First Class Free

By Laura Mills

Yoga has a way of revealing itself when mats are nowhere near and poses are far out of mind. Not long ago I stood in a huddled group under an awning as rain poured onto the intended outdoor site of a wedding. I knew an alternative plan existed, but at the same time I sympathized with what I assumed was the distress of the couple at the abandonment of their hope to exchange vows in a garden under blue sky and sunshine…not to mention the logistics of relocating the wedding party, musicians, decorations, and a houseful of guests.

Following instructions, we drove from the garden to the reception site, where the ceremony had been rescheduled to begin an hour later. After a short wait in the lobby, ushers guided us into the ballroom. With dining chairs organized into rows, a stage set up with pulpit and flowers, the musicians playing, the smiling bride walked down an aisle among family and friends right on schedule.

In the meantime I had observed no frowns or grumbles from any of the key players. From my perspective, all had applied themselves to the situation and quickly adapted, and in the end the vows were said, the decorations and music were lovely, the mood was festive, and the reception started on time. Plus, because of the rain, we all had the privilege of participating in someone’s really great wedding story….

Humility, Openness, Gratitude

By Julia Jonson Cohn

April 8, 2011. Teacher training is over. On our final day together I thought the room would be filled with tears… but instead there was a calm happiness. A knowing that even though this leg of the journey had come to an end, we were about to experience another new beginning. When I signed up for this program, I thought my biggest lessons would be learning the best ways to teach alignment in poses and then putting them together in really smart sequences. I did learn all about that, but there was so much more. I’ve always understood that yoga balances energy in the body/mind… but now I am directly in touch with my spirit as a result of this experience. 

The three qualities that I feel now embody my personal mission statement for teaching are these:

1. Humility. I consider it the highest honor to be one who shares the wisdom of this ancient practice of yoga. I am aware that the participants who step into any class I might be conducting are going to be my greatest teachers. And they already have! I also know that being a non-judging observer of life will not only help me to deepen my own practice, but will help me connect more deeply with those who seek me out for class.

2. Openness. The world seems much less complicated and things more clear now that I have connected with the essence of who I am. I have gained the ability to be much more empathetic with all people… even those who I used to view as the biggest obstacles to my own happiness. Now I know my happiness and peacefulness only depends on me… and not losing my connection to my Self. I pledge to convey this awareness to others and share my personal experiences with students.

3. Gratitude. Being grateful for everything that happens is far from an easy practice. I really do view every tough time and every good time as an opportunity for growth because I am thankful for my life. I used to walk around with a “why me” attitude, but now I think why not me… Every hardship has helped me grow in leaps and bounds. I’m not to the point of saying “bring it on.” However, embracing the dark and the light the ups and downs has certainly gotten easier.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to my teachers Silvia and Rachel. You probably don’t even know the scope of how you have changed my life (and certainly many others) forever. Thank you to my fellow students. It was no coincidence the Universe brought us together. This is not the end. I love you all.

April 4, 2011.  As an adult I started yoga because I got hit by a car. It was part of my physical therapy.  I love the physical part of yoga. And for a long long time that was all I knew.  And I'll tell you I still love sweating and moving and breathing.  I have never gotten "past that" nor do I want to evolve to a point where I can't enjoy the movement.  

As a more experienced yogi I eventually found out from my teacher Shiva Rea that Yoga is for the Mind.  Who knew? (Well ok if you did, I didn't)

So how does this work exactly if the practice is so physical? Well scientists agree that the best form of exercise is that which involves learning complex movement, including balance and coordination.  That sounds like yoga.  Western science also goes on to say that MOVEMENT provides physiological release that we need to bring our body back into balance while at the SAME time it is also good for our brain where moving helps form more connections between the neurons in our brain.  Other benefits of learning coordinated movements which in yoga we call Vinyasa Krama include: improved mental well-being; increased neurotransmitters; mood regulation; anxiety control; ability to handle stress better; better socialization; ability to better process more information; enhanced attentiveness and improved ability to choose appropriate responses. 

Of all those benefits and ways yoga helps the mind I like appropriateness the best.  I struggled for a long time as an overly sensitive person in appreciating how not to over-react to what others did or said.  Yoga calms my mind and makes me better able to not take things personally (Rule #2 in Miguel Ruiz book The Four Agreements).  I make better decisions when the noise in my brain quiets after practicing yoga.  I need the yoga to impact the ventromedial portion of the frontal lobe of my brain!

Studies show we have too much brain power.  We easily catastrophize and react rather than respond.  When I am on the mat learning, following, trying out a sequence of physical poses and coordinating my breath into that movement I somehow learn how to sequence the thoughts in my mind when not in a pose.  And it's true the primary motor cortex and cerebellum which coordinate physical movement also coordinate movement of thought.  In yogic practice we have then 3 movements:  physical movement (and inside that isometric movement as well as action) and pranic movement (breathing on purpose) and also thought movement.  One impacts the other and managing one fluidly teaches us how to sequence the other.  So that's the scoop, just as we order physical movements in something like Sun Salutation A or Dancing Warrior 1 (which we practiced tonight) we learn how to best order the sequence of our thoughts for thinking our best lives ever. Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia 

Sun Salutation Series A – Overview

Start standing at attention, bringing awareness to your body and posture.  Feet rooting down, inner edges of feet together, lift sternum upward, pull belly in (abdominal lock called uddiyana banda), tilt pelvis pointing tailbone down slightly, knee caps pulling up, inner thigh spinning outward, engage quads and press leg bones down, pull shoulders back relax them away from ears sliding shoulder blades down the back, head centered, ears over shoulders, neck neutral, gaze soft and relaxed

Dancing Warrior 1

INHALE -- Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana (1 Leg Downward Dog)

EXHALE -- Place foot down, prepare foundation for Vira I

INHALE -- Virabhadrasana I (Warrior 1)

EXHALE -- Chaturanga Dandasana

INHALE -- Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog)

EXHALE -- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) (Repeat #1-5, left side)

*DW courtesy of my teacher Shiva Rea

Mysterious Remedy, Powerful Role By Laura Mills

Too many times I’ve attended a yoga class and exited feeling I received just what I needed. Yes, when in the mood for a yogic “butt kicking” I’ve purposely chosen a class that would especially challenge me, or when craving an easeful flow I’ve found a restorative or beginners’ class. But even when I’ve gone to a class without any idea of what I needed, most of the time I’ve still left with humility and gratitude, feeling as if the teacher had tailored the class to me.    

When training to teach yoga, short of paying attention to weather, time of year, and events in the news, or else asking students before class, I didn’t learn any mystical secret for determining students’ practice needs. Yet after nearly every class—regardless of day, time or level—at least one student tells me, “That was great, just what I needed today,” or something like that. My amazement never fails; somehow, whatever I plan for a particular class finds at least one person in the right place at the right time. I don’t understand and can’t explain how it happens, but the fact that it does happen assures me I don’t need to understand something in order to experience positivity in it.   

And, it humbles me to know I help make such positivity possible for others.    

Oh, I knew of yoga’s ability to humble long before I started teaching. Time and again I’ve struggled in my own practice, tiring long before the ends of classes, sweating through head- and handstand preparations and other—to me—scary asana work, struggling through a hamstring injury. The further my practice developed the more help I realized I needed. I asked more questions, accepted more instruction, and with my teachers’ guidance eventually discovered a yoga practice all my own. 

But now, as a teacher myself, my humility exists in a whole new dimension. When I look out into the studio before class I see students whom I know are working through physical pain or emotional turmoil or both, and many of whom are daily building deeper practices and incorporating yoga further into their lives. I can’t help but feel tremendous respect for my students, choosing yoga as their means of healing and enrichment, putting their trust into something so powerful and mysterious. And I can’t help but feel small and even a bit scared by the knowledge that, if my own experience as a student indicates anything, as their practices deepen students look to me more and more as their guide. Yes, I’ve trained 200+ hours to teach yoga, but I’m still a student myself, still feel I need yoga for my own ongoing healing and enrichment, still haven’t approached understanding what yoga is and can be in my life’s big picture. Yet in the classes I teach, when I see a student close his or her eyes during meditation, smile during Surya Namaskar, or cry in Savasana, I realize that somehow what I’ve planned for that day is doing just what it’s supposed to do….

No yoga teacher should underestimate his or her impact on students. We consciously write classes to the best of our ability, but somehow a deeper guidance takes place that leads individual, unique students into individual, unique practices where they find whatever they need at a particular moment. This is why all of us have chosen yoga, I think; we can’t explain exactly how it works, but it works, and this ultimately brings comfort and peace to teachers and students alike because it confirms our membership in something greater than ourselves. The contentment I see when I look out into the studio during Savasana confirms this for me, every class…and reaffirms what a tremendous privilege, what an incredible experience, what an utter joy it is to teach.   

March 26, 2011.  "When we understand sensations perfectly, we will see beyond this conditioned world." - Samyutta Nikaya

Do you know which grows first in the human body?  Your heart or your brain? Answer is: Your heart.  

That is a pretty good indication that the energies greater than us want our heart energy to be more predominant than our intellectual capacity to analyze.  And at the very least something within our DNA is saying to us pay attention to both.  You may also find it interesting to know that your heart & brain maintain a constant and conscious 2-way dialogue.  And in this conversation the heart sends far more information to the brain, than the brain to the heart. The heart also generates the strongest rhythmic electromagnetic field in the body & this actually can be measured in the brain waves of people around us.  

