I've Been Shot During Yoga & KO'd on a Golf Course

Last week, I thought I was being shot at during a yoga class.  It’s embarrassing, but I can explain.

It was a special class featuring a live DJ, and my mat was positioned near the speakers.  While DJ Mantra was making some technical adjustments, something backfired or short-circuited, which caused a huge kaboom!  I swear it sounded like a gunshot.  From downward facing dog, I hit the deck and reflexively curled up in a ball, protecting my head.  Good instincts, right?  Except for one crucial fact: I WAS IN A YOGA CLASS.  Not a war zone.  Not on a hunting trip.  Not stranded in a back alley in gang territory.  Not, even, visiting a movie set where gunfire is simulated.  A yoga studio: where the most violent crimes against humanity include leaving your cell phone on and flatulence.  

My dear friend, Chanel Luck, who was teaching class, found the whole scene highly entertaining (who could blame her?), but, although ridiculous, she'd probably tell you it wasn't totally out of character to those who know me best.  In other words, I'm great at making a fool of myself.  It's not a frequent occurrence, per say, but when I humiliate myself, I do a really thorough job, especially in athletic settings.  

There was the time, as a teen, when I got stuck in a rowing machine while admiring a cute boy at the gym.  My T-shirt snagged under the seat, rendering me trapped, and the gym staff had to use scissors to cut me free.  The back of the shirt had a giant chunk missing afterward, so I told people I'd been attacked by a shark.  

More recently, I nearly knocked myself unconscious while golfing with Om Bro, my Dad, and my then new beau.  We'd just teed off in a friendly tournament, when I hustled back to the cart.  Unfortunately, the roof of the cart was precisely my height, so I slammed my head full-force into the cart, falling flat on my back (thank goodness for the semi soft landing of a manicured green).  My Dad and beau were stunned in silence.  From the ground, in my KO'd state, I could only hear my brother, exasperated and more than a little amused, "Rebecca, are you serious?"  

Yes, I am serious.  A serious klutz.  A serious hazard to myself, even in sports and activities with as little contact as yoga, indoor rowing, and golf.  Sad, isn't it?  So, now that I've shared some of my more colorful, more embarrassing moments with you, it's your turn, om guys and gals.

Tell me about your most embarrassing yoga or athletic moment.  I have a feeling there will be a lot of anonymous comments on this one . . .

Fieldhouse of Dreams: Yoga Reaches Out/Global Mala Boston at Gillette Stadium

In what you might call the Battle of the Beautiful Quarterbacks (also known as the New England Patriots vs. the New York Jets game), Tom Brady's team fell to  Mark Sanchez's 28-14 yesterday.  Despite the Patriots' loss, there was much rejoicing on its practice field, in the Dana-Farber Field House.  Sadly, this had nothing to do with football*.

Instead, hundreds of yogis convened for Yoga Reaches Out/Global Mala Boston, a daylong event featuring talented yoga teachers and musicians to benefit Children's Hospital Boston and Yoga for Single Moms.

I was honored to emcee the whole event and teach during the morning session's Global Mala celebration.  Boston has participated in this worldwide yoga event (the brainchild of Shiva Rea) since its inception four years ago.  10 of Boston's favorite teachers treated yogis to a 108-minute practice that included everything from Vinyasa, to Hip Hop, to restorative yoga.  The featured instructors were (in order of appearance): Brian Lam, Chanel Luck (co-creator of Global Mala Boston), Me, Jacqui Bonwell, Roberto Lim (co-creator of Global Mala Boston), Lynne Begier, Christine Raffa, Amy Leydon, Bo Forbes, and Bonnie Argo.  Here's a video clip from Lynne's Hip Hop Yoga sequence, to one of my fav running songs.  It still makes me think of Heartbreak Hill whenever I hear it (but, in a good way) . . .

Global Mala concluded with music as well, though, not the hip hop variety.  Daphne Tse performed an interlude during sivasana, followed by a set of kirtan chanting before lunch.  After lunch, Ana Forrest, creator of Forrest Yoga, took the stage to lead a challenging, heart opening, thigh scorching, toxic energy releasing practice.  She began the class by invoking the spirits of all four directions: North, South, East, and West (Ana derives much inspiration from Native American culture and philosophy).  I thought you might enjoy seeing a portion of the sacred ceremony.  



