Whew...I'm back!

Happy Friday everyone. Yes, it’s been a long time since I have written. Oh, where to begin. If you read my last post, you know that I have been in California visiting my daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren, brother, sister-in-law, and many dear friends. I thought I would be able to write while traveling, but it just didn’t work out that way for a variety of reasons. Of course, I can say what we usually do after visiting about how gorgeous, adorable and smart the grandchildren are, and how much we love our families and friends and miss not being able to see them more often. So, that is very true and it is a given. But, just about everyone writes that stuff. So, I will be brave. What I noticed about myself is I am still learning to integrate all that I have learned over the years. I really know what is in the books like “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle, and “Loving What Is” by Byron Katie. So, I am wondering if you want me to be honest and vulnerable and share from my heart. I decided to just be me and tell it like it is. I have a strong emotional body. Tolle calls it “the pain body.” This happened as a result of being scolded by my mom throughout my entire childhood and adult life. She has passed on and I really feel great compassion for her because I understand the emotional pain she was in which caused her to treat me the way she did. In fact, I even believe the ancient spiritual teachings that say we choose our parents and circumstances before we are born to learn what we need in order to continue to evolve. She was the reason I began my spiritual journey when I was in my 20’s. Most of you who know me, know that I am in my 60’s. One of my spiritual teachers said to remember that whenever anyone is saying hurtful things or behaving badly, it is because they are either in fear or in some kind of pain. When we remember that, we don’t need to react, or feel hurt. We just need to love them. I am really good at remembering this with strangers, acquaintances, and casual friends. I notice that is more difficult with the ones I love. So, I am writing this as a continual reminder to myself and to others. I completely forgot this to the extent of having it affect my immune system so I got sick. It started with a sore throat and it blossomed into Bronchitis. I am convinced that being stressed and emotional has a far greater affect on us than eating the "right" food. Don’t get me wrong, I really recommend eating organic and natural foods with occasional treats. But, have you noticed some people who eat all the "wrong" things are healthy and energetic? Those people hardly ever seem stressed or upset. That is it! That is how powerful our thoughts and emotions are.  Well, okay, great, but how do we do that??  The key is to be in “Witness Consciousness.” Watch our thoughts, and choose not to react to them.  I do think that it is just like everything else in life – PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

The other thing to remember is to not be so hard on ourselves if we forget any of these teachings. Practicing loving kindness and compassion includes us as well! I promised to keep my posts short and sweet so I will, and write about my visit with my family, friends, pics, and what I did next week. Far left is a photo of my daughter, Monica and granddaughter, Maezy. Center is daughter, Sheila and grandson, Calvin. Bottom is Monica's daughter, my granddaughter, Ruby and me. If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. http://www.yogawithosharay.com/

Ready for a Food Revolution?

Some of us in the You Can Do It Yoga Crew have been on a path of food enlightenment for several years now. When several of our friends and family members began to experiment with alternate food choices, i.e. vegan, vegetarian, raw, etc., we thought maybe we should start thinking more about what and how we eat.

We began our search by making the rounds to the usual suspects like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and got a little frightened, but then found some other sources like the Organic Consumers Association, Vegetarian Times magazine and Local Harvest, a great site that allows you to find farmers markets all over the country.

What we realized is that if we allow profit driven corporations to dictate the type and quality of food we eat, we're in trouble. Corn Syrup is much cheaper than real sugar, but it's definitely not the healthiest substance around.

What can you do?

• Check out some of the sites we listed above.
• Watch a couple great documentaries on the subject like Food Inc., or King Corn.
• It seems like the mainstream media is even getting wise to the movement, ABC has a new show out called Food Revolution. Here's a great writeup about the show on one of our favorite blogs - Have Fun - Do Good!
• Support your local Farmer's Market.
• Read the labels on your food!

The You Can Do It Yoga Crew wants everyone to live a healthy and happy life. Make good decisions about what you put in and do with your body - it's the only one you've got!

ON A JET PLANE

I’m thinking that those who are looking forward to reading my Friday Blogs are wondering what happened. It is now Saturday as I write, cruising above the clouds wondering if I will be able to post this. Yesterday was just so crazy attempting to have everything done before lift off on Saturday from Tampa. When I finished, it was late and I was too exhausted to write anything worth reading, so I just went to bed.

Let’s discuss anticipation. I am on my way to visit my daughters, grandchildren, family and friends in No. CA. I will be arriving in San Francisco and then making my way to Monterey. I will be seeing, my granddaughter, Maezy, for the first time since she was just born January 5th. Of course, I am so very excited about this visit. Ruby and Calvin will be turning two, and there will be birthday cake. I will get to hug and spend time with lots of people I really love. Don’t worry, I am not going to go on and on about my family, even though I have been told that some of you really love hearing about that. My intention with this Blog is not only sharing bits and pieces of my life, but uplifting and sharing wisdom I have learned along the way. This may serve as a reminder of what you already know, and that’s great, because I know I sure need reminders much of the time too.

