Be who you are

"Be who you are, and be that well."

St Francis de Sales

Who are you meant to be? What are your gifts and talents? How are you using your gifts to be the best you can be...and the best you can be for the world? Let go of thinking you need to be perfect or exceptional....just get out there! Plant a flower, comfort someone who is hurting, sing a song, take a deep breath and be patient with someone who needs you to listen..... be who you are and be that well.

Rumi

A few years ago, I heard someone quote the ancient poet/mystic Rumi for the first time. Some of the writings are so powerful and truly feel meaningful in today's world.
Here's the first part of Rumi's 'guest house' poem:

"This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness.
Some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all..."

Outdoor Yoga!

If you have never tried taking your yoga practice outdoors, consider giving it a try. There is something so meditative and calming about doing yoga while you feel the sun on your skin, listen to birdsongs, and smell the fresh grass. The weather here in MN may not always favor an outdoor practice, so get out there when you can.

Have a delightful day!

Need a Yoga DVD?

As promised, I have been working on a gentle yoga DVD for my students....and it is ready to go! While it is not a professional job, it is a yoga DVD that you can use to start or enhance a home practice. I have kept it short (about 22 minutes) so that the "I don't have much time" excuse will be eliminated!
If you have interest in purchasing a DVD...see me. The cost is $5.
See you on the mat!

A new organization promoting mental health

Just ordered (and you will probably see me wearing it as I teach yoga) a t-shirt from an organization called PeaceLove. They are a non-profit arts organization, meant to address the stigma that is associated with mental illness.

As a clinical social worker for the past 25 years....I know that lots of folks struggle with mental health concerns. It is one of the primary reasons that I also became a yoga instructor...and why my company name is YOGA MOODRA (mudra is the name for hand gestures in yoga....I use a play on words and spell it as 'mood'ra...to imply that the practice can impact our mood). I firmly believe in yoga as a method to bring balance to the body, mind and mood.

Anyway...if you are so inclined...google PeaceLove Studios and see for yourself the ways that they are trying to promote healing and wholeness for those who struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Visitors

I often get asked if people can bring friends or neighbors with them to class to "try it out." Certainly! To be fair to all, I charge a $15 fee for one time class attendance. Yoga is a new and intriguing idea for many...so hopefully this allows people to give it a try if they are apprehensive at first.
See you on the Mat!