(Pic: On flight back into the US... above the clouds :)

2009 is here and Abundance is my theme!  

I celebrated the annual transition by attending a sweat lodge with my friend, Laura. I had never been to one, so I was actually excited to go. All that I knew and was told is that it was going to be hot, very hot, pitch black, and a lot of people crammed into a small place.  

So we get to Jay's house, where the sweat lodge is taking place in his back yard (he built his lodge in the back). I should add the Laura only found out about this New Years "Sweat" as they call it through someone else so we went knowing nobody except for the guy leading (not the home owner) because she had met him via email or something through someone else. It was going to be an interesting night!  

Sweat lodges are home to Native American tradition and I'm told they were actually intended for men to have their monthly bonding time. Symbolic to the womb, there are chants and prayers that take place inside and it's intended to be very spiritual. Rocks are in fire puts all day long and then they are brought into the sweat pipping red where water is poured on them creating steam like you've never known before in your life! Traditionally, prayers are made my taking small pieces of cloth and filling them with tobacco tying a string of them together and then they are hung behind your head from the rafter of the lodge. Having been my first experience, Laura and I wove our prayers on a string for the full experience- a great way to close out 2008 because Goddess knows, I've certainly done so in other ways in the past ;) The people kept showing up and in the end, right before entering the lodge, there were close to 30 people... I believe the most they had ever fit was 20. So we strategically piled in the lodge and I'm actually excited; initially.  

While the people were still filling in every crevasse, I turned to Laura saying "I think I'm experiencing anxiety, I feel like I need to be near the door way". I never think of myself as being claustrophobic but when you are crammed in that tiny of a space, in the pitch darkness of the night, with extreme temperatures, anxiety lives next door. I felt my heart rate speed up and I did what any yogin would do, I went into my breath telling myself, "It's going to be okay". I looked to Laura saying the same thing again; that I was experiencing anxiety and It was at that point that she turned to me and whispered, "We are all ONE".  

In that moment, my mouth said "I know" but It wasn't for a few more breaths that i absorbed that... After that moment, the experience was absolutely glorious. It was intensely hot indeed and next time I will be sure to bring my towel inside to protect my face and ears better for when the water is being poured because I felt like I came close to doing some damage in that regard...It got very hot indeed... but I found myself smiling and finding a grateful heart for all of the abundance that I intended on knowing, especially in 2009... and being grateful for it in advance :)   Moving On....  

I love this quote from one of my inspirational calendars...  

"You could say that I started my learning with what was given to me at birth, continued with what was natural for me to do, and completed it by trusting what was meant to be." - The book of Lieh Tzu  

It's beautiful to me because that's how I feel about my life. When I moved back here in the summer of 2007, I came with the conviction and dedication of making this work. There were no other choices for me. When there are no other choices; when we decide on that, amazing things happen.  

I have a lot of things planned for this year and some that are quite larger than anything else I've ever done so much so that they will actually not take place until 2010... that year alone sounds Auspicious so I'm perfectly fine with that.  

I'm working on a few workshops as well, working towards determining a date for my "Yoga as Stream of Consciousness" workshop as well as another that will be teaching some things in the Prana Flow Yoga tradition that is the love child of my teacher, Shiva Rea. I decided that this year I was going to start to fully use the language of this method of study just like any other tradition would do since that is what I teach.  

I am also thrilled to share that I have decided on assisting in India for certain and am SO excited to go! I find it no accident that I will most likely be traveling on my 32nd Birthday across the world to the Mother Land of Yoga. I've already got my passport of course, just applied for my Visa, have subbed out most of my classes for 2 weeks and now I'm left with visions of the water, early morning meditations, singing and chanting mantra with my Shruti box and breathing in the peace that I AM pursing what was "given to me at birth and continuing with what is natural for me to do" and every day, I work deeper into self study in trusting, TRUSTING, "what is meant to be", will be...in abundance.

Love, Light, and Liberation,
Sanieh
http://www.saniehyoga.com/

ps- remember to sign up for Yoga Trance Dance special event on January 23rd (see http://saniehyoga.com/classes.htm for details). This event WILL FILL UP ...  pre-registration is highly suggested! * A portion of the proceeds will go to Green Dharma...A non-profit providing yoga and meditation to the incarcerated youth.

