So yesterday I ran the last leg of the White Rock Marathon relay race…6.2 miles!  I must say I’m very proud of myself.  I trained a bit, but not as much as I would have liked to.  Yesterday was only the 2nd time that I’ve ever ran that far and the first time was on a treadmill!  So yes, I’m very proud of myself, but I’m also proud of ALL the runners, especially the marathoners…26.2 miles.  Wow.

Running is such a mental game.  For me, it’s goes something like this:

When I take my first several strides I wonder how the hell I’m even going to make it a half of a mile.  My body is trying to find a rhythm.  My breath is too.  And my mind?  haha “Let’s do this another day.  You’ve really got a lot to do.  You don’t need to run this race.  Please stop.  Please.”.  BUT I DON’T.  I keep moving.  I bring my awareness to my breath.  Ahhh, there it is.  I’m starting to hear a rhythm.  2 inhales through the nose, 1 exhale through the mouth.  (I don’t know if this is how I’m “suppose” to breath while I’m running, but this is what I do).  I keep moving.  Then I find the rhythm in my body, and I get a good pace going (I run a 10 minute mile).  Everything is going good, but then my mind wanders in…or maybe I should say my mind wonders what the hell I’m doing!  You mean I’ve only gone a mile?  What?  Ok, back to the breath.  I’ll enjoy my scenery.  But wait, my knee is starting to hurt.  I ignore it the best I can.  I tell myself to keep running, just don’t think about it.  Don’t think about anything, or wait, maybe I should think about something to get my mind off the running.  Okay, so what I am going to buy everyone on my Christmas list?  Okay, enough of that because my toe is numb.  Yep, I can’t feel my big toe.  That’s okay, just keep running.  You can do this.  Breathe.  2 miles.  That wasn’t so bad.  I can keep going.  I’m fine.  Just breath.  Enjoy the now.  Take this moment in completely (this is where I go into my yoga training), but damn this knee and toe (this is where I go out of my yoga training).  Should I stop?  Yes, I think I should.  No, nope.  I’m fine.  I can do this.

And then, out of nowhere I realize that I’m absolutely okay.  My body is amazing.  It’s almost like my legs and arms are just moving on their own.  You get to point (for me it’s about mile 3 or so) where it’s like you don’t even realize they’re moving.  They’ve been moving in that same motion for so long now, that it just happens.  You don’t have to make your legs move, they just are.  And I can feel that my heart rate is high, but I can hold a conversation.  My breath is great if I just keep my “2-1″ rhythm going.

AND THEN, it’s all mental!  Once your body and breath have acclimated the mind is the only thing left you have to deal with!  Now this is probably where wearing ear buds and listening to music would come in and be a great help, but I, 99% of the time, don’t listen to music while I run.  I know!  Crazy, right?  I just figure I’ll be thinking my crazy thoughts while the music is playing, so why not try to not think at all.  A moving meditation.  So this is what I do.  I meditate why running (at least I try…most of the time I run while pushing my 2 kids, so if they’re not talking to me, need a snack, want my iPhone, and not fighting with each other, I’m meditating!).

I go in and out of boredom a bit too, but I know that’s just my mind playing tricks on me.  I make it 6.2 miles, and I’m feeling good.  But ya know, I don’t think I have a desire to run anymore than that.  I’m good.

I’m in awe of the marathon runners.  Not only the physical strength, but the mental strength it takes to run 26.2 miles just blows my mind!

(Now if I can just get up from this chair with my sore thighs!)

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One of the things that yoga has taught me is to be nonreactive.  I’ve learned, and am still practicing, that if my body is in an uncomfortable or stressful position that I should take a deep breath and relax into the sensation rather than freak out!  I practice developing a calm, nonreactive mind, and in doing so I feel confident, strong & peaceful.  In this confident, strong & peaceful state I realize that I can handle anything.  I realize that I have more power in letting go, than in fighting.  I realize that my yoga practice is just as much mental as it is physical.  I can do this.

Nope...not me!

I’m sure we’ve all had thoughts like this:  “Yea, you better get out of that pose, you’re going to hurt yourself”.  “How much longer are we going to hold this, I’m about to die!”.  Or, “I can’t do this any longer.  Why is this crazy ass teacher making us hold so long?  She’s not doing this pose, so she has no idea what we’re going through.  I can’t do this”.

