From Longing to Living

What are you doing? I mean it. What are you doing and why?

Are you just doing what you think will get you ahead in life? Out of your current stuck rut? Everybody breathe...again, and deeper. Now one more time...

I used to hate it when therapists, coaches, yoga teachers etc. would do all these breathing exercises during my time with them. "What a waste" I used to think...can't we just "Get on with things, I have a lot to do/discuss/process etc."

So here we are, breathing together and deeper. Slowing the swirling pace of life down. Being present in our bodies, in tune with our hearts, and anchored in our bellies. Yes, women, in the exact same place that babies are birthed, is where you too must birth your dreams, your desires, your dance with life.

I know that at numerous stages in my life, I've applied for so many things I didn't even want...but I sure thought I did at the time! This absurd pattern started with colleges. I kept applying to one university in particular, not because I liked the school or the city it was in, but because my friends were going there and it "sounded" good. Next, I'd go after guys that I wasn't truly interested in. (This is an article in and of itself!) After that I'd apply for jobs that I didn't really want. Those, of course, were easy to justify, "I needed to work" "It pays the bills" "It includes health insurance" "I should take this job" "It's a good opportunity" "It'll look good on my resume". Recently I found myself doing the SAME thing...

Going after things I thought I should do, sounded practical, could probably work out etc. Yesterday I decided to breathe...deeply. Today I decided to ONLY go after what I REALLY want. The people, projects and experiences that absolutely light me up! I have not taken a vow to be a martyr, and if you look close it could appear that way. (At least until yesterday!)

This whole "going for what I want idea" is interesting. It certainly is opposite to the way I was taught to live life. But many of the ways I've been taught don't work for me. So, today, it's me and God.

Closer than ever, going slower than ever. I'm breathing and asking, "what's next?"; versus being the CEO of rushing nowhere fast.

Today, I'm trusting that if I go for what I truly desire, it will feel good in my body and thrill my soul; and that is where God and I dance. I'm not taking a practical route! I'm jumping on the love train...loving myself, loving my God, and loving and trusting that I'm being directed to where I will be used for His purpose. It is in this divine joy that I switch from longing to living. Here are the 7 steps to go after what you really want:

1. Stop, breathe deeply and be present. 2. Let your desire surface. 3. Trust that extraordinary experiences and provision are meant for you. 4. Give yourself permission to go for what you REALLY want. 5. Start having FUN with your life. 6. Call 3 people and share with them the great news of what you're doing. 7. Get to work...your life is waiting for you to arrive!

2007 Gina Ratliffe

**If you would like personalized coaching to assist you in overcoming

your obstacles, call Gina at 310-773-1824 or email her at Gina@EstherExperience.com for further details.

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Houston Downtown Yoga

A Beginner's Guide to Popular Yoga Types

Many a potential yoga student eagerly looked up class schedules at their local gym only to be baffled by the variety of different types of yoga there are. These yoga types are actually all made up of the same postures, or poses, they use them in differing ways to achieve specific goals. Here is a guide to the most popular of yoga styles, so you can find the one you're looking for. These are the most likely to be taught at your gym and have DVD teachings readily available.

We'll start with two very general terms that each describes a variety of other, more specific types:

hatha - These types of yoga are especially good for the beginner just learning the basic poses. They tend to be gentle, slow-paced, and done to very soothing music.

Vinyasa - These yoga types are physical movements synchronized with breathing. A Vinyasa class would typically begin with vigorous "Sun Salutations" as warm-up. These match physical movement with breath. More strenuous stretching movements are done toward the end of the class.

As we discuss the more specific types of yoga, you'll see many are named after the teachers that invented them:

Kundalini - This Vinyasa type of yoga uses quick, repeated movements rather than long position holds. There may even be some chanting or call and response techniques used during the class. Kundalini holds the breath control during posture performance as essential. The expected result is energy moving from the lower body to the upper.

Bikram/Hot - This is usually referred to as "Hot yoga," and was initiated by Bikram Choudhury. In its full version it is a series of 26 moves, but not all are used in all classes. As its name implies, it is practiced in a hot room - about 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows for a cleansing sweat and muscle relaxation.

Ashtanga/Power - Ashtanga is a quick-flow and intense yoga and is physically demanding. The "flow" is a term used to describe how much time you hold a movement and then move to the next movement. In true ashtanga yoga the same movements are always performed in the same order. "Power yoga" is something that has been derived from ashtanga. It will have the same flow, but not necessarily have the same strict pose set. Both are often used for weight loss purposes.

Iyengar - Named after teacher, yogi B.K.S. Iyengar, Iyengar yoga pays particular attention to proper body alignment. Iyengar yoga's flow is slow, emphasizing long holds and often employing various props, such as blankets, straps, and other items that help your body find the correct alignment for each position.

Anusara - This type was founded by John Friend who wanted to create a more light-hearted class open and beneficial to yoga students of all levels. It adds the positive philosophy associated with Tantra to the emphasis on physical alignment espoused by Iyengar.

Jivamukti - Inspired by ashtanga yoga, Jivamukti promotes chanting, meditation and studies of the spiritual realm. These classes are found primarily in the U.S. and are quite physically challenging.

Sivananda - These yoga centers teach more than simple yoga classes. There are now over 80 such centers world wide, and they were founded by a student of swami Sivananda. Their five basic principles are: 1. Proper exercise (Asana) 2. Proper breathing (Pranayama) 3. Proper diet (vegetarian) 4. Positive thoughts and meditation (Dhyana)

No matter which type of yoga you choose, always check with your doctor before starting a yoga, or any other kind of exercise regime.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Yoga

Cl Philippine Yoga