Inspiration! This is just simply beautiful…….
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Jul
28
My seven-year-old loves dance, she loves music and she jumps at the chance to practice yoga with me.
So, without a doubt when I came across this lively combination that introduces the Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskara) to little ones I put it to her for review. She’s on the older side for this presentation, as, like I said, she’s going on seventeen seven and she’s already pretty familiar with both Sun Salutes, but even despite her previous experience, she still found this a lot of fun and said she “would toooootally do this all the time!”
Certainly for tots who are a little younger, this is sure to be a winner!
The Sun Dance Kids Yoga/Music Video by Bari Koral Family Rock Band
Category: Blog, health, instruction, Kids, Postures, yoga
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Jul
20
Over these past several years, I’ve dedicated more than one post to the wonders of Baptiste. I’ve read and followed his books, been to a Bootcamp (which I loved!) and generally, let the Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga dictate my practice for the better part of a decade… and love it!
However, recently, I’ve let myself succumb to the charms of another… whose methodology has opened a new door into a whole new way of practicing yoga.
Yes, I’d heard of him. I’ve even written about him here.
But… I’ll be honest, I never really took him seriously. What with the yoga competitions and all… he just seemed like just another egomaniacal one-named guru cashing in on the trend.
I mean, really.
But then, thanks to an extended trip to the city and the modern wonders of the Groupon… I received an offer I couldn’t refuse. An inexpensive opportunity to experience that known simply as Bikram…
And, lo and behold, I’m hooked.
The first class nearly killed me… sending me into a claustrophobic anxiety attack, gasping desperately for fresh breath in the suffocating heat- never has savasana been so welcome. But damn! Even after that first class I felt transformed.
Cleaned, pulled and emerged, not unlike the slimy pupa freeing itself from the restriction of her shell.
And sweat?! Holy moly… I felt purged from the inside out. All the yuck seeping out through my pores. Not to mention the 600 calories I supposedly burned!
And more wondrous, throughout the rest of the day, the experience stayed with me, so much so that I enjoyed a heightened consciousness and deliberateness in everything I chose to put back in, from food to media. Weird.
Everything about my day felt different… true renewal. A feeling I want everyday.
But alas… my return to the sticks. And trying to recreate Bikram on my own.
May
06
Mother’s Day is this Sunday and in honour of all of us, I thought I’d post a little valuable information to also honour that which defined many of our early days and nights in those weeks, months, and, in some cases, years when we first became mothers: our breasts! OK… so they may not have defined us exactly, but I know my boobs were being sucked, fondled, bitten, pinched and slapped for more years than I care to think about… and then I had kids!!
Seriously… in the spirit of keeping the jugs healthy, particularly with 1 in 20 women dealing with breast cancer, either in treatment or as survivors, here are some asanas to promote breast care, not to mention just helping the girls feel good day to day!
Breast health is sustained by the body’s lymphatic system. A high functioning lymphatic system cleanses toxins and ensures a clean flow of blood to the breast cells and tissues. Yoga, maintaining coordination between breathing and movements, can help in the circulation of blood and supplying vital energy throughout the lymphatic system.
Diagonal Stretch. Jump start the lymphatic system with some energetic movement and powerful breathing. How to: Sit in a comfortable position and place your thumbs on the palms of the hands, right at the base of your little fingers.
Be sure to rest your fingers in straight line. Now, slowly pull your arms to the sides, making sure they are parallel to the ground. Your palms should face downwards.
Now raise your right arm and bring down the left arm. Breathe in as the right arm goes up and breathe out as the right arm goes down. Continue this exercise for 1 to 2 minutes.
Haiyyyyyy-yah!! This asana feels a little like a martial arts exercise. The ‘snapping back’ movement in the asana helps in activating the lymph and breast tissues. How to: On your mat, sit comfortably on your heels and take the pressure off your knee joints by placing a firm pillow in between your buttocks and legs. Make a fist by tucking the thumb inside. Bring your fists to the level of your chests by pulling your elbows back. Extend one arms fully and forcefully forward as you inhale powerfully. Open your fingers as though you were about to grasp something. Then close them again as you snap the arm back to starting position as you exhale. Do the same with the other arm and continue, alternating arms, for 2 to 3 minutes.
