Here it is, December! Yoga Moodra classes are in session this week at all 3 locations. Yoga sessions for 2017 will begin the week of January 9th and all the details can be found on the left side of this blog page. If you're not enrolled in the current session, you can still attend a class this week by paying a $10 drop in fee. Add a bit of time and space for good health and reflection to your busy holiday season. You'll be glad you did!
See you on the mat!
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Monday, November 14, 2016
Kindness
The world needs kindness. Think about it, hopefully you can remember little instances when people were gracious, patient with you, or took a moment to ask you how you were doing. Of course, as humans, we also remember times when others hurt us, shamed us or made us feel inadequate. Choosing to focus on positive interaction can be a real challenge at times, but it can do so much to shape our outlook and improve the lives of others.
I talk about "lovingkindness" in yoga classes because it is such a powerful tool for feeling better and more contented with ourselves. When we feel content and confident and loved, we approach all of our interactions in a softer and more generous way. When we fall or feel wobbly in a yoga pose, we can choose to react with irritation and embarrassment, or we can giggle, or simply start over. Recognizing that all of us feel a bit wobbly and uncertain once in awhile helps us relate to ourselves and others with a bit more softness and compassion.
Our world needs love. Our world needs kindness. Use what you experience on the mat to help you be a loving presence for others. It doesn't need to be dramatic; calling someone by name, helping someone feel comfortable or welcome, waving and smiling at someone as you allow them to merge in front of you in traffic... all of these are small acts that have a big impact. Spread some kindness. You will feel great and so will those around you.
Monday, September 12, 2016
appreciate the little things
Well, just when I thought I would have a bit more time this summer to commit to this blog and other activities, I got a bit side-lined with some health concerns. (No worries, nothing big and earth shattering or scary health-wise....I will be fine).
What any illness or limitation always does is it highlights just how much we take for granted in terms of our physical health and wellbeing. Now that I have some mobility issues in one shoulder, I am keenly aware of the fact that I cannot fully bring both of my arms up and overhead to feel the expansiveness of upward mountain. Heck, even dressing myself can feel painful! A friend of mine recently had a stroke and will be addressing weakness on one side of the body and issues with balance. For most of us, we really don't appreciate the ability to walk and balance until we suddenly lose these skills. When we pause and consider how glorious it is to walk, talk, breathe, find joy in movement, and move throughout our day with strength and ease, our attitude and awareness shifts to all that we take for granted.
So in the midst of a busy fall season, while it may sound trite and simplistic, take a moment to be grateful for your body. Feed it well, care for it, and be so thankful if you are blessed with good health. Healthy habits are great, but they are also no guarantee that we will never be ill. Cherish the body you are in today and enjoy the gift of breath and movement in whatever ways your body and health will currently support.
May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease.
May all people be happy, may all people be healthy, may all people live with ease.
What any illness or limitation always does is it highlights just how much we take for granted in terms of our physical health and wellbeing. Now that I have some mobility issues in one shoulder, I am keenly aware of the fact that I cannot fully bring both of my arms up and overhead to feel the expansiveness of upward mountain. Heck, even dressing myself can feel painful! A friend of mine recently had a stroke and will be addressing weakness on one side of the body and issues with balance. For most of us, we really don't appreciate the ability to walk and balance until we suddenly lose these skills. When we pause and consider how glorious it is to walk, talk, breathe, find joy in movement, and move throughout our day with strength and ease, our attitude and awareness shifts to all that we take for granted.
So in the midst of a busy fall season, while it may sound trite and simplistic, take a moment to be grateful for your body. Feed it well, care for it, and be so thankful if you are blessed with good health. Healthy habits are great, but they are also no guarantee that we will never be ill. Cherish the body you are in today and enjoy the gift of breath and movement in whatever ways your body and health will currently support.
May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease.
May all people be happy, may all people be healthy, may all people live with ease.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Fall schedule is now set!
Mondays at Advent UMC: class is 4:30-5:30pm and the fall dates are: September 12-October 31.
Tuesdays at Glendale UMC: class is 4:30-5:30pm and the dates are: September 20-October 25.
Thursdays at All Saints: class is from 7-8pm and the dates are: Sept 8, 29, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 (no class on Sept 15 or 22).
Mondays at Advent UMC: class is 4:30-5:30pm and the fall dates are: September 12-October 31.
Tuesdays at Glendale UMC: class is 4:30-5:30pm and the dates are: September 20-October 25.
Thursdays at All Saints: class is from 7-8pm and the dates are: Sept 8, 29, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 (no class on Sept 15 or 22).
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Right speech
Often we close yoga classes with considering peaceful thought, peaceful and truthful words, and peaceful, compassionate, and just action. I thought I would share the Buddhist tradition of "right speech" (principles that are a part of all world religions if you think about it). When speaking, consider if your words are given:
at the right time
with compassion
are truthful
have benefit
and are spoken from a place of goodwill
It can be easy to fall into habits of using our words for gossip, criticism, judgment, and put downs, especially when we are feeling fearful or threatened in some way. Just for today, see if you can speak gently and from a place of good will in all your interactions.
Namaste!
at the right time
with compassion
are truthful
have benefit
and are spoken from a place of goodwill
It can be easy to fall into habits of using our words for gossip, criticism, judgment, and put downs, especially when we are feeling fearful or threatened in some way. Just for today, see if you can speak gently and from a place of good will in all your interactions.
Namaste!
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
July 19
Hi All!
I hope that you enjoyed the 4th of July weekend! Continue to celebrate summer and the beauty of the great outdoors with my upcoming outdoor yoga class on Tuesday evening July 19th.
The outdoor yoga class will be held rain or shine; we can move indoors if the weather does not cooperate. This class benefits our local food shelf called Open Door. Please bring a donation of food items/$10 per person. All proceeds will go to help out our neighbors in need!
