Happiness smappiness....

Here is an excerpt from 'Notes from the universe" from yesterday...

"For those who ponder and wonder and wrestle with the idea of what it is that they really want, I have an answer that each would wholeheartedly agree with:"Happiness."

http://www.tut.com/

In the personal search for happiness, sometimes so much can be lost...and what I mean by that is we spend so much time trying to figure things out most of the time, that we forget to be present and to remember that we have a choice to be happy. I know some of you will disagree with me but we all really do...

The other day, I was grappling with something that was weighing on my mind.....essentially a whole batch of confusing emotions that were swirling...we all know the feeling. I was tired and feeling a little self loathing when I realized that I had nothing to not be happy about. By setting the "stuff" aside for a moment and shifting my perspective to the amazing things that are going really well in my life, I immediately WAS Happy!

Happy, in my opinion is really a state of mind. None of us can change the past, but we can be present and create our own happy future just as we had always hoped for. We need not more than what is right in front of us....and nothing is more powerful and beautiful than that! Let go of expectations and embrace what the universe has to give you.....its as easy as that!

New Beginnings

The change of seasons always offers an incredible opportunity for New Beginnings. Summertime is coming to an end and although we technically have a few more weeks of Summer, Labor day signals the end of the Summer Season for most of us. Here on the East Coast, the change of seasons will happen before any of us truly know it. Soon we will be putting away our summer dresses and pulling out our knee high boots and sweaters.

New Beginnings can symbolize so many things for each of us individually...maybe moving on past a relationship that didn't work, accepting and receiving and new outlook on life or even shedding away the layers and the baggage of whatever you are holding onto. It also offers a new perspective to receive with Love. Marianne Williamson references in her book "Return to Love" that acceptance and forgiveness all come from finding a place of love within each person that we encounter. It may be a love relationship, a family relationship or even a friendship that has you in a twist. Once we are able to approach anyone from a place of love, we can find healing regardless of the distress, discomfort or pain that we have felt in relation to another. With this comes the ultimate freedom that anyone can have....letting go and starting over!

By Starting over, we naturally let go of the past. With letting go comes emotional freedom. And with that emotional freedom, anything can happen....Happy Birthday!

Namaste

Namaste literally translates as "the light within me acknowledges the light within you." A simple gesture and statement, sometimes finding our own light can seem daunting when our mind tells us otherwise.

Marianne Williamson says it well in her book "A Return to Love"

-'We get in life that which we focus on. Continual focus on darkness leads us as individuals and as a society, further into darkness. Focus on the light brings us into the light.

"I accept the Christ* (light) within" means, " I accept the beauty within me as who I really am. I am not my weakness. I am not my anger. I am not my small mindedness. I am much, much more. And I am willing to be reminded of who I really am."-

By focusing on our lightness and the truth of who we really are, true happiness and peace are abundant and available to all of us. We are all pure and perfect at the core of our being and by recognizing this essence we all have a unique opportunity to realize something truly beautiful, devoid of what are mind is telling us and what the world tries to dictate.

Yoga for accepting and embracing the lightness within you-

Sit in a comfortable seat and place the right hand on the energetic center of your heart (anahata chakra) place the left hand over the right. Close your eyes and breath into your heart center. Finding love and compassion for yourself is the key to happiness.

*Christ in this context refers to the light within us and does not denote a religious connotation.

Forgive to Live

Forgiveness is a heavy word...not just for the implication of what it means, but for the energy that is usually surrounding it. I had a dear friend who I had lost touch with recently say to me...."thank you for forgiving me".... for events that had transpired years and years ago. I stepped back for a moment when I heard this and thought about it. Yes, we had not spoken in many years (at least in the way this conversation developed) but forgiveness now???? I hadn't really thought about it in so long, because I had forgiven this person ages ago.

So why was it so important for me or for anyone to forgive? Especially, when there is no guarantee or even hope that you will ever see or speak to someone again in your life! I believe forgiveness is a path to freedom. We have all have witnessed people in our own lives that literally spend a majority of their time holding grudges against people who have done them wrong and have literally wasted their energy feeling bad about something that happened in the past. I am not proposing that you ignore your emotional process, but why hate, despise and fester when the only person that it is holding back and hurting is you???