In between my emcee and teaching duties, I still found time to enjoy the company of my fellow yogi friends (new and old), soak up the experience of being at Gillette, and goof off a bit.  Shocker, I know . . .

Fellow Boston-based teacher Bo Forbes and me.  (The matching outfits were an accident).  

Feeling the turf between my toes.  

The 40-yard line, like never before. 

Coconut water, anyone? 

The event concluded with another stirring musical performance and guided meditation by kirtan and indie-pop rock performer Wade Imre Morissette.  Keep an eye out for his forthcoming movie musical, "Ultimate Boon," shooting in India soon.

Finally, it was time to go, and the gratitude among us was profound.  The event's key organizers, all inspiring women whom I am proud to call my friends: Chanel Luck (left), Bonnie Argo (not pictured), Sarah Gardner (center), and Laurin Panzano (right), took the stage.

Tomorrow, the New England Patriots reclaim their practice field, and I can't help wondering if there will be some residual love and gratitude in air.  We'll have to ask Tom Brady . . . For more photos of the event, please visit the OmGal.com Facebook fan page, Facebook.com/omgalblog.

*I fully acknowledge that there are certain subjects about which I cannot be neutral and unbiased.  Among these are: Boston sports teams (staunchly loyal), yoga (constructively critical), and mayonnaise (I hate mayonnaise of any kind).    

Hey, Baby, What's Your Mantra?

A mantra is a thought or intention expressed as a sound.  These sounds include syllables, words, or phrases, which may or may not have their own translatable meanings.  "OM" is the most popular mantra.

A mantra can be said aloud, repeated silently to oneself (as in meditation), sung with devotion (as in kirtan and bhakti yoga), or visualized in written form.  Many Sanskrit mantras, such as Om Mani Padme Hum, a central mantra in Tibetan Buddhism, are often captured in art, beautifully written or carved on stones and sculptures, or incorporated into clothing, jewelry, and talismans.

A yoga student and Buddhist friend of mine generously brought this stone back from Nepal last year; it features Om Mani Padme Hum (a mantra without direct, translatable meaning but believed to encourage enlightened awareness) on one side and the eyes of the Buddha on the other.  It resides on the bookshelf above my desk, where I write.

Mantras anchor the mind during meditation, soothe or energize the body in times of physical challenge, and connect the soul more deeply to God or spirit.

And yogis aren't the only ones to incorporate mantras into their lives.  Athletes, for instance, often use mantras or affirmations to improve performance, which is nicer than steroids, don't you think? World-class distance runner Kara Goucher chooses a new word while training for each race.  Words like "confidence" and "fighter" helped Goucher maintain focus in grueling races at the 10,000 meters and marathon distances last year, according to an article in the March 2010 issue of Runner's World.  

I'm not running any marathons this week, but I've chanted Om Namah Shivaya and repeated Catholic prayers under my breath, over and over, on multiple occasions.  It isn't intentional, which is the interesting part, and I realize, now, how much the brain craves the structure and repetition provided by mantras, especially in difficult times, such as the loss of a loved one.  For me, it's been one small, silent outlet for staying calm and remaining present.

Do you use mantras, as a meditation tool, coping skill, or sports performance enhancer?  What are your favorites?    

Yoga Rocks the Mountain & Interview with Dave Romanelli

You may have noticed I've been bouncing around a bit lately, from NYC for the world's largest yoga class, to Cape Cod, where I demonstrated how to integrate gomukasana into the sunscreen application process, back to Boston to teach at the Urban Yoga Retreat, back to the Cape, and, again, home to Boston.  Later this month, I'll be venturing West on a couple yoga adventures.  First up: Yoga Rocks the Mountain, a yoga and music festival held in Aspen, CO from July 16-18.

Upon reviewing the lineup of presenting yoga teachers and musical performers, I quickly notice several familiar faces, including fellow yoga blogger, teacher, and contributing voice on Intent.com, David Romanelli.  While we've never formally met, our paths intersect often (largely in cyber space).  I wanted to get his take on Yoga Rocks the Mountain and thought OmGal.com readers might enjoy learning more about him as well.  After all, his teaching style frequently incorporates nontraditional elements into yoga class, such as wine and chocolate.

