The Joyful Breath

(Dewa at 8 months on Mother’s day)

it is with honor and deepest gratitude that i share with you all that my blog is on a temporary hiatus.

i know, i know… temporary hiatus… haven’t you already been on a “hiatus?”

Truth is i am feeble.

Being a mother to my amazing, beautiful Dewachen (Dewa for short) takes all of my conscious
energy and presence.

She is my Sadhana!!!

Blessings to you all.

May your Practice shower you with peace of mind and ease of body.

Namaste,
joy

(photo by Kristen Dacey Iwai : http://www.kdiphotography.com)

On Mothering…
” i never realized how much it would take of me
AND
i never realized how much more it would give me!”

One month ago today, i had to make a very sad, yet appropriate decision.

i had to put Jasper to rest.

After 12 years, the time had arrived for Jasper to enter the Bardo.

i held Jasper in my arms and chanted the Sacred Mantra as i witnessed his last breath
leave his body.

***
Jasper was “my baby” until my newest baby, Dewa, arrived to join our family.

It was a very hard transition for Jasper. Not being able to have my undivided attention, his physical and emotional health began to deteriorate very quickly. i could no longer stand by and see him suffering.

i love Jasper so much. He and i have spent life times together.

This time around, he was my guardian, my healer, my teacher, my baby.

Steve and i even laugh that in Jasper’s eyes… he was also my lover.

Jasper,
Where ever you may be on your Bardo journey…
You are missed and loved very, very much.
Follow the Light, dear one, follow the Light.
We shall hook up again very soon.

i love you!

***

The Rainbow Bridge
inspired by a Norse Legend

By the edge of a wood, at the foot a hill,
is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
when their time on earth is over and done.

Fore here, between this world and the next,
is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain and in sadness,
for here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,
until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
the time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,
has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
and then, side-by-side,
they cross over… together.

•••

first two pictures of Jasper, also known in our h(om)e as “The Tibetan Snow Lion”, “Niles”
and “JP Morgenstein” were taken by Professional Photographer/ WF Master Student, Shawna Schaub.

How blessed am i to have such images of my Beloved Jasper. Thank you, Shawna,
for gifting me these photos, taken when you were last here for your WF Intensive.

It boggles my mind to think that this picture was taken of me just over 2 months ago,
only days before Dewa was delivered into my very blessed arms.

now here we are…

This is quite the THANKS-GIVING!

So, so much to be thankful for… not just today but everyday…
however since this day is being recognized i, too, would like to take this
opportunity and share with you photos of some wonderful people who i am blessed
to call my family!

daddy and newborn dewa

dewa’s first bath

dewa’s first stroll

three generations of Kilpatricks

sabba (granddad) and dewa bonding

our first Halloween

our first hike up at 9,800 feet
Dewa LOVES being outside. i guess she takes after her parents!

“she’s got eyes like the sky,
and a smile like a rainbow,
for when she looks at me i know,
that i am finally home!”

- inspired by my beloved daughter

From my family to your family…

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

In Gratitude and Love,
Shanti Om

Dewachen Catherine Ilg…

…born to Joy “Ananda” Kilpatrick and steve ilg

beneath the Sacred Peak of Doko Oosliid at 4:24am during Brahmamuhurti in the era of Kali Yuga on 9-11-2007…

Thank you so much for your Practice of Patience with me as i take this special time to be completely present with this stunning miracle of life at the onset of the season of the falling leaves…

Shakti Blessings and Love to you all,
Amma joy

Poem To Ease Birth
AZTEC

in the house of the tortoise chair
she will give birth to the pearl
to the beautiful feather

in the house of the goddess who sits on a tortoise
she will give birth to the necklace of pearls
to the beautiful feathers we are

there she sits on the tortoise
swelling to give us birth

on your way on your way
child be on your way to me here
you whom i made new

come here child
come be pearl
be beautiful feather

- translated by Anselm Hollo
- gifted to me by Yogini J.

***

Though it was my intent to provide an entry yesterday, Baby Om had other plans for me.

She has decided to begin the “Divine Workout” which is what Coach and i are referring to
as Labor. i guess you could call it a “dress rehearshal.” Sure enough, it was confirmed by my doctor today that we have definitely moved into the “Lightening Stage” and my cervix
has dilated to 3 cm.

Who knows what tomorrow may bring… perhaps a little one into my arms?

No rushing here, for we Trust that when our precious one is ready, she will let us know.
Until then, i continue to take my slow walks, nuturing asanas, and still time with Baby Om. However, i have told her… “when she is ready, let’s do this thing!”

