Browsing Tag

equinox

Daily Manifestation Challenge

I Take Responsibility For _______. The DMC is Back! Daily Manifestation Challenge by Jen Pastiloff.

April 4, 2012

In my Manifestation Workshops I ask the people in the room to do a lot of things.

I ask them to sing.

To dance.

To twist.

To downdog.

To be silly.

To write.

One of the things I have them write is a sentence that begins with I take responsibility for ________. They then finish the sentence and keep writing for a few minutes.

The great thing about this journaling is that because I have gotten them hot and sweaty and taken them to the edge in their yoga practice, their writing is more raw, less  thought out as it were, less inhibited. More truth-filled.

They get more by thinking less.

Oh, the irony. The sweet irony.

I ask them how many times they keep a journal by their mat in yoga class. Most said never. It’s like taking a journal with you into your dreams.

So they finish this sentence I take responsibility for ________. On Sunday, in NYC at Pure Yoga, I looked around at my packed workshop as they were writing this portion and I noticed all the faces got dark as if a cloud of worry and guilt landed between their eyebrows and started to rain heavy thoughts.

I suggested to the room Don’t forget to take responsibility for your awesomeness too.

The room lit up. The weather changed.

It was as, all at once, they all thought Oh yea, I am awesome! I forget sometimes.

We all do. We are human. Hopefully.

Sometimes these questions lead us to the corners of our souls, and that is fine. We need to look there every once in a while and clean it out. But I would like to invite you all to go to the light places. The places where you are having a dance party (we do that in my workshop as well.) The places were you are your best self.

Your highest self.

Today’s DMC, or Daily Manifestation Challenge is this: What can you take responsibility for in your own life? In the comment section below, start yours with: I take responsibility for ______________.

Also, take a look at where you are taking responsibility for what is not yours. For example, I no longer take responsibility for my dad dying. Not mine. I give it back.

Are you giving someone else responsibilities that aren’t theirs? How about this one: He makes me feel so bad about myself. My last relationship before I met my husband was this kind. The kind where I gave him all the power, blame and responsibility. I was unhappy all the time. I mean, I must’ve been if I refer to that time as The Dark Years.

Last night in class it was our mantra. Whenever the hands come to prayer my students silently said ” I take responsibility for __________.” They filled in the blank with their own private universe.

The hands came to prayer at least 50 times so my hope is that a sort of rewiring occurs. My hope is that the cable has been re-installed, the lights came back on, the rent got paid. My hope is that they walk out of the room and into their homes with that new thought in their mind which, in turn, will shift their lives, in small or not so subtle ways.

I gave out my Manifestation bracelets yesterday in class. I told my students to look at that blue band and remember what they can take responsibility for.

One of my favorite students, a handsome older man who is a grandfather (he’s the one who told me I give mini semi-Jewish church-like sermons) sent me this email last night:

Dear Jen, The bracelet is already working. I realized that I manifest to myself regret and sorrow.

So the bracelet reminds me to move away from that.

Also, the taking responsibility idea — very useful. Hard to do but necessary and

uplifting.

Where do you keep coming up with all this good stuff?


What can you take responsibility for today?

I take responsibility for how far I have come in 3 years.

I take responsibility for my own happiness.

I take responsibility for my choices.

I take responsibility for my creativity.

I take responsibility for my chaos.

I take responsibility for my kindness.

I take responsibility for the people I chosen to have in my life.

I take responsibility for the powerful connector that I am and the connections I make with people.

I take responsibility for my procrastination.

I take responsibility for my health.

Now it’s your turn.

The Daily Manifestation Challenge is back. Manifesting our best selves one laugh a time.  One thought a time. One breath at a time.

I take responsibility for getting invited by Oprah's people to be at Oprah on Monday in NYC. I made it happen. Bam!

Love yourself, Accept, Forgive and.... Take Responsibility!
My dear friend Karen Salmansohn made this poster. She is incredible. Am reading her book "Bounce Back" right now and it is life changing! Check her out at www.notsalmon.com

Daily Manifestation Challenge, Self Image

Courage Part 2: The Courage to Love Myself. The DMC.

February 15, 2012

Courage has been such a powerful theme this week in my classes that I felt the need to talk about it again. Yesterday was Valentine’s Day so I made the theme of “courage” a bit more specific.

On Valentine’s Day, class was titled ” The Courage to Love Myself.”

I saw people squeam (not sure if this is an actual word but it feels apropos.)