I know what you're thinking: You invented yoga with wine and chocolate.  Unfortunately, drinking too much red wine and passing out in sivasana with a bar of dark chocolate in one hand doesn't really count.  Hey, don't shoot the messenger . . .

Instead, Dave's approach uses yoga as a prelude to meaningful meals among like-minded people, who may not otherwise sit down together and break bread.  He also uses yoga as the platform for generating awareness and appreciation of the slow food movement.  Here's what else he had to say about  his latest Yoga for Foodies workshops, Yoga Rocks the Mountain, and my feeble attempt to persuade him to root for the Phoenix Suns rather than the LA Lakers.

OG: To what are you most looking forward at Yoga Rocks the Mountain?  
DR: I live in the desert [Arizona], so I'm looking forward to cool, starry nights.  Also, I'm excited to be part of a movement toward a younger generation of yoga events.  Until recently, yoga events followed a standard educational format, whereas now, with Yoga Rocks the Mountain and Wanderlust, for example, there are new options.


OG: Were you a foodie first, or a yogi?
DR: I wouldn't even really classify myself as a "foodie."  I'm more interested in creating an environment for people to enjoy food.  


OG: What are your workshops like?
DR: Yoga for Foodies is all about introducing people to the slow food movement: getting in touch with local food producers and the compassionate treatment of animals (such as buying cage-free eggs and grass fed beef). . . [The format is] one-hour of yoga [followed by] a one-hour guided meal, led by the chef.  


At this point, we detour into a conversation about the controversial territory of serving, eating, or promoting meat, poultry, and/or fish among yogis.  It's a topic we've discussed on OmGal.com before, featuring some very insightful reader comments (as always, thank you).  Dave says he's become more aware and sensitive to this potentially hot topic since beginning his workshops, in part because the first chef with whom he collaborated was vegan.  Still, his approach to food is inclusive rather than restrictive.  He openly admits to eating meat/poultry/fish on a weekly basis and insists that he is careful to maintain his respect for the slow food movement, with its emphasis on knowing from where your dinner hails and how it was prepared.  


It's an enjoyable chat, with many common threads to discuss . . . with one exception.  He's a Lakers fan. I, as you probably know, root for the Celtics.  Always have.  Always will.  So, I feel compelled to ask:


You live in AZ, shouldn’t you be a Suns fan?


At this, he laughs.  


"Noooooo, way!"  


Originally from California, he insists that he's always cheered for purple and gold.  He cites key games from the 80s, the era of Bird and Magic/Magic and Bird that first inspired his loyalty to the current NBA champs.  At this, I know he's the real deal--not one one of those fair-weather LA types who wears sunglasses inside the Staples Center, spends the whole game on their cell phone, and probably can't name one other player on the roster other than Kobe Bryant.  The only thing worse than a poser sports fan is a poser yogi.  Gratefully, our interview unearths that Dave Romanelli is neither.     


He's headed to teach now, and I'll be buried in a few writing projects for the remainder of the afternoon.  I'm thankful for the connection and look forward to seeing Dave, other talented teachers, and friends from the yoga world in Aspen in a few weeks.  


Before my next task, though, I take a moment to have a small bite to eat.  All this talk about yoga for foodies has made me hungry.  "People forget how special food is . . . Delicious food plugs you into the moment," I recall Dave saying.  As I step away from my laptop and dig into a scrumptious, organic snack, I realize he's right.  


Photo credit: sacrebleuwine.com

Luck of the Irish? Not So Much.

The Celtics weren't so lucky last night, despite a solid outing against the Lakers (until darn Derek Fisher drained a three with about 5 minutes remaining, thus setting off a firestorm of scoring, which the guys in green couldn't overcome).

However, om gal MICHELLE, another Boston gem, lucks out today with free registration to this weekend's Father's Day 10k to benefit the Leukemia and Lyphoma Society and Revere Little League.

Congratulations, Michelle! Please email rebecca@omgal.com to receive your prize. Happy running (or walking) to you and your dad!

Good Day, Sunshine?

