"Leap and the net will appear"

If you have a dream, a vision, follow it - LIVE IT.

Have a great day,

Ash

NEW Video Project!!

Hey everyone!

I would like to welcome the start of a new project from Ashley Lord Yoga. Its a daily/weekly video blog that will include inspirational quotes, words of the day, yoga posture tips, meditations, relaxations etc.
Rock on. Enjoy.


Much love,
Ashley

Costa Rica Retreat Promo Video

a very fun snowy winter day filming a jokes promo video for a Costa Rica yoga retreat.

Nothing is a waste of time

Recently I heard a thank you speech at an awards show. The recipient thanked his parents profusely for being a constant beacon of support, but dedicated the speech to those people who do not have that same type of support. The recipient stated "Nothing is a waste of time".

Continue to do what you want to do - what makes you happy, you are not wasting your time! If you are an artist who wants to paint, a snowboarder who has an olympic dream, or even someone who loves dogs and wants to run a successful business as a dog walker - do IT. Live the life you love and follow your dreams. Continue to pursue your passions and success will follow you!

I really think it is important to know that where you are is right where you should be. All those little steps along the way has only got you to where you are right now - so don't give up. You are closer than you think!

Too many people think down on themselves, because they have a voice in their head telling them to give up on their dreams. Don't listen to it! Do what you want to do.

"Leap and the net will appear"

If you start to measure success in terms of happiness you are richer than you think.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE!

Ashley Lord Yoga - "Inspiring clarity through movement"

Promotional Video

no danger...from these eyes of a stranger

Woke up this morning at my moms, packed up the pooch and hit the road! Made a tastey cinnamon bagel to go.
So driving down the road and almost run out of gas! Make it to a gas station, I may as well of just coasted in there - it was a close call.
I fill up with only $15.....because I get this crazy feeling my debit card is not gonna work (last week the bank shut it off due to "suspect" activity and I had to call them to reset my pin, then it was working again!) - but I had this feeling for some reason. And sure enough, I go to pay and my card is declined!"Declined - contact bank" was the message. So (at this point I am just going to make it to teach my 9am class, it was just before 8 and I had about a 45 minute drive ahead of me!), I try to reason with the extremely serious merchant at the desk, asking if I could leave something there for him as collateral - until I paid later that afternoon!) Needless to say he didn't budge! (He wanted me to leave my phone - but like that was gonna happen!! Hehe). I tell him I am just gonna go outside to see what I have in my car......
I am still pretty calm at this point, and seriously thinking about what my plan of action is going to be! Then I see an old gentleman walking across the gas station, en route to pay for his gas inside. I didn't even hesitate and turned immediately to him as our paths crossed. "Hi sorry to bother you....and explained my situation, oh and here come the tears!! Just a few start to trickle down my cheek as I plead with him, and with out even saying anything to me, we walk inside together, smiling kindly, as if to say, sure of course I will help you!" SO - wow. He pays for my gas and I ask him for his address so I can send him a cheque, of course. His tiny act of selfless kindness enabled me to get back on the road, make it home to drop off Nala, and get to my yoga class on time. I arrive to my sunday morning (dedicated) students. This tale of kindness proves that one little (seemingly insignificant) event could have changed the course of 21 people's lives that morning, whether I made it or not.
"Small acts of kindness can make a world of difference" and that is the story and lesson that I started off this morning's yoga class with. Sharing a tale of kindness that benefitted us all (and others sure to come, as each one of my students will be sure to help out a stranger in need one day). The circle of life. 

Do things without hesitation, be kind without expecting anything in return. You don't know how many people you are helping.

Love Ashley

Strength behind the Uniform

This past weekend I executed an event I have been planning for the past two months. A "Spa and Wellness Day" for families of soldiers overseas. Joining forces with the Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) Cambridge we collaborated to offer a day of wellness and relaxation, an opportunity for families to come together in support of one another. We are all united by a common thread - and must remain strong as our heroes depart on their journey.

My involvement with the MFRC is important for my own strength and wellness - as my own loved one leaves for War.

The support offered by the MFRC is such an important community connection for the families. Monthly meetings, dinners, guest speakers, and special events are only some of the forums of support. We are able to gather to learn, share our thoughts, our strength and our struggle.

Offering the "Spa and Wellness Day" was of special importance to me - as I was able to share Yoga with many ladies who have never experienced this wonderful practice. Yoga is very much a tool for wellness, a way to keep the Self independently healthy in mind and body. This is ultimately the most important approach we - the families - the "strength behind the uniform" can take to ease the difficulties we are faced with during deployment.

Keep well, stay strong, and breathe.

Yoga helps us to stay positive and strong. Through practice we develop awareness, directly transferring to our ability to be emotionally strong, present, alert, fit, conscious in the midst of anything and everything. Fully available to our families here and abroad.

In yoga we practice controlling the fluctuations of the mind - something we are undoubtedly to experience.

Keeping well is the only answer for working through the difficulties of deployment. It is my honor not only to share yoga with the families - but to keep myself strong - to be the supportive partner my soldier will need on the home front.

http://news.therecord.com/article/637023

"I know the greatness of heart to see the difference between duty and his love for me. I understand that I may know, when duty calls him he must go. I will practice each day, to fill the time when he's away. And know when he's in a foreign land, I must stay positive and understand. When he is on duty in the field, I am his home strength, his shield. And though I know deployment maybe long, I will stay healthy, positive, and always strong."

Stillness of Morning - My commitment to rising before the sun

I have made a commitment to myself, my practice....and Nala (my darling dog).

Starting today - and everyday - I will rise before the sun. It is in the hours of morning when the stillness cannot help but invite a calmness into the body. A time to meditate, a time to think and create, a time for me, and a time for Nala to do what doggers do - sniff and explore. Starting today I commit to my continual rise before the sun.

In past when I have woken or chose to wake early before the sun - I have noticed a difference in my day - a contentment that is so amazing.

Why is this?

Our bodies are attuned with nature and naturally wake up with light. On the contrary - Its true we sleep better in darkness.

Our ancestors - before electricity was invented - would know it is time to get up because the sun was starting to come up!

Perhaps you like to sleep in the morning - if so - you can still wake with light. There are natural alarm clocks that turn on a light at the time it is set for then gradually increases in intensity.

Its good to expose ourselves to light when we first wake up - this triggers the "wake up" vibe in the body. We finish sleeping and we can get out of bed and start the day!

A few tips on morning wake ups and routines from the Yoga Journal website

http://www.yogajournal.com/health/859

I am excited. Making commitments to my practice is an important part of the journey, an important part of growth! Opening now to new opportunity that perhaps I was missing during my deep sleeps in my dark bedroom!

Enjoy the brightness of day and the stillness of night.

Namaste.

(Top Picture: A beautiful Santorini, Greece sunset - I took the photo in October 2006)