I realized this many years ago after my life dramatically changed and my reality became something completely new and different. My new reality was born out of heart ache and pain....as I went through my emotional process, I immediately realized that the only person that was being hurt by not forgiving was ME! You see, the other parties don't ever feel your pain....as much as we would like them too, not so much. You are the only one who feels your pain....and the grudges and the anger....so unless you have magical powers, put away your voodoo doll.


What's not to forgive?...we are all human and all make mistakes, some bigger than others. The important thing is that we are sentient beings with the ability to learn from our mistakes (and other people's), forgive the pain that we have been dealt and to truly be free to LIVE an abundant and joyful life. Do whatever you need to do to get there....forgive yourself, forgive someone else, and you will find that you be truly LIVING, happy and free.


Find some compassion...try Supta Baddha Konasana to connect with anahata chakra (the heart center) and release tension and anger in the hips....a perfect pose to open yourself up to forgiveness.

Great!

My grandfather past away this last year and I have written about him before...today when I was getting my morning coffee before I went in to teach my Wednesday morning class, I was thinking about his fantastic optimistic attitude. Whenever anyone asked him how he was, he always shouted with resounding joy, "GREAT!" Just like Tony the Tiger. In his later years, with failing health, he perpetuated this sentiment when he could no longer speak...by knocking his large knuckles on a table...his new symbol of "Great!"

I reminisce about this for several reasons....you see, living with an optimistic and positive focus in life can considerably change everything around you. My grandfather was faced with adversity throughout his life, as well as, great abundance. Regardless of what he was faced with at any given time, he was always "Great!"

If you were to just start your day feeling great and shifting your focus to even say that you are great, maybe, just maybe you will feel great and then everything seems to fall into place. Depending on your beliefs, we only have this one life to live so why not make the best out of every moment....let go of what holds you back, forgive, be free, live with compassion and make a difference....even if only for yourself! Great things will come!

Notes on a Scandal....

Today, I am grateful that the universe ejects things out of my life that distract me from my goals, purpose and desires....Tracy Matthews

Yes, I just quoted myself....hilarious. I talk about the shedding and releasing of old patterns here and in my yoga classes all of the time....sometimes this wisdom is VERY difficult to put into practice while you are in any given situation. I am REALLY hard on myself most of the time...but also extremely compassionate. Today when I was teaching, frustrated that my iPod was being temperamental....I felt as if I was losing it...just for a sec...and after calming down realized that this was all in relation to some outside frustration, resistance to surrender and a rebirth that has been happening within me. You see, the universe keeps reminding me of my old patterns and my desires to seek what is comfortable rather than what I truly want.

So, after a second of collecting myself, I went inside myself and although I forgot all of the profound things I was going to say to the students, I ended up teaching a great class....and offered my blessing and offering of gratitude to them...I am grateful today that the universe ejects things out of my life that distract me from my goals, purpose and desires (bruised ego and all). I ended class with a round of kapalabhati breathing or cleansing breath to clear the mind and cleanse the soul.

I have learned my lesson....thank you for sharing....time to move on!

Notes on Clarity

The only way to get what you really want, is to know what you really want.
And the only way to know what you really want, is to know yourself.
And the only way to know yourself, is to be yourself.
And the only way to be yourself, is to listen to your heart.
I do, The Universe

I subscribe to this daily email service call "Notes from the Universe" and admittedly, the website is a little hokey, but the message is so very clear. I am always amazed at how perfect the timing is for the strangely profound messages.....they always come just when needed....

In my usual process of self analysis, I often have to pause for a moment and remove myself from my current situation in order to gain the clarity I need to make choices that move me in the direction of finding and receiving what I truly want. Sometimes, these choices aren't so much choices made even by myself, but choices made by others.....but the universe has a powerful way of ejecting things out of our lives that can hold us back from what we want.

I truly believe that we always know what is good a right for us and what moves us in the direction of our desires...but often we don't listen to what our gut is telling us and we make choices that aren't in line with what we need. Finding clarity is often the pathway to remove the obstacles that stand in front of what we truly desire and want....In listening to our heart, we are always able to be ourselves, and in knowing ourselves, we are able to truly define what we really want, and once we know what we want, we can finally have the capacity and the ability to receive it!

When all is said and done, there is nothing more empowering and beautiful than knowing what you want and actually going for it!...without reservation or shame.....it is the only way to living the life of your dreams and staying true to your heart. Get clear, listen to your heart and follow your dream!

