Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Get Happy. Dance a Little
Nice little clip that will enliven your senses and bring some happiness today.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
What Do You Say to Your Child About Satan and Santa?
In case anyone hasn't noticed, I am a huge Abraham-Hicks fan. With all the Catholic upbringing and talk and threat of Satan, constant invitations to this church or that church, blible beating particularly in the area I live...I find this video to be absolutely soothing to my soul. I want for my own child, the pure knowingness and happiness of his own connection to source without all of the rediculous rules and regulations on which organized religion is based.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Love Yoga | Love Tony Horton
Love that P90X Trainer Tony Horton loves yoga. He incorporates yoga into so many of his routines. I love a trainer can think outside of the box. Even though his rigorous training programs advertise ripped muscles, he still believes in meditation, quieting the mind, and all the benefits of practicing yoga. And he's a hoot. Great sense of humor.
<p style="width:320px">Tony Horton Health, Fitness Seminar: MyFoxATLANTA.com</p>
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
What Kind of Chair Are You?
One of my yoga students yesterday, in describing how she related to her own mother, gave me an interesting perspective on how we relate to people in every day life. She said her mother was a very difficult woman. Very difficult to talk with , to deal with. And one day a friend said to her, "If your mother were a chair, what kind of chair would she be?" Hmmmm....good question. "A rocking chair", to which the friend replied, "Then understand that you can't sit down to relax and expect to be still."
What kind of chair are you?
Monday, April 11, 2011
BAKED TEMPEH SQUARES
For those who like it healthy, check out this recipe. Love the sauce. Easy to prepare. Yum.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE UNHAPPINESS OR ANGER?
The best thing you could do for anyone that you love, is be happy! And the very worst thing that you could do for anyone that you love, is be unhappy, and then ask them to to try to change it, when there is nothing that anybody else can do that will make you happy. If it is your dominant intent to hold yourself in vibrational harmony with who you really are, you could never offer any action that would cause anybody else to be unhappy.
--- Abraham
That's why I bless the impatient driver who wants to run everyone off the road. I always ask God to give them a break and allow them a good decent day, one that takes the edge off. And right away, I feel better no matter how angry or frustrated I am. The moment passes and I am in a better place. God's got it.
How do you get back into vibrational harmony?
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Bio Identicals - OH What a Relief it is!
Wow, I feel like I've got my life back. These BioIdentical Hormones have really enhanced my quality of living. Couldn't figure out why my hair was falling out, why I was gaining around the middle, why my skin was changing, why I couldn't relax despite all the meditation and exercise I was doing.
Well, guess what? Hormones or the lack of can make you feel like you're crazy. I don't feel that way anymore. My nails are better, my skin feels better, and I have energy throughout the day. Quite nice, I must say, since I haven't felt that way in a few years.
And thank God for yoga and meditation. I am amazed I did not jump off a bridge.
If you feel like you're having problems with your hormone levels and you live in Chas, I suggest you see Dr. Donald Fylstra at MUSC.
If you live in D.C the best docotr I know is Dr. Bruce Rind
If you just want to read about the effects of hormones, I really like Suzanne Somers "Breakthrough" and "The Hormone Solution" by Dr. Erika Shwartz. If you have any other recommendations, do share.
What is Required to Just Be Yourself?
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. — Oscar Wilde
Running across this quote today provoked a question which has infinite answers.
What is required to just be yourself?
Answer:
I'm not sure....when I find myself, I'll let you know.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Great Meditation Quote of the Day
“The real journey of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes, but in seeing with new eyes.”
- Marcel Proust
Thursday, April 7, 2011
O Magazine Sheds Light on the Superfoods in Shakeology
O MagazineTakes a look at the Ingredients of Shakeology - The Benefits of Superfoods
Shakeology - The following is an article written by Susan Casey, O's Editor in Chief, and describes the ingredients in a way that really rocks my boat and I think will rock yours as well. It is so wonderful to see Oprah's team of credibility shedding light on this fabulous superfood. As usual, she and her team align themselves with the best. Don't take my word. Read it for yourself. If this doesn't say it all...
Apr 05, 2011
O's editor in chief travels to Peru to experience a trove of life-giving superfoods that just might revolutionize your view of nutrition. Click Here to Read The Story
What Are We Feeding Our Children?
