!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Breathe in, breathe out, just breathe.
Community Yoga Group was fun this morning. Many of the regulars were away today. While that can feel like something is missing in a class, today it gave me more time to help the newcomers.
One of the beautiful things about the community yoga group, is that we are open to explore the practice with laughter and practicality, without newcomers feeling pressured with a more strict yoga practice. Although, anyone who has attended my yoga classes in the last 12 years knows that I believe each person is different, and that yoga is meant to be fun and connected- not stale and a performance. This is meditation through movement, not some strict adherence for supremacy.
Folks come into yoga with a lot of perceptions. Some are accurate, others are close, some still couldn't be farther from the truth. I was cuing downward dog, explaining that while it is a resting posture, it never feels like that the first several times when a couple of today's group started laughing. This healthy response elicits conversation, usually. I corrected one participant on straightening the legs, and reminded them that they can change how far their feet are apart to make it work better for them. Many people will always work with a specific spacing of the feet because it is what they originally learned. But each person is different. Today, I found myself reminding them that, as far as I know of, there is no ancient Sanskrit text that defines the perfect alignment in inches for how far apart the feet are. The correct spacing is defined by your body and where you align correctly.
Today we also spent some time on correct breath. But mostly afterward. I found myself discussing that we work toward full breaths and types of breathing for the purpose of bringing forth different physiological responses, leading to eliminating stale breath, voiding toxins, warming the body, lots of things. But this isn't the first thing I teach. The first thing I teach in yoga, as with all exercise is to breathe. Period.
If each of us remembers to breathe, the rest will come. This applies to daily life. Breathe in, breathe out, get up and try again. Don't expect to look like the person next to you. Don't give up, reset yourself and try the posture/ exercise again. Breathe in, breathe out, take on a new challenge. Approach a problem from a new angle. Only expect to control what is truly within your grasp, and only if it meant to be within your grasp. Breathe in, breathe out. Elongate the spine and receive the breath fully. As long as you keep breathing, keep trying, it will come.
See you all next week.
One of the beautiful things about the community yoga group, is that we are open to explore the practice with laughter and practicality, without newcomers feeling pressured with a more strict yoga practice. Although, anyone who has attended my yoga classes in the last 12 years knows that I believe each person is different, and that yoga is meant to be fun and connected- not stale and a performance. This is meditation through movement, not some strict adherence for supremacy.
Folks come into yoga with a lot of perceptions. Some are accurate, others are close, some still couldn't be farther from the truth. I was cuing downward dog, explaining that while it is a resting posture, it never feels like that the first several times when a couple of today's group started laughing. This healthy response elicits conversation, usually. I corrected one participant on straightening the legs, and reminded them that they can change how far their feet are apart to make it work better for them. Many people will always work with a specific spacing of the feet because it is what they originally learned. But each person is different. Today, I found myself reminding them that, as far as I know of, there is no ancient Sanskrit text that defines the perfect alignment in inches for how far apart the feet are. The correct spacing is defined by your body and where you align correctly.
Today we also spent some time on correct breath. But mostly afterward. I found myself discussing that we work toward full breaths and types of breathing for the purpose of bringing forth different physiological responses, leading to eliminating stale breath, voiding toxins, warming the body, lots of things. But this isn't the first thing I teach. The first thing I teach in yoga, as with all exercise is to breathe. Period.
If each of us remembers to breathe, the rest will come. This applies to daily life. Breathe in, breathe out, get up and try again. Don't expect to look like the person next to you. Don't give up, reset yourself and try the posture/ exercise again. Breathe in, breathe out, take on a new challenge. Approach a problem from a new angle. Only expect to control what is truly within your grasp, and only if it meant to be within your grasp. Breathe in, breathe out. Elongate the spine and receive the breath fully. As long as you keep breathing, keep trying, it will come.
