You are currently browsing the monthly archive for January 2010.
Here’s a partial list of a few books I have thoroughly been enjoying. I know some of you enjoy stocking your library. Some of these books are a bit heavy on the theory end, but nonetheless inspiring, especially if you have a cup of tea to accompany you while reading. Anything you can get your hands on to learn more about this body, this life…go for it! It’s a perfect way to spend a winter day with a windchill. Enjoy!
Atlas of Human Anatomy by Frank H. Netter…this one comes highly recommended, from Donna’s library list.
Wisdom of the Body Moving by Linda Harley…loads of information about human movement and development.
The Breathing Book by Donna Farhi…great hands on information about breathing anatomy and integration.
Bringing Yoga to Life by Donna Farhi…actually just purchased a second copy of this one for my own library. Definitely this book is a worthy investment for any yoga practitioner or student of life. Who wants to borrow it first?
There is another one about Back Care that I need to track down…to be continued…Happy reading!
Cheri
I believe our body can become our home. Think about your first few weeks in your current home or apartment. When you first moved in, you felt disconnected, scattered as your personal belongings slowly were unpacked and put into place. It took time to get to know that new space, and to understand how to live there comfortably. We often spend countless hours decorating, rearranging, and contemplating how this new space will become our home. We want it to make sense…to feel a certain way. We need our home to serve a purpose in our lives.
It is so similar with our very being, our body. We rush through life, distracted often by things that really (when we boil it all down) don’t mean that much to us. Our body is just a thing that gets us from point A to B, an object of our daily existence….sometimes we may feel it is simply a nuisance. How much time have you devoted to truly getting to know your body? Similar to our new home, we need to care for our body and make sure it becomes a comfortable, purposeful place for us to live. We get to know its “different rooms”, the body systems and how they communicate to each other to keep us well. Feeling at peace with our spirit, clarity of mind, and easeful in our physical body is not just possible, I feel it is necessary to our health and happiness. Through embodiment of intelligent, responsive, expressive movement, we begin to feel at home. We begin to truly live.
As I have been traveling, many times I have contemplated the idea of “home”. Being at peace inside my own skin, loving the life and resilience I can experience daily in this body…now that’s home. After fifty four days here in New Zealand, and about 9 short days to go, I am grateful. So incredibly satisfied and appreciative of the blessings I have been given, the health I enjoy and maintain each day with diligent practice. I feel honored to resume teaching.
I look forward to sharing this purpose with all of you, as I resume teaching on February 15th. Welcome home will come soon enough!
Cheers,
Cheri
“The groundwork of all happiness is HEALTH.” Leigh Hunt
Here are a few questions to reflect on today….pause for a moment, allowing yourself time to ponder each question. Share them with friends or family. Write down responses to create clarity and purpose to carry you forward.
How’s your health and fitness today?
What thoughts are you generating about yourself, your life, your world?
When is it time to take care of your body?
Who can support you toward greater health and happiness today?
Live well and enjoy every moment!
Cheri
“To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it
and to render it more fit for its primary function of looking forward.”
Margaret Fairless Barber
Sidelying Restorative, arm at side, using blankets only
Variation with top arm overhead, top arm can explore different position to give the most comfort for your body
I thoroughly enjoy this posture, as I rarely find this kind of comfort while lying on my side. It supports your body, giving space for your shoulder and maintaining a neutral spine. Again, always be patient with the props and find a position that feels completely safe and comfortable before you decide to being your practice for any length of time.
Place your mat and possibly a blanket down on your floor before you begin with props and folding. Begin by finding 2 to 4 blankets, thick wool ones work the best. Fold them to create a platform for your torso and rib cage, with the height supporting a relatively neutral spine. Create a narrower platform for your neck and head, again at a height to maintain comfortable, neutral alignment. You want the weight of the head completely supported, and the body aligned, checking the head/ears, spine, and hips relative to each other.
As you are ready, and the props are set, take a moment to settle into your breath. Slowly roll down onto your side into the supports, making sure you are completely at peace, and stay for 3 to 5 minutes, only longer if you are familiar with the pose and feel comfortable staying. Over time you can gradually increase the duration of your experience here. Also, you can rest the top arm at your side, or begin to explore with movement, allowing the arm to float and move through the air. Some people find it comfortable to take the arm overhead, gently wrapping the arm around until the hand can arrive at the blankets for support. I urge you to follow your own comfort, and at no time should you experience pain. Be patient with your body and really listen to what you need. Breathe. Then listen even more.
You can also try the variation below, if you have a bolster handy. You can bend both knees, or extend the bottom leg as shown here, resting the top limbs into the bolster. Always remember that your spine should be neutral, completely supported, and the breathing full and present. Enjoy!
Variation with large bolster and blankets. Remember: total comfort is key!
Live well and enjoy your time to rest and reflect…
Cheri
