tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326794322024-03-07T09:04:30.485-05:00Barefoot Works BlogSharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.comBlogger1084125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-31650425433777860362014-11-17T10:14:00.002-05:002014-11-17T10:16:00.090-05:002015 yoga teacher training <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">I'm all tingly with excitement (and some nervousness!) because registration is officially open for our 2015 yoga teacher training. </strong></div>
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I'm just thrilled to bring the training back to Lexington. After years of training awesome folks to become yoga teachers in Mexico, North Carolina, and California, we are right back where we started. It feels like a big, beautiful circle. Like one big delicious breath.</div>
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To get all the details <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001w2gEv9ggfSuHSNDSXF1SR31cBbUjHCbEqOTQ7Z_mr9evNmELSX06xazHPm26Pt7sQKYRs9GKQRwz7__HtsXAY2Uh9Eo5cNpysV44bcuzsZXf5s097IjqWrcfk1Y8MaH4ry5VJz0X7iarGEdfqwXErbH8FpxZ_Bu9lQwjgEQy771BEoQ4jDWq5PYnzDUi0oupjW81pg74twE=&c=&ch=" shape="rect" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;" target="_blank">click here.</a></div>
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As I've been revamping some training details I connected back to some students who completed this training with me by asking them about what has changed most since they went through the training. I was humbled by what they said. </div>
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<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001w2gEv9ggfSuHSNDSXF1SR31cBbUjHCbEqOTQ7Z_mr9evNmELSX06xewhI0Fl87HfKr7hRyWBne_iFXp6-W-uW8VdHvz3gw99pHFGkPrjk7sVxPePwwyho8SB4hwrLqRVPJj9f4hh4yjIAXByMPBQEdS1OECdobODUsA0moL7cZw=&c=&ch=" shape="rect" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;" target="_blank">One student</a> (who is actually leading his very own yoga teacher training) responded back, "Wow, what hasn't changed for me since training?!" </div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">Because I'm so giddy excited (and because I'm such a yoga nerd), I'm offering a sweet gift to those who register before December 2,</strong> which is all the yoga books required for training and my favorites.....notebook, pens, post its, index cards, and more. I'm not only a huge yoga nerd but the office store is a place I like to visit for fun. I know your itching to hang out with me on a Saturday night.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333324432373px; text-align: center;">If you've been thinking 2015 might be the year your become a yoga teacher then I Invite you to grab a cuppa tea or coffee, settle in, and <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001w2gEv9ggfSuHSNDSXF1SR31cBbUjHCbEqOTQ7Z_mr9evNmELSX06xazHPm26Pt7sQKYRs9GKQRwz7__HtsXAY2Uh9Eo5cNpysV44bcuzsZXf5s097IjqWrcfk1Y8MaH4ry5VJz0X7iarGEdfqwXErbH8FpxZ_Bu9lQwjgEQy771BEoQ4jDWq5PYnzDUi0oupjW81pg74twE=&c=&ch=" shape="rect" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;" target="_blank">savor these words.</a> </span></div>
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Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-52210269496589488952014-10-27T13:19:00.001-04:002014-10-27T13:19:21.444-04:00the sweet spot of yoga<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">
I was happily in student mode this weekend, participating in a virtual yoga workshop. For five hours Saturday and Sunday, Sarah Bowker, Meghan Skirha and I virtually joined our teacher in California, a student in Virginia, and another in Europe. Technology is amazing, yes?</div>
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I wanted to share something with you that I believe is a great skill for your yoga on and off the mat. In the <a href="http://yapanayoga.com/" target="_blank">Yapana</a> methodology we explore holding patterns in relation to breathing, asanas, gravity, and movement. </div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">These are propping, collapsing, and yielding.</strong></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">When we are propping in a yoga pose</strong> we are being overly rigid in our body. You might think of a big giant boulder, or a big piece of furniture. It is hard for the breath to move through the body. In fact, students often are holding their breath when they are propping in their pose. Typically, when this happens a student is relying on his/her strength alone to hold them in the pose. </div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">When we are collapsing</strong> we are dropping the weight of the body into the earth without maintaining a connection to the structure. There is little structure and stability in the body and the breath is more often shallow. Typically, when this happens a student is using too much flexibility and not enough strength.</div>
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The Yoga Sutras speak very little about actual asana (postures). What the sutras do tell us is that we are cultivating effort (which equates to strength) and ease (which equates to the sweet feeling we get from a juicy stretch). It is the balance between those two that creates a healthy posture. A posture that enlivens and awakens. One that can bring more balance back into body, helping us to grow stronger in some areas of our body while opening up in other areas. </div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">This brings me back to the the third holding pattern, yielding.</strong> When we are yielding in a pose, there is a beautiful balance between strength and flexibility. When one is yielding in a pose you can almost see their whole body pulsing with breath. This is the sweet spot.</div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">Does this show up off the mat? Yes, most likely.</strong> </div>
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Do I have any Type A personalities reading this note right now (if you even have time to read it ;) ? We are the strong, dedicated, focused ones that can will our way through most anything and everything. Effort is a superpower.</div>
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Do I have any totally carefree, "it'll happen when it need to happen" folks reading? You might be a bit scattered and not so focused (and boy, I bet people adore you for it too). Ever feel like you are floating away, mentally or even physically? Ease is a superpower.</div>
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It is the combination of the two and the ability to yield, that gives such beauty, shape, and form to ALL the postures of your life.</div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">What do you think?</strong> What is your natural superpower and could you benefit from cultivating the opposite energy a bit more? </div>
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Lastly, here is a photo from our virtual classroom this weekend. Pretty cool, right?</div>
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Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-73068606394943789562014-10-20T14:05:00.002-04:002014-10-20T14:05:49.583-04:00yoga lessons from the spinning bike<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">
<b style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, ' Helvetica', ' sans-serif'; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">I took my first spinning class in over a decade yesterday.</span></b> Since my love affair with yoga began I've been content to stay glued to my mat. Alas, two back to back pregnancies, and everything that goes with love and loss and nursing and literally using my body to care for another left me wanting to challenge and use my body in new and different ways.</div>
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Spinning class in my mid 20's felt much different than spinning class in my late 30's. It was a much greater challenge for my body, but my mind knew exactly how to work for my greatest benefit.</div>
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I found myself smiling through much of the class (even when my quads were on fire) because I just felt so appreciative of the ways in which yoga was informing my experience on that spinning bike, and that's what I want to share here. </div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">I think you might get some value because the beauty of the yoga practice is that it translates to so many areas of your life.</strong></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">1. The power of visualization::</strong> We use visualization often in yoga class. I love that this is encouraged in spinning class. One image came to me spontaneously during class as we were pedaling up an imaginary hill. Just when I was wondering if we would ever get to the top of the never ending hill, an image of my daughter popped into my mind. I saw her joyfully standing at the top of the hill, arms open, waiting for me. I got a burst of energy and climbed that hill, feeling pretty awesome. <em style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">What image can inspire you to move through your day or a task with more energy, grace, love, or joy?</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333324432373px; text-align: center;"><strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">2. Where's your focus?</strong> In yoga class we use a drishti, which is a place where we direct our eyes in order to direct our focus and regulate our energy. In spinning class I used only two spots to focus my attention, one while I was seated and another when we came to standing on the bike. Doing so helped me to stay connected to the moment, my experience, and give me more energy. <em style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">Where is your focus today? Is it where you need it to be?</em></span></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">3. Mind your breath::</strong> Yoga is just as much about the breath as it is the poses. It's so easy to pay attention to your breath in yoga and forget about it most other times. I made sure to make my breath a focus and priority on that spinning bike. I know it made a huge difference in my experience. <em style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">Your breath is your best friend, especially during challenging moments. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat.</em></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">4. Its all about the sweet spot::</strong> In class I always talk about effort and ease in our poses. This balance of strength and sweetness can balance out most things in life, I do believe. There was a lot of effort on that spinning bike, but I made sure to find ways to access ease. Sometimes it was mindfully relaxing my upper body while letting my lower body go to work. Other times I felt a sense of ease when a song came on during a particularly challenging moment. <em style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">How can you find some sweetness and ease during a hard task?</em></div>
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What do you think? How does your practice on the yoga mat translate and inform your life off the mat? I'd love to hear.</div>
Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-67880555010653109472014-09-22T10:52:00.000-04:002014-09-22T10:52:42.376-04:00inspired action on & off the yoga mat<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">
Sitting here now, in this moment, the sky is a gorgeous, crystal clear, shade of blue. The wind is blowing and I see large and small trees dancing back and forth. Leaves are beginning to fall to the earth. The once vibrant green grass is slowly making it's transition to fall.</div>
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And so it is....</div>
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The fall season is a beautiful time for both letting go and also taking inspired action. We only have to look to nature to see this. The trees are shedding what isn't necessary for the winter season. Animals are making preparations for hibernating during the winter months.</div>
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<br style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;" />The yoga practice teaches us how to take inspired action both on and off the yoga mat. Before we go into hibernation mode I want to invite you to <strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">think of a project that you identified as important this year.</strong> Something you wanted to learn, or get back to. Some inspired change you wanted to make or a new habit you wanted to cultivate. Somewhere along the way, you forgot about this, got off track, or didn't carve out the time (or all the above!).</div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">Grab a piece of paper or your journal and write down a list of action steps you need to take for one project</strong>. We explored this exercise at my recent retreat at Shaker Village, using a <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tj3W9nD2SqXZ_nE0kxRDGMPeJBJIny9X7DL8bGH-HiCfZwIVQ80r385gUXO7_43pra7fUFZ_Vb5ILDUr6pkCTjinMf9NiZ7jJ0cBw9REt_ma9EPKd7kAL3UcT_sXaZHFz7mcyVKU1M1vIL5RzO-QXkW8-urTgDICh56Rok_LBVN6qGTS8timIgtWRCrYbkCSZBMWIzDIzHtPQ-B7ovo7pqH3B8V2KVcM_tUEbqp2FG-inJASevcVs6gOK-Ru8hVO&c=&ch=" shape="rect" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;" target="_blank">mind map</a> for the project. </div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">Speaking of Shaker Village, look at what a beautiful weekend we shared::</strong></div>
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I just adore my retreat at Shaker Village and if you missed this one, good news......<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">I've got one scheduled for January.</strong> Hello New Year! Details will be coming soon.</div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">Other ways you can connect to the energy and rhythm of the fall season::</strong></div>
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<li style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;">Focus your attention more on your exhalations.</li>
<li style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;">Spend some time decluttering around your house or office space.</li>
<li style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;">Make a list of "things" you want to let go of. This can include people, habits and experiences.</li>
<li style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;">Do a yoga practice that is grounded with a slow and steady flow.</li>
<li style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;">Spend five minutes in a seated forward fold.</li>
<li style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;">Drink lots of hot liquids.</li>
<li style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;"><strong style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">Attend our deep peace restorative yoga workshop on Friday!</strong></li>
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Sending a big smile and refreshing breaths to you. May your day unfold with beauty and ease.</div>
Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-27485737105358185902014-07-22T10:23:00.002-04:002014-07-22T10:23:58.220-04:00instructing from within<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Good Tuesday to you. I hope you are feeling good in your body and breath this morning. I just returned from an epic road trip to Oklahoma City for a wedding. With a nine month old babe and all! Shew. Glad to be home. <span style="font-size: 10pt;">I am attempting to get back in the groove with both family and work, with ease and joy. So far so good!</span></div>
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This morning I'm gathering my notes, resources, thoughts, and books as I refine my teachings for a retreat I'm co-leading next weekend in Asheville (pssst, there is still one or two spots open, details <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001GXU6j02SJYAswTQa7GCot5PDSb0l3Np0WPkbLMm1mISrWjJ896x7jq9RZSm3eGhmFQOJ3rtIL5LZFdFHyEF2zsAInPbc6aO3XIKAa6vwMxpf3Yt_JzlRqbRxn2yCT8c7d2_4X2_6t10=" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="color: black;" target="_blank" track="on">here.</a> )</div>
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I wanted to share with you this poem by Mark Nepo that I'll be sharing::</div>
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<strong>The Appointment</strong></div>
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What if, on the first sunny day,</div>
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on your way to work, a colorful bird</div>
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sweeps in front of you down a</div>
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street you've never heard of.</div>
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You might pause and smile,</div>
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a sweet beginning to your day.</div>
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Or you might step into that street</div>
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and realize there are many ways to work.</div>
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You might sense the bird knows something</div>
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you don't and wander after.</div>
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You might hesitate when the bird</div>
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turns down an alley. For now</div>
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there is tension: Is what the</div>
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bird knows worth being late?</div>
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You might go another block or two,</div>
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thinking you can have it both ways.</div>
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But soon you arrive at the edge</div>
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of all your plans.</div>
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The bird circles back for you </div>
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and you must decide which </div>
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appointment you were</div>
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born to keep.</div>
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<strong>The poem illustrates the beauty of listening, the power in following our intuition, and the possibilities that exist when we allows ourselves to follow those possibilities.</strong></div>
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Yoga is a beautiful tool that helps us grow our capacity to listen. We listen to the teacher and ultimately we listen to our instructions coming from within. Free of right and wrong, good and bad, we move forward in each pose, listening within, following our breath, until we choose when and where to stop in each pose.</div>
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<strong>Isn't that amazing?</strong></div>
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Speaking of amazing. I'm so happy those two yoginis are teaming up to lead our very first Yoga + Wine event this Friday from 6:00 - 8:00. Pre-regisration is required. You're coming, right? <a href="http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=2996&stype=-8" target="_blank">Register here!</a></div>
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Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-16932301304644679362014-07-08T11:37:00.000-04:002014-07-08T11:37:42.481-04:00a conscious pause & recommitting to yourself<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px;">
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It's July. Which means two things:: We are deep into Summer and officially halfway into 2014. Can you believe it?</div>
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For those of you who attend my classes, you are familiar with the "conscious pause" we take throughout class. It's a beautiful, brief moment in which we hit the pause button and take notice of the body, breath, and tone of the mind. An opportunity to reconnect to an intention and get curious about any changes we need to make as we move deeper into the class.</div>
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<strong>I think July is a perfect moment for a "conscious pause" in the flow of our year.</strong> In January we set intentions (or hopes or goals) for our year. For many of us, come July, we have forgotten them. The shininess of the new year has long faded and many find themselves just "getting through the day."</div>
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<span style="color: #a65bcb; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>I am a lover, a believer, in the beautiful power of the yoga practice. The practice on and off the yoga mat</strong></span>.</div>
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Since my very first time on the mat I've known this was a practice that I wanted to last a lifetime. In order to sustain my practice and use it as a tool to thrive in my life, I pause at times to reflect on where I am with my practice, asking questions and making changes as needed (and there have been many changes these days considering I am a mama to a busy nine month old).</div>
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<strong>Questions like these help me to refine my practice as needed. You might want to grab your journal or a piece of paper and ask yourself::</strong></div>
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1. Is my current yoga practice, serving me in the ways I most need for this day, this season of my life?</div>
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2. What has changed in my life and do I need to make changes in my practice as a result?</div>
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3. What is the heart of my practice right now? What has the most meaning?</div>
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4. What changes do I need to make in my practice? </div>
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5. What is one small change I can start today?</div>
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For some of us, we need structure, some support to create change (which is just one of many reasons why I love coaching). <strong>In the spirit of that, I would like to extend an offer to you......</strong></div>
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We offer a monthly unlimited "auto renew" yoga package at the treehouse. If you've either::</div>