My Monday night "ended" with intensity in the way of work inspiration... so much so that I was ultimately awake until close to 2 am. Not good for those who need to get up and teach in the morning but I found myself digging deeply into my goals and possibilities of projects etc. Once I finally went to bed, I was up again in desperate search for a notebook I have carried for years that holds my "Sanieh's Top 100 List". Sadly, I have yet to find it... and I don't have a lot of "stuff" to search through, but I just KNOW I would not have tossed that. The only thing that comes to mind is that perhaps because it's so old, maybe the paper fell out of the notebook or something.  

This list is very special to me. I have evolved as a woman and as a yogini, over the last several years (7 in particular) and this list was a constant through the many life changes. I created this list of random things I wanted to do, have, or achieve in my lifetime and even though there were not 100 items listed, I knew that it would become that and so much more, eventually. After a few years, I would mark the date that I wrote the goal and then also the date that I met that goal. Included were scratch outs and changes as I realized that once I evolved and grew, so did my list. Things that were once important to me, no longer were and of course I was steady adding to this list. I suppose that I don't need the "bucket list" since everything one needs is in their heart, yet I sure would love to look at it again. In the nature of my process, I would pull it out whenever I would think about it (last night!) which ended up being every year or two. So I was really looking forward to seeing what goals I stated/wrote down and essentially *claimed* to compare to that which had come to fruition. Hopefully I will find it; but I'm not attached to doing so...  

I realize that I continue saying the same thing yet I don't get tired of it (so I hope you don't get tired of reading it :D)...  

2009 is going to be an ABUNDANT YEAR!  
 
I was thinking about this earlier... There are many areas that I am petitioning abundance in my life (beyond that which is already beautifully abundant that is) but it's more about opening myself to this abundance rather than seeking it out. I say this for a few reasons:  

1) in Tantric philosophy, which I study and is very much so a part of my practice on and off the mat, it is taught that to seek out something, anything, would mean that one feels that are without it or separate from it. Tantrikas trust that we live in a non-dualistic experience. Everything is everything, and there isn't a thing that exists outside of ourselves in the way of happiness, love, abundance etc  

2) There is something to be said (in my humble opinion) about doing the work (see quote- "LET NO ONE out work you today"- this could be my new daily mantra compliments of a Seattle Seahawk; only I forget which one :) then allowing the river to flow and do it's thing. More and more I find myself moving closer towards trusting the unfolding (always a work in progress; trusting the Universe), and trusting the ABUNDANCE of the Universe and that there is plenty for me in the way of spiritually lucrative work; trusting, honest, connected, spiritual,and EcStAtIc LoVe, and growing, fulfilling and maintaining relations of the tribe that I am building a thick foundation on who I can love and support and who give me the same in return.

I will Let No One Out Work me in these areas because I deserve abundance...yet I will not question the law of Universal nature that states that all things will unfold as they are meant to... in the mean time, I work, hard, towards that which I petition in abundance and bow in gratitude for the gift... in advance.   

Moving right along.... :D  

So one of my INTENTIONS for this year, one a most superficial level is to stop being the self proclaimed "cursing yogini". Yep, you heard right. It all starts with something small and the next thing I know, F-bombs are dropping left and right and well... I'm trying to quit! To me, this isn't a "bad" thing I do, it's more like something that I simply just don't *need* to do :) I don't NEEEEED to say F$$$ every other word (I can see some of your eyes in utter disbelief, lol). One of my student friends said to me the other day, after my sharing this in a full nooner class, "Well it's nice to know you are real" ... or "Like the rest of us" or something of that nature. PLEASE! I'm pretty raw, pretty real. Thus is why I know I am a great teacher; not because of anything I can or cannot do in my body physically, but because I convey the message by living it; in honesty..even when it's not pretty (or it's cursing!). Have a look at some of my past blogs! There's a whole LOT of honesty there!