I use mantras in my class. When the hands come together in prayer, as they do so often in my yoga classes, you recite a silent mantra. Yesterday’s was ” I love myself.”

I saw people turn red and fidget. Not everyone of course. But the majority got uncomfortable.

Why?

We are generally taught that we don’t say that. Then, as we get older, we read self- help books and go to therapy to learn how to say that very thing. A conundrum to say the least.

I told my class not to confuse the mantra with ” I love myself more than _____” or ” I am better than ______”. Finding that love within ourselves so we can go out and shine our light, so we can, in turn, love others; that is what the mantra is about. Going back to Brene Brown, it is the courage to love ourselves with all our imperfections. The courage to be imperfect.

I opened the mirrors at Equinox. Something I NEVER do. I had everyone turn and face the mirror in a seated meditation. They were just to stare at themselves in the mirror and meditate on loving themselves, the highest part of themselves. And also the imperfect parts of themselves. All of themselves. And yes, I played Whitney Houston’s  “I will always love you”. 

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QaI-M9sxW4]

To say it was powerful would be an understatement.

I will let you do it on your own to see what it was like, except, imagine 40 sweaty bodies sitting around you. I chose that song because yes, Whitney Houston passed away on Saturday evening and it can’t be lost on anyone that what she was singing about in so many of her songs, that very self-love, eluded her.

Sure, it was heartbreaking to hear her belt out: Bittersweet memories, that is all I’m taking with me. So, goodbye. Please, don’t cry.We both know I’m not what you, you need. 

I thought it not only a gorgeous song and memory of Whitney, but a profound reminder of just how imperative it is, that no matter what, at all costs, we must love ourselves.

Look at the alternative.

I think of my own father. My father who was beloved to so many and yet failed to love himself deeply. I won’t go into detail here as I am writing a book, but suffice to say, self-abuse is what ended his life at such a young age.

If I could go back in time, which as you know if one of my great fantasies, I would go back as I am now, a teacher who creates a space for people to feel really good about themselves, who encourages them to let go of what is no longer serving them and mostly to laugh at themselves more often. I would remind my father of all the people who love him and who he is about to leave behind. I would beg him.

I would re-love him until he got it.

But the truth is, it may not make a difference.

my dad and I in Pennsauken, NJ

Say I did have a time travel machine and I did go back, he may still do the same things he did in 1983.

The fact is, and the facts are very very important here, the fact is, that it starts within ourselves. We cannot try to grasp air in order to turn it into something solid you can use to live inside. We absolutely cannot poison our minds with venom and then blow kisses. We cannot expect to give away what we lack ourselves. 

I tried. It does not work.

Facts are important and they are something we often try and change. The fact is my dad died at age 38. The fact is it in 2012. The fact is I went to NYU. The fact is my nephew has Prader Willi Syndrome. The fact is I live in Santa Monica. We may have opinions but facts are facts.

So look in the mirror. That is today’s Daily Manifestation Challenge. Say ” I love myself.”

Make it a fact.

Say: “I love myself even though _______ or despite _________.”

I asked my students last night how it made them feel, physiologically and emotionally when they said it to themselves. I know I feel a little corny, my heart races and I get red.

My question is: Why?

Why is it so uncomfortable.

I am bringing it way back into vogue, way into fashion and very very trendy to love ourselves.

Declare it below.

Say it until you mean it.

I love you.

Jen xo

I will leave you with the closing line’s of one of my favorite poems called “The Visitor” by Mary Oliver.

in which at last
I saw what a child must love, 
I saw what love might have done
had we loved in time.

Q & A Series, Self Image

Sarah DeAnna: SuperModel YOU. The Manifestation Q&A Series.

February 12, 2012

Welcome to The Manifestation Q&A Series.

I am Jennifer Pastiloff and this series is designed to introduce the world to someone I find incredible. Someone who is manifesting their dreams on a daily basis.

Sarah DeAnna stumbled into my yoga class like she was always meant to be in my life, the way many of my tribe have done before her. Some might call it an accident.

I know better.

When you get to her last question in this interview you will see the serendipity involved in her being in my class that day. The power behind the intentions she set in that very first class she ever took with me.

Sarah is a high fashion SkealthyModel (skinny healthy), writer, and health enthusiast. Overcoming childhood poverty and tragedies, Sarah DeAnna graduated high school with honors, then put herself through college finishing ahead of schedule and went on to become an international high fashion model who’s worked for Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Vogue, and countless others. Her upcoming book SuperModel You is being published by the esteemed Hay House.