This morning I awoke from a quality night's sleep, shuffled around the house getting my bearings, and settled into 15 minutes of meditation before a busy day. When I opened my eyes, a singular life question loomed . . . Did that really happen?

Of course I am referring to the thorough unraveling of my Celtics last night in game 6 of the NBA Finals-- a painful bait-n-switch, wherein a stellar team of basketball's finest eerily transformed into a hapless collection of rattled men scrambling up and down the court like my parents' chickens when the family dog circles their coop.

No synergy. No grace. No swagger. Just lots of running, pecking, and kicking up dirt.

Walking through Back Bay this morning, I saw Bostonians shake their bewildered heads over coffee. (These late-night games have us all a little bleary-eyed). They wondered aloud how it could be. A giant, implied "WTF" has descended upon us.

As any yogi will tell you, there's no better way to shake a giant "WTF" than a few sun salutations, particularly sun salutation B, with the strength and alignment of its Warrior I pose. Performed after sun salutation A (video demonstration here), sun salutation B is a well-rounded series of movements upon which many ashtanga, power, and vinyasa yoga classes are built. Traditionally, they are practiced in the direction of the sun (hence the name, signifying our "saluting" of the sun), as it rises or sets.

Today, yogis on both coasts and around the world, Celtics and Lakers fans, and sensible people who could care less about sports, will dutifully practice their sun salutations. Perhaps at sunrise, sunset, or some time in between, until they can do it all over again tomorrow. Ahhh, tomorrow. A fresh start for all, especially the Celtics.

Things That Are Green

For today's semi-regular installment of Friday, I'm in Love, I thought I'd give big ups to things that are green, such as:

Basil: Tis the season for fresh herbs. In particular, it's a great time for basil to come out and play. While walking by a farmer's market in Copley Square last week, I was mesmerized by one purveyor's basil plants. It was love at first sniff, really. I bought one, took him home, and now we are living together quite happily. I call him Basil (pronounced BAZ-el). You may too.

Jade is the New Black: In addition to being the season of fresh basil, it's also the season of fierce nail polish, specifically- you guessed it- in GREEN. This color by OPI (shown above, along with a mini bouquet of basil) is called Jade is the New Black. I was wearing it this spring on occasion and rekindled the love affair this week in honor of . . .

The Celtics! From a purely team color standpoint, how could you root for the Lakers? Purple and gold? Together? Blecht. Not to mention all those pseudo fans in the Staples Center who don't actually watch the game but instead wear sunglasses indoors and feign nonchalance when the camera is on them. However, this post is supposed to be about LOVE, so enough about the Lakers. Crazy love to the Celtics.

The Heart Chakra: The heart chakra, coincidentally, is all about love, and I thought you might be interested to know that the color associated with the fourth chakra (located in the center of the chest) is . . . wait for it . . . GREEN. One of my favorite mudras to stimulate the heart chakra is Padma Mudra. Try it!

Have some love to send out, today, to things that are green, either in color or eco-consciousness? Post a comment, here. Let's hear your picks!

Mastering Yoga for Golfers

This week marks the annual opening of the most storied golf tournament in the world, the Masters, with yesterday's practice round kicking off the high profile, high stakes festivities. Winners of the Masters immediately join the estimable ranks of golf lore’s finest. It’s the most coveted win in the sport, with the most coveted prize—the green jacket, not to mention a hefty winner's purse.

For one golfer, the stakes are higher than usual this year, as the 2010 tournament marks a return to the game for Tiger Woods, the world's most famous (and now infamous) golfer. In case you missed it, Woods took a break from golf for about 4 seconds, largely during the off season, to tend to the personal and public fallout following his recent sex scandal.

Since breaking the story, my blogging brethren have covered and commented on these events ad infinitum, along with sports analysts, members of the media, and just about anyone with a Twitter account (#TigerWoods was among the top ten trending topics in 2009, and the scandal didn’t even break until late November of last year). I’ll leave the commentary to those who are more qualified, more snarky, and/or more invested.

I don’t want to talk about Tiger Woods.

