To simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak

Feng Shui expert,  Lucy Harmer (www.innerelf.ch) recommends  a quarterly  house hold purge.   Setting the timer for 2 hours — no more, no less — she suggests placing 4 big containers in a central location;  one for throw aways, one for give aways,  one for donations,  and one for reacessing  next time.  Being ruthless, Lucy says, is key, as is enjoying this systematic cleanse  that rejuvenates — mind, body and spirit.

Listening to my still not so small voice — I know that my time has come.  Diving into this quarterly discipline is the BE of my yoga practice.   I am relieved by the two hour window once per quarter bit, and by the fact that there are only 4 containers — really, only 3, if you see what I mean.

As I  have pack rat tendencies, I am challenged —  despite longstanding dreams of being a minimalist.  Having rented a storage space for years,  my closets and drawers are filled with coats, outfits, shoes and hand bags that date back to the turn of both centuries.  (Not to mention family  furniture dating back to the mid 1800s. Won’t go there for now.)  Previous attempts have resulted in my tiptoeing into the garage, ram sacking to reclaim a this or that.

But, this time — I AM responding to a Still Small Voice Within and I Am being called to action.  By simplifying in this and every way — by eliminating the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak, my yoga practice deepens and evolves;  treasures find new spaces to inhabit which, I’m told,  is liberating.

With each step along the way of my yoga practice, I’ve eased in, never insisting or forcing or driving.  In fact, each step has come to the doorstep of my spirit and welcomed — almost without my realizing a deeper and richer connection.

I trust that I AM being guided.  And from this guidance comes…a more fantastic way of Being in life.

Eliminating the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak…

As the snow melts into springtime —  Mother Earth’s clearing to prepare for the new, I’ll follow suit by designating the next two hours — gearing up for the academy awards —  as a big adventure into listening.  Resisting the temptation to resist, I will respond accordingly…and just witness, as if Meryl Streep (hahaha) were playing, not Julia Childs, but Jody Tull, donning her apron, situating her 4 containers, and setting the timer.

Ready, set, go…

 More than anything, my Dad loved to laugh. He loved a good story. He loved to see the best and was genuinely interested in whoever happened to be nearby. Most of all, he loved my Mom and his three daughters.  He attributed his love for people, his passion for the written word, and his can-do attitude to having grown up in a mostly Jewish neighborhood in Detroit. While I, his middle daughter, respected that aspect of his rearing, there is more to his story…

My Dad grew up observing his Mother being mistreated by his Father.  Her husband, my Dad’s Father was mostly mean, inconsiderate, stingy and a hostil, stress-provoking driver of their model T. While a horrible thing for her and her three children, it was — in a strange generational kind-of way — a blessing for us.  For as difficult as his Dad was, my Dad (though he seldom spoke of his Dad, and when he did it was with compassion) was just the opposite… kind, helpful, generous and fun loving.  And, my goodness, was he ever.

 My Mom was treated with utmost respect.  She, his daughters, his newspaper dealings and their friends were it. He helped with homework and splashed us around in the swimming pool and, along with Mom, helped us through sticky situations, until his dying day.  Our home was regularly filled with neighborhood kids who would observe my Dad, the publisher of the Reporter Papers,  standing on his head, doubling over with laughter during a Johnny Carson episode, boycotting aerosol spray cans by growing a beard, and, as often as he could, offering jobs to those he felt needed a chance.

 Morning after morning (during the countries centennial) Dad would hoist flags through town, pole by pole at sun-up, drive kids to and from my Mom’s nursery school, and don overalls to sing in the chorus of Oklahoma. Each week he published and edited a newspaper that was his passion and reflected his wholesome, family values and his never-ending belief in this country. 

Each night my Dad, playing piano, would accompany my Mom on the violin or banjo. At least once per month, their circle of friends would gather to have a sing along around the pinao.  These are the people who showed up, through out our lives and… the Sunday before he died, for his farewell sing-along. Words, despite having been a wordsmith his entire life, were few.  But — he could still sing.  And, he still had the infectious twinkle that made all — stranger, friend and family — come to life and light with love.

