Tag Archives: yoga

Yoga and the practice of surrender

Posted on by

let it go

Word of the day ishvara pranidhana ~ surrender to the divine. In the West we tend to think of this concept as a last resort, a giving up out of angst or failure. In the East, and in the spirit of the intention of Patanjali, it is more of an ongoing path/inner practices (and one of 5 niyamas). The ‘goal’ is ultimately to still the agitations of our mind, and connect us not only with the core of our own peacefulness but also to help us see the interconnectedness of all beings. Sounds huge right? I think it is more like a path of balancing well intended action with letting go once we have done our best, standing aside in trust that we are connected to a source of universal power greater than our understanding.

Forward bends can be particularly soothing, with the head lower than the heart; in this photo, I would add a block or two under the head – it is very calming

 

Daily Dose of Wisdom

Posted on by

Such a perfect snippet of wisdom…this is a time of renewal for many of us…so exhale long and deep and let go the challenges of winter.

If you are trying to fit in some healthy self-reflection, read this before you walk, or do a yoga session, let it simmer into your consciousness. Make sure to relax after and/or do some yoga based calming  breathing. Read it again. See which line springs out at you and then practice that for awhile. Re-building blocks

 

rebuild life

 

Yoga and Optimism – It’s in the mind

Posted on by

Trying to force positivity may not work, but consistent yoga practice can certainly make you more resilient and prone to looking for the silver lining. Yoga is a mindfulness practice in itself, which science shows, changes brain chemistry…Try my 5 minute mindfulness retreat exercise and test it out!

looking up

 

“After eight hours of mindfulness practice, the meditators showed a range of genetic and molecular differences, including altered levels of gene-regulating machinery and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory genes, which in turn correlated with faster physical recovery from a stressful situation. ( Read on )”


Are some poses meant for fun?

Posted on by

In every pose, that which steadies is the breath. That being said, just because you are “deep breathing” doesn’t mean you are working within your safe stretching limits.

“the perfection of the body consists of (possessing) beauty, charm, strength, and the power of a thunderbolt” ~ Patanjali

Let us not forget discrimination, knowing how to listen to your body, your instincts and just practicality. Standing on your head, on a towel, with your neck bent  in a tripod headstand (see below) not smart.

Learning how to do this posture to release tight upper trapezius and gain core strength ~ Ah, now there is a reason to learn yoga as therapy – not as fun/performance art…No offense Marilyn, but I would not be smiling in your set-up. If this sounds remotely practical and way more sensible you should contact me for private yoga lessons

Marilyn Monroe -tripod headstand

Learn To Be Calm With These Yoga Practices

Posted on by

“Learn to be calm and you will always be happy”

The message here is to find your own path to your inner peaceful center ~ a state where you are calm and can respond, rather than react, to the circumstances you are facing.

People sometimes think that they are breathing properly when in fact, their patterns of tension are restricting rather than rewarding. If you want to learn more about the yoga therapy of breathing click here

The most simple breathing practice for stress relief is to practice the Essential, Natural breath. For detailed instructions click here or contact me either to schedule a workshop at your yoga studio for CECs or a private yoga lesson to help you understand how you can improve your breathing and breathing posture

 

Learn to be calm

The High Lunge

Posted on by

Do you walk a lot? Sit a lot? This is a photo of the classic lunge taken up a notch thanks to the Hoboken pier. (No, I don’t mean because of my jeans and coat 🙂 ) Actually the height of this rock helped to add length while keeping my knees safe. The jeans made it a little harder to get the back leg straight but that is ok; if you are at home, you can use a chair, placed against a wall instead – the variations in using yoga as therapy are endless, depending on who you are and what props you have available.

Rana Hoboken 2

If you are doing a regular lunge, here are some steps to help you get into the pose:

From a standing forward bend you can bend your knees ,inhale, and step your left foot back toward the back edge of your mat, with the ball of the foot on the floor under the heel. Step back with enough distance so that your right knee can form a right angle.

Lengthen the torso. To soften your right groin, draw the thigh back. Look forward. Simultaneously, firm the left thigh and push it up toward the ceiling, holding the left knee straight. Stretch your left heel toward the floor.

Exhale and step your right foot back beside the left. Then repeat the above reversing sides. Finish in downward facing dog or another forward bend…

Happy Easter Asana

Posted on by

Yoga as Therapy tip of the day:  Savasana – there are so many ways to set up for it. You really just need a 15 minute or so window. Many classes are run with 3-5 minute practices – this does not provide adequate rest to the body or nervous system; although it is a good idea to have a short ‘time-out’ after practice if you are then going to include a pranayama or meditation. You will go deeper; and remember – it is called “practice” so just look at it like that and enjoy 🙂

easter bunny savasana