Work of Heart Yoga

GODA Yoga's 10 Year Anniversary Party!

2011-10-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

Dear All,

I know I've been away for a while, and I haven't blogged in forever, but I wanted to let you know a few things:

My newest daughter, Alex Mabel KirkHart is healthy and amazing! She's 3 months already. I can't believe how time flies when you are so sleep deprived! Really, though, I'm enjoying her fully and we are all doing well. I have my hands full with both girls, so it may be a while before I'm back teaching. However, that can't keep me away from GODA altogether!

That leads me to my second important notice: GODA Yoga's 10 year anniversary party! Woo wooooo! (See invitation below!)

You should come. Seriously. And bring a friend. I'm going to!

Peace, and more musings in the future. When I get more than 2 hours sleep in a row!

April

-------

Please join us for

GODA YOGA'S
10 Year ANNIVERSARY PARTY....

GODA Yoga
is a dream come true
and continues to serve my vision
of loving community utilizing yoga practices
to create personal and collective transformation.
I am forever grateful for
your presence in our community.
Each one of you brings a luminous energy to our tribe.
Thank you!
In the spirit of sharing the joy of one another
and
celebrating GODA
and YOU!!!

Join Us...

Saturday, October 22nd at 7pm

...light fare from Akasha, wine, and music.

Come by to say hello, dance and share your presence in our community. Children, families, beloveds and friends welcome.

(please send a response email if you will be coming!)

The Accident...

2010-08-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

So... as many of you may have noticed I've had a few subs lately... thought you might want to know why!

My husband, Casey, was in a rather serious accident recently involving his bike and another car. Both my husband and I have been cyclists since we did the California AIDS Ride 6 back in 1999 (we rode from San Francisco to Los Angeles and raised money for HIV and AIDS services) but my husband has kept up with his training over the years better than I!

Just over a month ago, Casey was on a ride, training for a bike/swim race, and was on his way home coming through Marina Del Rey. It was a light 25 mile ride for Casey, and he was on his way to meet me and our almost 1 year old daughter, Ruby Jo, at the park.

In any case, there he was, in the right lane, fully in accordance with all laws pertaining to vehicles in the state of California, riding along at about 10 mph when a car passed him on his left. The car then proceeded through an intersection and turned right suddenly without signaling or, apparently, without checking over her shoulder or mirrors and cut Casey off in a way that forced him to plow into the back of the car and then fall onto his left side. The impact was so strong that Casey shattered his left elbow and rammed his femur bone into his hip socket causing multiple fractures of the hip (acetabulum, to be exact).

So, I got a voicemail from Casey as he was being loaded into an ambulance telling me that he was alive, but in a pretty serious accident and he wasn't sure where they were taking him.

As I chased Ruby Jo through the park, i saw a light on my cell phone and listened to the message. You can imagine my reaction. No? Well, then let me paint the picture: Me, running at top speed in my flip flops, pushing my very concerned almost-toddler in her stroller and racing back to our house. I packed her diaper bag, had her in the car and headed to the general area of the accident in 2 minutes flat awaiting a report of which hospital I should actually head to.

After 2 serious surgeries involving many metal plates and screws and special surgical tables to help pull my husband apart so they could put him back together again, Casey spent 1.5 weeks in the hospital and came home only to sleep in a hospital bed in our living room for almost a month. He is, for the time being, limited to getting around in a wheel chair and, for very short trips, some special crutches for at least another few weeks.

He's been out of work and on medications, has had home and in-hospital physical and occupational therapy sessions, blood draws, and consultations. It took a month to get rid of the hospital bed, and for him to get back some of his independence. He has had an impressively positive attitude about his recovery and I love him for it.

Over the past month, I've had to ask for help from others to sub my classes for me, or babysit for me, or bring us food, etc. I have had some wonderful support from some very unexpected people, and have been surprised by people's reactions, both good and bad. Mostly, I have been grateful that my husband is alive (it could have been his head after all - and thank god for helmets!), and that although Ruby's sleep is not so great, she is thriving despite all of the unexpected and sudden changes. I have been grateful for my mother and my old friends and new that have come to our aid, and feel truly blessed for those important people in our lives.

I have also been angry and frustrated that we live in a world/culture that values multi-tasking over sustained focus, rushing over moving consciously through time and space, workaholism over balance, and things over people. It affects us all in some way, and we can't always protect ourselves or the ones we love from it. It is part of the reason I teach yoga. To put people back in touch with their bodies, to help people FEEL the connection between mind, body and spirit. To get anyone I can to move more consciously through their own life. To remind us that we are all connected somehow.

I have also missed my yoga practice. And my yoga teaching. And though I am tired, and am struggling to maintain a balance in my family's life, I am so thrilled to be alive, to have the people we have in our lives.

This experience, I believe, is asking me to take stock of my life, the things and people that are important to me, the things that don't just need to get done, but bring us true joy, and make them a bigger part of our lives. I intend to answer that call. I don't know how, or when, but I will answer.

In the meantime, I thank all of you for your patience, well-wishes, and beautiful spirits! I look forward to teaching and practicing with you all soon!

Peace, love and wear your helmets!
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

subs, and what's up Saturday class???

2010-06-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hello all my yogis,

I'm always worried about what to do if I'm going to be gone or on vacation... On the one hand, if I tell my students I'm not going to be there, many don't show up for the subs, and the studio loses money, making it less likely that they will keep me on staff in the long run... on the other, if I don't tell my students and they DO come and are bummed to have a sub, they often won't come back when I return... Conundrum.

But folks, the truth of the matter is: yoga teachers are human (gasp!), and they need vacations too. So, here's my compromise.

I usually don't announce it in class, but I will announce it on my blog. And here's how I feel about it.

I know what it's like to find a teacher you really jive with, and to show up expecting them, only to find this other totally new person you've never met before. It's jolting. Disorienting sometimes. However, I have often found that I learn something new from new teachers. They have a different way of explaining the poses or more of a focus on breathing or alignment. Not to mention, that when I practice at a studio, or teach at a studio, I consider it part of my community. It's not just a teacher that I'm supporting, it's the entire studio community. And I hope that my students get that feeling from my teaching... and I hope that they will think of it as their community too.

I encourage my students to come even when I'm out not only so that I'll have a job waiting for me when I come back, but also because I believe in the people I have subbing for me and think my students might actually learn something, heck, even enjoy their classes!

At the same time, I will never give my students a hard time if they can't or choose not to show up. There are a million reasons why folks may not show up (vacation, illness, something came up, they left the coffee pot on, etc,) and they are none of my business. However, if someone doesn't show up because they didn't enjoy a class of mine, or a class I had a sub teach, I, OF COURSE, want to know about it, so that I can do something to change it. But it's up to you if feel like telling me!

That being said... I'm going on vacation this week. Don't freak out. It's only a week...Here's my list of subs:

JULES HOGAN: Saturday July 3rd, Level One (11-12:30)
Sunday, July 4th, call the studio to find out if any classes are being held
CHERYL MOSS: Monday, July 5th Prenatal. (10-11:30am)

PULEEZE enjoy these women, these classes and something new for a change. And come back to me when I'm back, tell me all about it and what you learned! You won't regret it! I'll miss you tons and look forward to seeing you again soon.

And a shout out to my Saturday class students: WHERE ARE YOU?! I miss you all!

Peace,
April

Chasing Svasana...

2010-06-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

For Lolita-

I'll never forget the first time I understood Svasana...

In a small studio in Queens, NY, Richmond Hill to be exact, I had my first experience of Dhyana, the 7th limb of yoga, and maybe a touch of the 8th. There are 8 limbs in yoga, according to Patanjali. The translations of the Sanskrit differ, depending on who you talk to, but a crass translation is the following:

1. Yama : Universal morality (this one takes some explaining...)
2. Niyama : Personal observances
3. Asanas : Body postures
4. Pranayama : Breathing exercises, and control of prana
5. Pratyahara : Control of the senses
6. Dharana : Concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness
7. Dhyana : Devotion, Meditation on the Divine
8. Samadhi : Union with the Divine

Most people are only aware of #s 3 and 4, which are commonly practiced in US yoga studios. I consider Pranayama and Pratyahara to be inseparable, myself, which is also how I teach Pranayama - as the beginning of your meditative practice. The last 4 limbs are all forms of meditation. That being said, they are hard to define, and it is even harder to describe the experience of each.

But I will never forget the feeling, that still rests deep in my bones, and in my heart.

I went to a late night class. It was winter in New York. I sloshed through grey snow the few blocks from my house to the studio that magically opened up two days after I swore insanity was knocking at my door while I was starting graduate school. I felt a calling to Social Work, but was struggling with working in communities that dealt with extreme poverty, illness and violence and not being swallowed by despair. Working 70 hours a week didn't help either.

I shook off my puffy coat, and my badly fitting jeans, peeled off my thermals and unbunched my yoga pants from my, well, butt crack, to be perfectly honest. I felt disheveled, out of place, tired, heavy, and very very lonely.

I looked around the small studio, candles lit, warm light bouncing gently off the hardwood floor, the small statue of Ganesh in the corner wreathed in flowers. "Yes, Ganesh. Guide me through the sludge in my head, and the F train commute..." I thought.

I rolled out my mat, and laid down. The only light the entire class was by candle. I was happy to be in the dark warm glow of candles, to sweat, to listen to the soft lilt of my teacher's German accent.

At the end of class, Asana done, my breathing slow and steady, we sat in meditation for a moment in sukhasana (soft- cross legged pose). I heard through the chatter in my own head, "April, you are leaning forward. Sit back a little. Relax. Release your anxiety," my teacher whispered as the slightest touch of her forefinger drew my shoulders gently back over my hips.

I was amazed by how much I was leaning forward, as if sitting on the edge of a cliff, nervously peering over the side. I flipped some switch, and let go of any judgment of my spazzy posture, and just observed passively. I was leaning forward, anticipating my whole life. I realized, I did it all the time, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Never being fully present in the moment, but looking ahead to the next. It was exhausting. It is the work I will continue to address for quite some time.

As we stretched out for Svasana, I wondered if I could let go even more deeply. So I relaxed each muscle, stopped thinking, and just followed the sound of my inhale and exhale. After a few minutes, I let go of the sound of my breathe. I felt my mind turn inward - and felt my awareness sink more deeply into my body. I feel both heavy and light at the same time. I let go of directing my focus to my breathe or any one feeling, and suddenly was very aware of every part of myself, the room, the world outside, and it certainly felt like everything beyond it. It was as if time stopped, gravity ceased to exist, and I was floating, yet anchored to the core of the earth. I felt very at peace.

I have no idea how long I was in this state, nor did I care. After some while, I heard my teacher's voice, calling me (us) back and felt myself sitting up slowly. After class, as I packed my things and calmly dressed in my awkward layers of clothing, I thanked my teacher very quietly, not wanting to disturb my feeling of calm awareness. I walked home, kissed my soon-to-be husband, and went about my evening. I slept undisturbed the whole night through for the first time in many years.

I had experienced glimpses of it before, moments of sustained focus and concentration... of being "in the zone." But this, this was a deep and luxurious, lovely place in the space/time continuum I very much wanted to visit again.

The trick, I've found, is to welcome it when it comes, and not to chase it. Like looking for a star during twilight. If you try too hard to look directly at it, it disappears. I find that relaxing my gaze, breathing deeply and enjoying the transition to night allows the full spectrum of beauty to reach me. It's really the only way I can think to describe it. You don't find Svasana or Samadhi, it will find you.

Peace,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

Did I mention that I love Yoga?

2010-06-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I don't write on my Blog nearly enough. Mostly because I feel like I have to have something very important to say - like a really poignant story, a metaphor for life, or some schedule change that my students absolutely must know about...