I’ve noticed that when thoughts like this go through my head it just makes the pose so much worse.  Taking a deep breath and just allowing the sensations to be there, without judgment, opens me up to a more peaceful world.  It takes me deeper within myself and I begin to feel a sense of calmness.  When I get to this calm state, then I find this intelligence and it guides me.  That’s what tells me if I really need to come out of the pose because I may injure myself, not my mind.  My mind will make up all kinds of things!

So I’ve learned this and continually practice it on my mat, but what’s really cool is that I can take what I’ve learned on my mat and use the same principals in my normal everyday life.  When life throws me an unexpected curve ball, how am I going to react?  What am I thinking?  Am I dwelling in how awful things are (or could get)?  Do I want to bail out or hide and ignore the situation?

When that curve ball first appears my immediate reaction might be to cuss, pout, be bitter, mad, or sad, but soon (if not immediately) I remember my yoga practice.  I remember that I have more power in my peace, than in my rage.  I remember that no matter what is going on around me, my strong, positive mind will make it all better.  I remember that if I can just connect to my inner intelligence, I’ll know what to do.  I shift my perspective and look for the bright side in the situation, or if I don’t see a bright side at that particular moment, I realize that regardless everything will be okay.   Just like on my mat, my hip isn’t going to fall off…Everything will be okay.

**Hell no, that’s not me in the photo!**

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If you have a group of friends that you want to buy a gift for, your employees, or even your bridesmaids you should consider some Self Symmetry jewelry.

There were a group of good friends that were all turning 30 this year so one of the girls decided to get matching bracelets for everyone.  Great idea, huh?  Here’s a picture of what I did:

I also, just recently, made 11 of the same bracelets (in a couple different sizes) in Rose Quartz.  It was for a group of yoginis that finished their 200 hr yoga training.  Unfortunately I didn’t get a photo of these, but they were so cute.  A “Believe” charm dangled from each one.

I think this is such a great idea!  I can do them exactly the same (like I did for these 2 ladies), different but a little similar, or make each one totally unique.  So, if you’re interested in doing this please send me an email.  I can do bracelets, earrings, necklaces, etc.  And, let me know your budget and I’ll see what I can come up with.

Thanks Alison and Angela for thinking of me and giving me the opportunity to adorn you and your friends!!

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I was listening to 1310am The Ticket this morning (sorry, Honey!).  It’s sports talk with lots of guy talk mixed in.  They had a segment about men going through mid life crisis, but then the segment turned more into how they are so unhappy in their marriages.  There were tons of emails coming in about how these guys hate going home because all their wives do is bitch, yell, and complain.  I would hate to come home too if I had to come home to that, so I don’t blame them at all!

It reminded me of what a lot of my female yoga students have told me.  They’ve told me that their husbands really encourage them to come to yoga class.  Their husbands say they’re a lot more relaxed and just better after taking a class.  I can totally see why!

As women we’re expected to basically do everything, especially if you’re a working mom…that’s a lot of work!  There’s so much that goes on from the time “work” is over until the time we lay our head down at night.  Where is “me” time??

So there’s work stress and then all the stuff that needs to be done once you get home but don’t have time to do it.  You’re just happy with getting dinner on the table, kids homework done, and baths!  Not only does stuff pile up in the house, but “stuff” piles up on your shoulders, in your hips, on your back & neck, and in your head!

Stuff piling up for a little while is pretty manageable, but eventually you bust.  You bust out yelling.  You bust out bitching, you bust out your back, you bust out headaches, and possibly even bust out a heart attack.

Ladies, we need “me” time.  Seriously.  You have to make time for yourself.  If you’re not good, how can you expect to be good for your kids, your family, or anyone else that needs you?  I understand it may sound selfish, but it’s not!

I obviously think yoga is one of the best things you can do for your “me” time.  It not only gets you moving and exercising, but it is so unbelievably awesome for your head…your mind.  It’s basically a moving meditation.  It takes you away from your worries, your to do lists, your responsibilities, and your stress.  It gives your thinking mind a break, and in doing so, you’re more productive and you can creatively come up with solutions to your problems.  It may give you a different perspective and you may even realize that everything is okay.  It’s okay to not be perfect.  It’s okay to just let go and not be so uptight.  It gets you connected to your true self and makes you feel more confident.

