Hollerfest!

Come out to Frog Holler Farm for Hollerfest 2015--August 21-23 for great music, food and community, and join me for a Kripalu yoga practice Saturday morning, 8:45a-9:45a. 

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Yoga at Hollerfest Saturday, August 23

Please join me for Kripalu yoga at Hollerfest Saturday morning, August 23 at Frog Holler Farm. Time TBA. Yoga is just one of the many wonderful things about this sweet 3 day music festival here in the mitten.  Don't miss it!

Please join me for a Kripalu Yoga class at Hollerfest 2013, the 3 day music festival at Frog Holler Farm, Saturday morning August 24, at 8:45. Come for Yoga and stay for the best little music festival in the mitten.

next kripalu yoga & local food lunch

Info HERE for the next Sunday morning practice and lunch, March 17 from 10a to 1p.

Kripalu Yoga & Local Food Lunch

It was a sweet morning of Kripalu yoga, followed by a delicious local foods lunch. Take a look here on the Selma Cafe website for more photos and a post. I'm looking forward to offering a yoga practice and lunch once a month, with proceeds supporting the local foods movement here in our part of the mitten.

Kripalu Yoga & Local Food Lunch

Please join me for a cozy Kripalu Yoga class, followed by a hearty local food lunch

February 10, 2013

Sunday morning, 10a yoga

lunch 11:30a-1p 

@ Selma Cafe

722 Soule Blvd

Ann Arbor 48103

space is limited, pre-registration required HERE

please bring a yoga mat & a blanket &

arrive 10-15 minutes early to settle in

vegetarian & gluten free options for lunch

please email me with any questions:

lisa@selmacafe.org

all proceeds go to Selma Cafe 

the journey of the unknown path

There have been some changes since my last blog post. I am not currently teaching yoga on a regular basis. I am available for special events, conferences and consulting.

I am continuing to be committed to my daily practice, which sustains and enriches me.

I am continuing to be deeply invested in operating the weekly breakfast party fundraiser Selma Cafe.

I am living on my own now and can hardly find the words to express my gratitude for my family, friends and community who are saturating me with love and care.

I am offering my home through Airbnb to guests who are visiting Ann Arbor. You can find my rooms HERE and HERE.

I am on the journey of the unknown path. Finding my way.

~Lisa

new yoga possibilities for the new year

Happy new year! After a break from teaching yoga (and blogging about it) for nearly 18 months, a new impulse is blooming into full flower. Over the last few months I have noticed that there are many people who want the benefits of yoga in their lives, but can't seem to make it happen for themselves. Either they can't find a true beginner's class that really gives them the attention and focus they need, or, perhaps they aren't interested in learning yoga from a book or DVD. There are also those who have a little bit of experience in yoga, but not enough to feel comfortable in a higher level class, and not enough knowledge or motivation to sustain a home practice on their own.

I love teaching yoga to beginners because Kripalu yoga is geared towards supporting practitioners wherever they are on the path of yoga: new or experienced, able-bodied or needing modifications and accommodations, flexible or not so much, younger and older alike. I also love to be a part of the excitement and gratification that comes from exploring what yoga has to offer to someone new to this ancient and beneficial practice.

At the same time, as a yoga teacher, I have found it challenging to teach a group of beginning students the basics of yoga, including self acceptance, breath work, postures and philosophy, while giving each person in the class the attention and help they need to really learn yoga safely, fully and with compassion and joy.

I've come to the conclusion that the best way for me to really teach yoga to someone who has never practiced before, or, has learned yoga in ways that lack fun and satisfaction, or worse, may lead to injury, is to offer individual sessions, in the comfort and ease of home.

I am happy to share that I am now offering individual yoga consultations in the Ann Arbor area to help bring yoga into the lives of those who want it, through one-on-one attention and support. Whether someone wants to build their own home practice, reach a comfort level in yoga to be able to attend classes and feel safe and comfortable, or more, I am available to help determine and meet yoga goals.

With a background as a certified Kripalu yoga teacher, a professional massage therapist, and a masters of social work with many years of clinical experience, I will help clients understand how to gain the benefits of yoga in a way that works specifically for them, while addressing physical, emotional and motivational blocks that could hinder success.

Does this sound like a good idea to you, or possibly to someone you know?

