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!