Newsletter June 6, 2024

What if you had to admit to something you believed in for so long, only to discover it was no longer serving you?

This sounds simple enough, however it isn't easy.

We can explore this more with the studies of yoga. How?

Have you ever heard of "the Kleshas"?

Suffering is part of human nature and with more awareness we can choose how much suffering we experience. Kleshas are listed in ancient texts that list the human afflictions that are at the source of suffering.

These Kleshas distort our mind and thoughts.

In other words, they will add to the experience.

The distortions are:

Avidya (ignorance)

Asmita (egoism)

Raga (attachment)

Dvesha (aversion)

Abhinivesha (fear)

Knowing this, what if we find time to pause and build more awareness around our reactions? Just considering changes builds empathy and compassion in the brain. This won't eliminate pain however it can change reduce or eliminate the added reactions.

"Pain + Resistance = Suffering" is a formula often shared in the yoga community for applying the teachings of the Kleshas. We won't focus on eliminating pain however we can do something about the other part of the formula.

Therefore in modern day we can observe our reaction and see if it falls into any of these buckets. Am I doing or saying that because I am afraid, scared or blaming? Or am I using a bias or stereotype to classify someone's entire character?

Studying and applying the Kleshsas doesn't mean we will have answers to everything. However maybe we can make space in our thoughts and have more enjoyment in our daily experiences. This can start on the yoga mat and branch out into our life.

Take time today to notice other ways to observe your thoughts. Consider if those thoughts are the afflictions mentioned or not. What happens to you when you think of it this way?

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I have some summer workshops and then I will be off for a break. I will return to the in person sound bath at 532 Yoga in September. However many are away and it makes sense to take some time off as well. I hope you have some plans this summer and will take time to listen to what you body needs.

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Hope to see you soon and email me if you have any requests or questions.

Have wonderful weekend!

paigesyoga@me.com

Newsletter May 5, 2024

When I began writing this newsletter I had just lost Jack but then we lost Sadie two weeks to the day. Of course, many of you knew them, practiced yoga with them in person or online for many years. They have both been suffering from heart and lung issues for the past several years. No doubt I had extra time with them; more than even the doctors thought I would have. Still my life has been spent monitoring them, cutting up medicine 3 times a day, cooking them food and sometimes hand-feeding them. My life was filled with much stress and anxiety but I would do it all over again because they were worth it. They brough me so much love and joy. After a long day of work, I looked forward to coming home to their welcome.

Knowing that someone is sick doesn't take away the pain of loss or grief. I don't have any regrets though and know that when the time was right, we let go and listened to the moment. I have had loss before however was never present for it. Even with my family I was always notified, which is very different than being there. Watching someone's last breath and moment as you feel them pass away in your arms is quite hard to do, however at the same time I know I was with them till the end.

I have been taking the time to grieve and this also led me to meeting with a therapist, as there is nothing wrong with asking for help. I also found ways to write, take walks outside and I had pictures printed out to put in new frames around the house. I also went back and read through years of cards I had saved from those I have taught; as I was in a place of doubt and discovering my purpose in life (again). Now I am focusing on things I have put off for years, because caretaking was my priority.

So... I am subbing at a studio in Old Town for a month and glad to help both the teacher and the studio with this. If you haven't gone to a studio in a while and feel up to it again, maybe this will be some motivation to take some steps to return. If so, I hope to see you there, give you a big hug and we'll keep moving forward together.

Thank you for all those that wrote me, sent cards, and flowers

during this very hard time.

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Hope to see you soon and email me if you have any requests or questions.

Have wonderful weekend!

paigesyoga@me.com

--Paige

Newsletter March 23, 2024

It takes courage to use discernment and question your beliefs. Allowing ourselves to remain open prevents us from developing a fixed view in life which can hurt us and others. Fixed views show up in our mental well-being; leaving us disconnected, withdrawn, paranoid, and suspicious.

Being courageous doesn't mean that you won't be scared though. You are human after all, and will feel discomfort, anger and sadness; especially when faced with ideas that conflict with your inner narrative, belief or desires.

