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Archive for October, 2010

cyber bullying

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

Cyber bullying is a growing problem that affects people of all ages.  It is defined as a way to hurt someone through the Internet, computers or cell phones by posting texts, emails and images to embarrass some one.  There are many harmful effects of cyber bullying such as emotional damage and suicide, and adults may suffer lost revenue, lost earnings and defamation individuals through electronic means.

No one should ever have their personal life made public without their consent.  We are all unique individuals who should not be judged by sexual orientation, disability, gender, race or religion.

We as individuals have a responsibility in how we act when emailing, texting and posting because it represents who we are.  When using social networks it is important to be aware of what we share online because anyone can access and see it.  In other words, keep in mind in how your actions will affect yourself and others.  It is better to play it safe then be sorry later.

Off The Mat And Into The World

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

When I started practicing yoga in my twenties using Seane Corn’s DVDs, I heard about her Off The Mat And Into The World charity.  I was curious and wanted to learn more.

Through my research I was inspired to take the ideas of using my yoga practice to define my purpose of being a disability rights advocate.  This empowered me to use my passion for writing to achieve my goal of eliminating the stigma that disabled people face in our society.

It is my yoga practice that keeps me focused and centered.  Karma Yoga, the act of giving, is the path I have and will always follow in my life.  I am proud of and inspired by Off The Mat And Into The World and the work that it does.  It shows that yoga is the practice of working to make the world a happier, more peaceful and loving place.  http://www.offthematintotheworld.org/

Kathryn Budig

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

feel there is a spiritual connection between my two passions in life: my yoga practice and my writing career.  My yoga practice helps me stay center and focused on my writing goals and my purpose.  My column and blog allow me the opportunity to share the joy of yoga while advocating for disability rights.  I am proud to be a yogini, writer and activist.

Very recently I had an email interview with one of my favorite writers and yoga instructors, Kathryn Budig.  She writes for http://www.yogajournal.com/, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ and http://www.elephantjournal.com/ .  Visit her site at http://www.kathrynbudig.com/ .

How did you discover yoga?

I was a student at the University of Virginia getting my BA in English (literature) and Drama (mainly musical theatre).  One of my dance girlfriends from the theatre found yoga over her summer break and told me we HAD to start doing it.  She did all the heavy lifting, found an amazing ashtanga studio downtown and I was hooked.  It became the highlight of my week.

What does yoga mean to you?

Yoga is how I live my life.  In the beginning it was about how consistent I could be in my asana practice.  I was a dedicated ashtangi, and I put all my focus into improving my strength and practice.  As the years passed I started to see more and more yoga off the mat—in my decisions, in my friendships, my relationships and especially in my heartaches.  Yoga pulled me through hardships and showed me that I already possessed all the tools that I need to be present, happy and of service.

How did you begin writing about the yoga practice?

My father was/is a journalist, so I believe it runs in my blood.  Also, as I mentioned in question one—I have a BA in English.  I’ve written many a paper in my day, and to my teachers dismay, I love to write the way I speak.  When you’re writing about “The Moonstone” that doesn’t fly so well.  Fortunately, my style works well for my audience now and I do so in the hopes that people will be entertained as well as motivated.

What is the connection between yoga and writing?

Writing in yoga is simply another vehicle to help the community understand what yoga is and what it has to offer.  Personally, writing is incredibly cathartic for me and allows me to shed any facade and just show up.  My writing won’t let me hide or come up with flowery excuses.  It forces me to place my truth on the page and shape it in a way that resolves my issues while showing people that we’re all going through the same thing—just in different shades of colors.

What is your purpose?

Ah, I love the light hearted questions.  Well, aside from eating as much good food as possible and nuzzling my dog. . .wait, there’s more? 🙂

My purpose is to show people there’s so much more.  I want people to believe in themselves again.  We have this tendency to live our lives ruled by fear.  I want people to know they can choose love over fear.  I want them to know that they don’t need anyone else to make the happy because they hold everything they need within them.  I want people to laugh and not take everything so seriously.  I want people to know they can enjoy life, eat amazing food, indulge and be merry while still maintaining a conscious and healthy lifestyle.  At the end of the day, my purpose is to remind people to always choose love.

What are your future plans and goals?

I’d like to reach a platform that will help me in taking my answer to question #5 to the masses.  I have a pretty good idea of what that is, but a girl’s gotta have some secrets:)

Are you planning on doing any yoga DVDs, books or CDs?

I’m in the middle of talks about creating a DVD and there will be books in the future without a doubt.  I have online content up weekly on Yogaglo.com and just created a Poses for Paws sock for ToeSox that benefits my animal right’s charity.