What I love most about Sarah is her inner beauty. It’s always a treat to meet someone who makes their living off what they look like and to discover that is the thing you notice last about them. The first thing that pops into my mind when I think of Sarah is her kindness. Sure, she is stunning.  That’s not why I asked her to do this q&a though. She is a living example of what it means to be self-actualized. She is beautiful, yet humble. She is powerful, yet gentle. She is willing to be silly and not take herself too seriously (one of my favorite qualities in a person.)

She is someone I would want as a role model for my daughter (no, I am not expecting.)

Not yet anyway. 🙂

It is a great honor to introduce you to Sarah DeAnna. 

Jennifer Pastiloff: What are you most proud to have manifested in your life?

Sarah DeAnna: I am most proud of what I’ve manifested in terms of my future life and where I’m going. I am not lost in the overgrown jungle of life. I am on the clear and open road of my dreams. A lot of times, when people think of manifestations, they think of the physical things; the things they can see, touch, taste, and hold in their hand. But for me, knowing that I am on the right path to fulfilling all of my dreams is what’s allowing me to live in the NOW as they say we should, enjoying the journey and not the destination or in this case, the manifestation. 🙂

Jennifer Pastiloff: What is the greatest lesson that you have learned from being a model? From your own personal yoga practice? From being a writer?

Sarah DeAnna:

From Modeling:

That we really are ALL beautiful! We should not compare ourselves or judge ourselves against another. It would be better to use those feelings of “jealousy and envy” as inspiration to inspire us to the action that will lead us manifest whatever we find ourselves coveting in another. For example, if we find ourselves jealous of another person’s body, let that inspire us to work out more, or eat healthier, take better care of ourselves, or realize how beautiful our body really is.

From Yoga:

OMG! OM with a G! 🙂 It is endless! Yoga’s great lessons never stop! The beauty of yoga is that it’s a life long practice and something you can do forever. One can never master yoga. Yoga is the physical and mental practice of living, breathing, and being. I’ve learned something in every yoga class and from every yoga instructor. Even if for example I dislike a class and find it not challenging enough or too slow, I am able to practice patience and the art of finding something good in everything. I’m really athletic so I thought yoga was boring and easy and never wanted to try it. I will be eternally grateful to all my yoga instructors and especially to, Keith Levin, my 1st yoga instructor, for challenging me to try his class and humbling me beyond words.

From Writing:

I don’t actually consider myself a writer, even though I write everyday. I prefer to be called an author. Writing is an art and that’s why NY Times Bestselling writer, Eve Adamson, will be making sure my book, Model Skinny, is in tip top shape. (Pun intended). On the contrary, I believe that we are all writers, singers, dancers and artists. Each and every one of us has something to share, express, and contribute in the lives of others.

Jennifer Pastiloff: I have a list of “rules”. See below. What would some of Sarah DeAnna’s “rules” be?

Sarah DeAnna: Rules…? I have so many rules. Too many rules. And, too many expectations. Mostly of myself that I have in the past projected onto others. Now, my only rule is to break those rules! Have fun. Live free. Trust yourself. Go with the Flow. Let Go. Expect nothing and expect everything at the same time. And, laugh and smile as much as humanly possible. Even if you’re faking it, a fake smile still releases serotonin making you feel better, can light up a room, and can improve even a stranger’s day. 🙂

Jennifer Pastiloff: Who/what inspires you the most?

Sarah DeAnna: The people who challenge the socially unaccepted norms and beliefs and who have changed the world as we know it will forever be an inspiration to me to NEVER give up and to challenge your beliefs. Most of the time, the only thing that’s holding us back from realizing our dreams are the very beliefs we harbor against them. Inspiration is everywhere and in everything, what’s truly inspiring, is finding inspiration in the mundane, the ugly, the uncommon, and in things generally disregarded.

Jennifer Pastiloff: I teach many of my classes to the theme of gratitude. If you could say thank you right now to one person who would it be?

Sarah DeAnna: I am thankful to so many people that I could go on an endless rampage of appreciation: for my friends, my family, my teachers, my agents, my publishing company, my clients, etc. I am even thankful to the people who I have perceived have done me wrong and who have hurt me. From those people there has always been a lesson learned and I have grown insurmountably because of it. If I had to chose one person to give the most gratitude to, it probably would be to the person who has hurt me the most, who has broken my heart, and who has caused me to question myself and everything around me. It was in the dark of that pain that led me to the light that shines on me today.

