Àse Yoga Studio & Tea Room

We all make plans for this or that—planning is a national pastime that occupies a significant portion of our lives. We plan to go here, attend that event, wear a particular outfit, and eat specific foods. Our lives revolve around plans for the next five minutes, five hours, five days, or even five years. So, what's your plan?

Planning involves organizing things before we actually start. In doing so, we often neglect to live spontaneously. Or appreciate the present moment.

What happens when life doesn't go as planned? How do you react if you don't get that job, it rains on the day you planned to go to the beach, you want coffee but don't have any, your trip is canceled, your wedding is called off, you didn't get into the school of your choice, or your luggage is lost while traveling? Countless plans go awry.

Do you throw a tantrum, get angry, sulk, or create a negative atmosphere? Many people do, as if that will change the situation. Think about how you respond when things don't go as planned. Often, we have little patience when life doesn't unfold as we expect. We fear uncertainty.

Life teaches us, though, that even with detailed schedules and calendar apps, things may still not go as intended. So live in the moment. When we truly engage with the present, we experience life more fully. We realize our luggage is lost, so we look for other ways to have fun. We focus on enjoying the present moment.

Focus on the present moment and experience it instead of worrying about the future. Understand that life doesn't always follow our plans. Interestingly, when our plans don't happen, it may actually work out in our favor.

Planning is all about getting ready for what's next. We should, however, embrace life's uncertainties. By doing so, we let go of our worries, stress less, and the uncertain experience feels lighter. Of course, we will keep planning. But let's not forget our beautiful present moment. That means dropping the past or projecting into the future. Instead, we tune into what's happening right now. Pay attention to "now"; life becomes clearer. After all, the present moment is the only true reality.

Experience Àse Yoga, where every breath counts.

What are you thinking about? Or overthinking? It matters because our thoughts, which come and go, determine what we do and how we feel. Our thoughts are super powerful; they can actually manifest the situations we worry about.

What we do flows from our minds. So what's on your mind? Over the years, many of us have adapted to a "crowd mind" and rely on others' opinions. We're following the herd. That's why we look like spoofs of images we see on television and social media.

Ask yourself: why are you doing what you do? Or why have you done what you have done? Indeed, other people have created us. For instance, when someone tells us we're smart, we totally believe it; if they say we're not, we start questioning ourselves. Some people go through life feeling ugly because no one has told them otherwise. Essentially, we become what people call us. When will we start expressing who we are?

We put too much weight on how people view us. Worrying over their opinions, we go along with what others do; we don't think. Instead, we go through the motions like robots on autopilot. Who are you? It's a classic question.

What is the mind? Our mind is a medley of our conditioning, consciousness, and unconsciousness. Our mind holds memories and past impressions that shape how we think. It also stores everything we have experienced, which then influences our active thoughts.

Awaken! To be well, healthy, and happy, we must practice repairing our minds. We do that by becoming more aware. When we do, we no longer rely on the mind, which our ego, our false selves, is fueling. Actually, most of us are no more than egos, wearing a mask. We often don't know our authentic selves; we create artificial identities through our work titles, education, and even our accomplishments.

Be for real. It's time to live—not merely survive. As we do, transformation becomes a priority. Through transformation, we replace darkness with light, ignorance with enlightenment, chaos with peace, and toxicity with illumination. Learn to meditate...

Experience Àse Yoga, where every breath counts

Take the Opportunity,

Every moment presents us with opportunities. Of course, we might not recognize or appreciate this because we often take so much for granted: the breath we take, the food we eat, and the sights, smells, and sensations we experience. All of these are opportunities. Often when we feel something is wrong or that things should be different, it's the universe nudging us to change. Too often, though, we let these opportunities slip by, focusing instead on what's wrong or what's lacking.

Yet we ignore the thousands of opportunities we are given each day. With every opportunity, we face two choices: take it or not. Our choice defines the meaning we assign to life. That is, will we act or remain stagnant?

