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Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, is a relaxation and meditation technique that involves no bodily movement. Check out the link below for some of the benefits of this practice. Then, purchase or renew your class pass and attend my first yoga nidra class on Sunday, June 4 following the 4:30 p.m. Yin class -- it's free!
https://yogainternational.com/article/view/5-benefits-of-yoga-nidra
If you are an athlete, this article is for you: yet another reason to give Yin yoga a try!
http://dailycupofyoga.com/2017/04/25/yin-yoga-a-yoga-practice-every-athlete-should-adopt/
Yoga can seem a bit mysterious to those not familiar with it. In order to prepare for your first class, I think these tips are quite helpful!
I used to be one of those "glass is half-empty" people. Didn't like surprises. Never wanted to be disappointed. Would rather expect the worse and possibly be pleasantly surprised if things turned out okay. Pretty dismal way to live, huh? Now, I didn't walk around with a huge gray cloud over my head: I think most people would agree that I appeared to be a happy person. But inside I was pretty darn pessimistic about most things.
Enter yoga. Through a consistent physical practice, accompanied by frequent meditation (usually lastly only 2-10 minutes total), I have found a complete shift in my mindset. I truly am enjoying the little things in life much more. I do my best to remain in the present moment and not get anxious about the future. I've learned that's it's more than okay to think positively and relish the good things that are going on (instead of always waiting for a shoe to drop.) Being happy in the present moment doesn't mean that something bad has to happen next. Oh, what a weight that has been lifted from my mind!
Now, this doesn't mean I never get sad or anxious or worried. As a mom of four kids, this still happens quite often. BUT I no longer feel these feelings IN ANTICIPATION of something that may or may not even happen! And that, my friends, has been incredibly liberating.
We only get one life, right? I'm finally learning how to live it -- and ENJOY it.
Check out this article for more information about the power of positive thinking.
In contrast to the more-familiar vinyasa/power yoga which is a dynamic practice, yin yoga slows things down quite a bit. Yin focuses on influencing your fascia, connective tissue, ligaments, and tendons. It is a wonderful balance for those with a predominately vinyasa (or yang) practice. Click below for more from one of the leaders in the field.
My 65 pound chocolate lab is just a liiiiiiiittle too heavy for me to do some of these poses, but I plan on trying some with her. She starts every morning with a down dog and an up dog already, so I'm sure she'll be a natural!
A great article on the benefits of yoga!
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170303131017.htm
The studio where I have been practicing since July 2015 and where I completed my yoga teacher training.
Baron Baptiste developed the style of yoga that I practice and teach. His book Journey into Power was an instrumental part of my teacher training.
Love Teaching Yoga by Michele Linane
One of my favorite yoga teaching podcasts (and she has a great website!)
http://www.loveteachingyoga.com/
For more than fifteen years, J. Brown has been developing techniques to teach people how to practice yoga in a deeper and more fulfilling way. He is also a well-known writer, having been featured in Yoga Therapy Today, the International Journal of Yoga Therapy, Elephant Journal, and Yogadork (from J. Brown's website.)
My goal is to study and practice at Kripalu one day in the not-so-distant future. I'm not a fan of the cold, so I'm sure I won't be going during the winter months!
My friend and fellow yoga instructor, Anya Good, launched her own small yoga attire business last year. If you are looking for some quality, reasonably priced, environmentally conscious, and fun yoga clothes, be sure to shop here!
Last year, my three daughters and I attended our first yoga festival and had a marvelous time! There were lots of booths offering yoga apparel, music, henna, jewelry, and food. There was a special tent for the little yogis and yoginis and lots of opportunities to get in a few short practices on the main stage. If you live in the DC metro area, I highly recommend you check it out!
My good friend and fellow yoga teacher, Gretchen Schutte, is entrepreneur extraordinaire. She has a variety of mindfulness gifts to help you embrace your life's journey. I own several pieces of her reasonably-priced and beautiful jewelry pieces and am a HUGE fan of her Happy Hair Spray (goodbye frizzy hair!)