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badyogidc

~ We'll meet at the point our paths cross.

badyogidc

Monthly Archives: April 2016

Beauty report, April 24

24 Sunday Apr 2016

Posted by badyogidc in Uncategorized

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I taught a Forrest Yoga Basics workshop today at Buddha B Yoga (BBY), one of the studios at which I regularly teach.  I actually have two Beauty reports to share and they both are moments of me today.  Ironically, today’s intent was to love myself, flaws and all.

1- Almost four years ago, I went to BBY on a search for my happy and thought yoga might help; the Groupon deal that got me to the studio helped as well.  It was here I took my first Forrest Yoga class with Abby.  I didn’t know ANYTHING about Forrest Yoga, but the website said it was heated.  As I sat on my mat in a back row and she set the intent, I felt it land.  In my heart.  So I did what any yogi would do – I opened my eyes and looked at her; she was looking right back at me.  I was hooked.

Today, as I was setting up the for the workshop, that moment came racing back to my mind.  It was surreal.  And it felt full circle.  The Forrest Yoga path I started out on years ago is moving forward and it felt really, really nice to bring it back to the studio I called my first studio home.  I shared the moment with the class and then shared the four pillars of Forrest Yoga – breath, strength, integrity, and spirit.  And then added the element of Ceremony as the unofficial fifth.  Each time we come to the mat, it’s a ceremony with ourselves and should be honored with the other four pillars.

2- I’m pretty type A; I have a fire inside that pushes me to succeed; I’m also from the corporate world where success is in the numbers.  And I was afraid my workshop would underperform (by corporate standards).  That’s shit thinking.

I love to teach.  I love my Forrest practice.  And I love sharing Forrest Yoga and doing my part to mend the hoop.  Today, in a class I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to fully show up for, I not only showed up, but I also showed myself.  And it scared the shit out of me.  I shared how my life was thrown off the rails four years ago and it was with Forrest Yoga I actually began to find my happy.  Each student not only saw my heart, but felt my heart.  Things that my mentors, family members, other teachers, and friends have said to me over the past few years came back to me – and I saw the future self that I’ve been working so hard to become walk into the room and assume the role.  This is my bad yogi path – I’m not perfect.  No one is.  But it’s one hell of a journey, isn’t it?

Look back, but step forward

10 Sunday Apr 2016

Posted by badyogidc in #nothingforgranted, Dragon, Intention setting, Intentions, Life Lessons

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#nothingforgranted, Intention

Each morning as I eat breakfast, I make a to do list and then ask my spirit what we should work on today.  Some days, the answer that comes back is obvious – I have yet to NOT kill anyone on the days with an intent to not kill.  Today, I asked and saw the words write themselves on the paper to “Look back, but step forward.”

Immediately, I was lost.  In the most simplest of manners to take that words, we are each building our futures on who we were yesterday; noted.  That still felt weird to have as my intent today.  There could be the implication to embrace my future because I’ve been taking steps forward; ok, thanks universe.  <insert ‘thumbs up’ sign here>

I thought briefly about my intent yesterday, to let go, and moved on.  And then moved right back.  It makes so much sense to let go of things that hold me back, that remind me of the dark places I’ve been, or that just make me sad.  Right?

But today the intent is feeling like I need to honor the path behind me – by stepping forward.  Isn’t that the best way to acknowledge where we have been?  Letting go is tough. It’s saying that the past cannot impact us anymore.  That’s obviously wrong.  While letting go of situational emotions can be of benefit, letting go of the situation and forgetting how it shaped us is not.  Moving forward, when something from my past pops up, triggers me, or brings along some other “impact,” rather than thinking “I should be over that by now,” I attempting to think – yep, that happened.  But look at me now.  And tomorrow.