So then why do we so often try to rationalize the emotional space of the heart?   Why do we try to over direct our lives with only our brains? And then wonder why this doesn't feel right?

When we come to the yoga mat we are dialing back into our heart's intelligence. And the gateway into the heart is the breath.  The first breathing technique we learn is Anapanasati, awareness of breath: its duration, it's orgination, its temperature, its cadence, its rhythm, is it rough or smooth, easy or labored, where do you feel it and where don't you feel your breath? This renewed sensitivity to our life energy transfers into everything else we do.  And as a result we begin feeling more.  

"The great art of life is sensation, to feel that we exist." Lord Byron

And of course the asana are on purpose to help us feel both Sensitive and Fierce sensations.  We want to feel the full spectrum of emotion and sensation. Yoga helps us unite our hearts intelligence and intellectual understanding together.  “These two teachings, the supremacy of the heart and the uniqueness of each human being are very important to me.  They give me the fullest understanding of my membership in the human family.”  Robert Muller

The more we feel the more we become expert in our own human experience and then as a result the more expert we are in the overall human experience. We learn to feel what other people feel.  And when the constant dialogue of our hearts with one another becomes a way of life then the more gently we live with one another sharing this beautiful planet without war, without fighting, without aggression. Then and only then will peace prevail.  So please use your yoga to connect to your sensorium of experience and bring peace on earth.  Love yourself, love your day, love your life, Silvia

"Different winds come from all directions. Some are clear, some carry dusts, some are cold or hot, fierce gales or gentle breezes. In the same way sensations arise in the body - pleasant or unpleasant or neutral. When we see sensations as we do the winds, coming and going, clear or dust laden, fierce or gentle, we will fully understand them and be free from dependence on them." - Samyutta Nikaya

March 17, 2011.  Wonderful most blessed day!  And our most fun playlist ever.  So grateful to all the yogis that have shared time with me.  Love you all! Silvia

PLAYLIST:

River Flows In You, Yiruma, First Love (Yiruma Piano Collection)

Black Eyed Dog, Nick Drake, Way To Blue (An Introduction To Nick Drake)

Hate It Or Love It (Remix), 50 Cent & G Unit, The Massacre

Gangsta Nation, Nate Dogg           

Catacombs, Poi Dog Pondering, Liquid White Light [Live] [Disc1]

The Donque Song (Ft. Snoop Dogg), will.i.am, Songs About Girls

Buttons, The Pussycat Dolls           

Quiet Dog, Mos Def, The Ecstatic

So Doggone Lonesome, Johnny Cash, I Walk The Line - 16 Great Performances

California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg), Katy Perry, California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg)

Police Dogs Bonfire, Lazyboy, Ibiza The Sunset Sessions

Till I Get There, Lupe Fiasco, Lasers 

Jumelles, MC Solaar, Mach 6

Soon The New Day, Talib Kweli Feat. Norah Jones, Ear Drum

aint feel nothing, zino & tommy, Tears From The Moon

POST SAVASANA

Praan, Garry Schyman, Praan - Single

PS Join me on retreat www.alchemytours.com or in class www.silviamordini.com

Living, Loving & (most importantly) Laughing

By Julia Jonson Cohn

1/16/11

Our recent weekend of studies delved into The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which are the ancient texts that are more about life philosophy than physical poses. Deep stuff, right? Yes, for sure…  yet, we students spent the better part of the weekend laughing.

One of my many takes on why yoga = happiness is this: Yoga makes me feel great in my physical body, loved and accepted by the people who teach me and practice with me. Add learning life lessons that are “in your face,” but that totally make sense and you have solved another happiness equation. It is a major shift in perception that makes me feel good and able to laugh at some of the silliness in life. Our teacher, Silvia, compared the racing thoughts in our head to a washing machine. How funny, but how true! The washing machine spins and agitates, much like the human mind, until we find stillness and see the quiet inside that already exists.

Fellow student Rachelle Green (btw, one of the oldest souls I’ve ever met and she just graduated from high school) puts it like this: “Yoga has changed my outlook on so many simple things (accepting things the way they are, being happy and grateful for whatever comes my way). If I heard someone say that a few years ago I'd want to punch them in the face, but over the last year I've grown so much as a person and am truly happy. Yoga helps you create the ease that you've always desired in your life.”

By day three we were giddy. Fellow classmate Ric Saquil observed that we were much like old friends at a high school class reunion… and we were.

Laughing is not just fun, it’s important. You have to be able to laugh at some of the garbage that life dishes out and turn it into something, well, better than garbage. I think that happiness turns up wherever you let it emerge. After one of the most awesome weekends I’ve had in a long time, the trickle down effect is amazing… since then, it’s been one great day after another (even with the garbage).

Wishing you immense peace and never ending laughter!

p.s. One of my favorite Sutras is I 33, The Four Keys to Happiness

Peeling Back the Layers By Julia Jonson Cohn (RYT PENDING, CLASS #9 TBY TEACHER TRAINING)

I always cry when I peel onions… the more I peel and chop, the more tears that flow. This has been the case for me more often than not lately each time I lie in Savasana. I feel as if I’m peeling back layer after layer of ego and really getting to the core of who I am -- an infinite being who is already perfect and whole. I guess you could call them tears of joy for an incredible discovery made through deepening both my yoga practice and meditating more often. 

My fellow teacher trainees and I spent a recent day of training delving deep into meditation. We started our day with a yoga class led by our teacher, Rachel Dewan. She encouraged us to practice the principle of Ahimsa (or non-harming) both in class and in our lives. After our yoga practice wrapped up, we took that theme a step further as we sat in a group and meditated for 30 minutes. Rachel guided us into stillness and at the end, the feeling seemed unanimous… time flew and we had all gone to ‘the other place,’ as yoga teacher Andrea Harris calls it. Andrea says, "when we spend every waking moment of our day cognizant of only the external portion of our existence, we miss out on something truly important. When we close our eyes with awareness and acknowledge our internal existence, each and every quiet breath lifts away a layer of distraction. Underneath those layers lie your true light, your true spirit, and it is beautifully, wonderfully divine."

The benefits of meditation are extensive. Rachel taught us that a person’s physical health can improve tremendously, if not transform, with regular stillness. Many scientists and doctors are now finding proof of meditation’s direct impact on the way the brain is wired. Clinical research is being done in the areas of depression, anxiety, asthma, cancer and other diseases that shows how patients can reduce symptoms and often times even cure what ails them through a regular meditation practice. Just last week the Wall Street Journal ran an article about the mental health benefits of mindfulness. Psychologists are using new cognitive behavior therapies to help people combat self doubt through a) accepting their thoughts and b) remaining present in the moment. Hey, that’s yoga!

I am officially sold. Not that I needed to be, but it is exciting to see a personal transformation as I meditate more frequently and to know that I will have something invaluable to share with my students. Yet another way to help them increase their level of happiness and see the world more clearly. In the book, “Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness,” (a required read for our teacher training) author and yoga instructor Erich Shiffman reminds us that “it is not arrogant or egotistical to feel good inside. You had nothing to do with it. It’s simply the honest response to clearly perceived Reality.” For me, it just feels so great to feel good most of the time. Reason enough to find time for stillness.

January 11, 2011.  I cry at movies and commercials and youtube videos and people hugging at the airport and puppies playing and...well you get the picture. Even though I am not part of the action or in the movie to the brain it doesn't matter. The mind will fool us because our brains don't really work with the concept of reality.  That's why we can upset ourselves just by demoralizing thoughts or catastrophizing what can go wrong.  

So as Dr Dyer says, "as you think, so shall you be." You become what you think, in yogic terms you create your own reality from the inside.  In other words, the world is not created "out there" and then experienced internally.You can tell yourself what you want to believe and this in and of itself fools your mind into wanting it and believing it to be real.  And your mind will find a way to make it happen (because it thinks it has).  As Einstein says, the predecessor to every action is a thought.  

Affirmations work!  Pick one of these each day for the rest of the month and just say it to yourself all day long, write it down, email it to yourself, post it up.  Surround yourself with it for one day, each at a time.  And see for yourself that Affirmations are what yoga talks about in harnessing the power of minds, or our intentions and directing them in the direction of our best selves.  Love your day, love yourself, love your life! Silvia

 JANUARY AFFIRMATIONS

* I am a radiant being filled with light and love.

* I love and accept myself exactly as I am.

* I now express love to all those I meet.

* I am radiating love.

* I bathe in unconditional love

* Love radiates from me at all times.

* I love myself completely.

* Love comes to me easily and effortlessly.

* I give and receive love easily and joyfully.

* Others love me easily and joyfully.

* I now feel loved and appreciated by my parents, my friends.

* I express love freely

* As I give love, I am instantly supplied with more.

* I radiate love to all persons and places and things.

* People are just waiting to love me, and I allow them.

* I breathe in universal love.

* I attract loving, beautiful people into my life.

* I always deserve love.

* I am attracting loving relationships into my life.

* I project love to everyone I meet.