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A. Fallen off the yoga wagon and want to get back on</div>
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B. Are ready to more deeply commit to yourself (and your yoga practice) by coming to yoga at least twice a week......</div>
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<strong>And want to more consciously, more strategically move onward into the rest of the year then I'm offering a <span style="color: #a65bcb;">free coaching session </span></strong><strong style="font-size: 10pt;">for those of you who sign up by July 15 for the monthly unlimited auto renew package at the treehouse.</strong></div>
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We can do this 45 minute {yoga-minded} coaching session any time over the next six months. This can be beneficial in a number of ways. <span style="font-size: 10pt;">We can::</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">** {Re}design a yoga practice that nourishes you from the inside out. </span></div>
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**Identify what helps you feel most healthy and happy and craft a self care practice that fits your needs (and your schedule).</div>
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**Map out what needs to happen to end your year on a delicious high note.</div>
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**Create an intention for the remaining year that inspires you AND identify ways to infuse your days with appreciation and joy. </div>
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These are just a few ideas about the ways you could use your free coaching session. Of course, you might have your own ideas!</div>
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So if you're ready, willing, and excited (and maybe a bit nervous too) to sign on for the monthly unlimited yoga package ($70 a month) then send me an email and we'll get it arranged for you. Then we can schedule your coaching session. Yesyesyes! </div>
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So exciting....</div>
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Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-41416680644265150392014-06-27T09:33:00.001-04:002014-06-27T09:33:42.714-04:00ever felt like you didn't belong on a yoga mat?<div style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.933332443237305px; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">I attended a really amazing yoga retreat, called Curve Camp last weekend in Nashville, TN. It was organized by the lovely Anna of <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001eAmG-pTPbPtGxz8hnHOf7ch1feBdlz45rAESdOtfM2AeubQz9lueM6KP2uh9AaWaveNV9XIvLr4D0aAv6dil_PK8Br9IU8FJuG2bpQDR-_fTfyjLre47Pb3mIhb42wlzHdgti-tm2HpATi-MB_w94vEMudZ9zfHMrxM1o54N-mQ=&c=h_CjmCdKgi3nV948Q8ZujzKS6MLD-CuTgT4-GRgu1AYpArBMxtUVTg==&ch=lb4vQZEpDLAxp0ZHnZ0CzqbXYcKXFptAJu2NA-ddxOx0I-YeCTagSA==" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" target="_blank">Curvy Yoga</a> and my mind is still reeling from the goodness of it all. There has been an abundance of aha's since the opening session on Friday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">I've written here before how stepping onto my mat for the first time felt like a "coming home" of sorts for me. It was my yoga mat that taught me how to accept and appreciate my body, imperfections and all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Did I appreciate my body in every single pose, on every single day? Heck, no. But I was growing my capacity, my ability to accept my body, curves and all.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Fast forward many years and I got pregnant. Experienced loss and got pregnant again less than three months later. My body is not the same body as when I started practicing yoga. My heart is not the same as when I started practicing yoga.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 30.293336868286133px;"><b>My body, my heart, my practice..... they have all grown.</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">There have been times in my yoga life that I've felt like a round peg forcing myself into a round hole. Or maybe a triangle pose forcing myself into a side angle pose is more appropriate?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">And I'm so over it. I've been over it for a while. This is just me naming and claiming it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">I do not fit the yoga standard. And for this I am thankful. Why?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Because I believe we need more diversity in yoga studios and on the mat. I am a curvalicious yoga teacher who prefers street clothes to spandex (among many other things). Asana does not come easy for me. Some would say I drink too much coffee. And that my language is a bit too colorful. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">I could go on but I'll stop and say.....</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 26.50666618347168px;"><b>What I want you to know is this::</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">You don't have to re-shape yourself before claiming your right to be on a yoga mat or in front of the boardroom.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">You don't have to be a particular age, shape, color, or size to benefit from yoga.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">You are worthy of breath and praise and love and feeling good regardless of whether or not you can touch your toes.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">You don't have to be able to do a perfect down dog in order to connect with the divine.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">This body that you have today, imperfections and all. It is freaking beautiful. Brilliant in magical and mysterious ways. You are a living, breathing, blinking, digesting, processing, pumping, organizing, orchestrating work of art.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">You can accept your body for what it is today AND have the desire to create change in the ways you feel inspired to. Not because you'll finally be whole (psssst, you already are), but because it will light you and your life up even more.</span></div>
</div>
Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-72073634526404860942014-06-17T12:51:00.004-04:002014-06-17T12:51:47.346-04:00your mind:: your greatest ally or enemy?<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px;">
<span color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><img border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.336" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs195/1101376244675/img/336.jpg" vspace="5" width="583" /> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px;">
<span color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3" style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.63636302947998px;">
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
There is a popular quote by Buddha that says, <strong>"All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become."</strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
The mind is such a powerful instrument and how you use it during yoga can either elevate your experience or leave you feeling discouraged.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
How would it feel today if you could treat your mind as your greatest ally or your very best friend?</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
{Pause and let yourself really open up to that question}</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
What if all your thoughts came through from a place of gratitude, compassion, kindness, and love?</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Mmmmmmmm.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<strong>Can you imagine how much of a game changer that would be?! Wow.</strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
I'm smiling just thinking of the possibilities.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
I invite you to pause and take note of the type and tone of your thoughts so far today. Are your thoughts serving you in your relationships, your work, your parenting? Are your thoughts helping you to become the person you most want to be? </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<strong>The crazy cool thing is this.......</strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
You get to choose. Over and over</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What will you choose today?</b></span></div>
Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-3722496627769211372013-11-18T15:01:00.000-05:002013-11-18T15:01:09.538-05:00on gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It’s been a while since I’ve been inspired enough to sit
down, put fingers to the keyboard and write. I can honestly say this is the
first time in a long time that I’ve felt joy and excitement in sitting down and
do this work, to use my words and my writing as a teaching tool.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And today I do.</div>
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<br /></div>
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This feels huge. I’ve been writing less this year as I’ve
settled into a pregnancy after loss. I have to add the “loss” part because it
changed everything single thing for me. Now that babe is safely here (and over
six weeks old) and I’ve given myself time and permission just to “be”, I feel a
new surge of creative energy coming on. Maybe it’s the sleep I’ve gotten over
the past two nights, but here I am feeling inspired, and excited to connect
with you beloved yogis.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s my plan to get back to writing and connecting with you
regularly in this format, in a way that serves you, that adds something to your
life. And I’m pretty sure I can do that. I’ve decided that each month I’ll
label each newsletter as an “issue”. I was inspired by a <a href="http://gingergarner.com/" target="_blank">friend and mentor </a>just
yesterday when I received her newsletter and it was titled “The Working Mom
Isssue”. I woke up this morning and just knew I wanted to play around with this
idea.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">So here’s goes……The
Gratitude Issue</b></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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The
gratitude issue. I know, I know.....it's so cliché with it being
November and all. Yet even with all the posts about gratitude on
Facebook, I simply can't resist the way this time of year does do
something to open and soften my heart just a wee bit more.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm reminded of the good in people.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I can more easily connect to possibilities.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I more actively seek beauty.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm more open to share my appreciation. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<strong>I can be with all that feels beautiful and hard and still have faith that I'm being guided in a most perfect way.</strong></div>
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<br /></div>
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Last
night I was reading the latest issue of Oprah when I flipped to the