Class date: Tuesday July 19 2016
Class location: On the lawn at All Saints Lutheran Church (3810 Lexington Ave S, Eagan)
Class time: 6:30-7:30pm
Bring a yoga mat or beach towel, water, and bug spray if you think you'll need it!
Good Karma! Good Cause! Good Times!
I hope that you enjoyed the 4th of July weekend! Continue to celebrate summer and the beauty of the great outdoors with my upcoming outdoor yoga class on Tuesday evening July 19th.
The outdoor yoga class will be held rain or shine; we can move indoors if the weather does not cooperate. This class benefits our local food shelf called Open Door. Please bring a donation of food items/$10 per person. All proceeds will go to help out our neighbors in need!
Class date: Tuesday July 19 2016
Class location: On the lawn at All Saints Lutheran Church (3810 Lexington Ave S, Eagan)
Class time: 6:30-7:30pm
Bring a yoga mat or beach towel, water, and bug spray if you think you'll need it!
Good Karma! Good Cause! Good Times!
Thursday, June 30, 2016
FEAR
Certain things scare me. I am unnerved by what I cannot predict and control. Violence and cruelty make me want to run or look away. Yet, I do not consider myself a fearful person and I believe that when we react to fear with anger and aggression, we create more fear. I've been thinking about the idea of fear and its opposites: strength and love. It can be hard to reach out in love if you are feeling frightened or vulnerable, so what to do?
You already know what I'm going to say, right? Do yoga of course! Maybe that sounds like a simplistic answer to difficult and seemingly insurmountable troubles, but really and truly I think yoga is the cure for what ails us. Yoga teaches us that we can bend and move and breath in ways that we would never have considered. Yoga provides flexibility in body AND mind, so it is perfect for helping us step back, enabling us to listen and discern and learn.
So when you start to feel that the bad news of the day is just too much, I encourage you to get on the mat. Use your yoga practice as a starting place to be still and allow the wisdom within you to show you what your next steps might be. Do some powerful Ujahi breathing, stand in your strength in a few warrior poses, and see what comes. At the very least, it will get you out of your head and into your wise body. Any warrior pose can help you feel stronger, more grounded, more confident. You'll be in touch with your own breath, finding quiet, feeling spacious, and developing strength and capacity. Nothing says "Hey, I'm here, I am standing strong and have a right to be here" like a Warrior Pose. And what is a warrior anyway? Is a warrior someone that jumps into every battle, or is a true warrior a strong, quiet, patient individual who waits and acts with conviction and integrity and thought-out precision?
See if your yoga practice helps you feel stronger and steadier. See if it helps you discover what is truly valuable and important to you. Then take the next step and go out and be a Warrior for what you believe in. Move from a place of love and wisdom, not fearful impulse or judgment. Be strong and confident and open to learning and listening. Be a warrior for peace and love and a model to others who are fearful and looking for someone to show them how to stand in their own strength.
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Just a reminder.....
No yoga classes this week at either site! Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July week! Take a few moments to connect with your breath and be thankful for the freedoms you enjoy. Be well.
Sunday, June 19, 2016
One Month Away.....
Wow....Summer is now moving full speed ahead!
Make sure you take some time for yoga this summer. One of my favorite things is to practice yoga outdoors, so I am holding a "second annual" outdoor yoga class to raise money and donations for the local Eagan food shelf called Open Door. The class is now one month away, so be sure to mark your calendars so that you can participate.
Here are the details:
Tuesday evening July 19 6:30-7:30pm
On the lawn at All Saints Lutheran Church, 3810 Lexington Ave S, Eagan MN
Suggested donation:$10 per person and items for the food shelf
Men, women, and youth 14+ are encouraged to attend
Rain or shine (we'll move indoors if the weather doesn't cooperate)
Bring a yoga mat or beach towel, water, and a smile!
Make sure you take some time for yoga this summer. One of my favorite things is to practice yoga outdoors, so I am holding a "second annual" outdoor yoga class to raise money and donations for the local Eagan food shelf called Open Door. The class is now one month away, so be sure to mark your calendars so that you can participate.
Here are the details:
Tuesday evening July 19 6:30-7:30pm
On the lawn at All Saints Lutheran Church, 3810 Lexington Ave S, Eagan MN
Suggested donation:$10 per person and items for the food shelf
Men, women, and youth 14+ are encouraged to attend
Rain or shine (we'll move indoors if the weather doesn't cooperate)
Bring a yoga mat or beach towel, water, and a smile!
Monday, June 13, 2016
Peace, Love, Yoga!
As is true for all of us, my heart is heavy after yet another deadly shooting of innocent people. I hope and pray that this time will be the "tipping point," when good people collectively shout ENOUGH!
May we all speak calmly and reasonably to one another. May we seek to understand various ideas and perspectives and to try to make a difference to end the senseless violence.
For now, I pray for guidance. I will return to my yoga mat to practice being still and quiet, trying to discern and be open to how I can individually be part of a larger solution. Yoga is about unity: a bringing together of body, mind, and spirit. It is about shared community and an understanding that we are deeply connected to one another as a human family. So I will begin with my own yoga practice as a way to seek peace and deeper understanding.
May we all work for peace. May we find ways to love and support one another over feeling frightened and separate. Small things done with great love are important and make a difference.
May all people be happy. May all people be healthy. May all people live in peace.
May we all speak calmly and reasonably to one another. May we seek to understand various ideas and perspectives and to try to make a difference to end the senseless violence.
For now, I pray for guidance. I will return to my yoga mat to practice being still and quiet, trying to discern and be open to how I can individually be part of a larger solution. Yoga is about unity: a bringing together of body, mind, and spirit. It is about shared community and an understanding that we are deeply connected to one another as a human family. So I will begin with my own yoga practice as a way to seek peace and deeper understanding.
May we all work for peace. May we find ways to love and support one another over feeling frightened and separate. Small things done with great love are important and make a difference.
