Jan 17, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Trauma Sensitive Yoga, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience
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It was one year ago today… give or take a day or two, but distinctly an anniversary of sorts. The days, weeks and months leading up to this day, one year ago today were characterized by anxiety, tension, depression, insomnia, severe physical pain, and a host of other distinctly stress-related symptomology. To be around me, as others were… family members, business partners & relationships, as well as members of my small-town community (when I had the energy to leave my “safe” home)… even complete strangers, must have been terrifying and surreal. To them, Marc was no longer in the building… To them, something dark, scary and powerful had taken him over… To them, wondering when he was going to completely lose it.
Shortly before I decided that there was a problem and my solutions weren’t working, I encountered a person outside my parents condo who questioned why I was smoking outside his building. I was wearing a hoodie… it was dark… my wife was standing 10 feet away and saw the whole thing… Something deep inside me took over and I shot forth a stream of defensive/offensive words, my body trembled as I “puffed up” and took several purposeful steps towards him… I saw the look of fear in his eyes… I heard Heather’s voice… Something brought me back and I walked away…
Two days later on Dec 26, 2014, I admitted myself into an in-patient treatment center specializing in PTSD and Trauma. I had already been misdiagnosed as bi-polar II, several months earlier by a Psychiatrist who admitted knowing nothing about trauma-related mental health, nor PTSD… even when I broke down in her office in the midst of a flashback! She meant well, though, and sent me on my way with two types of Xanax and an anti-seizure drug with such severe potential side-effects as to be life-threatening if mis-taken. I was a wreck… Here is a post I wrote before things got really bad… Click here.
Making the decision to get professional help undoubtedly saved my life… My entire being didn’t know what was real anymore; everything was a threat and I was constantly fighting; life itself became meaningless. Towards the end, for weeks, at some point, I would curl myself up into a ball and want to die… Let me be clear, this was not some wanton or casually flippant statement to garner sympathy, rather this was a visceral, dark, insidious desire to not be alive anymore… with imagery, how-to’s, suggestions and probabilities. I was terrified and didn’t know what to do anymore. My yoga practice that had once sustained me had fallen away, gone for over a year and a half at this point, did not make me feel any better the times I tried to go to the mat… in fact it made things worse. (quick side note: My daily asana and meditation practice sustained me for many, many months… I had peace, joy and clarity… There was balance and ease. I founded the Sedona Yoga Festival during that time… met my wife Heather, got married and together we started several businesses and built a world-class destination Yoga Festival. Somewhere in all that, I began to have less and less time available to practice, or so I thought! It didn’t take long before I was making excuses for not getting on the mat and finally those stopped. I lost touch and it didn’t take long for the world to close in…)
I came to find out that my body and mind were in an endless loop of the fight/flight/freeze response, I was living in/from the Limbic System and everything about my systems were overloaded. I no longer could look at “the moment”, let alone be in it and as I said, EVERYTHING was a threat, automatically categorized by my limbic brain as such… and from my limbic brain came my responses. Let me tell you, the Limbic System is no place to live for a long period of time… it is cold, dark, calculating and cruel… bluntly it sucks for you AND those around you!) Ironically, as I am a Yogi, I had no idea that this was actually happening… and I couldn’t hear, nor did I believe those around me.
So, you’re wondering… if he went in on December 26, then why is today an anniversary? Well, this is where it gets realzies folks… I was on the watch list for near 3 weeks at the Level 1 Physchiatric Facility I went to (that’s right! I spent 40 days in a mental hospital!!!) And for that time, even though the environment was super-cool, relaxed and ultra chill, I was still combative, anxious and depressed… my first day I had flashbacks so real I nearly passed out! Day after day, I went through the motions… going to groups, therapies, classes, meals and meetings… looking inward, digging deep. I wasn’t getting better, nor was I making any friends of my counselors, trained to “call my bullshit” at every opportunity. Near 3 weeks this continued… they must have seen it first… before me, as they pulled me off the watch list first… a day or two went by and then it happened.
I will NEVER, EVER forget the sensation as the tension left my body, the world took on a new look, the colors became more vibrant and the smiles around me were noticed. Looking around me, I wondered where I was… It was safe, secure, there were beautiful souls around me… and I was HAPPY. Deeply happy… Bliss would describe it perfectly! It turns out, that I was so severely out of balance that my entire experience was being governed by the Limbic System… 24-7 for easily a year and a half or more. (since I stopped practicing to be sure!!! note to self) It also turns out, this is not uncommon for many, many who suffer the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress.
Can you imagine?
Now, clearly I am an extreme case… and there are other extreme cases that you may run into in your endeavors to share Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness with Trauma Survivors and those who suffer from PTSD… These people may, as I did, need professional help and a complete reset… or they just may need a guide. You will need to determine this as you go, but worry not, because you will learn from experts in the field all about Traumatic Stress, TBI(traumatic brain injury) and Healing with Yoga at the 3rd Annual SYF Gives Back Pre-Festival Intensive Training.
