meditation

I have found meditation to be a wonderful tool in my growth as an individual.  When finding myself in somewhat stressful situations, if I take the time to stop and meditate - the peace that I allowed circumstances to over-shadow soon returns to me.  Only in the quiet, can I then calm the mind and create space for peaceful zen to reenter. 

If you are looking for ways to create quiet space in your life, try meditation.  

Here are some easy tips to get started:

 - Start in a room that you can be free from distractions

 - Sit in a comfortable position... I usually sit on the floor under a cushion with my legs crossed, hands resting gently on my knees

 - Light a candle or play some soothing music if you desire

 - As you begin, set an intention for that time

 - Take a deep breath in and begin to calm the mind

 - As thoughts enter the mind, let them go... a to-do list, bills to pay, etc...  every time a thought enters just exhale it out and focus on the breathing until you find yourself free from thought

 - Allow yourself to just be and when you've finished take a moment to offer gratitude for the blessings in your life

 -  Time does not matter in meditation - you may sit an alarm or just sit and see how long you are able to go... it could be 5 to 10 minutes or even an hour.  

The more time created in life for calm stillness, the more peace one experiences in life.  

Winter Solstice

Winter is here.  As I return from Europe and visit my family, I'm enjoying the snow and the season.  Winter Solstice is a time of new beginnings... Dec 21 is known as the shortest day of the year with the longest night; it marks the start of winter.  In Yoga we use this time as a celebration of the seasons in life.  A time to reflect, connect, grow.  Many yogi's take part in the practice of 108 Sun Salutations.  This is a great way to connect the body & mind to the season of life you find yourself in.  Giving gratitude to where you are and having peace with where the journey of life is taking you.  During this season of winter - may you allow yourself to enter this new season with love for yourself and others - knowing that this is one season in life and our days our like a passing shadow.  Before you know it; you'll find ourselves in a new season... not rushing life - enjoying the season you are presently in...  Shanti my friends!

Being Who You Are

I came across this song (I Am Who I Am...  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35HYlF74H8g&feature=related) and as I was listening to it, I opened up my Daily OM.  The two fit together so perfectly.  A lovely, inspiring combination.  Enjoy.  May you have the courage to BE...
  "When we are young children, we live authentically, seldom afraid or embarrassed to seek out what we want or to speak our minds.  As we grow older, we tend to tuck that authenticity away; putting it aside while we chase our dreams, afraid that it might hinder us in our success... but we never let that freedom go completely.  We have conform publicly to society's expectations while embracing secret passions when alone.  We may withhold certain opinions, although this does not change the fact that we possess them.
  It is important, however, never to stray too far from that youthful brashness and self-interest, for they are qualities that help make you who you are.  The authentic you is your true self; and in living authentically, you make time for the things you love and project who you really are.  The simplest way to live your truth is to leave the expectations of others behind and act in the way you feel is most worthwhile.
   To do so, it takes being selfish in a healthy way by doing what you know is best for you, regardless of the opinions of others - even those of close friends and family.  Living authentically means that you make choices without fear, trusting in your soul's wisdom.  If you value personal pursuits, do not feel forced into a certain job just to make enough money to keep up with your neighbors.  Conversely, if you prize success in business, do not let others' perception of what is right for you hold you back.  Denying your unique truth can lead to feelings of failure and dissatisfaction because you are not acknowledging your authentic self.  In living your truth, there are no pretenses.  Everything you do will reflect who you truly are.
  If you are unsure of who the authentic you really is, look inward and ask yourself what your purpose, values, and needs are.  Honor your strengths, and try not to let yourself be guided by what others expect of you.  Finally, discover your passions by trying new things and sticking with those that stir your soul.  Finding who you really are and then making the choice to embrace your true dreams and desires will take your life in a direction that is both satisfying and deeply meaningful."

London Heathrow

It's Christmas time.  I'm sitting in the London Heathrow airport.  Feel like I'm entering a scene from Love Actually, one of my favorite movies.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3GWzLpkVdg
There is something about traveling that I love.  I accredit it to my parents who instilled the travel-bug in me at a young age.  Ever since I was a little girl - I have traveled.  Being at the airport and watching people - currently with a cup of coffee in hand - so fun.  I love it.  Just today as I was landing in London from Vienna I looked out my window... it was an amazing site as we were flying through the bright blue and dashing through dancing clouds.  I thought it myself, "it does not get any better than this."  I love flying - seeing the world from above.  It reminds me that the world is truly a beautiful place.