May all people be happy. May all people be healthy. May all people live in peace.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Form and Asana
Some of you may wonder why I talk and provide so much verbal cueing related to the tiny details of yoga poses in class. I wonder sometimes if this gets misinterpreted to mean that if somehow you managed to get each detail "just so" then it means that you are a good and accomplished yogi. I have said, and maybe don't say it enough, that there is no such thing as a perfect yoga pose. Sadly, magazines and Instagram pics of skilled yogis may reinforce this idea that rocking an asana or yoga pose means you are somehow a more proficient or closer to perfect yogi than someone else.
I cue little details of poses for a couple of reasons: one, for safety. Good alignment and basic body mechanics will help to avoid injury. My number one goal as a yoga teacher is to provide a positive yoga experience in which everyone leaves class feeling better than when they arrived. So this goal is not realized if students feel overly sore or injured after completing a class.
The second reason for all this cuing and detail, and one that is much less important to me, is that if you practice postures in optimal alignment, then you get more bang for your buck. In other words, you use and build muscles more effectively or get a better stretch. Again, I would rather see my students enjoying a class and feeling good about their body and practice over attempting to make sure everyone gets a "good workout." That's only one aspect of a yoga practice; yes, it can help us build strength, stamina and flexibility, but I am going for contentment, stress relief, and peace of mind as well!
The third idea behind all of these verbal cues about good form is about trying to get students to pay attention to sensation and how their bodies feel in a particular pose. In the world of trauma-informed yoga, instructors are taught to invite students to try out a form rather than naming and describing a yoga posture at all. The idea is to allow students to make their own decisions about how and if they will move their bodies and giving control back to the individual who has experienced victimization by someone who exerted power and control over them. So cues are about choices, and staying present with body sensation. I like these concepts as I think all of us can benefit from feeling good about our bodies, making choices and decisions that make sense for us, and providing room for variations in our practices on the mat. I love nothing more than seeing a variety of movements and postures in my classes as it tells me that people are honoring their bodies and paying attention to their own practice.
I hope to always make it clear that everything is optional in class. Feeling pushed, coerced, or urged to compete with other students in the room moves us away from yoga's power to change us in subtle ways, from the inside out.
Please feel free to share with me if there are ways that I can make you feel more comfortable in class. My goal is to provide a safe experience, in body, mind and spirit and I am open to feedback about how to effectively provide this for you. Thanks for your participation and the warmth and energy that you bring with you to class!
I cue little details of poses for a couple of reasons: one, for safety. Good alignment and basic body mechanics will help to avoid injury. My number one goal as a yoga teacher is to provide a positive yoga experience in which everyone leaves class feeling better than when they arrived. So this goal is not realized if students feel overly sore or injured after completing a class.
The second reason for all this cuing and detail, and one that is much less important to me, is that if you practice postures in optimal alignment, then you get more bang for your buck. In other words, you use and build muscles more effectively or get a better stretch. Again, I would rather see my students enjoying a class and feeling good about their body and practice over attempting to make sure everyone gets a "good workout." That's only one aspect of a yoga practice; yes, it can help us build strength, stamina and flexibility, but I am going for contentment, stress relief, and peace of mind as well!
The third idea behind all of these verbal cues about good form is about trying to get students to pay attention to sensation and how their bodies feel in a particular pose. In the world of trauma-informed yoga, instructors are taught to invite students to try out a form rather than naming and describing a yoga posture at all. The idea is to allow students to make their own decisions about how and if they will move their bodies and giving control back to the individual who has experienced victimization by someone who exerted power and control over them. So cues are about choices, and staying present with body sensation. I like these concepts as I think all of us can benefit from feeling good about our bodies, making choices and decisions that make sense for us, and providing room for variations in our practices on the mat. I love nothing more than seeing a variety of movements and postures in my classes as it tells me that people are honoring their bodies and paying attention to their own practice.
I hope to always make it clear that everything is optional in class. Feeling pushed, coerced, or urged to compete with other students in the room moves us away from yoga's power to change us in subtle ways, from the inside out.
Please feel free to share with me if there are ways that I can make you feel more comfortable in class. My goal is to provide a safe experience, in body, mind and spirit and I am open to feedback about how to effectively provide this for you. Thanks for your participation and the warmth and energy that you bring with you to class!
Monday, May 23, 2016
The Land of Good Intentions!
Yikes! It has been a month since I updated this blog! Holy procrastination! I will try, once again, to turn over a new leaf and be more predictable and consistent with my updates.
Several cool things to announce:
Yoga Moodra will have 2 summer-time classes running in June and July of 2016. Monday's class at Advent UMC will start their 5 class summer session in 2 weeks: June 6-July 25 (no class on 6/27, 7/4, and 7/11). Thursday's class at All Saints Lutheran will meet for 6 weeks running June 9-July 21 (no class on June 30).
Yoga Moodra will hold a donation based community outdoor yoga class on Tuesday evening July 19th at 6:30pm on the lawn of All Saints Lutheran in Eagan. Suggested donation: $10 and/or food items to be donated to the local food shelf, Open Door. Come and do some yoga outside, celebrate summer, and support a good cause!
Yoga Moodra has expanded its online presence in a number of ways! As some of you know, Yoga Moodra now has a website! Go to www.yoga-moodra.com or use the website button on this blog page to take you there. I also have a yoga teacher listing with my class information on a website called YogaTrail. Have a look and become a follower! When I get new followers and reviews on that site, I get credits to post information about events and workshops, so I'd love your support there. Thanks to those of you who "follow" already! Yoga Moodra also has a Facebook page, so check that out too! From time to time, I also list classes and special events on the Eagan Patch and Savage Pacer news sites. Let me know what formats and locations you find the most useful and user friendly. The goal is to communicate with students and those who are curious about getting started with a yoga practice, so let me know if you think there are ways I could communicate more effectively.
Summer is fast approaching....thanks for your interest and participation in yoga. Make sure that you save some time in your busy summer schedule to bend and breathe!