Breaking the pattern

Have you ever wondered what holds any of us back from getting what we want, need, desire? Without getting too deep into the deepest parts of our psyches, I am clearly reminded (almost daily) of how my past is working in the present. The stories that my parents told me about finances, relationships and life (whether they realized they were telling me these stories or not) continue to resurface in one way or another in my adult life....it is CRAZY!

This is a pivotal time for many of us in the universe at this moment.....recession, lost money and homes, increasing debt across the board...its freaking scary. On top of that, add personal and emotional issues that can break or grow deeper during times like these....everyone is dealing with a ton of baggage...trunks and trunks so to speak!

So...in these times, how is it possible for any of us to stay sane and allow what the universe has to offer to come to us? Sometimes I am not sure, but other times I truly believe that in allowing ourselves to receive, we face a profound opportunity for change...often times it just means taking a look inside to determine what it is that you truly want, and how the patterns of your past affect you today. Without blame or fault, identifying what is holding you back can catapult you forward....so stop the pattern...you deserve whatever it is that you seek.

Personally, I have been working in this space and once I identified why I was making poor choices and actually addressed it, the outcome that I desired came to me out of seemingly no where. These little jewels land all around us and we all have the opportunity to learn, grow and find what we want just by breaking the pattern....

In a gesture of offering and receiving, come to a comfortable seat and open your palms face up towards the heavens...

Life and Legacy

In this practice that we call life, we are often left to consider the legacy that we might leave behind. Personally, I have been considering this question for many years....you see, often times your life can move in unforeseen directions, quickly and unexpectedly, and often all we are left with is ourselves and our place on this earth. Earlier this year, my 90 year old grandfather passed away. An incredible man, he transcended his humble upbringing as the son of Ohio farmers and moved to California to build a restaurant empire with little knowledge, education and, for sure, no money. Although he was an extremely successful person throughout his life, he never forgot what his values were and what was important to him. Over the years he earned and lost his fortune, but what always stayed with him was a certain type of respect.

At both of my grandparents funeral's (my grandmother passed away 18 months prior to my grandfather), the things that people spoke about were deep and real....their strong values rooted in their unwavering faith, family values, philanthropic goals, business relationships and strong willed determination. With that being said, the superficial was not mentioned....it was all about the love, conviction and passion for the lives that they led.

So we are left with the question of the what, how and why? How do we want to be remembered???.....life is too short to be caught on the surface...many of us are struggling economically in this down market and watched our fortune slip away. But like the market fluctuates and changes, remembering that change is the only thing that we can count on might help us stay aligned with what we really want in our lives, what we want to be known for and how we want to REALLY live.

I think of some of the famous people in this world who have the MOST money....Bill Gates and Oprah are the first 2 that come to mind...although it might be foolish to say that people won't remember that they were wealthy, what I can say that they WILL be remembered for is the good that they do...both Bill gates and Oprah are so dedicated to living a life aligned in accordance to their values...so much so that (and I might be modest in numbers here) hundreds of thousands of people's lives have been changed and affected by their philanthropy, mentoring and vision. They had a choice....hoard their money and keep it to themselves and do their job but otherwise escape from their power to make an impact in the world OR use their wealth not only for themselves, but to make a difference in the world and align with what is good for humanity.

Don't get me wrong...money really has nothing to do with it...no one will remember that you were the richest person on the block or that your abs were the super ripped, or even that you can float a handstand in the middle of a yoga room unsupported....what they will remember is the impact you had on their lives and how you lived your life.....and if they only remember you for the superficial than I am sorry for you...

Today, I challenge you to live your life with conviction and passion, open your mind and consider new things, do something kind for someone else, be a friend (truly and deeply) and make a difference, life is way too short! What are you waiting for? Its not too late!

Liberty and Justice for All

Important things often come in small packages. My cousin's daughter, Justice, is one of those "things." Well, actually, she is a brilliant woman at such a young age. Her passion for life and her conviction in her beliefs is so apparent at such an early age...she is only 9.....(8 when this was filmed).

I would like to share with you one of the most impressive things I have ever seen from someone so young. Justice is truly a leader and a visionary...I can only imagine the woman she will grow into some day. She is wise beyond her years and a role model for me, 28 years her senior! And although this is more about human interest and saving lives, she is political as well. The daughter of politically conservative parents, Justice is a huge Obama supporter. When I was her age, I was "rooting" for whoever my parents were "rooting" for...(which happened to be Reagan)!