But I've decided to try to log on, at least once a week, to put down whatever comes to my yogic mind... so there.

I love yoga. I wish I were able to do more of it, and I do try to sneak it in daily, even if in short 15 minute spurts. Motherhood is hard sometimes, literally on the body. My upper back constantly aches for the first time in my life - mostly from bending over and picking up the baby, and breastfeeding. But also from the lack of exercise I get nowadays. Even as a yoga instructor... I don't get as much as I feel I need. And I'm STILL waiting for my abdominal muscles to grow back together (don't worry ladies, this doesn't happen to most pregnant women... I just got lucky!)

When I have free time, I usually make the phone calls I can't make while my baby needs my attention, or online communications, or cleaning the house, occasionally taking a shower or making food for me or the baby, calling my mother back, grocery shopping, running errands, and sometimes going for a walk, or teaching a class.

My standards on the cleanliness of my house have dropped dramatically. Oh, it still bothers me, but I have less choice in the matter.

But I love yoga. I get to go to a class a few times a week, and I get to teach it, and it keeps me sane, makes me feel like I can breathe, makes me feel alive and interested in the world around me. I'm so lucky that yoga exists. And that I get to be a part of passing it on to others, including my amazing daughter, Ruby Jo!

So, them's my thoughts. Have a great day, and enjoy your yoga!

Peace,
April

April's on vacation!

2010-04-15T19:54:00.001-07:00

Dearest of Yogis and Yoginis,

As always, I know that you will still come for your yoga class... but I will be away on a small but much needed vacation with my family. I have THE most awesome subs teaching for me, so PULEEZE get your yoga on with these amazing ladies - they really do rock!

Sat, April 17th Level One : Jules Hogan
Sun, April 18th Beginner: Jewel Greenberg
Mon, April 19th Prenatal: Jewel Greenberg

Sat, April 24th Level One: Jules Hogan
Sun, April 25th Beginner: Kate Duyn

And a HUMUNGOUS thank you to them for subbing for me. I love my students and I miss them dearly when I am gone, and I ONLY like to put them in very capable and responsible hands...

Have a fabulous time!
Peace,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

Schedule changes: Easter & Mommy and Me

2010-04-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dearest All,

Please note that I have changed my schedule: I am no longer teaching the Friday 10am Mommy and Me class at GODA. Fear not new mothers, Kate Duyn is taking the class over, and I have had nothing but amazing feedback from my students about her. I know the class is in good hands! So if you were worried you'd be banished to your homes with only nap schedules, teething issues, and diapers to occupy yourself, wipe the thought from your minds and get thee to yoga with your little ones!

On another note, this coming SUNDAY is Easter, and GODA is only having one class for the day. Rig is teaching at 9am. So if you are craving some movement, breathe and community, whether you celebrate Easter or not, throw off those covers, hide the chocolate eggs, and go have some fun with Rig and his clan at GODA! * I am still teaching my Saturday 11am Level One class...

Peace and Happy Spring everyone!
-April

Sub for Prenatal today!

2010-03-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Prenatal Yogis,

My apologies for the last minute update, but my 10am Prenatal Yoga class today will be taught by special guest teacher Jules Hogan!

I do not have my usual babysitter/auntie around to watch Ruby Jo (Cheryl has a cold!) and thought it would be better to have Jules sub for me, than to bring Ruby in to teach with me - she gets a little cranky while I'm trying to start Svasana for you all, so I thought Jules might be more relaxing for you!

Please forgive the last minute change, but these things do happen when your little ones arrive. I will see you next week!

And a BIG thank you to Jules for stepping in for me!

Peace,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

Teaching PRIVATE LESSONS again!!!!

2010-03-10T16:25:00.001-08:00

Dear WHY Yogis,

That's right, you heard it here first! I am teaching private lessons again! As you will notice on my home page at www.workofheartyoga.com, I have new rates, as it is a little trickier for me to sneak away from my baby girl, and I must pay someone to watch her. However, please notice that I DO have packages that allow you to get a great discount!

I am more than happy to come to your home if it is a reasonable distance from me, or we can potentially work something out with GODA if we can schedule it at a time when it won't interfere with regular class schedules. We can work on deepening your regular practice, breathing, particular posses you would like to improve, areas of the body you would like to work on, increasing strength or stamina, weight loss, and prenatal yoga! We will tailor your sessions to your needs.

Please feel free to contact me via email at workofheartyoga@gmail.com to discuss setting up private lessons or pass this on to anyone you think might be interested. Remember, private yoga packages make great presents for others too!

Peace,
April KirkHart
workofheartyoga@gmail.com

Schedule updates!

2010-02-26T16:57:00.000-08:00

My dearest Yogis,

I will have two wonderful subs teaching for me this weekend, Sat and Sun Feb 27 and 28th, as well as next weekend, March 5th and 6th. My subs are as follows:

Sat Feb 27th - Jewel Greenberg - Level One 11-12:30
Sun Feb 28th - Kate Duyn - Beginner 11-12:30

Kate will be subbing both classes on March 5th and 6th. I have received FABULOUS feedback from my students about both subs, so if you haven't had them yet, please come to class and try a new teaching style out. You will inevitably learn something new!

Also, Prenatal this Monday, March 1st, will be canceled as I have no one to watch my precious little one! Class will resume the following week!

Much love and peace to all my students!
-April KH

My Small World...

2010-01-28T16:16:00.001-08:00

My world has shrunk considerably, and I'm pretty sure I'm becoming nearsighted. I find myself always staring down at this tiny but growing bundle in my arms. When I look up finally, I am often disoriented and feel slightly off-center. It is a beautiful thing, though, this new love. It is so vast, and ever-changing becoming deeper each day.

The first few months I felt slightly on edge, running on pure adrenaline - partially from only getting about 2 hours of sleep at a time and no more than maybe 4 every night, and partially from the knowledge that my husband and I were responsible for not only keeping this little tiny helpless human being alive, but also for her healthy growth and development. It's wonderful and terrifying at the same time.

But I think of Ruby Jo when I am not with her, I can stare at her and pictures of her for hours, days, I'm sure. The sound of her giggle or just her breathing in and out is like heaven to me, and she makes me feel full of life, and scared like hell of it all at the same time.

It is a good thing. To have my world be small right now. There is so much pain and suffering in the world. Having a child makes me realize even more profoundly how unnecessary it all is, and that we have the power to end that suffering. I am torn between the inspiration Ruby gives me to do just that, and my fear that she will have to grow up in this world where we haven't figured it out yet.

I do not pretend to be wise, only very deeply in love...
Peace,
April

April is back at GODA Yoga!

2009-10-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Dear All,

I realize it's been a while since I've posted anything...I've been busy with my new babygirl, Ruby Josephine KirkHart, born August 1st, weighing 6lbs. 15oz. and measuring 20 inches long. She is strawberry blonde (what little hair she has!) and is absolutely amazing to me and her Daddy, Casey. Ruby Jo was born at home with the help of our midwife Sarah Sheeley from The Sanctuary. Her birth was everything we hoped it would be, and I may post more on that in a future blog. She has pretty much captivated all my attention for the past 3 months. And I absolutely love being her mom!

Thank you to all of my wonderful students who have sent well-wishes, cards, presents, and happy and healthy vibes for us. And thank you to all of the teachers who have stepped in to teach my classes and take care of my students while I was on maternity leave. I am eternally grateful!

I have many thoughts and funny stories about new motherhood/parenthood, and may post those in time. I find that I could use an extra hand, or four, and rarely get time to use both hands to type, so it may take some time.

In the meantime, I wanted to let you all know that I am going to start teaching a new schedule at GODA Yoga starting on November 2nd (see schedule below). If you were doing or are interested in private lessons, I'll have to work that out with each of you individually.

My new schedule:

Fridays, 10-11:30am Mommy and Me (bring your baby's favorite toy or two)
Saturdays, 11-12:30 Level One
Sundays, 11-12:30 Beginner
Mondays, 10-11:30am Prenatal Yoga (all trimesters welcome, and those preparing for pregnancy as well!)

I hope you are all well and look forward to seeing you soon!

Peace,
April KirkHart
workofheartyoga@gmail.com
www.workofheartyoga.com

No baby yet, but acupuncture rocks...

2009-07-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hello my yogis and yoginis, are you ready for a Looooong Blog?

Good.

So, no baby yet. I keep thinking she'll come early, but my midwives tell me not to get my hopes up! And yes, I said midwives.

"Whaaaaaatt??!!" you may ask. Or not.

Many people assume that because I am a yoga instructor I have a completely "alternative lifestyle" (whatever that means) or am against Western Medicine... Well, you learn something new every day, right? So, first I'll tell you how my husband and I decided to do a home birth, and then I will tell you why this needle-phobic gal now loves acupuncture...

PART I.
Some of you know that my husband is actually a family medicine doctor, (he just finished residency, YAY!) I also grew up in a family with a doctor and nurse who also had good ethical centers and open minds. So, I've always been comfortable with western medicine, but have also been exposed to complementary and alternative medicine. I have approached both with healthy skepticism and curiosity. I ask questions, I read stuff. So sue me.

I've always seen western medicine doctors, and did so through the beginning of my pregnancy and planned to have a hospital birth like most people. However, for the first time, something seemed off. I kept feeling like I was being "treated" for an illness. The short 5-10 minute visits with my doctors felt rushed, I hardly ever felt comfortable asking questions if I even had time to remember that I had questions to begin with. Not to mention, the doctors and staff were a little more testy than I was used to. Our health care system sets it up to be like this; docs have to see a huge volume of patients, and OBGYNs get sued more often than other doctors, and have to spend a ton of money for liability insurance. On top of that, their patient-base, namely pregnant women, are more hormonal and emotional than say, the average patient. And they have a right to be, because after all, they ARE having a baby, not buying a pet fish. It's an emotional thing. That creates the potential for a really tense situation.

Granted, some OBGYNs are more mellow than others (as are some pregnant women.) And I know some really fabulous OBGYNs that are friends of mine as well, but weren't doctors I could see for my own pregnancy (insurance being the main issue). They are highly trained surgeons, really. They are trained for every possible worst-case scenario! And thank goodness they are because that's what makes them so good at dealing with higher risk pregnancies. We are lucky to live in a country with such skilled physicians and to have the options that we do with prenatal, delivery and postpartum care.

A quick disclaimer: I would NEVER judge ANY woman for the kind of care and/or delivery she chooses for herself. Some are more comfortable with a doctor in a hospital setting, some aren't. It is a highly personal and private decision, with many factors that contribute to the decision-making process. And I believe that all births are important, special and life-transforming experiences, and that women should just be open and supportive of each other regardless of how they experience all of this and to be supportive of the women who can't or choose not to go through pregnancy or child birth, period. In addition, I'm not trying to give OBGYNs a bad rap. There are some AMAZING docs out there, but they are hard to find when all you have to go on is a list on your insurance website. And unless you can pay more out of pocket, some of them are hard to get.

In any case, I tried a number of docs, and none were working out for me personally, especially with the constraints from my health insurance. Let me pause here and say our health care insurance industry sucks. It needs MAJOR reform. MAJOR. It sucks for patients and it sucks for doctors. However, had I found a better match for my personality and health philosophies, I probably would have stuck with one. But I didn't so here's what happened.

My husband and I did some research (it was actually his idea) and I interviewed a number of midwives and birth centers, etc. We found a group near us of Licensed Professional Midwives and Nurse Midwives that we really liked and trusted. The group of midwives is called Sacred Entrance and the full range of services they offer is called The Sanctuary.