Several cool things to announce:
Yoga Moodra will have 2 summer-time classes running in June and July of 2016. Monday's class at Advent UMC will start their 5 class summer session in 2 weeks: June 6-July 25 (no class on 6/27, 7/4, and 7/11). Thursday's class at All Saints Lutheran will meet for 6 weeks running June 9-July 21 (no class on June 30).
Yoga Moodra will hold a donation based community outdoor yoga class on Tuesday evening July 19th at 6:30pm on the lawn of All Saints Lutheran in Eagan. Suggested donation: $10 and/or food items to be donated to the local food shelf, Open Door. Come and do some yoga outside, celebrate summer, and support a good cause!
Yoga Moodra has expanded its online presence in a number of ways! As some of you know, Yoga Moodra now has a website! Go to www.yoga-moodra.com or use the website button on this blog page to take you there. I also have a yoga teacher listing with my class information on a website called YogaTrail. Have a look and become a follower! When I get new followers and reviews on that site, I get credits to post information about events and workshops, so I'd love your support there. Thanks to those of you who "follow" already! Yoga Moodra also has a Facebook page, so check that out too! From time to time, I also list classes and special events on the Eagan Patch and Savage Pacer news sites. Let me know what formats and locations you find the most useful and user friendly. The goal is to communicate with students and those who are curious about getting started with a yoga practice, so let me know if you think there are ways I could communicate more effectively.
Summer is fast approaching....thanks for your interest and participation in yoga. Make sure that you save some time in your busy summer schedule to bend and breathe!
Monday, April 25, 2016
New sessions!
Just a quick reminder that the Thursday evening Yoga Moodra class at All Saints Lutheran in Eagan has a new session starting this week: April 28. The Tuesday class at Glendale United Methodist in Savage has a new session starting next week: May 3. See the left side-bar for class dates/details. My website has class dates posted as well at www.yoga-moodra.com. Or click on the 'website' button at the top left of the page to go to the website directly! Cool, huh?
See you on the mat!
See you on the mat!
Monday, April 18, 2016
5 reasons why Yoga is done in bare feet!
New students in my yoga classes often keep their socks on! Eventually, they usually follow the rest of the group and join in with bare feet (and of course, it is always a choice!). But some of you might be wondering....why is yoga done with bare feet? Here are 5 reasons why!
1. Being barefoot allows us to strengthen the feet
Most shoes, and especially athletic shoes, are designed to support and cushion the foot, which is great, but that cushioning effect sometimes prevents stretches and movement that strengthen our feet.
2. Stability
Socks can be slippery! Standing yoga postures need a firm connection to the floor so that you can feel stable and steady in your practice. Yoga mats are made "sticky" for this same reason. We risk injury if we suddenly slip and slide! If your feet are cold or you have some other need to keep your feet covered, then some grippy toe socks are your best bet so that you keep your feet firmly where you put em!
3. Pada Bandha.
Pada what??? A bandha in yoga is a "lock" or "seal" and Pada Bandha is a foot lock. When we feel the feet firmly grounding us to the earth by spreading the toes and lifting the arch a bit in our feet, we root or find stability for the rest of our system. This foot lock or seal cannot be done in a shoe; we need to feel connected to the floor and the earth below us to feel stable, grounded, and supported as we go on to build any standing asana or posture.
4. Respectful transition
Many of us take off our shoes when we enter our homes in order to keep dirt and grime from being tracked into our living space. Taking off our shoes in yoga is a sign of respect as we transition to our mats and shift from being out in the gritty world to being fully present and ready for yoga practice. One other note, it is good manners to avoid walking on anyone else's mat. By doing so, you respect the cleanliness of another student's mat and you recognize a boundary that says 'that's your space.'
5. No special equipment required
Yoga is a practice that has been around for centuries....long before many people owned or wore shoes or socks! Ultimately, yoga is a simple practice for living that we should be able to do anywhere. Sticky mats, blocks, straps, cushions, cute yoga pants and all the rest are mainly creature comforts that we have added along the way to make our yoga practice more comfortable. There's nothing wrong with comfort, but remember that you don't need special footwear or anything else to practice yoga.
1. Being barefoot allows us to strengthen the feet
Most shoes, and especially athletic shoes, are designed to support and cushion the foot, which is great, but that cushioning effect sometimes prevents stretches and movement that strengthen our feet.
2. Stability
Socks can be slippery! Standing yoga postures need a firm connection to the floor so that you can feel stable and steady in your practice. Yoga mats are made "sticky" for this same reason. We risk injury if we suddenly slip and slide! If your feet are cold or you have some other need to keep your feet covered, then some grippy toe socks are your best bet so that you keep your feet firmly where you put em!
3. Pada Bandha.
Pada what??? A bandha in yoga is a "lock" or "seal" and Pada Bandha is a foot lock. When we feel the feet firmly grounding us to the earth by spreading the toes and lifting the arch a bit in our feet, we root or find stability for the rest of our system. This foot lock or seal cannot be done in a shoe; we need to feel connected to the floor and the earth below us to feel stable, grounded, and supported as we go on to build any standing asana or posture.
4. Respectful transition
Many of us take off our shoes when we enter our homes in order to keep dirt and grime from being tracked into our living space. Taking off our shoes in yoga is a sign of respect as we transition to our mats and shift from being out in the gritty world to being fully present and ready for yoga practice. One other note, it is good manners to avoid walking on anyone else's mat. By doing so, you respect the cleanliness of another student's mat and you recognize a boundary that says 'that's your space.'
5. No special equipment required
Yoga is a practice that has been around for centuries....long before many people owned or wore shoes or socks! Ultimately, yoga is a simple practice for living that we should be able to do anywhere. Sticky mats, blocks, straps, cushions, cute yoga pants and all the rest are mainly creature comforts that we have added along the way to make our yoga practice more comfortable. There's nothing wrong with comfort, but remember that you don't need special footwear or anything else to practice yoga.