Human nature tends to dismiss, reject, blame or combat alternative views or changes often as a way to protect. Feeling a threat does have its place, however the body remaining in a flight, fight or freeze response is a serious condition today; impacting our health.

How to resolve this remains a question for many

and maybe working with someone would help you.

This may be with a yoga therapist, talk therapist or group therapy.

In the meantime, consider being flexible and curious

which allows you to continue to learn, adapt, change and find solutions.

Our fixed view of who we are in yoga may also be something we question and

it takes strength and energy to transform resistance into a place that

was beyond our initial thought or belief.

From this place so much more can grow, connect and collaborate

physically, mentally and emotionally.

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Hope to see you soon and email me if you have any requests or questions.

paigesyoga@me.com

--Paige

Newsletter January 31, 2024

Some of you know I have two small dogs, both around 16 years old, and they have terminal issues. Jack had his follow up ultra-sound to observe his heart and the cardiologist looked at me and said 'we rarely see this' however his heart size is back to normal. This doesn't mean that he is healed however it meant we could cut back some of the medication he is on that can hurt other organs. This picture is us in the doctors office.

Additionally, I had a surgery January 3rd to repair an abdominal hernia and it ended up being a larger area they repaired so the healing is taking longer however each day gets better.

Fact is meditation and yoga taught me not to run away from my feelings or current situations. I learned to be with right now even when it isn't great. Unfortunately, our culture is more about numbing or avoiding when we have problems or discomfort.

Yet when we do that, we live in a place where we constantly need to numb over and over and we begin to observe that it isn't solving anything.

Often, we repeat the numbing and avoidance for a long time.

So maybe it is time to try another way?

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I am offering more private in person and online sessions. Friday lunch and afternoon is open still and I will offer at 20% reduction in the rate for this day & time slot.

Email me paigesyoga.com if you want to know more. Lessons are customized to you; want more physical focus, mental or meditation? Just let me know.

I also offer corporate sessions, where I come to office retreats, outings or lunchtime functions where they want to do some breathwork or meditation.

Having worked in corporate myself for 25 years I understand the office stress and can offer coping skills the group can apply on their own.

Hope to see you soon and email me if you have any requests or questions.

paigesyoga@me.com

--Paige

Newsletter December 24, 2023

I began writing this newsletter so many times in October and November however I was overwhelmed with much in my life that I never finished it. I had a lot of health issues with my dogs (4 Vet-ER visits in one week) and then turned my focus on myself. What started with one CT scan turned into an MRI, 2 Ultrasounds, another CT scan, hearing test and two biopsies. Everything has turned out fine, however it is good to have some updates. I am also finally having a hernia repaired that will require an outpatient surgery January 3rd. Therefore I won't be able to lift anything, not even my sound bowls, for at least 4 to 6 weeks. So, I will be away briefly, and I am scheduling my next sound bowl in person in February as well.

Therefore, months later I finally completed this newsletter!

What else is new? One of my newest services is a private meditation online.

It is a 30 minute session customized to each person. I offer a brief meditation session then go over a plan to do on your own and then we add or modify in the next session. This is good for those new or returning to meditation. Maybe staying on track is challenging and by meeting more often it may help.

I've also had some new private sessions and one included a prenatal yoga session for someone who's family member bought some sessions for them and they began not being interested in yoga. However, they quickly discovered its benefits and, in the end, had a peaceful delivery. They also reached out to me for postnatal sessions in a couple months.

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I've still got availability though for private sessions.

Below are ways to find me for online and person sessions.

My hope is that you are doing well and will have a safe holiday season.

Happy new year!

--Paige

Newsletter October 5, 2023

I don't know about you, but I feel like this year is flying by. I am very excited about the change of season and was a bit disappointed that this week has been so warm. However, as we go into the change it can often lead many of us to reevaluate our life, clean things out and shift our plans.

It is ok to start over and if anything, my yoga and meditation practice has helped me to stop clinging to what I remember and be with things as they are.

Seeing things as they are is challenging because we may not like to admit what we discover. For some reason this week I have had many insist that they can multitask. First of all, I am here to tell you that the brain can't. The brain can task fast though, however what happens in tasking that fast is that we are bound to miss things. Furthermore, doing this all the time is exactly why so many are living with chronic states of anxiety.