very back page to read my favorite part of the magazine. Oprah mentions
that she was having a messy, tear-filled conversation with her friend
and mentor Maya Angelou when Maya stopped her mid-sentence and said::</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<em><strong>"Say 'thank you' right now. Because your faith is so strong you already know God put a rainbow in every cloud."</strong></em> </div>
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<br /></div>
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And my heart whispered "yes." A rainbow in every cloud....I believe that wholeheartedly. </div>
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<br /></div>
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This
has been a large part of my gratitude practice over the last year. It
hasn't been easy to be grateful, to express my appreciation, to have
faith that good things will come, to trust in the rainbow after the
storm.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<b>Then my daughter was born and it changed everything.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
It
wasn't an easy labor and delivery. And when she was only ten days old I
was in the emergency room then back in the hospital. It has not been
without struggle and lots of tears. I have been tested, stretched more
than ever before, and today I am practicing saying...."Thank you."</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<em>Thank you for my perfectly healthy and radiant baby.</em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<em>Thank you for a husband that has done his fair share and then some.</em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<em>Thank you for beautiful family and friends that nurtured my baby when it felt impossible for me to do so.</em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<em>Thank you my beloved treehouse teachers and students.</em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<em>Thank you for the gifts that have made it such a joy to dress Everly Jo and made it easier to care for her.</em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<em>Thank you for the food delivered that nurtured us so.</em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<em>Thank you western medicine and health care professionals.</em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<em>Thank you for a perfectly timed day of sunshine and milder temperatures.</em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<em>Thank you wisdom of Yoga.</em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<em>Thank you my friend and teacher, my precious breath.</em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<em>Thank you poetry and beautiful words.</em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<em>Thank you body, while imperfect, you still know what to do to heal. </em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b>I
could go and on expressing my thanks and gratitude when I actively seek
what is good and holy, even when life feels chaotic and hard.</b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
For this is how I can learn and grow without closing my heart.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<em>What does gratitude look and feel like for you today?</em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<em>Has it been easy or a challenge to express gratitude?</em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<em>What are your favorite ways to practice gratitude?</em></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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Here are some posts, from myself and others to entertain you in the ways of gratitude::</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b>Yogic Philosophy & Gratitude::</b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wIiqh_MygbECh8aEKM9zl-lJP_wrlGqgq9AV1JCvNor6_88ZI9Z1wTrHxbQPqxPd7XsOXWWAJf-BeI6utof54rMZRDAnr8YWUqEGzcMEfJ9yCYX3TEf-1NhcBsSFwSLZuduOd7HLXH5Vf9EI0PZwE7yxr0hAdW1grsBJZeZUp6BJG1aiH8lS2g==" shape="rect" target="_blank">Why Oprah Is a Yogi</a> </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wIiqh_MygbECh8aEKM9zl-lJP_wrlGqgq9AV1JCvNor6_88ZI9Z1wTrHxbQPqxPd7XsOXWWAJf-BeI6utof54i6QeTJhT02-DMHCF5Qb5mGkPqFrthQCjr-25GEiOMQl2SIMk0fQVb8=" shape="rect" target="_blank">Selfless Gratitude</a> </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b>Yoga Asana (poses) & Gratitude::</b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wIiqh_MygbECh8aEKM9zl-lJP_wrlGqgq9AV1JCvNor6_88ZI9Z1wTrHxbQPqxPd7XsOXWWAJf-BeI6utof54rMZRDAnr8YWUqEGzcMEfJ9yCYX3TEf-1NhcBsSFwSLZ7eq3UlyotmCggmK1nV01s8Un3MhPzZLBz480sOXMA5RQ1jZLUpAV1Q==" shape="rect" target="_blank">Living in Appreciation</a> </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wIiqh_MygbECh8aEKM9zl-lJP_wrlGqgq9AV1JCvNor6_88ZI9Z1wTrHxbQPqxPd7XsOXWWAJf-BeI6utof54oCX4SiTa4ZuenVWPsmZDqmV7DxIHbg7OqSJQx4MgcYb_pldVHweipxOHE43oztbl0Os4VSJv1J1gSbdsefetPsVoDko_8anNsziCEY6SDOeDJmz4HUGCMVIDpoAupSmy0dx0cdIYXd7oQczchxdomE=" shape="rect" target="_blank">Five Ways to Express Gratitude</a> </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b>Gratitude & Grief</b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wIiqh_MygbECh8aEKM9zl-lJP_wrlGqgq9AV1JCvNor6_88ZI9Z1wTrHxbQPqxPd7XsOXWWAJf-BeI6utof54rMZRDAnr8YWUqEGzcMEfJ9yCYX3TEf-1NhcBsSFwSLZcWZ5YWoPJQXVLSCiSOV_tsySBhuIqZ7RKNAacdHiwxXo2_p52NFVZm6hPATMk841" shape="rect" target="_blank">Thank You Beautiful People</a> </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wIiqh_MygbECh8aEKM9zl-lJP_wrlGqgq9AV1JCvNor6_88ZI9Z1wTrHxbQPqxPd7XsOXWWAJf-BeI6utof54rMZRDAnr8YWUqEGzcMEfJ9yCYX3TEf-1NhcBsSFwSLZcWZ5YWoPJQU8erqOTHbm4dIeS5kAtUZa-eIzdg5uLn0PBv00WTKIyA==" shape="rect" target="_blank">Breath, Yoga, and Faith</a> </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b>And to You::</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
For
being here, whether physically or energetically, I am eternally
grateful and humbled. Your presence truly makes a difference to me, in
so many ways.<br /><br />I'm so excited to be back at the treehouse on
Thanksgiving day, teaching my favorite class of the entire year. I'll
have baby Everly (and Andy) with me, so please come meet my miracle baby
and greet the day by moving your body, savoring your breath, and yes,
expressing gratitude for all that is beautiful, good, and holy.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
With love & appreciation,</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
sharon</div>
Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-48476806074248391282013-11-11T14:50:00.001-05:002013-11-11T14:50:35.043-05:00the yogis work<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSO8aINzSUvNpO-1OjGL3H8xDaPM5wXNZv3vCD_vW-yDP-12wyu6UBy81B4TDJ6fvbJnYv5dqHYZqZlkw_AS2vZu2O1en7QDMc7x9f7JRF2c0mSvgQGnh8eO60Tw4s0cqCStPFYg/s640/blogger-image-252613799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSO8aINzSUvNpO-1OjGL3H8xDaPM5wXNZv3vCD_vW-yDP-12wyu6UBy81B4TDJ6fvbJnYv5dqHYZqZlkw_AS2vZu2O1en7QDMc7x9f7JRF2c0mSvgQGnh8eO60Tw4s0cqCStPFYg/s640/blogger-image-252613799.jpg"></a></div>Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-87656829187594917382013-09-21T11:41:00.006-04:002013-09-21T11:42:23.487-04:00weekly yoga nidra class at barefoot works!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><i>**I know many of you will be super excited about this post from Sarah Bowker. This is gonna be great!**</i><br />
<br />
Friends, <br />
<br />
After Friday’s super fun free evening of yoga flow and yoga nidra, and also a very successful yoga nidra workshop last Spring, I have heard many of your comments about desiring a more frequent offering of yoga nidra at the studio. <br />
<br />
<b>I am excited to share that for four Sundays starting October 27th we will have a weekly Yoga Nidra at the studio from 5:15-6pm! </b><br />
<br />
What a perfect time of year to explore meditation as the weather cools and we move into fall, and move our lives more indoors. Yoga nidra is an excellent way to “let go” or shift in some way. Sharon so eloquently describes this idea in a recent post on her blog. <a href="http://www.sharontessandori.com/2013/09/11/gathering-and-letting-go/" target="_blank">You check it out here.</a><br />
<br />
I highly recommend coming out for Julie’s all level flow from 4-5pm and then sticking around for a chance to let go and deeply relax in yoga nidra with me! <br />
<br />
<b>Here is the class description: </b><br />
<br />
Ever wished your yoga practice was just a long savasana? Well that is exactly what you will get in this class offering, Yoga Nidra. In short, it is a guided meditation. This meditation provides a systematic method of inducing complete mental, emotional, and physical relaxation. Yoga Nidra is also tool for examining, attending to, and eliminating our habitual patterns. You will leave feeling relaxed and energized. No prior yoga experience necessary. <br />
<br />
Dates and Time: Sundays, 5:15pm-6pm October 27th-November 17th (Four Sundays in a row!) <br />
<br />
Class cards and packages are valid. Drop in is $14. <br />
<br />
<b>No preregistration required. </b><br />
<br />
So looking forward to this!Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-76556203709849773772013-09-12T10:10:00.001-04:002013-09-12T10:10:55.339-04:00strike a yoga poseAs part of our seven year yogaversary we've had daily photo prompts. This has been so much fun for me! Here are some of the photos shared on Facebook and Instagram. Today's prompt is "yoga play". Come play and use #barefootworks. Can't wait to see you getting your yoga play on!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_i8qBWcT1KCI6nZdPdJGUV7_JRtntwU1V_6w6-AMnLX4BSztQ8C_g_h-24wIM94rr9TSN5-nOtNTWidhyyopYwIC5JoQ1v5KQlUvAtSvwrsZbRksubxWZmyynoeYQN_QkWluMw/s640/blogger-image--2109061220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_i8qBWcT1KCI6nZdPdJGUV7_JRtntwU1V_6w6-AMnLX4BSztQ8C_g_h-24wIM94rr9TSN5-nOtNTWidhyyopYwIC5JoQ1v5KQlUvAtSvwrsZbRksubxWZmyynoeYQN_QkWluMw/s640/blogger-image--2109061220.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26O94vpnvCXDBEuaW2ZGz6WXa8zPvuH-OvAFm15zd7ieX443kuYyk2h0P7goIM9Q76YG9H9nzzjieDav1lVrw7KYvjrSleGq0XdjwtuhUUcN9pQ4OUwPg3TGr_zfmk32GsLwHBw/s640/blogger-image-836614340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26O94vpnvCXDBEuaW2ZGz6WXa8zPvuH-OvAFm15zd7ieX443kuYyk2h0P7goIM9Q76YG9H9nzzjieDav1lVrw7KYvjrSleGq0XdjwtuhUUcN9pQ4OUwPg3TGr_zfmk32GsLwHBw/s640/blogger-image-836614340.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH1Ngjz81Z7JiKZaUKS6p4Vx9pOGXn5AWe51YDu6B12DDyNHS9fCTV5pVMAemGR1L-UkbHnn_EsDXv5hcqO-LiFLBbM2g50OO4Rp3ePoJ0WV_bwhUe_Cuy3RKQyKTbIom12y5nw/s640/blogger-image-1137167586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8AjFnJHpI4zTSlzcTRPgerFxJQcdM6T1jwYIjTUimAWpo6KNqbZ_ba2Og920OzdIhKbyVW4QM1KV_NLqvqpi7uCjNA6k8Tznrj5TVAG7j-OUkA2tamvSJvkSVGt3hCBOIwhiMg/s640/blogger-image-935026583.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFWFTDdbWeDeaJd6WLaSSjd-LdF-6OPwvZ5eBCWnMs6Er9r6RH6boGfuJRhusz08ugDDlSz3nYZTO4RS6Lf47s6jrx3iKEc07QAUvt8FZetuZrNO_k0xgxBbO3G2NbM4kYUPBrw/s640/blogger-image--1289989598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFWFTDdbWeDeaJd6WLaSSjd-LdF-6OPwvZ5eBCWnMs6Er9r6RH6boGfuJRhusz08ugDDlSz3nYZTO4RS6Lf47s6jrx3iKEc07QAUvt8FZetuZrNO_k0xgxBbO3G2NbM4kYUPBrw/s640/blogger-image--1289989598.jpg"></a></div>Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-25192171769228253072013-09-09T14:07:00.001-04:002013-09-09T14:07:46.509-04:00seven year yoga anniversary awesomeness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGyqdziDSbPeVwyiE627EGWHhCRAJoAZNlUD688PZoiNsjuOS2ypqICoOdRbgkNvwbnFN_vLbQ_jZuUdvpuW6ROA3GfKUtFRr4fvvZEPUqdU8U1-iGaub80uPl2BPePnF_bPsow/s1600/7+Years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGyqdziDSbPeVwyiE627EGWHhCRAJoAZNlUD688PZoiNsjuOS2ypqICoOdRbgkNvwbnFN_vLbQ_jZuUdvpuW6ROA3GfKUtFRr4fvvZEPUqdU8U1-iGaub80uPl2BPePnF_bPsow/s640/7+Years.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-61864480876249966572013-09-03T12:07:00.001-04:002013-09-03T12:07:32.027-04:00yoga teachers:: we say the strangest thingsA big thank you to Misty Pittman for bringing us this entertaining and enlightening blog post!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexico yoga teacher trainees demonstrating "root and extend" beautifully. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Us yoga teachers can say some really strange things during a yoga class. Swan dive, smile your collarbones, root and extend. Wha???<br /><br />