See you all next week.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
New Ways to enjoy Scents and Aromatherapy
I was reading today about a new trend: more people are using aromatherapy in the shower. Apparently the average person spends 5 to 10 minutes in the shower, and because they are having a hard time finding time for relaxation anywhere else in their day, they are using fizzing aromatherapy in the shower.
I am not picking on this trend. Bailey has had me make her a eucalyptus version of her sugar scrubs and soaps for years now, which she likes to use when her allergies are bad. Other times her favorites trend to the lavender and fruited scents.
I don't usually need anything special, our lavender soap catches the steam of the shower and opens my eyes and mind each time. There are so many healing properties of lavender, and when all else fails it is also just good for the soul. While out running this morning, I was thinking it was time to bring in the supplies for he holiday scents, the pumpkin, sure, but the big call is for the orange, cinnamon and clove spice essential oil blend I add to soaps and scrubs for fall. It feeds my holiday atmosphere of the mind.
In a time where we in the wellness industry are warning against too many scents because of air pollution, allergies and asthma, I would acknowledge the thought, with a caveat. Know what is in the product you use. Harsh chemicals are not good for anyone. Opt for natural products, where the scents come from essential oils an natural ingredients. If the ingredient list contains a long list of things you cannot pronounce, beware.
If you are sensitive to certain things, work with someone who hand makes the items you want to use to help develop your own version. I recently had a parent want me to work with them to make approved lavender items for their child, with a given list of "no's" from the family physician. Since I can make very small batches, I really enjoyed the challenge, and could take it on as a small, individual artisan. I have also had special requests for products without coconut oil.
Anyhow, if the 5-10 minutes you spend in the shower is the only time you have to relax, and you choose aromatherapy while you are at it, make it a quality experience. Consider one of our soaps, scrubs or other products, or at least make it the good stuff. There is always the aromatherapy that comes from the good quality lotions and balms to get lost in later in the day, too. Share your favorite scents and styles in the comment section for everyone!!!
I am not picking on this trend. Bailey has had me make her a eucalyptus version of her sugar scrubs and soaps for years now, which she likes to use when her allergies are bad. Other times her favorites trend to the lavender and fruited scents.
I don't usually need anything special, our lavender soap catches the steam of the shower and opens my eyes and mind each time. There are so many healing properties of lavender, and when all else fails it is also just good for the soul. While out running this morning, I was thinking it was time to bring in the supplies for he holiday scents, the pumpkin, sure, but the big call is for the orange, cinnamon and clove spice essential oil blend I add to soaps and scrubs for fall. It feeds my holiday atmosphere of the mind.
In a time where we in the wellness industry are warning against too many scents because of air pollution, allergies and asthma, I would acknowledge the thought, with a caveat. Know what is in the product you use. Harsh chemicals are not good for anyone. Opt for natural products, where the scents come from essential oils an natural ingredients. If the ingredient list contains a long list of things you cannot pronounce, beware.
If you are sensitive to certain things, work with someone who hand makes the items you want to use to help develop your own version. I recently had a parent want me to work with them to make approved lavender items for their child, with a given list of "no's" from the family physician. Since I can make very small batches, I really enjoyed the challenge, and could take it on as a small, individual artisan. I have also had special requests for products without coconut oil.
Anyhow, if the 5-10 minutes you spend in the shower is the only time you have to relax, and you choose aromatherapy while you are at it, make it a quality experience. Consider one of our soaps, scrubs or other products, or at least make it the good stuff. There is always the aromatherapy that comes from the good quality lotions and balms to get lost in later in the day, too. Share your favorite scents and styles in the comment section for everyone!!!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Take time to be Present
Take Time to Be Present
A Sea Star hug and other lessons in life…
After dinner, Wyatt still had a few things he wanted to see before he was ready to leave Sea World. We went to the Arctic experience. The kids played together in the exhibit, stared in awe and noted similarities between the creatures. The people around us were taking their time, too. Without the rush of the crowds people were settling in to enjoy the majesty and grace of the large animals. We stared at penguins, noted how they behave similarly to Wyatt’s chickens. Puffins look a bit like silkies as babies.
