Happy Birthday Kristopher!

Want to send a special Birthday wish out to my fourteen year old nephew Kristopher William Shirley! Just had a nice conversation with my sister Kimberly who told me he'd have to call me back once he finished riding his dirt bike! Trying to convince her to let him come down and visit aunt Krista and Mr. Kwang for two weeks this summer. He'd never really been anywhere by himself, and I know he wants to come. Kimberly shocked the heck out of me when I mentioned the idea of two weeks - she was like, "well maybe this first trip we should just do one week, since he's never been anywhere without me before!" I couldn't help but laugh - like Kimberly com'on woman time to cut the cord sis :) I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she'll agree to two weeks b/c that way he and I can do a week of tons of theme parks, and one week of exploring more of Florida's natural landscapes like the beach and some of the gorgeous natural parks and springs around. I'll be able to teach in the mornings and early afternoons and we can spend the rest of each day playing :) I'm so stoked! Never had one of my nephews down here to visit me without their parents before! Will keep you updated :)

Lake Eola Farmer's Market

Every Sunday Lake Eola comes to life with vendors of specialty items, handmade items, fruits, veggies, and other delicious foods. Tomorrow I'll be out there at Lake Eola promoting my Nysa Yoga products, and the Yoga Shala :) Come out and show your support! I'll be having a drawing for a free month of Yoga at The Yoga Shala - so if you are a local yogi in Orlando and wanna enter for your chance to win - bring your asana down to Lake Eola anytime between 10am and 4pm!

The Yoga Shala Website

Hello and Happy Saturday ;)

So I am having my friend Laura create the website for TheYogaShala.org - but in the interim until she is able to design the site I have put information about the shala up online. So if you want some info check out www.TheYogaShala.org

Have a happy Saturday!!!

Grand Opening!

Hello and happy Monday ;)

The Grand Opening on Saturday went well! I was happy to open the space up to people who wanted to come check it out and enjoy some tastey treats, good films about Guruji, and all around good company!

I sadly didn't get pictures of the 'opening' itself - but remembered to take photos of the shala in the 'after' stage ;) It is still a work in progress, well the garden area outside is anyway. But that is something that I will be working on for quite some time to come! I actually went to Home Depot for the umpteenth time today to get gardening tools, tons of Mulch, and some more pots.

My dear friend and first teacher, Reinaldo, flew down to Orlando from California for the opening - it was the greatest surprise ever! I did my first practice at the shala on Sunday, alongside Reinaldo - the man who introduced this practice to me! It couldn't have been more perfect if I had planned it out myself. I cannot even begin to express in words how amazing the energy is in the shala - I knew I'd enjoy the space b/c I put my heart and soul into fixing it up and making it special - but it is even better than I imagined it could be!

Today my alarm went off at 3:30am and I jumped outta bed, showered and was out the door a few minutes after 4am. I made it to the shala, and swept, lit candles, rolled out my mat, and put my picture of Guruji next to my mat. And at 4:30am I started my yoga practice - which was out of this world delicious! I finished up about 6:15am and had just enough time to wash my face and put my contacts in when my first student arrived!

Today was the first day of Mysore classes, and for me it was a huge success! It will take some time to build the program up but things are off to an excellent start - feel extremely grateful for everything!

It's really an awesome feeling to finally begin a morning Mysore program in Orlando! This program and practice is dedicated to Guruji - and we are all indebted to him for all that he has given this world! I am blessed for this amazing practice, and happy to be able to offer this practice to Central Florida.

Enjoy the pictures ;)

The Yoga Shala

Hello and Happy Tuesday ;)

I'm exhausted and about to hit the sack, but wanted to Finally post a few 'before photos' of the shala that Jessica took for us the day we started painting the shala. I will try to remember to take some 'after photos' in the next day or two and post them for you to see!

Stoked - all painting is finally done! Bathroom, yoga room, baseboards, floors, doors, you name it. Fans have been installed, electrical issues resolved, fridge and water cooler brought in...Tomorrow is dedicated to the outside of the shala - painting the fences and hopefully gonna do some work on the lawn. It will be a true miracle If I can get everything done in time for the opening on Saturday!

Miss Connie Painting!

Gratitude

As I did my practice this morning I was filled with overwhelming feelings of gratitude for Guruji and all that he gave to this world. I don't have the words to describe my appreciation for this man, this yoga, this life.