We love to use pretty imagery to help you get into the movement, pose, and flow, but sometimes our translations can get lost. <br /><br /> For newbies and experienced students alike, here’s a little guide to help you understand your teacher the next time you are in class. <br /><br /> Special thank you to the Barefoot Works teachers for your contribution. <br /><br /> Root/ground – whether you’re standing, sitting, or lying down, imagine that the part of you that is connected with your mat is feeling stable and supported. Consciously become aware of that connection and find steadiness there. <br /><br /> Extend/lengthen – allow the parts of your body that are lifted (spine, arms, legs) to grow long and spacious. Being mindful to stay active throughout fingers, toes, crown of head. <br /><br /> Breathe into the tightness, soften and release – I say this one over and over again and get asked the most questions about it. While this one is fairly simple, it is not always easy. Become aware of a part of your body that is holding tension and visualize your inhale moving into that body part. As you exhale, remain focused on that area and consciously work to let go. This is a beautiful standalone practice that you can do at home, systematically working your way through your entire body. <br /><b><br /> Julie’s favorites :: </b><br /><br /> Soften through the chest – relax, let go of tension/holding in the chest, breathe. <br /><br /> Draw your belly button towards your spine – engage your core. <br /><br /> Keep your spine long as you fold – fold from the hips, keep the shoulders pulled back, don’t cave the chest or let the head fall forward. <br /><br /> <b>Meredith’s favorite :: </b><br /><br /> Smile your collarbones – pull the shoulders back and down to encourage the chest to open. <br /><br /> Connect to your core – engage your abdominal muscles to protect your lower back. <br /><br /> <b>Meghan’s favorites :: </b><br /><br /> Squeeze your shoulders blades together behind your heart – lift the front side of your body, relax shoulders away from ears, lengthen neck. <br /><br /> Pull your heart through your shoulders – open the chest, take a mini backbend in the thoracic spine (mid back). <br /><br /> Make the pose dynamic – continue to breath deeply when holding a pose, allowing the body to flow in and out of ease and effort, lengthening and reaching, rather than becoming stagnant in your holding. <br /><br /> Move like you’re flowing through water – maintain grace and integrity through transitions. <br /><br /> Let something go – could be a physical release of tension, restless thoughts in the mind, or fear/emotional connection to a pose. <br /><br /> Flow – move in and out of poses using your breath to guide your timing <br /><b><br /> The next time you hear your teacher using their yoga phrases and you are not sure what they mean, don’t be afraid to ask.</b><br />
<br />
Happy downward dogging!Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-80255229434783036452013-08-13T07:54:00.001-04:002013-08-13T07:54:40.490-04:00women's yoga & meditation retreat<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Women’s Yoga and Meditation Retreat<br />Led by Sarah Bowker</b></span><div class="MsoNormal">
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Join me this fall in beautiful Kentucky for a weekend of
yoga, relaxation and meditation.</div>
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It’s hardly a secret at the studio that Fall is my absolute
favorite time of year. It is a yin time of year.</div>
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It’s cooler, crisper temperatures.</div>
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It’s leaves turning colors and falling into crunchy piles.</div>
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It’s all things pumpkin, squash, apples, and cinnamon.</div>
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It’s football on TV and earlier sunsets.</div>
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It’s building fires, and snuggling into soft sweaters.</div>
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It’s the beautiful transformation Mother Nature makes as she
prepares for winter.</div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>And it’s the perfect time of year to retreat.</b></span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplA8g2jiygoyUGG3pGLRpeEnIRgmpkCxzjYoGGqF-uyN9r27gj8c_zr8m6WxZCmIc-AXKu3S5uoe7nyPmAF4IgHkMFynyGmnnPT6-kdMDHBjTHPq3kXIDK5kYJolW2RGVn_MDsA/s1600/Bethany-Spring-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplA8g2jiygoyUGG3pGLRpeEnIRgmpkCxzjYoGGqF-uyN9r27gj8c_zr8m6WxZCmIc-AXKu3S5uoe7nyPmAF4IgHkMFynyGmnnPT6-kdMDHBjTHPq3kXIDK5kYJolW2RGVn_MDsA/s640/Bethany-Spring-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have found the coziest old house where I would love for
you to join me and Misty Pittman, fellow Barefoot Works teacher, for a weekend
of yoga, relaxation and meditation.</div>
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It’s just outside the small community of New Haven, at
Bethany Spring, just a mile down the road from the Abbey of Gethsemani.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>It’s a quick 90 minute drive west on the
Bluegrass Parkway from Lexington.</div>
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The rooms are clean and comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grounds are beautiful with plenty of
trees and a lakeside view.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtbA4SnTEAYj1YPniqwDMX_BKlKqUdN60eZqAkhZruZQaa3_FAywB6YIXNt2kOUCGGrb0QnsTPhM2r0oBBn6mGe-esDRCXuirkTWc_0zv3fiGHuuQjGAO5c07GRcT7XI8fqFHXQ/s1600/Trees_Bethany_Spring.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtbA4SnTEAYj1YPniqwDMX_BKlKqUdN60eZqAkhZruZQaa3_FAywB6YIXNt2kOUCGGrb0QnsTPhM2r0oBBn6mGe-esDRCXuirkTWc_0zv3fiGHuuQjGAO5c07GRcT7XI8fqFHXQ/s400/Trees_Bethany_Spring.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>It’s a perfect space to spend a weekend away from Lexington,
celebrating the shift in season, and deepening your yoga and meditation
practice.</b></span></h4>
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We’ll practice restorative, yin, and vinyasa yoga.</div>
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We’ll take time for ourselves – to nap, to journal, to
dream, to just be.</div>
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We’ll breathe.</div>
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And we’ll meditate, together with other women.</div>
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<b>Won’t you join us?<a href="http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=2996&stype=-8" target="_blank"> Sign up here:</a> </b></h3>
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<b>Space is limited to only 8 women, so register early to claim your spot.</b></h3>
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<b>Dates: October 11-13, 2013 </b>(begin at 6pm Friday and end at noon on Sunday)<br /><b>Cost: $300</b> if registered by 9/13 and includes room, yoga and meditation instruction and meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch.<br />Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-21485523561443795342013-08-06T14:26:00.000-04:002013-08-06T14:31:37.260-04:00weathering transitionA beautiful blog post by the soul-full Meredith Swim. I'm breathing a little easier now and I hope you will too after reading her words. xoxo, Sharon<br />
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Prayer ~ Belleruth Naparstek<br />
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<em>Just give me this: </em><br />
<em>A rinsing out, a cleansing free </em><br />
<em>Of all my smaller strivings </em><br />
<em>So I can be the class act God intended, <br />True to my purpose, <br /><br />All my energy aligned behind my deepest intention.<br />And just this: <br />A quieting down, <br /><br />A clearing away of internal ruckus, <br />So I can hear the huge stillness in my heart, <br />And feel <br />How I pulse with all creation, <br />Part and parcel of Your great singing ocean.</em><br />
<em>And this too: <br />A willingness to notice and forgive <br />The myriad times I fall short, <br />Forgetting who I really am, <br />What I really belong to.<br />So I can start over, <br /><br />Fresh and clean, <br />Like sweet sheets billowing in the summer sun, <br />My heart pierced with gratitude</em>.<br />
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<strong>After the initial thrill of finishing undergrad at UK,</strong> I fell into a limbo like state and haven’t felt centered during these rather radiant summer days. Frankly, I’m mad that I feel off-centered. This emotional state reflects the transitioning (Yes, hello, Change) taking place right now in my life. <br />
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I’m transitioning from being an undergraduate to an adult like person in the workplace. I’m moving out of my beloved cherry red room that was a sanctuary during my college days and back to my childhood home. I’m clearing out old essays and organizing clothes and books while struggling with the stress and lack of confidence that habitually bubbles up for me when I am in the midst of a grand, elegant mess (anyone out there good with organizing clutter? I’ll pay you in lattes for help).<br />
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In a tearful breakdown to my mom, she gave me familiar advice: “Breathe Courage.” This was my mantra for June, but it seems to have vanished into the rainstorms and heat waves of July. I blinked, a bit shocked and agitated to hear my lost Higher Self’s words of wisdom.<br />
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“You already have the answers,” she soothed. </blockquote>
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My mind revisited Naparstek’s poem: a willingness to notice and forgive/the myriad times I fall short. <br />
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So, here I am noticing that I feel ungrounded these days, more sensitive and reactive to others and to myself. I notice the resentment and judgment I feel toward my sensitivity and the rhetoric from childhood claiming I am too soft and incapable for the hustle and bustle of the “real” world. <br />
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I notice the small, but significant moments when I do not harshly judge myself and choose to channel compassion and forgiveness for self. Noticing. <br />
