Boost Your Immune System this Winter

"...cold weather can throw your health out of balance.  According to the principles of Ayurveda,winter can aggravate conditions that can weaken your immune system-so it's essential to take good care of yourself at this time of year."     -Catherine Guthrie-


The calendar indicates that it is winter, but you could have fooled me. Here in the northeast, it has been a mild winter, to say the least.  My daffodils have been 1/3 of the way up since November and I'm not sure that the ground is even frozen.  Even with these mild temperatures and virtually snowless days, there are still plenty of winter ailments. In an article in the "Special Encore Addition of Yoga Journal", according to Hema Sundaram, an integrative medicine doctor in Washington, DC, there are a few simple heart openers that can stimulate the thymus gland to support immune function during the cold and flu season.  She recommends a daily practice of Cobra pose, Fish pose and Bridge pose.  If you feel a cold or the flu knocking at the door, do these three poses, twice daily. 
Give it a shot.  What have you got to lose, but a cold!

Cobra (Bhujangasana)




Fish (Matsyasana)
 Bridge (Setu Banda Sarvangasana)

APPRECIATION

"Trade your expectation for appreciation and the world changes instantly.

                                                                                                              -Tony Robbins-

As you move into the latter half of August, September and Labor Day loom large.  Summer seems so short, as you pack as much fun and travel in as possible. Soon, you get back into the routines of fall and, yes, winter will inevitably come. As I see it, expectation takes the mind into the future, thereby robbing you from  experiencing the present moment.  What if, just for an experiment, you left your expectation/dread behind and appreciated every minute of each day, fully focused on the present?  September will still arrive, but you may have found some peace along the way.  Enjoy!  

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.