High Street Yoga

Mud, Obstacles and Yoga

2011-09-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I participated in the Pa Spartan Run. I registered not really knowing what I was getting into. I’d heard of mud runs and I’d been running more so I thought why not?! About a month before the race I realized that I needed to start doing more then just run so I added sit ups, push ups and burpees to my routine. 2 weeks before the run I found the Spartan Chicks and that is when I found out exactly what I had gotten myself into. This was the mother of all mud runs with intense obstacles, walls, barbed wire, fire etc. I began to get a little nervous! I realized it was time to step things up; I did two sets of burpees each day, push ups at the kitchen island whenever I was in there, which is a lot with three kids. Every afternoon I carried two backpacks up our steep hill, one in the front and one in the back along with a viola and sax just to get the extra weight. It’s not a rock or a sandbag but as a mom of three I’ll take what I can get. Even with all this, I felt like it was little too late to be in the kind of shape needed for a Spartan Race. I reached out to the Spartan Chicks on line with my fears and received and outpouring of support and encouragement. I was encouraged to run my own race, take my time, take one obstacle at a time, and believe in myself. Wow, this was starting to sound a lot like Yoga Philosophy. How often in class do I say “listen to your body” “find your edge w/o going over” “Accept your body exactly where you are w/o judgment” My worry and fear had gotten in the way and I wasn’t enjoying the process of training and being in the moment, in my body. I was so grateful that I’d reached out to these women. I felt such clarity and even a sense of calm. I knew I would do the race and finish it and have fun.

My yoga principles helped me out throughout the race. There is a practice called walking meditation where you use the experience of walking as the focus. The first two miles of the race was straight up Blue Mountain. Many participants stopped or sat to catch their breath. I knew I couldn’t stop so I looked at my feet, got into my zone and just repeated the mantra ‘one step’ until I got to the top.

The same mindfulness came into play with the bucket of rocks. I focused only on my breath, breathing in and breathing out. I didn’t look to see how far I had to go or how far I’d been. I focused on each step and each breath.

Going down the mountain was equally as challenging to me. I was cautious and went slow. In retrospect it was probably the hardest part for me mentally. It left me with anxiety that I didn’t expect.

Before the race I was afraid of the fire and I jumped over it with such a sense of freedom and pride. I am proud to say I finished the 4.8 miles and 20 obstacles and had fun!

Yesterday was a week and a day after the Race and I found myself running a 6 mile loop, a loop I hadn’t run in almost three years since my Dad died. The run gave me time to reflect.

I’ve faced my share of obstacles over the past few years; I lost both of my parents in a span of 17 months in addition to a long list of other tragedies. Grief and stress take a tremendous amount of energy and all of my energy went into living each day, taking care of my family and running my business. I didn’t have any extra energy to run. The Spartan Run and especially the Spartan Chicks came into my life when I was ready for it. There is a Buddhist expression that says ‘When the student is ready, the teacher will come” The time was right for me to head down this path and I consider each one of the amazing Spartan Chicks as my teachers for inspiring me.

The symbolic meaning of the lotus flower is something I hold near and dear to my heart. The lotus flower grows in the mud and rises into something beautiful. Despite challenge and difficult circumstances it still blooms into something beautiful. Ironically I got a lotus tattoo years ago long before I understood suffering. Now I feel I’ve risen through the mud, symbolically and literally!

I’ve thrown my list of stress and grief into the flames of the last challenge because it is my story but it doesn’t define me. I faced my obstacles and conquered them.

Namaste’

Relay for Life Pottstown

2011-06-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I attended my first Relay for Life in Pottstown Pa. Relay for Life is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Members of the community come togethehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifr at a local track with a team and someone from the team walks for 24 hours straight because Cancer never sleeps. The Pottstown Relay is one of the largest and is highly recognized.

This year I had the opportunity and honor to teach two yoga classes for participants, one in the evening and a sunrise one for those that camped out. The event is so large that visitors are encouraged to park at a local elementary school and shuttle to Pottstgrove High School. I left my house with plenty of time to get the event and park and spend some time walking around. Teams set up camps with tents, tables, chairs and sales to help their team fund raising efforts. I arrived with plenty of time to browse. There were food vendors as well as teams selling food. I got tomato pie for lunch and spent some time with the team Friends on Earth and Friends Above. Several members of the team are friends and fellow yogis. They were selling bracelets. Each bracelet represented every kind of cancer. I bought a black and white one to honor my Mom who passed away of Lung Cancer last March.

Yoga was held under the main tent in front of the stage. I had 30 minutes to teach and focused on gentle stretches for the legs, hips and low back. The Sunday morning class was the same. I was most happy with all the kids that showed up, and kids of all ages. There were young kids, and A LOT of teens both boys and girls. Kids are fearless and always willing to give something new a try. I enjoyed being able to teach yoga at such an amazing event. The class wasn’t quiet, or meditative, but I like to think helpful none the less.

After my evening class I went home, got my boys and we went back for the Luminary Ceremony. The ceremony is to honor loved ones lost and those who have won their battle. We purchased a luminary in honor of my Mom and were able to light the candle ourselves. The candles are set up on the bleachers and spell the word hope. Candles also surround the track. There is a reflections garden next to the bleachers. Several Survivors share their story; we watched an interpretive dance and a symbolic reading of the dinner table. The most powerful part of the evening was the silent walk. Every person at the event (and there were thousands) walked around the track in silence following a drum beat.

This was the first and won’t be last Relay for Life for me. I’ve heard say it is a life changing event and I agree.

Yoga on the Steps 2011 and Team Tri-County for a Cure – The Journey

2011-05-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my second trip to Yoga on the Steps in Philadelphia and was just as memorable as the first.

Last May I stumbled upon a link to the event on Facebook and on a whim went with two friends. We were blown away and decided to create a team. Because we live in Pottstown, a small community and a 45 minute drive (with no traffic) to Philadelphia we decided to open up the team to the tri-county area.

I’ve never done any team events or fundraising for a cause so this was all very to me. Carrie, Joy and I, the original three, decided to start with a grass roots approach to recruiting our team. We called, Facebooked and e-mailed every local friend, family and yogi we knew. I contacted other local yoga instructors and yoga studios to join in. In the end we were 26 yogis strong including 7 yoga instructors, myself and Maryann Fitzmeyer from High Street Yoga, Dorian Able, Healing Yoga, Stephanie Smolik
Yoga for Everybelly, Joanne Lins, Sara Riley, and Luan Liberatori recently certified Yoga instructor for the Deaf.

Creating a team, recruiting members, fundraising and communicating to the team, involved logistics and time. Thrown in with my three children and their sports and school schedules, a husband that travels A LOT, a massage therapy practice and a yoga studio, my life can get pretty busy. But throughout it all I kept in mind words of Abraham Hicks You cannot have a happy ending to a miserable journey.

Not sure where to begin or how to get started, Carrie, Joy and I each took on a task that we were each good at. Joy, an artist and teacher, designed our amazing logo and team t-shirts. Carrie created beautiful pink breast cancer/yoga inspired jewelry and donated proceeds of each piece to the team. I taught Yoga for a Cure class accompanied by live harp music. In the words of Carrie we ‘did what we love” The spirit of community and giving continued. Team mates organized events including; Hip Hip Hooray a Yoga Class taught by Dorian Able, Rita’s for a Cure and Special Sales of Angels and Hope at
Kaleidoscope Angels where proceeds benefited the team. Our biggest and most amazing event was the video project created by Melia of Pricelss Moments by Melia. The event created awareness and got the community involved. The efforts of our team were recognized by LBBC as we were announced the team with the most Community Involvement and that was exactly my intention.

The morning of the event we met in the parking lot of the Coventry Mall and piled into 4 vans. We picked up two more team mates in Collegeville and headed into Philadelphia. For me it was exciting to share the experience with a group, many who had never been to Yoga on the Steps. We arrived, registered, settled into our space and had enjoyed our happy ending to the wonderful journey.

The weather held out as we were instructed by Jennifer Schelter. This year, 10 women shared their stories while we held yoga poses for up to 2 minutes. I cried through each story and was inspired by the strength and courage of each woman. I walked away once again with the reminder to live life to its fullest.

When it was time to leave I wasn’t really ready to end this journey. We hugged at the museum and hugged again at the Coventry Mall. New friendships were forged and plans made to attend other yoga events together. My newsfeed on FB continues to show Tri-County friends connecting. I love seeing the new pictures uploaded and the video created by Anne. I love the feeling of community and working together for one cause.

I look forward to many more years with Team Tri-County and Yoga on the Steps. Thank you Living Beyond Breast Cancer for all the work that you do, for creating this event, for supporting our team and for answering all of my calls, e-mails and FB questions!

Namaste’

Yoga/Breast Cancer Video 'around Pottstown'

2011-05-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

Over the past several months I have been busy with a yoga video project which began as a conversation in my morning yoga class. In the midst of a 30 Day Yoga Challenge, a participant shared that she does Tree Pose in the grocery store while standing in line. During prayer squat one day I shared a story about my husband traveling to Indonesia and noticing that people wait in line doing prayer squat. This evolved into ‘wouldn’t it be fun to do yoga poses in random places around Pottstown and take pictures’

Throughout the long winter, during each class someone would comment or giggle about a certain pose we could do in a location in Pottstown. We dreamed for spring to come and decided it would be our spring project. Before long, the idea began to grow and evolve into raising awareness and funds for our Yoga team Tri-County for a Cure that is attending Yoga on the Steps on Sunday May 15th. Suddenly the project became much greater then ourselves and became something both fun and meaningful.

My good friend and the most talented and creative person I know, Melia Rios-Lazo from Priceless Moments by Melia offered to donate her time and photography skills toward the project. She was suffering the loss of a good friend that just passed away because from breast cancer and felt very drawn to the cause.

Fellow team mate, friend and owner of Hammi Jammi Jewlery and I hit the streets of Pottstown and scheduled Business Owners and Pottstown leaders for their photo shoot. After everyone stopped laughing about doing yoga, each agreed to try. The support and enthusiasm was amazing.

We had 3 days scheduled for pictures and ended up adding on two more. Fellow yogis’ from Pottstown and the surrounding areas joined us each day to help teach and join in with the pictures. Most of the sessions were scheduled and we grabbed unsuspecting strangers along the way. Each day of the filming was energizing, fun and powerful. We quickly realized how many people knew someone that was affected by breast cancer.

Some of my favorite scenes include, waiting in line for the bus in prayer squat, because it is what sparked this whole crazy journey. I had fun with the cab drivers, the mayor and the students at Montco. When I look at the pictures and the http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifdiversity of the people involved I am proud to live and work in Pottstown. When I look at the picture at the farmers market I am so happy to see Daniel, the young Mennonite Farmer who joined us. We had so much fun with the kids from the YWCA and the Pottstown Senior Center. I can’t really sum up my favorite picture or moment. I am just proud to have been a part of this great project.

I’ve watched the video at least 50 times and still laugh and cry each time. Please take the time to watch it until the end. I hope this video touches you too. Click on the link to view.

Namaste’

Yoga on the Steps and Tri-County for a Cure

2011-03-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

Last year, I came across a link on FB for an event in Philadelphia called
Yoga on the Steps sponsored by Living beyond Breast Cancer. On a whim, two friends and I decided to go. We dug through our closets for pink shirts and headed into Philadelphia bright and early on a Sunday morning. We didn’t know what we were getting into or how it would affect us. Over 1,000 yogis did yoga on the steps to raise awareness and funds for education and support for women and families affected by breast cancer. The event was powerful and one that changed me. Click here to read my post from last year.

Last year we learned that many yoga studios create teams to attend the event. Most of the teams wear team shirts, sit together and raise funds together. I knew I wanted to do the same thing and share the experience with as many people as I could. One year later, the same two friends and I have created an amazing team called Tri-County for a Cure. We are a group of yoga enthusiasts from Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties. Over the past few months, we’ve created more then a ‘team’, we’ve created a spirit of unity and a sense community.

The team and cause is near and dear to my heart because my SIL is a breast cancer survivor and more recently a friend and fellow yogi was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Each and every one of us on the team has been affected directly or in-directly.

Since the creation of our team, everywhere I go, I meet survivors, family members of survivors and friends that have lost someone to this terrible disease. Each person has a story and all have courage.

There are a variety of ways you can support the team; donate to the team by clicking here, join the team, by clicking on the same link and go to “join our team” or you can attend one of the events below.

Upcoming Events Include:

Heart Opening Yoga Workshop

Sunday March 20th 1-3

Location: Prana Pottstown

For questions or information please email Pam at peacelotusyoga@gmail.com or call 610-283-1385 Suggested donation $20.

Yoga with Live Harp Music

Tuesday, March 29 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Location First Presbyterian Church 750 N.Evans St. Pottstown, PA

Join us for an evening of gentle Yoga accompanied by live harp music, tea, vendors, raffles and more! Remember to wear pink and all proceeds benefit Tri-County for a Cure a local yoga team participating in Yoga on the Steps Suggested Donation $20

Hip Hip Hooray RX for the hips and Low Back

Friday April 29th 7:30-9 pm

Location; Healing Yoga Douglassville Pa

Contact Dorian to reserve a space: 610-369-0831 or dorian@healingyogapa.com.

Ritas Pughtown

Monday May 2nd 6-9

Location 2323 Pottstown Pike

Pottstown, PA, 19465

Come to Ritas and Support our Team! Proceeds of the night benefit Tri-County for a Cure!

Jewelry

Jewelry artist Carrie Grabowicz of Hammi Jammi Jewelry Is selling Breast Cancer bracelets and necklaces. Click here to view her work and 15% of each piece will be donated to the team.

T-Shirt Sales

Tri-County for a cure T’s designed and created by Joy van Ruler are available for purchase.

Tri-County for a Cure; Be inspired, be part of team, help others and unite with fellow yogis

Sand Mandala a Buddhist Symbol of Impermanence

2011-03-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

Change is the only constant in life. It can be inspiring, motivating, exhausting and scary. According to Buddhist practice, change or impermanence is the essential characteristic of all existence. The Buddhists suggest that nothing is lasting, even in the moment everything is undergoing change. All is fleeting, the beauty of a flower, the sunset the leaves on the trees are in a continuous state of change. What is real is the existing moment, the present.

Mandala is a Sanskrit word for circle. The sand Mandala is constructed as a vehicle to recognize impermanence, to develop concentration and compassion. Millions of colored sand is placed on a platform over a period of days or even weeks. Traditionally when finished to symbolize the impermanence of life, the sands are swept up and poured into an urn to be poured into a nearby river or stream.

Last week I had the privilege of seeing Tibetan Monks create a Sand
Mandala at Penn State Berks County in Reading Pa. My son was home sick
that day, and since he did not have a fever I took him along. Driving to the
event I felt disappointed that I didn’t have all three boys with me. I
realized that this was something special and a learning experience they
wouldn’t find at school. But I didn’t have the foresight so only had my
one semi sick guy.

This was my first time on campus and we easily found the cafeteria. There was a table outside with prayer beads, prayer flags, books and other items for sale. The Mandala was in a roped off area in the cafeteria. There were 3 or 4 Monks working with focus when we arrived. We watched as they tapped on metal tubes (Chak-pur) to create the lines. Their work was intricate and beautiful. They answered my questions happily and seemed quite at peace in the center of the loud student filled cafeteria. Students stopped by to browse and my son and I got to experience something extraordinary. I talked to him about the concept of impermanence and its something he understood.

When we were telling his brothers about the event, one of them asked “What did the Monks have on their feet?” I thought this was an interesting question, but I guess they have the image in their mind of bald men in maroon robes in bare feet or sandals. I hadn’t noticed, but Owen did. He said “one guy had on nice shoes like Dad wears to work” He noticed their feet, but I’m sure he noticed much more. What an experience for an 11 year old and for me too!

Fun Yoga Stuff

2011-02-21T16:03:00.000-08:00

One of the things that I love about yoga is that you don’t need a lot of gear, no expensive equipment, shoes, or tools, only a mat.

Even though there isn’t a lot needed to DO yoga, there are still a lot of fun yoga accessories out there. Recently I came across an amazing artist and yogi Kasha Ritter that makes purses and bags out of Yoga Mats! I stumbled on her website and had to splurge. Her bags are creative, fun and yes, flexible! When the bag arrived in the mail I was so excited. The packaging was beautiful. Kasha wraps each bag and includes several special touches. Inside the bag is a card that says Om Shanti and a card blessed by local monks. She includes some other goodies, but I won’t spoil the fun. Order one for yourself!

We’ve had a loooong winter in the north east. My feet are always freezing and I wait until the last possible minute to take off my socks in class. I stumbled on these amazing cashmere toeless yoga socks on Etsy and they are genius! They are warm, soft and hand made and they don’t have toes or heals. Your feet can stay warm and you still can grip the mat! I love my new socks!

For Christmas my husband got me this amazing Pigeon Yoga Mat. I love it and I love that he thought of it. He said he was glancing through my latest yoga journal magazine and saw the ads in the back, looked it up and ordered it. I love that he thought of it just as much as I love my new mat.

Finally, a plug for my Yoga Team, Tri-County for a Cure; a group of local yogis are fundraising for an event in Philadelphia called Yoga on the Steps. Its an event that attracts over 1,000 yogis each year and benefits the group Living Beyond Breast Cancer. My friend and fellow yogi Carrie of Hammi Jammi Jewelry is creating necklaces and bracelets and 15% of the proceeds benefit the event.