And, since mi padres name actually is James Bond - I feel this special connection to England.  If it was not so bloody cold here I'd want to make this spot my next home.  But as I love the warm - this beach girl is glad to be heading back to Cali for the next season of life. 

I love Europe & it has loved me back

As I sit in Vienna, I have less than 48 hours before I leave Europe to move back to the US.  6 months have passed.  The time has been a series of ups, downs, good, bad, growth, love and reflection.  It has been priceless.  A journey that lead me to myself.  

So much can happen when one removes themselves from their comfort zone.  In doing so – I was given the opportunity to see things that I would have never been given the chance to see, had I not moved to Europe.  I would do it all over again.  I am so grateful for what I have learned and what I will continue to learn once I leave this place I have grown to love.  A part of me feels like I belong in Europe.  Yet, I feel at home in California.  I love both places equally.  I have come to see that I fit not in a box and can move about the globe freely adapting to places.  I love the simpler lifestyle of Europe… the class, the sophistication, the history, the strong coffee, the heated towel racks, the public transportation, the beautiful buildings, the various cultures and languages right at your fingertips.  I will miss those things; yet I know that I will always return to Europe.  It’s a part of me.  I can not explain it and do not even feel the need too.  It’s special to me.  Holds a unique place of my heart.  Maybe it’s because through various seasons in life Europe has helped me grow.  I have loved it and it has never failed to love me back.  I am grateful to Europe for helping make me the woman I am today.  A woman of international zeal, a thirst for fashion, a dedicated yogi, a desire to enjoy life, a love of wine and Notre Dame...

snow, snow, SNOW

Baby it's cold outside!
Walking in a winter wonderland...
There is something playful about snow.  Non-stop here for 3 days and I'm still not sick of it.  Trying to enjoy and take it all in as my time in Europe is fleeting.  Before long I will be back on the beach.  So, as cold as it is and as much as I'm freezing - I'm trying to embrace the cold and enjoy the season I find myself in. 
As I walked through the snow today going to my various yoga studios...I found myself wanting to play in it...just lay down and start to make a snow angel...or pick up a snowball and throw it at a stranger - but I refrained.  :-)
My time in Vienna is ending. 
As friends took me out for sushi tonight I was invited to go skiing in The Alps for the weekend.  Note... I Do Not Ski!  I immediately thought of the Bridget Jones movie scene as I heard myself say, "Sure...I'd love to go and give it a try?!?"  What am I thinking...  Snow makes you wanna do some crazy things.
Have a feeling I could end up like Bridget Jones... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5tpnHD6J-U

World AIDS Day

Two years ago I was in Kenya doing non-profit work with AIDS orphans on December 1... I remember thinking, "today is World AIDS Days and I'm in a country that is so infected by the disease." I was overwhelmed with thoughts, anger, emotions. Seeing little kids, so innocent, being given a death sentence. To this day I still cry over what my eyes have seen. I decided to do something, as little and powerless as I felt. Supporting a child with HIV seemed so small but a way to help.
Two years ago I was able to meet him. There are few things in life where you just know... once I saw him there was an instant connection and love. He is my African son. On this day, where recognition is given to the AIDS crisis - I want to honor my living boy who is sick with HIV - Anthony Mwendwa Muange... I have nothing but love for this child.

To learn more about World AIDS Day, please read the following:
""Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day theme for 2010 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. World AIDS Day is important for reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.3 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2009 some 2.6 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 1.8 million people died from AIDS.
The vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in lower- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world."" - Facts from www.advert.org
To get involved, locate a non-profit of your choice to sponsor a child. I recommend Tumaini International, World Vision, Compassion International.
The official website is http://www.worldaidsday.org/
Two years ago I was in Kenya doing non-profit work and I met one of the loves of my life...

Like the Flowing River by Paulo Coelho - my favorite author with a new book of short stories. I came across this writing; passing it along...

