ActiveX: Getting out of my comfort zone

For the last few months, I've been involved with an amazing company, Active.com. I teach yoga on-site to members of the ActiveX team. Arch Fuston leads the ActiveX team in all kinds of intense boot-camp style workouts, in addition to mentoring employees who are training for anything from a 5K to a full triathalon. The camaraderie is fantastic.

I'm not a runner, due to all kinds of old injuries and lack of cartilage in the knees but, when I was invited to join one of the ActiveX "lite" workouts on Friday morning, I figured what the heck? I was constantly encouraging them to get out of their comfort zones and see how yoga could benefit their chosen sports so, why shouldn't I get out of mine?

I must admit: I was scared. I was dreading it.

We met at La Jolla Shores at 7am and proceeded to complete a series of drills designed by Arch to challenge everyone and did he! Can you say creative? Wheelbarrows, hopping over walls, alligator crawls, running and leaping through the sand and the grand finale: 3 people dragging a 4th through the sand clinging to a large rope. I must say, I enjoyed being pulled along on the rope!

The best part: it felt like playing with your friends. Well, your crazy hyperactive friends but, play nonetheless. The worst: the sand wanted to stay with me all weekend! I left the beach feeling like if I didn't do anything else for the rest of the day, I'd accomplished something. Fun!

The Health Care System REALLY Does NOT work...how it home personally again this week.

I thought it was bad when my sister lost her health insurance back in 2005, through no fault of her own. The non-profit foundation that she ran decided to close and she was suddenly unemployed and without insurance. This may sound like a common story these days but, there was another element involved: my sister was in treatment for Breast Cancer. She'd already completed horrendous chemotherapy that caused her to feel like her bones were breaking each time she moved, the nausea, not to mention the hair loss. She was finishing her radiation that left horrible burns on her breast. She was now told she had to take medication for the next 10 years, or she would die.

Said medication cost $899 per month, without insurance. My sister could not obtain health insurance anywhere because....drumroll...she had cancer and the insurance companies, in their underwriting wisdom didn't want to take that risk.

As a result, my sister moved back to Israel, where she lived in her 20s, in order to get health insurance. She didn't really want to move back but, she had no choice. As a newly unemployed non-profit executive director without insurance, she didn't have any options in the U.S.

So, some of you who know me know that October 30th marked the 1 year anniversary of my neck surgery. I was in a car accident in December 2007 and as a result, had to have cervical disc replacement surgery. I tried everyting in 2008 to avoid surgery: physical therapy, rest, more rest, acupuncture, massage, epidural injections....I did avoid all of the pain pills and muscle relaxers that the doctors wanted to give me. I didn't want to mask the pain, I wanted to be pain-free.

Finally, the head of neuro-trauma at Scripps informed me that surgery was "semi-urgent," meaning that if I were hit again or fell or did something to tweak my neck, I would have serious spinal cord damage. So, what were the options? Surgery.

So, after a year or almost non-stop pain, I am the proud owner of a bionic disc at C5-6. I am finally pain free and have remained so a full year. I quit my corporate job in January and pursued my dream of teaching full-time. It is better than I could have imagined.

One issue, however, is health insurance. I'm paying $450 per month to continue my old insurance through COBRA. This is only a temporary fix because you can only participate for 18 months. As a full-time yoga and pilates instructor, I must say that $450 a month is really tough. So, I finally decided to pursue some health insurance as an individual.

I received my first declination letter from Anthem Blue Cross. Like my sister's case, this is rather ironic as well. Apparently, they declined me because I had disc replacement surgery. Of course, there is no consideration put into the fact that it FIXED my neck, that I've been pain free for a year, that I haven't had to have any treatment for my neck since the surgery. No, that would be too logical.

They turned me down because, "Once there is a disc replacement surgery, we will not insure you." Ever. So, am I supposed to take out the healthy artificial disc to get insurance? How will I get coverage?

Something really needs to be done. These two examples are within one family. How many millions of stories are there out there? The insurance companies won't underwrite you and give you insurance if you've, gasp, actually had to use your insurance in the past. Go figure.