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Perhaps at this moment of change,<strong> simply taking note and forgiving whatever emerges will be the remedy for weathering this transition,</strong> or as Sharon beautifully put it, transformation.<br />
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Wherever you are in this moment, blog traveler, take a moment to Notice. Greet whatever emerges with compassion and include some forgiveness. <br />
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<strong>We all fall short, but we also can rise.</strong> <br />
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Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-31240931794049663112013-07-23T11:05:00.000-04:002013-07-23T11:05:14.071-04:00falling into contentment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em> Come away and cultivate contentment with miss <a href="http://bumbleandbliss.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Misty Pittman</a>. Enjoy yoga friends.....</em><br /><br /><br /><br />I have my yoga clothes on, new Avia capris and a blue Outer Banks t-shirt. Class starts in 79 minutes. I could leave now and get there with a few minutes to spare. But I'm not going to. <br /><br />I can give you a few solid reasons to justify this. I'm exhausted because I spent more time last night coughing than sleeping. I'm feeling a little queasy from all the Robitussin and cough drops that I consumed in the middle of the night. I still need to put the finishing touches on my plan for the class that I am scheduled to teach later this morning. <br /><br />All valid, right?<br /><br /><strong>But really, honestly, my heart is just not in it this morning.</strong><br /><br />I have the house to myself, and it's not often that I have the house to myself. I like this alone time. I tell myself that I should at least be doing something productive while I'm here, like running the washing machine, but I don't want to. <br /><br /> <strong>What I really want to do is just sit and be quiet</strong>. I want to cough my little heart out, without worrying that I'm disturbing someone. I want to drink my ginger tea slowly, savoring it, instead of trying to keep from spilling it all over myself as I drive to Lexington. I want to write. I want to go to the farmers market and buy veggies that will boost my immune system and kick this cough’s ass. <br /><br /> Of course, I tell myself that I am not being a good yogi by skipping class, that I'm not being a good wife by not cleaning the house, that I'm not being a good mummy by not walking the dogs. </div>
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<strong>But then I let it go, because Failure and me have a close relationship, one that I respect very much.</strong><br /><br />This is how I fail everyday. I make a commitment to myself and then I renege. It’s so easy to beat myself up over it, too. </div>
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<br />But what’s the point?<br /><br /><strong>Inhale inhale inhale… exhhhhhaaalle let it go.</strong><br /><br />When I let go, I accept. When I accept, I can move on and be present. When I can be present, I can start to see the horizon of contentment.<br /><br />I can choose to spend the next hour watching the clock, telling myself that I should be at class, or I can indulge in my change of heart and soak up the quiet that I am really craving. I can send a little light to the students that I know I won’t get to sun salute with, and then take another yummy sip of tea. </div>
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<strong>When I remember to accept I can expand and soften (just like a really good supta baddha konasana).</strong><br /><br />The wisdom on my tea bag tells me that ‘the greatest tool you have is to listen’. And that is really, truly, all you need to do. Ask your Self what you most need in any given moment and listen. You don’t always have to listen to the shoulds and have tos, but you do always have to <strong>listen to your heart</strong>.<br /><br /><br /></div>
Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-79522370708255620642013-06-24T14:16:00.003-04:002013-06-24T14:16:46.396-04:00breathe courage
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4xJnb8JDARMgFXzVt_vvFqIfbBgTYKOxwkIeFfjxiAge-UsUFIead4Y6X4_38qtzZqj5A0IgyPspNMm61KbbwcGoZvPwRvH1QEKCUtyNGOujL6kUYTYZDp7r2fZbV5EuhY_KRg/s1600/birds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4xJnb8JDARMgFXzVt_vvFqIfbBgTYKOxwkIeFfjxiAge-UsUFIead4Y6X4_38qtzZqj5A0IgyPspNMm61KbbwcGoZvPwRvH1QEKCUtyNGOujL6kUYTYZDp7r2fZbV5EuhY_KRg/s320/birds.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>More words to savor and breathe in from Miss Meredith Swim.</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The solo
robin stands on the edge of his nest, his black eyes scanning the rain drop
garden and gazing at the world beyond the fence. His burnt orange-feathered
chest rises and falls with his breath. He’s meditating on his first flight,
breathing in courage. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Breathe courage</i>.</strong> This is my new mantra
and the young robin embodies its powerful message. Before the bird takes
flight, he pauses and breathes, connecting to his inner source of courage. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>He
reminds me of the importance of that pause.</strong> I easily can buy into the hustle
and bustle of the modern world and lose my own voice to the fast advice of
others. If I forget to breathe, my courage slips away from me; but taking the
quiet moment to breathe allows me to gather my inner resources and handle the
situation or the difficult person in front of me. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">At
first, my monkey mind resists that pause by pointing at the clock: “You’re
taking a time-out?! We’re already pressed for time! You don’t have time!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ironically,
taking the moment to breathe with awareness, to hit pause, creates time. The
mental clarity to make the appropriate decision appears, freeing myself of
additional stress and the time that would be needed later to let go of the
day’s burdens. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This
young robin is the last of his siblings to leave the nest. At first, I feel a
pang of pity for him, sitting alone with the wild world pressing up against his
safe haven; but this dissipates as I notice his cool serenity. </span></span></div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">He’s not
self-conscious about being the last bird to fly; he’s not flopping around his
nest in a state of distress and crying for his mother. He’s a majestic little
prince determining his own course. </span></span></div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Breathe
courage.</i> Staying true to oneself takes courage.</strong> In yoga class it takes some
courage to honor your body, choosing a modification or a child’s pose while
others vinyasa about. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Later in the morning, I check the bird
nest and it’s empty – the young robin has successfully dived into the world
outside the safety of my parents’ back porch. His pre-flight meditation helped
him to soar. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Reflecting on his flight, I realize he
must have possessed such confidence in his body, his wings, his instinct, and
recognized the courage existing in his small, magnificent body. </span></span></div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is one of
the main reasons I fell in love with yoga and am inspired to teach the ancient
practice – in yoga class, I felt safe in my body. </span></span></div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yoga found me during my
adolescence, a self-proclaimed daydreamer who had grown up dreading gym class.
In my first yoga classes, as I twisted, stretched, and bent forward, I felt awe
for these physical limbs I had so long inhabited but ignored out of fear of
imperfection and discomfort. </span></span></div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To breathe courage doesn’t mean taking in courage
from the outside world, but to reconnect to the strength and power already
existing in your skin and bones. </span></span></div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">As the robin gazed at the awaiting world, he
exuded courage, the courage to wait and be with himself until the time was
perfectly right for him to stretch his wings and fly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-19832622250138824622013-05-28T11:37:00.001-04:002013-05-28T11:37:57.014-04:00love is all we need<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love just how real Misty Pittman keeps it in this blog post. Read up and enjoy friends. xo, sharon</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Late last December I
was introduced to the notion of having one word that could guide me
through 2013. A word to explore, deconstruct, embody, grow into,
challenge, and inspire me. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I almost settled on the word <i>TRUST</i>, but fate led me to <i>LOVE</i>, and I settled in.</span></b><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I think about this word daily. I hold it close to my
heart and ask it many questions. I am surprised by it and, at times,
disappointed in it. I imagined that living a year of love would be easy
peasy. It's supposed to be glowing and sweet and comforting.
Everlasting. Except, I'm learning that it's not.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There's the gripping panic that comes when love
changes. The confusion of love waxing and waning. The desperation of
attachment to keep everything we love just as it is, to keep it safe.
With love, there is bound to be fear. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One aspect that I'm getting curious about is what
effect falling out of love has on us. When we are no longer enamored
with a new beau. When a hobby that was once joyful becomes tedious.
When friendships lose their sparkle. When our dream career turns
lackluster. When the smell of a favorite meal makes us feel queasy.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Cue <i>disappoint</i> and <i>boredom</i>.</b> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My
yoga practice is one example. I have a huge love/dislike relationship
with my practice. I can go from daily down dogs to dreading my mat in
the blink of an eye. Sometimes I ceremoniously read Yoga Journal (tea,
sunny spot, breeze), sometimes they pile up in the corner for months,
nagging me as one other thing I need to do. Things can get stale pretty
quickly. I try to revisit the things that drew me to the practice
initially. I might talk myself into only spending five minutes in, what
used to be, my favorite go to pose. <i>Meh</i>. These things do nothing for me.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>I'm learning that it's not about hanging on to the
things that I once loved, it's about accepting where I am right now and
then finding new ways to keep the love going</b>. We fall in love with
what's new and exciting. For me, that might mean practicing a pose I've
never done before or studying a different aspect of yoga that I've
never considered. Sometimes it means changing location or intention.
