Monday meaningful quotes

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Rana Waxman

Monday meaningful quotes: A precious human life by His Holiness the x1v th Dalai Lama

“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to have woken up, I am alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it, I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry, or think badly about others, I am going to benefit others as much as I can”

What I love about these words is the celebratory nature. we spend a lot of time evaluating the good and bad of each day, often times, focusing on the burden or stress of the day, the sloshing of the daily grind, and the tasks on our plate. This goes beyond that.

Who inspires and motivates you to stay uplifted and purposeful? Do you have a morning wake up routine that puts you in a positive frame of mind? I have developed a few practices that are stand-alone or add-on to your yoga practice, your coffee break, your commute. Check out my Yoga Mind cd for a portable window into peace and positivity, two building blocks of a purposeful day. And print a copy of this beautiful piece that is written by someone whose intention is to elevate.

Monday Punday

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Rana Waxman

Too cute not to share. Laughter is great medicine; contentment breeds calm ~ or here’s to hoping! Naturally, a balanced Yoga practice will stimulate the endorphins; you can also do a lot with breathing exercises.

A great yoga therapy technique to simulate laughter is Kapalabhati

Kapalabhati Pranayama (pronounced (kah-pah-lah-BAH-tee). Kapala = skull and bhati = light (implying perception, knowledge).

The effect of this energizing pranayama is to clear the mind, release emotional tensions, improve digestion, and leave you feeling “brighter,” almost as if your brain was standing in a warm and happy sunbeam.

Build up slowly!

Step by Step Guide:

Sit comfortably, using any support or props. Try seated tadasana on a chair, if you like.

Focus on your lower abdomen, placing your hands there, one atop the other. Breathe in and then try laughing.

Notice the activity under your hands, as the belly contracts in short bursts.

Inhale, and as you exhale next time, repeat the same “ha ha ha” action but using short exhales through the nose.

Your inhales can be long, passive and slow, the exhales will be shorter bursts. You can keep your hands on the belly and use them to pump the abdomen until you are comfortable and feel more adept at the rhythm.

When Nothing Goes Right, Go Yoga

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Rana Waxman

I know when you feel stiff, it is harder to get on your yoga mat, but “P” is for practice and patience,perseverance and presence. It matters how you practice because you may be repeating certain misalignments that create a painful or overly resistant practice. Yoga should heal (yogatherapy). A consistent yoga practice helps both prevent injury and work to rehabilitate when you are in pain or injured from life. I am available for private classes if you need help to stay consistent and safe.

Some students like an assisted practice, I offer a fantastic blend between a yoga session and a massage called Yapana® Stretch One on One. Or ~ I teach a balanced practice where yes, you warm up, may sweat, but also build core strength and a supple body (flexibility plus joint stability). We also learn the more subtle – I share tips some breathing and relaxing tips on my Yoga Mind Cd; so join me at 10:30 today in one of my public yoga classes in Tenafly or I am available here for private yoga classes, and we will work on your goals together; find out who you are and how yoga therapy can help cause even when nothing goes right, go yoga!

A Balanced Yoga Class

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Rana Waxman

Want more balance in life? A great attitude, a supple spine and a calm breath too? You can start breathing and relaxing with a few tips from my Yoga Mind Cd; – join one of my public yoga classes in Tenafly or book your private yoga class with me, we will work on your goals together; one hour goes a long way to repair, replenish, restore. For more details on the benefits of Yoga Therapy click here