tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36198757503872081972012-01-13T07:18:01.431-08:00Confessions of a Yogini is an open spiritual dialogue about the true meaning of yoga. It's not about the perfect pose. It's about your perfect effort at waking up from the deep sleep of being human. It's about moving your body so you can become more in alignment with your soul. Shift your body - shift your soul.Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.comBlogger551100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-72212064785513939442012-01-13T07:13:00.000-08:002012-01-13T07:18:01.460-08:00

I don’t know about you, but so far, 2012 is proving to be quite an INCREDIBLE year! It’s like the dust has settled and the mission for us all is so very clear. It’s time to wake up to our purpose and finally, USE our gifts! It’s time to share what we came here to do…without fear or doubt.For me personally, I feel like I just woke up from a very deep and intoxicating sleep. I kept pressing the

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-46257055468383206012011-12-18T11:01:00.002-08:002011-12-18T20:20:29.514-08:00

Personally for me, no truer words have ever been spoken. For those of you who know me, you know that this past year has been quite a spiritual ride. And I know it's not over. It's never over until you're dead from what I can gather.This year has offered me lessons in courage, grief, compassion, love, joy, fear, anger, friendship, family, commitment, letting go, God, Buddha, Krishna, laughter,

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-55441721077312237172011-11-11T07:46:00.000-08:002011-11-11T09:34:54.212-08:00

As we celebrate and honor our Veterans today, we come together collectively with the same intention. Powerful thoughts of admiration, appreciation, love and respect resonate and vibrate across our nation. The power of coming together in prayer, meditation, and affirmation is extremely powerful and can make changes on a level we ourselves are not even aware of. Gathering in groups is powerful, but

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-55676571417545646162011-08-22T22:04:00.000-07:002011-08-22T22:35:46.972-07:00

Upon returning "home" from Wanderlust, I couldn't help but immediately realize the infusion of love, magic and intuitive guidance the trip to California offered me. Being away from my "real" life of kids, indecision, responsibility, divorce and my own internal struggles gave me the space that was much needed to manifest my new life. The trip to Wanderlust that seemed "unnecessary" and "

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-91824855168964832322011-07-28T06:32:00.000-07:002011-07-30T08:29:54.033-07:00

After arriving in Tahoe yesterday, and witnessing countless numbers of yogis and yoginis practicing yoga, dancing, connecting and scurrying about, I was inspired beyond words. It was interesting to me that so many people, ourselves included, would travel such a great distance to practice yoga with well known yoga instructors, listen to great music and spend time amidst one of the most

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-72070477728596880352010-12-23T06:46:00.000-08:002010-12-23T07:12:04.331-08:00

Ok so I KNOW I have not blogged in quite some time. Honestly it has not been a priority lately. Finishing the books, connecting with friends and family and giving myself some time has been much more important to be honest.However, I was posed a question last night that really got me going. And when I woke up this morning I was inspired to toss it out to you. I was asked, "What is Love?"Before you

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-65179715061891721132010-11-26T17:00:00.000-08:002010-11-26T17:38:06.821-08:00

Whew....the Off the Mat, Confessions of a Yogini books series is done! All those Weekly Oms, all that late night writing and editing...done! Documented, in a series of 7 books. Amazing.People ask me questions like, "How long did this take you?" "How did you know what to do?" "What are your books about?" And I seriously want to crack up. It is just so surreal and ..... crazy! Me, an author! Living

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-83152780694419581472010-09-11T10:54:00.000-07:002010-09-11T11:16:42.167-07:00

As I sit here at home, listening to my kiddos argue, getting ready for Sausage Festival, I have to laugh. In fact I have been laughing for a few days now. I mean, I'm a vegetarian for heaven's sake! Sausage Festival? REALLY?Honestly, ever since the time "I would have" been driving to San Francisco to see my two favorite people in the world...Michael Franti and Seane Corn, I have been giggling to

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-19209697915734241192010-09-09T20:27:00.001-07:002010-09-09T20:48:08.101-07:00