I recently ready this article Deepak Chopra tweeted. Since I live in a town where so people, including children, are obese, I thought this might be very useful. My son loves fruits and veggies, especially raw. He has never liked the texture of meat, so I may be in a slightly different ball game. I do, however, find myself saying, "you can have dessert after you take a shower", as if I am going to treat him for cleaning up....with sugar no less.
Anyway, here it is. Good tips.
http://www.thevisualmd.com/expert_panel/deepak_chopra_md/weekly_health_tip_to...
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Using The Bible to Justify Bigotry
I had a conversation with someone today that was very thought provoking. I asked myself how many people actually use the bible to justify their bigotry. I see and hear people every day where I live quote the bible and in the same sentence bash gay people or use racial slurs in the name of Jesus, then take a breath and assure themselves that Jesus will forgive them or that they are riteous in their thoughts. So I was quite satisfied, and certainly wish I were this quick on my feet, when I saw this:
Monday, April 4, 2011
Untitled
"When you feel like you are swimming upstream, just flip over and float." ~ Terri Cole
Good girl. Love the post on Jersey Shore. I grew up in Red Bank and still have yet to meet anyone who remotely resembles the cast of Jersey Shore.
Rolf Gates - An Inspiring Teacher
A book that I go back to again and again for inspiration was written by a fabulous, comical, likeable guy by the name of Rolf Gates.
"Meditations From the Mat"
I liked it so much, I bought if for my sister while visiting in California. She wanted to take me to Santa Cruz to show me its eclectic beauty. I mentioned that I thought one of my favorite teachers had a studio there and we googled it, but no studio came up. And so, we went to Santa Cruz 45 minutes later, had lunch, and ended up at a beautiful metaphysical bookstore that had me absolutely mesmerized.
I was looking at everything, captivated by all the topics elegantly placed in plain view on the shelves, the conversations I am so ready to have. And then out of the corner of my eye, I noticed someone standing next to me. I looked over and said, "Excuse me...what is your name?" And he replied, "My name is Rolf. Rolf Gates." He was as likeable as I thought he would be. I introduced myself and expressed my gratitude for the inspiration I find daily in his book. Six months later, I am sitting at Holy Cow in Charleston, listening to his lecture on Yoga and The Law of Attraction. It was fabulous, funny and absolutely engaging. I took away some tips on writing and visualization and found a way to inspire myself every morning. Looking for more, I found this...
Rolf Gates Crazy Sexy Life Blog
Great Blog.
Friday, April 1, 2011
IT'S TIME TO PULL WEEDS - Refreshing or Draining?
I wrote this quite some time ago and wanted to post it again as it is time to go out in the yard and start pulling weeds. Everytime I am called to pull weeds I am reminded of cleaning out my own emotional junkyard. Well, it's really a palace now...
Weeds: If You Don't Get The Root, They Just Keep Coming Up!
I worked in my yard most of this week pulling weeds. Twice a year, I sprinkle weed tamer, ( I call it tamer because I don't like the word killer), and fertilizer on my grass as directed by the package it all comes in, and low and behold, up come the weeds. This year was particularly weed fruitful, much like my life and the lives of so many.
Sometimes it feels very frustrating because every time I pull a weed, another one seems to show its tall neck as if to say, "Over here honey. You missed it. Gotta dig a little deeper this time." Some weeds are easy to pull. They come up and are almost relieved to let go, easy to handle. Others absolutely refuse to come out of the ground, showing so much resistance, that you need to dig them out with a sharp metal object. They do not seem to be so relieved. They are stubborn and fight to the bitter end. These are the weeds that stay low to the ground, not so detectable. They really do want to just stay there and spread, hoping not to get noticed while relentlessly taking over the healthy grass. But once they are out of the ground, there is space for new healthy grass to grow.
When The Weeds of Life Overwhelm You, Be Easy With Yourself
Hmmm...where do you think I'm going with all of this? You guessed it. Life has lumps and bumps...and weeds. Some are easy to pull, some take a little more digging. I think we all know, if you don't dig up the root, they just keep coming back and they show up over and over, growing taller or wider by the day.
We all want the grass to be green and perfect, disease free, and full of luster. But it doesn't always work out that way, no matter what we do or how much we try to control what is going on around us. Be easy with yourself. Pull a few and then rest in the grass. Then dig up a few and rest in the grass. And before you know it, your lawn and the way you feel when you lay down upon the earth will feel really wonderful. You are loved and supported and the grass really is very green.