 My husband asked what I thought it was, about my Dad, that caused strangers at Metro to come and sit by him, or youngster hover around.  Now that he’s gone, I find myself pondering Rupert’s question.  My Dad grew up in a household that was plagued with stress.   Everyone had to tiptoe around this mostly cranky, nasty, mean-spirited force.  From that environment grew a man of such integrity, honesty, kindness — always on the lookout for good, bringing his very best and looking to make life — even through the tough times — light and connected.

Dad’s memorial service was one year ago today.  During the last 6 months of life here, Dad missed Mom .  Life just didn’t make sense to him, without her.  Shortly after her memorial, he asked me to teach him yoga.  He knew that it was a process that was so important in my life — he was still reaching out.  And, he realized the practice had tremendous feel-good, life-enhancing potential.

The fact is — and I told him so — that through out his life he had epitomized what we all hope to awaken through our yoga practice. The way that he lived every day of his life…in selfless service, filled to the brim with loving kindness was the inspiration behind an extraordinarily well lived and inspiring life.

For my twenty-second birthday, Dad gave me a  Reader’s Digest songbook.  In it he wrote,

“Dear Jody, What you do is this:  Invite everyone over, open up this book, and have a sing along.  It’s fun.  Happy Birthday.  Dad. 

Somehow,  one year after his death, his inscription, in so few words, says it all.

Love you dad.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

This video was made in the   Antwerp  , Belgium Central (Train)=2 0Station
on the 23rd of March 2009.
. . . with no warning to the passengers passing through the station,
at 08:00 am a recording of Julie Andrews singing ‘Do, Re, Mi’ begins to
play on the public address system.
As the bemused passengers watch in amazement, some 200 dancers begin to
appear from the crowd and station entrances.
They created this amazing stunt with just two rehearsals!
Enjoy!

Diving in, into the beauty of Soglio

Here’s how:

1) Notice what feeds your spirit…dive in
  stepping inside beautiful places, like Soglio Switzerland, and being inspired

2) Refer back to what feeds your spirit…dive in
  expanding the circle in Soglio, or where ever you find yourself –and bringing the sweetness back home

3) Talk about and savor what feeds your spirit…dive in
  the photos, the journal, and emails  – keep it all fresh and alive and lovely

4) Hang out with people who regularly feed their spirit — dive in thru their bliss
 the most rewarding of all to be with spirit driven and spirit- filled folk

5) Get carried away with the lost art of visiting — dive in to having time
  relatives in TN and VA reintroduced — by their too cool for words — southern hospitality

6) Discover relaxation – A SKILL THAT CAN BE LEARNED. Transplant relax into all of ife.              yoga, naked voice singing, silent meditation walk thru Bird Hill, friendship

There is no doubt that this Memorial Day weekend, we will appreciate beauty and adventure here in Ann Arbor, Michigan as we do in Soglio Switzerland, during our annual yoga, meditation and chanting retreat.  It is  noon on Saturday and there is every reason to stay in Ann Arbor.   Retreat  Soglio is a state of mind and once you’ve been there –  you can drop in, any place…anytime. 

Last night launched our weekend, meeting Ricardo at 1632 Broadway, home of Nourishing Traditions, to water the garden and admire.  The little cottage is home to Thai Yoga & Auryveda treatments, yoga wisdom, chanting circles and anything that is genuinely nourishing.  The enormous trees, the walled and screened patio and fire pit  –  it is where drumming, tea parties and like-minded people come together. 

We dined in the home of our neighbor with friends gathered round, delicious food, stimulating conversation – we laughed so hard over what, now, I can’t remember.   We dissected the dynamics and pros and cons of  having plunged into the computer age;  we tossed backed and forth notions like our need for human, face-to-fact interaction vs virtual.  Heels were dug in as all sides of the topic were considered ie a machine-like existence, spirit-filled existence or somewhere in between.  Books like “Brave New World” were quoted.   The occasion was timeless and confirmed that face-to-face still is a lot of fun.  All the best ingredients were PRESENT.  It was very much Soglioesque as we partook of fantastic food, good company and a lovely view from Barb’s enchanting treehouse porch.