* I love and approve of myself.

www.silviamordini.com  and www.alchemytours.com to join me and work on the power of intention while on retreat with me in 2011!

January 9, 2011.  I have often been asked "who was my first yoga teacher".  Well that's easy, it was my Father.  And as he really was a professor that makes sense and doesn't. My father was teaching me the Yoga of Life.  Yoga of Adventure. Yoga of Experiencing the world!

You see my Father, Enrico, was at heart a pure adventurer and my Mother's parents were serious spiritual seekers.  I grew up traveling all over the world with my brother and parents from the time I was an infant.  I guess the fact that I love to show other people the beauty of the world through Yoga Retreats and Active Vacations shouldn't surprise anyone since I was born in Ecuador, South America and my Father is from Northern Italy near Modena, and English was my third language.  One could say being a citizen of the world is in my blood.  And I learned from my Father, this spirit of Don Quixote, Man of La Mancha, to dream the impossible.  I saw with my own eyes, touched and tasted new flavors, experienced new landscapes and as a result I learned about myself.  Every time I traveled somewhere I came back different, I was changed and knew that anything was possible.  

As  teacher of yoga and as a guide for international yoga trips: I want to inspire in you what my family inspired in me: To see with the eyes of my heart by transforming the ecology of mind that happens naturally when you change the routine pattern of daily life.  And to not apologize for being different and wanting to learn more about how big the universe is.  You see, I am not fearless, I haven't climbed Mount Everest or even Mount Rainer or cycled 100 miles in one day (my co-guide Jacob Young has though!) but I am willing to try anything.  I practice yoga every day to go on an internal adventure, to meet new people and push the boundaries of learning others ideas.  Yoga stokes my Rebel Spirit.  

It's funny (not haha, but funny weird) how yoga revealed itself to me. Yoga has been my faithful companion since a car ran me over more than a decade ago. My doctor prescribed yoga as part of my recovery routine, and my body and spirit began to transform. From my first class, I dedicated myself to live more fully. My loving Anusara-inspired Vinyasa Flow teaching style is influenced by more than 10 years of Hatha yoga study and I am gratefully committed to my three primary teachers: Shiva Rea, John Friend, and my students.

 My teaching style is upbeat and fun, serious and informative, supportive and authentic. I use my own intuition and demonstrations along with people's questions and past experiences to deepen the learning process.  My teaching intention is that while connected to their breath, students might feel each pose with an open heart and a quiet mind. Yoga then becomes a means to explore oneself more deeply in order to better face life’s challenges and open to the endless possibilities that exist for all of us.

 Less interesting but somewhat important: While in the corporate world, I worked as the HR Director for both Inc 500 and Fortune 500 companies, specializing in Training & Development. This parlayed well into opening my own Yoga studio in 2002 and teaching full-time. With over 7,500 hours of yoga teaching experience and the founder of a nationally recognized RYT 200 Yoga Certified Teacher Training Program in it's 10th cycle, I bring inspiration, enthusiasm and playfulness through creative, flowing sequencing and a delightful combination of yoga philosophy and healthy physical alignment all supported by inspiring music.  My life has a soundtrack, my yoga does too.

Just like music nurtures my spirit I want to support you to be more curious about your life.  One things for sure, going on a trip together will stoke the fire of creativity inside you, you will regain trust like what the Alchemist says "the universe is on your side" and you will learn to embrace uncertainty. You will become part of our tribe of Alchemy Adventure Seekers, or at the very least, you won't be afraid to try new stuff. To send me a personal email, write alchemytours@gmail.com. I'd LOVE to hear from you.

WWW.SILVIAMORDINI.COM OR WWW.ALCHEMYTOURS.COM

Being Mighty

By Julia Jonson Cohn

12/9/10

 Sure yoga’s a “feel good” kind of discipline, but anyone who practices regularly will tell you it goes so much deeper than that. As I go through teacher training I feel as if am drinking yoga by the gallon-ful… gulping down more classes and home practice, pouring over books, exploring places to observe classes and consuming web casts and DVD’s about yoga. I can best describe my current state of studentship by declaring I feel mighty!

I dusted off my circa 1985, three-inch thick, Webster’s Dictionary and looked up the word. It defines mighty as “great and powerful.” Another definition I found read “having or showing great power, skill, strength, or force.” Yes! I feel all of these things. But I’ve discovered that it is okay to feel weak and have obstacles that need to be conquered in order to keep feeling strong.

Our teacher Silvia had big things planned for last weekend‘s training. On Friday we would tackle handstands and Saturday would be all about arm balances. The sessions were challenging, fun and -- at for me at times -- frustrating. In my own practice, I had shied away from such poses… yet, I found I was being hard on myself for not being able to execute them. As I struggled to pull my feet off the ground in Astavakrasana (Eight Angle Pose) and sweat dripped from my brow, I muttered under my breath in irritation. My fellow classmate LeAnn Lockhart says she also experienced self doubt, but “(I learned to) just let go and realize some things take time, that I just needed to love myself for trying.”

As I scanned the room watching my classmates in, what seemed to be, slow motion -- it hit me that my inner strife had the potential to bring them down. Another reminder of how yoga reveals the effects our actions can have on one another. Then I watched in amazement at other students flying and felt exhilarated to watch them soar. Especially Ric Saguil who says “Through Silvia’s guidance I was able to reach a spiritual and physical place I only envisioned previously.”

So for me, being mighty means always remembering that every challenge I face represents a choice to either shine or wilt. I choose to shine and in doing so, have a subtly good impact on others by diligently practicing what scares me. For now I am taking baby steps by working on Bakasana (Crow or Crane), Parsva Bakasana and Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Balance). Guess what? I’m almost there. And I really do love myself for trying.

December 1, 2101 My "Best" Practice? By Laura Mills, in the words of a New Yoga Teacher

  When I was little, someone I admired advised me to achieve two objectives with my future: first, I must choose an endeavor that brings me happiness; and second, no matter what the endeavor, I must be my very best at it. Very shortly after I began teaching yoga, I knew this particular role model would be proud, for no endeavor of my past had shown me so much joy. But even now, more than six months into my teaching experience, the second objective trails a question mark.... Am I truly the best yoga teacher I can be at this point? And if not, how can I become so?

  It's not a question of spending more time on class preparation. A yoga teacher can literally spend every moment sequencing poses and developing themes. Realistically, of course, that can't happen--and at this point, I believe I've found a place at which I reasonably weave together yoga teaching and practice with the other strands that together form my complete life, including the eating and sleeping, errands and chores, writing and reading, and other pursuits with which I enrich my time.

  If I'm already reading, then, perhaps I should read more about yoga and yoga-related topics. Material abounds, for sure; one of the first things that struck me about teacher training, in fact, was the amount of reading material. Books about the fundamentals of yoga poses and the teaching of them, books on yogic philosophy, books on human anatomy, books on how to incorporate yoga into life off the mat...I confess that even now, six months after teacher training's end, I have yet to make my way through every last page. But even after I complete my first pass through this resource library, much more will remain to be read. Not long ago, for example, at a local bookstore I spotted shelf after shelf of translations of the Yoga Sutras (all different from the three I already own), the Upanisads, and the Bhagavad Gita, as well as books on different styles of yoga, yoga for various ailments and ages, and others. Yes, keeping the pages moving will always be an option.

  But really, even while a stack of still-unread yoga books is never far away, I know that yoga-in-writing is really only a small part of what's left for me to learn. The more yoga I practice and the more yoga I teach, the more I feel as if I stand only at the beginning of a path that stretches infinitely ahead. Just connecting with other teachers and students teaches me new lessons all the time, like there's always one more way to sequence a class, one more way to incorporate a theme, one more reason why people come to yoga in the first place, and one more inspiration that brings them back class after class. In six months of teaching I have yet to leave the studio with the same mind with which I entered; at the very least, after every class I am strengthened in my knowledge that I don't know all that exists to know about yoga. And that I never will.

  And actually, now that I think about it, perhaps keeping this very point at heart--with the greatest humility and the firmest commitment to yoga as a lifelong practice--is the essence of truly being my very best at this endeavor. Yes, I can continue putting my efforts into preparing classes, and I can pursue yoga-related reading whenever time allows. But I can also reaffirm my intention again and again to embrace my own studentship, letting myself just BE TAUGHT as life as a yoga teacher and everything else that I am unfolds. I can keep my heart open to the practice with the faith that, no matter how long I've been teaching, yoga will always have something left to teach me.

Right Here, Right Now

By Julia Jonson Cohn

11/26/10 

Remember the lyrics to that 90‘s tune by Jesus Jones? “Right here, right now, there is no other place I wanna be.” That has been my mantra lately as I’m experiencing an abundance of “now” moments. I’m certain that delving deeper into yoga through teacher training has everything to do with helping me to remain present. I am consistently able to fully accept every moment as fulfilling -- and neither cling to the past nor stress about the future -- even when my “now” seems unsatisfying. I guess you could say I’ve become more accepting of whatever the Universe dishes out.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m certainly not exempt from having days when I feel bad, down or angry. I’m just constantly reminded that spending more time practicing and learning about yoga gives me what I need to pull out of a slump -- or, more importantly, to accept those slumps in life and learn from them. God knows I’ve had my fair share!

