TL-C Mindful Thoughts

Feet and the truth

2017-10-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

I had a woman come up to me this week who said, "I doubt you can help me with this but I thought I'd ask you....everytime I walk my calf muscles get so sore! I've been to the doctor and physio and nothing is helping me."
I asked how old her shoes were - explaining that even a shoe that is 6 months old can be so worn on the interior they need replacing. (As I looked down at my own and realized that yeah I need new shoes too!)
She continued, "It doesn't matter what kind of shoes I have on they all hurt!"
Ok...
I had her stand infront of me and noticed her arches are starting to fall.
So I asked her if she's ever looked at the wear pattern at the bottom of her shoes?
Your shoes won't lie to you!
Sure enough the wear pattern showed she is pronating on her feet (falling in toward the midline)... the big toe sides of her shoes were really worn while the outside edges hardly had any wear.
She said, "I can't believe I don't walk properly on my feet! How do I change it?"
Ah... awareness. I shared that I used to be a stomach sleeper and had to teach myself how to sleep on my side or on my back. I did it, but it took awhile to reprogram.
Walking is the same. You have to teach yourself how to use your feet properly again. And being it's taken years of being unaware that you are doing so, it will take some time to correct.
I thought it was worth mentioning on this blog. If you are having some struggles without explanation with the feet, ankles, knees or hips check your shoes! They won't lie.
Namaste,
Tammy

PS. I might just get the worst colouring books on the planet award! LOL... even with the negative comments I've received on some of my books, I still believe in them. That's the thing with art... you love it or hate it. And I think they are great! Check it out and go buy one!

Lupini

2017-10-14T07:53:00.002-07:00

Lets talk Lupini beans!
I've never had them before and read on one of my Italian friends facebook page about how good they are.
So as I was strolling though the grocery store and saw them thought "sure I'll try them".
Never to disappoint all I can say is I'm so doing this again!!!
Here's what I did, pretty much a potato salad sans the spud

Lupini beans (canned) rinsed well ... they are pretty salty but I did add some fresh ground pepper
Celery
Red onion
Parsley
Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar
Eggs
Its protein in a bowl and frikin awesome! And gluten free for those who care about that.
Give it a go you won't be disappointed!
Tammy

PS. So the last of this series is complete: My Chinese Zodiac Colouring Book - The 12 Animals is available on Amazon. Check it out literally! LOL

Content to be back

2017-09-15T08:47:00.002-07:00

Monday finds the Fall session beginning. Although I enjoy being on holiday I equally enjoy being back to teaching. I just got this wonderful message from a student:
"You have been missed, though! I am all signed up for the new session. You have made such a huge difference in my life. Thank you"
I'm so very grateful for those who come to the mat to practice with me every week. It's amazing to see those who are open to their own vulnerabilities, investigation and exploration.
"Santosha" which is a sanskrit word which can be defined as acceptance, satisfaction or contentment. And it's not always something that occurs effortlessly.
This summer found me in a situation with a woman who said to me, "You're far too happy."
I had to laugh at that statement. It hasn't always been that way. I explained a portion of my journey to her and it surprised her to hear it.
It has taken years and a ton of work to find Santosha. And the fact remains that I still struggle with it at times. For the most part it has been Yoga, Reiki, Pranayama & Meditation practices which helped me to get there. You know how challenging life can be. I don't have to tell anyone that...yet what I can say is contentments can and will be found if you're willing to do a little work.
Here's a yoga sequence that may be of interest: https://www.yogajournal.com/videos/niyamas-santosha-sequence
Om Shanti
Tammy
PS. To view my schedule check out my site
PPS. Do you like to colour? Check out my colouring books

Ride the breath

2017-09-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

What a crazy end to the summer watching our neighbours to the south go through so many weather related challenges. We've been sending our thoughts and prayers to everyone effected by these experiences. And being Sept. 11th, we remember and honour those who have lost their lives.

In these times it's important to remember to breathe; fully and deeply. The mind follows the breath. Breathing won't change what you are going through... stress is stress; however it will help the mind to calm within the experience.

As you inhale expand your belly; fill from the bottom to the top. In this way you are utilizing your full lung capacity. Release the breath in the opposite manner.
Inhale completely.
Exhale completely.

And without judgement allow yourself to be.
Things will change much is guaranteed.

Birthright

"Despite illness of body or mind, in spite of blinding despair or habitual belief, who you are is whole.