Namaste’ and Happy Shopping!

i love you, too

2011-02-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

When my good friend and former neighbor Shannon sent me a request to “like’ her new page on Facebook “ i love you too” I was immediately intrigued. I clicked on the link to her web page and blog and was drawn to her story. Her story began simply as an I love you too note stuck to her fridge and evolved into something far greater.

In yoga we teach students about heart centered awareness, and about sending thoughts of loving kindness to others. We talk about interconnectedness and union. But sometimes these feel like just words. Shannon was able to take the words “heart centered awareness’ and put them into something collective and tangible and accessible to everyone; not just words but action.

Take the time to read her story, check out the blog, like the FB page and be sure to print your “i love you too” form and spread the love in your town!

It started with an i love you, too sign stuck to the front of my refrigerator with a magnet. It was meant to be a self-serve love note system for my kids- like finding a note in your lunchbox, but in a grab-it-when-you-need-it format.

That first sign went untouched on the fridge for several days. Then one morning, I glanced at the sign and and it took my breath away. The i love you, too sign seemed to have metamorphosed from a message BY me into a message TO me. It was as if I could hear my grandma's voice over the landline's strained long distance connection greeting me from another decade, “I love you, too!” I was immediately overwhelmed with deep feelings of contentment, security, warmth and a huge smile. I pulled the first tab from the sign and tucked it into my purse as I went out the door.

In the days following, the remaining tabs were pulled. One by one, the tabs became bookmarks, an “I'm sorry” after a cross word, a thank-you for a kind deed, or a good-bye token for a friend. Each tab invoked a different i love you, too sensation. One time it was a hug from my mom. Other times the tab became a hope or a sweet nod from a friend.

Summer 2010 delivered adventures big and small. Along with learning to surf, trying a new restaurant, and running to the highest point in the city I wrote on my summer “to try” list “post i love you, too signs”. I printed a stack of signs and kept them in the car, along with push pins and a roll of tape. The i love you, too message quickly went renegade as we posted them around the city or places we visited. Arriving a few minutes early to meet friends meant time to find the next i love you, too location. We'd secretly post the sign, giggle, and sneak away. The experience was fun and unexpected - slightly magical.

One afternoon, I was driving alone in a sleepy beach town. I parked in front of the only store in town and stepped on to the wood-planked porch. When my eyes glimpsed a community bulletin board with advertisements for local gigs and art shows, I returned to the car and grabbed an i love you, too sign. I hung my sign up with a push pin left by a previous visitor. I went in and bought a drink, returned to the porch a few minutes later, and noticed ONE OF THE TABS HAD BEEN PULLED. I'd never seen an i love you, too tab go missing outside of my own kitchen. My heart stopped. No, my heart exploded. Maybe my heart started singing. I don't know how to explain how my heart was working except that I'd never felt that feeling before. Ecstatic? Amazed? If the English language has a word for how I felt, I do not know what it is. I glanced around the one block of Main Street, searching for who might have pulled the tab, but there was no one in sight. Someone had been on their way into the store as I was leaving - had that person pulled the tab? Had it been a man? A woman? A teen?

I walked the few steps to my car, sat down in the driver's seat, left the door open and mused. I felt like I was alive inside a Mary Oliver poem. I could not stop wondering what the sign had meant to the one who pulled the tab. What was the message for them? What did they do with the tab? Where were they now? Would they tell someone about it? Or was it the kind of message they would keep close? Did they love this as much as I did, or was it just me? In these musing moments life felt more vivid.

It had never before occurred to me how others might experience the i love you, too sign. It had simply felt good - truly good - to hang them up. It felt playful and fun. But, actually knowing that a stranger pulled a tab felt divine.
Near the end of the summer, a friend was in our kitchen and commented on the i love you, too sign on the refrigerator. He then said, “You should start a website.”

The idea just wouldn't disappear. It visited me as I fell asleep, drove carpool, worked out - the idea became my buddy and made its way on the 'must do' list. My friend's idea sparked a dream that I'm releasing into the universe - or at least into the World Wide Web - with this website.

I'm incredibly inspired by possibility. So I wonder: What is the collective effect of 100 people having their breath taken away? Or of 200 people feeling hugged? What is the ripple effect of giving small tabs of love, anonymously? Just thinking about these possibilities makes my heart start to sing.

This is my Get love. Give love. story.

What's yours?

And yes, i love you, too.

Tri-County for a Cure 2011

2011-02-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

Last year I attended Yoga on the Steps in Philadelphia and it had profound impact on me. The event is sponsored by Living beyond Breast Cancer and over 1,000 Yogis do yoga on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. The energy of that many people coming together for one cause was inspiring. See my blog post from last year to see pictures and read more details from the event.

This year the event is on Sunday May 15th and I’ve created a team with a fellow yoga teacher and two other high street yogis. We are hoping to unite yoga enthusiasts from the area to create one team, Tri-County for a Cure.

If you practice yoga and live in the Tri-County area, Berks, Montgomery or Chester, County, or know someone that has been affected by Breast Cancer and would like to make a difference, click here. to join our team.

The directions are easy to register. Click on the link, click on Register with the Team and fill in your information. This will create your own webpage where family members can donate directly on line and the proceeds that each individual collects will go toward the team goal.

We will do some group fundraisers including team T-shirts designed by fellow yogi, team mate and artist Joy van Ruler and pink beaded bracelets designed by fellow yogi, team mate and jewelry artist Carrie of Hammi Jammi Jewelry. The plans to hold a large yoga class with music, vendors and body workers with all proceeds benefiting the team and the cause.

Be inspired, be part of team, help others and unite with fellow yogis. Join Tri-County for a Cure.

Namaste’

30 Day Yoga Challenge Day 30!

2011-02-01T12:58:00.000-08:00

As I sit looking out at the icy landscape I think of the irony of another storm on the last day of the challenge! I do believe yoga everyday helped me face storm after storm during the month of January with a clear head and a bit more patience and maybe even a stronger back.

30 Days ago 24 Yogis and I set out on a 30 Day Yoga Challenge with the intention of doing yoga for at least 10 minutes everyday. My hope was that the on line ‘virtual’ group would motivate and support each of us on our journey. It was that and more.

We began sharing podcasts, stories and Susan inspired us each day with a new motivational quote. Many shared stories of doing yoga with their husbands! Yea for the hubbies! Others found themselves doing Tree Pose in the most unlikely places and others discovered comfort in settling into their own yoga routine. Many of us sampled the Comcast on Demand Yoga selection; some with success, some with challenge. We were awed and inspired by Rainbeau Mars. And mostly we felt a sense of community and kinship. The feeling that we were all working together yet on our own.

Reflecting on the past 30 days I feel a sense of accomplishment, pride, energy, community, love, need I go on? My journey was more then I could have hoped for. On a physical level, I challenged myself with some advanced poses. On an emotional level I recognized that my practice had become stuck while grieving my parents. On a spiritual level I challenged myself to be more mindful with family and friends and to really appreciate the small things.

This journey is not over for me. I will continue a daily practice and continue to deepen my practice. I will have contact with the 30 dayers beyond the challenge! I’m grateful my circle has widened.

It seems appropriate to close in the spirit of Susan with one of my favorite passages that she shared.

I Wish You Enough....

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye

Namaste’

30 Day Yoga Challenge ~ Week 4

2011-01-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

Week 4? How is it possible?

I started week 4 last Sunday at a heated power yoga class. This style of yoga is completely different then how I teach and what I prefer. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about comfort and routine and about taking risks. This class was a perfect opportunity for me to try something out of my comfort zone

The class was difficult and different and I liked it. I really liked the instructor and his gentle cues and reminders to move with breath. The room was heated and there was no music. I’ve discovered that I really like the heat. I like the feel of my hamstrings lengthening and the quiet was nice too. At one point in a forward fold the instructor told me to open my eyes. I whispered back and said “I like them closed” and he said “In power yoga, Beryl Bender Birch says that there is only one time when the eyes are closed and that is when you can hold a pose for three hours” Interesting I thought and I tried my hardest to keep my eyes open because I was in a Power Yoga Class after all, but it was very hard for me.

I ended week 4 this week at a different studio at a general hatha class, more my style. I LOVED it and the instructor chose all of my favorites! How did she know? Pigeon, dolphin, legs up the wall, supported handstand at the wall! I enjoyed every second of the class, the poses at the wall, the music, and the extra long Savasana.

Before the 30 day challenge I rarely went to a yoga class, maybe once a month if I was lucky. During this challenge I recognized the value of taking the time for myself. I will continue finding local studios and attend a class once a week.

There are just a few days left for me until I hit the 30 days. I’m planning to continue this and make yoga a daily practice for me. I’ll miss the community we’ve built during this challenge and I’m sure the group will be hearing from me randomly when I need the support! Susan I need a quote! Pam I need a podcast! Carrie, come to a class with me! Thanks all!

Namaste’

30 Day Challenge Week 3

2011-01-24T08:25:00.000-08:00

Week 3 was all about snow, snow and more snow! Despite the 2 hour delays, snow days, and shoveling, yoga still happened. Could it be? Have I managed to make yoga something I do everyday?

Rainbeau Mars had an impact on me this week. I shared a link to a beautiful, sequence by Rainbeau Mars that cannot be described in words. The conversations that followed were mostly of awe and also the feeling that many of us have only scratched the surface of the depths of yoga. Her video is both inspiring and humbling. When someone wondered how long she had been practicing I decided to check out her website. I never really found the answer to that because when I got on her home page I stopped to look at a picture slide show of her with quotes across each picture. The first one I saw was “If not now, when?” That one struck me and I couldn’t get it out of my head. If not now, when? The phrase felt both powerful and simple, another ‘ah ha’ moment for me during these 30 days.

I’ve been using the phrase as a mantra when I meditate or when I hesitate to do something. Because really, if not now when? Week 1 taught me that I was stuck. The mantra from week 3 is pushing me both on the mat and off. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone more this week with poses and in looking at life.

My Practice

I have a fear of falling on my head in crow prose. Over the weekend I decided to try it again. The voice inside me said “what if you fall on your head” and then I heard “then you’ll get back up” so I tried it and I did it! And I held it too. By saying I held the pose, it might have been 3 seconds, but that is 2 more seconds then usual. I tried several times and got up each time and stayed up. I wasn’t in alignment, my knees could have been on my shoulders better, blah blah, blah, but I DID it!!!!!

The confidence encouraged me to do head stand at the wall, which I do like, but haven’t done in awhile. Again, I kicked up and felt great. After resting in child’s pose, I kicked up again and came away from the wall and stayed without support! Woo hooo!

When I lowered back down and settled into child’s pose I heard the voice say “welcome home” and I felt so good I wanted to hug the mat! And in my mind I did. As I rested in child’s pose I remembered why I started yoga and that was to relieve sciatic pain. When the pain was gone I told everyone that ‘yoga saved my body” After several years of grief and stress, I have the same feeling that yoga once again is healing me, healing my spirit.

30 Day Yoga Challenge Week 2

2011-01-17T14:09:00.001-08:00

Week 2 was a week of subtle changes for me

My Practice

This week I pushed up into Upward Bow 3 times. This is a pose I haven’t done in a long time. When I lowered down I felt so proud that I hugged myself!

I did a DVD and a podcast that both worked toward Hanumanasana, monkey pose or splits as I was easing into the pose my youngest son walked into the room and said “hey mom can do a split” and walked out. I was so happy he recognized what I was trying to do.

My Teaching

Early on in the week Pam posed a question to the group about balance and many participants acknowledged their struggle with balance. I like tree pose and personally think Warrior 3 and Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose are both challenging. Because of the online discussion class this week focused on balance. We did, Tree, King Dancer, Warrior 3 and Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose. It turned out that the class liked Warrior 3 and Extended Hand to Big Toe. They were soaring and beautiful. It reminded me again to teach every pose and most importantly to embrace the one’s that I find difficult, because someone out there may love it!

Yoga IS becoming part of my day, just like showering, cooking eating etc. I try to get my practice done in the morning, but when it doesn’t work out I always find time for it. I struggled once this week and that was after shoveling. I felt sore and tired but once I finally got on the mat, my body was grateful.

The Group

Sometimes when I read an e-mail from the group I feel like a proud Mom. I’m usually grinning from ear to ear when I read what everyone has been up to.

When I read that Deb discovered yoga can be done in her own time and at home I felt like I’d hit the jackpot. This is EXACTLY what I’d hoped participants would gain from this.

“This challenge has opened me up to a third option – doing yoga for a few minutes in my home when I can fit it in”

Yoga is about interconnectedness and when Susan greeted fellow yogi at the outlets with a Namaste’ I felt a little emotional.

“I was down at Limerick Outlets last weekend and no kidding there was a lady outside talking on her cell phone in tree pose (a very balanced tree). As I walked towards her our eyes met and I folded my mittened hands to heart and “Namaste’d” her . . . she was grinning from ear to ear . . . . thought she should get some credit from one yogi-in-practice to another.”

I love that tree pose is taking place everywhere and that we are finding HUMOR in our yoga!

“…I was standing in a store talking to the owner. We were talking for quite awhile and I was in tree pose for over 5 minutes :) I giggled to myself!

“Over the weekend I was making soup and realized hadn’t worked yoga into my day yet…and it was getting late. So I decided to incorporate yoga into my cooking and was practicing tree pose in front of the stove in between steps of making the soup. May not have been the ideal situation but I did get a little yoga time in….and entertained my husband when he walked in the kitchen not expecting to see me in a yoga pose. :) “

Week 2 has been another amazing week! I look forward to what week 3 brings!

Namaste’

Yoga for Snow Shoveling

2011-01-12T10:32:00.001-08:00

Snow; It’s that time of year in Pennsylvania and most of the northern part of the U.S. It’s beautiful and peaceful but also back breaking. This morning we woke to 6 inches and other places along the east coast got up to 2 feet.

I have a home based Massage Therapy Business and so I need to get out there and clear the driveway. Not just the spot around my own car and my hubbies but the whole driveway so clients can park. We have a gravel driveway, not paved, so it makes it necessary to shovel before it freezes on.

Our backyard is a winter wonderland BUT this morning after shoveling our driveway, my back was sore. This is a sequence of yoga poses that can relieve low back pain from over use and shoveling. Enjoy!

Click on the links to view pictures of each pose.

Cat Cow

Starting on your knees, align knees with hips, and wrists with shoulders. On the inhale open up the heart and gaze up at the ceiling and on the exhale, round the spine and gaze toward the legs. Flow this way with the breathe.

Child’s Pose

From all fours, sit back onto your heels, knees are wide, arms reach forward and torso settles onto the mat. Breathe deeply.

Flow from Cat Cow into Child’s pose.

Inhale up to your knees, gaze up at the ceiling, exhale round and sit back into child’s pose.

Sphinx Pose

Lower onto your belly, forearms press into the mat, lift the upper body

Upward dog

Inhale push up to upward dog, and exhale tuck your toes into

Downward dog

Finish your sequence with Legs up the wall.

Sit next to the wall with the side of the body next to the wall. With the hips as close to the wall, pivot back so your legs are up against the wall. Stay here and breathe for as long as you want. To come out of the pose, bring the knees into the chest, roll to the right and use your hands to push yourself up to a seat.

Namaste’

30 Day Yoga Challenge ~ Week 1

2011-01-09T16:22:00.000-08:00

Over the past several years my yoga practice has fallen into a rut. My practice is regular; I do yoga 4 times a week for 30 minutes a session. BUT, I stick to the same poses and my practice doesn’t deepen.

In December I realized it was time to change and decided to challenge myself to 30 days straight of Yoga. I opened up the challenge to yoga students and posted it on Facebook. Quickly 24 people committed to the challenge. The group includes regular yoga students, and some occasional drop ins, 3 other yoga teachers. One of the teachers recruited 4 of her students, a Facebook fan that I haven’t met and two childhood friends!

My intention was to create a virtual group to support each other. I didn’t know how, or if this would work, but I really wanted it to. On January 2nd I sent a kick off e-mail to the group and by the next day the discussions began. Members began to forward podcasts, articles, and give suggestions and encouragement. I was THRILLED beyond belief. This was EXACTLY what I was hoping for.

Week one taught me to step out of my comfort zone. Over the past two years, my practice has been slow and gentle. I’ve been doing forward bends, child’s pose, pigeon pose and twists. I LOVE how I feel when I do them. I love how I feel comfort and nurtured when I’m settling into child’s pose. I love the unwinding in my spine in a twist, the quiet and stillness of a forward bend and the openness in my hips in pigeon pose.

This week I’ve been doing more challenging sequences either on my own or while watching a DVD or On Demand. One day while doing side plank and feeling good, I had what Oprah calls an ah-ha moment. Reflecting on my practice, I didn’t see myself as ‘stuck.’ But in that ah=ha moment I saw so much more. Over the past two years, I lost both of my parents; my dad to a sudden massive heart attack and 16 months later my Mom after a long battle with cancer. Those poses were what I needed at the time. They offered great comfort to me during a time when I needed it. 2011 is a time for me to heal, to live with gratitude and in yoga to become ‘un-stuck” It’s time for me to walk in confidence on and off the mat. What an amazing moment to recognize that.

I hope that this challenge will set me on the path of yoga as a daily practice. I'm beginning to see it as something I do everyday, like dishes, cooking dinner, brushing teeth. These are things I do everyday without question. I want yoga to be that for me.