When I get it right, when I find that thing that brings the practice
back to life for me, I can get back to bliss. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm learning to love these in between moments. I'm
making peace with the discomfort it brings, the feelings of confusion
and questioning. Because it's during these times when I know that
something new is waiting to be discovered. And I love that. </span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></b><div>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Is there something in your world that has lost it's
sparkle?</b> Something that you know is worth holding onto but no longer
fulfills you? Can you find another way of being with it that encourages
excitement? Maybe it's finding a way to simply love the change and be
open to a new phase.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am a true believer that love is the magic cure to everything that ails us. </span>Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-26428793930435341272013-05-20T09:44:00.003-04:002013-05-20T09:44:50.361-04:00this unfolding journey<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpFirst" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Good Monday morning Friends....I'm delighted to share this blog post with you written by our new college graduate, Meredith Swim. I hope you're as inspired by her as I am. Keep rocking this thing called Life, Meredith. xo, sharon</i> </span></div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpFirst" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoteLevel1CxSpFirst" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hello Blog Travelers! </span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am writing this post as a college
graduate! Hurray! As the graduation celebrations have drawn to an end I have
found myself in a transitional phase. My yoga practice is an absolutely
essential part of my day as I breathe my way through ambiguity and begin to
shape my post-grad plan. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My inner poet articulates this yoga
relationship a bit more fluidly…</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Unrolling the yoga mat is part of
this unfolding journey.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vinyasa flow from one stage to
another</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">with child poses and conscious
breaths</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">to ease the rough in-betweens.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Diving into my downdog with delight
in the desire</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">to re-discover the wisdom planted in
my feet and the advice waiting to be given from the stretch in my hamstrings.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I’m backbending to open my heart</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">and see what passions dwell inside. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Breathing-in
so I can hear</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">the true
voice that speaks so very quietly at times,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">and
exhaling to release the crowd shouting out advice.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Re-affirming
that we all have our own journeys and we all have different paths destined to
take</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Comparing
and contrasting causes too much tension in my shoulder blades.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In half-moons
I reach up for the stars, thinking of future destinations and ambitions
achieved, but if my drishti is too focused in the future, </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I lose
the moment and forget to breathe.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In
savasana I surrender to the Earth</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">and let
Her hold me. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I let go,
again and again, and again.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The mat
pardons my repeated mistake in thinking that I have to be so much more than
whatever this breath or moment asks me to be.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A quiet
forgiveness emerges as I settle into my skin, realizing this post-grad moment,
with all its questions, insecurities, and dreams, is the exact place I need to
be. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A vinyasa
or two, child poses in-between and a few swan dives to stretch my wings
reclaims the Center I am so eagerly seeking. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="NoteLevel1CxSpLast" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A Namaste
blesses the rest of the day and I step off my mat with to graciously embrace
the day. </span></div>
Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-24730243560973715772013-04-23T10:33:00.000-04:002013-04-23T10:33:11.643-04:00grace and yoga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi524o4tXUnBAo1JZfpAxUn0caP8j-R3kaaT8nSRcS83s8MfgN4ESvXVvgs_w7YKawxbMQCOeKCkClTEALiUQ-8gyxGgV6c0NPbOqJzDapA2sgqwz2Iqx_p4LlIvrtM7_VDTH4NZA/s1600/coachingretreat6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi524o4tXUnBAo1JZfpAxUn0caP8j-R3kaaT8nSRcS83s8MfgN4ESvXVvgs_w7YKawxbMQCOeKCkClTEALiUQ-8gyxGgV6c0NPbOqJzDapA2sgqwz2Iqx_p4LlIvrtM7_VDTH4NZA/s400/coachingretreat6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13pt;"><i>Because grace is a beautiful thing. Thank you Misty Pittman, you are the picture of grace.</i> </span></span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13pt;">I found these words from yoga teacher, Jason Crandell, in my
FaceBook newsfeed today, “<i>The integrity of your movement is more important than
your range of movement</i>”, and I realized that this is exactly what I’ve been
trying to speak to in recent classes.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13pt;"><b>Grace.</b><span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13pt;">How can we invite this into our yoga practice, and into our
lives?<span> </span>How can we show up in a way that
is gentle?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13pt;">And why is this even important?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13pt;">When I think of grace, I think of ease, compassion, and
humbleness.<span> </span>I think of going with the flow.<span> </span>When we are practicing these elements, we are
living in a way that is harmonious and authentic.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13pt;">We begin to notice ourselves as kinder.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13pt;">With grace, there is less struggle and awkwardness.<span> </span>We are not resisting or forcing.<span> </span>We can loosen our grip on whatever it is we
are fighting with and begin to accept.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13pt;">The yoga mat is a perfect place to begin to explore this.<span> </span>How often do we push ourselves into poses
without paying attention to the transitions?<span>
</span>How many of us tell ourselves stories about how our limitations on the
mat determine our worth?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13pt;"><b>What if we thought about our yoga practice as a dance and our
breath the rhythm that carries us?</b><span>
</span>Moving slowly, stretching our bodies joyously, inhaling deeply as arms
are swept overhead and exhaling fully as we float our upper body forward into a
soft fold.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13pt;">Take time to establish alignment, setting down hands and feet as
if this was an honored ritual.<span> </span>Breathe
fully, creating expansion, without taking the breath to a place of
rigidity.<span> </span>Be gentle in your thoughts and
words.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13pt;">These elements of grace soften us and make us whole.<span> </span>We feel calmer.<span> </span>Even if we lose our balance, we recover with
a smile.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13pt;">Start here, on the mat.<span>
</span>Feel alive and carry that into your daily life, bringing that quality of
grace into your relationships and work.<span>
</span>Enjoy going with the flow, even you do have two left feet.</span></span></div>
Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-12291784213621838882013-04-15T12:26:00.000-04:002013-04-15T12:26:47.467-04:00the heart of yoga: an online offering<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3coLh1YmmAnA8vQOIE1MpqP2vk0ThX-wtqPFEy_QU4goM88eKntV-yJegMgboYtQDZWEJLxvkoE1Qi3yQ2SMMWxuZHA4GIyEJeaixucmETU4O0msudaS9cfBdxkO7QHbJh-dzQ/s1600/heartofyoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3coLh1YmmAnA8vQOIE1MpqP2vk0ThX-wtqPFEy_QU4goM88eKntV-yJegMgboYtQDZWEJLxvkoE1Qi3yQ2SMMWxuZHA4GIyEJeaixucmETU4O0msudaS9cfBdxkO7QHbJh-dzQ/s400/heartofyoga.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">In this wild, beautiful,
crazy, precious life we need tools, ways of living and Being, which help us to
stay connected to our center.</span> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Life is not inherently stressful, busy, and hard but it can
feel that way to many of us. Yoga offers us a beautiful system that helps us to
integrate body, mind, and spirit. It also offers us a powerful framework for
not only living in accordance with our Self, but also how to live in harmony in
our relationships.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The essence of Yoga is this integration of body, mind, and
spirit through practices that enhance the mind-body-heart connection. These
techniques awaken strength, poise, grace, and the development of centered
awareness even in the midst of chaos and turmoil.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Who wouldn’t benefit
from more of this?</b></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Join me in this five week journey through the yamas. Don’t
worry, that’s just a fancy Sanskrit word that basically means “restraint”.
These so called restraints are not quite as limiting as they might first
appear. They actually create the most awesome containers that encourage us to
live and love in peace with ourselves and one another.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The focus of this
online offering is about You + Your Relationships. After all, isn’t life one
big relationship? Let us consider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
have:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our relationship to our Self.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Relationship to our family of origin, spouse or partner, friends,
children, co-workers, community, the clerk, and yes, even your barista. And we
must include our very own Mama Nature, the environment.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How about your relationship to passions, goals, dreams,
intentions? Your relationship to your beliefs, habits, and the truths you have
owned.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Friend, there is so much more.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why is this
exploration worthy of your time and attention?</b></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Because if you are reading this, then you too feel the call
to live life intentionally. To be awake and aware in this world. To love more
fully and joyfully. You are devoted to a life of meaning and purpose. </span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This doesn’t mean we are perfect, that we don’t slip and
make mistakes. Oh no, this is not the place for judgments and righteousness.