I offer a complimentary phone call to determine if my services fit you personally, a discussion of what you want to achieve, how much support you may need, scheduling logistics and fees.

Please contact me at yogalisagottlieb@gmail.com for more information and to set up a phone consultation. I look forward to hearing from you.

~Lisa

the fields lay fallow

Deep into our Michigan summer, it may seem odd to use an analogy of rich earth at rest. Yet, this is where I find myself in terms of teaching yoga. I am noticing a shift in how I am relating to being a Kripalu yoga teacher. My personal sadhana is calling to me more strongly, with a clear message to bring my focus inward. As a result, I am not currently teaching any classes. Pleasecontinue to feel free to email me at any time: yogalisagottlieb@gmail.com.

Thank you for your understanding, and enjoy the wonderful bounty of this luscious season's harvest, ~Lisa

Spring Kripalu Classes

SCHEDULE CHANGE:: Sunday's class is now from 3:30-4:45p

Monday, Wednesday and Sunday classes are all on for this 8 week session beginning tomorrow evening. Drop-ins welcome as room permits. Looking forward to seeing you,
Lisa

New kripalu yoga classes begin April 19

With the coming of spring, I am pleased to announce a new series

of Kripalu yoga classes in my home studio.

Monday and Wednesday evenings 5:30-6:45

Sunday afternoons 3:30-4:45

Please pre-register for classes. The fee for classes is $64. for one class a week, $120 for two, and $150. for three. Because classes are scheduled in 8 week sessions, there will be more opportunity to build on previous classes and delve more deeply into posture and breathe exploration. Drop in classes are $10 each and are an option as space permits.

Please contact me to register, or if you have questions or concerns:

yogalisagottlieb@gmail.com

I'm looking forward to sharing spring time and yoga with you,

Lisa

changing my mind

For the last month or so I've taken a break from teaching yoga to the teens in the substance abuse treatment program in the juvenile jail where I also work as the school social worker. I was losing interest in teaching yoga where there was resistance and disruption, and there was a lot of resistance and disruption. Pretty much every class. I was spending more time trying to maintain a level of compliance with basic facility rules and keeping the insults and name calling at bay than I was teaching yoga. Compared to my home studio classes, which are positive and energizing, the classes at work were dread filling and demoralizing. It seemed to me that only a few of the kids really liked the classes, and the kids who didn't made it miserable for everyone else. I tried lots of different approaches and plans to increase engagement, but it wasn't improving. It just got too challenging, and, worse, it started to make me feel badly about yoga.

On a deep level I felt ashamed that I couldn't figure out how to engage the uninterested kids, so I did what I usually do when I am unwilling to explore something painful. I took an all-or-nothing approach and just avoided the issue by not teaching any yoga to any of the kids. Over the last month, a few of the kids have occasionally asked about yoga class, but I didn't have the energy (likely based on my unwillingness to look more closely at what was coming up for me) to discuss it much more than saying I was taking a break from teaching.

Then, yesterday, something interesting happened. I was subbing in math class with the kids in my yoga class, and a kid who had just returned to our facility after a few months away asked me if we were still doing yoga. Half the class chimed in with a chorus of, "yeah, we want yoga back", and "why aren't we doing yoga anymore?" Suddenly the time seemed right for me to get honest, and tell the kids that I loved teaching yoga too much to associate it with dread and unhappiness. After some conversation about how they felt, and what they wanted, I asked the group if I offered class again, how many would be interested if it was an option. All but one said they would.

A few things have changed in the last month. A couple of really negative kids left, and a few new kids have come in to our program. The energy of the group feels more positive and functional than it has in the past. More importantly though, something in the discussion yesterday allowed me to delve into my feelings, share them with the group, and make a new plan. I gave myself permission to change my mind, and trust that it could be ok.

This morning I taught yoga class to the group for the first time in over a month. It was a good class. Nothing spectacular--no amazing transformations, blissed out prana energy, or deep meditation. But it was good enough! Plenty good enough for me.

remembering audrey simon

Following is a letter I sent out to some friends and loved ones who all had their lives touched by the power and love of my beloved friend Audrey Simon, who passed away two years ago today:

I woke up this morning thinking of Audrey, seeing her face in front of me. It's hard for me to believe it has been two years since her death. I think about her nearly everyday, as I know many of you do. I still miss her tons, but what used to feel like a raw wound has healed to become a bittersweet longing for her company.