We had to wander a bit to find the bat rays. Their interaction area had been packed three deep when we had come by earlier. Now the kids were among very few there. The girl acting as curator for the exhibit answered several questions from across the pool. Several rays came up to the children, rolling their wing-like appendages until the children had touched them and felt like they had high 5’s. It was getting late, so Wyatt moved on to the tide pools.
At the tide pools, Wyatt looked up at me and asked if they had eyes. Not having an answer for him, I told him he could ask the girl from the exhibit. Shy little Wyatt walked up and asked. What ensued was about an hour of Wyatt, sometimes joined by the girls, peppering the girl with questions. She wandered all aournd with him and discussed the number of rays (arms) and helped him touch and understand the sea stars, sea anemones, and other plants and animals. They discussed how they eat, eliminate and move, their nervous systems and brains. She put sea stars in his hands to give him sea star hugs, showed him how the other creatures would wrap around his finger to see what he was. The fireworks came and went. He was wide awake and ready to learn about hese things in front of him.
Much of our group had long been ready to go. But vacations come so seldom when you live with all the animals we have, and time for Wyatt to explore without shyness or fear and just indulge his curiosity is rare. An hour ticked by easily, with him making sure I experienced along with him.
Wyatt was teaching one of the tenets we strive to live in yoga- to be present in the moment. We so often bustle our way through life, ticking off items on the to-do list. We are so consumed by all that is going on that we fail to stop, look around us and really participate fully in life. To be present in the moment, the full experience of the life we live.
That night I lay awake in bed, thinking about the day. I was reminded of how Wyatt had drawn me in. How we had let go of whatever else was out there to fully experience what was around us then. our children have much to teach us as we try to teach them. I hope to learn more each day, to be the person they deserve for me to be. To be present in the moment and our lives each day. And, did I mention? I, too, got a sea star hug, too.
A Sea Star hug and other lessons in life…
We let the kids sleep in after the late night of fireworks on the fourth. Charlie and Dad were painting, and I went to the coffeehouse to do some computer work, then came back as Mom was serving the kids breakfast. The big plan: Sea World.
We spent a busy afternoon in the crowded park, packing into shows, marveling at the wonders, getting doused on rides, shivering against the unusually cold July day. In the evening, Charlie sat with three excited children in the second row soak zone at the beautiful new dolphin show. The kids were thrilled at the coming water promised from the dolphins and pilot whales- the other three of us took the towel and electronics up several stairs. Charlie got the kids hot chocolate to keep the wind at bay.
After dinner, Wyatt still had a few things he wanted to see before he was ready to leave Sea World. We went to the Arctic experience. The kids played together in the exhibit, stared in awe and noted similarities between the creatures. The people around us were taking their time, too. Without the rush of the crowds people were settling in to enjoy the majesty and grace of the large animals. We stared at penguins, noted how they behave similarly to Wyatt’s chickens. Puffins look a bit like silkies as babies.
We had to wander a bit to find the bat rays. Their interaction area had been packed three deep when we had come by earlier. Now the kids were among very few there. The girl acting as curator for the exhibit answered several questions from across the pool. Several rays came up to the children, rolling their wing-like appendages until the children had touched them and felt like they had high 5’s. It was getting late, so Wyatt moved on to the tide pools.
At the tide pools, Wyatt looked up at me and asked if they had eyes. Not having an answer for him, I told him he could ask the girl from the exhibit. Shy little Wyatt walked up and asked. What ensued was about an hour of Wyatt, sometimes joined by the girls, peppering the girl with questions. She wandered all aournd with him and discussed the number of rays (arms) and helped him touch and understand the sea stars, sea anemones, and other plants and animals. They discussed how they eat, eliminate and move, their nervous systems and brains. She put sea stars in his hands to give him sea star hugs, showed him how the other creatures would wrap around his finger to see what he was. The fireworks came and went. He was wide awake and ready to learn about hese things in front of him.
