Now is the New Sexy

 The past, guilt, and shame is so much heavier than fat.

 After reading this blog post, I was angry. (A great reminder that "sexy" and fitness fads are always changing, and pretty much always detrimental, strong language warning.)
But, I can't always blame the media and fads. Even though I don't judge myself against others, I do compare myself to past versions of me, robbing myself of current joys and self-esteem. Time to look in the mirror-

Red-faced in Florida, post-run

  In the summer, I slack. Florida is hot as all get out and I do not particularly enjoy pounding the pavement under the blazing tropical sun while gasping in thick, insect filled air. I timed myself on a recent 5k early morning run. It revealed just how much I've slacked.
As a former Team-In-Training athlete, my time was embarrassing compared to my past 5k and 1/2 marathon PRs. I felt lazy. I felt old. I felt fat.

 On the contrary, my husband is definitely more fit than your average American married man.
He's not an Adonis, but he diligently works out almost every morning before sunrise, despite his mood or physical state. He is incredibly disciplined. He is also typically insusceptible to media and culture brainwashing. He competes against himself, and he is proud of his body's strength. He also enjoys copious amounts of cheat foods on weekends. He is less concerned with his appearance than with his performance, and he is unashamed of a little (tiny) cheat food pudge.
 When I met my husband, I ran at least 5 miles every morning and went to group fitness classes and yoga 3-4xs a week. Saturday mornings were often spent at the gym followed by watching a college football game or movie on the treadmill. I was five years younger, 25 pounds lighter and nicely wore slim dresses that now sit in the back of my closet in the I-loved-and-I-will-wear-you-again-one-day section, nestled somewhere between my shame and winter wear.

These go behind the winter coats.

  The evening after my timed run, I was bemoaning my pace to my husband as we talked about our training schedule and goals for a turkey trot this year. (Thanksgiving 5k race)
I whined about wanting a beer, but denied myself the brew due to calorie estimates; getting faster is much easier for me if I drop a few lbs.

 Here's where I'm a lucky gal, my much-faster-than-me husband scoffed at the idea.
He reminded me that I ran that morning. No matter how fast, I ran, and it's a start to getting back to where I'd like to be. He essentially said that life is short, and I need to enjoy it. If I want a beer, drink a beer. If I want some autumn treats (don't get me started on fall), have them. It comes once a year, and I can run year round.
 Just like in most situations, his encouragement puts things in perspective and me back on track.
The heat may still be stifling, but I think it's the shame and guilt that weigh me down. Comparing past me to now me slows me down more than any other variable could. Doing so devalues my current abilities.

 One of the reasons I practice yoga is to slow down and live in the present moment. I am aware of my body as I breathe, stretch and strengthen. I honor the gift of now.
Right now, my body may not look or perform as it once did, but it is carrying me through daily trials and triumphs. It enables me to create my artwork, solve problems, help others, enjoy life, and love.
It carries my soul through its journey, and that is beyond beautiful.

 Now, my legs can carry me on an easy run, and for that I will thank my now body and celebrate.
I will celebrate that by going on a run tonight with my two best supporters; my husband and my now body. Then, we'll probably have a beer.

Photo from http://www.pintlog.com

A Post Road Pumpkin Ale sounds perfect.

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Winter Garden Yogi Brian Friedman; Changing the World One Pose at a Time

Brian Friedman demonstrates favorite and challenge poses in his Winter Garden Yoga studio.

 A few weeks ago, I decided I wanted to learn more about and share the stories of people that inspire me. I had several people in mind, but this first interview came about quite organically. I needed a model for a new painting, and Brian was gracious enough to take time out of his busy schedule to set up a last minute photo session with me in his Winter Garden Yoga studio. (See my  previous post on the Red Chair Exhibit for more.)
 I was first a student of Brian's when he taught yoga in Lake Mary a few years ago. His thorough knowledge of the body and exercise physiology is amazing, but it's his demeanor that hooked me; totally relaxed, judgment-free, with just the right amount of lightness and humor that helps you crack a smile when you're taking your asana too seriously.
I had a few questions for Brian, and he was generous enough to answer. Enjoy :)

(My questions are italicized) 

Brian, you're definitely one of the best yoga teachers I've had the pleasure of taking a class with, but for those that haven't, can you describe your work?

