| An Open Door Karoun Yoga Meets a Need in Springfield — for the Gift of Peace and Silence BY JOSEPH BEDNAR |  Karoun Charkoudian says her passion for yoga — and desire to share it — deepened around the same time she moved to Springfield and saw a need for a yoga studio. |
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Yoga wasn’t Karoun Charkoudian’s first career choice. In fact, she likes to say that yoga found her, not the other way around. Her original plan was much different. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Geology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and followed that with her master’s at the University of Wisconsin, then worked for five years with Exxon Mobil in Houston, all the while practicing yoga for her personal benefit. “I was in my late 20s, and I came to a place where I decided that the corporate work world just wasn’t for me,” she told BusinessWest. “So I quit my job and just planned to take some time off.” Having grown up in Newton, she returned to Massachusetts, where two things happened. First was her deepening interest in yoga, as she filled her sudden free time with intensive trainings. “I basically experienced a really intense, deep spiritual calling at one of these trainings,” she said. “It was kind of a shift that happened inside me. After that, I felt like I had to reach out to people, help them find a better place in life, help them heal and re-energize their life through yoga.” Soon after, Charkoudian moved to Springfield because it was more affordable than living in the Boston area, and came to realize that the city’s downtown had no yoga studios. And everything just clicked. “I had found my passion and also found a city that needed it,” she said. “In Newton or Northampton there’s a yoga studio on every corner, but coming here, I felt like I found my calling. I knew it happened for a reason.” She opened Karoun Yoga last year, and has already been thrilled with the effect her sessions have had on her growing clientele. “One of my students — she comes to class regularly, and she loves it — actually carries an oxygen tank with her,” Charkoudian said. “One time, toward the end of the class, I could hear her turning down the oxygen level in her tank; she didn’t need as much oxygen anymore. “Another guy came to my class with anxiety issues,” she continued. “He wrote me a beautiful testimony about how he was struggling and needed to take medication, though he really didn’t want to. But once he started taking my classes, he was able to apply these breathing techniques in his life, and now we can control the anxiety, where before, the anxiety controlled him.” The stories don’t end there, and Charkoudian is gratified by all of them. “I have a woman who has asthma taking some classes with me, and she felt different immediately in class; she had bigger breaths, deeper breaths, more controlled breathing,” she said. “Then I had a senior man with arthritis literally everywhere, to the point where he has trouble walking, and walks slowly and rigidly. When he left my class, his walk was completely different; he was walking faster, taller, more upright in general. “I have people come in at the end of class saying, ‘wow, I feel so amazing. Thank you so much.’ It runs the gamut from totally healthy people to those with health issues. But the thing is, even a 25-year-old who is otherwise perfectly healthy can be under a lot of stress. So this is very much a preventative health measure.” Coming into Focus Yoga serves that function by teaching people, through controlled breathing, posture, and other methods, how to live mindfully. “The definition of yoga is the union, or yoking, of the body and mind,” Charkoudian explained. Stress arises when people fail to live in and focus on the moment; instead, whether they’re driving, eating, or simply watching TV, their mind is racing and obsessing about work tasks or anything else that might be contributing pressure to their lives. “That kind of stress, even if it’s background stress, can build and build, and it sits there because you’re not releasing it” — something at which yoga is particularly effective, she explained. “Yoga is a way for people to stop and have this little gift in their day, a gift of peace and silence. A lot of people don’t realize how badly they need that. They have no idea how stressed out they are.” Perhaps most satisfying is this testimony from a Springfield teenager: “I realized I’ve been stressed out a lot lately,” she wrote. “Those breathing exercises come in handy when I wanted to give up.” That note followed an intensive, four-day seminar with 10 girls from the Springfield Renaissance School, which “showed me how stressed young people are, between school and family, and how much they need this. So I’m building awareness.” And making people in Springfield more aware of yoga also means dispelling some of the anxiety they might have about it. “A lot of people get scared when they hear the word yoga; they think of some sleek studio in Manhattan where everyone’s skinny and in good shape,” she said. “We don’t have that here. We get all shapes and sizes, men and women, many different ages and ethnicities.” Charkoudian leads a host of different classes, some scheduled, some drop-in. Her studio is located on Pearl Street, close to the city’s nightclub district, but she also conducts lunchtime classes at the Sovereign Bank building downtown, and she’ll soon begin offering free classes in the South End sponsored by the Recovery Learning Community. “A lot of people may benefit from yoga who can’t afford it,” she explained. For her other classes, students pay per session but can purchase a five-class card for a cheaper rate. She says the discipline of yoga can benefit people in several ways, mentally and physically. One client, a private-lesson student, played basketball with friends often, and realized after he began practicing yoga that his on-court skills were improving. “He actually felt like his response time was better.” That has to do with that element of mindfulness and focusing on the moment, and it has implications for sports performance; indeed, increasing numbers of professional athletes are discovering yoga. But it can bring similar benefits to any job, Charkoudian said. “You’re more aware of yourself, whether you’re at work or just walking down the street in the morning,” she said. “You have more focus, more clarity.”