Most of us tend to ignore these opportunities. We've convinced ourselves that it's impossible, that no one has done it, or that we lack the money or resources. What are you telling yourself that's stopping you from living the life you want? Meanwhile, the opportunity is right in front of us. But we often become envious, criticize those who do take action, forgetting that we are the opportunity, not the degrees we hold or the jobs we have.

It takes little effort to fall into the role of a victim—pointing fingers at others and placing blame. We must break this mechanical, repetitive behavior. True work means undergoing an authentic change.

Then we stop missing our chances to create, build, and grow. No matter where we are on our journey, wake up! Life is an opportunity to thrive, whether that means collecting seashells or seeking wisdom. If we fill our lives with worthless things or waste our time talking crap, life will allow it. Conversely, if we choose to write, create, build, and pursue truth while understanding ourselves and life's deeper aspects, life will support those endeavors.

It's not the lack of opportunity that holds us back from living the life we want; rather, it is the choices we make. Opportunity is limitless. We've been stagnant too long. Wake up, move, and quiet your minds. Let opportunities reveal themselves. Become enlightened. This moment is an opportunity…Go for it...

Experience Àse Yoga, where every breath counts

Gardening is a deeply spiritual and soulful journey that reconnects us with nature. Our minds, much like gardens, are fueled by the thoughts we choose to cultivate. By nurturing certain thoughts, we bring forth a harvest of abundance. When was the last time you truly immersed yourself in the beauty of nature? What seeds are you planting in your own Garden of Paradise?

"Growing Your Own Food Is Like Printing Your Own Money>"
Grew my own Cherry Tomatoes

Experience Ase Yoga Studio & Tea Room, Where Every Breath Counts.

Be untrigger-able!

Do you know what sets you off? Knowing your emotional triggers is empowering. Are you feeling angry, fearful, moody, scared, hateful, vengeful, sad, or anxious? These feelings usually come from old hurt and feelings we've pushed down inside--- not really from other people.

Many of us grew up in conditions that weren't exactly filled with tranquility or joy. While our basic needs—like food and shelter—may have been met, the people surrounding us often carried their own unresolved struggles. Clearly, we can't give what we don't have.

We frequently bottle up our emotional pain, often without realizing it. To fit in, we hide our feelings and pretend that everything is fine. Our triggers come from long-standing conditioning that we often overlook.

And certain people get to us more than others. When we do get triggered, we usually blame those around us—like supervisors, coworkers, family, friends, or even strangers. We might say things like, "They made me mad," or "I feel like this because of what happened to me." This blame-shifting is merely an excuse that brings out our existing trigger. Emotional triggers need something or someone to latch onto to thrive.

Being triggered doesn't feel good. But we all have an opportunity to be untriggered. Yet, only a few of us will. Because it's habit-forming. So, it takes courage. When we succeed, though, our lives become more vibrant, and we feel more confident. Express your feelings when you understand them. This sharing promotes health and emotional well-being.

Learn to meditate. Sit quietly and watch your thoughts and feelings as they come and go—no judgment. This awareness helps us break free from endless reactions. Turn your triggers into something creative. Engage in the relaxation response.

Awareness is critical. Witness your triggers. This takes practice. But as you do, you'll notice your triggers gradually fading. Start practicing yoga and qigong to foster a connection between body, mind, and spirit. Open your heart. Transform your energy, and live fully.

Experience Ase Yoga Studio and Rea Room

When someone says something that makes us feel uneasy, we usually respond by standing up for ourselves. Or remain silent. Still, we feel some way inside. Even our heart may beat rapidly. Conflicts often happen when people carelessly throw around words that may belittle others. Some people: what comes up comes out. Often, they're not even aware of how what they say makes others feel. That's because they're talking, not communicating.

Talking is cheap. It's mechanical. It's words that keep others at a distance; those words avoid real union. People may talk continuously out of habit, to fill silence, isolate themselves, and shield others from reaching their true selves.

