Toni Kuhn

Tuesday I was reminded of why I became a yoga/fitness teacher. My friend Amber surprised me with a collaborative early birthday gift.  For 3 months she has been going around to the various places I teach at and getting donations and having people sign a giant, beautiful card she made me. My students gave me tickets to see Bruno Mars in concert this Sunday at the Hollywood Bowl.  Now of course I am every excited about the tickets, but more importantly, I am deeply touched that so many people would come together to make it happen. I have always wanted to make a difference in peoples lives. To inspire and reassure them that they can exercise and/or do yoga no matter what their limitations are. That what ever they can do is enough. To not give up and keep pushing forward. So in my goals to reach as many people as I can, I was the one that was reached and touched so deeply. I am so honored and humbled by my students kind words and notes on my card. To know that I may have made a difference in someone’s life means so much to me.

Thank you to everyone who participated.

Love and Light.

This Saturday May 24 I will be leading a FREE yoga class in the fitness clothing store, Lorna Jane , located in the outdoor area at the Valencia Town Center. The class is at 9 am and will be held inside the store. I hope to see you there! Please bring your yoga mat and a smile.  : )

On a side note, you can see that my web page is up and running again. I want to give Hillary Neaf a BIG thank you for restoring my site. You are amazing Hillary!!!!

If you would like to schedule private yoga lessons with me you can click on the Private Lessons tab or comment on this post.

“True yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed; yoga is to be lived. Yoga doesn’t care about what you have been; yoga cares about the person you are becoming. Yoga is designed for a vast and profound purpose, and for it to be truly called yoga, its essence must be embodied.”

— Aadil Palkhivala

Namaste.

Here is excerpt from an article in the Daily Om by Madisyn Taylor

Sweeping the front porch every mornings an important cleansing ritual that prepares the ground for new energy

In some of our lives, sweeping has become an activity performed without much thought. In many cases, sweeping is a lost art, replaced by the noisy, efficient vacuum cleaner. But in several cultures and religions, sweeping the front and back porch every morning is regarded as an important cleansing ritual that prepares the ground for new energy on every level- physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.

Sweeping each morning prepares the ground for the new day at the same time as it deepens our awareness of the importance of letting go of the past to welcome the present. As we clear the energy of our space, we clear our own energy systems. In addition, we create a space that feels clean, clear, and open to all who enter. Be sure to think welcoming thoughts as you sweep, manifesting what you need for the day. Making sweeping part of our daily ritual tunes us into the continuing cycle of releasing the old and welcoming the new that is the the hallmark of a healthy energy system.

Most of us do not have time each day to bring out our broom and sweep. However, we can pause for a few breaths and SWEEP out our negative thoughts and clear the path for the positive thoughts. Releasing all that does not serve us and welcoming the sweetness of our lives.

Namaste.

Friday was one those days that I felt the universe was directing me in a certain direction. My son was marching in a parade at Disneyland with his high school band at 4pm. Never once did it cross my mind that I would be going to Disneyland that day. I had not even thought about going because of work, and lets face it, Disneyland is really expensive! Well, the universe had other plans for me. Around 11:30am a close friend of mine was able to score two passes to get in the park ( park hoppers no less!) , and my students let me bail out of class to jam down to Anaheim to catch the parade. Additionally,  the money fairy ( a name who will  not be revealed!) handed me a bunch of gift cards to Disneyland- so parking, food, and souvenirs were all paid for! And the money fairy gave me a gift card for gas! I would say this was the moment where I let myself be lead down the road to Disneyland!

Well, my friend and I made it to the park just in time to see my son march by, which only took 30 seconds, but was it was well worth the trip. I felt sad my husband could not make it due to work, but I video taped it for him. I ended up really enjoying myself! I even screamed my head off on the roller coaster in this picture!

I was meant to go and see my son’s last field trip with the high school band. He is a senior, and this is just another one of the last events we will be experiencing over the next few months.

This was another moment in my life where I was blown away by the kindness, generosity, and encouragement of others. I believe that things happen for a reason and sometimes we are lead in a certain direction for certain reasons. We may not always know what they are at the time, and that’s okay. Things have a way of working out.

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. “- Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

Our weather has literally been like this quote. For me I feel a little off balance, and not quite myself.  In the early morning it feels like winter and by the afternoon it feels like summer. Yoga helps me to find that sense of balance and stability. I can feel a difference in my whole being on the days I practice. My head is clearer, I have more energy, I am more productive, and my mood is better.

This up and down with the weather can definitely make us feel out of sorts. Here are a list of poses that can help get you back on track.

Child’s pose

Down dog

Mountain pose

Tree pose