Monday, April 4, 2016
Connections
Here's a marvelous quote that I want to share:
"When the heart is right, 'for' and 'against' are forgotten." Thomas Merton
So often in our lives, we get sucked into the mindset that some of us are "right" and some of us are "wrong." There is simply way too much time spent in comparison and contrast. Whether we are comparing our bodies to those of others, or comparing ideas and bickering or getting indignant about the fact that others disagree with us, we get pretty caught up in seeing what is different and distancing as opposed to what is shared or common between us.
When you spend some time on your yoga mat, remind yourself that yoga is not just a practice meant to "yoke" or bring union to the various parts of ourselves; it is also a practice that helps us get in touch with our sameness and our connection to all living beings. When we see that we all have strengths and we all have weaknesses, we can approach our interactions with more softness and compassion.
Get your heart "right" and watch as it helps you move through the day with more grace and a sense of connection to all.
"When the heart is right, 'for' and 'against' are forgotten." Thomas Merton
So often in our lives, we get sucked into the mindset that some of us are "right" and some of us are "wrong." There is simply way too much time spent in comparison and contrast. Whether we are comparing our bodies to those of others, or comparing ideas and bickering or getting indignant about the fact that others disagree with us, we get pretty caught up in seeing what is different and distancing as opposed to what is shared or common between us.
When you spend some time on your yoga mat, remind yourself that yoga is not just a practice meant to "yoke" or bring union to the various parts of ourselves; it is also a practice that helps us get in touch with our sameness and our connection to all living beings. When we see that we all have strengths and we all have weaknesses, we can approach our interactions with more softness and compassion.
Get your heart "right" and watch as it helps you move through the day with more grace and a sense of connection to all.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Lose the Body Shaming!
There's a weight loss commercial that has been running now that irks me every time that I see it. A certain spokesperson says "As women, we carry it here and here.....don't ya hate it?" Personally, I hate that commercial! Look at the message it sends: as WOMEN (note, it is not directed at men. That's another rant for another day) there is something likely wrong with our bodies...and we should HATE it. Yuck.
I am all for healthy living and working toward maintaining a healthy weight, but when diet programs and supplements are sold by telling women that they should hate their bodies and how they look, I get mad. I think we are far more likely to make positive and life-long healthy changes when we honor and treasure the bodies that we have been given.
The word Namaste, that is used to close most yoga classes everywhere, roughly translates to mean 'the light of the divine in me, recognizes and honors the light and divine in you.' Divine light....sounds pretty fabulous and miraculous to me. If we all have this light at our essence, then how can we be so cruel to ourselves and others with our body shaming and judgments?
The next time you find yourself saying something negative about your own body: STOP. Try to replace it with a statement that is neutral or positive. If you recognize that you have not been treating yourself well by eating too much, being too sedentary, etc, then see if you can name in a positive way one thing you will do to improve. Your body is the vessel that you have been given to walk around in during your time on earth. Treat your body with respect and care so that you can live a healthy, long, and productive life, letting that divine light that lies within to shine brightly in the world.
Here's a lovely quote from Rumi that speaks to our our own true beauty, our gorgeous and sparkling light:
"Why do you run from room to room, searching for the diamond necklace that is already around your neck?"
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Yoga and Back Health
Those of you who have taken yoga from me for awhile have probably heard me mention that many of the postures in yoga are often used by physical therapists and other health professionals to rehab and strengthen the back. I was just looking through a magazine today and saw yet another "back health" article and guess what? Only one stretch on the list was NOT a yoga posture! They might call them something new, but yup, it's yoga!
So next time you are on the mat, whether you have back concerns or not, know that you are doing something that not only improves strength, flexibility, and peace of mind; you are also working on all the muscle groups that support posture and a healthy back. No time to get to class today? Surely you have a few minutes for cat/cow, some bridge rolls and a spinal twist!
Remember the saying, 'you're only as healthy as your spine.'
So next time you are on the mat, whether you have back concerns or not, know that you are doing something that not only improves strength, flexibility, and peace of mind; you are also working on all the muscle groups that support posture and a healthy back. No time to get to class today? Surely you have a few minutes for cat/cow, some bridge rolls and a spinal twist!
Remember the saying, 'you're only as healthy as your spine.'
Monday, March 14, 2016
Staying Present
Today I am going to keep it simple (yet it's hard to do!). I am going to try to stay 'present' and not overthink the day by getting caught up in worries about the future or re-hashing the events of the past. I am going to try to slow down and be aware by staying connected to my breath and focused on what I can do today.
Expect this theme of patient presence in yoga classes this week. I'm guessing that I am not the only one that has a tendency to get caught up in over-thinking or trying to over plan the day! May your day be peaceful and productive. Enjoy and savor what today has to offer!
Expect this theme of patient presence in yoga classes this week. I'm guessing that I am not the only one that has a tendency to get caught up in over-thinking or trying to over plan the day! May your day be peaceful and productive. Enjoy and savor what today has to offer!
Friday, March 11, 2016
Restraint
This is an excerpt from an article by Deborah Adele on the Yamas by Patanjali.
"Perhaps these are the things Patanjali considered when he laid out the eight-limbed path. The way to move from suffering to freedom, he tells us, is to begin with the yamas, or restraints. We don’t begin the path with grandiose attempts to be something we’re not. Instead we begin by stopping ourselves from being who we are: careless participators in the pain and suffering of the world. In the way a court restraining order protects someone from the abuse of another, Patanjali asks us to place a restraining order on ourselves to keep us from causing harm to anyone."
It's not often that we as individuals are asked to consider how we might be creating pain and suffering in our world. Usually, it is just the opposite; that we are looking externally for those people or things that are hurting or harming us in some way. I can't help but wonder what kind of community or world we would live in if we all were more mindful of our thoughts, words and behaviors and took a bit of time to reflect on their possible impact.
