News

Here we go again, yet another fall season well on its way. Although they say we do not really have seasons out here on the coast -- one friend has described San Diego weather as a yearlong summer with a few weeks of “the other” -- there is an energetic shift that comes with the different times of the year, regardless of where you reside on the planet.

When I was a teenager I realized that my energy level changed with the seasons and that I was most galvanized and ready to extend myself in the spring and summer. Come late fall and winter I truly wanted to hibernate and literally sleep through the holidays, avoiding them altogether. For many years, I just accepted that from Thanksgiving on would be a depressing time for me and if I could just “hold my breath” until January 2nd I would be okay. I no longer feel like this.

As I have matured -- (I am now an official member of AARP -- Oh, my God!) -- I have come to embrace the theme and qualities of each season. While I know that I have to slow down and rest, I also feel the need to honor traditions with which my soul resonates and to participate enthusiastically as inspired. All of our religious holidays have pagan roots which reflect the energetic aspects of each season and in effect honor the beauty and power of nature. It is a nurturing thing to honor and connect with this process.

The advice to myself is to surrender and “go with the flow.” While I know that this holiday time is stressful for almost everyone, it is an opportunity to reflect upon and really practice the messages of this season: peace and good will. Lord knows, we need this more than ever in these critical times.

This starts with ourselves and grows from there. Cultivate peace in your heart and at every opportunity -- in thought, word, and deed -- express this peace and good will with every living thing. All year long -- every moment, every day. A challenge, indeed.

Finally, I close with the “news” part of this posting, I bring your attention to my calendar. It reflects not only my group class schedule but many of the events and organizations with which I am involved.

Come January, I will share with you updates on my yoga teacher training program -- as well as my dance activities and workshops.

Peace be with you,
Mara

Dear Friend,

It gives me pleasure to post this newsletter, my first after a three-year lapse. This communication represents a shifting of gears on many levels. Most importantly, it signals that I have gotten back on track, career-wise.

I have continued to keep my San Diego schedule intact with small classes at Personally Fit in Rancho Santa Fe and a busy private practice, specializing in yoga therapy and bodywork. I needed to reduce my educational training programs, presentations, and travel -- until recently.

Like many baby boomers, I have been challenged with the issue of aging parents. Although this situation has caused me stress, it has also brought me insight and experience in dealing with our elders. I have had the opportunity to both forgive and give thanks to my parents for all that they have done and given me. I am learning what unconditional love is all about. It has not been an easy lesson for me. Thankfully, my parents are still with me. One day I will share this journey and my experiences in a book.

The silver lining to this family trauma and drama has manifested in the reconnection to my roots -- physically, spiritually, and artistically. I have become more active in dance, which is fun as well as therapeutic. Through my mother, who is Chippewa-Cree, I have developed a passionate interest in my Native American heritage. And I have begun the journey back to my spiritual foundation of Catholicism, by returning to mass. My training in Eastern philosophy, including Jewish mysticism, has actually given me a better, and deeper, understanding of the mystical aspects of Catholicism.

Ballet, ethnic and social dance are now a regular part of my schedule. Zydeco, country western and line dancing are my favorites, along with salsa and tango. My interest in spiritual dance has remained strong. This past January I attended a liturgical dance retreat led by John West at St. Andrew’s Abbey in Valyermo, California. Nothing but dance and prayer for three days. Nothing could be more spiritual. Great food, too. I had a blast.

I have started to branch out again with my teaching and projects. In June I presented yoga at the yearly Chi Celebration here in San Diego. It was so great to connect with the t’ai chi community and I plan to be more involved with this event next year. In July, I will be presenting yoga workshops at a Native American conference. Children’s yoga has once again engaged my interest and I have been working with kids as young as three. I am both updating and adding on to my YOGA WORK-IN® audio series. For more on that, see the product page to my site.

If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions, please feel free to contact me.

Yours in yoga,
Mara