On Letting Go...in a new way

One of my favorite pieces of breath work to practice and teach is letting go through the exhale. Inhale (and receive if you wish), then exhale with care releasing excess air, excess energy, and anything you’d like to simply let go. Over and over, exhale and let go.

If you’re on the sensitive side – where you feel deeply, sense the unseen, carry the weight of others’ burdens or energy, etc. – you probably could use A LOT OF LETTING GO. Let me just say it’s the theme of my life. I might solely be here on Earth to learn to let go, and then I see all kinds of other things (like receiving) that I need to learn too, so I get it – I’ve got a lot more lessons to learn before I can say I’ve got any of it figured out. [As I hope you know, if anyone tells you they’ve got all the answers, please run far, far away from them – and very quickly.]

You know you’re in the thick of it when not only can you sense your own lesson being learned but also you keep running into it in other people. I have clients and even dear friends who are in places where they are working tirelessly on letting go. Jobs that are too stiff. Relationships that aren’t so healthy or romantic. Medical issues that seem relentless. Eating disorders that are robbing them of truly living and thriving.

From a professional point of view, I think the tender, raw spots in my clients are what make my work so interesting and real. We can get in touch with the breath, ground through movement, and find strength, power and grace through various forms of exercise. And, when the going gets tough, I remind them to let go – through the breath and, ultimately, in their hearts. It’s cool stuff, it takes practice, but I swear it works.

So why am I writing specifically about letting go? I can teach and preach, but I’ve always found it helpful and more believable when my teachers and preachers share some of their own personal humility along with the lesson. A little background: I do love what I do. I love learning about new ways to train the body/spirit/self through yoga, creative movement, resistance training, etc. I’m usually gung-ho about signing up for a workshop, or teacher training, or related training/learning event. And, I love brainstorming new workshops to promote and lead. I’m blessed that I’ve found something fascinating where I can grow along with my clients.

And, then something happened this past winter that made me slow down and shift gears from more-more-more to simply being. It’s called pregnancy. For a while there, all I could do was watch TLC – A Baby Story, Bringing Home Baby, What Not to Wear, Say Yes to the Dress. Not in that particular order, but reality tv – something that usually pinches my last nerve – was something I could stomach. Not the computer, not writing, not another yoga workshop. I just wanted mind-(and stomach-)numbing activities.

The first trimester crept by (as grateful as I felt to grow life inside of me, I yearned for that 12-week mark other women kept talking about!), and while I regained that pep in my step and felt like I could conquer the world again, I’ve still not been floored to do-do-do, learn-learn-learn, teach-teach-teach. Matter of fact, I recently stopped teaching one class, and it’s been a Godsend. I feel even lighter as my belly grows – grateful to have more time to just be. Not to give, not to teach, not to take care of others.

For a second there, I got worried that I was depressed – where did my drive go? My chutzpah? My enthusiasm? But then, several wise women reminded me this is a time to go within, to honor the new life inside, to simply go with the flow. Another lesson in letting go. Let go of the need to create something huge, to push, or to improve. I’m already creating something huge, will be pushing in some form or another in August if you know what I mean, and have you ever told a hormonal pregnant woman to improve on something? (Fat chance you got a warm look or response!)

I’m getting used to this slowing down. I’m taking my time preparing for my baby, enjoying the growth and abundance of Spring, and continuing to let go – to let go of the variety of fears that come along with parenthood. I like the saying “ignorance is bliss” – I know my life is going to change, and I know I’ll never be able to just “run out” like I used to, I know I’ll be hormonal and feel a little (or very) crazy, and I know I can’t even imagine what joy and love will fill my heart. All of that will come in time, I’m not going to drive myself crazy trying to read every parenting book known to woman. It will all come in time.

Now’s time to let go, to take good care of my current clients, to enjoy this quiet time with my husband and fur family. To inhale trust and grace, and to exhale the things that can wait. Who says lessons always have to be hard to learn? This is a lesson in letting go that I’ll embrace. By the way, if I’m not updating my blog, I’m probably just watching TLC or trying to keep my begonias alive. But, perhaps this opening up about my slowing down will allow me to open up, to share this truly amazing body experience. Peace and letting go to you.

Southeast Snowbunnies - FLOW in the Snow!

Southeast Snowbunnies, do you have cabin fever yet? I do. Well, almost. But, instead of succumbing to a poor, woe-is-me, I'm-snowed-in-and-sick-of-it attitude, here are a few things I've done or am doing to take care of my body - and my sanity! Check 'em out, they might help you too.

1) Bundle up, and take a walk. Crunch, crunch, crunch down your street (if you're like me, you thank God for hiking boots and anything that resembles something waterproof, even if it's an Anne Klein "raincoat"), and check out the pretty icicles lining the gutters on the houses you pass. Take your dog if you have one, and let him color the snow yellow. Hey, everyone's gotta go. And, take it from me, in order for you to actually enjoy your walk, make sure you potty before you take the long hike around your neighborhood (it takes longer than you think to walk in three pairs of pants), or you'll be waddling home like a sad little duck unable to enjoy the icicles and cute snowmen.