The Story of the Pencil
A boy was watching his grandmother write a letter. At one point he asked:
'Are you writing a story about what we've done? Is it a story about me?'
His grandmother stopped writing her letter and said to her grandson:
'I am writing about you, actually, but more important than the words is the pencil I'm using. I hope you will be like this pencil when you grow up.'
Intrigued, the boy looked at the pencil. It didn't seem very special.
'But it's just like any other pencil I've ever seen!'
'That depends on how you look at things. It has five qualities which, if you manage to hang on to them, will make you a person who is always at peace with the world.
'First quality: you are capable of great things, but you must never forget that there is a hand guiding your steps. We call that hand God, and He always guides us according to His will.
'Second quality: now and then, I have to stop writing and use a sharpener. That makes the pencil suffer a little, but afterwards, he's much sharper. So you, too, must learn to bear certain pains and sorrows, because they will make you a better person.
'Third quality: the pencil always allows us to use an eraser to rub out any mistakes. This means that correcting something we did is not necessarily a bad thing; it helps to keep us on the road to justice.
'Fourth quality: what really matters in a pencil is not its wooden exterior, but the graphite inside. So always pay attention to what is happening inside you.
'Finally, the pencil's fifth quality: it always leaves a mark. In just the same way, you should know that everything you do in life will leave a mark, so try to be conscious of that in your every action.'

yoga & gratitude

The pictures were taken in Portugal one summer. Photos of a little acro-yoga while spending a month in Spain studying yoga.

I have found that no matter where I go or what I do - I can always take yoga with me.

I love to help others connect the mind and body.  As I sit getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in Europe - I am grateful for the opportunity to be a yoga teacher.  I hold the job very dear to my heart and express gratitude to all the students and fellow yoga friends that are in my life. I find the more gratitude I express - the more the world offers... I am grateful for the little things as well as the big things. Taking time to sit and reflect on the good I have in my life creates peace and space for more blessings... may you take the time to do the same and express gratitude for the things in your life...
Shanti Shanti Shanti - Namaste

international yoga teacher

Here is a little bit of my life... traveling, teaching yoga workshops, my bio... This is what I love.  I am honored that I have the privilege to do this work at this point in my life.   

 

108 Sun Salutations
This workshop focuses on the vinyasa style of yoga with the emphasis on sun salutations.  Students can expect a combination of balancing poses and sun salutations.  Come and enjoy the invigorating workshop strengthening the mind and body through the upbeat flow of asanas.  
Detox Yoga Flow
This workshop focuses on the vinyasa style of yoga.  Students can expect a combination of power yoga mixed with a variety of sun salutations.  Come enjoy the music, the sweat, the mind/body connection.  
Katie Mae Bond, RYT

Katie is registered through the Yoga Alliance as a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher.  Her trainings are in Vinyasa Flow and Hatha Interdisciplinary.  Katie is also certified through the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America as a Personal Trainer and In-door Cycling Instructor.  

After graduating with her Master's Degree from college, Katie began her yoga journey.  She has been studying yoga for over 10 years.  As a student of many forms of yoga, Katie is dedicated to promoting peace and the yoga lifestyle.  Wonderful yoga mentors have surrounded her and excellent trainings have helped her become the yoga teacher she is today.  Currently Ms. Bond is teaching yoga internationally and hosting a variety of yoga workshops around the globe.  Katie enjoys helping others to connect the body and mind while receiving the benefits of the yoga asanas.  

When Katie is not traveling, she resides in Laguna Beach, California.  Katie loves the beach and the outdoors.  You can find her teaching a variety of fitness classes in the Orange County area.  In her spare time, she is an avid supporter of fair trade and international human rights efforts.  Through the practice of karma yoga, Katie believes in helping those who are less fortunate. Katie loves to encourage others and share her excitement for life.  Her mantra is, “Peace, Happiness, Prosperity, and Love.”

the butterfly chrysalis

"When a caterpillar begins life in an egg, it looks nothing like what will hatch; and the butterfly seems a far cry from the larva that precedes it.  Do caterpillars recognize butterflies as their future selves?  Do butterflies identify caterpillars as past relations?  The most mysterious phase of this shape-shifting creature's process is that of the chrysalis:  the jade-green cocoon in which the crawling, leaf-eating caterpillar transforms into a floating, nectar-drinking butterfly.
In our human lives, we sometimes find ourselves in the chrysalis state.  Those times when we do not have a lot to offer the outside world, it is because, whether we realize it or not, much of our energy is consumed with an inner transition.  We might feel sluggish or uninterested in what surrounds us.  We might feel impatient with ourselves, wondering why we do not have the energy we used to for our usual routines.  But if we remember the chrysalis - the dark inner sanctum that provides the environment for a remarkable conversion - we can relax and let ourselves be, finding ways to support our process rather than coaxing ourselves away from it. 
If you see a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, the temptation may be to help it break out.  The physical challenge of this part of the process is necessary, though, for the butterfly to build its strength so that it can survive outside.  The same is true of us: Sometimes we have to labor on our own to discover the force we need to be our new selves in the world.  Similarly, when seeing friends or family members struggling, it is easy to become impatient and want to help with their emergence, but we have to learn to let others make their own way.
Taking on the challenge of liberating ourselves enables us to thrive in our new freedom.  Sometimes the greatest support we can offer others and ourselves is patience and quiet confidence in the process unfolding, along with faith that the result will be extraordinary." - Daily OM 

I came to Europe a mere caterpillar.  I am leaving a butterfly. 

how much can happen in a week

I am back from a week in California.
I allowed myself to sleep today - no alarm.
18 hours later I awoke!
It feels good to be back in Europe.
I'm finding that I love both places equally. 

