What a weekend!!!

The Lululemon community class I taught on Saturday was a whole lot of fun and I look forward to seeing everyone out again for the next one I teach on Saturday Dec. 20th! I was feeling some anxiety for a while afterwards and wasn't sure just why until It occured to me that I didn't feel like I got to connect with everyone in the same way I normally would in a class standing outside the door... so if I missed you... know that I carried you with me and will remedy that next time!

Sitting here (I should be sleeping...), I'm looking over at the beautiful blue passport of mine that will soon earn it's first stamp the weekend after next when I fly with a close friend to Central America :) While the plan was to go to Belize, flights could not be arranged without having to take off work and seeing that we are in the middle of the holidays (which means several classes cancelled) I wanted to avoid taking the time off right now. The blessing I live in creating my own schedule means I am off from Friday at 130pm until 6am on Tuesday which is perfect for a get away (even to Mayan Territory!)!  

We will be in the jungles of Northern Guatemala in and around Tikal and also in the mountains of southern Guatemala as well as around Lake Atitlan which is, to my understanding :) currently ranked #33 on the new 7 wonders of nature.  

By the way, none of this will even begin to hit me until Thursday Dec 11 when I'm packing :D  

So yesterday I was reading something by motivational speaker and author, Cheryl Richardson, that got me thinking. She wrote about being a miracle worker in someones life suggesting that there are most definitely people whose paths we often cross who may need help but are unable to admit it. The article got me thinking about the many ways we are able to offer ourselves to those around us in need. What really set in for me was her suggestion to ask those around us,  

"If someone were to give you a small miracle right now, what would it be?"  

Proclaim to be a miracle worker in someones life and maybe, just maybe, we will manifest them into our lives so that we are given a direct opportunity to do whatever it is that we are able to do to come to the aid of another human being in need.  

I am inspired by this because what seems a miracle to one person, is potentially part of another's everyday life. I am inspired because I have a beautiful father who has lived his life helping others in ways that make me so proud of him and motivate me to live up to my bloodline. I am inspired by this because I believe that abundance comes through giving of ourselves in anyway we are able to those in need. I am inspired because I feel that it is my (our) duty as part of the human race to do what we can where we can for our human family.  

I encourage anyone reading this to ask those around you this question. For myself, I realized that I am not in *need* of a miracle at this moment, but perhaps I will be later on. Not to say that everything in my life is easy (it's not)... but there is a difference between wanting to hurry up and get my car note paid off completely and not making enough money this month to feed 3 kiddos. While that's completely a hypothetical scenario, I realize that I am blessed; I also realize that many are not as blessed as I on this journey. The best way for us to show our gratitude is to spread the love which could very well look like a miracle to someone else...       

Let your light shine. Be a source of strength and courage. Share your wisdom. Radiate Love. - Wilferd Peterson

Remember: Yoga Trance Dance at Yoga Yoga 360 this Friday night at 730- pre register by calling or going by any YY location as there are limited spots left! A portion of the proceeds will go to Yoga Care Foundation who has partnered with Harvard University to document studies on the benefits of Yoga and Meditation. Make sure you eat but allow yourself PLENTY of time to digest (you will be ready to eat afterwards for SURE) and be prepared to SWEAT!

LoveLoveLove,
Sanieh
www.saniehyoga.com

It was a long week and I felt myself approaching exhaustion around Wednesday. I feared that I wouldn't have what it would take to be an authentic and energetic facilitator and river guide for the journey. Petitioning energy and strength from friends and the Universe, I found myself concerned that if I were to become sick, the time would be now....I prayed right before we began... that I would be filled with spirit and move from love without ego and to be given energy engery engery.  

Mid trance I found myself laughing thinking THIS is where it's found! Setting everything free, sweating and cleansing ourselves of anything heavy, negative, or bad and making the greatest offering via movement and sacred dance ceremony.  

