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!