Jennifer Pastiloff: What is one message you would pass on right now to someone looking to manifest their best selves?

Sarah DeAnna: Whoever your best self is, whatever they look like, dress like, act like… etc.. try your best everyday to emulate and be that person. Your best self is the person you really are, minus all the baggage, biases, stereotypes, negativity, and everything else that’s keeping you from living your true potential. Your BEST SELF=YOUR TRUE SELF!

Jennifer Pastiloff: What brings you the most joy? Your joy list, as it were.

Sarah DeAnna:  

JOY!? 

I get the most joy out of being healthy fit, active, and following my passions and dreams. I love knowing that I made a difference in someone’s day or life no matter how small. Especially to the strangers and people I’ve never met on Facebook, Twitter, and other places, they bring me so much joy and assure me that I am doing what I was meant to do. 

Jennifer Pastiloff: What is Sarah DeAnna to manifesting in 2012?

Sarah DeAnna: Expect Everything and Expect Nothing at the Same Time! (See my No Rules, Rules). I expect an amazing, abundant, and joyful journey. I hope you’re joining me!

Jennifer Pastiloff: Can you tell us a little about your journey. Tell us about ModelSkinny?

Sarah DeAnna: My personal journey has been and continues to be amazing. It has been crazy and tragic and awesome and just incredible in every way. Model Skinny, was/is my physical body’s journey. I have always been on the journey to Model Skinny, my dream body. Model Skinny is how I defined the body I always wanted to have. The body I have now. My best self I suppose in terms of my physical, visible, outer body.

Model Skinny is a book I began writing, when I first starting modeling and saw the overwhelming need for people, models and everyone else, to know that they can have the body they want and still be healthy. Model Skinny is a book about how to get the body of your dreams, which might not actually be a skinny one! And why should it be? Curves are so sexy and guys prefer that to skinny! But if it’s a skinny body you desire, it’s important to know that not all models are anorexic, bulimic, or have an eating disorder. And my book, Model Skinny, will give you the keys you need to manifest your dream body in whatever shape or size that may be.

Jennifer Pastiloff: How did Hay House find out about you? When is the book out?

Sarah DeAnna: The better question is how was I so lucky to find out about Hay House!? Most people my age have never heard of Hay House, Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer or any of the other amazing Hay House authors. While shopping my book with other publisher’s, something felt wrong. I didn’t know what it was, but something wasn’t right. I decided to walk away from the offers and my literary agent and within a few months, I discovered Hay House. In fact, it was the authors at Hay House and what Hay House stands for that inspired me most. Many of the Hay House authors and the people who buy the books and materials they produce are older, so I knew the odds were stacked against me. But I was determine to show Hay House that I could be a Hay House author and hopefully help inspire a younger generation to all the incredible things they do. Imagine my surprise that inspiring a younger generation was exactly the vision of Louise Hay and the Hay House team and is the objective of the Hay House Ignite Event in March. (See link for information).

The publishing date is TBD, but the “Model Skealthy Dream is Alive” as I wrote on the piece of paper in my 1st yoga class with you. Skealthy means skinny/healthy. You can look it up. 🙂

Jennifer Pastiloff: When was the last time you laughed at yourself?

Sarah DeAnna: The other night! And I really want to tell you about it because it was absolutely hilarious! But it’s going to be an anecdote in my next book. Let’s just say, I did something really stupid that hurt really bad, but ended up inspiring me. I don’t believe in accidents or mistakes, I believe everything occurs for a reason and when you start to see the world that way, it’s amazing how seemingly really tragic events or things can change your life and become some of your greatest blessings in disguise!

Jennifer Pastiloff: Can you share the story again of the first time you came to my class… the note I had you write and how you found it later because I think you are a walking example of someone who is manifesting their dreams by first imagining them. You are creating the life of your dreams!

Sarah DeAnna: 

Here is link to an earlier post where Sarah shares her story about my yoga class and what transpired during and after.

Dear Jennifer,

So this is the paper from my 1st class EVER with you! I walked in, I was late… (kinda a problem I’ve been working on…) You said, “Here’s a piece of paper, write down what you’re manifesting right now in your life. Whatever that is. The first thing that comes to your mind”. I was late, so I just scribbled this down in 2 seconds.

The Hay House

Sarah DeAnna Supermodel

Model Skealthy Man of my

Dreams Dream Life Spirituality

Family Friends Money

Love Dream is

*ALIVE*

Then you told us to fold it up put it under or next to our mat and think of it every time our hands came together. I never felt so alive in that class! So connected to my dream and everything I wanted. Then class ended and I took that piece of paper and put it in my backpack only to find it months later. And when I unfolded it, it put the biggest, happiest, and most authentic smile on my face.

