I just got back from teaching my retreat on the coast of Colombia (Tayrona National Park), and teaching workshops in Bogota. This is my third annual trip, and each time I go, it's even better. There are really no words to explain how magical it is to be amongst my family, the beauty of Colombia, and to teach to people who are so thirsty and appreciative for the Shiva Rea style that I teach. Tayrona is a magical place...if you have never been there I highly recommend it! I felt like I was in “Avatar Land”. Mountains, rocks, crystal blue ocean, rainforest, exotic food, flowers, plant life, indigenous people, and I even found a surfing beach, complete with hammocks to sleep in and attendants to bring you coconuts, fresh fish, and plantains. The surf spot will remain a secret…surfers will understand this, but if you come with me next time, I will take you! This year, a free diving champ from Colombia came to the retreat and taught me how to free dive. I have always loved doing this on my own, but learning the skills was awesome, and now I am hooked on this magical and meditative way to experience the underwater world. Us water freaks kind of get each other, so Carlos and I bonded instantly. Check out his blog at clubdelphinus.blogspot.com

Teaching in Bogota was also wonderful…especially the amazing people I met. I taught a live music class with some amazing musicians and precious new Kundalini teacher friend, Paola! We were totally in sync, and the whole class was a huge bhakti yoga celebration! Teaching at Yoga Studio Colombia was also wonderful, and I am excited to go back there to teach more workshops and teacher trainings…
Seeing my family was incredible, and just being in Colombia always has this way of grounding me, filling me up, and inspiring me…

On another note, about a month ago, wind swept through my life and my heart has opened to a love that I always knew was on the horizon...you can never be ready for that and the surprise of it all makes it all the more special. Oh, the magic of love! My heart is full, and I can see how this kind of love is so empowering. It has shined light on the beauty of my own spirit, life, and has given me even more energy and inspiration to extend back into my own life, children, studio, teaching, everything. This kind of love is a miracle, and I know that there are more miracles out there now in many different areas I don't even know about yet. A miracle for the oil that’s spilling, a miracle for the poverty of Colombia, a miracle for more couples to feel the power of divine union through tantric loving, a miracle for my children to have more peace in their lives, a miracle for my challenging relationships to have civility, resolution, healing, a miracle for our little studio to attract all the people into its doors that need what our special teachers and sacred space have to share, a miracle for Haiti, a miracle for all the prayers of the people, and a miracle for our planet...
Luckily, I believe that the power of prayer, intention and right action together create miracles!

I am happy to be home in my community, with my kids, Dave, and the excitement of the studio expanding to a new space.
120 Elk Ave!!! Look for our newsletter coming up with more details!


Love to all and look forward to hearing and seeing you…

Spring is a time of rebirth, renewal, and metamorphosis. The changes happening outside are a mirror to what is, or can be happening in our own selves.
During these peak seasonal transitions, our bodies are primed to eliminate toxins, purify our system, and recharge ourselves on every level. During this season, the body moves into cycles of rebuilding and cleansing the organs and systems, so it’s the perfect time to cleanse past toxins from spirit, mind, and body. Luckily, we can utilize the tools available to change old lifestyle and eating habits to live a healthier and more empowered life.

Some signs that you are ripe for a cleanse include congestion, weight gain, allergies, headaches, depression, irritability, foggy thinking, muscle tension, skin eruptions, fatigue, and more. During the winter months we tend to eat foods that are more acidic and high in protein which cause the intestines to harbor harmful bacteria. This can cause intestines to re-absorb toxic materials back into the bloodstream causing a strain to the liver and symptoms to manifest.

This is where spring cleansing fits in. Dedicating a little time and energy to rejuvenating your spirit, mind, and body will add years to your life, as well as a depth and quality that can jumpstart your life.

The spirit is the most vital area to cleanse and renew. It’s a good time to wipe the slate clean and release old negative energies that may have been lingering. Beginning a yoga or meditation practice can bring you closer to your true self and help you find that inner peace and beauty that resides in each and every one of us. There are many ways we can get closer to and renew our spirit that are unique to each individual. The important this is that you find what works for you and apply a little “tapas”, (focus, discipline, energy) to integrating it into your life. The benefits are extraordinary and will be a pleasant surprise!

A clear and refreshed mind is the hallmark of a happy and successful person. Take a little time to de-clutter your personal to do list, re-evaluate your priorities, life goals, and dreams, and re-assess what you are working towards in your life. Are you living the life YOU want to live? Are you getting there in the most enjoyable way? Is your mind focused on what you want, or are complaints and worries taking up the majority of your thoughts? How often do you practice the art of gratitude? Now is a good time to spend a little time cleansing your mind. As we have a little down time before summer, you may want to ponder some of these ideas on how you can be your most authentic self and live the life of your dreams.

