How happy are you??

In the book, "100 Simple Secrets of Happy People" some research by Lyubomirsky in 1994 is referenced. It states: Happy and unhappy people tend to have very similar life experiences. The difference is that the average unhappy person spends more than twice as much time thinking about unpleasant events in their lives, while happy people tend to seek and rely upon information that brightens their personal outlook. I know that my yoga practice makes me a happier person and I hope that the same is true for my students. When we can quiet the mind on our mats, take time to be fully present, and work to accept things just as they are, we can let go of ruminating about the past and feel happier in the here and now. So do some yoga....get happy! :)

New classes in 2014!

Dates are being finalized now for my 2014 yoga classes. I will continue to hold class on Monday's at 4:30 at Advent United Methodist Church in Eagan and on Thursday evenings from 7-8pm at All Saints Lutheran Church in Eagan. Plans are underway to continue my Monday noon-1pm class at Dynamic Journey Massage and Wellness in Burnsville and a brand new class is being planned in Savage: Tuesday's 4:30-5:30pm at Glendale United Methodist Church. Enjoy December....find time to pause, reflect, and simply breathe so that you can make the most of this holiday season! See you on the mat!

Thankful

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving....I hope that all of you will have a moment to consider your blessings and feel grateful this week. I want to let you know that I am SO VERY thankful for each of you! I have said it before, but it bears repeating, it is such a gift and delight to be with you in yoga practice each week. Life is a journey for each of us as we explore how to live one moment and breath at a time. The journey is made easier and sweeter with the company of open hearted people like you! Happy Thanksgiving!

A yoga survey!

If you are a current or former participant in my yoga classes, I invite you to take part in a short 10 question survey. To complete the survey go to survey monkey: Click here to take survey

Accepting what is

I have been reading a book titled "Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change" by Pema Chodron. She writes about the notion of suffering, and in particular, about the fact that the way we choose to think about things impacts how we feel and how we behave. An example of this concept played out for me just yesterday. As I was driving along through town, I was pulled over by the local police for speeding (unintentionally this time, really!!) As I was pulling over, I made a deliberate decision that I was not going to get mad about this event, but rather, I would simply resign myself to the fact that I had been distracted, I had indeed been going too fast, and now I was due for my very first speeding ticket! In the past,an event like this would have really made my blood boil. I would have been irritated and would have spent considerable time thinking that I was having a terrible day and that nothing was going to go right, etc. I like to think that my yoga practice (and Pema Chodron's book) helped me and enabled me to step back from "awfulizing" the situation, by simply accepting the event just as it was. Maybe my calm demeanor is the reason why (or maybe the officer was just feeling generous)I drove away with a warning and no ticket. Who knows! I do know that my day went smoothly and my mood was calmer and more relaxed as a result of simply accepting things as they were as opposed to wishing for circumstances to be different.

Blessed are the flexible

I love this quote: "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape." Michael McGriffy MD Many of us consider our yoga practice as a way to maintain good health and flexibility. We sometimes need to be reminded that as we practice, we are working on mental and emotional flexibility as well. Each time we are on the mat, we have an opportunity to release rigid and judgmental thinking so that we can become more responsive and open as each day unfolds.

a quote for fall

"Autumn is a second spring, where every leaf is a flower" Albert Camus

A commercial

Maybe you've seen it....the commercial for Burlington Coat Factory where different folks walk into a room or situation and verbalize what they hope their clothes are saying about them ("Yup...I'm an artist"..."I am classically handsome" etc!). This always gets me thinking and giggling to myself about how much time we spend wondering about what others think of us! Despite worrying and wondering about what other people are thinking, I am also struck by the idea that I often am so preoccupied and distracted, that I honestly have no awareness about how I may be presenting myself to others. I hope that others see me as a caring and open person, but I am guessing that when I am not "present" that I probably appear as exactly the opposite. I hope that my yoga practice can help me really be focused on the tasks and people right in front of me. Rather than considering how I appear to others in order to feel better myself, I hope that I can work on being 'there' so that others feel recognized and valued.

New Yoga Class offering in Burnsville!

A new yoga class will be starting in Burnsville on Monday October 14th at Dynamic Journey Massage and Wellness (just off 35W and Burnsville Parkway). The class meets from 12-1pm on Monday's and the cost is $55 for 6 weeks of class. If you are interested, don't hesitate...as the class size will be limited to 6 participants!! Email for more information or to get a registration form: karenyogam@gmail.com

Direction

Thought I would share this quote today: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." Henry David Thoreau

Timing

So often, I feel pressured to rush, to hurry, to move faster. When I stop and think about my own behavior, I usually realize that there is no need to hurry.
The yoga mat is my place to learn that there is plenty of time. With each breath I begin to recognize the false pressures that I place on myself and on others. There is so much to experience in the here and now that I simply miss when I begin to rush or try to multi task. My yoga practice reminds me to take a breath...enjoy the moment....there is plenty of time.

Summer's Last Blast!

In July, it felt more like late August or September...now in late August, it feels like July! Don't be deceived! Fall is just around the corner and September usually brings with it a new pace and routine. I am hoping that many of you will be including or coming back to a yoga practice in your fall schedule.