(Side Bar: Speaking of blogs... I've been writing more often than normal so be sure and look to your right under "browse posts" to get yourself caught up :D )    

It would be easy for yoga teacher herself/himself to try to be the message itself. The message isn't me. I'm just the facilitator of the message; what my teacher calls "the river guide",  yet the journey is one that I am on as well. It may look a little different, but don't they all?   

Here's the thing... there is a time and a place (back to the cursing yogini) and when one consciously CHOOSES to drop an F-bomb to "accentuate" something perhaps, and when that time arrives, I will do so... but I no longer want to walk around mindlessly dropping bombs without being conscious of doing so :) In the words of my sweet student-friend, Tavener, "If I want a cup of coffee, so be it, but I don't want the coffee to control me!"  

Coffee? F-Bombs? (*She says weighing the options from right hand to left*) It's all the same :)  

Moving right along (still)...  

You may notice an addition to hands when you see me around town...or in airports traveling out of the country (YES!)... I'm getting myself geared up making 2009 THE YEAR that I finally follow through and LEARN THE HANUMAN CHALISA!

Understand something about this 40 verse chant... IT'S in 40 VERSES... LONG VERSES. As a matter of fact, even with the transliteration that I have, one has to give themselves a year to learn the Chalisa... suggested study is a verse a week... there is also an opening and closing invocation. YOU do the math... really, at that suggested and much needed time frame, it's LONGER than a YEAR! I've got to get going... I've barely memorized the opening invocation to Hanuman and the first 2 verses...  

"We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment, but it is transient. It is a little parenthesis in eternity. If we share with caring, lightheartedness, and love, we will create abundance and joy for each other. And then this moment will have been worthwhile." -Deepak Chopra  

All Love,
Sanieh
www.saniehyoga.com

(***=Revision)

When I first started teaching I had a two page handout on classroom etiquette. Below is something that I have put together as an “offering” to better the experience for all involved. Some of this is obvious, some may not be so here I lovingly pass it on. Some of this has surfaced through my own teaching experience as well as that of some of my other teacher friends. ***IN NO WAY IS THIS POINTING A FINGER AT ONE PARTICULAR PERSON OR CLASS***. This is simply general class etiquette in case you may not know or have simply forgotten :)

Remember, everything we say and do is bringing a kind of energy to the collective that is the space of learning in the yoga classroom. What do you choose to bring?

1) If you arrive late, allow yourself an extra 2 more minutes to ground yourself outside the room. Remember, you are responsible for the energy you bring.
 
2) While I completely understand that things happen; I have been late as a student and even as a teacher, occasional is different than every God blessd time! If you find yourself chronically late to every class or a particular class, please, for the cutesy of all involved, leave 5 minutes earlier to class! Many articles have been written about this very topic in your favorite yoga magazines and local studios alike. What do you think you are telling me (or any other) as a teacher, or the classroom full of people who got there on time? If nothing else, it’s courtesy. Furthermore, It’s an important time for all involved; the opening rituals of class…

*If you need to leave early:

a) Inform your teacher in advance

b) Best to park your mat near the door as to minimize disturbance during your departure

c) No matter what, it’s of most importance to experience Savasana, even if it’s for 2 unrushed minutes (so schedule that into your time)

d) In a 1.25 hour class, (in my classroom based on the way I sequence/ when we are hitting the peak(s) etc) if you need to leave more than 10-15 min (15 MAX), while I love having you, it is my duty to loving say that it’s best that you wait until you can attend for an hour MINIMUM. This is in your best interest to allow yourself adequate rest/recovery, experience the counter shapes for what you have spend the entire class building onto etc… If you have a special need or an issue that arises, please talk with your teacher in advance if at all possible.

