WOW…sooooo.  I live in the Ananda Community.  If you want to know what it is, check out the link.  What is prompting me to write this post: we’ve just attended a “parents meeting”…parents of the children who live in the Ananda community.  It’s incredible.   I actually don’t have words to describe.

Did you know that there are still places in this country where children play outside in nature and swing from trees?  Run in grassy fields and jump into piles of leaves?  There are places where parents agree to accept their neighbor’s children as their own?  Come together…and establish a common ground for their children to plant their feet upon and grow tall and strong?  Fertile soil to grow… to feed the seeds of wisdom planted and stretch deep roots into the earth-wellll you’ve got the picture, yes?

I am so grateful and so blessed to witness, to have the experience of-an environment that fully supports the process of unfolding.  Video games, violence, slander, gossip, aggression are discourages here at Ananda-these children are having the experience of living in a way that enables them to become leaders.  To cultivate and develop a inner nature-an inner landscape of spirituality.  

We are here together, we are connected.  Every action we take creates a ripple…and effects literally everything-even if it’s in the most minute way.  It seems that at Ananda and Living Wisdom School…this concept of connection is being deeply ingrained~

Something to be grateful for, yes?  There are people in this world that care for you, that love you, because they are you.  Do you have a child that you can teach this concept to?  Grateful I am, that I do

I feel so great!  Not just physically, but mentally.  I have certainly left great classes feeling amazing in my body but not my mind.  Tonight was 100% wonderful.

The second class required some serious positive self talk!  My internal dialogue was LOUD!  I am not a huge fan of hot Yoga.  I believe the fire should come from within as opposed to an experience that essentially “fakes” you out.  Thinking you’re working hard and sweating but it’s really that you’re sitting under a heater.  I didn’t get that vibe in this class.  It wasn’t too hot actually.  In all honesty, the heat was off and the door was opened for the second half of the class.  However, I still felt the tapas and I was sweating.  I was sweating enough that I had to lure my mind back into the room.  I was ready to run.  I translated this into life.

When things get heated…do you run away?  Do you distract yourself?  Do you judge?  I do it all.  I am not a master of my mind.  YET! I am mastering my mind.  Each day…just a bit stronger, faster…I used my mat today.  When I was ready to run…my thoughts-I grabbed a hold of them and let them scream!  YOU CAN DO ANYTHING!  YOU ARE NOT THIS BODY! YOU ARE NOT THIS MIND!  THERE IS NO REASON TO RUN!  TRANSCEND the body…see from above, see from outside, be the breath…follow the inhale, ride the exhale.  Feeling good had little to do with the burning sensation in my biceps and more to do with the ability to focus on the perfection of all that was in the moment.  MMMMmmm bliss~~~~

Thank you, Nikki Wong for an incredibly fun, playful practice at http://breathelosgatos.com/ , my new favorite studio!

Oh!  I totally reccomend this class, by the way, as Nikki is an awesome teacher-very present and supportive!  She’s encouraging and will keep you pushing for a breakthrough without you even noticing-you’ll find yourself on the other side

Let’s get back to business!  I’ll tell you my story now The first night after Date with Destiny, I spent with my husband, (of course at a very good friend’s place in Orange County.  Mina Shah is a Peak Performance Strategist with the Anthony Robbins Company. Her partner, Aladdin Kazran is also a rockstar-entrepreneur and Mina’s brother and his girlfriend, I can’t say enough about either.  Needless to say, a group of incredible people who are living examples of people who are really living their passion.

It was a blessing to be in the presence of these individuals-as couples-and just as motivation to “walk the walk!”

I was in a place of delusional fatigue after the Date With Destiny, six-day intensive seminar…Over 10+ hours per day!  I passed out with out a struggle, not a moment of toss or turn!  Just before doing so, Mina, Joe and I chatted for a bit about a particular experience at DWD.   I feel that there’s a possibility that a few memories resurfaced for me at that moment…

I woke up in the middle of the night tossing and turning and feeling extreme nausea. I haven’t hugged a toilet in years…excuse me for being explicit…but I am not a big fan of this-I’ll do anything to avoid it.  Sick as a dog or what have you-I just won’t.  I can’t.  I tried to lull myself back to sleep.  Wasn’t happening.  I woke up with intense, vivid memories of dreams…nightmares of my past that didn’t seem too distant.  I haven’t tapped into my childhood on such a level-maybe-ever?

I finally sat up and dashed to the bathroom.  Bad story.  I won’t get into details.  I haven’t felt so “sick” in years.  Since I had contracted Hep A in India (don’t worry it’s just a bad flu…It’s long gone now).

Such a peculiar sickness.  I have had waves of this nauseous feeling since that night.  Could it have been a virus?  The amount of sugar I consumed that day after not having even an ounce during the program?  The blue-green algae supplement I’d been taking consistently for three weeks setting in?  …The memories from the past?  The new neural pathways that had been carved during the program?

Ahhhh!