I missed Audrey's birthday celebration this year-- my daughter Zoe had emergency appendectomy surgery a few days before, and the timing didn't work out. So, today, I'm aiming some love in her direction.

There are many things I like to remember about Audrey. Her fierce loyalty and support, her strong and sometimes wacky ideas, her generousity in all things, her mindblowingly delicious meatloaf that I still make on a regular basis (her generousity included sharing her recipe with me), her healing words and touch, her empathy, her inclusiveness, and her deep care for others are just the beginning of my list.

There were a number of times over the few years before Audrey died when we talked about her, Zoe and I going to Paris together. She knew Zoe and I were saving frequent flyer miles for a trip, and we thought it would be great fun to all go together. I regret that we didn't make it happen.

About 8 months ago, Zoe and I booked our tickets, rented a little apartment in the heart of the Marais district, and last week we went to Paris. On nearly our last night there, Zoe and I decided we would dedicate our evening to the memory of Audrey, with our only firm plan a boat ride on the Siene, some red wine and a rich, gooey pastry. We walked out into the still warm evening, and as we crossed over the river on the Pont Sully towards the Ile St. Louis, we looked out to the east and saw a massive, deep orange, luciously full moon rising over the bumpy silhouette of the Paris skyline; the sky a rich blue hue behind it. We turned and looked to the west and saw the twinkling lights of the Tour Eiffel off in the distance, the sky still pink and lavender behind it. I felt a little shiver down my spine, and laughed with Zoe over the magic of the Parisian moment that was all about Aud.

On this anniversary of Audrey's passing, I'm sending out prayers of loving kindness to all, with the spirit, love and energy of Audrey shining through. It would be a real pleasure to hear from you sharing a memory, a thought, or an appreciation of Audrey on this day. I know I don't have everyone on my email list who might want to share this message, mostly out of a lack of organization than anything else, so please forward it if you like to anyone I haven't included that you feel would like it. Love and happiness, and a big smooch to Audrey, Lisa

Sometimes when I'm really missing Audrey's voice, I go to this little video from Carisa Walker:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdy4kLQw1LE

Enjoy this wet spring day, L

paris & home

Still catching my breath and finding my feet after our week in Paris. Lots of photos and commentary soon. In the mean time, be well, be happy, be peaceful.
~Lisa

ok to go

Nearly a year ago my daughter and I began to make plans for a trip to Paris. We turned in our hundred thousand frequent flyer miles, booked an apartment from Craigslist Paris, and then moved into wait-for-April-in-Paris mode.

A lot can happen in a year.

In addition to the economy tanking, and my job suddenly vulnerable to County budget cuts, my daughter had an emergency appendectomy last week (previous post), and my mom has been struggling with health issues. I've been struggling daily with the yes or no of our trip.

Today, it looks like our Paris trip is on. We leave tomorrow night, and return Saturday next. For now, it's ok to go.

Suddenly, now that the adventure seems possible, I'm very excited! A week in Paris in April. Coffee and croissant in the morning, chocolate pastries twice a day, cafes and parks and museums and afternoons wandering around the Marais with no other plans but to enjoy each moment. Evenings watching the street lights come on around the neighborhood, boat rides on the Seine, red wine in a cozy bistro. And some daily sadhana to balance out the lovely richness of Parisian meals.

Have a wonderful, spring-y week, where ever you are. Hugs and Jai!

a week later; an organ lighter

Off the blog grid this last week due to a medical emergency. My daughter had her appendix removed early Wednesday morning. She is recovering beautifully, and we're both hopeful she will be well enough by Saturday to leave for Paris-- a trip we planned 8 months ago. Lots to be grateful for, whether we make it to Paris, or not.

selma cafe

We had our 3rd Selma Cafe this morning, with Jeremy Lopatin cooking up delicious omelettes with michigan mushrooms, cheese and baby spinach, along with Jeff's just smoked diced ham. Waffles with fruit and bacon and my homemade granola rounded out the menu. Over 50 people showed up to eat, chat and build community around local food, farm and garden initiatives. Myra Klarman captured the morning in her usual style of enthusiasm and fun. Catherine Thursby of the very sweet and cool Red Shoes Home Goods came with some lovely friends, and also documented Selma Cafe with some great photos, including some of our backyard chickens. If you are in the neighborhood next Friday between 6:30 and 10am please come by and join us! Have a wonderful weekend, where ever you are.

balance: an ancient wisdom tradition in contemporary living

One of the things I appreciate the most about Kripalu yoga is the philosophic clarity that it is possible to bring the ancient wisdom tradition of yoga into our contemporary, and sometimes chaotic lives with balance and grace. What a relief!

