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JANUARY 15TH, 2009:  From self reflection we shine out.  Self-reflection just naturally leads to self-expression.  As your teacher I want to help open the door so you can step into yourself

I want to inspire you to find YOU and in the safe space of the studio express it outwardly.  You do this by looking inside your own heart.  When we practice self reflection we tune into something greater, whenever our hearts dance with breath, whenever we smile from the inside out, this is a reflection of our inner heart – it is within us waiting to shine out!  Be you, Silvia

“Your teacher can open the door, but you must enter by yourself.”  -- Chinese Proverb

DECEMBER 4TH, 2008:  This is an interesting time of year.  It is considered by many people to be the most sacred, quiet, peaceful time of year.  Yet here we are in the midst of extreme business...so busy it keeps us away from practicing yoga!

In a pose and inside our breath we often ask ourselves as part of self-study what is more dominant, what is not engaged, another way said...what is leading our energy and where are we following.  This awareness is important because we cannot truly know peace until we understand the many tendencies we have that threat our ability to find it, let alone keep it. 

Ask yourself have you during this most quiet time of year been TOO BUSY, following the energy of your neighbors, colleagues to buy more, do more?  If yes then make time for the mat, get into your body which will make you honest and help you take back the lead.  As the Dalai Lama says, "Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each of us individually. Peace starts within each of us."

Right on!  May I be peaceful, May you be peaceful, May WE be peaceful! Love, Silvia

NOVEMBER 20TH, 2008:  One of my favorite parts of this practice is that of Self Study in Sanskrit known as Svadhyaya.  This is one of the Niyamas and fundamental principles presented in the Yoga Sutras.  I fell in love with observing myself because it didn’t demand I change anything. I liked that. It spoke to what Dr Wayne Dyer says, “You can’t go around being what everyone wants you to be, living your life through other people’s rules, and expect to be happy and have inner peace.”

There is an inherent gentleness when we practice appreciation for who we are and make our observations not from a place of judgement but of understanding, respect, compassion and self-love.  So today as you read this take time to appreciate your breath, to appreciate your feelings (whatever they may be – joy, sadness, peace, frustration, love), appreciate being in your own skin. Now just breath and let go of what you thought was supposed to happen, just breath and let things be.  Simply listen to your heart as you watch your thoughts.  This study of oneself will open up channels of stuckness in both the physical body and channels to deep reservoirs of clarity and wisdom within our minds.

Watch today as you allow yourself time to breath or really inhabit a pose if you can recognize more of who you are.     

Before bed tonight take time to appreciate all who made your week better.  And take time to appreciate yourself for all the ways you made someone else’s life a little easier this week as well.  In the words of Mother Theresa, “There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread”.  And tomorrow morning start the day by saying to yourself, “I appreciate….” Then quietly observe your thoughts and feelings to reveal even more about who you are and what you need.  May your life be a reflection of your heart!  Love, Silvia