I just read a nice article in today's Star Tribune about being extraordinary. The article reviews some ideas about getting in touch with your gifts and ways to focus in on what you are really good at.
When you are on your mat and in yoga practice this week, use some of that "me time" to be open to new ways of thinking about your talents and gifts and where they might lead. The world is in need of what you have to offer...don't hold back!
Have a peaceful and extreordinary day!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Breath and Inquiry
While in a yoga studio this weekend, I listened to the teacher talked about breath and inquiry. The teacher stated that when we focus on the breath, we slow down the body and the endless chatter of the mind. Once we get quiet, then we can begin to examine or wonder about our own thinking and our beliefs about what is true. When we tell ourselves something over and over again, we begin to accept it as fact and truth, when it is really just a thought. We can inquire and consider the fact that we may have become very attached to ideas that are not necessarily accurate or true.
This week, consider how yoga might help you slow down and get quiet. Give yourself the space to let go of endless criticism, worry, or other thoughts that don't serve you and may not even be true.
This week, consider how yoga might help you slow down and get quiet. Give yourself the space to let go of endless criticism, worry, or other thoughts that don't serve you and may not even be true.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Late fall class dates are set!
New yoga session dates are ready to go!
Advent United Methodist willl have an 8 week class that runs October 22- December 17. Cost for 8 weeks is $65 and the class is held on Monday's from 4:30-5:30pm.
All Saints Lutheran will have a new 6 class session starting on Thursday November 1st through December 13th. The 6 week session is $50 and the class is held Thursday's from 7-8pm.
Join us now and have some built in time just for you as we begin to roll into a busy holiday season!
Peace
Advent United Methodist willl have an 8 week class that runs October 22- December 17. Cost for 8 weeks is $65 and the class is held on Monday's from 4:30-5:30pm.
All Saints Lutheran will have a new 6 class session starting on Thursday November 1st through December 13th. The 6 week session is $50 and the class is held Thursday's from 7-8pm.
Join us now and have some built in time just for you as we begin to roll into a busy holiday season!
Peace
Monday, October 8, 2012
Listen to the Body
I went to a yoga training yesterday and wanted to share this quote with all of you:
"If you listen to your body when it whispers, you don't have to hear it scream." (author unknown)
There will be times when we face injury or illness, and despite all of our efforts, some 'ill health' is unavoidable. On the other hand, there is so much that we can do to aid our own health, through good diet, rest, relaxation, and exercise. A yoga practice can be that time to listen to the body, and make adjustments to our lifestyle so that we can be as healthy as we can be. Too often we ignore our bodies messages and only when they have grown to large problems, do we stop to address them.
Use your yoga practice to be more aware. Be present and mindful and open to what your body is trying to tell you.
"If you listen to your body when it whispers, you don't have to hear it scream." (author unknown)
There will be times when we face injury or illness, and despite all of our efforts, some 'ill health' is unavoidable. On the other hand, there is so much that we can do to aid our own health, through good diet, rest, relaxation, and exercise. A yoga practice can be that time to listen to the body, and make adjustments to our lifestyle so that we can be as healthy as we can be. Too often we ignore our bodies messages and only when they have grown to large problems, do we stop to address them.
Use your yoga practice to be more aware. Be present and mindful and open to what your body is trying to tell you.
Monday, September 24, 2012
The good life
Too often, when we think of living 'the good life' images of wealth and luxury come to mind. In a recent conversation with a friend, I was reminded again that life is fragile and unpredictable and many people seem to have more than their share of suffering.
What does the good life look like to you? For me, it involves good health and accepting both my bodies limitations and strengths. There is an the old cliche that states "if you don't have your health, you don't have anything". When we face illess or accidents, we come face to face with the understanding that we often take our health and physical abilities for granted. Taking time to feed our bodies well, get good rest, and taking time for exercise and movement are all important to maintaining good health. Yet, even with good habits, we will still face illness. Be as healthy as you can be today, and don't put off happiness or enjoying life until you reach some arbitrary goal. If we spend too much of our time dwelling on the past, or too much time worrying about the future, we miss the opportunity to live fully in the moment.
The good life is also about relationships with others. What would our quality of life be like without personal connections, a sense of belonging, and people that we know are there for us in times of trouble? Take time to listen, take time to make a new friend, take a minute to call someone that you have not talked with in awhile. Invest some time and energy in creating and maintaining personal connections.
Nurture both your own health and your personal relationships. Spend less time thinking about accumulating wealth and "stuff" and more time really and truly living each day. Live a good life!
What does the good life look like to you? For me, it involves good health and accepting both my bodies limitations and strengths. There is an the old cliche that states "if you don't have your health, you don't have anything". When we face illess or accidents, we come face to face with the understanding that we often take our health and physical abilities for granted. Taking time to feed our bodies well, get good rest, and taking time for exercise and movement are all important to maintaining good health. Yet, even with good habits, we will still face illness. Be as healthy as you can be today, and don't put off happiness or enjoying life until you reach some arbitrary goal. If we spend too much of our time dwelling on the past, or too much time worrying about the future, we miss the opportunity to live fully in the moment.
The good life is also about relationships with others. What would our quality of life be like without personal connections, a sense of belonging, and people that we know are there for us in times of trouble? Take time to listen, take time to make a new friend, take a minute to call someone that you have not talked with in awhile. Invest some time and energy in creating and maintaining personal connections.
Nurture both your own health and your personal relationships. Spend less time thinking about accumulating wealth and "stuff" and more time really and truly living each day. Live a good life!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Props!
In many yoga studios, you will find props like blankets, bolsters, straps, and blocks. All of these tools are meant to help you find a healthy and safe expression in various yoga postures. For example, propping the hips a bit by sitting on a folded blanket will help you to sit tall, and as a result, may help you find a deeper spinal twist than you can do if your back is collapsed or rounded. Props are for beginners and advanced practitioners alike, so don't be afraid to try them out.
Another lovely prop is an eye pillow...which will allow you to withdraw a bit more from your surroundings and limit visual distractions, enabling you to focus on the breath and releasing more deeply during final relaxation. They are also a great way to ease tension in the forehead that we may not even be aware of.
So....next time a prop is suggested or available...try it out! Let go of your ego that is telling you "I can do the pose without that!" and simply be open to using the prop and observing the body.
Another lovely prop is an eye pillow...which will allow you to withdraw a bit more from your surroundings and limit visual distractions, enabling you to focus on the breath and releasing more deeply during final relaxation. They are also a great way to ease tension in the forehead that we may not even be aware of.
So....next time a prop is suggested or available...try it out! Let go of your ego that is telling you "I can do the pose without that!" and simply be open to using the prop and observing the body.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Mudras
In yoga, mudras (hand gestures or seals) are used to manage and gain awareness of energy in the body. For example, when we bring our hands together in Anjali mudra (hands to heart center) we can feel the energy of the body between the hands and we can bring energy and attention to our heart center.
Next time you practice yoga, pay attention to your energy. Try to move deliberately and with great attention. Use your yoga practice to focus and use your energy in a way that is deliberate and purposeful. Then...see if you can carry that deliberate use of energy with you off of the mat! Be more intentional with your words, your actions, and how you use your energy in daily life.
Next time you practice yoga, pay attention to your energy. Try to move deliberately and with great attention. Use your yoga practice to focus and use your energy in a way that is deliberate and purposeful. Then...see if you can carry that deliberate use of energy with you off of the mat! Be more intentional with your words, your actions, and how you use your energy in daily life.
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