Limitless Possibilities

Morgan Spurlock, Supersize Me, 30 Days

2008-06-04T08:38:00.002-07:00

Last night my wife cuddled up on our couch and tuned in to our first episode of 30 Days, a documentary style show (NOT A REALITY SHOW) that follows somebody as they live a life drastically different from their own for 30 days. On last night's episode, the producer/creator of the show, Morgan Spurlock of Supersize Me fame, moved in with a family near where he grew up in West Virginia, and worked as a coal miner. Throughout the course of the episode, he shed light on the lives, struggles and rewards for the individuals who work in a mine everyday for their entire adult lives. What I really enjoyed was how he went more in depth on the subject of coal mining, discussing the environmental implications of both mining and coal use, the energy crisis in America, global warming, black lung disease and the hopes that these miners have for their children (ie: going to college, growing up to do something other than mining coal, etc). Needless to say, I was a fan and proceeded to schedule the entire series to record to my DVR.

This morning, I visited Morgan Spurlock's imdb.com page and was kind of surprised by the comments that many people made about Spurlock, his work style and most of all his documentary, Supersize Me. It seems that the "hook" for the documentary (Morgan Spurlock eats only McDonalds for month) has overshadowed the actual subject of the documentary for many American viewers. Honestly, if his documentary were marketed as an exposee on obesity in America, nobody would have watched it. Regardless, however, it is obesity in America that Mr. Spurlock addresses - talking about diabetes, the average American reliance on convenience foods, lack of exercise, nutrition in school lunchrooms, etc. McDonalds and the Fast Food industry served as a foundation for discussion of the bigger issue.

Some compared Spurlock to Michael Moore, creator of Farenheit 9/11 and Bowling for Columbine. Although I appreciate Mr. Moore's perspective it is a little extreme for my taste, and I don't think that Morgan Spurlock belongs in the same category. I have found that Michael Moore makes large leaps in logic to prove his point, whereas Spurlock will make more supported conclusions. Regardless, both individuals are presenting information from their point of view - until the public realizes that complete objectivity is impossible, they will continue complaining about subjectivity in media, art and just about every other aspect of life.

If you can catch 30 Days, it runs on FX, Tuesdays at 9 PM (CST)10 PM (EST) and is well worth the watch, as I believe Mr. Spurlock is bringing both perspective and information into the homes of many viewers.
I will leave you with this quote from last night's episode that I found quite drole. As Morgan is shoveling coal onto a conveyor belt, he said something along the lines of, "I am telling myself that this coal is going to help power a children's hospital somewhere, but I know in reality that it is helping some guy watching porn in front of his computer. I guess either way, it is helping someone."

Image of the Week

2008-04-18T15:23:00.001-07:00

I chose this image this week because it is one of my favorites. We were on a catamaran in the Caribbean, sitting on the net looking at the turquoise blue water below us. I decided that I wanted to play with the apperature on my camera, and turned to take this picture of my wife. The ethereal lighting makes her look like the angel she is, and the honey color of her eyes accentuate their depth. It is in these eyes that I discover my limitless possibilities. That might sound corny, but I assure you it is true. More true, in fact, than most things I know in this world.

State Initiatives Help North Texas Cities Lower Emissions... If They Want To.

2008-04-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

Last night, my wife and I were lying in bed watching TV before drifting off to sleep (kind of angry because we couldn’t watch Survivor and The Office due to of the coverage of the crazy hail storm that left snow-like accumulations across the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex) when we almost by chance stumbled across a local news segment about the state of Texas giving away free money to lower emissions from industrial and city-owned equipment in the form of grants. Established in 2001, the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP), which is run by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, gives millions of dollars each year to cities in over 40 counties statewide that battle the bureaucratic obstacles and red tape for the sake of the environment. I was really happy to see the state taking some initiative to improve the air in Texas’ biggest cities, citing lower than acceptable levels of air quality (as set by the Environmental Protection Agency) in most metropolitan areas around the state. Such unsatisfactory air quality comes from Nitrogen Oxide emissions and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) released into the air by… us.