There are times when someone still insists that they can do this and I move on with what I am doing. Then I come back to them for their thoughts they often reply with "what did you say?" So I reply, "oh, I thought you said you could process two things at the same time?" Of course they don't like to admit this and most often don't recognize the irony as they are too busy notice what they just did; not multi-tasking at all.

In nature the change of the season is a time to slow down.

Get ready for winter and we may need more sleep and heartier foods.

Slowing down is going to help us perform better in our day and

possibly listen better as well.

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Below are ways to find me for online and in person sessions.

I hope you are well and that I will see you again!

--Paige

Newsletter September 21, 2023

I was cleaning out some items and came across a honorary patrol badge I received a long time ago. For a couple of years I attended an elementary school in DC public school, and being in the city meant many walked to school. Therefore being a safety patrol meant standing on assigned corners to make sure everyone crossed the street safely.

Today there are times I will drive past my first assigned spot and remember how I stood there just to help one student cross the street. When I was assigned this spot I was told it was a pretty boring spot; there was only one girl to help cross the street and to be honest she was in 6th grade (I was in 4th); so I think she could handle it. However even at this age I remember committing to things fully; the number of people you help doesn't matter.

Over time I moved up to new positions and by 5th grade I was elected the Captain of Patrols. This caught me off guard because I didn't know that others would vote for me. Fact was many disliked the other Captain and nobody else wanted the role. I won the vote and was the first female and 5th grader to ever hold this role at this school. I still had many battles including initially the supervisor had doubts about me and tried to amend the role to a dual Captain position. She doubted my abilities however I challenged this and won my point; which was you can't doubt me based on age or gender. Yes even a woman could doubt someone based on gender. This supervisor would still challenge me in other ways as well, however I pushed forward and had the support of other patrols.

I am proud of this because it was the first of many times in life when someone was going to make me doubt myself; I just had to keep on believing in me.

You can't base your truth off of popularity, numbers or what others will think of you.

Standing up for what you believe often means that you may have go without any support. At times you may have to trust something that feels right and maybe you can't explain where the feeling is coming from. Of course there is a balance between considering another point of view, however learning to figure out which direction to take is where I found yoga to be helpful.

For me my yoga practice helps me to observe that negative self-talk and figure out ways to become comfortable with it. Seeing that the thought doesn't make it right.

This doesn't mean that I have ever reached a point where I am without anger or frustration. I have to work at being with my feelings each day. I am not the void of feelings, however I can allow my feelings to help point me in a better direction and therefore root me back to a place where I can laugh, have fun and find purpose and meaning.

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As we move into the first day of the fall season, it means change is here.

I hope you will find some ways to embrace change and get back to

some ways to help you reconnect with your well-being and purpose.

How could you have fun today?

I also hope this story helps you to return back to place

that has always existed inside of you.

I also hope to see you soon either online or in person

See the workshops, classes and videos below

--Paige

Newsletter September 4, 2023

Many forget what labor day was initially for. It wasn't created to represent the end of summer activities or last day of wearing white.

Many in the labor industry used to work 6 to 7 days a week and 10 to 12 hours was normal. The employee had very little rights and this was a way of offering them a paid day off and honor their efforts.

I studied labor law myself and we can forget that we have much today in the workplace because of their effort to make changes. They fought for sick leave, child labor laws, minimal wage, sexual harassment laws, anti-discrimination and other employment laws to be passed. Today work places post up employment laws in their spaces, however many may not read it. Fact is we are still out there fighting for change, striking and fighting for the rights as workers.

Furthermore humans weren't meant to isolate and are in need of community.

We seek out validation and connection. Therefore as you go about your day, be sure to thank someone for their hard work. Help that person to be seen and appreciated.

Oh yeah... it comes back and helps you as well.

How you seek out validation and connection?

It is more non-verbally than you may think:

A walk outside as you observe nature, animals and others

Yoga movement with a group - there is unspoken context in the movement

Sound Bowl Meditation session - letting someone else help you relax

Massage or other body work - the power of touch

Making a dinner with your family or friends - feeding your soul and body

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Of course I hope to see you soon either online or in person

See the workshops, classes and videos below

--Paige

Newsletter August 17, 2023

The other day I turned 54 years old and yes, this means it is my birthday.

