Spring has arrived early in Seattle. Everywhere, there are stems, trees and shrubs with buds in various stages of opening. Outside of my house, I have watched as the nearby magnolia awakens, first vibrant folds of green appeared on the branches, only to give rise to supple buds holding all of their promise tucked within; then, slowly at first, each bud extends itself, petal … Continue reading Embody spring with uttanasana
Here we are, counting the days to winter solstice. Well, at least I am. Because, after that darkest day, slowly, incrementally, our days will start to brighten and become longer. We just have to endure a little darkness first. Really, the darkness is not so bad. It provides us with a natural place to rest and reflect, … Continue reading Bring out the sun
I dream of giving all of my living room furniture to Goodwill and replacing it with a few low tables, a couple of floor mats and an assortment of cushions. I want to spend more time on the floor. On the floor, I can put my legs up the wall while I read. Or, I … Continue reading More on the floor
July was HOT. Have you been feeling sluggish? What about weary and swollen? As much as we can relish these beautiful, sunny summer days, heat can cause vasodilation, meaning our blood vessels expand, causing us to feel fuller, heavier and slower. With the help of gravity, legs up the wall can support healthy venous return–the rate … Continue reading Legs Up the Wall
Yoga, Thursday, 5:30 PM. When I put that on my calendar, I had every intention of going to class. So why, when mentioning my plans to my partner, do I say, “I’m probably going to yoga after work tomorrow”? Probably? I was giving myself an out. My calendar emails me reminders. The next morning, I shore … Continue reading The power of following through
I’m not going to pretend that at first, I wasn’t freaked out by the idea of sinus irrigation. I didn’t understand why someone would want to pour water up the nose and I envisioned it to be a difficult process requiring struggle and discomfort, like getting water up their nose when swimming, which is uncomfortable … Continue reading Jala Neti
Resolve to Acknowledge Your Goodness A New Year is a chance for a fresh start, a new beginning. As human beings, we tend to look backward before starting something new. We note all of the “mistakes” and “bad habits” we’ve had and resolve not to carry them forward. About this new journey, we say, “This … Continue reading Namaste 2014
Release and restore with reclining bound angle – Supta Baddha Konasana Too much heat can make us irritable and frustrated or just empty us of energy. Coupled with an increase in our overall activity levels during the summer months and it’s all too easy to get fired up and then burn out as we head into … Continue reading It’s still hot out!
PRACTICE LOW LUNGE/HIGH LUNGE Change happens. Sometimes we’re expecting it, as with the change of the seasons. And sometimes we’re not, as with a flat tire on our way to work. Either way, change can happen quickly, throwing us off balance. Autumn is a time when change, both big and small, is happening all around … Continue reading Transition with Strength and Awareness
A few days ago, I was roasting, stifled, sweating, stuck in traffic with a long drive ahead. Then again the next day and the day after that. Uncomfortable, but resigned to a seemingly oppressive situation, I wanted to feel a little more contentment and a little brighter. And then I remembered I could practice Shitali … Continue reading Shitali Pranayama: Cooling Breath
The Iron Bird Way 