Yoga Spring Cleaning
Hello Dear Yogi Loves,
We are over flying through spring towards summer, how are you?
Sending you some springtime love and light from my garden
Saucha ~ Cleanliness
Part of the second limb of yoga, saucha translates as cleanliness or purity. Saucha is practiced in the external body by keeping clean, showering, washing our clothes and mat. We can also be clean internally by eating healthy food for good digestion. Asanas are cleansing for all our bodies- phyisical, emotional, mental, energetic and spiritual. Twists, are especially cleansing, wringing out old blood and synovial fluid so joints, ligaments, muscles, etc can be washed and refreshed. Drinking plenty of water is cleansing and essential for healthy functioning of circulatory, lymphatic and immune systems.
Thinking noble thoughts or studying wise or sacred texts for pure mind is another way to practice internal saucha. When we chant Om it is an internal wash, cleansing our spirit and aligning us for practice.
Spring is a time of renewal and fresh starts. What ways can you practice saucha in your life, body, home and relationships?
Gift for You!
Coming back to external cleanliness- do you have any unwanted hair? This is your chance to do something about it! Maybe you have seen Komal in class. Super friendly, puts you right at ease kind of lady. She is the most amazing Laser tech and she now works here in Miami Beach.
All I can say is Wow! Wow, wow, WOW! Why did I waste all those years shaving? Wow, that was painless. Wow, that was fast. Wow, what a beautiful spa. Wow, what a great deal- please you have to go visit Komal. Use the coupon to try for free, tell your friends. She won't be a secret for long!
Upcoming Events
Iyengar Yoga with me
Monday, May 15 at 10am
You are invited to practice Iyengar yoga with me from the comfort of your own home, with all the props and goodness.
I will be subbing for my teacher at YogaRosa and this is a special opportunity to practice poses we can't do in our regular classes. With the help of all the props (like chairs & flat walls without ballet barres), we can really play!
Look around your home to find your props:
- a wall for support
- a chair, any chair will do
- sturdy pillows, couch cushions or bolsters
- at least 2 folded blankets or towels
- a strap or belt
Then we will be set to play and use support to find ease and create new shapes with our bodies. One of the best things about Iyengar Yoga is that you can customize a pose so you can stay there. BEING in the pose is what brings the vitality and health benefits.
If you can't make the live zoom class, just sign up to receive the recording!
Inversions Workshop
Sat July 15 at Inner Balance
Going upside down is so good for us, that's why headstand and shoulderstand are known as the king and queen of yoga postures.
My teacher Rosa Santana, level 3 Iyengar Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist, will be leading a workshop on Inversions coming this summer. You do not want to miss this opportunity to learn from the best
So stay tuned for more information. Hope you will join us as we learn to go upside down SAFELY, working from where we are, to reap the full benefits of a complete yoga practice.
Pain after class?
Sometimes we feel some pain after yoga. Do not get discouraged. Sometimes we overdo, or do incorrectly. This is a sweet pain that is to be endured. It is all part of the learning process. Do not get discouraged. Keep practicing. My teacher, Abijhata Iyengar, says that if there is a strong sensation during the pose, its probably an uncomfortable stretch that you need. But if there is pain after the pose is over, or later in the day, it may be an indication that something was not performed correclty. You know to pay extra attention next time and ask for help- the eyes of your teaching watching you do it :)
My first serious yoga injury happened with a very experienced teacher. He spoke about differing East/West ideas about an injury and how in the Ashtanga Yoga tradition "injuries" were thought of as kind of opening, a new beginning. My mind was blown. The idea that I didn't necessarily need to frame the injury in a negative way- that I was broken forever, bad, blah, blah, bl;ah... but rather it could be a valuable learning experience and a fresh starting point, even a good thing?!?. It was incredibly eye opening.to realize the difference between the actual physical pain and the story I created around the pain. It wasn't the pain- it was my relationship with it. Needless to say, I did lean a lot from that opening/injury (namely that tight hips can't be forced- your knee ends up taking the hit!) and the power of the mind-body connection. Always remember,
ahimsa, non-harming is the first ethic of yoga. Keep practicing <3
Lonely? You're Not Alone
Americans have become increasingly lonely and isolated, and this lack of social connection is having profound effects on our mental and physical health, the surgeon general warned in an advisory last Tuesday.
Know that coming to yoga- whether online on in person, we are a coming together in community in a shared space. This community is a magical thing that we should not take for granted. Don't wait until life gets "lifey" and things go wrong to remember how important and necessary the support and encouragement of others is. Remember today and pay it forward if you can by being extra kind. We are here to support and encourage each other.
Keep practicing!
Namaste,
Di
