Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Jan 04, 2012
Well, well well…welcome to 2012. The year that has been overly YouTube’d, speculated about, prophesized around, and for some, deeply anticipated. Actually, before I write about 2012, I’d like to give a solid shout out to the year that was 2011. I have been reflecting on a major theme I saw take place in my own life, in the lives of my friends and many others as they came through trainings, classes, and retreats in Bali and Peru this year. Each individual’s story is obviously as unique as are their lives, however it seemed to me the underlying commonality was that not many people were immune to the ‘alter-your-life-in-a-didn’t-see-that-coming’ and ‘change-the-way-one-sees-reality’ type of experiences that seemed to be bestowed upon practitioners last year.
Sitting in council to many, and as many sat council to me, the common word that kept coming to me was initiation. Lately, I have been fascinated as to how modern day rites of passage are played out in societies that for the most part no longer use traditional, religious, and cultural initiations the way we may have known in the past. In light of this topic, I reintroduced myself to the writings of Joseph Campbell, the mythologist who wrote The Hero With a Thousand Faces. Campbell draws correlations from major stories and myths from around the world and finds that common narratives typically follow a spiral pattern. This shows how typically one encounters a time of separation from their self, relationships, their path or their Source which sparks a time of initiation leading towards deeper teachings, higher wisdom, and greater clarity through trials, tests and challenges. After the hero has successfully proven himself or herself through the admission, therein begins the return process. The return to home, to a deeper remembrance of their Self, and right back to Source.
“In a monomyth, the hero ventures forth from the ordinary world, and receives a call to enter an unknown world of supernatural wonder and events. The hero who accepts the call to enter this strange world must face tasks and trials, either alone or with assistance. If the hero survives, she may achieve a great gift or boon. The hero must then decide whether to return to the ordinary world with this boon. If the hero returns successfully, the gift may be used to improve the world and his fellow man.”
The practice and offerings of yoga point to the exact same thing. Following the calling of one’s dharma as laid out in the Bhagavad-Gita; having reverence of the Guru as one’s life and teachings are structured in accordance to their karma; the very nature of tapas, are all at their essence, a moment to moment invitation into a deeper level of awareness of the Self and reality within the context of the practice. In my experience, to have trust that the trials and tribulations of life are in fact an initiation into another stage of awareness takes great devotion, courage, an open mind, and at times straight up raw, gritty faith. When I have been able to look at the twists and turns of fate and the revelation of my own shadows as my higher Spirit deeming me ready, strong, able, and well-equipped to experience another dimension of the practice. It allows me to see our common day rites of passage that may not look like self-mutilation, human sacrifice, trance like states for weeks on end, or vision quests through the woods yet have equally measurable benefits.
Alright, now onto 2012. Really, I don’t know what is in store for our sweet world right now. As we observe and participate in occupations of consciousness, resistances of outmoded belief systems, and revolutions of the values that we want to stay true to, I do know that I am so happy to be alive and incarnate at this time of existence. The teachings I have always received from Elders around this time period are unwaveringly the same; keep it simple and stay, without compromise, in the heart. From my understanding, at their essence, the teachings of most traditions are profoundly simple. Without over complicating the matter, I personally am using this year as a mini-experiment. An experiment to see what may unfold from the practice of simply sitting and listening to the quiet pre-linguistic mode of the heart, staying rooted in the teachings of the compassionate Feminine, and letting joy, passion, and that which has ease lead the way. If you have undergone your own initiation in any capacity, watch closely for the chance to integrate with what has sprouted for your own “return”.
As for me, I have decided to step into the seat of Lead Teacher at the Bodhi Tree Yoga Centre for 2012 where I will be there for 50% of the year, keeping my home in Nelson, and continuing with the Advanced Teacher Trainings for Gaiatri in the Spring and Fall. If you are in the city and inspired to come experiment in 2012, I’d love to share with you in classes, trainings, YogaLabs, community service projects and mentorship programs. Their website will be updated with classes I’ll be teaching while I am in town. I am really looking forward to having a chance to spend some time next year within teacher trainings and with the Calgary community again.