I have LOVED my prenatal care there. So far, we plan on doing a home-birth, although that plan is a flexible one - if there are any complications, they have a back-up or collaborating doctor at Cedars Sinai and I would be transferred to the hospital. How would they know if there's a complication? Well, they aren't just a bunch of long-haired hippie women that come in with potions and pixie dust... the midwives, who are highly trained, have delivered hundreds of babies and follow a normal prenatal care schedule. They basically check all the stuff a doctor does, AND give nutrition an extra emphasis. To the birth, they bring a monitor for the baby's heart beat, they have oxygen, IV's if you need one, anti-hemorrhage medications, and they are all certified in neonatal resuscitation, suturing, etc. For low-risk pregnancies, it's really very safe - and they remind you that home birth really is for low-risk pregnancies. They are VERY clear that OBGYNs handle higher-risk pregnancies and are trained to do so, and they do not hesitate to refer you out if there's any indication you might have a complication. If you'd like more info, check out the website for our midwife group: http://www.sacredentrance.com/ go to: Birth Center - Enter site - Birth Center and then look at the resources under Additional Information (especially the FAQs document.)

In any case, we dig them. They are very skilled, professional, yet it all feels homey, and they take at LEAST a good hour for each appointment - they care about your diet and exercise which are HUGELY important for a healthy low-risk pregnancy. They refer any high-risk pregnancies to their collaborating Doctor at Cedars Sinai, as I mentioned before. Even if someone wants a hospital birth or needs to have one because they are higher risk or have complications, The Sanctuary/Sacred Entrance still offers a range of other services for prenatal care, massage, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, mommy groups, birthing classes, lactation specialists etc.

They are very supportive of women having options and making the right choices for them. In short... they are just the coolest. I am excited about my birth and fast approaching parental-hood, and the folks at The Sanctuary have helped me prepare to be open to whatever I need to happen during my labor.

So, this brings me to my next topic. Acupuncture.

PART II.
I have always had a fairly intense fear of needles. As a kid who had strep-throat all the time, I had to have a lot of blood tests and was poked a lot with needles. It was traumatizing particularly because I have small veins which meant they generally had to stick me multiple times to get what they needed.

In any case, I've never really researched Eastern Medicine or Acupuncture and so I don't really understand how it works. However, at The Sanctuary, they have an acupuncturist and I found out I could get a few appointments as part of my birth package there and I thought, "hey, I'll try it and see what happens." I was having a lot of low-back and hip pain that even my long practice of yoga wasn't completely addressing. (Yes, even practiced Yoga instructors are not immune to some of the hardships of pregnancy. It's very humbling.) In any case, I was told that acupuncture might help me have less discomfort AND sleep better.

It sounded like magic. And it kind of is.

I met Emily Bartlett, LAc. I think that stands for Licensed Acupuncturist. She did a comprehensive interview with me about my aches and pains, my needle phobia, and then showed me the needles and how they worked so I wouldn't be so scared. Also, we had a funny conversation about organic vs. regular mattresses in which she alluded to the fact that our professions can be bombarded with some non-practical "hippie dippie" ideas that can alienate people with lower incomes. I thought she was hilarious for using that term "hippie dippie," and strongly appreciated her down-to-earthiness.

Anywho, she gave me this mini 20 minute massage first, that I swear, was like butter. It was so relaxing and amazing. Then she went ahead and put in some needles in all sorts of weird spots, like one in my forehead, and a few in my hands, near my knees, and a number at different points in my back. I could barely feel them, it didn't hurt, and then she told me to relax and breathe deeply for a while. She left me with a bell in case I started to freak out or needed to pee or anything. I completely fell asleep after about 10 minutes of deep breathing. She came back about 20-30 minutes later and took all the needles out (which again, I barely felt) and told me to drink lots of water and take it easy for the day.

I slept better than I had in months that night, I had no back or hip pain for a few days, and felt very mellow that night and the next day.

I have gone back every week for the last month or two, and have had a great experience every time. I still don't understand how it all works; something about each point connecting to certain physical, biological functions as well as mental and emotional ones and helping the energy flow between them better. All I know is that I feel much better after I leave her office.

Emily also offers Holistic pediatric care for kids and has a website: http://holistickid.com

She's a really balanced practitioner and a really down to earth person. If you were ever curious about or wanted to try acupuncture, I'd highly recommend her. You should definitely go to her website and see what she offers.

And don't worry, you'll all see pics once the baby comes.

I miss you all very much and I hope you are doing well, and are continuing your yoga practice! Take care and see you all soon!

Peace,
April

Subs while I'm on Maternity leave, the list is IN!

2009-06-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Students,

This coming weekend is my last weekend to teach, so I hope you will all be there if you can to help me celebrate a new phase in my life, and a new phase in your yoga practice: learning to be open to the new!

Yes, I AM teaching on Saturday morning, June 20th, and both my beginner classes on Sunday. Sorry about the confusion, I've had some scheduling conflicts with my childbirth class, but alas, I WILL be teaching all 3 classes this weekend.

Just so you know who will be teaching which class, here goes:

Tues - 5:30 beginner/prenatal - Jewel
Sat, 11am Level One - Jules
Sun, 11am Beginner - Nathalie
Sun, 12:45 Beginner - Calysta

All four of these women have excellent training, and are wonderful and caring individuals. I feel very confident knowing that my students will be in their capable hands, and know that you will all have fun getting to know each other. They all have their own unique teaching styles and amazing personalities, so please enjoy the benefits this lends to your practice!

Remember to talk to your new teachers BEFORE class if you have any injuries or other concerns, and try to remember they have a whole class full of students to accommodate, so it will take a little bit of time for everyone to adjust. It's important to be constructive with your comments and requests. And as always, feel free to talk to Cheryl - she cares very much about her students and the GODA community.

For my private clients, I will be slowing down in that area as well, next week will be my last week to teach privates. However, I do have names and numbers of other teachers who are willing to teach privates as well, so I will contact you individually about that.

I thank each of the teachers who have kindly stepped in to help while I am gone, and Cheryl for helping me get my classes covered and for being such a supportive and flexible boss (no pun intended)! You are all amazing.

Also, I just want to thank all of my students who have been truly wonderful and supportive to me in this time of transition. You are all such a joy to teach. Please stay tuned to my blog, as I will try to post little tidbits here and there while I'm on leave.

PLEASE continue your practice, take your classes, start or continue your home practice and feel free to touch base with me through posting comments on this blog.

Namaste!
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com
workofheartyoga@gmail.com

The Art of Change

2009-06-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hello my dedicated Yogis!

I am committed to writing on my blog more frequently so you may start to see some things not only yoga related, but tidbits from my whole life or even little works of yogic fiction. Since I'm going on leave soon, I'll need something to occupy my mind while awaiting our new arrival.

Those of you that haven't seen me for a while, yes, I am pregnant, and am due to give birth the end of July, although I swear this little one is coming sooner. Or maybe that's wishful thinking?

So, to all my GODA Yogis and students elsewhere, yes, I will be taking some time off to bond with my new little person, and to get the hang of being a new mom. Cheryl has been an unbelievably supportive boss and has given me a lot of flexibility. As of now, I'm going to be gone for approximately 4 months. My last day of teaching at GODA is Sunday, June 21st.

I DO plan on coming back to GODA as soon as I can. And I will keep you posted about teaching anywhere else. As for my private lessons, I can't really take on any new clients right now, and will also take some leave for a few months. I will work that out individually with my clients.

What does this mean? This means that change is in the air! But that's ok! It doesn't have to be bad! Change can be an extraordinary and exhilarating experience for everyone! Yes, I will have subs taking over my classes. Stay posted to my blog, because soon, I will post who will be taking over each of my classes. Trust me, Cheryl will make sure you are in great hands.

"But how do I deal with having a sub when I'm so used to April," you might ask... Well, here's the deal. When I first started teaching you all, I had to get used to my students, the studio, and you all had to get used to me, right? Well, the subs will be paying attention to how the class goes, they will get used to your names and faces and injuries, etc. And you will maybe learn some new poses, or new ways of doing or thinking about the poses. And I encourage both my students and my subs to keep an open dialogue - if something didn't work for you, ask the teacher about it after class, if it felt too hard or too easy, TALK TO THE TEACHER. Also be aware that as teachers, we often get conflicting reports: one student thought the class was too hard, another LOVED being challenged. It takes a little bit of time to strike a balance.

Also, it's a good time to use your breathe to open your heart and mind to some new styles of yoga, new teachers, new voices. Let it be an opportunity to explore and have some fun!

And, as always, if you are truly having any problems with the classes or teachers or what have you, TALK TO CHERYL! Cheryl is always interested in constructive feedback from students. Leave her a voice-mail, send her an email, or better yet, stop by and talk to her in person (she's usually there Mon, Weds, Friday in the mornings).

And remember, this is change for Cheryl, for the new subs, for you guys, and I am going through quite a bit of change myself. So let's all be as supportive as we can. We are a little community at GODA, after all.

I will keep making posts about my classes, how things are coming along with baby KirkHart, and maybe some other quirky stuff as it bubbles up in my brain. Feel free to send me topics you would love to hear me write about too!

Peace!
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com
workofheartyoga@gmail.com

We are all connected...

2009-03-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little," FDR, year 1940-something.

Yes, I think that means the essentials, money, food, clothing, shelter. But it also means compassion, love, honesty, justice, spirit, hope, etc.

So there. Consider it my birthday quote gift to you all!

On another topic, please note I'm no longer teaching the Wednesday late night flow class at GODA. It's just to late for a pregnant yogi to be teaching hot sweaty flow! Also, I will be taking a week or two vacation between now and July (when the baby is due) but I am still teaching, and teaching private lessons as well. At least up until late June, early July.

Stay tuned to my blog for thoughts, quotes, stories and baby-yogi updates.

Much love to all,
April

Finding balance, welcome to humble town!

2009-03-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

Yes! I'm still alive!

At long last, my dear yogis and yoginis, I am back at the computer and writing a new blog. I know, I know, it's been a while. Sheesh, there's a lot going on!

First of all, it's spring. Can I get an "Amen!"???

As I write this blog, the scent of jasmine fills the air, and it is gorgeous outside. The evenness of the weather has made me realize just how up and down the world has been over the last few months.

We have a new President. Our country, and possibly world, is in financial crisis, the weather has changed, and it goes on and on.

Personally, I've experienced a number of other changes. Many of you know that I am pregnant, for those that didn't know, there you have it. I'm almost 21 weeks so far. So that's new. And every day is like a totally different world to me. My body feels different, my attitude is different, and it's not just automatic. I've worked at it.

I've slowed my own yoga practice down - not that you can't practice the same yoga you always have when you are pregnant, many women continue to practice challenging Flow-style yoga throughout all of their pregnancy- but inevitably, your practice changes somehow or in some way. Whether it's letting go of certain poses, realizing you can't do them the same way as before, or your pace may change, etc.

There are all kinds of surprises, some more welcomed than others. But even exploring the resistance I have felt, like letting go of a pose, for instance, or feeling frustrated in a pose that was normally not so challenging for me, are reminders that yoga is a wonderful reflection of Life in general.

Finding balance in my life is not easy. Balancing what I do for others with what I do for myself, balancing family with work, balancing needs with wants, etc. It's hard.

Some say that human suffering is caused by desire. Some say suffering is caused by attitude. I'd take a spin on those and say that a lot of suffering (maybe not all), at least for myself, is caused by creating preconceived expectations. In my own experience, that habit generally causes me to be less receptive to each moment, less receptive to what actually IS, as opposed to what I thought it ought to be, or want it to be.

Yoga and pregnancy are a lot alike in that sense. You can have as many expectations as you like, but whatever is happening, is what is happening, and you generally don't have ultimate control over it.

Does that mean that if something is happening that you don't like, you have to just take it? Not to me. I can still set my intention, I can still explore it, dig into it, or observe it more neutrally, and see what else comes up.