The next morning we awoke to a lovely breeze through the window, birds chirping, a racoon raiding our balcony birdfeeder

and an aborted cycle ride into town due to a very flat tire. Instead, we drove, meeting our A2 yogi circle for the Saturday morning ritual of another gather around the table — some with goodies from Sweetwaters, others from Ka-chingermans Deli.   David removed stitches from his left hand — still swollen from last week’s dog bite from the neighbour’s “adorable and harmless” pooch.  We all agreed it rude to be with a friend who takes phone calls — while your sit and wait.  Rupert had a great idea — excuse yourself, walk some distance away, and call her/him.   

We cheered on Ann Arbor runners in front of Zingermans for their weekly Saturday morning 10 mile in and around . 

Laurie Mendenhall won the Ann Arbor Dexter 10K last year — in his age category, he was quick to say.  JT invitation  y’all– come for a refreshing half way drink en route before summer’s end.

Cruising the farmer’s market, we were introduced to the newest member of the Cash family         and we were offered a teddy bear and beaming smile from older brother. 

Amy Harris,

 arm in arm with her 15 year old daughter, last seen by me when she 3.  Amy announced the engagement of longlost frind Perry Irish — who is living in Chicago. 

All the while, keeping our eye out for Gerry Gaskell, who is soon celebrating a significant birthday, we ran into drummers, dancers, and one of Ann Arbor’s GEMS — Vicki, owner of Heavenly Metal, my favorite shop anywhere!!  Her web designer was taking note  — also my referece for a gorgeous, interesting and quirky site.   The site is a reflection, for sure, of Vicki…one of A2’s treasures.  Rupert bought ALL of my Christmas presents at Hevenly Metal last year.  Thank you Rupert and Vicki!!! 

Off to the Treasure Mart — my other all time favorite store anywhere.  Yes, I am addicted and I need help.  My Mom use to drag me, moaning and groaning as a child.  Now, it is nearly embarrassing all the times I find myself there.  Partly because of the staff. 

Partly because of the treasures.  And partly it was a “treasured” ritual with my Mom — who I miss beyond words.  Rupert bought an old lantern and I bought an old, old pair of peach colored bloomers –a ha for a certain birthday celebration…

We saw bright shining faces of all ages, and from all parts of the world…out and about on a stunning beautiful spring morning. We compared notes with our Broadway neighbors

and, after our stop at Home and Garden to check out the big green EGG — a cooker highly recommended by Treasure Mart MIKE, we headed home.

Lunch was served on the balcony with our newly installed awning looking out over Bird Hill Sanctuary.   Naps were taken,  Ann Arbor Observer read, yoga practiced, songs sung and a movie viewed at the BEST theater anywhere — the Michigan Theater.  ”Is Anybody There?” was sweet and sad and made Roop and me resolve to make the most of each day, make choices that prolong good health and do what it takes to fill up with the best of life.

For us that means walking along Huron River into town –

touring thru gorgeous gardens, visiting along the way, making music and singing songs, roasting marshmallows over a turn-of-the century fire-pit and reading Jo Mathis’ Ann Arbor News Column.  Her writing is comparable to Le Dog,  the Arb, the Ann Arbor Symphony, Yo Yo Ma performing at Hill.   She is an inspiration and has become part of the soul of this community.

Years ago, I told friends in Soglio that I wanted to recreate the magical Alpine Swiss Italian village in our home of Ann Arbor Michigan.  Dozing off to sleep after this near perfect day, I realized — it had happened.  No, we don’t have the back-drop of the Alps.  But, we do have the Huron River, Bird Hill Park , the Arb, the Botanical gardens,  a downtown that is vibrant, alive and happening, and lifelong, best-ever, friends.  People have asked, given the choice, if Rupert and I would move to Soglio.  My answer is…”tempting, for sure — but not a chance.  Soglio  Switzerland is the ideal location for a yoga, meditation and chanting retreat.  Second to none!!  And the most beautiful place in the world.  But, Ann Arbor is and always will be home.”