Ceremony is connection

05 Tuesday Apr 2016

Posted by badyogidc in #nothingforgranted, Bad Yogi, Beauty Reports, Dragon, Forrest Yoga, Life Lessons, Uncategorized

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#nothingforgranted, Beauty Reports, Intention, Truth

In Forrest Yoga, we hold ceremony as pretty important and getting on your mat, setting an intention for the practice, is the most common ceremony we all enter.  More “formal” ceremonies include burning of sage, calling in of the Four Directions.  Tonight, after a really great day, I had my first ever end of day thanking ceremony.  While what I spoke of to each direction is on my instagram account (@badyogidc), it was after that I realized just how much we humans desire to connect.

Facing West, I thanked my ancestors for connection to them.  I then tied the connection to the people I interacted with today face to face and via text.  Each moment, when held in passing without thought, was just a moment.  But when I think of connection, they grow much more strong and deep.

I texted a friend and student of mine.  At one point, she said she was looking for her community.  I replied that I felt that being human, being honest, seeking goodness, being a strong woman (among other things) put her into so many groups.  And each of those groups should hold a different connection for her.

I remembered as I was fixing dinner – I’ve been looking for my place in this world.  The “who am I?” question of the ages.  Quite happily, that text came rushing back to me.  I’m human.  I’m a yoga teacher.  I’m a yogi.  I seek Beauty in my days.  I stand in my truth.  I’m a dragon.  A gay male.  Each layer of who we are is just that – a layer.  At the end of the day, we are human.  That human connection is stronger than anything else.  And it should be.

We treat others with little to no regard and it’s hard for me to stomach any news story.  It’s sad.  Humanity.  We all are.  Call it my rose colored glasses but I think we’re better than how we’ve been treating each other.

The Liebster

04 Monday Apr 2016

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So apparently someone besides me reads this blog.  And she takes my class.  And I don’t know her.  But I think I do.  Anyhow, she and her blog nominated me for the Liebster Award, which is just a way for one blogger to put a shout out for others.  Which is never bad.  Go meet her here: http://lifevivified.com  The story then goes that I get to nominate blogs as well.  Here’s the kicker.  I don’t read too many on a regular basis.  That’s my bad.  And I own it.  I really just try and limit my time in front of the computer and would much rather read a book, go outside, practice, run, etc.  I’m taking the Liebster and running with it in my own bad yogi way – instead of nominating, I created a whole new section of my website – What I read.  As I stumble across authors, blogs, poets, or other, I’ll put them there.  So keep checking it out.

The part of being nominated I will play along with is answering her questions and providing random facts about me.  So here goes…

  1. How did you get into blogging?  Hm, how did I?  Well, my first blog (and the one that is out there but I don’t use it much) was about my life recovering after my ex broke up with me and then after his death.  I think there are some really good stories on it still so I may add a link on this site over.  Happy reading.  I blog my life.  Most of it has a “yoga spin” but it’s my life.  It’s real.  And it’s my truth.
  2. If you could have one superpower (real or imagined) what would it be and why?  Who says I don’t already have one??  And if I told you, my secret identity would be forever revealed.  I’ve seen what happens.  Ain’t gonna do it.
  3. What are your long-term goals in life?  Seriously?  C’mon Viv.  To not die in the short term.  Do any of us know?  If you had asked me six years ago where I’d be now, my life would have been different.  I’ve learned to be fluid.  To accept what I cannot change and to influence where I can.  The pageant in me says world peace and ending world hunger.  But I’d actually settle for helping people become nicer.
  4. If you could live within the setting of one television show or movie, what would it be and why?   Is Harry Potter too obvious?  Definitely not ‘The Walking Dead’ or ‘It.’  But I actually don’t think I’d want to.  It may seem corny, but I’m right where I need to be.  I’m still learning what that means but I’m ok with it for now.  And I should have my own TV show.  Because, obviously.
  5. Same question, but pertaining to the setting of a story or book?  Is Harry Potter too obvious?  Here’s a deep answer – I’d choose not to.  I use books to escape from my life.  My life, just a hunch, goes where I go.  So it’d be in the book with me.
  6. Which of all your own blog posts, is your favorite?  Tricky question.  I’m cheating.  And saying all of them.  Because they represent who I was in that moment in that time.  And it was the only time I was that guy.  I don’t blog regularly and don’t have a schedule of when I should.  I blog when my heart is ready and can light the words that come out.  Being truthful and honest are two priorities for my blog; it helps if I don’t write about the sushi I had for lunch.
  7. How did you come up with the name for your blog?  I’m bad yogi.  I think we all are.  It’s not about drinking wine or eating meat.  But instead, realizing that none of us are perfect.  And we’re on a path.  This path has lead me here.  I’ll keep moving on.  So will you.  My hope is that we all part ways better, wiser, and stronger for knowing each other.
  8. If you were going to own an exotic pet (in theory only – we know wild animals do not make good pets), what would it be and why?  I have a bulldog.  From England.  And a possessed cat.  I do not want any other exotic animals.
  9. If you could spend a day with one person (real or fictional), who would it be and why?  My Dad.  Any day.  He makes me laugh without trying, thinks he’s the funniest person around, and is a major part of the reason I am who I am today.
  10. If you won the lottery today, what would you do tomorrow?  Wake up, make breakfast, write my to do list, breathe for my daily intention, and go about my day.  I am so lucky I get to do what  I do.  Leaving the office world was my best decision.  I could have all the money out there – but I’d still show up to teach.  Just maybe though, I’d be teaching in Bali.
  11. What makes you happiest in this world?  Happy.  Happiness.  Words that I don’t actually throw around easily.  I love teaching though.  When students have an ‘aha!’ moment about a pose or intention.  Being with family and friends.  I’m happiest when the human connection, which we all have, is alive in me and those I’m with.  When my light sees your light, we all shine brighter.

