Month: June 2012

dreams, fear

Leap: Fight Fear With Dreams

Christa Avampato

Have you noticed how much energy you expend on fear? Now think about how much energy you put toward your dreams.

No one can tell you to stop being afraid. But there is a lot to be gained from evening out the equation between fear and dreams. Dreams will make you bolder, stronger, and more creative. They’ll light you up in a way that the whole world can see, drawing good fortune in your direction.

And here’s the real magic trick: the more you dream, the less you fear because dreams teach you what’s possible.

grateful, gratitude

Leap: Spread Your Gratitude Around

Christa Avampato

Earlier this week, Phin and I took our morning walk along the Hudson. The sun was shining, the boats were sailing, the birds were singing, and the wind was blowing. It took my breath away. I turned my face up to the sky, took a big full breath, and said a prayer of thanks. Thanks for this life, this day, and the opportunity to be exactly where I am right now. I’ve been carrying that feeling around with me for days and it feels amazing. Give it a try. See where it takes you and what gifts it reveals.

courage, creativity, meditation, risk, yoga

Leap: How to Increase Our Odds of Finding the Upside of Risk

Christa Avampato
From Pinterest

Risk has a scary connotation for many people. Maybe that’s due to pop culture references like the movie Risky Business or the board game Risk. Maybe it’s because we have stunning examples of the downside of risk like the latest economic recession which has harmed millions of people to a frightening degree.

The downside of risk paralyzed me for a long time. We have a natural, genetic predisposition to safety and we have been taught that risk is the opposite of safety.

How I changed my view of risk:
That unfortunate, and frankly untrue, equation kept me working for someone else for a long time. At 36, I just left behind a life of working solely for someone else to step out on my own as a freelancer with my new business Chasing Down the Muse, a consultancy business to assist creative professionals and companies on the leading edge of their industries. One reason that dream came to fruition had a lot to do with recognizing that for every downside, there is an upside. And though I wish there was a way to go out on a limb and guarantee safety, that just isn’t how it goes. Upside and downside are inversely proportional. The bigger the potential upside, the bigger the potential downside.

So are we stuck with those natural odds of risk? Absolutely not! There are a number of things we can do to pad our odds in favor of achieving the upside of any risk:

1.) Stash away your cash. I don’t offer investment advice but I feel infinitely confident saying that liquidity in your assets (having cash) is tantamount to giving you the best odds of achieving the upside of a risk. It gives you a cushion to land on if you come crashing down from your leap. How much do you need? That depends on your personality. I tend to hypochondria. I hope for the best and expect the worst. Many financial advisors now suggest having 6-9 months of living expenses stashed away as an emergency fund. I put away double that over 5 years because that’s what I needed to feel secure. You may feel comfortable with less, or you may need more.

2.) Meditate. Seriously? Yes! My yoga and meditation practice is a tool I use whenever I feel the jitters associated with a risk I’m contemplating. It relaxes my body, calms my mind, and helps me to call upon my creativity to drive home new ideas for boosting my odds of achieving the upside of a risk. I teach to share yoga and meditation to share these practices with anyone who wants to give them a whirl and incorporate them into their living. Curious about some meditation techniques you can use yourself? Contact Me.

3.) Stop talking, start writing. We can often talk ourselves round and round into a circle when it comes to our fears. That doesn’t mean we should stop sharing that information. I talk to my friends, my family, my dog, and to all of you about my fears. However, there should be a point where we give ourselves an end to it. I love this exercise from Pam Slim, author of Escape from Cubicle Nation: write down every fear about a risk you’re contemplating and then stack actions against every one of them to ease or erase that fear.

And when all else fails, remember this tidbit:

– Everything will be alright in the end. If it’s not alright, it’s not the end.

meditation, teaching, yoga

Leap: My Yoga and Creative Focus Class at NYU

Christa Avampato
A classical example of a Yoga Nidra class. Image from Pinterest.

On Monday night I taught a class on Yoga and Creative Focus to creative professionals in residence at the NYU Tisch School’s ITP Camp. I have been a long-time fan of the program and was honored to be able to teach there. This session was similar to the class I’ve taught at SXSW but with an added bonus – a guided Yoga Nidra meditation.

Yoga Nidra is a technique that takes people into a “dreamless sleep” meaning that it is an incredibly replenishing practice that allows people to sink into a deeply relaxing state defined by delta wave activity in the brain. I used it as a pathway to help students clear their minds so that their best creative ideas could rise into consciousness.

15 incredibly talented professionals took the class and it was a beautiful thing to witness. By the end of the class their faces softened, their postures were more open, and their gaze was relaxed. The response to the class was overwhelming. This technique can be used as occasional sleep replacement when needed and it can be used just as effectively to reduce anxiety and stress and induce sleep.