Usually, people talk at you, not to you. Spouses, parents, and children all talk, often thinking they're really communicating. But did you know around 27% of American adults, which is about 67 million people, don't talk to at least one family member? Countries talk, and end up in wars.

Daily, we're filling the air with noise, with about 11,900 words. That's down from around 16,000. Nowadays, texting, working from home, and apps have reduced even face-to-face talk. Texting is talking now.

Talk is common. Communication is rare. How many of us have experienced genuine communication? When you share your thoughts and feelings with someone, how do you feel? Are you holding back? When we communicate, we understand each other; we are equal.

We all grow up expressing ourselves based on what we're exposed to. Our caretakers, teachers, religious leaders, and society shape how we express ourselves. Emotionally, we may choose to talk instead of communicate. But without genuine communication, everything starts to fall apart; relationships break down, and daily life gets tough.

Communicating is beautiful. It's an art we have to learn. To do that, focus on your fifth energy center, known as the throat chakra, Sekhem or Vishuddha. This chakra is located in your neck and throat. It's vital in how we communicate, express ourselves, and articulate our personal truth. Communication speaks to healing and transformation. Learn how to express yourself.

Experience Àse Yoga, wherever breath counts.

So you think you look good! Do you feel good? Posture plays a crucial role in our overall wellness. Pay attention to how you stand and how you position your spine, shoulders, elbows, fingers, knees, and feet. Are your feet flat on the ground? Is your chest open or slouched? Is your head jutting out in front of your body or tilted downward? These may seem like minor details, but they significantly affect our health and energy levels.

The way you carry yourself speaks volumes about your confidence, feelings, and inner power. How do you feel inside? Many of us hold our bodies in ways that convey vulnerability, almost as if we're expecting to be bullied or scolded.

Our constant cellphone use is pulling our heads forward and down as we text, talk, and glance at screens. Of course, this affects our physical and mental health. This behavior is often called "tech neck." We're straining our necks, spines, and joints by constantly looking down at our devices instead of engaging with the world around us. Even when we walk in nature, we see people glued to their devices.

It's called "phone body." Gradually, these habits lead to neck pain, poor posture, and soreness in our fingers and wrists from endless scrolling and swiping. Moreover, excessive phone use affects your attention span, sleep quality, memory, and stress levels. Over time, our bodies and minds adapt to this routine, making us increasingly reliant on our gadgets.

It's time to break free. Try spending some time outdoors every day without your device, letting your body move naturally. Shift from phone body to human body. Shift from mindless scrolling to intentional, mindful use. Treat your phone as a tool, not a master. Your body is a gift, not a gadget...

Consider practicing yoga, qigong, or tai chi to maintain steady, relaxed, comfortable posture. Remember to relax your joints and ease your mind.

Experience Àse Yoga, where every breath counts. Practice toning at 6p.
aseyoga@gmail

You know the saying, "Liar, liar, pants on fire"? It's a classic way to call someone out for lying. While it's hard to pinpoint exactly how many people lie, almost everyone has likely told a few fibs at some point in their lives. On average, people tell about zero to two lies a day, and reports suggest that around 60% to 75% of individuals admit to telling at least one or two small lies daily.

Interestingly, some people lie for a living, such as those in politics, sales, law, real estate, and telemarketing. By age two or three, children start to grasp the concept of lying. By ages four to six, they learn to master it as they develop further.

So why do we lie? Often, it's to avoid trouble or gain something we want. Some lies help us avoid the discomfort of facing reality and the personal change it requires. Lies also shield our egos and let us escape the truth, keeping us from personal growth.

Being honest can be pretty daunting. Lies often expose our ego defenses and the fleeting comforts that prevent us from confronting reality. Have you ever encountered a situation where someone cheated and lied about it? Or promised to do something, only to fall short? Some individuals, known as pathological liars, fabricate stories without apparent reason.

How do you feel when someone deceives you? Do you find yourself lying? Consider taking a fresh start. The first step is to understand why you lie—perhaps to feel special, draw attention, or hide your true self. Whatever the reason, lies siphon off our energy. One falsehood often leads to many more to cover it up. Truth stands alone without the need for defense or memory. Lies can also breed anxiety. We can't seek out truth when we're too busy maintaining illusions.