A recent physical slump involved a major bout with lower back pain. And if I wasn’t already a firm believer in the power of yoga to awaken the body’s own healing process, I certainly am after last weekend’s training with our guru, Silvia. We spent the better part of a day perfecting Ustrasana (camel), Dhanurasana (bow), Urdhva Dhanurasana (wheel) and other backbends. My back pain is not only gone, but I feel freer to experience even deeper backbends.

 The physical openness I’ve been experiencing has led me to a greater understanding of the spiritual benefits of the heart-opening backbends and many other poses we‘ve been studying. I guess my “right here, right now” mantra comes from aligning with Grace and experiencing my True Nature. Author Tim Hansel says it best: “Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little everyday miracles and get excited about the privileges of simply being human.”

EVERYTHING SEEMS NEW

By Julia Jonson Cohn

 Cobrahhh! A collective spark of enlightenment beamed across the yoga studio as our teacher Rachel guided us into the best Bhujangasana some of us had ever experienced. We yoga teacher trainees rose up simultaneously with wide eyes and let out a resounding “ahhhh!” as we achieved near perfect alignment. It was like the grand finale of teacher training that day. Executing a pose that we had all likely done hundreds of times before yet this time it felt brand new because of what we had learned.

 Rachel’s enthusiasm throughout the day reverberated through me as she talked about ankle, thigh and shoulder loops. I was increasingly aware that I was much like a child learning a task for the first time. Yoga has been a trusty companion for almost half my life yet lately I feel like I’m just trying it for the first time. I suppose it is a renewed sense of wonderment about how many elements and layers of this ancient practice exist.

We began our day by taking class with our guru Silvia who challenged us to face our fears. This meant not just taking risks, but paying close to attention to everything around us so that we may be fully present as students of our own life. Silvia explained the worst part of fear is that feeling you get before you do something that scares you. She reassured us that the act itself is rarely as scary as the anticipation. We prepared, learned, watched and sometimes, in very human fashion, got distracted. The class hit a crescendo with Ahdo Mukha Vrksasana or handstand. How liberating to face my fears on the mat! As I supported the weight of my body on my hands (with a little assistance) my fear of heights, of illness and not accomplishing my goals didn‘t feel quite as daunting.

Back in the classroom we talked about opening to Grace at the beginning of practice. I cannot imagine practicing yoga without the life philosophy that our teachers so eloquently ooze. It is helping me to find the “realer” version of me and for that I am thankful. Albert Einstein said “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” For me, a greater understanding of life and yoga is emerging as I examine my own inner nature.

 Namaste to my amazing teachers for guiding me and inspiring me on this journey.

On the Mat and in Life

By Julia Jonson Cohn

10/27/10

I felt like I was packing for vacation. Snacks, check. More snacks, check. Oh yeah, magazines, drinks and a few odds and ends to share with my classmates. Wow, can‘t wait to see them again! Lip balm, yoga mat, travel tea mug and a couple of pens. OK, everything’s here. For two days, I piled stuff onto my kitchen counter in anticipation of one day of yoga teacher training.

Our group showed up ready to continue our yogic studies. Many of us talked about subtle and awesome changes we’d been experiencing in our daily lives since embarking on this journey. After just four days of learning, many of us were eating better, smiling more and arguing less. Maybe that’s why I was so eager for more -- I’m just feeling plain good.

We started our day with a yoga class taught by Rachel, another expert yoga instructor who will be guiding us through training.  She had us practicing kapalabhati breathing and we worked on two Rasas. Shringara, or love and shanta, or peace. We engaged our shins and our thighs. I felt spectacular, balanced and ready to learn.

Back in the classroom, we spent our day learning about asana and the benefits of the different categories of poses. We talked less about life this time and more about proper alignment in our bodies. Funny thing is, it was obvious the lessons about postures mirror daily living.

Rachel taught us the importance of a good foundation - if your feet are where they should be, if you have a strong foundation, everything else falls into place in standing poses.  I thought that’s the same with me. When my inner foundation is strong, life is mostly good. Then we talked about how groups of poses in class get students ready for the pinnacle, which is the most challenging pose of the practice. Rachel says it’s important to choose the proper tools (or poses) to help achieve the more challenging poses. Once again, yoga practice mimicking real life. I couldn’t help but think of daily difficulties, or even some of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced in my own life. Wouldn’t Oprah call this an ah-ha moment?! As I looked at the peaceful faces around the room and watched our leader Rachel sharing her knowledge, I took great comfort in knowing I’d chosen to be here.

In two weeks our group will meet again for several days of study. And I’m certain I’ll be packing up again.

My Tribe

By Julia Jonson Cohn

10/17/10

I hugged them, said goodbye and actually got misty-eyed at the thought of not seeing them again for ten days. Thing is, I only met them last week! My new tribe, as our leader calls us. My fellow yoga teacher trainees, who I will be learning and growing with for the next several months, made an imprint on my heart.

We are a diverse bunch. Our ages span 50 years. Our occupations range from dog groomer to doctor and the tribe has an array of talents and interests -- we have musicians and runners, one who has a green thumb and another who has studied to be a monk.  Some of us are parents and there are group members who were born in other countries and we all share a love of yoga. Over the course of 4 days we shared what makes us awesome, finessed each other’s poses and literally sat on each other’s lap (while tweaking Utkatasana or chair pose). We laughed a ton and some of us even cried a little, but mostly we grew.

Each training session began with taking a yoga class. Then we’d come back to our classroom, sit in a circle and talk about our practice.  The bulk of early learning for our tribe, as teacher Silvia calls it, came in the form of self-work. Silvia told us she wanted to build us up and she did. 

She taught us that yoga and meditation will help us clear away the chitti vritta, or chatter in the mind.  We were encouraged to feel deeply, live fully and love completely. Our foundation is one of self-love and how you are the lover of yourself as well as the beloved.  Silvia used tons of humor and amazing analogies to drive home the point that the more open and seeking you are the more potential you have to recognize your greatness (because we are already great she told us!).

 I witnessed myself and my tribe transforming -- we went from being a group of acquaintances to trusted comrades sharing a common mission in life… the desire to help humanity through yoga. Author Jane Howard says “Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”

Ultimately, the most profound lesson I learned in my first four days of training is that I am already perfect and whole and that my path as both a teacher and student will be more joyful and fulfilling if I am kind to myself and others. I think my tribe would agree.

Namaste!

OCTOBER 17, 2010.  "People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel that they don't deserve them, or that they'll be unable to achieve them."  The Alchemist

This is about Fear.  That we limit ourselves mentally, emotionally as a result and unless we can see the fear as illusion, just a mental game we are playing it will paralyze us, stiffen us, make us brittle.  As the Alchemist also goes on to talk about how the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering.  It is NOT about whether or not we are afraid. Of course! We all are afraid of something.  But instead how we either allow this fear to stop our experiences of life or let it fuel the bouncing back.  We try, we experiment, we get a result, maybe not the one we wanted but still a result a karma and we bounce back to try again.

What is your bounce back factor?

Do you allow things to scare you so much that you ignore them, freeze, run away, fight them?  Today the family of poses we used to help us move beyond the illusion of fear was arm balances.  Learning to concentrate regardless of what was physically achievable.  Learning how to attempt the impossible to see that this opinion was only a thought...nothing more or less. And just as easily we can change that thought to believe in the impossibility of things.  You can by facing your fears learn to talk to yourself differently.  So here below was our class plan (not as cleaned up as usual but for sake of time I wanted to share it with you as is).  I hope you enjoyed the practice and that you see how deserving you are of living life FULL BLAST, get past the veil of fear and try for your most important dreams!  Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

Theme: Solving the "mystery" of arm balances. If this family of asana have you spooked or scared let's face that fear together and see what's really going on.

CLASS PLAN

 WAVE 1

Twist

Supine Bridge to Waterfall abs with brick

Core cultivation:  

Brick in inner thighs

cobbler abs, two bricks

step on brick get the twist

Pigeon abs

(Side 2)

Bridge

WAVE 2

Upward Facing plank, hands on bricks

--- pull backs

Janu sirsana forward, parsva janu sirsana

Vasistasana variation kneeling

Parsva Vasistasana other wise

Marichyasana C

Pascimotanasana

Side 2

Upward facing on bricks

Malasana (move bricks forward)

WAVE 3

Sun Sal A variations hands on bricks (3-4 times)

Half Moon A - different each time

WAVE 4

I leg dog

High Lunge to transverse lunge back foot

Standing splits, baby eagle once

High lunge, lunge push up, up fold in half repeat 3 x's

Revolved Lunge

Transverse lunge: bind, sit inside like parsva janu sirsasana

Face back

Basic vinyasa

Jump forward finish like Sun Sal A all the way to Down Dog

Right leg up again

High Lunge to transverse lunge

Standing Splits

HIgh Lunge, lunge push up to hands to ground standing splits 3's

Last time transition from standing splits

Pyramid

Revolved Triangle

Revolved Prasarita

Jump to prasarita

Exit back to front, right foot

Standing Splits

Crane to 1 leg pigeon chair (hands on bricks - prep for arm balance)

Plank, basic vinyasa with bricks all the way to down dog

Begin mandala side 2

WAVE 5

Frog

Malasana

Bakasana with head on brick, lift head

Downward Dog

I leg dog, hip open

Pigeon - twist and hold back foot for backbend

Swing back leg forward Janu sirsasana

Seated Pigeon

-- twist it

Stand from tip toe balance to Eka Pada Galavasana

Plank, basic vinyasa

Side 2

WAVE 6

Bhujaphidasana

Tittibasana with partner to crow or crow jump back

CLOSING WAVE

Cooling postures

Savasana

Meditation

PS CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW FALL TEACHER TRAINEES WHO ARE FACING FEARS AND CHALLENGING THEMSELVES TO LOOK WITHIN!