1.  List all situations, activities, hobbies that make you feel all the way alive and  — jump in

2.  Write down in wonderful detail your ideal day.  Retreat at home can become a reality.  I’m proof!

3.  Sing as much as possible, in the shower and out and about — in the office, hummm to connect

4.  20 minutes of pranayama and hatha yoga each day beginning today — schedule it in

5.  Notice beautiful places in your area ie parks, rivers, gardens — find yourself there real often

6.  Hike, cycle, swim — get into best self-mode — become one with nature, literally.  Feel good!!!!

7.  Gaze into the beauty of whoever is around you — flower, tree, person — BEHOLD, that’s you!!!

8.  Prepare to be completely ready to go — 3 days before departure.  Packed, ready & stress-free

9.  Oil-down each morning — Sunflower is good.  Head to toe.  Relaxing and good inside and out

10. Find every occasion to laugh — roar with laughter…laugh till it hurts…IN JOY

If you haven’t already, take a virtual vacation by viewing the Soglio retreat slide presentation on the home page of www.shapingsound.com.  Print out our awesome brochure to share with your friends…http://jodytull.com/ /OnlineBrochure4.pdf 

Space is limited –  register now.

Yoga stretches and life’s pleasures, in the obvious sense, are a piece of cake:

• Welcoming guests to the yoga hiking & chanting retreat
• Teaching yoga in Soglio Switzerland – or anywhere, really
• Singing in the magic of a Naked Voice singing field amongst dear ones
• Receiving or giving a Thai yoga massage in pristine mountain air
• Walking in silent meditation in the beauty of the Swiss Italian Alps
• Swimming in waterfall fed swimming holes
• Shopping in local Italian and Swiss morning markets
• Savoring the delicious tastes of the region
• Sharing in laughter, joy and Fun with the expanded circle

     The challenge for me, is to discover pleasure from a source that triggers a feeling of dread, frustration and impatience. 

   So, this week’s intention is to substitute and replace the way I feel while working at the computer with the way I feel when engaging in a genuine life pleasure.  (This is an acting technique I learned while studying in New York City.  The character is stricken with grief and, to source the grief, the actor taps into a time in which he or she experienced loss.)

    To have time spent at the computer as part of my yoga practice, to replace negative emotions with gratitude and, to not only enjoy but actually look forward to – could add years and enhance quality of life.

    Is it worthwhile analyzing why I have so much resistance to the entire computer process?  Better to settle in on my intention and:

            Take a few deep breaths

            Give thanks for the Source of the breath

            Relax my neck, shoulders and face muscles

            Sing a ditty of whatever comes out and

            Emails….Twitters…..Facebook…

   I’m already tense and ready for a tea break and – the geranium has a new bright red bloom…BREATHE — tap back in, relax and be present to enjoy each task at hand.  But, but, it’s not my –  Jody, get back into the flow.  Breathing in and breathing out – feel the joy.  Somehow at the bottom of this is a LESSON.  Is it possible to think of this time as selfless service, or, karma yoga?  Hmmmmmm.

  To relax, settle in, rid the body of tension, and be present.  It’s a piece of cake in the yoga class.  Nothing to it when chatting with a friend.  Total bliss in the beauty of Soglio Switzerland.

  Time at the computer?  That’s my current yoga stretch.  What’s yours?

  “We came home from the Soglio retreat feeling strong and fit — better than ever before,” and

  “Because of your retreat in Soglio, we took home a new set of skills that improved our daily life,  personally and professionally.” 

 How many times have you come home from a vacation, needing a vacation?  You tried to squeeze everything in, and didn’t want to miss anything.  It actually happened to us one too many times.  We saw all the sights, drank the wine, shipped the purchases home, gained weight and were so wound up, that, back home, it took us several days to recover.  What we thought was going to provide the window of time to catch our breath that we so desperately needed, instead, brought us home even more revved up and worn thread bare.  So,  

Before planning our next time away, we gave a lot of thought to what we wanted – actually needed – to experience, in order to come home feeling inspired, refreshed, renewed and strong.  Listed below is our 10 musts.  Because, after a long search, we weren’t able to find anything on offer that met all 10 – we decided to create just such a respite, five years ago…thus the 4^th annual Soglio yoga, meditation, chanting and hiking retreat.

