Why Yoga Teacher Training? May 21, 2012

Shortly after getting into yoga, I had a moment in class in which I realized, “I want to do this for the rest of my life.” And after a professional setback last week, I realized I should do this for the rest of my life. I absolutely love it, and though it seems impossible right now, I want to teach yoga and share the life-changing experiences with those who haven’t yet been exposed and those who have already embraced the practice. Below is part of the teacher training application, which, on top of $3,000 or so, is a required component of the program. To donate to my cause, click here. Enjoy!

Why do you practice yoga? Practicing yoga makes me a better person and forces me to get outside my comfort zone. I love the sense of calm that washes over me when I step onto my mat; it’s a feeling I am better able to harness when life gets tough, thanks to the practice. Yoga has benefited my life in so many ways it’s impossible to define each, but I’ll list a few. I’ve never been so physically strong and flexible. I treat myself better because I’m much more in tune with my body. It helps me access emotional trauma and inner conflicts that were buried. And my practice inspires others close to me to look within. I love the people, the practice and the practice that happens “off the mat” so to speak. I’ve never been happier.

What do you hope to achieve from Zuda Teacher Training? I want to be able to confidently lead a group of yogis through an intense, yet fun and peaceful vinyasa flow class. I also want to learn more about helping others deepen poses, the anatomy and massage techniques. I also want to learn more about the guiding philosophies that make the practice so life-changing. In essence, I want to learn everything I can so I can turn around and help others become better people, while continuing to grow myself.

What makes a good yoga teacher? A good yoga teacher gives you the space to push further or to take rest. Every teacher at Zuda has an amazing way of pushing you to your limit, without coming off as pushy. A good teacher explains the muscles being used in certain poses, offers modifications and talks you through the leg-shaking, heart-racing moments. A good teacher also tries to make everyone feel comfortable, either through their soothing voice, quirky comments or overall presence. A good teacher also leads by example, practices regularly and leads a relatively healthy life. They inspire you to be better.

What do you find the most challenging part of yoga? Staying on my mat. What I mean is not comparing myself to others, not being envious of another yogi who can do a head or handstand or get into bird of paradise. More recently I’m sometimes able to shut my eyes, focus on my breath and take child’s pose when needed. But these baby steps to make my practice truly mine took more than a year to realize. I also find it hard to stay focused and to not let my thoughts wander during yin poses. I’m getting better at noticing when this happens and am more conscious of my own envy and insecurities.

What is the easiest part of yoga for you? Showing up. Ever since I started my 10 for 10 at Zuda, I naturally found myself returning, as if it were just another part of my day that made it brighter.

How do you describe an empowered person? An empowered person is humble yet confident, strong but soft, compassionate, empathetic, strong-willed but able to bend, open to change, yearning to grow and learn, and free of worldly desires such as wealth, status and approval. An empowered person is honest to all, takes on responsibilities she can honor, works hard, doesn’t take advantage of people or situations, listens before speaking, does what she wants despite others’ judgement and social norms, takes time for herself to recharge, is patient, conscientious and connected to herself so she can better connect with others.

Tsunami Ready: How One California County Embraced its Geology April 9, 2012

Originally published March 26, 2010, in Emergency Management

By Karen Wilkinson

Floridians prepare for hurricanes, Midwesterners prepare for tornadoes and Californians brace for earth-shaking quakes. It’s the tradeoff of living amongst beauty or for some, the middle of the country.

But one Northern California county is taking its natural disaster planning to the next level because of its geologic proclivity toward tsunamis. Del Norte County — a rural county at California’s far northwest corner with just less than 30,000 people — is testing its citizens’ response time in the event of a near-source Cascadia subduction zone earthquake, which would create a massive tsunami and potentially wipe out parts of the county known for its towering redwoods and fishing industry.

“It’s the reality of living on our coast and enjoying our area,” said Del Norte County Emergency Management Coordinator Cindy Henderson. “It’s been the talk of the town for weeks now.”

The “live-code evacuation exercise,” held Wednesday, March 24, was voluntary for residents and business owners, but brought out many schoolchildren, senior citizens and their four-legged friends from the county’s many “tsunami hazard zones” to higher ground. It was held in conjunction with two counties just to the south (Humboldt and Mendocino), but Del Norte was the only to hold a full-scale evacuation drill. Experts believe it was the largest tsunami evacuation ever held in the United States.

“This is a giant step for us — it’s the first time that it’s been done in a whole county that we know of,” Henderson said. “And the community jumped in, my goodness they jumped in.”

Community Onboard

Nearly 50 local, state and federal agencies and organizations participated, including the three Native American tribes (Yurok, Talowa and the Smith River Rancheria), local media and various public safety agencies. A public education campaign was launched three months prior to the drill, in which officials went door-to-door and told residents their risk factors. With newly updated tsunami inundation zone maps at their disposal — which were released statewide in December 2009 and highlight areas that would be underwater in a worst-case scenario — citizens were forewarned of the drill and told they would have 10 to 15 minutes to evacuate after a near-source quake hit.

