gone country!

Just so you know...I am playing country music, while writing this blog.  I am in Seattle now, which is a very different than Idaho, so the music puts me back in an Idaho-state-of-mind to write about my experience in true form :)

Last week, we spent the week in Emmett, Idaho.  Considering the first month on tour we were mostly in California, then Colorado, then Portland... Idaho was quite the change of scenery!  As we drove in, I noticed there was a lot more open space and room to breathe, then what we had experienced in the past few cities.  Not better or worse, just very different.  When you enter "the country" something happens... you experience some sort of familiarity, even if you've never been there.  There is a certain sense of simplicity about the scenery and a freshness to the air.  Everywhere you look, the fields are full of horses, cows, lakes, and crops. The homes are sweet, not too big or small.  Mother Nature is growing everywhere around you.

When we got to our hotel, there wasn't much activity around us.  The event we were working was about 15-20 miles from where we were staying.  This event was called the Emmett Cherry Festival.   It is the event of the year in Emmett!  Our first day working, we met all sorts of people.  Everyone was friendly and excited to learn about Kashi and how to live a healthier lifestyle.  Most people we encountered weren't familiar with yoga and didn't know much about our products...so, we taught them.  Lots of young kids were interested in yoga and lots of parents were interested in learning how to cook with fresh, healthier, foods.  At first we were unsure why we were placed at this event in this part of Idaho. As time went on, we were all grateful to be in Emmett.  Such a sweetness to this small town.  It was nice to be around so many warm people, eager to learn.  In fact, it's experiences like this that remind me why I took this job - to spread the joy of yoga and experience this country we live in, from coast to coast.  Bouncing around from city to city is nice, but being out in the country is nice, too!  

In addition to our local staff hired to work this event, we made lots of great friends with other folks working the event.  A very nice man set up to our left was kind enough to let us take a shot at riding his mechanical bull.  I couldn't stop cracking up, it was a blast.  Even getting thrown off was fun, for some reason.  I sure thought I was a real cow girl, after that!  Then, there was the family in front of us with a portable rock climbing wall and a trampoline slingshot ride.  I had a blast doing flip after flip in mid-air on the tramp.  As you can see, I had my fair share of fun at the Cherry Festival! Sometimes, I can't tell if this job of mine is more work or play... maybe somewhere in between.

Combining the beautiful simplicity of the country, the friendly people of Emmett, and the crazy fun activities in between, my time in Idaho was very much appreciated.  In fact, leaving town was somewhat bittersweet.  Maybe there is a little more country girl inside Brigette Niedringhaus then i realized :)

sleeper town

Driving into Portland, we noticed a large crowd surrounding 3 very large ships full of sailors waving a shore..."Fleet Week" in Portland had begun.  Naval vessels from the United States Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Maritime Forces were in Portland for a four-day visit.  I've never seen anything like it.  It was cool to see so many people supporting those who serve and protect our freedom. I know that everyone has their own viewpoint on this topic (as do I), but seeing these men in honor reminded me how lucky we are to live in this country.  We have people looking out for us, protecting our lives, making sure every day is flawless and we don't experience serious danger on a daily basis.  To say the least, it was cool to see people come together to show respect and support for our military, rather than pointing out the differences within our country.

The past two cities we visited (Boulder and San Francisco), I was active non-stop.  There was so much to do and see, I had completely exhausted myself.  Once we got to Portland, I had no choice but to slow down.  As much as I wanted to bounce from place to place to see everything in the few free days we had before the event, I just didn't have any energy.  So, I decided I needed to a few days to veg-out.  My first few days there, I got up super early to attend yoga class with Sarahjoy Marsh (yet another great Anusara teacher), then back to my hotel to take a long nap.  It was cold and rainy the whole time we were there, so it was perfect nap weather, anyway.  I couldn't believe how tired I was...I guess I needed the rest.  My mornings were spent juicing up my yoga practice, but I always crashed hard with an afternoon nap.  Sounds lame, I know...but, I had to listen to my body and rest a bit.  I did meet up with my good friend from college for diner one night, which was great. So good to see him and meet his wonderful girlfriend.  Other than my one night out with friends, my Portland experience consisted of lots of great yoga classes, sleeping and working the event.