Yoga for Runners, Yoga for Triathletes......more coming!

Wow, how can it be so long since I've blogged? Hmmm, I think it is because I'm smack in the middle of writing a series of articles for www.active.com. This series is very specific, short and sweet, with a recommendation for three poses to try to enhance your sport.

The first article gives some suggestions for runners. Try them!: http://www.active.com/running/Articles/Yoga-for-Runners--3-Poses-You-Should-Practice.htm


The second article does the same thing for the triathlete:
http://www.active.com/mindandbody/articles/Yoga-for-Triathletes--3-Poses-You-Should-Practice.htm

Yoga for Tennis should be coming out this week. Look for it on the website. Yoga for Cyclists, Yoga for Golfers, Yoga for Surfers, Yoga for Football....any other ideas?

Thanks for checking them out!

There are two ways to spread light; to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it." - Edith Wharton

Another amazing quote that says so much with so little.

For me, this quote reminds me of why I love teaching yoga. I feel that I alternate between these roles when teaching. Sometimes students come in to class seeking solace from difficult situations going on in their lives. They are in a darker space and their light is hidden for a time. In that scenario, I try to be the candle and share some light to remind them that theirs is inside of them, just dormant for a little while.

At other times, students come in with a true glow that only grows brighter as they practice and find their peace on the mat. Then, I just try to be the reflection back to them of their inner beauty and light.

I love it.

High-top Reeboks, Lycra and Big hair=.Mind-Body?

There is so much focus on the mind-body connection in exercise these days. Yoga, pilates, you name it. It is awesome that this vital connection is being recognized and publicized.

For me: I had no idea why I always worked out. In high school, I was obsessed with the latest classes, at-home workouts, dancing, just movement in general. In college, I found weight-lifting and was hooked. I also happened to be in school in the heyday of "high impact" aerobics and had to teach it. I loved the high I felt after leaping around in my high-top Reeboks, my ponytail and let's not forget the lycra. The shiny lycra thong leotards. With belts. I'm blushing remembering it. But, I must confess, I thought I looked fabulous in these get-ups. But, I digress.

I had a challenging home life in those years, who didn't? I was intense about my school-work and loved to read, to learn, to excel. I definitely had my bookworm side and wanted to develop and push the boundaries of my learning and intellectual capacity. Often, the bookworms look down on the "jocks" because the focus should be on higher learning, not building muscles, right? Wrong!

Sometimes I felt like I didn't fit into either category because I couldn't figure out why I always wanted to sweat. Some critics thought it was because I wanted to be skinny, to fit into my jeans, to look good. And, of course aesthetics matter! We all want to look our best. I did not exercise to be skinny, however. I exercised because it made me feel peaceful. It calmed me down. It made me feel happy. I just never made the connection. I didn't know why I did it, I just did it.

These days, there is tons of information about the endorphin effect. How even a short 20 minute stroll will change your mood, boost your metabolism, etc etc. It is so true. One of the few things that has kept me sane through tumultuous times is exercise. Plain and simple. No matter how I feel, no matter what is transpiring in the world around me, I feel better after I exercise. No matter what. Move your body and calm your mind.

Join me at Lululemon in Carlsbad, Ca, Saturday September 19th at 9am for a complimentary yoga class. http://www.oceansoulyoga.com/

My Retreat to Nicaragua: January 2010

It is finally becoming a reality! I'm hosting my first yoga and pilates retreat and I am doing it in a big way! I am so excited, I wish it were happening tomorrow instead of in January!

I've always dreamed of going on a yoga retreat. When I lived in LA, one of my favorite teachers, Tom Morley, used to lead retreats to Tahiti and Santorini and I could only dream of going. Unfortunately, it wasn't a reality for me at that time.