I can call asanas by their Sanskrit names or by their English names, or, when I am teaching my classes in the juvenile jail, by whatever name the kids want to call them. (My favorite these days is Utkatasana--in English we call it Standing Squat--my juvie class calls it Thunder Thighs).

I didn't have enough yoga ties in my home studio, so I got some used men's suit ties at the last clothing exchange I attended, and we use those too. I'm big on avoiding fancy yoga clothes, special props, or dedicated spaces. If there is room to throw down a mat, great! No mat handy, no worries, I can do without. My yogini friend Lauren and I have discussed this on numerous occasions, and we both agree that daily sadhana can be an any-time-any-place practice for a minute, or for an hour. No rules frees me up to experience yoga whenever the urge strikes in whatever setting I find myself.

When people ask me about Kripalu yoga, they often want to know how it is different from other, more popular forms of yoga that they may already know. After talking about the importance in Kripalu yoga of warming up the body, connecting with the breath, and supporting a compassionate heart, I like to mention that Kripalu yoga allows each person to find their own way into a yoga practice, honoring where they are in body, mind and spirit, with lots of room to show up however they happen to be that day.

As I have deepened my experience of Kripalu yoga, both in teaching classes and in my practice, I have allowed myself more and more room to find balance in my life across many settings--family, home, workplace and community, and have become happier and more content as a result. What a gift to give ourselves--an ancient wisdom tradition finds its way into our modern lives at a time when we need it most.

audrey simon's meatloaf

When my women friends are in need of support, and prepared food is on the list of "most helpful", I make Audrey Simon's meatloaf to take over to them.

I've posted about Audrey previously. My oldest and most loyal friend, Audrey passed away nearly 2 years ago, in mid-April. She has been on my mind and in my heart lately, as the year pushes towards the 2nd anniversary.

Over the last year, I've made Audrey's meatloaf, with mashers and peas at least a dozen times. My women friends have complicated lives. For some families, who tend to have more opportunities for support from friends and community than other families, I've made Audrey's meatloaf more than once. Sometimes it is requested specifically.

Let me just clear up one important fact: Audrey Simon's meatloaf recipe makes the best meatloaf in all the land. It's magically delicious. If a sample of Earth's best food was sent to distant solar systems in order to impress and seduce other living creatures, Audrey's meatloaf would be an imperative. Very close in the favorite's running to homemade vanilla cake with caramel frosting (another post, soon), or my husband Jeff's home-cured pancetta (could be a post I suppose), and lobster tails with melted butter (no post necessary).

Earlier today I dropped off a meal of Audrey's meatloaf, mashed potatoes loaded with butter and raw cream, and little green peas that had been frozen in the fall to a dear friend who is recoverying beautifully from a recent surgery. She called a little while ago and left me a message about how much she enjoyed the food. I'll be sure to remind her when I call her back that it's Audrey's meatloaf recipe. And then I'll think again of Audrey, who in addition to giving me full hearted love, appreciation, and acceptance, was generous enough to also give me her meatloaf recipe.

spring is coming

I was browsing through my favorite local photographer, Myra Klarman's blog and found a photo of my husband Jeff and me that I just love, love, love to pieces. The photo represents to me something essential and deeply valuable about our marriage. We are standing near enough to each other to be held in the same photo, but enough apart from each other for us each to have our very own experience of that moment.

It is, to me, a lovely photographic capture of how we move through our life together-- close enough to nourish and sustain us together as a couple, yet separate enough to have our own opportunities to experience life in our own individual ways. I'm feeling especially lucky these days to be married to a man who supports my endeavors, reassures me when I am feeling lost, gives me space to be fully who I am, and believes in my abilities and creativity.

Seeing Myra's photo this morning took me instantly back to a sun warmed, early April day last year at the annual Festifools extravaganza in downtown Ann Arbor where locals make fabulous, inventive, irreverent and sometimes political costumes to parade up and down Main Street for several hours. What a wonderful rite of spring for our community! Check out their website and join in the fun.