Living Life Fully
July 25, 2011
Deb Ozarko has completed her 1st Ironman Triathlon; over 14 hours of swim, bike and run during the tail-end of a heat wave, last weekend in Lake Placid!
She was telling us how she always wanted to compete in an Ironman, so at 48 she stopped talking about it and went for it. She trained, maintained discipline and commitment. Faced her doubts, her fears and did it. (You can read more about Deb’s Ironman and her commitment in her blog post)
As she was training, I just loved being around her. There is something about people who do what makes them feel alive; the sparkle in the eye, the smile, the wise conversations that ripples out and generates such positive energy.
I am highly inspired by Deb, and at the same time I have no interest in competing in an Ironman. But that’s the beauty of it. When we live our truth we inspire others to live their truth.
The question many encounter is; what is my truth? What do I really want? I believe that we sometimes get so caught up in what needs to be done that we lose our Self. I know that in order to live my individual truth, moments of silence are essential.
This is why we decided to offer a Shavasana Commitment, 40 days at home, when you want. Give it a try. You maybe surprise to see what arises when you give yourself some space.
Thanks Deb – for living life fully!
May we all be blessed with the courage to do the same (what ever that is for you).
Shavasana Commitment
July 20, 2011
40-Day Shavasana Commitment begins August 1st 2011.
Shava-asana (corpse posture) our final posture at the end of every yoga class “ also known mrita-asana ( dead-posture) and preta-asana ( ghost-posture)” is the most beneficial posture for restoration and therefore health as a whole. In Sanskrit the word for health is Swastha and is defined as: established in the (S)elf. In English the word health has the same root as the words integrity and integration meaning wholeness. We can see that although the absence of dis-ease is something to be greatful for health is much more then that.
We know from experience that when our breath is short shallow and fragmented it impacts our thoughts and concentration is impossible. The distraction on the mental level creates the same type of unsettled energy in our body; fidgeting, tapping of the feet, looking around everywhere, humming, swaying and so forth anything but stillness. All of this takes its toll on our nervous system, creating fatigue, impatience and irritability.
It’s not uncommon to subconsciously confuse productivity (which is highly valued in our culture) with living in a manic or in a panic. Consciously we know that productive energy is not manic, it’s actually quite clear and stable. The daily practise of Shavasana is one of the best tools to experience this type of energy.
But don’t take our word for it. Give it a try. Commit. For the next 40 days spend time is Shavasana. How long? Anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes, the longer the better, but being regular is more valuable then not practicing.
To join our 40-Day Commitment:
Sign up at the Centre. Then pick your time and practise.
Technique:
Lie on your back feet hips with apart; allow the legs to relax which means the feet will point in opposite directions. Adjust the shoulders by moving the scapulas away from each other, arms by your side palms turned up. If you are uncomfortable place a pillow under your knees. Your body will then represent shavasana. As for the mind, we all have a way, a certain language that we use to talk to ourself. There is a voice a thinking-pattern that we use which we buy into. We trust that voice. To prepare for Shavasana use that voice in your favor. Set an intention that will remind you to let go. Remember that you must be willing to let go exactly the way things are. There can be no but(s), if(s) or when(s). Also remind yourself that there is no such thing as a bad shavasana. Some days you will be at peace other days you may feel edgy, wanting to move, to get out of there. Watch, respond, do not react, simply commit to your time.
At the end of the 40 days we would love to hear from you. Send us an email. Let us know ( 2 or 3 sentences) how the experience impacted your everyday life. With your permission we will post your comments and inspire others to give it a try.
Deb’s Ironman Challenge
July 7, 2011
Guest post from Elation Centre run coach and Total Core Solution coach – Deb Ozarko
Ironman – a 4km swim followed by a 180km bike and then a 42.2km run. Why on earth would anyone want to do this you may ask?
I’m still not even 100% sure myself why I decided to take on the challenge when I signed up for Ironman USA last summer, but I do know this – it truly is a journey. I’ve already learned more than I ever thought about myself physically, mentally and spiritually. It’s been quite the ride and much of what I’ve learned along the way, I’ve been able to give back to many of you in the classes that I teach with the Elation Centre.
After 8 months of hard work and sometimes grueling training, I’ve finally entered the home stretch of my Ironman journey. Many of you have come along with me on this trip. You’ve seen me hobbling around the centre with stiff muscles after hours and hours on the bike. You’ve encouraged me as I’ve nursed injuries, you’ve listened to my stories and laughed along with me at the silly things that can go right…and wrong. It really is so much more than a race of epic proportions. I’m excited and scared now that the culmination of all of this hard work is fast approaching.
Along the way, I decided that I wanted to give back to a cause that is very close to my heart. I’ve been raising funds for a wonderful organization called Farm Sanctuary based out of Watkins Glen, New York.
Why Farm Sanctuary? Many of you already know that I live a vegan lifestyle which encompasses compassion for all living beings. Farm Sanctuary was influential in this life changing time for me. Many years ago when I visited the sanctuary I had the privilege of meeting many of the rescued animals living there. I heard story after story of horrific abuse – all with a happy ending. I knew that these animals were the lucky few who were spared lives of misery. I also met some of the kindest most compassionate and caring people on the planet at this beautiful place. The giving didn’t end with the animal care at Farm Sanctuary. They also gave back to the community and one another. I learned so much during that time and it helped shape who I am today. I adopted a vegan lifestyle during that trip for many reasons – for the animals, for the planet, and for humanity. Kindness and compassion is important for all living beings – and, as the saying goes, “your life is your message”. Farm Sanctuary taught me how to be the person I have always strived to be.
So, with that in mind, I have already reached 65% of my fundraising goal of $3000. I would be thrilled and honoured if you could help me make it the rest of the way. Help me make if through this Ironman race – in those dark moments when I feel like I just can’t go on.
Knowing that I am racing for a cause with people who believe in me will help me push through those hard time. I’ve set up a donation page at this link
Any support is graciously accepted. And thank you all for encouraging me along the way – it’s meant so much to me with the months that have passed. On July 24, 2011, I will be an Ironman – I can hardly wait!
Deb
P.S. here is an amazing 3 minute video of the great work the people at Farm Sanctuary are doing
Sylvie’s Journey
July 6, 2011
“Prepare. Prepare . Prepare. But be ready to change everything at the last minute.”
If I remember correctly these are Yogi Bhajan’s wise words. I have always loved this simple statement as it reminds me to live with intention and yet let go of attachments.
As most of you know, my life is moving in a new direction. In October, I will be leaving Elation Centre (For now, my last class will be Friday September 30th). It was not an easy decision – you all know how much I love being there – but at this time having the opportunity to create some space is a gift I have chosen to take. Where am I going? When am I returning? At this point, all I can say is that I choose to stay open to what life has to offer and therefore have a sense of the direction that I am headed in, but know in my heart that it will unfold as it should.
I am happy and grateful to know that I am leaving you in good hands. Donna is keeping the Centre and her commitment to You is as strong as ever. Jane, Martha, Caroline, Krista and many other excellent teachers are looking forward to more teaching opportunities at Elation.
I wish everyone an enlightening journey and I look forward to crossing paths in the near future.
Want to stay in touch? As of October my email address will be: 111sylvieg@gmail.com
