Can you let go?

Today we'll talk about one of the Yamas, Aparigraha (non-possessiveness):

What is it in your life that you may hold on to too tightly? Does it still serve you, or could it be time to let it go? By releasing what is no longer useful, we open ourselves to fresh ideas, new relationships, and more peaceful ways of living, and being.

Here's a couple ideas for practicing non-possessiveness:

1. Let it go. Try doing this: Every time you buy something new, let go of something old- give it away, or toss it out. By letting go of things from the past, you can live more fully in the present.

2. Breathe. When we stress, often times we hold our breath, which makes us even more anxious. Allow your breath to flow fully and deeply. You will feel more relaxed, and open.

3. Practice Self-Care. When we're insecure, we may feel a need to cling to and controls others. Instead, find ways to nurture and center yourself so that you feel independent, and strong! Allow other to be who they need to be.

4. Be Positive. When we hold on to negative thoughts, emotions, memories, we spiral into destructive patterns. By replacing these with positive ones, you can create a harmonious space for yourself and others.

5. Forgive. (just one word, but it can be SO hard at times). Let go of painful memories from your past. Free yourself by offering forgiveness to those who have hurt you and to yourself.

6. Practice. Sometimes we try so hard to be perfect, in our yoga asana (movements), meditations, that we miss the essence of the practice. Do your best and remember to release, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Let go and stay open to guidance from within.


www.stacy.yoga

What is Yogic Breathing, or Pranayama?

We're going to start with #4 from yesterdays post: Breathing or Pranayama.

‘Prana’ refers to the universal life force and ‘ayama’ means to regulate or lengthen. Prana is the vital energy needed by our physical and subtle layers, without which the body would perish. It is what keeps us alive. Pranayama is the control of prana through the breath. These techniques rely on breathing through the nostrils.

Prana flows through thousands of energy channels called ‘nadis’ and energy centers called ‘chakras’. The quantity and quality of prana and the way it flows through the nadis and chakras determines the state of mind. If the Prana level is high and its flow is continuous, smooth and steady, the mind remains calm, positive and enthusiastic. However, due to lack of knowledge and attention to one’s breath, the nadis and chakras in the average person may be partially or fully blocked leading to jerky and broken flow. As a result one experiences increased worries, fear, uncertainty, tensions, conflict and other negative qualities.

Regular practice increases and enhances the quantity and quality of prana, clears blocked nadis and chakras, and results in the practitioner feeling energetic, enthusiastic and positive. Practiced correctly under the right supervision prananyama brings harmony between the body, mind and spirit, making one physically, mentally and spiritually strong.

Today we will focus on the breathing technique: Nadi Shodhana (a.k.a: Alternate Nostril Breathing), if you've taken my class, the odds are very good that you've already practiced this. Nadi Shodhana is one of the most powerful and simple breathing practices. It is designed to balance the right and left sides of the brain.

I'm including a link to a video that will walk you through how to preform Nadi Shodhana. There are many benefits to this breathing practice, too many to list honestly: Increased respiratory health, asthma relief, better brain function, relaxation, soothes your nervous system, improves sleep, revitalizes, improves brain function, cleanses your lungs, calms an agitated mind, merges the left "thinking" brain and the right "feeling" brain.

 Alternate Nostril Breathing How To Video

www.stacy.yoga

Do you practice yoga EVERY day?!?!

A question I get more often than not is, "Do you practice yoga EVERY day?!?!". The answer, is, yes I do, however, not always in movement (also known as Asana). There are 8 limbs to yoga, Asana is only one of them. I will be covering all 8 limbs on a daily basis here on this page, with stories, articles, etc., but first I will start with an overview on what they are:

          The practice of yoga is an art and science dedicated to creating union between body, mind and spirit. Its objective is to assist in using the breath and body to create an awareness of ourselves as individuals intimately connected to everything. In short it is about making balance and creating equality so as to live in peace, good health and harmony. This art of right living was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago and the foundations of yoga philosophy were written down in The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, approximately 200 AD.

         The core of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra is an eight-limbed path that forms the framework for yoga practice. Upon practicing all eight limbs of the path it becomes self-evident that no one limb is elevated over another. Each is part of a holistic focus which eventually brings completeness to the person as they find their connectivity. Because we are all uniquely individual a person can emphasize one branch and then move on to another as they round out their understanding.

       In brief the eight limbs, or steps to yoga, are as follows:

1. Yama :  Behavior towards others
2. Niyama :  Personal observances
3. Asanas :  Body postures
4. Pranayama :  Breathing exercises, and control of prana (breath)
5. Pratyahara :  Control of the senses
6. Dharana :  Concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness
7. Dhyana :  Devotion, Meditation
8. Samadhi :  Union with all

Stay tuned for more to come tomorrow........
 www.stacy.yoga

Morning Yoga Classes starting the week of July 11th!

Tuesdays -
Simply Yoga (for those that have done yoga before) 8:00am
Wednesdays-
Beginners Yoga 8:00am
*Sign up soon, message me, or send an e-mail to: yogawithstacy@yahoo.com
These are 6 week sessions $55 (60 minute classes)

Classes are back up and running. New 6 week sessions starting next Tuesday June 14th for both classes. Message me if you're interested: yogawithstacy@yahoo.com