Tag Archives: st louis

Oct19

Musings from My Mat 10.18.12

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Moving through my practice today, I couldn’t help but think how I watch my students practice these same poses. Warrior II is a particularly difficult pose for me, and one I often encourage my students to push themselves further in. This brings me to my musing for the day…

When you address conflict or challenge (physically in asana, or in a “real life” situation), you may resolve it or strengthen yourself.

And, once you’ve moved through one challenge, there’s another that presents itself. The cycle continues.

That is why yoga is an ongoing practice. Life is an ongoing practice.

You can’t expect life or your asana practice to be easy. There’s always a hurdle to jump over.

Jumping each hurdle allows you to advance on to the next one, to grow.

Be present with your challenges, so you can move forward.

Practice song of the day:

Feb22

Restorative Yoga

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Practicing asanas can be challenging, and also rewarding.

Our accomplishments and the way we feel after an invigorating practice keep us coming back for more.

Many times, I’ve found myself getting into savasana after a home practice and only staying a brief time. (Class makes it easier to get in a good chunk of time in this restorative pose.)

It can be tempting to skimp on savasana.

That is why I am proposing a restorative practice.

Devote a practice entirely to savasana and similar relaxing poses.

Try it. And, let me know how you feel.

Supported Child’s Pose

Gather some blankets and/or pillows. Kneel and place blankets and pillows (or even a bolster if you have one) between your knees. Gently let your chest rest on top. Relax one side of the face onto the props. Let the hips relax. They do not need to touch the heels. Let the ams relax at your sides. Breathe.

You can also place a rolled blanket under the ankles or under the hips for more support.

Stay here 5 minutes. Switching the turn of your head so each has equal time.

What are you favorite ways to unwind?

Jan13

New Class Schedule + hip opening

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Just wanted to share my newly updated class schedule.

I’m excited to be teaching yoga all around St. Louis!

I am pushing myself to make another yoga video next week! I have a few ideas….any requests?

This week, I kept my students in their hip openers a bit longer. We focused on expanding up the spine, lengthening the sides of the body. It was nice to have some quiet in class, time to really take in a pose and spend some time with Self.

I’m thinking next week we’ll have to flow a bit more because it’s getting cold again around here!

Oct18

Full Moon Meditation

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Last Tuesday was a full moon. My friend Lisa and I joined 10 others at Pura Yoga to celebrate with a full moon meditation. The Kundalini meditation was led by Phoenix, a wonderful teacher. We sat in a circle, holding hands and repeated a simple chant, going around the circle taking turns with call and response.

I was nervous at first to sing the chant on my own. After the first round though, it was no biggie. It felt great to just let my voice out and hear everyone else join my in the prayer. The time flew by and I was able to totally withdraw from the external into a place of concentration, centererness (that’s a word…I swear…) and love.

After the meditation, we sat around a bit chatting, enjoying yoga tea (I die for that stuff) and treats! I couldn’t keep the smile off my face as I walked back to my car to head home. There’s just something about sharing an experience like meditation with others that creates such a powerful, lasting energy in me. I love it!

What are your thoughts on chanting? Have you tried it? Are you scared of it?

How do you practice meditation?