Oddly though I don't have much thought around things or events I must do on a birthday.

I am happy to continue working, and make sure that each day of my life is filled with bliss and joy.

Not to say that I won't find some way to celebrate however it doesn't have to be the way others always told me it had to be.

Whenever I do anything because that is what others want, I am always disappointed. So with age I have learned to find joy in small things; Naps with my dogs, smell of fresh flowers, taste of white chocolate cake and working appliances. (Yes my dishwasher broke the day before my birthday so that was my gift).

So how do you find joy in things each day? Do you find yourself uncomfortable because you think others will judge you? See I use yoga practice just for this reason. I can observe my feelings and begin to expand my response. I can begin to view what I am thinking in a different way. ie like it is a gift that I may not understand or appreciate just yet. Then we can use coping skills in yoga to help co-regulate the response system. Co-regulation means to use what is around us, from others and environment, to help us regulate the body and mind.

A good example is how I come home after a long day and spend a quiet afternoon just holding and petting my dogs. It helps to bring awareness to the action though, because just doing the physical activity won't guarantee a nervous system shift. When awareness happens it helps activate the Vagus Nerve and begin to communicate to the body that I am safe. This becomes very important to everyone however especially good for those dealing with chronic conditions of anxiety, stress and depression.

Which is why many have found tools like stress balls, spinners and anxiety blankets very helpful. It is also why others find things like gentle movement, being with community, and being outside in nature very helpful.

How could you use coping skills today to help shift or co-regulate your body response? Find yourself improving awareness and being with the small gifts in your day.

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Of course I hope to see you soon either online or in person.

My social media links are also listed below (see the icons).

In the meantime stay safe and have a wonderful summer!

--Paige

Newsletter Aug 2, 2023

I heard a story that I remembered and wanted to share...

There was a farmer and one day his only horse ran away. The community came by and said "oh what a shame this happened to you" and the farmer replied "maybe".

The next day the horse returned and with more horses as well. The community came by and said "oh what a wonderful blessing" and the farmer replied "maybe".

Days later the farmers son was riding one of the horses, fell off and broke his leg. The community came by and said "oh what a sad thing to have happened" and the farmer replied "maybe".

Many days later a war broke out and the son was pardoned from the draft because of his broken leg. The community came by and said "oh what luck that he was pardoned and you didn't loose your son" and the farmer replied "maybe".

The point of this story is that we are often quick to categorize events happening to us as good or bad. However sometimes if we wait, we will learn that maybe there are multiple feelings and even purposes to be revealed later as well.

Maybe is my favoriate word because it allows me to stop worrying in the moment. From there I can be with the reality of now; discover ways to be with what is here. Even if that experience isn't joyful, it may have more to reveal. So give it time.

My yoga practice is focused on more than movement. I practice pauses in my thought with my breath. Maybe becomes is like a comma. A big pause. What else can we say about the moment? This way I can apply this way of thinking in daily life as well; which often shifts pain, anxiety and stress. Science is still studying the connection of the body to the mind. Pain doesn't begin in your thought. How we hold it in our body is the yoga practice.

How will you find ways to be with reality in your day?

Where can you use "maybe" more?

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Last week I finished teaching yoga at gym I have worked at for over 7 years. The building management didn't renew the contract and therefore didn't maintain any of the staff... including me. It was sad to leave of course, as I have enjoyed helping many there; often many with an introduction to yoga. I had one student, who I hardly knew there, who just made a donation to me on my website. Why I wondered. They specifically thanked me for helping them recover from their knee surgery and that they would miss my classes. So just like the story above, we may have disappointing news but just wait... it may reveal more over time. Maybe!

Of course I hope to see you soon either online or in person.

My social media links are also listed below (see the icons).

In the meantime stay safe and have a wonderful summer!

--Paige

Newsletter May 18, 2023

While traveling in Bali I attended a sound bath meditation and really enjoyed the large chimes someone was playing during the session. So I found some myself and they just arrived! I really like the selection of notes on these chimes and how long the ring lasts. Furthermore makes a nice complement to the bowls and when I am leading an in person session I can walk around with them as well; making sure the sound reaches the back of the room.