Breathing Easier Despite her own focus on building a successful business, “it hasn’t been easy,” Charkoudian said. “It’s been up and down. But a lot of that is just yoga education. Many people here don’t know what yoga is about. They’ve never seen gentle yoga; they think it’s crazy acrobatics. In a place like Northampton, it’s part of the culture, but here, I feel I’m introducing it to the city, trying to touch people with yoga.” For that reason, her classes tend to be of the gentle variety of Hatha yoga. A typical class begins with simple breathing exercises and gentle poses to warm up the body, Charkoudian said. That leads into a series of lunges or squats and flowing arm movements, followed by deeper stretching. Each session ends with five to 10 minutes of guided relaxation, as participants lie down on the mat and focus on breathing. In keeping with her passion of bringing yoga to new audiences, Charkoudian is changing the structure of her enterprise somewhat. While she has focused on open classes during her first year in business, she wants to work more with groups, through events like corporate seminars and yoga parties, all with the goal of showing people how to incorporate yoga into their daily lives. “I want people to know that they don’t need mats and blocks; you can be sitting in your chair in your regular clothes, or standing beside your desk, doing very basic breathing and stretching exercises. I’m basically giving people a way to eliminate stress at any time. I call it their toolbelt; I’m giving people tools so they can deal with stress right now without having to go to a yoga studio.” And when they do visit Karoun Yoga, she wants to make sure people can explore what yoga has to offer in a fun, non-intimidating way. “I want people to understand the benefits of yoga, but also have fun with it,” Charkoudian said. “Yoga can get serious very quickly, and I can be very serious as well. But having fun while learning to deal with stress at the same time is a unique combination, and I think I can help more people that way.” And teach them how to help themselves, no matter where they are.
Joseph Bednar can be reached at | |
Friday, June 11, 2010
Karoun Yoga in Healthcare News and Business West!
New Yoga Services!
On my one year anniversary, I'm very excited to be offering new yoga services, to better fit the needs of all of you, and the needs of Downtown Springfield!
Open Classes
Karoun Yoga is now offering 2 FREE OPEN CLASSES PER WEEK (sponsored by the westernmassrlc.org), with a total of 7 open yoga classes per week in different locations around Downtown Springfield (come check out the new look at the Pearl St. Studio!).
Private Classes
Are you petrified of what others might think of you in class? Want to bring your practice to the next level? Try a private class! Get 110% guidance and attention from the instructor. Couples classes also available.
Seminars
Have you decided that you will never, ever step foot into a yoga studio? Still want to know how to deal with your stress? Bring a yoga seminar to the office! No mats, no straps, no change of clothes. Karoun Yoga teaches simple breathing and stretching techniques to everyone - learn to deal with your stress in a fun and energized setting.
Group Classes
Available at special rates for summer camps, athletic groups, recovery groups, etc..
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #58, 5/31/2010
The Mayor says Hello
This evening as I was walking to the river, I took a short cut behind City Hall. Normally I like to walk downtown without any distractions in order to enjoy and fully absorb the beautiful architecture and urban green areas.
But today I chose to chat with my sister on the phone.
As I was taking my shortcut, someone sitting in a car (with tinted windows) started waving to me. I had no idea who it was so I just kept on walking and talking. When I got closer, and looked in the window, I realized it was the mayor who had been trying to say hello, and I had completely ignored him!
This was a perfect example of not paying attention (how often are we on the phone?), and missing opportunity.
OK I admit I hadn't practiced in a few days, and I think I learned my lesson. When we choose to practice yoga or meditation, not only are we more aware of ourselves, we more naturally connect with our surroundings, hence we are open to opportunities that we otherwise may have missed.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #58, 5/24/2010
Mother Earth
In honor of Mothers day, we thanked the mothers in our lives for their love, kindness, and support.
At the end of many yoga classes, I guide my students to feel that same sense of unconditional love and support from the earth beneath. I encourage students to relax into that support, and accept it fully. It seems obvious, but if a mother's child can't accept her support, doesn't the mother get frustrated (think back to when you were in high school)? So if we are in a place of receiving support and being grateful for it, both the human mothers in our lives, and mother earth, will respond with love.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #57, 5/10/2010
Baby Green
We have been surrounded by beautiful flowering trees here in Downtown Springfield. Last week, the trees slowly shed their flower petals - a magical swirling of pinks and whites. The petals now lay gently around the base of the trees, as if there were a late dusting of snow.
And in their wake, we are surrounded by the fresh new green of Spring - a very light, baby green - as the leaves have yet to mature and darken into the summer months. As you admire the baby green leaves this week, absorb this sense of infancy - newness and freshness - guiding us to be our innocent, loving selves.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #56, 5/3/2010
A Heart for the Hill
On Saturday I drove my friend to heartbreak hill, a hill that she will be running in the Boston Marathon today.
It occurred to me that I grew up in a town that is famous for a hill that breaks hearts - positioned just at the point on the course where marathoners hit their "wall."
Well from a yogic perspective, this just won't do! And it got me thinking.
When in our lives have we felt that we "hit a wall," on top of which, we are faced with a long, winding hill? When have we feared that we could hit a wall and uphill climb, even if it is 21 miles ahead -- we take that fear with us, and it's the fear that takes us down, not the hill.
And so in honor of all those marathoners who are currently facing that hill in Newton -- rather than letting the uphill climb break our hearts, let's approach the hill with a bigger heart, a greater courage, and then the hill becomes just a part of the path.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #53, 4/19/2010
Finding Hearts
The photo depicts abandoned lawn chairs in the corner of an eclectic garden - heart chairs and heart leaves (photographs - karouncharkoudian.com).
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #52, 4/12/2010
Listen
I taught a four-day yoga intensive last week to a lovely group of high school students.
I constantly asked them how they were feeling, and at the final journaling/discussion exercise, I asked, "How often do people ask you how you feel?" The responses ranged from - not very much, to never.
Interesting to see that in society today, especially for young people still finding their way, most sources are "giving the answer," rather than encouraging people to look inward, and find the answer inside.
It's no wonder most of us have been de-sensitized to the signals that our bodies are giving us. We have forgotten that answers can be found inside -- we just have to be quiet enough to listen, and sensitive enough to understand.
Tuning into this quieter place, this place of heightened sensitivity can have a wonderful effect on our entire lives - we sleep well, work more efficiently, and relate to others from a more authentic place.
