Almost Mom's Day!

Maybe it's just me...but sometimes I need to drop some serious hints about what I might find nice and meaningful on Mother's Day. If your spouse or kids are looking for a way to "treat" you this year....give them my business card and they can order a certificate for a 6 week yoga class session....or they can purchase some 1:1 yoga instruction time (I offer this in my home for those that want yoga instruction with a personal focus).

If you don't get yoga as a gift....then give it to yourself! Make your personal health and wellness a priority this spring.

Enjoy the sunshine!

Breaking Free

In my classes this week, we will consider all of the ways that we let fear and hesitation dictate our choices. In our yoga practice, we are invited to try new poses and postures...placing our bodies in positions they have not been in before! This can bring up some anxiety...and even fear.
While we need to pay attention and honor whatever our feelings are, how we cope with these challenges can often parallel how we cope with difficult situations we encounter off the mat.

Just for today...consider how you might release and let go of fear just a bit. Let go of assumptions that are not accurate and negative self talk that holds you back from being and doing your best.
Find freedom and space to try new things in your yoga practice this week.

Slowing Down

This weekend, I have been trying to work on a yoga DVD that I can make available to students to use for their home practice. What a lesson in patience! Technology is not my first love...so I struggle with taking the time that I need to learn how to use it effectively. I also have a hard time shifting gears, so when I have it in my head that I am going to accomplish something, it is hard for me to move on and do something else, leaving the original task for another time. Thank goodness for yoga! It allows me time to be on my mat, to let go of whatever irritations of the day have lead me to an impatient and grumpy mood. I can slow down and realize that the things that annoy me are really pretty insignificant in the big scheme of things. Things have a way of getting done eventually....even when I am impatient with the process! So, my intention for today will be to slow down, take my time, and breathe deeply!!

Learning

Lifelong Learning is something that is often discussed and written about. In our technological age, information and innovation is moving faster than ever. It can feel hard to keep up! While I am a big believer in trying to learn new things, it can also be easy to fall into a rut and routine and stay in one's comfort zone.

When we talk about "finding our edge" in yoga....it is all about this very challenge. How do we find the "space" where we are challenging ourselves yet honoring ourselves? How do we find balance between pushing and competition, and becoming passive and simply giving up? Time on my yoga mat allows me to play with these ideas. There are times when I decide I will really take my practice to another level...and then suddenly I find myself with a new ache or pain...my body's way of saying "take your time!!" There are also times when I catch myself just getting complacent and really not doing all that I could be doing in practice or a particular pose.

I think yoga practice has so many parallels to how we live our lives. There are times when we simply push too hard, and other times when we need a bit of a nudge to move out of routine and simply going through the motions. Consider where your energy and learning is today. Find challenges without going too far.....relax and be at peace without getting lazy and out of touch. May this be a day of new learning and exploration!

Happy Spring!

Finally Spring?

It has been a long winter! Time to shed some of the bulky layers and enjoy the springtime sunshine! Each spring, I think we all feel a sense of hope and renewal. We hope to spring clean, clear the clutter, and get outside to enjoy some fresh air.

Our yoga practice can hopefully provide us with a "mini" spring each time we practice. We stretch, breathe and move....and hopefully leave class feeling refreshed and renewed. Let your yoga practice help you get in touch with feeling your best. Release what you no longer need, feel fresh and full of new energy....and BREATHE.