Let nothing keep you separate from the truth. The soul, illumined from within, longs to be known for what it is.

Undying, untouched by fire or the storms of life, there is a place inside where stillness and abiding peace reside.You can ride the breath to go there.

Despite doubt or hopeless turns of mind, you are not broken. Spirit surrounds, embraces, fills you from the inside out. Release everything that isn't your true nature. What's left, the fullness, light and shadow, claim all that as your birthright."

~Danna Faulds

May this week find you consciously riding the breath
Tammy

PS. Hard to believe I'm almost finished this series! Year of the Goat/Sheep/Ram will be out soon. Check out the series on Amazon here:

Cyber Cleanse

2017-08-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

Have a great rest of the month!
Enjoy the moment
Tammy

PS. I'll leave you with another shameless self promotion.... My latest colouring book, "I'm an Ox - Year of the Ox" My Chinese Zodiac colouring book is ready to go

Unexpected Meltdown

2017-08-04T08:08:00.001-07:00

I do believe when we transition to the other side we stay close to our loved ones. I've had many experiences since the passing of my brother in 2015 to confirm this for me. On his birthday I heard the song come through loud and clear, "Best of my love" from The Eagles. There was so much comfort in that song. It was as if he sent it to me to remind me of his love.
Grief still comes in waves and I was hit by another yesterday unexpectedly.
Last night my husband was working out to Depeche Mode's "Forever Young" the wave came. It got me pretty good. I was busy doing something else when I was taken back to our teen years when my brother would play this time and again at blustering volume. The words resonated on so many levels and I had to wonder if he somehow knew he wouldn't make it to his elder years?
This was one meltdown I surely didn't expect.
I've been watching Ram Dass this week at his "Impermanence and the Power of Love" retreat. And I had to laugh in one of the talks he mentioned that his relationship with Maharajii is so strong even to this day.

He mentioned the relationship is mostly in his imagination; funny. I receive these words on such a different level now.
Funny how grief does that to you.
Wishing you a great week - may it be filled with love and deep connection.
Tam
PS. After Dave passed I created this

Mercury Shadow

2017-07-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

Mercury - that little planet that effects communications in all types. When he goes retrograde it means he is moving backwards in the sky. It is said it will effect all forms of communications, contracts and negotiation. Many things have to be reworked or redone or revisited during retrograde times. Breakdowns and misunderstandings are the theme.
Now before you say this is all hokey - how often have you heard someone ask, "Is it a full moon or something? Everyone seems to be acting crazy!"
It's not all bad news. Mercury helps to boost creativity and encourages us to slow down. It's the perfect time for holidays and creative endeavors.
Now some RX if Mercury is effecting your chart big time....

Smudge - you could use sage, lavender/salt water to spray around your home (a pinch of salt, 8 drops of lavender oil and distilled water)
Burn yellow candles - they are said to bring clarity & intellegence
Meditate... Mercury is the messenger after all and will offer some terrific insights.
Relax and just be. Give yourself & others space until it's over. Hold off on any large decisions &/or conversations.

Look at your chart to see where Mercury resides ... which house is it in? This will offer some insight on how/where you will be effected.
Enjoy
Tam
xo
PS. And just throwing this out there. My Astrological Colouring Book which offers space for you to record special occasions and dates to remember. It's adorable.

PPS. Here's a link that offers even more info on this specific retrograde: http://astrologyking.com/mercury-retrograde/

Brain Gym

2017-07-14T06:08:00.002-07:00

My husband came home perplexed after someone said...
What has 4 letters, sometimes has 9 letters and never has 5 letters.
He asked me "What is the answer? The guy who said it wouldn't tell me."
LOL
I had so much fun with this.
I shared it with my Dad and it felt like a "Who's on 1st" conversation.
Dad, I explained, "It's a statement not a question."
"What is it?"
Me, "That has 4 letters."
"What?"
"Exactly!"
"I'm too tired for this. Just tell me."
"I just did!"
"What?"
"That's the answer it's a statement, not a question."
"What?"
"That's right. It has four letters, sometimes has 9 letters"
"Mom..." Dad called, "Get the phone, our daughter is driving me crazy!"
Silliness & fun!
Enjoy the week,
Tammy
x
https://youtu.be/kTcRRaXV-fg

Communications

2017-07-07T07:37:00.002-07:00

I found it so funny this week when my hubby came home from work and mentioned he received a text message saying, "OMW". He said, "What the heck does that mean?"