The body is what houses our spirit and mind, so it can be a powerful way to initiate change into all the areas of our life, including our physical health. There are many programs available for cleansing diets available. Pick the one that’s right for you and stick to it for at least 7-30 days. The local foods available through our extensive organic community can be a huge support, as well as supportive herbs and products. Fresh, organic, local food is packed with the earth’s powerful nutrients, and can help transition us into the new season. Food is literally energy, and if chosen wisely, can be the fuel that can instigate transformational changes into our spirits and minds as well. For those of you adventurers of life, try a different sort of challenge. Consider eating only local, organic, and whole foods for a week or a month and just see what happens in your life. Yoga, as well as other types of bodywork can also help the body heal, enliven, and ease into new healthy patterns. Try something new or go back to go back to something that may have slipped out of your schedule this winter. Take a little time for YOU this spring.
Now is the time of year to focus on your health and well-being!

This full moon is the second blue moon in 2010. A blue moon is when the full moon happens twice in the same month. Oddly enough we already had a blue moon month in January and this rare occurrence will not happen again until 2012. The first full moon after the vernal equinox is also called a pink moon, which got its name because of the many flowers that are now blooming. Pink moon is also known as the Pascal, or Easter moon.

That said, with the moon being in Libra, the main theme is BALANCE. Because of the other planetary influences, particular attention is on relationships. It is a good time to work on healing the problems in your relationship and opening to new forms of love. We may feel pulled in many directions as well, and it’s important not to dwell on making perfect decisions, but to make a choice and see where it takes you. Aries rearing its head at this time can cause heated debates and problems stemming from inability to quell the fiery emotions.

How to keep balanced? Which direction to go?
Find a way to create a balance in all areas of your life, share ideas, open to various forms of relationships without judgment, and channel earthy ambition into goals and dreams that are moving you forward.

The posture shown here with my Yoga Kids students is Vrksasana, also know as Tree Pose. This is a posture of balance, and in this particular photo, the girls are working together to hold each other up. There is a wide range of ages and sizes, but somehow, they are making it work, and enjoying it, no less. It’s always so good to learn from kids. Kids don’t give up so easy, and it’s amazing how they will innately find a way to make things work. My mom always told me, “Bloom where you are planted, Monica.” Cool the fire, get balanced, heal relationships, and bloom.

Each new moon gives us a chance to rethink, change direction, or re-affirm what we are focusing on.  It’s a good time to set aside old ways of doing things and have a little courage to try new ways of thinking, doing, and relating.
 
With new moon in Pisces, we are encouraged to quiet the outer and even inner voices, and go deep into the intuitive voice that is sometimes hidden.  With so much activity and beauty that surrounds us here in Crested Butte, it can be easy for that still, quiet voice to remain unheard.  This is a good time to redirect our energy from earthly pursuits and turn our attention to our inner selves. Something is knocking on our psyche’s back door telling us to look for other ways to think, be and do. With mercury in retrograde until the 17th, it calls for us to be more introspective, slow down a little, and allow time for solitude. This is not a time to force things, get into heated discussions, or hucking the crazy terrain. Honoring these inward opportunities can bring clarity, focus, and creative ideas that can bring you closer to your dreams.
 
The asana Monica is shown doing is called eka pada raja kapotanasana. This is a deep hip opening posture that also requires an immense shoulder opening and backbend. Experienced yogis can have a blissful experience in this asana as the hips are grounded into the earth, the heart expands, and the hand reaches up towards the sky. The drishti (gaze) is towards the heavens, and you can’t help but whisper a prayer or request to your spiritual guide. Modifications are available for less experienced students and the full posture can be practiced over time with proper instruction and discipline. The way that the human body can bend, move, and open is extraordinary. For those of you willing to be spiritual adventurers now is the time to go deep! Expect the unexpected and peel away the layers to unveil the truth, clarity, and insight that are hidden inside you.
 
For those of you wishing to go deep, Monica Mesa is teaching a Master Yoga class on Friday from 5-7:30 at Yoga for the Peaceful. Please contact Yoga For the Peaceful at www.yogaforthepeaceful.org or 349.0302 for more information.

The full and new moons gives us the chance to contemplate on where we have been and where we might go in the future. This full moon in Virgo inspires us to use our intuition to see what we need to address for our future happiness and success.
It might seem a little crazy, but the influence of the moon and the planets are there to assist us, so take advantage of these energies and let the light of the full moon illuminate your vision to see what is missing, or needs your attention.
You may need to take that first small step, or follow your gut that could lead you to some inspired revelations. Our intuition is one of the greatest gifts we have been given to guide us through complex times, obstacles, and situations. Listen, take note, and then take action. Unlimited resources may appear to help you make your inspired vision a reality!