“I’ve evolved into a real believer of activities that give people muscle memory of what to do in an emergency,” said Troy Nicolini, warning coordinator meteorologist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Humboldt County. “I’m not a believer in fear as a motivator — I think positive, community-based experience is powerful.”

Drill as Means for Self-Reflection

From the emergency management perspective, the drill’s end result came down to gauging community awareness and identifying weak areas of the warning system, which included sirens, TV and radio emergency broadcasts, a civil air patrol and checkpoints.

The “live code” warning was issued by the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center around 10:15 a.m. to TV and radio stations, and the county’s tsunami sirens were activated. Civil air patrols flew over the evacuation zones during this time and broadcast instructions and repeated that it was all just an “exercise.”

Officials communicated via the California Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Radio System and cell phones. An unexpected kink during the drill, however, was AT&T’s disruption of service, which affected some in the area, Henderson said. “In a real event, that’s going to happen anyway,” she said. “That’s to be expected, it was kind of helpful.”

Drill evacuees were asked to complete a survey upon reaching one of the county’s 12 checkpoints, which more than 500 did, Henderson said. Emergency management workers and related volunteers met for a debriefing the following day and gave their feedback, which focused on communication improvements.

Those results will be compiled into an action plan for next year’s drill, which will take the next step and consider what people should do for shelter and survival after evacuating.

In the meantime, dispelling fallacies is still the best way to instill public awareness. Henderson said she noticed two key factors residents need more information on — No. 1 is that people won’t hear a warning siren during a real event. “Get an NOAA radio,” she said. “It’s the personal siren for the house.” No. 2 is that when a near-source quake hits, everyone will be in self-protection mode and help for the less mobile won’t be available. “The problem is in a near-shore event, everybody will be fending for themselves,” she said. “And if anything, that should be waking people up.”

Ignorance Is Not Bliss

The county’s hotels, gas stations and other businesses displayed signage and spoke of the drill weeks before in an effort to alert tourists and others of the event. But even with all the public service announcements on the radio, newspaper articles and word-of-mouth, some still weren’t aware of the drill, Henderson said. And some people simply don’t want to face the music.

“There’s still people out there that don’t want to know and think if you talk about a disaster it will happen,” Henderson said. “And that’s sad, those are the people that will lose.”

The knowledge to save oneself can be very empowering, she said, and will hopefully spread to others, eventually blanketing the entire county. “The fact is, we live in Crescent City and we live with tsunamis,” she said, adding that it’s no different than living in Yellowstone’s bear country or in areas susceptible to wildfires.

“It’s real and it’s a threat we have to think about,” Henderson said. “We’re just trying to save lives.”

Take a Sad Song… February 25, 2012

If you’ve never cried during yoga, you’re probably doing it wrong. It had been a while, but today was an emotional practice. It began light, I was happy, beside a friend, moving and sweating, and then bam, once “Hey Jude” started playing, my heart started hurting.

It’s indescribable, a song that millions love and I can’t seem to hear without falling apart. “Hey Jude, don’t make it bad, take a sad song, and make it better.”

My dad died seven years ago, and while on his deathbed, the night before, and during his last breaths that pained me to hear, we listened to The Beatles. One of his few, simple requests. The doctors said hearing would be the last sense to go.

During the song, I felt him with me again, beside me, looking over my shoulder, pouring through my heart and eyes, telling me it was alright. To be happy, to live. To make it better. Right now, while typing these words, tears continue down my cheeks, it’s not easy to grieve. To remember without hurting. But it’s getting easier, to feel the message and not the memory. To take this sad song, and make it better, as they sang.

I once thought I hated The Beatles. Hated. Such a strong word. Because I couldn’t bare delve back into that place of loss, that place of why did my dad have to die, why can’t I have him as an adult. Why did my family have to change so greatly, and why can’t he see my accomplishments and growth and why can’t I share my life with him.

I used to envy how The Beatles made people happy, but had the opposite effect on me. I still struggle with these mixed emotions, the bittersweetness, but it’s getting better. In a way, I’ve unknowingly taken the “Hey Jude” message to heart, have made an otherwise bad situation into a positive one, am more able to see the light where others may only see darkness.

And I know he’d be proud, of my path toward happiness instead of “success” and of the bonds I’ve formed and memories created. I still wish he were here, still wish he could see my adult self and that we could talk about my passions. But he’s not. And there’s really nothing to do but make the best of it, to love my family that’s still here, to cherish the moments and continue growing.

It’s a journey, one that I’m thankful to be on, that’s taught me more than I could have imagined. “Hey Jude, don’t be afraid, you were made to go out and get her.” And with those words, I will go on, stronger and unafraid, knowing this is it, so make the best of it.