Whatever it was, it’s still lingering.  I’m feeling strangely…different. Well. But uneasy, uncertain, in a refreshing way.  Meditative Yoga practice has been more rewarding than ever before.

Joe, my husband spoke with a friend-just after the program who happens to work closely with Tony Robbins.  The “Destiny Bug,” I believe he deemed my illness.

My body and mind were headed in one direction and I lassoed it on over to the other side.   Here’s the Y direction…heading for the merge now…

just a glimpse of my destiny poster

MORE TO COME!   <3

boarding the flight to Palm Springs, CA

I’ve been in an absolute whirlwind for the past month or so…my beloved Guru, Amma-ji was in San Ramon at the MA Center, I attended “Date With Destiny” with Anthony Robbins, and my husband’s mother came to visit from the East Coast!   Life has been so filled and so fulfilling!

Appropriately titled: the Y direction is where I feel that I am in this very moment.  My mind and body were set to move in a particular direction due to my blueprint, patterns, conditioning, my “story”…NOW!! I am moving in a NEW direction.  A direction I have defined, a direction that I have chosen, created, manifested and I am consciously cultivating.

My gratitude to Tony Robbins and his the incredible tools he has provided.  I’ll explain further…next post!

Stay tuned, it’s only going to get juicer from here, ladies and gents!

YES!  …forget hello…SAY

YES!

Joe and I crewed Unleash the Power Within, Tony Robbin’s 4 day event of INSPIRATION, connection, altruism, motivation, determination…everything you need to succeed.

Guess who was sitting front row…for the FIRST TIME EVER?!

OPRAH!

This incredibly influential, inspirational woman-which I must add, I knew nothing of before Tony told her story at UPW Chicago July 2011-read it here: Oprah Bio

SHE is absolutely incredible.  My position at the moment when I spotted her was “mic runner.”  This allowed me to be only feet away-separated by the barricade of cameras and body guards.  Although I did not speak with her directly-I could feel her energy!  If you know anything about the subtle and unseen-we each have an auric field…Oprah was totally approachable!  My amazing friend Mina-one of Tony’s 6 Peak Performance Strategists-and I chatted after the first day of the event…the only day Oprah was present!  We concluded that is was a fact-Oprah is completely down to each and approachable.

She intended to participate for only 2 hours at this event.  She stayed 11 HOURS!!!  Can you believe it?!

watch these first few minutes:
http://cdn.livestream.com/embed/oprahslifeclass?layout=4&clip=pla_d0ec794a-b52f-4033-96ac-ea0f7e183c30&height=340&width=560&autoplay=false

I watched OPRAH walk on fire for the first time!  It was incredible to watch her hesitate and back off-THEN, on her own-reignite her inner fire and determination-GET in STATE and face the 10 feet of 1200 degree coals.  Tony coached her (played the role of “lead in”) to get to level 1000 before she took the first step and I felt myself in her shoes as I watched in anticipation.

Mind you, not all 4200 participants at the event witnessed this moment.  I  had the privilege of creating a “human barricade” with a few other crew members between Tony’s lane and the other 20-some lanes.  I call it a privilege because Tony is a master coach.  To watch him in action from only a few feet away is empowering to say the least.

The moment when Oprah stepped back and felt that surge of hesitation-then turned back to face the fire-was the moment that I want to focus on right now.  That moment IS exactly what I intend to cultivate when attending an event like UPW (really there’s nothing ELSE “like” it  That MOMENT WHEN I can side with my FEAR.  WHEN I can WALK with my FEAR and not let it take a hold of me and pull me and hold me back.  When I have the ability to turn around, ON MY OWN when the heat is rising-when the HEAT is high…THAT IS VICTORY.  THAT is the victorious moment!  To not let fear stand in my way.

What is absolutely compelling here is that-OPRAH herself is an OUTSTANDING individual who has learned to let fear walk beside her, not stand in front of her.  Yes, she’s still human and every situation is unique.  However, when faced with a 10′,  1200 degree path of coals to march upon-she confronted her fear-acknowledged it, and told it to stand aside.

THE metaphor is bold, its LOUD-its in your face.  Take charge of your life.

NOTHING CAN STAND IN YOUR WAY.

a few of the amazing crew members

TODAY!  Yes, today was a grand day.  Joe and I went to YogaSource in Palo Alto to practice with 25…30?  I don’t even know-but a very very full room of dedicated Yogis.  Dedicated to Jivamukti that is.  Or Giselle Mari?  I would have to say they’re coming for Giselle :0   She is by far the most personable, grounded and skilled instructor I have been led in a Jivamukti practice by in the past three years.  Don’t get me wrong, I am pretty much in LOVE with every Jiva teacher but Giselle has a way of making people feel like they’re one of her best friends in a matter of moments.  She is such an incredible lady.  If you’re in the SF BAY…find her!

So…amazing practice with soooo much food for though-and only a few words spoken.  How does she do that?!  Then!!  We walked out to witness-just on the opposite side of the street-”THE Official Ribbon Cutting” at the Lyfe Kitchen’s first location.  I was lured by the crowd spilling out into the street and the bright orange colored balloons (stimulating the appetite) and the voice speaking of local veggies blaring through the speakers…What a lovely thing to hear on a sunny California day!