3) In reference to the above, please understand that it’s also mildly inconsiderate to assume the space as “open” to come and go as you please be it if you are in a studio or gym. The space has been transformed from the moment practice begins which is the moment you stepped foot into the space. It’s disturbing to your teacher and everyone else when this happens so please consider and plan for the being on time and staying for the duration. (***Come on! I'm not talking about potty breaks!!***I'm taking about coming in for a "partial class" etc)

4) I’m just going to come out and just say this. When you come into my classroom or any other classroom, part of what you are “purchasing” is the way said teacher chooses to conduct class… this means, the style and tradition, the way the room is set, the music, and yes even the temperature. I have been to classes where I have been uncomfortable (at best) with the decision of the room’s temperature, but even as a teacher (ESPECIALLY AS A WELL TRAINED TEACHER!) I wouldn’t dare ask them to change it (unless I was asked which sometimes happens) and I sure as heck wouldn’t try to go and adjust it myself. That’s a big no no and also against most studio policies. The good news is, if you go to a teacher’s class regularly, you might have a better idea of what to expect (although I have a general range I tend to stay with, it’s dependent on where I’m facilitating the journey towards among other things) but just remember, finding a space of equanimity when it’s not always easy to do so is part of the practice.

4) Please, and this one kills me… please, if you need to shower after class for work or what have you, re read all of the above and plan accordingly. Do not get upset with your teacher’s temperature decision because you don’t want to be sweating before your engagement even if it’s warmer or cooler than what you perceive to be “normal” or regular for that class. You did in fact come to class and unless it’s restorative, plan on getting your sweat on, even if it’s super slow (possibly more heat), lunar, etc

5) Ahh yes that reminds me, part of the practice is the surprise as to what you are going to get in your proverbial box of chocolates. Every class is different. Please don’t ask me on Tuesday what we are doing on Thursday because even if I did know, I’m no longer telling! :D I use to work the same shape a few times in the week but have since changed that. Sometimes we do, sometimes we don’t. Part of your experience lives in the space of walking into the unknown, being witness to any crap that may come up physically, mentally, emotionally etc, and being in the full experience without attachment to its juiciness, or aversion to existing for 1.25 hours in that which may not be a strength or may simply take your out of your comfort zone.

6) My teacher once said, “If you want to be a great teacher, you have to be willing to create pain.” Now she didn’t mean that physically of course. It was said in such a way that meant the “river guide” has to be willing to take you somewhere that may draw up some things and may very well make you uncomfortable. I cannot tell you how many tears I have seen in my classrooms, yet it’s almost always connected to something fear based or emotionally heavy followed by a huge break through or “AH HA” moment. Yoga isn’t always easy… yet growth happens in that which is sometimes difficult…expect to be challenged and welcome any arising that may surface.

7) Its not ok to teach in someone else’s classroom. This is a biggy. Never mind the liability of it all, it’s completely without couth. If you are a teacher, unless you have been called on; totally without couth, disrespectful, etc. If you are not a teacher…. Well, you guessed it. Here’s another thought on this… Every style or tradition teaches things differently and with purpose of their own. We could debate all day on who is right, not, etc. I have zero interest in that. What I have interest in is facilitating and conducting a classroom in the way that I have been trained for years within the tradition that I study that goes way beyond the hodgepodge name of “flow”. Remember, when you make the choice on a classroom, teacher, or style, you make your choice, even if only for that one class, to do it “their way”. Give your teacher and yourself this honor. It’s for your own safety…and you just might learn something new ;)

All Love,
Sanieh
www.saniehyoga.com

Yes, I hear you now. I'm listening.  

The Universe has a very interesting, and sometimes OBVIOUS way of speaking at times. I believe it was Carolyn Myss who said that the world around us sends messages (in the book, Sacred Contracts) but we have to CHOOSE to see it as such.  

This morning before my 8am class I read an email from a sweet and dear student-friend  that served as a reminder of the importance of my work. The other stuff in my life; those things that I am ready for but are not present at the moment, while important, might be less visible because this is what's here and now.  

"Life is ALWAYS and ONLY here and Now". Echkart Tolle  

So I took a deep breath pulling into the parking lot of Dharma Yoga (love that sacred space) in Hyde Park and just after I parked and got out of my car, another sweet and dear student friend got out of his car with bag in hand and said

"I've got something for you from the Universe."  

Who just shows up first thing on an innocent Thursday morning and SAYS THAT?!  

All I could do was shake my head in astonishment thinking to myself...

"What is this moment trying to tell me?"

I walked over to him on my way to the door and said

"I tell you what, The Universe is trying to tell me something today"...

still shaking my head so moved from the email I had just read about a beautiful woman's strength found through her practice that has her breaking away the many labels that those who love her most had put on her (thus she put on herself) in the earlier years... to the swell I felt coming on from the very moment I found myself standing in not knowing what was about to come next... 