So, this week, let's be great role models for the next generation -- notice how often you are listening and responding to the signals your body is giving you. If you need a sensitivity refresher, yoga is a great place to start.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #49, 4/5/2010
I constantly asked them how they were feeling, and at the final journaling/discussion exercise, I asked, "How often do people ask you how you feel?" The responses ranged from - not very much, to never.
Interesting to see that in society today, especially for young people still finding their way, most sources are "giving the answer," rather than encouraging people to look inward, and find the answer inside.
It's no wonder most of us have been de-sensitized to the signals that our bodies are giving us. We have forgotten that answers can be found inside -- we just have to be quiet enough to listen, and sensitive enough to understand.
Tuning into this quieter place, this place of heightened sensitivity can have a wonderful effect on our entire lives - we sleep well, work more efficiently, and relate to others from a more authentic place.
So, this week, let's be great role models for the next generation -- notice how often you are listening and responding to the signals your body is giving you. If you need a sensitivity refresher, yoga is a great place to start.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #49, 4/5/2010
Cleansing Rain
Did you ever think about how peaceful the patter of the rain is, and the way that it cleanses everything -- washing away the dirt from yesterday, clearing the space for something new and wonderful tomorrow?
Well, it's supposed to rain through Wednesday, so let's embrace this cleansing!
(If you need a more thorough cleansing, try a yoga class!)
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #48, 3/29/2010
Well, it's supposed to rain through Wednesday, so let's embrace this cleansing!
(If you need a more thorough cleansing, try a yoga class!)
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #48, 3/29/2010
Sunny on the Inside
As I was walking around today enjoying the beautiful weather, I noticed a lot of happy people walking around as well. Often, we wait until the weather is nice to allow ourselves to be happy or feel good. In fact, my brother admits to having two personalities - one in the winter, and one when the weather is warm (he mentioned that his "good weather" personality is coming out now).
Yoga allows us to feel warm and sunny on the inside whenever we want to. While transitions and change are very important, it's empowering to realize that we don't have to wait for the sunny weather to feel good. Yoga helps us to be friends with our moods -- feel happy whenever we choose to, patiently process and look inward when we feel down.
So, let's enjoy this beautiful weather inside and out, and let that warm sun last even longer by coming to yoga class this week!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #45, 3/8/2010
Yoga allows us to feel warm and sunny on the inside whenever we want to. While transitions and change are very important, it's empowering to realize that we don't have to wait for the sunny weather to feel good. Yoga helps us to be friends with our moods -- feel happy whenever we choose to, patiently process and look inward when we feel down.
So, let's enjoy this beautiful weather inside and out, and let that warm sun last even longer by coming to yoga class this week!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #45, 3/8/2010
Rest!
Yoga for Athletes
"Since doing yoga regularly with Karoun, I have better awareness on the basketball court, my peripheral vision is sharper, my movements are more fluid and my reaction time is quicker. My buddies even mentioned that they have noticed a big improvement. I can't wait to see what this will do for my golf game."
Don't take my student's word for it -- whether your sport is running, walking, basketball, or golf, try Karoun Yoga for yourself!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #41, 2/22/2010
Don't take my student's word for it -- whether your sport is running, walking, basketball, or golf, try Karoun Yoga for yourself!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #41, 2/22/2010
The Color Red
The color red is stimulating!
Mid-February colors are not so stimulating!
As we celebrate with the color red - Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year, and Mardi Gras, we are stimulated!
Red is the color of love and passion, in Hallmark tradition we give red roses and red hearts. Red is the color of luck, fortune, and fertility - on Chinese New Year red envelopes filled with money symbolize good luck. Historically red pointed to sinful actions that brought about guilty pleasure - did somebody say Mardi Gras?
So let's move away from the standard February grays and add some "red" to our lives this week - fun, passion, fortune, and liveliness. Getting to an energizing yoga class (intermediate perhaps!) will stimulate these feelings automatically, and if you can't do that even gazing at red flowers, or getting cozy under a red blanket should brighten your mood!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #39, 2/15/2010
Mid-February colors are not so stimulating!
As we celebrate with the color red - Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year, and Mardi Gras, we are stimulated!
Red is the color of love and passion, in Hallmark tradition we give red roses and red hearts. Red is the color of luck, fortune, and fertility - on Chinese New Year red envelopes filled with money symbolize good luck. Historically red pointed to sinful actions that brought about guilty pleasure - did somebody say Mardi Gras?
So let's move away from the standard February grays and add some "red" to our lives this week - fun, passion, fortune, and liveliness. Getting to an energizing yoga class (intermediate perhaps!) will stimulate these feelings automatically, and if you can't do that even gazing at red flowers, or getting cozy under a red blanket should brighten your mood!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #39, 2/15/2010
Karoun Yoga on MassLive.com!
Interview: Karoun Yoga
Published: Tuesday, February 09, 2010, 11:21 AM Updated: Tuesday, February 09, 2010, 5:49 PM
TSM Design TSM Design talks with Karoun Charkoudian of Karoun Yoga about the many joys of becoming part of Springfield's diverse community.
What lead you to become a yoga instructor?
Karoun Charkoudian of Springfield's Karoun Yoga
I went through a major life change during the summer of 2008. I gave up my corporate job in Houston, sold everything, and moved to Massachusetts. Teaching yoga wasn’t on my radar durng that time. But I had been practicing for five years. I casually signed up for some yoga camps during my transition. It was at these camps that I discovered my gift for teaching yoga. Simultaneously, I moved from Newton to Springfield. It was supposed to be a temporary move, but I fell in love with the city - the historic European architecture, courtyards, urban green spaces, and the many activities within walking distance. I also loved the city’s revitalization efforts. I wanted to be a part of that evolution and growth. But what surprised me the most? There was no urban yoga studio. I felt that I had found my passion for teaching yoga and a city in need of a studio. That’s why I opened Karoun Yoga.