I have to write a few words about Sarahjoy Marsh...I learned a ton from her, while in Portland.  She is a very good teacher.  Her verbal cues make things seem so simple. I really liked her classes.  They weren't as fast-paced or physically challenging as some of the others I have recently experienced, but what I quickly realized was that I need to slow down on my mat, as well.  Funny how situations on your yoga mat can be so parallel to daily life experiences.  I needed to refocus on my alignment and think about what I was doing in each pose, with each breath.  It was good for me that week.  Exactly what I needed.  Also, Sarahjoy's classes start out a little more serious than I am used to, but it was good.  By the middle of class, the usual Anusara camaraderie definitely made its way into each class.  

The thing about Sarahjoy that was most impressive is her desire for each student to fully understand what she is teaching.  I know that sounds simple, but it's true.  We have all been to those classes where the teacher is just going through the motions and teaching pose after pose.  Sarahjoy makes a point to check in with each and every student, on an individual basis.  The coolest part is that she does it so flawlessly.  Its just a part of her class.  Very interactive.  Very informative.  Very passionate.  

Also, once she found out I teach yoga for Kashi, she made several references to me about verbal cues she finds helpful when teaching beginners, throughout class.  I stashed a few of her tricks away for later use with my students both on the road and back home :) Can't wait to bring some of those tricks out at STY!  I would definitely like to work with Sarahjoy again, some day.  I think I say that a lot about many of these great teachers I get to work with, on the road.  What a blessing this tour has been, thus far.  Its like I am on my very own yoga tour - student by weekday, teacher by weekend.  That has a nice ring to it!

Our event that week was the Portland Rose Festival.   Quite the spread the city of Portland puts on for this event!  There were lots of cool exhibits and rides, all sorts of fun stuff to do.  We were set up right next to the Marine booth, where they were recruiting and hosting a "Marine Challenge."  Of course, being the tough girl that I think I am, I had to check it out.  For men, the challenge was 20 pull ups.  For women, the challenge was holding a chin up for 70 seconds or more.  First, I went by myself... I held it for 70 seconds and passed the challenge.  Then, Dia and I decided to give it a shot together, a double challenge.  Neither of us made it to the 70 seconds this time...laughing and talking to each other while trying to hold the chin up makes it a little harder! Enough excuses though, right?!  Really, it was just plain hard!  Way harder than it looks.  Regardless, it was fun... and we tried it every day of the event!  We made friends with the marines and had a good time pretending we are as strong as they are. Check out the photos below... as you can see, the first pic was at the beginning of the challenge and the second is when we were about to give in.  fun times.  In fact, I think we should put a pull up bar at the yoga studio, back home :)

The rest of the weekend was good.  Lots of teaching yoga, for many many hours in a row.  I was sore by the end of the weekend, that's for sure.  With teaching beginners, you have to show them almost every pose.  I end up doing  A LOT of yoga after a 3 day event!  The event was pretty gloomy (rainy and cold) the first two days, but Sunday was gorgeous!  On Sunday, we could even see the mountains back behind the river.  Cool scenery in Portland.  I would like to go back there when I am not so sleepy :) 

city chicks

After the long haul from Boulder, we finally arrived in San Francisco on a Wed. afternoon.  I was especially excited to get there, because my mom met me in San Francisco!  It was so good to see her.  We are only about 2 months into the tour, but it felt like forever since I have seen my family.  You have to understand, when I am in St. Louis, I see my family several times a week (at least).  Living 30-45 minutes away never seems to keep us from hanging out all the time.  Now that I am on tour, we are a plane ride away!  

My family means the world to me and I am super close to each of them, so seeing my mom made me feel at home...even though I am miles and miles away.  My mom carries so much warmth and love with her everywhere she goes.  To have her come visit made me feel close to my whole family again. She is one amazing woman.  Not sure how I got so lucky to have my mom, dad, Tim and Ellen in my life....it's pretty amazing that there are 4 people on this planet as wonderful as each one of them.  They are 4 of a kind, that's for sure!