I feel very blessed that this opportunity to actually host and create a dream escape, an amazing retreat came to me. Adrienne Ward, founder of BigWorldSmallPlanet, sets everything up from Nicaragua. She knows the best spots, is in the know with all of the locals and coordinates incredible days ranging from sailing trips along the coast, 90 minute massages at the spa, trips to local schools, surfing lessons with local gurus in the best breaks, meals, and the list goes on. I'll be leading workouts twice a day: dynamic, energizing flow yoga in the mornings and core-focused pilates workout and restorative yoga in the late afternoon, designed to leave students feeling strong, centered and calm. Most of all: it will be fun! Days will be filled however one wants. Lazy days by the pool or in the spa or adventures ziplining (definitely for me!!)

I've been lucky enough to travel the world extensively but, I truly feel that this trip will be a life-changing experience for me and the group who joins me.

To learn more, check out www.bigworldsmallplanet.com. Click on Retreats and you'll see my name! Claire Petretti

Learning to build a consistent personal practice, no matter what!

Recently, I had two conversations with students who were feeling that if they couldn't get to yoga class every single day, then they weren't really yogis, they didn't really have a strong practice, etc. etc. Because they felt that they weren't able to practice enough,they didn't think they were getting all the mind-body benefits that they wanted from yoga. These conversations really resonated with me. I'd been feeling the same way because I've been teaching so much that my own practice had suffered.

I was reminded of a really simple premise: consistency is what matters. Quality over quantity. Many of us don't have time to go to the studio every day or even every other day. We also don't have time to attend a 60 minute class, much less a 90 minute class on a daily basis. But, that is okay!

You don't have to rush around or skip sleep to get in a 60-90 minute practice every day. No, consistency means that you can do a 20 minute home practice if that is all you have time for and that is fine. It is the repeated practice of focusing on the breath and moving through asanas that really matter. Alternatively, developing a meditation practice at home is also a great way to be consistent with your practice.

There is an incredible book on this topic, "The Heart of Yoga, Developing a Personal Practice" by T.K.V. Desikachar, a well-respected guru. In the book, practical tips are offered on how to create your own yoga practice, targeted specifically to how you feel each day and what your mind and body desire at any given time. There are numerous books, DVDs and TV programs that can lead you through yoga classes.

Finally, by practicing alone at home, you can really tune in to your practice without distractions. Try it!

Ahimsa: Not in the NFL

One of the primary tenets in yoga is the concept of Ahimsa or non-violence, non-harming. To me, it simply means treating everyone and everything as best you can, without intent to harm in any way. The golden rule, right?

So, I'd vowed to focus on the positive in my blog entries but, I am so outraged and disgusted with the NFL and the Philadelphia Eagles that I just have to write about it. Is the NFL really hurting so badly for talent that they have to bring back a convicted felon, a man who admitted to hanging, electrocuting and drowning dogs that had been abused their whole lives, once they didn't earn him any money in his dog fighting ring?

This man did not do this once or twice. He wasn't forced into it by his cohorts. No, Michael Vick was the ringleader. This abuse and murder of innocent animals occurred over a 6 YEAR PERIOD. Repeatedly. Casually. "Par for the course"....

This highest paid athlete in the NFL, earning multimillions, chose to make more money and have fun by torturing animals. Now, there are felony animal abuse laws in almost every state because research showed that all of the serial killers, like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer and even Hitler, all tortured animals as children. The trait these monsters share is a complete lack of empathy for other living beings. It started with animals and then they moved on to humans. Michael Vick is a convicted felon.

So, the NFL chooses to bring this amoral monster back to play football. Why? What could possibly be the motivation besides money? And, who is going to pay to see this jerk? I cannot even begin to comprehend what went into the decision to sign him to a team. Aren't there tons of gifted, talented athletes who work hard and could be the quarterback?? Or, even gifted athletes who were not very nice people but NOT FELONS???

One of my favorite jobs I had was as Director for Animal Avengers, an animal rescue charity founded by Shannon Elizabeth and located in LA. We saw many dogs who were treated terribly but, fortunately, I never was involved in rescuing dogs from a fighting ring. So, my heart is screaming right now at the absolute injustice of giving this monster another chance. He doesn't deserve it. His abuse was over a 6 year period. Not an isolated incident. He is not rehabilitated. He is not a good person. He does not deserve another chance. He never gave any of the hundreds of innocent dogs a single chance.