I know that the family is arranging for students to be able to come pay their last respects to Guruji on May 31st in Mysore...I'd give anything to be able to get out to India at the end of the Month to pay my respects to Guruji. As I was doing more painting at the Yoga Shala this morning I couldn't help but start to cry. The Grand Opening of the Yoga Shala falls on Saturday, May 30th...but I'd postpone the opening by a few weeks if I could afford to get out to India - but right now that is not a possibility for me. Makes me really sad to know that I just can't make it happen right now.

I am, however, very grateful that the space I'm creating will be a true dedication to Guruji and his teachings. I am honored that Sharath has blessed me to teach Ashtanga Yoga in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. I am blessed to have been able to study with Guruji in his lifetime and to have such an amazing teacher in Sharath. And I am overwhelmed with emotion as I embark on the creation of this yoga space in Orlando, florida, on my own, in order to spread the traditional teachings of my beloved Guruji.

Guruji

Shri. K. Pattabhi Jois passed away Sunday, May 17, 2009 in Mysore, India.

I celebrate Guruji, his life, his teachings, his spirit. His gift to the world, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, has changed the lives of so many lost souls. When I found this practice, or should I say this practice found me, I knew this was the beginning for me - the beginning of my life's journey and work. It is the one thing that has helped me connect to my spirit.

Guruji's work is the greatest gift to this entire world. And his teaching does not end here. He spent his life spreading his love and passion for this practice - in order that it may benefit those who wish to embrace it. It is for us now to carry forth in our lives with even more passion and dedication than ever before so that his life's work will always live on in our hearts, our souls, and our spirts.

For the last six years I have done this yoga daily for the betterment of myself. Through the years I began to teach this yoga to others in order that it may touch a small few as it has touched me. It has always been a duty, in my eyes, to spread this tradition - for it is such a beautiful gift I have been blessed to receive. I feel honored to continue spreading this yoga to the world so that more people will be touched by the work of this beautiful man.

God is with Guruji, God is in Guruji, God and Guruji are within all of us. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

http://www.kpjayi.org/

http://churumuri.wordpress.com/2009/05/18/yoga-guru-k-pattabhi-jois-is-no-more/

Guruji's Biography - taken from kpjayi.org
Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois was born on the full moon day of July, 1915, Guru Purnima day. His ancestral village, Kowshika, near Hassan in Karnataka State, is inhabited by maybe 500 people and has one main street. At one end of the street is a Vishnu temple, just next to Pattabhi Jois' home. At the far end of the street, just 100 yards away, lies a small Ganapati temple, and just opposite, a Siva temple. Both are several hundreds years old, and are the focus of the village.
Pattabhi Jois's father was an astrologer and a priest, who acted as the pujari for many of the families in the village. From an early age, as most brahmin boys, Pattabhi Jois was taught the Vedas and Hindu rituals.

When Guruji was 12 years old, he attended a yoga demonstration at his middle school in Hassan. The next day he went to meet the great yogi who had given the demonstration, a man by the name of Sri T. Krishnamacharya, who had learned yoga for nearly eight years from his Guru, Rama Mohan Brahmachari in a cave in Tibet. For the next two years, Guruji learned from his Guru every day. When Guruji turned 14, he had his brahmin thread ceremony.

Krishnamacharya left Hassan to travel and teach, and Guruji left his village to go to Mysore.
Guruji wished to attend the Sanskrit University of Mysore. With two rupees in his pocket, he left with two friends. They traveled the 100 plus kilometers by bike, over dirt roads. For the first year or two, life was very difficult. With very little money, he begged for his food from some of the brahmin houses. Guruji attended classes and did his studies. Then, around 1930, he went to a yoga demonstration and saw that it was his Guru. He came forward and prostrated, and they recommenced their relationship, and Guruji his yoga studies.

The Maharaja of Mysore, Krishna Rajendra Wodeyar, had fallen ill. He learned that there was a great yogi who had come to Mysore. Krishnamacharya was called to him, and duly cured him. The Maharaja became a great patron of his and built him a yogashala (school of yoga) on the grounds of the Palace Art Gallery. Guruji was also beckoned to teach the Maharaja on occasion, and was called upon several times to give yoga demonstrations. The Maharaja, who had taken a liking for Guruji, told him, "I want you to teach yoga at the Sanskrit College. You teach. I will give you a scholarship to go to school, free food in my mess hall and a salary." Guruji, very happy, asked permission from his Guru. Krishnamacharya approved, and the Yoga Department of the Sanskrit College began on March 1, 1937. He continued as the head until his retirement in 1973.