Wow....what the heck happened to summer? I mean really? The weather never really got "summer-like", the kids were busier than I can remember, and I feel like all I did was empty clothes from their suitcases, wash them and repack!What happened?Now it's uniforms and homework...ALREADY?I promised to write a blog every week; I had a list of projects I wanted to do outside; I told Isabella I would

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-15460110849654544292010-08-06T06:34:00.000-07:002010-08-06T06:50:26.181-07:00

The words I search for now are words I have used before. However, to describe this experience with Off the Mat and Into the World really is challenging because the words ring more truth and speak to the depths of soul much more than I could have ever imagined.Affirming is a word that comes to mind. Spirit awakening; truth excavating; illusion shattering are all phrases that have flown across my

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-85713566456349869552010-07-30T12:25:00.000-07:002010-07-30T12:36:59.850-07:00

Seems as if my blogs are always about my children....that's because they are my yoga practice....daily.....all day....every day during the summer. Sometimes we have a nice restorative practice together and other times it's a hot yoga practice day. With two girls who are mini-me's...in every sense of the word....I am reminded every second of every day about where I came from, where I am and

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-2204326686503289502010-07-05T14:48:00.000-07:002010-07-05T15:08:13.879-07:00

I spent the weekend at the beach with my husband and had many opportunities to just be. We were able to talk without being interrupted, take naps AND I didn't have to repeat myself one time! While eating lunch one afternoon at a little outdoor cafe, I noticed a little boy crying. He was clearly having a hard time expressing himself. I know all too well, how many times these situations can

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-38379463558932080272010-06-24T07:07:00.000-07:002010-06-24T07:19:58.168-07:00

Finally the sun has come out and I really feel like it's summer. What a change....from working all day while the kids are in school to being home all day, everyday with my "angels".This year really is a little different. Their independence level is so drastic from ages 4 and 6 to 5 and 7. They don't need help outside, they want to ride their bike to the park ahead of me, thye make their own

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-41782891496628572482010-06-08T06:27:00.000-07:002010-06-08T06:35:49.240-07:00

Who has time for a morning meditation...really? Honestly...it's the best way to start of you day. Setting intentions, giving thanks before you step out of your bed, marveling at the stillness in the morning.Some days I wake up and I have so much time; I sit and gaze at my now very green backyard and give thanks for everything. I ask questions of the heavens; I dig deep into the heart and heal

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-60511726973448930422010-05-20T06:07:00.000-07:002010-05-20T06:27:53.925-07:00

When Isabella taught class yesterday, I couldn't believe my eyes and ears. I didn't have a camera which was sad at first but then I realized I had to totally tune in to what was happening and become completely present so I could burn this memory on my brain.I was amazed first when her teacher asked her on the spot to teach the class and she accepted. I was even more amazed as I watched her

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-86744431586294096052010-05-08T06:05:00.000-07:002010-05-08T06:29:18.625-07:00

I wasn't surprised by the recall on Tylenol, Motrin or Benadryl for kids. In fact, I wondered what took so long. Yes, I have given my children these medications countless times. In fact, my youngest is deathly allergic to nuts so I carry Benadryl around with me all the time.But instead of being a shocker this was a complete wake up call. How many more wake up calls do we need really before we

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-81044211949417374112010-04-28T09:22:00.000-07:002010-04-28T21:54:01.253-07:00

I just finished reading the most amazing book! "Oh Shift!" by my new friend, confidant and coach, Jennifer Powers.You HAVE to read this book! It's super simple, to the point and REAL!Ready for a real shift in your life? Tired of agonizing about the past, the future and crazy thought patterns? READ THIS BOOK!This book makes you authentic. Written in a way where anyone could read a passage and have

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-70820771212318873512010-04-22T06:51:00.000-07:002010-04-22T06:54:18.039-07:00

A Trip to RememberInner Peace from Karma YogaDana M Layon, ERYTwww.zenflowyoga.comAs I summarize my first mission trip to the Dominican Republic with Evergreen4Kids, I feel like the trip, only 4 weeks ago, was some sort of dream. I have been struggling with how to explain an experience so amazing because it jolted my focus back to my very soul.After starting this summary over 3 weeks ago, I had