Much of our group had long been ready to go. But vacations come so seldom when you live with all the animals we have, and time for Wyatt to explore without shyness or fear and just indulge his curiosity is rare. An hour ticked by easily, with him making sure I experienced along with him.
Wyatt was teaching one of the tenets we strive to live in yoga- to be present in the moment. We so often bustle our way through life, ticking off items on the to-do list. We are so consumed by all that is going on that we fail to stop, look around us and really participate fully in life. To be present in the moment, the full experience of the life we live.
That night I lay awake in bed, thinking about the day. I was reminded of how Wyatt had drawn me in. How we had let go of whatever else was out there to fully experience what was around us then. our children have much to teach us as we try to teach them. I hope to learn more each day, to be the person they deserve for me to be. To be present in the moment and our lives each day. And, did I mention? I, too, got a sea star hug, too.Monday, July 5, 2010
More fun!
San Diego is cold!!! OK, I like living in Arizona. Even if we have to leave to run at 5:30 this time of year.
So yesterday, Kaleigh and Wyatt started off 
with a fizzy project while the men painted and I made breakfast. Meanwhile, Bailey and Grandma worked by the back fence to finish up from Charlie's 
weedeating. So Dad and Charlie used the winch to pull down a dead tree. They took their frustrations out on it, and chopped it up and took a load of green waste off to become compost. San Diego does a really good job generating revenue through their green recycling and composting.
with a fizzy project while the men painted and I made breakfast. Meanwhile, Bailey and Grandma worked by the back fence to finish up from Charlie's 
weedeating. So Dad and Charlie used the winch to pull down a dead tree. They took their frustrations out on it, and chopped it up and took a load of green waste off to become compost. San Diego does a really good job generating revenue through their green recycling and composting.
So then Mom and I took the kids to the park for the celebration there. They swam for over an hour. Wyatt climbed the climbing wall. So 
Kaleigh climbed the climbing wall.
Kaleigh climbed the climbing wall.Sure Heather, we are feeding the kids plenty of really nutritious cherries, veggies, and grapes. But that is everyday stuff, so who takes a photos of it?
By the way Heather, we didn't want yo to feel left out, so we made you a steak at dinner, too. Here it is. The three boys say they will act in your stead and 
eat it for lunch today. Sound good? Wouldn't want to waste, you know.
eat it for lunch today. Sound good? Wouldn't want to waste, you know.
So we all went to the fireworks, which was well worth it! Then afterwards, a ship passed by and shot of it's cannons. Very cool. But we think we need some more fun. As I type, the men are painting the back trim. Then we are all going to Sea World. They do a free pass most years for military families. Very nice of them, and we sure appreciate it. This year Charlie will get to be will us. But I am still too cold for the splash zone!!! Anyway, more fun to come. eee
Sunday, July 4, 2010
We snuck away....
We snuck away to San Diego for the long weekend, to work on the house and have a little fun. Charlie and Grandpa have been painting the house, and the kids have worked on the kitchen and the yard. Last night we celebrated with watching Blindside and smores! Yummy...
Sonia has been gracious enough to be looking after the animals at Patriots Dream. THANKS SO MUCH! Hope the dogs leave her some room on the bed...
New Bantam Area and other NEWS!
We finished the new bantam are the other day. Princess Galla Buttercup moved in with them at the same time, and you can see them all mendering in their area.Now the chickens are all in their new places. We began work on the new goat facilities, but the weather precluded us from completing them last week. We will get back to work when we get back.
In other NEWS!, here is a return of yoga at Patriot's Dream. Friday, July 9th, from 9-10:15 am we will return to having the Community Yoga Group at the farm. More new classes will follow the week after. Check out the events oage of our web site for the full information on this class which has been sorely missed!!!
Feel free to email u questions as well. See you soon!
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