Cali was fun.  It's home to me.  I arrived and went straight to maid of honor duties.  The wedding was nice.  At the reception I was so tired I drank coffee while everyone else had alcohol, and I tried not to fall asleep in my food... jetlag had hit!
The week consisted of teaching yoga and spin classes, ending a dating relationship, starting a new one (yeah, who knew - but when it happens it just happens), spending time with friends, and eating tons of guacamole.  My skin is starting to turn a slight shade of green from all the guac I enhaled.  I think I might even look like a walking avocado.
My love for my family, friends, the beach, my clients, yoga classes, amazing spin classes, and a new found hope in love has been confirmed.  As I travel the globe, I am happy.
California will always be home to me.
Here's to another good nights sleep.

Family Dinner

Community is important to me.
Living life - really living life with people - that's what it's all about.
There is this thing I like to do called Family Dinner.
Something special happens when cooking and sitting down to share a meal.
Once a week - friends, neighbors, etc.
We get together. 
We cook.
We eat.
We laugh.
We have no agenda.
We sit and talk about life.  
We are creating community.
No matter where I go or what country I may live - from the beaches of California, to European cities, to the bushes of Kenya, to the countryside in Ohio.  Family Dinner will always be a part of my life.
I was just back in CA and was able to have dinner with my good friends.  Now I've landed back in Europe and hope to get the crew together this week and cook, laugh, share life stories...
Community is important to me...

Maid of Honor in a Wedding :)

While I have been a bridesmaid 11 times, yes 11...
I have never been a maid of honor.
This weekend I am flying back to Los Angeles to be the maid of honor in one of my best friends weddings.  It is such a privilege for me. 
I love this woman like crazy and would do anything for her.
Ms. France, soon to be Mrs. Rhonda Fox - here is to your wedding and a weekend filled with fun.
I'm getting excited about the Friday night girls party.  The Saturday wedding. 
And, I'm even coming up with ideas for decorating the car and other things that are not appropriate for me to write about in a blog... let's see how sneaking can I be! :-)
It's been over 3 months since I've seen my dear friends Rhonda and Lisa.  They are my soul sisters. Now I get to fly in and be apart of one of their weddings. 
Can't wait, Can't wait, Can't wait. 

Pinkberry & Rajko

Rajko is the name of my imaginary friend sitting next to me in this photo...  NO - I'm just kidding - if you could only see the look of sarcasm on my face as I said that you'd be laughing with me.  As I sit in Europe, there is no Pinkberry to be found.  This was a weekly outing where I would meet either my best friend Christine or Rajko.  Usually after teaching a couple of spin and yoga classes at CSUF, we would meet.  Wednesday night = Pinkberry night. 
For those of you that do not know what you're missing out on, Pinkberry is only the best (and most expensive I might add) frozen yougrt in all of L.A.  During our weekly fest we would sit and laugh - laugh so hard we cried, while eating our yummy yogurt and catching up on life.  Some of my "I'm laughing so hard my ribs hurt" experiences have been at Pinkberry.  And the staff loved us.  They looked forward to our Wednesday night giggle fests.  When I went in this summer (where the photos were taken) the staff asked for Rajko... so we sat at our usual spot outside and took this photo pretending he was there.  :-) 
I am getting ready to fly back to Los Angeles. 
Rajko and Pinkberry await!!!
Happy Birthday Raj :-)

Positive Women

There is strength in community.  

I have found that no matter where I travel, I am blessed to find genuine fellowship with talented people.  I do not know how it happens, but I am grateful.  The more I open myself up to being a friend and letting my walls down - the more I am surrounded by people who are like-minded. 

