The Solstice Nears

As the solstice comes to the Northern Hemisphere, there is a glimmer of hope that the external light will return.  In the meantime, continue to radiate your inner light to your loved ones and the world.  Blessings of peace and light to you.       -Namaste-   

 

 

 

Finding Steadiness in Vata Season

"Remaining still will be the Vata challenge as well as the reward."
                                                                  -Dr. David Frawley and Sandra Summerfeld Kozak M.S.-


During the Vata season, the body mirrors the changes in the weather: dry, cold, ungrounded.  Literally, Vata means wind.  This time of year can be challenging for all constitutions, especially Vata.  In order to pacify the flighty, anxious, cold qualities of Vata, an asana practice consisting of slow, deliberate movement is beneficial.  Forward folds, twists and standing postures serve to move the prana into the pelvic bowl and the legs to ground and warm the body, calm the mind and maintain regularity in the system.   Quick movements with short holds exacerbate Vata, so move through asana slowly and hold postures for several breaths.  Nadi Shodhanam (alternate nostril breathing), is a calming pranayama practice and bhastrika (the bellows breath) is a warming pranayama practice.   Because Vata tends toward dryness, internally and externally, a diet of warm, moist food is key.  Add warming spices and oils to your food, to stoke your fire and lubricate the body. Since Vata tends to be cold, avoid iced drinks in favor of warming teas and even hot water.  Before showering, massage warming sesame oil on the skin and allow it to absorb for 20-30 minutes, pulling out toxins and moisturizing the skin.
Make space in your day for quiet time, being still and meditating. That might be the most critical tip for pacifying Vata.  Slow down, be still, honor your Vata and be restored.

6 YEARS AND GOING STRONG

"Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude."                                                                  -A.A. Milne-


 I am holding a rather large amount of gratitude in my heart, today, as I celebrate my 6th year of teaching yoga. On September 17, 2008, I taught my first class to an eager group of mostly beginner yogis. That one class soon grew to two, then three and before long, seven classes a week. I feel blessed to be able to share my love for yoga with all who walk through the doors. How lucky am I to wake up every morning and joyfully go to work? I find it difficult to even call teaching yoga, work. Many thanks to all of you who come to the mat to practice with me. You are my motivation to continue to learn and practice. Here's to another 6 years and more. Om, peace, peace, peace.

My First Yoga Video is Here!

Good news! I got the video set for you to practice while I'm away. This is my first endeavor, so, please be patient with the low volume and buffering. The practice is mostly the joints and glands series, which is for all levels. I hope you take time to do the practice. Let me know how you like it. Blessings, Kate http://">www.veoh.com/watch/v737401402pcMcXfe To view the video, copy and paste the link onto your browser.

Connecting to the Manipura Chakra

"When the energy of this chakra flows freely, the effect is like that of a power station, constantly supplying vitality-bestowing balance and strength." -Yoga in Daily Life- Literally translated, maipura means city of gems. This 3rd chakra,located at the navel center, is clearly highly regarded to bear such an auspicious name. The manipura governs digestion and metabolism on the physical and energetic levels. In ayurveda, it is believed that this is the seat of our health. It is aligned with the fire element- too much fire, or too little fire create ill health. A strong, balanced fire at the navel center allows us to not only digest the food we eat,but to assimilate the world around us- emotions, experiences, other people. Just as fire transforms, so too does a strong, healthy manipura chakra. It helps us to overcome feelings of inertia and sets us on the path to strengthening our will, determination and ability to stay the course. When the navel center is well cared for and nurtured, there is a sense of being comfortable in your own skin, a sense of confidence. I attended a workshop several weeks ago, in which the facilitator spoke of how she had used Abdominal Squeeze,or Akunchana Prasarana, to transform her life after a particularly depleting time. To do this practice, stand with your feet mat width apart, knees bent, hands resting on your thighs, just above the knees. On an inhalation, allow the abdomen to fill and on the exhalation, draw the navel towards the spine, squeezing the abdomen. Breathe at your normal pace and begin with about 10 repetitions. All the breath is through the nose. I use this practice in the classes I teach and extoll its virtues, but I have taken on the practice with increased fervor. I committed to doing 50 repetitions as part of my morning practice. It has been about a month now and I have gradually increased my practice. On a purely physical level, this is great work to strengthen the abdominal muscles,toning and lifting the internal organs. I have found that my appetite has increased and my energy is more balanced throughout the day. I have noticed that I have motivation to take on projects and complete them. I've heard that Swami Rama, the founder of the Himalayan Institute said that if you did 100 Abdominal Squeezes a day, you could digest a pebble! I might get to 100 reps daily, but I think I'll skip the pebble!

I'M BACK!

Pardon my three month absence, if you please. Though some have found this winter particularly harsh, it was a fabulous winter for skiers. I happen to be one of those skiers! So, I played hooky from my blog and enjoyed the great outdoors. Alas, the rain today is putting an end to the ski season. It's good to be back. I opened class this morning with this quote: "Submit to a daily practice. Your loyalty to that is a ring at the door. Keep knocking and eventually the joy inside will look out to see who is there." -Rumi- What is your daily practice? You can begin with a few short minutes every day. Eventually, your mind and body will ask for that mindful movement. When you miss a day or two, or three, your body will let you know. Find your breath, allowing it to initiate the movement and see what unfolds. What better reward for your loyalty than joy?