I was then shocked to learn that only one North Texas city has applied for the grant. Godley, Texas, a small town about 30 minutes south of Fort Worth, applied for the funds necessary to update one of the school’s tractors used to mow the football fields and school owned lawns. Why did more cities not apply? Well, according to WFAA (the station airing the segment) many cities claim that they didn’t know the initiative was in place, and if they did, the application process was too extensive and difficult. That bothered me. In addition, only three North Texas communities applied for money to update their school busses with either lower emissions vehicles, or filters that are designed to lower the amount of diesel fumes released into the air.

TERP also has many other programs available, and are fighting to put energy efficient building standards in place throughout the state (like the new Green Building Standards adopted by the Dallas City Council). Such initiatives by big cities make me happy and give me hope that the necessary steps to become environmentally friendly and reduce our carbon footprint on the planet are becoming reality regardless of how slowly it is happening. Dallas is becoming the Emerald City... Green that is.

Next step: Educate our towns and cities about such possibilities, and help bring green initiatives into each and every city and home in North Texas. It isn’t too late to begin stopping global climate change… I just wish I jumped on the band wagon earlier. I have a lot to do to green up my home and my life (starting with my car).

I'm Hungry... I Better Go Pick Something

2008-03-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, after a morning of working out, getting some chores done around the house and a quick trip to Barnes and Noble, my wife and I found ourselves sitting on our couch flipping through the TV channels in an attempt to find something interesting to watch. We happened to stumble upon an episode of “Get Fresh with Sara Snow.” We found out about Sara Snow by watching one of our favorite shows about sextuplets, “John and Kate Plus 8” where Ms. Snow made a guest appearance and showed the Gosselin clan how to live a little bit greener. Those of you who don’t know who Sara Snow is, make sure you check out her website for complete biographical information as well as some amazing tips on how to live a more sustainable existence. In a nutshell, she is a TV personality who dedicates her time to helping families live an environmentally friendly and healthy life.

On the particular episode of “Get Fresh…” that we caught part of, Ms. Snow was preparing what looked like an awesome mushroom and mixed greens polenta that was made with all products that were grown/produced within 100 miles of her home. She called the meal part of her “100 Mile Diet” and encouraged viewers to try to use local products for at least one meal each week. In doing so, we not only help the environment by limiting product treatment (preservatives and packaging) and environmental cost of transport, but preserve the natural nutrients and flavors of the food we are eating. This quick segment by the enchanting Ms. Snow led me to jump on the internet in an attempt to find local farms and farmers markets at which I could acquire such foodstuffs.

In my search for all that is natural, I came across two very helpful websites designed for such a purpose. PickYourOwn.org is a website that features Pick Your Own farms in your area, where you literally go and pick your own produce. Most of these farms are orchards or fruit farms specializing in Strawberries, Blackberries and Blueberries, Peaches, Apples and Nectarines. Right near where I work is a strawberry farm that I plan to visit in the coming weeks.

One of the other sites that I found is called LocalHarvest.org, and features all of the local working organic farms that are open to the public (both produce and organically raised meat). This site is also great resource for finding farmers markets and the like. In my area (the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex) the only well known Farmers Market is in downtown Dallas, about 45 minutes from where I live. In looking through Local Harvest’s website, I found out that there are both a Farmers Market and a Community Garden just 20 minutes from my house. The Coppell Farmers Market runs starting at 8 AM each Saturday from April until November. Needless to say, I am excited to visit!

For all of you living in North Texas, you can also find some information on Texas Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association website which not only contains a lot of good reading on the benefits of local food and organic lifestyle, but a list of events sponsored by the organization and local farms in North Texas.

In the past few months, I have become increasingly aware of all the things that I am doing in my life that are contributing to the poor health of the planet (including driving an SUV, which I plan on selling in the coming months so that I can get something more environmentally friendly). If all goes as planned, I hope my household will be green in the near future. I will keep you posted.

