We are slowly coming out of the August doldrums in DC. The mornings are a bit cooler, the days growing shorter.  On my regular run route, I’m noticing leaves that are beginning to turn.  Kids are back to school and fall will be arriving soon. As Washington slowly returns to life, yoga workshop schedules are beginning to ramp back up. This month MC Yogi will be in town, the DC Global Mala takes place and a number of great workshops are not to be missed.

Thu 9.9.2010 8:00 – 9:30 PM Cost: Donation, Studio Serenity, Adams Morgan, DC * Psychology of Karma w/Dhanurdhara Swami

Sat 9.11.2010 1:30 – 3:30 PM Cost: Donation, Quiet Mind Yoga, DC * The Non Dominant Side Experiment

9.12.2010 1:00 – 3:00 PM, Cost: Free, Lil Omm Yoga, DC * Introduction to Ayurveda – Motherhood and Ayurveda: Care for Self, Baby and Family based on Ancient Teachings

Thu 9.16.2010 7:45 – 9:15 PM Cost: Free, Circle Yoga, DC * Introduction to Yoga Workshop

Sat 9.18.2010 4:00 – 6:00 PM Cost: $35, Tranquil Space Yoga, DC * Cupcakes & Chakras

Sun 9.19.2010 1:00 – 2:30 PM Cost: Free, Circle Yoga, DC * What is Reiki? An Introduction

Thu 9.23.2010 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Cost $40/50, Tranquil Space Yoga, DC * Autumn Equinox with Live Sitar Under the Full Harvest Moon!

Sat 9.25.2010 1:30 – 4:00 PM Cost: $35, Flow Yoga Center, DC * Ganesh is Fresh with MC Yogi

Sun 9.26.2010 12:00 – 3:00 PM, Cost $35, Flow Yoga Center, DC * Jai Ma! with MC Yogi

Sun 9.26.2010 12:30 – 4:30 PM, DC Global Mala * Tickets and Info here

Sun 9.26.2010 1:30 – 3:30 PM Cost: Donation, Quiet Mind Yoga, DC * What Makes You Move? An introduction to the Musculoskeletal System

Photo by Old Sarge on Flickr via CC license

So…its here..the movie version of Elizabeth Gilbert’s runaway best selling book opens today. I have a date this weekend with a group of girlfriends to go see it. I’ve downloaded the CD from itunes. As a yogi and a wanderluster, I’ll admit right up front, I’m an unabashed fan girl. This is my version of “Sex in the City” weekend.

As I anticipate seeing the movie, I am reflecting on the many, many discussions I’ve had about Elizabeth Gilbert’s story of travel and self-discovery since I first read the book several years ago.  Reactions vary from my own…”I LOVE it, I LOVE Elizabeth Gilbert, I want to hang out with her–I’m certain we’d be fast friends. I want to be the ashram’s key hostess. I want to go to Bali and laugh from my liver.” To…“I didn’t care for it,  Elizabeth Gilbert seems self indulgent, people just don’t leave their lives (or their husbands) like that”–to many variations in between.  I am struck by how intensely personal each reaction is.  It seems to me that each reaction is a mirror to where an individual is in their life–no single opinion is right or wrong–we are just where we are.But, if we pay attention to our reaction to the story–we can gain awareness. What makes you afraid? What makes you angry? What makes you laugh? Do you maybe feel jealous?

I’m writing this post while sitting in a cafe, Just now, I can hear two women discussing the book. They are both saying how unrealistic the story is–that most people can’t just drop out and travel around the globe for a year to find themselves.

It is true, Liz Gilbert had a book contract in hand before she set off on her year abroad. That’s a really nice thing to have. I get that we don’t all have book contracts or trust funds or whatever you think it would take to make a break for it like Liz.  I will tell you that I know more than one person who has done a similar thing. They made a decision that they wanted to take some time to travel and gain some breathing space–they planned for it financially and took some risks and some really wonderful things happened for them as a result. I’d say that, if you think you want to take off in this way, its important to really know your intention before you take off–because travel without an intention is just escape.

The truth is, I don’t think that we necessarily need a pot of gold to embrace the spirit of this story. To me, the larger theme of the book was just to listen to what your heart is telling you and move towards it, regardless of whether your family, your friends, your work colleagues or society thinks its the “right” thing to do. I think that anyone can take a journey like Liz’s even without getting on a plane, even without quitting your job and leaving your life behind. I think it may take longer and… c’mon…admit it…won’t be nearly as fun, but you can take a similar journey inward without actually going anywhere. With the intention to follow your gut and your heart… magic can happen…just like it did for Liz.

