Grateful for my Yoga Teachers!

Yes, I have teachers, too!  A teacher is always a student.  There is no shortage of Yoga literature and guidebooks today.  And I know how important it is to have a home practice.  But, a teacher or mentor is someone who holds a mirror to you, so you have a clearer vision of yourself.  

 I seek out teachers who also continue to practice and study yoga.  Yoga is "skill in action."  To maintain a skill, we need to keep "sharpening the saw."    My teachers challenge me:  physically, mentally, spiritually.  They inspire me to become the best version of myself.  And, that takes work!  

So, here is to all of my inspiring teachers:  Kathleen M. Wright, Patrina Dobish, Kim Schwartz, Laurie Blakeney, Lois Steinberg, Gabriel Halpern, Geeta Iyengar, Abhijata Iyengar.  

And here is to my yoga students, my greatest teachers, who help me see what I need to learn.

Thank you!

Yoga Can Make a Difference!

We all have to begin somewhere!  My journey into the world of yoga began in the early 1980's with a television program called "To Life!" on PBS.  My sister introduced me to the program.  Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, from 10:00-10:30pm, I practiced with Priscilla Patrick on PBS (there was no Internet then!)   I ordered her video and book and began to develop my own practice.  Later, after a neck injury and rehab through physical therapy, I found another resource, "Richard Hittleman's 28 Day Yoga."  I followed the plan each day, and it helped me with my body, as well as feelings of depression due to life circumstances.  At the right time and right place, I decided to take my first teacher training.  I learned that yoga was a philosophy, a way of life, a science and an art.  I learned that it could help you feel better, if you worked at it.    Since then, I have completed 8 yoga teacher trainings and ayurvedic studies.  I continue to study, learn, practice, and teach.   Yoga has made a difference in my life on all levels - physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually!  

Yes, Yoga Can Make a Difference!

GET INSPIRED!

I finally took down the Christmas lights!  Spring is here!  Spring, to me, is refreshing and bold.  Despite our daily struggles, distractions and busyness, the new change of spring scenery focuses our attention.  We may pause to look at a bright, colorful flower, and stand in awe as a tree begins to blossom.   Feelings of hope and appreciation of beauty may inspire you.

That's nice.  But, WIIFM (What's In It For Me?)  Well.  Start small, like a little seed.  Do one thing that will develop a positive change in your mind, body and spirit.  Be patient as it takes time for us to grow, change and renew.  Some changes may take longer than others.  For me, I am going to drink more water!  Nothing earth shattering, but something that will take more effort on my part.  One glass of water for each organ of the body - a toast to my heart, my brain, my kidney's, etc.! 

Do something refreshing...and be bold!  I can't tell you what that is.  But I will encourage you to take a little time to think and ponder on it.  And then, in time, someone may just pause as they witness the newness of you begin to blossom!

"Remember to Breathe"

This weekend I spent time studying with Laurie Blakeney, Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher.  Laurie's ability to weave yoga philosophy into yoga asana practice really enriches my practice and understanding of yoga.  This weekend she explained that the mind and body may let us down, so listen and pay attention to the breath.  It will not let you down.

So when we are in yoga postures that seem physically or mentally challenging, we can use our breath to keep our focus within throughout the challenge.

In yoga classes, we take time to pay attention to the breath.  We focus on ways the breath can move, how it helps us to expand and shape our movements and our focus, and how it makes us feel.  Learning how pay attention to the breath is a skill.  The breath helps us to learn a deeper dimension of ourselves.    It takes our awareness more inside ourselves.

So, let's learn from the yogis.  Take time to listen to your breath throughout the day.   Remember to breathe!