I love it. I hate it. I love it. I hate it. I love it. Standing Forward Bend-ish. This asana enhances the flow of energy to all parts of the body. How to: Stand in a comfortable position and place your heels together. Now squat down comfortably and keep your heels off the ground. Reach with your finger tips, stretching to the ground and straightening your spine as much as possible. Inhale and straighten the legs and bring the head close to the knees. The finger tips should continue to touch the ground. Exhale and return to the squatting position. Perform this asana for one minute comfortably, and gradually increase the minutes.
Happy boobies… Happy Mother’s Day!!
Category: Articles, health, instruction, Kids, Postures, Practice, yoga
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Apr
20
My office chair is HORRIBLE! It’s not unusual for me to hobble away from my desk, bent over like an old woman crawling out of a shoe.
Courtesy of RN Central, here are a whole bunch of great moves to keep you walking, straight and narrow, that you can do easily at your desk or in the office:
Even if you don’t think of yourself as a typical yogi, yoga can be a very beneficial addition to your day. Taking breaks at the office is integral to staying flexible and healthy during the day, and you can supplement your normal stair climbs or walk around the building with these yoga poses. Whether or not you’ve tried yoga before or have studied the health benefits of yoga, try to find a peaceful spot in your office to stretch, strengthen your muscles, and regain your composure.
- Side benders: The first pose on this video will stretch out your neck, core and back. Just remember to keep your shoulders back and chest open.
- Shoulder rolls: Even if you don’t think you’re particularly stressed at work, you probably hold a lot of tension in your shoulders. Roll them out with this pose.
- Chair Pose: You’ll only pretend to be sitting in your chair as you do this pose, which strengthens your thighs, hips and hamstrings.
- Neck stretch: Another technique to immediately release tension and help yourself relax is this neck stretch.
- Tadasana: One of the most basic yoga poses, all you really have to do is stand with your feet together, practicing good posture and relieving back pain.
- Triangle pose: Anyone can do this pose, and as you become more advanced, you can focus on opening and stretching your hips and looking up to your other hand.
- Big Mind Meditation: Sit comfortably on the floor in this pose to quiet your mind.
- Standing tree pose: This is a great pose to do at work because it centers your mind and body while calming your nerves and helping you de-stress.
- Chair Twist: Your back will get a good, strong stretch with this pose you can do in your office chair.
- Warrior II Pose: Get a good stretch while strengthening your arms, thighs and legs at the same time.
Category: Articles, Blog, Features, health, instruction, Postures, Practice, strength, yoga
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Nov
09
Look… there’s very little else I can say to encourage those who haven’t yet made their way onto the mat, and until now, I wouldn’t have thought of this one, but if a chicken can freaking do it then, really…
As you’ve probably guessed, this won’t be your yogi’s yoga manual.
In this clever and fowl take on the practice, not only has Lynn Brunelle, one of the creative minds behind the TV show Bill Nye the Science Guy and the board game, Cranium, offered yoga from one of the most unique perspectives in print, she’s provided just that little extra encouragement in the form of an eagerly game, albeit slightly harried, model to guide you through the poses.
Written and illustrated by the talented Brunelle, Yoga for Chickens is geared to “lead you along the poultry path of self-awareness” and if you are interested- and who wouldn’t be- ponder along with you, your “being and chickenness.”
There is practical instruction, though brief, introducing readers to poses they might not be familiar with, such as “Wingstand,” “Rooster’s Sunrise Salutation,” and “Boneless Chicken Pose” (more commonly known as Corpse Pose). But what is most charming about the book is the tidbits of wisdom, the things we likely have already heard, but could use perhaps another reminder, in a unique and memorable way.
As you might rightly assume, your average chicken is probably a little ruffled trying yoga for the first time. But, as with anything, if a chicken can transcend her fears and give it a go… what are you waiting for?
Category: health, instruction, Just Crazy... In A Good Way, Postures, Practice, reading, yoga
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Dec
17
I’ve been known to wax enviously about this posture and those who are able to enjoy its full potential… but despite my own challenges in the posture… ILOVE IT!
I consider it the most beautiful- strong, graceful, intense.
Myself, it takes some time resting in Tadasana- Mountain Pose to gather myself before I embark upon this energetic journey that is Natarajasana. Breathe… fix gaze… breathe…
With gaze fixed, supporting foot- let’s say, left- is grounded toes spread, weight centred throughout all points from heel to balls (ahem…;) Reach for the right foot with the right hand, gently grasping around the inner arch.