It gets all that “stuff” out of your body and out of your mind.  At first it may just be temporary, which is great…a little relief before you go home to your kids and hubby, but the more you practice yoga the more the “stuff” stays away.

I can’t stress (no punn intended!) enough how great yoga &/or meditation is for your “me” time, but it can be anything from a pedicure, to a massage, to just taking a long, hot bath.  I know it can be hard to find time, especially if you’re a working mom, but this is a must.  I promise you…you will be more productive (mentally & physically)!

I would love to hear your feedback.  Do you currently do yoga &/or meditate and if so, how has it made you better?  Are you one of those people whose husbands (or wives) encourage you to go take a class?  What else do you do for “me” time?  Has your marriage or relationships improved once you started doing yoga?  Let’s talk!!

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Okay, so I’ve been busy making bracelets.  Not any old bracelets, but ones that mean a lot to me!  My intention in life to always feel good, and to help others feel good, so I was inspired to make “feel good” bracelets.  Besides having the wrist wrapped in healing gemstones, I’ve also added a message.  I love seeing “Be Here Now“, “Celebrate Life“, “Hope” “Strength & Courage“, etc as a reminder of how to live life.  So…I hope you love these as much as I do!  Click here to see them all!

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YOGA IN THE PARK
This Sunday, May 10th
9:30am – 10:45am
Led by Kat Rogers of Pranaa Yoga & Spa

We’ll be by the pond!

This is a FREE class & open to all levels so bring your family, friends, or anyone you want to torture!  (Only kidding!)

Old Shepard’s Place
Greenbelt @ White Rock Trail
5500 Channel Isle Dr., Plano, TX 75093

There will be NO class if it’s raining.
Feel free to call my cell if you have any questions. 214-908-3166

My new friend, Darla at Share Yoga, gave me the opportunity to be a guest writer on her site.  Share Yoga is a great site that offers all things yoga….”Once we feel the benefits of yoga in our own lives, we can help others and that is a wonderful thing. When we live within the spirit of yoga and then share it with others we have initiated a positive energetic chain of action.”  Share Yoga’s mantra is Share the Om. (I just love that!)

Yoga is the union of the mind, body & spirit.  I decided to write something on the mind and spirit side of it.  (Are you surprised?)

If I must say so myself it’s a really good article, and I hope it gives you another perspective on the current economic climate.  My intention is to help you open your eyes to a different way of looking at your life.

So, please visit Share Yoga’s website and read my article.  I would love to hear your comments (you can comment on their site or mine).  Browse around their site too, as it has a lot of great information.

Here it is:

To be Supplied With Goodness, We Must Demand It!

Thank you Darla, Share Yoga, and all of you who are reading this – Thank You

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With the help of an amazing IT guy, Ryan Meinzer, I am proud to announce the relaunch of my website.  Actually, it’s  just the shopping cart area of my site.  BUT — I do hope you’ll check it out (and Ryan…he’s fast, efficient, easy to understand (he is an IT guy afterall), and can totally hook you up if you need any help in this department.  And, he writes a really good blog too!)

Getting back to me…haha  As you can tell by the name of my company, Self Symmetry, I’m all about finding balance.  I believe that when you find balance; physically, mentally, and spiritually, that you are completely and wholly healthy!  I’m also all about feeling good.   If we can get ourselves feeling good all the time, then our lives will be free flowing and easy.  (I’m not saying that we shouldn’t experience any other emotion, but just that our dominate state should be good and positive.)

With my strong belief in finding balance and feeling good I teach yoga, make jewelry, and now this blog.  If you’re in Dallas/Plano, I would love to have you come take a class of mine.  See my schedule for details.  If you’re not in Dallas, then just go check out a class in your ‘hood.  It’s really amazing, transforming, and healing.

If you’re interested in jewelry, browse around my new shopping cart.  I hand make everything and use semi precious gemstones.  Gemstones have healing properties to them.  They are from the earth, so they hold all kinds of positive energy…making you look good and feel good!  I attach a card to each piece of jewelry describing the stones used and what they do for you energetically.  Because of this, they make awesome, thoughtful gifts (Mother’s Day coming up…hint, hint).  However, if you don’t wear much jewelry, check out BE Charmed!  Who can’t use some extra positive energy?  Side note:  Guys…I don’t have any man jewelry on my site, but I can make you something.  I’ve made several pieces for guys so just email me and we’ll come up with something really manly!