1)     Surrounded by pristine beauty of nature

2)     Sound interrupting silence rather than silence interrupting sound

3)     Away from the beaten path – non-glitz, non-touristy, non-grabbing

4)     An opportunity to learn tools and lifestyle skills to take back home

5)     A connection with the local people – to feel part of rather than separate

6)     Delicious healthy, organic food, representative of the region

7)     Many forms of exercise, to include breathing, stretching, hiking, swimming

8)   Non-stressed adventures into gardens,  village markets, cafes and architecture

9)     A daily rhythm that balances down time, time alone & connecting

10)  Relaxed, awestruck and filled with gratitude to the Source of each breath  

 The essence of this Soglio retreat is – putting humpty dumpty back together again.  We actually come home fitter, weighing quite a bit less (despite eating alot) and with a whole new expanded family from around the globe.  Each year we hear the most amazing stories and jokes, we exchange favorite recipes, quotes, songs – we open our hearts to each other and the experience.  The last day, we part, with promises of keeping in touch – and we do. 

And, instead of going home feeling exhausted from the frantic pace, and discouraged by the bursting seams, and dreading our first day back at work —  we go home from the Soglio retreat rested, full of vigor and inspired to bring our best, most balanced self and offering to our family, friends and colleagues.

 Early bird discount will save you $50 off the cost of the retreat if you register no later than May 15, 2009  Registration is easy at www.shapingsound.com

  We’re interested to hear your take on retreat vs vacation?  What ten ingrediants are top priority for you?

 This retreat is so close to the ideal holiday described in Ode.  It’s economical, it’s in a place that never swayed from being eco, organic, green and spectacularly beautiful.  It features fresh, incredibly fresh clean water and air.   In fact, in Soglio sound actually interrupts silence – that of cow, goat, sheep and church bells echoing through the valley.  The inexpensive and mostly Italian cuisine never tasted as good.

 Soglio is in a remote, off the beaten path village, with next to no traffic, in the Engadine, at the Swiss Italian border.  Local residents are farmers who take their wisdom — not from the media or commercially driven trends – but from Mother earth.  Always have, which is why they continue to use ancient farming techniques – despite (being Swiss) having all the latest modern technology at their finger-tips.  And it’s why they look so gosh-darn healthy. 

These people are yogis in the truest sense – without even knowing it.  They and their children before them have not eaten anything resembling junk or preservatives or steroids or plastic or anything but fresh, organic, locally grown and prepared.  And, my-oh-my, does it show.  These are the most gorgeous sturdy people you’ll see anywhere. 

 The people of Soglio are natural and of the earth and because of it, they inspire my yoga students and me to soak up all we can during our 1 week retreat.  To be in the now, in the present – in the AAAOOOMMM, in order to re-create the magic of this place, back home, sitting at work in windowless cubicles or in  fume infested traffic jams. 

The cornerstones of yoga are “proper exercise, proper relaxation, proper breathing, proper diet, and positive thinking and meditation.”  The people of Soglio don’t need a neighborhood yoga center or ashram to teach these concepts because they learned them in the womb.  And from their parents, and their parents before them – dating all the way back to when my sweet husband’s family, the de Salis’ carried the stone (by donkey) up the side of the mountain to build this haven of a place.  Hundreds of years ago they left, looking for a better life in the city.

 And, it took me dragging my husband back by the arm into the splendor of this place, for him to actually see and feel the magnificence of what is there.  Now, THAT is Yoga.  Not the dragging by the arms bit, but the waking up enough to let go enough to actually feel, see and appreciate what IS there – along with waking up to what is actually inside of oneself.   It’s a wower…an artists’ paradise, because of the unique, one-of-a-kind lighting.  Soglio is an ashram, because of choices the locals have made generation after generation.

 It is with such humble gratitude and love, that I say thank you to these people who epitomize generosity and who welcome Rupert and me with our growing “family” of yogis into the warmth of their expanded embrace.  Yoga retreat dates 23 – 29 August 2009.  Register now to secure place.  www.shapingsound.com