There is a saying that states we are in community every time we find a place we belong.  I find those words ringing true to my time with a special group of women in Vienna.  We are a gathering of strong women who meet on a regular basis.  Positive Women consisting of writers, cooks, artists, poets, lawyers, judges, United Nations representatives, musicians, entertainers, yoga instructors, and the list continues... We are friends, mothers, daughters, aunts, nieces, wives, sisters... We come together to support one another and work for a common goal to make an impact in the world greater than what we could on our own. 
I find this quote fitting for the occasion:

"I do not go to a meeting merely to give my own ideas. If that were all, I might write my fellow members a letter. But neither do I go simply to learn other people's ideas. If that were all, I might ask each to write me a letter. I go to a meeting in order that all together we may create a group idea, an idea which will be better than all of our ideas added together. For this group idea will not be produced by any process of addition, but by the interpenetration of us all." - Mary Parker Follett 

Yes, I do believe there is strength in community.  

Tuscany Top 10

In traveling through Italy the Tuscan region is one of my favorite areas.  Tuscany is located in central Italy with Florence as the capital city.  Toscana - as the Italians say it - is known for it's great landscapes, from mountains to the western sea coast.  It's famous for vineyards and rich in producing olives, honey, pepper, truffles, balsamic vinegar, and the list continues.
My neighbor from Laguna Beach, Annie, came to visit me in Europe.  We traveled to Italy and found ourselves driving through Tuscany.  It was breathtaking.  Stopping at towns along the way to walk the streets, look at art, and eat some amazing food.  The people are warm and friendly.  The views are amazing!  My favorite area was Cortona.  The city we stayed in was Montepulciano.  I will write more about them later...
Here is my Tuscany Top 10:
10 - A region in central Italy with 10 provinces with the most famous being Pisa, Siena, Florence.
9 - Siena is beautiful.  Go there. 
8 - Visit Cortona - it's where Under the Tuscan Sun was filmed... beautiful city sitting on top of a hill giving amazing views of the region.
7 - Drive to the coast.
6 - Famous wines made in the area are Chianti and Salcheto - both are very very good.  Drink up!
5 - Hop in a car and explore... it's the fun roads and vineyards out in the country that take your breath away.
4 - Visit Florence.  A tourist friendly city that is easy on the eyes.
3 - When in Florence see the Statue of David... my favorite piece of art...period!  I was speechless.
2 - Eat the food.  Eat the food.  Eat the food.  Don't worry about calories just eat the food!
1 - Visit Montepulciano - it's where the Twilight movie was filmed and a beautiful old city.

As my friend Annie would say, "Tuscany is both peaceful and yet modern at the same time."

 If ever in Italy - Tuscany is the place to visit.  Truly beautiful.  

Humor in the Subway

As I walked to the subway one morning on my way to teach yoga, I heard a blend of music I had not experienced.  On the subway in the capital city, people here do not smile.  They rarely make eye contact.  And it can be strangely quite.  So, I usually have my I-Pod selection of mixes in and depending on the mood, weather, and day my tunes vary.  Today was yoga - I play my upbeat yoga groove mix.  As I board my subway stop - Om Shanti by Madonna was playing... it always puts me in the mood to teach yoga.  However, little did I know that a group comprised of Brits and Americans were already inside.  When the doors shut, they started singing "In the Jungle the Mighty Jungle the Lion sleeps tonight....."  It blended with my Madonna and the fusion of the two made me laugh.  They were smiling, I was laughing.  People were staring at us.  It made me laugh even more.  Who cares - I'm so over the somberness of the city!

After yoga class, the sun was out.  Felt like a spring day, so I decided to take a long walk back to my flat... and I saw the funniest things.  There was a man dressed up like Michael Jackson (looked just like him).  And now if you will, picture Pebbles from the Flintstones... well, her older brother passed me on the street.  And then I really smiled when I saw an old man pushing a stroller.  He stopped - looked in - and started talking to a dog.  Yes, the little dog was in a blanket in the stroller.  No child in sight.

My friend once told me that my natural reaction is to smile.  I never thought of that, but it's true.
Joy can be found even in gray places.
I'm learning to not let my environment change me.
Even if people stare - I laugh.  I smile.  :-)

Flying to Rome...

My good friend and Laguna Beach neighbor, Annie, is coming to visit me in Europe.  I have had a countdown and finally the day has arrived.  I am meeting her at the airport and we are heading directly to Rome...  We have been invited to a Vineyard in Tuscany.  This is the wine harvest season in Italy and we have been asked to attend the Harvest Party for one of the vineyards!  I do not know how I end up in these situations but all I can say is Thank You Dear God!!!  So, we arrive in Rome - are picked up by locals who will drive us to Tuscany where we will stay at the Vineyard.  