And now, 11 random facts about myself.

  1. I’m deathly afraid of snakes, clowns, and zombies.
  2. Spring is my favorite season.
  3. I curse.  A lot.  And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.
  4. I make a mean grilled cheese and at one point in my life aspired to open a grilled cheese restaurant.  As a result of that, I’ve got quite a few tested concept sandwiches.  All of which are amazing.
  5. I have, in most situations, at least 2-3 minimum escape strategies in place should a clown come into the area.  Or zombie.
  6. I believe I’m an amazing kick boxer because I’ve watched every episode of ‘Buffy’ and ‘Alias.’
  7. No.  Seriously.  Did you see my legit fear of clowns??  I’ve gotta be ready to kick ass.
  8. In the search for my happy, I’m discovering that happy isn’t a destination.  It’s a travel companion.
  9. I hate the taste of milk.
  10. I was in Mysore before Mysore was cool.
  11. This is the longest blog post I’ve ever written.

Be. Vulnerable.

01 Friday Apr 2016

Posted by badyogidc in #nothingforgranted, Bad Yogi, Dragon, Intentions, Life Lessons, Truth

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Tags

Intention, Truth

Vulnerable.  Vulnerability.  These words have been coming up a lot lately in my life.  Granted, I am co-teaching a #RiskBeingVulnerable workshop this weekend and I’m trying to read as much as I can on those words.  While vulnerability is seen as weakness by society as a whole, what if we take the common theme that keeps coming up….

What does it mean to be vulnerable?  Better question, how does it feel?  It’s scary.  It’s hard.  Being vulnerable takes effort.  We as a society tend to see vulnerability as a sign of weakness.  I mean, who’d want anyone else to see our flaws?  With the way that people talk about and to each other, it also means that we risk rejection.  But being vulnerable shouldn’t.

I side with Brene Brown on being vulnerable.  My paraphrase – the risks are great.  But the rewards are even greater.  Allowing yourself to be seen for who you are – HUMAN and with flaws – is courageous.  We can use our own vulnerability to heal ourselves from our pasts.  In fact, being vulnerable is a type of scar tissue; healing. stronger, and tells a story.

I also think there’s a greater reward to being vulnerable.  Connection.  Imagine someone sharing their hurts, their dreams, fears, or story with you in honesty.  And rather than feel disgust or plot to use their words against them, you reach out and you show up for them.  Knowing in that moment – we are bigger, stronger, wiser, and more kind when we are together.

 

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