The truth is I’ve been chasing these dreams for sometime now and I have only recently began to manifest them in the most amazing and incredible ways. As for did I manifest everything in that class before or after I signed my dream book deal with my dream publishing house and my dream writer, I can NOT recall precisely. But the timing of both definitely coincided and definitely influenced one another. Now this piece of paper is tacked on my wall as a reminder about the power of manifestation and the invaluable impact that one class, one person, and or one moment in time can have on your life! I really do feel like I am living my dream life and the words on this piece of paper from your class can NOT feel more active in my vibration than if I was hit on the head with a gong!

Jennifer, you are an incredible person and a wonderful teacher! My wish is that all your dreams come to fruition and that you live your life to it’s fullest manifestation possible!

With Love and Gratitude, SarahDeAnna

Website: www.ModelSkinny.com
Twitter: @ModelSkinny
Facebook: www.facebook.com/modelskinnny
Hay House Bio/Event information: https://www.hayhouse.com/tour_details.php?tour_id=109

You Tube Link for event: https://youtu.be/IVImrDhiIp4

Jen’s “rules”:

1. Be Kind.

2. Have a sense of humor especially when it comes to yourself

3. Write poems, even if only in your head

4. Sing out loud, even if badly

5. Dance

6. If you don’t have anything nice to say… you know the deal

7. Find things to be in awe of

8. Be grateful for what you have right now .

9. Watch Modern Family, read Wayne Dyer, and end every complaint with “But I’m so blessed!”

10. Duh, do yoga

11. Don’t worry. Everyone on Facebook seems like they have happier and funner lives. They don’t.

12. Tell someone you love that you love them. Right now.

13.. Take more pictures.

14. Forgive yourself for not being perfect. No such thing.

15. Thank the Universe in advance.

Delight, manifesting, Owning It!

Share of the Day: An Inspiring Email & A Dream Coming True.

January 21, 2012

Dear Manifesters, I just have to share this email I received from a student.

And for those of you who take my class and have been in it when we write stuff down on paper or stickies.. Take note of this email below which made me smile all day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Jennifer,

So this is the paper from my 1st class EVER with you! I walked in, I was late… (kinda a problem I’ve been working on…) You said, “Here’s a piece of paper, write down what you’re manifesting right now in your life. Whatever that is. The first thing that comes to your mind”. I was late, so I just scribbled this down in 2 seconds.

The Hay House
Sarah DeAnna Supermodel
Model Skealthy Man of my 
Dreams Dream Life Spirituality
Family Friends Money
Love Dream is
*ALIVE*
Then you told us to fold it up put it under or next to our mat and think of it every time our hands came together. I never felt so alive in that class! So connected to my dream and everything I wanted. Then class ended and I took that piece of paper and put it in my backpack only to find it months later. And when I unfolded it, it put the biggest, happiest, and most authentic smile on my face.
The truth is I’ve been chasing these dreams for sometime now and I have only recently began to manifest them in the most amazing and incredible ways. As for did I manifest everything in that class before or after I signed my dream book deal with my dream publishing house and my dream writer, I can NOT recall precisely. But the timing of both definitely coincided and definitely influenced one another. Now this piece of paper is tacked on my wall as a reminder about the power of manifestation and the invaluable impact that one class, one person, and or one moment in time can have on your life! I really do feel like I am living my dream life and the words on this piece of paper from your class can NOT feel more active in my vibration than if I was hit on the head with a gong!
Jennifer, you are an incredible person and a wonderful teacher! My wish is that all your dreams come to fruition and that you live your life to it’s fullest manifestation possible!
With Love and Gratitude, SarahDeAnna
ps Sarah will be doing a Q&A very soon so stay tuned…… So excited for her book.
Like her Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/ModelSkinny
Inspiration, Q & A Series

Amy Dixon: Queen of Fitness. The Manifestation Q&A Series.

January 3, 2012

Hello again from London!

Welcome to The Manifestation Q&A Series. 

I am Jennifer Pastiloff and this series is designed to introduce the world to someone I find incredible. Someone who is manifesting their dreams on a daily basis. 