Sarah Darval is pictured in a simple seated position used for meditation. Meditation is a practice that crosses all religions, cultures, and boundaries. It can include a prayer practice or a myriad of meditation techniques that vary depending on your own individuality. For some, this seated position might require a bolster, sitting against a wall to keep the spine straight, or slight shifting or movement to be able to endure it for more that a few minutes. If you cannot SIT without discomfort, it’s a good indicator that you could spend some time focusing on how you can develop the strength, flexibility, and openness to be able to do so. Yoga, meditation, dance, or many other movement possibilities exist that can help address these issues. The important thing to do is to take the time to quiet thinking mind and LISTEN. Trust the voice from within and know that this inner voice is always there to guide you to reaching your highest good.

Meditation is offered on a donation basis at YOGA FOR THE PEACEFUL with Sarah on Thursdays at 7 pm.

 
The new moon on February 13th is a wonderful time to start fresh and think about ways you can be more creative in your life. The way the planets are aligned right now may bring about a desire for change or the momentum to make strides to go in another direction.
There is a feeling of tentativeness that is looming and instead of forging boldly ahead; it is in our favor to find a comfortable rhythm that is grounding and stabilizing. Let go of big plans, agendas, and frustrations and use the creative, positive visioning process to find ways to reach your goals.  Saturn being in Virgo also inspires us to exercise a bit of discipline in finding balance at this time.  Make better use of your creativity, artistic skills, and even apply all of these aspects to improve your relationships.
The asana I have chosen for this time is a creative variation of Virabhadrasana II, the warrior. The wide, open stance is very grounding and stabilizing. The arms are moving in a rhythmic, flowing way through the centerline and out towards space. There is a feeling of freedom, of opening up to change, and a creative urge that rises up from the earth, through your whole body, and out through your hands. As you move your hands from one side to the other there is a rhythm where you begin to lose your head and open to change that takes you where you are meant to be going. Here in Crested Butte strong arms and hips are vital, and the length and opening of the side body enables us to get more prana (life force), to be, do, and create our magnificent reality. 

 Full moons signify a time of completion and fulfillment of that which was started at the new moon. The last new moon urged us to examine where our life path was taking us and if we are still on course. This full moon questions if we are brave enough to make our intentions manifest in our lives.  
Leo is the sign that passionately “loves what it loves!” It is a fun, lively moon that encourages creating support networks, socializing, and striking a balance between romance and friendships. It’s a time for planning something just for fun, bringing out our creative and artistic side, as well as acknowledging your own unique individuality. With the full moon bright in the sky, illuminations may occur in our own lives, so it’s a good time to explore new feelings, and express them authentically (without overdoing it!). This is not a time to sit on your feelings, but wise to take care in how you do let them out. 
With the moon in this determined yet playful sign, I have chosen the most ancient of all asanas, DANCE! You can see Lindsay Fullers look of ecstasy as she dances with no inhibitions. Joyful self-expression is the perfect “posture” for this moon. Our culture does not always indulge in dance enough (especially without mood enhancing substances), and if you allow yourself a little space to just move in your own particular way, it’s amazing how much stress is relieved. As the pressures fall away and joy trickles in, the inherent creative spirit that we all have begins to bubble up and can surprisingly unleash your power to create, manifest, have fun, and appreciate your own extraordinary self. Dance with your kids, your beloved, on your full moon ski, with yourself, with your dog. Dance in celebration, in tears, in gratitude, in love. Dance for Haiti, for our friends and family who have passed on, for peace, for our community, for the water and the trees, for the kids, for justice, for your dreams, or for the hell of it. Just Dance! 

New moons are auspicious monthly celestial events that can be utilized to start fresh. When they are combined with a solar eclipse, they hold even more power for manifestation. This day also ends the cycle of mercury being in retrograde, so we can all take a deep breath and step up our activities and efforts without worry. Things are definitely going to flow better!

This Capricorn new moon is a great opportunity to take a look at how we spend our recourses, including finances, time, energy, skills and talents. It’s a good time to be sure we channel our energies so that we are generating more assets instead of liabilities in our life. Loyalty and commitment are also themes during this time so take note if you are devoting yourself to the people and institutions that are worthy of your attention. It’s a good time to make readjustments in relationships and notice what you give and receive.

Capricorn energy is also associated with rigid thinking and expectations, as well as paying particular attention to the skeletal system, joints, and skin. Focus on maintaining a sense of flexibility in daily situations, as well as developing healthy ways to take care of your body.

