Time to practice

I have added another declaration to my list:

I will practice yoga at least 3 times a week

You think being a yoga teacher you would have lots 'o time. Nope! It's not always that way. Working a fulltime job and going to massage school can definitely make it difficult at times. However, last night, I got home from work, changed my clothes and rolled out the mat. I didn't allow my mind/head to get in the way of that action, no way! I began doing gentle movement to warm up my body; sun salutations came next and then prepping for backbends. I love backbends and it's a workshop I am going to teach really soon. As I took myself in and out of about 4-5 backbends of Urdhva Dhanurasana (upward bow or wheel), I could feel my heart center bursting open with pleasure and relief. I could feel it from my head to my toes and then back up to my head. It was a total somatic/body experience. Then I transitioned into inversions: headstand and shoulderstand. After shoulderstand, I once again felt that surge of energy, but with a sense of calmness and peace. It was like that feeling I used to get when I first began doing yoga. When you just smoked pot for the first time and you have that floaty feeling. I then realized how much I missed my practice. My time to myself and with my body.

When I was in savasana, I basked in it. I allowed my body to let go and integrate everything I experienced in the practice. I visualized myself teaching what I just practiced and that felt so good. I ended in a seated position and chanted "Om".

I want more of that now. Even if I have limited time, I want to be there again. I will be.

Why Practice?

(From yogajournal.com daily insight)
I absolutely love these emails I get from yoga journal everyday. There's always something to ponder, wonder, or reflect about myself. Why do I practice yoga? is a question to reflect on. I not only love the poses but my overall state of being is enhanced and intensified. Something to investigate for myself.


It's no secret that we often do things for reasons we're totally unaware of. Sometimes our unconscious motives become clear only after a good deal of reflection. So it's important to realize that questioning the intent of our practice inevitably leads us to inquire about the meaning of our life as well. We could just as pertinently ask: Why am I really alive?

At the outset, it's natural to assume that our practice and our life are totally separate, that we practice for an hour or so a day and then forget about it. But after a while, the two inevitably begin to merge. As Sri Aurobindo, the great 20th-century Indian sage and progenitor of Integral Yoga, reminds us, "All life is yoga."



IN THIS ISSUE
Why Do We Practice?
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1153


Bringing Your Practice Home
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/819

Reap the Benefits of Stillness

(From www.yogajournal.com daily insight)

In yoga, stillness is as much a state of mind as a lack of movement. Most of us don't spend much time thinking about the material nature of human consciousness, but in classical yoga, consciousness is at the heart of the practice.

According to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, the so-called contents of our consciousness—perceptions, thoughts, emotions, memories, fantasies, even dreams—have a kind of material existence (though, of course, the matter is a lot subtler than that of a tree or a rock). Furthermore, these contents are in constant fluctuation. The word Patanjali uses in sutra I.2 to aptly describe this movement is vritti (pronounced VRIT-tee), which means "to revolve" or "to whirl about."

While we can't physically touch the vrittis, or fluctuations of mind, we can easily experience them. Close your eyes and, for a few minutes, direct your awareness away from the outer world. If you're a contemplative person, you've probably done this many times before. It's possible to consciously step away from the contents of your mind and observe them more or less "objectively," at least briefly.



IN THIS ISSUE
Intro to Yoga: Philosophy
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/925

Refine your yoga skills! Learn to go deeper!

Yoga-Beginning-Continuing
6 Mondays 3/16-4/20
6:30pm-8:00pm

This yoga class is a continuation of a Beginning yoga class. It will be offered after every Beginning Yoga series, so you will not only learn more poses, but you will begin to refine the poses you learned in Beginning Yoga. You will gain more strength, flexibility, body awareness and relaxation techniques. This class is also recommended to intermediate students to refresh their skills. Bring a yoga mat and one blanket.

War Memorial Community Center
6655 Mission St, Room 202/203
Daly City, CA

To register call 650-991-8012 or at the first class
$60 residents/$61 non-residents

Money Meditation

(From YogaJournal.com Daily Insight)

When economic times are bad, remember that everything that arises in the world of form is impermanent. The impermanence of our economic well-being—which, for many of us, is synonymous with "survival"—can, of course, create a sense of freak-out. But such fears are rarely based on a present-moment experience of lack. The mind's tendency is to extrapolate today's minor disturbance into something much larger and more threatening tomorrow.

Experienced yoga practitioners are not necessarily immune; many a yogi and wise sage lose their cool when it comes to the possibility of financial loss. But if we know where to look, yoga gives us many tools that we can call on in times of distress.