One of the Niyamas in yoga tradition has do with equanimity and contentment (Santosha). Taking each moment and day as it comes, both good and bad, with an even temperament and an ability to let go of our need to try to control events and outcomes. So, as we head into autumn, keep up your practice. Give your body and mind some time to work hard and be challenged, along with time to be still, quiet and aware. Even as schedules shift and seasons change, you can move forward with a sense of calm and contented joy.

See you on the mat!

Fall yoga dates

Sadly, August is here and summer yoga is winding down.....All Saints Lutheran has their last yoga class tonight at 7pm, and Advent will have its last yoga class for the summer on Monday August 12th.

The good news is that with September, many of us get "back into a routine" and find our way back to structured and scheduled ways to care for our health. I have new class dates set for the Thursday evening class at All Saints Lutheran in Eagan: Yoga meets 7-8pm and the fall session will run Sept 5-October 10th.

Enjoy the sunshine and I will hope to see you all on the mat in September!

Hot Yoga!

This morning, after my walk through the neighborhood, I rolled out my yoga mat on our deck and did some sweaty yoga in the early morning sunshine! It felt great! When I was done, my cheeks were flushed and the sweat was dripping...no heated yoga studio necessary!
I know that many people do not like feeling overly warm, and in this heat, it is especially important to stay hydrated and not overdo...but I would encourage you to take your yoga practice outside at some point if you can. There is something about a summer breeze and birds singing that adds an extra bit of delight to each yoga posture. I have often asked my yoga students if they feel that they do better with their balance when they are outside, and almost all will say yes. Maybe we are just more in tune with our bodies and sensation when we are outdoors....or maybe its the novel surroundings that allow us to release tension and negative self talk...I don't have an answer.
Try some outdoor yoga this summer. Let me know how it affects your mood and your physical practice. Summer is waiting....get out there!
Peace

Summer Slowdown???

Summer is often described as "lazy, hazy days" or time to relax and get out of our usual routines. I find that for many people, they feel busier in the summer than they do during the rest of the year. I would guess that some of this might be related to living in MN....our summers are short, and it is easy to get into the mode of trying to cram in every possible outdoor activity or project before the weather changes again.
Try to slow down even when life and summertime seems to be flying by. Yoga can be that place and time when we disengage from the business and busyness of the day and enjoy each moment, each movement, and each breath.
Enjoy the sunshine....summer is finally here!

Being Content

One of the things I love about my yoga practice is the way it keeps me present and grateful. In the busyness of day to day life, I tend to get caught up in feeling like I don't have enough time to get things accomplished. I can get easily annoyed by things that I cannot control, like other people's behavior, traffic jams, or extremes in the weather. Yoga helps me quiet. Yoga helps me release all of the petty annoyances that I encounter and I am able to re-focus on gratitude and being joyful in the present.
Notice, I said nothing about physicality. Yoga is often viewed by westerners as an exercise or stretching program. As I was taught, yoga is a practice for living. I think those of us that are most captivated by yoga are hooked by what the practice brings us on a mental and emotional level, with the strength and flexibility that we gain for our bodies as awesome side benefits.
Why do you do yoga? What about it do you find compelling and healing? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Have a peaceful day!

DVD's available now!

I have a new home practice video ready and available for purchase! The latest DVD is about 35 minutes long and the cost is $5 a copy. I also have a few (less than 10!) copies of the DVD that I created 2 years ago ($5), so if you missed this one the first time around, now is your chance to get a copy.

I should have some dates for summer yoga sessions to post soon. See the class listing at the side of the page for current sessions (Monday class at Advent runs through June 10 and the Thursday class at All Saints will run until June 20...with no class the evening of June 6).

Have a peaceful day!

illness

I hate being sick. Some of you may know that I have been fighting a virus and sinus infection for several weeks. I guess if there is a silver lining, it is that the experience of illness certainly pulls me up short and reminds me that I should never take my health for granted. Eating well, exercising and reducing stress are all good habits to cultivate to stay healthy...so if you have been 'waiting' for the perfect opportunity to get back into yoga or to start a new healthy habit...start now! In these past weeks, I have truly missed my own practice on the mat....and cannot wait to get back to enjoying postures like downward facing dog!!
Here's to good health and sunshine! I hope this finds you happy and healthy and enjoying the warmer days of May.
Peace

Coming soon....

Many of you have been requesting another yoga home practice video. I have completed a new one (and please remember that this is NOT a professionally done video....just me and camera...doing some yoga!) and I should have it available in the next 2 weeks.
As a reminder, if you are not currently signed up for one of my spring yoga sessions, you are always welcome to attend a single class for a $10 drop in fee. Guests and those wanting to try out the class are welcome to attend and pay the drop in fee as well.
Have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend/Fishing Opener! See you on the mat!