In the fresh anticipation of this new year, may the seeds planted in your trials and initiations allow you a greater level of presence as you return to your tribe, your Spirit and Source. May you have a chance to sit council to those you love, may you have a chance to sit council with the Elders around you, and at this time, may there be absolutely no limit to the love.
Peace. Deep Peace.
Ally Bogard
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Apr 28, 2011
Testing 1-2, is this thing on? I often wonder if anybody ever reads these things. Of course I know some do, I mean you are reading it right now, and I know for sure my Mom reads the newsletters. That said, however, I have this strange impulse when I am doing personal journaling where I consider the people that will read my journal after I die and inevitably read more than they ever wanted to know about me or my life. In thinking this, I notice that I don’t fully divulge. I write entries as if they are for somebody else and in such, miss the opportunity of being truly real, vulnerable and weird along with the cathartic process that journaling can be. Am I alone in this ‘neurosis’? So, similarly with this newsletter, I feel compelled to experiment in a way to overcome this. Some random information that I have collected to see if anybody is really reading at all. Like here is what I learned last night; the word “Apocalypse” comes from the Greek word “apokalupsis” which means revelation, to uncover, reveal knowledge, or to reveal the true wisdom within. Rad right?! I just ate more almond butter than I believe the human body can consume in a single sitting. And here is my favourite YouTube find right now, watch all five and write me your thoughts. This isn’t a test to see who’s reading, but my hope is that this newsletter isn’t only a unidirectional conversation. My hope is that whether somebody reads a newsletter, attends a course, reads my journal, passes a stranger, that all of life is a multi-directional conversation. A great relating with each other, with ourselves, with Spirit, and in doing so reveals far greater relative and personal truths than we could access alone, writing to ourselves and ourselves alone.
Before I press send, I intend that the newsletter will land in your inbox, you’ll open it, and a whole stream of emails will come into my inbox from teachers throughout the years doing a good ol’ fashioned group check-in. I mean, does anybody else besides Anna and I reminisce fondly on group check ins? If you haven’t done one lately, we’d love to hear from you, what is stoking you, are you supported in your community, what are you learning, and where has this great divine matrix of life taken you?
So right now, this newsletter I suppose is a quick journal entry, my check in to let you know that the rest of our 2011 schedule is up and that me and the crew that came to Bali got home safe and is back on solid ground. The post-200 hour Teacher Training that took place in Bali was nothing short of a magic gathering of inspiring people. I have every intention of continuing to refine this course and offer it locally so that teachers who have been through the 200 hour program have a chance to grow and learn in deeper forms of energetic maintenance, authentic teaching, theme development, intuition, and the art of facilitating and holding space, and of course have a chance to reconnect with like-hearted community.
As everything in our sweet world changes, and paradoxically in it’s essence remains the exact same, I hope you have a chance to lean in, sit up straight, ask for help and if you don’t need it, offer it. Above all, have a raw, real, vulnerable conversation and see what happens. Have a great Spring.
With love,
Ally
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Jan 06, 2011
What an auspicious and fun time to be alive! We want to sincerely wish each of you the most expansive and joyful start to 2011. An interesting energy has been moving through the holiday season with us at Gaiatri in Nelson. Following an incredible year of community and heart-expanding teacher trainings, typically Anna and I would be spending our time off with days up high, skating under full moons, and practicing by the wood stove. However, time off and messages of slowing down can come in a myriad of forms. Anna is healing from a fast and unexpected knee surgery, and I am nursing a knee from an encounter with a tree. Both are synchronistically timed and welcomed in lessons of slowing down, being as quiet as the falling snow so as to allow these messages to be whispers from the heart before they need to become any louder. I often think that is a strong gift of the practice of yoga practice, the creation of a still and quiet place whereby the Spirits that guide our essence are able to speak to us quietly, gently, yet firmly so as to not accelerate louder messages. Therefore, I personally have had a lot of time to catch up on, well, everything. People are always asking me for a list of resources as to what I am reading, watching on YouTube, or general places to spend down time. This is a list that all of you are really only getting because I have had an elevated leg for a few weeks. So here ya go, Happy New Years~ (I take no responsibility for the content on any of these sites or in these books. Please use your own discretion, I may be “rabbitholing” due to large amounts of turmeric and traumeel..)
