Yoga Healing

Yoga Health Benefits

Help for Back Pain

Help Heal Yourself with Yoga

In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they're still beautiful.

-Alice Walker

Affirmations

On the mat we consciously observe the thoughts of the mind without attachment or judgment. As we practice this or meditate, we may find some of those thoughts are negative or demeaning. That's right we may find that we are sabotaging ourselves and others with negative self talk.

I encourage you to add positive affirmations to your practice and daily activities to change the self talk and actions that stem from it. You may say these affirmations out loud or silently to yourself. Here are some ideas:

• As you inhale: The strength I feel inside me is enough to sustain me during any experience I have today. As you exhale: The compassion from my heart will lead me to help anyone in need.
• Breathing in I feel calm; breathing out I smile.
• Inhale I relax and exhale I release.
• Breathing in I am heart centered; breathing out I share love. 

Love the Adventure

Ah finally the change of seasons. As Mother Nature transitions to a time of rebirth and growth, we are also able to shed bad habits, stress, tension, negative energy or anything else unwanted. When we shed this coat of 'ick', we open ourselves to life-giving opportunities.

This spring I challenge you to make a commitment to yourself. Do something for your wellness that elevates your spirit, relaxes your mind or helps your body feel strong and vital. This newsletter is full of ideas. Two big opportunities to engage your mind & body as well as free your spirit: Yoga Under the Oaks a 3 day retreat at Whiterock Conservancy and Illuminate Challenge a 6 week wellness program. Let me know if I can help you brainstorm more ways to love the adventure of life.

As you connect with your mind, body & spirit's needs, I invite you to make the yoga class your own. It is truly your practice. You always have the option to decline a pose if it is not right for your body. I am happy to take the opportunity to share another option with you.

Yoga is never a one-size-fits-all practice; rather, it's a personalized practice adapted to your energy level and physical condition. I do my best to offer several options during class. Please never hesitate to ask for more options or clarification.

Enjoy life's adventure!





Articles to Enjoy

Walking for Inspiration

A Day Designed to Take Back Your Time

3 Simple Ways to Unwind

Insant Calm: Thought Stopping

Ideas For Fun

Opening Your Heart

Winter can lead to tightness in the chest & tension in the shoulders. Free your body & open your heart's center with the following:

• In Tabletop Pose, standing or seated (in a chair or on the floor) inhale arch your back to Cow and exhale round your spine to Cat. 
• Interlace fingers behind your back. Inhale to straighten the elbows, lift the head & chest. 
• Roll your shoulders up & back. Leaving them back will open the chest and free the heart. Breathe & be mindful of any sensations.
• Focus your mind on your Even Breath as you focus on the mantra 'Love is within.'

Taking a few minutes throughout the day to reconnect with your mind, body & spirit will provide you an opportunity to relax, refocus & be present.

Open Heart

It is only with the heart that we can see clearly. For what is essential, is hidden from the eyes.
                                                     -The Little Prince


Heart Healthy Living

Learn to Manage Stress & Decrease Your Risk of Heart Disease

Calm Heart Meditation

Heart Opening Poses

Open Heart - The Home of Compassion

I love the child's version of Valentine's Day - passing cards and treats to our friends and maybe even our crush. The cards are hand crafted with glitter, markers and cut outs; these notes are truly tokens of love & compassion. One takes time to put together such a gift. All is done simply to share our appreciation and love; you know the elementary style V-Day.

As I reflect on the joy this version of Valentine's Day brings me, I see an invitation to reconnect with our hearts. The home of love, compassion and a beat so strong it keeps us going even when times seem tough. Yoga invites us to connect with and open our hearts, which leads us to extend this heartfelt compassion to others.

Ron & I created Illuminate Yoga + Natural Solutions to share our compassion with others - with YOU. We believe yoga & natural approaches to health is a gift that can provide many opportunities for healing and wellness. It is with great joy that we look to celebrate with you. I encourage you to mark your calendars for the February 28 Yoga Celebration & Open House.

Join me this week to open & soften your heart's center. I value your friendship & look forward to sharing a treat with you this Saturday.

Enjoy Valentine's Day