New Spring Yoga sessions

A new yoga session will begin tomorrow (Monday April 22) at Advent United Methodist Church in Eagan. Class time is 4:30-5:30pm. Dates for the six week session are: April 22, April 29, May 6, May 13 (skip May 20 and May 27) June 3 and June 10.
Remember, if you are unable to sign up for a full session, you may pay for single classes/drop ins for $10.
One more Thursday evening class (this week 4/25) remains at All Saints Lutheran Church. A new session will begin on Thursday night May 9-June 20 (skip June 6).
Be well....stay warm....and be patient...Spring will arrive eventually!!

Quote of the day....

"The sun was warm but the wind was chill. You know how it is with an April Day." Robert Frost

A Fresh Start!

Spring has certainly been unwilling to get going here in MN! If we wait long enough, eventually we will have warmer temps and the snow will finally melt and become a distant memory.
The changing of the seasons is a good time to renew our commitments, to dust ourselves off and re-focus on things that are important. Longer and sunnier days lend themselves to new energy and a desire to begin anew.
If you have let your yoga practice fall away, it is always possible to return to the mat. Each day and each moment is an opportunity for us to grow, to learn something new, and to start fresh.
May springtime bring a smile to your face and add a bounce to your step. Feel fresh and renewed and full of joy. Happy Spring!

Grace

I don't typically think of myself as a very graceful person, but occassionally during a yoga practice I will feel really connected to the physical. I enjoy getting  in touch with feeling vibrant and flexible and strong. I was reading an article recently in Natural Health magazine and the author of the article, Mary Helen Bowers, wrote this: "....you must treat your body with the care it deserves. Otherwise, you lose a natural connection with your innate gracefulness and athleticism". Wow. How often do I consider myself graceful and athletic??

That's the beauty of a yoga practice....When I am on the mat, I get an opportunity to let go of all the criticism and judgments that I have somehow decided must be true. I can simply enjoy and experience wholeness of body, mind, and spirit. There is no need for competition or thoughts about who is the strongest or best... there is simply time to be present and enjoy and honor my own strengths and gifts.

So, today I will treat myself with love and kindness. I will accept circumstances just as they are. I will remember that I am graceful and getting stronger every day.

Patience

Patience is not my strong suit! I can easily get perturbed by waits in long lines, traffic jams, and other little inconveniences of life. Cultivating patience is probably the primary reason that I do yoga. I still get tweaked and annoyed by seemingly minor things, but each time I practice, I work on releasing that negative energy and I try to find a sense of peace and acceptance of what is.
Just for today, I will try to be patient. As the ancient poet Rumi stated, "Patience is the key to joy".

New yoga opportunities!

I will have new yoga sessions starting in the month of February, so if you sat out the month of January and are eager to get back to your yoga practice...now is the time!

February is when we celebrate Valentine's Day, and while many folks consider it a day to honor romance, it is also a good time to consider love in all its forms. We love our spouses or significant others, but our love can extend to family, neighbors, friends, co-workers, and the larger world. Let's not forget to love ourselves as well. Let your yoga practice this month be about practicing love. Learn to love and be kind. Focus on relationships that are full of caring, forgiveness, commitment and gentleness.

New Class in February!

I will be teaching a new noon-time yoga class entitled Midday Moodra at the Yoga Pioneers studio in Bloomington beginning Tuesday February 5. First class is FREE!! Yoga Pioneers is a lovely studio just off Penn Ave and 494 (off American Blvd behind Kohls, etc). Yoga Pioneers offers hot yoga classes, but my class will be what my students have come to expect from my yoga offerings: a class that is accessible to beginners/all levels, slow flow, with lots of ideas for modifications.You will leave class feeling relaxed and centered. The room temp will be a comfy 75 degrees.

Details: Tuesday's in February beginning Feb 5-Feb 26
Your first Midday Moodra class FREE. Additional classes $10 each or a class from a Yoga Pioneers Package.
Class time is 12-12:45pm to accomodate those that wish to do some yoga over a lunch hour.

Questions?? Let me know...or check out the Yoga Pioneers website at www.YogaPioneers.com
I hope to see you in class!

Winter can be long

I have a hard time with winter. It seems to last a long time and I struggle with my mood and energy level when it is so cold and dark. Yoga reminds me to be present, to release my endless thoughts about how long the dang winter may last, and instead, focus on the present and the gift that it is.
So, just for today, I will try to cultivate a sense of awareness and gratitude and try to accept and surrender to the fact that it is winter in Minnesota! I will feel blessed to do some yoga with all of you, indoors!!
Peace!

Baby it's cold outside!

January can be cold in Minnesota. One of the reasons that I find yoga such a delight this time of the year, is that I can adapt my pace and practice to suit my mood and energy level. Yoga provides some time to be centered and calm,  and it provides time for new flexibility, strength, and warmth.
I love the sense of openness and release that I feel after a yoga practice; a nice contradiction to the restrictive tightness that I feel when I am shivering and cold!
Stay warm this January. Do some yoga...or take a brisk walk outside, go skiing or skating. Do something that brings you a sense of joy and puts a smile on your face.
Warmth, peace and joy to you in 2013!

Back to Reality

If your schedule is at all like mine, then this is your first 'official' week back to work (no days off for holidays, just a full schedule!). I hope that your new routine will include some yoga! Remind yourself that you can start fresh each day...and actually in each moment. Have a great week and I hope to see you in class!