Here’s the good news! The ancient science of yoga IS the healing balm to manage traumatic stress, PTSD, TBI and other trauma or stress related illnesses and diseases. It IS proven effective and it DOES work… I just have to do it, consistently, steadily and with passion.
Those affected by PTSD need our help… Your help. You can be the guide… you can be a beacon of hope.
On March 8th-10th, 2016 at the Hilton Sedona Bell Rock Resort you will learn how mindfulness can help someone to regain control of their physiology, how yoga cleanses, conditions, energizes and aligns the energy body’s, how and what meditation’s are helpful for Trauma Survivors, and how pranayama is effective in stimulating coherence in the brain. Just a hint, as you join the world class faculty, all experts in their respective fields come together to share with you: Traumatic Stress: Resiliency and Healing with Yoga.
I am good. I consistently return to the practice… steadily apply my efforts and I do so with a passion. Yoga is the Journey out of the Darkness, and a teacher is the guide. I am blessed to have been shown the way by my teachers and I am blessed to be a part of bringing these teachers to you…
“NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO LIVE LIKE THIS”, I screamed inside my head over and over and over again… and they don’t.
Namaste.
Jan 13, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga Interviews
We recently chatted with Teri Undreiner who excels at Loving and encouraging people, and being an LMT , Life Recovery Consultant, Yoga Instructor, Songwriter/Singer/ Writer, Essential Oils Wellness Advocate/ Workshop Teacher, Warrior Posse Designs ( Yoga Shirts & Apparel)…
NAME: Teri Undreiner
EMAIL: velvetsteel@q.com
WEBSITE/BLOG:asacredsong.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter/Instagram: teriundreiner
Occupation: Loving and encouraging people, LMT , Life Recovery Consultant, Yoga Instructor, Songwriter/Singer/ Writer, Essential Oils Wellness Advocate/ Workshop Teacher, Warrior Posse Designs ( Yoga Shirts & Apparel)
Hometown: Phoenix
Current Town: Phx. Az.
Where has yoga taken you?
Yoga has taken me to a deeper place within me and challenged me to live a much more conscious life than I was doing before it. It’s opened me up to reading different things that help me to get in touch with the “inner woman of the heart”. It brings me so much joy and peace and helps me live a more contented , yet adventurous life. It’s given me courage to branch out and challenge myself to do things I haven’t done before or things that fear use to stop me doing. It has connected me to so many different types of people as well. I feel that my world and my heart has become so enlarged to take in so much more of life. Yoga has taken me into other venues, and stretched me to reach out to demographics that I had no previous connection with, such as the Military and First Responders world.
What are the 4 most pivotal occasions in your career both in and outside of Yoga?
1. About 5 years ago, I was choosing between going through Yoga teacher training and Life Coaching and so I decided on a 200 YTT certified through Holy Yoga,, because I wanted to bring Yoga to the Church since most Churched people didn’t engage with yoga I wanted to show them the two were compatible. I use theme related classes that challenge not only our bodies but the way we look at things emotionally and spiritually.
2. Two years ago I began a journey into Life Coaching because I thought that including Yoga with how to help others live more productively and positively would be helpful to my career. Venturing into becoming a Yoga Instructor that included Life Coaching themes and meditations has enabled me to begin my dream of holding Workshops.
3. I began doing Essential Yoga Workshops just this year that incorporates a yoga class, essential oils, and a Nidra class with powerful affirmations to encourage people to move forward in their lives. This Workshop helps them learn how to intentionally relax and let go of those things that n o longer serve them.
4. I have also ventured into becoming trained for Trauma Sensitive Yoga and working with a Veteran and his equine therapist Horse, Bella and have began making videos of such work.
What do you never leave the house without? My phone, computer, backpack filled with books, journal, pens and food/water.
Where are your favorite places to experience? I have traveled to the Mediterranean and it is my favorite out of the country place by far. But I travel although right now to see my kids and first grand-baby, Barrett and that is my favorite of all and my daughter in Ventura Beach.
What are the first three words that come to your mind when someone says: “grounded” or “connected?” Centered. Content. Strong.
We want to know what your typical morning looks like! What does your daily practice look like?
My daily practice …First thing in the morning I make coffee and I take it outside with my Bible, and or another book I’m reading about living a conscious lifestyle. I also take my journal to write down my thoughts and then my computer as well. I like to share my most fun thought of the day first to encourage others if I can.
I either go to a yoga class or I do a 5/15 minute sequence of my own before work. I put on some emotionally moving music and use those moments to do my sequence as a dance. I use it as a worshipful practice to begin my day off in the right attitude and mindset.
What is one mantra that is like a remedy for your soul?