I’ve also found that it’s not that hard to do everyday. I’ve had so many excuses not to do yoga on the weekends; I work on Saturdays, the kids have activities, I’m tired (really bad excuse) etc. etc. I’ve found that 10 minutes of Sun Salutations goes really far in giving me energy and focus throughout the day.

I look forward to week 2 with the group and look forward to more discussions, suggestions, encouragement and support.

This practice becomes firmly rooted when it is cultivated skillfully and continuously for a long time.” – The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali 1:14

Yoga in 2010, Setting a New Years Intention the Yogic Way, 30 Day Yoga Challenge and some Press in the Mercury

2010-12-31T10:44:00.000-08:00

As I signed in to post this I found that it is my 100th post! That seems so appropriate for New Years Eve!

Yoga 2010

So much happening this time of year… I haven’t had the chance to reflect and write about yoga in 2010. My journey with yoga continues to be about healing after the loss of my mom in March. My meditation practice continues to deepen as I’ve found two amazing meditation teachers locally to practice with. My physical practice continues to be gentle and slow. I’ve been working toward full pigeon, reaching up and over my head to grab my foot.

2011 ~ My Intentions and how to set yours

Moving into 2011 I’m working toward stepping out of my comfort zone with yoga, embracing some of the more advanced poses and sitting in meditation longer. I plan to write a curriculum for teaching yoga to school aged kids and explore more options for teaching kids. I will visit more church lunch bunch groups and teach seniors chair yoga. In the spring I will organize Team Pottstown at an amazing breast cancer event in Philadelphia. I will reach out to other yoga teachers and studios in the community and organize a community event. I will continue to make yoga more accessible to everyone and I hope to continue to inspire yogis on and off the mat.

Setting resolutions can be disappointing. To read about how you can set your intention the yogic way, check out my blog post from last year.

30 Day Yoga Challenge

My practice has been inconsistent over the past few weeks. I love New Year’s because it is a clean slate. I know that in order to change a habit or create a new one it takes time. I proposed to my yoga students to join me in a 30 day yoga challenge beginning January 2nd. It is a home based practice. I am creating an e-mail support group where we can share questions and challenges. I will also send out links to suggested sequences. 21 brave yogi’s signed up for the challenge and I look forward to the group energy. It’s not too late to join in. This is a virtual group so you don’t need to live in Pottstown to join.

Press

My other yoga blog is linked to the Community Town Square Bloggers in the Pottstown Mercury. The Mercury is featuring each blogger throughout the holidays. Click here to read the Q and A about the Yoga Blog.

Namaste’ and Peace in the New Year

20 Item Emotional Gift Guide for the Holidays

2010-12-22T05:44:00.000-08:00

I received an e-mail from a friend and fellow yoga teacher with this emotional gift guide. I hope it resonates with you. May you find peace and enjoy the spirit of the season.

This holiday season let’s remember that not all gifts are wrapped in shiny paper and decorated with ribbon and bows. There are many intangible gifts we can share with those who deserve special recognition.....for who they are, what they do, and the important role they play in our lives.

Here’s a 20-item emotional gift guide which I hope will be meaningful for you in this season of celebration. Please share it with family, friends and colleagues:

- To yourself....respect, confidence and faith.
- To a friend....a heartfelt and caring spirit.
- To a family member....dedication, communication and understanding.
- To our natural world....protection and preservation.
- To a good cause....generosity and ardent advocacy.
- To a traveler....an open door of hospitality.
- To our military and first responders....honor and appreciation.
- To a customer or client....excellent service.
- To the ill and hurting....concern and healing comfort.
- To the hungry and homeless....compassion and emergency services.
- To the abused, neglected and abandoned....hope and security.
- To someone with a special challenge....recognition and acceptance.
- To the addicted and troubled....a positive path to recovery.
- To an infant and toddler....attachment, attention and safety.
- To a child and teen....patience, guidance and a good example.
- To a parent in need....a helping hand.
- To an elder, reverence....gratitude and dignified care.
- To everyone you see, friends and strangers alike....a smile and positive energy.
- To people of every age....unconditional love.
- To all the peoples of the world....justice and peace.

108 Sun Salutations and the Winter Solstice

2010-12-20T06:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I attended a 108 Sun Salutations Class to welcome winter at the
Soul Center in Phoenixville. All proceeds of the class were donated to The Clinic in Phoenixville, serving uninsured and under insured with low-cost or free medical care since 2001. The class was set to live Sitar Music as we were lead through the Sun Salutations by three yoga instructors.
The winter solstice is a special day of the year celebrated by many cultures because it marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year.

Yoga studios across the world gather on the solstice to honor the season. Typically yogis do 108 Sun Salutations. Surya Namaskar, the Sun Salutation, is a series of 12 postures performed in a single, graceful flow. Each movement is coordinated with the breath. The Sun Salutation builds strength and increases flexibility. Different styles of yoga perform the Sun Salutation with their own variations. The 108 ritual is performed 4 times a year, with the start of each season, to acknowledge the changing world around us. It usually takes about 1 1/2 - 2 hours to complete.

Last winter I performed the 108’s with a friend. This was my first time with a group. The class was lead by three instructors. Each instructor led three rounds of 12 Sun Salutations. Participants were encouraged to listen to their bodies and rest in child’s pose and to take drinks. Each instructor led us through Surya Namaskar A. The repetitive movements were meditative. My thoughts settled into the movement and breath. I felt calm and clear. My own yoga practice is gentle and reflective, not as physical as some. For me, this was stepping out of my comfort zone. I learned quickly, not to lower down in plank but just flow from plank to up dog with my toes tucked and then to down dog. This modification worked for me and allowed me to flow and breathe.

Yoga is not only meditative, it is also fun. Everyone laughed when someone upfront said they were dying for a cappuccino. On the last round the instructor encouraged us to set an intention. He suggested the importance of this because last year he set the intention to the universe that Cliff Lee would come back to the Phillies.

I enjoyed the little touches they did to make the class special; the cool peppermint water they sprayed on us which felt great because the room was heated, the cool stones placed on our forehead during Savasana and the tea, apples and cookies after class. The class was amazing. I felt great and only a little sore. After some forward folds this morning I feel really good. I look forward to the 108’s each season, with a class or on my own.

I’m often asked the significance of the number 108. This is from a blog I posted last winter.
.
Why 108?

The number 108 carries spiritual significance in many cultures:
108 is the number of "Upanishads" comprising Indian philosophy's "Vedic texts".
108 is the number of names for Shiva (a really important Hindu god).
108 is the number of names for Buddha.
108 is the Chinese number representing "man".
108 is the number of beads on a Catholic rosary.
108 is the number of beads on a Tibetan "mala" (prayer beads, analogous to a rosary).
108 is twice the number "54", which is the number of sounds in Sanskrit (sacred Indian language). 108 is six times the number "18", which is a Jewish good luck number.
108 is twelve times the number 9, which is the number of vinyasas (movements linked to breath) in a Sun Salutation
108 is the number of Sutras in the Yoga Sutras.
1 stands for Higher Truth, 0 stands for Emptiness and 8 stands
for Infinity.

Namaste’

Yoga Holiday Cards

2010-12-14T05:42:00.001-08:00

I love these yoga inspired holiday cards from Yoga Dudes. Check out their website for some fun yoga inspired cards, jewelery, clothes and more

Tai Chi at High Street Yoga

2010-12-03T04:30:00.001-08:00

Coming in January Tai Chi! Taught by Dr. Richard Stephenson of Montgomery Community College. Saturdays at 9 am beginning January 8th. Begin the new year with this ancient practice and enjoy the lasting benefits. Contact Barbara for more details.

Stress Less for the Holidays with Yoga

2010-11-30T12:34:00.000-08:00

Om for the Holidays

Feeling off balance is common, especially during the holidays. With all the pressure to shop, cook, spend and socialize it is easy to feel stretched beyond your limits. It can be difficult to enjoy the special times with friends and family and miss out on the true nature and genuine spirit of the holiday season when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Yoga is becoming a popular means of stress management and physical relaxation. By taking a yogic approach to the holidays you can find a sense of stability, nurture your own spirit, and create a happier family holiday.

If you have a regular yoga practice, you will appreciate moving and breathing to your favorite asana. For those of you who have never tried a yoga class, this is your time to experience this ancient system of mind, body and spirit connection.

When you find yourself thinking, “I don’t have time for yoga.” Think again, and carve out one hour a week just for you. By taking time to do yoga you will feel relaxed, yet invigorated and ready to face the commitments ahead.

This Holiday Season, give yourself the gift of health, well being, balance and more.

Tips to Finding Balance in the Holidays

• Live fully in the moment. Allow yourself to be fully present in with out looking ahead or mentally crossing off the ‘to do’s’

• Accept “what is”….Give up wanting what you don't already have and learn how to accept what you cannot change. During the holidays this yogic philosophy is especially important. Plans change, the ‘perfect’ gift can’t be found, cookies burn. If you are feeling overwhelmed try experimenting with this yogic affirmation: Breathe in and think to yourself, "What I have is enough." Breathe out and think, "What I am is enough." Breathe in and think, "What I do is enough." Breathe out and think, "What I've achieved is enough."

• Let go of attachments… You may have an idea of the perfect holiday visit or dinner with friends and family. Sometimes things may not go as you imagined. Let go and learn to look at all the planning the gifts and the love that went into the event. Release expectations and disappointments.

• Look at the calendar as a whole and try not over schedule. Accept invitations with joy and say no with love.

• Most importantly reclaim family time. Spend time together, quietly enjoying the spirit of the season.

10 Easy Chair Yoga Poses to do at Home or the Workplace to Help Reduce Stress during the Holidays and Everyday!

Move in and out of the poses on a breath and stay for 3-5 breaths.

Neck Rolls –drop your right ear to your right shoulder, left ear to left shoulder, chin to chest and then drop the head back. Stay in each pose for 3-5 breaths.

Extended Arms – Extend your arms in front of you, clasp the hands and extend the arms over head. Keep the shoulders away from the ears.

Wrist Stretch - Hold up one hand in front of you like you would when saying "stop." Interlace your fingers with your other hand and pull your fingers back gently to provide a stretch to your wrist. Relax your shoulders. Change the position of your hand so that your fingers point downward, and the back of your hand faces away from you. Take hold of the back of your hand with your other hand and pull gently toward you to stretch the back of your wrist. Repeat on the other side.

Eagle Arms - With your arms in front of you and forearms parallel to the floor, bring your right arm under your left, the backs of the hands can touch or the fronts of the hands. To deepen the pose, lift the arms a little higher and away from the body.

Modified Cow Face - Inhale and reach your right hand up and over the head touching the back of your left shoulder. Repeat on both sides.
Cat Cow - On the edge of your chair, Inhale and arch your back gazing up and opening through the chest and low back. Exhale round the spine and gaze toward the abdomen. Continue breathing and moving this way.

Seated Forward Bend - Sit at the edge of your chair, with feet hip width apart, on the inhale hinge from the hips and bend forward. Grab opposite elbow to opposite elbow, or let the fingertips rest on the floor.

Seated Twist - Sit on your chair with your right side against the back of the chair. Grab the back of the chair with both hands. On an inhale lengthen the spine and on the exhale begin twisting to the right. Twist first with the belly, chest, neck and finally the head. Repeat on the other side.

Hip Opener - Sit on the edge of your chair, cross the right ankle over the left knee, if this is difficult for your knees cross your ankles on the floor. Gently hinge from the hips bend and forward. Repeat on both sides.

Modified Down Dog - Stand behind the chair an arms length away. Hinge from the hips, with knees bent or straight, bend forward and rest your hands on the back of the chair in an L shape. Breathe deeply and stretch the entire backside of the body.

A diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well." ~Unknown

Thanksgiving Morning Yoga

2010-11-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

15 Yogis gathered to begin their day with gratitude on Thanksgiving Morning. The class enjoyed watching the first snow fall of the year while they stretched moved and gave thanks. In the spirit of Thanksgiving $185 was collected and donated to the North Coventry Food Pantry.

A Grateful Anniversary by Guest Blogger Susan Smith

2010-11-15T06:49:00.000-08:00

November celebrates my first yogi anniversary, as Barbara’s student. So, when I received the email for guest bloggers, it couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time!

Looking back from where I am now, I return to the summer of 2007, when life as I knew it was changing before me, like it or not. An extremely private problem was becoming harder to keep under wraps. I have a chronic lung disease called
Cystic Fibrosis. Something I would rarely tell anyone about, since I did not (and still don’t!) want that disease to define me. I had to admit to myself that, for my own good, it was time to retire from the business world.

My priorities in life needed to change and taking care of myself was (and is) my new full-time job. I won’t sugar coat it. . It was a difficult transition. Over the next year or so, I cleaned out and organized about every nook and cranny of the house but when I found myself alphabetically organizing my spices I decided that, even if there were limitations to what I could do, it was time to work on reinventing a new life.

One day I worked up the courage to attend class at High Street Yoga. With Barbara’s welcoming spirit and gentle approach to the practice, I knew I was in the right place for me.

As I progressed in my appreciation for the benefits of yoga, I wondered if incorporating lessons from our weekly sessions would be helpful to do on a daily basis??? So, the experiment began with a few minutes at the beginning of each morning to see if I could encourage a more positive, healthful attitude . . . funny enough . . . it seems like if my head is in a better starting place, the glass looks half full rather than vise versa.

Thank you to Barbara for your part in enriching my life’s journey. I am grateful for what I am learning and can say that I am coming from a more healthful, empowered place. Each new day is a gift and it’s exciting to think of the possibilities that may be ahead!

Most recently, I added The Metta Meditation, to my morning routine. It can be found on October 6th blog entry. Let me encourage you to take a few morning minutes. . They just may influence your day too

Mom Finding Refuge in Yoga with Legs up the Wall by guest blogger Carrie Grabowicz

2010-11-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

Legs up the wall is top on my list of favorite yoga poses. My love for legs up the wall began when I was doing my teacher training with Gurmukh Mike Noury of Yoga of India. He began each class with students starting out in legs up the wall as they came into class. When my kids were younger, beginning at ages 1,3 and 5 I would crave time to be still throughout the day. One of my tricks was this “hey lets see who can stay in legs up the wall the longest” I always won! Probably not my greatest parenting moment or even very ‘yogic’ but it gave me a few minutes of much needed peace in my day.

Recently I’ve been finishing up the inversion sequence with legs up the wall or supported shoulder stand at the wall and then settling into Savasana. Last week as we were settling into the pose fellow yogi Carrie, SAHM, and owner of
Hammi Jammi Jewelry shared a great story with the class about seeking refuge in legs up the wall and I immediately said “Can you write about that for the blog?” Parents with children of all ages can relate to her desire for a few minutes of peace throughout the day. I know I can!

I am a SAHM of two active boys and try to run a jewelry business on the side. I say TRY because my husband travels every Monday thru Thursday for work and I don’t get as much accomplished during the week, as I would like. Yeah sure, I can keep up with my blogging and Facebook for my business, but my real passion of creating is left for the weekends. If this doesn’t sound crazy enough for you try throwing in preschool, cub scouts, soccer, and house cleaning, wash, grocery shopping, cutting the grass and yard work…you get the picture. I do try to carve out little specks of “me” time to keep my sanity. We all have crazy lives; I’m not implying that my family is much different from yours. I just think that we can all relate in one-way or another. We all can have empathy and compassion for the plight of the SAHM (not sure why it’s called this….I’m rarely ever home).

I do try to practice yoga, ALSO not as much as I like. Barbara has been my teacher and my friend for the past several years. She introduced me to the practice of yoga and I’ve been hooked ever since. I practiced though out my second pregnancy and I think that it really helped with my delivery. For me, yoga is a much more spiritual and meditative practice more than a physical one. It calms and relaxes me. I also feel very connected to the other people who are practicing with me. It’s a connection of mind, body, and spirit and I begin to crave the classes towards the end of my busy week.

On a particularly crazy Saturday a few weeks ago, the vicious cycle of wash to be put away was piled all around me; the kitchen sink was piled with dishes; the kids we constantly nagging me for things; the dog wanted a walk; every toy in the house was dumped in my living room. I could barely think and focus on what I should clean up first. I silently went upstairs, went in my closet, and shut the door. I laid on the floor and put my legs up the wall (Viparita Karani). This is a very comforting and relaxing inversion and I instantly started to feel better. Then I heard, “Mommy, Carrie….Babe, where are you?” My peace and quiet was broken. My “me” time was done. Then the door opened up and my husband was dumbfounded. He asked, “What in the heck are you doing?” I just looked at him and simply said, “Yoga.” Then, with a clearer head and a different prospective, I was ready to tackle the mess of my house.

Namaste’

Guest Blogger Camella Nair

2010-10-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

When I started blogging I had no idea where it would lead me and the connections I would make. I started blogging quite simply as a marketing tool. I thought it would be a great way to communicate with current students and get the word out about Yoga in my small town. My journey with blogging has been something entirely different. I’ve connected with other yoga teachers and enthusiasts all over the United States, Canada and even South Africa. My blog is linked to Teach Street, an online community that brings teachers and learners together. They’ve launched a guest blogger program and I am so happy to have been acquainted with Camella Nair. Camella teaches Yoga and Meditation and runs several Yoga retreats each year. She is currently writing a pre/postnatal yoga certification program. She’s published two books Aqua Kriya Yoga and Prenatal Kriva Yoga and has a CD called Aum Hatha Sadhana that is available on CD Baby and was published in Elephant Journal.

I hope you enjoy her words of wisdom as much as I do.