Since my mom and I had both been to San Francisco before, we decided to keep a pretty open schedule and just bum around.  We laughed, talked, shopped, got lost walking the streets, ate, drank fancy drinks and shopped some more - true Dawn and Brigette fashion.  It was a blast.  On Thursday, we got pedicures and in the morning, then got all dolled up for dinner and a movie.  We went to at 12:01 am show to see the Sex And The City movie premier. We were so girly that day - it was great.  We had a blast! 

Friday, we had our usual breakfast at the infamous Sears Diner (across from our hotel), then hung out at Fisherman's Warf for a bit.  We picked up some sourdough bread to munch on, then some saltwater taffy, then stopped for some real food on Hyde Street just before dinner time.  After 3 attempts to ride a cable car (jam-packed with camera-holding tourists), we finally made the cut.  We were so exhausted from our midnight movie the night before, so we turned in early Friday night.

The event that week was the Union Street Festival on Saturday and Sunday.  Although the weather was a little chilly, we had a great event.  Lots of people we very eager to jump on a yoga mat and give it a shot.  I usually have volunteers help out from a local yoga studio, but since my mom was in town, I didn't schedule anyone.  It was a lot of fun to co-teach throughout the day.  Having my mom there reminded me how different it is to teach true beginners all the time.  Most people I encounter on this tour are very beginner level.  Maybe even pre-beginner, if there were such a thing.  Whatever comes out of the teacher's mouth, they do.  Whatever actions the teacher takes, they follow.  I guess I am used to that, now, but it was funny to realize that after she pointed it out.  It's like a game of simon says, sometimes.  I am learning a lot about my teaching style and words I use, teaching fresh beginners.  They hang onto your every word.  Teaching yoga to the "average joe" can be a pretty powerful thing.  It's cool to see the transformation happening right before your very eyes :)

Sunday morning, my mom left town.  It was so good to spend time with her and felt so "normal" to have her around, that I didn't even really think about the fact that she was leaving.  My last day in San Francisco was a little odd... I got a lot of work done and went to a great yoga class, but I was certainly wishing my partner in crime was still around.   Thanks for the visit, Mom.  You are the best.

Next stop, Portland!  I am looking forward to exploring the city, seeing another old college buddy and working with another great Anusara instructor, there.  Onto the next adventure!

p.s. I added some new locations/dates for the second leg of the tour - just got an update last week!  Take a look at the schedule to the left...

boulder love

hello again -

Well, Boulder was just as amazing as I imagined.  Gosh, I loved it!  That city has pretty much everything I could dream of, right at your finger tips!

The first day we arrived, a good college friend of mine came to pick me up and hang out.  It was so good to see him, after so much missed time.  We went to some rooftop bar that overlooked downtown boulder.  We caught up over a few beers, surrounded by mountains - it was pretty fantastic.  Since he lives in Denver (30 minutes away), we got to hang out a couple times while I was in town.  I got to see Denver while I was in town, too.  Totally different vibe than Boulder, but also pretty great.  Seeing old friends can be so fun.  So much has happened, yet we haven't skipped a beat.  It was definitely just like old times.

My first morning in Boulder, I was out and about at 6:30 am.  First to a yoga class at Om Time with Jeannie Manchester, then coffee and reading at the Unseen Bean.  It was really cool to watch this little city wake up and start stirring around.  Lots of active people and dogs.  Just my style :)  After breakfast, I was on a mission to set up at least a half day climbing while I was there.  With a little advice from my brother and talking with the guys at the local climbing gym, I made plans to climb at Eldorado Canyon on Thursday morning.  It was kind of hard to figure out without my brother.  I usually climb with him...and let him do all the work (thanks, Tim).  The rest of the day, I just wondered around town.  I ate lunch by the boulder creek path, I shopped a little, I people watched.  Then, at 5:30, I went to my second yoga class of the day at Om Time.  This time Amy Ippoliti was the teacher.  I was so excited to meet her, she is an amazing Anusara teacher that travels the world teaching Anusara yoga.  Boulder is so lucky to have her in thier community.  Going to her class was the cherry on top for my perfect day in Boulder.

