Tension Tamer
The first step to "undoing" tension and finding relief for neck pain is deep relaxation. Relaxing deeply is a sanctuary, yet few of us allow ourselves to enter it. It feels so good that you'd think it would come easily, but many of us are so accustomed to tension that we have to relearn the natural process of letting go.
First, simply lie down on your back on a firm, comfortable surface and let yourself rest. Almost certainly you'll feel your muscles naturally releasing tension, because they no longer have to work to hold you upright. You may notice you spontaneously let out a sigh of relief. To relax more deeply, though, you have to consciously build on these natural responses. The secret to doing this is to focus on the movement of the breath in your body, using it to uncover and melt away tension.
IN THIS ISSUE
Crick Fixes
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1969
13 Poses to Relieve Tension
http://www.yogajournal.com/health/120
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
I can relate
"Whatever you're thinking about is literally like planning a future event. When you're worrying, you are planning. When you are appreciating, you are planning...What are you planning?"
Excerpted from a workshop in Silver Spring, MD on Saturday, April 19th, 1997
www.abraham-hicks.com
Excerpted from a workshop in Silver Spring, MD on Saturday, April 19th, 1997
www.abraham-hicks.com
Monday, May 12, 2008
Eat in the moment
Eat to Live in the Moment
A little indulgence is natural when you're with friends. But get carried away and you'll end up bloated, tired, and bummed out. According to Ayurvedic principles there's a physiological reason for this: When you eat in moderation, your body and mind are happy. But when you eat too much, you overwhelm your agni (the digestive fire), creating chaos in your belly and inviting unpleasant imbalances such as gas, weight gain, and depression.
Thankfully, you don't have to possess superhuman strength to tame your urge to overeat. Even as your favorite dessert beckons, a few simple strategies can help you resist. Be mindful of multitasking, for instance, and try to avoid too much stimulation. If you find yourself mingling, chatting, noshing, and sipping all at the same time, you're less likely to enjoy your food, which will leave you hankering for more. What's more, you probably won't recognize when you're full. So take a few moments to let someone else be the life of the party while you eat silently. There's nothing wrong with enjoying delicious food—the key is finding ways to be present so you can enjoy but not overdo.
IN THIS ISSUE
Eat, Drink and Be Healthy
http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1925
A little indulgence is natural when you're with friends. But get carried away and you'll end up bloated, tired, and bummed out. According to Ayurvedic principles there's a physiological reason for this: When you eat in moderation, your body and mind are happy. But when you eat too much, you overwhelm your agni (the digestive fire), creating chaos in your belly and inviting unpleasant imbalances such as gas, weight gain, and depression.
Thankfully, you don't have to possess superhuman strength to tame your urge to overeat. Even as your favorite dessert beckons, a few simple strategies can help you resist. Be mindful of multitasking, for instance, and try to avoid too much stimulation. If you find yourself mingling, chatting, noshing, and sipping all at the same time, you're less likely to enjoy your food, which will leave you hankering for more. What's more, you probably won't recognize when you're full. So take a few moments to let someone else be the life of the party while you eat silently. There's nothing wrong with enjoying delicious food—the key is finding ways to be present so you can enjoy but not overdo.
IN THIS ISSUE
Eat, Drink and Be Healthy
http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1925
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Do we all exaggerate to make ourselves feel better about ourselves?
This is such an interesting article and if you're into psychology, you'll love it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/06/health/06mind.html?ex=1367812800&en=181a414effaec2b8&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/06/health/06mind.html?ex=1367812800&en=181a414effaec2b8&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
Monday, May 5, 2008
Creating that "calm" in your life
If it's hard for you to still your mind to meditate, the senior teachers at Kripalu Center have developed a five-step approach that could help. Follow these steps and allow yourself to fall into a deep meditative state that will reveal a closer connection to the present and help calm you when you're upset.
Breathe—Focusing on your breathing is an essential practice that draws your awareness inward and helps you experience the presence and flow of energy.
Relax—The more you relax, the more you deepen awareness of sensation.
Feel—Let your sense of feeling move beyond physical sensation. Acknowledge who you are as a being of energy.
Watch—Sense who you are as a witness; be a scientist observing phenomena arising in and around you.
Allow—Sense who you are with no preferences. Be present to the process of your life unfolding moment by moment.
