John Friend yoga demo for Gurumayi - Gurudev Siddha Peeth ashram in Ganeshpuri, India 11-11-89

John Friend yoga demo for Gurumayi - Gurudev Siddha Peeth ashram in Ganeshpuri, India 11-11-89

Into the Fall

The change of seasons is rapidly upon us. Fall is a time of quiet introspection, of going deeply within to listen to the inner urges of spirit. There's a part of me that wants to cling to the summer, the warmth, the long days of sunlight, yet there is equally a part of me that looks forward to the relaxing and quiet aspects of winter. I find myself quite busy and sometimes scattered during the summer due to the length of days and the ample opportunities to ride my horses late into the evening.My internal clock is setting itself to go to bed with the close of the day.

I relish the earlier sunsets and the beautiful predawn starlight skies. Venus shines down upon me in the early morning as I do my yoga practice out on the deck.

The hostel has been busier than ever these last few weeks. I've had so many beautiful faces of love grace my life and doorstep in the guise of awesome guest. Each woman shares such a lovely story of life and spirit. I've made some wonderful friends this season and am so blessed to offer my home in this way. I look forward to meeting more new friends and sharing our stories.

Asheville has some of the best yoga workshops offered anywhere in the country! This upcoming weekend our Anusara kula is hosting Desiree Rumbaugh, a senior Anusara instructor. One NOT to be missed. Also this weekend at the Asheville Yoga Center Scott Blossom is doing a workshop on Yoga and Ayurvedic medicine. I hear many wonderful reviews about Scott and hope to study with him in the future.

The Path

My friend Jack asked me in an email how I came to be where I am spiritually. I thought this would make a nice post since I've never written it down in chronological order. Here goes......

"To answer your question about how I came to be where I am spiritually is a very roundabout path. Growing up Catholic the liturgy never resonated with me. I felt like God was unattainable in the Catholic church. It was "us" the little peon sinners, and him or "them" the big guy in the sky and his priest/nuns who spoke down to "us". When I was 13 I asked my parents if I could stop going to mass because I felt it wasn't for me and I felt it was a waste of my time. They reluctantly allowed me to stop attending.

Sundays usually found me exploring the woods on the back of my horse. My spirit knew it was a better God-connection for me. When I was 16, I got very involved in the "born again" movement and was going to a charismatic church. For the first time ever I felt a sense of warmth and love in church. I was completely immersed on that path for a few years but the raging independent one within me felt it was too confining and controlling. It was an excellent experience overall, especially being a rebellious teenager. I think it kept me out of a lot of potential trouble.

I went off to college and through my Anthropology studies became interested in Native American spirituality, which resonated with me so much more because I've always been a nature girl and connect best with my spirit in nature. Since it isn't my culture I still found myself searching.

In 1998, a friend kept telling me I should do yoga because I was having a lot of knee pain from years of unknowingly hyper-extending my knees. I had a friend who had just done a yoga teacher training and she wanted to put a "guinea pig" group together to help her get more comfortable teaching publicly. Three friends and I helped her out and boom, that was totally it for me. I was so intrigued I started taking as many yoga classes that I could afford on a weekly basis. A year later I decided to do a training myself to go deeper into the philosophy and practice. I had no interest or intention to teach yoga, just a desire to know more. I completed Asheville Yoga Centers teacher training the spring of 2000.

In 2001, I met my main yoga teacher, John Friend, and it was a life altering experience. Total connection. It was Valentine's weekend and of course being Anusara and V-Day, the theme was heart opening! I was in a very vulnerable place in my life and going through a lot of emotional turmoil. The workshop moved so much energy in my heart center that I spent the first night in the hotel bathtub sobbing uncontrollably. I didn't even know why I was crying but it was as if a vast river of emotion was being released.

