Yoa is Healing

I was talking with a fellow yoga participant this week who is new to yoga and she was expressing how much she is enjoying her yoga experience. We were initially having a light-hearted conversation, further examining the benefits of yoga when she then shared with me that her brother had passed away the week before. She became a little teary-eyed as we continued to talk and I shared with her my belief that yoga is a tool that we can use to help heal. Have you ever experienced a physical or emotional release in class? It could of been something as little as giggling, passing gas, or dizziness... or it may of been something more extreme. I have found myself crying at the end of a class, completely present in the moment and appreciative of my opportunity to be who I needed to be. And I feel this is healthy. We learn who we are, what we need, and how to be content with what we discover. It's nice to have this safe space we can come to, united with other's energy and support, and learn to listen. With time, we begin to understand the "why's" of the world.
Namaste, Emily

Sign up HERE for Saturday morning yoga - JULY

It's back!! If you're interested in starting your weekends off right, consider joining us for Saturday morning yoga by clicking here:

http://www.doodle.com/756cf79v99s39n9u

Thanks for your support and enthusiasm. If you haven't come for a while, we'd love to see you again! Namaste, Emily

June Audio Podcast FREE

Thanks for your support and enthusiasm about the monthly podcast. To say THANKS, this month the podcast is free! If you want it on a cd, due to the additional time on our part, we would appreciate $5. Donations are always accepted but never required. My intention is to simply share the love and joy of yoga.

Never hesitate with questions while practicing the yoga podcast.

The link:

http://www.bffcast.blogspot.com

Namaste, Emily

Vinyasa Yoga - Flow Yoga

I found this article interesting and thought you may enjoy it as well. See you in class! Namaste, Emily

What is Vinyasa Yoga?
By Ann Pizer, About.com

Vinyasa is a term that covers a broad range of yoga classes. The word Vinyasa means “breath-synchronized movement.” In other words, the teacher will instruct you to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale. This technique is sometimes also called Vinyasa Flow, or just Flow because of the smooth way that the poses run together and become like a dance.
A Cat-Cow Stretch is an example of a very simple Vinyasa, because the spine is arched on an inhale and rounded on an exhale. A Sun Salutation sequence is an example of a more complex Vinyasa. Each movement in the series is done on an inhalation or an exhalation.

What To Expect From a Vinyasa Class
This style allows for a lot of variety, but will almost certainly include Sun Salutations. If your yoga class schedule lists a Vinyasa class, expect movement, not just stretching. Whether the class is fast or slow, includes chanting, or is very alignment-oriented will depend on the individual teacher. Some very popular yoga styles, such as Ashtanga and Power Yoga, make use of the Vinyasa method, but they will be listed on a class schedule by their individual names.

What Does “Go Through Your Vinyasa" Mean?
When Vinyasa is used as a noun, it describes a series of three poses that are done as part of a Sun Salutation sequence. When the teacher says, "go through the Vinyasa at your own pace," she means do Plank, Chaturanga, and Upward Facing Dog.

Is Vinyasa Yoga for You?
Vinyasa’s strength is in its diversity. There is no single philosophy, rulebook, or sequence that teachers must follow, so there is a lot of room for individual personalities and quirks to come through. This makes it essential that you find a teacher you enjoy and can relate to. If your first Vinyasa class doesn’t rock your world, keep trying different teachers. If you enjoy having things a little loose and unpredictable and like to move, Vinyasa is probably right for you.

Kind Words from a fellow yogini

I recently received a very heart-felt email from one of our fellow participants that was a regular in my Sunday Basic Yoga. He now comes to Friday Mixed-Level and is going great! Thanks, Bart, for your support and for sharing with us.

"I miss your strong voice (my hearing is not as good as it used to be) and instructional methods that you used in the yoga practice. I am not the only one; both Kevin and Gene have the same opinion. We all agree that you are not just good but excellent at teaching yoga."

Namaste, Emily

Memorial Weekend

If you are lucky enough to have a few days off of work for the holiday like me, let's make some time to just enjoy. This is truly a way for us to practice yoga. Yoga, or union, means to balance opposites. Sonar and Lunar, Right and Left, Up and Down, Breath and Body, Earth and Heavens, Forward and Backward, Work and Rest. If you are the type to GO, GO, GO! consider a slogan that also involves "REST... STOP... SLOW DOWN... PAUSE AND RELAX." I know I need to listen to this advice as well. The body and mind need time to play and sort.

Take time to remember. Let's practice the essence of Memorial Day, remembering those we love and feeling blessed that we knew them and were fortunate to have them in our life at one time. I bow to you and your efforts. Namaste, Emily

Already Time! Saturday Yoga - June

Sign up here for Saturday morning yoga class in June:

http://www.doodle.com/s4gmxqx5zs44ifib

Only TWO Saturdays in June. Depending on weather, one may be at the park, BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) Summer 2009!! It's time to intice the senses and learn to be free from distractions. Oh, and have fun together in the summer sun :)

Namaste, Emily