Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Transitions

We seem to be on the brink of spring (or maybe a big leap to summer) with the recent warm weather in MN...but yesterday's cool temps and stiff winds reminded me of the March that we should be having!! March and April are transitional months, with constant surprises and shifts between winter-like weather and the promise of warm spring and summer days.

One of the things that I appreciate about yoga is the practice of moving with grace through transitions. We can work hard to get into and maintain a yoga pose, then we can be asked to rest in a relaxation posture. I think this is great training for everyday life. Ever experience the frustration of rushing from place to place, only to encounter a long line and suddenly finding yourself standing still and waiting??? It's hard to be really busy and active...and then just suddenly stop!

I like to think that yoga is helping me with my patience...but yoga is not called a "practice" for nothing! We can't do yoga one day and then expect that its effects will stay with us indefinitely....we need to practice consistently/daily in order to fully take what we learn on the mat out into our daily life. It's sort of like nutrition....we can't really tell ourselves that we can eat healthy only one day a week and then expect to feel that our body is at it's best. Instead, our bodies needs daily care and consistently good nutrition to function well.

The good part is, we are amazingly made....so even when we deprive ourselves of sleep, good food, or a consistent yoga practice....we are resilient creatures! This doesn't mean we can simply disregard what is healthy...as it does catch up to us in the long run....but it does mean that we can let go of needing to do things perfectly all the time. Persistence, intention and consistent effort are so important. Make a decision that today will be the day that you give yourself all the resources that you will need to face the obstacles, changes, and transitions that come your way.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Pictures from Jamaica






Striking a pose in Jamaica! Gosh, yoga is fun!




A group shot of the "regulars" from my morning yoga class

Monday, March 19, 2012

Warm Sunshine

In recent years, there has been new research and awareness about the importance of vitamin D. The weather is so nice, so get outside for a walk and soak up some much needed sunshine and vitamin D (using sunscreen and being careful is still important so that a little doesn't add up to be too much). Most of us here in MN get at least a mild case of seasonal affective disorder in the winter months when we don't get outside in the natural sunlight. Notice how your mood and energy level improves as the days get longer and brighter. I know that the current warm spell has put a smile on my face!

I'm back from my yoga teaching vacation, so all classes are on as scheduled this week. Remember....the absolutely FREE class this Thursday night March 22 from 7-8pm at All Saints Lutheran Church in Eagan.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Another Rumi Quote

"Re-empty of worrying. Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open?" Rumi

I love this quote since it describes the human condition so well. We spend so much of our time worrying and fretting that we end up feeling immobilized and 'imprisioned' by our own doubts.

Yoga teaches us mindfulness and awareness. Hopefully we come to realize (even if it's only for a few moments at a time) that life is fleeting and our worries really do not serve us well.

Just for today, try to let go of re-hashing the past or worrying about the future. The door is wide open for us to fully experience the day and moment at hand.

Have a worry free day!

Saturday, March 3, 2012

March yoga madness starts this week!

A $5 drop in class will be offered this Thursday night March 8th at All Saints Lutheran Church in Eagan from 7-8pm. A great price for a yoga class!
Also...this Monday, March 5th is the start of a new yoga session at Advent United Methodist in Eagan. Class is held from 4:30-5:30pm and cost for the 6 week class is $50. Please bring your payment to class on Monday.
Have a great weekend!