While you're in the midst of worry, anxiety, or any negative emotional states, try this twist on a traditional lovingkindness (metta) meditation: "May I feel this fear for all the other who are worried and anxious right now, so that they don't have to." This takes you out of your self-concern and reminds you of your interconnectedness with all beings, which will create a profound sense of relief.



IN THIS ISSUE
Financial Freak
http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/2737


Wallet Worries
http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/2738

Beginning Yoga starts January 26th

Mondays 6:30pm-7:45pm
6 week session 1/26-3/2 (no class 2/16)

This beginning yoga class will include a variety of yoga postures (asanas) that help to improve flexibility, strength, balance and relaxation. Learn proper alignment and gain a good foundation for doing yoga. Bring a yoga mat and one blanket.

@ War Memorial Community Center
6655 Mission Street, Room 202/203
Daly City, CA

Call to register 650-991-8012 or at the first class
$55 residents/$59 non-residents

Creating for 2009

So it's 2009! Wow, how time flies. There are many things that I'm grateful for and would like to celebrate for 2008:
-I completed my Holistic Health Practitioner Program Talk (20min in front of 50 people!)
-Work on my business newsletter and website
-Practice Yoga
-Didn't judge myself after my husband reacted to something I said (Big One for me!)
-Celebrated my 1st wedding anniversary with my awesome husband
-My cold is going away
-I have a job!
-I cooked xmas dinner with my husband for 7 friends

So that's 8 things and I know I could go on. But when I woke up this a.m. I began to reflect upon what I want to create this year. I want to create more abundance in my life of connections with people, income and celebration. After completing the Holistic Health Program, I realized how I don't celebrate or acknowledge things about me. Even the little things such as I got out of bed this a.m. That's big for some people! It helps us really be in the present, especially during those times when we get caught up in that negative self-talk (what if this happens...I should or should not do this or that...there's just not enough...). It's also a great thing to do when practicing yoga. As I was practicing this a.m., I would pause in a pose, be with my breath which connected me to the present moment. Even if it was a pose I was struggling with, I was with it. Not against it. We should celebrate the good with the bad; the positive with the negative; the stress with the calm; the happy with the sad/angry. It's very humbling and healthy.

So I invite everyone to celebrate life and prosperity this year. We deserve it!

oxoxoxo
Liz

Too Much Calm

(From Yogajournal.com)

Have you ever gotten up after Savasana (Corpse Pose) at the end of a class feeling a little too calm—unable to refocus and go back to your busy day? Feeling groggy and disoriented after yoga may be the result of inadequate attention to postpractice relaxation. To remain energetic, centered, and focused after finishing your yoga practice, stay in Savasana for at least five minutes at the end of every session, although 10 to 20 minutes would probably be better. If you skip Savasana, your body doesn't have time to assimilate the effects of asana practice.

With a few modifications of Savasana, the effects of the pose can be enhanced. It's important to allow the body to relax deeply. First, make sure your body is arranged as evenly and comfortably as possible. Once you're comfortable, start at your toes and work your way up your body, consciously releasing each part in turn. Then begin to release your senses: Soften your tongue and let your eyes drop back in your eye sockets. Imagine your nose softening into your face and your inner ears relaxing.



IN THIS ISSUE
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/482

The Joy of Teaching

I just taught the first class last night of Restorative Yoga. I love my students on Monday nights. I have at least 3-4 students who have been coming to my classes for 3 years! It's truly an honor. I realized after class what joy I get out of teaching. It's the sharing about me and the practice of yoga that makes it joyful. I had so much fun helping them relax in the postures; to help them be in their bodies. This time of the year we get so into our heads and I really stressed that in class. It was my invitation to them really stop and just be in the body. Be with breath. I know this can be difficult for people who aren't in their bodies which I did mention a bit, but the first step is observing the breath and the way it is in your body.

I gave them a little homework assignment! Ha! I love it! I asked them to practice at least one of the poses we did in class for at least 5 minutes everyday and to see what happens. I can't wait for next week!

One Step at a Time

(From Yogajournal.com)
Gosh! I've totally been one of those people. But, now I use it for inspiration.

Do you ever look at an advanced yoga practitioner in an awe-inspiring position at your yoga studio or in a magazine and think to yourself: "I would never be able to do that!"?

Join the club! Most yoga students can relate to being envious, overwhelmed, or even discouraged when they see someone doing what seems to be an unobtainable pose. But instead of concentrating on your own shortcomings, next time try to focus on the potential you have in your yoga practice—if not physically, then certainly spiritually.