Check out the place... it looks amazing http://www.salcheto.it/

To a good time in Italy.  Returning to a country I love.  :-)

Stay tuned as I will post some proper photos of the Salcheto Vineyard Harvest Party...  

Now - off to packing... what to wear, what to wear?!?  :):)

Canals and Prosecco

Venice, Italy - my favorite spot on the entire globe!  

I have been to this city 4 times and every time I fall in love all over again. This visit was one of the best! Lonnie and Cindy (Laguna Beach-ers) came and I met them. We had so much fun. The Seide's are amazing!  Not kidding, they have a way of creating community that I love. When I arrived they had already gotten the hook-ups for private parties and gondola rides.  

Our trip was based on great food, great prosecco, great pictures, and laughter.

We ate gelato and cannolis for lunch.  Drank Prosecco like water.  And took over 500 photos of canals!!! Seriously not sure what our obsession was with canals but we have the pictures to prove it.

Went to a party hosted by a local Venetian restaurant owner - listened to live jazz and danced the night away.  It was such a fun weekend.  I miss my CA friends and having 2 come and visit was priceless.

Sometimes I feel like I am living a dream.  Yeah, I have days where all I want to do is cry or days where life is tough but I try my hardest to look at the good.  The more gratitude I give - the more blessings that come my way.  I am incredibly grateful for this season in my life.

To Venice Italy.  To Canals and Prosecco.  :-)

Creating the Space

I tend to teach a more advanced yoga known as Vinyasa Flow.  Let's just say it's not your grandma's yoga, nor your mom's for that matter.  I also love and have trained in Power Yoga, and I enjoy the basics of Hatha Yoga.  Depending on the class, my style changes.  This morning as I went to teach, I was surprised... peacefully perplexed... because you never know who is going to show up.  Today I had an older woman who is new to yoga, the studio owner who is highly advanced, your mid-range students, and then a man who studies yoga in India 5 months every year!  Are you kidding me!!!  Talk about skills and your variety of levels... and I had to teach to all of them in the same class.  Throw beginners, intermediate, and advanced right out the window.  Soooo, my format and my game plan quickly changed.  The whole class I was thinking "Dear God..."  90 minutes and several downward dogs later, I led them into final relaxation.  When the class was finished I received such great comments.  They all loved the class; said it was great.  When I asked for any suggestions for improvement or ways to make it better, they said it was perfect.  And, all kept thinking was, "Katie, you know your teaching ability and today you sucked!  But smile to your students and say thank you."  

It's funny how we are so hard on ourselves.  I am a recovering perfectionist.  :-)  

It's also funny how we think we have to perform.  Often all we need to do is create space for people.  Hold the space.  And allow the rest to flow and unfold... 

Laguna Beach hits Venice - ITALY that is...

Two of my clients from Laguna Beach are coming to Europe.  Saturday I hop on a flight to Venice, Italy to meet Lonnie and Cindy... I can not wait.  The Seide's are wonderful people who I met when I was their spin instructor.  Now, they are friends.  Italy - here we come!!!

Venice is one of my favorite cities... and as Cindy pointed out, it's where Prosecco was made... my favorite drink of choice.  It's this Italian wine - a dry sparking wine that tastes like Champagne.  And, it's made right outside of Venice.  Who knew??? 

So, here is to a good time with friends - in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  The Seide's are bringing me a new pair of spin shoes, but something tells me I won't be putting them on this weekend.  :-)

Yoga Praxis = Yoga Practice

I have been very fortunate to meet some great yogi's and teach at some amazing studios in Vienna.  I am in awe sometimes of how it happens.  One of the studios I work at is called Yoga Praxis; translated into English as Yoga Practice.  It's a great center with lovely people.  The focus is different than most studios making it very successful.  They give special attention to total well-being focusing on Ayurveda from doctors, to massage therapists, yoga classes, even to an on-site Ayurveda cook... this place offers so much.  And not only is this lady a cook, she wrote the book on Ayurveda cooking!  I am not kidding, just today after my class I found that she was indeed the author.  She makes wonderful, healthy food with so much flavor.  I ate with her on Monday after yoga class and it was incredible.  This morning when I arrived at the studio to teach, I opened the door and could already smell the goodness she was preparing for the day.
So, what is Ayurveda?  Translated from Sanskrit as "Knowledge of Life" it's alternative medicine that emphasizes re-establishing balance in the body through diet, lifestyle, exercise, and detoxing.  It looks at the total person focusing on the health of the mind, body, and spirit.
I like working with some of Vienna's finest... I'm learning a lot.  