KT Joy is shown doing the Tree Pose. This is a posture that develops focus, as well as strength and flexibility. Standing firm on one leg, place your attention on your breath, and let yourself feel the sense of clarity and courage to look at the issues in your life that need attention. Keep your gaze fixed upon something non-moving, smile, and receive the earth energy up through your foot, and throughout the whole body. Extend the arms joyfully up towards the sky and give your energy out to where it is best served. If you sway or topple over, let it be a reminder to be flexible in body and mind. Let this momentum of the eclipsed new moon in Capricorn lure you be conscious and aware of your health, relationships, and to consider all the things you’d like to accomplish this year.
(KT teaches Poi Playshop on Fridays 6-7 pm, so if you dream of spinning fire or just want a fun workout, come to the pump room on Friday. For more info, contact Yoga For the Peaceful at www.yogaforthepeaceful.org 349.0302)

The full moon falls on New Years Eve, and also happens to be a blue moon (second full moon in a month), as well as a lunar eclipse! If that’s not enough, mercury and mars are also in retrograde, so take a deep breath! This creates supercharged situation in the cosmos and a ripe time for inner exploration. As the shadow of the moon falls on the earth on the 31st, unexpected events or issues may come to light. This is a time to be patient, act and speak wisely, and heighten your awareness. A new path may be revealed to you, a solution, or ending to a long awaited situation are some of the possibilities that could occur during this time. All eclipses have to do with intense emotional reactions and are considered “course correctors” that bring on major changes that could affect the course of your life. We tend to be more emotionally expressive during this time because of the change in the electromagnetic energy that affects us mentally and neurologically. Creativity peaks during this time and qualities can be discovered as you let go of beliefs that don’t correspond with your current reality. With all this going on, it could be tempting to avoid change and confrontation, yet ignoring it can only reduce your power. Hard choices and insights lead to blessings of fulfillment, reshaped relationships, and new ways of creative expression.

The posture I have chosen for this time is Virabhadrasana I, or warrior pose. This is a common posture seen in yoga, which is great for feeling grounded during this intense time. A wide stance roots us into our present reality and gives us the strength to forge ahead even in the face of difficult times or decisions that need to be made. This deep lunge opens our hips, strengthens the lower back, and inspires you to go deep into your process. As we move out of the linear plane and dial our hips and heart forward, we see past out typical patterns and look into a new direction. The variation of the arms being intertwined releases strain in the shoulders and upper back and upward gaze inspires us to reach for new possibilities and heights previously unimaginable. Take a moment to try this out. Keep your attitude light and feel the excitement from the blessings, light, love and laughter that the New Year will bring. Take a deep breath, and KNOW, as many Crested Buttians often say no matter what is going on, “its all good.”

For thousands of years, humans have been celebrating the return of the light at the winter solstice, when the days get longer and spring is on its way. This ancient ritual signifies rebirth, new beginnings, and invigorating our minds and bodies by feasting, dancing, singing, praising, and communion with loved ones.
The flip side of the winter solstice is that it is indeed the longest and darkest night of the entire year. This time of the year can literally shed LIGHT on the dark aspects of our lives, something that is not always looked upon with joy. But wait. This is a visionary time! Winter solstice represents not only this darker part of our life and psyche, but also the possibility of something growing, sprouting, and unfolding in the coming year. This is a time to celebrate that you can always count on the light to come back, even on the darkest night.

The posture I have chosen for this auspicious time is Trikonasana, or Triangle pose. This is a posture that extends our energy into mother earth and then sends it back up and out through our radiating heart, hands, legs, and into the world. Legs are wide open, powerful, and grounded. Breath and blood circulates through all the organs, tight spots, and spins the heart up towards the light. Arms expand out, fingers spread like rays of the sun, and the gaze is up towards the infinite possibilities that exist for us if we have faith and believe in the light that is in us, around us and through us. Try this posture up against a wall, on your sticky mat, or next time you are in class, and imagine yourself as a luminous expression of this pivotal time of year!

 The new moon on February 13th is a wonderful time to start fresh and think about ways you can be more creative in your life. The way the planets are aligned right now may bring about a desire for change or the momentum to make strides to go in another direction.
There is a feeling of tentativeness that is looming and instead of forging boldly ahead; it is in our favor to find a comfortable rhythm that is grounding and stabilizing. Let go of big plans, agendas, and frustrations and use the creative, positive visioning process to find ways to reach your goals.  Saturn being in Virgo also inspires us to exercise a bit of discipline in finding balance at this time.  Make better use of your creativity, artistic skills, and even apply all of these aspects to improve your relationships.
The asana I have chosen for this time is a creative variation of Virabhadrasana II, the warrior. The wide, open stance is very grounding and stabilizing. The arms are moving in a rhythmic, flowing way through the centerline and out towards space. There is a feeling of freedom, of opening up to change, and a creative urge that rises up from the earth, through your whole body, and out through your hands. As you move your hands from one side to the other there is a rhythm where you begin to lose your head and open to change that takes you where you are meant to be going. Here in Crested Butte strong arms and hips are vital, and the length and opening of the side body enables us to get more prana (life force), to be, do, and create our magnificent reality.