Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Bodies Revealed
I understand the controvery surrounding the current exhibit at Union Station, "Bodies Revealed," but I went this past weekend and I am so grateful for my experience. I took 2 hours to absorb everything and the next day taught 2 yoga classes, with a completely different/new outlook. If you are at all interested in what is going on inside your body and how it works, consider this exhibit. I am fascinated with the muscles and bones, as it's just the nature of my profession, but all of it was very cool, from getting a closer look at the digestive system, circulatory system, and all of our senses, to just being able to completely "get" the whole picture. I feel I have changed for the better. I have taught 6 classes and trained a few clients since attending this exhibit and each class I was better at understanding exactly what was going on with each of my participants. And for that, I am grateful. I am glad this exhibit exists and hope you'll take the time to learn a little more, as we all live within our body; a body which is a gift we are blessed to have received and strive to take care of everyday. namaste! -em
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Pranayama (BREATHING)
Pranayama Tips: Position, props, and partners can all assist you in breathwork.
By Tony Briggs (www.yogajournal.com)
1.Supine Position. The basic techniques of pranayama are best learned lying down; you won't be distracted by the challenge of maintaining a stable, upright, seated posture, and you can use a bolster to help expand your chest. Fold a blanket into a bolster—about 3 inches thick, 5 inches wide, and 30 inches long. Use a second blanket to form a thin pillow and lie back so the thin bolster supports your spine from just above your sacrum to the top of your head.
2. Seated Position. The optimal position for pranayama is a simple seated meditative pose—Sukhasana, Siddhasana, or Half or Full Lotus Pose—with the addition of jalandhara bandha, the chin or throat lock. To perform jalandhara bandha, raise the top of your sternum toward your chin, tuck the hinge of your jaw toward your inner ear, and softly lower your chin toward your sternum.
3. Feedback. In pranayama you strive to distribute your breath evenly throughout your entire lungs—top and bottom, left and right, front and back. At first, you may have a hard time sensing the parts of your lungs that aren't opening; a gentle, steady touch (and verbal feedback) from a yoga buddy can increase your awareness and help you learn to breathe fully and evenly.
4. Props.You can use props to help you sense where your lungs may not be expanding fully. Belts cinched snugly around your rib cage—one up near the collarbones and one around your floating ribs—will quickly show you which parts of your lungs you tend to neglect. You can also bring awareness to the contact between your back and your bolster to see whether you tend to breathe more with the upper or lower portions of your back lungs.
By Tony Briggs (www.yogajournal.com)
1.Supine Position. The basic techniques of pranayama are best learned lying down; you won't be distracted by the challenge of maintaining a stable, upright, seated posture, and you can use a bolster to help expand your chest. Fold a blanket into a bolster—about 3 inches thick, 5 inches wide, and 30 inches long. Use a second blanket to form a thin pillow and lie back so the thin bolster supports your spine from just above your sacrum to the top of your head.
2. Seated Position. The optimal position for pranayama is a simple seated meditative pose—Sukhasana, Siddhasana, or Half or Full Lotus Pose—with the addition of jalandhara bandha, the chin or throat lock. To perform jalandhara bandha, raise the top of your sternum toward your chin, tuck the hinge of your jaw toward your inner ear, and softly lower your chin toward your sternum.
3. Feedback. In pranayama you strive to distribute your breath evenly throughout your entire lungs—top and bottom, left and right, front and back. At first, you may have a hard time sensing the parts of your lungs that aren't opening; a gentle, steady touch (and verbal feedback) from a yoga buddy can increase your awareness and help you learn to breathe fully and evenly.
4. Props.You can use props to help you sense where your lungs may not be expanding fully. Belts cinched snugly around your rib cage—one up near the collarbones and one around your floating ribs—will quickly show you which parts of your lungs you tend to neglect. You can also bring awareness to the contact between your back and your bolster to see whether you tend to breathe more with the upper or lower portions of your back lungs.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Addicted!
Okay, so I know as part yoga you are supposed to let go of many things: competition, expectations, judgement, and so forth. So, I am sure proclaiming my addiction is not very "yoga" of me. However, I just have to share. I am completely addicted to peppermint essential oil. I swear by this stuff. It is totally invigorating and uplifting. I try to put some on before I teach any class (anybody notice lately how fresh I smell?!). I have some on right now! I was no stranger to peppermint and many other essential oils, but I wasn't really into it. Then about 5 weeks ago I was at my hair stylist's and she put some on me and I was a changed woman! Let me tell you, at only about $6/bottle at Whole Foods, there is no reason any of us should be without. Benefits of peppermint include soothing digestion, improving concentration, heartburn, headaches, depression, and more (check out the website of Young Living- my favorite independent distributor of essential oils). -em
Monday, March 3, 2008
Yo-ga! Yo-ga! Yo-ga!
(courtesy of realage.com- I love those guys!!)
These days, yoga gets more love than whoever’s starring in The Bachelor. And for good reason.
Yoga reduces blood pressure, lowers heart rate, decreases stress hormones, and increases three relax-it’s-okay compounds.
The Feel-Good Three
Talk about a natural high. Yoga has been shown to boost blood levels of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins -- three natural feel-good substances. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that makes you feel cheerful and content. Dopamine is a brain chemical closely tied to the pleasure centers of the brain. And endorphins? Those are the opiate-like compounds that produce a sense of well-being. Go big three!
Quick Start
And the best news: You can get the benefits of yoga from a single exercise or a full-fledged class.
These days, yoga gets more love than whoever’s starring in The Bachelor. And for good reason.
Yoga reduces blood pressure, lowers heart rate, decreases stress hormones, and increases three relax-it’s-okay compounds.
The Feel-Good Three
Talk about a natural high. Yoga has been shown to boost blood levels of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins -- three natural feel-good substances. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that makes you feel cheerful and content. Dopamine is a brain chemical closely tied to the pleasure centers of the brain. And endorphins? Those are the opiate-like compounds that produce a sense of well-being. Go big three!
Quick Start
And the best news: You can get the benefits of yoga from a single exercise or a full-fledged class.
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