I keep coming back to yoga practice for a variety of reasons, but one of the reasons is that yoga helps me find a place of calm and provides space for me to reflect and be quiet. I start to let go of some my need to rush, some of my need to control things around me, and some of my need to judge and criticize events and other people. Yoga helps me find some restraint and allows me to be less reactive in times of stress.
How can I try out this yama in daily life? Evey time I feel irritated or a bit miffed, I can try to breathe and pause and decide how to respond with quiet strength rather than lashing out or getting angry. This is a pretty countercultural idea as the theme in recent days (especially when observing our political process) is to find fault, to name call, and to generally tear down everyone who might disagree with us. I am going to work on moving from suffering to freedom by trying to be more mindful and aware of how my own words and actions can be a force for good and for reconciliation.
May you have a peaceful and non violent day, full of restraint and compassion for yourself and others.
"Perhaps these are the things Patanjali considered when he laid out the eight-limbed path. The way to move from suffering to freedom, he tells us, is to begin with the yamas, or restraints. We don’t begin the path with grandiose attempts to be something we’re not. Instead we begin by stopping ourselves from being who we are: careless participators in the pain and suffering of the world. In the way a court restraining order protects someone from the abuse of another, Patanjali asks us to place a restraining order on ourselves to keep us from causing harm to anyone."
It's not often that we as individuals are asked to consider how we might be creating pain and suffering in our world. Usually, it is just the opposite; that we are looking externally for those people or things that are hurting or harming us in some way. I can't help but wonder what kind of community or world we would live in if we all were more mindful of our thoughts, words and behaviors and took a bit of time to reflect on their possible impact.
I keep coming back to yoga practice for a variety of reasons, but one of the reasons is that yoga helps me find a place of calm and provides space for me to reflect and be quiet. I start to let go of some my need to rush, some of my need to control things around me, and some of my need to judge and criticize events and other people. Yoga helps me find some restraint and allows me to be less reactive in times of stress.
How can I try out this yama in daily life? Evey time I feel irritated or a bit miffed, I can try to breathe and pause and decide how to respond with quiet strength rather than lashing out or getting angry. This is a pretty countercultural idea as the theme in recent days (especially when observing our political process) is to find fault, to name call, and to generally tear down everyone who might disagree with us. I am going to work on moving from suffering to freedom by trying to be more mindful and aware of how my own words and actions can be a force for good and for reconciliation.
May you have a peaceful and non violent day, full of restraint and compassion for yourself and others.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Injury
Hey,
Did anyone else notice the similar theme between what I posted earlier today and what I posted at the end of January?? As I have said in class before, I often choose themes for classes that are about concerns or ideas that are emerging in my own life that I then hope resonate and make some sense to others. I guess I have been pondering and struggling with balance these days! I was going to delete my earlier post from today when I realized how similar the last 2 were, but decided to leave them so that I could use them as an example!
Those of you that are currently in one of my yoga sessions (new class sessions are starting now, by the way) know that I have backed off from some of the teacher demo parts of class so that I can manage a back issue I am dealing with. I guess it is just part of my nature and physicality that leaves me somewhat prone to injury. I find that I always have to be careful about pushing or practicing too extensively, as it seems that when I hurt myself, I am not aware of it until sometime later. My yoga practice has taught me and continues to teach me about my body and my tendency to injure myself with too much repetition. Too much of a good thing is never a good thing for me!
So, I guess that's the theme of the two posts that I am attempting to share: What has your yoga practice been teaching you? Do you also struggle with balancing life's demands and staying present vs. getting scattered and distracted?
For now, keep breathing, stay present, and see what your practice has to teach you. I'm with you on the journey and learning as I go!
Did anyone else notice the similar theme between what I posted earlier today and what I posted at the end of January?? As I have said in class before, I often choose themes for classes that are about concerns or ideas that are emerging in my own life that I then hope resonate and make some sense to others. I guess I have been pondering and struggling with balance these days! I was going to delete my earlier post from today when I realized how similar the last 2 were, but decided to leave them so that I could use them as an example!
Those of you that are currently in one of my yoga sessions (new class sessions are starting now, by the way) know that I have backed off from some of the teacher demo parts of class so that I can manage a back issue I am dealing with. I guess it is just part of my nature and physicality that leaves me somewhat prone to injury. I find that I always have to be careful about pushing or practicing too extensively, as it seems that when I hurt myself, I am not aware of it until sometime later. My yoga practice has taught me and continues to teach me about my body and my tendency to injure myself with too much repetition. Too much of a good thing is never a good thing for me!
So, I guess that's the theme of the two posts that I am attempting to share: What has your yoga practice been teaching you? Do you also struggle with balancing life's demands and staying present vs. getting scattered and distracted?
For now, keep breathing, stay present, and see what your practice has to teach you. I'm with you on the journey and learning as I go!
Balance
In yoga class this week, I thought we would play with the ideas of effort and ease. For some of us, we don't feel quite right unless we are constantly pushing, rushing, or competing with ourselves or other people. For some of us, we feel vulnerable, frightened, or too embarrassed to really put ourselves out there on the mat or in the world in any substantial way. What if there was a place of balance to be found between these two extremes? We should be able to recognize that there are times when we need to push a bit and test ourselves, and times when we should withdraw for a time to reflect and rest.
As you practice on the mat this week, observe how you respond to the postures/asanas. Yoga has so much that it can teach us, not just about how we approach our physical bodies, but also how we respond to things that feel comfortable or challenging. There is no right or wrong in this, but over time, as we become more aware of our tendencies or typical responses, we can explore them and modify them when necessary. If you're holding back from challenge or effort, maybe there are some small ways to move out of your comfort zone. If you're pressing and insisting and constantly 'leaning into' effort, maybe you can soften and recognize that rest and simplicity also have deep value.