2) Stretch. And breathe. I know you've probably enjoyed episode after episode of whatever Bravo tv show you like, or perhaps you're a Lifetime Movie Network marathoner like moi. But, have you checked into your body lately? Have you stretched your legs or reached your arms way up in the air? Have you taken a deep breath and let it all out in the past 48 hours? Matter of fact, take that deep breath outside - just stick your head out your door just to breathe in the moisture and freshness.

3) Be grateful. I'm not going to tell you to write a gratitude list, but just wherever you are, simply think of the comforts surrounding you. A heated home (okay, hopefully, if your power is in check). Blankets. A space heater (can you tell I'm all about the heat?). The luxury of staying home unless you have a job that requires you to be on the road (to those who are forced to battle the ice, I am grateful for you). Food in the fridge (if you don't, where were you burrowed when the milk-and-bread rush happened on Saturday and Sunday?). Books to read. Animals to pet. Cell phones. Bejeweled and whatever other mindless-yet-fun computer game you love. And the list goes on...just give thanks.

4) Recite this mantra. On a more serious note, I do know that this can be a challenging time for people for a variety of reasons. Maybe you can't get to a support meeting or take your favorite class that lifts the world's worries from your shoulders. Maybe you feel lonely and are sick of being sick of being snowed in. Maybe you simply want to scream. Maybe you're a Southerner who's simply in a snowy pickle and wants her way out. I learned the following mantra at Kashi Atlanta and have used it when I've been physically ill or just when I needed gentle affirmations of wellness. Get comfortable, breathe, and repeat for as long as you can:

May I be filled with loving kindness.

May I be well.

May I be peaceful and at ease.

May I be happy.

**************

Friday's Letting-Go Breath Break

(you can do this anywhere - behind closed doors, in your car, or even in a meeting - no one will suspect anything - except that you might seem more peaceful!)

With both feet flat on the floor, sense your sitting bones rooted to your chair. Gently lift the area behind your heart, roll your shoulders up, back and down so your shoulder blades are gently pulled together (this opens your heart). Relax your jaw, soften your gaze, and take some deep belly breaths (let your belly FILL with air) all the way down to the base of your spine. Hold the breath for a moment imagining anything you'd like to release or let go (mentally, emotionally, physically), then exhale while imagining the breath (and your burdens) traveling back up the spine and through the crown of your head. Repeat as much and as often as you'd like to feel free of anything that's weighing you down.

Peace be with you.

Move to Feel Good

Finally -- Leaves are covering the sidewalk! I snapped this yesterday on my afternoon walk. Gone are the blistering hot days, sunscreen ALL over the body and air conditioner. Here are the hoodies, scarves and warm lattes. Fall has finally arrived, an opportunity to feel renewed and excited about the holiday season! And, in the body sense: the change of a season provides a sense of renewal and possibility and presence in your body.

On Sunday, I met with a dear mentor of mine who reminded me, once again, of the importance of exercise as a mood-lifter and life enricher. She endured a horrific tragedy three years ago when her daughter was senselessly murdered in New Orleans. She said daily walking and yoga carried her out of a deep depression and back into a fulfilling life. The familiar light in her eyes and her excitement for learning, teaching and sharing showed me she meant it.

Whether you're a lifelong exerciser or just contemplating everyday whether to move or not, I believe movement, or physical activity, or whatever-you-wanna-call-it, can bring you back in your body and back into a richly present life. Just for now, or just for your next bout of movement, forget the attachments of weight loss or calories, and move to feel good.

Now, try this: Stand up with feet hip-width apart, and take some deep belly breaths, relax your shoulders, soften your knees, take your arms up over your head and wide down the sides of your body several times....Stand still for three deep breaths, soften your gaze....Now, reach high and wide again, fold forward from the hips and hold feeling the rush of blood warming your head and calming your mind....Slowly roll up, stand wide and reach your arms wide. Hinge forward from your hips again, fold all the way down with your fingertips touching the floor, and begin a gentle lunge side to side to open up the legs....Stay on one side and come down to all fours (hands and knees). Do cat cow, inhaling as your head and tail move toward the sky, exhale as you arch your back like a cat. Then, rest in child's pose by letting your hips rest on your heels. Relax your shoulders and be conscious of your breath for a minute.

Note how you feel after just those few short movements and breaths. Wherever you are in your body journey, what if you committed to letting your body have at least this gentle movement everyday? How might it make you feel? How can you be in your body more, everyday?

