June 2010
Knots! I recently discovered the holding patterns that are creating knots in my physical body. Yes, some were strictly from too much muscular energy but, others (the tough ones) were connected on a much deeper, energetic level - the interior space that has become crowded with "stuff" over time. I am finding these stubborn knots do not like to relinquish their grip, it takes time, breath and the patience to allow softness to take hold.
April 2010
Habit... I have recently been doing a lot of traveling, to various workshops, both attending and assisting, and realized how much I missed my routine. Its not that I am a very disciplined person (you can tell by the last time I wrote on this page) but, I was longing for familiarity, habit. The patterns that keep me comfortable maybe even safe. (The image of a hamster on a wheel comes to mind.) As spring begins I am taking this chance to re-shape the way in which I approach things... stepping out of the usual comfort zone.
August
Wow, been a long time since my last blurb. So many things have been in movement. You can really feel the pulse of Yoga spreading out not only in our area but everywhere. There have been numerous articles lots of news coverage and an overall attentiveness directed toward the Yoga community. It seems we are all longing or searching for something intangible. Maybe that longing is a desire to re-acquaint ourselves with our own inner being. You know, the part of you that is eternal and always present - full of beauty and joy. I came across this quote the other day and just loved it....." Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are." Chinese Proverb. After reading it, I found myself pausing, and ....relaxing into the lazy, hot August day. Enjoy.
June
My focus lately has been on bringing new awareness to each pose. During practice bring your attention to the little movements that allow you to become more attuned. Now notice how this is an opportunity to create space. Let your breath be full and spacious. Pause. Soften. Listen.
Tap into your own wisdom.
Anusara focus: Open to Grace/Side Body Long
Spring
Each day is more vibrant than the next as the Northeast weather just does not want to be defined. Ever notice how we like to place things in categories? Well, our "spring" weather refuses to stay in its box. One day 90 and sunny the next 55 and rainy.
So how do we keep a sense of balance when the weather is creating havoc with our wardrobe choice allergies and overall mood? For those of you who do asana practice, add some twists. Nothing lets go of winters' lethargy better than literally wringing out your body. Also, do some breath work. Allow a natural rhythm to your breath, you can even do this at your desk. Keep the flow but allow both the in and out breaths to be equal in length. After @ a minute - notice the calm, the sense of balance...and also notice how your ribcage expands - more oxygen - more vitality - you may even feel "spring-like".
January
How does grace appear in your life? Lately, I've been thinking a lot about grace and how through Yoga we open ourselves up to experience grace. This week as each posture unfolds I'm trying to soften, relax and then embody the pose. Off the mat grace trickles into daily life in so many ways. Today, an email I received from a yoga buddy spoke exactly to what I was dealing with in life. How timely! Grace appears in the quietest ways and sometimes I am only aware of its passing through. Take time in the newness of this month to open up to grace, as John Friend states "soften your boundaries and open to the vast power around you".
December
Last week the stillness outside was created by a chill in the air and snow that recently fell to the ground. I felt a strong sense of peace as the snow hushed even the cars that rushed by for holiday shopping. All frenzied activity disappeared. Those that were walking about seemed to do so in slow motion and as each snowflake fell it became an invitation to be present. I went to my mat and did a practice content to be aware of the silence and the rhythm of my breath. It is always a gift to do asana with a freshness of spirit and a joy to simply be in the moment. Today in class the focus was on being present with your breath and the steadiness of your foundation.
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