We almost hit max capacity on the bill (shy of 9 people) and for a first time event in DECEMBER, I was fired up! I felt you, every one of you... I felt your energy and YOU ROCKED MY WORLD! After spending an hour picking the dreads out of my hair, lol, I rested my sore head and put my hands together in gratitude... I GET to be a part of this change taking place. I awoke this morning feeling refreshed, rested, and energetic! My heart thanks you!  

ps- please send me feedback, especially first-timers.... I would love a few sentences or a small paragraph from every last one of you to post for future events, my website, and/or for future questions (how does one actually describe that experience anyway!?!?!) Whatever you feel moved to share, please email me at sanieh@saniehyoga.com!  

lovelovelove,
sanieh
http://www.saniehyoga.com/

(Pic- from a few summers back at the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple in Pacific Palisades, CA where we meditated at the shrine site of some of Gandhi's ashes)

I honestly believe that every moment we decide to SHOW UP and be present, we are gifted a moment of accomplishment in enlightenment.

When looking at the calendar year, the following is what I've come up with as far as some 2008 highlights:

Some noteable Accomplishments for 2008  

I moved into my own space and have finally allowed myself to root for the first time in almost 7 years  

I've committed myself to following my bliss and purpose and have done so mindfully and lovingly while remaining open to the abundant possibilities that continue to take me beyond any vision I ever had...

I've successfully embarked on my first calendar year of living my authentic dream and Dharma of "Sanieh Yoga" teaching yoga independently "full time" as my primary and only source of income  

I began my independent national travel, teaching yoga workshops and master classes

I've started investing  

Brought long time vision of Sanieh Yoga inspirational T-shirts to fruition

After almost 4 years (3 years and 8 months to be exact), and several hundred hours later, I have completed the Prana Flow teacher training advanced certification with my teacher (post dated accomplishment as my final test will be completed and turned in before Dec.31- mark my word !!!)

Have reached and surpassed the highest national and international YA registration teaching standard exceeding RYT 500 and E-RYT 500 teacher status/qualification

Have lived and remained 100% debt free with the exception of the necessary car note which is on track to be paid off a year early (in a few months-Early '09 : )  

Became a Lululemon Atheletica Ambassador representing a positive and encouraging culture and lifestyle that I'm proud of

I've learned to mentally soften, becoming more graceful as a woman accepting what is with things that are out of my control with outside circumstances, situations and people in a very balanced and healthy way while owning my worth and value as a strong, generous, intelligent and loving, courageous woman.  

I've manifested my first stamp on the passport this coming weekend with a great friend (we're going to Central America)!

I've become really good about taking a seat as the observer of my thoughts/ feelings when it hasn't always been easy, thus being witness and trusting the unfolding as part of the lesson that it's all changing and it's alllllllll impermanent.  

I exercised my right as an American woman and voted, for the first time :) in the most important and exciting election in US history

2009- Contiuning the Year of Creativity and cultivation of the Year of Abundance (in creativity, life, light, love, living, work and collaboration)  

Intentions:  

Make another CD - Bhakti style

Connect with and form a Kirtan Posse to create devotional offerings with

Find my musical edge 

Join and become an active member with ASG

Increase my travel teaching  

Increase my travels for pleasure  

Spend more time with my incredible Goddess girlfriends 

Reconnect with my first teacher, Cori  

Go on retreat with Shiva in Kerala, Bali, or Santorini  

Create and Cultivate means of streaming yogic income  

Create more workshops via Sanieh Yoga  

More Collaboration!  

More Charitable offerings

Fulfill pending yoga projects  that have been "mind mapped" on paper  

Meet my brother, Michael  

Meet some of my Iranian family  

Satisfy another investment  

Get audios lined up  

Pay off car note  

Grant a Child's wish

Study Raga  

Become more fluent with my guitar  

Go on personal retreat once a quarter  

Become a home owner again  

"Less Explanation, More Exploration"       

more to come...

In Abundance,
Sanieh
http://www.saniehyoga.com/ 

{ Pics:  1)the path to my room in Santiago-Lake Atitlan , 2)in mudra bowing to the teacher of my heart; outside of a church in Santiago, near Lake Atitlan 3) back drop near my room in Antigua 4)A very happy Sanieh and an equally happy Diego who I found sitting alone on the streets of Santiago  }

What I learned (and remembered) in part, while in Guatemala:

*when you smile, people usually smile back

*before going to foreign soil, learn about what it takes to get from point A to point B!