OCTOBER 13, 2010.  So today I begin my last Teacher Training at TBY.  What an amazing 9 groups of trainees I've had the pleasure of teaching all these years!  I've learned more from them than they could possibly have learned from me.  
And I have slowly turned over the program little by little to other great local teachers to carry on this legacy.  Rachel Dewan is co teaching this Fall program with me and Mary Scudella and Mara Campbell are taking over the Winter program that starts in January runs until July.  

In the words of the Grateful Dead, "What a long strange trip its been."

And me? Well I will still be teaching teachers. It is my passion, my life's mission and I will do so remotely, virtually and in person in various locations that open their hearts up to me.  I trust my voice will still be heard in helping nurture other teachers to find their own voices.  It was never about fitting a teacher trainee into a set mold, it was always about the organic nature of evolution and individual transformation.  And it still is.

So stay tuned, if you live local sign up for Mary and Mara or Rachel next Fall. And if you want to enjoy a destination Teacher Training then join me in 2011 for some fantastic spiritual adventuring!  Love yourself, love your day, love your life, Silvia

PS What have I learned in 9 teacher trainings? Be Yourself. The best teachers remain students.  God made you funky. (obviously the 200 hours together went into more detail....)

October 12, 2010  This Place of Mine....  (Thoughts of a Beginning Yoga Teacher) By Laura Mills

  The need to put things in their place is what initially drew me to yoga. After some difficult years during which my life's flow drastically changed course, yoga proved itself a paddle with which I continued sailing forward. Yoga felt right; it made ME feel right, or at least more right than before...which made pursuing my teaching credentials feel especially right, so I could ultimately help others do the same.

  And so, eager to teach others about re-establishing life's peace--about putting things in their place--I immersed myself in a teacher training program. And then, sooner than expected, a teaching opportunity arose, and into my first class I jumped. I'm glad it all happened quickly; if I had had more time to think before I accepted the commitment, I likely would have talked myself out of it. And true to my nature, after I accepted I struggled daily with the thought, "What have I gotten myself into?" Terrified, I wrote my first class, then practiced it at least once a day for an entire week. I mentally rehearsed it again and again. I even took the class plan to bed with me.

  Was this what "right" should feel like?

  The morning of the class I woke up sick-to-my-stomach nervous, and throughout the early hours I forced myself to stay busy at the risk of otherwise panicking. In fact, up to the moment the class began I focused so intently on NOT panicking that I can't explain too much else of what happened that day--all I know is that after the class I felt a surge of relief. And exhilaration, for it had gone well...which surprised me, because again true to my nature I had expected something to go wrong. Still, even with my initial happiness, afterwards I mentally replayed the class: did I cue everything correctly? Did I make eye contact? Did I speak clearly? Was my music too loud? What's landscape vision again? Was this really the right course for my life?

  As my second, third, fourth and subsequent classes passed with the same anxieties and the same questions, something else emerged: a new dimension to the respect I held for my own yoga teachers. The effort in sequencing a class, the thought in developing a theme, the creativity in compiling a playlist...the amount of work involved, which I now undertook myself, revealed my teachers' love of and dedication to the practice. The thought of all they had done for me as their student humbled me. But even more than that, my realization of their faith inspired me anew...faith that, at some point, a teacher just has to let go of each class and trust that she or he has prepared enough and the rest will somehow come together.

  The anxieties and the questions began to diminish...a little.

  And then, a bit further along, an old feeling arose within me--a really, really good feeling that felt stronger with each class. I hadn't felt it in a long time, but here it was, back again. I recognized it when I realized I felt more excitement than nervousness before class; I recognized it when I realized I greatly looked forward to interacting with my students, many of whom I now knew by name. I recognized it when I realized I wasn't just another yoga teacher working with just another group of students, but part of a unique and beautiful yoga studio family.

  And, I recognized it when I realized I was totally overwhelmed with blessings. With my attention lately so focused on yoga, my yoga-related blessings in particular were in mind.... My yoga teachers who enriched my practice and inspired me; my fellow trainees who shared so many of their gifts; my students who put their faith in me to guide them through each practice, each class; my husband who supported me in every possible way on my yoga journey. And God, the Universe, the Divine Being, who made certain that yoga and yoga teaching found me, and thus put me in my place...which is, in light of all this I am growing more certain, the right one.

  Wishing you peace in recognizing your place, Laura 

OCTOBER 5, 2010.  On October 13th we start our 9th teacher training study group! I know I can't believe it either.  Wow! I've seen so many amazing breakthroughs and incredible growth as a result of facilitating these trainings.  There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of previous trainees and send them love and gratitude for they have served as my teachers as much as I have been their teacher. And I have been deeply honored to see them all grow in discovering their Dharma, their purpose.  

It's such a simple question: Why are you here? Or let me put it like this, What do you want to be when you grow up? 

If you want to study yourself, then our program is for you. Enjoy this perspective from one of our 2009-2010 Graduates.  Love in all ways, Silvia  

How Teacher Training Helped me Find my Purpose By Guest Blogger Janeen Heinman

Last fall I took the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training at Total Body Yoga.  I had only been a student of yoga for 2 ½ years when I signed up for the program, so I was a virtual beginner.  But for me, yoga had opened up so much.  My health was better, my attitude and anxiety improved, and I was more relaxed.  I felt like I had found something totally real.  I spent time reading books about yoga, taking workshops and classes, but there was still so much I didn’t know.  I enrolled in Silvia’s program to expand my knowledge, but I didn’t have a solid idea of what I wanted to do when I finished.

We learned a lot right away in the training, including asanas and how to teach them, yoga history and philosophy and some basics of Ayurveda.  I learned a lot for myself, but even more so, I wanted to share what I was learning.  After all, who couldn’t benefit from practices like a full three-part breath, or viparita karani?  I tend to get anxious when speaking in front of groups, but the training program was a really safe place to practice.  I worked on finding my voice, which in turn led me to discover my purpose.

Through the Yoga Teacher Training, I was able to look honestly at some dissatisfaction I had with my career in psychiatry.  I realized I was not offering my patients enough, in my mind, to truly become well.  Yoga was the next step.  My goal now is to incorporate yoga into my career by offering people tools to help themselves .  The training helped me open to possibility and realize I don’t have to follow the beaten path, but I can chart a new course!

I am only in the early stages of developing my new job description, but I believe the teacher training started me on this path.  The practice itself keeps me open to grace, and I have enjoyed unbelievable support from my colleagues and peers so far.  I was stagnant, knowing I was not fulfilling my true purpose professionally, but fear held me back for a long time.  The teacher training program forced me to look inward, and that practice of self-study has led me to something totally new.  I don’t believe I would have come to this turning point without the support and guidance of my teacher, Silvia, and my fellow trainees.

Namaste!

SEPTEMBER 27, 2010  Yoga is one of my most important Rituals.  Actually the first time I understood what the word "practice" really meant the lightbulb went off and I realized oh yeah, "something I practice repeatedly over a long period of time".  Well that is a ritual too.

Within my yoga life the ritual I have especially on Monday's is to do a balancing of my energies related to the elements.  Before I believed in Chakras, I did believe in Earth, Water, Air, Fire.  Then eventually I started to understand that all of the elements are within and outside us. And even beyond that the concept of Doshas and Chakras. And all of it got less intimidating. Two easy ways for me to stay connected to the elements and through that discover where I am excessive or deficient and do something about it are:

1.  Each finger represents an element so I pray, meditate, focus on bringing my thumb to each finger.

2.  I sing a song to the elements (I know lots of them but this one was the focus tonight).  And in Spanish to my Latin roots (my Mom's side as my Dad's side is the Italian part)

Tierra mi Cuerpo
Agua mi Sangre
Aire mi Viento
Y Fuego mi Espiritu.

Hey even if you don't understand Spanish you might pick up a word here or there.  So this is translated as: Earth my Body, Water my Blood, Air my Breath, and Fire my Spirit.

