Tuesday, March 30, 2010

"it's such a hopeful time of year..."

The quote above is something that was said by one of my students just this morning......we were discussing the beautiful spring weather that has come early to MN this year. As we were talking about springtime and anticipating leaves on trees, she said about spring, "it's such a hopeful time of year".
I just love the sentiment in that phrase. So often we are bogged down by negativity and what we feel is wrong with the world. Once in a while, it is so good to notice and reflect on all that is good, true and beautiful in our lives. Springtime reminds us that seasons change, snow melts and flowers bloom once again.
May you find something beautiful to cherish and be grateful for today!
Peace,
Karen

Thursday, March 25, 2010

March is nearly over.....

and that means that there is another session of yoga that will begin soon at Aslan Institute in Eagan. Class is from 10-11:15am on Tuesday mornings and registration is going on now.

Session dates: Tuesday's April 6th-May 11th
Address: Aslan Institute, 4141 Old Sibley Memorial Highway (near Highway 13 and Diffley Rd)
Cost:$60

Call me or email me if you have questions or want to register!
Namaste,

Karen
651-681-1672
karenyogam@gmail.com

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Yoga teaching on a Humid Morning in Mexico!

This was my yoga class space while I was teaching in Mexico....kind of a multi purpose area.....disco and bar by nite, massages at midday, and yoga space in the morning! I am facing the open wall that looks out at the ocean.....so there was a great view and ocean breezes each day. Makes me wistful for outdoor yoga in MN!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

First Day of Spring!

Enjoy the sunshine and wonderful weather this weekend! While it may not be as warm as it was earlier in the week, it is still pretty fantastic weather for March in MN!!
Just a reminder that there is NO class at Advent UMC this Monday March 22 due to the ISD 196 Spring Break. Look for details on a new session on Tuesday mornings at Aslan Institute (to begin the first week of April) coming soon.
Peace,
Karen

Monday, March 15, 2010

details

Just a reminder that if you are enrolled in either of my community classes (Aslan Institute or Advent United Methodist Church) you may make up a missed class at the other location. I am not able to provide refunds, so this is one way to get your money's worth if you end up missing a class or 2! See the class listings on the side of the page for dates/times of classes for the current session. Also....if you have a friend or neighbor interested in trying out a class....they can come to a class for a $12 drop in fee.
Peace,
Karen

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

From: "A right to BARE arms"

Read this portion of an article from the GAIAM LIFE blog written by Rodney Yee.....while I do not do yoga as a practice for building strong muscles, it is a nice side benefit!!! Read below about the positives of working against gravity with your own body weight as a way to build strength and tone muscles through yoga practice!

Unlike weight lifting, which tends to contract and shorten muscles, creating a bulkier look, yoga develops a long, defined and fluid physique through isometric poses that activate muscles while maintaining their length. This kind of resistance work encourages lean, “touchable” arms — the kind you want to show off all year long.
Graceful, defined muscles are simply a byproduct of any well-rounded yoga practice, says renowned yoga master
Rodney Yee, who has studied the discipline for 30 years. “Moving your body in space is lifting weights. When you load the arms with your natural body weight, you are essentially lifting weights.”
He suggests that lifting free weights, for example, to
sculpt the upper body may be too specific. Practicing yoga, on the other hand, helps the arms work in coordination — and therefore look more in proportion — with the rest of the body. “What you’re talking about is the whole look: the arms in relationship with the rest of the body.”
While a holistic yoga practice is integral to helping build proportional
strength and definition, there are a number of ways that you can focus additional attention on yoga poses that strengthen and tone the arms, or modify certain movements to challenge and build strength in the upper body.