What type of yoga do you teach?
I teach Vinyasa Flow yoga. The emphasis is on moving with the breath. Compared to other forms of yoga, Vinyasa has more fluidity, movement, and emphasis on the breath. Ideally the breath is deep and strong in yoga, even in static positions. It’s the first step in unifying the body and the mind. However, when the focus is solely on alignment, people stop breathing - they grip, cling, and feel stuck. This is a great metaphor for how we deal with challenges in our lives. Everything is so much easier with the breath.
What have some of your students said about your classes?
One of my students is amazed at how yoga helps her run. It’s helped expand her stride and increase her strength and stamina. Other students have noticed that a regular yoga practice helps diminish their anxiety issues. Another student told me that her day is simply more manageable when she realizes it's a "yoga day.”
Tell us about Lunchtime Yoga!
I teach 45-minute lunchtime classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:15-1:00 pm on the 13th floor of the Sovereign Bank Building. The classes are open to everyone regardless of experience. It’s a beautiful open space that overlooks the Connecticut River. We can see all the way to the foothills of the Berkshires. Lunchtime yoga is a great way to split up the workday. Some students come in stressed, tired, or even in physical pain. When they leave their faces literally look brighter. They also seem so much more relaxed. Everyone has a lot of fun. We all laugh together through some of the challenging poses.
What do you like most about teaching yoga in downtown Springfield?
Where do I start? I love both teaching spaces. In addition to the Sovereign Bank space, I teach at the 11 Pearl Street studio. That space is as "urban chic" as it gets - large windows, beautiful hardwood floors, and views of Mattoon Street and the courtyard. Our diverse urban community also inspires me. It’s really noticeable in the classes. My students run the gamut. Men and women of all ages, (one of my students is 81), skill levels, ethnic, social and economic backgrounds attend classes regularly. I also teach a donations-only gentle class on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm for those who feel they can’t afford classes but know they can benefit from yoga. The Western Mass Recovery Learning Community sponsors the classes. The sense of community is growing. Many of my students are coming to classes together and forming meaningful connections. We’ve even started doing a "yoga happy hour" together. We look forward to seeing new faces in our classes very soon.
Learn more about Karoun Yoga’s affordable classes available throughout the week.
© 2010 masslive.com. All rights reserved.
Love
This Valentine's week let's practice unconditional love.
Actually, this is really challenging!
Need a little practice in a safe place?
Practice opening the heart on your mat, or by yourself -- open your arms wide and breath into your chest. Once you get the physical opening you may be able to feel an inner opening as well, an inner space being created.
And then you can share that space with the people you love. There is no need for words, just feel that openness. If you choose to speak or act, do so from that sense of openness, from that new space in the heart. And then whatever you do or say, you are coming from a place of love.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #37, 2/08/2010
Actually, this is really challenging!
Need a little practice in a safe place?
Practice opening the heart on your mat, or by yourself -- open your arms wide and breath into your chest. Once you get the physical opening you may be able to feel an inner opening as well, an inner space being created.
And then you can share that space with the people you love. There is no need for words, just feel that openness. If you choose to speak or act, do so from that sense of openness, from that new space in the heart. And then whatever you do or say, you are coming from a place of love.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #37, 2/08/2010
Glitter
It's that time of the year, time for the holiday decorations to come down. Twinkling lights and glittery things back in the basement, champagne glasses back in their cupboard. And (perhaps exhausted?), we reappear as ourselves again.
Some may be thinking it's cold, it's dark, and the partying is over. Perhaps even the thrill of the resolution is over. Looking ahead to a long winter.
Actually, we can really use this time to our advantage. Long cold nights naturally encourage us not just to be inside but to look inside. Brush off the glitter and this is the time to find ourselves again. There is a light there. We brighten ourselves from the inside out, committing to building a light-filled space for the New Year.
We no longer need holiday decorations because as we open, as we find that brightness inside, we become the glitter, and we become the twinkling lights ourselves.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #33, 1/11/2010
Some may be thinking it's cold, it's dark, and the partying is over. Perhaps even the thrill of the resolution is over. Looking ahead to a long winter.
Actually, we can really use this time to our advantage. Long cold nights naturally encourage us not just to be inside but to look inside. Brush off the glitter and this is the time to find ourselves again. There is a light there. We brighten ourselves from the inside out, committing to building a light-filled space for the New Year.
We no longer need holiday decorations because as we open, as we find that brightness inside, we become the glitter, and we become the twinkling lights ourselves.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #33, 1/11/2010
Feel Good!
This New Year, do something that makes you feel good!
With so many New Year's resolutions in the air these days, it's easy to hear a lot of "shoulds" out there ("I should lose weight, I should quit smoking...").
While resolutions are important, it feels so much better to move from the "I should" space and into the "I want to" space. Yoga is a great place to start. For many, before starting a yoga practice they may think this - "I should go, I know it will make me feel better". Once getting into a regular practice however, this is the thought process - "I want to feel this good all the time!".
In celebration of the New Year, Karoun Yoga is offering a new expanded yoga schedule starting this week. This is a great time to try a class, and if you are already attending every week, try yoga twice a week, and notice how much better you feel.
So this year, try feeling good first, and notice how much easier it is to lose weight, quit smoking, achieve your resolution.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #32, 1/4/2010
With so many New Year's resolutions in the air these days, it's easy to hear a lot of "shoulds" out there ("I should lose weight, I should quit smoking...").
While resolutions are important, it feels so much better to move from the "I should" space and into the "I want to" space. Yoga is a great place to start. For many, before starting a yoga practice they may think this - "I should go, I know it will make me feel better". Once getting into a regular practice however, this is the thought process - "I want to feel this good all the time!".
