Go with the flow…

…I say that all the time in class.
I take the seat of the teacher and I talk about the choppy waters of life and how fighting the current of fear and delusion will only lead to frustration. I certainly believe it to be true but somehow I find myself treading in dark, murky waters over and over again; fighting the fearful currents with all my might.

The reality is that there are are so many people in this world who must navigate far more treacherous waters than any I have had to face. They must actually fight for each precious drop of life. So why is it that I continue to struggle in the flow of my very sweet life? Why do I find myself frustrated by tsunamis of self-doubt initiated by other people’s careless words and fears?

Someone very wise recently told me that we only begin to develop self-confidence when we can cultivate the ability to overcome delusions and lose the ignorance of ego. Adding that we mustn’t fear darkness as it is a much grander truth than the flowers that easily bloom in the warmth of the sun.

I think about these words as I look up at an overcast night sky. It seems empty and thick and dreary; but as I continue to watch, I see a glimmer of light, and soon enough the dark clouds part, and starlight comes beaming through, offering a hint of the Divine. I understand that the stars were always there -- maybe it was simply my ego that blocked the view.

One night, while on retreat in Mexico, I jumped fearlessly into the warmth of the ocean while those very same stars twinkled above me. I think about how comforting it felt to rest on the surface of the dark and soothing sea as the stars offered tiny beacons of hope.
Gentle waves rocked me effortlessly to shore.
I felt safe and courageous.
All I had to do was go with the flow.

RT

Believe it or not

Not long ago I received a lovely text message from my daughter. She was in Vermont snowboarding, and felt compelled to say she loved and missed me. It made me feel really warm and happy --- my heart was smiling and overflowing with pure love.

Minutes later (really), I received an email from someone who felt equally compelled to send a laundry list of some of my most unpleasant qualities. I was so shocked, and so wounded, I actually cried.

Now I’m sure you’re thinking that I would know better than to dwell on negative and judgmental statements, and instead focus on the lovely text from my sweet, beautiful daughter -- especially because of my many years of practicing and teaching yoga, and the fact that this person doesn’t know me very well.

Apparently, not so much. It took me days to shake that awful, anxious pit in my stomach. No matter if the negative comments were true or not, it was my choice to attach to them, and, as a result, suffer. It wasn’t the sender that caused the suffering, it was me.

We always have the choice to be happy. I chose to stay attached to the unskillful judgments of another, and linger in the resulting negative emotions. But those words could only hurt me if I allowed them to. I didn’t have to read them, believe them, or hold them in my heart.

I suppose it’s our human nature to yearn to always be right and always be loved. But my yogic nature was nudged awake by this recent episode, and I realized that while I won’t always be right or always loved, it’s okay. I am responsible for my own happiness, and, I am for sure the root cause of my own suffering.

So I saved the text and deleted the email. I‘ve decided not to suffer; I’ve decided I’d much rather be the cause of my own happiness.

May all beings be happy and free!
RT

Quick Check

So many interesting things have been happening that I hardly know where to begin...

For now I just want to share my new Sunday morning class at the Yoga Loft in Bedford -- you can enjoy a yummy brunch afterwards! And a new restorative class at Tully beginning on Thursday, October 28th. Hope to see you at either or both.

Will catch up with my blogging asap - now I need to figure out my new iphone!!

Om Shanti
RT

The Endless Summer

Hello Beautiful Yogis,

It's been a very hot, and very busy summer!

I've taken more than a few opportunities to enjoy the glorious beach weather (the ocean has been spectacular), but I've also been working on, and planning, lots of new classes and projects for the Fall, including a teacher's immersion (co-taught with my dear friend and colleague Antonio Sausys) that will help yoga teachers and health professionals bring the magic of yoga to anyone suffering with cancer, as well as some soothing aromatherapy, healing Reiki, and re-energizing back workshops. Please check the schedule below for exact dates, locations, and times.

This week and next I'm covering two extra classes at the peaceful, zen-like Yoga Loft:
Gentle Hatha 9:45 AM on Tuesdays (in addition to my regular 8:15 Therapeutic Flow), and 8:30 AM on Thursdays.

Hope to meet you on the mat sometime soon...meantime, continue to enjoy the lazy, hazy days of summer!!

Love and Light,
RT

For Fit Yoga Fans - With Gratitude

During the course of the last several months, many Fit Yoga fans have been asking where and when the next issue would be published; and naturally, some inquires have been angry, especially regarding subscriptions. I decided to write this blog in an effort to clarify matters as well as to assure each of you that my intentions as the editor-in-chief are, and have always been, honorable.

Last year at this time the economic fallout hit the publishing industry hard, and as you know many well-respected, long-established magazines had to close down. Some hard business decisions had to be made, and it soon became clear that in order for Fit Yoga to survive on any level, our magazine would need to go on hiatus so we could regroup, and take a few deep breaths.

My hope was that by this time we would have been able to re-launch Fit Yoga in a new format and continue on the path of exchanging and sharing our love of all things yogic. Since Fit Yoga had always been the “little engine that could” all of us who have worked so hard on every issue held tightly to the intention of coming back as soon as possible. I was confident that February, 2010 would see our new launch hit the stands but unfortunately things have not been settled yet. Meantime, I’ve been trying to maintain some sort of connection to our readers by sending out occasional e-newsletters while planning some spectacular retreats and stories for the months ahead.