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-76030567962364368842010-04-22T06:10:00.000-07:002010-04-22T06:39:00.995-07:00

Our last day in the DR. What a ride this has been. Brenda has decided to take the kids to the beach for the day. This is a big deal to the kids ... it's a trip on a bus, with the Americans, to the beach to play in the ocean. Now, not everyone can go. The bus is only so big. So the teacher decides who can go and who has to stay. This is heartbreaking for most of us watching it happen. Especially

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-57330231301247130322010-04-04T19:09:00.000-07:002010-04-04T19:34:21.769-07:00

Funny how life works isn't it? Follow me on this one for just a moment. Jacque, the dentist heading up this dental mission, goes to India in December. She meets a man named Abe who is friendly and cute. They discuss her trip to the DR and as the heavens would have it, he knows a woman named Fabecka who live in Santo Domingo who heads up a school for women. Apparently this woman has several

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-52837854051114712182010-03-28T11:14:00.000-07:002010-03-28T11:32:00.637-07:00

Time goes very slow here in Habanero. I have decided that it’s because there are no technological advances that create “efficiency”. Instead of looking at the clock, time is spent living in the moment. Interesting concept isn’t it?As we approach the halfway mark to our trip, honestly, I am starting to feel tired. Physically, mentally and emotionally. It rained last night so the mosquitoes are out

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-47114924342971473232010-03-22T12:20:00.000-07:002010-03-22T13:29:12.265-07:00

What an amazing trip this has been. Monday morning - third working day in a row. Still excited and motivated - not quite tired yet. Sleep has been hard to come by to be honest. I'm not one to take medication for anything. I do my very best to live what I teach and the best thing for our bodies is always natural. However, sleep deprivation is unnatural and quite frankly, my body is worn out from

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-62363467205776101922010-03-11T13:47:00.000-08:002010-03-11T13:52:41.940-08:00

Valentine’s Day -Day 3What a gorgeous day! Just because it’s Sunday does not keep anyone away from the school. In fact, today they come dressed in their fanciest outfits – most of them donated by Brenda.The team is off and running by 8:30am. Neighboring villages have heard that the Americans are here. Some have walked for more than 5 miles to get here. Some hired a scooter but most have arrived

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-79192001939804842032010-03-01T13:22:00.000-08:002010-03-01T13:32:15.773-08:00

Day 2 in the DR and the dental team heads over to the school at 8:30am, ready to service all the villagers anxiously waiting outside the school. I ask Jacque how long they work each day and her response is “Until we get done.” I’m inspired by her ambitious nature and my appreciation grows for her each day.The school is transformed into a dental office. The front desk is at the door of the school

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-86022804605164901842010-02-25T19:58:00.000-08:002010-02-25T20:18:37.433-08:00

Over the next several weeks, I will be recounting our days in the Dominican Republic with Evergreen 4 Kids. I hope you read along and are inspired as I was by the stories and the photographs.Flying over the ocean preparing to land in Santo Dominigo, I notice how small the island of Dominican Republic and Haiti really is. Just a little piece of land in the middle of a big ocean. I picture it on

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-53072095768958712282010-02-10T08:52:00.000-08:002010-02-10T22:45:48.604-08:00

With only one day left until I leave for the Dominican Republic, I am reminded in every moment, how precious my time is with my kids. As a mom who does all the drop offs, pick ups, art projects, carpooling, homework, hair styling and boy talking I am often tired at the end of the day.However, this past week, in preparing for my trip, I have been consistently reminded how fleeting life is. How

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-62497876820170500722010-01-11T11:16:00.000-08:002010-01-11T11:52:57.717-08:00

This past Sunday, my girls and I went to mall for a girl day! After the hub-bub of Christmas was over, I thought it would be fun to use some of their holiday money and get some new clothes. Typical girl day out. We had so much fun! The girls, now 7 and 4, were like little ladies in their cute outfits and little hats and purses. Seriously, it was a blast.We went to Target and got clothes, ate