U. G. Krishnamurti, the famous philosopher said, “I don’t mind what happens.” He said that was his secret to happiness. I must admit that I am not there yet. A little softer version of that is “It is what it is.” I tell myself that a lot. I am working on Krishnamurti’s philosophy. Let’s get back to having expectations. We all know that is a sure fire way of being disappointed. When one says, “I don’t mind what happens,” it sounds as if one could care less about one’s life. When one stops caring, there is no more resistance, no more struggle, and pushing against. A higher consciousness way of understanding this is to say that one trusts that all is well, and happening in divine order. The ironic part about all of this is that when you really do trust and feel all is happening perfectly, you are creating well being in your physical reality. I desire to have a grand, joyful time with my family and friends. In order to do that, I do have to let go of any expectations, and remember to say to myself, “I don’t mind what happens.” If we are honest with ourselves, we know we get hurt feelings sometimes if all doesn’t go as expected. We have a fantasy going on in our heads. It is so freeing when we actually get that.

I have been studying metaphysics for 40 years now. Yes, I was a seeker in my 20’s. As a student of Metaphysics, one knows that the reality we are experiencing is a result of our thoughts, emotions, beliefs and our words. I honestly do believe that. I have seen it in my life and countless other lives as well. I know there will be a lot of objecting to what I am saying because many are experiencing ill health, unhappy relationships, and financial hardships. That happens to all of us, but have you been in the same position for a long period of time? Please take a look at your beliefs. Do you stay focused on what you are not wanting, or do you shift your attention to what you prefer? Remember, you can prefer something and not care what happens. It is called, “Detachment.” It is easy to get stuck in those same old thoughts, but now is the time we need to practice being the master of our mind, because the truth is that we are! You get to choose your thoughts and beliefs. Einstein said “Use your Imagination.”

If you are enjoying reading my blogs, I would be delighted if you would "follow" me and write comments. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Osha

Please check out my yoga dvd and watch a sample video at http://www.yogawithosharay.com/

Hello from the You Can Do It Yoga Crew!

Hello Everyone!

In an attempt keep the You Can Do It blog lively, the crew here would like to bring you assorted musings that we think you might like. Be it about yoga, living well, or just making the world a better place, we'd like to pass on stories and ideas that we've found interesting and helpful.

Check back once and a while and see what we're up to...and don't forget to keep an eye out for Osha's inspiring and insightful Friday blog entries! They're the next best thing to taking one of Osha's classes or watching her DVD. No pressure Osha :)

If you're like us, you probably want to protect our beautiful planet, try to make choices that respect your environment, and generally live in harmony with who and what's around you. We try to take our reusable grocery bags shopping, ride our bike or walk if we're making short trips around town, and so on.

One place where I seem to fall short is at the mailbox. I get so many catalogs about stuff I don't even want it drives me nuts. Well, I found a great blog entry from Elaine LaPersonerie over at The Spirited Woman blog about how to "Green" your mailbox. She's got some great tips that might just help us save a tree or two and reduce some waste. Check it out and see if you can try out some of her tips!

Happy Birthday To Me

Yogini Birthday Lunch (me in low-cut black with elbow on table)

Yes, March 5th is my birthday, and I am 63 years old today – oh my! You know I really don’t know what being 63 is supposed to feel like, but it sounds kind of old, and I don’t feel old. It certainly is perspective. I’ve actually heard so many people sound upset that they were about to turn 30. Can you imagine that? But, actually, I like being the age that I am. I enjoy all that I have done and the experiences I’ve had. Feeling the thrill of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane and walking across hot coals are just a couple of the exciting moments I’ve had. I like to inspire others to live their lives to the fullest, and I like to be inspired as well.
I collect stories about seniors who inspire me. I used to be inspired by people who were in their 50’s and 60’s. Now I am inspired by people in their 70’s and older. I want to share some of their stories with you.

Maria Amelia Lopez explained in one of the last entries in her acclaimed online journal, amis95blogspot.com. the name roughly translates as “my 95 years.” That was how old Lopez was when she began positing on her blog. She became a sensation reaching more than 1.5 million readers. Imagine that. She died at age 97. Inspirational!

The Washington Post had a feature story with photo about Tao Porchon- Lynch, an 87 year old yoga teacher who has no trouble coming into the Peacock pose (balancing her body weight on her hands, elbows bent, while suspending her torso and legs extended above the ground.) This is one of the most difficult gravity defying power moves. Inspirational at any age!

At 80, Albert Frere still keeps Europe’s business leaders on their toes. He is a self-made billionaire who is sometimes called the Warren Buffet of Belgium. He is not just an investor, he enjoys human relations and works with empathy. He enjoys food, wine and laughter. He said,” I simply erased the word retirement from my vocabulary.” Inspirational!