Blessings to you all.
In-joy

My father has shared many sage teachings with me over my 40 years, however one
that sticks most frequently is the saying, “Stop and smell the roses!”

During this unknown period in my life, which ultimately makes it an exciting adventure, i have moments when i witness myself getting caught up in the “Thick Of Thin Things.”

As my precious Baby Om “drops” into position and i experience the sensation of rapid breathing, i get scared. i start thinking about all the things yet to be done: bills to pay, suitcase to pack, Birth plan, emails to attend to, thank you notes to write, etc,etc…

Then come the inner questions, “am i physically and mentally prepared for this Birth?” “will i be a good mother?” more etc’s, and etc’s….

… and then i am reminded of how blessed i am. That - regardless of what i think and feel needs to be done or what my Samsaric fears may be - what matters most is my peace of mind. To attain that abiding state of equanimity which, as a Yoga Teacher and Practitioner, i attempt to Teach and Practice. For how i choose to think and feel and behave - right now - not only has an effect upon my life, but that of my baby becoming. and ultimately, all Beings everywhere.

So, i take a moment and return to my conscious breath
and observe my posture.

Through my breath i am able to slow my mind down.

Then i go to the space of Gratitude.

Then the humor of my “ram-headedness” and Samsaric tendencies.

In doing these not-so-simple Practices, i am able to step back and not only see the bigger picture, i am able to “stop and smell the roses!”

Pregnancy Update:

What use to take me a half hour to walk, now takes me 40 minutes as of last week.

Up until my 35th week, i was able to do more than one WF Discipline a day.

Now at 37 weeks and 171 pounds, my stamina is such that i can only do one WF Discipline a day in addition to my morning Puja.

As the trademark saying goes “Life is good!”

i add the Wholistic Fitness teaching, “Life is Go(o)d!”

Blessings to you all for your loving-kindness and generosity throughout my pregnancy. Our home and hearts are filled with your Metta!

Happy August Full Moon!

photo credits: first two pictures taken by my Beloved Coach ilg with our new camera gifted to us by WF Warrior TH.

yoga photo by Melissa Grimes @ melissagrimesphotography.com

Though it was not my intent for my blog to be mostly about my pregnancy,
it has definitely played a major role in my writing thus far.

Be mindful of what you proclaim to the Universe!

As you can see, my blog is dedicated to the Shakti Spirit. Well, the creative Life Force is celebrating through my body in the most profoundest way… a baby! So, how could i not honor this “stage of my development?”

As i have said many times,
there are countless ways that we can nurture and cultivate the creative
Life Force that resides within all of us, both female and male.

By following and cultivating the Pran, we can give Birth to each moment.

Our charitable actions of selflessness and unconditional love are other examples of the Shakti Spirit coursing through us.

May you never doubt how powerful and creative each of you are. How loving you are at your core!

For most of us, we just have to keep peeling away the layers of doubt and fear, learning to love all aspects of ourselves. This requires us to be brave and persistent. Extending ourselves beyond who and what we think we are. As Coach ilg teaches: “Do not limit the Unlimited by your limitations.” That means you, and the cultivation of your Highest Self which is endless… limitless.

For a lot of us, we just don’t know where to begin. We don’t have, as we say in Wholistic Fitness, any “arrows in our quiver.” Well, that’s okay. We all have to begin somewhere. The wonderful thing about Coach ilg’s Wholistic Fitness is that we have many arrows from which you can begin to Practice. From CD’s, DVD’s, PDF’s, DIRECT LINES, or one of many Coach ilg’s books. Not quite ready for any of that? Then begin with the First LifeStyle Principle of Wholistic Fitness… the consciousness of your Breath and your Posture!

Though i have not actively been taking voice lessons, it is through my years of breath work and physical practices that i was able to get back up on the stage this past Saturday night and sing in front of an audience. Let there be no doubt, i was scared. However, it was the love for my unborn child and my love of performing that inspired me to cut through the negative self talk and just be brave in the attempt.

What a joyful time i had!

i sang the song, Me and My Baby, from the Broadway Muscial, CHICAGO. The audience was so responsive. Cheering and clapping through out the whole number, it brought tears to my eyes. And as some of you have read in Coach ilg’s blog, Direct Lines, he was crying, too!