However, in honor of the Masters this week, I do want to talk about golf—specifically, how yoga can help golfers of any level, from amateur to elite, improve their game. Upon the request of a pro golfer pal, I’ve developed a yoga program to meet the unique needs of golfers. The objectives of the program are captured by a simple acronym that I created called F.O.R.E., as in the command a golfer might yell upon hitting into another group of players. If we ever hit the links together, you will surely hear this one on occasion . . .

F.O.R.E. stands for Focus, Openness, Rotation, and Efficiency, representing the four key elements of a yoga practice that supports and enhances one’s golf game. Below, you’ll find an example of each element of my program and how to master it on your own.

Focus: Any golfer knows that vision is paramount to success on the course. From lining up a putt to aligning your eyes properly before, during, and after your swing, your eyes are a powerful way of gathering information, adjusting biomechanics, and focusing energy. Yoga is no different. The Sanskrit word drishti refers to the focus and power of one’s gaze. To practice this concept, try keeping your eyes open during meditation. Set them on a steady point on the floor; let them be soft and relaxed, and see how your brain responds to having a visual anchor. Add the uninterrupted flow of your breath, and you'll immediately feel your nervous system become steady and energy level sustainable. Next, apply this principle to the ball during play.

Openness: Golfers, like most athletes, seek yoga as a way to improve flexibility. For golfers, key areas of the body to open, stretch, and expand include the hamstrings, hips, lower back, shoulders, neck, chest, and hands. To get you started, here's a great series for the hips, using a foam roller, a helpful and cost effective piece of equipment for athletes.

Rotation: Creating space and strength in the torso is essential for golfers who rely heavily on their ability to rotate through their golf swing seamlessly. Tightness and imbalance in the body translate into a choppy swing, and a choppy swing translates into crappy golf. A seated twist (shown above and explained here) is a very easy movement and an important posture for golfers. For added strength in your core, check out the following abdominal exercise (video).

Efficiency: The most essential element of yoga and golf is the same. Meditation. In its most distilled form, meditation is the skill of being aware in the present moment. When we are present, we are always more effective, as golfers, yogis, and people. Golf is a fickle game—even maddening at times; the best golfers know this and accept it. They train their minds to adapt to obstacles (physical or metaphysical), thereby becoming more aware and efficient in a given moment. It’s widely understood that you cannot excel off the next tee if you are still focused on the frustration of being in a bunker on the previous hole. Here's one of my favorite meditations, geared toward soothing nerves, creating a feeling of trust, and developing a sense of grounding. Yogis and golfers, both, meditate to find greater peace and efficiency on their course.

Whether you're watching the Augusta action on TV this week or hitting the links this season, happy golfing, om guys and gals!

Fun with a Foam Roller!

Among my favorite yoga and exercise props or pieces of home equipment is the simple foam roller, largely due to its versatility. When rolled along tight muscles, it serves as a poor gal's massage. It also creates some great abdominal workouts, a la Pilates. Finally, I like to use it as a companion for certain asanas, similar to a yoga block, when practicing at home or stretching at the gym. Check out the simple hip series below, beginning with a low lunge (a.k.a. a runner's lunge) and progressing into a supported half pigeon on the roller. This is a perfect little sequence for athletes, runners, desk jockeys, or anyone else with tight hips. Try it, and tell me what you think!

Start by lunging over the foam roller. It's nice to place your hands on it, for added support, similar to having a yoga block under each hand. Breath, here, deeply for 5-10 breaths.

Toe-heel your foot across the top edge of your mat, so that you are sitting on the roller. You'll notice it fits snugly into the crook behind your knee.

Walk your hands forward and start to move your torso toward the floor.

Eventually, you will fold forward completely, as in half pigeon pose. By rocking slightly forward and back along the roller, you'll feel added support and emphasis in your hip, hamstring, and outer thigh. The roller will also help adjust your shin toward parallel with the top edge of your yoga mat (the fullest expression of the pose). Be sure to flex your front foot to protect your knee, and if you feel any twinges in the knee, back off right away. Hold for 10 breaths or more on each side.

Enjoy!

Yoga for Runners

Experience a fun workshop at a new studio! Runners, yogis, and runner/yogis of all levels are invited to join me for a special, personalized class to complement your current athletic training. See how yoga prevents injury, creates opportunities for purposeful rest, enhances body awareness, and provides a mental edge in competition.