Image of the Week

2008-03-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

I decided that I need to include some of my relevent photography on this blog...

This is a picture that I took last year while on vacation in Mexico. We were at Tulum, the ruins of a Mayan city situated on the Yucatan Peninsula. While we were making our way through the once great city, we passed this family several times and each time the little boy pictured caught my attention. There was something about the kid that captivated me. His face bore the markings of an old soul and his eyes were deeper and darker but had a certain Caribbean light that shined from beneath. He was literally the epitome of Limitless Possibilities.

We stopped on top of a cliff to eat our lunch. I glanced around to capture more of my surroundings through my lens and noticed the same family and little boy soaking in the view. It was like the boy was connected with a past he didn't even know, and looking ahead to a future that he was ready to create... but he held this innocence at the same time. Part of him was working on a different level, but most of him was simply a child looking at the sea and probably wanting to drink some juice.

The Five Tibetans -- but not the ones in the news recently.

2008-03-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

At yoga last night, as the instructor weaved in and out of the lines of practicing yogis who were pushing through the assanas as usual and dripping with sweat, she said something that caught my attention. Sunstone Yoga’s Fire Class as discussed in my previous post, is composed of 34 postures over 90 minutes in 98.6 degrees. Interspersed throughout the 34 postures are a few that are prefixed with “Tibetan” (ie: Tibetan Leg Lifts, Tibetan Table, Tibetan Camel, etc.) As we were about to move into Tibetan Table, the instructor casually mentioned that this is one of the “Five Tibetans” (Also known as the 5 Tibetan Rites, 5 Tibetan Energy Rejuvenation Rites and Energy Rejuvenation Exercises), a series of 5 stretches/exercises that are designed to boost the energy centers of your body and stimulate energy flow. I made a mental note and googled the 5 Tibetans when I got home. What I found was definitely interesting.

The original 5 Tibetan Rites were published as part of a book called "The Eye of Revelation" written by Peter Kelder in 1939. In the book, Kelder claimed to have met a retired British army colonel in California during the early 1930s. This colonel told stories of his travels and life experiences including his discovery of the 5 Rites, which transformed him from an old man hunched over supported by a cane, to a newly youthful and healthy individual. A Fountain of Youth of sorts. The actual origins of the rites are unknown, as the method in which the information was supposedly passed does not fit with Tibetan tradition, nor are some of the movements characteristic of Tibetan Yoga.

It has been postulated that the 5 Rites actually originate from Northern India, as Kelder’s book discusses the 7 energy points in the body – or Chakras, an inherently Indian concept. In Tibetan culture, health comes from balancing five different elements in the body, and added energy is a byproduct of that natural health.

Regardless of origins, it is clear that these movements are beneficial (as is any movement that allows one to increase their heart rate, get their blood pumping and work their muscles). The benefits, however, are claimed to go beyond what normal exercise accomplishes… some publications have testimonials from people who have practiced the 5 rites and report new hair growth, improved eyesight, memory and potency in addition to restoring hair color and reversing the side affects of aging. Do I think that is possible? I think anything is possible and it can’t hurt to give it a shot!

For details on how to perform the rights you can check out either of these websites: Life Events or a Printable Workout.

Enjoy, and let me know what you think!

The Power of Hugs

2008-03-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my mother-in-law told me about a news segment she saw on TV5 (The French channel available in the US). The segment told the story of French, American and British people who left their homes to travel to remote Southern India for a hug. Not just any hug, however, a hug that many claim reveals the light and love of God.

Mahatma Amma (born Mata Amritanandamayi Devi) was special from the time she was born - apparently able to walk and talk at 6 months and constantly singing by 3 years. She grew up in a poor fishing village amongst the widespread poverty of India - witness to the suffering of people, young and old, all around her. When she was forced to leave school to help run the family home, she began to ponder the nature of suffering and discontent, coming to the conclusion that it was her personal duty to share the love and presence of God she felt inside her with others in her community. She began giving away portions of her family's food to the hungry and bathing and clothing the poor. She soon gave up all she had to help others. Ultimately her mission grew and evolved into what it is today and the "Hugging Guru" came to spread her love, one hug at a time, throughout the world.

