And Now Begins...

...the Exposition of Yoga.

This is the first, last, and only sentence in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra 1.1. To briefly explain (as best I can, I literally learned this yesterday in CPYoga teacher training), the Yoga Sutras are descriptions of the "yogic path". They have define yoga, include the eight most important steps to reach some sort of enlightenment, as well as ten rules or practices to live by. The sutras in themselves are short and sweet; uncovering their meaning is another story. Literally, pages and pages and pages worth.

So, "and now begins the exposition of yoga." It seems obvious that Patanjali would put this first. Seems like a perfect introductory sentence. But in dissecting these seven words, it becomes clear that the "now begins" has little to do with the Sutra text itself, and much more to do with the practice of yoga at large. What I learned (along with my other trainee-mates) yesterday was that yoga is always in the "now", the "present moment". Read my last blog, and you'll see how I feel about that precious present moment.

This whole revelation helped me realize why Yoga is such a powerful practice, especially on the mat. I am a work-out-a-holic, and always treated my yoga hour as a part of my exercise regime. And granted, I get an amazing workout, especially at Core Power, but there's something else that gets me to over eight classes a week (yes, I am crazy). There is an inevitable focus on the "here and now" that I can never get on the elliptical, in the pool, or even on a run. When I'm flowing and breathing through the vinyasa, I'm exercising from the inside out, instead of with my stopwatch, speed, or mileage in mind. All the endurance, strength, and balance I need happens in yoga as soon as I engage my breath, one inhale and exhale at a time.

Moreover, my practice is evolving more quickly than any other sport I've done thus far. I rarely get frustrated anymore, because in yoga it's absolutely pointless. Again, focusing on where the headstand is TODAY is much more important than where it will be tomorrow. I tell myself to just keep trying, no matter how the actual pose manifests itself. And literally, every pose I continue to explore is becoming more and more complete. I hesitate even to say "better", because who's to say a quivering halfway-bent knee-headstand is "better" than one without all that fun stuff?


...A New Moon.  

Little did I know Friday was a new moon. Did you feel it? Yeah, I didn't either. No, I lie. I did feel Friday was a rather peculiar day, like I had a fresh perspective and all the B.S. that usually clutters my brain fell to the wayside. Kind of surprised me all day, until I went to two amazing evening yoga classes (thank you Milena!) and learned I was in the midst of a new lunar cycle. Honestly I've never paid much mind to the changing of the moon, but hell, I'm up for anything these days. So I did a little research...and...

The first day of a new moon signifies a fresh start, new beginning, a chance to change. I love these days. Permission to start over? I'll take it! Although it was already evening by the time I got on the new-moon-train, I felt empowered to make some new intentions for the night, which turned into intentions for the weekend, the week, the month.

It feels amazing to create cleansing intentions (I'd say plans, but that sounds too type-A, and I know not everyone is as neurotic as I am). So, even though it's Sunday, and the new moon is a bit older now, I thought I'd throw out some suggestions in regards to starting afresh.

Start with your most trusting friend, your Body...

Everyone's heard of detoxing and cleansing, especially if you live in L.A. However, it doesn't mean you have to drink lemon juice and cayenne until the rumbling of your stomach gets embarrassingly loud. You can simply incorporate detoxifying foods into your diet, eliminate a few of the toxic ones, and viola! you're cleaner than Mr. Clean. Without going bald.

Kale: Best...green...veggie...ever. So much iron and vitamins. So cleansing. So yummy.

Ginger: Super detoxifying and pungent. Grate it fresh into a mug of hot water, add a tablespoon of raw honey, a slice of lemon to unwind. Not only does it center the mind, but will sooth an overworked tummy and liver (yes, it's Sunday, I'm guessing your liver went to town last night).

Grapefruit: Challenge: try it without that heaping spoonful of brown sugar. I eat it like an orange, but it has taken my buds a bit to get used to it. I suggest adding slices to a salad, into a smoothie, or juicing. If eaten about thirty minutes before a meal, the fruit's acidic properties will stimulate digestion before you eat, helping to break down food faster and more efficiently. It also helps to eat a slice or two after your meal, in order to suppress any tendency to over-stuff-yourself or reach for those sweets too soon after dinner.

Cleansing plans are everywhere, so take your pick. In essence, it's about drinking lots of water, eating fresh fruits and veggies, and steering clear of meat and dairy (which are toxin central, as anything fermented, especially flesh and mucus, would be). In terms of cooking, focus on dry baking, steaming or boiling, as opposed to sauteing or frying. Oil can be carcinogenic under high heat and when detoxifying it's nice to cut back on the calories too.



...A New Take on the Business.

Working for yourself every day can be daunting. All those emails I write and don't hear back from or the seemingly wasted postage I pay for post card mailings. Even going cross eyed after too many breakdown submissions is frustrating. And what's worse than lacking inspiration when that's just what an artist needs to survive? So in taking the idea of "now" and making it also "new", I find changing up patterns in the business of being an artist make it more worthwhile, and actually successful. For example, I decided one day I wouldn't wait longer than thirty minutes past my scheduled audition time if the job was unpaid, an hour if the job was (unless I just really wanted to stay), and that was it! For the first time I walked out without auditioning because I had previous plans with a friend, and surprisingly, I felt fantastic. Although I was afraid I would regret it, the minute I walked out I felt empowered. The key to acting in this town is acting like you're worth it. Cheesy? Maybe. True? Definitely. Try it: make new rules, schedules, or tactics for yourself that breed motivation. Lately, with such a fresh perspective and a bit more confidence, I've never felt more motivated.