Today’s guest is the “Queen of Fitness” otherwise known as Amy Dixon, or Mommy to her kids. Amy happens to be one of my best friends as well as one of the people who gave me my first shot at teaching yoga. She took a risk on me because she believed in me, and that, Dear Manifesters, is the type of person I choose to surround myself with. Someone who takes risks, who follows their gut and who is not a cookie cutter of everyone else. Enter Amy Dixon.

The Queen of Fitness: Amy Dixon.

I love so many things about Amy, but the first is her dedication to her family and, by extension, her friends who have become her family. To watch Amy with her husband and children truly is an inspiration. I am fascinated by strong women who seemingly balance career and family like they were born to do it with a smile and with grace.
Anyone who takes Amy’s classes or does her dvds knows that she takes that same dedication and commitment she has for her family and brings it to her classes/students. She is a coach, an inspirational leader and someone who lives their joy. 
As far as fitness goes, I don’t do much these days except yoga and Amy’s classes. This is because I forget when I am in an “Amy class” that I am actually exercising. A dear friend of both Amy and I named Emily Rapp, once said of Amy and my own classes “You both create an experience rather than a class.”
The experience of Amy Dixon. That is what I am after today. Read and enjoy this interview by one of the most beautiful, powerful and talented people I know.

 

Amy and I a couple years ago.

Jennifer Pastiloff: What are you most proud to have manifested in your life?

Amy Dixon: The joy and love that I feel with my husband and children.

Jennifer Pastiloff:  What is the greatest lesson that you have learned from your daughters?

Amy Dixon: Bella teaches me everyday how to show my sensitive side and to sing out loud with confidence. Ava shows me everyday how to be independent and fierce beyond words.

Jennifer Pastiloff:  How do you balance being a mom and being a ‘Queen of Fitness’, as many call you?

Amy Dixon: Balance is a funny term to me because I truly never feel balanced unless I am home for the holidays with my family just relaxing. And the truth is that everyone, young to old feels unbalanced from time to time. I believe that “balance” is having awareness that life just isn’t balanced and using that information as a tool to help me tip the scales back in the direction of where I need to re-focus my energy. If the scale tips to deeply towards my career, it helps me be mindful to tip it right back towards my husband or my children.

 

Jennifer Pastiloff:  I have a list of rules. See below. What would some of Amy Dixon’s rules be?

Amy Dixon: 1) Love and have compassion for others.

 

2) Never take yourself too seriously.

3) Laugh as often and and loud as you can.

4) Spend real time with your loved ones.

5) Be free of hate and judgement.

6) Don’t be afraid to speak your mind even if you think it might be hard. Be REAL.

7) Exercise your body often and don’t be afraid to push yourself.

8) Don’t ever believe that anyone owes you anything.

9) Earn it…work hard for it.

10) Be confident, strong and kind.

11) ATTITUDE is everything.

Jennifer Pastiloff:  Who/what inspires you the most?

Amy Dixon: People that face adversities every single day that are free of blame and full of love.

Jennifer Pastiloff:  I teach many of my classes to the theme of gratitude. If you could say thank you right now to one person who would it be?

Amy Dixon: My husband Jeff. He is truly one of the greatest people that I know. He supports me in everything that I do…he is the Wizard. (Note from Jen: Jeff is indeed the Wizard. I know him well.)

This picture explains why I love the Dixons so much. And the guy with the beard? The "Wizard" himself.

 

Jennifer Pastiloff: I have taken your classes and done your videos and I am inspired by your “Can do ” attitude. Your positivity is infectious. Your messages have gotten me through many times I wanted to quit, whether on the bike or in real life. What is one message you would pass on right now to someone looking to manifest their best selves, both physically and mentally?

Amy Dixon: I am a firm believer that change requires change. If you want to do what you have always done, then be prepared to stay exactly the same. If you want to test your limits and truly make a change you have to be willing to get uncomfortable…maybe even breathless. It’s scary but totally worth it.

 


Jennifer Pastiloff:
  SuperFitBod. Tell us a little about that, and about how you have taken that idea way beyond simply the body.

Amy Dixon: SuperFitBod is a class that I developed over the years that incorporates strength training and cardio all rolled into one package. My motto and belief is that so many women are afraid to lift heavy weights or work out hard in fear that they will get “BIG” or look “HEAVY” and that just isn’t the case. I wanted to prove to women that being FIT is what exercise is about…it’s not about being skinny. I can tell you that people that do my workout DVDS and that are in my classes are ridiculously fit and lean. I think that every single person at some point in their life struggles with their body image and I want above all else for everyone to feel good about living in their own skin and know what it feels like to have a SuperFitBod.