It seems extreme at best. How can a simple hug reveal God? Is it a cult? How much do you have to pay for a hug? All valid questions for the average American. Mahatma Amma has built an Ashram in Southern India and spends about half of the year there, hugging pilgrims and teaching lessons on selflessness, love and karma. The remaining 6 months are spent traveling around the world, sharing her love with those who cannot make it to her Ashram. Through private offerings (no payment for hugs or lectures at her Ashram) as well as book and CD sales, it is speculated that Amma earned $80 Million last year. CNN reports that much of this money, however, was given away helping victims of natural disasters, donating millions of dollars to help Hurricane Katrina victims as well as those devastated by the Southeast Asian Tsunami. Amma also funds homeless shelters in 38 American cities and other humanitarian projects around the world. Even though her lessons are rooted in the Hindu religion, Amma believes that people of all religions can benefit from her message of love as love is a constant in everyone's life.

I would love a hug from Amma (I like hugs in general), and I believe that she can truly share her positive energy and love with those around her through a simple embrace.

Take a look at her website, read about her life and her mission. Look around you and think about those you know who could benefit from the purest kind of love in their life, and how you can help them achieve that. Amma has found her way -- perhaps we can all find ours.

Starbucks?? No, I'm going to get some Yerba Mate. Can you pass me my gourd?

2008-03-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

In the past few years I have developed a nasty coffee habit. I am not one to place blame (especially when discussing something so delicious), but I am pretty sure that my seemingly magnetic attraction to Starbucks and all things java stems from the coffee addiction of my parents. My mother used to fall asleep with a cup of coffee on her night table, and on a fairly recent trip to see my father we stopped at Starbucks so that he could get a Venti Americana (5? Shots of espresso and water) at 10 PM. If coffee was not involved at the time of my conception, I would be quite surprised.

Anyway -- those of you who understand "Hot Yoga" know that hydration is a must for a tolerable practice. So, when I returned to the studio a few weeks back (roughly 6 classes a week), I have sworn off of the Iced Venti Non-Fat Lattes.... (not to mention the fact that Starbucks does not use organic products, so who knows what we are actually consuming... I digress). Around the time that I restarted my regular yoga practice, I was at Whole Foods with my friend, Heather. On that particular day I was sick of drinking water so I quickly found myself in the "drink aisle." Scanning the shelves, I noticed that almost everything was loaded with both caffeine and sugar. I had almost given up when a label on the top shelf caught my attention. A kind of tea I had not tried that has 90% more antioxidants than green tea, calm energy, low-cal AND low-carb. Not to mention... USDA ORGANIC! Now, I was excited. Bombilla & Gourd had entered my life via their Organic Yerba Mate!

What is Yerba Mate you ask? Well, I would recommend that you check out this website for more information, but briefly, it is a kind of tea that is made from the dried leaves of a South American tree and is traditionally drank through a metal straw from a dried gourd. Mate is a communal drink shared amongst groups of friends in a quasi-ritualistic bonding moment. Although I have not actually drank mate out of a gourd and through a metal straw, it is on my list of things to do -- in addition to learning how to brew it myself.

One thing that caught my attention on the Bombilla & Gourd's Yerba Mate label was the "Calm Energy" hidden at the bottom. "What is calm energy?" I asked myself. I turned the bottle around and found a nice explanation. It seems that Yerba Mate contains the same stimulants that are found in dark chocolate, plus a "modest amount of caffeine balanced by B5, often called the relaxing vitamin...." thus producing an ongoing energy boost without the jitters or a crash. I would agree that my experience with Yerba Mate has produced such results.

