A great yogic tool for bringing stress and anxiety under control

A great yogic tool for bringing stress and anxiety under control

I see out there in the world through social media and other avenues that one thing people are looking to do with their intentions for the new year is bring stress and anxiety under control. Here's one of my favorite techniques from my yoga practice for doing just that:

Chanting!

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Time for reflection

Time for reflection

Now is the perfect time for a little reflection. We tend to do it this time of year anyway, even if not in a formal way. Looking inward is a key part of the yogic journey. We must look at ourselves with eyes wide open if we wish to grow.

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Disclaimer: Not all yoga poses are suitable for all persons. Please consult with your health care provider and obtain full medical clearance before practicing yoga or any other exercise program. The information provided in this blog is strictly for reference only and is not in any manner a substitute for medical advice or direct guidance of a qualified yoga instructor.

Bringing back Innocence in 2018

It's that time of year again! That time when we are likely reflecting on what has past and hoping to create change in the future. Whether you call them resolutions, intentions, goals or something else, chances are you're thinking about them and even if you're saying "I don't make resolutions!", you've already made one! And as we think about these changes or new things we'd like to bring into our lives or how the other times we've tried it hasn't worked out quite how we may have liked, isn't it interesting that we pretty much already think we know how it's going to go? That's where Innocence comes in.

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What do I mean by that? Well, I mean that we have to take a step back and and let our predicting mind take a break if we are going to create something different. If we already know what the outcome is going to be we likely are blocking that mysterious and wonderful quality of the universe that might actually bring us something better. I went to a church service on Christmas Eve for the first time in many years and as part of the homily the priest said "God (insert universe or whatever other term or image works for you) often doesn't help us in the way we want to be helped". I think most of us can look back at some aspect of our lives and find that what we may have really wanted at one time probably wasn't the best thing for us and (thankfully) the universe stepped in to give us something better! If you can bring back the quality of Innocence as you make your Intentions for 2018 you might just create more space for something wonderful that you haven't even imagined to happen. 

I wish you great joy and magic in 2018!!

 

Ram Dass Retreat!

I started announcing this last week, but tomorrow I’m flying to Maui to check something off my bucket list (yes I’m only 39 but I don’t think it’s ever too early to have a bucket list!). I’m going to spend some time in the same room as Ram Dass. 

Ram Dass

Ram Dass

If you’ve never heard that name you’re not alone. But Ram Dass was instrumental in bringing yogic thought and philosophy to the West. His 1960s book “Be Here Now” is considered one of the first major texts to bring yogic philosophy and thought to the west. I read his book after finishing my first teacher training and it was certainly life changing.

I’ve listened to talks of his for years. I’ve read several of his other books (one I like quite a bit is the “Journey of Awakening” which is available for purchase in our boutique at the studio). I’ve read posts on his website. I’ve watched movies. There’s something about his energy that I find captivating. The way his mind works with information. The way he makes things clear while still being down to earth. His honesty. And his generosity of spirt in making it possible for us to know his guru, Neem Karoli Baba. It was through him, to some degree, that I was introduced to the Kirtan and teaching of Krishna Das. His path has opened up a path for me in a way I am so grateful for.

There’s so much in his teaching that I hope to embody. The clarity, the honesty, the generosity, the “smartness” if you will! To be able to spend some time in the same room with him is a blessing I can’t even begin to imagine at the moment. I still can’t believe this is really happening!

And I have you to thank. My trip wouldn’t be possible without our community of practitioners. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope to bring back some juicy stuff for you!

They are live streaming some of the workshops this weekend. If you’d like to follow along, check out this link:

https://www.ramdass.org/trust

I think it’s going to be an amazing set of workshops and teachings.

I'll try and post some things here and on Instagram when I can.

I’ll see you tonight for class. Much love to you all!

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Disclaimer: Not all yoga poses are suitable for all persons. Please consult with your health care provider and obtain full medical clearance before practicing yoga or any other exercise program. The information provided in this blog is strictly for reference only and is not in any manner a substitute for medical advice or direct guidance of a qualified yoga instructor.

One of the most powerful and SIMPLE tools of yoga that can help YOU right now!

One of the most powerful and SIMPLE tools of yoga that can help YOU right now!

Mantra is one of the most powerful and most simple to use tools I've learned from my study of yoga. Spend a little time each day repeating a mantra and your life will transform. There's no doubt about it.

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Moving through emotions

Moving through emotions

It’s something we don’t talk about too often in a yoga class, but it can definitely happen. You’re going along doing your breathing and following the flow just fine and then all of the sudden it hits you. That memory of that thing growing up. That person you miss. The pet you lost years ago. That person that said that awful thing to you that you’re still angry about. Or maybe you don’t even know why, but the tears just start to come.

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Disclaimer: Not all yoga poses are suitable for all persons. Please consult with your health care provider and obtain full medical clearance before practicing yoga or any other exercise program. The information provided in this blog is strictly for reference only and is not in any manner a substitute for medical advice or direct guidance of a qualified yoga instructor.

Connection

8.28.17⠀ ⠀ I almost forgot to share these photos with you (although they are admittedly not great). About a week ago when the country was erupting with #hate I asked each of my classes to do something very simple but very (according to many of you) profound. I asked you to get up off your mat and go introduce yourself to someone you didn't know in class. How often do you go to a #yoga class, you recognize the person across or next to you, you've seen them many times, but you still don't know their name??! It can be vulnerable to extend yourself. It's risky. But it's So Simple. And it's a great reminder that we're #AllOne and we're all in this together.⠀ ⠀ Many of you found this very powerful. The smiles, the laughs, the hugs?! They nearly brought me to tears more than once as I watched you.⠀ ⠀ So I know it's Monday, but maybe today when you're out and about or you're at your next yoga class, go introduce yourself to someone you don't know. Maybe even just give someone you don't know a #smile. You might meet your next good friend! And you might make a huge difference in someone's day. ⠀ ⠀ Classes today:⠀ ⠀ 9am Yin Yoga with Cassandra⠀ 6pm All Levels Yoga with Jessica⠀ 7:30pm Beginners/Gentle Yoga with Jessica⠀ ⠀ #foreveryoganh #yogalove #spreadlove #allone #subek #community via

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Mantra, Prana, Dharana and Lakshmi puja with Bill Barry

Another fantastic #mantra workshop and #lakshmipuja with Bill Barry (mantravijaya.com) on Saturday! This time our focus was on combining mantra and #pranayama for increased #dharana and wow was it powerful! Always a joy to have Bill and his lovely wife Denise at the studio. 🙏🕉💙 #foreveryoganh via

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Spring Awakening with Priscilla Gale!

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Wonderful evening of #soundhealing and #chakrabalancing with Priscilla Gale Friday night! Always love having her and her collection of #himalayan #singingbowls and #crystalbowls! #foreveryoganh #yogastudio #yogastudios #yoga #chakras #yinyoga #vinyasayoga via

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Back at Kripalu with Girish!

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Back at @kripalucenter for the night to play #kirtan with @girishmusic ! Still have to pinch myself sometimes that I get to do things like this! 💙🙏🕉 #kripalu #girish #harmonium #chanting #musicandmantras via

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