In celebration of the New Year, Karoun Yoga is offering a new expanded yoga schedule starting this week. This is a great time to try a class, and if you are already attending every week, try yoga twice a week, and notice how much better you feel.
So this year, try feeling good first, and notice how much easier it is to lose weight, quit smoking, achieve your resolution.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #32, 1/4/2010
New for the New Year
Here's a unique and meaningful way to ring in the new and release the old:
1. Cut up paper into 20 small pieces. Write down 10 memories/concepts/items that you would like to release from 2009, and 10 intentions you would like to grow in 2010.
2. Perform a releasing ceremony: For each concept you would like to release, state it out loud, then rip it up into tiny pieces and throw it out. Feel the concept leaving your body and mind with each physical movement.
3. Perform a growing ceremony: Choose a hearty plant in a large pot with extra soil around the roots. Roll up the intentions for 2010 one by one and plant them in the soil. As you nurture and care for your plant this year, watch your intentions grow as well.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #31, 12/28/2009
1. Cut up paper into 20 small pieces. Write down 10 memories/concepts/items that you would like to release from 2009, and 10 intentions you would like to grow in 2010.
2. Perform a releasing ceremony: For each concept you would like to release, state it out loud, then rip it up into tiny pieces and throw it out. Feel the concept leaving your body and mind with each physical movement.
3. Perform a growing ceremony: Choose a hearty plant in a large pot with extra soil around the roots. Roll up the intentions for 2010 one by one and plant them in the soil. As you nurture and care for your plant this year, watch your intentions grow as well.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #31, 12/28/2009
Receive
This year, become an expert on receiving. Selfish, you might think? Actually, this is not as selfish as it sounds -- with all the emphasis on giving, we often miss the beauty of receiving.
For example, when someone gives a compliment it is often evaded, or given right back. Interestingly, the simple word "thank you," when receiving a compliment or a gift, is underrated, and a powerful way to receive.
When we are relaxed, our bodies, hearts, and minds open, then we are ready to receive. We can feel the gift in our heart, thank the person with our whole self. See how good receiving can feel not only for the receiver, but for the giver as well.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #30, 12/21/2009
For example, when someone gives a compliment it is often evaded, or given right back. Interestingly, the simple word "thank you," when receiving a compliment or a gift, is underrated, and a powerful way to receive.
When we are relaxed, our bodies, hearts, and minds open, then we are ready to receive. We can feel the gift in our heart, thank the person with our whole self. See how good receiving can feel not only for the receiver, but for the giver as well.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #30, 12/21/2009
Give to Yourself
We have officially entered the season of giving. As the focus is typically on giving to others, it is easy to forget about giving to ourselves. This is particularly ironic since we cannot truly give if we are living in a space of stress and exhaustion.
So while preparing to give this holiday season, take time to give to yourself - whether it's five minutes of quiet time or a yoga class. You'll find that when you take time to give to yourself first, your gift to others comes from a more authentic and energized space. Now that is true giving.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #29, 12/14/2009
So while preparing to give this holiday season, take time to give to yourself - whether it's five minutes of quiet time or a yoga class. You'll find that when you take time to give to yourself first, your gift to others comes from a more authentic and energized space. Now that is true giving.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #29, 12/14/2009
On the Student Mat
Last week away from my yoga students, I chose to be a yoga student, and was surprised and humbled by my experience.
(First of all, I was rushing to make it to class on time. How ironic that was. I had to keep reminding myself to breathe!)
In class, the teachers really pushed me, and I was furious! Letting go of emotion during the yoga practice was a challenge. In western society we tend to do the opposite - fuel our emotions with more energy and validation, rather than just letting them go. I found myself in that downward spiral. Yoga is a great place to tinker with this art, the art of letting go of physical and emotional tension. By giving myself permission, time, and space, I was eventually able to let go. Figuring this out on the mat is a great place to start. Next it's out the studio doors and into the world. What fun being a student!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #27, 12/8/2009
(First of all, I was rushing to make it to class on time. How ironic that was. I had to keep reminding myself to breathe!)
In class, the teachers really pushed me, and I was furious! Letting go of emotion during the yoga practice was a challenge. In western society we tend to do the opposite - fuel our emotions with more energy and validation, rather than just letting them go. I found myself in that downward spiral. Yoga is a great place to tinker with this art, the art of letting go of physical and emotional tension. By giving myself permission, time, and space, I was eventually able to let go. Figuring this out on the mat is a great place to start. Next it's out the studio doors and into the world. What fun being a student!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #27, 12/8/2009
Yogic Eating
This Thursday notice how you connect with your Thanksgiving meal. Perhaps thinking about calories, fat, guilt. Actually, many believe that health is not as much about the food we eat, as it is our relationship with the food, and our relationship with ourselves. Eating is as much a ritual as anything else: the loving process of making the food, setting out the food, sharing the food with one another, even chewing the food. So this week, with each breath and each bite, create a loving and nurturing space for the food to go to (yup, your own body). This is conscious eating. This is Thanksgiving.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #25, 6/15/2009
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #25, 6/15/2009
Trees without Leaves
The naked trees caught me off guard at my family's summer cabin today. We don't go there in the winter. The depth of the forest surprised me - every trunk, every branch surrounded me in a new leafless beauty.
As I backed out of the property that sits on top of Wilbraham Mountain, the Connecticut River Valley winked at me through my back window in all its wide expansive glory - all the lights in the valley twinkling back at me in their gem-like splendor. This view too, is hidden from our cabin when the leaves are on the trees.