*wear a damn fine support /sports bra while traveling with anyone driving a tuk-tuk or a private car in central America... and brace yourself for the ride...really

*I don't mix with the planet's worst drivers and the most extreme winding streets going to or from Lake Atitlan (to which there aren't anyway driving laws in cities and few on highways) so much so that I can never in lifedo it again! Sorry Jai :(

*in every culture, community is a must

*no matter where I am in the world, I still have the same longings and desires to know true, honest, ecstatic, and authentic love

*when you need to get something off your chest, let it off your chest... especially when you have a neutral sounding board to do so and beautiful scenery to inspire

*sometimes people do kind and generous things for no other reason other than to be kind and generous

*going outside ones comfort zone can create serious contraction but can be a wonderful experience

*Mychelle Antioxidant  lip nutrients works quite well for a chapped nose

*sometimes we miss people and things without any good reason at all- sometimes we miss others for great reason

*people who don't have much of anything don't know what they don't know... therefore they continue to work hard and to find happiness with what they do know

*be grateful

*silence is Divine

*my entire practice of finding peace and ease begins and ends with not being prisoner to the limitations, contractions, attachments and aversions of the mind.

*coming home is always a beautiful, beautiful thing.

In Abundance,
Sanieh
http://www.saniehyoga.com/

(Pics: Girls having fun, Bekha doing tricks on my dog (while I'm trying to keep my jeans on!), Liz and I hamming it up at Holiday par-tay...)

Gosh... there is just so much to write about!

Since it's fresh on my thoughts... I just sent out a newsletter this morning (if you want to be in the "IN" and catch the specials and info on what's to come, email me asap at sanieh@saniehyoga.com) and in my rush (although I've been up into the early morning hours working hard to complete it and get it sent out by my deadline) many errors were found :(
oh well, it happens... I do work hard to find errors but spell check doesn't always catch fragments etc.

Okay, Over it. :)

So... I'm inspired!

I can't put  my finger on it and I'm not trying to either. There is a buzz and I'm inspired! I just got back from Guatemala (see blog entries to your right ----->) and while I was there, I thought about a lot of things in my life that I want to put new and dedicated attention towards.

My practice being one. I am here to say that I have an intention for the new year (see blog entry to your right ---> "2008 accomplishments 2009 intentions" :) to REDEDICATE myself to my practice. I mean this on many levels...
My practice on the mat
My daily rituals and dinacharya
My devotion
Music
My teaching rituals
... to name a few

I just feel really REALLY inspired. For that, I am so grateful. I arrived late Monday night from Guatemala and Tuesdays I usually step out the door running, early and with a full day ahead of me. All day long, I knew that I was glowing... and this didn't require my looking into a mirror to for my notice... and I can ASSURE you, I'm NOT pregnant! :D

I just feel inspired and while I don't know where it came from in particular (it was most likely a collective I'm sure...) nor is there one thing on my heart specifically, it's there and ideas and works that have been on my heart for some time, perhaps on the back burner, and even new ideas and endeavors... they are arising and the simmer is picking up some temperature.

I've been telling a story about a man whose path I crossed while in Antigua this past weekend. He had what appeared to be a rubber floor mat for a car strapped under his back wrapping around forward to his waist-he was without arms and legs. My friend and I walked by him and I said "good day" in Spanish and I tell you what... this man got the biggest child-like smile on his face that pierced through my body shooting out the other side! I can still see that smile right now and it's changes something inside of me. I'm not sure what he said back to me but I felt the goodness without the need to understand the language or words he used.

It came to me that in our society here, we would most likely turn our back and pretend we didn't see such a thing. Why? It's exists, it's real. So then I started to think about something I had seen a while back about homeless people... how we spend more tax dollars NOT housing them than putting a roof over their heads. There was a story of a woman who was trying to get off drugs and in her weeping moment, she cried saying that people won't even look at her; they won't see her. They won't SEE her. Why do we choose - CHOOSE- to not SEE?

So I put a challenge out to my classes yesterday and today...

This weekend, while you are out and about on the town, or even at as stop light.... pause, and look someone less fortunate in the eyes and connect. It will be uncomfortable and it will be potentially scary- ask yourself why.

IF YOU COULD GIVE SOMEBODY THEIR DIGNITY BACK BY ACKNOWLEDGING THEM, BEING KIND, OR SIMPLY BEING HUMANE, WOULD YOU DO IT? WHY WOULDN'T YOU DO IT?

I challenge you. Connect a few times on this level because you never know what you will *really* see.