Please feel free to share your metaphors in the comment box below.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Gentle Yoga Pose | Great For Your Heart and Thyroid
Viparita Karani or as some say it, "Legs up in the air" So easy, anyone can do it!
Benefits:
Rest Your Veins: Hardest working organ in your body
Massages Heart and Thyroid
Helps Regulate Metabolism
Access Parasympathetic Side of Your Brain = "REST AND RENEW"
HELLO! Take 5 Minutes and Renew Renew, Renew!
Monday, March 28, 2011
What's Your Excuse?
Even though I have come a really long way, and for those of you who know me, bless your heart, you know it's true! Just yesterday I was complaining to myself about some of the people who live on my street. I was thinking, "Well, if they'd just move" or "If they would just clean up their yard" or "If they wouldn't park on the sidewalk or grass or whatever"...my life would be so much better!
So here it is again from Abraham:
Tell everyone you know: "My happiness depends on me, so you're off the hook." And then demonstrate it. Be happy, no matter what they're doing. Practice feeling good, no matter what. And before you know it, you will not give anyone else responsibility for the way you feel -- and then, you'll love them all. Because the only reason you don't love them, is because you're using them as your excuse to not feel good.
--- Abraham
So you know what I did? I turned to my garden, or lack of, and potted some beautiful plants. And I felt better. And then I went in my back yard and noticed the seeds I had planted several years ago had turned into a huge climbing bush of gorgeous yellow happiness. And life was better.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
People Against Rape | PAR
Hi! Close to my heart, I thought I would share this with everyone. PAR is doing great work. If you know of anyone who feels they have been sexually violated and needs help, this is the go to...
<div><br/>Enlarge this document in a new window<br/>Digital Publishing with YUDU</div>
Monday, March 21, 2011
Procrastinating is Resistance
I was listening to Abraham-Hicks this morning. It is part of my daily routine. And I was reminded of a workshop I attended where a young man wanted a physically fit body but he did not want to have to associate having a physically fit body with doing any sort of exercise or eating any particular food.
The gentle message that Abraham delivered was so simple yet so profound and I am certain most of us can relate. It went something like this:
"You don't like action when it is coupled with resistance. You love action. In fact, the more you move, the better you feel. So remove the resistance."
This is why I meditate. When I don't meditate for say 15 minutes each day, just allowing myself to go quiet, I get ansy. I want the path to be lit all the way. I don't want to go through the beautiful process God has so generously planned for me. I want it NOW! Right now! And so I procrastinate. I don't move. I fuddle around and end up being unproductive. Can anyone relate?
When I meditate on a regular basis, I remove the resistance. I am focused, calm, productive and happy. I get moving. The more I move the better I feel, the happier I am. And both my emotional and physical muscles love it!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
What if God Were One of Us?
I love the Finer Minds site. Always thought provoking and inspirationally stimulating. They recently put out a blog with this YouTube video on it.
So what if God were one of us? If he lived like we do with five senses? How would that change things?
If you want to see the full blog and many other great thought provoking blogs, take a look here: FINERMINDS
Friday, March 11, 2011
10 Things You Nedd to Know About Weight Loss
Here's an interesting little clip on what goes on internally as far as what extra weight might be doing to our bodies. Even if we are not visibly overweight, what are we putting into our bodies? How does it process? Where does it end up?
This is exactly why I don't skip meals anymore and why it is so important to eat small meals all day long. I realize for some of us it is very difficult to eat all day long. Healthy eating requires planning. And then there are those of us who feel like we might be missing out on something if we deny ourselves chocolate, sweet snacks, or salty snacks.
CAPRI - In the Magical Early Morning
This was taken in Capri, Italy the morning we left at about 5:30AM. Really spectacular!
So Sweet - MAN AND CUBS
You know I love animals. This is so sweet. A Lioness introduces her cubs to a trusted caretaker. Animals tap into their inner guidance system very well. We have the same ability. The question is, "Do we use it or ignore it?" Seems that both parties here are tapped in.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
TAPAS- No, not the Spanish Food - TAPAS is Having Zest for Life!
TAPAS is Having Zest for Life
The yama, Tapas, provoke these kinds of thoughts:
What gives you zest for life?
What gives you enthusiasm?
What do you feed your body in a way that allows it to function optimally?
What do you focus on throughout the day?
Do you focus on thoughts that serve you or thoughts that don't serve you?
Do you eat foods that nourish your body or do you eat foods that deplete your body?