This Sunday I am back in person at 532Yoga in Old Town so be sure to register and hear the new chimes.

I will be at some New studios and more to come soon! Yes I have some new spaces I am going to be teaching in person! Some information on one of them is below. I begin this Monday night and could use all the support you can offer. So if you can make it I hope to see you soon!

Many people are back and ready to go to person sessions. If you aren't or maybe can't travel to see me, there are still virtual sessions available. I can customize a session for you as well; so let me know. If you prefer shorter yoga or meditation sessions lets break it up into half hour sessions and meet online. My summer is starting to book up though so message me directly paigesyoga@me.com and I can discuss price and times.

--Paige

Newsletter May 4, 2023

Bali was amazing adventure and gave me time to think and come back refreshed. I traveled safely to the other part of the world and back.

So whats next? I have some new open times to teach as the school work at doesn't have any summer classes for me. I am doing more in person and if you want to do yoga, yoga therapy or meditation I can customize a plan, meet with you and help you meet your goals.

Just reach out to me or go to my webpage directly to book appointments. I have updated the times and days open now and there will be more to come as well.

If you make any referrals be sure they let me know and I will also offer discounts to you directly for future services or workshops. I do appreciate it and hope I can do more with you.

I also do corporate workshops which can be single sessions or a series. Online sessions will be discounted so if that is preferred message me and we can set up a private link to book the appointment.

In the meantime I hope you are well and that I will see you soon!

--Paige

Newsletter April 14, 2023

Its been a long time since I went on a vacation and this one is going to be big!

I am going to Bali on a yoga retreat which is a the furthest I have ever traveled. 12 hours ahead of us and the flight will be 23+ hours when I finally arrive. So that isn't a quick trip. I haven't gone away on vacation since 2019 and this is much needed. I will be gone for 2 weeks and back taking some time to adjust when I get back as well.

However once back, refreshed and ready to go, I will be back offering workshops so check the schedule below. I am also going to do a Wednesday night workshop/series online this summer for 5 weeks... more to come. My private sessions are still available and summer will offer some more open time to book appointments as well; as the school I work at will be on summer break.

In the meantime I recorded many new videos on my YouTube channel. If you subscribe you already got the message when it released. I hope it helps you and maybe suggest it to others in need of some physical, mental or emotional balance.

Finding balance isn't easy but we can all loose it so easily. We give away our power and when we do so, taking it back leaves us with pride and energy. So how will you take back your power? Think on that especially in the world today where we can so easily give up hope. Don't. Take it back. You got this!

See you in a couple of week!

--Paige

Newsletter February 23, 2023

Many of you know that I have been dealing with cancer issues with our Cat, Moby, for the past 6 months. Although we knew the time would come, making the choice was so hard.

Last week my husband told me he couldn't make the decision and very much needed me to help us move forward. We had to let go and it was quite hard. We doubted ourselves even though all the signs were there.

We had planned for a service to come to the house but Moby quickly declined and we ended up going to the Urgent Care instead; a few days earlier than planned. Fortunately they took good care of us and he passed away in my husbands arms.

Holding on is our way of freezing instead of admitting to what is present. We use words like 'should' or 'want' and when I hear those words I am careful. That is a good time to pause and take a step back. Re-evaluate that response and consider another way to look at that. Instead think about what is holding you back?

What are you afraid of? Or... what do you need? We won't get rid of pain or hurt but once we let go

we can reduce the extra pain that holding has. I am feeling that so much right now and with that we are taking time to grieve. This will include self-care, quiet time and making sure we eat even when we don't want to.

--Paige

Newsletter January 16, 2023 - Emotions and Sadness

Many of you know my Dog Sadie but for the past few years she has been battling with pulmonary fibrosis but last week was having major health problems. Making the decision to go to the ER is never easy choice; however I think it is that way for many of us. Doubt creeps in and makes you wonder ' is this urgent or could it wait'.