One day, while practicing at home, I realized that I can no longer do certain twists, even though I felt my spine begging for them. Then I realized, that certain inverted poses no longer feel safe or beneficial for me. Picture me trying to lay on my back, swing my feet over my head for halasana (plough pose) for shoulder stand, and realizing my belly was "in the way" and that I could no longer use my abdominal muscles the same way I had used to. I was so bummed that I had to slow down my pace, and then realized, that I wasn't listening to what my body was asking for, what it was TRULY asking for at that moment.

That has reminded me that while friends and family along with myself are struggling with the current economy and the many other changes that abound at this time, to check in with myself, check in with my breath, and FEEL what is most important to me in my life. To have as much patience and compassion as I can muster for myself and for others, and to be open to negotiating these changes with a sense of curiosity, openness and a humbled ego.

My center of balance is shifting, and I'm just gonna' go with it for now. Maybe the world's is too?

Any thoughts?

You can take classes from me ONLINE!!!

2008-11-19T08:48:00.000-08:00

A while back, I video taped a few yoga classes to go online, and the company I worked with has now posted them.

There are 4 different classes: 3 are prenatal yoga classes, one for each trimester, and the fourth class is yoga for Senior Citizens or folks who are limited in mobility due to illness, or injury.

A word of caution; the company did not post the snippets in order, so each pose is demonstrated as a stand-alone. But they are still fun. Also, they didn't include my profile picture, but trust me, it's me! Just go ahead and click on the link, and feel free to email it to your friends, family, whomever you think might be interested!

Some Thank Yous are in order:

First, Denise Mazan from Your Neighborhood Studio graciously allowed me to use her studio (where I also teach on Sunday mornings!) for a 7-hour shoot. Thank you so much Denise! They were supposed to include her website address and I'm still trying to get a hold of the company to add it (it's: www.yourneighborhoodstudio.com).

Second, GODA Yoga allowed me to borrow some of the yoga props. Thank you to Cheryl Moss who allowed me to steal the props for a couple of days!

Third, Thank You a million time over to my lovely assistant, Katie Fernando, for being my prenatal model, and her lovely daughter who is now in the outside world happy and healthy and quite adorable. Katie, you really came through for me in a pinch. I hope you are enjoying the fruits of your labor (Ha!)

Finally, to all of my students: Thank you so much for all that I learn from each one of you, for reading my blog, for taking my classes and for being dedicated to your own yoga practice. You are truly inspiring!

And now, for your viewing pleasure, here is the link to my videos - please feel free to rate the videos, make comments (keep it clean) and whatever other fun stuff you can do on the website. As always, please share this link with your own peeps: http://www.expertvillage.com/expert/103901.htm

Coming soon: News of my holiday schedule!

Peace and have a wonderful week!
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

Frittata Yumminess...

2008-10-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I lag, it's been a while. It was a looooong summer, I must say, and I am only now willing to admit it is fall. Well, with the summer gone and behind me :-( I figure it is time for another recipe to get me all warmed back up to the blog. "But why THIS recipe, April," you might be asking yourself? Well for one thing, it's got some seasonal veggies in it, and for another, it's down-right comforting, and packed with protein, things we seem to crave as the days get shorter and the nights longer. Yes...even in LA. That's right, the sun don't shine even here forever.

My husband and I made this one in 20 minutes the other night. It was quite the work of art. And you could serve at least 5 people with this recipe or have it leftover for breakfast with some fruit. Add a side salad of hearty greens with a good balsamic vinaigrette and some crusty bread and you are golden for a dinner party. You know... because I have so many dinner parties.

Here's what you'll need:
*Vegans can substitute tofu-based cheeses and fats as well as egg substitutes - but I can't vouch for cook time or flavor there!

One head of broccoli crowns, chopped to 1/2 in pieces
1/2 large yellow onion sliced very thinly
1 leftover baked potato with the white scraped out
1/2 cup parmesean cheese*
1/2 cup swiss cheese*
2 Tbsp shredded fresh basil
3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Butter (if you dare)*
12 Large Eggs (leave out a few yolks for a lower fat version - ew- or use egg substitute if you are vegan*.)
salt (Kosher please - it's the yummiest, and Yes, I AM an expert...)
fresh ground black pepper
cayenne pepper 1/4 to 1 Tsp depending on taste
One Med to large oven-safe cast iron skillet

Here's what you do:

Pre-heat the broiler. Heat the skillet on the stove top to Medium. Once heated, add 1 Tbsp Olive Oil, 1 Tbsp butter. Toss in the onions, sprinkle with salt and pepper, saute for 3 minutes. Add broccoli and saute another 5-7 minutes. Scoop out and put into a bowl, mix in the potato insides, and then let the whole mixture cool completely (COMPLETELY).

While the veggie mix is cooling, crack eggs into a separate bowl and beat GENTLY (think "Ahimsa," do no harm) with a pinch of salt and pepper and the cayenne pepper. Once the veggies are cool add them to the eggs, add the cheeses (leaving a little to sprinkle on top at the end.) Heat the skillet again on the stove top to medium. Let it get hot. Then add the remaining Olive Oil and Butter. Let them get hot and THEN add the egg/veggie mixture.

Let the egg/veggie mix sit, undisturbed for at least a minute so the bottom can settle. Then turn the heat to medium- low and cook for approximately 10 minutes. You can run a plastic spatula around the edges to make sure it's not sticking too much once every minute. If it does stick, don't panic. Breathe. It will be ok. Just wiggle the spatula gently and It'll unstick.

Last, sprinkle the last of the cheese over top and take the whole skillet and put it under the broiler for 30 sec to 1 minute. When it is done, take it out and let it rest for a few minutes. Then get that spatula in there to loosen it and gently slide it onto a big plate/platter to serve. Stare at the beauty and behold your creation...

Slice it like a pie, and then plate it with some fruit salad and OJ for breakfast, or your mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette, some nice bread and a crisp white wine for dinner.

Hey, I'm allowed a few vices...

Peace,
April

1/3 off Private Lessons and Deals!

2008-09-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Work of Heart Yogis,

I wanted to let you all know that I have lowered my private lesson rates by 1/3. Everyone is feeling the squeeze right now, and I figured that now is a good time to give folks a break anyway that I can.

That being said, my private lesson rate has dropped from $90/hour to $60/hour. Remember, these make great presents for people too!

Here are some other deals:

~5 lesson package for 1 person - $250
~5 lesson package for 2 people - $480
~Refer someone who takes a lesson, get 1/2 off your next single private lesson.
~Rates for groups over 2 people are negotiable.
*Rates may vary depending on location.

How do private lessons work? Glad you asked!

I can either come to your house or I can try to find space and a time at one of the studios I work for to do the lesson (that may cost a little extra). We will discuss with you what you would like to achieve before the first lesson and we can create a yoga routine that will suit your needs, whether you have injuries, want to deepen your practice, or work on a particular pose or area of the body. We can work on breathing practices, relaxation and meditation as well. Again, it's your practice you are creating, and my job is to help you do that!

Feel free to call me at (310) 559-2570 or email me at: workofheartyoga@gmail.com to set up a private lesson or to ask any other questions you might have!

Thanks and have a beautiful day!

Peace,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

A play about women in the military this Sat in Culver City!

2008-07-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Yogis and Yoginis,

My friend, April Fitzsimmons, is starring in a one-woman play called The Need to Know, which has received fabulous reviews. This Saturday, August 2nd, The Need to Know will be playing at the Kirk Douglas Theater in downtown Culver City, and the tickets are only $5! This play is supposed to be fantastic, showing the lives of women in different parts of the U.S. Military, from Basic Training to the National Security Agency.

I will be at the performance this Saturday and if any of you are interested, please check out April's website at: www.aprilfitzsimmons.com where you can get more info on the play. You can also call to reserve tickets at (310) 880-0911.

I can't wait to see April in this performance. She's an amazing woman, so it's sure to be an amazing show!

Peace,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

Leaving the Y, and new schedule changes...

2008-07-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who have been so patient while I've been out the last few weeks, and thank you to all of my Yoga sisters and brothers who have subbed for me (Cheryl, Samara, Jay, Rennie, Fawntice, and anyone else who stepped up for me!) I'm back and up and running.

There are a few changes to my schedule, so please check my calendar above. I am no longer teaching the Monday and Friday morning classes at YNS, but fear not... I have handed them over to Rennie, and she is fabulous. It just works out better for both of our schedules. HOWEVER- I am STILL TEACHING THE SUNDAY morning class at YNS... As for my Weds night class at the Y, please read on below.

Also note that I am still teaching in lots of places, and lots of times, and as always, I am available for private lessons. Feel free to call me at (310) 559-2570 to set up an appointment.

To My YMCA Yoga Students:

Some of you know that I have been out the last few weeks tending to my family. I just wanted you to know that I am doing fine and have appreciated all of your thoughts and prayers. However, I have had time to think about where I need to focus my attention and have made some tough decisions. At this time, I need to focus on some of my other work in yoga, and on my family. This means that I will no longer be teaching my Wednesday night class at the YMCA. You can check with the staff at the Y to see if the class will be taken over by another teacher or moved to a different slot. My sincere thanks to Fawntice for subbing for me over the last few weeks!

I have so greatly enjoyed volunteering to teach at the YMCA, and it has been a real privilege to work with all of my students there. I have learned so much from you all, and wanted you to know that you have all touched my life in a very real and meaningful way. Some of you have been with me for over 2 years, and I will not forget your spirit, or your dedication to your practice.

I appreciate all of your understanding and thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be your teacher. You can always see what I am up to on my yoga blog at: www.workofheartyoga.com .

I hope that you will continue your practice, and as always...remember to breathe, drink lots of water, eat good food, and be in good company, because Life is too short!

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti... Peace, Peace, Peace.

Namaste,
April KirkHart

Schedule Additions and Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well hellooooo to all my little yogis and yoginis!

As you will notice, I've added a neat little feature to my blog: my actual Gmail calendar of yoga classes, complete with times, studio info, class descriptions and so on. If you get emails of my blog posts, don't forget to visit the actual blogsite at: www.workofheartyoga.com to see this new feature. This should make figuring out where and when I'm teaching a whole lot easier. I'll add sub dates to the calendar too! You'll see that I have a plethora of both morning, evening and weekend classes for you to choose from...

Please note a few special additions to my schedule:
Tues - GODA - 5:30-6:55pm - Beginner/Prenatal Yoga
Weds - GODA - 8:15-9:45pm - Flow Yoga
Sat - GODA - 11:00-12:30 - Level One Yoga
Sun - GODA - 11:00-12:30 - Beginner Yoga

As for this upcoming holiday weekend, I know I'm normally around for those lovely 3-day weekends, however, this July 4th Your Neighborhood Studio is closed. So take the day off, do some yoga at your picnic or BBQ with friends and family!

Sincerely,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

Gazpacho Soup Recipe for Summer!

2008-06-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

The first time I fell in love with cold soup was in Barcelona on my honeymoon. I had overdosed on paella the night before, and it was so frickin' hot outside, I could feel my skin cells dying one by one under the sun's rays, which I was pretty sure were aimed directly at me. My husband, also of the fair skinned variety, and I joked that we should have bought stock in a sunscreen company before we left.

It was almost 2pm and siesta was about to begin, so we were scrambling to get a meal and quick. But, the idea of digging into a steaming pile of rice and seafood felt daunting and downright undesirable. That's when our waiter, totally bored and unamused by my difficulty acclimating, suggested gazpacho rather cavalierly.

When the waiter brought it to our table, I thought, "Crap. Now I have to eat tomato soup?! What didn't he understand about me wanting something that wasn't hot? Is my Spanish that bad?"

Our waiter was, unfortunately within ear-shot, and retorted, "es picante, no caliente..."

"It's hot, but it's not hot?! Great, now a riddle." I was becoming seriously unhappy with the service and felt like I was Alice in Wonderland, desperate to find that damn rabbit hole again. More likely, it was the Sangria I drank on an empty stomach.