  I help a highly selective group of clients who want to boost their quality of life which means that I empower them to feel younger and more alive.
I have a truly unique yoga studio that emphasizes strength and mobility instead of flexibility which means …
• Number one: You get strong 
• Number two: You prevent injury 
• Number three: You de-stress
And because of this my clients have toned, pain free, and resilient bodies.

-When did you know what you wanted to do? ( your "aha" moment")

 My 'aha' moment came to me when a friend of mine said, "You must love what you do."
I asked, "What do you mean?" They said, "You spend every waking moment learning to improve your [skill] so that you can help your clients."
It was at that moment that I realized I really love what I do.

-What's your biggest dream?

 My biggest dream? By God's grace, I'm living it now.


-What's the best advice you were ever given?

The best advice I was given came to me in two parts. The first was during a conversation and a mentor of mine said, "If you want to make a living by doing the thing you love, there is always a point when you will have to take a giant leap of faith." 
The second was during a second conversation when a friend suggested 'trying it on for size.' Allow me to explain. At the time, I was working in the corporate world and running my yoga studio. I was getting burned out. I knew I had to make a choice between one or the other. My friend said, "try it on for size... try imagining being at your corporate job for another year." I groaned. Then they said, "try imaging being at your yoga studio full time." Well, the rest is history. I took a giant leap of faith and I'm living the dream.

-That's so awesome! Where can we find you living your dream?

  You can find me at wintergardenyoga.com or at 12 West Plant Street, in Historic Downtown Winter Garden, Florida.

For my last and most important questions. What is your quest?
  
My quest is to change the world one pose at a time.

What is your favorite color?

 Oddly enough, my favorite color is red.

Perfect and perfect!

 Thanks, Brian for being such a great role model ( and literal model!)

D. Renée Wilson, "Have a Seat", 20"x24", plaster & acrylic on wood, currently in the Red Chair fundraising auction. Click here to bid for good.

and especially for having the courage to live your dream and helping so many in the process!

If you can't make it out to Winter Garden for Brian's incredible and highly accessible classes (and I recommend them- his workshops are great, too, especially the partner yoga workshop!) You can find some great dvds for your home practice on the WGY website store.  

Make sure to stop by and visit Winter Garden Yoga on Facebook and say hello.

Thanks for joining me in my Artwork & Play! 

May your dreams be BIG and well lived,

~D. Renée

FAA links- Yoga

"Have A Seat" & the Red Chair Project Exhibit

  I love doing local gallery shows that put out a call. However, most local shows have fairly short period of time between the call to artists and submission deadline. For traditional painters, it's no biggie to whip up a little somethin' somethin'. For me, it's a bit of an undertaking to create one of my signature texture plaster paintings.

 After concocting and baking an idea that fits the bill, I have to first lay down the textured plaster on a cradled wood panel. I wait a couple of days for it to cure enough to carve the line work. Another day for priming, and then about one day for each layer of paint and glazes. I typically use between 7 to 12 layers of paint in a subtractive process and finally varnish. These pieces can take me from 2-4 weeks to finish, so you can see why I'm a tad reluctant to pour so many hours and precious art supplies into a piece that may or may not get in. Shows that call for very specific themes are usually in my "I hope it's a great show but no thanks" file. 

   This year's Red Chair Project Visual art exhibition was almost a "no thanks" due to the very specific subject matter of, you guessed it, a red chair. What in the world was I going to do with a red chair? How could I fit this in to my body of figurative and nature themed work? I played with a few ideas for a traditional oil painting, but was not thrilled with the idea of having a red chair painting in my portfolio in case it wasn't accepted. I agonized over this, because I truly love the Red Chair Project and its mission. Since moving to Florida, I have supported and contributed to the Red Chair Affair, and I actually wanted to be a part of this exhibit and support my two great loves; the visual and performing arts. I finally had an aha moment after some exasperation. 

Red Chair.    Chair.     Chair pose!     Duh, Utkatasana!

What hadn't I thought of it before? I love yoga and painting yoga postures. I have created several yoga paintings and had planned to make more similar work. Perfect.

It was like a fire after that. I had my inspiration, now I had to race against time to create a piece that I would love even if it wasn't selected by the exhibit jury. I set up a model session with Brian Friedman of Winter Garden Yoga ( interview with Brian coming soon) and set to work. After spending several days and nights on the piece- my sleep schedule dictated by humidity, drying times and how long my hairdryer held up- it was ready to be photographed and submitted with a few hours to spare.

