BarefootAndUpsideDown

Yoga as life, love, laughter.
Yoga as play, challenge, insight.
Yoga as art, music, poetry. Yoga as coming home.

BarefootAndUpsideDown

YOGA – the search for SELF.  BUT if taken too seriously, too competitively, if hollowed out, commodified and consumerised, yoga builds EGO and wallets as much as BODY and SOUL. The goals are freedom, unity, inner peace. When practice becomes rigid, the yogi-ni builds boundaries, separation. I’m laughing, sometimes in a still silence, sometimes loud with gasping sounds deep from my belly and pumping diaphragm. WHY? Because all of my struggle and my dismal efforts don’t get me anywhere.

I don’t know where I am going. It’s ludicrous to even think there is some WHERE to get.

I already am.  And I am laughing.

Yoga as LIFE, LOVE, LAUGHTER

Yoga as PLAY, CHALLENGE, INSIGHT

Yoga as MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

Yoga as TRANSFORMATION, ENERGY, HEALING

Yoga as ART, MUSIC, POETRY

Yoga as COMING HOME

Welcome to Barefoot & Upside Down.

carolyn - upavistha - wide-angled seated forward bend


With gratitude to my teachers and their teachers for generously offering wisdom, inspiration, and courage .

With appreciation to my students for their experience, support, and love.

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PLEASE BE ADVISED:

This information is not intended to replace competent medical care. Check in with your health care provider to be certain you will benefit from physical activity, including breathwork. If suffering from major depression, please seek professional guidance before engaging in sustained periods of meditation. All material is under my copy protection. Feel free to print or quote for your own use, but please respect my work. You are required to include my byline and/or reference: Carolyn Kieber Grady.

14 Responses to “BarefootAndUpsideDown”

  1. Leeanne says:
    January 17, 2009 at 2:15 pm

    Thanks so much for the compliments on my blog! You may not stitch…but I certainly couldn’t do what you do, I’d end up in the hospital, think I’ll stick to stitching! lol!!

  2. buddhaofhollywood says:
    January 20, 2009 at 3:21 am

    I love your post.
    It is so soothing, like the sound of a flowing stream in a forest.
    I am at work right now so your post is as close to a meditation I can get.
    Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
    Be loved!

  3. The Laughing Yogini says:
    January 20, 2009 at 10:07 am

    Gratitude to you both for complimenting :-) the opening page of LaughingYogini.

    Buddhaman, I DID try to capture the essence of the journey in that piece. It’s an answer to those who say “Why meditate?” And as you end your comment, it can be said in one word, LOVE. Thank you.

  4. Mel @ A Box of Chocolates says:
    January 25, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    Wonderful post. I like at the beginning where you share how you wonder if there is a place to get to. So true! Maybe we just need to be. The picture of the frog is beautiful. Thanks for coming by my place and taking the time to comment. I wish you a relaxing week!!

  5. Goddess Leonie * Creative Goddess says:
    February 25, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    Oh what a gorgeous website :)
    And that frog just looks so comfortable and joyful! :)

  6. isabella mori says:
    February 28, 2009 at 2:51 am

    every time i visit your blog, i get a big smile on my face :)

  7. Lydia says:
    March 9, 2009 at 7:12 am

    Such beauty your page is! So happy the frog makes me! For your wisdom grateful I am!

    p.s. send me oms or whatever else might work to get me back to my yoga mat……I need a kick in the butt!

  8. Kelly Filkins says:
    June 16, 2009 at 10:28 am

    Hi Carolyn! I’m so glad I found you and was able to attend yoga last night! I look forward to learning more and improving my balance (both physical and mental!). Thank you for allowing me to join you!

  9. Gisele Frazeur says:
    October 14, 2009 at 8:26 pm

    It was so wonderful to see you in Fredonia!!!! Words cannot begin to express what it meant to me. I am so sorry for your losses. You are in my heart, and thoughts, and prayers.

    Love,
    Gisele

  10. The Laughing Yogini says:
    October 18, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    Hello EVERYONE!
    Mel @box of chocolates Hope you get a chance to dive into the LY blog – the button is on the upper right corner = where it says BLOG :-) Hope you are BEING this week! I am with you on this.

    Goddess Leonie, Thanks for stopping by. We are joyful…and sad….and energized…and tired,… and sad…and contemplative…feeling all of life!

    isabella mori ~ I get a huge smile when you visit!

    Lydia ~ wisdom is a gift that needs an outlet….consider yourself kicked :-0

    Kelly Filkins ~ You are a light in the world….may you shine ever stronger and brighter with each passing day

    Gisele Frazeur ~ You are also in my heart. Let’s not lose the connection :-)

  11. Lana says:
    February 24, 2010 at 11:44 am

    Thanks for your kind congratulations on my “Best in Show” win. I appreciate you taking the time. My best to you & yours! :)

  12. Debbie says:
    March 20, 2010 at 11:42 am

    I love everything about your blog, it feels like coming home to all that I hold dear, the garden, the yoga, oh the yoga…and let’s not forget the frog! Peace and love.

  13. Carol Allen Anfinsen says:
    April 6, 2010 at 2:29 pm

    Great blog, Carolyn. Well organized, beautiful, user friendly–great photos! Thank you for your kind comments on my blog. I’ve added you to my friends on blogcatalog. Thanks again, and good luck on your beautiful site!

  14. carolyn, laughing yogini says:
    August 30, 2010 at 4:12 pm

    Lana, Debbie, and Carol: thanks for your lovely response.

    NAMASTE. “the beauty in me salutes the beauty in you” _/l\_

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