The highest compliment i received was from a mother who said how important it was for all the young teenage girls in the audience to see a pregnant woman embracing and showing her pregnancy. Honoring her body and this miraculous gift of creation. That’s just it, beyond me, beyond my ego… if my “baby and me” could touch the spirit of another being? Then our SvaDharma has been Served! And, we were able to have a blast while doing it!

In closing i would like to thank my Beloved Partner, Coach ilg, for his love and endless support. He is the one who captured the above picture from his Video.

He listened to me Practice every night and even provided some keen directorial input. i was quite impressed! As i shared with him, should i die tomorrow i am a very happy women for putting my song out into the Universe. Now, it’s your turn!

“My work is loving the world.
Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird-
equal seekers of sweetness.

Here the quickening yeast, there the blue plums.
Here the clam deep in the speckled sand.

Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?
Am I no longer young, and still not half-perfect?

Let me keep my mind on what matters,
Which is my work.

Which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished.
The phoebe, the dellphinium.
The sheep in the pasture, and the pasture.
Which is mostly rejoicing, since all the ingredients are here.

Which is gratitude, to be given a mind and a heart
and these body clothes,

A mouth with which to give shouts of joy
to the moth and the wren, to the sleepy dug-up clam,
Telling them all, over and over, how it is
that we live forever.”

The Messenger, from Mary Oliver
gifted to me by WF Warrior TW

***

The above pictures are from my baby shower hosted here in Flagstaff by the beautiful Karma Yogini’s Sara and Tamara. Tamara, to my right, came all the way from LA.

It was such a special celebration of joy, friendship and Shakti energy.

i am still recovering from all the festivities of this past week. Thus why my Monday entry was delayed until just now!

These two amazing ladies also assisted Steve and i in the creation of baby Om’s room.

Sara painted the walls and then Tamara painted the spiritual design that Steve and i wanted. Steve was even brave enough to help. Me… all my creative energy is in the hosting of this beautiful being growing inside me. i participated by receiving all the creative love flowing in our sacred h(om)e.

Loka Samastaa Sukhino Bhavantu
“May all Beings Everywhere Be Happy and Free”

A Joy-Full Pregnancy Update 
brought to you by Wholistic Fitness, Sunrider and BioBuilde.

Date: August 6, 2007 (middle of 8 month @ 34weeks)

Weight: 168 lbs (i’ve gained 40 lbs so far)
Chest: 38C (started as a 34B)
Waist: 43 (started at 27 inches)
Hips: 43 (started at 36 inches)

i keep giving thanks that my hips/butt is as big as my belly… it keeps me from tipping forward.

***

“Without ambition one starts nothing.
Without work one finishes nothing.”
 - Ralph Waldo Emerson

***

Training Stats for the month of July: Recorded in Coach ilg’s, The Outdoor Athlete Journal

Strength Training: 1.75 hours/ 
Cardio : 12.25 hours/
Yoga: 17.25 hours/ 
Meditation: 12.25 hours

HighLights:
Well, as you can tell from my blog this past month, our calendar has been a full one. All providing rich opportunity to learn and grow. i am just so thankful for this miracle of life growing inside me!

Insight:
Just because i am having a baby, does not mean that i should neglect the little girl that is apart of me. Important to nourish that innocence and creative spirit. To treat myself to a movie eating my medium size popcorn without having to share, or taking a walk in the rain because it just feels good!

When fear of the unknown arises, it’s okay to be with your feelings as long as you don’t
allow them to override the Truth of the situation. Through Consciousness and with Practice we can develope Compassion for ourselves and others; learning to witness the moment without becoming attached.

“Feel Everything, Attach to Nothing” - Wholistic Fitness Maxim

Nutrition:
Wow, this WF Discipline has been my biggest teacher during my pregnancy.

As most of you know my main source of Nutrition comes from Sunrider Whole Food Herbs and BioBuilde. i have been very fortunate through out my pregnancy not to experience the typical side effects of swelling and constipation. Even though i had to stop taking SR’s Slim Caps, i have manage to stay pretty ‘consistent’ because of SR’s Fibertone and Sunbar. Along of course with tons of water, fruits and veggies!

BioBuilde is my saving grace to help keep my protein up. As most of you have read, i have taken up a little red meat this last trimester.

And every time my little one moves and kicks inside me, especially after a Yoga session or when i’ve eaten something healthy, my Spirit is nourished knowing that i am contributing to her Pranic in-take.

Current Project:
Breast feeding and Baby Classes. Along with research on Vaccinations (boy oh boy is that a loaded one).

Current Svadhyaya:
Staying Present!