Barbara Marx Hubbard: Women Waking to Purpose
Gregg Braden on the God Code
Mark Robert Waldman: How God Changes your Brain
David Wilcock: 2012 Event Horizon
The Known Universe
Brene Brown on the Power of Vulnerability
Bringers of the Dawn
The Spell of the Sensuous & Becoming Animal by David Abrams
Myths to Live By by Joseph Campbell
Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.
~Anais Nin
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Sep 14, 2010
Although I am not confident of the source, I am more than assured of the notion that in our current time, there is not going to be the coming of an enlightened being, a single individual that has the spiritual task of coming to “save” us, free us, guide us through these creative and expansive times and wake us up. This responsibility is up to us individually coming together as community, operating like single cells living together in one body. A tribe of like-minded and open-hearted individuals fulfilling our individual dharma so fully that together, as community, we all represent an integral and essential piece of the full picture. Having the honour of facilitating and observing the divine way that the teacher training courses continue to grow and deepen, I can honestly say that I believe this is one of the most important teachings for the current times. The essence of the teachings of yoga inform us that each of us is sovereign unto ourselves. There are times whereby we receive outside teachers to guide us while offering knowledge and perspective, however the Truth lies in the eternal teachings that are flowing through the core of our being, at all times, in all situations.
One of my teachers recently said that the highest reason for community, is to be a family of light beings, coming together for any amount of time, with the “job” of helping each other wake up. Parker Palmer confirms this by stating “The only guidance we can get on the inner journey comes through relationships in which others can help us discern our leadings” and through this we can continually support the quest for integrity and meaning of life. For me, this has two grand purposes: primarily to ensure that all of our time is committed to fulfilling the highest purpose with which we are individually here for, the highest calling of our hearts to both shape our own existence, as well as to be the most beneficial presence to our tribe. Secondly, to know that with inspiration, support, love, joy, and practice of those all around us and those synchronistically joining up with us, that together, we are an unstoppable force of light.
Since I’m on a Parker Palmer roll, he also brilliantly states that, “Solitude does not necessarily mean living apart from others, rather, it’s never living apart from one’s self. Solitude is not about the absence of other people - it is about being fully present to ourselves, whether or not we are with others. Community does not necessarily mean living face to face with others, rather, it means never losing the awareness that we are connected to each other. It is not about the presence of other people, it is about being fully open to the reality of relationship, whether or not we are alone.”
Whether you have met your family of light within the Gaiatri community, within your local yoga group, or are currently observing people come into your life who are helping you rise, give great thanks. for this community.
Our thoughts are our prayers, please, at this time put much prayer and intention into fulfilling both your individual role as well as allowing this family to grow in alignment with the highest good for all of life.
To the important part that all of you play, much love.
