Everyday Yogini

Today, I used Blogbooker to create a keepsake of this blog.  Mainly because the time has come to let go of this blog and step fully into the care and feeding of my new venture.  Back when I started this blog, we were getting ready to move to Rome.  I was experiencing a very deep and painful transformation - burning through outdated beliefs, questioning my worth, sitting squarely in that uncomfortable in-between state of not knowing…  changing at a fundamental level.  I was so scared!  Keeping this blog helped me feel my way through the changes that had shattered who I was and helped me vision and put together a new, more authentic life for myself.

In some of my first posts, there were hints of what it would lead to (helping others through coaching, mentoring and teaching).  This was from maybe my 10th post:

Making peace with our demons

Saturday, September 22nd, 2007So as I am working with my worry, the message that is arriving from all directions is what I mentioned yesterday~ embracing it, discovering compassion for the parts of myself I wish to push away (in this case, worry). I came across this passage by Thich Nhat Hanh yesterday and was just STRUCK by the realization that I have the ability to transform this “demon” into a gift for myself and those around me. To develop greater understanding and depth as a result of the thing that is so painful right now.

Thank goodness for my yoga and meditation practice.  Through those practices, lots of tears, the work, and blogging as a way to coach myself (before I realized what coaches were and got my own!!)- I came through, better than ever, with a nothing short of a calling and the absolute belief that all of us have the power to be exactly who we are meant to be for ourselves and the world, and be truly, authentically happy doing it.

Now that I’ve been formally coaching for a little while, I’ve discovered that my favorite people to work with are moms who are super busy with all kinds of ventures or businesses outside of the the work of parenting.  Fabulous women who are striving to change the world, doing so much in their communities and for others, and they make it look so effortless - but it doesn’t FEEL effortless. It can feel really overwhelming…

I love helping these women find elegant solutions in their lives.  Organic, simple solutions that make everything easier - that help them recognize their brilliance and relax and enjoy their crazy, beautiful lives.  A shift in perspective that gives them some mental space and breathing room so they can make the BEST choices for themselves, their businesses, and their families.   Oh how I can go on about how amazing and beautiful these women are and what a delight it is to work with them and see them bloom!!

So there is still Yoga, at my new blog.  There is meditation.  There is all the same stuff that has been here - and more.  If you are interested, come on over.  Subscribe to the blog.   I would be delighted to have you.

Thank you to all of you who have come and read and commented here over the years and have offered such a loving, virtual support for me during this amazing time.  I salute the divine within each and every one of you.

A new year - a new decade even!  Have you set an intention for 2010?  A theme?  It’s a really fun and fabulous way to direct your energy toward what you really want.

If what you want is to jump-start your yoga practice in 2010, you might consider joining World Yoga Practice Month, where the challenge is to practice yoga every day in the month of January - and beyond.  You could also join the wonderful social network, Owning Pink, with lots of support and motivation to be your best self in the new year.  Or, you can join me for your own Personal (R)evolution in 2010 on the network Getting it Done 101.

For inspiration on stepping into a natural state of centered leadership in all areas of your life, you can subscribe to my other blog feed at Nona Jordan coaching & consulting, or, you can sign up for the eZine to get inspiration and updates delivered right to you inbox.

Wishing you the happiest, most fulfilling, and incredible 2010 ever.

Over at Find Bliss, where I blog about Yoga, there is a fantastic giveaway for a new Aurorae Yoga mat! To enter the contest, head on over there.

I hope you all are enjoying a peaceful holiday season!

For the last three or four years, I have not set new year goals or resolutions, but I have chosen themes, or, intentions, to guide my year.  Take this, combined with my mean knack for creating action plans, and I have been on fire!  I thought that this year, I have to share this - the process that I use to assess where I am starting, to choose my intention and to create the structure that supports getting the important stuff done!