Please share with me your thoughts about the book, the movie or any old thing eat.pray.love related.

Update:  Saw the movie loved it, loved the meandering quality, beautiful cinematography. It made me want to reread the book because it reminded  me of pieces I had forgotten.

Happy beautiful Saturday.  I am posting this video gem everywhere I can. I’ve been a fan of singer/songwriter Tanya Davis for a while now, which makes this even more lovely. Enjoy. That’s it.

I first started yoga nearly twenty years ago. I’ve posted about it here. Over the years yoga has become a true passion of mine. Like most things I’m passionate about…I try to get my friends and family to share it with me. I hear lots of reasons why folks are hesitant to practice yoga.

Yoga seems to have a mystique for the uninitiated. The following are common reasons I hear that people are hesitant to practice yoga. I hope I can bust a few of these myths and encourage a few of the yoga-shy to get on the mat.

I’m Too Big
Many people seem to think that you have to start out looking like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Anniston or [insert size 0 starlet here] to practice yoga. I am living proof that the average sized gal [or guy] can do yoga. I’m not gonna lie, its easier to get into some of the poses when you are not..ahem…in your own way. Be that as it may, lots of average and bigger than average sized folks practice yoga. What’s more, if you practice regularly you may achieve the “yoga butt” (keep on reading to learn more.) If you feel intimidated in class because of your size, you just haven’t yet found the right studio or instructor–try another class or if need be another studio–read reviews on yelp, blogs (like this one) etc.

I’m Too Old..Young..Middle-Aged
Yoga is not just for the twenty-somethings–again I know this from experience. I am not twenty-something. I’m not even thirty-something. Lots of people of every age practice yoga. At my favorite studio, six year olds and sixty year olds practice together. On twitter recently, an article was making the rounds about a ninety year old woman who began a yoga practice. Really….anyone at any age can begin a yoga practice and experience the benefits. Get over yourself and get on the mat.

I’m Not Flexible
Not yet maybe….but umm…that is kind of the point isn’t it? If you keep up with yoga I promise, even the tightest hamstrings and hips will loosen. The most important thing to remember in yoga class, after remembering to breathe, is that none of the the other students are paying attention to what you are doing–really. They are all too busy focusing on their own poses and remembering to breathe. As for the instructor, they are there to assist and guide you not judge you…promise. And like I said earlier, if you feel judged, you haven’t found the right instructor or studio…move on till you find a place that feels right for you.

I’m a Straight Guy
Yes its true, many studio classes are mostly full of women. Mostly women in tank tops and form fitting leggings. Straight guys, do you see my point? Now, I am not advocating lechery but I am saying guys shouldn’t let a mostly female crowd keep them from enjoying the health and wellness benefits of yoga.

I’m Not a Hippie..Vegan..WooWoo.. etc.
It is true that in some yoga classes there will be chanting, some studios burn incense some yogis are vegan but none of these things are strictly required. Again there are so many different styles of yoga and every studio has its own unique vibe. Each yoga teacher develops their own teaching style–certain schools or styles of yoga take on generally the same characteristics. Many classes are chanting free zones…others are nothing but Kirtan (that’s sanskrit for chanting.) My advice, try a little chanting, you may just find you like it, and vegan isn’t a virus–you won’t catch it unless you decide you want to.

I’m a Christian…Jew…Wiccan etc.
Yoga is not a religion…for me, I feel like my yoga practice is about the closest thing to a religion that I’ve really ever known. That said, anyone of any faith can practice yoga. One of the best thing about yoga is that it is accepting of all, come as you are.

Its too expensive
Its true that most studio classes in DC run close to $20 for a drop in class and a yoga outfit at Lululemon can approach $200. The good news is that yoga can be had even on a frugalista budget. Most DC studios offer donation based or deeply discounted classes a few times a week. Here in DC the summer weather offers yogis free outdoor yoga options. As for gear, all that you really need is something that you can move in comfortably. Most studios will even rent you a mat for about a buck.

What Else Ya Got?
So have I convinced you to give yoga a try?  What did I miss, any other yoga concerns that I haven’t covered? I’d hate to have anyone miss out on all of the wonderful benefits that yoga has to offer. C’mon get on a mat and give it a try.