Yes, we can practice yoga any time, any place, anywhere! As much as I love teaching yoga on the mat and in the swimming pool, I seem to be in demand in the Kitchen.

Let me elucidate. My mother is an excellent cook. Pastries especially, like her mother.(both have cold hands) Me and my sisters seem to have incarnated into a family that puts together food in a pleasing and nourishing way. What then is this yoga in the kitchen?

I live in a yoga community that has a communal kitchen where tenants can volunteer of their time and talents a few nights each month and cook a wholesome veggie meal. We have a lovely lady who organizes the calendar each month and buys the food for us. All we have to do is show up and cook. It takes precious time of course and as I have so many things on my 'to-do' list, sometimes the realization that, 'tonight is my night', comes as lead weight on my already burdened stack of 'things to do.', like teaching asana, writing books, studying, doing ayurvedic body massage,etc.

I can almost hear my inner voice screaming,” When are you going to just be still and take a break?" If I am honest I think of yoga asana most of the time with the same sense of dread. I know the effort it takes to begin the practice and as I often tell my students,” You are here and you could be cleaning the toilet, or clipping the cats nails." It is hard to get onto the mat sometimes and practice asana when the mind would much rather keep wandering aimlessly from one thought to another or giggle at the ease at which we think that cleaning the toilet or clipping the cats nails is more important than doing our asana practice at all. So I think the reticence that I have to cooking is just my mind playing tricks on me. Why? Because once I have begun to peel and chop and steam and bake, I realize that my mind is focused and serene and I am in a state of utter contentment.

Discovering a Labyrinth in my Own Backyard By Guest Blogger Anne Crew

2010-10-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

Imagine discovering a labyrinth literally in your own backyard?

Last week I received a text message from a friend and yoga student telling me about her experience discovering a labyrinth at the Shenkel Church in North Coventry. Walking the labyrinth was powerful for her and she agreed to chronicle the experience.

The Shenkel Church is around the corner from where I live but I hadn’t heard about the labyrinth either. I asked a friend that is a member of the church and learned that the labyrinth was built by young church member as a project for his Eagle Scout badge. His uncle Pete Wanner of Wanner Landscaping helped him with the project. I had the opportunity to walk the labyrinth this morning and met Anne after my meditation. Please read about her experience below.

This morning, I finally took the time to walk behind our home to a meditation labyrinth. Yes, I know… meditation labyrinth in North Coventry? But yes! It was built as an Eagle Scout project by a parishioner of the church behind my home in a peaceful field. It is a simple design, nothing elaborate. But should a meditation location reflect anything but simplicity? So after my morning run, I decided my cool down could take place on my way there.

As I reached the garden, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have read about labyrinths throughout history. I have walked them in gardens. I never received anything deep inside me, but they have intrigued me. At the arbor entrance to the labyrinth, there was a laminated sheet. It discussed the labyrinth and its history. It covered the connection through religions and cultures. It discussed how you enter with one mindset. Walking slowly and focused you come to the center, pause and reflect. Then you exit, often with a different outlook as you walk the same path. The sheet also mentioned how when you walk, you seem to come closer to the center but then are diverted outward not reaching the center but needing to walk more to reach your center. This can reflect our personal journeys as we work through problems, ideas, dreams, fears. And finally, it asked the person entering to stop, reflect and prepare for their journey before passing through the gate. It wasn’t a “skip right around and find what you’re looking for” statement. It made me realize I was responsible for the depth I found this morning and in any meditation activities I partake in.

At the gate, I stopped and found another stack of laminated cards. They each listed a mindful statement. I read through each until I came to one that reflected what I needed this morning. I realized there was no need to read forward. I took the time. I thought about each word. Then, I stepped inside. Slowly, I concentrated on the thought. I let the thought move with me, with each step, with each breath. I let it evolve and change as it seemed to have its own process. I took each step carefully, as slow or as quick as it naturally came. I didn’t try to control it. I tried to live within it. I enjoyed the trees with their falling leaves. I noticed the darkness of the gravel below my feet. I gazed at the sunlight and the clouds beyond. I felt the cold of the morning air. I lived each moment as deeply as I could and I concentrated on the journey I was on. Yes, I let things enter which broke my meditation. But I “forgave” myself and moved forward. When I reached the center, there was a peace pole inscribed in many different languages. There were two benches to sit on but they were covered in the morning dew. All the same, I felt the desire to stand. To feel connected to the ground, the earth, this space. I paused and began my journey outward. Different thoughts entered and left; Different feelings on my way out. No desire to escape the moment, yet a desire to begin my day… my week… begin from here. It was a lightened feeling. Not so much joyous or excited or energized, but present. I left the labyrinth excited to be able to come back to this space and to do this again. Not to do it better, just to do it again however that day dictates.

I had no idea how long I spent in the labyrinth. I don’t think I want to know nor do I need to know. All I needed was to walk on. To stay centered. To take steps whether they are in a labyrinth or on the street, but to live present in those steps. I can’t guarantee the same experience if you walk a labyrinth. I can’t even guarantee the same experience when I should go back. I know my mediation efforts haven’t always prospered but this helped me focus. It set me in a direction I hope I can find again.

The Five Tibetan Rites

2010-10-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

Shortly after I finished my Yoga teacher training I stumbled onto this book

Guiding Yoga’s Light; Yoga Lessons for Yoga Teachers by Nancy Gerstein. This is where I discovered the Five Tibetan Rites.

The Five Tibetans are a series of exercises that are said to hold the key to lasting youth, health and vitality because they keep the chakras spinning and balanced. Chakras are energy centers located along the spinal column. They are said to regulate prana or life force.

The Five Tibetans Include:

Spinning
Leg Lifts
Camel
Tabletop
Updog/Downdog

I like to finish in Child’s Pose or Savasana.

It is suggested to begin with 5 repetitions of each posture a day for the first week and to increase by 2 every week until your each the full 21 repetitions. It takes about 20 minutes to perform the full 21 repetitions of each of these postures

I am usually drawn to the Five Tibetans in February when I’m beginning to get the winter blues. I begin with 5 repetitions and work my way up. I do the Tibetans in the morning before my kids are up. It only takes 5 minutes initially and by the time I get up to the higher repetitions my body doesn’t need it and I move on. I usually stop before 21.

I ordered a new Yoga DVD this week with Anna Brett. A small part of her video is on my local On Demand channel and I’ve been able to experience a portion of the Kundalini Beginners and Beyond Series. To my surprise she has a segment on the Matrix (menu) for the Five Tibetans. She starts with 21 repetitions and does a different sequence. I enjoyed her version and feel energized today.

Check out the video and the print version and integrated the Five Tibetans as part of your home yoga practice.

Namaste”

Metta Meditation

2010-10-06T16:30:00.001-07:00

I begin each yoga class with everyone lying on the floor breathing, centering and grounding. Most days we breathe and occasionally I read a poem, passage or a guided meditation. Today I was drawn to the following Metta Meditation. There are many variations to the practice. This is the one I read. After class a student asked me to post the meditation on my blog because it touched her.

May I be happy.
May I be peaceful.
May I be safe from harm.
May I enjoy happiness and the root of happiness.
May I experience ease and well-being in body, mind and spirit.
May I be free from suffering.
May I hold myself with softness and care.

The practice of Metta Meditation translates to ‘loving kindness meditation’ It opens the heart to oneself, to others and to all of life. It develops tranquility and concentration and provides a way to work with anger and fear. Metta is practiced silently repeating the passage above; sending thoughts of loving-kindness to self. The meditation goes on to send thoughts to a loved one, then on to an acquaintance, a stranger, someone you are in conflict with and to all beings. Today we began with self and it is a powerful message. I came across this poem by Rumi and I think it defines the meaning of Metta.

A pearl goes up for auction
No one has enough,
so the pearl buys itself
-- Rumi

The North Coventry Food Pantry Needs Your Help!

2010-09-28T15:00:00.001-07:00

I volunteer at the North Coventry Food Pantry and received this heart breaking e-mail. Their shelves are bare and they need to feed 70 local families. If you live locally please consider donating food, money or your time. Also please consider donating for the Make a Difference Day. You can drop off any donations at the yoga studio or contact me and we can meet. If you don’t live in Pa check out your local food pantry and see if you can make a difference there.

On Oct. 23rd the OJR School district is hosting a “Make a Difference Day” event at the middle school to collect food to benefit the North Coventry Food Pantry. Please check the school district website for additional information. Each school will be hosting a collection during the month. There is also an unofficial kickoff to the event this Friday at the OJR football game. They will be accepting donations at the door.

I have just finished packing our food for distribution for the month of October. I have to tell you that in my 5 + years of volunteering for the food pantry I have never seen the shelves so bare. I have attached some pictures for everyone to see just how low we are on food. We are really relying on this food drive In Oct. to help us thru the winter months. We are currently serving approx. 70 families. We continue to have 2 or 3 new families each month. The food we receive each month from the department of agriculture (what we call our State food) has decreased in the past couple of months. It is supposed to be considered a 3 day supply of food for our clients. Last month we only received peanut butter, apple sauce, cheddar cheese soup, juice, and a frozen meat. For the month of Oct. we received apple sauce, egg noodles, dried milk and peaches, orange juice and 1 meat. We are relying more than ever on the donated food to supplement what the state is giving us.

As you can see in the pictures the shelves are empty. If we had to pack for our Nov. distribution with what I have on the shelves the boxes would be very light. I would say we have about 2 months of vegetables and soups left. We try to give 4 cans of each out. We have a 1 month supply (each client only receiving 1 can or box) of the following: fruit, pasta, canned pasta, tuna, peanut butter, mac and cheese, beans, and Ramen noodles. We are completely out of breakfast items, jelly, desserts, and sides dishes. We have not had enough "luxury" items to hand out lately like toothpaste and soap. We have been purchasing our toilet paper and paper towels products for the last few months. We were fortunate to have a monterary donation from Grainger to help us with those items.

Thank you to those individuals, businesses and organizations that continue to support us each month with donations and time volunteering. Please help if possible in making this "Make a Difference Day" event a success for our community.

My Other Yoga Blog

2010-09-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I ran across something in my local news paper, the Pottstown Mercury. It was a 'call to all local bloggers.' They created a link to their on line paper linking local bloggers, called The Town square Bloggers. I submitted my High Street Yoga blog and heard back from the editor. She indicated that she enjoyed the blog and that there were no other yoga or yoga related bloggers. The only 'problem' was that my blog clearly represents my business. It lists schedules, prices, contact info etc. The purpose of the community blog program isn't advertising. This I understood. So the plan was for me to create a new blog site; one with a new name, a new look and none of the business stuff. I was excited about the opportunity and brainstormed titles with friends and came up with Yoga Wisdom for Everyday. I try to write about how yoga can carry over off the mat and that was the inspiration behind the name. Now, I double post. Anything I post to the High Street Yoga blog, I post to Yoga Wisdom. I didn't want to get rid of my High Street page because it is still a nice resource for individuals looking for yoga in the community.

Check out my other page. It has a new look. I decided to use Wordpress instead of blogger. It took some time for me to figure out the details but I like the layout and the look. You can also sign up to receive e-mails of the blogs when I post.

Namaste'

Yoga Kids

2010-09-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

I teach Yoga Kids once a month for 45 minutes to a local Mom’s Club. The kids range in age from 1- 5. I am a former teacher and spent most of my time teaching in a resource classroom. That means I had kids in my class that needed small group instruction. Ideally kids are grouped by similar age, ability and subject. Since most of my teaching career was inner city or rural that didn’t always happen. Often I had to teach math to an older group and reading to a younger group at the same time. Needless to say I was good at multi tasking.

I began teaching Yoga Kids to the Mom’s Club about a year ago. The age range and interest level of the group are varied. The prospect of this did not daunt me. (I was a former resource teacher I reassured myself!) I made up my own curriculum, ABC Yoga. For each letter of the alphabet I created poses in the shape of an animal, plant or something in nature. I imagined talking about the alphabet, colors and numbers and various preschool skills while moving and stretching. I had fun finding yoga books, making flash cards with animal pictures on them, learning fun animal facts that I planned to weave into the class. I gathered an array of lively music, from kid’s reggae to Hawaiian music. I planned and had a back up plan. Preparing for class was fun and reminded me of my old teaching days.

I’ll never forget the first class I taught with the Mom’s Club. I began our first class with stories and stretches, ‘tight rope’ walking for balance, and some fun breathing techniques that included arm movement with breath and then we began the alphabet. We started with A alligator, B Butterfly etc. etc. The older kids liked it but the younger ones lost interest. I tried to move from pose to pose quickly and change things when necessary. I’m not even sure we made it through the alphabet and by the time we got to the end where the lights go out and everyone (even the moms) lay on the floor and listen to a story about an animal, I was EXHAUSTED. Those 45 minutes wiped me out! I thought I was prepared, but I didn’t feel like it! It was a humbling experience and made me realize that I still had a lot to learn about teaching yoga to kids!

I must have done ok because each month the Yoga Kids come back. Some months there are new kids but it’s usually the ‘regulars’ I enjoy watching the kids grow and change. I notice their language develop, personalities develop, get taller, have haircuts and turn into amazing little people. Today I had the pleasure of seeing them become little yogi’s. Several of the girls walked in, set up their mats and began doing downward dog, and down ward dog splits. Another little one was doing her version of Bridge Pose. When we got to U for upside down they all went to the wall for handstands and remembered exactly how to get into them. No one needed Mommy support today! I was so proud of the littlest High Street Yogi’s. The littlest yogi has been coming along with his sisters since he was 1. Even as a 1 year old he loved down dog. Today he discovered ‘upside down’ and for the rest of the class he made his way back to the wall for more handstands!

Today we enjoyed ‘om’ing for as long was we could. Everyone had a turn ringing the gong/chime and during the final relaxation period I played the Namaste’ Song 3 times! There were NO wiggles and the room was quiet! At the end of each class we sit in a circle, bend our knees and stamp one foot and then the other and chant ‘yo’ ‘ga’ I love the ritual of it.

After class I felt so proud of the little yogi’s. I felt energized and not exhausted! They’ve grown and I’ve grown along with them. I look forward to many more months and years of Yoga Kids.

Namaste’

Yoga For A Cure: Part Two

2010-09-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

"Yoga for the Cure 2," the second fund-raiser to benefit a High Street Yogi’s participation in the three-day Breast Cancer Walk For The Cure, is being held on October 1, 2010 (Friday) from 7-9 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Pottstown, 750 North Evans Street, Pottstown PA.

The event will be a relaxing evening of gentle yoga followed by tea, coffee, desserts, henna tattoos, chair massage, and giveaways. The money to be raised will be part of a $2,000 goal for participants walking 20 miles daily for three consecutive days to combat breast cancer.

A similar yoga fund-raiser conducted during June raised $640.

A suggested donation for the event is $20.00, and advance reservations are requested. Organizers are also looking for people who are willing to donate products, gift certificates, or services for the giveaway raffles. For more information or to make a reservation, call Barbara at 484-525-5204

Sound Meditation Every Sunday at St. Peters Bakery

2010-09-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

After being evacuated from our family vacation because of Hurricane Earle I returned to PA and decided to make the most of the rest of our ‘stay-cation’ Saturday morning I attended an intense (and completely out of my element) vinyasa Yoga class at a local studio.

Since we weren’t playing in the sand and surf I was determined to enjoy the time off with family and time for myself and found the perfect way to relax on Sunday morning at a sound mediation class taught by Dave Antonio.

I met Dave Antonio about a year ago when he came to High Street Yoga and did a Yoga Class with Live Music. Dave plays the didgeridoo, gong, sitar, world flutes and guitar. Recently he began a Sound Meditation Class at a St. Peters Bakery. The bakery is in a small village that sits along French Creek. The mediation class was held on the lower level deck with the back drop of the rocks and the sound of the creek. Sunday morning was cool and clear with low humidity. It was a perfect September day and a perfect morning. Participants brought lawn chairs, yoga mats or blankets to sit on or lay on. We all settled in to our spot and Dave began to play. He played continuously and flowed from one instrument to the next. He walked around with his didgeridoo so participants could feel the sound vibration. The music was healing and meditative and the setting perfect. Patrons of the bakery sat on the upper deck listening and families walked by on their way to the creek. I hope to get to many more of Dave’s sound meditation events at the bakery while the weather is warm and enjoy the healing benefits of sound and meditation.

Namaste’

Sunday Morning Sound Mediation 11am at St. Peter's Bakery

Great Yoga Article about Yoga for Women

2010-09-04T09:12:00.000-07:00

Check out this great article about Yoga for Women posted by a fellow blogger Mo, on the Pottstown Mercury’s Community Media Lab.

Soooo Cute! Yoga Pose Cookies and Cookie Cutters

2010-08-26T11:17:00.001-07:00

I stumbled on this website for gingerbread yoga pose people that is so cute!

After searching to find cookie cutters to buy for myself I found the Kitchen Yogi. They sell 3, boat, tree and easy pose. I can't wait to order my own set!

Eat Pray Love ~ The Movie and My Thoughts…

2010-08-22T17:30:00.001-07:00

I read the book Eat Pray Love over two years, ago and I loved it and was so excited when it became a movie. I’d planned to re-read the book before the movie to refresh my memory, but I’d borrowed the book from a friend, passed it onto someone or checked it out of the library. Since it wasn’t in my stash I didn’t try that hard to find another copy.

