Tag Archives: #yoga

Not all yoga is fast moving.

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Yesterday, I gave a presentation on Energy Medicine Yoga to a group of Health Services students and faculty at Georgia Southern Armstrong campus. There was a comment that “these days,” many people associate yoga with high intensity movement. So for the record, I would like to say that, not all yoga is “hot” or “power” yoga. These two styles have become very popular in the last few years. This wasn’t always the case.

The combination of cardio with mindfulness is a wonderful experience but it is not accessible for everyone. When yoga first came to the U.S. it was slower and focused on alignment. There was a progression that students learned before moving on within the practice. Like most things, it evolved.

If you are new to yoga, are building back strength or flexibility or want something to work deeply with the nervous system, then you may want to look for a teacher who provides: Yin, Restorative, Hatha, Therapeutic, or of course Energy Medicine Yoga.

You may find that once you build back that strength and flexibility and you learn the proper alignment for the postures that you move into or add a more flowing Vinyasa, Power or Hot class to your routine.

In my opinion, some yoga is better than no yoga. Try different styles. Learn their nuances, benefits and pitfalls. The more you experience the more equipped you will be to listen to your body and choose appropriately on any given day. The bottom line, find your style and way to practice yoga. Because when you do, your body will thank you, just like when you find the perfect pair of jeans. See you on the mat!

Gratitude

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Whenever November rolls around I start thinking of my thankfulness list. This year is no different. Even with all the crazy that is 2020, I have been able to find my gratitude. Sunday is November 1st. I’m going to focus intentionally on a daily gratitude practice for the entire month. Who wants to join me?

I keep my practice pretty simple. Each day I write a minimum of three things for which I am grateful. These can be expressed as 3 short words; 3 sentences or 3 paragraphs. It depends upon my energy that day. Feel free to write more if the mood hits and you find yourself in the flow. Just don’t do less. Invest in yourself. Prepare for transformation.

It is helpful to do this at the same time everyday to establish the habit. At the moment, mornings work best for me. This hasn’t always been the case. I used to do this at night before bed so I’d go to sleep with happy thoughts. But then I kept falling asleep and forgetting, so I switched it up. Both ways have benefits. There is no wrong way to do it. Choose what feels best for you. If you miss a day, no big deal. Restart the following day.

How do I track my gratitude, you ask? I have two ways. One is by using a gratitude jar. I have a jar that I’ve painted to make it inviting. When I am using single words or short sentences, I write on a small pieces of paper and toss them in the jar. Then at the end of the week or the month, I go through and read what I’ve written. This is a great pick-me-up if you’re having a, “nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I think I’ll go eat worms,” moment.

The second way I track my gratitude is to use a journal. Right now, I’ve been using a small one that I found on Amazon. It’s all paper. I have intentions of decorating the cover but haven’t done it yet. Priorities. Gratitude first, then decorating. In the past, I’ve used fancy leather ones or hand-made journals constructed by me. The point is to keep it simple though. Make the commitment. See what unfolds as you shift your focus to gratitude. I foresee wonderful things in your future.

Left: Hand-painted gratitude jar. Right: Blue hand-made journal; red leather journal; tan paper journal

Tips for an Awesome “in studio” Yoga Experience (once we can safely do so again).

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Whether you found yoga online during quarantine and are excited to try an in-person class or are recommitting to a practice that slipped away. Two thumbs up, for taking care of you! Here are some tips to help you feel more comfortable as you attend class in a studio once we can roam freely again.

Be On Time. Arrive about 10 minutes early to check-in, say “Hi” to the teacher, and get settled. Even if you’ve registered online, most studios have a place to sign in upon your arrival.


Be Respectful.If the door is closed and the sign is up, or some other indication that class has started, pause. Breathe. If you are late, enter after opening meditation. If you are early, wait for the current class to dismiss. Many studios are in spaces with only one room. No true waiting area. Out of respect for the people who are already finding their “Bliss”, limit the distraction of entering early or late.


Be Proactive. Let the teacher know if you have any physical limitations, injuries, pregnancy, or concerns prior to class. Certified teachers are usually good at finding modifications for poses on “the fly.” But it is helpful to allow them an opportunity to ponder your specific situation. If you have many limitations or concerns, consider scheduling a private yoga lesson. Most studios have teachers who offer one-on-one lessons to address a variety of issues. This is a wonderful way to learn how to modify poses in order to best take care of you. Then you can apply what you learn when taking other classes.


Be Comfortable. Plan to remove your shoes and sock. Studios usually have a designated area for storing them.  Wear clothing you can move in and not “flash” the other students. If you are worried about your clothing, you won’t enjoy your practice. You will be distracted. It is worth it to have all “parts” secured and to know that your tights are thick enough to hide your undergarments. Bring a towel if you tend to sweat buckets. Some studios provide towels but I’ve found it more enjoyable to have my own.
Be Present. Power down phones and electronics. This is your time. Give yourself the gift of disconnecting.


Be Patient. Give yourself permission to be a beginner or in “strength building mode.” Listen to your body and take breaks as needed in class. If it has been awhile, you will need to build up muscle and coordination. After a certain age, it can take longer for this process. Attending 3 or more classes a week (or practicing at home between classes) will help you get there faster. Even if you are slow getting your groove back, remember, you are doing better than if you stayed on the couch. 


Be Clean. Movement creates heat. Heat amplifies scent. Be mindful of heavy perfume/cologne/lotion and body odor. If you are a night bather and take a morning yoga class, you might need a quick rinse off or wipe down before you head out. As I tell my family, do a “pit check.” If your perfume or essential oils leave a trail after you’ve moved on, it’s probably best to skip them prior to class. Do remember your deodorant.
Be A Good Steward. If you borrow a mat, please use mat cleaner to wipe it down at the end of class. Better yet, bring your own mat and other props. You have to put your face on that mat, you know. After class, check your spot of the floor for anything that may need to be wiped up, sweat, water-bottle drips, fuzz from a blanket.


Be Hydrated. Get into the practice of hydrating prior to class (which is good to do anyway). Bring your own water, especially if taking a fast paced class. 
Walk Around Mats. The yoga mat is an extension of that person. Unless you’ve asked permission, avoid stepping on someone else’s mat.


Stay Until The End. Savasana or closing relaxation is your reward. Yoga experts refer to Savasana as the most important and difficult pose because it requires stillness. This is the pose that allows all the energy that was shifted to settle and integrate. This is where you find your calm. Your peace. If you must leave early, do so before Savasana begins and give the teacher a heads up at the beginning of class so that they can cue you when it’s about that time.


Be Positive. Bring your smile and willingness to learn, let go and grow. You will get there.


Namaste. You will hear this used at the beginning and/or the end of class. It means, All that is good in me, greets all that is good in you.


Hope this helps as you build a new normal in the post Coronavirus world. Keep showing up. Watch how your world shifts.