If you’re reading this, then you found my blog.  Congrats!  I would say this blog is on the spiritual side.  It’s about my attempt to live life to the fullest, and all the things that I’ve learned and am still learning.

So there you have it…my shameless self promotion.  I hope you leave my yoga class (or any yoga class) feeling good.  I hope you feel good wearing my jewelry (I know you’ll look good!), and I hope reading my blog leaves you feeling inspired, hopeful, and optimistic!

And Ryan, you rock!  I can’t thank you enough!

Balanced and feeling good – Love, Kat

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I have a lot of favorite yoga poses, but if I just had to pick one it would be Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II).  It appears fairly simple, but so much can be achieved in this pose (so much can be felt in this pose if you hold it long enough!!).

At first, it’s all about just trying to stay in the pose while your thigh and shoulders are screaming at you, but once you find proper alignment and connect with your breath, Warrior II is so peaceful.  It’s like a peaceful warrior; strong, focused, and courageous!

With practice, you begin to feel how strong the thigh is and come to appreciate it, and the shoulders are there, but you’re relaxed.  This feels good.  You keep holding.  Then maybe it’s not so good, but wait I’m thinking about my thigh.  Breathe!  Okay, feels better.

As thoughts like this go on in your head, you must remember to breathe.  It’s with the breath that this pose becomes meditative.  And, it’s the breath that allows you to relax when you’re in an uncomfortable position.  It’s the breath that allows you to just be in the pose, rather than doing the pose.

Here’s some alignment points (based on the picture above):

• The left leg is bent to a 90 degree angle.
• Weight is on the center of the left heel, and the toes relaxed (knee is stacked over the heel).
• Open the hip by taking the left knee towards the left “baby” toe.
• Lift the left hip crease off the left thigh (this will help get the spine vertical).
• Outside edge of the right foot is grounded down.
• The spine is extended upward in a vertical line.
• Arms are open out extending in both directions, feeling the arms strong and long (so to gain space in the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints).
• Shoulders are relaxed down, away from the ears.
• Gaze is out over your left hand.
• Hold & BREATHE.
• Then hit the other side!

Physically, Warrior II will increase your stamina, and strengthen your legs, ankles, and arms.  It’s great for stretching and opening your chest, shoulders, hips, and groin.  It relieves backaches, great for flat feet, and get this…infertility!  It even helps with carpal tunnel and sciatica.

Practice Warrior II often…it’s a great spiritual teacher!

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I’d love one.  Thanks for asking!

Okay, so here’s the deal.  My post today is about IBC (not to be confused with IBS or the root beer).  I’m talking about IndyBizChicks.com.  This cool company is ran by this “chick” named Crissy Herron.  She’s having a contest to give away a power publicity makeover.  (Think this is one of her publicity stunts??)

Here’s what I’m going to win:

It’s a six week session that will include:

• Define your target market – and learn how to reach them!
• Give your website an evaluation and make sure it is as profitable as it can be
• Learn how to write an awesome press release
• Build a media list, press kit, and press room
• Learn about social networking, article marketing, JV partnerships, and MORE!
• Build a marketing plan to help you rock it out in 2009!

I’m at a place in my life where I’m ready to take what I do to the next level.  My yoga journey is where it all started.  That’s how I got into all this cool spiritual stuff.  My yoga practice taught me to be present and to connect to my true self.  Once I found this place within, my life started to shift.  I became more grateful and more aware (among other things!).  I went for years not really knowing what I wanted to do with my life, but now I know and wow…it’s such a cool feeling.  It’s a relief, to say the least.  So coming from this place within me that is light, is positive, is love….I’m ready!  I believe the combination of yoga teaching, jewelry making, and spiritual blogging mom all come together beautifully through my website. Everything I do on my site (and in my life for that matter) is done with the intention of teaching and learning how to live life easy.  How to go with the flow and enjoy the ride.  And this, Crissy, is why I’m ready to rock it out in 2009!

You can enter the contest too, or just pay her

Go here – http://indiebizchicks.com/wp/power-publicity-makeover/

Thanks Crissy!  I can’t wait to work with you~

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