Yoga for Fit2Wed Bootcamp at Mission Bay Park

It was an incredible morning on Mission Bay this morning. The sun began peeking out around 9:15am, just as the class was finishing up their sun salutations. We faced the bay, enjoying the view of calm waters.

Practicing yoga at a park has its pluses and minuses. The loud boombox at the nearby picnic table was a minus. The beautiful San Diego morning was a big plus! We also had a little terrier decide he wanted to join the ladies yoga group. I believe most of us agreed he was a plus! Being in this type of environment is a perfect reminder that yoga doesn't have to be so serious! You can laugh and still have a lovely practice.

I was thrilled to be able to work with the Fit2Wed Bootcamp women for a second time. Fit2Wed is a 12 week bootcamp program designed by Jessica Thomas and is a smashing success. The program is intense, fun and best of all gives fabulous results to its participants. Check it out at www.getfit2wed.com.

I became involved when Jessica attended one of my yoga classes at SculptFusion yoga. We spoke after class and decided to see if the boot campers would be interested in adding an occasional yoga class to their already busy regime. They were! Yoga is an excellent addition to a cardio and strength-training routine and I hope all the participants enjoyed it as much as I did.

I love my job!

Reawakened with Anusara

Tonight I had the most amazing breakthrough in my yoga practice. I attended Michael Fukumara's 90 minute Anusara class and as always, he was incredibly inspiring. Michael was my first teacher back in 1999, when he still taught Ashtanga yoga. Each and every time I attend one of his classes, I feel absolutely incredible afterwards in my mind, body and heart.

I'm very attached to the Vinyasa flow style that I teach. I love the movement, the grace, the flow; feeling like I am truly dancing with my breath. Over the last year, after recovering from a car accident and resultant neck surgery, my yoga practice suffered a great deal. No longer did I have the upper body strength that powered me through my power yoga! No pun intended. Although I continued to teach, my personal practice declined. Anyway, I've not found many classes where I truly experience an opening, an unfolding, an awakening.

Tonight, I did. The class focused on the anahata or heart chakra. By the end of the 90 minutes, I felt incredibly open and light. I feel as if I floated from the room. And, now, I am feeling a shift occurring within. When I arrived home, I immediately went to Michael's website to check when the next Anusara Immersion would be offered. I've been wrestling with some personal decisions on the path my career is moving and I feel much more clear about the answers and the path to follow now. I'm trusting my heart that my decisions are true, no matter the result.

Wow, the power of yoga never fails to amaze me. What a beautiful way to end my day.

Namaste

Why Athletes Should Practice Yoga

Why Every Athlete Should Practice Yoga

Claire Petretti For Active.com

As a private trainer and yoga instructor, I meet a lot of athletes and workout fanatics. When asked if yoga is part of their workouts, many athletes will tell me they don't have the time to add yoga to their already intense training schedules. Some say they don't see how "stretching and breathing" would be of any benefit to them. Others say they've discovered yoga while recuperating from an injury.

Why not enhance your performance and prevent injury by adding yoga to your training plan now? A well-rounded yoga practice includes dynamic flexibility training, core stabilization, strengthening and balance work. By focusing on these vital elements, yoga can help you recover faster after workouts, open up the tight areas that hinder performance, improve range of motion, and develop mental focus and concentration.

"I've definitely noticed benefits in my triathlon training from yoga," said Heidi Resiert, a triathlete from San Diego. "My recovery time is much quicker, my shoulders feel stronger in the pool, and my muscles don't feel as tight after long runs or bike rides. I'm glad I found yoga and added it to my weekly workout routine. Not only do I feel stronger, but I also feel more confident that I will continue to be injury free."

