The Truth to Success

I came across this quote in my Franklin planner, and wanted to share it. Yes, I do own a Franklin planner. I like to be organized.

"Success means we go to sleep at night knowing that our talents and abilities were used in a way that served others." -Marianne Williamson

So many of us feel unsuccessful in our lives due to either not making work deadlines, not making enough money, not having the title we think we deserve, or not being in a certain place in our lives as we expected or had planned years ago. All these so called "unsuccessful barometers" put so much pressure on us, and usually, it is social pressure.

When was the last time you felt successful just because you helped a friend in need, volunteered your time at a shelter, took care of a sick family member, or taught yoga class. All these examples are successful. I have to remember that myself. When I see smiles and peace across my students' faces, I remember that I am using my passion for yoga to help others. I also remember that I can use yoga to help myself.

Acupuncture - A Complementary Therapy

Once per month, I go for an acupuncture session, and I have to say, I look forward to that session every time. I discovered acupuncture back in 2003, and it has been one of the most amazing therapies I have experienced since yoga. In fact, I think it is a great compliment to yoga in that it works on the energy and balance of the whole body.

On Tuesday of this week, I went for my monthly acupuncture session. It was so relaxing that I fell asleep during the session, and forgot where I was. In fact, at one point, when I woke up, I thought I was in my meditation room in savasana. Woops!

More and more, I have been recommending acupuncture to friends, family, and students, to use as a complementary therapy to yoga or western medicine. I think there is nothing to lose in trying it at least once. In fact, I think there is a lot to gain from an acupuncture session.

The only negative thing to acupuncture is that you can't stay forever. It is always hard to leave, as I want to experience that relaxing state forever. Also remember that more and more health insurances are starting to pay for acupuncture or at least offer flexible spending accounts to use towards this therapy. I highly recommend it! Give it a try.

Katica Yoga - Lunchtime Classes in Worthington

December - Lunch Hour Yoga Classes for Beginners
Dates: December 4, 11, 18
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Place: Worthington United Methodist Church
Address: 600 High Street, Worthington, OH
Drop In Fee: $15 per class
Monthly Session: $37.50 (includes 3 classes for December)

To sign up, email: kathy@katicayoga.com

Animal Advocacy Organizations

PETA: www.peta.org

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is an international nonprofit charitable organization based in Norfolk, Virginia, with affiliates in the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, India, and the Asia-Pacific Region. Founded in 1980, PETA is dedicated to establishing and defending the rights of all animals. PETA operates under the simple principle that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment. PETA educates policymakers and the public about animal abuse and promotes kind treatment of animals.

MFA: www.mercyforanimals.org

Mercy For Animals (MFA) is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit animal advocacy organization. Founded in 1999 and over 12,000 members strong, MFA works to create a society where animals are treated with the respect and compassion they so rightly deserve.

Farm Sanctuary: www.farmsanctuary.org

Farm Sanctuary works to end cruelty to farm animals and promotes compassionate living through rescue, education and advocacy. We envision a world where the violence that animal agriculture inflicts upon people, animals and the environment has ended, and where instead we exercise values of compassion.

Great Restaurant Options for Vegetarians in Columbus

I thought it would be a good idea to share some delicious vegetarian dining options in Columbus. Finding these restaurants were a big help when I first moved here, and I am sure a lot of you could benefit from this information. By dining at these restaurants, you are contributing to our local economy in a healthier way.

Another wonderful thing about vegetarian meals is that you get to explore different ethnic foods. I pretty much eat a different ethnic food every day. Need ideas? Try these foods: Indian, Chinese, Thai, Greek, Mexican, Ethiopian, Japanese, and Middle Eastern. There are so many options. Enjoy!!!

My Favorites:

Northstar Cafe, www.thenorthstarcafe.com

Locations in Clintonville and the Short North

Favorites: Veggie burger and Korma Bowl

Benevolence Cafe, 614-221-9330

41 W Swan St., Columbus, OH 43215

Favorites: Sambar Lentil Soup with Goddess bread

Dragonfly, www.neo-vevents.com

247 King Ave., Columbus, OH 43201

Favorites: Menu changes every season

Taj Palace, www.tajpalacecolumbus.com

3794 Fishinger Blvd., Hilliard, OH 43026

Favorites: The lunch buffet

Chipotle Mexican Grille, www.chipotle.com

Various locations in Columbus

Favorites: Vegetarian Burrito Bowl

Practicing Yoga With Your Pets

I wanted to share a wonderful experience that I had last night and this morning, with my dogs. Last night, I was practicing some sun salutations on my mat in my home studio, about an hour before teaching a class. As I was in downward dog, my lab, Zen, walked behind my feet, and started licking my ankles. My ujjayi breath soon turned into laughter at the sight. He wouldn't stop. As I continued to practice and move towards the floor for badhakonasana, once again, he started to lick my feet. It was quite funny.

This morning, as they were a little sleepy after their walk and meal, I started my morning practice. As I was in downward dog, my other dog, Rocco, walked next to my mat and also stretched into downward dog, as if he was trying to teach me the real thing. As I went into prasarita padotasana, he did the cutest thing. He came to my mat, lied down with his chin on the floor, right between my legs. As I exhaled into my forward bend, my nose was about 2 inches from his nose, and all we did was look into each other's eyes. It was beautiful and so special. I think he went into a zone after that, because next thing I know, as I moved through my practice, he rolled unto his side, and placed his head close to my feet and stayed so still. He put the biggest smile on my face.

This is where I witness how yoga becomes a benefit, not just for the one who practices, but for the ones who surround you. What a way to share YOGA!

November - Lunch Hour Yoga Classes for Beginners

New yoga session begins!

Dates: November 6, 13, and 20
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Place: Worthington United Methodist Church
Address: 600 High Street, Worthington, OH
Drop In Fee: $15 per class
Monthly Session: $37.50 (includes 3 classes for November)