An unexpected beauty unfolds as the trees shed their leaves. Suddenly, we can see more. Yoga can act in this way as well. Hidden beneath a swath of attitudes and expectations of society, knots of tension and stress, is this beautiful expanse of self that is waiting to be discovered.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #24, 11/16/2009
As I backed out of the property that sits on top of Wilbraham Mountain, the Connecticut River Valley winked at me through my back window in all its wide expansive glory - all the lights in the valley twinkling back at me in their gem-like splendor. This view too, is hidden from our cabin when the leaves are on the trees.
An unexpected beauty unfolds as the trees shed their leaves. Suddenly, we can see more. Yoga can act in this way as well. Hidden beneath a swath of attitudes and expectations of society, knots of tension and stress, is this beautiful expanse of self that is waiting to be discovered.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #24, 11/16/2009
Celebrate!
There is so much to celebrate this week! While a yoga celebration allows us to uncover our masks of stress and anxiety and reveal our true selves, the Halloween celebration gives us an opportunity to hide beneath costumes of witches and goblins and act as we please. Each, a different form of celebration.
Saturday morning as I braided my hair into the multiple serpentine coils of my Medusa costume, I pondered the irony. Spending most of my days guiding people to bring space back into their spine, and heal their stiff hips, on Saturday, I chose to be a woman that turns people into stone. What better way for a yoga teacher to get out of her skin for a night!
And so, after celebrating beneath layers of fabric and snake skin, this week let's celebrate yoga: uncovering the layers of tension in the body and mind, and getting closer to our authentic happy and healthy selves!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #21, 11/2/2009
Saturday morning as I braided my hair into the multiple serpentine coils of my Medusa costume, I pondered the irony. Spending most of my days guiding people to bring space back into their spine, and heal their stiff hips, on Saturday, I chose to be a woman that turns people into stone. What better way for a yoga teacher to get out of her skin for a night!
And so, after celebrating beneath layers of fabric and snake skin, this week let's celebrate yoga: uncovering the layers of tension in the body and mind, and getting closer to our authentic happy and healthy selves!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #21, 11/2/2009
Yoga for Springfield
Last week I received a phone call from a person interested in yoga. He informed me, "Well, I've been in Springfield for a while now, and have been thinking about moving out, perhaps to Amherst or Northampton. The other day I saw your yoga studio sign and I thought, gee, maybe Springfield IS changing. Maybe I'm supposed to stay in Springfield and give it a shot."
My calling to teach yoga and my move to Springfield occurred simultaneously one short year ago. Since then, I have found that the two go hand in hand. Not only do I believe in yoga to heal and empower people, I believe that a yoga studio brings this city one step closer to the vibrant urban destination that it is meant to be.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #20, 10/26/2009
My calling to teach yoga and my move to Springfield occurred simultaneously one short year ago. Since then, I have found that the two go hand in hand. Not only do I believe in yoga to heal and empower people, I believe that a yoga studio brings this city one step closer to the vibrant urban destination that it is meant to be.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #20, 10/26/2009
Preparing for a marathon
Sunday morning was an early one for me -- by 6:30am I was in Lowell helping my sister prepare for the Baystate Marathon. She has run many marathons before, but this one was different -- it was close to freezing with a chance of snow and she hates the cold. As a yoga instructor, it was interesting to watch her mind tricking her into thinking she couldn't do it (the prior 36 hours filled with nauseau and insomnia). After months of training her body, it was time to train her mind.
Though I'd love to take the credit, helping her find a deeper breath and alignment with her center, at the end of the day all she really needed to do was start running. As my family and I cheered her on at the 7, 18, and 21-mile marks, she looked amazing.
It was just about getting herself out there, in the cold and the rain, and putting one foot in front of the other.
I see this happen all the time with yoga. So many people allow their minds to trick them into thinking that they can't do it. All they really need to do is get themselves to the studio and on a mat. Many have come into my classes afraid of what might happen, and leave feeling amazing, loving yoga, and telling me so.
And so this week, whatever your challenge is, get yourself on your own starting line, and put one foot in front of the other....it's so much more fulfilling, and surprisingly easier that the wait itself!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #19, 10/19/2009
Though I'd love to take the credit, helping her find a deeper breath and alignment with her center, at the end of the day all she really needed to do was start running. As my family and I cheered her on at the 7, 18, and 21-mile marks, she looked amazing.
It was just about getting herself out there, in the cold and the rain, and putting one foot in front of the other.
I see this happen all the time with yoga. So many people allow their minds to trick them into thinking that they can't do it. All they really need to do is get themselves to the studio and on a mat. Many have come into my classes afraid of what might happen, and leave feeling amazing, loving yoga, and telling me so.
And so this week, whatever your challenge is, get yourself on your own starting line, and put one foot in front of the other....it's so much more fulfilling, and surprisingly easier that the wait itself!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #19, 10/19/2009
Be Green. Create your own Energy
We live in a world of energy, the gas that gets us to and from work, the electric current running through our houses,
but what about the electric current that runs through our body?
If we don't maintain our own energy on the inside, how can we expect to maintain energy sources on the outside? Some say that the world's "energy crisis" is just a reflection of what is happening on the inside.
What if we were our car. Is the "empty" light on a lot? Are the batteries charged? We ask a friend for a jump-start, but that doesn't work if their battery is not charged either!
And so perhaps we can start our Green movement from the inside out. Yoga brings power back to us - allowing us to recharge, regroup, reconnect - feel energized all day, sleep beautifully all night. We can maintain our own energy on the inside and notice how the world around us becomes Greener.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #17, 10/5/2009
but what about the electric current that runs through our body?
If we don't maintain our own energy on the inside, how can we expect to maintain energy sources on the outside? Some say that the world's "energy crisis" is just a reflection of what is happening on the inside.