I hope you will join me for this fun, three-part telecourse:

Ready, Set, Intent: Creating a Life Plan for 2010
So many of us take months, even years, to plan vacations and weddings. But often, we take very little time (if any) to plan our lives and how we spend our energy. This is the year to try this fun approach to planning that doesn’t involve resolutions that fall by the wayside in a few weeks.

In this tele-course, you will cultivate clarity around where you are and where you’d like to be this time, next year. You will start by assessing where you are and then set your intention. From that place, next steps become clear. You will create a blueprint of actionable steps that will move you toward what you most want in your life.

Join Nona Jordan as she brings you her unique perspective on creating the life you want in 2010. Her background as a life coach and yogini infuses her outlook as she brings you the best planning strategies she learned working as a CPA and as a training professional for US Embassy Rome. You will walk away from this three-part telecourse with a solid plan, feeling confident that your life in 2010 will be more of what you want and knowing your next steps.

Each 90-minute class will be held by tele-conference, so you can participate from anywhere in the world.

Here’s what you’ll get in each class:

December 28th: Session One- Ready, Set, Intent!
In this session, you will assess where you are right now using five dimensions of centered living, reflect on the past year’s gifts and lessons, and begin to create your theme for the coming year are. Walk away with a clear, actionable plan and calm assurance that you know how to get the job done.

January 4th: Session Two- Stress-free Structure
A key part of creating the life you want to have is having the time to take action. In this session, Nona will share the simplest and best time management strategies that work to support your life plan for 2010 and beyond!

January 11th: Session Three- Create Your Vision Board
In this class, you will create an online vision board that visually represents your intention for 2010. You will learn all about Squidoo – an easy way to create vision boards (and other cool stuff!) You will have a chance to share your board and get feedback and support from others – easy, fun, and a great visual motivator! For this class, you will need to be sitting in front of your computer with a live internet connection to work on-line while we talk.

Dates: Three Mondays~ December 28th, January 4th, January 11th
Time: 2pm EST/11am PST/8pm GMT +1
Investment: $55.00

You will get a recorded session of each class, plus the Ready, Set, Intent! intentional life plan template that you can use year after year, and great new strategies for creating stress-free structures.

Reserve your spot in this fun, compassionate, and effective life planning tele-course today, by clicking on the link below.

Yes! I want clarity on planning my life intentionally in 2010! Sign me up today!

100% NO-FAIL, NO-RISK MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
If you aren’t happy, I will refund your money, no questions asked. I absolutely want you to have a great experience and learn what you need to learn. If it’s not happening for you, just let me know.

Thanksgiving week. I happen to really love the holidays these days, but this is a time of year that you either love or hate, isn’t it?  Feeling negative and in the dumps about your crazy family?  I’ve been having some squirmy, uncomfortable moments of my own (not related to Thanksgiving, but still).  Here is some recent insight on making your way through what I call lovingly call mind-mud.

In other really exciting news, I have been asked to contribute to the fabulous and fresh FindBliss. If you are interested in how Yoga changes our relationship to, well, everything - check it out.  There is also a really great music selection available for sale in the Find Bliss store…

I am really excited about upcoming programs for 2010!  I am planning on offering a class in late December on setting your intention for the new year.  Coming in January, I have some exciting plans for some fun workshops… one on mindful eating and another on making a virtual vision board (which will complement your intentions for 2010!)  Stay tuned for more information and details.

Within the next month or so, I am going to integrate Everyday Yogini and Insight Health Coaching by moving all of the posts from here - to there. There will still be yoga, and mindfulness, and zen-master children and living in Italy.  The full compliment.  I hope that you will subscribe to the blog.

May you find yourself free of mind-mud over the holidays and I hope to see you over at Insight Health Coaching…

I’ve been trying to figure out how to make these cute little blog buttons, because I’m going to advertise (I can hardly believe it) over at the fabulous Goddess Guidebook. Needless to say, I had to figure this out. For whatever reason, I can’t get it onto the sidebar here, but I’ll figure it out eventually.