Yoga in Boulder is just incredible.  The Anusara community there is huge.  It was so cool to walk into such a warm and welcoming group at Om Time.  Both the teachers and the students have such a love for yoga and really live and breathe the Anusara principles.  It was really unique in culture.  I was deeply challenged in both classes I attended and spent a lot of quiet time after class, trying to digest everything I learned.  Jeannie and Amy are two teachers I hope to work with a lot more, in the near future.  They are both so full of life and knowledge.  

Thursday, I was at the foot of Wind Tower in Eldorado Canyon by 8:15 am.  We had our gear on and were set to go, just minutes after leaving the city.  Can you imagine, having the mountains as your playground on a daily basis?!  Pretty cool.  So, we climbed some multi-pitch routes (new for me) and a few single pitch routes.  It was so much fun to play outside.  I felt like I could have climbed forever, but we had only planned for a half day.  Good thing, too, because minutes after we left rain and hail came beating down.  Wouldn't have wanted to get caught in that!  On my way back to the hotel, I was ready to burst with excitement.  I am not sure why, I was just really happy to be there.  Those first two days in boulder were so jam-packed with fun and excitement, I could barely handle it.  It was a great feeling.

Over the next day or so, I hung out on Pearl Street a lot, spent time relaxing and just exploring the area.  Our event was 3 days, since it was Memorial Day Weekend.  The event was a lot of fun, too.  The people in Boulder are interesting, in a good way.  Everyone was very eager to come practice yoga and learn something new.  Young and old, every mat was full.  When I went on break, I came back to a class full of eager yogis ready for their yoga.  The Boulder Creek Festival was a great event to be a part of in Boulder.  Perfect fit for Kashi, too.  Everyone loves Kashi, there.  Of course, right... there are a bunch of granola-eating hippies that live there :)  Just one more reason I love Boulder!

 

Well, after a lot of yoga, a little rock climbing, time with an old friend, lots of god food and smiling faces everywhere....it was time to move on.  I have to say, I was a little sad to leave this place.  Guess I will just have to go back soon :)

 

just ask for it

Hello, my dear friends!

Last week, I hung out in the OC area.  Yep, it was as great as it sounds.  I was so happy to get back to a beach town, after Vegas.  We arrived on a Monday and stayed for a week.  Our event was Saturday and Sunday, as usual.  The first few days we were there, I spent most of my time hanging out at the beaches. When I went to Huntington Beach, I stumbled upon a surf competition near the pier.  Very cool to watch.  Another day, I went to an early morning yoga class with Lyndee Davis (Certified Anusara Instructor), then hit Newport Beach.  I was in heaven.  After a very active and challenging yoga class, there I was walking down the beach with salt water taffy in hand and toes in the sand.  Pretty fantastic.  I was definitely thinking how lucky I was to be where I was at the time.   It was a gift, that's for sure.

The event was fun.  It was a Jazz Festival.  I have to admit, I don't know much about Jazz.  But, I do know it's fun to see people have a good time.  Those jazz fans are serious about having fun!  People were paying good money to sit out in the hot sun (for two days straight) to watch some of their favorites perform.  It was a lot of fun to experience.  I posted a few pictures below - mostly of our crew hanging out when no one was at our exhibit.  The crowds came in between musicians.  People were there for the music, that's for sure!

Visiting all these fantastic Anusara Yoga studios and studying with so many amazing teachers on a regular basis really makes me stop and think... I just can't believe I am where I am right now, right here, in this life.  It's crazy, really.  I have been in love with Anusara Yoga since the ripe age of 16.  After completing my Yoga Alliance Certification, I knew I wanted to head down the Anusara path.  (It's like I completed my undergrad in yoga, but wanted to get my masters in Anusara.) But how could I make this work?  To be an Anusara Certified Instructor is a huge deal...in my opinion, they are the most highly trained, knowledgeable, fun-loving, incredible, teachers I have ever experienced.  To obtain the certification, it's a lengthy process...you have to study under an Anusara certified teacher on a regular basis, log several hours studying with the master teachers at Immersions, study the Tantric philosophy, take a written test, show a video of your classes, and much more - you get the idea.  Lots of time in person with credited sources, as it should be.  If you haven't noticed, most of what is listed above is impossible in St. Louis, MO.  I've always known I will figure it out, I just had no idea how.  