Do you carry excess weight?
Do you feel shortness of breath?
Do you feel healthy?
Do you even want to feel healthy?
When you come in the door from work at night, do you mindlessly grab a beer or soda and turn on the TV all while talking on your cell?
TAPAS is Practicing Awareness. Awareness leads to all sorts of greatness!
Healing with the Masters Free Teleseminar
I have recently experienced a teleseminar similar to this one and found it extremely useful and inspiring. Take a look and see if anything jumps out at you. It's free and you will undoubtedly enjoy this type of work if you are on the healing path. It really is useful for anyone on any level.
Do These Guys Rock Your Boat?
New 12 Week Season of Healing With The Masters To Feature Interactive Conversations With 24 Prominent Transformational Thought and Wellness Leaders Including Michael Bernard Beckwith, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Dan Millman, James Redfield and Neale Donald Walsch
Author, speaker and healer Jennifer McLean today announced the launch of Season Seven of her life-changing interactive online teleseminar series Healing With The Masters , scheduled to premiere Tuesday, March 8 at 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST.
Participants will learn how to:
* Release tension imposed by stress by resetting reactive behaviors and habits
* Become better aligned with desired dreams and goals through empowering daily practices
* Reach new levels of transformative personal growth through deep self-examination and reflection
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Power Food - What Do YOU Need it For???
Ask yourself this: If I could achieve any feeling, what would it be?
Overall Health
Weight Loss
Human Connection
Relief from Anxiety
More Energy
Relief from Exhaustion
Leaner Muscles
Relief from Cravings
Relief from Blood Sugar Problems
Stronger Libido
Less joint and Muscle Pain
Better Digestion
Lower Cholesterol
If any of the above resonates with you, take a look:
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/yogafitness?bctid=637719395001
Brahmacarya = Freedom
Practicing Brahmacarya Gives Us Freedom
Brahmacarya. Most people associate this yama with celibacy or not having what we want in the this life, having to do without, depriving ourselves, sacrificing, etc. But this is not really what it means. When we bring Brahmacarya into our lives, it does not mean living a life without passion. It's quite the opposite. When we practice moderation, we have balance. When we have balance, the gateway opens for passion.
What does it mean to practice moderation yet live a life of passion? Click here to read on...
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Beautiful Sexy Dance - MUST SEE
WOW! You know I love to share when I run across something spectacular. And here it is:
Stunning. Just stunning.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
MINDING YOUR BUSINESS - IT"S GOOD FOR YOU
By paying attention to the way you feel, and then choosing thoughts that feel the very best, you are managing your own vibration, which means you are controlling your own point of attraction -- which means you are creating your own reality. It's such a wonderful thing to realize that you can create your own reality without sticking your nose in everybody else's, and that the less attention you give to everybody else's reality, the purer your vibration is going to be -- and the more you are going to be pleased with what comes to you.
--- Abraham
Monday, February 21, 2011
How Important is Your Happiness?
Your happiness is the most significant contribution that you could make. In your reaching for happiness, you are opening a vortex which makes you an avenue for the Well-being to flow through you. And anything that is your object of attention under those conditions, benefits by the infusion of your Well-being.
--- Abraham
Sunday, February 20, 2011
ASTEYA - HOW MUCH ARE WE REALLY HOLDING ON TO?
The Meaning of Asteya
Asteya literally means non-stealing. You can also find this meaning in the 10 commandments. The 8th commandment is "Thou Shalt Not Steal." Obviously we know not to steal. Let us explore, however, the deeper meaning of what it means not to steal. As you know, I write a lot. I experience tremendous joy when I write. But note that I quote some of my favorite authors quite a bit. For example, I happen to love Richard Freeman.
In regards to the more subtle meaning of Asteya Richard writes, "...such as not plagiarizing ideas without giving credit for them. It means not accumulating for yourself the things that do not really belong to you, not being a phony, not holding onto the things that ultimately are not yours. It even applies to the things that come into the sphere of our influence, for example, physical property---a house we might own---which ultimately must be seen as impermanence like all else..."
MY NEW FAVORITE POWER FOOD
What's Going Into Your Body?