Famed ceramist, Beatrice Wood, died at age 105. She worked at her pottery wheel in her Ojai, Ca. home. Often citing “chocolate and young men” as the key to her longevity. In 1986 she published an autobiography entitled “I Shock Myself.” Shortly before she died, in observation of her 105th birthday, Wood presented Titanic director James Cameron with the annual Beatrice Wood Film Award at a party in her studio. Inspirational! Beatrice photo.

And, let us not ever forget Mother Teresa. But, you know we can all be inspirational in our own ways. I love the bumper sticker I've seen a couple of times, "Just Be Nice." I think that says it all.

If you are enjoying reading my blogs, I would be delighted if you would "follow" me and write comments. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Osha

Please check out my yoga dvd and watch a sample video at http://www.yogawithosharay.com/

Full Moon and a Castle

Happy Friday, everyone. I just noticed it is almost the Full Moon. So, I decided to write about a Full Moon experience. When Jim and I lived in Santa Barbara, we sometimes attended the full moon drum circle at Knapp's Castle in the Los Padres National Forest. People would arrive around sunset or after 9pm and some would stay until after midnight. After you parked your car, you had to walk around 10 - 15 minutes with the light of the full moon and a flashlight up the hill to Knapp's Castle. It was a mystical experience. If you arrived later in the evening as Jim liked to do, you entered a space filled with people drumming and dancing amongst the ruins of the castle perched high with panoramic views. Some were dressed like hippies which also gave it a certain nostalgic flavor. Frequently, there was the additional treat of watching fire performers. Once you started dancing or drumming and did it for a period of time, you enter a trance like state which is very magical. It is a form of meditation. You feel at peace and one with everything. Yes, you arrive at that meditative state without “those” substances which I don’t ingest. Maybe, we can all start drumming or dancing and have world peace.

Knapp’s Castle was built in 1916. It was a 100 ft. long mansion complete with pipe organ, observatory, servants’ quarters, etc. Now you have the idea of the amazing structure it was. It took 4 years to build and was destroyed just 5 weeks later by a fire. When I read that this amazing mansion was destroyed a little over a month after it was built, made me remember about enjoying the moment because sometimes we don’t even realize how wonderful something is until it is gone. This leads me to the bits of wisdom part of my blog. It’s not a new thought. Remember to enjoy the moment and not wait until this or that to happen before we can enjoy life. We all can find something to be happy about now. Remember not to get stuck in your thoughts that cause you to be unhappy.

As the master of your own mind, remember to live your life with a sense of awareness of being present to appreciate the “now” part of our lives. This is how to live life with joy. Sometimes we get stuck in thoughts that cause you to be unhappy. If you cannot think differently, remember to ask for help from God, Universe, Higher Power, etc. to help you think differently. When you do, you will find whatever was causing you the unhappiness will shift in one way or another.

If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Osha

Please check out my yoga dvd and watch a sample video at http://www.yogawithosharay.com/

Friends

Happy Friday everyone. I made a commttment to write once a week, and it seems the week flies by and it's Friday and I haven't written yet. I never know what I am going to write about. Yesterday was Jim's birthday and he was happy to see all of the birthday wishes on Facebook. I was thinking how wonderful it is that we have so many ways to stay in contact with each other now. Most of us who use our computers or phones to text or email rarely call each other. I am guilty of that as well. I have one friend who says she is not planning to get a computer (I can't even imagine that) she is NOT going to be emailing, tweeting, or facebooking. She said it is too impersonal. But, the magnificent benefit is that we, who do, get to keep in contact with hundreds, if not thousands of friends, acquaintances, family members - and even meet people that become friends. I do call occasionally and have a nice chat on the phone, or in person which is so wonderful. It is a real treat. In the mean time, I am so very happy to be able to stay in touch via these "impersonal ways."

I took the photo of these three old men sitting there in Carpentaria (near Santa Barbara) and they looked so chummy and content. I just love that picture. Gosh, now I am missing living in Santa Barbara. Not only is it so breathtakingly beautiful, but it has such a great dance, yoga, art, and poetry community - oh, and great coffee houses too. Of course, it is fun and exciting to move to new cities and start over meeting people, making friends and finding new favorite places. Okay, getting back to friendships, I think the most important thing is to stay in contact whatever way you prefer, no matter how busy and how much we have to do, our frienship with our family, friends, acquaintances, students, co-workers is important and valuable. Some have found that sending "forwards" when they email is as a way of staying in contact. I especially like it when there is a little personal note too. I must add that I don't like it when someone sends frequent "forwards".

I did promise to add the bits of wisdom I learned along the way. So, here it is: I find that when I remember to release others from the expectations I have of them, I create peace of mind for myself, and it is a true form of love and respect for them. Let people be themselves. Shower them with unconditional love and understanding rather than attack and blame. We have the choice of keeping them in our lives or not. It is not for us to change them. In one of Shirley Maclaine's books, she wrote that when her father was dying he said, "Nothing matters but love." Certainly, not a new revelation, but one we forget and need to be reminded of time and time again. And, that's okay.

Please check out my yoga dvd and watch a sample video at http://www.yogawithosharay.com/
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Osha