IN THIS ISSUE
Let's Meditate
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/877
Breathe—Focusing on your breathing is an essential practice that draws your awareness inward and helps you experience the presence and flow of energy.
Relax—The more you relax, the more you deepen awareness of sensation.
Feel—Let your sense of feeling move beyond physical sensation. Acknowledge who you are as a being of energy.
Watch—Sense who you are as a witness; be a scientist observing phenomena arising in and around you.
Allow—Sense who you are with no preferences. Be present to the process of your life unfolding moment by moment.
IN THIS ISSUE
Let's Meditate
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/877
Why can't this always happen?
On Saturday, I decided to celebrate cinco de mayo with a few margaritas w/ friends at my fav mex resturant, Puerto Allegre in the Mission. We had a yummy feast and yes, a few pitchers of margaritas between the 5 of us. Then off to another bar down the street for beer. I knew what I was getting into (especially when you've read my past blogs about drinking alcohol).
It was a fantastic day! I set an intention for myself for the day that I would create laughter, fun, play and community. When we got to the bar we joined in on a fabulous dice game with some people. Even though some of them were the hipster-type, they were super friendly cool! We were playing this game, laughing, connecting and having fun.
My husband and i left around 6ish and yes, I was drunk! But just enough, that I do remember the walk home, the route I went etc. I also remember the conversation I had with my husband, so this is good! (hee hee hee)
When we got home, we decided to order chinese food. As I sat on the couch, that's when the motion started. I wasn't actually moving, but it sure felt like it. So I decided to go to the bathroom and hang out there for a bit. I did the classic position: kneeled down beside the toilet bowl and rested my arm on the side and then my head. Then 10 min later I puked. When I was finished, I went to bed. this was 7:30 I think.
The next morning I woke up feeling like a million bucks! A little dehydrated, but no headache and no queasiness. Wow I thought to myself, "Why can't I do this everytime I drink too much?". I had friends in college who could do this on command if they felt the need. I personally hate puking, so would avoid it as much as possible.
Anyway, I actually did stuff on Sunday w/o feeling horrible. Still, I wouldn't do this every weekend....;-)
It was a fantastic day! I set an intention for myself for the day that I would create laughter, fun, play and community. When we got to the bar we joined in on a fabulous dice game with some people. Even though some of them were the hipster-type, they were super friendly cool! We were playing this game, laughing, connecting and having fun.
My husband and i left around 6ish and yes, I was drunk! But just enough, that I do remember the walk home, the route I went etc. I also remember the conversation I had with my husband, so this is good! (hee hee hee)
When we got home, we decided to order chinese food. As I sat on the couch, that's when the motion started. I wasn't actually moving, but it sure felt like it. So I decided to go to the bathroom and hang out there for a bit. I did the classic position: kneeled down beside the toilet bowl and rested my arm on the side and then my head. Then 10 min later I puked. When I was finished, I went to bed. this was 7:30 I think.
The next morning I woke up feeling like a million bucks! A little dehydrated, but no headache and no queasiness. Wow I thought to myself, "Why can't I do this everytime I drink too much?". I had friends in college who could do this on command if they felt the need. I personally hate puking, so would avoid it as much as possible.
Anyway, I actually did stuff on Sunday w/o feeling horrible. Still, I wouldn't do this every weekend....;-)
Friday, May 2, 2008
Nia Rocks!
I just took a Nia class last night at City Dance in SF. It was my 2nd time taking one and I couldn't believe the energy that was pulsating out of me. Nia is a low-impact aerobics including dance, movement, martial arts and yoga. I also hadn't gotten my heartrate up like that in a long time and all I can say is WOW!
I so recommend this to anyone who just wants to move and have fun. I took my class with Monica Welty and she teaches all over SF.
I'm so glad I went because I knew I needed it. I have been too much in my head in this week and felt disconnected from people and myself. So bringing movement, music and community into my life again was the best thing ever!
My intention is to continue to create community, connection, movement and play into my life and in others.
Namaste.
I so recommend this to anyone who just wants to move and have fun. I took my class with Monica Welty and she teaches all over SF.
I'm so glad I went because I knew I needed it. I have been too much in my head in this week and felt disconnected from people and myself. So bringing movement, music and community into my life again was the best thing ever!
My intention is to continue to create community, connection, movement and play into my life and in others.
Namaste.
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