Summer's end?

With a cool breeze blowing, it is hard to deny that summer is coming to a close. I actually love the season of Autumn, but seem to have a hard time really enjoying it since I know that winter (NOT my favorite!) comes next! How often do we do that? Fail to enjoy what is right in front of us because we are worrying about what comes next?? Yoga practice helps me to remember to savor the moment, to be in the present and to really experience what is in front of me each day.

With that said....September is almost here! I have 2 free/donation based classes that I will offer in September and new class sessions starting in mid-September and in October. As you leave the less structured days of summer, and head into your fall schedule, make sure you build in some self care and time to "just be", whether that is through a yoga class, quiet meditation at home, or a leisurely walk outdoors.

So, for now, soak up some of the late summer sun...I hope to see many of you in Yoga classes soon!

Peace,
Karen

Tech dependence??!

As most people know, I tend to avoid technology when I can....but now that I am back to work at school (and awaiting a computer) and my home computer has a virus and is out of commission....I feel helpless!!! In a way it can be a nice excuse I s'pose..."oh, no...didn't do it...never got the email"!
For someone like me, who does not like technology...but loves connecting with others...it is hard to be without email etc. So, if you're reading this and wondering why I have not gotten back to that email you sent.....please know that I will do so when I can....I can only kick my kids off "their" computer for short periods of time!!!!
I guess now that I am not obsessively checking email.....I have more time for yoga!!!
Have a great day!

Military Discount!

It's official.....if you are active duty military....or have an immediate family member who is on active duty.....you are encouraged to take my yoga classes at a discount! Please contact me directly via email or phone and I can provide you with details!
Karen: karenyogam@gmail.com or 651-681-1672

Discount for military and families

I have been considering for quite some time how I might provide some support or service to military personnel and their families. As all of us know, a small number of service men and women and their families are sacrificing greatly to support America's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am hoping to offer one or 2 of my fall classes at a discount to military men and women as well as their immediate families. I'll post more when I have further details.
Have a golden day!
:)

5 remembrances

This version of Buddha's 5 remembrances is by Thich Nhat Hanh...

I am of the nature to grow old. There is no escaping growing old.
I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape ill health.
I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death.
All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change. There is no way to avoid being separated from them.
My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions.
My actions are the ground upon which I stand.

The first time I read the above remembrances, I remember thinking "What a bummer!" These statements fly right in the face of my denial about the impermanence of life and my notions that I can somehow escape old age, sadness or feeling bad simply by having good habits and living right!
For about the past week, I have been sick with a cold (which feels especially unfair somehow in the summer!) I admit I have been feeling a bit sorry for myself and have found myself wondering "what I did" to get sick. Our bodies are so amazing...and I know that I take for granted my good health much of the time....and then I feel somewhat ripped off if I suddenly become mildly ill for a few days!!
I do have to admit that the part of the remembrances I like the best is the last statement..."My actions are the ground upon which I stand." I am probably drawn to that statement since it feels like something I can control! Through the practice of yoga, I have found some awareness and at least some brief periods of time when I feel that I am more "in the moment," paying attention to what I am doing and saying and why. Hopefully this helps me behave, speak and listen with a bit more care. It's hard for me to think about all the little ways I am short tempered and speak without really thinking in the course of a day. If my actions are my only belongings....I have some serious work to do!!
Thank goodness for the start of each new day....to begin fresh and move forward...knowing that all I can control is here and now...may my actions be the ground upon which I stand.