Yoga Nuggets

As your practice of yoga integrates itself in your body and mind, a lot changes. It is a cool journey of metamorphis while in this body. You really start to understand how everything is truly connected from the inside out. You might notice how you can intentionally slow down your heart rate, feel the subtle lengthening of a muscle take place or even mentally release a cumbersome feeling. The skies the limit on this journey. Each practice is unique if you stay focused on what you need. Explore different ways to experience the same pose you have done a ton of times. Recently, I have really enjoyed the experience of staying in a pose for 30-60 seconds before going to the next. Try a Sun Salutation with this technique to experience strength in stillness. You will notice that as you reach up in the beginning, you really feel the rib cage lift, the foundation of the feet ground the Earth, the arms getting longer and more. When you surrender in the forward fold, you give the spin...

There is a magical energy in  music. I have my personal favorites; however, what "speaks" to me may not be what "speaks" to you. The key is to let what does resonate within you literally move you. Some yoga classes do not use music to assist in staying focused on the practice. Others play what is classified as "new age" music or songs without words...or, words in a language you do not understand. It's all good for those it "speaks" to  in their practice. Experience different sounds...you are destined to hear something you did not know about or knew would move you. Being one who craves variety, I play a blend of music depending on the energy felt or needed at the moment. Not being too concerned about precision of moves, I find it rather liberating to flow with the music. To get on the mat, turn on some music that sings to the soul and just move with it. I consider it a dance on the mat. Plus, I am my best partner in this dance. There's n...

Gratitude is a magical energy that circulates through the body and mind when made a point of focus. Being a "baby boomer", I feel grateful for experiencing life before technology took off like it has in the past twenty years. For those of you in the same age bracket, you will appreciate what I am saying. For those who are younger, I hope that you truly understand the power of trust, time, and tenacity. Just to stroll down memory lane, I feel compelled to share some of the things I took for granted; however, but now truly appreciate the value. Some people may think it is better to get things done faster; however, the truth is, time seems to do what it needs to keep up with the new pace. Time is priceless and you cannot get it back. The same is for your life. Why rush it? When you take your time in whatever you are doing, you will glean more than you know. Here's some things I remember and understand the value of these standards. ~Cable television did not exist. All four ch...

I just returned from a week long advanced yoga training course with Ganga White at the White Lotus Foundation. It was truly a powerful time of self-discovery, sharpening yoga skills and connections. This thought provocative poem was written by Ganga White. When I first read it, I immediately thought of one my favorite songs by John Lennon, Imagine. Take time to read and feel the words. Ponder the "what if"; imagine the "what ifs" being the world's reality. Nothing has ever changed until one started to question and imagine another way of doing things. "It is easy if you try." We simply have to slow down for a moment and understand that each of us makes an impact on the planet's energy. Imagine what would happen if even half of the world lived with the mindset this poem conveys. The ripple effect of the positive energy would ignite a change for all... What if our religion was each other If our practice was our life If prayer, our words What if the t...

Yoga has an endless list of poses to pursue and a new edge with each practice. It seems like since it has been truly noticed in the past few years, a new spin on how to do it is presented. There is no right on wrong; you simply practice what feels right for YOU. Personally, I do not connect to any particular "style" of yoga for it is a personal pursuit of discovery. To limit yourself to one way closes doors to different experiences. Simply speaking for myself, I find that the "hot" yoga is not for me. To practice in elevated temperatures and simultaneously raise the internal body heat is not wise. You do sweat out toxins and get the benefit of better flexibility in heat; however, sometimes you can take your muscles past their edge and increase the micro tears that manifest in the muscle fibers. Practicing yoga in a normal temperature with proper breathing and movement will build the internal heat of body. I am more of a "Buddhist" mindset: "Everything...

If you are a baby boomer, then you have seen the best movie ever, It's a Wonderful Life. If you haven't, regardless of your age, watch it. Get nestled in the couch with some popcorn, a blanket and prepare to immerse yourself in a fabulous story. Already seen it? Watch it again. It premiered in 1946 and starred one of the greatest actors, Jimmy Stewart. Every time I watch it, and it has been at least 25 times, the positive energy and powerful message it conveys is reinforced. Ironically, it did not really get recognized as a great movie until forty years after it was made. Now, it is considered one of the best movies ever made. It is a simple message. YOU make a difference. YOUR life has a ripple effect on countless lives. Life always presents challenges to face; however, the true heart of your life is what you did to make a difference in other people's lives. The truth of being interconnected is beautifully conveyed in this movie. It is easy to forget what you have done li...