Namaste Yogis and Yoginis!

This year I did not perform my annual Spring Equinox ritual to prepare for spring's revitalizing energy. However, this Equinox turned out to be my most transformational one to date.

I spent most of March in North Carolina with my brother Bennett and my sister-in-law Kelly while my newborn nephew Landon fought hard for his life. Two weeks in ICU, and Bennett and Kelly faced each minute with more courage than I thought humanly possible. Not many of us can feel or understand what they experienced, but I must share that I am forever changed through witnessing their journey.

They taught me so much. Throughout this crisis, Bennett and Kelly took each day, one at a time; each hour, minute by minute; and, each minute, second by second. This helped them to remain grounded and open to possibility at every moment: never shrinking away or contracting in fear. While enduring great pain, anger and confusion they remained steadfast, present, and open. Filled with faith.

Landon passed away on spring’s arrival, March 21st. In his short life, like the beautiful blooming of spring, he brought so many gifts. He reminded me of how fast we can fall in love. How fully we can open our hearts and fall in love. That even when the heart breaks it is also expanded.

As yogis, we lay down our mats to practice this type of moment-by-moment commitment. We practice poses, meditation and breathing to learn to be both grounded and open to what ever comes our way. Aspiring to complete presence. We hope that with intention and dedication we can develop these skills so that we can draw upon them during our daily life and especially at times when we need them most. And, then comes along a challenging experience like this one; the Experience itself becomes the greatest of spiritual teachers. And like the turbulence of spring, they can completely shake things up as they transform us. With urgency, we are catapulted directly into the heart. We are reminded to generate the energy of love, compassion and understanding. To show up more fully. To use our time wisely.

So I bow to my great teachers Bennett, Kelly and Landon. That even in the midst of their deep sorrow and a healing that will take countless days, their spirit and journey offers great insight and guidance to many others.

This issue of Yogalicious is dedicated to them. And to each of us, all beings, as we move through the turbulence of life. May we're member that as we ride through the tumultuous conditions, there is a grace that eventual transforms us… Like the first flowers of spring, bursting through the hard earth or the lotus blooming in muddy water.

With big love, Jillian

"Don 't hurry. Don't worry. You're only here for a short visit. So don't forget to stop and smell the flowers along the way." -Walter Hagen   back to top

My 5 and a half-year-old William is on a constant treasure hunt. Walking one short block from school to the car can take upwards of 20 minutes as he is always searching the ground for a new ‘gift’. His mantra is “and what will I find now.” As I do the laundry I empty his pockets of bottle caps, acorn tops, rocks, feathers, flowers, broken toys, spare change, and various other unidentifiable objects. But the ‘stuff’ is not the real magic. The real gift is in being open to see everything in his presence; he enjoys the full magic of nature. Today, he found a little flower patch actually growing out of the trunk of a tree. William brings a whole new level to ‘stop and smell the flowers’. When I let go of my need to rush to the car and get on with the tasks of the day, and instead drop into his treasure hunt, my whole mood shifts. Not only do I get to spend more meaningful time connecting with William, but also I get to enjoy the simple moments of a flower blooming from a tree trunk. So try Williams Mantra as you take your next walk, “and what will I find now.” Our time here is short; don’t miss the flowers!  back to top

Simple acts of mindfulness can bring profound change. Dr. Susan Lord recommends that each morning when you leave your house:- Breathe deeply and feel your feet on the ground.- Take a moment to notice what has changed around you- are the trees budding?- Affirm to yourself that you, too, have the ability to change.   back to top

SATURATE YOUR SELF THIS SUMMER
Blooming Open: a Yoga, Meditation, and Nature Retreat. July 19-24 2009 http://www.kripalu.org/program/view/BORY91/blooming_open_a_yoga_meditation_and_nature_retreat
Come discover your most grounded, wide-open self, the state yogis call “true happiness”. Yoga offers many asana and meditation techniques to help you practice being in this state, and little by little, your moments of practice stretch into a lifetime. Jillian artfully weaves mindful vinyasa yoga, restorative yoga, and deep relaxation with metta meditation, mudita meditation, and nature walks to help you grown beyond habitual patterns of moving and thinking. As your body and heart relax, your mind opens to new possibilities.

FALL FOLIAGE - YOGA, AND DRUMMING IN THE BERKSHIRE MOUNTAINS
With Jillian Pransky and special guest John De Kadt.!! Oct 18-20,2009 www.yogajillian.com
9th annual Autumn retreat! Our Lodge, at the foot of the Appalachian Trail, is the perfect hideaway to unwind and rejuvenate far from the sounds of your daily life. And, Renowned drummer, John De Kadt will be back to lead us through a drum circle and ceremony! This is an unforgettable weekend and will sell out, so save your spot early!
THIS ANNUAL RETREAT IS LOVED FOR THE: -Inspiring Multi-level yoga and meditation immersion. -Gorgeous uplifting surroundings and mindful nature walks-Scrumptious natural gourmet meals -Amazing Yoga Barn, illuminated by lofty sky-lit ceilings -Musical brook lined with cozy hammocks -Drumming Circle, Fire ceremony & yummy s’mores-Scenic waterfall hiking trails -Super group of people who come together to relax, renew and enjoy! When we are not practicing, you are free to rest or play as you please; curl up in a hammock and enjoy the fresh air, explore the incredible retreat grounds and hike to the waterfalls, enjoy a body work session, or simply curl up with a book. This will sell out,so save your space.   back to top

THANK YOU so much for meeting me here. Spring is a time of great change, rebirth and renewal. During these times of transformation, connecting with nature can help you feel centered and make the transition easier. Walking through the park or woods, digging in the dirt and breathing in the fresh spring air are a few simple ways to harmonize with spring’s energy. And, as the winds of change and adversity blow through remember “…A kite rises against the wind rather than with it.” So honor your self and others in whatever ways you choose and welcome Spring!

With gratitutde, Jillian

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