I don't know about you, but over the last several years I have become more and more interested in what goes into my body. There is sooooo much information out there on what's good, what's bad and everything in between. I educate myself because I want my body to perform optimally. I want to feel strong. And I can tell you, as someone who has fluctuated in weight, energy, who is now in menopause, who has always had sugar cravings and blood sugar ups and downs, I am clear that it is vital to feed my body the proper fuel. Fuel comes in a variety of forms such as physical exercise, nuturtion, rest, liftestyle, etc. I wouldn't say my life is perfect by any stretch, but I have found something that really works for me. And here it is:
Thursday, February 17, 2011
MY BUTT - El Booty
I remember when I used to have a solid nice butt. It's still there, but it seems my menopausal friends are pulling it in two different directions, out and down. As you can imagine, I felt I had to take action. So I have found a fabulous compliment to my yoga practice and here it is:
Think it's easy??? Think again. I could only do 13 minutes to start with. Now I can do the whole thing. WOW! And I love it because it is only 35 minutes, a broad menu and scrumptous recipes that are easy to put together. Stay posted and I'll have a before and after soon.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Meaning of the Yama Satya
The Meaning of Satya
Following the first yama, Ahimsa (non-harming), is Satya (truthfulness). Yes, this means being honest with people, but there's something to take into consideration when you decide that you want to be honest in a way that might hurt someone. The yamas are placed in such a way that one builds on the other. So if you are thinking about telling someone they would look more attractive if they had a nose job...just because you want to be honest, you would be ignoring the first yama which is non-harming in thought, word or deed.
To observe Satya, we must continually search for the truth within ourselves. This requires quieting the mind. As we learn to quiet our minds and remove ourselves from daily distractions, we are able to act in the truth of our own present moments. We are able see more clearly our path to wellness. When I speak of wellness, I am referring to all types of wellness such as emotional, physical, financial, spiritual, etc.
Click below to learn about a wonderful friend of mine who observed Satya during the most difficult time in his life. Very Cool guy.
A Great Example of Someone Who Observes Satya
Friday, February 11, 2011
Abraham Hicks on Worrying
Worrying is using your imagination to create something you don't want.
--- Abraham
Monday, February 7, 2011
Laughing Yoga Anyone?
Dr. Ellie Drake, founder of Braveheart Women, is so adorable in this video exploring the concept of laughing yoga. In fact, she puts out a lot of great information on the many different components of healing. Take a look:
Hugs and Laughter!
Donna
Friday, January 28, 2011
The Meaning of Ahimsa
Ahimsa- Non-violence, non-harming in word, thought or deed. Many yogis refer to the word Ahimsa when talking about vegetarianism or veganism. While it makes total sense that one would not want to harm any living thing, including animals which are consumed by the masses, there is more to the meaning of Ahimsa than thinking about going vegan.
Ahimsa is also about offering kindness to those around you. Cultivating kindness on a daily basis paves the way for loving, compassionate, meaningful relationships. When you are angry, you attract anger. When you are kind, you attract kindness. Even when someone is angry with you or with some life circumstance, when you respond with kindness, you can move mountains.
I love what Richard Freeman says about Ahimsa when we are faced with difficult situations:
Beautiful Display of Love
This is one of my all time favorites and although it has been seen before, it is worth showing over and over again. Kindness. Love. Compassion. These are things that make life worth living.
Hand Dancing - A Different Kind of Spin
As much as I love Italy and everything about it, you might guess that I am posting this just for the Italian music which is fabulously happy. But I'm not. This is a really unique video that put a smile on my face today. And as you know, I love to smile and laugh...
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Daniel Vitalis on the Benefits of Collostrum
Is Collostrum Just For Babies???
You know how I love this health stuff, so I have to share. Collostrum is usually associated with breast feeding and it is a crucial component to living a healthy life. The good news is you don't have to be a newborn to get it. Take a look at the benefits below. Very Cool! This guy puts out fabulous information and he's very down to earth. I love that.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Funny Female Drivers - So Funny!
Normally I wouldn't show something so sexist, but I am a female and had to LOL at this one. You know how I love the funnies! Hilarious. Thank goodness no one was hurt.
Have you had a good laugh today? Remember, laughing is good for the heart.
Free Cleaning Service For Cancer Patients
A friend passed this on to me a today and I thought I would share. What a wonderfully useful service.
Cleaning for a Reason
If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It's our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Take Me To Capri...Italy that is.
One of my favorite places in the world is Capri, Italy. I have been 8 times and each time find that I love it more and more. It never gets tiring. Its beauty is capable of knocking anyone off their feet. Here's a very short clip taken from my farovite hotel in Ana Capri, the Caesar Augustus.