Jennifer Pastiloff:  What brings you the most joy? Your joy list, as it were.

Amy Dixon: 

1) Spending time with my family.

 

2) Exercise of all kinds.

3) Listening to music.

4) Enjoying amazing food and wine.

5) Exploring the great outdoors. I LOVE the mountains.

6) Laughing.

Jennifer Pastiloff:  What can we expect Amy Dixon to manifest in 2012.

Amy Dixon: 

1) Spend more time with my husband and children.

2) Learn how to cook or at least try. 🙂

3) Create and produce two new DVDS

4) Create an Amy Dixon App

5) Write a book

6) Help Fitness Glo hit its groove

7) Work for a major health and lifestyle magazine as a contributor

8) Take at least ONE yoga class per week.

9) Go running ONCE per week.

10) Ride my bike outdoors.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jen Pastiloff’s rules:

1. Be Kind.

2. Have a sense of humor especially when it comes to yourself

3. Write poems, even if only in your head

4. Sing out loud, even if badly

5. Dance

6. If you don’t have anything nice to say… you know the deal

7. Find things to be in awe of

8. Be grateful for what you have right now . yes, even your little one bedroom apartment with the ugly carpet

9. Watch Modern Family

10. Duh, do yoga

11. Don’t worry. Everyone on Facebook seems like they have happier and funner lives. They don’t.

12. Tell someone you love that you love them. Right now.

13.. Take more pictures.

14. Forgive yourself for not being perfect. no such thing.

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Amy Dixon is one of the most dynamic fitness instructors and Master Trainers in the industry today.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise physiology as well as many other fitness certifications.  Amy is a contributing fitness expert for many major Lifestyle magazines, a master trainer for Schwinn, BOSU, and GRAVITY and stars in many critically acclaimed fitness DVD’s.  She is a former World competitive power tumbler and coach and uses that experience everyday in her classes.  With over 15 years of teaching experience, she is best known for her energy and enthusiasm for fitness.  Her energy is contagious.

She delivers a fun, performance based class and works hard to educate and motivate her students to achieve extraordinary results.  She has also been a part of the Nike Rockstar Fitness Academy in Los Angeles.  Her talents have been featured on The Today Show, ABC News, Exercise TV, Your LA, Fox News, and MTV.  Her classes and insights have been reported in Women’s Health Magazine, Self Magazine, Shape Magazine, Variety Magazine, In Touch, the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times.  Amy is the Group Fitness Manager for Equinox in Santa Monica.

 

 

And So It Is, Delight

I. Did. It.

December 11, 2011

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I manifested being on Good Morning America! Woo Hoo!

I dreamt it and I certainly expected to be delighted.

I said ” And So It Is.”

Tomorrow is my birthday and I can say that is the best birthday of my life!

I am humbled and honored and proud.

I can manifest anything that I put my attention on. (Repeat after me.)

This morning when Good Morning America filmed my class was the most joy I have ever felt. It was a karaoke yoga class.

Yes, you read it right.

The amazing ABC correspondent Cameron Mathison.

Thank you Sing Out Loud Karaoke and Equinox and of course Good Morning America and Cameron Mathison

. And thank you, all of you.

Joy!

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Daily Manifestation Challenge, Gratitude

Thanksgiving DMC. What Are You Grateful For? Right Now. Today.

November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving my Dear Manifesters!

My Thanksgiving Gratitude Themed Class Equinox Southbay

I just got home from teaching a very powerful Gratitude themed Thanksgiving class where everyone wrote on stickie notes what they were grateful for. Our practice was surrounded by words of gratitude. Sometimes the notes fell off the wall and it was as if it was raining gratitude.

Gratitude Notes

It was of a “class” per se, and more an “experience”, as most of my classes are morphing into these days.

Thank you all for allowing that to happen. At one point we all were singing (a normal occurrence in my class.) We were singing ” Your Song” by Elton John. I started to get teary eyed because it made me think of my dad.

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And then I realized that Thanksgiving, for as happy as it makes me, also makes me feel a bit sad, melancholy even.

I remember why.

My dad passed away in July. 1983. I refused to deal with it. When they told me he had passed away in the night I simply said I don’t care.

The farthest thing from the actual truth. But I was 8. Forgive me.

I have.

It wasn’t until Thanksgiving, months later, when we were all sitting at our turkey dinner, that I turned to my aunt and asked: Where is my father?

It was as if I finally noticed.