What if we were our car. Is the "empty" light on a lot? Are the batteries charged? We ask a friend for a jump-start, but that doesn't work if their battery is not charged either!
And so perhaps we can start our Green movement from the inside out. Yoga brings power back to us - allowing us to recharge, regroup, reconnect - feel energized all day, sleep beautifully all night. We can maintain our own energy on the inside and notice how the world around us becomes Greener.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #17, 10/5/2009
Laughter Yoga
There exists a type of yoga called laughter yoga, believe it or not. The reason this works, is that laughter is actually a form of release. Laughter can be just as healing, and just as stimulating as yoga poses. If you're working through a challenging pose and fall out -- laugh! This could be as much of a benefit as getting into the challenging pose itself.
So this week, on or off the mat, if something doesn't seem to be going exactly as planned, try just laughing about it. Then notice how the body becomes lighter, and the mind becomes clearer -- just like yoga.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #16, 9/28/2009
So this week, on or off the mat, if something doesn't seem to be going exactly as planned, try just laughing about it. Then notice how the body becomes lighter, and the mind becomes clearer -- just like yoga.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #16, 9/28/2009
Community
Over the weekend I was visiting Manhattan. While Manhattan is somewhat of a yoga destination spot, I was surprised to discover that what we have here in Springfield is not very common out there in the big city. What seemed to be lacking was a sense of community.
When you come to your first class here, expect to be greeted by friendly faces. You will find people introducing themselves, chatting before class (perhaps too much!), and laughing together during the challenging poses. How wonderful - a unique yoga experience in our own little city!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #15, 9/22/2009
When you come to your first class here, expect to be greeted by friendly faces. You will find people introducing themselves, chatting before class (perhaps too much!), and laughing together during the challenging poses. How wonderful - a unique yoga experience in our own little city!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #15, 9/22/2009
Beauty
I was at the Mattoon St. Arts Festival over the weekend. What beauty everywhere!
Artists and craftspeople make their ware with such intense focus, love, and awareness, it is natural that they bring beauty into form through their craft.
Yoga helps us to get in touch with the artist inside. With a relaxed body and an open mind, creativity and curiosity is stimulated and enhanced. And so we are in a more natural place to bring more beauty into this world, whatever our craft or chosen profession!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #14, 9/14/2009
Artists and craftspeople make their ware with such intense focus, love, and awareness, it is natural that they bring beauty into form through their craft.
Yoga helps us to get in touch with the artist inside. With a relaxed body and an open mind, creativity and curiosity is stimulated and enhanced. And so we are in a more natural place to bring more beauty into this world, whatever our craft or chosen profession!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #14, 9/14/2009
You can do yoga!
When people first meet me, often they emphatically inform me, "I can't do yoga!" I get a kick out of it - they think they are supposed to walk into their first class as expert yogis!
Recently I was watching a documentary on top Russian Ballerinas. As they stretched they displayed incredible flexibility - the foot way above the head, with little thought, breath, or sensation. Natural yogis? Maybe, however yoga has much less to do with natural flexibility than you might think. In fact, people who are extremely flexible often have a harder time with yoga. When it is very easy to get into a pose, the mind and breath need not enter into the pose. So, popping in and out of crazy flexible poses with little thought is not yoga!
In fact, those who are less flexible - where moving into a pose slightly, results in intense sensation and hence the need to watch the mind and feel the breath - now that is yoga!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #13, 8/31/2009
Recently I was watching a documentary on top Russian Ballerinas. As they stretched they displayed incredible flexibility - the foot way above the head, with little thought, breath, or sensation. Natural yogis? Maybe, however yoga has much less to do with natural flexibility than you might think. In fact, people who are extremely flexible often have a harder time with yoga. When it is very easy to get into a pose, the mind and breath need not enter into the pose. So, popping in and out of crazy flexible poses with little thought is not yoga!
In fact, those who are less flexible - where moving into a pose slightly, results in intense sensation and hence the need to watch the mind and feel the breath - now that is yoga!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #13, 8/31/2009
Yogic Breath and Health
A recent study showed that slow yogic breathing (pranayama) had an immediate effect on blood pressure and heart rate (pulse). Both systolic (the "top" number) and diastolic ("bottom" number) blood pressures decreased significantly after only 5 minutes of pranayama breathing. The scientists also showed that the pranayama breathing practices works with a certain part of the nervous system to bring blood pressure and heart rate to lower, more relaxed levels.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #11, 8/24/2009
Reference: Pramanik T et al, Immediate effect of slow pace bhastrika pranayama on blood pressure and heart rate. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 15:3: 293-295, 2009.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #11, 8/24/2009
Reference: Pramanik T et al, Immediate effect of slow pace bhastrika pranayama on blood pressure and heart rate. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 15:3: 293-295, 2009.
Light
Namaste, "The light within me salutes the light within you" is a traditional yoga closing. Easy to say when feeling warm and fuzzy at the end of a yoga class. But actually, Namaste means we salute the light of not just our yoga classmates, but the light of everyone in our lives. Yes, this means business competitors, in-laws, exes... And it's not just about saluting a person, it's about finding and seeing their light, and then saluting that aspect about them.
There's a floor lamp in my guest bedroom. For months now, it would not turn on. Recently while showing my apartment to friends, we walked into the guest bedroom and suddenly light was emanating from the direction of my floor lamp (my friend had simply flipped the switch beside the door).
All this light coming from a direction where I thought there couldn't be any light. I just needed a new person, a new perspective, to show this to me. A yoga practice can be this new perspective, opening up a new way of looking at ourselves and others.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #11 on 8/17/2009
There's a floor lamp in my guest bedroom. For months now, it would not turn on. Recently while showing my apartment to friends, we walked into the guest bedroom and suddenly light was emanating from the direction of my floor lamp (my friend had simply flipped the switch beside the door).