"No, April. He means 'spicy,' 'picante' means spicy." My husband translated. I was horrified that I was forgetting my Spanish, but as I brought my spoon to my lips, all the earth dropped away from me, and I was twirling in the air, floating on the vibrant flavor of crisp tomatoes and cucumbers and shocked back to life by the sassy jalapeño and red pepper. That soup literally kicked my ass, but in a good way.

I had it every day in the middle of the day for the rest of our trip.

Gazpacho has had an important influence on my life; it reminds me to shake things up a little bit, especially when it gets hot. It's so easy to make, but has such a complex flavor. And it's just so darn good for you. I dare you to make something this low fat that isn't water...

Considering summer is here, and it's heating up out there, I thought I would share it with you. Also, a few friends, Rachel, Jennifer and Joel, recently gave this recipe a thumbs-up. And I'll dedicate this one to my husband, who always inspires me and adventures with me to try new things.

GAZPACHO

One 28 oz can of whole peeled tomatoes
1 jalapeño pepper chopped coarsely
1 small or medium yellow onion, chopped coarsely
1 large cucumber, peeled, cut in half and scrape out seeds with spoon, chop coarsely.
2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed with knife
2 Tbsp white vinegar
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
Kosher salt to taste
Fresh ground pepper to taste
Tabasco sauce to taste

Take out your blender. Dump the whole can of tomatoes in (you can strain it first for seeds, etc, but I figure why bother?). Toss in the jalapeño, onion, cucumber, garlic and white vinegar. Put the lid on and blend away, shaking the blender every once in a while. Then, with the blender on, remove the lid, and start to slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Taste. Then add salt, pepper and Tabasco to your taste, blending each time you add any. Chill in the fridge for an hour - or be really smart, and get all the veggies really cold before you chop them up!

To get fancy - chop finely a bit of extra onions and jalapeño, maybe some parsley, and garnish the soup with a little in the middle of each bowl on top. You can also toss in croutons, or do my favorite, and serve the soup with warm crusty bread and a little bit of Brie cheese.

Enjoy! And come do yoga...you can eat Gazpacho after...

Peace,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com
workofheartyoga@gmail.com

Inversion workshop at GODA Sat, May 24th, and Yoga Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention in my last blog that THIS Saturday is an awesome workshop with one of my favorite-ist instructors, Cheryl Moss, at GODA Yoga. If you want to work on your handstand, headstand, arm balances, etc, check it out:

THE BASICS OF INVERSIONS
WITH CHERYL MOSS
Saturday, May 24 :: 2:00 - 4:00p

Learn how to practice inversions SAFELY! Something for everybody, from the beginner to the advanced student. A wonderful way to begin an inversion practice or advance an already existing one.

$35 Registration Recommended!

For more information and to register, call: 310.287.1255

ALSO: Remember that I am teaching my regular classes all this weekend and Memorial Day - See my blog post below for my full schedule this upcoming weekend and week!

Sincerely,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

Yoga Memorial Day Weekend!

2008-05-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

What better way to celebrate the beautiful weather, and long weekend than with Yoga?

For those of you looking to get some good yoga in, whether it's to perfect the poses in my beginner class at GODA, or whether it's to get your sweat on in my Flow classes at YNS...

Yoga is ON for this Memorial Day weekend! Check it out, I'm even subbing some extra classes:

Tues, May 20th:
7-8:30pm Flow at GODA

Weds, May 21st:
6-7:30 pm Level 2/3 Flow at YMCA

Thur, May 22nd:
5:30-6:55 pm Beginner Class at GODA

Fri, May 23rd:
9-10:25 am Flow at YNS

Sun, May 25th:
9-10:25 am Flow at YNS
12:45-2:15pm Beginner at GODA

Mon, MEMORIAL DAY, May 26th:
9-10:25 am Flow at YNS

Tues, May 27th:
5:30-6:55 pm Beginner at GODA
7 - 8:30 pm Flow at GODA

Watch my blog for updates on my schedule, as I will be subbing a lot of classes at both studios in June, and may be adding some other permanent classes to my schedule.

Always feel free to email me any questions you have about yoga, or my schedule at: workofheartyoga@gmail.com ! Until then, take care and remember to breathe!

Sincerely,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

Kids Yoga Teacher Training Memorial Day weekend!

2008-05-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

Jules Hogan of UPDOGdowndogYoga is a yoga teacher I met at GODA Yoga. She's not only a great yogini, she's spunky, has a great sense of humor, and loves kids. She teaches kids yoga classes at GODA that are great for your little ones to burn off some of their energy, get comfortable moving their bodies and to have some fun and learn the art of mellowing out. She also does private lessons and kids parties and lots of other great, creative stuff. So check her out.

Also, she's now conducting her first ever Kids Yoga Teacher Training.If you love yoga, and you love kids, you should check it out! Feel free to pass this notice on to anyone you think would be interested. Here's the details:

Kids Yoga Teacher Training with Jules Hogan
Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th
8:00am - 3:00pm
Location - TBD
$100.00 suggested donation

Contact Jules with interests and suggestions at:
jules@updogdowndogyoga.com or
(310) 714-3617

Hope you are all having a great weekend, and maybe I'll see you on the mat!

Sincerely,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

April's Yoga Playlist, and private yoga lessons...

2008-05-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

Dearest Yogis and Yoginis,

By popular demand, I am including one of my yoga playlists for you below. I have to be honest, I'm not a wiz at making playlists. It took me about 7 hours to put it together. I had no idea how popular it would be, but why keep a good thing secret? Speaking of...

I am now available for private yoga lessons for individuals or for groups.

No, they are not just for Madonna and Sting. They are for beginners who want a little more one-on-one instruction in particular poses, they are for those recovering from injuries that want specific instruction on safety, they are for more experienced yogis wanting to deepen their practice, as well as for those that want a more private, and "on their own schedule" lesson that will give them an excellent work out. In other words, they are for you. And they also make great presents for others. I'm just sayin'...

If you or anyone you know is interested, please feel free to email me at: workofheartyoga@gmail.com or call me at (310) 559-2570.

Now, as for that playlist...

Country Poem - Pat Metheny
Sueno con Mexico - Pat Metheny
Sunny Came Home - Shawn Colvin
So Damn Lucky - Dave Matthews
Stay or Leave - Dave Matthews
I'm Bound to Pack it up - The White Stripes
Trouble - Dave Matthews
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing - Jack Johnson
Flake - Jack Johnson
Better Together - Jack Johnson
Inaudible Melodies - Jack Johnson
Trouble - Coldplay
Oh - Dave Matthews
If Not Now - Tracy Chapman
For You - Cold Play
Aqueous Transmission - Incubus
Alone in Kyoto - Air

A friend's class I'd like to promote!

2008-05-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

There's a new yoga class at Your Neighborhood Studio!

And better yet, it's taught by my friend Rennie Yabiku! Some of you already know Rennie because she's subbed for some of my classes! Rennie's Yoga Flow class is on Saturdays from 5:00-6:30pm. It's the perfect workout before your hot date for Saturday night, so go check out her class if you get a chance.

You can find Rennie's info on the YNS website at: www.yourneigbhorhoodstudio.com.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Sincerely,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

April goes on a subbing spree!

2008-04-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hi all, I'm teaching a bazillion classes between now and Tuesday, so I thought I'd let you know, in case one works better for your schedule - Addresses and phone numbers for each studio are on my home page at www.workofheartyoga.com:

Friday:
7-8:30 am Mixed Level at Goda Yoga
9-10:30 am Yoga Flow at Your Neighborhood Studio
1-2 pm Lunch Mixed Level at Goda Yoga

Sunday:
9-10:30 am Yoga Flow at Your Neighborhood Studio
11-12:30 Beginner Hatha at Goda Yoga
12:45 - 2:15pm Beginner Hatha at Goda Yoga

Monday:
7-8:30 am Mixed Level at Goda Yoga
9-10:30 am Yoga Flow at Your Neighborhood Studio
1-2 pm Lunch Mixed Level at Goda Yoga

Keep your eyes posted for the next blog about a car that runs off pure veggie oil!

Sincerely,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

Out sick tonight for YMCA class Weds!

2008-04-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

To my YMCA students:

I am SOOOO sorry, but I am getting a pretty mean sore throat and feel a serious fever coming on. I will not be teaching my class tonight. Kristy is trying to find a sub at the moment, so call in ahead of time to see if someone is teaching.

My apologies, I hate to do this last minute...I thought I'd feel better by now, but I don't want to spread the germs! I'll be in isolation until at least Friday.

Thank you for your understanding, and remember to breathe!

Sincerely,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

What is that thing April does at the end of class anyway?

2008-04-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

So,

I've been asked a number of times about the chant that I sing at the end of class sometimes. And some of my YMCA "regulars" even got a print out one special class of that little prayer. But I thought I would make the transliteration/translation available on my blog since some people seem to really like it.

Let me start by saying that when I first got into yoga, I didn't want to get into the whole "chanting" thing because it felt weird, a little goofy, and close to religious, which is something I have struggled with. However, when I started to read about the translations of some of these chants, I found them to be spiritually purposeful for me, and fairly universal in nature - meaning the opposite of exclusionary. That's why I sing some of them before or after my class, because it reminds me of my own intention, and to be honest, I like the way they sound and feel when I sing them. They fill me up like a glass of water does a thirsty person in the desert. Or at least that's the feeling I get.

However, I understand people's curiosity or hesitation about them. More to the point, I have no interest in being signed up for a particular religious belief or pushing one on anyone else. I'm the first to want to know what prayers are being made in my presence and to make sure if I sing along, or say them, that I'm not signing myself or anyone else up for a contract of which they are not a willing participant. Therefore, without further ado...

Closing class prayer:
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinaha
Sarve Santu Niraamayaah
Sarve Bhadraani Pashyantu
Maa Kaschid Dukha Bhaag Bhavet
Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Namaste

Translation:
May happiness be unto all,
Perfect health be unto all,
May all see good in everyone (or all things auspicious)
May all be free from suffering.
Om, Peace, Peace, Peace.
I bow to you (or I bow to the god in you.)

**I took this translation from a little booklet of Kirtan from Swami Satchidananda's Yogaville, copyright 1987. However, if you enter "closing slokas" in a google search, you'll find different variations of the transliteration and the actual English translation - but they all come pretty close to this one.

*A little known fact is that the salutation, "Namaste" is an acknowledgment or sign of deep respect.

So with that...

Namaste!
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com

I'm back! And Thanks to Rennie for subbing!

2008-03-26T11:13:00.001-07:00

Dearest Yoga Blog Readers,

I am back from my pre-birthday trip and am going to try my hand at including a picture or two in this blog. We'll see how that works out...

But before I do, I just wanted to send out a heartfelt thank you to Rennie for subbing for me at the Y and at YNS. It feels good to know that my students are in capable hands if I am out sick or on vacation. Some of you will be happy to know that Rennie will be teaching at YNS regularly on Saturday evenings, so check the schedule online!

As for a quick picture from my trip to Northern CA... This is my pre-birthday flan at the Mexican restaurant I went to with friends and Casey in San Rafael. And yes, that is a margarita.

I am glad to be back and can't wait to see you all on the mat!

-april

Family time for April's birthday!

2008-03-16T22:48:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you all know that I will be out of town, just for the week for a little vacation, but I am leaving you in good hands!

My friend and colleague, Rennie, will be subbing for me this week, and she is a wonderful kindred spirit, so please bring your fabulous energy to class and share it with her. I promise to do a little meditation for each of my classes while I'm gone.

