It's not so much that these things never bother me anymore. Rather, I don't even notice them sometimes and, when I do, they tend to have a lot less impact on my disposition. Yoga develops my tolerance by exercising my body, mind and spirit. My strengthened central nervous sytem, my ability to choose a focus and sustain it, and my heightened spiritual connection create a buffer between me and the ups-and-downs of life.

Central to this shift is my attitude of gratitude, which is something that did not come easily to me. For one thing, how cheesy is it to say "attitude of gratitude"! Eeeek! But let's set aside the cheese-factor for a moment and break it down.

For example, say my car dies on the 101 Freeway during rush hour. It's a safe bet that I will be upset about that, regardless of how much yoga I've done that day (or year). But I am also able in that moment to acknowledge what does not suck. I will choose to notice that because it's rush hour, traffic was moving very slowly so no one crashed into me. I'll also remember I have AAA, my cell phone is charged and I already ate lunch so I'm not going to be having a blood-sugar crash while stranded on the roadside -- all genuinely helpful, positive aspects of the situation.

Finding an authentic application of gratitude in my life has taken time. I've heard people say they are grateful for the awful things that have befallen them and they usually explain this sentiment by saying that they wouldn't be the person they are now without those experiences. I think I understand what they mean and that is awesome that they have such perspective working in their lives. But that approach seriously doesn't work for me. I'm just not hardwired that way. There are events that have happened during my lifetime that I am not going to be happy about, no matter how much I meditate or elevate my consciousness.

Therefore, it becomes absolutely crucial to my mental health that I make a conscious choice to recognize the strengths that co-exist within any negative experience. I don't ask myself to be grateful for tragedy or misfortune. But I do discipline myself to acknowledge gratitude amidst tragedy or misfortune.  

Fortunately, yoga is about balance (it's a myth that yoga is about being perpetually blissed out), so there's plenty of room for having feelings at both ends of the spectrum simultaneously. What represents balance for me might tip you right over the edge, or vice versa. So it's not important if you see gratitude the way I do.

It's only important that you see gratitude the way you do.

Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena

Community Class

10 to 11:30 a.m. 

$15 suggested fee

Complimentary! Gratis! On the house! 

North Hollywood  

Thursday 7:30 p.m.      

"Yoga" is a word that derives from the Sanskrit "jugat," which means to join together. The purpose of all yoga is to awaken consciousness. Various styles of yoga emphasize differing methods to achieve that awakening. No style of yoga is "better" or "worse" than another, they simply employ different methods for practice.

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini yoga uses breath, sound and movement to create a awareness of and connection to mind, body and spirit. A typical class lasts 90 minutes. The session includes tuning in, warm up, a set of poses called a "kriya" designed by Yogi Bhajan for a specific effect (such as glandular balance or spinal flexibility), meditation, relaxation and closing.  

Hatha yoga is the most widely practiced form of yoga in the world. Hatha Yoga uses asana (postures) and conscious breathing in combination with mental focus to develop awareness, strength and flexibility, and relaxation. Poses and sequences common to Hatha yoga (such as sun salutations) are often part of the warm up for my Kundalini yoga classes. 

Private Classes

Private classes at my studio are available by appointment for $75.00 per class. You will benefit from personalized yoga sets and meditation specific to your needs and/or requests, typically lasting 90 minutes. For an additional transportation fee (based on mileage), I am able to provide private instruction in your cat-free home. 

Mat Space Reservations

Space is limited to six mats per class in North Hollywood. For this reason, online reservations are required to attend. Online reservations are requested, but not required, at locations other than my home studio. Private classes are by appointment only. Please email me to ask questions or make an appointment. 

Cancellations 

Students who cancel their mat space reservation with less than 24-hour notice will be asked to pay the full class fee. No charge for cancellations with more than 24-hours notice.  

Private Classes

Private classes at my studio are available by appointment for $75.00 per class. You will benefit from personalized yoga sets and meditation specific to your needs and/or requests, typically lasting 90 minutes. For an additional transportation fee (based on mileage), I am able to provide private instruction in your cat-free home.