I guess there were 8 others in the room 50 years young and none of them could figure it out. I said, "That means on my may". He said, "How do you know that? And why wouldn't she just have said that in the first place!"

I told him he should have asked her. He said, "No way... if you don't speak normally than I'm not responding to that!" LOL.. too funny. It is speaking normally in text messaging. Some in that generation are working towards keeping up.

It reminds me of some of the other vocabularies we hear and don't know. Like "Netflix and chill" or "Cake by the ocean". These situations aren't all that new. Back in the day it was gnarly, to the max, where's the beef, gag me with a spoon... lol 80's slang. I'm sure we could go on and on with terms for every generation that changes the way we communicate. Some of the terms will pass. However I have a feeling the 'new' internet slang isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

BYKT IDK DYKWIM AWHFY AWGTHTGTTA?
LOL

Have a great week ahead!
Tam
x
PS. And when in doubt google it!

Happy Birthday Canada!

2017-06-30T08:42:00.001-07:00

Summer

2017-06-24T06:52:00.000-07:00

Finally summer has arrived, but so far the rain hasn't stopped. Let's hope the entire summer won't be a wash out.
I live in a wooden century home which needs to be painted. We didn't get to it last year because of construction across the road. There was so much dust & debris from the construction we weren't able to get close to the job. And so far this year the weather is stopping us from getting to it as well; either too wet or too humid.
Funny how the universe slows us down sometimes. Being a Sagittarius I'm not the best at this. I like to be on the go and get things done.
A few years ago my Mom was hit by a truck (unfortunately) while walking and is still working toward healing from it's aftereffects. When I told mentioned the slow down she said, "Better to slow down this way than to get hit by a truck." ... good point Mom!
I'm working toward allowing and accepting this new pace; even if this is the last thing I'm ready to do. I'm breathing into the openness of the season and enjoying life one moment at a time.
May you allow yourself to slow it down too!
Namaste,
Tammy
x
PS. I finished "I'm a Dragon" colouring book... check it out, better yet go buy one! Colouring is a great stress reliever & a good way to slow down!

Happy Father's Day weekend!

2017-06-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

A fast shout out to all the amazing father's in the world!
May you be blessed with an extraordinary year filled with those you love & enjoy, health and wellness!
And just because it's Friday here's a flashback for you of my Dad and I from 2016...it is a little blurry, but we were on a bus at the time...

Happy Father's Day!
Love
Tam
PS. Oh and "I'm a Dragon" my Chinese Zodiac colouring book will be live on Amazon pretty soon (this weekend I'm hoping)! Here's the link
PPS. Now some have asked why I'd name the books such silly titles if they are created for adults. Well, everytime I'm in a situation (normally out for Chinese food) and there is a placemat that shows the Zodiac on it whomever I'm with will say, "I'm a ______" or "I think I'm a ____________" Hence the name! Enjoy a fantastic week

Returning

2017-06-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

This may sound crazy but I think my blue jay came back today! Several years ago there was a blue jay born in the backyard and came to sit near me on the back patio. Here he is in the tree...

I was just outside and an adult blue jay hopped over near me. I started talking to it as I wasn't sure he knew I was there... he was seriously close without fear. He kept hopping toward me just watching. As I stood there he flew up to the side of the house and took down a hornet's nest for us and ate all of the eggs etc., inside of it. Then he flew away.
Thanks baby blue!
I have no idea if it was the same one, but it made me wonder if they come back to the same backyard as 'home'? I found this:
The real miracle is the seamless fusion of these tools over vast distances. "Birds really do have a remarkable ability to home back to a particular place," Weidensaul says. "They're coming back to the same back yard, the same tree. They have a whole suite of cues they can use to get there. And it may be that, depending on global conditions, they learn to rely on one more than the others." https://www.outsideonline.com/1922491/how-do-birds-find-their-way-back-home-spring
Whether or not it was my jay, that was pretty cool!
Enjoy this Strawberry full moon!
Tammy
PS. On the theme of returning, a few weeks ago I gave someone my cart from the grocery store that are a $1 rental. This week she came to class to give me my dollar back. LOL... I told her to pass it along to someone else and keep it going. Pay it forward and all!
PPS. Have you picked up one of my colouring books yet? Go buy one. Thank you!

White Light

2017-06-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

So it seems I shouldn't wear white after Victoria Day. And yesterday I learnt I should look in the mirror more often. After I got home from teaching I went to put my hair up and when I finally did look into the mirror saw I had spilled my morning coffee all over my white shirt!