Although there will always be exceptions, most accomplished yogis didn't come out of the womb with the abilities they display in those awesome postures. They used yoga as a tool to gradually improve their flexibility, strength, and concentration—just like you. And remember, yoga isn't about being able to shape your body into a pretzel. It's about what you learn about yourself while you practice that matters.



IN THIS ISSUE
The Wellspring of Joy
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/1157


Polishing the Mirror
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2523

Don't Get Mad, Get Yoga

(From YogaJournal.com)


Yoga and meditation build awareness. And the more aware you are, the easier it is to break free of destructive emotions like anger.

Studies suggest that chronic anger and hostility are as strongly linked to heart attacks as are smoking, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol. Yoga appears to reduce anger by increasing feelings of compassion and interconnection and by calming the nervous system and the mind. It also increases your ability to step back from the drama of your own life, to remain steady in the face of bad news or unsettling events. You can still react quickly when you need to—and there's evidence that yoga speeds reaction time—but you can take that split second to choose a more thoughtful approach, reducing suffering for yourself and others.



IN THIS ISSUE
Meditation 101
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1307


Unmasking Anger

All Together Now

(From Yoga Journal.com)

All Together Now

Have you ever wondered why public classes are so popular? Yoga is something that, once the foundation is built, everyone could do at home on their own. It's true that we get individualized instruction at a yoga class. And yes, we learn different things from our teacher and other practitioners that we might not discover in our own home practices. One of the biggest reasons many of us enjoy going to class is because it's inspiring and uplifting to share our practice with others. It's exciting to synchronize our movements with those of our classmates, and when we enter a room that's filled with energy, we in turn feel energized.

Even if you never speak to the person on the mat beside yours, there's something magical about connecting with other people to practice. Although every class won't be a perfect fit for our individual needs, we sacrifice to enjoy the company of others.

The next time you attend a public class, why not take a moment to be grateful for the way that the other people in the room enhance the experience of your practice.



IN THIS ISSUE
Bring Connection Home
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1455


Not All Yoga Is Created Equal
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/165

Relaxation Yoga for the Holidays

Come and escape with yoga during the holiday madness! In this 4 week series, you will learn yoga poses that will help you de-stress from the holiday season. The poses will be supported with a variety of props to help bring passivity to the body which will restore energy, calm the mind, and maintain your health. It's an opportunity to give yourself a "time-out" from all the shopping, cooking and wrapping that we rarely do during this busy time of the year. Give yourself the gift of yoga this year. Please bring a yoga mat and two blankets. Other props provided by teacher. All levels welcome!

Mondays 12/1-12/22
6:30pm-7:45pm
4 classes for $50

At War Memorial Community Center
6655 Mission St., Room 202
Daly City, CA

Registration:650-991-8012 or register at the first class

Make time for downtime

From Yoga Journal Daily Insight:

We live in a society that promotes busyness: Work to get to the top of your field! Cook gourmet meals from scratch! Stay fit! Volunteer! It's often a struggle to find just a moment of downtime. And as we become busier and busier, even the activities that bring us joy can feel like just one more thing to do.

So, how do we bring balance into our hectic lives? Often, we look for some external solution that can make us better, stronger, more spiritual, or happier. But the search itself can leave us feeling busier, more stressed, and ultimately, less fulfilled. The real key to finding balance is to focus internally and listen to what's inside.

Achieving balance can be as simple as taking regular moments to connect with yourself. Do something that turns your awareness inward. Whether that means a walk in nature, a nap, or a two-minute meditation, your inner cue will be unique from that of others—the essential part is to honor your body's messages.



IN THIS ISSUE
Back in Balance
http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/1499


Turn the Volume Up or Down to Tune into Your Practice
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1239

Another Reason to De-Stress

Timothy McCall is a physician and medical editor of Yoga Journal magazine. I had the pleasure and honor of taking a workshop with him last January on Repetitive Stress Injury. He's got so much info on how to maintain stress in your life.....

From Yoga Journal Daily Insight

You might equate a stress-related health problem with a minor upset stomach or a tension headache. But physician and Yoga Journal medical editor Timothy McCall warns that stress may also fuel chronic illnesses, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. "If you are continually stressed, you leave the door open to a variety of health conditions," McCall says. Yoga is an effective stress reducer. Here are McCall's tips for using your practice for that purpose.

Focus on your breath. The ancient yoga masters taught that moving and breathing with awareness quiet the mind. When we stop ruminating and our inner monologue slows, we tend to experience relaxation and a feeling of being centered.

