So why am I here?

I have been toying with the idea of starting this blog for sometime. I am not quite sure of why I am here exactly or what this blog will turn into in the end. I can start by listing why I am not here.

I am not here to give detailed accounts of my adventures or day to day life (although I do love reading others). I am not here to be grammatically correct or to land a book or movie. I am not here to spend hours upon hours of time. As a new mother I am not here to compare, contrast or examine the complexities of motherhood (but from time to time I may vent about it). As a wife I am not here to delve into the ups and downs of marriage. As a yoga teacher I am not here to spiritually enlighten you (but would like to share things that move me). I am not here to change your life, my life or the world (although all or none may be in need).

Okay, so now why am I here? I am here to share small bits of information possibly linking others to something new and interesting. This could be anything, books, music, stories, movies, websites, recipes, clothing, quotes, crafts, places, people, things....you get the idea. Some of these things may be deep and reflective and some may be superficial and just fun.

So let's start with these two things...

First is an amazing exhibit Ashes and Snow.

I have never seen anything so beautiful. It makes me want to escape to these exotic lands and reinvent my self as a wildlife photographer. Elephants are by far my favorite animal, so magnificent. I once rode on and then walked under one in Thailand (three times is thought to bring good luck). Hope you enjoy these stunning images (there is also a very cool literary component to check out, a cd of the magical music and a few clips of the video on youtube).

Next, the question in the title of this post as it applies to my life. I am preparing for a 5 day intensive with Rod Stryker of Para Yoga who teaches Tantric Yoga. One translation of Tantra is to "weave", vinyasa is to "place". Thus, to weave the subtle practices of yoga (pranayama, banda's and mudra's) in a specific way into the asana practice for a certain desired effect. The sequencing is very carefully thought out to bring balance depending on many variables such as your personal state of being, the season, and even the time of day. Basically it concentrates more on the energetic effects of yoga (using knowledge of ayurveda) to guide you towards reaching your highest state of being. For more about Tantric Yoga click here.

I am excited to train with him but am a little nervous about this particular training which is titled "Yoga of Fulfillment." Here is a quote from Rod giving a hint into the training...“Your soul longs for the richest kind of fulfillment, one that includes both spiritual contentment as well as worldly happiness. The ultimate practice of yoga is to let the light of your soul guide you to achieve the life you are meant to live.” - Rod Stryker

It sounds amazing right? So why am I apprehensive about this? Because I have a feeling it will be life changing (really any and all experiences like this are) but am I mentally ready to change my life, my view of it, of others around me right now? I usually openly invite this sort of prospect and as a yogi and self proclaimed seeker I could not be more excited.

The question at hand is do I have the time and energy right now. My life is go go go (or should I say my 18 month old is) and in a constant state of flux, and I feel like I am barely keeping up (I am sure many can relate). Will I have to time in my head to give this training my full attention?

I was recently at Phoenix Zoo. The caretaker of the land turtles was explaining to us how turtles generally live 140 years but one in India has been documented 225 years (RIP). "If we all moved that slow we would probably live longer too" she said. So simple but in my mind so profound. A reminder to slow down. So my goal will be to live like a turtle and slow down enough to let this experience and hopefully all others ahead slowly seep its way into my self. It is probably just what I need.

Peace and Love,
Cass

p.s. just saw Funny People with Adam Sandler...currently deciding if it is my new favorite movie.