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-10116147414197011102010-01-04T22:08:00.000-08:002010-01-04T22:47:30.516-08:00

It's that time....the beginning of a new year! Time for New Years Resolutions. How defeating "resolutions" can be! Instead - let's rephrase that to New Years Intentions. Sounds better doesn't it?So here we go - the beginning of a New Year....what are some of your intentions? Is there a possibility that those intentions can continue on past March? Now that's always a challenge isn't it? I always

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-5916455046903873432009-12-18T06:47:00.001-08:002009-12-18T06:57:31.097-08:00

Man I LOVE the holidays! Especially when it involves time off work, snowed in days, warm fireplaces, holiday parties with friends, wrapping presents and baking cookies! The thing I remember most about the Christmas holiday when I was growing up was baking cookies...and LOTS of them. My grandmother used to make at least 20 different kinds of cookies and then give them all away to seriously,

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-28158789593922444832009-12-07T21:31:00.000-08:002009-12-07T21:44:01.889-08:00

On a recent yoga retreat, I assigned Omwork to the ladies and just this past weekend we got together and shared it with each other. The assignment was to write their 100th birthday speech. What would we say at our 100th birthday? Sounds like an easy enough question right? But the task was all about visualization; visualizing who you would be on your 100th birthday. I was very impressed with one

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-86473278808907869392009-11-23T20:04:00.000-08:002009-11-23T21:09:29.783-08:00

It always humbles me when people in the community come together for a greater cause. This past Sunday we had our First Annual Yoga Day at the Vancouver Yoga Center. All proceeds went to Evergreen4kids and what a fabulous time we had.I had a friend from Estacada, Oregon come out and teach a class. Another friend from Ridgefield teach another class. All for what - to remind ourselves that we are

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-25546753671796198562009-11-19T06:46:00.000-08:002009-11-19T06:59:52.495-08:00

Motherhood certainly brings out the yogi in me! How conscious can one person be! I awoke this morning to two little angels sleeping in my bed. They must have fallen from the sky because I know I told my children that they were old enough to stay in their own bed.Nevertheless I laid there for quite some time thinking, "They really should be in their own beds." And "I should get up and put them in

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-55990483734136310852009-11-02T12:40:00.000-08:002009-11-02T12:54:48.648-08:00

I am so in love with my kids I swear! I would still be asleep in this crazy world if it wasn't for them! We went trick or treating this weekend like most parents did I would imagine. What a flash back for us all isn't it?This Halloween offered me so many lessons....where to begin.....It was so iupsetting for my little Ava (who has a nut allergy) to not get as much candy as all the other kids. It

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-62866485887261211262009-10-28T06:18:00.001-07:002009-10-28T07:12:37.203-07:00

There is power in numbers. Especially when you are talking about women who come together and collaborate on how to change the world. Our 1st Spiritual Warrior Retreat was an amazing success. It's really phenomenal what happens when we become still and are surrounded by amazing, courageous, connected women.Starting off the weekend with stillness and silence was really a key factor in all of the

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-2677248751317249332009-10-19T10:00:00.000-07:002009-10-19T10:17:20.268-07:00

The response to this contest was interesting....I posted a request for photos of YOU doing yoga anywhere in the world and I have to say, I LOVE the one in Greece! Thanks Sandra for taking your yoga off your mat! You are such a joy to have in class each week! And thank you to everyone else who sent in photos! They were all awesome!On to one of my new projects....I am putting together a book about

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-23240431044150500162009-10-12T21:22:00.001-07:002009-10-12T21:35:33.815-07:00

I heard a great quote the other day in yoga class. "When the power of love becomes stronger than the love of power, our world will experience peace." You know who said that? Jimi Hendrix. Isn't that profound? Really!This weekend I attended an amazing workhop in Seattle that spotlighted Gregg Bradden, Bruce Lipton, Cheryl Richardson and Caroline Myss - all amazing, cutting edge authors. And

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-73416526599720236032009-10-08T06:23:00.000-07:002009-10-08T07:08:55.836-07:00