Ally & the Gaiatribe
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Jul 09, 2010
I recently attended a workshop with Andrew Harvey on the concept of Sacred Activism. Sacred Activism, he outlines, is a “transforming force of compassion-in-action that is born of a fusion of deep spiritual knowledge, courage, love, and passion, with wise radical action in the world. The large-scale practice of Sacred Activism can become an essential force for preserving and healing the planet and its inhabitants”. Immediately following was the Summer Solstice, the return of the light as the longest day of the year, and the time whereby the sun is at it’s highest and brightest. What I noticed following close behind this solstice was that people in my life, myself included, were being asked to look at shadow aspects of self, or the ways in which we relate to the world that may not be coming from our “highest” self that allow us to fully live this compassion in action. For me, this abundance of summer light showcased and illuminated some of my resistances to truly living authentically, fully, and in total alignment with the highest good. I watched others around me grappling with dramas, depressions, relationship upheavals all following this natural increase in solar light. It is true in nature that when the sun is at it’s highest, it also casts the biggest shadow, much like when a bright light is turned on in a room, all nooks, corners and the mess that exists in the room become illumined right along with the beauty as well. I often find that when I am able really see those areas where I am holding myself back from living my practice in all dimensions of my life, that I am able to handle those aspects of my life with a lot of gentle humour and space for the growing up process. My prayer for this summer is for all of us to be able to use this time of heightened light and awareness to see the ways in which we are resisting living our lives to the fullest and in right relationship with each other, with this planet and with Spirit - and to allow this acknowledgment to heal all aspects of the individual self, so that together we can become such a unified whole. May we all know what we are living so passionately for that we are willing to devote our whole lives to supporting that cause. In complete commitment to the light, may we gently and joyfully see, acknowledge and override shadow. Have an incredible summer, let’s go for grounded expansion for the second half of the year.
Ally Bogard
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 13, 2010
After returning from Bali after a very divinely inspired retreat with my dear friend and gifted teacher, Mara Branscombe, and then right into a Level 1 and Level 2 of the teacher training program, life is flowing with inspired expansion. DUring this last weekend of Level 2, we were reflecting on the unique message or teachings that were inspiring our practices to go deeper. The word that came to me at the time was “stoked”. Being a relatively well used word in my vocabulary, I appreciated how just today, one of the trainees emailed me the exact definition of this so-called slang word (which for the record is a totally legitimate word in my vocabulary). The dictionary definition she offered was: “stoked” - adj - to be “stoked” is to be completely and intensely enthusiastic, exhilarated, or excited about something. those who are stoked all of the time know this; being stoked is the epitome of all-being. when one is stoked, there is no limit to what one can do.
Obviously, I am now committed to this bhavana (feeling) more than ever. At this time of flux on our dear planet while the state of our oceans, economies, climates, species and the human heart continues to shift, deconstruct and reform anew, I have certainly had to “practice” my way out of a heavy heart while watching these shifts. However, while practicing with this quality of heart, I get excited knowing that regardless of how the external circumstances continue to shift and change, there is a feeling of internal exhilaration that with breath, a wide-sighted perspective, and deep graittude to the beauty of a moment, is untouchable to outside forces.
In the Bhavagad Gita, Krishna explains that all external circumstances, fluctuations and emotions, stop at the gate of the Inner Self. “The Self abides in the inner chamber of the heart, always at peace with whatever forces of prakriti may storm outside. The illumined man or woman maintains a joyful, excited and even state of mind in presence, whereby the infinite is attainable”.
This month, I am practicing to create, increase and sustain a high level of “stoke”, I hope you’re with me.
In love to the light,
Ally B
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Dec 24, 2009
Amongst the Winter Solstice and deeper into the cold, the dry aspects of the season create the risk of the doshas Vata and Kapha to run the risk of becoming unbalanced. The festive time of the holiday season can increase this propensity as we are faced with the challenge of limiting our consumption of sugar, dairy, alcohol and rich food. Being mindful 364 days of the year is best, however it is often during the holidays when people become more or less aware of their habits.
One great way to start the season off right is to limit your own holiday baking. Instead of making several different cookies and cakes choose a few favorites and keep them stored in the freezer until you want to put them out. Also by selecting treats that have warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg you will be able to enhance your digestive fire while you enjoy your delicacies.
