Archive for the ‘Yoga & Meditation’ Category

Meditation during Massage

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

I’ve had a few clients recount experiences with other practitioners.  They felt a bit uncomfortable when during the massage, the practitioner chose to chant or in some cases even sing.   Talking is one thing; in my viewpoint the option should always be with the client and not the massage therapist.  Chanting or singing should never be something that is put into a session without the client being made aware of it first.  I for one would opt out.

However, I do find that massage can be very meditative for both the massage therapist and the massage client.   For some, it’s the only time and space where there is no requirement to talk.  I often tell clients, “Your only job on the table is to breathe.”    Often, their amazement at this statement brings me such great joy.   We are all so busy these days, and checking in and talking and discussing, texting, many people find themselves tethered to communication devices (ie phones, smartphones, computers) that being allowed space and even invited not to communicate brings relief.

The mind is allowed to wander, as in savasana, a yoga practice that is a favorite of many yogis.  In savasana you lie on the floor, ankles about mat width apart (yoga mat of course, about two feet),palms turned up toward the ceiling with hands a few inches from the hips.     This is to relax all muscles after class, and also serves as a time where the mind and body are allowed tobe separate.

Let Go during your massage.  Give yourself the space to relax and be open to what the mind brings.  Feel free to share with your massage therapist, we hear quite a lot.   I tell my massage clients, “It’s you, me and the four walls.”   The massage therapist is there to give you space.   Allow yourself that space and see what happens.

If you do encounter a massage therapist that seemingly demands conversation when you want quiet or chants and sings without telling you it’s part of their practice.   Let your next massage therapist know about your experience.   Massage is as individual to the practitioner as it is to the receiver.

The Trick to Trikonasana

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Each pose has it’s own personality in a way. Not every yoga pose has total joy or completely open breath, some have difficulties that are not immediately recognizable. Trikonasana or “triangle pose” starts out well-grounded, one foot pointing toward the short edge of the mat, the other about three or four feet away with toes pointing toward the long edge of your yoga mat. From this grounding, a familiar one for yoga practicioner’s, think Warrior II with both legs straight, the pose then extends (and this is a good word to keep in mind) laterally out reach your hand out further than your front foot (the one pointing to the short edge of your mat) keeping the torso long and straight - practice against a wall, lead hand reaching toward your ankle and the other arm floats up fingers reaching toward the sky. It’s a very two dimensional pose, thus the wall as support is great for finding the real balance of the pose, shoulderblades will be touching the wall.

This side bending is difficult for some, but can also be found in simpler poses such as Parighasana (aka Gate pose) and others that highlight the latisimus dorsi. The trick, or place where the real work begins is the focus on the extension of the crown from the hips so that the spine is running parallel with the floor. Feeling that wonderful extension of the spine in this pose makes it feel so open and wonderful. The placement of the hand, inside the foot, outside, on the ankle or shin, is all up to you and your practice - each particular yoga school of thought has their own ideas and one teacher may differ from the next, the key is to go with what works for you. Your teacher should be your guide and understand the slight variations your body or mind may need.

Enjoy Your Yoga!

Gratitude on the Mat

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

Being thankful can come out in so many ways. A small personal note, remembering to say please and thank you, a call when you’re reminded of someone who means a lot to you. Giving doesn’t always have to be a thing, simple words and gestures go so far.

Be thankful for your body, the people in your life that support you, the traditions large and small that make life great.

A simple meditation each day can do wonders for your wellness. Gratitude is such an important practice, especially at times when it seems the most difficult.

Each time you set foot on your yoga mat, set an intention for your practice and dedicate that practice to someone or a group of people that means a lot to you. This will likely transform both your yoga practice and the way in which you view the world.

A pose for everyone

Saturday, July 18th, 2009

Yoga has many styles these days, Bikram, Hatha, Ashtanga, Anusara, Kripalu…. and that’s just at the surface.   With yoga there is truly something for everyone.    When you attend a class try to do so with open eyes, each teacher is different even moreso than each particular style.    Talk to your teacher about what your goals you have for practice.   DO you want to become a yogi/yogini? Are you looking for relaxation?  Are you drawn by a more spiritual connection?   Each style has something unique to offer.

Broaden your scope when looking for a yoga class, the first may not be the one you fall in love with.   As the saying  goes, you have to kiss a few frogs…   Be sure to give the experience your full attention.  Yoga is about the mind-body connection.    For some it is the true release from all things outside, no cell phones, no to-do’s, just try and folllow the teacher.   You may find a pose that you absolutely feel wonderful in,   it’s perfectly fine to take the time to stay with it and be in the moment.    You may also find that certain poses cause anxiety or you just don’t feel right.   Talk with the teacher after class about your experience, most have e-mail too, and are available for any questions.  As a teacher myself I can tell you that the only bad question is the one that isn’t asked.

Yoga should be enjoyable, whether it’s the routine of Bikram or the openness of Hatha practice.     Try to find what feels right for you.

Gratitude Attitude

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

Lately, I’ve really begun to see the true power of gratitude.   Currently, things have been taking off and I think it’s mostly due to the fact that I started appreciating what I had a bit more.  ALL OF IT.   The stuff and things, my own idiosyncracies,  the idiosyncracies of others, my routine both yoga and life.

I’m discovering that the more I love it, the more that it loves me back.    Even to the point of asking for things and having them happen.    I know that you can find this from any number of self-help - change-your-life-in-one-simple-step gurus out there, but you know, the funny thing is that they’re right. No matter what voice or face you put to it, being thankful actually brings you more to be thankful for.

As yet untitled

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

Starting with the title, always seems to trip me up.  I just realized, how can I have a title without anything written on the page.  Am I like the yoga student who is very fixed on knowing the name of the pose without taking even one second to think about its shape.   Every yoga practitioner has done this by the way, whether the moment is long or short, you’ve been there.

Can this also be what happens in those moments of  [insert un-named emotion here].   There are many different ways our emotions present themselves.  Some have a tendency toward tears, while others need physical activity to “deal with their emotions”   No matter how you deal.  Whatever way that feels right to you is what you should do.  So long as it does not have a negative impact on the ones you love.

Poor ways of dealing with emotions are those that mask the emotion or create a sort of numbing effect.    Pacifying oneself for a time can be fine, however, it is all too often that one thing leads to another and in the words of Snow Patrol “..it’s not a party if it happens every night”      The obvious are choices that are found on A&Es show Intervention, alcohol, drugs, gambling.  The not-so-obvious choices are things like cutting (it’s not about the pain), shopping(not really about having things), binging (it’s not about the food - no matter what you do with it afer) and other food-focused issues.

If you see someone or know someone with these issues, the best thing you can do generally is to give them attention.   That’s it, your time, open your ears, go for a walk, play a game, reminisce;  talking to them about their problem will not help much in most cases, that is unless they begin the conversation.

Loved ones aside, lets get back to you and me.   Are you dealing with your emotions in a healthy way?  Are you trying to influence others to deal with their emotions like you?    As a great meditation teacher once told me “Focus Inward”    It truly is amazing how when we focus on ourselves, the world around us seems to change right along with us, perhaps not always in even steps, but you’ll start to notice a shift.