Not one of the 45 people I had contact with during classes (or the others I spoke to all day) told me. New rule... no more white! At least I didn't walk around all day with egg on my face - or did I?

I have a new obsession... Matt Kahn

Have you heard of him? I just cyberly met him this past week and I have a serious soul crush on this guy! He is an amazing spiritual teacher. Here's one of his videos that really resonated with me...

What was interesting, among many other things, was the portion of the video where he discusses emptiness.

Years ago when I lived alone I would go to bed at night and feel empty - which at the time associated with loneliness and depression. There was this void that would enter and feel overwhelming. At the time I hated this feeling. Then if you had told me this was a connection to the divine I would have told you to F-O or similar words.

Years later, I enjoy this sensation when it arrives. I embrace it. This void is so expansive; comforting truly without pain, without peril. It was interesting to hear him explain this emptiness, this connection to source.

The space between the breaths can hold this sensation as well. The gap where the inhale meets the exhale, or the exhale greets the inhale. It was either Rod Stryker or Stephen Cope ( can't recall which one) who taught this during a meditation retreat. This space or void is your connection to the soul. Today I receive this idea with a new understanding.

I'll leave you with this for today. And ask if you see me wearing white with a coffee stain please mention it! I'll do the same so we have each other's backs... or front so it seems.

Keep shining your light.

Namaste,

Tammy

Changing lives

2017-05-26T08:19:00.002-07:00

I overheard some students talking after class yesterday. One of them said, "This is the best thing I've ever done for myself. Now i can get through another week"

I'm so grateful for those who show up each week, with mats in hand, to practice yoga with me. They sometimes come stressed and worried, other times joy-filled; depending on the week. And they take the hour to breath, to relax, to work hard.

Yoga definitely changes lives. Even those who practice only one day a week, like the student I mentioned above. It's amazing just how much one class can change things for most.

I heard another say, "I'm far more flexible than the others my age. And I know it's from this class. I'm never giving it up!"

I really should be asking for testimonials. LOL

But seriously, do yourself the favour - if you don't already do so. Find a class and a teacher you enjoy and come to the mat....

Namaste,

Tammy

PS. You can check out my schedule on my site: www.reikiandyoga.com/schedule

Where did that time go?

2017-05-19T07:42:00.004-07:00

One would think after having a cold for 85 days (of what some called the 100 day cold) this past winter my immune system would be super strong. Then Spring arrived. So did the allergies.

I haven't had trouble with allergies for years. I went through many AET (allergy elimination technique) sessions which reverses sensitivities. I can't explain how it works but I do know it did. I was allergic to outside (everything) and to my two cats at the time. After the treatments I could put my face into my cat's fur and nothing happened... no runny nose, no itchy eyes, no sneezing... they were all gone! It was worth every penny I spent on the treatments.

I started thinking about going back to have my allergies reversed again (this is on the to do list) as I was telling someone I had them done about 7 years ago. Then it hit me...

Sophie & Bella (my current furbabies) are 8 years old. I had the AET done when my past babies (Alex & Chimo) were alive... Chimo's been gone for 9 years and Axel 12.

12 years?

Where the heck did that time go?

Apparently... "Time is fleeting, madness takes control" ~Rocky Horror

Seems like only yesterday.

FYI for those curious about AET the woman I have seen in past is in Brantford (http://allergiesfreed.ca/Home.php) I do recommend it. As mentioned I'll be going back soon myself.

Enjoy a safe & happy long weekend!

Tam

PS. Allergies make me feel like Medusa...

PPS. These images are from my latest Colouring Book, "I'm a Snake - Year of the Snake" Go buy one!

Chaos & Stillness

2017-05-12T08:14:00.002-07:00

May this week find you discovering inner peace.

Om Shanti,

Tammy

Love The Mat

2017-05-05T07:45:00.002-07:00

PS. View my schedule here: http://www.reikiandyoga.com/schedule

Getting the runaround

2017-04-28T07:48:00.003-07:00

I seriously have to wonder how well Sophie, my White Russian, knows how to tell time? Every night she tucks me into bed. Then minutes before the alarm goes off every morning she wakes me up. Sometimes it's in a nice way, other times she pounces on my belly to announce her arrival.

We also have a Russian Blue named Bella. This has been our challenging fur child. She's not nice to Sophie; beats her up every chance she gets. She hisses alot and smacks you when you don't do things her way. She is getting better though and likes me more now than she has in the past.