I was pondering this same situation (yet again) the night before going to Lyndee's class.  I know I will be a great Anusara teacher some day,  I just have to be patient.  Very hard, when you want something now and you know exactly what it is that you want.  Anyway, I went to Lyndee's class, had a blast, and learned a lot.  Lyndee and I started talking after class and she was asking where I was in the certification process.  I told her my biggest challenge with traveling is completing the immersion hours - I am about 30% there.  To my surprise, she and Josh Borella were teaching an immersion that very weekend!  She welcomed me to join them, so I did just that.  See, there you go - you just have to throw your questions out there and the universe takes care of the rest.  That Friday night, I knocked out a few more immersion hours, learned a ton from Lyndee and Josh, and walked away feeling accomplished.  One step closer...  

That's one thing I have figured out over the past year.  I don't have to get everything figured out right now, I just have to keep actively taking steps toward my dreams and goals.  It's cool how things keep unfolding.  Makes me excited about life.  I say this all the time, but I will say it again... I can't wait to see what is next.  In the mean time, I sure am enjoying the hell out of what's currently happening on a daily basis!

Now, we are in Boulder... don't even get me started on how wonderful it is in Boulder.  Even better than I imagined.  That's a whole separate blog, though :)  I still have so much to experience.  Soon to come...

Much love and hugs back home!  Tim and Ellen - don't forget to come home from Hawaii! I can't wait to hear all about it.

Until next time, 

B

learning to fly

There has been a reoccurring theme in my life over the past few weeks...flying.

In San Diego, I met an Acro Yogi.  We played around after one of my classes, during the event. If you are not familiar with this type of yoga, you practice with at least one other person.  Google it for more info and pictures - it's pretty cool.  Anyway, I had never done Acro Yoga, but have been curious for quite some time.  My new friend offered to teach me a bit - and I got to "fly."  It was a blast!  At first I felt a little uneasy - being that people were everywhere and I was the Kashi Yoga Instructor, trying something new in front of everyone.  But, only a few poses deep, i was having a lot of fun.  It was very cool.  I look forward to learning more about Acro Yoga.  I posted a few pics below...

Then, onto flying in Santa Monica... our event was on the Pier.  The first day of our event, I made friends with some folks that just opened a trapeze school at the other end of the pier.   They offered to let me take a few complimentary "swings."  Since they had just opened that weekend,  I think they just wanted people on the trapeze to help create excitement.  Fine by me, because I LOVED it.  I crawled up on the ladder, 23 feet in the air.  They clip you into a harness, similar to what you wear rock climbing.  I figured between yoga and climbing, the flying trapeze would come naturally.  Plus, it looked pretty thrilling. 

When I got to the platform, I was told to stand with my toes hanging off the edge, reach with one hand for the bar on the swing and the other hand holding me onto the platform.  They held my harness from the back to keep me from falling forward right away.  They told me they would count to 3 and then say "hep."  When I heard "hep", they would let go and I was to take a small hop and FLY!  We did that a few times, then was ready for more... so i did a knee hang - pulling my knees up over the bar and letting go with my hands, leaving me swinging upside down.  After mastering the knee hang, I was ready to do a catch.  Yep, just like that episode of Sex and the City :)  It was awesome.  I figured as long as I stayed calm, paid attention and listened to their calls, it would be fine.  When it was time to reach my hands out for the other person across from me (the owner of the school), I decided to just go for it.  I figured if I didn't go for it the first time, i would freak myself out.  

So there i was, 20 feet up, gripping the wrists of a perfect stranger, swinging over the Santa Monica Pier in mid air.  It was awesome!  I wish I had pics to post, but I was by myself on my lunch break.  There were reporters there video tapping - so when i get the link to the story, i will post it on here for sure. Check out their web site, www.losangeles.trapezeschool.com.  They have schools all over the country.  Watch out, after the Kashi tour, I just might be joining the circus ;)

Next, onto Vegas baby, Vegas!  We arrived Monday evening.  Dia and I went for a walk down the famous Vegas Strip, exploring this crazy place best known as "Sin City."  That place is insane!  The lights are as bright as can be, the casinos are painted in advertisements and people can be found crawling in and out of the casinos everywhere.  Lots of interesting people watching, that's for sure.  