"Well the Universe told me to tell you it loves you today"...

he says smiling as he hands me a very large and filled eco tote bag... (with green paper ...green: very symbolic to growth, nurturing, nature :) not knowing what was about to happen through *my* eyes...

There ya go.

That's EXACTLY, EXACTLY what I needed in that moment - to hear those very words- that I just put my arms around him and the tears came...maybe not in the that order. In the beautiful cold of Austin, TX, I took a deep breath in that very special space and offered my peaceful pause and gratitude. I needed to be "spoken to" this morning... and that's just what I was given.   

The contents of the bag were carefully picked and with purpose, I'll save those details and keep them to myself for now... but it was all very auspicious, useful and related. In the end, before our departure, he shared one other very special thing with me in reminding me that I am needed in what I do and to take care of myself. Random? Seems to be "out of nowhere", but I think not.

(Ganesha was also present in the room this morning worn brightly and beautifully by yet another beautiful soul whose mat was almost directly across from where I sat in our opening meditation :- love me some Ganesha! )

After class I was driving from errands and on my way back home when it came to me. I remembered in my offering right before closing my eyes for sleep, having petitioned assistance and love with something. Little did I know (or sadly, even remember!) that I awoke to what would soon unfold and fulfill that request within an hours time. It came to me in the form of Noelle and Fred this morning... reminders of the importance of my work, and in the form of simply "remembering", that I am loved by the very force and power that gives me breath of life.  

Beautiful is my life and grateful is my heart... and While in my heart I prepare myself for the very things I petition and desire to "complete" the beauty of my life including but certainly not limited to ecstatic love and partnership with someone who challenges me, makes me laugh, is kind, and someone who makes me want to love harder than I ever have in my entire life, to eventual motherhood, to full musical expression and devotion, to awakening through the eyes down the path of the many teachers of all of those experiences combined... Today I am reminded by what seems most random, yet most important... that I AM LOVED.

I AM very much so part of the consciousness of the Universe and it is very much so a part of me. Someone dear to me gifted me with a beautiful ring that I wear often that  says "I AM".

CONSCIOUSNESS just IS. Shiva is Consciousness, The Universe is Consciousness. WE are consciousness.

Today, I AM also loved and am reminded that I am supported and that in due time...the rest comes,  but for now, my work is this moment, THIS moment, THIS very moment...just as it is. Nothing is missing.    

"The Universe told me to tell you it loves you".   

So, here I am; Listening...
 
All Love,
Sanieh
www.saniehyoga.com

... thoughts to self, from higher self  (when I should have been sleeping last night)

*You don't have to try so hard.

*Trust the Universe with your heart.

*Be present. Enjoy the moment for what it is.

*Be Genuine.

*Be Yourself.

*Be loving.

*GIVE.

*Dance for all that you dream of.

*Keep your eye on the object of your devotion.

*Keep your Attention on the now and your Intention on what you want in your future.

*You don't always have to to give the best of all that you are immediately, to be who you are. Allow it to be earned.

And Today's "message from the Universe":

Sanieh, it is easy. Just once a day, imagine the life you dream of. Believe that it can be yours in this world of magic and miracles. Choose to live as if you know of its inevitable manifestation. Don't compromise. Don't worry. Don't look for results. And as surely as spirit crafts one moment after another, so too will it fuse together the life you now lead with the life of your dreams as if they were two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, destined to become one.
This alone determines what's "meant to be."
Tallyho,
    The Universe

All Love,
Sanieh
www.saniehyoga.com

(Photo: My sweet teacher friend, Matt and I recently went with some of our Lululemon Athletica friends to the Broken Spoke (where Matt and Hannah got hitched in 2008!). I love this pic (once I ignore the fact that my shirt it trying to bust itself open that is!) and wanted to send a *shout out *saying CONGRATS to Matt who just this past Saturday is now my brother in Ambassadorship for Lululemon. Matt's blog can be found at www.yoga4liberation.com . You Rock, my brother!)


