Yoga Focus: Stay Human

It is difficult in this world at times to understand that we are all human.  We all have fears, we all love, we all hope, and we all sometimes fall down.  It is easy to forget the moments of intense struggle and pain (both physically and emotionally) that each being goes through on this planet.

But in the practice of yoga we learn how to see each other and ourselves in a way that connects and binds us indelibly. Yoga gives us this gift both through practice and teaching.  In both cases as a student and a teacher I feel deep connection with myself and my core but more importantly to everyone in that classroom and sometimes to the world outside.  The goal of yoga always is to take our experiences outside of the studio and apply them in our every day lives. 

This video below is a great reminder of the very essence of being human - to never forget that we are all going through life in every moment.  It was produced by an advertising agency to highlight the invisibility of the homeless in New York City.  Their take and the reactions are worth watching as it serves as a great reminder to stay connected to each other.

I wish you all an awakened Spring, one filled with fresh eyes and a renewed spirit.  Be kind to each other and to everyone around you.  Your spirit will soar.


Love,


Uma

Yoga Focus: Self-Care

Let's face it:  We lead busy lives and our commitment to taking care of ourselves falls by the wayside.

Self-care is not selfish!  We tend to feel guilty if we take time out for ourselves as there is always some work to be done or errand to run.  But at the end of the day, the best way to be available and productive for any assignment or work is to feel your best.  This can only come through self-care.

Do you remember the last time you stood by an ocean and just listened?

Self-care includes so many different tools: Exercise, long baths, eating for health, meditation, writing, long walks......you get the drift.

Below are some of my favorite ways to press pause and take time out for myself.



Detox bath (1x a week recommended):
To running hot bath water add the following:
1 cup of Epsom Salts
1/2 cup of Baking Soda
10 drops of your favorite relaxing essential oil.

Soak 20 minutes, close your eyes and realx.

_________________________________________________________________________________
Golden Milk:
Golden Milk is a recipe handed in our family.  I usually have gold milk before bed when I am feeling a bit congested or bloated.  This is also my go to drink when I travel in India as turmeric is great for the stomach.  It has numerous health benefits that you can read about here.
In a small saucepan add the following:
Milk (measure in your mug)
Crushed cardamom pods (3-4)
3-4 inch cinnamon stick
Haldhi (Turmeric) 1 tsp of dried powder.

Over low heat allow the milk to come to a low boil.  Pour into a mug and add local honey to taste.


Cheers to your health and well-being!


-Uma

Yoga Focus: 108 Heart Lines

Last week Saturday on the 23rd of Nov, 24 students and myself got together to perform 108 Sun Salutations.  It was a great 2 hours filled with breath, movement, and community. 

For me, it was a deep clearing process of emotions and pain.  Two weeks before I had suffered a miscarriage and the pain was lodged in my throat.  We didn't say much during the class, we just took a deep breath together and moved.  The result was awesome.

Doing 108 Sun Salutations is as awesome as receiving love from a puppy.  :)

108 is a magical number for so many reasons.  There are said to be 108 energy lines that flow out from your heart.  Every repetion of a mantra of a sun salute fills that energitic pathway.  When you do 108 repitions your heart is truly expansive and full.  (You can check out the links below for more information about the beauty behind 108). 

This is what yoga is about for me.  It is difficult to feel the effects of yoga immediately upon practice.  After the 108 practice I felt tired and peaceful.  Almost a week later I can honestly say that I feel more at peace than I did a week ago, and this is why I love yoga.  

When you show up to your mat, you never know what space you may create for yourself.  You never know what little gift is waiting to be let into your heart.  So you show up, ready to face the unknown, and you breathe. 

At AOM YOGA we are starting a tradition of doing 108 Sun Salutations every quarter.  We will welcome in every season with new energy and renewed spirits. Our next 108 class will be in Feburary or March.  The rythum and the pace of the seasons will decide :).

Until then: Love yourselves enough to let go of whatever is no longer serving you.  Clear the space to enter into the coming new year fresh and renewed.  If you would like, our dog is available for puppy kisses anytime.

Love,


Uma



Why 108: Elephant Journal

Great List of 108 Reasons to do 108 Sun Salutations

Yoga Focus: Rest a While

We are in constant motion from the moment we awake till the moment we drift off to sleep.  I've been in many yoga classes where even when the moment of svasana arrives, some students become restless and resist the seat of stillness.  To stop and rest is becoming a foreign notion to many people because we live in a world that never sleeps.  The internet is constantly buzzing, our phones ringing, people traveling, and our minds constantly shifting focus. 

So this week's blog post is a reminder to rest via one of my favorite restorative yoga postures: Viparita Karani.

Viparita Karani is a wonderful restorative posture that practiced over time can help soften tension and restore circulation.  It is a wonderful posture that most anyone can do (I give a variation below).  Cover your eyes with an eye pillow and make sure you are wearing warm clothing so you don't get too cold if you fall asleep (which I have done many times).  Allow yourself to let go and just relax.  This is your work in this asana.  You can find a walk-through of this asana in the link below.

Viparita Karani - classical version.  Place a bolster or pillow under your hips to give yourself more support.

If you have trouble getting your legs up the wall, you can try a variation called the positive rest posture.  In this variation, your legs are placed on a chair at a 90 Degree angle.  This is a great place to start if you have lower back issues or tight hamstrings.

Positive Rest Position. 

Breathe deep and rest a while.



Useful Links:

Viparita Karani - Yoga Journal Walkthrough
Positive Rest Position Walkthrough

Yoga Focus: Up and Down. Oh YES!

For those of you who have been to my (Uma) classes, you will know that one of my favorite exercise to do is up downs. I know that many enjoy this exercise  ;) but also some of you groan.  So I wanted to give you a little reminder as to why up downs are awesome and hopefully prompt some of you to do a set (about 10 - 15).  The article below documents a sitting test (up down test) that doctors are using to project longevity.  Go ahead, active your core and strength those legs with your favorite exercise.  And if you are really missing group up downs, then we will resume them together at the end of October.  :)

After your up downs chill out in baddha konasana and give yourself a foot massage!

Simple Sitting Test Predicts Longevity