Open or Shut, It’s Your Choice February 23, 2012

When we open ourselves to one another, we also leave ourselves vulnerable to being hurt, to feeling rejection and judgment. But being open, allowing our hearts to connect and bond with others, is the only way to experience bliss with another soul. Everyone’s felt some type of pain at the hands of another, make no mistake, it will probably happen again. I’ve been there, time and time again, crushed and broken and falling to pieces. But closing up, putting your heart away not only keeps those connections from forming, it keeps you from truly being part of the human experience.

Writing Isn’t Easy February 22, 2012

 

Writing isn’t easy. It’s researching and knowing what the hell you’re talking about so you can inform other people in a fun, fluid fashion. It’s knowing when to bring up this point, and that one, but not before comforting the reader that you’re fully informed and gentle with said bowl of information. Writing isn’t easy, it’s not. It’s seducing the minds of many in hopes that something will be gained, that someone will take a bite and want more. It’s damn near tiring at times, and exhilarating at others, but it’s all I know, my rebound lover, cowering and commanding.

Inspiring Healthier Hearts February 15, 2012

Originally published February 10, 2012, in Caroline MacDougall’s Healthy Tips Newsletter

By Karen Wilkinson

It keeps the beat of life flowing through our veins. It doesn’t ask for much from us, but it’s essential to our every breath. It’s thought of as the “body’s engine room” and the center of our life force. It’s the super muscle that counts out every second of our lives to keep us vibrant and healthy. Yes, we’re talking about our hearts.

Sadly, the heart has become one of the most disease-ridden organs globally, particularly in the United States. Heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death nationally, though healthy lifestyle habits can reduce such unfortunate prospects. Moving away from a sedentary lifestyle fueled by a high-fat, high-sugar diet is the first step, while reducing – or altogether eliminating caffeine – further paves the way toward improved heart health.

Nevertheless, we may need some inspiration to make the changes that will bring us healthier hearts. Sometimes it comes in the form of a kick-in-the-butt reality check when health starts to fail. But let’s not wait that long. Teeccino’s mission is to provide you, our readers, with the catalysts to propel your journey toward optimal health.

Check out these testimonial stories about people’s experiences in restoring heart health. Educate yourself by reading about the effects of coffee and caffeine on high blood pressure, heart palpitations, cholesterol and stress. Discover why doing something as enjoyable as drinking a cup of Teeccino, loaded with bioavailable potassium can help improve your heart health!

Your Favorite Lady February 10, 2012

Your favorite lady has arrived

Waiting for your warm hands

Another dizzying dance

Just draw me to your timid tongue

Let me provide you pleasure

Make your mind go numb

In pink, yellow, white and blue

I come in all flavors

Don’t even try, my dear

To flirt, smile, glance or whisper

It’s no use, ya hear?

We’ve been going at this too long

It’s nothing to seduce you

You cry an ocean quietly

Knowing I’ll save you

Don’t beg me, baby

I’ll always be here

Like I was before

Don’t beg me, baby

I’ll get you high

Promise you a good time

Do as I tell you and

Take me in your hand

Finger me a while

It’s alright, I understand

Convince yourself we’re alright

Together in pain

Take a deep breath, now

And get ready to

Go under again

Swimming through your bloodstream

I feel you like no one else

And watch you drift off

To a dreamland of expectation

It is as good as it seems

So let’s cuddle

Your crumbling soul

I’ll tell you what you want

It’s alright, baby

Everything will be fine, just you wait

Keep me nearby, just wait

You can’t leave me

It’s too late, I’ve buried you inside

In your blood and now

You crave what I’ve got

You crave what you’re not

So sit back, relax

You’re locked in

To your best worst habit

And baby, I’m in it to win

Keeping it Clean With Clear Rez February 8, 2012

Originally published February 3, 2012, at ezclone.tv

By Karen Wilkinson, EZ-CLONE Enterprises, Inc.

‘He’s Just Not That Into You’ February 3, 2012

People can only mistreat you if you allow them to. It’s taken me too many years to realize this; I was recently reminded when an old lover tried to reconnect. It’s been months since we last met, and more than a year since we enjoyed each other. His habit of breaking dates and forgetting about me for weeks on end led me to believe he’s just not interested. Right? I told him as much last week. And he hasn’t responded. Thankfully and what I needed to not hear, that he’s “too busy.” And not as honest as he claims.

A Flower Fixation January 24, 2012

I find myself staring at plants, flowers and trees whenever I walk around my midtown Sacramento neighborhood. And the houses too, but more so, their foliage and bright bursts of joy. It makes a routine walk to yoga more adventurous and playful, because whenever I see something jaw dropping, I whip out my handy little iPhone and snap its image. Then upload it to the Internets using the awesome Instagram app.

If you don’t use it already, it’s the best smart phone app to take pictures, add a filter (many really bring out color) and upload it to your Facebook and/or Twitter account in moments.

Here is a collection of my most beloved pics from the last year or so. Enjoy!