I knew several groups of friends that were planning on going but decided to go with my husband for my birthday. I wasn’t too concerned that he maybe the only male in the theatre, because as my 8 year old boasts “Our dad likes’ chick flicks” Its true and I knew he wouldn’t have any problem going with me. After sitting down next to each other we realized that we hadn’t been to an adult movie together without kids in over 10 years!!!!!!! That’s not to say neither of us have seen an adult movie in 10 years. He sees more movies then I do on his international flights and I have a few girlfriends that I get out with occasionally. After settling in we scanned the audience and Paul said “There could be whole book clubs here” And he was probably right. I liked the diversity of the crowd, from couples to large groups of women to a group of elderly men and women.

My expectations for the movie were high and I was slightly disappointed. I liked the movie. But I wanted to love it and that wasn’t the case. From the beginning I was concerned about Julia Roberts as Liz Gilbert. Julia is just Julia. She’s a strong presence and it’s hard to think of her as someone other then Julia Roberts.

From what I remember about the book, what I enjoyed was the description of each country. During the Eat portion in Italy I remember specifically the Pizza Scene. The description of the pizza made me so hungry and made me want to eat Pizza. Watching Julia Roberts scarf down a whole pizza just isn’t the same.

The movie didn’t go as deep as the book. I would have liked more narration on her spiritual journey. A few scenes did touch me. I liked Texas Richard. I was touched by his story and did get a little teary eyed.

Most of the wisdom in the movie came from Texas Richard. When Julia/Liz was lamenting about missing her Ex-boyfriend Yogi from Brooklyn (her rebound after her failed marriage) Texas Richard said to her “When you miss him send him love and light” That simple statement spoke volumes to me. During the last two years I lost both of my parents, in a span of 16 months, my dad to a sudden massive heart attack and my mom after battling cancer for 2 and ½ years. Texas Richards advice was so basic and so simple, but it connected with me. Now when I miss my parents I think of them and send them love and light. It’s been tremendously healing for me.

Last week I saw a piece on the news about the merchandise available for the movie. It seems that it is quite controversial. (which could be another whole blog in itself) I’m not surprised by merchandising in movies, but it is generally with kid’s movies, Shrek, Toy Story etc. Apparently there are t-shirts, mala beads, necklaces with Ganesh all for sale in the Eat Pray Love franchise. I’m not sure I will be buying any of those.

I really wanted to like this movie more. I still want to reread the book so I can remember what I liked about it so much. I was in a different place when I read it and may have a different opinion the second time around. I would still suggest seeing it, but maybe wait until you can get it on Netflix, Blockbuster or On Demand.

Namaste’

Me, doing yoga? By Guest Blogger Rosemary Keane

2010-08-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

I met Rosie a few months ago when she started coming to yoga with several friends. As I got to know her I found that we shared a common interest in blogging. She wrote this beautiful blog about her experience with yoga. I have to say I got a little teary when I read it. Be sure to check out Rosie’s amazing blog, 3 rosebuds about life and family.

Me, doing Yoga?

Before I began the practice of yoga myself, I wasn’t sure if I could actually “do it.” I mean, I have had a love/hate relationship with my body for years (often more hate than love) and don’t fit anywhere near the image of a yogi that I would have pictured. I drag myself to the gym, count calories to lose weight and just generally obsess about what is wrong when I look in the mirror. I thought that yoga would help with my flexibility and maybe even contribute to some pounds disappearing from the scale.

What I didn’t realize was that yoga would be something completely different than any other type of exercise I have done. In fact, now that I have been practicing yoga for several months, I don’t even think of it as exercise. It’s not running on the treadmill watching the speed and distance and it’s nothing like trying to keep up with the complicated choreography of a kick boxing class; it truly is a practice that deepens as you continue it.

I am constantly amazed at what my body, which is quickly entering middle age, can do. I often find myself feeling really empowered by one pose (balance and back bends seem to come easily to me) and the next minute humbled by another (eagle comes to mind). But the body-hate doesn’t come to yoga with me the way it follows me other places. This practice is discovery, acceptance and peace. It’s not about beating the body into submission; it is about seeing the potential in each pose and embracing it for what it is and what I can do.

Of course, there are still times when Barbara will demonstrate a pose and I am automatically looking for the alternate, but the practice of yoga is about stretching and reaching and enjoying the process, not reaching some artificial goal or getting it “right.”

Yoga has become a sanctuary in my life-a place of safety, peace and joy.
Namaste.

Uttanasana Standing Forward Bend

2010-08-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite classes of the week is chair yoga at the Pottstown Senior Center. I enjoy finding modifications of yoga poses on the chair making it accessible to those with limited mobility. The feedback from the group is how happy they are that they don’t have to get up and down off of the floor. Most of the class is seated but we do get up and stand behind the chair using the chair for support and balance.

While standing in uttanasana, standing forward bend, with the chair for support one of the regulars shared a story about doing a forward bend while in the Navy in 1949. He said he was trying to touch his toes and his officer came up behind him, smacked him on the back and pushed him down so he touched the floor. He shared that story with a smile and told it like it was yesterday. This is not the way I would encourage deepening in the pose, but it gives me a smile to think of John so many years ago as a young man in the Navy trying to touch his toes.

Uttanasana is one of my favorite poses. Forward bends teach patience, surrender and stillness, something I can use in my life everyday. Forward bends are both soothing and challenging. The challenge comes because hamstrings and back muscles are often tight. Forward bends should be done slowly and sensitively while using the breath to soften, surrender and lengthen. This is not exactly how John experienced his first forward bend in the Navy all those years ago!

Uttanasana calms the brain, stretches the hamstrings, calves, hips and relieves the symptoms of menopause. A mantra I often repeat while in Standing Forward Bend “I am free to let go at this moment” With the head hanging forward I try to allow all thoughts to flow through the crown and release. Find some time each day to give in and listen and enjoy the quieting and settling of Uttanasana.

Chakra Earring Giveaway

2010-08-02T13:42:00.000-07:00

You can win a pair of amazing Chakra Earrings by simply signing up to follow Carrie's blog. Carrie is a talented artist and fellow yogi. I follow her blog and enjoy how she describes her jewlery but also weaves in stuff about life. She always has fun music playing in the background of her blog! Take a minute to check out her blog and sign up to follow it and you could be the winner of these amazing chakra earrings. I've seen them and they are cute! You'll have to click on her blog to see the pic, my computer is acting up and I can't upload the picture!

Namaste'

Yoga for Stress Reduction

2010-07-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

A diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well." ~Unknown

Are you constantly overworked, checking text messages and e-mails, always connected to work? Do you take care of your kids and spend all day giving and not taking care of you? Is it difficult to find time to relax with friends or family? Do you wish for a simpler life, more time with family and more time for you? Constant overwork and lack of rest can affect your physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Maybe you’ve heard that yoga is good for you. Maybe you’ve even tried yoga in a class or on a video and it helped you feel good. There are specific health and stress reducing benefits that you can expect from practicing yoga regularly.

Yoga is a natural way to deal with stress. Yoga asana (poses), pranayama (breathing techniques) and relaxation effect mind, body and spirit.
Beyond the physical benefits of stretching and strengthening the body, yoga poses can help reduce stress. Yoga asana help stimulate and energize the body. The poses work on the energy centers of the body, also known as the chakras. As energy is released, it flows easily and readily through the body; so you have more energy and vitality to cope with demanding tasks. That means more energy to face stressful times and more energy to enjoy life.

Yogic breathing exercises (pranayama) help calm the nervous system and increase oxygen levels and blood supply to the internal organs, all of which lead to a deeper sense of calm, inner peace and balance. Learning how to breathe correctly is a skill you can use anytime during the day when you feel overwhelmed, anxious or stressed. It is something you can do at home, work or even while sitting in traffic. Next time you find yourself in a stressful situation take a deep full breath in through the nose and out through the nose. Repeat this for 5 breathes keeping your attention on the breath and nothing else. Chances are the angry thought, stressful moment, fear or worry will have passed during those five breaths.

To understand more about stress, some facts and myths check out the article in Counseling Corner by Michelle Herrigel licensed psychologist titled Stressed Out; Some Myths and Facts about Stress

Stress is part of our life. Today, if you feel stressed, take a deep breath and remember: the way you handle it shapes both today and tomorrow.

10 Things You Never Knew About Yoga

2010-07-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

Check out this great article on the 10 things you never knew about yoga!

There's Always time for Yoga

2010-07-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

A mantra I need to repeat to myself often….. Getting ready for a weekend camping with friends I waited until the last minute to pack. In between clients and trying to have fun with my kids I spent a good part of the day rushing. My husband is out of town for the week and won’t be home until late tonight. That leaves most of the organizing to me. Exhausted, I rushed out the door to my Thursday night yoga class. Within 5 minutes of the class I was at peace. I felt completely at ease and knew I was exactly where I needed to be. What would I do with out yoga in my life? It grounds me, slows me down and puts things into perspective. Driving home from class I was completely relaxed. (So relaxed I forgot to stop at CVS for the last minute items like sunscreen and bug spray) I began to wonder “what would the world be like if everyone practiced yoga everyday?” Why don’t more people do yoga? If only they understood the benefits……

If I didn’t have to teach a class tonight I can guarantee that I wouldn’t have taken the time to do yoga. I would have continued rushing; felt stressed and not finished most of what needed to be done. Instead I spent an hour and a half breathing and stretching and walked in the door with calm and perspective. The boys helped me make pumpkin bread, (from a box not homemade) but even so we’ll have a delicious treat for our trip. I’ve finished most of the stuff on the list and even have time to blog about it.

I’ve heard it, and said it over and over, the times in life when we don’t think there is time for yoga is when we need it the most. I experienced that with clarity tonight.

At the end of every class while students transition from Savasana I like to read a passage, proverb, quote or poem. Coincidently (or not) tonight I read the following

Hence, there is a time to go ahead and a time to stay behind.
There is a time to breathe easy and a time to breathe hard.
There is a time to be vigorous and a time to be gentle.
There is a time to gather and a time to release.
Can you see things as they are
And let them be all on their own?
~ Lao~Tzu

Kids and Yoga

2010-07-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

Children intuitively get yoga. Most kids don’t multi task. Most kids are completely focused on whatever they are doing. Have you ever tried to interrupt a child when they are watching TV, building Lego’s or reading a book? They are completed and totally absorbed and present in everything they do.

Next time life feels too intense or you’ve forgotten the playful side of yoga, remember yoga can be as fun as child’s play! The following pictures are of my son, playing but in poses that distinctly resemble yoga! Namaste’

Bound Angle Pose or Reading a Book?

Tree Pose or Playing on the Computer?

Thread the Needle or Watching TV?

Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo ~ A Book Review

2010-07-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Otto Ringling is a typical middle aged American. He has two kids, is a senior editor at a Manhattan publishing house specializing in food books, vacations at the shore every year, and lives a comfortable life.

A trip from Jersey to his hometown in North Dakota with his free spirit sister is changed at the last minute as she tricks him into taking her guru Volya Rinpoche with him instead of her.

On the drive Otto complains throughout the trip and challenges the guru and questions his “Zen stuff” with a stubbornness and resistance. Otto does not believe his life needs to be fixed in any way. Rinpoche dressed in a maroon robe, quietly listens to Otto and answers his questions with questions. The unlikely pair falls into a travel routine of mutual respect, fun and learning.

The book was interesting, light and entertaining. For me, it falls into the category of fun summer read. If you have any interest in philosophy, yoga, Religion, Buddhism, travel or food this is book for you.

I won’t give away all of the fun, but a few of my favorite scenes include the drive through Pennsylvania and a Yoga Class.

The first night the pair stays in a historic Inn in Lititz Pa, a small town not far from my own hometown. The next morning they continue on to Hershey Pa. As a ‘local’ I appreciated the description of Pa, and recognized the landmarks. I loved imagining Rinpoche in chocolate world. The description of Chocolate World was perfect and allowed me to think of my own fun times there with family, but in the eyes of Rinpohce.

In a Midwestern town Otto’s sister arranged for Rinpohce to teach a yoga class. Begrudgingly Otto joins the class. Wearing chinos and a jersey Otto struggles through, pain, and embarrassment, and finally makes it to Savasana He is pleased and surprised to find a few breaths of no thought, and in the space of eight to ten seconds he found his old thought patterns suspended and he felt he understood something greater. I appreciated his mispronunciation of the Sanskrit words and his effort to master the physical practice.

This is a story about a physical and spiritual journey full of self discovery and reflection. I enjoyed the side trips visiting small town America through the eyes of a monk, and the fine cuisine sought after by Otto a die hard ‘foodie’ The story lined flowed seamlessly with the teachings of Rinpoche. I enjoyed watching Otto evolve and become open to some of Rinpoche’s teachings while he reflected on his own life.

Intro to Massage Class in Pottstown

2010-07-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

High Street Yoga is located above and partnered with The Academy of Massage Therapy and Bodyworks in Pottstown PA This Sunday they are offering an Intro to Massage Therapy class for anyone considering Massage as a career. I attended the class and the school and LOVED it. The program and instructors are talented and dedicated to the profession. Instruction is individualized to meet the unique needs of each student. If you've ever thought about working as a massage therapist as a full or part time job, consider the class on Sunday July 11th. Below are all the details. Contact Angela to register 610-705-4401

LEARN ABOUT A CAREER IN MASSAGE THERAPY THIS SUNDAY! The Academy of Massage Therapy & Bodyworks is hosting an "Introduction to Massage Class" Have you thought about becoming a massage therapist? Do you have family and friends who have "the touch" but would like to get hands on experience from professionals? Join us on Sunday July 11th 9am -3 pm 141 East High St. Best Part? Free Knowledge, Free Lunch, and Free air-conditioning. Can’t beat it and it may change your life!

Beat the Heat with Yoga

2010-07-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

Does the intense heat and humidity leave you feeling lethargic and weak? Is your temper short? With the heat wave hitting east coast consider how yoga can help you stay cool!

The following yoga poses are designed to cool the body and quiet the mind.

Inversions

Legs up the wall

Supported Shoulder Stand

Reclined Bound Angle Pose

Savasana

Enhance the cooling effect of these poses by soaking a rag in water, diluted with grapefruit or mint essential oil. Cool the rag in the refrigerator for 20 minutes and place along the neck or on the forehead.

Cooling off with Shi-tali Pranayama The cooling breath

The practice of Shitali Pranayama, before sunrise, increases memory and intelligence. This Pranayama refreshes the body, mind, and purifies the blood. It removes excess heat in the body and cools the system, thus reducing anger, anxiety, and stress. This is best done in the heat of the summer.

As always, drink plenty of water and be aware of the body .If you feel uncomfortable, stop. Yoga should be steady and joyful and never forced. Enjoy the cooling practice and remember February when we had 40 inches of snow!!!

Namaste’

Yoga, running, making excuses and life

2010-07-05T06:12:00.000-07:00

I’m not sure if this is a post about yoga or running or making excuses in life but since this is a blog about learning to use the philosophy and teachings of yoga in daily life I’ve decided to post it.

I have an avid yoga practice. I teach 5 times a week and practice on my own in my living room, or in the yurt. (I have a yurt for a massage therapy studio) I love the physical practice of yoga but always feel like there is something missing. That something is running. I’ve been a runner most of my life but lately my running has been very inconsistent. I have a million excuses about why I can’t find time to fit in running. Honestly, I haven’t run consistently since I lived in Houston and with the heat and humidity and a full time job as a special education teacher and three small children I still squeezed it in despite the road blocks. In NJ I had the excuse of the bears. We lived in rural NJ with a large bear population. The first time I ran and rounded the corner and saw one, it set me back. I bought an air horn and put a bell on my shoe, but still never recovered from the first encounter. Every squirrel, bird or rustle in a bush left me jumpy. We moved to PA 4 and ½ years ago and I picked up running whenever it fit into life. My husband travels A LOT for work and so that became my next excuse. My kids were young, and I couldn’t leave them for a run. I’d get into a consistent schedule and Paul would leave for 2-3 weeks, sometimes up to a month to Thailand, Korea, China or Saudi Arabia, again my excuse for not running consistently.

The kids are older and I can leave them for a ½ an hour to run, but I’ve come up with more excuses, the main one being my inconsistent work schedule. Today, I’m done making excuses and am ready to commit to running regularly and longer. I’m putting it out there on my blog for friends and strangers to read. I am committing to a regular running schedule. It makes such a difference in my life, both physically and emotionally. I love the sound of my feet on the pavement. I run by corn and soy bean farms. I see turkey vultures soar, they really are beautiful in flight, and occasionally spot a red tailed hawk.

How does this all fit into yoga? Yoga teaches about being kind to ourselves and the body. It’s about learning to acknowledge where you are in life with out judgment. Yoga teaches that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. It teaches us to meet life’s challenges with calm and confidence. Yoga teaches us about mindfulness and mindfulness like all things of merit can be accomplished one step at a time. I will approach my commitment to running one step at a time which reminds me of a quote by Dr. Wayne Dyer “When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It's to enjoy each step along the way.”

I will enjoy each run, each effort and each step along the way.

Namaste’

Yoga for the Cure; An evening of pink in Pottstown

2010-06-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

In May I attended a Yoga event on the steps of the art museum in Philadelphia. The event was a fundraiser for Living beyond Breast Cancer. It was a powerful event with over 1,000 yoga enthusiasts participating. The event moved me and I felt inspired to do something similar. Still feeling the energy from the event, I received an e-mail form Kathi, a yoga student asking if I would consider doing a yoga event as a fundraiser for her participation in the 3 day walk for the cure. Each participant is required to fund raise over $2,000. I was thrilled and of course more then happy to be involved.