However, some of my classes are not happening because they fall on Easter Sunday. So the schedule is as follows:

Weds - March 19th - YMC - 6-7:25pm Rennie is subbing
Friday - March 21st Your Neighborhood Studio 9-10:30am - Rennie is subbing

***EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 23rd
Your Neighborhood Studio is closed, therefore, no Yoga Flow 9-10:30am

GODA Yoga - Rig's class in the AM is still on, and Cheryl will teach her beginner class from 11:00-12:30 am, but my class will not be happening. So if you normally come to my class, come to the 11:00 class and celebrate Easter with Cheryl!

Have a wonderful happy holiday(s) and I will see you after the 23rd!

Peace,
April KirkHart

How often should I do yoga?

2008-03-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

I’ve been asked this question more times in the last week and a half than I can count. My quick answer is: every day! “WHAAAAT,” you ask, “but, how?!” My more detailed answer…

Your yoga practice is very personal. Each person is working with his/her own mind, body, finances and schedules. People practice for different reasons too: some practice to lose weight, some to calm their mind, while others want to build greater strength or flexibility. The wonderful thing about yoga is that you can do it anywhere, with just yourself!

The tricky part is getting yourself to do it, to do it safely, and in a way that allows you to feel some sense of progress.

I think it’s important to attend classes when you can, so an instructor can do adjustments with you, to build your awareness of how you move, how to practice safely, and how to use your breathe in a pose. These are things you can work on at home too.

However, its’ hard for people to make time each day or to feel motivated practicing on their own, which is why many choose to come to class. On the flip-side, it can feel frustrating to come to a class once a week, and feel sore after each class, or like you aren’t progressing in a pose. So, we’re back to the dilemma that not everyone can come to class more than once or twice a week, right?! ARRRRGGGGGH!!!

Fear not, I have some ideas:

1. Come to class when you can - Don’t beat yourself up when you can’t:
* Beating yourself up will make you associate attending class with a chore. Not good. But give yourself kudos when you can come to class!
* Think about creative ways to make it happen – work it out with your employer to come into work earlier, so you can leave a little earlier (and catch a class you love – most likely mine.) One of my students gave up the latte she bought every work day at almost $20/week so she could spend it on yoga classes. Some studios also have work-study opportunities… just some ideas.
* Rushing to a class does not help you enjoy the class - if you do, take a moment outside the studio door to take 3 deep breathes before entering.

2. Private lessons – Know thyself:
* You can schedule them when it’s convenient for you and do them in your own home. Invite a few friends or include family, and you can lower the cost of a one-on-one private lesson.
* You get instruction that is tailored to suit your physical/meditative needs, and goals if you choose to set some.
* For beginners, who are often shy about taking a class, you get to learn the basics, you may feel freer to ask questions, AND the instructor can really focus on you and any difficulty you have with a pose.

3. Some is better than none – Home/work practice:
* Don’t feel like you have to do the full hour/hour and a half! Ten minutes after you wake up can make a world of difference. Do 3 sun salutations, or pick 5 of your favorite poses and do them. You won’t regret it.
* At work in the middle of your day, stand up, place your hands on the desktop, step your feet back and do a variation of down-dog. Close your door and do Warrior II if you need some courage, or tree pose if you feel off-balance. Breathe!
* Keep a yoga mat in your car trunk. Keep a yoga mat or blanket rolled out at home. Some people create a little space for doing yoga in the house – for others, they go outside to the beach, a patch of grass, their patio etc.

Of COURSE I’d love it if you attended 3 (of my) classes per week – I’m trying to make a living doing this! But that’s just not practical for everyone. My overall advice about doing it every day, at home, at work…it’s possible! Doing a little bit of yoga each day will get it “in” your body. Your body will start to crave it, and you’ll find that you are turning 10 minutes into 20, 5 poses into 10, and you’ll notice the difference in your poses when you do come to class, but also in your body and your mind...that’s for sure.

So, feel free to post comments on ways YOU have been able to incorporate more yoga into your life. It just might give someone else a great idea!

Peace out,
April

April and the magic beads

2008-03-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

Last week was a particularly strange one for me. One day was completely wonderful, and the next I felt just awful. It was a roller coaster of nervous energy and self-doubt, and no matter how I tried to breathe through it all, it was hard to hang on for the ride. I realized, however, that the turbulence came from the difference between my expectations and my actual experiences. And here’s what I mean:

I had been looking forward to attending a particular yoga class. I’ve been courting the idea of taking another teacher training, and have been taking classes with teachers I think I would like to learn more from. So not only was I looking forward to taking a class, I was hoping to find some sign that this instructor could really be “my teacher.”

Instead, when I got to class, I found that it was her birthday, and she was splitting the class into three half-hours of different activities that involved body movement.

It was different, it was new, and I was thrown.

I had expected a yoga class. I tried to calm myself thinking, “Come on, April. Calm down, and just be open to something new. Maybe this is what you need – to learn to be flexible and playful and in the moment.” So on the class went.

We twirled toys, danced wildly, and made noises not commonly heard in a yoga class. I found myself jiggling and hopping around, and did feel a little bit like a kid. We ended with a series of salutations in a circle spreading out like a wheel that felt very unifying. But then as we began our Savasana, the instructor mentioned she had brought a prayer bead on a necklace for everyone and that as we were lulled by the musicians singing kirtan, she would go around and hand them out.

I could feel my heart beating faster, and felt my jaw unable to relax. I was suddenly anxious.

The school child in me kept praying, “Pick me! Pick me!” And I became overwhelmingly desirous of the special bead, from this special instructor, who I hoped would be “my teacher.” As I realized how much I wanted the bead, I felt very sad. Savasana seemed to last FOREVER, and I could feel its weight on my chest. I actually began to cry silently, hoping my tears would blend with the beads of sweat running down my face. I was embarrassed by my emotion.

Time ticked itself away in the rhythms of the kirtan, and vibrated through my skull. I lay there, beadless.

I felt motion around me. Then I realized everyone was getting up and the class was over. I looked around, watching people hug and tie their necklaces around themselves. I think I was one of a few people that did not get one, although the instructor still had some in her hand as she said goodbye to those students familiar to her.

I don’t think I didn’t get a bead because she did not know me, or for any particular reason. Who knows, maybe she didn’t want to disturb my meditation.

All I do know is that I did not feel comfortable asking her for a bead. So I went to my car and cried like a baby, feeling absolutely juvenile. It occurred to me, “maybe she is not ‘my teacher.’”

I’m not sure if I was so saddened because I wanted her to be my teacher, or because I did not feel comfortable asking for what I wanted. And what was it that I wanted, specifically? To find my teacher? To be chosen? To feel special?

Well, that day ended. And the next began.

I took a wonderful yoga class from another teacher, whom I adore and feel very much mentored by, and actually had a wonderful conversation with her about my “bead” experience. Talking to her about it made me feel absolutely lighter. I revealed that she might be my teacher, even if she’s not so sure herself…

I then left to teach my class at the YMCA which was packed, and just filled with people that had such great, positive, and electrifying energy. I had so much fun teaching, and felt just full of happiness as I left.

When I made it to dinner with my husband and my Abba (one of my fathers-in-law) I was so excited to tell them about it. But before I could begin, my Abba pulled out a small, plain box, and said he found something at a store that he thought I would like and seemed to suit me. “How sweet! An unexpected little gift,” I blabbed.

I opened the box to find an entire necklace of Mala beads.

I kid you not, the full Hindu rosary of 108 prayer beads was staring up at me from its humble little package. He had no idea just how special this gift was to me…

I guess what I took from this is that although we think we want certain things, the things we need often come at a time or place or from a person we least expect.

So, my question to you, my faithful readers, is this: What lesson do you think the universe was trying to send me? Post your comments if you feel so moved...

Peace, and I wish you all wonderful things in unexpected moments!
-April KirkHart

Web site Launch for GODA Yoga!

2008-02-26T10:27:00.001-08:00

I thank the powers that be every day for the opportunity to teach yoga. And the studios that I have the privilege to teach at are such special places to me, and of course to my students, that I do love to boast about them when I can, and as often as I can.

This is why I am so excited to let you all know that if you haven't already checked out the websites of the studios I teach at, now would be a good time! GODA Yoga has just remodeled it's website and it is just beautiful. Take a gander at the workshops page, the instructor's page, where you will find moi, and everything else it has to offer. I am so proud to be a part of this lovely studio/community!

You can visit their website at: www.godayoga.com

Stay tuned for more posts to come. In the meantime, my weekly schedule is as follows:

GODA Yoga
Sundays 12:45 - 2:15pm - Beginner level class

Your Neighborhood Studio
Mon, Fri, Sundays 9:00 - 10:30 - Yoga Flow (more vigorous)

YMCA Santa Monica
Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:25pm - Level 2/3 Flow class

TWO Sunday classes, and a shout to my YMCA students...

2008-01-29T23:52:00.001-08:00

To all of my readers who've lamented the fact that I was teaching during the week and inconveniently during your work hours... I am now teaching 2 classes on Sundays at 2 different studios! So many options, I know, your heads might explode. No really. Check it out:

Sunday Schedule:
Sunday 9:00 - 10:30 am - Your Neighborhood Studio - Yoga Flow
Sunday 12:45 - 2:15 pm - GODA Yoga - Beginner Hatha Mix

*For those of you without your yoga decoder ring - Yoga Flow is a more aerobically focused practice of yoga in the "ashtanga" or "power yoga" tradition. All levels are welcome that are prepared to sweat some. "Hatha Mix" generally has a bit of a slower pace, longer holds, so strength building and deep stretches, and you'll be surprised that sometimes holding a pose can create heat as much as moving into another pose... But this is a more beginner focused class, so those of you trying to ease back into it for the new year, this class may be for you!

Intro to Yoga Workshop: Also note, that I am teaching this workshop at GODA Yoga this Sunday, Feb. 2nd from 2:30-4:30pm. I'll be going over a brief history of yoga, talk a bit about the philosophy, and what to expect in a yoga class. Then I will lead us through a very beginner level class. If you've never done yoga before, or know someone who wants to try it, PLEASE check this class out. You get another class with this registration.

For my YMCA students:
I forgot to tell you last week that although I will be at the YMCA tomorrow during my class time, I won't be teaching your yoga class. I am required each year to take a Safety training by the Y, and a separate CPR certification class. You will have a sub tomorrow, Weds January 30th, whom I thank dearly for covering my class. I promise to see you the following week!

Keep your eyes peeled for new posts to come!

Sincerely,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com
(310) 559-2570
workofheartyoga@gmail.com

Let's not dance around it...the Yoga Fart.

2008-01-24T11:15:00.000-08:00

There, I said it.

What would possess me to write about such a topic on my wonderfully designed website/blog? Aren't I afraid of scaring off the more easily offended and reserved subscribers that may be tuning in?

The answer my dears, is No. I fear not offending ye, and shall tell ye why.

It's real. It is not a myth. The Yoga Fart. It's out there, like school yard humiliation waiting for the perfect moment to pounce, unexpectedly, rumbling up from the depths of who knows where, in the middle of a perfectly zen-like yoga class.

Picture it: there you are, in your yoga clothes, be they snug or be they loose, with your own special 6 ft by 2.5 ft sticky mat claim of space. You are deeply into your breathing, mastering the focus of the mind, hands pressing into the floor, hips lifted for downward facing dog, and as you exhale and tilt your tailbone up, the alarms sound...an escapee. "Brrrrrrrrup!" There was nothing you could do, no warning, no little cramp of gas to alert you, that one was about to let fly.

Or picture THIS: you are having a terrific class, you feel like you are in the yoga meditative zone, you even popped up into headstand without putting a hole in the studio wall for the first time. As you drop down and come into child's pose, the instructor comes over and he/she presses on your low back to help your hips drop. As you inhale deeply, as instructed, the belly balloons with air, an right then and there with the instructor hovering only a foot or two over you, *POW!*

Here's the deal.