Truth is our birthright. Many of us grow up tangled in beliefs, propaganda, and falsehoods that we accept as truth. By gradually shedding polite lies, educational lies, formal pretenses, and social masks, we conserve our life energy. We move closer to authenticity. When we embrace the truth, we stop pretending. By speaking the truth, we find peace and free ourselves. Truth is love. Let's celebrate it!

Experience Àse Yoga, where every breath counts

It takes courage to heal rather than remain the same worn-out, conditioned being. With healing, we become whole again, no longer fragmented. It means growing into your full potential. We feel the natural flow of our own energy. How many of us ever talk about energy? That doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

With depleted energy, so many of us go to work only to retire and do nothing. Have you ever looked at the face of someone providing you service, cooking your food, or even treating you at a hospital? A lot of them, if you ask them, do not like what they're doing, even doctors. And so, even if we're doing something just for the money, inside we're rotting away. We waste away while looking forward to doing nothing. Interestingly, most of us don't know what to do when we are not working.

We must realize that where we spend our time affects us. If the work we do to sustain ourselves causes distress, it can contribute to disease and pain, including high blood pressure, headaches, digestive issues, autoimmune conditions, arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. No matter how strong we may look on the outside, we must care for our inner well-being.

We do that by keeping energy flowing through every cell of the body. Unfortunately, we often ignore what we cannot see. Our life force, cells, oxygen, blood, nutrients, and organs all support our health and wellness. When these systems become stagnant, illness follows.

One of the coolest things we can do is prioritize our lives. We can do this by letting our energy flow freely. Are you ready to let it out? What energy are you holding back inside?

What if the prescription we need wasn't from the pharmacy, but inside of us? Instead of going through the motions like a robot, you remember that you are a powerful human being. Give yourself the gift of a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Make where you go every day not merely a job or work, but a purpose.

We live in a country that is quick to diagnose but slow to heal. Healing is our responsibility. Energy is real. Make it a habit to practice yoga, qigong, or Tai Chi every day. Learn to breathe.

Experience Àse Yoga, where every breath counts

Why do we do what we do? Why do 82 million people, or 32% of Americans, have tattoos? Why do thousands choose to wear nose rings? Who are we? Do we have values, philosophies, or principles we follow in life?

Many of us are swayed by social media, which now acts like a new kind of "peer pressure" and can even make us cling to what others do. The other day someone told me they were moving to Bangkok. Indeed, social media influenced them. This kind of influence pushes us to fit in with what society expects. We've all been there...We end up becoming clones, psychological copies, or imitations of those around us. We're a million in one million rather than one in a million.

From how we speak to how we dress, the foods we eat, where we travel, and even drugs and va**ng, we easily mimic others. Unfortunately, this way of existing destroys our human essence, causing us to wear false masks instead of living authentically. Peer pressure turns us into conformists and imitators. Our minds are weak, which allows influences to hide our uniqueness.

When you walk down the street, you can see the effects of conformity: people seeking social approval through curated ear stacks, hair coloring, sagging pants, women in little girl clothes, and other trends. With peer pressure and social media, even kind people can become mean or angry when they should accept themselves as they are. This acceptance can be the hardest challenge since it often goes against our upbringing and social engineering. It takes willpower.

Stand your ground and stay aware of what's going on around you. Setting boundaries is key because it helps us understand our limits with others. Know what's right and wrong, and tune in to how you feel. Embrace notions like truth, fairness, balance, harmony, and just doing the right thing.

Just tell yourself, "I'm a unique spirit." Remember, each of us is one of a kind. No one has ever been like us, and no one ever will be again. Don't waste your time stressing over what others think or just following the crowd. Work on discovering yourself. Face each moment with honesty and love. Live with meaning...and new beginning.

Experience Àse Yoga, where every breath counts🙏🏿🙏🏿