What: Yoga for Runners Workshop

When: February 27, 2010, 2:00-4:00 p.m. (preceded by an Alexander McQueen for Puma Trunk Show)

Where: Stil Studio, Legacy Place, Dedham, MA

How to Register: www.stilstudio.com

Reader Query: Starting a Running Program

Dear Om Gal:

I recently (as in 2 minutes ago) allowed myself to be coaxed into doing a triathlon relay. It is in memory of a dear friend and incredible clinician who did Olympic distance ones and recently passed away about a month ago. I am going to participate in the run.

The truth is, I don't run. Not even a little bit unless someone is chasing me. Could you please give me some suggestions on how to start? It seems obvious. Place foot left, right, left right and repeat. But I want to do it without injury (i.e. making a total a$$ out of myself).

Thanks a million.

Sincerely,

-I'm not into Tris but I'll try.

Dear Not into Tris But You'll Try:

Congratulations on committing to an athletic endeavor that will honor the memory of a friend and make you stronger in more ways than you realize now.

In truth, becoming a runner is as simple as you say: place foot left, right, left, right and repeat. However, simple is not synonymous with easy. Without knowing your time frame or distance, I can’t be too specific about a recommended training program. However, here are 5 essential tips to help make your journey to the starting line easier and ensure that you are ready for race day when it arrives.

Get the right shoes. Different shoes perform better at different distances, on different terrain, and in conjunction with different body types, so before you kick your training program into high gear, make sure your gear can fall in step with your goals. Many running stores are staffed with veritable human encyclopedias of the latest gear. Marathon Sports in my hometown of Boston epitomizes this service, where its team can analyze your gait, assess your needs, and recommend the right shoes to carry you to the finish. Runner's World magazine also publishes a thorough overview of the best sneakers on the market each year.

Start slow. My guess is that you are likely racing at the Sprint or Olympic triathlon distance, in which the running legs clock in at 3 or 6 miles respectively. Either way, you’ll need to begin by running one mile. As long as you start slow (bearing in mind that you can walk if needed), this should be relatively painless. From there, you’ll slowly increase your mileage over several weeks. Your pace is unimportant, just keep putting left foot in front of right, right in front of left, and repeating.

Go steady. Over time, your pace will naturally increase (and your need to walk will decline), provided you steadily and consistently stick to a schedule. There’s no need to overdo it, but schedule a few days of running each week and adhere to them no matter what. Crappy weather, crappy day at work, crappy night’s sleep: No excuses. Maintain the training schedule as best you can.

Cross-train to stay healthy. Of course you shouldn't stick to a running program if you are injured or ill. Instead, opt for cross-training activities such as yoga or swimming to let your body recover. Furthermore, you’ll be less prone to injury if you cross-train from the start. Most importantly, cross-training combats boredom, a pesky obstacle to any workout program.

Remember: not all miles are created equal. Sometimes, you cruise. Sometimes, you crawl. Sometimes, your miles are highly efficient masterpieces of graceful movement. Sometimes, you slog along, counting the minutes until you can check another training run off your list. Love it or hate it: this is the nature of running. Don’t despair when you have an off day. Don’t rest on your laurels after totally crushing it. Not all miles are created equal. Some are easy; some are hard. All are part of the journey, each one preparing you for your race in its own way.

Best of luck to you. May you have a healthy, happy, and inspiring run. And, on behalf of all the runners out there, welcome to the tribe, my friend.

Om shanti,

Rebecca

2009: Year in Review

A few of the year's highlights in this little yogified corner of the blogosphere . . .

It started with a radio appearance at the end of 2008 when I went on Mariellen Burns's show in Boston to chat about setting life goals and healthy intentions in 2009. It was great; I brought Mariellen an amaryllis plant; she joked about killing it on contact. We fielded questions from listeners and weighed in on everything from losing weight to finding a recession-friendly fitness program to starting a yoga practice and more. Then, some guy called in and went bat sh*t crazy on everyone. I'm not kidding. Click here to listen to the show.