Additionally we had heard that many of the Animal ER's were filled; dealing with a dog flu. So we didn't want to bother them or take Sadie to a place that was crowded with a virus. But finally, at 5am, my instincts knew it was time. We had to call many ER's till we found one that had space. Later my husband thanked me for knowing because he was too scared and uncertain to admit it.

Emotions can tell us things and then show up in the physical body but we often disregard it quite simply because we deny it. "Yoga", the word, means to reconnect and with a practice you find yourself more aware when you feel yourself pushing away. Yes we have to learn to feel again. For me it could be observing my chest tighten, breath is shallow or eyes tearing up; observe my physical avoidance. I will notice my reaction and words I am using as well; very aware of when I use words like "Want" or "Should" as that is often me covering up reality.

Instead yoga can help me redefine reality. I can be with the moment but include other facts I wasn't considering which allows for more creativity, choices and options.

Sadie improved which was a surprise because we were being prepared for the worse. I found myself trusting what my body's message and what I needed in that time. She has been home and we are quite lucky to have more days ahead. We don't know for how long but then again...none of us know that. So I continue to appreciate each moment with everyone.

The workshops I am leading this weekend are almost sold out so if you want to come don't wait to register. Also Tonight I am leading online sound bowl for Life With Cancer which is listed below as well.

Stay safe and hope to see you in person or online.

Newsletter December 30, 2022 - New Year

Different cultures have different times of the year for celebrating the new year. However many of us acknowledge the end of the year as a time to reflect and set goals; this often includes making changes to our health. Make no mistake though the diet industry is already out there promoting ways to make you feel bad for your body. Instead I like to try a different approach.

What if we could enjoy who we are and be glad for the action we take to move and enjoy the present moment? Often I work with so many who are moving in yoga but they are negatively beating themselves up and focused solely on how tight or weak their body feels. However I remind them they are taking action right now to change that; this is Karma! The action you take now impacts tomorrow, so instead of focusing on tomorrow we can focus on right now being ok.

Often though the goals are short lived but it doesn't have to be. Making change is hard but I often suggest making the goals small and reachable; breaking them down from your larger goal. I can help you do this and design a plan in a yoga, meditation or yoga therapy session.

For the new year maybe you want to do some private or group sessions so be sure to check my schedule. I do offer online and in person (in limited areas). If you don't see a day or time available feel free to email me paigesyoga@me.com and we can talk.

I hope you will have a wonderful holiday and take time to enjoy it the way you want.

Rest, recover and restore.

Happy New Year!

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Newsletter December 15, 2022 - Reaction

It is normal to react. Since the first part of our brain developed, with the brain stem, we reacted to warn and protect us. However our brain grew and developed; therefore we gained more ways to interpret experiences.

Just remember this when you are busy judging or feeling negative. Each of us does this because that is a habit. But learn to wait a moment and use other parts of the brain as well.

What else can you observe in the moment? Is there another way to respond differently or with kindness? Do you understand why you are reacting this way? Is it based on fear, anger or worry? Are you fatigued, hungry or upset? Is a response even needed by this point? Are you worried of hurting someone's feelings?

Also consider:

Is it possible that are we reacting because we are different than we wanted to be?

Or

Maybe we observed others being praised for their situation

Or even more common:

We found ourselves being celebrated only for our achievements

rather than for who we are

What if we took the word "different" and thought of that differently?

Notice times this holiday where we do react to the

messages of approval and instead check on yourself...

...learn to love yourself for who you are

because that is truly what matters.

Then find time to be with those who truly love You for You.

I appreciate you and hope you will have a great holiday and if you are stressed and need some help before the holiday I hope to see you online this Sunday.

If I don't see you have a safe holiday and happy new year!

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"Have a good day for no reason"

Newsletter December 1, 2022

Often when I teach a group in yoga and have them do plank pose, I will take all of them into variations to feel this pose.

Here is where I get to observe the emotional response in a pose. Some will react quickly that they can't do it but then blame themselves.

Others will grip and stop breathing just to prove they can do it.

First we all go from doing the pose on the hands, then lowering onto the forearms, and then putting the knees down. Some will gladly do this and enjoy the ease in the pose. Others will look at me questioning the instruction because they could do the pose the first way... or so they thought. With the knees down, I have them try to feel the back lift and they observe that they really hadn't been using the middle back muscles. Some observe that their breathing became easier. Lastly I ask them to observe other areas that were gripping; like the fingers, jaw and glutes.