I have an inkling that the mate I drink in these neat little bottles from Englewood, NJ (right next to my hometown of Tenafly, by the way), are a far cry from pure original Yerba Mate, which is known to be bitter in taste - like a mix of coffee, smoke, hay and other "earthy" aromas. The array of fruity flavors and bit of sugar contained in the bottled varieties of Yerba Mate certainly do not fit that description, so I plan on stepping it up in the coming weeks to branch out and give pure Yerba Mate a shot. We'll see how it goes. (Don't worry Bombilla & Gourd people... I won't abandon you - your product is just too tasty).

In a massive internet search performed today, I have found a list of the "health benefits" of this wonderful drink, which include: mental clarity, sustained energy, aids in weight control and elimination and fights bad breath. Other websites, however, have tried to disprove such claims, stating that there are higher rates of certain types of cancer in mate drinkers - a claim that could not be scientifically backed up (based on my research). Regardless, last time I checked, antioxidants are not bad, nor are the 24 essential vitamins and minerals in Bombilla & Gourd's product.

Go check it out -- I think that Yerba Mate is the new black. Perhaps someday my unborn children will take their dates out to the local cafe to drink a little mate.

On Bombilla & Gourd's website (linked above) you can find some good information from well known publications concerning the benefits of Yerba Mate and their products in particular. Those of you here in DFW, head on down to your nearest Whole Foods and check it out.

Clockbuster: A Tale of Suburbia and the Sheltered Video Store Manager

2008-03-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of Netflix. We have been using Netflix to satisfy our movie habit for the past 3 years and have found that they are always dependable – providing us with our fix exactly when we need it… most of the time. The exception to Netflix’s dependability would have to be when it comes to renting an entire multi-disk season of one of TV’s favorite shows. Netflix is always able to provide us with the DVDs that we put on our queue in a timely manner, the problem, however, is when we have to wait for that pesky next disk to continue our affair with an Emmy winning series we never cared to watch when it was actually airing. What do we do? We can’t wait 3 whole days to find out what happens! Will they get off the Island? Will Hiro Nakamura help save the cheerleader and save the world?

A few years ago, we were stuck with the first season of Lost. We had 2 disks at the house and watched every episode straight without stopping… until we ran out. We proceeded to call every video store in the area to see if they had Disk 3. We found one, went at 9:30 PM on a Saturday evening to pick up the DVD. Last year we did the same with Heroes. We couldn’t possibly wait to see what happened, and season two was starting later that week – we had no other choice. This weekend we found ourselves backed in the corner again… this time with Showtime’s hit series Weeds***. Unfortunately, this time it was not so easy….

We pulled up to the closest location of the biggest video rental location in the area (let’s just call them "Clockbuster") around 6 PM on Saturday. We proceeded over to the couple of shelves that house TV’s best. I quickly scanned the un-alphabetized DVD cases – Queer as Folk, Dexter, Six Feet Under (my favorite), Big Love, The Simpsons… where’s Weeds? I turned to my wife and said, calmly, “I’ll go ask.” She said, “OK. I’m going to walk around to get ideas for our Netflix Queue.”

I approached the blonde haired high school girl behind the counter (whose eyelids were slightly closed and her gaze off somewhere far away from "Clockbuster").
“Do you have Weeds? You know, the show that is on Showtime?”
She stared back at me for a second before responding, “We don’t have that show here.” Surprised, I asked, “Why not?”
She sat up a bit and said, “I don’t know. We should have it. It’s stupid.”

Her manager was looming in the background like a Priest at a child's birthday party, and after hearing her comment felt compelled to intervene. He was probably in his mid-twenties, hair parted to the side and his polo was tucked ever so neatly into his pleated khaki pants. His mouth opened and the following words escaped, “we don’t carry that show here. This is a family oriented neighborhood so we wouldn’t carry that series.”