Days after I enraged listeners, err, listener (singular), with my highly controversial statements regarding extremist ideas such as drinking plenty of water, we rang in 2009. I shared a post about making and keeping resolutions; President Barack Obama took office, and, soon thereafter, I took to the icy streets of Boston to begin training for my first marathon (Boston). Following my first 9-mile run through the infamous Newton hills, including the one they call "Heartbreak," I went home and cried. I'm not sure if it was the icicles that formed in my hairline as temperatures dipped into the single digits or the realization that Heartbreak "hill" is actually a series of four punishing, sloping inclines that stretch on for eternity, but I was rattled.

Always the entertainer, Om Bro provided comic relief with a wellness inquiry of his own (from a post in late January):

Om Bro: How do 3 a.m. shots of whiskey fit into your 09 health and wellness plans for me?

Me: Hmmm. By whiskey, do u mean “wheat grass?”

Om Bro: Sure, you can call it that.

Then, in February, I gave Cupid a piece of my mind.

In March, marathon training kicked into high gear, as did my fundraising for Fit Girls, the charity for which I ran. I co-hosted a party along with Lululemon to raise money for the running, reading, and community service programs that Fit Girls provides young girls, and I taught a Yoga for Runners workshop at A Little Yoga, one of many new studios that opened in Boston in 2009. Thankfully, I survived a 21-mile training run, the longest run of my life at the time, in the month of March. Check out the video footage of me- dazed and exhausted- icing my knees with frozen edamame. Resourceful , eh?

March also featured a helpful post called "Different Styles of Yoga Decoded;" it remains one of the blog's most highly trafficked articles and prompted lots of great comments from readers.

In April, I ran the Boston Marathon. The whole thing. I wish I had a triumphant photo to share with you here, but honestly, I look like a half-tranquilized horse on the verge of vomiting in just about every one. You may recall my om gal-pal Christina declaring, "There are no hero shots [in the Boston Marathon]." For the record: She's right.

In May, I revealed "Zen and the Art of Swimsuit Season," went on the radio again (this time on The Frankie Boyer Show), raved about a fun yoga flick called Enlighten Up! by another om gal-pal, Kate Churchill, and . . . [insert drum roll, please] . . . spent a day in the presence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Here's the recap; photos and videos included.

Things heated up around here during the summer months. In June, I did my best Flashdance impression for a photo shoot for ShoestringMag.com, fielded a great question from a reader in Chicago about being a yogi and drinking alcohol, and got a little goofy in a video with one of my best yogi gal pals, fellow teacher Chanel Luck.

We also bid good-bye to Michael Jackson in June. May he rest in peace . . .

July delivered more insightful questions and feedback from readers, including how to handle grief through yoga. This post was picked up by the Boston Globe's website, Boston.com, and featured on its homepage. I was very grateful, still am.

August went like this: I turned 30 and met Deepak Chopra on the same day. It was a life moment. Enough said.

September marked the 3rd annual Global Mala event, celebrated on the U.N.'s International Day of Peace. My BFF requested some fitness advice on how to edge out her family in their own version of the Biggest Loser, and I cried every time I tuned into the actual show, along with the rest of the country. (What, you didn't sob at each weigh-in? Seriously? Have you no soul!).

I've neglected to mention it, but I started keeping secrets in October, such as the one about some new VIP private yoga clients on Boston's sports scene. Shhhhhh. I also explained why yoga is safe for sore knees, who are some of yoga's most influential pioneers, and what the heck yamas and niyamas are.

With November came a cameo appearance from Om Bro . . . and a spike in web traffic from OmGal.com's female-skewed audience. Coincidence? Hmmm.

Yoga for Athletes from OmGal.com from Rebecca Pacheco on Vimeo.

We closed the year in December with healthy snacks for weight loss, a killer gift giving guide for yogi types, and correspondence from my recent trip to Kripalu. Thank you, everyone, for reading, commenting, asking questions, becoming a Fan on Facebook, following on Twitter, passing along your favorite posts to friends, attending my workshops and classes in Boston this year, and so much more. You are among my biggest blessings in 2009. Now, let's raise a glass of kombucha, and set our sights on 2010!

If you have any requests for content you'd like to see in the new decade, things you liked in 2009 or didn't like, please comment. Om shanti!