Finding ease in the pose isn't a bad thing but again some will view it this way.

I stop telling them when to come out of the pose; remind them to come out of it when they need and come back in when ready. I believe in asking them to get out of their head and feel the experience. To distract I tell them I share the story about the "World Record" for plank. Did they know that both men and women won the record for plank on the knees and forearms?

So maybe we can change how we think about a pose. Did we change our attitude in the pose just because I mentioned an authority? The pose is the same but our mood is shifting.

It is about 2 minutes into the pose that they observe they could do the pose longer and with ease, however it wasn't EASY. They still find themselves sweating and using muscles they never experienced but it didn't have to be painful. So maybe there is more to the pose than simply what we can see. I then ask them to observe when they feel ready to come out of the pose; learn to trust themselves and have more independent thought. Also that it isn't failure just because they came out. They can come in and out of the pose...begin again.

This is an example of how we can use the yoga practice of asanas to learn more. We can challenge our belief, fears and listen better. There can also be emotional challenges and grief when we have to accept the reality of now as well. As I often say "Yoga doesn't care if you put your knees down... but You may"

I'm not saying don't have goals but what so many miss in yoga poses is the example of what the pose can take you through in a practice. You learn in yoga to move in a place of ease; Yes even in very challenging poses. Sometimes you move into a pose with worry but you manage to surprise yourself. You did more than you 'thought' you could. You also are reminded of presence and that tomorrow isn't promised so enjoy right now. You also learn to find joy and peace from within yourself verses if you did the pose well according to others.

Then you can apply this message in your daily life as well.

Where are you gripping, holding or adding more tension?

Where could you adjust or scale back and find ease in your life?

Would you feel like you were lazy or less productive and

is that actually true or just the way you are used to feeling?

Dod

Consider and move throughout the day observing and witnessing yourself

Then Yoga becomes a path all day in your life

Newsletter November 25, 2022 Thankful

Thankful

Next week in the United States we will take the day to be thankful.

Many of us don't wait for that single day though and find times each day to pause and step away from our every day worries and consider others.

By practicing compassion it doesn't get rid of problems but does help us have mental clarity, balance and joy.

For some I know they were shocked with a crisis nearby at the shooting at UVA this week. I am sure that finding joy or thankfulness will be the furthest thing from their mind. Unfortunately though a crisis helps us to reevaluate our lives, what we are doing, and find meaning again. Trust that in a crisis it will hurt but it will also lead you back to a path of thankfulness again...just give it time.

However we don't have to wait for a crisis to stand up for what we believe in this world. Let us begin with right now... take a deep breath out and begin again today. How will you leave your life? Will that be with memories and inspiration? Or will it be filled with regret?

You get to leave your mark starting today. Of course this will be hard for those dealing with grief but find comfort in community, get up each day, eat, go outside. Keep moving forward.

Let us demonstrate to the world what kindness, love and thankfulness really is.

Newsletter November 11, 2022

For me this was quite a crazy week.

Not only did the time change really hit me hard but on Monday morning I received a surprising call. I immediately felt the shock all over my body; angry, sad and confused. I took my own advice though and didn't react to this news but went right into self-care.

In summary a place I work at in healthcare was cutting ALL contractors and this included all my yoga services at 4 different sites. All cut immediately -no notice. There was a lot of confusion from different levels of management and then by the next day it was all cleared up and I was hired back. (Yes I felt like I knew a bit of what Twitter employees must be going through right now).

I share this to offer a day in my life and I'm just so glad that I didn't react but remained patient. I did take clam action and decided to reach out to other upper levels and make sure that this was cleared before I looked elsewhere. However something like this always reminds me not to be attached to my work.

Work is just what we do... it is not who we are.

For me my yoga is the practice of patience. I use the yoga so I can observe on the mat when my mind

is angry, irritable or upset and use that to practice awareness. You don't want to wait to learn this in the moment you need it... ..so learn how to practice patience now.

That being said one of the places I work at is on hold for the rest of the year, so I have Saturday mornings open