Keep yourself warm by sipping hot beverages throughout the day. Plain hot water is one of the best ways to stay hydrated and create a gentle cleanse. Add sliced ginger, lemon or fennel for and added benefit. Eating warm moist foods with a bit of extra spice is the way to go this holiday season. This will keep the internal fires burning strong and prevent the build up of ama and helps ward off the flu or cold.
Nasal cleansing or neti pot is another way to keep the mucous membranes clean and moist. This is what you want for optimal breathing and the natural removal of irritants. Oiling both the nose and ears is a good idea this season especially if you are having temperatures below zero. Remember to wait several hours after doing neti before you oil your nose to allow for the proper and complete drainage of mucous.
Lastly, if you really want to boost your immune system this time of year and there are two Ayurvedic formulas I would recommend. Chyawanprash or Ayurvedic jam is filled with herbs, fruit and spices and is an ideal daily supplement for adults and children throughout the winter months. An equal combination of turmeric and Ashwagandha with a pinch of black pepper is good for so many things. Recently this combination has been shown to help with cancer (specifically colon), Alzheimer’s, and the common cold and flu.
And most importantly enjoy your time with family and friends, remember to count your blessings, laugh a lot and take every chance to dance.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Sep 30, 2009
It is quite common for me to receive phone calls or emails after an Immersion or a Level 1 Teacher Training of people doubting their ability and skill or if they are up to the challenge of continuing with their training and moving on to teach. Similarly, I had a friend call me recently, in the beginning stages of an intimate relationship, the time when it is incredibly new and fun. The feelings were moving fast, and the fear of whether or not she was up to the challenge was becoming overwhelming. It is an interesting paradox, so many times we want, desire, pray for something big to come, to point us in a new, fun and exciting direction. We ask for teachings, new learning, new skills, new inspiration and I can speak from my own experience, that those times come and this fear inevitably moves in. Whether it be laced with self-doubt, lack of faith, different expectations than what is appearing, or who knows, the phenomena is enough to address.
There was a time when i genuinely thought I wanted to quit teaching, I didn’t like it, it took a life of it’s own, and was different than I had “expected” it to be as a profession. There have been intimate relationships that have moved fast and I feared the sides of me that were showing up. I have had numerous occasions in the backcountry skiing when I have been so scared I wanted a helicopter to come lift me out and to never ski again - but from these, and many other experiences, I also know the times when I feel such overwhelming fear and a desire to “run” has continually been that point when I am on the brink of something huge. For me it means that I am about to do something, overcome something and move forward in a subtle or big shift towards my full potential, or my fuller potential. I never let myself back down, I let others back down, but I never back down. I truly feel that that has made a firm statement to my heart and spirit, a thousand times, that I am up for the challenge presented, regardless of how I feel I’ll fair. Most times, the idea that I might be scared of my full potential, who I am, what love is and what it can do to me both good and bad, actually creates a stronger commitment to face the challenge.
Letting go into a void, a place of pure clouded mystery, where we don’t know if we will come out on top, “successful”, or even alive, to me is one of the primary points of life. As a general rule for safety, I try to put a reign on my emotions, which are runaway horses at the best of times, but attempt to keep all reigns away from my heart. Unbridled willingness. An old partner once told me, if you’re not falling, you’re not learning. I draw upon that wisdom on a daily basis. Wherever this blog finds you at your journey - trust deeply, not only in what is presented in your life, but in your ability to be bigger, grander, and more luminescent than you could ever dream.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Jul 21, 2009
Just finished level II teacher training in Calgary. What a great feeling. Now I am back in Lethbridge preparing for the heat of the summer which is upon us. I am making lemonade to have at the ready and this is how I make it. Use 3/4 cup of boiling water and pour over a whole lemon which you’ve cut up into chunks - skin and all. Pulverize it for a while using a wooden spoon. Remove the largest chunks of the lemon and add honey to taste. Add cold water and place in the fridge until thirsty. You only need a small glass to quench. I am heading off to South Country Fair this weekend where my family and I will require mucho hydration.
Theresa Spender