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