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YogaUniverse Tip Archive
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| Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 |
| YogaUniverse Tip for Fall |
| By Tiffany Chion |
| Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 05:02 |
| Hello yogis! Summer here on the east coast is waning but will return soon! Fall is approaching, with beautifully colored leaves crunching underfoot as we walk outside inhaling the cool scents of this fresh season.
During the change of seasons is a great time to stop and reflect on how you feel at this time in your life: take time to bask in the glow of what you have enjoyed and created, alone or with others, over the last few months. Allow yourself time in the outdoors, walking or hiking, alone or with those you love. You may spend your lunch break quietly writing reflections and goals in a notebook outside on your lunch break, perhaps you will create a habit of taking a walk first thing in the morning when all are asleep but for the lively and excited birds. You can take a run outside under the moonlight feeling the crisp clean air on your face and skin. Or practice Sun Salutations in the privacy of your backyard, porch or balcony, or in a cozy and safe-feeling meadow.
Let yourself return to that feeling of connection that comes from being in and around nature. Sometimes we feel "too busy" to take a break, but just a half hour or an hour outside can be so refreshing and invigorating. You will gain so much more than the time invested. When you spend time outdoors, you begin to slow down inside: the mind begins to quiet, your soul feels peace and joy. The sounds of nature soothes you back into that place of being connected with who you Really are--loving, kind, connected, invigorated and truly alive.
With the coming cooler weather here on the east coast, it's an even better reason to practice yoga in the privacy of your own home or yard with YogaUniverse! Next week we are so happy to begin a very Special offer for all of our yoga friends:
A 3-Day Series at YogaUniverse tailored to your yoga level and style! You can choose from either a Beginner Yoga, Hatha Yoga, or a Yoga For Power 3-Day Series with classes emailed you to once a day for three days--no credit card information required and no commitment! Just for you to enjoy! Keep on the lookout for this Special Offer email coming to your inbox soon!
Also, check out Rolf Gate's wonderful book: Meditations on the Mat, now available through YogaUniverse. Rolf is an amazing yoga teacher and an inspired writer. Visit us at http://www.yogauniverse.com/ and click on Our Friends to learn more!
Warm regards--Tiffany and Kai |
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| Monday, Aug 20, 2007 |
| Creating a Sacred Space at Home or While Traveling |
| By Tiffany Chion |
| Monday, Aug 20, 2007 05:01 |
| Creating a sacred space is easier than you may think. The most important element is to create an atmosphere of calm, a pause or caesura in your day. The setting you create can be minimal but must evoke the feeling of privacy, safety, comfort, relaxation and calm. A placeand space that you set aside time to connect in with yourself and re-focus. Setting aside time for yourself in this way each day will ensure that you will emerge feeling refreshed, clear, calm and invigorated.
First, you must find a small space that is especially for your practice. Maybe it's a small room in your house, maybe it's a corner in your room that you clear, and keep clear, marking it off as your own safe space. Clear the floor and put down a folded blanket or pillow. You can make this space warm by setting up candles and incense and perhaps a small picture that holds a special significance for you. You may also want to play soft ambient music; the sound of waves crashing onto a shoreline is a refreshing and soothing sound for meditation and is not distracting.
Turn off your home telephone, your cell phone and computer. Any calls can wait and you will be better equipped to handle any challenges or details in your life effortlessly after your practice is complete. If you have children, make sure they are safely occupied or are being watched while you meditate. Perhaps you can choose a time when your children and/or partner are out of the house. Make calm preparations to clear your time for the next half hour or hour--however much time you are comfortable setting aside today. Each day is different so do not feel pressured to do more than you can each day.
If you are traveling you can bring with you the minimal things that you need to create a sweet space in your hotel as well. Your yoga mat, one or two candles, a spay bottle of water mixed with your favorite oil to spray your area (olfactory senses can trigger moods almost instantly), a picture in a frame if it inspires you, a small towel, a CD or IPod with your favorite yogic music, an eye pillow filled with rice or barley. Any or all of these things, or other items, will work--the ritual of having these things and taking the time to honor yourself each day is what means the most.
You can set up your laptop or desktop and take the yoga class of your choice. Choose a class that fits what you need that particular day: maybe your body and spirit want something simple and lunar like Moon Salutations, or perhaps today you want to invigorate your body and work up a healthy sweat with Sun Salutations. Or maybe you want a slow, delicious repeating sequencing practice like a Taoist Flow class. Felling tense? A Power Yoga class will help you to re-channel that energy into something positive and release any excess from the body. Sometimes you just need some fun and to be a bit more lighthearted--that's when a Yoga Animal Class would be perfect.
Choose your yoga class and enjoy yourself and your body in your yoga practice. It is priceless the feeling that you get when you emerge from a yoga practice. The connections that you are building with yourself will serve you all your days.
Namaste and Enjoy yourself!
Warm regards--Tiffany and Kai |
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