In tandem, the torso and leg being raised pull in opposite directions simultaneously out and up, the heart reaching forward. The left arm is extended forward guiding the torso. There should be a delightful energy- a blissful tension- as the leg and torso work to extend opposite one another, while engaging a graceful arc in the back. Ooooohhhhh… tingles! Yes, tingles… I said I LOVED this posture!
The supporting leg is strong and long, the head of the thigh bone pulled up deep into the hip as it provides solid foundation.
If you’re more ambitious, or more flexible, the arm extended forward can also reach back to grasp the outer arch of the foot, drawing the shin again, both out and upwards. Strong. All the while, the heart reaches up… as though a string is attached pulling towards the ceiling. Yum.
Category: health, Postures, strength, yoga
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Dec
09
Lovely, lovely… and, despite the exertion involved a nice relief from the previous posture, Dekasana- airplane.
The support of one, or two hands if you wish, certainly helps. The support of the arms provides leverage, allowing for greater extension through the lifted leg, with that foot active and energized.
With a last inhale in airplane, getting a little bit more from the slight backbend, heart reaching forward and up, maintain straight back and exhale, hinging at the hip, draw the torso forward down the long line of the thigh.
Be conscious of the line, making sure to keep the trunk turned to lay against the supporting leg. With the forward bending motion, the extended leg reaches, long and upwards, the toes eager and active towards the ceiling or up the wall to the rear.
This is an energetic posture and the torso extends long down the leg, pulling in the opposite direction of the reaching toes. Long, long… oh so long! The arms are engaged, with hands either on the floor, on the ankle or one of each, pulling offering assistance to the extension happening through both the torso andhttp://www.mommyom.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=761 leg. A block is absolutely encouraged to offer assistance in support with the hands, to keep the torso properly aligned, if the floor isn’t going to happen without it. That leverage is important in maximizing the benefit of this posture.
Regardless the height of the leg, the idea is length and energy… down into the floor through the supporting leg and foot and the hands and up through that long, extended leg into and beyond the toes.
Breathe, breathe… BREATHE!!
Feels good, don’t it?!
Category: Postures, strength, yoga
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Nov
30
Back from Thanksgiving and, Idon’t know about you, but I’m finding the need for balance, in diet- navigating my way from abundant meat and cheese (until Christmas, creamy fondue and Calabrese salami!) and back to hot rice cereal, greens and lean protien… and practice! Whew! Moving on in the series we find ourselves moving from grasping our toe as though for dear life long, extended and upright, into Dekasana, or Airplane Pose… I’m guessing (cuz I don’t really know) a modern, 20th century evolution of Virabhadrasana III, or Warrior III. Regardless, a welcome relief from the intensity of Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana, or Extended Hand-to-Toe! From the extended leg, hand-to- toe, the leg is brought forward briefly yet again where the toe is released, controlled of course, not dropped… the hands grasp the hips and that extended leg is lightly, strongly extended forward from the hip. Alternatively, that leg can be supported by the hands, fingers intertwined below the hamstring- my preference, in fact. more »
Nov
17
Just when you thought all was well with the world… you’ve successfully unwound yourself out of Eagle and with a long, delightful exhale are ready to take it down a notch.
Well, nope.
The series continues, long and extended, as we head into a remarkably high energy posture, Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana, or Extended Hand-to-Toe, requiring strength along with steadiness and focus. The good news is that for beginners, or if the day- and the joints- say, “let’s just not” there is a lovely modification that still fosters knowledge and understanding on one leg, but offers a little break in the intensity.
To modify, rather than grasping the big toe and extending the leg, merely keep the knee bent. Keep the hands on the hips and hold the knee forward for five breaths, foot flexed and supporting foot grounded into the floor to maintain the stable foundation.
After five breaths, keeping the knee bent, move the knee to the side of the body and hold. If you’d like to intensify this a little, challenging the balance, turn the head to settle the gaze on the opposite wall to the bent leg. After five breaths bring the bent leg back to the front, with hands still on hips, hips square, extend the leg forward and hold at whichever height your leg and hip allow for a breath or two before releasing to the floor to switch sides.
If you’d like a little more challenge, actually working towards extending the leg and maintaining that extension, consider using a chair on which to support that leg for the five breaths. Props are always strongly encouraged!
As with all of the balancing postures, this provides wonderful strengthening and lengthening in the supporting leg, and certainly that which is extended should you take it in that direction. As always, here’s a little more info…
Lovely. Lovely. Lovely.
Category: Postures, Spirit, strength, surrender, weight loss
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