John and I had a strong connection and developed our friendship through emails back and forth. I was growing so rapidly and needed someone to help me understand the changes. He explained everything so patiently. He suggested I might read some of the works by Swami Childvilasananda, the head of the Siddha Yoga lineage. John is a student of the Siddha Yoga tradition. I bought a book of hers called Courage and Contentment, and from intense study of it over several months I received shaktipat, (awakening of the kundalini energy). It was literally as if the veil of delusion (maya) was lifted from my sight. I can say life hasn't been the same since. My perspective is vastly different now.

This spring I met a wonderful friend whom I call my spiritual "sounding board", Scott Marmorstein. Scott grew up in the Siddha Yoga tradition. His family lived in both the NY and India ashrams. He's a healer and often travels with John Friend. I was gifted a healing session with him this past April. I had been having a chronic back/rib issue and was going to the chiropractor twice weekly with little relief. My intention for our session was to deal with the back pain. Scott simply laid his hands on the problem area, did a little adjusting and it was resolved. Five months of chronic pain totally gone in a matter of seconds. The rest of our session was energetic balancing. It was one of the most profound interactions I've ever had. Words can't be wrapped around it. Life definitely hasn't been the same since!

I continue to work with Scott when he's in the area (he lives in Houston, Tx). Each session I have with him takes me deeper into my higher Self. Scott studies the work of Dr. David Hawkins, and turned me onto his work which has radically shifted my perception as well. It pairs well with my Siddha Yoga studies. I've also committed to a daily meditation practice. I feel little progress can be attained on the spiritual path without some sort of daily meditation. It's so easy to digress and forget my intention and spirit. Through my daily practice I am more mindful that all I do, I do to serve a Higher Source. A tiny shift in attitude makes a world of difference when working in my very stressful, frenetic job (veterinary technician in a really busy 4 doctor hospital). It can be so alluring to get caught up in the drama and take on a negative attitude. When I remind myself that all I do, I do with the attitude that I literally am serving the Divine, it helps me to stay clear and less attached to the works of the ego. That's the short version of my path."

The 'way' of spiritual advancement through consciousness is actually uncomplicated and simple.
The primary quality is really one of attitude in that one looks at life not as a place to acquire gain but as an opportunity for learning, which abounds even in the smallest of life's details. A spiritual attitude leads one to be friendly, kind, and well meaning to all life. We find ourselves walking over an ant carefully rather than squashing it, not as a compulsive must or a religious rule, but out of a greater awareness of the value of all life. All animals will be discovered to actually be individuals who respond to respect and attention. Even plants are aware of it when you love and admire them.

- From David Hawkins, The Eye of the I, from which nothing is hidden. GREAT READ!!

Silence

It's been awhile since I last wrote on the blog. Much has transpired in the last month. The two lovely yogini's who were staying here for the 23 day Intensive have gone and I've just had three more wonderfully interesting and fantastic women here for the Cora Wen workshop. It's so much fun having women from all walks of life here at the hostel, sharing their unique and individual gifts.

During the Asheville Yoga Center's teacher trainings, Stephanie Keach ask the students to spend a day in silence. For those who stay here during the training I assume this assignment with them. I love to spend time in Silence and it's always an opportunity to reflect on how much accessory noise really goes on in my head. Each student cast their own spin on how deep they go into the assignment; some can only be silent for a few hours, some choose not to participate, others simply choose to not speak but feel it's ok to listen to music etc. Everyone has their individual take on how the day should be conducted.