Photo by kk+ via Flickr with a cc license

I have been doing a lot of reading lately on Ayurveda and I’m beginning to adopt diet and lifestyle changes based on my dosha or constitution. I am just beginning this journey and thought it would be fun to share what I’m learning and experiencing on the blog and welcome you to ask questions or share what you know in the comments. So let’s start today with a few Ayurveda basics.

Ayurveda, known as the “Science of Life”, is the sister science to yoga. It is an ancient Indian system of healing that takes a holistic appraisal of one’s physical constitution, emotional nature and spiritual outlook to recommend a set lifestyle practices—diet, exercise, self care, daily habits — unique to each individual’s constitution.

Ayurveda is based on the idea that we are all made up of a unique combination of the three energies or doshas. Your individual make-up is known as your prakriti or nature. The doshas are known as vata or air element, pitta or fire element and kapha or earth element. The dosha—or doshas that are most prevalent in your body will determine what steps you take to keep your doshas in balance thereby maintaining optimum wellness in mind and body.

So determining your dosha is fundamental to beginning your journey in ayurveda. There are a number of websites that offer quizzes that will help you determine your dosha.  You may want to try more than one just to compare results.

Here are a few of my favorite Ayurveda sites:

Hey MonicaB

Chopra Center

WhatsYourDosha

Next time, we’ll talk about the characteristics of each of the doshas.

If you have a favorite Ayurveda resource or know a great local practitioner won’t you please share them in the comments.

Photo by Prakhar on Flickr via CC license

August brings the dog days of summer to the DC area. The heat and humidity along with the Congressional recess slows the city to a crawl. It seems like the only folks left in town are the tourists. So…while the August yoga gems may be few in quantity, they most certainly do not lack in quality. Enjoy the sultry pace of August, take some down time to rest and restore then hit your mat for a few of the following events and workshops.

Sun. 8.01.2010 3-5PM Cost: $35, Pure Prana, Alexandria, VA * Cool Down from the PittaYour Core, Yoga & Auyrveda

Sat. 8.07.2010 5-6:15 PM Cost: Free,  Circle Yoga, DC * Saturday Sangha

8.08-14.2010 Time: TBD Cost: $210, Yoga House DC, Yoga Week Intensive-a week of twice daily yoga, pranayama and meditation

Fri. 8.13.2010 7-8:30 PM Cost: Tranquil Space, DC * Hip Hop Yoga with DJ Ten

Fri 8.13.2010 8-10 PM Cost: $25 Quiet Mind Yoga, DC * Yoga & Writing

Sat. 8.14.2010 12:30-3:30 PM Cost: $45,Willow Street Yoga, Takoma Park * Healing Yoga and Ayurveda for Your Body Type

Sat. 8.14.2010 3-7PM Cost: $ 50/25,  Boundless Yoga, DC * Seeing Bodies

Sat. 8.14.2010 1-3 PM Cost: $35 Lil Omm, DC * Introduction to Kundalini

Sun. 8.22.2010 9:30AM-4:00PM Cost: $20, Past Tense Studio, DC $ Gimme A Break: Mini Yoga Retreat to Cunningham Falls State Park

Photo via Flickr by The Pack with a CC license.

I am excited to be heading home to San Francisco for eight days later today. Its a work trip, I’ll be attending a technology conference but I will have some down time for visiting friends, checking out yoga classes and such.  I plan to try a number of classes, studios and spots that I’ve never experienced before and will report here on how it goes.

So…here’s my list of intentions for the upcoming trip. If you know of any not to miss classes, tea shops or new restaurants, please, please leave a comment. I want to try:

• Darren Main’s Yoga on the Labynrinth at Grace Cathedral
• Kundalini class at the Kundalini Yoga Center
• Class at Laughing Lotus
• Michael Franti concert at Berkeley’s Greek Theater
• Vegan mexican at Gracias Madre in the Mission
• Cafe Gratitude
• Samovar Tea Lounge
• Herbivore

Photo by Jeff Howard on Flickr via a cc license

I’m enjoying a long weekend at my family’s lake house in northwest Connecticut. Its a heavenly rural retreat on a pond where I take walks on country roads past the apple and berry farms, kayak on the lake–in Connecticut they call it a pond– and I get to visit my favorite yoga studio and spa, Charym in Litchfield, CT.