I made this mantra up coming from a lifestyle before Yoga that was a people pleasing lifestyle. “ I’m not who I thought I was, and I don’t know who I will be, but I am confident of this, that I am becoming who I am.” I also ask myself the question, “ How are the connections?” I do this because if the connections aren’t encouraging me to live that life of authenticity and worry free of pleasing others, then I seek to change that.
How do you channel your inner 5 year old?
I think that I live with such wonder already in my life, that I stay in that child-likeness all the time. I also play with my crazy dogs. They keep me playful. Plus having a grandchild. Nothing better than that for calling out to that child within.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I got my nose pierced at this years SYF ( 2015) and my first tattoo at 62 years old a bit later. It’s the lotus because I love the story of the journey of the lotus. When the light draws up the lotus from the muddy and murky pond, the pressure of the rising against the water enables the soil on the lotus to begin to fall away and by the time it reaches the world outside of the water, that which muddied it up and held it down has been purged. That has been very fun to watch happening in my life!
What is your favorite pose to teach in your classes? And why?
I love Warrior Two straight into Exalted Warrior because it is so strong and confident. I love that it is reaching forward as well as back signifying that often life takes you back and forth and you get to learn how to steady yourself. I love going straight into Exalted Warrior because as a faith based yoga teacher, the strength I receive from God through that gives my heart such a burst of gratitude that it just is natural to go from warrior 2 straight there. I like to add on Humble Warrior right after that because it just makes sense to me in that trinity. I think I love these because they give great ideas for intentions, meditations, and themes. So, even though there are 3 here, they become as one pose for me together.
If you’re not on a yoga mat, where can we find you?
Work, writing, songwriting/ singing, walking dogs.
Jan 11, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga Interviews
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Meet Joy Nanda, CranioSacral Therapist, Yoga & Meditation Intstructor
We recently chatted with Joy and discovered bliss…
NAME: Joy Nanda
EMAIL: contact Joy through her website…
WEBSITE/BLOG: joynanda.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter/Instagram Facebook: craniosedona
Occupation: CranioSacral Therapist, Yoga & Meditation Instructor
Hometown: All over upstate New York
Current Town: Sedona
Where has yoga taken you?
Yoga has taken me to a place of self-acceptance and compassion for others that trascends everyday “reality.” I feel comfortable in my own skin, and no longer feel the need to project “negatives” onto others. When I truly embraced the philosophy and teachings of yoga, all my challenges in this life, including health challenges, were put into a perspective from which healing truly began, and I am enjoying the journey wherever it takes me.
What are the 4 most pivotal occasions in your career both in and outside of Yoga?
- Leaving a Medical Scool faculty position to pursue alternative forms of healing.
- Becoming a Yoga Therapist to bring the healing power of Yoga to everyone, regardless of physical ability.
- Leaning how to use meditation techniques as therapy for stress-related condtions.
- Putting it all together to develop a holistic brain health program.
What do you never leave the house without? Water and awareness of where I’m going in this life.
Where are your favorite places to experience? The Hangover Trail here in Sedona, and the parking lot at Natural Grocers, where I almost always encounter a good friend or two.
What are the first three words that come to your mind when someone says: “grounded” or “connected?” Yogi, Muladhara, Santosha
We want to know what your typical morning looks like! What does your daily practice look like? 20 minutes of seated meditation followed by asana flow as inspirted, or a yin sequence for specific meridians as needed. Checking in with my gratitude list to close.
What is one mantra that is like a remedy for your soul? Om, Gum, Ganapataye Namaha seems to cover every situation. Asato Ma is my prayer.
How do you channel your inner 5 year old? Marveling at nature and playing with my cats.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself. I lived through the 1960s. And I remember most of it.
What is your favorite pose to teach in your classes? And why? Balancing Half Moon – most of my students never dream they can do it when they see a demo, but actually manage it quite easily. The balancing in the pose is actually the sun and moon aspects of Hatha yoga brought together perfectly in one pose, not just the aspect of balancing on one leg. The exhilaration of completing the pose, the inversion and extension of all the limbs is balanced with the moon aspect of grounding into the earth with both leg and arm, and feeling supported in a way we don’t usually access in daily life.
If you’re not on a yoga mat, where can we find you? Working with clients one-on-one in CranioSacral sessions or teaching meditation.
Jan 1, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga Interviews
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Meet Mimi Solaire, yoga educator…
We recently chatted with Mimi, just to see how things are taking flight…
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Occupation: yoga educator
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Current Town: Phoenix, Arizona
Where has yoga taken you?
On the physical level I have presented at workshops and conferences throughout the US. I have also led retreats in Southeast Asia- Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. I have traveled to India to experience yoga from the Motherland.
The inner journey has been far more interesting. I rely on my inner GPS to guide me and often “redirect” me when I get off course. Although I ‘m still not sure where I’m headed I am enjoying the ride and the adventure.
