Monday, December 27, 2010

Holidaze Series: Let. It. Go.


As I teach asana classes this week, 
I will be adding plenty of twists
to aid in releasing, detoxifying and purifying the body.

Here's a few techniques you can add to your week
to begin to compliment a letting go of whatever 
it is that no longer serves you
(whether it's in body, mind or spirit) 
to walk tall into the New Year 
at the end of the week. 


Alternate Nostril Exhale Technique- 
add saying silently to yourself on the exhale
Let. 
It. 
Go. 




In meditation- seated or lying- inhale naturally, 
on each exhale say silently to yourself 
Let. 
It.
Go. 


Re-read this post on adding Mudras to deepen 
your practice or try this one. 




To practice this mudra gently press
the ring & pinky finger pads into the
thumb pad with the index and middle fingers
extended and apart.

Sitting with this mudra brings a
clear clean energy to your system
by energizing & activating every cell in the body.
It also improves immune function.

It's said this mudra is especially helpful for
patients with cancer or thyroid issues. 


I've always found writing to be a 
beautiful outlet to releasing that which no longer serves me
along with my Yoga techniques. 
Grab a pen and paper 
and write down the things you want to 
release. 
Then in whatever way you choose- 
light it on fire, toss it in the trash or my fav
rip it into tiny shreds- 
Let. 
It. 
Go. 

I hope you continue to find peace and joy
this Season!
I thank you from the bottom of my heart
for being here 
for being you 
and for
Rocking Your Yoga Practice!  
Much Love to you! 
^o^ 


 

Monday, December 20, 2010

Holidaze Series: Strap In


Here we are the final weeks of 2010!
'Tis the season where it becomes more challenging for many to 
stick to the self care practices they 
establish for themselves throughout the rest of the year.  
For example- many will begin making exceptions for food they normally wouldn't allow. 
Guilty! I'm allergic to eggs. 
My mind gets cloudy and my body feels heavy and lethargic when I eat them
but I made an allowance for some Christmas cookies this year. 
A couple days later, as with food allergy, I remembered why I don't eat eggs
as I was laid up feelin crummy. 
So I'm back to my regular practice of not eating anything with eggs in it. 
It's almost as if I forgot how crappy I feel when I do eat them. 

A student mentioned to me last week that she notices how much 
her on-going Yoga Practice helps her when she doesn't practice. 
If she misses a day or two, her body isn't as fluid and free.
The same goes for me and my Yoga practice. 
If I miss a day or two meditating- I will always feel overwhelmed
and a bit lost rather than centered and focused. 
If I miss a day or two practicing postures (asana),
my body gets more achey and cramps up.
I also don't sleep as well and allow myself to, shall we say, fudge 
on some of my own practices (the eggs thing)
when I'm not practicing as regularly. 

After practicing for 7+ years now and teaching for 4 years I must come back to the fact
that a Yoga practice does much more than give you a nice ass.
That, for me, is just a pleasant by product :o) 
A regular Yoga Practice balances my body, mind and spirit. 
When I miss a practice or fudge on a practice by sitting
to meditate and allowing myself to mull things over in my mind
rather than working to bring my thoughts to a one pointed place - 
I don't feel as balanced body, mind or spirit. 
There is no half way. 
There is only practice. 
Regardless of season, regardless of whether you want to or not, 
practice is what we must do to continue 
to enjoy the effects in our bodies, minds and spirits. 

So rather than allow yourself to let go of your disciplined practices
as the end of the year approaches why not really strap in
and celebrate the Season/ bring in the New Year from a place of balance
in body, mind and spirit while taking pride in the 
fact that Your Practice continues regardless of what's happening around you. 
Just like distraction in asana, pranayama or meditation- 
Notice it, make no Judgement, 
come back to your breath and 
continue to Rock Your Yoga Practice! 

See you there!
^o^ 


Sunday, December 12, 2010

Holidaze Series: Plan Be



In all my classes a common mantra flows-
meet yourself where you are
make no judgment
find your breath
(over and over; repeat). 

A few months ago one of my students began telling me 
she is all about Plan Be. 
Meeting herself where she is and just being
Just being aware of all that IS
without adding labels of good/ bad etc. 
Just being
Just breathing. 
Just taking it all in as it is. 
Just meeting yourself where you are
without judgment and 
finding your breath.
Plan Be. 

Mary Lou- dear heart, thank you for teaching me 
this new mantra. 

I am all about Plan Be! 
Rock your Practice!
^o^

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Holidaze Series: Think Again

notice the little purple flowers peeking out. 
december 2010 seattle.


 The trees are going up, decorations are out,
lists are being made, presents are being bought,
treats are being baked, the Christmas music is everywhere... 
it's the Holidaze! 

I've seen soooo many articles and tips
for getting through this season this last week.
I have to admit I'm a bit sick of hearing about it already
(as compassionately as possible mind you)!
So rather than join in the fray-
here's my Holidaze Series Tip of the Week.

Find the Joy in being present. 
Look everywhere. 
Look within. Look without. 
Right now- right here- Look! 
In the sparkling lights, in the smells of the season,
rather than think of what's overwhelming and 
stressful about this time of year- 
Think again.

If you catch yourself feelin Grinchy or hear yourself
talking about the stress of it all- 
Stop! Make no Judgment and
think of three things that make you happy
that only come out around this time of year. 

A seemingly simple change of perspective, 
another way of seeing, 
becoming aware of the now and 
finding the Joy 
even if it's in spite of the season. 

Warm fires, hot toddies, cinnamon, candles, 
white lights, smells of orange and pine... 
 Make it your mantra this week. 
Warm fires, cinnamon and candles.
Warm fires, cinnamon and candles. 
Warm fires, cinnamon and candles. 
Mmmm yay!

Lemme know how it goes... 
Ho ho ho! 
^o^ 
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