Exercising in general tends to stir things up. Anyone who has ever exercised can attest to this. Whether it's swimming (much harder to hide the bubbles), running, sit-ups at the gym or in gym class in school, lifting weights, aerobics, dance, martial arts, or yoga.

The interesting thing is that asana practice - the physical practice of yoga - includes poses, such as pavanamuktasana or virasana, and movements, such as cat-cow stretch, that are actually designed to aid digestion, to help align sphincters and "massage" internal organs to work toxins out of the body's system. So, next time you eek one out, just think of it this way: it's a sign that the yoga is working! It's doin' its thing! And it's a sign that maybe some of the other things people say yoga can do for you might also be true (*mumbles and whispers ripple through the crowd, heads nodding...)

"But, April! That's EMBARRASSING in a class full of people!" Ok, ok. Before you get all red in the face... This should A) NOT deter you from doing yoga, especially my classes, and B) there are things you can do to deal with it.

If the escapee comes from your own temple/body:
1. Ignore it, and keep the mind focused. It's a natural thing, everyone's passed gas before. There may be one or two people in the class that are developmentally stuck at the age of 13 who won't be able to let it go, but most folks can sympathize and will forget it by the next pose.

2. Giggle and then sigh it out. Sighing is the ultimate sign of letting go, and if you feel the need to acknowledge it was you, go for the giggle. The sigh let's others know you have moved on and so should they.

3. Cough. It's the age-old trick, which fools no one, but is the socially-acceptable cover-up. Others will respect that you did the right thing by attempting to sweep it under the carpet/mat, if-you-will.

4. Say "excuse me." But that goes beyond all bravery. That's out and out claiming it. Choose this one wisely, however, because the social apology may actually draw others' attention to it when they'd already moved on, and it may disrupt others who are using their asana practice as a moving meditation.

If the escapee comes from a neighboring temple/body:
1. Ignore it. See number 1 above, unless you are actually 13, then move on to number 2.

2. Don't look around to see who turns red. Your focus should be on you, but granted, we are all human, and considering most Americans are raised on bathroom humor, it's human to giggle a little. But it's also human to try to be compassionate by not embarrassing or shaming someone else.

3. Say "excuse me," and take the fall for a fellow yogi! It's what you've been practicing Warrior II for anyways, right? You would go down in the books as a yoga hero, and create a little nook of good karma for yourself!

If you are a teacher and let one fly or one of your students lets one fly:
1. Talk over it. Works every time. It helps to calm the class giggles, and refocus their attention on the movements, the breathe, etc.

2. Take the fall. Saying "excuse me," will draw the attention back to you, even if folks know you didn't do it. And, taking the fall gives you the opportunity to explain that it happens sometimes, probably means the yoga is doing what it's supposed to do, that it's natural and to move on. An added benefit is that your students may see you are willing to go the extra mile for them. Being a teacher is often about creating a safe space for people to practice their yoga.

***The ONLY caveat here, is if this is not a little escapee, but an earth-rumbling, window-shattering, tyrant of a fart. In this case, a few things come to mind.

Sometimes, uncontrollable laughter strikes as unexpectedly as does gas. Sometimes you just gotta' roll with it, whether you are the farter or the witness to the fart. Try not to laugh maliciously, and try not to feel humiliated if others burst into giggles - they, too, are human.

Although I will reiterate, it is natural and happens sometimes, there are also some ways to avoid or decrease the arise of the Yoga Fart:
1. Try not eating or drinking for about 2 hours before doing yoga. This also lessens the chances of feeling a little heart-burn, and burping. If you have low-blood sugar, you can try some fruit juice or light fare (usually not protein) an hour or so before class.

2. Identify foods that give you more gas, and try not to eat those the day of your yoga class.

3. Make a trip to the bathroom before taking a class. Emptying out sometimes helps the mind be clear and ready to focus and can improve your yoga experience altogether.

*A note about your health: If you are constantly passing gas - you may want to look at your diet, particularly if you are experiencing physical discomfort. I am not versed on how much gas is normal to pass, but if it is causing you pain, or embarrassment, you might want to talk it over with your health care provider to see if anything is going on with your digestive tract.

Now, I pose it to you, my yoga readers: Do you think that Yoga is more "farty" than other physical practices? Do you have any particular stories you would like to offer up about one of your own "escapees" or how folks can deal with it should the issue arise? I welcome all comments, stories, anecdotes, research, etc. I would love to hear them. You can comment here on the blog, or email them to me at: workofheartyoga@gmail.com.

Now go, be free of your fears of the Yoga Fart. It won't destroy you. I promise. Not in my classes.

Namaste,

April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com
(310) 559-2570
workofheartyoga@gmail.com

Sunday Jan 20th - Free Open House!

2008-01-15T10:34:00.000-08:00

Two major things are happening THIS Sunday, January 20th - and private and group lessons:

1. Free Open House at Your Neighborhood Studio - all classes that day are FREE, but reservations are required. I am teaching a FREE hour-long yoga class from 10:00-11:00am that day, so all of you who can't make my weekday classes, now's your chance! Call (310)876-3498 to reserve a spot. If you are interested in the other dance or fitness classes and want a free sampler, check out the Open House Schedule at: http://www.yourneighborhoodstudio.com/Events.html - and don't miss this opportunity to check out some classes for FREE!!! Did I mention the whole day is FREE?! I may try the Booiaka class...

2. I start my Sunday afternoon class at GODA Yoga, 12:45-2:15pm starting THIS Sunday, January 20th! From now on, every Sunday afternoon, I will be teaching a beginner class from 12:45pm - 2:15pm in one of the sweetest Yoga studios around - GODA Yoga. Even intermediate yogis will find ways to challenge themselves in this class. And if you haven't done yoga before, or you haven't done yoga for a while, and are committed to a New Year's resolution to get back into it, this is the class for you! So come try Sunday afternoon yoga and go out to lunch after!

3. Private and Group lessons. WHOA, April! A third thing? Well, this is a reminder that if you have trouble making it to any of my studio scheduled classes, I am also available to teach small group classes or private lessons. I can teach at your home or a location you arrange. So, if my studio schedule doesn't work for you, grab a few yogi friends and I'll tailor a class for your group at a time that works for you! Call me at (310) 559-2570 or email me at: workofheartyoga@gmail.com to set it up!

Cheers and hope to see you on the mat!
-April KirkHart

A New Year brings New Classes!

2008-01-03T21:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2008! Before I get into the New Year's resolutions... some class announcements:

January class Schedule:
I know, I sort of fell off the blog wagon while the holidays were in effect...but I had parents to host, ricotta cookies to bake, and pasta sauce to worry over - can you blame me? The good news is that my dad took every single yoga class of mine while he was here and actually said it helped his low back! The even better news is that with the New Year comes new classes, which might enable my Mon-Fri 9-5 working friends the chance to come yoga with me - so check out my schedule for the month of January:

**THIS SUNDAY, January 6th - 1:30 - 3:30 pm Special Intro to Yoga, GODA Yoga, Culver City - $35 Registration recommended, includes one free class, covers basic poses, simplified yoga philosophy and breathing and meditation techniques.

Monday - 9-10:25am Your Neighborhood Studio (all levels), Culver City
Tuesdays - 5:30-6:55pm GODA Yoga (beginner and prenatal), Culver City
Wednesdays - 6:00- 7:15pm YMCA (level 2-3 class), Santa Monica
Thursdays - 5:30-6:55pm GODA Yoga (beginner), Culver City
Fridays *2 CLASSES!!!!
9-10:25 am Your Neighborhood Studio (all levels), Culver City
4:30-6pm GODA (beginner/prenatal), Culver City

**STARTING Sunday, January 20th:
Sundays - 12:45pm - 2:15pm GODA Yoga
Now, on to the New Year's resolutions:
It's that time of year when many have celebrated or reflected on the past, and then look to the future. Many go so far as to make New Year's resolutions. However, those resolutions can quickly turn into a list of "have to's" or at least it feels that way on January 2nd as you run full speed on the treadmill, wondering if you're going as fast as the guy next to you, getting flogged by your new ipod cord, as punishment for holiday eating or for the last 6 months of falling off the gym wagon...

And although Yoga is not so much in the form of competitiveness, many yogis still compete with themselves come the New Year. While I never want to dissuade anyone from setting goals for themselves, I think it's important to look at resolutions and come at them in a compassionate way. And I think I have a few tips that might help:

110% vs. 90% vs. 50% - They all have their place.
If you've told yourself that you want yoga to be a bigger part of your life, by all means, taking a class is a great motivator. However, just like that first time back at the gym, lifting weights or going for a run - you may be tempted to "go all out," which generally ends up making you feel so sore you can't bare to go back for another week. So before you hurl your body into full Kapotasana, play with finding the difference between going 110% and going 90%. Or, if you're getting over colds or the flu or just the influx of relatives and holiday rush, know when you need to practice more restoratively - going 45%, using props to help you open in a pose for instance.

Home Practice: give yourself 10 minutes and patience.
For various reasons, time, money, work, family, etc., it is often hard for people to get to more than one or two studio classes per week. However, building a home practice is challenging. As a result, many people only squeeze in that one session every week. This doesn't meant that they won't get anything from it, but it can lead to frustration for students who want to "progress" in certain poses, meaning they want to build greater strength or flexibility, or try some advanced poses. It's the same as if you only lifted weights once a week at the gym and went 100%, you'd be sore after each session and probably wouldn't move up to lifting heavier weights for a long time if ever. No, that doesn't mean you should forget it, that it's not worth it. It means that a home practice is important AND it should be something fun.

The beauty of yoga is that you can do it anywhere, anytime, and classes are meant to help give you the tools to build your home practice!

PULEEEEEZE don't start beating yourself up if you don't launch into a full 1.5 hour yoga session at home 4 days a week. This is a LIFESTYLE change and takes patience, compassion and above all, some chutzpah. Unless you are an extremely disciplined person, finding 1.5 hours 5 days a week can be really hard. If you can, more power to you. If you can't, don't berate yourself, or force yourself into a session - associating yoga with that kind of negativity is likely to become a big ugly snowball of dirty snow. I know from experience. It took me 4 years of taking one class a week (if I was lucky) and being frustrated a lot before I started a home practice, and it is still one of the things that challenges me most in yoga. There, I've said it.

Instead of getting worked into a tizzy - try setting aside an extra ten minutes somewhere in your day that you roll out your mat. Maybe you set your alarm 10 minutes earlier, or maybe you shut your door at work for 10 minutes, or maybe you take ten minutes after you run outside, or when you get home to find a quiet spot, and roll out your mat or a towel. And then it's up to you - your mat is your oyster... ok that sounds weird, but you get the idea.

Pick 2-5 poses you want to do. Don't worry about their names, your body remembers them. Don't worry about their order. Or maybe even just sit on your mat. Be proud that you've thought to roll it out. Over time, you'll find that 10 minutes may lead to 20, which may lead to 40. You'll find that throughout your day, your body will crave a stretch or two... so stretch! And even if you NEVER find a full 1.5 hours to do yoga, who cares? It's your Yoga. Do whatever poses you want for however long you want!

If you want an example sequence to get you started on a home practice try this:

Roll out mat, shut door, turn off cell phone
Sit in sukhasana and breathe
Then bring hands forward on the floor, uncross feet behind you into table top
Curl toes under, press back to adho mukha svanasana (down dog)
Lower slowly to plank
Lower until your belly is on the floor and try a lower bujangasana (cobra)
Press back to balasana (child's pose)

Then you can go backwards through the poses or start over. Hold each pose as feels right for you in that moment. Repeat only as many times as you want or you feel time allows. And for cryin' in the night - have some fun!

In the meantime, I hope your New Year is off to a good start, and I wish you all health and happiness for 2008. Hope to see you on the mat!