I met Chuck today on the corner of Duval and Mopac intersection. I rolled down my window and said

"Would you like some nuts?"

since I had a pack raw nuts in my car. He starred at them and said

"SURE!"

so I grabbed all of them (I had purchased a box of individually wrapped raw nuts for *emergencies*... this qualifies as such...) and handed all of them to him and said

"How are you doing?"
and waited for the answer looking him into his eyes.
 
"Hungry"- simply stated yet so profound.

He thanked me and I asked what his name was looking him into his eyes still then shared my name and he reached out his cold hand to shake mine.

Something so simple here that makes me feel human. What separates me from Chuck? A whole lot of NOT MUCH. This is not a "do good" thing to me... this is our responsibility as human beings... to look after and to love one another in any way we are humanly capable of. it's our responsibility as human beings.

My heart is full right now and I bow to that fullness because when it doesn't feel full, this echo will sustain me. That's how it works. We all have our days and it's those days of abundance that help carry us when we feel weak. Within each of us is the potential of the seed that has yet to bloom. If we can honor that truth, potential and abundance awaits us.

When we feel inspired, we become inspirational. When I die, I want to have lived an inspiring, charitable, loving and abundant life having connected to those who chose to share space with me. I want to live an inspirational life because without it, I'm just taking up space.

2009 is going to be my year. It's going to be full of abundance in life, love, work, play, generosity, healthy curiosity, and so much more... I'm coming into my own taking what I've learned and bringing it to the table that is my own expression in all things be it teaching and living yoga, in my relationships of all forms; budding, existing, and those yet to reveal themselves... I'm going to make more conscious choices in communication, action, and also in receiving the messages of the Universe. I am going to be responsible for the energy I bring into daily situations and own that as a choice I will make each and every time. I am going to  begin.... "yesterday".

"We never touch people so lightly that we do not leave a trace."

Abundant Love,
Sanieh
www.saniehyoga.com

PS:
Remember: Free community class at Lululemon downtown this Saturday at 830- this is also for an Austin area food drive so bring your non perishables with you so that we can put some warm food into some empty bellies in Austin. I hope to see you all there... until then

OM Namah Shivaya
Sanieh
www.saniehyoga.com

Having some spontanious fun outside of Lululemon on Sunday... In Bakasana on Parallettes...By the look of it, I'm pretty sure I was shouting "WAIT I'm not ready yet!" :)) Paralettes are much easier on the wrists requiring far less flexibility, but completely different in stabilization taking me more time to engage and follow up. Good stuff :D

More fun dancing with our Poi :) Randal ( http://randalsetzler.blogspot.com/  ) is my new rock star Acro Yoga partner :)))) We like to "trick it out" .... pics on that to come ;)

(Pic- After Surfing Malibu with Nazi Surf teacher (many of my student friends have heard stories... THIS IS THE MAN!!!), Tom)

I love my "Messages from the Universe" that are ever so lovingly delivered into my inbox 5 days a week... a sweet reminder of our divinity and light (http://www.tut.com/)... this is from a few days ago:

"If it's not yet obvious to you, the real reason for this season is you, Sanieh. A more perfect child of the Universe has never lived. Until now, only a celebration cloaked in myth and mystery could hint at your sublime heritage and divine destiny. You are life's prayer of becoming and its answer.

The first light at the dawn of eternity, drawn from the ether, so that the Universe might know its depths, discover its heights, and frolic in endless seas of blessed emotion.

A pioneer into illusion, an adventurer into the unknown, and a lifter of veils. Courageous, heroic and exalted by billions in the unseen.
To give beyond reason. To care beyond hope. To love without limit. To reach, stretch, and dream, in spite of your fears. These are the hallmarks of divinity - traits of the immortal - your badges of honor. Wear them with a pride as great as the unspeakable pride we feel for you.