This is the 2nd year that Kathi will walk in the event and her passion and enthusiasm is contagious! Her gift for organizing and her connections within the community turned the evening into something very special.

The Yoga for the Cure Event was held in the fellowship hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Pottstown. The large open space, with a stage, full kitchen and high tech sound system was the perfect space to house a large group of yogis. The hall was decorated with inspiring quotes from the 3 day walk about strength and survival, pink breast cancer cards, beads, flowers and candles.

At the registration table participants received one free ticket for attending and one additional ticket for wearing pink. Extra tickets were available for purchase to win amazing door prizes donated by members of the community.

In a sea of pink, first time yogis, mixed in with experienced yogis joined together to support Kathi and her journey. The evening began with Kathi sharing her story about last year and her first 3 day walk. The weather in Philadelphia was so bad that the first two days, walkers walked inside the KOP mall.

After introductions, the yoga class began and was dedicated to all of the women affected by breast cancer. The gentle class was accompanied by live harp music. Betsy Chapman, local harpist volunteered her time and talents to make the evening a very special and relaxing night.

After stretching and relaxing participants were treated to iced coffee, punch, pink ribbon sugar cookies, pink Oreo truffles, pink cupcakes, muffins and pink iced brownies and a delicious pink strawberry cake donated by Bause and Landry, catering in Pottstown.

I was honored to be involved with such and amazing event. The support and sisterhood of women joining together for one cause was inspiring. I admire the courage, strength and determination of all of the participants in the 3 day walk, 20 miles for 3 days all to support breast cancer.

Thank you to all of the local business for donating their products and services for the special event. Your generosity added to the night and to the cause.

Ann Lee – for the Belly Dancing ladies night in class annpavlislee@yahoo.com

Avon representative Marjorie Way for the breast cancer bracelet and watch

Barnes & Noble for the Cookbook

Bause Landry Catering for the pink strawberry cake

Christmas Tree Shop

Carrie Grabowicz of Hammi Jammi Jewlery for the custom made pink breast cancer bracelet and matching earrings

Exhale Retreat for a one hour massage

Hildegaurd from A Relaxing Massage Therapy for a 30 minute massage

Lowes for the breast cancer gardening supplies

Monique Marks-Longaberger baskets for the basket, chocolates and coffee gift cert.

Picasso Salon and Day Spa

Salon Twentytwo for the basket of Salon Products

Susan Smith for the custom pink yoga mat bag secretarybird@comcast.net

The grand total raised was $640!!! Look for more details to come for another evening of Yoga for the Cure coming in September.

Symmetry, Determination, Balance

2010-06-21T09:14:00.001-07:00

What is it indeed that gives us the feeling of elegance in a solution, in a demonstration? It is the harmony of the diverse parts, their symmetry, their happy balance; in a word it is all that introduces order, all that gives unity, that permits us to see clearly and to comprehend at once both the ensemble and the details.

When the world says, "Give up,"
Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."
~Author Unknown

Let the wave of memory, the storm of desire, the fire of emotion pass through without affecting your equanimity.

Sri sathya sai baba

Yoga for the Cure

2010-06-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

Help a fellow yogi in her journey with the 3 Day Walk for the Cure. Join us for an evening of Yoga accompanied by live harp music with Betsy Chapman followed by tea, coffee, pink desserts and fun giveaways. All proceeds benefit the 3 day walk for the cure. Suggested donation $20 Wear Pink!

When: Friday June 25th 7-9 pm
Where: 750 North Evans Street, Pottstown, PA 19464
RSVP: Barbara 484-524-5204

Yoga Unites Interview with Jennifer Schelter

2010-06-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago I stumbled on a link to Yoga Unites Living beyond Breast Cancer; a Yoga event in Philadelphia on the steps of the Art Museum. Yogi’s meeting for one cause intrigued me. I posted the link on Facebook and got two brave friends to join me bright and early on a Sunday morning to meet over 1,000 other yoga enthusiasts on the steps of the art gallery, for one cause, one heart and one energy. The event touched me and I posted my reflections immediately after on my blog.

After returning from the event I mulled over and over in my mind how powerful the energy and the experience was for me. I felt strongly about creating a yoga event for a cause in Pottstown but on a smaller scale. I knew I wanted to reach out to Jennifer Schelter, director of Yoga Unites and find out what inspired her to start the first class on the steps of the art museum, how the event evolved and grew and some nuts and bolts questions about organizing and arranging volunteers and time spent preparing for the event.

After Talking to Jennifer it’s easy to see why the event is so successful. Jennifer’s’ belief in the emotional and spiritual component of yoga combined with knowledge of asana and leadership are a perfect combination that’s allowed her to share her passion and help a major fundraising effort for Living beyond Breast Cancer.

The idea of sharing yoga with over 1,000 people came to Jennifer one day when she was in a hard place in her life and practicing yoga on the steps of the art museum. During her practice she felt an overwhelming feeling of positive energy and an affirmation of life. She wondered to herself how it would feel to share the experience with a thousand people. During the same time frame she was enrolled in a course at Landmark Education called “Self-Expression and Leadership Program”. She realized that yoga, her passion and profession, could be used as a way to heal, empower and create community, both as its own non-profit and in partnership with other non-profits.

On Dec. 2, 2001 the first Yoga Unites event was held. Yoga Unites partnered with the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia. 200 people attended the event and it was a great success.

Two years later a women with breast cancer asked Jennifer to practice yoga at her home. People met together to do yoga and contribute to her health. After healing and surviving the student felt inspired by the healing benefits of yoga and suggested Jennifer take her idea of Yoga Unites to Living beyond Breast Cancer and offer the large scale class on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum as Jennifer had once dreamed.

Living beyond Breast Cancer embraced the idea and promoted the first event with a brochure and flyer. They helped unite the yoga studios in Philadelphia and have a staff that promotes and organizes the event. Rain or Shine for seven years yogis have been meeting to support breast cancer.

Jennifer prepares for the class by planning and being guided by intuition and always dedicates the day to the women she knows with breast cancer. Her initial vision was for 1,000 people. She hit that this year, and in her words “Look what happens when you stick with something….”

I’m planning my first Yoga for the Cure class to be held on Friday June 25th 2010. The class is a fundraiser for a student participating in the 3 day walk for the cure. The evening will begin with gentle Yoga accompanied by live harp music, followed by tea, coffee, pink desserts and giveaways. The evening was inspired by the Yoga Unites event.

The mission of Yoga Unites is

“To inspire individuals and engage communities by nurturing creativity and wellbeing through the transformative power of yoga.”

I’m inspired.

June 2nd one year anniversary of blogging!!!!

2010-06-03T12:55:00.001-07:00

A year ago yesterday I posted my first blog!!! WOW! How can that be???? I entered the blogging world a novice and in my own word ‘a dinosaur.’ My technology skills have evolved over the past year, thanks to my 12 year old son. I now text, have an I- pod and can figure out some basics of blogging. I’ve got three blogs and navigate through it all with relative grace.

Re- Reading my first post I set up the blog as another tool to communicate with the current yoga students. Since that time the blog evolved into so much more.

“My intention for the High Street Yoga Blog is to update upcoming events, share my experiences with Yoga and post articles, websites, and videos relating to yoga.”

I’ve learned some things over the past year about technology and some could argue that I ‘sold out’ but I say not. I quickly learned that the blogging world is vast. I started reading blogs from other yoga enthusiasts and connected with other yoga teachers across the United States and Canada. I interviewed other yoga teachers and have been interviewed. Living In a rural area with a very small yoga community, the world of blogging opened me up to my own on line community. Thinking and writing about yoga has become a hobby. It’s helped me deepen my spiritual practice and connect the philosophy of yoga into my daily life.

I finished my first post indicating that I would soon write about the evolution of High Street Yoga, since I’m not a linear thinker that STILL hasn’t happened. Maybe soon.

The word Yoga means union. The Yoga Sutras teach that connectedness removes the veils of separation so we can be in that place where we are one. One World, One Heart. We are all connected; A lesson to be learned even through blogging.

Namaste’

Eagle Pose ~ Garudasana

2010-05-31T18:05:00.000-07:00

Eagle Pose; one of my favorites. In class we often practice Eagle Pose, arms only, sometimes while seated and sometimes in Warrior 1. I carry stress in my trapezius muscles, my upper traps and Eagle pose stretches exactly where I need it. I like to focus on the upper body more then the balance. Last week we did the full Eagle Pose, arms and legs. Someone in class asked “Why is this called Eagle? We are so compressed and not soaring like an eagle?” That got me thinking. Why is it called Eagle Pose?
Sanskrit is often compared to Latin because it is a classical, root language for many other languages. The base of Sanskrit, Vedic Sanskrit, emerged around 1,500 B.C.in India. Most yoga poses will end with the Sanskrit suffix "asana," which means pose, or literally, "to be established in a particular position." The word Yoga in Sanskrit means “union" or "yoke." Yoga poses lead a student to a balancing, or union, of the body and mind.

The Sanskrit word Garuda means eagle, hence the name of this posture. According to Hindu mythology Garuda is the king of birds, he transports Lord Vishnu and is said to be eager to help humanity in its fight against demons. In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, Garuda had the wings, talons and beak of an eagle, but he also had the arms and legs of a man. With a wingspan of miles, Vishnu offered his arm to Garuda as a perch and they became fast friends. Garuda served and carried Vishnu and others as he earned the title "King of the Birds."

Eagle Pose improves poise, concentration, coordination and balance. Some say it mimics an eagle, a bird with intense concentration, from far above in the sky. The eagle can focus on any prey moving on the ground, which it swoops and whisks away. The goal of the Eagle pose (Garudasana) is to compress everything together and keep it in one line – shoulders, hips, knees and ankles.
Eagle Pose improves balance, stretches the upper back, shoulders and outer thighs. Eagle Pose opens back of pelvis, creates space between shoulder blades and makes legs, knees and ankles strong.

Yoga for Sciatic Pain

2010-05-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

My journey to yoga evolved because of several factors. First, my husband was transferred with his job from Houston to rural Northern NJ. My life transformed overnight. In Houston we lived in the city where I worked full time as a Special Education teacher. Our new home in NJ was rural and I stayed home with my boys. The adjustment to these changes was huge. The second factor leading me to yoga was sciatic pain. Struggling with the move and in tremendous pain I turned to yoga.

I did yoga during the boys nap time and researched yoga for sciatic pain. Eventually this led me to a yoga teacher training program and free of sciatic pain.

Throughout my teacher training my instructor Mike asked me every week, “how is your hip” I’d answer, “it’s the same, my leg is still numb” until one day I realized it was gone. Years later I still love the hip opening poses and incorporated them into classes and my own daily practice

The following four poses helped ease my sciatic pain. In addition to relieving sciatic pain, these poses help with the following:

King Pigeon

Stretches the thighs, groins and psoas, abdomen, chest and shoulders, and neck
Stimulates the abdominal organs
Opens the shoulders and chest

Cow Face Legs Only

Stretches the ankles, hips and thighs, shoulders, armpits and triceps, and chest

Downward Facing Dog

Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression
Energizes the body
Stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands
Strengthens the arms and legs
Relieves menstrual discomfort when done with head supported
Helps prevent osteoporosis
Improves digestion
Relieves headache, insomnia, back pain, and fatigue
Therapeutic for high blood pressure, asthma, flat feet, sciatica, sinusitis

Tribal Belly Dancing at High Street Yoga in Pottstown

2010-05-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

This is an intro to Tribal Belly Dance! Ann Lee will be focusing on beginning and intermediate moves. Come and refine your moves, or come to learn this wonderful and joyous dance form for the first time!
Cost is $30 if you register before May 31st, $35 afterward
Come enjoy an evening of dance and sisterhood!

Date: Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: High Street Yoga
Street: 141 E High St
City/Town: Pottstown, PA

Yoga Unites ~ Living beyond Breast Cancer

2010-05-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the honor and privilege to participate in an event called Yoga Unites, Living beyond Breast Cancer. Over 1,000 Yogis gathered on the steps of the art museum in Philadelphia and practiced yoga in support of one cause. Yoga Unites for Living beyond Breast Cancer is an annual fundraising event that provides a way for individuals and teams to join the community in supporting women affected by breast cancer while experiencing the healing benefits of yoga.

This is the 8th year of the event and my first year. Two friends joined me and bright and early on Sunday morning we drove to Philadelphia. We exited the highway and immediately knew this was going to be a special event. Circling the neighborhoods to park, we spotted yogis with their yoga mats walking to the event. We saw families with small children, women, and men, young, old, groups, individuals, all walking to the event in support of breast cancer.

Energy is hard to explain or define but standing in line to register the energy was palpable. I felt overwhelmed, thinking of my sister in law a breast cancer survivor, thinking of all the women affected by breast cancer and how each person at the event knows at least one woman with breast cancer. Women wore pink; women wore bras on the outside of their shirt decorated with ribbons, feathers and words. We saw teams of people with signs, flags and matching shirts.

Since this was our first time we didn’t know to ‘reserve’ a spot first with our mat. We ended up being at the top near the fountain. We enjoyed the wonderful sound of the water from the fountain, enjoyed the backdrop of the beautiful art museum and we chatted with our fellow neighbors in the back while we waited for the event to begin. The class was led by Jennifer Schelter, founder of Yoga Unites. She led the group of 1,000 yogis through meditation, gentle stretching, sun salutations, partner yoga and a wonderful final relaxation. The class was accompanied by live music by Yvette Pecoraro. Jennifer led us gracefully through the yoga poses while sharing inspiring stories and encouraging words. The sky was blue and the sun was warm. The backdrop of the city was perfect gazing point.

There were times when I wanted to cry. There were times when my heart felt so open. Each of us walked away knowing we experienced something special. I’m already looking forward to next year and our team from Pottstown!

The Neti Pot~ Allergy Relief or Comic Relief?

2010-05-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

The Neti Pot is a household name thanks to Oprah and Dr. Oz. A Neti Pot can be found on the shelves of most health food stores, drug stores and even super stores. Most know it as a form of nasal irrigation, but, did you know that it has its roots in the yogic tradition? Historically Neti Pots were used in India to clear the nasal passages. Controlled breathing (pranayama) plays such and important roll in yoga.

A Neti Pot resembles a small tea pot or a gravy boat with a long spout. A saline solution is made of warm water and salt. The user stands over the sink, tips his head and pours the solution in one nostril while it flows out the other. The process is repeated on both sides.

I suffer from seasonal allergies and have used the Neti Pot for about two years. I appreciate the yogic tradition and enjoy some relief with out the use of over the counter medication. My kids are fascinated (and repulsed) by it. Last night my youngest son wanted to try it. He thought it was hilarious to watch himself in the mirror while he poured the water in one nostril and it came out the other! The last thing he said before going to bed was “the Neti Pot is fun”

Fun? That’s a whole new perspective on the Neti Pot. Allergy Relief? Or Comic Relief? In our house it’s both!

2010-05-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

NO YOGA THURSDAY MAY 6TH! SORRY FOR ANY INCONVIENCE

Living Mindfully ~ Hello Now

2010-04-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

Walking to the bus this morning listening to my middle son talk about his day ahead I was suddenly struck with an overwhelming feeling of love and warmth. This happens often in parenting but this time was different. Thousands of memories flooded before me; the memory of my boys as newborns and other parents saying “I don’t even remember what it was like when my kids were newborns” My strong conviction to never say that or feel that; My vow to enjoy every single moment with them as infants and through each stage of their lives.

My next thought was immediately followed by the memory of a conversation yesterday morning with a yoga student soon to turn 69. She asked how old my boys are and I said 8, 10 and 12 and she said “oh you are in the thick of things” I nodded and my mind immediately thought of the night before when I had to do a 4-5 massage, have a friend pick up my middle son from an after school activity at 4:15, the oldest needed to be picked up at 5:30 from orchestra and the youngest needed to get to soccer at 5:45 and me to yoga by 7 and everyone needed to eat in the space of that. Sigh…… Our life is on full speed ahead! But while my mind was churning with these thoughts she immediately said “enjoy every minute of it, because before you know it they will be grown up and on their own” All these thoughts sped through my brain in the moment of listening to my son talk about his day.

I struggle to find balance in our lives and to enjoy the chaos of three kids and three schedules. In the time to walk to the bus I remembered that yoga encourages us to consciously observe our experience; to live each moment in the present; to allow the mind to slow down, take a seat and be in the moment. Not to look ahead, but to simply be.

I teach ‘yoga’ every week. In class we move, breathe and relax. These techniques in and of themselves are transformative. However, to commit to yoga fully is to look at life inwardly. In class I often give the analogy of unpeeling the layers of an onion; little by little we find the center. By living mindfully we peel away everything that is not of essence to the true self. By living with an open heart and with attention to the details of our daily life the true self can shine.

Continuing on my journey through life with family, schedules, work and commitments I will keep in mind what is important to me in living my yoga. I will remember that life is a work in progress and will continue to unpeel each layer. I will repeat the mantras "I will commit to living my life fully in the present" and "all the answers are within me" and I will remember my conviction of the newborn days and enjoy each moment of life with family despite the chaos!

I stumbled on this poem that spoke to me called Hello Now. The first line felt like the conversation I had in my head this morning.

Today I returned
to the present moment
after a long train
of images and thoughts
and as if once again
encountering an old friend
I said out loud "Hello Now"
self-encouraging all
entrances into this,
the present

Say hello to your self, your moment and your truth.

