It amazes sometimes how little we communicate with eachother. Considering that we are a logical, thinking and feeling, reasoning species, it is quite incredulous how more complicated we make things by not expressing ourselves or simply by not asking for what it is that we need. Instead, we leave things, ideas, feelings and actions open to interpretation for others to decide for themselves what it is that you mean. It seems almost too common that what is said is incongruent by what is done which could more often than not lead to disaster in relationships.
What I am most curious about is at what point did we as evolving beings lose touch with what it takes to stay connected with one another so that we understand eachother? Is it something that we never possessed? It is a skill that needs to be developed or taught? Isn't it so much easier and save so much unecessary in between 'stuff' to just speak our piece, clear the bullshit and move on?
So, where does this inability to extend ourselves a bit beyond our communication comfort zone come from? If we are not sharing or expressing in our relationships then how healthy is the relationship we have with ourselves? How honest are we about what is really best for us? How much are we pretending that everything is ok and to just deal with whatever cards we were dealt? Well, shuffle that stack and give your head a shake because that attitude does not measure up, and you are the first who needs to recognise this. You deserve more than just an existence and the first step of course is to just ask yourself: what is it that I want??? How can you possibly get the most joy from any relationship in your life while you ignore the one that counts the most - YOURS WITH YOURSELF!!!
Dig deep, speak your mind, pay attention to your feelings, listen to your body, stand out and straighten up.
Assumptions suck and they suck the life out of us--let's just be real and straight up, let's have an opinion, together and hey, maybe that could lead to a discussion.....what a concept!!!! What do you think.......???
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
beyond the bag
I have been inspired and lifted lately by what is happening in the boxing room: The HITTers whom I am extremely fortunate to share my knowledge and passion of boxing with, arrive every week, eager to learn and ready for change, growth and challenge. And every week they BRING IT!!! The dynamics of what happens when this group comes together is such an incredible honour to be a part of. I am so grateful to them for holding that space, for going their own pace but willing to go beyond what they EVER thought was possible....They show me every week what is possible...THANK YOU, the fun has just begun:-)
Friday, October 2, 2009
Boxing with a Meditation Induction
Week 2 of the HIT Parade....this time, I added a little bonus meditation at the end of both classes. This was the first week of back-to-back classes and both were full!
It is always interesting when teaching groups how the energy is shared among participants and this time I decided to bring attention to it. From my experience, most people have maybe heard of meditation but never really tried it or if they have, had become very frustrated by it quickly. Meditation comes in many different forms and different people meditate for different reasons. During my competitive years before I understood or experienced the world of trance or unconscious exploration, I now know that the visualization techniques that came naturally to me were a form of meditation......
Another amazing realization I made over the years as both an instructor of groups and participant of many workshops and seminars, is that every group or collection of people is unique in itself - there is no or never any replication of the collective energy gathered at any one time since all that each person has to offer on that day, with those circumstances at that place, in those moments is exactly what it needs to be, because it is!!
So I decided to anchor this with the group after pounding and slugging it out on the bags, sweaty bodies lay sprawled out on the the exercise matts: an ideal time to request that each and every brave soldier that evening stay open to receive the guided suggestion to RELAX and IMAGINE:
"Absorb the floor, let the body be heavy and the mind open...remember a time or moment in class which triggered a positive feeling, or thought or idea and go back there....relive it, pay attention to it and put a word to it.....moving forward into the future, know that this word/feeling/resource is available always, anytime and anywhere!"
It is the power of our minds where great ideas begin and positive feelings are possible.....the body is designed to follow and will respond happily and healthily:-)
It is always interesting when teaching groups how the energy is shared among participants and this time I decided to bring attention to it. From my experience, most people have maybe heard of meditation but never really tried it or if they have, had become very frustrated by it quickly. Meditation comes in many different forms and different people meditate for different reasons. During my competitive years before I understood or experienced the world of trance or unconscious exploration, I now know that the visualization techniques that came naturally to me were a form of meditation......
Another amazing realization I made over the years as both an instructor of groups and participant of many workshops and seminars, is that every group or collection of people is unique in itself - there is no or never any replication of the collective energy gathered at any one time since all that each person has to offer on that day, with those circumstances at that place, in those moments is exactly what it needs to be, because it is!!
So I decided to anchor this with the group after pounding and slugging it out on the bags, sweaty bodies lay sprawled out on the the exercise matts: an ideal time to request that each and every brave soldier that evening stay open to receive the guided suggestion to RELAX and IMAGINE:
"Absorb the floor, let the body be heavy and the mind open...remember a time or moment in class which triggered a positive feeling, or thought or idea and go back there....relive it, pay attention to it and put a word to it.....moving forward into the future, know that this word/feeling/resource is available always, anytime and anywhere!"