This is the place where we <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>each get to
show up, turn towards our light, compassionately reflect, and consciously
choose how we want to show up for ourselves and each other. </span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Will you bring your strengths,
your vulnerabilities, your joys, your hopes, your regrets, your sorrows and
join me on this glorrrrrious adventure? </b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I so hope you will. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">For five weeks you
will receive an email from me three times per week… Monday, Wednesday &
Friday.</b> Each week we’ll journey through the five yamas, playing with one
per week. You’ll have to digest, ponder, and play with the words, stories, and
exercises presented. You can open and read each email at a time that feels
convenient for you. We’ll also have a private Facebook forum for those of you
wanting to connect in an online environment.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I’m also planning to teach my classes around the yamas
during the five week course. Local yogis will have a chance to explore these
practices on the yoga mat.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">For those of you
wanting to dive a step deeper I am offering a coaching session in addition to
the class.</b> This is for any of you wanting personal attention as it relates
to the work we’ll be exploring and personal practices for you to engage in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Details:</b></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Heart of Yoga:</b>
Five week online exploration through the yamas<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">When:</b> May 20 - June 21<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Registration:</b> $36 for online
course, $100 for course + one coaching session</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<a href="http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=2996&stype=-8" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Click here for registration.</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Please note there are two options, one for the course alone and one for course + coaching. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">with love,</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">sharon</span></div>
Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-15831430556422108392013-03-28T16:36:00.002-04:002013-04-26T10:25:18.793-04:00mega self love retreat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfgIfH83e6hNI9EvSA0a0mEJCWR6J-qc5PQqOy4EdIQh4wU53vRD81BOHr8tXIQ3hl3VBvxR1MfcRGxZ1LzfMxDZlmKv1S3Si9GjJxr6JhPt9Dc-9GOh-0l565Z1vaK6lWvFQnQ/s1600/megaloveretreat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfgIfH83e6hNI9EvSA0a0mEJCWR6J-qc5PQqOy4EdIQh4wU53vRD81BOHr8tXIQ3hl3VBvxR1MfcRGxZ1LzfMxDZlmKv1S3Si9GjJxr6JhPt9Dc-9GOh-0l565Z1vaK6lWvFQnQ/s640/megaloveretreat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm feeling ready to start a radical self love revolution.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's right. And I'm calling all women to join me. Yes, you, you, and especially you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It doesn't matter your age, the size of your thighs, what you do for a living, if you're currently happy or miserable. It doesn't matter if you're feeling lost and confused, or totally on track. I don't care if you can stand on your head or sit in lotus for meditation. I don't care if you single, happily married, or fighting your way through fertility. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What I want to know is this....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Are you willing to start loving yourself right here, right now? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mary Oliver tells us this (and she's brilliant so I'm all ears, heart too), </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"You do not
have to be good.<br />You do not have to walk on your knees<br />For a hundred miles
through the desert, repenting.<br />You only have to let the soft animal of your
body<br />love what it loves."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm about to suggest something radically different. There is a way for you to summon self acceptance, compassion, kindness, and love for wherever you are in your life right now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is in fact a way for you to hold a higher vision for yourself and your future AND give yourself some mega love for where you are now. Yes, at the same time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We postpone our joy (and love) for a later date and time. We think....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I finish school, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I have the baby, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I get a new job, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When life settles down, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I lose 10 more pounds, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I master such and such yoga pose,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I have more money,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I have more time,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Etc, etc, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THEN I will be worthy to love myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Frankly, it's time for it to stop.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Consider joining me and a small group of awesome lovely ladies for the day to explore all things major loooovvve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'll revel in our bodies awesome ways to move through yoga.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'll let someone else love our body up and down with an hour massage at The Massage Center.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'll eat an awesome organic lunch provided by Good Foods Co-Op.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'll share stories from the heart.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We'll explore ways to embrace, celebrate, and demonstrate how you can start loving yourself today</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And because it's a day of mega loooovvvve, there will be moments of moving to your own rhythm. That may look like a walk to Starbucks for a latte, swinging outside near the flowers, busting out a spontaneous sphinx pose, or sipping hot tea and doing absolutely nothing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Decide that this IS the day you stop waiting for love. It's yours to claim. Go for it.....The world is waiting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b>Saturday May 18, 8:30 - 4:30</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b>$160 if you pay before May 4</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b>$185 afterwards</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b>Price includes all yoga sessions, massage, tea, treats and other random awesomeness.</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Register early as space is limited ladies!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=2996&stype=-8" target="_blank">Register Here!</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Sorry men, this one is only for the women out there.**</span>Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-9586439577759069122013-03-25T11:35:00.000-04:002013-03-25T11:36:24.315-04:00alternate nostril breathing<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sarah Bowker shares how you can use the breath to create more energy and how to settle down and relax. When you need a quick fix, there is nothing more readily available than your sweet awesome breath. Enjoy Friends.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXJ_3qWUwY_jIwL7-lfb3hXIvrGS8hfL2BvyM0konAz4bzv6CzEBqaADi5QS-dQTDS_OVFt_Y-_DMoNQYIVCeMd6PlGzADGBLItLS6uWQXqewkhZAk1L_5hmTichtIyq0MjE4WA/s1600/sarah-ji.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXJ_3qWUwY_jIwL7-lfb3hXIvrGS8hfL2BvyM0konAz4bzv6CzEBqaADi5QS-dQTDS_OVFt_Y-_DMoNQYIVCeMd6PlGzADGBLItLS6uWQXqewkhZAk1L_5hmTichtIyq0MjE4WA/s320/sarah-ji.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<em></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>My “go-to” breath: alternate nostril breathing<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Our breath serves many functions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the most important functions our
breath has is to move our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prana</i>, or
energy, throughout our body.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Close your eyes, and take a breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you feel the skin stretch and the lungs
expand as you filled the body with your inhale?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Can you feel the body settle back into place on the exhale?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<em>Now, take a breath, and imagine taking that breath in
through your hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feel the inhale
travel up from the palms of your hands, along the arms, all the way to the top
of your head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exhale, feel the breath
move back down, from your head, along your arms, and out your hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a few breaths this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This type of breath visualization can help us
to move our prana in our body.</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cool, huh?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Just like yoga poses assist in toning, strengthening,
stretching, and balancing the physical body, there are different breath
techniques we can use to balance our energetic/vital/breath body.</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Let us take a quick look at the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yin/yang</i> concept of energy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
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</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype>At all times, our
body’s energy lies somewhere along a continuum between <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yin </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yang</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, our energy cannot be completely yin,
or completely yang (see symbol below); without the presence of yin, we cannot
know yang, and vice versa. Here are the commonly used adjectives to help
describe the tendencies of yin and yang:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yin<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yang<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hidden<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feminine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soft<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Restful<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Exposed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Masculine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sun<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>We can easily change the energetic balance of our bodies
using our breath.</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our body’s access to yin and yang energy is
through our nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our left nostril helps
to increase the yin energy in our body, while the right nostril helps to
increase the yang energy in our body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
The breath exercise used to balance the yin and yang energies
of the body is called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nadi shodhana</i>,
or alternate nostril breathing. It involves exhaling and inhaling through one
nostril, and then switching sides to exhale and then inhale, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fingers can be used to lightly seal the
nostril not being used to breathe, or just visualization can be used.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yoga journal has a great tutorial: </span><a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2487"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2487</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Alternate nostril breathing is a quick and effective way to
prepare the energetic body for meditation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It also helps to slow the breath down.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feeling sleepy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few
breaths in and out your right nostril will give you an energetic boost!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Feeling jittery, and unable to relax?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few breaths in and out your left nostril
will mellow you out.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Give it a try, and let me know how it goes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679432.post-18914122356271220082013-03-19T14:36:00.004-04:002013-03-19T14:36:51.522-04:00steadiness and ease<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>Misty Pittman has a bit of an obsession. Read on Friends.....</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i></i></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnl8zzN69i8c9L49s957XyGCWpU9RlFSiOmrzp7pXcFj6p7ZbktkH_XDZ8DrBkyYqWSczflH0MXZOA8bL4Qx4OsucUl0D9wxbweKSVpJJ9JrnqOP85xgJi8_g0zUludyDI6zhgXg/s1600/beach_poses2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnl8zzN69i8c9L49s957XyGCWpU9RlFSiOmrzp7pXcFj6p7ZbktkH_XDZ8DrBkyYqWSczflH0MXZOA8bL4Qx4OsucUl0D9wxbweKSVpJJ9JrnqOP85xgJi8_g0zUludyDI6zhgXg/s320/beach_poses2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>Sthira Sukham Asanam.</i><i> </i><i>Asana is a steady, comfortable posture.</i><br />
~ The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali<br />
<br />
If you have taken any of my classes in the past month, you are all too
familiar with my fascination surrounding this topic. In fact, it is
starting to become a bit of an obsession.<br />
<br />
<strong>Patanjali tells us that any posture that allows us to feel steady and
relaxed is a yoga pose.</strong> Say what? Yes, absolutely. It is as simple
and difficult as that. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meditators practice the yoga poses with hopes
that physical ease and suppleness will be achieved,
so that they may sit for extended periods of time in meditation, without
having the distractions of physical discomfort.<br />
<br />
But what about the rest of us? Those of us new to yoga that find
awkwardness and resistance in every pose? Those of us with injuries and
cranky bodies? Those of us who push past our limits, trying to achieve
perfection, bypassing steadiness? </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And why is
it so important to be aware of this concept? </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Because if our aim is not
steadiness and ease (both on and off the mat), then we are only
struggling and resisting</strong>.<br />
<br />
As yoga practitioners, where do we start? We know that in the course of
a 75 min yoga class, many opportunities will come up that will
challenge us. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Begin by honoring your body. Don't ignore pain. Keep
your ego in check. Keep it simple.</strong> <br />
<br />
Stand in tadasana and feel the four corners of your feet pressing into
the floor. Lift your kneecaps and firm up through your hamstrings.
Feel that energy lift your spine tall, open your heart, and close your
eyes. Even as your body sways, can you feel stable
through your feet? Can you feel the lightness of your upper body? Can
you feel the fullness of your breath?<br />
<br />
Of course, not every pose is this simple. Many poses will challenge our
strength, our balance, and our flexibility. I experienced this myself
in a recent class. I couldn’t even hold my hands together in prayer
without them trembling. I took my attention
to my breath, and even though my body shook uncontrollably, I found that
I could detach and find steadiness through my inhales and exhales. Not
easy, but amazing to feel that ease amidst the chaos of my tired body.<br />
<br />
<strong>I encourage you to play with this. Pick a pose that is mildly
challenging for you and then ask yourself how you can invite both states
of steadiness and ease into the posture</strong>. Maybe you simply loosen the
grip of your toes and soften the muscles around the
face. Maybe you imagine reaching your tailbone down into the mat, as
your spine effortlessly grows tall. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The possibilities are endless.</strong></span></span></span>Sharon Tessandorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568424790252425363noreply@blogger.com0