What’s next
In the coming months I will put together a set of classes to spread this practice to a wider group of people so that they can take this technique into their lives and into their work. I’ll make sure to announce these classes and workshops where I’ll be offering Yoga Nidra and other meditation techniques that are especially helpful for creative professionals. In addition, I will also be putting together some podcasts of these techniques so that people can give them a try in the comfort of their own homes.

gratitude, time, work, worry

Leap: A Freelance Life Affords the Option of Saying “Yes” More Often

Christa Avampato

Over the past few weeks, a lot of people have asked me why I left my stable corporate job in favor of a freelance life. “You must be terrified,” some say. “You must be worried about how you’re going to survive,” others say. And still others tell me I have a lot of guts, balls, and courage to make that kind of leap.

I don’t think of it that way at all. I went my own way for a lot of other reasons, and one of them is because I wanted to say “Yes”, or rather “Hell yes”, to requests that come my way to do things in life that light me up.

Yesterday I spent most of the day with my friend, Alex, who is one of my very best friends from business school. She’s in town for a conference and because my time is now my own I could meet her on a Monday afternoon without worrying about a jumbled work schedule that would cut our time short. I pushed a few things aside to later this week and did a more work than usual on Sunday evening so I could be available at the time when Alex was free.

On Wednesday afternoon I’m going to the beautiful studio Bija Yoga because the Ananda Ashram invited me to attend an intimate afternoon tea exploring yoga-based meditation with David Michael Hollander and to interview him afterwards. Two weeks ago, I would have had to send my regrets and decline this invitation. Now, I can accept it with gratitude.

The fear monster has yet to find me as I make my way in this new way to work. I’m sure it’s out there, but I firmly believe that as long as I follow my true calling, as long as I keep pursuing work I love and saying yes to opportunities that bring me joy, I will be fine. I will actually be far more than fine. I will begin to deeply understand what it means to truly live, to be present in each moment. And that is its own gift, its own reward.

business, teaching, yoga

Leap: My Business Course for Yoga Teachers

Christa Avampato
From Pinterest

For several years, I’ve been thinking about how to help new yoga teachers get their teaching practices off the ground. Teachers spend a lot of time and a lot of money to get their certifications so that they can share this practice with others. Training programs don’t have a lot of time to teach yoga teachers the skills to secure teaching jobs because they need to focus most of their efforts on training teachers to properly care for their students with strong alignment, safe sequencing, and proper technique. Furthermore, it can be tough for new teachers to get the experience needed to get a studio teaching slot and it’s tough to get a studio teaching slot without the experience.

As an MBA with 14 years of business experience and an experienced yoga and meditation teacher, I can fill this gap to help get new yoga teachers started on their teaching path. I put together a training course to provide business know-how to yoga teachers.

Option 1:
A kit to craft their mission statement, find their market, write a one page business plan, and put together a course of action for their first year as teachers to reach exactly the kind of student they want to teach. Price – $25

Option 2:
Everything in option 1 plus Skype sessions to walk them through the kit as well as give new teachers advice and resources to set up their business: how to incorporate, taxes, basic accounting, expense tracking, and marketing assistance including basic website set up. Price – $200

Option 3:
Everything in options 1 and 2 plus in-person sessions with me, a regular teaching slot in the Compass Yoga teaching roster to start earning their hours toward the Yoga Alliance 500-hour certification teaching requirement, tracking of teaching hours in Yoga Alliance format, and a selection of other goodies to help jump-start a new business. Price – $500

Are you a yoga teacher who wants to get started on your teaching path? Do you know a yoga teacher who could benefit from this course? Click here for more details on the course and to purchase any of the options above.

Let’s work together to get more yoga to more people in more places!

health, meditation, wellness

Leap: The Cure Within Reach Right Now

Christa Avampato

We want to be well. Unfortunately, we’ve been told for too long that the way to wellness is often through a pill, treatment, supplement, or some other external force. Sometimes, these methods are necessary but they are corrective. They wait for us to be sick rather than keeping us well.

There’s something you can do, something we can all do, right now that can help us be as well as we can be in this moment. Power down the computer, sit comfortably somewhere – on the couch, the foot of the bed, or on the floor. Close your eyes, tune in to the sounds all around you, and then tune in to the sounds within you. That’s it. Just a few moments of time and the will to be well.

language, learning, teaching

Leap: How to Choose Your Words

Christa Avampato
From Pinterest

“The words of the tongue should have three gatekeepers: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” ~ Arabian Proverb

As a teacher I spend a lot of time thinking about language and how I communicate the material I want students to learn. The teachers whom I admire most are those who not only communicate clearly and succinctly but also eloquently and poetically. These are the lessons that stay with me long after the class is over.

So how do we know what to say? How do we figure out exactly the right words at exactly the right time? This quote that suggests using truth, kindness, and necessity as filters gives us three clear lenses through which to filter our words so that they have impact and resonance. Words are gifts we give to everyone who hears them. Words are tools; make them tools for goodness.

career, entrepreneurship, work

Leap: “Live An Empowered Life” by Guest Contributor Cameron Tyler

Christa Avampato

Cameron Tyler, a supportive reader of this blog, sent me the most eloquent guest post query I’ve ever received. His professionalism and passion for empowered living were clearly evident in every word and I’m honored to feature him for today’s post.