Prevent Injury

Many sports, such as cycling and running, have very repetitive movements usually in one direction and in one plane of motion. These sports can develop certain muscle groups while ignoring others. Over time, this process causes imbalances in the muscles and joints leading to overuse injuries. For instance, tight hamstrings and hip flexors will cause the body to recruit from other joints, joints not intended for bearing extra loads.............

to read the rest of the article, please go to:
"http://www.active.com/mindandbody/articles/Why-Every-Athlete-Should-Practice-Yoga.htm"

The best gifts are trips and massages.....

Last month, someone said to me that the only presents that they ever wanted anymore were trips or massages. I must agree that those are two of the best gifts anyone could give! Both of them are experiences that allow you to fully enjoy the present moment and what could be better than being in the now?

I love massages but, a few weeks later, I don't have distinct memories of the experience. Trips, however, are a different story. Traveling is one of the most amazing ways to spend your time. You get to experience a new or an old favorite locale, enjoy food, drink, scenery, activities and more. If you get to do it with a loved one or close friend, even better!

I recently returned from a fabulous trip my boyfriend took me on to celebrate my birthday. We drove up the coast to Central California and stayed in Pismo Beach and explored the wineries in San Luis Obispo County. Nobody warned us that the wineries are a dangerous 5 miles from Pismo! It was all too easy to head over for a day of tasting.

The scenery was magical. Rugged California coastline quickly gives way to rolling golden hills sprinkled with wineries, beautiful trees and vibrant flowers. It was 72 degrees and sunny. At Wolff Winery, we were able to sit out in an enchanted garden, under a tree with a tinkling fountain beneath it and taste wines. Our host Clive was a hoot and a wealth of information. We felt like we were a million miles away in the quiet, scenic SLO valley. No thoughts of home, work, responsibilities interrupted our escape.

Experiencing a new place is just one of my favorite things to do. You have the opportunity to just be. And, even just a weekend of getting out of your head and living in the now is rejuvenating. So, I will always remember my birthday of 2009 through the memories and photos of our trip to Pismo Beach. Much better than a new necklace or pair of shoes any day!!

We have to keep transforming ourselves

to become who we ought to be. I love this quote and it really seems to sum up my life path.

I was feeling a little discouraged the other day because I was questioning if I'd made the right choices in my career. A niggling little fear crept up and made me ask the question (again) whether I was crazy to quit corporate life as a lawyer and teach yoga and pilates full-time. What was I doing again? How was I going to support myself? Was I wasting my education? ...And, and, and....

But, as usual, whenever fear creeps in, an affirmation comes to remind me that I am in the flow, I am living my dream, I am doing what I should be doing with my life!

One of my newer yoga students came up to me after class and told me that she wants to cry at the end of my class because she knows she has to wait a week to take it again. She said it was the favorite part of her week. How amazing is that? How grateful do I feel? I receive these reminders almost every single day. I never got this type of validation when I was an attorney. Or in sales. Or any other "traditional" career hat that I tried to wear.

The bottom line is that wellness and nurturing have always been my passions. I made a giant detour leaving the personal training field for a 10 year detour into law and sales but, I've returned. And, I know I am on the right track!

Many of my lawyer friends, well, many of all my friends, tell me that they can't leave their current career because 1. they spent a lot of money on school, 2. they've invested time in the field, etc etc. I always say, Who cares! Are you happy? The last 6 months that I practiced law, I cried daily in the shower before I left for the office. Not happy.

Life is too short to waste it. We are all really good at several things. That doesn't mean that we have to do them for 30 years and be unfulfilled.

I really do believe that if you've got a passion for something, go for it. Of course, be responsible, set up a safety net (at least a little one!!) but, try it. What is the worst that can happen? Failure? I think that my great failures were my biggest learning experiences and were just part of my path.

This is my first real blog entry...not sure if I'm doing it right?? But, I've got to get it started, right? Until later.

Yoga is a journey, unique to each person who embarks upon it. An effective method of self-transformation, yoga teaches us to be present each and every moment of our lives. Anyone, regardless of body type, age, experience or physical ability can practice yoga. People are drawn to yoga for many reasons, such as relieving stress, healing an injury, seeking greater flexibility, balance and strength. Achieving happiness and peace of mind are the end result, regardless of where you begin.
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