The Universe certainly has a way of reminding us to be grateful for what we have. Not only that but in times of near crises or turmoil, it has a way of stirring up hidden or buried emotions and fears. Feelings that usually remain dormant in our day-to-day routine.Last week my husband took a hot yoga class with me. Let me preface this by saying that hot yoga is not something you jump into. It's

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-18694811320178191232009-10-01T12:28:00.000-07:002009-10-01T13:16:04.309-07:00

I can't help but chuckle when I put those two words together. Conscious consumer....don't they sound funny together? I just picture this mad dash of people heading to the store for silly things or eating without thinking about what they are doing.And I chuckle because although I know I am more conscious now in my thoughts, words and deeds, I still have those moments of unconscious conformity.

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-79749726826681285582009-09-25T08:04:00.000-07:002009-09-25T08:34:01.627-07:00

Ok - I know that yoga means union; Om is the sound of Oneness; when we practice we release judgment and expectation; and all yoga styles are born on the same principle of uniting with the Divinity within. Am I missing anything?Why then am I seeing so much division between styles and lineages? What do I mean you ask? Why can't Bikram Yoga and Anusara Yoga be housed under the same roof? And why

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-60143263508365853952009-09-21T09:21:00.000-07:002009-09-21T09:48:15.585-07:00

OK - this is a big one for me. I could use some feedback on this. And you don't need to be a parent to comment either!This blog is about surrendering to the disappointment of a "no" answer or following through until you get a "yes" or at the very least, get a "no" from the top dog.As a mother, I want what's best for my kids. Who doesn't right? I want them to go after what they want; fearless of

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-25238208097406317182009-09-14T14:02:00.000-07:002009-09-14T21:49:05.215-07:00

So many times we look outside for our lessons in life. We turn to TV, media, mentors and workshops. Really, the learning and beauty is so much closer to home.Learning is always within we know that right? But sometimes we miss our own beauty so we look to the next best person: our partner or spouse. In this case, I look to my husband.For so many reason I am choosing to write this blog. One is

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-16833030099319348402009-09-11T13:14:00.001-07:002009-09-11T14:11:49.028-07:00

In my Zen Flow Yoga Teacher Training/Life Transforming program, we talk about the 8 Fundamentals of teaching or practicing yoga. Now, I make it very clear that these 8 Fundamentals are not the end of the line as far as learning. I also make it very clear that yoga has been around for thousands of years so nothing I am teaching is new information; it's only my interpretation.One of the 8

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-8615886606998404182009-09-01T21:05:00.000-07:002009-09-01T21:31:48.057-07:00

Wow - where did the summer go? I mean, yesterday I was making a list of all the fun things we wanted to do this summer and today I'm getting the kids uniforms ready for the morning! For those of you who know me, you know we did everything on our list....berry picking, beach combing, library tours, mall shopping, camping - you name it, we did it!However, the end of the summer seemed to hit us all

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-65595350453408004992009-08-20T22:23:00.000-07:002009-08-20T22:59:01.903-07:00

We went to Cannon Beach last weekend, just for the day - the girls, me and my husband. What a goregous place. Reminded me a lot of Del Mar, California where my husband and I met about 13 years ago.On our way home, my husband and I were talking about how we would really like to move back to the beach someday. We were discussing how much we really miss that lifestyle. Isabella pipes up from the

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-37157985915510172122009-08-20T22:00:00.000-07:002009-08-20T22:20:47.326-07:00

I have to say that I have always thought that I had this higher purpose. That being a stay at home mom was just not enough for me. I have always needed more for some odd reason. Now, before you go gasping and getting all huffy let me explain.Since I have been home this summer I have realized that I am no where near ready to stay home all day with these little people. I LOVE THEM WITH ALL MY

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-59076147142587116442009-08-14T07:30:00.000-07:002009-08-15T06:35:31.288-07:00

Is anyone else completely terrified of Ferris Wheels?This past weekend we went to the Clark County Fair. Honestly, the fair really isn't my favorite place to be but I always have fun watching the girls in amazement.Ava - my little daredevil - really wanted me to go on the Ferris Wheel with her. I didn't want to tell her I was afraid....I couldn't do that. So I agreed. OMG! I was terrified to get