Justice wrote this letter to the president as a project for her second grade class. It was submitted to a national competition and she was then hand selected to read the letter on stage at a Spearhead concert. You can see the actual video at the end of the blog...

Dear President,

Hi President...how are you? Well, war kills people and a lot of people have died already. We learn to talk to each other to solve our problems in my second grade class. Can't presidents of countries do that too?

If you believe that we must have war, I was thinking that the people at war could use water guns, those really big ones. It would be better, and whoever gets soaked is out. The other team wins. I'm just thinking, and I'm still a kid....if you don't like the idea, that's fine with me. I will understand.

Maybe presidents could choose teams to help you and you guys could have a water gun fight. This would save a lot of people from being killed.

From a concerned citizen,

Justice (second grader)


If it were possible to just teach our children to have this level of interest and conviction at such a young age, maybe the future of our country and our universe has a fighting chance! Justice for President!

Justice is a featured in the real beauty is forum on http://www.realbeautyis.com/

Reinvention

When you find yourself inspired by some great purpose or
some extraordinary project
all your thoughts break their bonds
your mind transcends limitations
you consciousness expands in every direction
and you find yourself to be in a great new wonderful place.

Dormant forces, faculties and talents come alive
and you find yourself to be a greater person by far then you ever dreamed yourself to be.


-Patanjali

I love this passage by Patanjali...it always reminds me that when I am stuck, there is always a possibility for rebirth and renewal. It is so fantastic to get on the other side...we have all been there....Get inspired and get unstuck....the opportunities for reinvention are always around the horizon, but most times, right in front of you!

Yoga Schedule

Come to Class...Here is my teaching schedule for the next couple of weeks. All Classes at Various Equinox Locations!

Every Wednesday Morning, Soho, Vinyasa all levels, 7:30 am to 8:30 am

Wednesday, April 30th, Greenwich Ave, 5 pm to 6:30 pm, Ashtanga (primary series)

Saturday, May 3rd, Tribeca, 10 am to 11:30 am Vinyasa- all levels
Saturday, May 3rd, Tribeca, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm Vinyasa- all levels

Tuesday, May 6th, Soho, 6:30 pm to 8 pm, Ashtanga (primary series)

Thursday, May 8th, Tribeca, 9:30 am to 10:30 am, Ashtanga (1/2 primary series)

Saturday, May 10th, 63rd and Lex, 10 am to 11:30 am, Vinyasa

Tuesday, May 13th, Tribeca, 6:30 pm to 8 pm, Vinyasa

Wednesday, May 14th, Greenwich Ave, 5 pm to 6:30 pm, Ashtanga (primary series)

Saturday, May 17th and May 24th, Brooklyn Heights, 11 am to 12:30 Vinyasa 2/3

Monday, May 19th Chelsea, (17th and 10th), 7:30pm to 9pm, Vinyasa

Monday May 26th, 9 to 11:30 Tribecca, vinyasa

Wednesday, May 28th, Greenwich Ave, 5 pm to 6:30 pm, Ashtanga (primary series)

Stop Working So Hard...

You got me workin' workin' day and night....Michael Jackson

Today I received this in my inbox....

"Ever notice, Tracy, how when you stop trying to make something work that hasn't been working, new stuff appears and starts working?

It's the coolest thing.... The Universe"

I subscribe to a daily email called Notes from the Universe and they are great.....sometimes a little quirky and in a sense, keep me scratching my head, but usually just what I need when I get it...today's note was just what I needed to shift my perspective...you see we all face these challenges of trying to continue forward with old patterns and ways of thinking that often don't serve us anymore. No matter how forward thinking we are, often times it is hard to break free....until something happens to open your eyes.

A few weeks ago I was at my dear friend's wedding in New Orleans. This was my first time in NOLA and definitely my first time encountering Southern Tradition....another story. Thankfully, I was sat next to the groom's cousin who is an inspiring film maker/ writer/ actress....her next gig....interviewing people about "AHA" moments...and what actually wakes us up to make the changes necessary to move forward in our lives. She asked me this question..."what have been some of your AHA moments?"....I have had so many that I could not even think of one!