As you practice on the mat this week, observe how you respond to the postures/asanas. Yoga has so much that it can teach us, not just about how we approach our physical bodies, but also how we respond to things that feel comfortable or challenging. There is no right or wrong in this, but over time, as we become more aware of our tendencies or typical responses, we can explore them and modify them when necessary. If you're holding back from challenge or effort, maybe there are some small ways to move out of your comfort zone. If you're pressing and insisting and constantly 'leaning into' effort, maybe you can soften and recognize that rest and simplicity also have deep value.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
On and off the mat
How do you behave and what do you think about when you are 'on the mat?' It's probably a pretty good indicator of who you are 'off the mat.' If you are someone who is constantly pushing or comparing yourself to other yogis, my guess is that you do this in other aspects of life too. If you consider yourself a hard worker, it's probably true that you also work hard on the mat and may have difficulty with modifying postures or tolerating final relaxation. If you rest a bit too often and back off from challenging poses as soon as things get unfamiliar or you feel shaky, do you also back down from challenges in other areas of life? Maybe you are the yogi who is very curious about the hows and whys of yoga asana. Probably means you are an inquisitive type in other aspects of life too. All of us have different personalities and will approach our yoga practice from our own unique vantage point.
Yoga practice is amazing on so many levels. On the mat, we practice strengthening the body, following the breath, and focusing our minds. We can be curious observers of our bodies, our thinking, and our patterns of behavior. Our practice has so much to teach us that can go way beyond the physical postures or how flexible our bodies might be. Yoga is a practice for living because it challenges not just our bodies, but our thinking and behavior too. I know my own practice has given me a safe place to consider my actions and make changes related to how I think and behave. I am a bit less reactive and more aware of my own emotional triggers as a result of my yoga practice.
Feel free to share the ways that yoga has impacted you! I'd love to hear your experiences about what yoga has meant for you both on and off the mat.
Yoga practice is amazing on so many levels. On the mat, we practice strengthening the body, following the breath, and focusing our minds. We can be curious observers of our bodies, our thinking, and our patterns of behavior. Our practice has so much to teach us that can go way beyond the physical postures or how flexible our bodies might be. Yoga is a practice for living because it challenges not just our bodies, but our thinking and behavior too. I know my own practice has given me a safe place to consider my actions and make changes related to how I think and behave. I am a bit less reactive and more aware of my own emotional triggers as a result of my yoga practice.
Feel free to share the ways that yoga has impacted you! I'd love to hear your experiences about what yoga has meant for you both on and off the mat.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Waiting for the day
I read an interesting, but not surprising article in today's paper about the high costs associated with certain chronic health conditions. The article talked about the high cost of treating these conditions (such as heart disease and diabetes) and stated that to reduce costs, we needed to focus more on prevention. Until we start to treat our own health as our highest priority, I am sure that this trend of high cost treatments will continue.
As a yoga teacher and mental health professional, I am waiting for the day when we collectively decide that we can do better by being proactive about our health as opposed to reactive. I am waiting for the day that each of us takes control of our own health by eating better, reducing stress, and increasing our physical activity. Obviously, I am a big believer in the practice of yoga and all of its amazing health benefits. Yoga helps to build strength and flexibility and helps with managing our stress response. Yoga gets us in touch with our physicality and what our bodies truly need.
Of course, we are human, and humans get sick. So no nutrition plan or yoga practice can guarantee a life without chronic illness. With that said, we all have choices we can make daily that either support or work against our good health. The good news is that the practice of yoga is growing by leaps and bounds and people are starting to seek new ways to maintain and improve their overall health. If you have questions about yoga or are unsure about whether or not it might be a helpful practice for you, please get in touch with me. I would love to be your yoga teacher, or help you find a yoga experience that works best for you.
May all people be happy
May all people be healthy
May all people live with ease
As a yoga teacher and mental health professional, I am waiting for the day when we collectively decide that we can do better by being proactive about our health as opposed to reactive. I am waiting for the day that each of us takes control of our own health by eating better, reducing stress, and increasing our physical activity. Obviously, I am a big believer in the practice of yoga and all of its amazing health benefits. Yoga helps to build strength and flexibility and helps with managing our stress response. Yoga gets us in touch with our physicality and what our bodies truly need.
Of course, we are human, and humans get sick. So no nutrition plan or yoga practice can guarantee a life without chronic illness. With that said, we all have choices we can make daily that either support or work against our good health. The good news is that the practice of yoga is growing by leaps and bounds and people are starting to seek new ways to maintain and improve their overall health. If you have questions about yoga or are unsure about whether or not it might be a helpful practice for you, please get in touch with me. I would love to be your yoga teacher, or help you find a yoga experience that works best for you.
May all people be happy
May all people be healthy
May all people live with ease
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Taking the Time
We all like to claim that we are busy people. Busyness is seen as productive and important. As a result, sometimes people use the excuse of "busyness" as a way to avoid good self care, exercise, and healthy habits. I don't know where I first heard the phrase "navel gazing" but I know it was said as a way to express an impatience for those who would choose to take time for things like meditation, introspection, or quiet reflection. Meditation, relaxation and the idea of 'don't just do something, sit there!' kind of flies in the face of our need to look busy, important, and worthwhile to others.
I found this quote today from Max Strom (a yoga teacher and writer) that expresses how important it is that we take the time for healing practices in life:
"When we heal, we become more empathetic, self-less, and sympathetic to the pain and welfare of others. It is our gift to others to heal ourselves."
I hope you value yourself enough to take time for self care and practices that keep you heathy and strong. Do it because you deserve it. Do it because others deserve it and will benefit from your efforts as well.
I found this quote today from Max Strom (a yoga teacher and writer) that expresses how important it is that we take the time for healing practices in life:
"When we heal, we become more empathetic, self-less, and sympathetic to the pain and welfare of others. It is our gift to others to heal ourselves."
I hope you value yourself enough to take time for self care and practices that keep you heathy and strong. Do it because you deserve it. Do it because others deserve it and will benefit from your efforts as well.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Stillness
One of the reasons I love yoga is because it provides a place for stillness. Yes, a yoga practice is full of breathing, stretching, reaching and strengthening, but there is also a space for quiet and stillness.