What does this have to do with Rituals?  Well when we disconnect from our rituals we lose touch with what Louise Hay calls our "inner ding" or intuition or good old fashion gut feel.  So this practice was meant to bring our awareness to the four elements and feel that connection of each to ourselves, the micro experience, and to the world at large, our macro experience.  All of this reminds us that we are in Yoga at every moment of our lives. There is this primordial power or universal intelligence that draws us together in balance, in union.  And this goes beyond us to our ancestors and to the legacy we leave beyond this earthly body.  Perhaps this inspires you to create your own Ritual around the elements, or even a single element, and I hope so.  Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

PS For the full blog, part of which I shared in class, of Dr. Enrique Saguil, TBY Teacher Trainee, click here: http://herbal411.blogspot.com/2010/09/lack-of-disease-doesnt-equal-good.html

SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. If you want to get to the root cause of what is stressful in your life, what is holding you back, what is it that you really want for your life then our certified training program (that by the way qualifies you to teach yoga) is for you!  I encourage you to fill out the application, and then read it to yourself and see if this reveals to you whether you should apply or not.  This is not about teaching Yoga to other people. THIS IS ABOUT LEARNING ABOUT YOU.
http://silviamordini.com/teacher-training-certification.asp

CYT – Certified Yoga Teacher Application (YA 200 hour)

APPLICATION

Send completed application and materials via email to:

trainings@silviamordini.com

BACKGROUND

Please include: name, emergency contact, address, city/state, zip, day/night phone, cell phone, and e- mail address.

STEP 1: PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

-How long have you been taking yoga classes and/or practicing? -Who have been your most influential teachers and why? -List any trainings, intensives or retreats attended and why? -What style(s) of yoga do you practice?

-How often and how long do you practice?

STEP 2: WHY DO YOU WANT TO TAKE THIS PROGRAM?

-Why do you want to be a certified yoga teacher? -What are your expectations for the training? What do you hope to gain, learn, or improve? -Do you teach yoga now? If so, please describe in detail. -If you plan on teaching after completing the program, why do you want to teach yoga?

STEP 3: WHAT DOES YOGA MEAN TO YOU?

-Describe how your life has been impacted by practicing yoga. -Tell us about your hobbies, interests, community service, etc. -Describe your physical health (major illnesses, surgeries, physical conditions). -Tell us about your emotional and mental health. -Do you have a support network of friends or therapist? -Does your family support this journey you've decided to take? -This program requires a significant time commitment. Do you have any other major commitments (grad school, 2 jobs, etc) that would prevent you from participating fully?

AUGUST 26, 2010. This time of year I am asked over and over should I do the Teacher Training program?  And really the answer is that if you are asking well the answer is an unequivocal YES! 

The first chapter, verse verse of the Yoga Sutras presents this opportunity "AND NOW BEGINS THE STUDY OF YOGA."  This implies that only once you are ready to be a dedicated student of life only then will you actually begin your studies.  So what is the subject of your study?  What do we actually learn about in a Yoga Teacher Training Program?  (I know it seems quite mysterious what goes on behind closed doors for 180 hours)

In Yoga we use the SELF to study the self.  And as we become experts in our own humanity we learn to brighten the way for all others.  We learn about our imperfectly perfect nature and accept our humanness thereby releasing all judgements of others and their imperfect nature as well.  “If you light a lamp for someone else it will also brighten your path.” ~Buddha

The most challenging part of any Teacher Training, as you become your own best teacher, is formally agreeing and announcing to the world at the top of your lungs, "MY SELF-CARE IS VITALLY IMPORTANT!"  If you are asking should I do a teacher training program you have already started down the path of beginning the most important dialogue of your life.  On some level something inside you has switched gears and instead of only worrying about what everyone else is doing or thinks about what you are doing, you have decided to care about you.

I hope you join my program October to March, co-taught with Rachel Dewan or that you consider any Teacher Training.  Make this commitment to studying life by studying yourself today!  Love your day, love your life, love yourself!  Silvia  

"Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new." -- OG MANDINO

AUGUST 3RD, 2010  This practice of yoga has taught me above all else how to be a better Student of Life.  No matter how you might judge me as a "yoga teacher" or "life coach" I can honestly say that my best skill set is of being an amazing student.

I AM TEACHABLE.

I never for a moment assume I know too much. Actually ever year of this practice I learn more and realize how little I actually understand. My time on the mat reminds me to stay thirsty for knowledge.  It inspires me to get off my mat and apply this "TEACHABILITY" off the mat.  And I do.  Of course not without some lifted eye brows and sometimes harsh criticism from some folks.  

I take great honor in saying every year I take time off from teaching and go to study with my teachers.  I sit in the SEAT OF THE STUDENT an open vessel soaking in the open hearted wisdom of my teacher.  This last week has been an amazing experience studying Vinyasa Yoga with a great teacher of yoga and life.

I have been inspired, and challenged and prodded and supported in new ways.  I want to say thank you first to all those that would judge me for making time for myself to be a student.  You too have been some of my greatest teachers. For without your friction I would not have had to dig deep to still do what I knew was best for me.  And to all my students, friends, clients who have kindly supported me every year to keep learning I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for being my root chakra when it would get shaken and I'd wonder should I make time for me or not?  

There are wisdom teachers everywhere and as Students of Life the point is to be open to seeing the teachings that surround us every day of our lives both formally and informally.  Sometimes our most difficult teachers are our best teachers.  And that's ok: pleasant, unpleasant, neutral.  It's all good.

And finally what I hope everyone learns no matter your opinion is to step outside your comfort zone and KEEP LEARNING. Do not atrophy.  REMAIN TEACHABLE.  

Teachabiilty and being lovable are intimately linked as sweethearts.

May you all find the courage to expand your knowledge!  With compassion and peace to you all, Silvia

PS - Join me for my certified yoga teacher training program starting October 15th, 2010 at total body yoga

JULY 25, 2010:

Super Duper Namaste!   Great article in Women's Health caught my eye: "Bend to get more buff. In a study reported in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, volunteers followed a strength-training regimen three times a week, with half of them adding two stretching sessions to their routines.  After eight weeks, the flexible group almost tripled their muscle strength.  Stretching like lifting, causes tiny tears in your muscle; as your body repairs them, the tissue becomes stronger, says study coauthor Jason Winchester PhD, of George Mason University.  Add 10 minutes of stretching to your routine today!"  

Thought you'd like to know that.  Flexibility makes us stronger!  (AND MORE HOT!)  

I am happily teaching all week then I am off in August to attend Vinyasa Teacher Training out West and enjoy a wedding of friends and take a holiday.  Hope to see you all on the mat before I go!   Big, big love and infinite Gratitude! Silvia  

MY SCHEDULE JULY 25-30 Sunday: 7:45am Level 1-2; 9:15am Level 1; 4:30pm Level 1-2 Monday: 6:15pm Level 1-2 Tuesday: 9:15am Level 1-2 (subbing for Christine) and 6:15pm Basics Wednesday: 9:15am Level 1 and 6:15pm Level 1 Thursday: 10:45am Basics Friday: 9:15am Level 1-2

OFF IN AUGUST

TELL ME MORE ABOUT CERTIFIED YOGA TEACHER TRAINING AT TOTAL BODY YOGA PLEASE? I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT THE FALL PROGRAM AND IF THERE IS STILL ROOM.  YES!! THERE IS AND READ ON TO LEARN MORE AND APPLY.  PEACE AND LOVE! SILVIA

total body yoga certified teacher training October 2010 - March 2011
This over 200 hour program is recognized by Yoga Alliance as a REGISTERED 200 HOUR YOGA SCHOOL and offers you a unique opportunity to make a deep commitment to learning more about yourself.  The entire total body yoga community offers you honest, loving support from day one as we pride ourselves on being completely inclusive.  This program is a safe haven: a nurturing sanctuary to engage in open minded self-exploration.  We are devoted to offering you an atmosphere in which freedom of expression, creativity and passion for life are "totally" encouraged!  Our program covers the foundations of the 8 Limbed path of Yoga and how to effectively teach using your most authentic voice.  The emphasis will be on teaching to the heart of the student in a dynamic yet unpretentious way through a marriage of creative vinyasa techniques, disciplined asana and life philosophy.  This is yoga as a life-long truthful celebration of ourselves, our students and our world!  This program requires a significant, honest commitment of time and energy.  We would love to receive your application!

SCHEDULE OF TRAINING DATES OCTOBER 13, 2010 - MARCH 31, 2011:

Every other Wednesday 9am - 3pm from October 13 through March 31
*Dates are Oct 13, 27, Nov 10, 24, Dec 1, Jan 12, 26, Feb 9, 23, Mar 9, 23, 31 

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE:

Practice Class: 9:00am - 3pm with Lunch Break 1-1:30pm

1 WEEKEND PER MONTH:

Dates are: Oct. 16,17-18, 2010; Nov. 19, 20-21, 2010; Dec. 3, 4-5, 2010; Jan 14, 15-16, 2011; Feb 19-20, 2011; Mar 19-20, 2011, Celebration Dinner TBD

SATURDAY SCHEDULE:

Training Class: 8:00am-5:00pm with Lunch Break: 1:00pm-2:00pm

SUNDAY SCHEDULE:

Training Class: 8:00pm-3:00pm with Lunch Break: 12pm-1pm

Program is ideal for those working regular weekday work schedules (requires use of just 2 vacation days per month or flexible schedule arrangements with employer.)

COST: $2,900 *Deposit of $300 towards tuition required prior to first day.
***If paid in full by October 15th only $2,500***SAVE $400! 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Send completed application and materials via email to:

trainings@silviamordini.com

BACKGROUND

Please include: name, emergency contact, address, city/state, zip, day/night phone, cell phone, and e-mail address.

STEP 1: PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR YOGA PRACTICE
-How long have you been taking yoga classes and/or practicing?

-Who have been your most influential teachers and why?