From 1937 until 1973, Guruji earned his professorship at the University, granting him the title of Vidvan. He married, in a love marriage, Savitramma, who came from a long line of Sanskrit scholars. Her grandfather was the Sanskrit and philosophy teacher to the last Shankaracharya of Kanchi, Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati. They had three children, Manju, Ramesh, and Saraswati. Saraswati is the mother of Sharath, born in 1971, who is now Guruji's co-director of their school in Mysore.

In 1964, Andre Van Lysbeth bacame the first Westener to study with Guruji. Soon after that, more Europeans came. Around 1972, the first Americans came, after meeting Manju at Swami Gitananda's ashram in Pondicherri. It was at that point that ashtanga yoga began spreading in America, starting in California, and then later emerging in Hawaii. In 1975, Guruji and Manju made their first trip to America. Over the next 25 years, the practice spread through the United States, France, Germany, Russia, Japan, Israel, Chile, England, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc. Guruji spent his life teaching this same method that he learned from Krishnamacharya in 1927.

Back Online :)

After several days without internet access ;0 - I am now back online :)

While there is something really nice about being away from the cyber world for a few days...not so much so when it is unexpected, out of your CONTROL, and due to a faulty router and crappy brighthouse service :( I'm not gonna wax happy about my encounter and delayed service with this company b/c it will do little good now...all that matters is that I have a new router, and I am back online!

It has been a long week otherwise...work has been busy and every free second has been consumed with running errands getting things for the yoga shala, going over to the shala to make sure things were being done right, or at all, etc.....When I stopped by this afternoon all the walls were finally stripped of the mirrors, and the fans were about to be installed. I am hoping the fans will be up tomorrow morning when I go in to paint...But before the paint can begin I'll need to srub down the place once or twice...and then can commence painting! I won't be alone though - my friends Connie and Linda are coming out to help and hopefully one more person will lend a good set of hands.

Hope all is well in your world - wish you a wonderful weekend ahead!

Xander

NEW Pictures of MR. XANDER: THE CUTEST BOY IN THE WORLD!

IKEA

I just got back from my day of errands and boy am I pooped! Finally checked out the huge Whole Foods off Sand Lake and ended up with a full tummy (from samples ;) and a basket full of goods...I then proceeded to make my way to IKEA, where I got loads of stuff for the Yoga Shala and walked out without breaking the bank! Do keep in mind that I made a rather large list of goods I still need to purchase as I was walking around the store - and with no pen and paper texting myself proved helpful! On my way home (well not really on my way) I stopped by the future Yoga Shala to see how progress was coming with getting the landowners things cleared out...Things are coming but not done - Tom told me he'd have everything out this week and have it cleaned and ready to be painted this weekend. I also discovered that the window I thought was broken isn't actually broken, which is a very good thing. The light I bought today will go in the space nicely and If I buy two ceiling fans Tom's handman will install them...Glad I didn't buy the orange shower curtain I almost purchased at IKEA b/c there is a shower door in there already... Still so much to do...so little time...it shall be done :)

Lazy Saturday

Hello and Happy Saturday ;)

I slept in til 8am! So sweet ;)

I sat in front of my computer reading emails trying to convince myself to do the laundry, dishes, and misc house cleaning for some time....couldn't seem to find the motivation...until...I compromised (with myself) that if I did my chores I could go to the Farmers Market in Winter Park and then to Ikea for lighting for the yoga shala! I am happy to announce chores are done and I'm about to take a shower and head out for a day of...chores??? I seem to now feel as though I didn't win much here ;) No, I am looking forward to the farmers market and Ikea, just not the weekend traffic in Orlando.

In other news, Kwang and I went on our first official date since I returned to America - we had dinner at my favorite resturant - Seasons 52! And while enjoying the lovely atmosphere, great company, and good flatbread, I discovered an amazing wine! Can anyone say, Woop Woop? Well, that is the name of my new found love - this little Shiraz is nearly PERFECT! Check out their website www.woopwoop.com.au.

;)

Guruji

Please send your love and prayers to Guruji and the family. Guruji has been admitted to ICU and Sharath has cancelled his world tour to return to Mysore to be with Guruji and the family at this time.

Sharath has asked that people do not call - updates will be posted on www.kpjayi.org so please be considerate and check the website for updates as they come.

The Yoga Shala

Classes will begin on June 1st at The Yoga Shala

Doors will open at 6am and adjustments will begin at 6:30am. Students can arrive anytime between 6:30am and 8:00am but need to complete their yoga practice by 8:45am.