Over the years, I feel like I have worked so hard for everything I have wanted and desired, often successfully and sometimes unsuccessfully. I am one of those....loves a challenge. But why do we/ me/ I or any of us have to truly work that hard to move in circles? So when you are spinning....and making no movement, maybe its just time to let go and stop trying to make things work that just aren't working any more (or were maybe never working in the first place). Shouldn't it just be easy? The movement starts and "AHA" this is what it's supposed to be like....just what I needed at the perfect time.

So even though letting go of the non-working elements of our lives often lead to sadness and discomfort...and most likely...disappointment, we can all have faith in knowing that something that does work is just around the corner if and when you let it happen....and who knows...you might even be a lot happier.

I am so grateful for these moments, every day and in every way! Happy Monday!

Idol Worship!

David Cooke wearing TMDmen Crown necklace!
Carley Smithson wearing the smooth cuff and long ribbon necklace (tied)
Kristy Lee Cook wearing TMD criss cross cuff



All items available for purchase on http://www.tracymatthewsdesigns.com/ even better with our friends and family sale until April 14th....enter code FF2008 at checkout!

Did'ja Get Lucky?

Did you? Get Lucky last night? Well it was Valentine's day...and it seems like an appropriate question (smile).

Even if you didn't get Lucky last night, maybe you can just pick up the most recent issue of Lucky Magazine and get some great deals on TMD jewelry- 25% off the entire site. Wahoo!

As seen in Lucky Magazine, March 2008, enjoy 25% off at tracymatthewsdesigns.com. The entire site is onsale (using the promotion key below) including 14K and 18K renewed gold and sample sale merchandise!

Great Stuff for MEN too!

enter: luckybreaks2 at checkout

You are fantastic....just look at you! Have a great weekend!

You are LOVE!!!!

This morning, in my daily yoga practice, I had an amazing experience and exercise in stating my personal mantra. My teacher encouraged us to stay in a seated meditation or move into savasana (corpse pose). During said meditation, I spent my time repeating and creating a personal mantra for myself for that moment and for the rest of my day.

Instead of listening to the voice inside my head telling me that I am not good enough, or pretty enough, or successful enough, or I hate the brown spot on my face..and the list goes on... I opted for this:

I am LOVE
I am BEAUTIFUL
I am SUCCESSFUL
I am ABUNDANT
I am A YOGA TEACHER!!!!
I am INTELLIGENT
I am SEXY
I am AMAZING
I am HILARIOUS
I am COMPASSIONATE
I am CREATIVE
I am TALENTED

...I can seriously keep going on for days, but for me in that moment, the negative thoughts just went away. I encourage you to try this, as well. Create a daily mantra for yourself!

Today mine is, I am abundant, wealthy and creative!

Remind yourself of the love you have for yourself with these amazing Heart Studs available at http://www.tracymatthewsdesigns.com/

They Picked Me!

Just thought the inquiring minds might want to know......I have received an email informing me that Equinox would like to hire me! yay! they picked me...on to phase 2...

Laugh till You Cry!

Have you ever notice how your mood shifts with just a little giggle? For me, Laughter is one of the funnest things ever...(yes I said "funnest")! Since I was a child, I have used the power of laughter and smiling to basically get through life...I know that my day is not complete without a full out belly laugh about something. People sometimes stare at me as I am walking to work..... because I am cracking myself up! You may think its odd...but it brings me great joy.

Reasoning and psychotherapy aside (yes, I have been analyzed for my bizarre reactions of laughter to intense situations) , I have found that finding a reason to laugh at any situations is the best therapy money can't buy. I challenge you to try it sometime. My challenge is to try NOT to laugh or giggle when it may appear inappropriate...I know my job is not complete unless someone says to me, "why are you laughing at me?" No dear, not laughing at you, just like to laugh when I am having fun!

Memories of my childhood: my neighbor's nickname for me (smiley), hysterical bouts of laughter after lunch in middle school- as my friend Shannon likes to remind me-brush your braces after you eat tuna fish (eeew- I know), laughing with my siblings (all 7 of them), and finding ways to make light out of seemingly devastating situations is what makes me tick....even as an adult.

Hey, if I can't laugh at myself then I would not be complete! Sometimes a good snort is fun too!

(See photo of me in a hysterical bout of laughter)