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-2206470298138667692009-08-14T06:48:00.000-07:002009-08-14T07:29:50.100-07:00

When I first closed the studio and was offered the opportunity to spend every day at home with my girls, I was so thrilled! So thrilled in fact that I actually entertained the idea of home-schooling them. For those of you who know me, you know this could have turned into quite a challenge for me but you also know, I am always up for a challenge!Now 8 weeks into summer vacation I know, at this

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-29759066028716391762009-08-06T23:26:00.001-07:002009-08-06T23:40:55.486-07:00

Welcome to Zen Yoga Off the Mat Blog!!Thanks to my husband for creating this forum for me. I kept bugging him about it and then when he created it, I didn't know exactly what to do with it. Story of our life sometimes right? You get what you want and then think, now what do I do.So I have been thinking about this space and contemplating on the mission of this blogspot. To relate every day

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-32308769805060323942009-08-06T23:18:00.000-07:002009-08-06T23:22:13.430-07:00

written by Dana Layon, ERYTIt’s a staggering fact – heart disease is a killer. According to the American Heart Association, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, causing about 1.5 million heart attacks each year. Additionally, more women than men die from heart disease in the U.S., and 1 in 3 women are living with it today. Since we

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-51658257304542654152009-08-06T23:16:00.000-07:002009-08-06T23:18:30.686-07:00

written by Dana Layon, ERYTSpirituality can be defined as a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, which includes an emotional experience of religious awe and reverence. Equally important, spirituality influences physical and psychological health. Cultural historian and yogi, William Irwin Thompson once said, “Religion is not identical with spirituality; rather religion is the

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-64333871962078033362009-08-06T23:12:00.000-07:002009-08-06T23:15:59.697-07:00

written by Dana Layon, ERYTToo many times we look in the mirror and are discouraged by what we see. Our hair should be longer, our teeth whiter, our legs smaller our breasts bigger. And that’s just what I see when I look in the mirror! The point is: we all do it, even yoga instructors.In our society, the media drives what we are supposed to look like. Thin bodies, flawless skin, shiny hair but

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-31970829461440119202009-08-06T23:06:00.000-07:002009-08-06T23:10:03.882-07:00

written by Dana Layon, ERYTWhat is Yoga?Yoga can be many things. It is first, an ancient philosophy originating 5,000 years ago in India. The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “union”.Hatha Yoga means “yoga for health”, and is the physical aspect of the practice. It renews, invigorates and heals the body. Simply, yoga is a physical and psychological discipline seeking balance.

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-28474354808065925812009-08-06T22:58:00.000-07:002009-08-06T23:10:46.970-07:00

written by Dana Layon, ERYTEveryone is doing it – this thing called yoga. Doctors are prescribing it as an alternative therapy to reduce stress; physical therapists are recommending it to help patients rehabilitate; personal trainers are suggesting it as a complementary activity to cardio and weight training and schools are offering it as an elective in physical education courses – learning to

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-87730614210008239632009-08-06T22:51:00.000-07:002009-08-06T23:11:39.531-07:00

written by Dana Layon, ERYTTimes have changed when it comes to exercise guidelines during pregnancy. In the past, moms-to-be were told to rest up for the nine (ten) months of pregnancy. Thankfully, those days are over and today’s modern mom-to-be can look forward to less weight gain, less stress and more energy as a result of exercise.Yoga BenefitsFor pregnant women, the benefits of practicing

Dana Layon-Damarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844862195728295020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619875750387208197.post-12780604855546724572009-08-06T22:40:00.000-07:002009-08-06T23:12:09.032-07:00

written by Dana Layon, ERYTWhen you understand menopause and how yoga can help you can:Make nutritional choices that will be in alignment with your personal needsFind relief from symptoms of peri-menopause through yoga postures and breathing techniquesMake lifestyle choices that better fit your needs as well as the environmentRedefine your outlook on menopause and what it truly means to us as

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