Self Study: Core Strength

In our new 6 week series' together we are working with Core Strength. Not just abdominal strength, though we've begun here in classes this week, but we will be delving deeper into the meaning of Yoga Practice. More specifically into the meaning of Personal Yoga Practice. In classes we've begun physically with Core Strength in asana (postures). Online here, I'm beginning with the deepest, most personal Core Strength of Practice- with ritual and self study. 

Yesterday I went in for my monthly infusion to treat my Multiple Sclerosis and to slow it's progression. There is so much controversy within the MS community and within the Chronic Conditions community as well about medication. To medicate or not to. My treatment plan is what's right for Me. I've struggled in the past (and at times in the present I admit) with the decisions I've had to make regarding My treatment plan. I want to be that person who can just have a super disciplined practice and lifestyle and never get hit again by the MS-ness. I've tried that route. It didn't work for me.  

That's right. I am a Yoga teacher, Yoga student and Yoga advocate that medicates, that drinks coffee, eats meat, enjoys a cocktail with friends and gasp* sometimes will let a Yoga practice slide in honor of sleeping in or in honor of being lazy. What?!!! It's true. I'm human and that's all I represent myself as. 

I hear, read and digest others opinions of what I should do and who I should be. I take it with a grain of salt. What my Personal Yoga Practice has taught me is to unapologetically be ME. Yes, myself, not the version of myself that someone or some book says/thinks I should be. That- is NOT Yoga! 

My ritual, my self study, the things at the deepest core center of my Personal Yoga Practice teaches me to be proud of who I am, to lovingly take care of my medical and human needs to be the best version of myself. These practices hold me calm and centered when a well meaning student, teacher, friend or doctor tells me "I should" be something/one other than me. 

I teach Yoga Empowered, not Yoga Be Who I am. Be Your best self. Be your own Guru and the light unto Yourself. I'll be right there along the way with you doing the exact same thing- practicing with compassion, diligence and a good heart to be my best self. With or without MS, I am Suzanne. You, beautiful Being, can be your best self as well. 

Personal Yoga Practice builds Core Strength. The very heart of your Being. Core strength to weather any storm, to stand firm when others may bring you down, to remain pure at heart and in spirit regardless of what anyone else says, does or believes about you. 

I am Suzanne Stephens and I am empowered by my Personal Yoga Practice. 

I'll toast to that!

Rock Your Practice! 

^o^ 

Video: Yoga Empowered for Chronic Badasses!

Recently through Yoga Empowered's Facebook Page I met Candice via Infectiously Optimistic and was made aware of the definition of a Chronic Badass.  I love it and am proud to consider myself a Chronic Badass as well! 

After seeing the response at Infectiously Optimistic regarding practicing Yoga in bed and to the Waking Up Yoga Empowered Style Video I began planning this video for Chronic Badasses everywhere. I will continue to post videos with practices from bed just for you as this is where most of my personal Yoga practices take place.

While practicing, always honor your body (not sure how- read this before beginning). There is no competition, there is no perfect- there is only what's right for you- the Practitioner. Practice with a smooth steady breath speed, allowing that breath to be your barometer. Maintain that smooth steady breath. If you notice yourself breathing more shallowly or holding your breath- notice it- make no judgement and come back to that smooth steady breath over and over again. Repeat. This is Yoga Practice. Even just sitting or lying with your awareness on your breath- noticing it- making no judgement- smoothing and evening it repeat repeat repeat is an awesomely beneficial practice. Try just breathing for 5 minutes (set a timer) and see how it affects your energy, calmness and your spirit. Read more here about the power of breath awareness. Meet yourself where you are and decide in said moment what your body needs most. A more gentle practice, a stronger practice or a nap. All valid answers. This is never meant to be a substitute for advice from your physician.

This is one of the longest practice videos I've done yet (30 minutes!). Thank you for your support, your feedback and mostly for showing up to practice to refill your well! 

Presenting: Yoga Empowered for Chronic Badasses!

Any questions or concerns please let me know- it's why I'm here and why I do this.

Rock Your Practice! 

^o^

The Pink Tree

As we enter our last week of this 6 week series together I feel the need to reflect and regroup. We've been Blasting Thru Shit that No Longer Serves Us. We've done so in asana by establishing foundation in postures and within each breath. We've done so in meditation by releasing, letting go and by focusing on and building strength within. We've done so in breath and being by practicing being present with what is- comfortable or not. We've learned about samskaras, about making different choices, about noticing and making no judgement. We've practiced re-affirming the choice to blaze our way onto new paths by establishing new habits, behaviors and ways of being. We've done so with intention, diligence and good hearts.

In Saturday's class I noticed the cherry blossom tree outside the north window of the studio was releasing it's petals. It created a beautiful pink base to the tree. I stopped to watch the petals fall and decided we needed to add this to our practice that day. We gathered our chairs around the window and sat to take it all in for about 5 minutes. I asked you to witness through sight everything that was present in that moment. As the petals fell, as people passed by and even as a little puppy came by to play briefly in the pink sea of petals we came to realize together that moments do pass. In each moment that passes, we have the choice to be our best selves.

Further into our practice together on Saturday I asked you to close your eyes and let that pink tree come into your mind's eye, to visualize that tree. This image can be recalled at any time to re-establish your new ways of being. When you fall back into old ways that no longer serve you, or perhaps you make a choice that you are more "used to" making rather than the choice that leads you to being your best self... recall the tree. Imagine shedding the pink petals of what no longer serves you. Imagery is powerful stuff.

For those of you who missed it or would like a reminder, I invite you to enjoy the moment captured from class on Saturday. Bring this vision of the petals shedding any time you need a reminder that you too- can let go of the shit that no longer serves you!

^o^

Pink Tree Meditation Video.