New Students - please arrive at the shala at 7:00am

** I am working on The Yoga Shala's website and will announce when it is ready ;)

The Yoga Shala - Grand Opening May 30th

Grand Opening Celebration of The Yoga Shala!
Saturday, May 30th from 10am to 2pm. Come join me in our grand opening celebration event!

1255 Michigan Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789

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Say Hello to Xander Jakob Klein!

My best friend Sasha gave birth to a healthy baby boy last week!

Xander Jakob Klein was born on Friday, May 1st. He came about a week early, and weighed in at 5 1/2 pounds. He is simply gorgeous!

last wednesday in april...

It's been some time since I blogged....Been wonderfully busy ;) Flew from Mysore back to Orlando for a few short days before embarking on a cruise with Kwang to the bahamas. Simply wonderful experience and a lovely way to re-enter my life in America. From the Jacksonville port I drove to South Carolina to visit with my family for about two weeks. Turned out to be one of the very best trips home ever. My mother, sister and nephews are doing well - my nephews have gotten sooo big!

Once I got back to Orlando I hit the streets looking for a place to call home. It took a lot of energy but very little time to find the perfect place! I have a lovely little apartment in the heart of Baldwin park, and I am more than grateful to be here, moved in, and now settled in!

I returned to teaching at the Citrus Club and Rollins at the end of March - and have added my private clients and classes at the Country Club as well. I've found a small space to call home for the Morning Mysore program, which will begin the first of June! I'm more than excited about all that is going on and cannot wait to get into my new space paint and fix it up :)

There is a great deal to be grateful for, a great deal to appreciate, a great many people to thank! I can honestly say I have never been happier than I am at this moment!

Om Shanti!

Buget Concerns Force States to Reconsider Death Penalty

Budget Concerns Force States to Reconsider Death Penalty

Happy Tuesday!

I just returned from a wonderful Yoga Practice. I'm extremely grateful for today's practice too b/c Sunday and Monday's practice was really painful, really challenging....I'm on day three of the Master Cleanse and I feel like I'm finally beginning to regain some energy! I opted to do this cleanse right after the liver cleanse in order to get rid of any leftover toxic bile from my system. I've been fasting pretty much since Friday and very much look forward to food again in a few days.

Energy wise, yesterday was by far the worst day for me - I had absolutely no energy in my body. But funny thing, by 9pm last night I was BOUNCING with energy...so much so i couldn't go to sleep last night. Interesting....I plan to do this cleanse through Sunday - which is the day I begin my travels home. I don't fly out of Delhi til after midnight Monday morning and I'll take Monday as my day to juice - i.e. slowly ween from the cleanse and fast. And I'll be good and ready for a nice healthy meal when I get home Monday afternoon.
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In other news ;) there was conference on Sunday! It was actually my favorite ever! Sharath talked at length about the importance of your daily asana practice; get on your mat each day. Especially if you have a self practice, you need this practice to help you keep balance and grounding in your life. It will help us find a closer relationship to God, to the Universe. He spoke about how his own practice is just as intense now as it was years ago when he didn't have all the responsibilities he has today. He said it is his two hours to focus on his breathe and create a moving meditation - he doesn't think about his family or students while he is practicing. He thinks about the breathe only. Sharath talked alot about how this practice is one of meditation, do not allow your mind to think while you are doing your yoga - be with yourself at that moment.

Sharath said quite a lot of insightful things during conference on Sunday - but all in all the theme was that this practice is so special, so sacred, such an incredible gift - let us never take it for granted - regardless of your circumstances, if you practice alone or with a teacher, find the discipline to get on your mat each day - let it be an important part of your life - like brushing your teeth, taking a shower - let it be with you each day and change you slowly slowly into a more sincere version of yourself!
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Sunday

Today is my day after the Liver Cleanse and I am feeling much better than yesterday ;) I am starting the Master Cleanse today - to sort of help get rid of an excess bile and gallstones that were produced from the Liver Cleanse....If you are interested in doing either cleanse let me know and I can give you more information.

I didn't know what to expect with practice today as I haven't eaten much the last few days. I can say it was really difficult practice today but am hopeful it will get easier from here.

I am off now to be a 'body' for Kumar and one of his students - getting a free massage - oh yeah baby!

Sharath didn't say there wasn't conference today so I'm assuming there is - gonna go straight from massage to conference this afternoon. But you do know what they say about people who assume things :) If there is indeed conference today I'll be sure to give you the scoop this evening!

Education Chief Favors Longer School Year

Very Interesting Article I wanted to share. The Education Chief favors a longer school year. Something that I remember being talked about when I was in school, but it looks like it may actually happen soon.....hmmm