Your light has illuminated darkened paths, your gaze has lifted broken spirits, and already your life has changed the destiny of all who will ever follow.
This is the time of year we celebrate Sanieh.
Bowing before Greatness,
    The Universe"

This might be my new favorite song... the embed link never seems to work for me so if someone can tell me how to successfully put the youtube screen into my blog, I promise to forever love you :))

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRm8PfrsCs8

love, light, and liberation,
sanieh
http://www.saniehyoga.com/

(pic: A few years old from when I lived in Nashville and was just creating my wesbite. Desperately in need of new pics for website and other projects! :)

I'm in cleaning mode... cleaning of my home space, my work space, cleaning in the form of project completion such as my 3 year and 8 month long advanced teacher training studies with my teacher which has me finishing up my final exam-to be completed by TOMORROW meeting my December 2008 promise and goal :))), cleaning of all things "dead" such as energies of focus that have taken away from my highest self right down to cleaning up the living plant life in my home and nurturing their seeds and awakening potential inspiring internal seeds of sleeping giants, ideas, and projects ... Cleaning, still cleaning the corners, tables, and surfaces of my home, heart, and head calmly letting go of toxic waste and miseries that attached themselves to my skin and cellular memory and with excitment, tossing the "trash" of all of the above areas making way for the intention I mention in my 2008/2009 post http://saniehyoga.gaia.com/blog/2008/12/2008_accomplishments-_2009_intentions that is AbUnDaNcE!!!

Looking over that list of 2009 Intentions, there are even more intentions which I will blog about later on. Meanwhile, I am preparing my energetic, emotional and physical space making way for such an experience that the new Vinyasa cycle that is 2009 is sure to bring my way :) I've got a LOT of travels planned and am keeping some open space for abundance to unfold as the Universe's gift as well. Not sure of many of the specifics or details; just keeping my eye and energy on the intention and purpose. 

While cleaning, I came across something that I saved years ago... not even sure where I came across this but thought I would post and share these 64 days and ways Affirmations (see below in bold) with everyone.

Full inhalation towards the light, full exhalation softening the ama; toxins in the experience so that I may walk into the sacred 2009 Vinyasa in fullness, peacefulness, gratitude, and love... with arms and heart wide open!
love,
Sanieh
www.saniehyoga.com

 

An Individual's Journey
A Guide for Daily Practice

East Bay Season of Peace invites all who are called forth in Spirit to live the principles of nonviolence in themselves, their daily lives, their community, and in the world. We dedicate these 64 days to universal spiritual practices for peace and non-violence. Through the services and youth programs, we will honor great teachers and leaders of many of the world's religions, traditions and philosophies, and gain a clearer understanding of the Global Heart vision of a world free of homelessness, violence, war, hunger, separation and disenfranchisement.

Beloved Peacekeepers,

Whether you know it or not, you have answered the Call to be an instrument for peace in our world!  Peace is an individual journey to the heart of ourselves.

In the writings of Henry David Thoreau, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr learned to discover themselves, and where they kept themselves in "bondage" - through their own thoughts; their own actions.....their journey of discovery called them back to their Sacred Self....the one that knows and sees Spirit in all.

As you embark and commit to the 64 Days/64 Ways - may I suggest you commit to a daily morning practice that includes reading the affirmation of the day; meditating on the affirmation; and then journaling the discoveries.  Throughout the day, repeat the affirmation of the day, and take a minute to breath in it's essence.  At the end of the day allow yourself to reflect upon the day - see the difference your practice has made in your life, and those around you.

The 64 Day Journey, is a daily commitment to yourself, your family and friends, and the communities you participate (work, school, Church and more) - - ultimately the World.

Know, "you are the change you are seeking in the world", a blessing to all!

Nameste,

Kathleen Geier, President
East Bay Season for Peace
www.SNVOakland.org

A Season for Nonviolence
Compassionate Activism for Global Healing

AFFIRMATIONS FOR NON-VIOLENCE TOWARD SELF

Day 1, Jan 30:    Today, I contemplate Mahatma Gandhi's statement:
    "Be the Change You Wish to See in the World."
Day 2, Jan 31:    Today, I reflect on what peace means to me.
Day 3, Feb 1:    Today, I eliminate all self-deprecating joking
    and sarcasm.
Day 4, Feb 2:    Today, I affirm my value and worth with positive
    "self talk" and refuse to put myself down.
Day 5, Feb 3:    Today, I strive to learn from my mistakes
    Without self criticism or judgment.
Day 6, Feb 4:    Today, I forgive myself.
Day 7, Feb 5:    Today, I practice self-compassion.
Day 8, Feb 6:    Today, I let go of one thought or behavior that
    no longer serves my highest concept of myself.
Day 9, Feb 7:    Today, I live in the present moment and release
    the past.
Day 10, Feb 8:      Today, I find one way to "treat" myself to a
    peace-filled experience.

