Grace

I don't typically think of myself as a very graceful person, but occassionally during a yoga practice I will feel really connected to the physical. I enjoy getting  in touch with feeling vibrant and flexible and strong. I was reading an article recently in Natural Health magazine and the author of the article, Mary Helen Bowers, wrote this: "....you must treat your body with the care it deserves. Otherwise, you lose a natural connection with your innate gracefulness and athleticism". Wow. How often do I consider myself graceful and athletic??

That's the beauty of a yoga practice....When I am on the mat, I get an opportunity to let go of all the criticism and judgments that I have somehow decided must be true. I can simply enjoy and experience wholeness of body, mind, and spirit. There is no need for competition or thoughts about who is the strongest or best... there is simply time to be present and enjoy and honor my own strengths and gifts.

So, today I will treat myself with love and kindness. I will accept circumstances just as they are. I will remember that I am graceful and getting stronger every day.

Patience

Patience is not my strong suit! I can easily get perturbed by waits in long lines, traffic jams, and other little inconveniences of life. Cultivating patience is probably the primary reason that I do yoga. I still get tweaked and annoyed by seemingly minor things, but each time I practice, I work on releasing that negative energy and I try to find a sense of peace and acceptance of what is.
Just for today, I will try to be patient. As the ancient poet Rumi stated, "Patience is the key to joy".

New yoga opportunities!

I will have new yoga sessions starting in the month of February, so if you sat out the month of January and are eager to get back to your yoga practice...now is the time!

February is when we celebrate Valentine's Day, and while many folks consider it a day to honor romance, it is also a good time to consider love in all its forms. We love our spouses or significant others, but our love can extend to family, neighbors, friends, co-workers, and the larger world. Let's not forget to love ourselves as well. Let your yoga practice this month be about practicing love. Learn to love and be kind. Focus on relationships that are full of caring, forgiveness, commitment and gentleness.

New Class in February!

I will be teaching a new noon-time yoga class entitled Midday Moodra at the Yoga Pioneers studio in Bloomington beginning Tuesday February 5. First class is FREE!! Yoga Pioneers is a lovely studio just off Penn Ave and 494 (off American Blvd behind Kohls, etc). Yoga Pioneers offers hot yoga classes, but my class will be what my students have come to expect from my yoga offerings: a class that is accessible to beginners/all levels, slow flow, with lots of ideas for modifications.You will leave class feeling relaxed and centered. The room temp will be a comfy 75 degrees.

Details: Tuesday's in February beginning Feb 5-Feb 26
Your first Midday Moodra class FREE. Additional classes $10 each or a class from a Yoga Pioneers Package.
Class time is 12-12:45pm to accomodate those that wish to do some yoga over a lunch hour.

Questions?? Let me know...or check out the Yoga Pioneers website at www.YogaPioneers.com
I hope to see you in class!

Winter can be long

I have a hard time with winter. It seems to last a long time and I struggle with my mood and energy level when it is so cold and dark. Yoga reminds me to be present, to release my endless thoughts about how long the dang winter may last, and instead, focus on the present and the gift that it is.
So, just for today, I will try to cultivate a sense of awareness and gratitude and try to accept and surrender to the fact that it is winter in Minnesota! I will feel blessed to do some yoga with all of you, indoors!!
Peace!

Baby it's cold outside!

January can be cold in Minnesota. One of the reasons that I find yoga such a delight this time of the year, is that I can adapt my pace and practice to suit my mood and energy level. Yoga provides some time to be centered and calm,  and it provides time for new flexibility, strength, and warmth.
I love the sense of openness and release that I feel after a yoga practice; a nice contradiction to the restrictive tightness that I feel when I am shivering and cold!
Stay warm this January. Do some yoga...or take a brisk walk outside, go skiing or skating. Do something that brings you a sense of joy and puts a smile on your face.
Warmth, peace and joy to you in 2013!

Back to Reality

If your schedule is at all like mine, then this is your first 'official' week back to work (no days off for holidays, just a full schedule!). I hope that your new routine will include some yoga! Remind yourself that you can start fresh each day...and actually in each moment. Have a great week and I hope to see you in class!