Sweating!

Those that know me well know that I love the warm weather and spend 75% of my time during the year feeling cold up here in the northland of MN! With the recent warm weather and sunny skies, I feel energized and my feet are not numb from cold!!
The heat can feel great, but we also need to be careful that we don't over-exert and over-heat ourselves. Take outdoor work and exercise more slowly, and try to get that walk or yoga practice in during the morning when it's a bit cooler.
Earlier this week I went out for a walk and then began my yoga practice on the deck. The sun was already blazing at 8:30 am and soon I found myself sweating profusely!! I first told myself that rather than feel irritated by the heat, that I would simply notice my sweat and label it my bodies effort to cool itself. After a few minutes, I also had to tell myself, "aw, c'mon, why push so hard?? This is your first yoga practice in this level of heat" (since my last Bikram class in April!). I realized at that moment the "edge" that is so often talked about in yoga...yes it is fine to challenge yourself and continue to be diligent in practice, but it is also SO important to honor and care for our bodies and give them what they need (which may vary from day to day).
So...get out there and enjoy the summer weather...but practice awareness and lovingkindness so that you don't over do it!
Peace,
Karen

New to Yoga?

A great resource if you find yourself wanting to develop a home practice or to answer an alignment question about a particular yoga pose: Check out Yoga Journal's website (yogajournal.com) and go to "Basics". They review a number of yoga poses and go thru the building blocks of the pose.

Just remember...there is no perfect yoga pose!!! Listen to your body and modify as needed. All of the tips and adjustments are there to do 2 things... to keep your body/joints/muscles safe in a pose, and to help you gain maximum benefit from a pose. Most of us will never be Yoga Journal models...and that's just fine! Let go of judging yourself and compliment yourself instead....you are engaged in the practice and process of yoga!

Summer Classes Update

Sadly, I did not get enough enrollment to run the summer class at Aslan that was due to begin tomorrow (June 17th).
The summer class at Inner Light Healing Center in Lakeville is on! Class begins this Thursday (June 18th) and there would still be time for you procrastinators to get registered!! Call Inner Light at 952-435-4144 to get registered over the phone. Inner Light is located just north of the intersection of Dodd and Cedar Avenue. Please join us if you can!! If you have questions or concerns, send an email, post a question on the blog, or call me directly at 651-681-1672.
Have a golden day!!!
Karen

Tomorrow!

Tomorrow (Monday June 15th) is the deadline to register for my summer yoga offerings at both Inner Light Healing Center in Lakeville and at Aslan Institute in Eagan. Call (651-681-1672) or email me if you have questions or would like to register!
What a wonderful weekend....the weather is beautiful....get outside and take in a bit of sun today! Maybe a few sun salutations from your yard or deck?? Summer in MN is WAY too short to spend it inside! :)
Peace,
Karen

It's June!

Summer is fast approaching....and my summer yoga sessions will be starting soon!!

Yoga at Inner Light Healing Center in Lakeville will be held Thursday mornings beginning June 18th.

Yoga at Aslan Institute begins on Wednesday morning June 17th. Both summer sessions run for 6 weeks and the cost is $70.

If you're like me...summer seems as though there will be plenty of time for trips, chores, and letting go of the typical schedule for awhile. Next thing you know, summer is nearly over and you wonder where the time went! Be pro-active this summer and set aside some time "JUST FOR YOU" to focus on health and wellness by enrolling in a summer yoga class.

For more info, post questions on the blog...or go to:

www.counselingandhealing.com/upcomingeventscalendar.aspx

http://www.aslaninst.com/

Peace!