Deep thoughts vs. Chili - a Yogi's holiday dilemma

2007-12-20T18:33:00.000-08:00

A quick Yoga Schedule Announcement:
*Class THIS Sunday the 23rd, 9-10:30am at Your Neighborhood Studio.

Now, on to our regularly scheduled program…

Don’t worry, I have other ideas for “deep thought” posts in the near future…but in the spirit of simplifying things during the holidays, and considering I still have to clean my kitchen, vacuum and pick up my parents at the airport, I thought I’d post something a little less cerebral. Since I’ve had five separate requests for my Chili recipe since Casey’s birthday party, I’ve decided to oblige. Without further ado, here it is…and the quick story that goes with it…

The funny part is, all the folks that requested it are meat-eaters and did not REALIZE it was a vegetarian recipe (suckers.) The meatless ground round fooled them – one person said it was one of the best beef chili’s he’d had. Not to toot my own horn or anything.

To give credit where credit is due - I’ve modified three recipes: My mother’s, my mother-in-law, Marilyn’s and my cooking bible, the Joy of Cooking circa 1997. The curry powder is my own thing, and roasting it with the cumin and chili powder before adding oil is something my dad taught me. For some, reason roasting certain spices while dry wakes them and adds a smoky flavor. You’ll notice the bell peppers and carrots are mysteriously absent in my version – I don’t DO bell peppers – particularly the green ones. And I’ve always felt carrots seem unnatural in chili, a little out of place if you will. Call me crazy.

So this is how it happened.

This year, for my husband’s birthday, we decided to throw a party. As the invite list began to grow, I started to panic about having enough food for everyone (as a good Italian always does.) When I realized that roughly 30 people would be attending, the idea of a quaint sit-down dinner of some elegant fish quickly vanished and I knew I needed a plan. And what do I do when I am panicking and need a plan? Again, what every good Italian does…

I brought out the big guns. I called my mother.

The phone was ringing, my mind was speeding, please let her be there, please let her be there, please let her be there… my new mantra.

“MOM.” I screamed into the phone before she could say hello.
“April? What’s wrong?!”
“The invite list is now at 30!”
“…Well, I guess that means you’re not cooking fish for everyone.”
“Oh shit.”
“Exactly… Well, that’s ok…” She thought for a moment. “Just make chili,” she let it roll off her tongue casually, as if to imply the situation required a smooth and calculated strategy, and that she was, of course, the master.

“Oh, Chili,” I thought, bewildered at her steady composure in the face of what I was sure was impending doom. “That sounds great.” “Yeah honey just make a big giant pot of chili, have some corn bread and chips and salsa, and viola! You’re done!”

Genius, I thought. So that’s exactly what I did. And here it is.

Enjoy, and I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. See you on the mat!

Casey's Birthday Chili

Ingredients
T ground cumin (not seeds)
T chili powder
½ T curry powder
1 tsp oregano
3T extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic chopped fine
1-3 jalapeno peppers chopped fine (with seeds is more spicy)
1-2 onions chopped
2 medium zucchini chopped
1 yellow squash chopped
2 15 oz. cans black beans (drained a little)
2 15 oz cans pinto or cannellini beans (drained a little)
1 15 oz can creamed corn
1 15 oz can sweet corn
1 package of meatless ground round (experiment with different kinds, any kind you would use in a taco)
1 28 oz can of stewed tomatoes (Muir Glen is the brand – love their salsa too!)
Splash of white vinegar
Kosher salt (to taste)
Lots of fresh ground pepper
Tabasco sauce (1-2 T or more if you like it spicy.)
*For a wetter version – use more tomatoes or add a bit of water! For a thicker version, or more tomato flavor, add a T or 2 of tomato paste.

Instructions
Get Large pasta or Soup pot. Place over medium to medium-high heat. Heat pot well. Toss in the cumin, curry and chili powder for about a minute, until spices start to smoke.
Pour in the olive oil and heat for 20 seconds to cook the spices a little more.
Toss in onions and jalapeno(s), sprinkle with ½ T of salt to “sweat.” 3-4 min.
Add garlic for 2 more minutes. Careful not to burn, or it will get bitter.
Add zucchini and squash and cook for 5 minutes.
Toss in meatless ground and just heat through. Stir frequently to keep from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add beans and corn (stir all and heat for a few minutes.)
Add tomatoes and oregano and splash of vinegar.
Let come to a simmer. Stir and taste.
Add fresh ground pepper and Tabasco to spice it up as needed.
On low heat or simmer, cook for about 45 minutes.

*You can cook it in the morning or the day before a party and then refrigerate. To do so, let it cool significantly before putting in the fridge. To re-heat, put it back on the stove and heat it on low until hot again. Serve in bowls with corn-bread!

It is what it is...the human Yogi

2007-12-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

I was going to find something funny and witty to write about for my first blog posting. Something to break the ice that would encourage a swift trail of emails from my contacts to their contacts and friends forwarding my blog address (www.workofheartyoga.com) because it was just too hilarious to keep to them selves. I even toyed with the idea of writing a piece about the elusive topic of "the yoga fart." (Don't be surprised if it actually pops up again...the posting, not the actual...well, you get the point.)

But a few nights ago something important happened.

I was making dinner with my husband, Casey, and told him I was struggling with deciding on my next yoga teacher training. Although I'm already trained and certified, it's important to get refreshers. But finding the right teacher to train under is really hard. They are not just teaching you how to do poses, they are teaching you about the health benefits of yoga, how to adjust students safely, anatomy, and equally important, about ethics, how to study one's own mind and body, and how to look more deeply into one's own life. So you don't just take a training from any old Joe-Shmoe!

I turned to Casey and somewhat absentmindedly remarked, "Sometimes it's like I'm looking for a mentor that doesn't exist." We both paused with the weight of this realization, sad and expanding.

But, later in the evening I came across a book I still haven't read cover to cover. Uncharacteristically, I flipped straight to the end...

Rodney Yee wrote the final chapter to his book, "Yoga, The Poetry of the Body," which is largely about his own experience of yoga, and written in a conversational style with his co-author, Nina Zolotow (2002). When she asked him to write something to "wrap-up the book," he was frustrated with the idea of summing up his experience in a neat little bow. Instead, he chose to call the chapter, "Unwrapping."

In it, he says, "if there's one thing I've learned in all these years of yoga, it's that when you inquire deeply into anything, you're basically left with a bunch of confusion and conflicting answers. And I don't necessarily think that's ever going to clear up." He goes on to say that during his practice and throughout his daily life, it's not all just focused, pure thoughts, meditation and bliss...he too is filled with questions, have to's, family, kids, and occasionally self-doubt. He goes on, "And for me, yoga simply means continuing to be with what is and allowing that to be a crazy, chaotic mess..." He explains that even after decades of yoga practice he still has desires, some healthful and some not. And that meditation does not automatically lead to the end of all frustrations, suffering, and mistakes.

He reminds us that we spend so much of our time wishing for something other than what is, rather than choosing how to respond to what is: "God I wish my hips were smaller," "Geez I wish my injury would heal already," "I wish I weren't in this damn traffic jam," or "I really wish I had the new iPhone for Christmas..." He reminds us that even when we alleviate one desire, others are sure to follow. In other words, we are human. That because we are living, there will be things to suffer in the future, just as there will be great joy.

This may sound like we should just accept our suffering which, as a social worker and community organizer who has spent over a decade working on social justice, does not sit well with me. However, thinking more about it, I don't think he means people should just accept their own or other's suffering, but that we should be aware that suffering exists: death, loss, wants that we can't always fulfill, mistakes, worries, etc. And I do not believe the acceptance that suffering exists is the same thing as rolling over and passively allowing one's suffering to continue.

I believe that suffering is to be explored and great healing can come from that exploration. What parts of my suffering originate internally, and which are externally imposed? What is within my power to change? How do I want it to change? What will happen if I can't change it, or if I can?

There is great liberation in knowing that we have choices in how we deal with suffering. And because we are human, we will inevitably falter and make a mess of it sometimes. And that's o.k. too, because we will have other opportunities in the future to do it differently.

My point? Well, my point is to say "KUDOS!" to Rodney Yee for allowing his readers to see that he too is human, and catches himself going over his daily "to-do" list while meditating. And for reminding us that yoga not only builds tight abs, and limber joints, but that it can help us be more aware of our human condition.

So maybe my mentor does exist. Maybe it's Rodney, maybe not, maybe I learn from my students as much as I do from my teachers. Maybe my mentor is deep within me and I just have to learn to listen more closely. I like that idea. And I would love to hear what you all think about Rodney's thoughts, or mine.

FOR YOUR PRACTICE:
For those that would like to take some of this "being with what is," stuff and mix it into your yoga practice, try these poses:

1) Virabadrasana II (Warrior II): Standing, feet spread wide apart (3-4 feet), turn the right foot out 90 degrees, turn the left toes in 45 degrees. Ground through your legs by engaging the thigh muscles. Raise the arms shoulder-height and look over your right fingers. Inhale standing tall. As you exhale, bend the right knee, keeping the back leg straight and strong, and torso upright. Make sure the right knee does not come forward of the ankle, and points over the middle toes. Keep breathing as you hold the pose. How long you choose to hold the pose it up to you. Try the pose on both sides. (*For women who are pregnant or those who feel unstable in the pose, slide a chair under the bent leg, but still engage the thigh muscles.)

2) Utkatasana (Chair Pose): Standing with your feet close together, Inhale and raise the arms up to the ceiling. As you exhale, swan-dive forward, bending at the hips and bend the knees so the fingers touch the floor. Keeping the knees bent and above the ankles, drop your hips a few inches, as you inhale next, raise your torso off your thighs and your arms up. The shoulders are down, away from the ears. You should feel this in your thighs, glutes, hips and shoulders. To come out of the pose, on the inhale, use strong thighs to straighten the knees and push up through standing, then relax the arms down at your sides.

3) Vrkrasana (Tree Pose): Standing with feet close together, root down through the legs. Shift the weight to your left leg, and bring the right foot to the inside of the left ankle, right knee pointed out to the right. (If you'd like you can slide the foot up to the calf or above the knee on the thigh or in the crux of the groin. Just keep the right knee pointed to the right.) Push the left foot firmly against the floor to lift out of the left hip and stand tall. Now raise your arms above your head palms facing towards each other or open the arms with the palms facing up. If you can, try looking up.

*In all three poses: Try to focus your attention on whichever muscles you feel working. Hold the pose just to the point that you naturally want to come out of it. Then notice you have a choice: you can stay for a bit longer, see what that feels like, or you can back off slightly and stay there for a few more breathes, or you can come out of the pose entirely. Think about your choice, are you coming out of it because you are bored or feeling lazy? Or are you staying in it to punish yourself or because you think you are weak if you don't? In #3, Vrkrasana, if you fall out of the balancing pose, do you get mad or frustrated with yourself or can you giggle? Notice any thoughts or judgments that may pop up, and try to just observe them. Just take a breathe when you notice them, and then choose how you would like to respond.

Welcome!

2007-12-06T12:41:00.000-08:00

My Yoga website unveiling!
The time for my Yoga site unveiling has arrived! How did I ever come up with the name - Work of Heart? No, I did not meditate until I levitated, or channel the name through my 7 chakras (although I welcome THAT experience)... I simply asked for some help from my favorite people. And to all of you who contributed your ideas, I was touched by the way you described my teaching style. You gave me the context to identify the winning name, which came from my former intern-turned life-long friend, Jessie. Jessie, thank you for your creative genius and generous spirit. The name says so much about how I feel about, practice and teach yoga. I hope you will find meaning in it too...

Regarding New Classes: Keep checking my website for schedule updates...better yet, subscribe to my posts at the right, and my updates will be conveniently emailed straight to you!