***
QUICK FIX POWER YOGA WITH JOY!

i’ve enclosed a few Editorial “reviews” from Amazon.com. If you want to read more just visit their site.

There are a few who did not like, for their reasons, my designed Practice. i think my favorite unfavorable mention was when somebody actually said that i was “mock joy.” Regardless, i am content to know that there are many who have received some benefit from my little contribution to the Yoga market.

Perhaps you or someone you know might enjoy a copy of this Power Yoga Practice. For a signed copy of this DVD, visit our WF Tribal Catalog.

Interesting fact, i was asked to create and instruct this DVD by Current Wellness before i became a Wholistic Fitness and High Performance Yoga Teacher. And no, that’s not me on the cover. For some odd reason they don’t put any of their instructors on the cover. i
am assuming we are not model-looking enough.

“For those with some yoga experience but not enough time in the day for a full practice, these three 10-minute sets fill the bill. Power Yoga Workout is designed to stand alone or combine for a 30-minute full-body workout, so both intermediate and advanced practitioners should get a good stretch and build up a mild sweat. The first workout contains a smattering of each of the classic poses: plank, downward dog, yoga pushups, and chair, with King Cobra and upward dog added towards the end. The second workout focuses on stability with standing postures: warrior II, prayer twists, and some difficult balancing poses like standing split. The last workout focuses on strengthening the core, or midsection, with such poses as locust and boat. The trademark Quick Fix clock helps you keep track of where you are in the workout and instructor Joy Kilpatrick keeps things simple with a matter-of-fact approach: neither deeply reverent nor cheerleading.”
–Kimberly Heinrichs

**
“This review refers to the “Quick Fix Power Yoga Workout” DVD

Prepare to sweat…This is a good one. Instructor Joy Kilpatrick takes you through 3 very intense and engergizing 10 minute power yoga workouts. Each segment,through a series of postures and flowing movements, linked by concentrating on breathing ,you will find to be beneficial to both your mental and physical wellness. Each segment is designed to help in a different area, and each is excellent on it’s own, or all three together are marvelous.
You customize your routine to fit your time and needs. Experience with Power Yoga is not essential,but some level of Yoga knowledge is helpful as Joy moves quite quickly,and it’s best not to have to look at the TV all the time. There are modified versions of all the poses shown for beginners and there is a count down clock for each 10 minutes as well. All you need is a mat, to help maintain your poses and also so as not to breath in carpet fibers and dust.

Segment one..This one will help you with endurance and stamina. The classic sun salutation is practiced, and Joy is terrific at reminding you of correct posture and concentrated breathing. I was already sweating at about the 5 minute mark in this one.

Segment two…A series of standing poses that are truely beneficial for stability and mobility. Terrific for toning as well. Again,if your a beginner or are limited in some way physiclly, you should follow the modified versions.

Segment three…Great for improving strength in your core section. This one really tones and improves strength in your lower body, back, hips and abs.

You will really notice a difference by doing any one of these three segments on their own. Do them all together and you will feel it in every part of your body. I especially noticed the strength gained in my arms and chest.And I often catch myself straightning my shoulders and standing up straighter now too. There is an added benefit to doing any of these work outs and that is noticeable stress release! A most refreshing addition or change of pace to your workout routine.

The DVD is a nice quality. Good picture,it is in stereo, and has nice unobtrusive music in the background.It includes a menu for going straight to any segment you want and also can be used to go to the “Currentwellness” web site. The price is very reasonable in comparison to others. Remember to breathe, eat healthy,… and enjoy” …..Laurie

**

“I have been practicing yoga steadily for slightly over a year. Monday through Friday I have no more than 40 minutes typically available to exericse. Until I began to use this dvd I was not able to find a power yoga dvd that allowed me to go through a challenging series of sun sals, standing/twisting poses, and core work in the limited time I had available. QF power yoga is therefore a most welcome addition to my collection because it does offer in 30 minutes exactly what I needed. The instructor, Joy Kilpatrick, provides precise directions needed to flow through the range of poses in this short practice. As always, it is helpful to watch the dvd at least once before using it.When the the three cleansing breaths that finish the dvd are completed, I feel entirely relaxed in the way that is realized by vigorous flow work. Though not mentioned in the dvd, I naturally go into a five or so minute final resting pose after the dvd is completed, and, in 35-40 minutes, have done my practice for the day. My wife reports that the ten minute segments are also useful as adjuncts to other forms of exercise. For example, she uses the core segment to finish strenth training.” ~ RC (a Sunrider and WF Warrior)