Yoga From The Heart

 Insomnia, that sleep-snatching gremlin, feeds on stress

and the monkey mind. Over 100 million Americans fail to get a 

good night’s sleep. Sometimes I am so excited about the next 

day that I can’t fall asleep. While everyone has trouble sleeping

once in a while, the long-term effects of insomnia can be serious. 

Without enough sleep, we are  less able to focus, prone to make

 mistakes, and be forgetful. Sleep deprivation increases the 

likelihood of car crashes  and other accidents.

 Tonight, take your PJs to the mat and try the attached 

pose. It should help in signaling the brain that it is time to sleep. 

Sweet dreams!

Seated Forward Bend

Happy Baby Pose

Dear Friends,

Thank you all for your continued support of the yoga studio and for your curiosity in the book that I am writing. As it currently stands, the book will contain photographs and information about a small number of yoga poses, yoga remedies for common health issues, sequences to practice at home, and real life, easy-to-identify-with case studies of yoga students.

My hope is that by sharing snippets of the book with you, I will help you integrate yoga as a practical tool into your everyday life. Please feel free to share your input and comments.

Attached are directions for Urdhva Mukha Upavista Konasana (Happy Baby Pose). This is a preparatory pose that gives your hips, hamstrings, and inner thighs a stretch, and also releases the lower spine. It slows the heart rate and brings the body to a restorative state.

When you practice, notice how simple poses like Happy Baby give your mind time to settle into the present moment and listen to whatever arises within. You are completely supported here by gravity.

Until Next Time . . .

Lynn

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

 

January is a time of new beginnings. Resolutions run rampant, and while always made with good intention, they frequently aren’t met. Leading many of us to have the same New Year’s resolutions year after year. Looking to really succeed this year? Instead of setting resolutions, try setting intentions.

 

For example, you might set an intention of Seva for 2008. Seva means selfless service. It implies being connected to all things. It’s a way to express your own humanity and divinity. It’s more than just a physical act: it is part of a spiritual practice – expanding the hearts of the giver and receiver. It helps you develop a spirit of true self-surrender and humility.

 

What better way to spark our New Year than with seeking opportunities to perform Seva every day; to reach out to people who are less fortunate, less confident emotionally, or less secure spiritually. Embody the qualities of joy and allow them to stream from you.

 

Everyone at Yoga from the Heart is setting the intention of Seva in 2008. With new teachers, classes, workshops, and teacher training, we look forward to serving you soon. Namaste’.