What are the 4 most pivotal occasions in your career both in and outside of Yoga?
- Ending my graphic design business to teach yoga full time
- My dvd “Back in Shape” got a good review in Yoga Journal
- Teaching at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
- Every day is a pivotal occasion living yoga.
What do you never leave the house without?
My cell phone and lipstick.
Where are your favorite places to experience?
I love to explore different cultures. My curiosity has led me to live with and photograph the Choco Indians in the jungle of Panama for two weeks. Also I traveled to Mexico, Southeast Asia, Pakistan, India, Australia and Europe.
What are the first three words that come to your mind when someone says: “grounded” or “connected?”
Balanced, focused, peaceful
We want to know what your typical morning looks like! What does your daily practice look like?
I teach most mornings before 8 after walking my dogs. My schedule changes every day but I usually continue to teach or practice until 2. Then I begin the evening classes at 4 or 5.
My daily practice varies. I do hot yoga 2/3 times a week, lead aerial yoga classes 3 times a week and then practice aerials- silks, trapeze and ropes twice a week with my instructor. During my break in the afternoon I meditate and stretch.
What is one mantra that is like a remedy for your soul?
Be Truthful, Gentle and Fearless
How do you channel your inner 5 year old?
My aerials practice is a result of climbing trees as a kid and hanging upside down on the swing set in my back yard.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I’m a Steelers fan.
What is your favorite pose to teach in your classes? And why?
I don’t teach poses. Although I begin with alignment, the focus is on the internal experience of the breath and how it awakens emotions, thoughts and underlying sensations in the moment. My favorite pose is awareness on or off the mat.
If you’re not on a yoga mat, where can we find you?
Dancing, enjoying live music with friends, walking my two dogs.
Dec 13, 2015 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga Interviews
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Amalia Camateros, N.D. author of Spirit of the Stones – A Retrieval of Earth Wisdom, is a Transformational Teacher, Shamanic Practitioner, Empowerment Coach and Intuitive Healer. She started her career as a Naturopathic Doctor in Australia where she owned and ran a clinic of 14 holistic practitioners and has worked in the field of health and consciousness for 30yrs. She was also the private health practitioner for the renowned Australian band “INXS” for over 6 years. She has taught Foot Reflexology to 3 colleges in Australia and continues to offer classes and trainings in the USA. She has garnered a notable reputation as a ceremonial dancer who has inaugurated conferences with her ceremonial dance for Alberto Villoldo, Jose Arguelles, David Hawkins, Michael Beckwith, and Robert Mirabal. She has also worked her shamanic dance segments into events and workshops for Neale Donald Walsch, Deepak Chopra and David Wolfe. Amalia is as a powerful facilitator of her shamanic based “EarthSpirit Dance™” workshops at conferences, expos, events and workshops both nationally and internationally. As a wisdom guide she inspires us to reconnect with the Earth as a sacred temple of Living Spirit. A service of her mastery is to integrate the Spirit Self into the Body, and embody the wisdom of the Earth into the blossoming of the full potential self.
Learn more about Amalia at: earthspiritwisdom.com
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Dec 7, 2015 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga Interviews
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Meet Anton Holmes Mackey
We recently chatted with Anton… he’s been in some cool publications lately! Congrats, Brother…
EMAIL:
Occupation: yogi
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
Current Town: Scottsdale, Arizona
Where has yoga taken you?
Yoga has taken me on a journey to get to know my soul. It has taken me around the country and the world. It has been the best guide in my life.
What are the 4 most pivotal occasions in your career both in and outside of Yoga?
- My very first yoga class August, 14 2008
- Getting my very first yoga class on the At One Yoga Schedule
- Teaching at Wanderlust
- Teaching at every Sedona Yoga Festival
What do you never leave the house without?
Never leave home without CONFIDENCE My lava rock Mala with protective crystal
Where are your favorite places to experience?
Favorite place to experience is Havasupai Falls.
What are the first three words that come to your mind when someone says: “grounded” or “connected?”
Calm
Peaceful
Direct
We want to know what your typical morning looks like! What does your daily practice look like?
Wake up and lie in bed and think of 5 things I’m grateful, then get up and meditate for a minimum of 7 minutes, then walk my dogs, then off to teach.
What is one mantra that is like a remedy for your soul?
Everything that is happening to me is coming from me. And TRUST
How do you channel your inner 5 year old?
Anything Star Wars channels my inner 5 year old!
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I’m partially def in one ear. Huh!?!?!
What is your favorite pose to teach in your classes? And why?
Favorite pose to teach GODDESS! Every class, every time. It channels the strength and softness in all of us.
If you’re not on a yoga mat, where can we find you?
If I’m not on my mat I want to be Traveling.
EMAIL: 