Getting on Track

The Daily OM is a book I like to read.  Full of lovely, powerful, peaceful insights.  This morning when I got up, coffee cup in hand - I sat down, opened the book and this is what I found:
"Trains Are Like People - The rails that crisscross the countryside and cut through cities have long captured people's imaginations.  Just the idea of taking a ride on a luxury train, on an express commuter line, or in a cargo car can evoke a sense of freedom, adventure, romance.
Trains are like people in that they must inevitably arrive at their destinations.  They make scheduled and unscheduled stops along the way and move at different speeds.  Some can travel for hours and are mindful of only a single destination; others meander from busy station to busy station.  The route and purpose of any train may change as the years go by.  Our lives stretch out in front of us and behind us like railroad tracks; and we are the train, its passengers, and the engineer.
The way you choose to live your life and the goals you are working toward are the route and destinations you have chosen.  Like a rider on a train, you have the choice to get on and off, find new routes, pick unknown places to visit, or just stop and enjoy the view for a while. Perhaps you like to move quickly through life as if you were an express train.  Or maybe you are like a commuter passenger, taking the same routes over and over.  You might even want to stop just riding along and choose a different direction for your life to take.
If you have examined the tracks of your life and are feeling unsatisfied, you may want to explore the changes you can make to find a more fulfilling path to follow.  Perhaps you would like to slow down a little and take a windier path rather than just traveling down the straight and narrow.  Or maybe you would prefer to experience your life as more of an adventure as opposed to just a ride that gets you where you need to go.  Changing your route can sometimes give you a chance to "get on the right track."  You may even discover that the something new you have been waiting for is just around the bend."
My train is rolling through the tracks of Europe at this season in my life.  I am stopping to enjoy the view for a while... to enjoy the adventure...

Night of Museums

There have been many moments when I've wanted to pull my hair out moving to a new country; but, this weekend was not one of them.  This weekend was filled with friends, laughter, fun outtings, amazing art, and great food.  

For the first time since I've moved to Europe - I have been over-booked.  So much going on.  So many invitations.  It felt like my life in Laguna Beach, yet European style. 
Here is a little taste of my fun-filled weekend:
 - First, I worked alllll week.
 - Yoga class on Friday evening
 - Met my friend Karin (who is an Austrian actress) to see a movie.  I love movies and this is the first time I've been in a theater in over 2 months.  Loved it.
 - Went shopping on Saturday.
 - Met friends Saturday night (Stephanie from Paris and Sarah the poet and author).  We went to the night of museums.  Vienna holds this amazing event twice a year.  64 museums in total.  Open all night.  You can get into to all the places on just the cost of one ticket.  The pictures you see uploaded are from the museum night.  It was amazing!  Picasso's work was my favorite.
- Sunday = church at VCC where I've met some really cool people.  They had an African celebration in honor of Nigeria's Independece Day and it was breath-taking.  I felt like I was in Africa again, yet I was in downtown Vienna.  An unforgettable occasion. 
 - Went to an artists house for lunch...  She is a cook and poet.  Ate her food - smiled.  Read her poetry - cried.
 - Met with friends Roland and Connie for an afternoon at the park,
 - Cooked dinner for my friends Fipps, Katha, Phillip, and Sebastian.

 A full weekend.  A fun weekend.  I am grateful. 

yoga in the forest

I find that trees are calming.  Rooted deep into the earth, they show strength and beauty.  One of my favorite places in all of Europe is a forest outside of Karben, Germany.  There is something about being outdoors with nature that sets my mind at ease.  I find the woods rather peaceful. 

I continually see how life has a way of bringing things back around/full circle.  The first time I was in this particular forest (over 4 years ago) I remember thinking that I would return someday.  And as the story goes, I did return more than once. 

Here is a picture of me doing tree pose among the trees.  I love it.  I'm grateful for these woods... for the peace and joy they have given me.  Until the next time I return...
Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Peace, Peace, Peace

Teaching Yoga in Vienna

I love yoga - I really do!  Teaching yoga makes me happy.  I come from a family of teachers, and while they do not teach yoga - teaching has been instilled in me from my early days.  I love to see people learn, try new things, and grow along the way.  It's great to help others - being a yoga teacher is perfect for me.  Today I taught a Vinyasa Flow Yoga class at a new gym in Vienna.  The pics are from the studio  www.beers.at
It was fun.  I left smiling.