Stay tuned for more. I will be hosting a yoga retreat in Capri, 2012. It really is fabulous!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Richard Freeman on Breathing
I like the way Richard Freeman explains breathing. He gives a nice mental picture and he can be kind of comical. Either way, there is something to learn here. Take a look:
With Love,
Donna
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Untitled
Yoga Poses to Relieve Anxiety
Having suffered from anxiety for many many years, I am completely sympathetic to those of you who are still on the healing path. I too, am on the healing path and have found some very soothing poses and techniques along the way to help calm the tightness in my chest, the pain in my neck and shoulders, and the worry and constant angst that accompanies the many symptoms of anxiety. The following are my:
10 Favorite Yoga Poses for Anxiety.
1. Breathing in and out of Left Nostril
2. Lay on Right Side
3. Childs Pose with a Bolster
4. Goddess Pose with a Bolster
5. Viparita Karani with a Bolster
6. Seated Forward Bend with a Bolster
7. Bridge Pose with a Bolster
8. Savasana with a Bolster
9. Plough Pose (For more advanced students)
10. Headstand (For more advanced students)
Find out more about headstands
Thursday, January 20, 2011
What is Hatha Yoga and How Can it Help Me?
I want to share a wonderful explanation of the benefits of Hatha Yoga taken out of Richard Freeman's book, "The Mirror of Yoga". I just love it when an author makes a connection with his readers by using metaphores which are easily absorbed and digested:
"Hatha means "sun" (ha) and "moon" (tha), and it can be used to describe any yoga practice that unites opposite patterns within the nervous system in order to open up the core of the body for our observation. A central component of hatha yoga is asana (yoga poses), the practice of yoga postures, in which we work the body; we turn it, stretch it, and explore its subtleties. Another component is Pranayama (breathwork), in which we stretch, unfold, refine, and closely observe breathing. Within these physical practices of hatha yoga we work the body like we knead dough when making bread, so that it becomes transformed from an amorphous lump of unconscious flesh and bones into something that is vital and full of life. Through this work we find that both the body and the mind wake up; they begin to unite with each other and with our everday experience of life. As we continue to practice we gradually begin to find that we can extract from the body all the juice of insight and consciousness that lies within it."
Here's a little clip of Richard showing off his gymnastic like sequence...
If you're new to yoga, don't let this scare you off. You don't have to be a pretzel or gymnast to enjoy the benefits.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Yoga Pose for Back Pain
Back Pain anyone? Sitting in a chair too long, work-related back stress, menopause, andropause, injury...it doesn't really matter where it comes from. We want relief! I know my back gets really stiff if I don't practice some gentle poses every day. Something as simple as a seated twist can loosen up the back and has other benefits as well. This pose just takes a few minutes and it can be practiced anywhere.
Take a look:
Benefits of seated twist (Sage Twist) are amazing:
Eases back pain
Strengthens your back and tones your abs, liver, spleen & intestine
Promotes flexibility in shoulders and chest
Tips:
Make sure toes of bent leg are on the ground.
Toes of straight let pointed upward.
Inhale before you twist, lifting your ribcage and relaxing your shoulders
Exhale as you twist and use your abs to twist. Try not to pull on your bent knee to twist. Use your muscles.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Yoga and Meditation for Menopause
Am I going Crazy???
That's a thought that's been running through my head over the last few years. I thought maybe I had a thryroid problem as it runs in my family. So I went and had a hormone panel test and found out that, yes, I am being graced with the presence of menopause. Not a little. Full blown. Thank God for yoga! Some of my symtoms include insomnia, anxiety, jelly-belly, pain in my lower back, etc. It is vital to exercise and eat well during menopause. I find that lifting weights is helping a lot, thanks to the advice of a friend. But yoga? Yoga and meditation is incredibly beneficial. Although the poses leave you feeling wonderful, the philosophy and lifestyle is what keeps my anxiety and insomnia at bay. I will write more about this soon, but for now, here's a simple pose that can help relieve back pain and stiffness.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Benefits of Downward Dog Yoga Pose
Downward Dog anyone???
So simple yet sometimes so difficult, yet as with anything, the more we practice it, the more we crave it.
Did you know in addition to all the physical benefits Downward Dog can:
Help calm anxiety
Help alleviate insomnia
Relieve stress
Take a look:
How's your downward dog today?