It is the power of our minds where great ideas begin and positive feelings are possible.....the body is designed to follow and will respond happily and healthily:-)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Tale of the Tape
The HITTERS were out in full force this beautiful Fall evening.....it seemed there was nothing that could stop this group from attending the first Boxing Class of it's kind held at the Kingsway Boxing Club. There was plenty of excitement and even a slight hint of nervousness in the air in anticipation of what was about to unfold. A good mix: some beginner's with a few veteran HITTERS, 7 female and 3 males. But gender nor fitness level matters here - in fact, park your ego at the door because you are about to be humbled, regardless!!!
The studio itself sits very welcoming atop a car wash...the kind of place one has to hunt a little to find the sign or the door to finally enter for your chance to do it old skool.....train like a boxer and feel like a champ. Everybody here on this Wednesday evening is already a champ in my books as we wrap hands to the sound of Tupac's " Me Against tha World". Warm-up begins and already any lingering layer of doubt peels easily as the bodies in the room start to move as instructed. Blood begins to pump as result.....it is immediately a collective effort in the room as heart rates rise together producing a noticeable increase in temperature.
Heavy bags hang ready. The sound is unmistakable--leather on leather, an assault of punches ensues from the eager bunch, like an automatic machine gun spitting out bullets going in for the kill.Now, it becomes personal as each HITTER begins to fine-tune and modify their punches. Repetition is key in forming the correct punch-the one that connects and snaps and SMACKS!!! One by one, more and more now the connection is being made and there is a sense of pride and exhilaration all around until finally the last round recruits every drop of energy available to even the most experienced HITTER.
Seconds out, until the next round. Until next week when we do it all over again, same time / same place:-)
The studio itself sits very welcoming atop a car wash...the kind of place one has to hunt a little to find the sign or the door to finally enter for your chance to do it old skool.....train like a boxer and feel like a champ. Everybody here on this Wednesday evening is already a champ in my books as we wrap hands to the sound of Tupac's " Me Against tha World". Warm-up begins and already any lingering layer of doubt peels easily as the bodies in the room start to move as instructed. Blood begins to pump as result.....it is immediately a collective effort in the room as heart rates rise together producing a noticeable increase in temperature.
Heavy bags hang ready. The sound is unmistakable--leather on leather, an assault of punches ensues from the eager bunch, like an automatic machine gun spitting out bullets going in for the kill.Now, it becomes personal as each HITTER begins to fine-tune and modify their punches. Repetition is key in forming the correct punch-the one that connects and snaps and SMACKS!!! One by one, more and more now the connection is being made and there is a sense of pride and exhilaration all around until finally the last round recruits every drop of energy available to even the most experienced HITTER.
Seconds out, until the next round. Until next week when we do it all over again, same time / same place:-)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
What Does it all Mean?
What does it all mean when I have a dream?
One that requires every bit of steam....body....mind....soul
Why does it have to be, I am driven exponentially when it comes to my sport
A passion I could never abort, an affair sprung from innocence, the ring and the ropes - they are my PRINCE
Where do I turn, How far do I go?
The game ain't the same when I become PRO!
But I've no other choice so tells my inside voice. Deep inside I have inspected, by my gut feeling I must be directed.
If I pay close attention, ain't no denying, the love for my sport
-- ALWAYS WORTH TRYING.
So what does it all mean when I have a DREAM?
Damn it all and GO THE EXTREME.....
One that requires every bit of steam....body....mind....soul
Why does it have to be, I am driven exponentially when it comes to my sport
A passion I could never abort, an affair sprung from innocence, the ring and the ropes - they are my PRINCE
Where do I turn, How far do I go?
The game ain't the same when I become PRO!
But I've no other choice so tells my inside voice. Deep inside I have inspected, by my gut feeling I must be directed.
If I pay close attention, ain't no denying, the love for my sport
-- ALWAYS WORTH TRYING.
So what does it all mean when I have a DREAM?
Damn it all and GO THE EXTREME.....
Monday, September 21, 2009
INFO for Boxing Classes starting Wed Sept 23!
Now is the time and the place + space could not be more perfect for the journey I am about to embark on. These are boxing classes that I will be teaching starting Wed Sept 23rd.
This invitation is open to ANYBODY looking to add to their already existing fitness routine or wanting to start getting in shape and feeling better. All levels of fitness are welcome....although the class is a group setting, your learning and progress is totally individual and there is plenty of room to take your game to the next level week by week. Class includes a warm-up, technique drills and demonstrations, practising combinations on the heavy bag with a partner, abdominal work + a cooldown. This is not an aerobics box-fit session - it is a BOXING class where you learn the sport and HIT while you get FIT!
