An intentional holiday

The holiday season is officially underway (the retailers were trying to convince us of this since Halloween!) and things can get hectic. Take a moment to reflect about the kind of holiday season you'd like to have. Set an intention that helps you call to mind the kind of season you want. Perhaps this means building in some health and wellness time ( yoga class??!), time for sleep and relaxation, or time well chosen to re-connect with people that are important to you.

Just as we do in class on the mat....see if you can develop a one or 2 word intention that you can use to bring focus and clarity to all of the hustle and bustle. Then breathe and repeat that intention to yourself as you wait in lines at the post office or mall, or when you find yourself spread thin with so many places to be and events to attend.

Remind yourself that once the season is over, most of us do not recall the gifts, what we ate, or how clean the house was....instead, we remember our interactions with others and times that touched our hearts. Think about what touches you, seek to create some memories, and enjoy the holidays!!

See you in yoga class!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Stop and mindfully savor the delicious meal today...and give thanks for food!!

Yoga Research

Not only is yoga growing in popularity as a way to maintain fitness and overall wellness, it is also being researched by the medical community. In today's Star Tribune, an article describes a new research study that will be done through Children's Hospital for kids in cancer treatment. They hope that yoga will provide some of the same benefits to kids that have been researched in adults: a reduction in anxiety and better sleep post cancer treatments with yoga classes.
This is an exciting time to be involved in yoga...those of us who already love it and see its benefits personally, will now also be able to point to research about its effectiveness rather than relying soley on anecdotal information.
Yoga can provide benefits large and small. Just this week I had a yoga student tell me that she'd been experiencing back spasms that afternoon at work. She decided to come to yoga class to see if it might help, and reported after class that her back felt much better and that she slept well that night too. A pretty effective (and affordable!) intervention!!
If yoga has helped you....I'd love to hear about it. Please feel free to post here on the blog...or let me know personally.
Breathe and move...and have a wonderful day!

Counting your blessings....

Now that Thanksgiving is almost here....wanted you all to know that I consider it a privilege and delight to be with you in yoga class!!
My hope is that through yoga, we can all find our way to clear thinking, stable moods, healthy bodies, and a mindful presence that allows us to clearly see how deeply we each are blessed.
I will be counting each of you among my blessings this Thanksgiving!
Be Well...
Karen

Yoga's Popularity

As time goes by, I am more and more impressed with yoga's popularity. Although I have to say that some of the ways that yoga has expanded and gained in popularity kind of bum me out, since I think that sometimes the beauty and essence of yoga gets lost in the "newest exercise craze" whirlwind.
The exciting part of yoga's popularity is that people of all ages and abilities are seeking it out..as a way to help them with fitness and flexibility, but also as a method to reduce stress and find some mental clarity. Whether you are 7 years old or 70...there is a yoga class somewhere for you! I have the unique privilege of being able to teach yoga poses and breath work to kids in an elementary school...and have had students into their early 70's in my classes in the community. I hope to have the opportunity to begin a chair yoga class to bring yoga to an even broader range of students in 2011 as well.
So...amidst the noise and negativity of our current culture....running into people of all ages and from all walks of life in yoga brings me some comfort. People everywhere seek good health, calm bodies and clear minds.
May we all be happy, healthy, and well.....

Retreat Day!

The retreat is complete! My sincere thanks to each of you who participated in the day...it was such an honor and privilege to teach yoga to all of you and to be in your presence today. I hope that the day was meaningful and enriching for you.
Joy, Health, and Happiness to you all!

Be who you are...and be that well!!

We all have our own gifts and our own shortcomings....why not decide this week to just be the best "YOU" that you can be??!! If you need time and space to think about how to be your best...we would still welcome your registration for the FULL POWERED LIVING retreat scheduled for this Saturday November 6th.
Celebrate your gifts and talents today....and share them with the world!
Peace