AFFIRMATIONS FOR NON-VIOLENCE IN CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS

Day 11, Feb 9:        Today, I cause a ripple effect of good by an act of
    kindness toward another.
Day 12, Feb 10:    Today, I choose to be aware of what I talk
    about and I refuse to gossip.
Day 13, Feb 11:    Today, I hold no one hostage to the past,
    seeing each as a work in process.
Day 14, Feb 12:    Today, I reflect on whom I need to forgive and
    take at least one step in that direction.
Day 15, Feb 13:    Today, I practice compassion and forgiveness
    by apologizing to someone whom I have hurt.
Day 16, Feb 14:    Today, I make a conscious effort to smile at
    someone whom I have held a grudge against.
Day 17, Feb 15:        Today, I take time to tell a family member or friend how
        much they mean to me.

AFFIRMATIONS FOR NON-VIOLENCE IN MY COMMUNICATON

Day 18, Feb 16:    Today, I tell the truth and speak honestly from the heart.
Day 19, Feb 17:    Today, I speak with kindness, respect, and patience to every
person that I talk with on the telephone.
Day 20, Feb 18:    Today, I talk less and listen more.
Day 21, Feb 19:    Today, I recognize that my words and actions directly affect
others.
Day 22, Feb 20:    Today, I greet this day--everyone and everything--with openness
and acceptance as if I were encountering them for the first time.
Day 23, Feb 21:     Today, I practice praise rather than criticism.
Day 24, Feb 22:    Today, I send a kind, anonymous message to someone.
 discovery called them back to their Sacred Self....the one that knows and sees Spirit in all.

AFFIRMATIONS FOR NON-VIOLENCE IN RECREATION

Day 25, Feb 23:     Today, I become aware of the violence I expose myself to
 on a daily basis and take steps to eliminate those sources.
Day 26, Feb 24:     Today, l turn off anything that portrays or supports violence
 whether on television, in the movies, or on the Internet.
Day 27, Feb 25:     Today, I chose activities for recreation that involve peace
 and invite others to join me in the experience.
Day 28, Feb 26:     Today, I constructively channel my anger, frustration, or
 jealousy into healthy physical activities (i.e., doing sit-ups,
 picking up trash, taking a walk, etc).
Day 29, Feb 27:     Today I write one email or letter to friends inspiring
 non-violence in their choices regarding recreation.
Day 30, Feb 28:     Today, I say "No" to ideas or actions that violate me
 or others.
Day 31, Mar 1:      Today, I consciously choose each thought and activity and
affirm peace and tranquility for myself and others.
Day 32, Mar 2:      Today I choose to compassionately encourage a
child to notice and eliminate the sources of violence in
his/her life.


AFFIRMATIONS FOR NON-VIOLENCE IN MY PERSPECTIVE OF OTHERS

Day 33, Mar 3:     Today I operate from the "law of love" instead of the
"law of destruction" in all my interactions with others.
Day 34, Mar 4:     Today, I look beyond stereotypes and prejudices.
Day 35, Mar 5:     Today, I strive to understand and respect another culture.
Day 36, Mar 6:    Today, I seek the light of divinity within all people, even in the
appearance of darkness.
Day 37, Mar 7:    Today, I take time to appreciate the people who provide me with challenges in my life, knowing they are providing me with opportunities to heal.
Day 38, Mar 8:    Today, I learn a prayer or spiritual practice from another tradition that seems strange or different to me.
Day 39, Mar 9:    Today, I KNOW and live my Unity with all living beings!



AFFIRMATIONS FOR NON-VIOLENCE IN DAILY LIVING

Day 40, Mar 10:    Today, I drive with tolerance and patience.
Day 41, Mar 11:    Today I appreciate my boss or my teacher.
Day 42, Mar 12:    Today I smile at all whom I see.
Day 43, Mar 13:    Today, I treat the elderly I encounter with respect and dignity.
Day 44, Mar 14:    Today, I treat all children with care, knowing that I serve as a
model for them.
Day 45, Mar 15:    Today, I listen with an open heart to at least one person.
Day 46, Mar 16:     Today, I interact with my family in a relaxed and peaceful manner.

