yoga lessons

Last week I was reminded of two things: one, that yoga is a "practice" (something that needs to be done on a regular basis) and two, that yoga can profoundly influence my outlook and mood. Here's what happened.....
I decided (rather late) that I should get to a yoga class last Friday morning. Looking at the clock, I realized it was a bit of a press, but I figured I could make it right on time for the 8am class being held. Normally at this studio, someone is working the front desk to sign people in, manage the clothing and boutique sales....so I banked on the fact that I could get in even if I was a minute or two late. WRONG! As it was the Friday before a holiday weekend, I arrived at the studio at 8:02...only to find the door locked!!! Aggghh! After driving a fair distance, I was more than mifffed!! Muttering under my breath, I wandered to the back of the building to see if there was an open door, but no luck. My only option was to throw rocks at the above studio window (not terribly yoga-like and certainly not calming for those that came to class...on time!) so I sulked and got back in my car.
I was SO irritated! My intention to take a lovely yoga class to start my weekend off right had gone very wrong. I contemplated heading to the health club, but just couldn't do it. Finally, I decided to go home and do some yoga on my deck (something I love to do....but I don't always challenge myself enough in a home practice, thus the idea that I needed that studio class!). I arrived at home, in a funk, and talked myself into doing just a "few minutes" on the deck.
You can guess the end of the story....as I fell into my breath, took a moment to notice that the sun was warm on my face, and that birds were putting on a concert in my backyard, I had the most delightful yoga practice!
I was stunned at the end of my home practice by the dramatic shift in both my mood and outlook. I ended the practice with a short meditation in which I decided to move peacefully through my day, to lose the frantic pace and irritability that I had started the day with, and to complete as much of my "to-do" list as I could...without being hung up on any details that just did not get finished.
So...yoga is a practice...that we need to take some time for each day...and whether we spend 90 minutes doing a challenging practice, or 5 minutes breathing and reflecting...it can be such a source of comfort! Yoga opens our hearts, minds, and bodies to new ways of thinking about our lives. We can suddenly find new ways to approach the little details of life that can overwhelm us when we lose our perspective.
Lesson learned? Take the time to be deliberate about my yoga practice. Recognize that even "yoga on the deck" can be a profound learning experience. Be open and mindful about the ways that yoga and "within time" can benefit me each time that I take the time.
Peace to all....
Karen

yoga for EVERY body!

In some of the yoga trainings I have attended, we have talked about the fact that yoga should be for everybody...and every body. So just because you feel you are "inflexible" "not a jock" "too old" or "too big" to do yoga....does not mean that there is not a place in the yoga community for you! It simply means you'll have to put forth some effort into finding a class, teacher, and style that fits for you today. We are our own best teachers...if we really pay attention and decide to approach yoga with gentleness and lovingkindness...we can find a practice that can be both challenging and restful. I love the practice of yoga for so many reasons: the quiet focus, the physical challenges, the deep relaxation, and the flexibility it affords me both physically and mentally. If you have never tried yoga before, I hope that you will give the ancient practice a try! It has survived for so long because it is AMAZING! :)
Have a peaceful day!
Karen

Questions about class

I had a couple of questions today about my classes....thought I'd post the answers as probably lots of people wonder about the same things! Yes...my classes are open to both men and women! Yes...you can certainly sign up with a son or daughter...just keep in mind that my current class offerings are geared for adults.....so older teens (15 and up) with a parent works out fine. I often get requests for teen classes, and I have also had experience offering classes to those with handicaps and special needs...so I will let you know if I am able to offer teen classes or adaptive classes in the future.
Have a peaceful day! :)

Summer Yoga Moodra classes at Aslan Institute!

I am very excited to announce that beginning in June I will be offering yoga classes at Aslan Institute in Eagan. Check out their website to learn more:
http://www.aslaninst.com/
On the Aslan Institute home page scroll down and click on YOGA (on the lower right side of the page) for more information. Class is 9:30-10:45 Wednesday mornings beginning June 17th for 6 weeks.
Aslan is a beautiful spot...tucked into the hillside overlooking the Minnesota River. It is just north of Metcalf Junior High (see the Aslan website for a map) very near the intersection of Diffley Road and Highway 13.
Each yoga class will begin with a short reading to prepare us for class, then flow into about an hour of gentle yoga, followed by some journaling/drawing/reflection time to help us maximize the benefits of the wonderful practice of yoga.
Let me know if you have questions about the class...hope you'll join me!!
Karen

Gentle Yoga for Body Mind and Spirit!

A summer session of gentle yoga will be offered at Inner Light Healing Center in Lakeville.
The class session is 6 weeks and runs on Thursday mornings (9:30-10:45) beginning June 18th and the registration fee is $70.00.
Go to http://www.counselingandhealing.com/upcomingeventscalendar.aspx
to find a course description and registration information.
Don't let your summer calendar fill without taking some much needed "within" time...just for you!

Email Karen at karenyogam@gmail.com or post questions on this blog if you need more information!

Have a peaceful day!