Practice restorative poses and forward bends. Both are thought to calm the nervous system. Use blankets, pillows, and bolsters to support you in the poses.

Be consistent. Long-term, regular practice will encourage a sense of inner peace that will last throughout your day.



IN THIS ISSUE
Shift Stress into Low Gear
http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1500

So why don't I?

Giving myself space to breathe is something that I never regularly practiced in my life. A lot of it had to do with deservability and time, of course those were the stories I told myself. There are certain "times of the month" that I need it more (I'm sure you women reading this know what I'm talking about). But if there are many changes, situations and events that are happening to you where you feel scattered, that would be an indication that space is needed. I loved that Yoga Journal sent the email about having alone time and why it's important. Frankly, I prefer alone time over socializing these days. It's like I'm making up for all that time I didn't. Doing nothing and just being is such a gift and so many take it for granted. Try taking a walk, sitting in silence, reading a book. Let all the noise and technology of life cease for just a moment.

Namaste.

Give yourself Space

Make Time for You
Want to feel more relaxed on a daily basis? How about taking some time to simply be alone?

Often our lives revolve so much around other people—friends, family members, co-workers—that we forget what it's like to be alone. But being solitary is one of the best ways to relax and decrease the stress that we all carry around in our bodies each day.

Try carving out a few minutes to be alone on a regular basis. Spend that time listening to your heart, reminding yourself about your intentions, and re-evaluating your goals and your activities. Often, being solitary can help you gain a new perspective on your life. What is—or isn't—really important to you? Taking time for yourself is the first step toward answering that question.



IN THIS ISSUE
Om Alone
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/447

Tell the Teacher

Something I received from Yoga Journal that's so crucial....

Tell Your Teacher
Do you have an injury or a physical condition that might affect your ability to practice, like pregnancy, high blood pressure, or recent surgery? You may feel that those issues are private ones, but your teacher needs to know in order to guide you through the class safely and appropriately.

Most teachers arrive to class a few minutes early, so if you have an injury, you should, too. Seek out your teacher and ask to have a brief word with him before class. He can provide possible advice on how to approach the class, and will likely make accommodations for you during your practice.

Also, whether or not you are injured or just tired or stiff, skip poses you can't or shouldn't do, or try a modified version that avoids putting stress on the affected area. Ask your teacher if you aren't sure how to modify a particular pose. It's important to let your teacher know what's going on with you—and it's also a great way to start building a more personal relationship.

Balance in Opposition

Find Balance in Opposition
When we think of yoga in the West, we are generally referring to hatha yoga, which is only one branch in the larger system of yoga. Hatha yoga is the branch of yoga that focuses primarily on work in the physical body through postures and breathing exercises.

The word hatha is comprised of two parts: Ha, which means sun, and Tha, which means moon. It's no accident that the sun and moon are basically opposites, because hatha yoga is all about balancing and uniting opposites. For example, the practice involves joining the opposing energies of warming and cooling, of activity and surrender.

In more specific terms, all balance is created by opposition. If you're balancing on one leg, you need to press your standing foot into the floor as you lift your head up toward the ceiling. If you lift up without pressing down, you'll lose your balance and topple over.



IN THIS ISSUE
Count on Yoga: 38 Ways Yoga Helps Keep You Fit
http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1634


Plumb Perfect
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1242

Bridge pose

Bridge to Presence
One of the best postures for awakening the senses to the here and now is Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose), a beginning backbend that strengthens the legs and hips, massages the spine, and opens the heart. Methodical practice of this asana also offers an opportunity to explore the body and its movements with attention and care. In the process, the mind is calmed and the body becomes energized, leaving the practitioner feeling revitalized and refreshed.

To begin, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip distance apart on the floor, 10 to 12 inches from your pelvis. Rest your hands near your hips with the palms up, which helps open the front of the shoulders and collarbones. Invite your body to settle thankfully into the ground. Take several easy breaths, noticing which parts of your body rise and fall to the tune of the inhalations and exhalations. Now send a gentle rooting action down through your legs, as if you were trying to press the floor away from you and into the earth. Press down evenly, envisioning the deep footprints you are making in your mat as you do this.

Curl the tailbone up and allow the pelvis to float just an inch or two off the ground. Breathe easily for a few moments, keeping your mind focused on those strong and steady feet, then slowly allow your hips to melt back downward. Gently sweep your tailbone away from your waist as you return to the earth, inviting your spine to feel long and unwrinkled.



IN THIS ISSUE
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/472


For Beginners: Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1238