I took the assignment a bit further and asked myself over the last few weeks, "Does what I have to say really need to be said? Does it even matter? Am I simply spewing off at the mouth out of active ego, etc? Do I speak to fill the void of silence or because I feel my opinion is worth sharing and of value? Do I speak out of nervousness or self-absorption? Can I speak my intention through living example, through non-verbal communication, and not simply with words? What is my real intention when I feel compelled to speak? Is it ego or inner guidance that leads me to speak?" There's a lot to contemplate when you allow yourself to be silent. Even when practicing silence, it's interesting to observe how much inner dialogue takes place. It's easy to find frustration arising if one simply tries to silence not only the mouth, but the mind as well. I like to use the analogy told to me by my dear friend and spiritual sounding board, Scott Marmorstein, of watching a movie. When one watches a movie they are doing just that, watching. They aren't the movie nor are they the movie theatre or characters. You can chose to leave the movie or building at any time or even close your eyes for the intense scary parts. Similar with the mind. You are not your mind, nor does it have to control or define you. The mind is like the movie screen. You watch your thoughts and then you allow them to drift off the screen. If you don't allow yourself to get involved in the drama of the "story" and simply observe without attachment to the thoughts, one is less reactive and staying centered and grounded in the higher Self is more accessible. It certainly takes a lot of practice, just like exercising a muscle, but once you get over the hump, and make it a regular practice, it becomes easier and easier. If you acknowledge that you are a perfect reflection of the Divine, God, Consciousness, Source, Love or whatever label you choose, you then realize you are not defined by the ego or little self. Ask yourself, who is thinking the thoughts, or labeling, judging, criticizing etc? It's certainly not the higher Self. Acknowledge the thoughts for what the are, for where they originate and simply let them go without getting involved in the story/drama.

I find, if I can bring this type of intention to the various activities throughout my day, speaking when it's necessary, not necessarily whenever I feel compelled to speak, I can better serve the Divine in all that I do. It's a powerful way to bring one's yoga practice into all aspects of one's day and extremely liberating! Ultimately, what we all want is Freedom. Freedom from suffering, financial Freedom, Freedom from pain and spiritual Freedom. It all begins with the mind.

Summer

It's the middle of summer and Flat Creek Yoga Hostel has been busy with many interesting guest. There are currently two ladies staying here for Asheville Yoga Center's summer 23 day Intensive teacher training. It's always such a delight to meet fellow yogini's and share where we are on our spiritual paths. We've had many wonderful shared dinners together, enjoyed the cool evenings out on the back deck and quiet mornings in meditation. Personally I've gone much deeper in my sadhana these last few months. My work with Scott Marmorstein (http://www.sparklingaura.com/welcome.html) ignited a fire that has taken me much deeper and further in my meditations and practice. I'm looking forward to working with Scott again next month when he'll be here for the Carolina Anusara gathering ( http://carolinagathering.com/ ) at Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain. Scott is the real deal; a truly gifted healer and energy worker. If one is receiptive to the Shakti, great gifts can flow through.

Last weekend I received my first level Reiki attunement and have experienced subtle changes in my energy and meditations. My intent is to not only work with humans but with animals in my care at the veterinary hospital. Last week I met the challenge of having to send one of my cats on to the other side. Maxfield had been diagnosed with brain cancer. The deeper I go into my spiritual practice the more ease I find when faced with such difficult decisions. I miss him a lot but know that releasing him was the most compassionate decision and I really am ok with it. I'm grateful for his love these last 3 years we spent together and feel good about what I gave him in return. Animals continually amaze me in their capacity to love so deeply and unconditionally. We have such opportunity to learn about love from them if we are willing to surrender and open our hearts to what they have to share.

In closing, I look forward to meeting new guest as they pass through the doors of my space and embrace each lesson that they offer.

Namaste',
Donna

Flat Creek Yoga Hostel

Namaste' from Donna of Flat Creek Yoga Hostel. Located in quaint Weaverville, NC, a quick 10 min drive from Asheville. FCYH provides safe, comfortable housing for yogini's (female students) who are studying yoga and healing arts at the local studios/schools, making trainings affordable and your resting space peaceful and rejuvenating. Your stay at FCYH includes a private room, private or shared bath, fully equipped kitchen, deck with an incredible view for praciticing, full line of yoga props for your use, a large yoga library, comfortable living room, sheets and towels provided. There are over 110 acres of hiking trails on private land in close proximity to the hostel as well as Flat Creek which runs just below the house. FCYH is situated in a beautiful natural mountain environment.

