Hello,
Heat, storms, bugs; outside is a scary place this summer. I work in my garden and walk Ruby, the dog, as early in the day as possible. Mostly, I find myself hiding inside taking advantage of a/c. It's given me time to think about yoga. I've also been enjoying some good books.
Yoga is a lifestyle, not just an exercise. The Yoga Sutras is a collection of the philosophy and beliefs of yoga put together many years BC. They contain morals, ethics and the mental, emotional and physical practices of yoga. My yoga classes focus on only 3 of the components of yoga – breath work, physical practice, and meditation. Yoga practice was originally simple and comfortable. It's now developed into several styles and varying beliefs.
I like to keep our classes easy and gentle, yet still with the option of moving into more challenging modifications. We do gradually build muscle, endurance, balance and alignment. All being very healthy for the body. In this newsletter, I've included 3 simple poses which can be done at anytime.
Props are very helpful for yoga. Some students are great at using them. Other students are hesitant to. Props were used for yoga by BKS Iyengar, a leader in modern yoga. At first, he was ridiculed for using props. However, it is because of his work with props, that yoga became accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Included below is a description of the 4 most common props.
There have been changes to my home studio yoga schedule. Tuesday nights have been removed from the schedule. So my Zoom and home yoga classes only meet on Thursdays. There is also a good chance that the website wisemountainyoga.com will be closed due to unnecessary expenses.
"There is nothing so stable as change." Bob Dylan
Namaste', Sandy Palmer, ERYT200 & RYT500
Heat, storms, bugs; outside is a scary place this summer. I work in my garden and walk Ruby, the dog, as early in the day as possible. Mostly, I find myself hiding inside taking advantage of a/c. It's given me time to think about yoga. I've also been enjoying some good books.
Yoga is a lifestyle, not just an exercise. The Yoga Sutras is a collection of the philosophy and beliefs of yoga put together many years BC. They contain morals, ethics and the mental, emotional and physical practices of yoga. My yoga classes focus on only 3 of the components of yoga – breath work, physical practice, and meditation. Yoga practice was originally simple and comfortable. It's now developed into several styles and varying beliefs.
I like to keep our classes easy and gentle, yet still with the option of moving into more challenging modifications. We do gradually build muscle, endurance, balance and alignment. All being very healthy for the body. In this newsletter, I've included 3 simple poses which can be done at anytime.
Props are very helpful for yoga. Some students are great at using them. Other students are hesitant to. Props were used for yoga by BKS Iyengar, a leader in modern yoga. At first, he was ridiculed for using props. However, it is because of his work with props, that yoga became accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Included below is a description of the 4 most common props.
There have been changes to my home studio yoga schedule. Tuesday nights have been removed from the schedule. So my Zoom and home yoga classes only meet on Thursdays. There is also a good chance that the website wisemountainyoga.com will be closed due to unnecessary expenses.
"There is nothing so stable as change." Bob Dylan
Namaste', Sandy Palmer, ERYT200 & RYT500
Using Props in Yoga
Using props while practicing yoga is very helpful. Usually, studios have a selection of props. Some people like to use their own. Whatever the case, using props helps beginners get into some poses correctly, keeps the body in alignment, helps with flexibility and deepens one's practice. Props make some poses more accessible and easier. Props can encourage safety as long as the user remembers to keep the practice comfortable and pain free. Props are often used for restorative yoga. The picture was created by my grandchildren playing in my yoga studio. They love the props and make good use of them! There are easy household substitutions for props.
Using props while practicing yoga is very helpful. Usually, studios have a selection of props. Some people like to use their own. Whatever the case, using props helps beginners get into some poses correctly, keeps the body in alignment, helps with flexibility and deepens one's practice. Props make some poses more accessible and easier. Props can encourage safety as long as the user remembers to keep the practice comfortable and pain free. Props are often used for restorative yoga. The picture was created by my grandchildren playing in my yoga studio. They love the props and make good use of them! There are easy household substitutions for props.
Blocks bring the floor to your hands and help with stability and alignment. If using 2, make sure they are the same. They make good seats and even pillows. Books are a good substitution.
Straps lengthen your arms, help with alignment, and help you go deeper into a pose. Belts, scarves, towels
Blankets make nice pillows and knee protection as well as keep you warm. They can be folded into seats and rolled into knee supports. Towels
Bolsters make nice knee support during savasana and good seats at times. If your back seems tight or hurts during savasana, you need this prop under your knees. Big pillows, rolled up blankets
3 Simple Poses that Do Powerful Things for Your Body
Tadasana “Mountain Pose” - Standing in good alignment improves your flexibility and balance. It strengthens your legs, knees, thighs and ankles. It's good for your digestion. It can be done in a chair. It's better for older people to stand with their feet hip width apart. It can be practiced while you are standing in line or cooking dinner. For instructions and modifications -
https://www.verywellfit.com/mountain-pose-tadasana-3567127
https://www.verywellfit.com/mountain-pose-tadasana-3567127
Parsva Urdhva Hastasana “Side Bend” - strengthens the waist and oblique muscles by stretching. It also tones the abs and stretches the lower back and psoas. It can be done in the chair. This is one of my favorite poses while traveling.
https://staging-v25.yogaclassplan.com/yoga-pose/side-bending-pose/
https://staging-v25.yogaclassplan.com/yoga-pose/side-bending-pose/
Sukjasana "Easy Pose" - Sitting with crossed legs strengthens your back, helps you breathe more fully and stretches your ankles and knees. It also helps with hip flexibility. All important for balance. It's a good idea to practice this for a few minutes every day. If you have knee, hip and/or back problems, use modifications recommended for this pose. Avoid if you have serious knee or hip issues. A good time to practice is when you are watching TV or reading a book.https://www.everydayyoga.com/blogs/guides/how-to-do-easy-pose-in-yoga
Good Books
Let Your Light Shine: How Mindfulness Can Empower Children and Rebuild Communities by Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andrés González. This is a book that describes how three men brought yoga and meditation to children at risk in Baltimore. Suspensions were decreased and graduation rates greatly increased. If you have school-aged children or grandchildren, this is an informative and helpful book. For me, it reinforces the benefits of yoga and meditation. https://holisticlifefoundation.org/
Built to Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully by Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett This book discusses the importance of movement and has some great ideas on how to incorporate simple movement into your life. https://thereadystate.com/built-to-move
Let Your Light Shine: How Mindfulness Can Empower Children and Rebuild Communities by Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andrés González. This is a book that describes how three men brought yoga and meditation to children at risk in Baltimore. Suspensions were decreased and graduation rates greatly increased. If you have school-aged children or grandchildren, this is an informative and helpful book. For me, it reinforces the benefits of yoga and meditation. https://holisticlifefoundation.org/
Built to Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully by Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett This book discusses the importance of movement and has some great ideas on how to incorporate simple movement into your life. https://thereadystate.com/built-to-move
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