WARNING - hitting may become addictive and it may just change your LIFE!
Where: Kingsway Boxing Club , 3005 Bloor St West @ Royal York ,2nd Floor
When: Wednesday evenings @ 6:30 or 7:30 pm
What: 1 Hour boxing class (max 8 ppl per class)
Why: To hit something seriously and to have some serious fun doing it!
How: send me an email yvetteraposo@hotmail.com for more inquiries + to reserve your spot
Price: $18 + gst / class with a package of 5 consecutive classes = $94.50
This invitation is open to ANYBODY looking to add to their already existing fitness routine or wanting to start getting in shape and feeling better. All levels of fitness are welcome....although the class is a group setting, your learning and progress is totally individual and there is plenty of room to take your game to the next level week by week. Class includes a warm-up, technique drills and demonstrations, practising combinations on the heavy bag with a partner, abdominal work + a cooldown. This is not an aerobics box-fit session - it is a BOXING class where you learn the sport and HIT while you get FIT!
WARNING - hitting may become addictive and it may just change your LIFE!
Where: Kingsway Boxing Club , 3005 Bloor St West @ Royal York ,2nd Floor
When: Wednesday evenings @ 6:30 or 7:30 pm
What: 1 Hour boxing class (max 8 ppl per class)
Why: To hit something seriously and to have some serious fun doing it!
How: send me an email yvetteraposo@hotmail.com for more inquiries + to reserve your spot
Price: $18 + gst / class with a package of 5 consecutive classes = $94.50
- Gloves are available to borrow but you will want your own wraps (goes under the glove) for $10 and might want to purchase your own gloves which I sell as well.
- Spots are limited and filling quickly
- Drop-in rates are available as long as space is open.
Seconds Out!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Rumble at Riverdale
Well, I asked for it! This past Tuesday was my date with destiny....it was only a matter of time again before I slipped on the headgear and slapped on the sparring gloves for another round. It has been years since I faced any opponent in the squared circle and this time around the nervousness felt no different than before. It was that same familiar feeling of elation and gut wrenching wonder at what could possibly happen in there. The nostalgia of wrapping my hands and the sound of the rope skipping was enough to make me puke in anticipation. The tale of the tape? Well, my opponent is bigger and stronger + no doubt faster than me. As I look across the makeshift ring, his physical appearance resembles that of the mountain I am about to climb....suddenly all that smack talk becomes very real and there is no turning back from this challenge and definately no turning my back to him: his presence presses and pushes everything I've learned up to this point about my craft.
It is our first encounter. Sebastien graciously accepts my offer to touch gloves. Our initial exchange of punches reminds me of a t.v. antenna searching for a signal.....sending out the vibration to callobrate the demand of energy input. I try not to be overwhelmed.
The next 4 rounds at 2 minutes each provide the entertainment of the morning for the onlookers at the gym. The 'ringside' audience making the effort to attend really enforces the importance of this encounter: that boxing IS still alive. It is a sport that draws attention for a reason!!
Sebastien moves with me, he works with me and challenges me like the true professional that he is. There is no mercy on me just because I am a girl and yet his manhood remains completely in tact with his impressive display of respect, skill and obvious understanding of the sport I love so much.
There is new life in me and it lingers.....beyond the bout, after the soreness settles, I have found a passion again within which lay dormant for too long. I am grateful to Riverdale Fitness and all the people within who make this possible every day....for those who fight the good fight and for those who just show up to take part and share in this awesome energy called life!!
Until next time, seconds out;-)
It is our first encounter. Sebastien graciously accepts my offer to touch gloves. Our initial exchange of punches reminds me of a t.v. antenna searching for a signal.....sending out the vibration to callobrate the demand of energy input. I try not to be overwhelmed.
The next 4 rounds at 2 minutes each provide the entertainment of the morning for the onlookers at the gym. The 'ringside' audience making the effort to attend really enforces the importance of this encounter: that boxing IS still alive. It is a sport that draws attention for a reason!!
Sebastien moves with me, he works with me and challenges me like the true professional that he is. There is no mercy on me just because I am a girl and yet his manhood remains completely in tact with his impressive display of respect, skill and obvious understanding of the sport I love so much.
There is new life in me and it lingers.....beyond the bout, after the soreness settles, I have found a passion again within which lay dormant for too long. I am grateful to Riverdale Fitness and all the people within who make this possible every day....for those who fight the good fight and for those who just show up to take part and share in this awesome energy called life!!
Until next time, seconds out;-)
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