Yoga is helpful on so many levels.  It fosters peace, relaxes the mind, helps the body... and anyone can do it.   I can't believe that I am actually living in Europe - teaching yoga.  This is a dream come true.  I am grateful.  As I ended my yoga class this morning, I shared this mantra with the students... "Appreciate other.  Be generous.  Tell them.  Don't keep it all to yourself."  So friends, family, and blog followers - I appreciate you.  Thanks for being a part of my life.  You add to it and you are important to me. Namaste!

London calling

Bond,  Katie Bond. 
Yes, that is me. 
Bond, James Bond.  007. 
The actual name of my father...

I am England Bound.
A girls weekend in the UK.
Fly out of Vienna tomorrow for a long weekend in old Britain.  
As I start to pack, I am really excited to see girlfriends.  I will be staying with my good friend Gemma in Leicester... She has been to my house several times in Laguna Beach and now for the first time I will see her hometown. 

I will also be meeting friends Elina, Kirsty, and Eve in London.  Friends from yoga and life - I am excited to take some yoga classes where I can understand what they are saying.  The German yoga classes I've been taking have been a little challenging.  Love the connection and bond of yoga teachers... 

So, here is to a good weekend.  I've been so busy moving, working, and adjusting to the culture of Europe that I have not let myself just have some fun girl time.  It's finally here.  I can't wait!!!
What should I pack?  What to wear?  What sites should I see?

I hear London calling...

Today I was facebook chatting with my friend Sylvester from Kenya. I met him on a trip in December 08. He was one of the leaders working with the Tumaini orphans. As I sit in Vienna today, not feeling at home but feeling a peace about my future… I once again am reminded of what is important to me.

In a society who puts so much importance on wealth and technology… that is not where true happiness is found. Joy is within… it’s in the spirit of the person. I’m in a place that is lacking joy. It has so much on the material side but something is missing... there is a heaviness to the culture.

Sylvester and I talked about the African spirit. People with so little on the material side of life but with a joy and love and passion that is unyielding. I miss that. People who smile and are happy and show love. While in Kenya, taking bucket showers, I felt more happiness and love from locals than I ever have while traveling. And now, sitting in a posh flat in Vienna – I am lonely. Craving smiles and laughter. I am grateful for this experience as I can clearly see what my priorities are.

I am here in Vienna for a season. I’m teaching yoga, living in Europe, and working. Living a part of my dream. It is a learning experience. A place I will be for a short season, doing what I have set out to do and growing so much in the process.

I hope to return to Africa again some day soon. My heart is wired to help others, love people, and laugh along the way…

visitor in Vienna

I had my first official visitor in Vienna.
My friend Dan came after finishing some graduate work in Prague.  He stopped in for the weekend before his flight back to the states.  
We walked the city, took over 250 photos, and saw most of the major sites.

The day was perfect.  Great weather for a Saturday in the country's capital.
While strolling the streets of Wien, we randomly walked right into a festival.  A farmer's festival with all the traditional Austrian flair. 
Beer, singing, beer - felt like a mini Oktoberfest.  Fun!
Tonight we are going to a film festival outside of city hall.
It's great to have a friend here.  Someone to speak English with, laugh, and laugh some more.  Amanda... we wish you were with us.  You're missed on this trip.  Fun day in Vienna.  I like showing my friends this wonderful city  :-)

Germany Top 10

Had a great weekend in Germany!  Stayed with some friends in Karben, outside of Frankfurt.  

Every day was full.  For the first time in a couple of weeks, I felt at home.  The days were filled with good food, drinks, seeing some beautiful places, and much laughter.

Since Germany is so big (16 regions) there is no way one can possibly see it all in one weekend.  So, I am going to list my favorite things from this particular trip.  In no specific order:

10 - Visiting the annual wine festival in Frankfurt.

9 - The town of Bad Homburg, a beautiful place with shopping, parks, a castle, and churches.

8 - Sitting in old-style coffee shops.

7 - Getting invited to dinner by people who are from a royal family... eating at their home was quite the experience.

6 - Visiting Hessenpark (a beautiful Germany town).

5 - Sitting at the Haufe house, laughing around the table...

4 - Going to the Pflanzenmarkt (a festival) at Hessenpark.

3 - Walking in the forest with Ilona.

2 - Shopping!

1 - Running and yoga in the forest with my I-pod = happy times.

I love visiting Germany.  Maybe it's because I have family roots here or maybe it's because I feel at home with friends.  It was a good weekend.

Thank you Ilona and Bernd for a wonderful time!!! :)