It was easier than I had thought it would be (whew) but it looks a bit blurry and I don’t know why… any thoughts? Any wizards of this stuff out there…

There is still a day or two to sign up for the telecourse. I am really excited - there is a great group shaping up to join in for less stress, more YES by starting with a practice of doing nothing…

I have some fun offerings planned for January as well. A tele-class on Mindful Eating and, I’m going to be offering some workshops in Rome on Making Peace with our Bodies for the New Year. If you are interested in either of these, you can email me nona (at) insighthealthcoaching (dot) com and I will let you know when more info is available.

Next week, I’m having surgery. Good thoughts welcome and appreciated, Yoginis.

Also, as my coaching practice evolves and I get clearer about what I’m doing, I have discovered I’m naturally blogging about essentially the same things on my other blog as I do here.  I am really wanting to integrate the two sites, because that feels like a natural progression.  As a reader here, what would you need to feel welcome and comfortable at insight health coaching? Or would you simply not?  In retrospect, I’m thinking I could have and would have liked to simply update this site!  Email me, leave a comment… what are your thoughts?  This inquiring Yogini wants to know.

I am so excited about this course, Yoginis!  It is going to be loads of fun and I’m looking forward to working with a great group of people!  For a weekly investment that is less than your typical Yoga class, you get so much…  hope to see you there.

Do you want help, guidance and support to fit a dynamic practice of doing nothing into your life, without moving to a monastary or giving up your high heels? Do you want to connect to inner peace, innate joy, and a focused mind?

Join the More Happy, Less Stress 6-week telecourse! Each week will provide you with detailed instructions on a different type of meditation as well as practice in the art of doing nothing, additional coaching and Yoga tools to assist you, followed by Q&A and coaching around any thoughts that bubble up during practice.

The syllabus:
Week One: Introduction
Talk about intention, using the workbook, and how to approach the practice. What are the benefits of working with the breath. Practice with the essential breath.

Week Two: Mindfulness
Checking in from following week. Working with mindfulness meditation and putting it to work in our lives. Incorporating Yoga into a practice with the 5 movements of the spine. Practice with mindfulness meditation.

Week Three: Mantras
Check in from previous week. Using mantras and their benefits. Cultivating qualities in our lives. Working with daily intentions. Practice with mantra meditation.

Week Four: Loving-kindness, Take 1
Check in from previous week’s practice. Introduction to Loving-kindness meditation. The stages of this technique and choosing your focal people. Writing your own aspiration for the practice. Practicing with loving-kindness meditation.

Week Five: Loving-kindness, Take 2
Check in from previous week. Introducing loving-kindness into your daily life. Living with gratitude and grace. Practice with loving kindness meditation.

Week Six: Life as Practice
An intuitive practice – following your own guidance. What to do with persistent thoughts (aka: coaching yourself). Meditation practice, your choice.

To sign up, go to:
http://insighthealthcoaching.com/services/telecourses/

Each call includes:

* 5 – 10 minute introduction & basic instructions
* Breath-work to relax the body and calm the mind
* 5 minutes of practice with the introduced meditation, followed by quick Q&A
* 20 minutes of dedicated meditation time, followed by
* An additional 20 minutes of Q&A plus coaching with Nona Jordan, mind-body coach
and certified yoga and meditation instructor

There are so many reasons to practice the art of doing nothing! Studies show some benefits of meditation to be:

* Increased ability to deal with stress
* Less physical pain
* More mental flexibility
* Greater sense of control and purpose
* Higher immune function
* More peaceful sleep
* Better looking

Okay, I made the last one up, but don’t you think people who are relaxed and happy are much more beautiful??

Classes will be held via teleconference every Monday at 9:00am EST (6:00am PST, and 3:00pm Central European Time) beginning November 9th and with the final class on December 14th.

Introductory price: $69.00 (less than the cost of a Yoga class each week!)