-List any trainings, intensives or retreats attended and why?

-What style(s) of yoga do you practice?

-How often and how long do you practice?

STEP 2: WHY DO YOU WANT TO TAKE THIS PROGRAM?
-Why do you want to be a certified yoga teacher?

-What are your expectations for the training? What do you hope to gain, learn, or improve? 
-Do you teach yoga now? If so, please describe in detail. 
-If you plan on teaching after completing the program, why do you want to teach yoga? 

STEP 3: WHAT DOES YOGA MEAN TO YOU?
-Describe how your life has been impacted by practicing yoga.

-Tell us about your hobbies, interests, community service, etc.

-Describe your physical health (major illnesses, surgeries, physical conditions). 
-Tell us about your emotional and mental health. 

-Do you have a support network of friends or therapist?

-Does your family support this journey you've decided to take? 
-This program requires a significant time commitment. Do you have any other major commitments (grad school, 2 jobs, etc) that would prevent you from participating fully?

"It is by teaching that we teach ourselves, by relating that we observe, by affirming that we examine, by showing that we look, by writing that we think, by pumping that we draw water into the well."  --  Henri Frederic Amiel

JULY 19, 2010.  I want to take a moment to congratulate and thank the 2010 teacher training graduates. These unbelievably inspiring teachers have spent over 200 hours enthusiastically studying a Syllabus that Includes:

• Techniques 100 Contact Hours/15 Non Contact Hours: Includes asanas, pranayamas and meditation. These hours include both training in the techniques and the practice of them.
• Teaching Methodology 25 Contact Hours/6 Non Contact Hours: Principles of demonstration, observation, assisting/correcting, instruction, teaching styles, qualities of a teacher, and the student's process of learning.
• Anatomy and Physiology 14 Contact Hours/6 Non Contact Hours: We will incorporate awareness of physical and subtle anatomy throughout training.
• Philosophy, Ethics, & Lifestyle 20 Contact Hours/10 Non Contact Hours: Study of Yoga Philosophy (Yamas, Niyamas), Yoga Scriptures (Yoga Sutras), ethics for yoga teachers, 'living the life of the yogi'
• Practicum 10 Contact Hours: Includes observing and assisting (both adjusting and enhancing students) in classes taught by others. 5 hours of assistant teaching, 5 hours of observing classes
• Independent Study 10 Contact Hours/5 Non Contact Hours: these hours will include assigned reading, asana sheets of 60 poses, workshops, and 5 hours of Karma Yoga Student Teaching for free to your community.

To see this level of dedication or studentship known as adhikara was deeply profound. I thank you all for bringing your Best Selves!  You are already amazing teachers, for the BEST teachers of yoga or of life are those that remain lifelong STUDENTS!  Big love to you all, Silvia

2010 TRAINEES (RYT PENDING)

1.       Laura Mills

2.       Janeen Paul

3.       Laura Zavala

4.       Kendra Charts

5.       Nikki Jewell

6.       Deidre Person

7.       Carrie Wilhelm

8.       Sherri Browdy

9.       Alexandra Mlynarczyk

10.     Christine Bjorkquist

11.      Eileen Estrem

12.      Jaime Foss

13.      Jen Fabri

14.      Karin DeCicco

15.      Linda Benton

16.      Nadine LaPointe

17.      Susan Cartwright

JULY 18, 2010:  So if you are interested in becoming a CYT 200 Certified Yoga Teacher recognized by the Yoga Alliance you much complete a CYT program that they approve at the 200 or 500 hour level.  See www.yogaalliance.com for the complete list.  We have finished our fifth year of training and are starting our 6th.  TO APPLY PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

Send completed application and materials via email to:

trainings@silviamordini.com

 BACKGROUND

Please include: name, emergency contact, address, city/state, zip, day/night phone, cell phone, and e-mail address.

STEP 1:  PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR YOGA PRACTICE
-How long have you been taking yoga classes and/or practicing?

-Who have been your most influential teachers and why?

-List any trainings, intensives or retreats attended and why?

-What style(s) of yoga do you practice?

-How often and how long do you practice?

STEP 2:  WHY DO YOU WANT TO TAKE THIS PROGRAM?
-Why do you want to be a certified yoga teacher?

-What are your expectations for the training? What do you hope to gain, learn, or improve? 
-Do you teach yoga now? If so, please describe in detail. 
-If you plan on teaching after completing the program, why do you want to teach yoga? 

STEP 3: WHAT DOES YOGA MEAN TO YOU?
-Describe how your life has been impacted by practicing yoga.

-Tell us about your hobbies, interests, community service, etc.

-Describe your physical health (major illnesses, surgeries, physical conditions). 
-Tell us about your emotional and mental health. 

-Do you have a support network of friends or therapist?

-Does your family support this journey you've decided to take? 
-This program requires a significant time commitment. Do you have any other major commitments (grad school, 2 jobs, etc) that would prevent you from participating fully?

JULY 17, 2010:  I get asked all the time what books I recommend for students of yoga. Well the list I personally suggest is as follows:

Yoga History: 
1. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali,Swami Satchitananda or Secret Power of Yoga, Nichala Joy Devi (ALL TIME FAVE!)
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Practice: 
2. Yoga The Spirit and Practice of Moving Into Stillness, Eric Schiffman 
3. Jivamukti By Shannon Gannon and David Life 
4. Yoga for Wellness, Gary Kraftsow, Penquin, 1999 
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Professional Ethics/Connecting the Heart of the Student: 
5. Teaching Yoga: Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship, Donna Farhi
6. Anusara Yoga Teacher Training Manual, John Friend 
7. Living Your Yoga: Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life, Judith Lasater 
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Anatomy/Physiology: 
8. Anatomy of Movement, Blandine Calais-Germain 
9. The Anatomy Coloring Book - Kapit & Elson 
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Pranayama and Breath: 
10. The Heart of Yoga: Developing A Personal Practice, Desikachar
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Recommended Books: 
Yogi Bare by Philip Self 
The Language of Yoga by Nicolai Bachman (to learn how to pronounce stuff)
Yoga from the Inside Out by Christina Sell 
A Path With Heart: A Guide through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life & Wherever You Go There You Are by Jack Kornfield
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APRIL 5, 2010:  Each first Monday of the month our 10:45am and 7:30pm Basics classes are Restorative Yoga.  The ultimate goal of Yoga is liberation, freedom from pain, stress, suffering. In the Hatha Yoga Pradpika it’s written, “Breath is the key to ultimate emancipation.”  We use the breath while holding poses in a supported way in Restorative Yoga to help our brain’s relax.  Our normal breathing pattern is brain initiated which creates tension. It’s a lot of work! But in conscious breathing our brains become more passive and relaxed.  Here is more about the specific type of yoga known as Restorative Yoga.  Love to you, Silvia

Restorative Yoga

Yoga can work for many different types of bodies, many different stages in life, and for each person's many different moods. All yoga is healing.  The restorative effects of yoga should never be over-looked, no matter what age, and sometimes slowing down the practice, going deeper in poses, and just feeling the restorative power of them does wonders for the body.

Benefits of Restorative Yoga

Restorative Yoga focuses on relaxing the body in restful postures. Rest provides the body an opportunity to renew and heal. Countless studies have proven the physical and emotional benefits of this.

Restorative yoga, as well as other forms of yoga, help to trigger the Parasympathetic nervous system also known as the PNS. The PNS is responsible for balancing the body and bringing its response system back into equalibrium. Stimulating the PNS helps to lower heart rate, blood pressure; it helps to healthily stimulate the immune system and keep the endocrine system operating healthily. When this system gets out of whack, or when the Sympathetic nervous system, SNS gets over-stimulated, the PNS helps to bring all back in balance. It is believed that is the PNS is tapped out or under-active, illness pervades. Thus, forms of relaxation, such as yoga and meditation, that help to stimulate the PNS are generally beneficial for overall body health.

David Spiegel, M.D., author of Living Beyond Limits, reports, "In medicine, we are learning that physical problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, can be influenced by psychological interventions, such as relaxation training. Indeed, the Food and Drug Administration issued a report recommending these non-drug approaches as the treatment of choice for milder forms of hypertension. Mind and body are connected and must work together, and this should be a powerful asset in treating medical illness."

February 12, 2010:  “The more critical reason dominates, the more impoverished life becomes.” Carl Jung

How can we learn to use our brains better?  To shut it off when appropriate, to turn the volume down when healthy, to stop the endless repetition all so we can stop tiring ourselves out, stop hurting ourselves and stop annoying other people.  When you think about it seriously Our Brains Are Just TOO BIG!

For what we have to accomplish each day we have way too much brain power.  Think of the constant state of mental diarrhea that takes place in any given hour and you have your proof.  Combine this with how easily we regurgitate all this brain stuff into constant verbal chatter and the case is made. Our brains really are more than we need and certainly Yoga is necessary to help us manage them better. 

Kurt Vonnegut claims that thinking is ineffective not because it is obsolete but because it is OVERDEVELOPED and possibly too advanced.  In Galapagos, he looks back from the future to find:

“The mass of men was quietly desperate a million years ago because the internal computers inside their skulls were incapable of restraint or idleness; were forever demanding more serious problems….”