Half Moon Pose ~ Ardha Chandrasana

2010-04-28T14:59:00.001-07:00

The moon holds significance in yogic philosophy. The word Hatha means Ha – sun and tha – Moon. I try to do all the ‘moon’ poses during the full moon. One of my favorite poses to do on the full moon is Ardha Chanrasana, the name means half moon pose. I feel a sense of flying and freedom when my back foot is reaching. Some balancing poses can feel intimidating or wobbly. With the support of the back against the wall this pose is appropriate for all levels. The benefits, physically and emotionally are immeasurable.

Half Moon improves balance, focus, concentration and confidence. Confidence is gained from learning to balance and open at the same time. On a physical level half moon stretches hamstrings, quadriceps and back and increases flexibility in the hip joints.

Directions for coming into the Pose

From Extended Triangle on the Right

Hinge forward reaching with your right arm, when you can’t reach any further, drop your right fingertips to the floor or a block placed at 1:00 o’clock.

Inhale and Exhale as you straighten your right leg and lift your left leg so that it is horizontal to the floor. Think of the back leg as your stability. Breathe naturally and lift the chest. Stretch out in both directions through both arms and legs.

Continue breathing for several breaths and to come out of the pose bend the front knee and drop the back leg. Straighten into Triangle Pose and come up on an inhalation to standing. This pose can be modified with the back against the wall.

“Aim for the Moon, if you miss you might hit a star” ~ W. Clement Stone

Happy Full Moon and Namaste’

Yoga Teachers who Blog

2010-04-06T05:47:00.001-07:00

High Street Yoga was featured on a blog titled "100 Incredible Yoga Teachers who Blog" Check out the link

http://www.nursingschools.net/blog/2010/04/100-incredible-yoga-teachers-who-blog/

Mother's Day Yoga

2010-03-29T07:21:00.001-07:00

Saturday, May 8th 10:0 am Celebrate Mother's Day Differently this Year!

It’s easy to send mom a bouquet, treat her to dinner or a day of shopping. But why go for the ordinary? This year treat her to something extra special that she’s sure to remember long after the flowers wither away

This class is open to women ages 8-80. You don't have to be a mother to attend. Come alone, with your daughter, mother, sister, and aunt, mother in law, cousin or friend. Discover the joys of Yoga and share the language of love and spirit together. Celebrate motherhood with yoga, meditation, and community.
Class Price $12 for one, two for $20

Happy St. Patricks Day ~ An Irish Blessing for Yoga

2010-03-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

IRISH BLESSINGS

May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

For each petal on the shamrock.
This brings a wish your way
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.

Yoga Shirts

2010-03-11T06:23:00.000-08:00

Check out these cute Yoga Tees

2010-03-01T05:42:00.000-08:00

No Yoga this week Tuesday, March 9th, and Wednesday March 10th due to family emergency.

Chair Yoga at the Pottstown Senior Center

2010-02-18T07:06:00.000-08:00

High Street Yoga will be teaching Chair Yoga at the Pottstown Senior Center begining Tuesday, March 9th at 10:00 am. Check out some of the benefits of chair yoga and consider it for yourself!

This class is a gentle form of yoga. With so many types of Yoga available, here is one that most of us can practice. Most Chair Yoga classes don’t use a Yoga mat, but the main prop used is a chair. You will practice yoga sitting in a chair or standing using the chair for support. This helps with balancing poses, and most common Yoga postures can be modified for the chair. Clients can learn any number of Yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and stage-by-stage relaxation, with the aid of a chair. Complicated maneuvers and complex movements are NOT present in this class. Students are able to warm up the body safely and perform yoga poses with more support and stability. Poses are done seated on the chair or the chair is used for support during standing poses, forward and backward bends, side extensions, balancing, and leg and arm stretches. Learn to use your breath to reduce tension. Use gentle movements to relieve your joints, allow greater range of motion and improve strength, balance and flexibility. Be prepared to laugh, have fun and relax. Chair Yoga is suitable for all ages, fitness levels and physical conditions.

Benefits of Yoga
• decreased blood pressure
• increased respiratory efficiency
• improved flexibility and range of motion
• improved posture
• increase in strength and resiliency
• improved immune function
• decrease in pain
• increased steadiness
• improved depth perception
• improved balance

Enter to win a FREE Massage

2010-02-01T09:12:00.001-08:00

Honor Yourself this Valentines Day. Each time you come to Yoga during the month of February enter to win a FREE massage!

"You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire Universe, deserve your love and affection." –Buddha

Inspirational Quotes from Martin Luther King Jr.

2010-01-18T06:24:00.001-08:00

Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.

Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”

Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Show the Love Giveaway

2010-01-14T06:09:00.000-08:00

Congrats to fellow Yogi and Blogger Carrie for posting her 100th blog for her amazing jewlery business. Check out her blog and qualify to enter a giveaway.

Carrie's Jewelry is featured at the yoga studio with custom chakra pieces and yoga inspired jewlery.

Support a local artist and check out her jewlery next time you are at yoga and take a minute to read her blog and enter the giveaway.

http://hammijammijewelry.blogspot.com/

New Thursday Night Yoga Class

2010-01-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

High Street Yoga will be adding another evening Yoga Class begining Thursday, January 21st from 7-8:15 pm

See you there!

Media ~ Yoga Video Review

2010-01-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

A home yoga practice can be challenging whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi. Choosing the right video for you can be overwhelming. I’ve been collecting yoga videos for the past 12 years and have reviewed four of my favorite. I hope one of the videos inspires you to begin a home practice.

A few tips before starting your home practice

When practicing yoga at home, listen to your own body. If you have an injury or pain, don’t force the pose and don’t compare your posture with the instructor on the video. Be in your body without judgment and accept your limitations. Breathe in and out through the nose and allow the breath to be the link between body, mind and spirit. If your mind wanders, begin to observe the inhales and exhales. Enjoy the practice! Yoga should be steady and joyful and never forced!

Core Power, Abs, Back and Bliss with Baron Baptiste

If you don’t have a lot of time and want to focus on the core of your body, back and abs, this video is awesome. It is 30 minutes but feels like a complete yoga session. The Krishna Das music playing in the background along with calm reminders about breath and alignment makes this video one of my favorites. The session begins with sun salutations, followed by a sequence of backbends, abdominal work, followed by forward bends, a final twist and savasana (final relaxation).

Yoga for Beauty/Dawn with Rainbau Mars

This video is approximately 55 minutes, and is appropriate for all levels. Rainbau Mars focuses on the breath and also teaches two abdominal cleansing breaths. There are a few transitions that might feel tricky for a beginner but as always listen to your own body. The vinyasa where she flows from a down dog split to a seated twist and then up again into Warrior 3 w/o hands is challenging. Work within your own intuitive body, and skip or modify anything out of your reach. I enjoy her calm voice and pearls of wisdom throughout the session.

Yoga Shatki with Shiva Rea

This video offers a variety of opportunities to practice yoga at home for all levels. You can choose from four pre-set guided practices along with a yoga matrix. The matrix works like a menu where you can chose from groups of postures. This feature allows you to customize the session based on time and need. You can select from a variety of meditations, sun salutations, back bends, forward bends, several standing sequences and more. I love the option of being able to customize my practice! If you want to follow a pre-set program the Basic Session is short and excellent for beginners. The other three are longer and more challenging. If you don’t have the time you can use your ‘next’ button to skip a group of postures. I highly recommend this video. Shiva Rea has a soothing voice, her prompts are poetic, and she makes suggestions for alignment and is overall very relaxing.

Insight Yoga with Sarah Powers

This video offers two Yin Yoga practices and two more intense Vinyasa or Yang practices. The Yin sessions offer passive long held back bends and forward bends. The poses are held anywhere from 2 and ½ to 5 minutes. Sarah talks in a soothing voice about Chinese medicine, Buddhism, chakras, meridians and shares personal stories and experiences. The Yang sessions are vinyasa style; the poses flow from one to the next. I rarely practice the yang series because I really love the Yin session. I practice the Yin sessions when I’m really tired or stressed. This is an interesting and informative as well as healing.

Choosing the right yoga video for you is the first step in a home yoga practice.

Namaste’

Resolve to Evolve the New Year with Intention

2010-01-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

In Sanskrit, sankalpa means intention directed toward a specific outcome.
Sankalpa praises the nobility of the effort rather than focusing on what you are doing wrong. An intention is a promise you make to yourself about what you intend to do, be, or say. An intention is a way to put positive thinking and desires into action. Intention is not oriented toward a future outcome. Instead, it is a path or practice that is focused on the present moment. You set your intentions based on understanding what matters most to you and make a commitment to align your actions with your inner values.

I begin many classes reminding students to set an intention for the practice. Sometimes we pick angle cards and often the cards align with our intentions.
New Years Day is a time for starting fresh, a time for reflection and thinking about where life is calling for a change. Begin the New Year with a yogic twist. Set an intention this year praising the efforts rather then focusing on the failures. Create an intention and open yourself to the universe.

Yoga Reflections of ’09 and looking ahead to a New Year

2009-12-31T07:20:00.000-08:00

Sitting down to write the plan was to write about my top 9 yoga moments of ’09. I’ve already blogged about many of those moments; doing yoga with my kids, rediscovering headstand and yoga with the didgeridoo. As I began to list those moments, the one thing that came back to me over and over again was how yoga helped me grieve the loss of my father As the New Year approaches and I reflect on life over the past year, I’m grateful to have yoga as part of me, and part of my life. Forget about the first 8 moments, the number one gift of yoga, beginning each moment new with each breath.

2009 was a year of healing for me after the sudden loss of my Dad in Nov. 2008. High Street Yoga opened its doors only two months before my Dad’s passing. A few short weeks after his death, I began to teach again. My leg shook with every balancing table pose and my body, mind and spirit were numb. But with each pose and each class, the lessons of yoga taught me to live each moment in the present. I measured my healing in the moments of breath; in the time that I could sit, undisturbed without thought. Initially those moments were brief. I tried setting a timer to meditate, but usually gave up quickly. I tried doing DVD’s in my living room, but usually turned them off within 5 minutes. Eventually I learned to be kind to myself and recognize my limitations. There were many days when my mind could not be still, but somehow, I stopped and acknowledged each effort.

Yoga taught me to surrender to the feelings of grief and despair. Many days my only practice was folding into child’s pose and trying to feel comfort and serenity. We are not taught how to grieve. There are plenty of books that explain the stages of grief. Yoga helped me grieve and find my way home again.

As I say at the end of each class “We take the effects of our yoga; open heart, open body, open mind and radiate them to others” In this New Year discover your open heart, body and mind, find your truth, your peace and radiate them to the people in your life.

Namaste’

Happy Holidays

2009-12-26T04:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! No Yoga this week 12/29 and 12/30! See you after the New Year.

Winter Solstice and 108 Sun Salutations

2009-12-16T14:04:00.000-08:00

The winter solstice is a special day of the year celebrated by many cultures because it marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year.

Surya Namaskar, the Sun Salutation, is a series of 12 postures performed in a single, graceful flow. Each movement is coordinated with the breath. The Sun Salutation builds strength and increases flexibility. Different styles of yoga perform the Sun Salutation with their own variations.

The number 108 carries spiritual significance in many cultures:
108 is the number of "Upanishads" comprising Indian philosophy's "Vedic texts".
108 is the number of names for Shiva (a really important Hindu god).
108 is the number of names for Buddha.
108 is the Chinese number representing "man".
108 is the number of beads on a Catholic rosary.
108 is the number of beads on a Tibetan "mala" (prayer beads, analogous to a rosary).
108 is twice the number "54", which is the number of sounds in Sanskrit (sacred Indian language). 108 is six times the number "18", which is a Jewish good luck number.
108 is twelve times the number 9, which is the number of vinyasas (movements linked to breath) in a Sun Salutation
1 stands for Higher Truth, 0 stands for Emptiness and 8 stands
for Infinity.

Yoga studios across the world gather on the solstice to honor the season and tradition. Typically this ritual is performed 4 times a year, with the start of each season, to acknowledge the changing world around us. It usually takes about 1 1/2 - 2 hours to complete. Some people believe that doing 108 Sun Salutations is a way of breaking out of the darkness that accumulated from the long winter. Join us at High Street Yoga on Monday 12/21 at 9:00 am for 108 Sun Salutations!

Give your Friends and Loved Ones the Gift of Yoga this Holiday Season

2009-12-15T14:03:00.001-08:00

Tips to Finding Balance during the Holidays with Yoga

2009-12-13T08:23:00.000-08:00

• Live fully in the moment. Allow yourself to be fully present in with out looking ahead or mentally crossing off the ‘to do’s’

• Accept “what is”….Give up wanting what you don't already have and learn how to accept what you cannot change. During the holidays this yogic philosophy is especially important. Plans change, the ‘perfect’ gift can’t be found, cookies burn. If you are feeling overwhelmed try experimenting with this yogic affirmation: Breathe in and think to yourself, "What I have is enough." Breathe out and think, "What I am is enough." Breathe in and think, "What I do is enough." Breathe out and think, "What I've achieved is enough."

• Let go of attachments… You may have an idea of the perfect holiday visit or dinner with friends and family. Sometimes things may not go as you imagined. Let go and learn to look at all the planning the gifts and the love that went into the event rather. Release expectations and disappointments.

• Look at the calendar as a whole and try not over schedule. Accept invitations with joy and say no with love.

• Most importantly reclaim family time. Spend time together, quietly enjoying the spirit of the season.

couponclipper.com - ACADEMY OF MASSAGE & BODYWORKS

2009-12-08T05:35:00.000-08:00

Print a Coupon from the Clipper Magazine for a free yoga class at Pottstown's High Street Yoga and Wellness

2009-12-07T05:36:00.001-08:00

Om for the Holidays - Yoga to Reduce Holiday Stress

2009-11-30T15:11:00.001-08:00

Feeling off balance is common, especially during the holidays. With all the pressure to shop, cook, spend and socialize it is easy to feel stretched beyond your limits. It can be difficult to enjoy the special times with friends and family and miss out on the true nature and genuine spirit of the holiday season when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Yoga is becoming a popular means of stress management and physical relaxation. By taking a yogic approach to the holidays you can find a sense of stability, nurture your own spirit, and create a happier family holiday.

If you have a regular yoga practice, you will appreciate moving and breathing to your favorite asana. For those of you who have never tried a yoga class, this is your time to experience this ancient system of mind, body and spirit connection.

When you find yourself thinking, “I don’t have time for yoga.” Think again, and carve out one hour a week just for you. By taking time to do yoga you will feel relaxed, yet invigorated and ready to face the commitments ahead.

This Holiday Season, give yourself the gift of health, well being, balance and more.

Gratitude Quotes for Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It's to enjoy each step along the way. ~ Wayne Dyer

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~ Marcel Proust

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. ~Buddha

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others. ~Cicero

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~ John F Kennedy

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. ~ Albert Schweitzer

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~ Melody Beattie

Gratitude and Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T06:48:00.000-08:00

Namaste’ is an expression of connection and deep gratitude. I end every class saying Namaste’ and enjoy the feeling of connection to the class, and beyond. Gratitude and giving thanks is the core of mindfulness and yoga practice. As Thanksgiving approaches I’m reminded of the meaning of Namaste’ and of the practice of gratitude.

Cultivating a practice of thankfulness and gratitude can lead to a greater connection to life. Gratitude is a way of looking at things. Gratitude can teach you to look at the full spectrum of life, from the highs to the lows.

Gratitude doesn’t have to be limited to a yoga practice. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for family and friends to gather and reflect on the blessings in life. After the pie, and sweet potatoes, after the family, continue the tradition and set aside 5 minutes each day, and reflect on what you are thankful for everyday.

For everything we give Thanks.

Namaste’ and Happy Thanksgiving

Wisdom from Ane Pema Chodron, a Tibetan Buddhist Teacher

2009-11-11T09:33:00.000-08:00

When we start out on a spiritual path we often have ideals we think we're supposed to live up to. We feel we're supposed to be better than we are in some way. But with this practice you take yourself completely as you are. Then ironically, taking in pain - breathing it in for yourself and all others in the same boat as you are - heightens your awareness of exactly where you're stuck.

Pigeon Pose/ Eka Pada Rajakapotasana

2009-11-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

Pigeon Pose/ Eka Pada Rajakapotasana;
Type of pose: Hip opener, Backbend
Benefits: Stretches the thighs, groins, back, and psoas. Opens the chest and shoulders.

Pigeon Pose, my favorite pose. I want to do it every class, but realize not everyone shares my enthusiasm. People love it or hate it. This evening while doing a Yin Sequence, gentle, long held, forward and back bends, I fell asleep doing pigeon pose. A sudden noise startled me awake and out of a dream! I was dreaming about a local Italian restaurant, dreaming about spinach ravioli while lying in pigeon pose! Crazy I know especially for the people with tight hips, or knees and find pigeon uncomfortable and painful.

Why do some poses feel so good to one person and can be so difficult for another? Why do we prefer one over the other? For me I practice the ones I’m good at. Anatomically speaking, my hips are flexible, therefore pigeon is easy for me to come in and out of and I do it often. So often I fall asleep and dream about ravioli! Not very ‘yogic’ but still very funny!

Namaste’

Vatayanasana

2009-11-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

Warning this pose isn’t for everyone.

Vatayanasana – Means a ‘horse’ because the pose resembles that of a horses face.