I ran away and hid in my room and sobbed and punched the walls and the air. I punched everything.

How would I ever feel ‘thankful” again? I thought as I cried into my shag carpet.

So Thanksgiving sort of equals that experience for me, Manifesters.

So here goes:

Dear Daddy, I hope you don’t mind
I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.

Todays’ DMC: In the comment section below please share what you are grateful for? And please please, tell the people you are grateful for just how wonderful life is while they are in the world.

I am grateful today for:

YOU ALL!

My husband.

My dad, for the 8 blessed years I had and for his passing his sense of humor on to me.

My health.

My hearing aids.

My sister.

My nephews.

My mom and Jack.

That people are buying Manifestation t-shirts to help find a cure for Prader Willi & Tay Sachs. (Buy one here.)

That I get paid to do what I love over and over.

Snow Patrol. (The band in case you don’t know. And if you indeed do not know, then get to know!) Last December, they donated a signed guitar, by all members in their band, to  be auctioned off at my charity event for GAMEyoga.org (free yoga for kids with special needs.) Not for publicity, not because they had to. Just because. Get to know their music. True RockStars.

That I have a “family” family in Philly and NJ and a family at Dhayna Yoga. 

That I am going to be on Good Morning America.

Good wine, good coffee, Modern Family, great music, Italy and my retreats there, swimming in the ocean, skype, kindness, stickie notes, my bed, my home in Santa Monica.

I could keep going but I want to hear yours…… So share!

Love,

Jen (click here to find me on Twitter @manifestyogajen)

Thanksgiving Class Equinox Southbay

Daily Manifestation Challenge, How To

Live Your Life As If You Had 6 Months Left. The Daily Manifestation Challenge.

October 19, 2011

A couple weeks ago I was listening to my teacher Wayne Dyer in the car as usual (it’s either him or hip-hop. Go figure.) I was stuck on the 405 as usual, headed to Equinox Southbay.

He said we should live our lives as if we had 6 months left to live.

Whoa Nelly!

I immediately felt better in my gridlock.

Hey Traffic, you don’t bother me anymore! Screw you!

I am not trying to be Debbie Downer here or Ms. Morbid. It’s not a death sentence I am suggesting.  It’s your life sentence, your dharma. Wake up.

How would you live? What would you do? Who would you be? 

Dr. Dyer said that 6 months is a good time frame to work with because at the end of life many have said that the whole thing feels like it was 6 months or the blink of an eye.

Scary! 

(Don’t be scared.)

Take the challenge.

How would you live? Who would you be?

I know for me, I wouldn’t care about what other people thought.

I would be fearless.

I would finish my book.

I would tell everyone I loved how much I love them. Every day. A hundred times a day maybe. I would kiss more and never fell guilt again. I would call my grandfather again and again.

I would forgive anyone I hadn’t yet.

I would never ever beat myself up or judge myself harshly again. 

I would publish a book of my poems. Finally. ( What have I been waiting for?)

There is a whole life inside if me waiting to be lived and as I write this Daily Challenge I realize that I haven’t exactly been living this way. So I am with you, dear Manifesters.

I am taking this bull by the horns. This sucker is mine!

Game on!

This is not a suggestion that you live without consequence, but rather with intention, with love, and with passion. Do what makes you thrive, what inspires you, what makes you come alive!

One of my favorite quotes is by Eleanor Roosevelt.

I usually joke that she shared it with me over a good glass of Cab.

“Jen, You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.”

Ain’t it the truth!

We wouldn’t give a flying hoot what anyone thought anymore.

Why we do now is still something I grapple with. We would be totally self-expressed.

So today’s daily Challenge is to live as if you had 6 months left. In the comment section below share with our readers who you would be, what you would do, how you would live. More importantly, go out and live. Enjoy every flippin’ moment and laugh more, especially at yourself.

Curse more. If you feel like it.

Don’t take sh*t anymore! ( I don’t need to curse more but I will continue on with my potty mouth as long as I please.)

This exercise can easily slip into cliche. Avoid that trap.  Stop what you are doing right now. Think truthfully about the answer/s.

Maybe you wouldn’t do damn thing differently. If this is the case, can we please go out for a glass of wine tomorrow night?

You know where to find me. I want to surround myself by people who are living this way.

Alive!

Go!!

~~~~~~~~

My friend Kate has a blog that I love called 365 to 30 where she does everything she has ever dreamed of or talked about doing in her 29th year. 365 days to 30. I highly recommend checking it out. https://365til30.com/