The cost is $40/night with a 2 night minimum and a non-refundable deposit of $40 to reserve your space. Please book in advance as space fills up quickly when there are workshops in town. FCYH can accommodate longer stays for the 23 day intensive trainings. Please call for current rates.

FCYH is a drug and smoke free environment. I do have cats/dogs, but provide an exceptionally clean environment.

Parking is limited. If attending a workshop with other guest, carpooling would save on gas and car shuffling.

Quiet time, after 9p on weekdays, 10p on weekends out of courtesy to other guest and host.


FCYH is owned by a Donna Tully, who completed Stephanie Keach's teacher training in 2000. Donna has taught yoga since 2001 at local yoga studios and at AB Tech Community College. She has spent over 300 hours in training with John Friend, founder of Anusara yoga, as well as with Eric Schiffman, Desiree Rumbaugh, Sianna Sherman, Darren Rhodes, Mitchel Bleirer, Shala Worsley, Joe Taft, Barbara Hall and many others.

To reserve your space at FCYH please call 828 230 2517 or email: donnalama65 at gmail dot com

Auspicious Weekend

This past weekend I had the great honor to study with my primary yoga instructor John Friend, founder of Anusara yoga. John was here in Asheville teaching a yoga therapeutics workshop and asana class. I had attended a therapy training with him in NYC in 2003, therefore I only attended the asana class. As always, John's teaching was filled with Shakti and deeply touched the hearts of all who attended. Each moment I spend with John is profound. On Monday, I was blessed with a great gift, a healing session with Scott Marmorstein, a spiritual energy healer who often travels with John. The awakening I experienced was so profound that I'm still in the process of the process, so to speak. Scott is a powerful healer and can awaken incredible divine energy in those who are open to it. I've come to a simple awareness that this life experience for me is to simply be a vessel for Source energy to flow through. I've come to the realization that I was the only thing getting in the way of my Spiritual progress, through worry, negative thinking and resistance. All worries have ceased and the intention for everything I do, whether in thought, action, experience, is to be a conduit for Spirit to flow freely through. My meditation practiced has deeply expanded. I'm certain little progress can be made on the Spiritual path without a strong commitment to your meditation practice. There are few other ways to quiet the mind and hear the inner promptings of Spirit without this practice. I've also come to the realization my choices in company, activity, thought, food etc. all reflect in either a positive or negative way on my Spirit. Therefore, mindful choices are of the utmost import to me now.

I feel amazing relief in this surrender. It's simple, yet I struggled for so long to get here. I feel liberated at every layer of my being and am so ecstatically grateful to those who have guided (and continue to guide) me along this most auspicious path.

You can read more about Scott's work on the Source Energy Healing link in the area of "Websites of interest" section of this blog. I also highly recommend his book, "Sparkling Aura, Sparkling Life."

In Peace and Light-
donna

Extraordinare Day

Today I was blessed with a half day off from work, after a grueling week. The weather is gorgeous; warm, sunny, blue bird sky. The air is crystal clear which allows the mountains to show all of their glory. I spent the day up in the Coleman Boundary, a section of Pisgah National Forest in Barnardsville, a mere 20 minutes away. I took the dogs and O'Reilly up there to trail ride. We had a wonderful, peaceful day. The Ivy River, which flowed right next to us most of the trail, was raging from all the rain. It was amazingly powerful in its movement and provided a comforting background sound to our ride. Filled with Shakti and life giving energy, I couldn’t help but hear OM in the torrent of the water. When listening, one can find the sound of OM, the sound of Universal vibration, in nearly everything, even in the most distracting noises of life. OM, resonates in all things within and without. Try making it a practice to see if you can hear OM in simple things, such as nature, traffic, wind chimes or your breath. When you can make a mindful shift, the cacophony of life transforms into music of the spirit.

Blessings in your journey.

