Amsterdam

Amsterdam Ashtangis

Backbending Techniques

The second weekend of March I had the pleasure of teaching an Ashtanga yoga workshop in Amsterdam at the beautiful Conservatorium Hotel. I had such a lovely time with this enthusiastic and vibrant group of Ashtanga yoga practitioners in the beautiful setting of the city. This was my first time visiting Amsterdam and I loved every bit of it. With a huge biking culture, much like Copenhagen, there are many meandering streets with quaint shops and cafes. I simply loved it. There is more of an alternative vibe, for instance versus Stockholm which has its own different kind of charm.

I also had the pleasure of having a number of people who I have seen elsewhere such as my retreats or workshops from other countries come to this workshop. This is the special part of doing this work is running into people who have become dear friends. I always count my blessings in this regard.

Thank you Amsterdam!

Afternoon Tea

Amsterdam Canals

Tea with David

Dhanurasana Demonstration

Today I Rise

Today I Rise

When I'm tired of all the things around me in my life, I rise

When only the negative aura surrounds me and tries to put me down, I rise

When there's no one there for me even on the worst days, I rise

When there are bullies at school talking bad about me, I rise

When I've lost the family and people I love, I rise

When I am trying to reach my goal in my life and I fail at times, I rise

When I got fake friends, they lie to me and put me down, I rise

When I'm struggling with my family with the bills and our expenses, I rise

When I hear fighting, cussing, swearing cursing at home, I rise

When I'm heartbroken from a love, I rise

When there are traumatic things that happen to me, I rise

When I get abandoned by people who I thought loved me, I rise

When there are no good influence and only evil around me, I rise

When I'm on the street with no food or shelter, I rise

When I'm in a life or death situation, I rise

When someone I love has a chronic disease I stay strong for them and I rise

When the devil tries to put me down in the worst possible ways, I rise

I rise and stay strong because God helps me rise!!

Are you strong enough to rise?

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape of Good Hope

View of Cape Town from Robben Island

Nelson Mandela's Prison Cell

Cape Town

Enjoying the Sunset

The last two weeks of February I had the honor of being invited to teach both in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. My first trip to the country, I arrived free of expectation but definitely with a sense of curiosity. Unfortunately, soon after I landed in Johannesburg I came down with the flu. Ugh. What an experience. It was the first time in a long time I had ever gotten that sick. The timing was awful but I made the best of it and thankfully my host Claire made sure I was as comfortable as possible. It was a heavy mixture of body aches, fever, cough, congestion, fatigue and digestive distress. When it rains it pours. Which besides being sick I had the opportunity to sit in on a few strong thunderstorms. Since moving to Sweden I've obviously experienced loads of rain but it doesn't thunderstorm here. Something I've missed being from the midwest of the USA. So, I didn't really have the opportunity or the motivation to take pictures while in Johannesburg. However, I truly enjoyed the Ashtanga Yoga community there. They were absolutely lovely.

My second week in South Africa was spent in Cape Town. After recovering from the flu I felt much better by the time I arrived, thankfully. It is much easier to take in the landscape when feeling yourself and in that regard, well this was a place you have to soak in. The scenery is stunning! 

What is Addiction?

Getting real with addiction.

Rebel Path with PJ Herffernan

I've always appreciated PJ and have been lucky to get to know him over the years during travels to Mysore, India. Hard working and so real, I hope you enjoy this video as much as I have. 

Just Practice Ashtanga Yoga

A beautiful and inspiring demonstration by Alexandros from Greece. 

Jump Back and Jump Through Tips

A few tips on the jump back and jump through.