I understand the frustration many of you have shared, probably better than you can imagine. I know you miss the magazine and that you’re angry about your subscriptions. Trust me when I say that I too am upset, and miss the job I loved so dearly with every fiber of my being--not to mention the regular paychecks. To say it’s been a rough road is a huge understatement but what makes it infinitely worse is the knowledge that some people are holding strong animosity towards me personally.

Of course I get it...I am the “face” of Fit Yoga and the logical person to turn to, and although a $20 or $30 subscription doesn’t seem earth shattering in the big picture, it’s one more annoyance to deal with, and one that you wouldn’t expect to have with a yoga magazine. I’m so very sorry that things have unfolded they way that they have, and if I could, I would fix every single subscription snafu personally. What I can offer is this blog, along with informative e-newsetters, and my sincere intention that Fit Yoga will be back on the streets soon.

My personal practice, along with teaching yoga has helped me cope during this last year, proving once again that the practice of yoga in all forms is the key to patience, understanding, and compassion. Although the business decisions are out of my hands, as an editor, yoga teacher, and student I strive to practice with integrity in all that I do, and I remain optimistic about the future of Fit Yoga.

My heartfelt thanks to all our loyal readers -- more updates, interesting stories, comments, and products from past and new contributors will be coming your way on this blog as well as in e-newsletters. Please do contact me at ritatude@gmail.com if you would like to be on my mailing list.

Perhaps someday soon I’ll see you in class, on a retreat, or at the very least we’ll once again connect on the pages of Fit Yoga magazine. Wishing each of you abundance, grace, and courage.

Love and light,
Rita

[For all subscription inquiries please contact George Agoglia: gagoglia@gmgpub.com]

Ready, Set, Launch!

I know, I know...Blogging ain't my strong suit but I have a very good excuse: In addition to teaching more than ever, I've been working hard on several new and exciting projects with people I love and respect beyond measure.

A few weeks ago Yoga for You was launched offering a number of different yoga programs based on the premise that everyone can benefit from well run, legitimate yoga programs and events. Our focus is to bring yoga out of the regular studio setting and into hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices in a safe and productive way. Read all about our plans at yogaforyouevent.com
My partners Nicole and Michelle, as well as myself, would love to know what you think.

And just last week my dear friend Donna Kuebler and I launched Elemental Yoga Retreats (retreat.elementsyoga.com), providing yoga teachers, students, and curious seekers with affordable yet lux options to create customized yoga/wellness retreats. To celebrate our launch we're raffling a fabulous weekend for two at Mohonk Mountain House this coming April. All you have to do is log onto our site and send us your name and email on or before the drawing on April 12. You can even enter once a day to increase your chances of winning.

I'm sure these new ventures will provide me with plenty to talk about over the coming months, and I'm hopeful my blogging skills will be greatly improved too!

Maybe I'll see you at Mohonk -- just remember you've got to be in it to win it!

Happy Spring!
RT

There's something about Baron

Last week I had the very great pleasure of reconnecting with one of my favorite teachers, and was thrilled to be able to hit the mat as Baron Baptiste guided my practice once again.

It was more than a few years ago when I signed up for a week-long immersion with Baron, entitled Teacher's Revolution. I knew I needed some kind of revolutionary kick in my butt, because even though I had been teaching for a while, my sparsely attended classes seemed to be a testament to my lack of confidence and abilities.

I remember being completely intimidated by all the yoga teachers in the room. They each seemed so strong in every way, while all I felt was inadequate in every way. But after the third 10-hour day of INTENSE practice, in-depth theory, and hands-on instruction, a strange thing started to happen: My ego became exhausted and I actually began to let go of my attachment to what I could or couldn't do, and, best of all, started to embrace my strengths. I remember riding the subway home feeling giddy and energized and renewed. By day four, I mustered up the courage to ask Baron about what I could/should do as a teacher, to deal with a particularly challenging student. I whined about how "she said this and asked me that...blah, blah, blah." He had been listening intently, and I expected him to provide some magical insight that would, at last, help me to put her in her place. Instead he looked into my eyes and said, "When you're ready to take your seat as a teacher, your students will listen." I was stunned, and more than a little embarrassed. I had to dig deep to keep from crying. But that evening, as I rode the F train home, I realized that Baron was exactly right; not believing in my ability as a teacher had been broadcasting self-doubt to each and every student.

I learned a lot about myself, yoga, and teaching after seven days with Baron, and very soon my own teaching began to blossom. I began to rely on my instincts instead of notes, and tapped into the hearts of my students for inspiration. I felt truly happy after every practice. In just a few months my classes were filling up, and my students were happy and healthy. I had finally been able to take my seat as a teacher, and found it to be welcoming as well as comfortable.

After this week's class, I related my story to Baron as he smiled broadly. "That's really great Rita," he said, "I can see how much you love to teach. I feel the passion." "I've always wanted to thank you for that advice," I replied. "You helped me face my fears, and have faith in myself."

"Whatever happened to that student?" he asked.
"Oh that's an interesting story. One day after class she thanked me, and said that I had inspired her to become a teacher. And now she subs for me!"
"That's pretty cool," said Baron.
"Yeah it is. And she's a really good teacher too!"

Don't be afraid to shine...
RT