They are both almost 8 years old and are starting to evolve into adult cat mode with new personality traits coming out weekly.

Bella's latest thing is needing to sit on the chair with me when I'm working on the computer. The cats definitely run this house. This morning (and many others in past) Bella gave me the run around. First she wanted catnip, then more water, the food bowl wasn't full enough, then the window needed to be opened. She must have carried on for over an hour until she finally settled in on the chair behind me where she is now. Ah the life of a cat. Wouldn't it be nice if we could have the superior service whenever we wanted anything? LOL

Hope you don't get a week of the runaround at your house. Then again, maybe we'd be fully bored if we didn't have anything to do?

Enjoy,

Tam

PS. Although we don't currently have a dog, I do love them. As kids my brother and I had a dog named Snoopy (original name, right? LOL) She was a Sheppard/Lab mix and one of the most beautiful souls. I did the "I'm a Dog" colouring book some time ago. Here's one of the pictures of a from inside... I think it's such a cute bulldog:

PPS. Love dogs? Go buy one!

Spirit Animal Messages

2017-04-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

I'm always on the look out for messages from spirit. Some will think that's weird and if you are one of those stop reading now. LOL...

This week I was talking to my husband about my brother (who transitioned March 13, 2015) telling him a story about how we used to drive down a particular road at high speeds. After I was done I saw a shooting star! It was very low in the sky... the lowest I'd ever seen in fact. It was incredible and felt like Dave was still near.

This past week I saw a Monarch butterfly in the backyard. I haven't seen a Monarch in years. They truly are so precious.

This one is a wikipedia photo... I didn't have my camera ready for it. The butterfly signals transformation and change.

This morning when I got up I looked outside to the roof and saw these two...

By the time I got the camera they had moved over here onto our garage. Of course I had to look up the spiritual meaning of ducks. It says, "Be in the now, be in the moment, for this is where all of the power is available to you...be at peace and let it be" more here

Messages truly are everywhere if we take the time to slow down and see them.

One of my students, during meditation, saw a bald eagle. His message is definitely powerful... " The eagle bestows freedom and courage to look ahead"

May you find similar messages surrounding you this week.

Tammy

PS. This is another reason I designed my Totem Animal coloring books. Go have a look & buy one today! Thanks in advance.

What a week

2017-04-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Between the Pepsi fiscal, United Airlines, Sean Spicer, Syria, CBS's Survivor it's been quite a week. And I'm probably missing a few things. I think one thing we're learning in this 'new age' is the power of social media.

The movement's are important for change. We can have a voice as a collective and it seems "be the change we wish to see".

Now if we could only do as much with our personal relationships. We can't force change in interpersonal relationships even if we'd like to.

There will be those in our lives who will ignore us, not speak to us, not respond to text messages or other forms of communication. Now we could spatter these thoughts all over the internet. Or we can sit the experience, not post them on social and see where our attachments lie.

Are we attached to the people, the experiences, the precious moments of the past? If we sit with these uncomfortable personal experiences we may begin to grow. We may learn some individuals are teaching us (even if we don't wish to be taught).

Maybe we are learning lessons of healthy personal boundaries or self love?

I think the best we can do when it comes to those who are challenging us is breath into the moments of peace (or count to 10 - 10x ..LOL). Stay present and true to self.

As you spend time with your loved ones this weekend, remember sometimes you are being taught. And sometimes you will teach. We can force change or we can allow... which will you choose?

Wishing you a great long weekend & Happy Easter to those who celebrate.

Tam

PS. For those of you who love Rabbits (and colouring) go buy my book!

Retrograde Planets

2017-04-07T07:18:00.002-07:00

April brings four planets in retrograde. Those of you who love astrology and study the planets probably are aware of this. For everyone else when a planet is in retrograde it is said to be moving backwards.

Currently, or very soon anyhow, there will be four planets in retrograde: Venus, Saturn, Pluto and Mercury. One of my students this week said, "Oh, that can't be good!" LOL.. that's the thing; it's not good, nor bad, it just is.

So among many things to look forward to this month we've got Mercury who will make us revisit communications of all kinds, Venus who will reexamine your relationships, Saturn who will bring karmic retribution and Pluto who brings change and endings.