Here's a time lapse snippet of the work in progress (plaster carving process) .

 After a week or so, I got the notification. "Have A Seat" made the cut, and was selected to be exhibited in the "O" Gallery at City Arts Factory for the Red Chair show.

 Fist pump and sigh of relief. The sleepless nights weren't for naught and the piece is in a great show.

Click here to bid in the fundraiser auction-Detail shots and full- Have A Seat, 20"x 24", plaster & acrylic on wood

Red Chair Visual Arts Exhibit will hang from mid-July to mid-August and has some truly great work in it; I'm humbled to be in the line up. ( Check out the Art of Kate Hall, her Frog Princess is also in this show, and I love it. )
The opening reception will coincide with 3rd Thursday Downtown Arts District gallery events
July 18th, 6-9pm, City Arts Factory, 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL.
 For more information on City Arts Factory, click here.

5 Quick Tips to Open Your Throat Chakra ( that won't make you look like a crazy hippie )

  Disclaimer-  If you don't believe in energy centers, prana, chi, or the endocrine system link to mental health ( it's just science, y'all ), just skip right along for "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy" ( W.S.)

 Recently, a friend asked about chakras. While I didn't go into a whole chakra spiel (ain't nobody got time for that) I do like to help, even though it brands me as the crazy hippie. 
She then specifically asked about the throat chakra. I do yoga for mind and body, I'll admit my chakras aren't always open and happy, but my throat chakra is one of my problem areas. This chronic blockage can be linked to lots of things- verbal abuse as a child, trauma between the ages of 7-12, excessive criticism, fear of persecution, etc.
But, there are some easy ways to ease your poor choked chakra.

1. Color
  The 5th chakra is associated with the color blue, so surround yourself with it. Think on aqua, peaceful but bright blue. Visualize the color filling your throat and entire body with each breath.
You can wear clothing or jewelry with this color. I always wear a small pendant with a brilliant aqua opal. The necklace was a gift from a wonderful vacation in Belize, so in addition to the lovely color, I'm reminded of the gorgeous waters and the people I love that shared it with me. Of course, viewing art is another way to surround yourself with soothing blues. Which leads me to the next step...

2. Create
 As an artist this is obviously a go-to for me. I paint, draw, tear things up and glue them back together, whatever I can get my hands on. If you're finding it difficult to verbally communicate, create with your hands. Anything we make is a form of communication. It can come in the form of artwork or food. Pour your emotion into the act and it will not only prepare you to speak it, but the action will help you understand what it is you are feeling and why you feel stifled. Here's an example of a piece I made when feeling choked & overwhelmed using my beloved blues.
 

 

Matsya, 18"x36", plaster & acrylic. Original & giclée prints available.

 
The colors of soothing, cool waters saturate this piece featuring a figure in matsyasana, or fish pose. I created this piece to remind myself that the deluges of life are not always meant to drown me, but to wash away the unnecessary obstacles I may be clinging to. To let the riptide take me out, go with the flow, and know that the current may sweep me to better shores. 
This piece is perfect segue to the next tip

3. Get Fishy With It
There are several yoga poses that are beneficial, and fish pose especially opens up the throat and just plain feels gooooood. I'll tell you a little secret if you're not a yogi you feel silly in this pose- I even sometimes imagine I'm a mermaid lying on the seabed while I practice this pose. Now who's silly?
Prajna Yoga is a great site with illustrations, pose sequence, and the science behind the poses and their benefits. If you really don't want to practice the full pose, support yourself and lean your head back. Remember to -

4. Breathe 
This is fairly important. Breathe or die. It's just how you breathe that helps. 
Take deep breaths of air in through your nose while opening your throat. This will make a sound like the ocean or a nice breeze. Exhale through an open mouth with a sigh or "huuuh" sound as the air passes over your vocal chords.
This will also activate your parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest system) and help to relax you. Take that relaxed breath a step further in the next tip.

5. Sing
What's your favorite song to sing? A song you really feel.  
Good one. I like that song, too. Now sing it. It doesn't matter where; the shower, around the house or even in your car. ( My favorite.) The important thing is that you're getting it out and you like it. The more you do this, the more trust you create between yourself and what it is you want to communicate. Humming is good start, too. Anything that is connecting you to your voice. But I know you sound great, go ahead and belt it out.

In Love, Artwork, & Play,
D. Renée