As the economy continues to change—and the work force with it—people are on the lookout for better ways to earn an income. For some, this means making the switch from traditional employment to self-employment. In fact, approximately  one out of every nine individuals in the U.S. workforce is self-employed. If you have dabbled with the idea of being your own boss, this is a great time to make this jump, but as with all major career moves, this one requires a little soul-searching and contemplation before taking the plunge.

Signs You Are Destined for Self-Employment
Being self-employed is quite freeing and rewarding, but not everyone is cut out for it. Are you? There are some  signs to look for that indicate you might be a good candidate.

• You need to be a self-starter with the ability to successfully manage your own schedule.

• Have a passion about what you do. This enthusiasm for your work will keep you motivated to continue, even when times are tough.

• You must be one who thrives while working in isolation. Set up a support structure, but do not expect engaging water cooler conversations, as there will be none.

Pros and Cons
Flexibility is one of the most misunderstood pros of working for yourself. While your work schedule will be flexible, it is not necessarily going to entail shorter days. In fact, most self-employed people work longer days than those who are traditionally employed; the hours are just a bit more flexible. You can work from 8 p.m. until midnight if you want, or you can get up in the wee hours of the morning to work, but you will need to be ready to work hard.

One of the most difficult things for many self-employed individuals to handle is the ebb and flow of work. Sometimes, you will have more work than you can handle. At other times, you will sit staring at the phone waiting for it to ring or continuously refreshing your email inbox. Facing this cycle requires courage and fortitude, not to mention a lot of patience.

Lost benefits can be another hurdle to overcome in your quest for self-employment. Your 401(k) is no longer going to be matched by your employer, and you will lose your company insurance plan. Instead, you will need to purchase your own  health insurance for your family and set up your own retirement savings account. This can sometimes be expensive, but you have several options you can consider.

Making the Switch
If, in the end, self-employment is the right venue for you, the key to your success will be  making the transition as smoothly as possible. Begin by researching all you can about your business idea, ensuring that it is something you love. Then, start offering your product or services to potential customers. Always go the extra mile to satisfy your customers. Set your prices high enough that you are not undervaluing what you offer and can pay your bills. Once you have a sufficient number of clients, quit that day job and start enjoying life as a self-employed individual.

By working for yourself, you open the door to endless possibilities. You can be as successful as you want to be, as you do not have a boss or coworkers holding you back. You can pursue your passion while making money at the same time. This also opens the door to working from home, which cuts overhead and allows you to spend more time with your family. By making this transition, you are no longer at the mercy of others to ensure your success. Do your research to ensure it is right for you, gather your courage, and then take the plunge into self-employment!

Cameron Tyler is a driven recent college grad pursuing a life full of empowerment. He currently blogs and serves as the admin at Cooks and Travel Books, Eat Breathe Blog, and Technected. “Making your way is not always easy, but hopefully this article will help those who are looking for a little motivation on their own life path.”

New York City, yoga

Leap: The Summer Solstice in Times Square and A Lesson in Energy

Christa Avampato
This is me meditating in the middle of Times Square to celebrate the 2012 Summer Solstice

For the fifth year in a row, I celebrated the Summer Solstice in Times Square on my yoga mat. 14,000 yogis flocked to the center of the Great White Way yesterday thanks to the event put together by the Times Square Alliance to demonstrate the possibility of mind over madness. A lot of people have asked me how on Earth I can find peace at this kind of event. To me the most profound peace is found not in a quiet corner of the world, but in the midst of life. Once we can find peace in every day living, regardless of circumstances and surroundings, then that peace will always be ours.

Last year, I took the class that Douglass Stewart, a senior teacher at ISHTA Yoga and YogaWorks, taught. It was transformative in many ways. I began taking his classes at ISHTA as a result of that Times Square class and I am now half way through my 300-hour advanced teacher training at ISHTA. Beginning this Friday, I will assist Douglass’s Tuesday evening and Friday afternoon classes. (I hope you’ll join us!)

Yesterday I also made it a point to take Douglass’s Solstice class this year and as I made my way downtown, I thought about how much has changed in this past year. I found a deep confidence to pursue a life of my own design. My yoga and meditation practice were a big part of the fuel that drove all of this change. In the last few days, I’ve felt lighter, brighter, and more alive for having made the Leap into working for myself. There is a true and palpable peace that we find once we live the lives we are meant to live. It really is true that we can be free if we want to be.

Douglass spoke extensively about energy – especially appropriate given the intense heat that Mother Nature poured down over New York City yesterday. “Energy goes where it is most needed; where it can do the most good,” he said. Heat is energy and it transforms everything it touches. It burns away what is unnecessary. It shines what is left behind in its wake. I felt that mid-afternoon heat of the solstice touch down on me, helping me to let go of everything that no longer serves me. My own energy now has a new direction and it is doing much more good in the world now that it is directed toward work I love.

It wasn’t very hard at all for me to find peace yesterday in the middle of Times Square. I just rolled out my mat and went exactly where Douglass led us – inside our own centers. The mind can do much more than block out madness; it can actually use the energy of the madness around us to evolve, and ultimately, to blossom. Happy Summer!