Rain, Rain, Rain

We've certainly seen our share of rain and precipitation, in various forms, in the last month here in Western NC. We've had the most erratic weather I've seen in quite some time. Last week it snowed 2 days in a row after having reached the 70's just days prior. The garden is loving the life giving moisture and should prove bountiful this summer. Finding gratitude for the rain can be challenging some days, as I muck through knee-deep mud to feed the horses. I am reminded that all is good and how parched the earth was just months ago. We were in a serious state of drought that gripped the entire Southeast for the past 2 years. I do love a good thunderstorm. Reminds me of my childhood growing up in NE Florida. We've had thunder and hail today and the energy generated by a storm is exhilarating. It causes me to reflect on the fact that we are all energy. Everything holds an energetic charge and it's what we do with our energy that causes an effect on everything around us. I'm reminded of this on a daily basis as I work with animals at the veterinary hospital where I'm employeed. I try and see things through their eyes as they come in for a procedure. They're usually quite scared and I'm compelled to ease their fears with a grounded and calm demeanor. It's a meditation practice within itself. A practice of mindfulness that I attempt to cultivate daily.

Bears

The nights have turned chilly again but the days are warm and balmy. This is an aspect of spring I love. Cold nights and warm days, similar to weather in the desert. We've gotten loads of rain and my garden and grass seeds are springing up nicely. This week has been exciting in the wild animal department. We've had a visiting black bear perusing the neighborhood. I just put up new bird feeders in the front yard two weeks ago. I've risen the last three mornings to find the feeders torn apart and bear tracks all over the yard and driveway. Looks to be a small bear due to the size of the prints. For the 21 years I've lived in N. Carolina, I've only seen one bear, despite all my time spent in the woods hiking and horseback riding. The only one I've seen was feeding next to the parkway. Quite elusive. I'm thrilled to live in an area that has abundant wildlife. On jaunts to the "enchanted cow pasture" I've seen fox, coyotes, bobcat paw prints and scat, hundreds of blue birds, as well as red-tail and broad-winged hawks, egrets, a great blue heron that has lived there for years and enormous flocks of crows. The spring peepers are back now that the days have warmed. A signature sound of spring. When I'm feeding the horses, early in the mornings and late evenings, the peepers and bird song create a nice symphony to start and end my days. A reminder of the interconnectedness of life. Nature is a natural vibrational lifter for the spirit and soul. See what sounds you hear throughout your day that will help you to pause and remember your spirit. It's a meditation within itself and allows one to pause the mind chatter leaving the "worldly" mind, if only for a moment.
Come enjoy the beauty of nature at Flat Creek yoga hostel.

These last few days..........

These last few days have had a turn back toward winter. The highs have been in the mid-forties and lows in the 30's. A shock to the system after having relished such seductive spring-like weather this last week! It is a nice opportunity to return within, both spiritually and physically with the inclement weather and do "inside" projects. I spent last weekend doing seed starts for my vegetable garden. I have been blessed with a new greenhouse and have several heirloom varieties of tomatoes, peppers, peas, beets, gourds, squash, zucchini and various herbs started. I also started a barrel full of lettuce and greens. The seeds are popping up everywhere and each day is a new surprise. It's such a simple, yet totally amazing and awe inspiring event to plant a seed and watch it sprout and grow. It's also a nice time to roll out the yoga mat and zafu in front of the fireplace and practice self-cultivation .

Flat Creek Yoga hostel is getting quite busy with the new blogspot and all the upcoming yoga events this season. I've had numerous emails and phone calls about bookings. I welcome the opportunity to meet new friends and reconnect with past visitors as well.

Spring

There is a hint of spring in the air here at Flat Creek yoga hostel. The mornings are coming earlier, the bird songs livelier. I can open the doors and windows and listen to the myrid of spring music and the gentle breeze which bring the windchimes alive. Yesterday the cow's in the pasture down the way created a most peaceful lull, mooing for the new born calves. Durning your visit, feel free to take a jaunt to the "enchanted cow pasture", as I affectionately call it, to visit the new life in the form of beautiful, cotton colored charlaise calves. They are so funny to watch bounce around!