The next day, I went to an advanced Anusara class with Karen Lane.  She came highly recommended from my teacher, Jamie Allison, so I had to check her out.  Hardest class of my life!  It was also one of the most fun classes of my life, though.  I learned some really cool tricks, that's for sure.  There was one point during class that I thought I was going to die... but after I moved past that feeling, I had a blast.  The theme was Carpe Diem, which was an amazing fit for me at the time.  It is good to challenge yourself,  I just had to keep reminding myself of that :)  

Also while in Vegas, I went to the Cirque Du Soleil show, called KA (www.mgmgrand.com/ka).  Back to that flying theme I was talking about.  Wow, is all I can say.  There were people flying all over the place during the show.  This particular show, "KA" was especially interesting because the entire show was performed on a rotating stage.  When I say rotating, I mean up and down, side to side and VERTICAL!  there were points during the performance where they were running up a vertical stage.  Craziness.  They are amazing performers, that's for sure.  Definitely glad I saw my first Cirque Du Soleil show in Vegas.   It was my favorite part of that trip.

After a few days of Sin City, I was ready to go.  I am back in California for the week - Newport Beach.  This weekend's event is at a Jazz Festival.  I am very happy to be back by the beach, where I can see the sun rise and set and have an unlimited source of fresh air :)  Much more my style...

So what does all this flying mean, after all?  Well, in my interpretation, flying means letting go.  Being free.  Trusting the source...and yourself.  "Flying" over the past few weeks has taught me a lot.  And, I am sure there is a lot more to learn!  I know one thing, I am definitely looking forward to the next opportunity to fly :)

Much love and hugs to all!

B 

star struck

I personally declare myself star struck! 

Yesterday, Dia and I were walking down Hollywood ave. and stumbled right into the Iron Man movie premier. It was a huge deal, red carpet and everything. Most of you know, I am not too good at staying up to date with pop culture, I had never even heard of that movie!  So, I didn't really expect to care if I saw movie stars...WRONG! I was just as excited as everyone else, if not more excited.

We were standing across the street from Robert Downey Jr., Gweneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau (Swingers), Ben Stiller, P. Diddy, Jack Black, Chris Turk (Scrubs)... I am sure there were more I didn't even see. It was crazy.

It got me thinking... what is the big deal about famous people? What is it that makes people (myself included) star struck?! I guess it's just the reality of a character being a normal human being. It's the idea that these people, who make a living off acting like someone else, can actually be their own unique person. And, similar to how we watch them on the big screen, we want to know who they really are, hear them speak, watch them live. It's a crazy phenomenon... I am not sure I totally get it. But, I know i surrendered to it when I was walking down Hollywood ave., I was stunned. Those movie stars.... they sure are fun to look at :)

After all that Hollywood stuff, I had to bring myself back down to earth... Today, I got up and went to a 6am yoga class on West Hollywood at City Yoga (www.cityyoga.com).  Now, that kind of Hollywood I can do!  Class was great, the studio was great and the instructor (Noah Maze) was incredible!  I have wanted to take his class since I saw him at the Anusara Immersion in Atlanta two years ago.  He was assisting John Friend with some instruction and demos and his practice was so strong and open!  The class, the experiences I've had in this city...its all pretty amazing.  The aliveness of LA, mixed with a grounded/expansive yoga class definitely hit the spot!  I am one happy camper!

Don't worry, it's not all fun and games around here.  Tomorrow, we have our event set up at 4am, then the event is all day Friday and Saturday from 10-6, then tear down after the event on Saturday.  It's going to be a long two days - but I can't complain - we are on the Santa Monica Pier the whole time.  

More photos and adventures soon to come.  I am sure I will have some good stories after Venice Beach on Sunday :)

XOXO,

Brige

Photos below:
Chinese Theatre, Jack Black, Chris Turk, Vince Vaughn, P. Diddy, Gweneth Paltrow