I believe there's a difference between force and commitment. If we force ourselves to move (aka: exercise), we race through the routine of choice counting down the minutes, trying to see how hard we can go, how intense we can make it for the sake of getting it done or burning the calories. It becomes black and white. All or nothing. If we commit ourselves to move, we allow wiggle room to choose what to do -- but we do it, even if it's for 5 or 10 or 15 minutes instead of the standard hour. If we commit, we can tune into our bodies and say, "hmm, what am I feeling like today?" Perhaps an exhilarating walk followed by stretching, a ballet or kickbox class, or a swim or gentle yoga, or an afternoon at the park with the kids and dog.

As you enter the busy holiday season going to parties, shopping nonstop, cooking for others, traveling to see family and friends, practice committing a few minutes everyday to get in your body. See where it takes you. See how moving the body makes you feel. Explore, tune in, be, and connect.

(And, hey, napping is a good thing too. Take it from my baby kitty Kali - it's all about balance. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....)

Facebook, Computers, Gadgets & Connecting

Someone (from Facebook) wrote to me insinuating that my blogs tend to be body-and-women-focused. Really? Good job noticing! While, I'm not really sure what he meant by it -- as if to say I should be writing about my personal Friday night plans or my favorite eye candy (mystery novels) -- he's on the mark.

I'm fascinated with how we live (or don't live) in our bodies, and being in your body isn't just for women! Men, you can use a dose of listening to your body too! And, I tend to write for women because, hellew, I've got experience in that area. That's why I decided to create my business to help others find peace and energy in their bodies, and therein, their lives. Lo and behold, I created a blog that happens to be connected to Facebook where we all tend to connect in random and sometimes energy-sucking ways.

Like many of you probably, I have a love-and-hate relationship with computers and gadgets like Blackberries, iPhones, etc. They allow us to dive into a world of knowledge, videos, games, news and the all-consuming social networking. I think it's magnificent to have the world at our fingertips, but I think it's a shame sometimes our fingers are the only ones dancing.

If you read this by chance, take a moment to turn away from the computer (or iPad or B-berry), shut down the Twitter window, and forget browsing for the latest-and-greatest coupons. Take a deep breath that goes all the way down into your belly. Now, see if you can exhale. Let go. Let go of the drama. Take a few more deep breaths and notice how your body feels --

*How are your shoulders?
*Your jaw?
*Is your face relaxed or are your brows in a furrow?
*What about your spine - are you tall and awake or slumped?
*Now take note of your legs. Could they stretch? Walk, Kick, Run, Dance?

*What happens when you follow your body?
*How do you feel when you stay stuck?

Come back to your breath. That's all you really have to do. It will lead you to stay and continue browsing (which I'm not knocking, I'm just saying!). It will lead you to get up and get moving. It will lead you to your truth, your energy, your gut, your hunch. Take time to tune in, to check in, to connect with yourself. There's nothing Greater.

Disease is inertia. Healing is movement. If you put the body in motion, you will change. You are meant to move: from flowing to staccato, through chaos into lyrical and back into the stillness from which all movement comes. ~ Gabrielle Roth

Book Club + Yoga -- read talk move breathe heal

Book Club + Yoga
4-week series – Fall 2010

What: Read and discuss Geneen Roth’s latest bestseller Women Food and God, then connect with yourself through a yoga/body awareness practice.

Who: Anyone who wants to explore her connection to her self, body and spirit. Anyone who wants to deepen or begin her journey of finding relief from the food/body wars. Caroline Gebhardt, Registered Yoga Teacher, will lead the group.

When: 4 consecutive Saturdays from 10a-12p – October 30 & November 6, 13, & 20

Where: Anxiety and Stress Management Institute
(1640 Powers Ferry Road, Building 9, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30067 - http://www.stressmgt.net/)

How: Through a series of reading, talking, meditating, moving and breathing, we’ll gently touch upon and nourish our true appetites and deep feelings found in our bodies, hearts and breath. No yoga experience necessary. This is not a therapy group but a safe group to explore your relationship with food, your self, body and spirit.

Why: In addition to embracing Geneen Roth’s famous non-dieting approach and her touching phrase "the world is on your plate", the practice of tuning into your body and breath through a luxurious dose of gentle movement and body awareness exercises builds a deep relationship with your sense of self, your essence, your life and your spirit. For book information, visit http://www.womenfoodandgod.com/

Cost: Limited space – Reserve your spot! Option 1) $100 total prepaid by 10/23/10; Option 2) $30/Saturday if space permits; Cash or check; Checks made payable to FLOW Training; Sorry, no refunds after 10/23; Please mail payment to:
FLOW Training LLC, 2266 Ithica Drive, Marietta, Georgia 30067

FYI: Please wear comfortable clothing. Bring your copy of WFG, a journal to take notes, a yoga mat, cushion for sitting, and a bottle of water!

Contact: If you want to reserve your space or have questions, please contact Caroline at caroline@mybodyflow.com or (404) 210-6752


FLOW Training, LLC
www.mybodyflow.com
Love Yourself, Move Your Body, Live Free