None of this should be feared, but experienced. Here's a longer link to consider these themes: http://astrologyanswers.com/beneficial-thought/retrograde-survival-guide/

Yogi Bhajan taught a meditation technique back in the 70's to help us modify the effects of the Saturn retrograde. It helps to shift the energies from negative karma into dharma (our job to serve). It has a specific mudra and chanting of "Hari, hari, hari, hari, hari, hari, har" for 11 or 31 minutes while keeping the hands in Shuni Mudra.

Here's a link to guide you: http://www.harinam.com/la019-780315-shuni-mudra-kriya/

We can say this planetary awareness is all hogwash and if you don't believe it that's fine. However consider when people say, "Is there a full moon or something? Everyone is acting crazy!" Maybe it holds some merit?

You can decide.

Until next time,
Tam

PS. Awhile ago I created an astrology colouring book:

Here's the link so you can go buy the book

Life is Precious

2017-03-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

Sadly one of the students who has attended my Yoga classes for the Cancer journey lost her battle. It's so saddening. This woman gave it a good fight and her gentle energies will definitely be missed by myself and the other participants.

Another reminder of just how precious life is.

This week I saw a short clip on Tao Porchon-Lynch worlds oldest yoga teacher. http://www.taoporchon-lynch.com She's amazing at 98 years young; teaching yoga for 45 years! That is something to look forward to. And makes my 16 years of teaching seem like nothing LOL.

Anyhow... In the interview she said something along the lines of each morning when she wakes ups she says to herself, "This is going to be the best day of my life!"

Don't you love that? It's fun to try as it brings us back to those moments when we were young and said "this is the best day" so many times. Life has a funny way of showing us what is "best" doesn't it? Whatever the day brings and I'll quote another Yoga favourite of mine Lilas Folan:

"Welcome all that comes to you this day and be welcomed by it."

Feel welcomed.

Enjoy this precious moment.

For it could be the best day of your life!

Love

Tam

PS. From my Instagram page:

One of those days

2017-03-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days where everything feels like it's going wrong? I had one of those on Monday.. well, the morning anyhow. My bedside alarm wasn't set for daylight saving time which meant I woke up one hour late. And I received a text message which I thought was real, but turned out was a dream. I spent that extra hour of sleep trying to figure out how to respond without rudeness or ego (which was a struggle to be honest).

Then into the kitchen where I grabbed a yogurt for breakfast and ended up dumping it all over the floor and inside the fridge.

My husband on the other hand got an additional day off and a promotion.

The day was spiraling out of control. It took awhile but I realized a few things...

I decided I got to sleep in an hour later, was happy to check my phone and realize I did not receive said text message and I then had a clean kitchen floor and fridge.

On those days when life starts to spin out of control, sit with it. And revise your expectation and your opinion of it. I for one can say it made all of the difference!

In shifting the perspective,

Tammy

PS. Enjoy horsing around! Buy my colouring book - whether you are born in a Year of the Horse or simply love these gentle beings, this was created for you! In gratitude

Yoga Real Estate

2017-03-17T07:34:00.002-07:00

I had a teacher once that moved his yoga mat to a different location for every class. It always kept the students on their toes and made them explore their attachments to their yoga space.

I find it interesting how much we are creatures of habit. How we move into our classes and place our mats in the exact same spot each week. And the looks on students faces when someone is in 'their spot' as if it's going to change their experience. I have even experienced some students tell others, "You can't go there that's so-and-so's place".

For awhile I encouraged people to come into the room and find a different spot to practice. And found it equally interesting to watch my own reaction when the students weren't in 'their spot'.

Recently one mentioned how another always comes in and has to be in one particular place in the room. I hadn't paid much attention to it; normally before classes I'm still deciding what I will teach or how to approach the asanas in a way that I haven't yet explored or presented. But this week I saw it... the student put her mat down into 'her' place. Students from the prior class hadn't even left yet. I watched as she pushed her way into her space where two others were still talking. I witnessed "she's not doing it right rudeness". The two who were still talking didn't say anything, they didn't have to their faces said it all. Apparently she thought the yoga real estate was ripe for harvest.

Isn't it odd how much in our heads we can be, how caught up in our own experiences that we are absent to what is going on around us? And isn't this a portion of why we practice to become more present? I encourage you to show up more fully and notice not only what is happening with self, but also others. You may just find your connection to your space isn't as valuable as you had previously imagined specifically if your find your space has a sold sign on it.

Namaste,

Tammy

PS. Have you seen My Mantra Colouring Book yet? It offers 28 mantras and whimsical girls for you to colour. Use this colouring book to journal in, enchance your practice of mantra, chant and set clear intentions to help you along your journey.