Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Holistic Healing & Yoga

The Language of Healing - Excellent article by Dr. Timothy McCall, M.D. about holistic healing

On Solid Ground - restorative yoga information & ideas

The Book Book of Yoga - interesting display of yoga history

Happiness

Happiness is to be found along the way, not at the end of the road, for then the journey is over and it is too late. Today, this hour, this minute is the day, the hour, the minute for each of us to sense the fact that life is good, with all of its trials and troubles, and perhaps more interesting because of them.

- Robert R. Updegraff

Cleanse with a Bath

A bath can be very cleansing. I encourage you to give yourself the opportunity to detoxify with a nice bath this weekend.

You bring your yoga practice (union of mind, body and spirit) into the bath with your breath and ability to be present to your current experience (not being stuck in the past or lost in the future). Let this great bath recipe be my gift to you:
  • In a tub filled with hot water, add 1/4 cup sea salt and 1/4 cup baking soda.
  • You may add 1-3 drops of an essential oil to bring aromatherapy to your experience.
  • Soak for 10 minutes (no more).
  • Allow your breath to be full and balanced.
  • After drying off, rest. Take it easy for a few hours.
  • Drink lots of water or coconut water to re-hydrate.

Give Yourself a Gift

So often we get lost in giving to others that we neglect ourselves - mind, body and spirits. By giving to ourselves, we are able to more fully give to others. If we are depleted, we have nothing to share. Wellness comes from the balance of giving to others and giving to ourselves.

On my calendar I have an appointment with myself titled "Indulge Your Passions". This is my scheduled time to do something not on my to do list but something that brings me joy. What is your passion? When was the last time you experienced this passion?

I invite you to give yourself a gift - maybe you too can set an appointment to indulge your passions.

Taking Care of You

One of my biggest challenges is giving back to myself. I love to help others (hence my profession) and yet hesitate to help myself. I am sure some of you can relate. This email is dedicated to taking the time to give to ourselves.

Perhaps tonight you give yourself some time to explore meditation. I will except registrations for the 7pm free meditation exploration until 4pm tonight Wednesday, December 29.

The early bird registration for Illuminate Challenge is extended until Thursday, January 6. This program offers an opportunity to uncomplicate wellness choices. I believe you are empowered by choice and knowledge. I hope you will join me on this journey toward wellness through Illuminate Challenge.

My group classes held in Indianola are limited to 4 people. This intimate setting will enable you to explore yoga with more guidance and connection to the community. You may register at any time. Let's practice yoga together at an upcoming class.

Yoga embraces balance in so many different ways. Let us work together to find balance in giving to ourselves and others.

namaste
Lynn DuBord

PS I am retreating this weekend December 31 - January 3and will not be returning emails, calls or texts during this time. Rest assure that I will return your message as soon as possible.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Holiday Balance

Below are some articles and tips I have enjoyed this week. Hope you find them inspiratioinal too!

Yogic Secrets to Holiday Bliss - ideas to unite mind, body & spirit this season

Effects of Mindfulness on Pain & Mental Health - I am happy to teach this technique

Staying Present: A Balanced, Harmonious Holiday Season - great approachable ideas

7 Reasons to Ditch High Heels - some of the reasons my pretty heels are in hidding

You Time

What a crazy time of year! Do you need some "YOU TIME"? A little break from shopping and family... time to relax and reconnect with your spirit, body and mind? I'm happy to share that I have added a class to my December schedule. I will be teaching a Thursday 6:30pm Balance Yoga class at Medora United Methodist Church. All are welcome, including drop ins.

This season light up like a Christmas tree and let your spirit shine. Join me tonight or at another class this month to connect with your inner peace. Remember a mat is always open to you, no matter how much time has lapsed since your last yoga experience. Email me if you have troubles viewing the class schedule; I am happy to send you a copy directly.

I am in the process of collecting yoga mat orders. They are on sale for $30! This is the lowest price I have been able to offer. These mats are the high quality LotusPad Yoga Mats you are used to using in my classes. They are non-pourous, best option for your health and environmentally-friendly. Let me know if you would like to order one for yourself or a loved one. I strongly encourage you to learn why you should avoid PVC (cheap & widely available) yoga mats.

blessings to you & yours

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Celebrate Peace

This time of year invites us to Celebrate Peace. Lately I have been exploring the peace I feel when cooking - especially soups. I find I am drawn more fully into the present moment with aromas and textures. I have come to truly enjoy the experience of cooking and savor the flavors.

In addition, I celebrate peace every time we gather be it for yoga, meditation or in conversation. I have been blessed to have shared yoga with a bride and her guests the morning of her wedding. The gift of experience is one example of how this time of giving can be more peaceful.

Treat yourself or organize a class for co-workers, a family get together, reunion with friends, bridal shower, or other celebration. I am happy to help you share the Gift of Wellness with gift certificates for classes passes or group or private sessions for yourself or another.

Some would say peace begins within. Illuminate Challenge offers an opportunity to uncomplicate wellness choices. Perhaps it is your turn to experience the gift of inner healing. I strive to teach and inspire you to make better choices. I do not tell you what to do or buy. I believe you are empowered by choice and knowledge. I hope you will join me on this journey toward wellness through Illuminate Challenge.

I hope you will join in celebrating peace together at an upcoming class. Let's connect with our mind, body and spirit to find and marinate in peace this holiday season. As always my line is open for questions and conversation.

peace to you & yours

Reconnect with Your Inner Peace

To celebrate peace, we may need to reconnect with our inner peace. Here are a few ideas for you to try:
  • Using a mirror look yourself in the eyes. Share a compliment with yourself - out loud. (Sometimes you need to repeat it... perhaps saying until you mean it.)
  • Laugh.
  • Close your eyes and follow your breath. Lose yourself in your breath. Allow your mind to immerse itself in the sensations of the body breathing.
  • Stand up and move your body. Maybe cirlcing the arms or bending forward. Whatever the movement is do it away from the computer. Take some time to connect with your physical body. 
  • Take 5 deep, long breaths.
  • Smile.

Use Your Words

The language we surround ourselves with has the power to heal, share love, express peace and so much more. Words are energy.

Written words for daily inspiration...
Affirmations to lift your spirit...
  • I go with the dance of life.
  • I am fearless.
  • I enjoy not knowing and being in the moment.
  • It is okay for me to live my truth and for others to live theirs.
This week I invite you to take the Illuminate Mini Challenge and speak, write & read words with intention.