Did you know? February 1 is the New January 1. At least, I'm calling it. After the bustle of the holidays, and deep in the heart of winter (at least for us here in the Northern Hemisphere), it can feel a bit too early to go raring into January full speed ahead. We need more space. Back a couple years, I began really listening and taking the full month of January to reflect and get clear on what I desired for the year ahead. I meditate, clean house, and get my spirit and schedule in order. And besides, so many people with grand intentions on January 1 end up bailing on them by February. Let's not do that again this year, shall we? What's the alternative to "I'm going to change everything this year, starting now!?" Making a deep commitment to ourselves, our body and … [Read more...]
The Freedom Mantra
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu Written above, you see a Sanskrit mantra which means: “May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.” So, I call this one the Freedom Mantra. Happy Independence Day! And as I reflect on the role of relationships, and how they give us such opportunity and clear confirmation of our own state, our own growth, (or our own momentary, ahem, regressions and transgressions) I would like us to consider Independence Day as Interdependence Day. I won't get too political here, but let's face it. We are on this planet together, and the more we can support each other's freedoms the more we, too, can feel freedom, embodied. Feel … [Read more...]
Love: Sleeping better than she has in 20 years!
Life flows in seasons and I'm honored to have supported so many of YOU through your journey this past year in learning embodied practices and truly, embodied living. To me, yoga, fitness, meditation etc are all pointing us back to our relationship to ourselves and require us to be present, show up, grow and thrive in new ways. My current season as we enter spring is actually feeling like a fall season of shedding, saying no, setting down projects, letting go and even death...moving into a winter season of being inward, nourishing myself and preparing to enter into this next phase of life as a woman, wife and new mother. As I'm preparing to birth this child (come out and play, please!) I'm enjoying completing tasks that got set aside while teaching full time and yes - enjoying … [Read more...]
6 Lessons I’ve Learned in 2016: Part 2
To read Part One, go here. Lesson #4: We're Divinely Made for Connection During my Dissection Course with Gil Hedley last month (yes, I'm talking about cadavers), I intimately saw, touched, and explored the layers and systems that make up our human form, at least in the physical sense after passing. Everything is connected. Perhaps this feels cliche and we've heard it before - but I invite you now, in this moment to consider its truth. When I approached the 3 gurneys that first morning, each with a donor body covered by sheets of gauze, alongside my new community of 20 students and teachers - I hesitated. My senses became overwhelmed, but my spirit felt so completely still. I knew once we intervened, this form would never be the same. We were about to separate that … [Read more...]
Love Your Sadness {Danielle LaPorte}
I sent a written work from one of my favorite women, Danielle LaPorte, to a friend and client the other day. They've been grieving the loss of a family member and also experiencing some pretty intense nerve pain from their cervical spine's current state. Connected? Possibly. They did get checked out medically and have been addressing the physical realm with some exercises and stretches. Either way - grieving and sadness have a place. They need a safe harbor to tuck into until they're ready to venture out to sea again, and I believe that safe harbor is our consciousness, which inevitably includes our body. Emotions are felt in this body of ours, and can be loved, processed and healed over time with embodied practices. My client responded with "THANK YOU! That was amazing. … [Read more...]
6 Lessons I’ve learned in 2016: Part One
Last week I found myself questioning my direction and progress, feeling the weight of my own ambitions and desires. I felt stunned and a bit stuck after having a business call that went in a completely unexpected direction - which prompted strong reflection for me. Discomfort and emotions can bring great gifts. And - how is it the Summer Solstice already? Putting together this review gave me a grounded way to identify the lessons I want to fully acknowledge - to integrate them into my current identity. It uplifts me to reflect on progress. To find the evidence in the present. It reinforces positive change. This is a tool I teach my private clients, and today - it's my turn. This month, Jason and I celebrate One Year Living In California. I miss Wisconsin, but I do have the … [Read more...]
Mantra for Self Blessing: Ayur Mantra with Donna Farhi
My beloved primary teacher, Donna Farhi, has shared a gift of this chant for us to all enjoy. Chanting mantra has grown into my life this past year, and continues to help me ground and refocus, and step into more compassionate perception for myself and others. Try it and tell me what you think or how you feel afterwards. Namaste, friends. Cheri PS: I'm offering a Free Audio Collection available to you now at my membership site. You can create an account for free! Click here to get access when you register and log in. … [Read more...]
GROWTH: Doing Stuff We’ve Not Yet Done
Growth means doing stuff we've not done yet, right? Well, here I go! I've done a particular Peace Chant lots of times with my primary mentor, Donna Farhi, and colleagues, and in my personal practice over the past 5 years. Even though I sang in choir and even had solos through middle and high school, I have never done karaoke. And I mostly sing in casual, comfortable places like my car. Or with close friends. Or the shower. I teach for a living, using my voice, but singing mantra feels sacred and I don't wanna mess it up. And for a long time, it had been a solitary, secret practice. I'm getting comfortable now sharing my voice in new ways with chanting and mantra. It started as an intention of mine in october 2015 to begin bringing it into my teaching. What's that saying - … [Read more...]