Do you do that?  Do you let your brain come up with another problem, another drama especially when you find things getting too “quiet” or happy?  Why would we do this…In Wampeteres Foma, and Granfaloons Vonnegut also writes, “the human brain is too high powered to have many practical uses in this particular universe.  There was no end to the evil schemes that a thought machine that oversized couldn’t imagine and execute.”

I know you know that ever powerful ability we have to form evil schemes, that somebody is mad at us, or the universe is out to get us, that everyone else has it easier.  We learn from Yoga how to manage our thoughts, all 60,000 per day, and focus them on something productive. No longer giving away so much energy on the made up problems but actually time on the mat is that opportunity to listen and feel more.  So today, practice some yoga…take back your thought machine and open your heart.  Peace in all ways, Silvia

February 8, 2010:  Tonight in classes want to address the theme of what Stress does to our brains and how burn out from Stress can be prevented from a yogic perspective.  I’ll offer healthier and more conscious ways to confront the challenges of daily life. 

Yoga is a holistic science of human nature, which teaches us how we can better understand our bodies and minds. By observing our fears, expectations and desires, it is possible to recognize and transform unhealthy and unsustainable patterns of behavior. 

We will learn and practice simple breathing techniques and poses so that deep relaxation on the bodily and mental levels can be experienced.  The full benefits of these “Yoga Tools” learned will be realized through regular practice and implementation in everyday life even if for just 7 minutes per day. 

I have experienced Burn Out when in the corporate world and I know what stress can do to the brain.  Yoga exercises and philosophy plays an everyday role in my life to keep me healthy so I can maintain my equilibrium.  I want you to experience this same healthy solution to the stressors of life.  Peace in all ways, Silvia

“ABOUT THE BRAIN: (From the book Yoga: A therapeutic approach by Gary Kraftsow)

1. The brain stem and cerebellum are involved in the mechanical and usually Unconscious processes of regulating and processing the sensory, emotional, autonomic, hormonal, and motor functions of the body.
2. The cerebrum is involved in Conscious processes such as intellectual thought, the processing and comprehension of sensory input, coordination, and the storing and processing of long term memory as well as conscious sensory and motor memory.
3. The limbic system is concerned with learning, memory and the emotions and their related behavioural drives.  But of even more importance to our consideration of Yoga therapy, the limbic systems provides the LINK between the Conscious , intellectual functions of the brain and the Unconscious, mechanical functions of the body.

STRESS AND DISEASE:

The bodily response to stress initiated in the hypothalamus (cerebellum) knows as fight or flight response, involves a chain reaction of chemicals released into the bloodstream, as follows: corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) is released from the hypothalamus; CRF then triggers the release of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ATCH) from the pituitary gland; and finally ATCH triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol from the adrenal glands.  The results of this chain reaction are increase in heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and in increase in the peripheral circulation of blood to the skeletal muscles, as digestion stops and the flow of blood is directed away from the stomach and a whole range of other bodily changes. 

Through this mechanism, the body is able to cope with stress and therefore survive. However, if through chronic physical or mental stress this mechanism s habitually engaged, the result is a depression of the IMMUNE response and weakening of the entire system.  But whether the source of stress is internal, external, psychological, physical or some combination of these factors it is clear that the link between conscious mind and unconscious body responses work in both directions.”

IN A NUTSHELL:  You guys what this means is that where brain activity can trigger emotional response and emotions effect a physical change, changes in our physical selves can trigger emotional responses that influence our thoughts.  Poses and conscious breathing can heal us of stress.  

Namaste Monday Friends,

Alright I'm no expert and I haven't quite confirmed the stats but I do believe this is 28th rainy Monday this year.  And every Monday I have a little talk with myself in the morning about staying in bed or going out in the rain to take Mary's 9:15am Yoga class. Good news is when the weather is less than stellar why not be inside doing YOGA?  

So if you're having that same Monday afternoon work day closing down talk about "should you go to yoga tonight or not" well why not?  It's actually a perfect time to do yoga! I can tell you that I have never once regretted dragging myself to class, especially when its dark, cold or rainy outside.  We have to keep livin' life to its fullest!

I want to say a special thank you to ALL the amazing Yogis I share mat time with on Monday's. Because I know you'll be there - I feel like I need to show up too.  And somehow that makes it easier no matter the rain, the cold (or eventually even the snow).   

We are all in this together working towards radiant health, love and world peace one down dog at a time!!

I'll save you spot tonight and every Monday night 6:15pm Level 1 or 7:30pm Basics.  Our being at Total Body Yoga together, even if you have to drag yourself there sometimes, is what makes the group yoga practice so wonderful!  Come in from the rain, get warm, and breath! Love and light, Silvia 

PS - Hey Mary thank you for another FANTASTIC yoga class this morning!! Smiles.

MARCH 28, 2009:  Are you thinking about getting to know yourself better? Do you want to commit to spending 200 hours in spiritual training?  If yes, then our intimate program might be for you.  We accept only 10 students per training group and we begin sessions in January and October each year.  And we are only one of 13 programs approved by the national Yoga Alliance in the state of Illinois.

To apply and learn more visit our teacher training pages on this website.  For an interview or to learn more call Silvia at 847 772 9642 or email info@totalbodyyoga.com

This program is unique. Our main intent is not about teaching yoga as much as it is about learning and loving ourselves.  The best teachers in life are those that are willing to peel back the layers and look inside. This time gives you the opportunity in a safe way to explore yourself more deeply. From there how you choose to apply this self-knowledge to your life whether it involves teaching yoga poses or not is up to you.  Peace in your journey, Courage in making your best decision.  Love, Silvia

JANUARY 12TH, 2009:  We have 60,000 thoughts per day.  If I said to you I'd give you this much money each day and you'd have to spend it that same day with no carry over how would you spend it?  Would you buy things that didn't fit you, purchase furniture you didn't like, buy a car that wasn't your taste, order food you were allergic to?  Of course not!

So why then would we ever spend the currency of our thoughts on things we Don't Want? 

Today, practice spending your currency of thought and energy on what you want MORE OF IN YOUR LIFE.  Spend wisely, you don't get to do today over and once today's currency is spent it's gone.  Peaceful courage, Silvia   (May the pretend money I gave you in class today serve as an ongoing reminder, or if you missed class take a dollar bill and write yourself a note on it.)

LET THE SPIRITS GATHER 'ROUND ME
LET THE SILENCE SHOW ME WHERE TO START
LET ME FIND THE COURAGE THAT WILL GUIDE ME
TO THE CENTER OF MY HEART

LET THE LIGHTNESS LIFT EACH SHADOW
LET EACH TRACE OF DARKNESS WITHER AND DEPART
LET THIS LONGING BE A BEACON AS I JOURNEY
TO THE CENTER OF MY HEART

RELEASE ME TO WONDER UNAFRAID
YOU TEACH ME TO BEND
SO IF THE JOURNEY FALLS APART
I'LL FIND THE CENTER OF MY HEART

FILL MY HEART WITH ONE DEVOTION
ONE INTENTION UNDIVIDED AND ASSURED
THAN I'LL KNOW THE PRESENCE OF A GUIDE
TO THE PATH THAT WILL....

RELEASE ME TO WONDER UNAFRAID
YOU TEACH ME TO BEND
SO IF THE JOURNEY FALLS APART
I'LL FIND THE CENTER OF MY HEART

HELP ME FIND THE CENTER OF MY HEART

NOVEMBER 28, 2008:  I know we are a super brain focused society. I get that, having spent many years in the corporate world I lived that way too.  But I also remember having my brain feel overworked all the time.  Today (well maybe even a little bit every day) join me in focusing on expanding the heart, allow your brain to relax, put it on vacation.

My teacher Shiva said once, "our hearts emit an electromagnetic field of energy, which can be measured by scientists. Intererstingly enough, the heart's electromagnetic field measure much higher than the brain's."  Pretty cool huh?

So on this special Thanksgiving we moved and breathed as a community of the heart which we call a KULA.  We all showed up ready to give our personal best and taking to heart the words of Rumi,

"Wake up lovers, it is time to start the Journey!
Let us kiss the ground and flow like a river towards the Ocean.
It is best to travel with Companions on this Jouney.
Only love can lead the way."

NOVEMBER 3RD, 2008:  I have spent really my whole life trying to find meaning in why stuff happens, why stuff doesn't happen. Even when I was a little girl I wanted desparately to figure out what I had to do so I could be happier and my family could be happier and the world could be happier.  I know you're saying "Whoa, that's a lot of pressure for one little girl." Yeah I know.

So through this practice and my own life experience eventually I figured out that living a happy, peaceful life lies not in what we are doing but rather why we are doing it.  So for meditation today ask yourself (and be really honest) WHY DO YOU DO THE THINGS YOU DO?

As we know we have 60,000 thoughts per day and whenever we think a thought the brain sends chemicals through our body that produce a feeling based on that thought.  If we think the same critical thoughts over and over, these repetitive thoughts and their repetitive chemical reactions will create a negative view of life. They will drain our life of life.  So ask yourself WHY DO YOU THINK THE THINGS YOU DO?  The thoughts you have today will go through a gestation period (short or long) and will eventually give birth to the quality of your life.  WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE BORN FROM YOUR LIFE?