Considering that I live less than 5 minutes from that particular Clockbuster, I was fully aware that I live in a very family oriented suburb. I didn’t know what else to say but, “you have Queer as Folk, Dexter, The L Word. Although I believe all of those shows are harmless, how could you carry them and not Weeds?” I think this might have been the first time that the guy ever had anyone question his "holier-than-thou" attitude and so he simply said, “I don’t know. Try a bigger store.”

The nice blonde girl behind the counter called a store 10 minutes away (about 7 minutes from my house nestled in the “family oriented community”) where they had both the second disk of Season 1 and all of Season 2 on the morally loose shelves. My wife and I left that Clockbuster, never to return again. She capped her pen and slid it back into her purse and read me a list of movie titles that she thought seemed interesting.

*** I feel compelled to point out that it is not because I watch Weeds that I am a pothead. I have never touched the stuff, but don't personally have a problem with other people enjoying themselves as long as they don't drive and kill someone while under the influence.

Lessons in Non-Conformity from the Ultimate Seperatist Population

2008-03-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I was "enlightened" by a Basque. Amongst the heated discussions about social programs, multi-national corporations, the purity and ancient nature of the true Basque people and the fact that everything that we know today was actually invented/discovered/coined/populated/grown/etc. by the Basque people, we began discussing the language, music and culture.

Basque is truly a unique language, which, it has been postulated by many linguists, stemmed from influence of neighboring regional languages (ie: Gascon, Castillian, etc.) mixed with a pidgen language adopted by Basque sailors to aid in communication at various ports around Europe and Africa. Regardless, this extremely old and (I must say) beautiful language is as unique as the people who speak it.

Without delving much deeper into the Basque culture (which would take way to long but is worth at least a Wikipedia search if not a visit to Bayonne, France!) I want to mention my most memorable Basque experience. Each year from the first Wednesday in August to the following Sunday countless people flock to Bayonne for the famous (and infamous) Fetes de Bayonne. Traditionally a celebration of freedom (The King Leon throws the keys of the city -and thus the power to govern- to the loving, partying people of Bayonne), les Fetes de Bayonne has become both a cultural activity and a drunken escapade full of fun and vomit. Not to be missed. A year and a half ago, in August 2006, my wife and I ventured into the city walls of Bayonne where we met up with some friends (Basque, American, French, British, Mexican) and had a great time.

In preperation, my abovementioned Basque friend sent me a CD of songs that I would absolutely hear and maybe want to join in on the singing during Les Fetes. He suggested that I learn as many of them (in Basque or French) as I can as it would be more fun. One song that stuck with me is called Txoria Txori -- commonly refered to as "Hegoak". Below you will find the lyrics and their rough English translation:

Hegoak ebaki banizkion
Neuria izango zen
Ez zuen aldegingo
Bainan horrela
Ez zen gehiago xoria izango
Eta nik
Xoria nuen maite
Eta nik,Eta nik
Xoria nuen maite

The bird, which is a bird
If I had cut her wings off
She would have been mine
She would not have flown away
But if I had done that
She would no longer be a bird
and for me, it is the bird that I loved

There are a couple interpretations for these poetic words - some much more obvious than others. The most obvious interpretation would be a man letting his lover go so that she can be who she is without changing. That one is simple. One could also read these lyrics in a political way -- the bird is the Basque country held by Spain and France, seeking freedom and independence. For me, however, the idea of identity preservation in any relationship is what stands out.

When we are in a relationship (not necessarily a marriage or sexual relationship but friendship, citizenship, membership in an organization, etc), there is a certain amount of respect for others necessary to preserve individualism and ultimately happiness. If you constantly try to mold and change people into what they are not in order to control them, you will lose what actually held you together. When I look around in the world today it is both fascinating and troublesome how the cutting of the wings has become common practice. I find that American culture breeds feelings of labeling, conforming, limiting and general sameness. Everyone strives to belong to a group, associate themselves with a label and most of all make people like they are - but at what cost? It is the differences in the world that make the place so unique and why that threatens people is beyond me.