For more info and to sign up, go to:
http://insighthealthcoaching.com/services/telecourses/

Maybe you don’t know, but when I chose the school I was going to attend for yoga teacher training, I went with the school that I felt the strongest aversion to.  That’s right.  I did not, under any circumstances, want to go to Kripalu.  At the time, I was injured (well, I’d been injured almost non-stop from practicing vinyasa) and couldn’t argue away the fact that my body couldn’t handle a month of vinyasa without a revolt.  I was “forced” to look at different options, because my body was having NONE of the vinyasa practice.

Now, of course, I look back on that as one of the best decisions I have ever taken.  And it’s largely because when something seems oddly repellent to me, I am apt to lean in and explore it.

This isn’t the kind of deep down, gut level, “don’t do it or you are going to be so sorry” kind of aversion, but a kind of mental acrobatics aversion, that, for me, has a flavor of superiority, like, “that couldn’t possibly be of any help to me because I’m really so beyond it.”

Yeah, right.   Those are the kind of juicy things that I like to hold my nose, and lean in to.

For instance.  I love the blog of Havi Brooks.  She is a yoga teacher, and a coach, with a rubber duck as a side kick.  But she is into this kind of weird yoga called Shiva Nata.  Whata huh?  So here is my seriously amped up ego on this topic, as I’m reading her explanation of how this practice helps the two sides of the brain talk more, while it rewires your neural pathways,  “I have been practicing yoga for 16 years and I’ve never heard of this and it looks ridiculous and I am left handed so my brain hemispheres work together really well already.”

Seriously.  This is what I have to work with in this lifetime.  *sigh*  Can you believe it?

So, I’ve been resisting.  And resisting.  And coming back to it and reading about it over and over.  While holding my nose tonight, I ordered the DVD.  I read through some of the materials.  I’m still holding my nose, but I’m leaning in, and I’m curious.  Because people I love, like her and her, subscribe to this wacko practice that looks NOTHING like yoga to me.  And, because I’m fascinated with the idea of rewiring the brain and the different ways we can do that.  Plus, anything that comes with a guarantee of hot buttered epiphanies sounds like it might be something I’ll enjoy.   Eventually. After I’ve rewired some networks…

Are you a Shivanaut?  Tell me about your practice.  Are you interested?  Check it out and let’s explore together.  Think I’m nuts and I should have steered clear?  Well, you might be right and we’ll find out, won’t we?  In any case, thanks for joining me on the journey - you’ll hear more about this, I’m sure.

My little family will be going on vacation at the end of this week.  We are going to a family hotel in Austria.  It’s tough, but someone has to do it, right?  So while we are vacationing, the blog will be quiet - I’m running some of my favorite posts from Everyday Yogini, over on the coach blog- about the practice of parenting- over the next week, if you want to take a look.

I’ve been thinking (and writing) a lot about meditation and yoga, and their role in living a healthy, fully-engaged, happy life.  I have some upcoming offerings to help people incorporate a practice of meditation (aka: doing nothing) into their lives.  It will be lots of fun, so, if you are interested, you can read about them over at the coaching blog.

Is there anything related to meditation, yoga or coaching that you would like me to address here?  Got questions?  I’m happy to answer… it’s been a long time since I’ve had an “ask the yogini” post…

Until after vacation!

Crazy as it sounds, yesterday our little family spent the day at the beach.  It was in the low 80’s and Clara swam in the sea, then, we enjoyed a really fabulous lunch at a restaurant on the beach.  Oh how I’m loving this “Fall” weather!

If you aren’t a subscriber at the coaching blog (if you are, I’m sorry to duplicate here), I wanted to let you know about a new offering.  For new newsletter subscribers, I am offering a free introductory manual called More Happy, Less Stress: the sensible art of doing nothing that improves nearly everything!  In it are the top three tools that I use and that I ask each of my clients to use while we are working together.  You can sign up here to get your own copy:

I’m running of for my own practice - a walk, some yoga, followed up with my own art of doing nothing…