Yoga Trance Dance was this past Friday night and was a great success. From what I know from my own experience and from the few I've heard back from since, I think we are all still recovering from the beautiful exhaustion yet still on the buzz of self-discovery and the freedom seeking thrill of it all. Thank you so much to everyone who came out! About 50 people and of the group, there were about a dozen first-timers (the rest are now considered junkies :) A portion of this event's proceeds will be benefiting my teacher-friend Shawn's, Green Dharma Foundation... bringing yoga and meditation to local encarcerated youth. So thank you!

A very productive weekend, indeed. My trip to India is being finalized this week, getting in a few morsels of immunization taken care of this week, Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs I've ordered have arrived to prepare my immune system and protect against parasites etc., flights have been arranged and classes are almost all completely covered. I am actually flying out on Feb. 27, which is the day I will auspiciously celebrate my 32nd birthday while in flight to the Mother Land. I will also be in the company of a dear friend who I get to travel the long leg with out of New York :) - returning on Thursday March 12 but not returning to teach until Tuesday 17th. In addition to all of this, flights were arranged today and I'm currently working on my teaching agenda for the weekend workshop I'm teaching in Nashville in April... did I say it's been a productive weekend?

I cannot talk about my weekend without mentioning the fact that I also got to spend quality time with 14 (or was it 16?) other strong and courageous Goddesses friends whose circle of energy, love, and light I am a part of and bow to! Thank you ladies, ALL!

:D The year is off to a fantastic start!
 
Moving on....  

On a completely separate note, Here's a look into my recent exploration of Sva-Yaya; self study, going a little deeper into some aspects of my last blog post. This is what I've been meditating on...  

In some ways, I'm sure I can be complicated or hard to understand, (can't we all?) yet I'm really a pretty simple gal who knows what she wants who has been gifted with a handsome dose of tenacity. I'm a giver of my hearts beauty, I love quite deeply and freely, and my heart knows no limitations in this way. A character flaw of mine is that I give too much too soon, even if only in expressing what is organic for me to express.

In a world where people are taught to contain themselves and to remain "tight lipped", I ask myself  "do I be honest, or do *I* learn to contain *myself*?" To me, expression and the freedom of it frees up spaces of contraction or avoids the creation of it. In the world of yoga and Kashmier Shavism and even Tantric philosophy, we call this SPANDA. It's more than "pulse", it's more organic arising... when you feel it and only when you feel it, you speak it or express it. Rather than searching for it and rambling, when the spanda arises, we free it.  

Some days I look around me and wonder what the hell I'm doing, if  what I've done is enough, or I ask myself how I can do what I do better; or more. On some days, I'm brought to tears knowing that I am in fact living a rich life; one that is changing the lives of those around me, and that I'm here by no mistake. Some days I am so clearly aware that my existence is proof of not only purpose but of my life's unfolding; not because of ME per se, but because of my freedom and relentless courage to express my love of many things on so many different levels.  

With all of this, I have a new intention in this respect that is a rather new and foreign concept to me and that is to really pull in a little bit, allowing the beauty and goodness of my heart to be earned a little more. In yoga (If you've missed the memo, I don't just teach it, I live it) we refer to "Asteya" as non stealing, giving freely, or being truthful therefore it seems that if I give to much where it's not appreciated, understood or if it creates vulnerability or if I cage what is in fact truth for me then perhaps I'm giving more than I should; isn't that stealing from myself in a way?

It seem like there is right and there is left, no in between. People are either completely closed, or completely free. I CHOOSE freedom but if doing so makes me feel vulnerable and ultimately doesn't serve the highest good, then why? Everything deserves the honor of balance. Even too much sunlight, burns. I can be all that makes me beautiful and find a little more balance in doing so. Still pondering this one...   

Love, Light, Liberation.
All Love. 
Sanieh
http://www.saniehyoga.com/

"This songs say, no matter who you are, no matter where you go in your life, at some point you're gonna need somebody to stand by you..."

(Cut and paste because I still can't figure out how in the hay to embed into my blog! PS- Extra points if you can find it for purchase online- only seeing video on itunes!)

http://www.youtube.com/v/Us-TVg40ExM&hl=es&fs=1
 
Thank you Eric!

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