From Light on Yoga B.K.S Iyengar “In this pose the hip joints receive proper circulation of the blood and minor deformity in the hips and thighs is corrected. The pose is also good for stiffness in the sacroiliac region.”

Yoga with my kids is often spontaneous, on the living room floor, among homework folders, pillows and our large black cat Sky. I’m not sure how it starts but I’m always thrilled when it does. We break out the book Light on Yoga by B.K.S Iyengar and the boys LOVE to try some of the advanced poses. They each take turns thumbing through the book and find the most complicated and each take a turn. It’s fun, its funny and one of my favorite times with the boys.

They remind me of the fun in yoga; that it’s ok to fall or stumble in a balance, to take risks, to laugh and to be ok with where I am with out judgment. They remind me of the true bliss of being in the moment.

Above is a picture of my middle son helping with a Yoga Kids Class and being in his favorite pose Horse Pose. Remember this pose isn’t for everyone! But enjoy your pose with sheer joy and think about what you can learn from your kids.

Namaste’

Look Beyond the Obstacle

2009-10-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

Why is it so hard to do the things we don’t like, on and off the mat?

Once a week I attend the yoga class of my friend Ann. In exchange for attending her class, I give her massage. It’s a wonderful arrangement for us both. While nearing the end of a balancing class Ann suggested we chose from legs up the wall, shoulder stand and as I was ready for her to say plow, one of my favorites, she said ‘head stand’ We all looked at her with a blank expression. This is a sweet and slow class, I was thinking, Headstand!!! I looked at the other women with the same perplexed look. Lisa, one of the regulars LOVES unsupported headstand and before we knew it, she was in the middle of the room legs reaching, happy as can be. The rest of us were lamenting over what to do, chose the one we love, or step out of our comfort zone and try the more challenging. I still wanted plow pose, but reluctantly, chose supported headstand against the wall. I kicked up and to my surprise (and relief) felt great! I’d forgotten how confident and energized I feel after an inversion. I realized my practice had fallen into a rut and that I often practice my favorite ‘go to’ poses and avoid the ones I find challenging or strenuous. I left the class feeling more energized to tackle the challenging poses and the first on my list is Utthita Hasta Padangustasana, Extended hand to big toe pose, a balancing posture. I hope to practice it daily, but won’t beat myself up if I don’t.

This morning while doing a DVD in my living room the instructor was explaining how to flow from down dog into a seated position and she said “the trick is to look beyond the obstacle”

Look beyond, the obstacle. I plan to look beyond my obstacles both on and off the mat and step out of the comfort zone.
Namaste’

Did You Know?

2009-10-13T06:08:00.000-07:00

* Yoga has been practiced in the U.S. since the late 19th century, but gained popularity in the 1960s.

* According to results of a study sponsored by the Yoga Journal and released in June 2003, 15 million Americans, or over seven percent of U.S. adults, are believed to practice yoga, an increase of 28.5 percent from the year before.

* Yoga has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety; accordingly, it is often recommended to relieve the pain and anxiety of chronic conditions.

* Yoga is thousands of years old. Stone carvings in the Indus Valley depicting yoga positions date back 5,000-plus years.

Yoga eases hot flashes and boosts memory.
Sun salutations may be the answer when getting older makes you sweat & forget. A new Indian study involving 120 women found that those who practiced Yoga (along with breathing exercises & meditation) for an hour five days a week had 50% fewer hot flashes & night sweats than those who simply did stretching exercises. The Yoga group also reported improved memory. By helping you unwind, Yoga is thought to free up your mind to control body functioning.” From Yoga Science

Press Release from the Pottstown Mercury

2009-10-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Click on the link to read the latest press in the Mercury. It's the second story under Business News in Brief

http://www.pottstownmercury.com/articles/2009/10/09/business/srv0000006578802.txt

Kaleidoscope Angels Open House

2009-10-09T06:34:00.000-07:00

Check out this great new store opening locally!

The Kaleidoscope Angels Open House Sunday, October 11th from 11-3pm.

1000 Grosser Road Suite 2AGilbertsville, PA 19525.

It's all things spiritual, aromatherapy, jewelry, framed artwork, tapestries, purses, scarves, books etc.

Jewlery designer Carrie Grabowicz from Hammi Jammi Jewelry will be on hand to take custom jewlery orders..

High Street Yoga Celebrates One Year!

2009-10-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

This article was written for the paper by a dear friend.

Yoga is the practice of finding tranquility through the union of mind, body and spirit. So it’s fitting that High Street Yoga, 141 E. High St., has spent the last year stretching that definition to include not only people who practice yoga, but also by embracing the community as a whole.
“I think that I wanted to make this a place of community,” said High Street Yoga instructor/director Barbara Kosciewicz. “The idea of yoga in general is to open yourself and so it seemed natural to extend that to others, too.”
To illustrate that, in the year since it opened, High Street Yoga has collected donations for the North Coventry food pantry, held a Toys for Tots Toy drive and offered a special monthly Kid Yoga class for local Moms Clubs as well as Moms Night Outs.
Kosciewicz has been practicing yoga for a decade and has spent the last six years teaching. She jumped at the chance to create High Street Yoga a year ago, in a space that had previously been used for storage above the Academy of Massage & Bodyworks.
“I was a student at the Academy,” Kosciewicz said. “The room was used for storage and Angela (Wagner) and Jim (Funk, directors of the Academy of Massage) asked me if I wanted to help them get a yoga studio started.”
So the space was cleaned out, painted and turned into a room that is warm and tranquil. The soothing yellow walls are appointed with wall hangings and a large “om” symbol, and the space is large enough to allow participants to spread out and relax.
This is the whole point of yoga.
“People don’t take any time for themselves,” Kosciewicz said. “You may read a book or take a bath. But yoga really gives people an hour to relax. It’s really slowing down the mind and slowing down the body and letting yourself completely take care of you. You can completely surrender and completely relax. That’s my focus.”
And because that’s her focus Kosciewicz designs her classes for all levels of experience.
“People say that they’re not flexible,” she said. “But you don’t need to be flexible to begin yoga. Just come exactly as you are. I give modifications for every situation. If you’re pregnant or injured I can modify the postures to what is comfortable for you. Everyone in class looks different because yoga is all about you as an individual and where you are physically.”
A typical class includes breath awareness, centering/meditation, clearly explained asana (the physical postures) and Savasana – the final relaxation. In addition, Kosciewicz will often add some extras to the class and during the past year has offered candle light yoga with live music, a Valentine’s Day Special that added foot soaks, chair massage and tea to the yoga class and a holiday stress buster series.
Continuing the plan to give back to the community, High Street Yoga will celebrate its first birthday by offering half-price classes to anyone who brings a donation for the North Coventry Food Pantry during the first two weeks of October. Each donation also qualifies the giver to raffles and special giveaways.
Classes normally cost $12 each and are offered Tuesday 7 to 8:15 p.m. and Wednesday 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Packages are available and drop-ins are welcome.

Yurt

2009-10-05T04:27:00.000-07:00

Today is a very exciting day for me. Work begins this morning on my Yurt; a traditional Mongolian Circle Hut that I will use as a home based Massage Therapy Business. The Yurt has been a vision of mine even before I became a therapist. Some twists and turns in the road have delayed the process, but now things are falling into place!

Two talented carpenters (and friends) begin today, clearing the land, digging the trench for electricity, and building the platform foundation. The actual Yurt will be delivered on Oct. 22nd and assembly of the Yurt will take a few days.

I feel fortunate to be surrounded with wonderful and talented friends that are helping me with the business. Melia of Priceless Moments by Melia will help with web design; and her sister designed the awesome Exhale logo!

My lifetime friend, Lori, bought me a book over 4 years ago when I began thinking about this, called Circle Houses. The first page of the book says “to the nomad soul in all of us” The quote makes my heart smile!

Namaste’

North Coventry Food Pantry

2009-09-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

Established over 20 years ago, The North Coventry Food Pantry is located in the basement of the North Coventry Township Building. Operated by volunteers, the pantry is open on the first Tuesday of every month from 9am to 10am for distribution.

The food pantry was something I was vaguely aware of. Occasionally my kids brought home a note from school that they were collecting food for the local pantry. A friend picked up donations of toilet paper, so I would donate monthly. But still, that is where my involvement ended. The same friend organized a vendor event for the pantry, where local vendors gathered and donated a percentage of their profits to the pantry toward the purchase of a freezer. I set up my massage chair and donated proceeds, but still I didn’t feel connected, until I held my own event for the pantry.

Last fall I offered a free evening of yoga, tea and giveaways, as long as students brought food for the pantry. I was thrilled to see students reach out and bring in full bags of food. I filled my van and met one of the board members at the pantry for the first time. I was excited about the donations from the yogis. But the experience was soon humbling. EVERY donation helps, don’t get me wrong, but the food we collected was a drop in the bucket compared to the need. I immediately felt inspired to help and began volunteering whenever possible. Volunteer opportunities can include pulling food off shelves, sorting food into bags for families, or assisting at the monthly distribution.

I learned that the pantry is run by a small group of volunteers that pour their heart and soul and tremendous amounts of time into helping local families. They receive some shipments from the state, but rely heavily on donations from the community, families, schools, churches and organizations. Some months donations come in, especially before Thanksgiving, and some months the shelves are bare.

Yoga teaches that as we develop spiritually, our awareness and compassion grow, making us more alert to suffering around us and less able to turn away from it. In essence, the pain of others becomes our own, and we feel driven to relieve it.

Find what your heart calls you to do.

International Day of Peace Sept 21st

2009-09-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

The United Nations' (UN) International Day of Peace is celebrated on September 21 each year to recognize the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace. The International Day of Peace is also a day of ceasefire – personal or political.

The peace dove flying with an olive branch in its beak is one of the most commonly featured symbols for the day. In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam a white dove is generally a sign for peace. The dove can also represent “hope for peace” or a peace offering from one person to another, hence the phrase “to extend an olive branch”. Often, the dove is represented as still in flight to remind people of its role as messenger.

On the International Day of Peace, also known as Peace Day, people around the world take part in various activities and organize events centered on the theme “peace”. Events vary from private gatherings to public concerts and forums involving large audiences. Activities include:
Interfaith peace ceremonies.

A toast for peace.
A peace choir.
Lighting candles.
Peace prayers.
A peace convoy of vehicles.
Tree planting for peace.
Art exhibitions promoting peace.
Picnics for peace.
Peace walks.

Coming Home - to Yoga

2009-09-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

With the end of summer comes a time of change, and new beginnings. For me, that means coming home to a regular yoga practice.

My summer was filled with sunscreen, swimming, hikes, day trips and a wonderful family vacation. For a large part of the summer my husband traveled abroad and I was both Mom and Dad. My practice suffered. In the time when I needed yoga the most was the time when I neglected it. By the end of each summer day, taking care of three kids, cooking, cleaning, and laundry, taking care of the yard and vegetable garden and squeezing in massage appointments I was tired by the time the kids went to bed. I didn’t make the time for yoga and for myself.

Summer is over, the kids are in school, my husband is home for the time being and my regular yoga practice resumes, and what a difference! My energy level has increased; I sleep like a rock and feel more present during my practice and beyond. My senses are heightened and I feel able to enjoy each moment. And for those moments that are simply impossible to enjoy, I recognize that the moment will pass.

I’ve begun each day with 10 minutes of meditation. It’s a small amount of time, but its enough for me and works with my schedule. I’m setting my intention for each session, opening it up to the universe. Finally my practice of asana is (almost) daily. Change can come slowly, 5 minutes of stretching each day, 5 minutes of meditation or 5 rounds of sun salutations.

How will you incorporate yoga into your day?

Enlightenment for Idiots A Novel by Anne Cushman

2009-09-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

Amanda, an almost 30 something, aspiring yogi is searching for a different life. As a former nanny and dog sitter Amanda falls into a gig writing “For Idiots” travel guides. While struggling through her yoga teacher training and an on and off again relationship, Amanda gets a call from her editor Maxine with her next assignment, to travel to India in search of enlightenment for idiots. Along the way Amanda teams up with partner Devi Das and together they travel through India to find Amanda’s teacher. Through her search for enlightenment Amanda goes to ashrams, meets gurus and encounters everyday people.

I liked this book because it felt like a great summer read while learning about a variety of spiritual traditions from, Buddhism, Vipassana, and hot yoga. This book offers humor, and insight into the ‘trendy’ ashrams and the daily life of regular folks in India. Anyone with a passion for yoga, or just looking for a fun summer book should check this out.

Live Music Yoga

2009-09-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

Music can evoke a memory, change a mood, liven up a party and lift spirits. Last night at High Street Yoga, Dave Antonio shared the restorative power of healing and sound. Dave combined Sitar, Gong, Flute, Didgeridoo, Tibetan Singing Bowl and various bells that helped create a calm and meditative state. He played intuitively and as the flow of the class increased the rhythm of the music flowed seamlessly. The highlight of the evening was the very long final relaxation where Dave played and walked throughout the studio so students could feel the vibration of the didgeridoo. The sound meditations offered a peaceful and special evening of yoga.

Messages

2009-09-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

The first signs of fall; the cool crisp mornings, changes in the air, leaves and sky leave me feeling bittersweet. With those beautiful changes comes the beginning of the school year for my children. I love having them home in the summer and having a job that can allow me to be both with them and work. So when September rolls around, I move forward with a sense of dread. The relaxed lazy summer days have come to an end and in my world the chaos begins.

As parents, my husband and I, make an effort to balance outside activities with home and down time. We try very hard not to over schedule our children. But, with three children, managing their schedule and mine is a part time job in itself. Yesterday, the chaos began, with our annual first day trip to the ice cream parlor after school, the mounds of paperwork, homework, photos needed for lockers (that required a trip to the drug store to print them) dinner and alas my Tuesday night yoga class. I woke this morning to lunches, backpacks, choosing clothes, brushing hair battles and trying to get to my morning yoga class. That’s when I checked my e-mail and found this wonderful message from a local Reiki Master and Mediation teacher I know.

"PEACE. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work, it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." As we embrace a New season with New routines and New structure, remember to find your own personal PEACE and Live it. With that New sense of PEACE you gain Greater Inner Strength.

THAT is exactly the message I needed. Earlier in the morning I remember thinking, “I need to find a way to embrace all of this or I will drive myself crazy!” And the message was there for me…Just when I needed it. In this time of fall and change and new routines, I hope you can find peace, inner strength and joy in the chaos of life!

Yoga Awareness Month

2009-09-02T18:14:00.000-07:00

September is Yoga Awareness Month.

Yoga studios and teachers across the nation will donate yoga classes and organize their own local Yoga Month events to help bring greater awareness to the field yoga. Studios and teachers will also encourage new students to try yoga for the first time by accepting the Yoga Month Card (One Week Free Yoga). National Yoga Month is supported by a variety of local and national companies like YogaFit, Lucy, Jade Yoga, Shakti Mat, Be Present, True Bloom, The Hub LA Yoga Studio, Samasati Retreats and media organizations like Organic Spa Magazine, LA Yoga, MyYogaOnline.com and Yogamates.com. Visit www.yogamonth.org to add Yoga Month events or donation classes. New students may receive and print out the Yoga Month Card good for One Week Free Yoga at hundreds of participating yoga studios nationwide.

The National Yoga Month campaign is administered by the Yoga Health Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization registered in the State of California. All funds benefit the national awareness campaign and yoga health education for at-risk children in schools.

Quiet the Mind; Meditation with Children

2009-08-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

I've been re-reading the book The Parents Tao Te Ching; Ancient Advice for Modern Parents by William Martin and wanted to share the following passage.

Quiet the Mind

Our bodies produce
the bodies of our children.
Our noisy minds produce
the fears of our children.
But the Tao produces the spirit of our children.

Still the body.
Quiet the mind.
Discover the spirit.

Meditation is not complicated nor esoteric. It is a natural skill, practiced in many variations. Breathe in and think "Be..." Breathe out and think, "....still." Once you learn, teach your children. You don't have to call it meditation. Call it "being still like a mountain." Bring forth their natural ability to remain quiet and at rest. (Yes, they can, even if for brief periods. Can you?)

When Less is More – Aparigraha

2009-08-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

The Yoga Sutras written by Patanjali is one of the most influential spiritual writings of Yoga. The core of Patanjali’s Sutras is an Eight Limb path. The first limb Yamas have to do with training thought, actions and speech in relation to the external world and with relationships with people. The Yamas are broken down into 5 characteristics; non-harming, non stealing, truthfulness, remembering the higher reality and non-possessiveness/attachment to objects.

The 5th characteristic, aparigraha, attachment to objects, leads to a desire to possess these objects, as more objects are obtained the seeker finds he is not fulfilled.

When I began blogging, writing about my kids was not the intention. But being a Work at Home Mom, observing life through their eyes is what I do and Yoga philosophy becomes crystal clear.

In Pennsylvania there is one convenience store/gas station that is a mega business. We live in a small town and it is the busiest store everyday of the week. People go there daily for coffee, hoagies, snacks, slushies, you name it. A second store is being built within a 2 mile radius. My nine year old son is very disturbed by this new store. He laments daily on how ‘sad it is because it will run a smaller gas station out of business’ and ‘how we don’t need another because we already have one’ He recognizes the concept of ‘need vs. want’ which is the core of aparigraha. He understands the importance of looking at life from the vantage point of having enough rather then lack, a concept so crystal clear to a 9 year old.

There is so much to be learned from children and the path to simplifying my life continues. I will continue to feel gratitude for the abundance in my life and not the lack.