AFFIRMATIONS FOR NON-VIOLENCE IN WORK

Day 47, Mar 17:    Today, I see my co-workers in a new light, with understanding
and compassion.
Day 48, Mar 18:    Today, I be open to other ways of thinking and acting that
are different from my own.
Day 49, Mar 19:    Today, I think of at least three alternate ways I can
handle a situation when confronted with conflict.
Day 50, Mar 20:    Today, I work to help others resolve differences.
Day 51, Mar 21:    Today, I express my feeling honestly and nonviolently
and with respect for myself and others.
Day 52, Mar 22:    Today, I set an example of a peacemaker by promoting
nonviolent responses.
Day 53, Mar 23:    Today, I set the intention to approach work with peace
and prepare for a week of being a light in my workplace.

AFFIRMATIONS FOR NON-VIOLENCE FOR MOTHER EARTH

Day 54, Mar 24:     Today, I take time to admire and appreciate nature.
Day 55, Mar 25:     Today, I practice nonviolence and respect for Mother Earth by
making good use of her resources.
Day 56, Mar 26:     Today, I appreciate the earth's bounty and all of those who work
to make food available to me.
Day 57, Mar 27:     Today, I plant seeds--plants or constructive ideas.
Day 58, Mar 28:    Today I practice non-violence by protecting and nurturing all life:
plant, animal, and human.
Day 59, Mar 29:    Today I donate my time or resources to nurturing life on our
planet.
Day 60, Mar 30:     Today, I hold a vision of plenty for all the world's hungry and be
open to guidance as to how I can help alleviate some of that
hunger.

AFFIRMATIONS FOR NON-VIOLENCE IN OUR WORLD

Day 61, Mar 31:    Today, I honor all the leaders throughout the world with peace,
love and prayer.
Day 62, Apr 1:     Today, I acknowledge every human being's  fundamental right to
justice, equity, and equality.
Day 63, Apr 4:    Today, I serve humanity by dedicating myself to a vision greater
than myself.
Day 64, Apr 4:    Today I celebrate PEACE IN THE WORLD NOW!
In my self, in my relationships, in my communication, in my
perception of others, in my recreation, in my daily living, in my
work, for Mother Earth, and in MY World!

The time is 9:28am and I just completed and sent over my final exam marking the completion of a very long journey that was witness to many life changing experience in my life. 3 years and 8 months it has taken me to formally, from sacred start to very Auspicious end, to complete my advanced teacher training studies with my Maha teacher, Shiva Rea.  

I am ready to send my signal of completion to the Universe so that I can walk into this new and sacred Vinyasa cycle that is 2009 in fullness and wholeness.   This marks, not an ending, but a begining, to a very symbolic journey that has taken me from military house wife teaching 3-5 classes a week, to this journey of fully living yoga, independently so, living and loving a lifestyle that allows me to feel connected, make a difference, take care of myself and as of 2008... travel.  

Which brings me to India.
I have been invited to assist my teacher at an Aurveda and Yoga rejuvenation retreat in Kerala, India this coming March which I am super excited about! Here I stand as witness to the experiences of not only 2008, but since my time began with Shiva in April almost 4 years ago. I worked hard and aggressively in both my studies and in my life. Through Ayurvedic consultation I learned where I was out of balance in my body and how it was a reflection of my life... and I worked hard to clean away all things that were assault on my wisdom. Now, I will have the opportunity to explore this practice in more depth in the homeland of it's origin while I'm also given the opportunity to bow to the heart and pulse of the force that has guided my life path and work.  

Today, I look around this little place I get to call home, while keeping mindful watch on the time so that I and go to "work" and live out the job that gives me so much fulfillment with people who I love and am inspired by and then I get to come home tonight (after ringing in the new year at a sweat lodge!) and sleep in this big and comfy bed knowing that today I had a goal and today I completed and satisfied that goal.  

This is the time to really put out intentions and make offerings to Ganesha who is not only the symbol for obstacle removal, but the energy for auspicious new beginnings. In 2009, I am going to reconnect with one of the initial concepts of Sanieh Yoga and that is my uniquely structured "Transmission Yoga Program tm" (For more info, email me sanieh@saniehyoga.com) as this month long journey begins with auspicious beginning.  

May your own beginning into the New Year be one of fullness and may it be THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE.
humble thanks and abundant love.
Sanieh
http://www.saniehyoga.com/