Think about it next time that someone tells you that it is your responsibility to convert people to follow your belief system, the next time you read about a hate crime, the next time that the president insists on sending an army to a foreign country, or a Jihadist blows up people simply because they are different from him/her. We all have the right to be who we are without anyone cutting off our wings.

Sunstone Yoga Rocks My World

2008-03-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

A few years back, in typical Eric fashion, I got wrapped up in my head. I don't know if that expression makes sense to some of you who are reading this, but it is truly the only way I know to describe it. My mind was racing constantly with pressure from one or several parts of my life, infesting others and manifesting itself into what I would call an existential conundrum. What was I doing with my life? Was it what I wanted it to be? Should I go to Law School? Why were my parent's getting divorced (at 22 it felt strange)? Why were all of my friends moving away? Pretty much the only thing that I knew for sure was that I was going to be married in 6 months and it felt like the only source of joy and peace.

Light in dark chaos.

I decided that I needed to do something different! I should explain -- I have always been interested in all that is labeled as "New Age" or "Alternative" when it comes to fitness, medicine, philosophy... life. So, although a doctor may have prescribed some sort of mood elevating capsule or calming gel cap, I was pondering acupuncture, meditation and yoga. A quick google search led me to one of the most positive, peaceful and amazing places that I have come to know and love -- Sunstone Yoga.

Now, I should say that I think that any yoga studio, including Sunstone Yoga, is like most other things in life - you walk away with what you put in. I put in an open mind, determination to find the peace that I sought and most of all a desire to improve my physical and mental state. I think that anyone could walk into Sunstone Yoga and feel the positive effects, but my experience surpassed even my biggest expectations.

What is Sunstone Yoga you ask? It is a Yoga Studio founded in Dallas by Brandon Hartsell and Nicole Shaw at which you can choose from 5 different classes taught at varying degrees of heat and length. The Fire Class, which resembles Bikram Yoga, is taught in a studio heated to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit and lasts 90 minutes. This is the most frequent and (in my opinion) rewarding class available. It is the staple of my yoga practice. The Earth Class is a flow-yoga class, heated as well, but not as much. It lasts 60 minutes with an optional 30 minute Wood series (a class designed to improve core strength). The advanced version of the Earth Class is called the Metal Class, which is 90 minutes of flowing, tiring, amazing yoga. Lastly is the only Sunstone Yoga class that I have never tried -- the Water Class (Same as the Fire class but in subdued lighting and with music).

I would advise anyone to check out Sunstone Yoga's website (linked above) for more information on the studio, how Yoga works, why it is a good workout, etc.... now back to my experience.

In the 3 months that I was at Sunstone Yoga in Dallas, I lost 30 lbs, was constantly feeling happy, positive and grateful for all that I had, rather than concentrating on all that was wrong. Those same situations were there -- my parents were still getting divorced, I still felt like I was in a dead-end job, my friends were still moving away, I just simply didn't get wrapped up in it and dwell to the point of debilitation. I ended up stopping my practice at Sunstone in Dallas after a short time because of (like everyone else, I will blame...) rising gas prices and the fact that Sunstone Yoga was in Dallas and I was living north of Ft. Worth. It made for a nasty commute. I started attending a Bikram Yoga studio near my house, but was not happy with the lack of class variety, the teaching methods and most of all the atmosphere and vibe in the studio. So... little by little, my yoga practice stopped. I gained my weight back and found myself dwelling again.

But alas! Sunstone Yoga just opened up a studio less than 10 minutes from my house, and I feel like I have picked up where I left off. I am already dropping the weight, feeling great and loving every second of every single day!

I believe that it is impossible to describe the feeling of openness that fills my body each day after class, and the sense of accomplishment I feel when those 60, 90, 150 (I do double classes on Saturdays) minutes are up, and I am in my car driving with the windows down and smiling from ear to ear, so you better go and experience it for yourself. They have a great introductory offer for new students - 10 consecutive days for $10... if you don't have 10 bucks to spend, I will lend it to you.