If you ever find yourself in this part of the world I highly recommend a visit to Charym. The photo here is the barn structure that serves as the yoga studio. Inside the studio is stunning in its simple beauty. When I’m visiting, I am always sure to take one of Maureen’s yoga classes. She teaches a class that melds a number of yoga styles including vinyasa flow, kripalu and kundalini into a class called Bhakti flow. I mentioned in an earlier post that these classes are my absolute favorite and try as I might to replicate the Charym experience in DC, I’m really not able to do it. A fact that keeps me visiting Charym as often as I can get away.

This is the entrance to the yoga studio, it is a replica of a Bhutanese prayer temple. Georgeous.  At Charym no detail is too small. In the yoga studio, incense and essential oils waft in the air. Amazing playlists soothe and inspire and Maureen encourages her students to unwind the body by moving in non-linear ways and to bring a child-like sense of joy to movement. In addition to traditional asana we shake, jump and twirl. Savasana ends with the sounds of Maureen playing a large crystal singing bowl. You can’t help but leave class blissed out, a slightly different person than the one who walked in ninety minutes earlier.

Did I mention that I love. love. love this place? Oh yeah, there is a spa too. The spa is every bit as amazing as the yoga.  I can personally vouch for the facials and massages. You will feel truly cared for by all of the staff at Charym. Get up here.

July brings a number of exciting yoga events to the DC metro. Citizen Effect’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge begins on July 1 and continues throughout the month with great deals from top DC yoga studios for all participants. Sierra Bender visits DC this month with a master class at The Studio DC. Check out the following picks for juicy yoga events in the capital region.

Sat. 7.3.2010 6PM Cost: Free, Quiet Mind Yoga, DC * Summer Satsang

Mon. 7.5.2010 7:30-8:30 PM Cost: Free, Radiance Yoga, Alexandria, VA * Book Club “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston

Mon. 7.5.2010 Noon-2PM Cost: Donation, Flow Yoga Center, DC * Body, Mind, and Consciousness: An Independence Day Workshop Benefiting Anahata Grace

Fri. 7.9.2010 8PM, Cost: $25, Quiet Mind Yoga, DC * A Midsummer’s Night Scheme

Fri. 7.9.2010 7PM Cost: Free, Studio Serenity, DC * Yoga Book Club “Dharma Punx” by Noah Levine
Thurs. 7.15.2010 7-8PM Cost: Free, Tranquil Space Yoga, DC * Yoga Book Group “The Not So Big Life” by Sarah Susanka

Sat. 7.17.2010 9AM-5PM Cost: The Studio DC * Master Class with Sierra Bender

Sat. 7.17.2010 7-9 PM Cost: $30/$35, Sacred Space Yoga, Rockville, MD * Call of the Dark Goddess-asana, chant, trance work

Sat. 7.17.2010 3-5PM Cost: $35, Tranquil Space, DC * Pranayama and Relaxation for Stress and Daily Living

Sat. 7.24.2010 10AM-1PM Cost: $40, Past Tense Studio, DC * Yoga & Kayaking

Sun. 7.25.2010 1-3PM, Cost: $10, Lil Omm Yoga, DC * Book Club “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin

Sat. 7.31.2010 1:30-4:30 PM Cost: $35, Flow Yoga Center, DC * Taming the Tiger, Calming the Monkeys, Being the Tortoise A Pranayama and Pratyahara Immersion

Sat. 7.31.2010 1:30-3:30PM, Cost: $30, Radiance Yoga, Alexandria, VA * Tending the Mind, Calming the Spirit

Photo courtesy of photofiend via Flickr with a cc license

DC Dharma is  honored to be a sponsor of Citizen Effect’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge.  Citizen Effect is an amazing social philanthropy organization based here in DC. The yoga challenge is a partnership with many terrific DC yoga studios, Citizen Effect and the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project to fully fund a foster home for children in Cloetesville, South Africa.

Do you want to participate in the challenge?  Here’s what you need to do:

1. Register for $30 and pledge your fundraising goal.

2. Ask your friends and family to sponsor you—just $15 from 30 friends makes a big difference!

3. Participants benefit from free or discounted classes at DC’s top yoga studios.

4. Party time: Kick-off event on June 30th with free yoga in Meridian Hill Park & Celebratory Party at lululemon athletica Georgetown on August 5th.

5. 100% of the funds raised will go toward building and maintaining the foster home in Cloetesville, South Africa.

It proves to be a lot of fun, a great way to build the DC yoga community and a wonderful karma yoga experience. Even if you are not a DC local, you can still participate virtually, share your experiences here and do some good for kids in South Africa.