The night prior (Monday, October 17) Joe left his Yoga class early-feeling overwhelmed by the heat blasted into the room :O and headed across the street to the bright inviting Lyfe Kitchen.  He was introduced to the executive Chef (0ne of two amazing Chef’s leading the way)-Art Smith, Former personal chef for Oprah Winfrey herself and the Former CEO of McDonald’s Mike Roberts.

“The restaurant concept is the apparent antithesis of McDonald’s, where Roberts was president and chief operations officer and considered a likely candidate for the top job before leaving in late 2006.”-LA Times

WHAT a concept.

What I must mention:  I can’t say enough about Art.  Joe met him only last night and had a brief conversation.  We approached him today, just to say hello and he went out of his way to connect with us in the most kind and genuine manner!  He immediately told Joe, “I was looking for you! I have two bikes I’d like to leave here in Palo Alto!” He’d just bought a bike for himself and also his personal health coach-AZ Ferguson and wanted to lend them to us for safe keeping while he’s not in Palo Alto.  He was eager and adamant for us to meet AZ, as he stated with certainty, “he’s a yogi too!  I want you to meet him!”  He spiraled around the chaotic scene of Lyfe Kitchen-swarming with investors in suits, Yogis that roamed in from across the street, young children running around with happy local organic food in their mouths…!!!  JUST to find AZ and introduce us.  Despite hands reaching out and grabbing him from every direction each step he took for photos and autographs…he maintained an incredibly personable and genuine aura and didn’t forget his mission to connect us!

Just imagine…all of that LOVE and good energy in YOUR FOOD!  Yum!

Some people…their energy is bold.  They’re wearing their “heart on their sleeve,” so to speak.  I can only speak for myself-but you know, when you know that you know-you’ve met someone with authenticity.  This man is sincere and authentic.  Speaking with AZ is a whole other story-I’m so inspired!  It was a blessing to have met these influential individuals today at the Lyfe Kitchen-a great reminder that we all have a purpose.

Promoting sustainable, organic, local nourishment is an honorable mission without a doubt.

“LYFE Kitchen is [...] a socially responsible brand that will awaken the customer’s “Sixth Sense”—the intrinsic desire to do right and make powerful purchasing decisions that inspire good in the world. This notion will be reflected in the brand’s philosophy toward product sourcing, build-out and philanthropy.”

Amazing!!

YOU must go to this lovely place if you’re in the SF Bay!  Support the cause!  I highly  recommend the roasted beets & farro salad…Pomegranate kernals and yummy little cubed beets!  Crispy Gardein* chicken sandwich…incredible.  The healthy version of McChicken…yup!  No, really this vegetarian sandwich is absolutely delectable.  If you’re veg-this one is sure to please!

Today is the Birthday of my love, Joseph Gabriel Mattia III…and we’ve had a greeeeat day!  Woke up late, first inclination when woke by the sound of alarm…DISMISS!  Thus, late start-but always on time.  Sent Joey off for carpool with the lovely, miss Heather Lussier, and had our morning apple: ayurvedically (ayurvedic +‎ -ally) correct, of course.  Headed out to drop off Joey’s lunch to The Living Wisdom School, then to the infamous Yoga Source to practice with the one and only Giselle Mari, my new Jiva crush…shhh!  ;)  Giselle’s class was fabulous.  Her energy is uplifting, inspiring-and had me feeling blissful by the end of the practice.  The sound of her beautiful voice started of the class in a flow of divine rhythm.  Can’t describe in words.  Check out her site, and find a class near you.  Her practice is an absolute MUST!  I am so thrilled to be practicing with her again this Saturday!  I mentioned Joe’s birthday to her via FB message and she certainly delivered ~!  She wished him a life of enlightenment and had the class sing the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra!  What a divine soul! Before we departed, she mentioned to Joe that they “had a date.”  How perfect.  The look oh his face was hilarious as he turned his head like a confused chihuahua. HAHA!  ”AN ICP!”  I scheduled and ICP with Giselle…google Jivamukti ICP.  It’s AN amazing experience!!  Great surprise  Thank you Giselle!!

We stopped at Whole Foods Market, grabbed some yummy organic cookies and cake for birthday dinner!  We came home to eat lunch (delicious left overs from the Culinary Dinner held by the Mycological Society of San Francisco last night) mmmm!  Then relaxed a bit before an scrumptious Thai Massage on my new organic cotton Thai Massage mat!!!  Time for community dinner @Ananda now…kitchari YUMMMMM!

(in this photo: the lovely D’Arcy Marie De Lyle, and her adorable son Eli…the rest of the room was filled with the others of the Ananda community that dined together on Joe’s 28th!)

GREAT DAY!!

This is only a gratitude rant.  Life is good.  I am content.  Thank you.  Thank you for this day.

Happy in my quaint new home.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!  …and have an outstanding day!