InsightsfromtheMat

This is a question that I have been asked a lot. Honestly, there are many reasons. Me at Graduation Why Enter an Ashram? The first, I have always wanted to experience living in an Ashram. Maybe it is the result of 20 years of doing and teaching yoga. Maybe it is Eat, Pray, Love . Who knows, but it has always been on my bucket list. So why now? These last couple of years have been hard. I feel burned out, lacking a clear focus, lack of passion for things I once loved, and a general questioning of what do I really want to be doing with my life, because I don't think this is it. So, I decided to quit my job, and thanks to a supportive spouse, fond a local Ashram that had a Teacher Training starting right after my tenure with FGCU ended. It seems like the universe was telling me something, even if I didn't quite know what it was. So off I went. So What is an Ashram? Here is what it is not. It is not a cult-lol. That is often the first misconception. It comes from th...

So today is day 3 at the Ashram and it has been a great experience so far. The people are wonderful and from all over the world and the U.S. Fun Facts for me so far: I haven’t worn shoes since I got here, other than for Karma Yoga. We don’t wear them indoors and there are pathways elsewhere. T he ashram is minimalistic (think tiny house village) where you only use the necessities. They compost, grow their own food, and conserve water. My conservation hear is alive. I have only eaten vegan. Although the granola bar I had as a snack may not totally count but no meat- lol My biggest learning so far is that after 20 years of practice I know so little. So here is the first piece of aha knowledge I want to share with you. Background: There are 8 limbs to yoga. We will get to them all. But Hatha Yoga the one we all practice is the Physical Practice – the Asanas. But Hatha Yoga means more th...

I am entering a 2-week program at the Yogi Hari's Ashram . This has been something that I have wanted to do for years. I am grateful for the opportunity to take this time and focus on me and my spiritual health/growth. This has been a year of change for me, some good, some bad. An Ashram is a place to study the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga. Daily, I will be providing serva (service) back to the Ashram. I am nervous and excited all in the same breath. Here is my daily schedule: 5:30 am - Wake up 6:00 am - Meditation, Nada Yoga, Lecture 8:00 am - Asanas, Pranayama 10:00 am - Brunch 11:00 am - Karma Yoga 12:00 pm - Personal Studies 2:00 pm - Main Lecture 4:00 pm - Asanas, Pranayama 6:00 pm - Dinner 7:30 pm - Meditation, Nada Yoga, Lecture I will be sharing my adventures on my blog as I progress through my training. I am hoping to come out on the other side a stronger, more centered, me. I know that at a minimum this experience will change my perspective...