Travel Season

Last year at this time I had a 5 month contract working as an Admissions Counselor recruiting for a small, private art school. Fall through early winter is the busiest season, a time when counselors travel the country promoting their school to high school students before the college application deadline hits. Being on the road is an adventure, and what one lacks in sleep one often makes up for a sense of empowerment in the fact that their work is meaningful.

Whether you're speaking at an event or meeting other Admissions folk afterward, being able to make connections to other people is the most important part of the job. On the road like-minded Counselors often band together to form a semblance of family; they carpool to events, eat together, and enjoy local culture whilst creating a sense of security in an otherwise complex matrix of getting from one place to another.

As a yoga practitioner, I found the downside of the adventure was that sleeping in a different hotel bed every night takes its toll on your body and spirit. Though I did find many wonderful yoga studios while in New York City, some towns simply do not afford that luxury. While sitting on the biggest towel I could find on the floor of a hotel room in Southeastern Oregon I remembered reading an article in a travel magazine describing what organisms actually live on hotel floors. I took a deep breath and began moving through surya namaskar.

Inspired by the trials of last year's travel season I decided to offer live yoga lessons via video chat. If you're like me you delight in the community, or kula, that is created by practicing with others, and to this end I offer my practice to the community of hearty travelers making their home wherever they are.

In the words of Mr. Tom Waits,
Well I said anywhere, anywhere, anywhere I lay my head, boys I gonna call my home.

Make time for your mental and physical health, and schedule an online session with me. Your yoga practice is always available to you even if you only have 30 minutes. Spread the word if you know people who would be interested in a taking a private class, to those who live in a place where time spent + gas equals more than the cost of attending a class, and to those who have a hectic travel schedule and don't have time to research local studios.

Love and Light,

Fawn
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Fall

One part of me is rooted in autumn as the season shifts, while my mind reaches toward summer. To combat the struggle of remaining present, I meditate inside the space between what was and what will be.

Love,

Fawn
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Quiet Your Mind (Even if the Person Next to You is a Badass)

Ever been in a class and notice someone who looks perfect in every pose?

I have.
Maybe it's because I am feeling less than confident that day and I become distracted by a classmate who seems to be able to stick every pose. Before I know it I'm watching their practice instead of concentrating on my own.

Allowing yourself to become distracted in yoga class is a quick and easy way to get injured, number one.

Secondly, practicing yoga means learning to harness your powerful mind whether you're on the bus, at work, or in a brand new situation where you feel a little insecure. Focus on your breath and turn inside.

Last, even if someone appears more comfortable than you in class it doesn't mean that they are more advanced in their practice than you are. Be inspired by their beauty but don't get swept up by your ego.


Food for thought,

Love Fawn


Food for thought,

Love Fawn
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Freedom


For those of you who attended Monday's freedom-themed yoga class in the park, you were witness to the circle of life. Twenty feet from our mats we watched a red-tailed hawk attack another bird. Amidst sharp cries of the hawk's prey and many metaphors, I realized how lucky we were to experience the wildlife that Tanner Springs protects and harbors.

My limited experience with hawks includes an assumption that they are powerful spiritual symbols in certain cultures, are a predatory bird, and Michelle Pffeiffer's interpretation in the fantastic Ladyhawke. The siting made me curious so I scratched around the interwebs to read more.

From the OR state Raptor info site:

They drift the wind currents high above fields and attack when their keen eyesight reveals a vulnerable target. Surprise is their greatest asset. They descend silently into their prey, striking first with outstretched talons while using wings and tail as brakes. Redtails feed mostly on rodents but they are also good at catching snakes and some birds. Should a redtail miss its prey the first time, it can remain on the ground and, with wings spread and hooked beak extended, start another attack.

From a more spiritual standpoint:

Many of the messages Hawk may bring are about freeing yourself of thoughts and beliefs that are limiting your ability to soar above your life and gain a greater perspective. If one remains earthbound, then the possibilities of life are limited!

Okay. Thanks, spiritual world for giving us a heads up. And thank you Portland Parks for engineering a space so wild in the Pearl district.

Until next time, in the words of Trey Parker & Matt Stone, "America, f@#k yeah! Freedom is the only way, yeah!"

Love,

Fawn

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/swwd/Raptors.html
http://morningstar.netfirms.com/hawktotem.html
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Nature


It's easy to get caught up in city life, and forget how much natural surroundings feed our creativity. We are lucky in Portland to have many parks within reach. Take yourself outside and inhale fully, deeply.

Om Shanti.
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Music is the Magic



shake it up!
if you want to change your attitude in yoga or your creative life, try new stimuli:

1. if you have poses that you practice often, try practicing them to music. it might expand your home practice in a satisfying way.

2. invite your favorite furry friend to join you, and notice any changes in your body or your mood.

xoxo

ps. have you ever seen the "dancing with cats" publications?
notice that the cat always steals the show no matter how poised the dancer, and as cats they know this.
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Yoga Shoes!


I went to try on some shoes yesterday after teaching. After trying on several pairs of trainers, I noticed that the salesperson was wearing what looked like gloves on his feet. I pointed down at his feet and said, I need THOSE.
While walking around the store, several other customers noticed and tried some on too. They have completely changed the way I think about shoes. I enjoy the contact between the ground and my entire foot. My tiny pinky toes are now encouraged to extend and separate from the rest of the toes. My toe muscles are getting stronger with each step. Wow. The shoes are perfect for outdoor yoga, swimming, hiking, running, dancing, and more.
I am not sponsored by the company, I swear. Not to say that I would turn down an opportunity...
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5 Minutes


Welcome to yoga with fawn, my blogsweetblog.

5 minutes of silence.
1. find a comfortable posture.
2. focus on your breath with eyes closed.
3. inhale, expand your chest and belly.
4. exhale breath first from your belly and then your chest.
5. feel your spine lengthen through the crown of your head with each breath in.
6. on your exhale, notice where your body meets the ground.
7. after several rounds of breath, bring your hands together in prayer (anjali mudra), bow your head.
8. take a moment to set an intention for the rest of your day.

At any point during the day you can come back to this intention, knowing that you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

namaste,
Fawn
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