January in Minnesota is another place for stillness. I'm not a big fan of winter, but I appreciate the small quiet delights of the season, like a snow that falls on a really cold day; it positively sparkles. I love the fact that when the moon is out on a winter night there is so much light! Or, my favorite of all: hoarfrost! That amazing winter wonderland look that coats the trees with frosty beauty. Winter provides so many opportunities for stillness. Listen for the crunchy sound of the snow underfoot (that means it's pretty cold!). Take time to sit and reflect while next to a fire or some candles. Wrap up in a soft blanket and drink hot chocolate or tea. Be still. Don't worry....there's still plenty of time to run around, to be busy, to feel frazzled and frantic. Why not enjoy some stillness while nature leads the way?
January in Minnesota is another place for stillness. I'm not a big fan of winter, but I appreciate the small quiet delights of the season, like a snow that falls on a really cold day; it positively sparkles. I love the fact that when the moon is out on a winter night there is so much light! Or, my favorite of all: hoarfrost! That amazing winter wonderland look that coats the trees with frosty beauty. Winter provides so many opportunities for stillness. Listen for the crunchy sound of the snow underfoot (that means it's pretty cold!). Take time to sit and reflect while next to a fire or some candles. Wrap up in a soft blanket and drink hot chocolate or tea. Be still. Don't worry....there's still plenty of time to run around, to be busy, to feel frazzled and frantic. Why not enjoy some stillness while nature leads the way?
Monday, January 11, 2016
Good Health!
I just emailed and texted with some friends of mine who are lucky enough to have time to spend in Florida each winter. While we tend to associate bad colds and flu with cold winter weather like we are experiencing here in Minnesota, my friends in Florida are all sick!!
My hope is to stay healthy this winter, but I am very aware that this is only partly under my control. I try to sleep well, eat healthy and I wash my hands compulsively during the cold and flu season, but even that will not guarantee that I escape the bugs that are around.
What all of this brings to mind is how IMPORTANT our health is and how much we tend to take it for granted. It is only when we get sick or laid up in some way that we are reminded that our health is precious and should never be taken for granted.
Whether you are someone that has set a New Years Resolution or not, I hope you will consider treating yourself well and doing what you can to maintain and improve your health. While healthy habits are not a guarantee that we will always be healthy, it's our best shot at maintaining our bodies and having the energy to be at our best each day.
May you be happy....may you be healthy!
My hope is to stay healthy this winter, but I am very aware that this is only partly under my control. I try to sleep well, eat healthy and I wash my hands compulsively during the cold and flu season, but even that will not guarantee that I escape the bugs that are around.
What all of this brings to mind is how IMPORTANT our health is and how much we tend to take it for granted. It is only when we get sick or laid up in some way that we are reminded that our health is precious and should never be taken for granted.
Whether you are someone that has set a New Years Resolution or not, I hope you will consider treating yourself well and doing what you can to maintain and improve your health. While healthy habits are not a guarantee that we will always be healthy, it's our best shot at maintaining our bodies and having the energy to be at our best each day.
May you be happy....may you be healthy!
Monday, January 4, 2016
A quote for the New Year!
Here's a quote for the first Monday of the New Year:
"The chief beauty about time is that you cannot waste it in advance. The next year, the next day, the next hour are lying ready for you, as perfect, as unspoiled, as if you had never wasted or misapplied a single moment in all your life. You can turn over a new leaf every hour if you choose." Arnold Bennett
Don't you love this??? Instead of thinking about time from a scarcity perspective, start seeing each moment as a new opportunity.
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Here's to 2016!
Happy New Year Everyone!
As you look ahead to a new year, I hope you are filled with anticipation and ideas and dreams for your future! In the past week, I have been reading a book entitled Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. The book explains that to be "great" and to dare to do bold things, we need to address our fear of vulnerability and our worries that we will fail or be hurt.
I truly believe that my own yoga practice has made me a more confident and braver person. Do I still have anxiety about trying new things or making mistakes? You better believe it! Yet, when I get on the yoga mat, amazing things happen. I open up to my own vulnerability, I breathe deeply, and as I move my body and observe my mind, I find that I can create space for new ways of thinking and being in the world. When I feel shaky and vulnerable on the mat, I am learning that I can slow down, just observe, and be ok. This becomes a perfect metaphor for my life since I tend to rush around, avoiding anything that feels difficult, and then worrying about the future and outcomes that I have no control over.
Who knew that yoga could help with all these things?? It is my hope that more of us can get on the mat and find some space to live a bit more boldly and to dare to share our gifts with the world in a more complete way. Once again, yoga practice shows itself to be so much more than simply physical exercise and movement: it truly is a practice for living that can transform not just your body, but your mind and spirit as well.
Come and do some yoga this year....I dare you to be great in 2016.
As you look ahead to a new year, I hope you are filled with anticipation and ideas and dreams for your future! In the past week, I have been reading a book entitled Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. The book explains that to be "great" and to dare to do bold things, we need to address our fear of vulnerability and our worries that we will fail or be hurt.
I truly believe that my own yoga practice has made me a more confident and braver person. Do I still have anxiety about trying new things or making mistakes? You better believe it! Yet, when I get on the yoga mat, amazing things happen. I open up to my own vulnerability, I breathe deeply, and as I move my body and observe my mind, I find that I can create space for new ways of thinking and being in the world. When I feel shaky and vulnerable on the mat, I am learning that I can slow down, just observe, and be ok. This becomes a perfect metaphor for my life since I tend to rush around, avoiding anything that feels difficult, and then worrying about the future and outcomes that I have no control over.
Who knew that yoga could help with all these things?? It is my hope that more of us can get on the mat and find some space to live a bit more boldly and to dare to share our gifts with the world in a more complete way. Once again, yoga practice shows itself to be so much more than simply physical exercise and movement: it truly is a practice for living that can transform not just your body, but your mind and spirit as well.
Come and do some yoga this year....I dare you to be great in 2016.
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