All this light coming from a direction where I thought there couldn't be any light. I just needed a new person, a new perspective, to show this to me. A yoga practice can be this new perspective, opening up a new way of looking at ourselves and others.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #11 on 8/17/2009
Joy
I taught my first yoga class for kids last week. The class was complete with animal noises (mooing and meowing through cat and cow and ruff-ruffing in downward dog), for my 6 year-old niece and 3 year-old nephew.
In flowing from standing back bend to forward fold, I said "Imagine that we are a book." "Open the book!" (standing back bend), "Close the book!" (forward fold).
This really tickled my 3 year old nephew - he screamed out - "I like that one!" and ran over to my mat and threw his arms around my legs, giving me a huge joyous hug, before running back to his mat and continuing the flow. As we were swan diving into the second forward fold, he ran over and gave me a second hug, with equal power and joy to the first hug. His powerful, genuine, and spontaneous joy really struck me.
And so, this week, here's to feeling and showing a spontaneous joy when we have discovered a new flow in class, or a new flow in life.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #10 on 8/10/2009
In flowing from standing back bend to forward fold, I said "Imagine that we are a book." "Open the book!" (standing back bend), "Close the book!" (forward fold).
This really tickled my 3 year old nephew - he screamed out - "I like that one!" and ran over to my mat and threw his arms around my legs, giving me a huge joyous hug, before running back to his mat and continuing the flow. As we were swan diving into the second forward fold, he ran over and gave me a second hug, with equal power and joy to the first hug. His powerful, genuine, and spontaneous joy really struck me.
And so, this week, here's to feeling and showing a spontaneous joy when we have discovered a new flow in class, or a new flow in life.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #10 on 8/10/2009
Creating New Space
Do we have space in our daily lives? We are all so busy yet we add more to our schedules. Our closets are full, and we still go shopping. Our minds are full, and bombarded with information. Sitting for hours and walking (wrong shoes?) crunches the spine and tightens the hips.
Wait, there's still hope! Yoga is one of the few activities that helps us bring space and peace back into our bodies and hence, our lives. We extend the spine and feel taller, open the hips and feel more limber, rotate the joints and have flow and movement. As we open up space in our bodies, a wonderful thing happens, our mind becomes quiet as well. This is the first and most important step to creating space and peace in our daily lives.
New space. Aaaaah. That feels good.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #9 on 8/3/2009
Wait, there's still hope! Yoga is one of the few activities that helps us bring space and peace back into our bodies and hence, our lives. We extend the spine and feel taller, open the hips and feel more limber, rotate the joints and have flow and movement. As we open up space in our bodies, a wonderful thing happens, our mind becomes quiet as well. This is the first and most important step to creating space and peace in our daily lives.
New space. Aaaaah. That feels good.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #9 on 8/3/2009
Tree Pose with a Tree
Saturday morning at Yoga in the Park, in preparation for balancing tree pose, we gathered around one majestic tree. First, we admired the tree's roots. These roots, a foot wide, extended away from the trunk tens of feet, to unknown depths underground. Wow, what grounding! We too can embody this sense of grounding, down through the standing leg in tree pose, or even simply walking, connecting into earth energy.
Next we looked up into the branches. The branches, so expansive, and broad, were reaching up and out perhaps a hundred feet, and extended so gracefully and majestically into the sky. Can you imagine what this must feel like? It gives a whole new meaning to "extend your arms into the sky".
Countless small green leaves shaded and protected the earth beneath. This too is a metaphor, as we too may be helping to shade and protect a special person from the heat in their own life. In the breadth of our stance, we can visualize sending compassion to these people.
This yoga experience helps to connect us to these characteristics that we already have in ourselves, and may just need to be re-awakened: Strength, grounding, gracefulness, and compassion.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #8 on 7/27/2009
Next we looked up into the branches. The branches, so expansive, and broad, were reaching up and out perhaps a hundred feet, and extended so gracefully and majestically into the sky. Can you imagine what this must feel like? It gives a whole new meaning to "extend your arms into the sky".
Countless small green leaves shaded and protected the earth beneath. This too is a metaphor, as we too may be helping to shade and protect a special person from the heat in their own life. In the breadth of our stance, we can visualize sending compassion to these people.
This yoga experience helps to connect us to these characteristics that we already have in ourselves, and may just need to be re-awakened: Strength, grounding, gracefulness, and compassion.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #8 on 7/27/2009
Two more breaths
Recently I was visiting my brother in Manhattan and decided to visit the rooftop garden. The view was spectacular: the harbor, the bridge, New Jersey, and all the lights. Soon there were other people all around me partying and drinking, and I was having trouble taking in the beauty.
Do you notice that even when we get to our "destination" - a vacation, a party, or a challenging yoga pose, it is so difficult to be really present -- we are still distracted by our busy minds, and the activity around us.
On the rooftop at that moment I thought, I'm going to leave, but first, I'll stay here for two more breaths. In those two breaths the people around me dissolved, and the beauty of the vista popped out. I had more presence, more enjoyment, than perhaps in the previous hour.
In yoga we can practice this life presence. Often, in a challenging pose, our mind distracts us, telling us it's too difficult or noticing that the person next to us can do it better. In these times, it helps to focus on the breath, perhaps to stay in the pose for two more breaths, rather than dropping out. The breath makes us more present, quieting the mind, focusing more on our life energy, and all that is positive inside us and around us -- our strength, love, and passion.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #7 7/20/2009
Do you notice that even when we get to our "destination" - a vacation, a party, or a challenging yoga pose, it is so difficult to be really present -- we are still distracted by our busy minds, and the activity around us.
On the rooftop at that moment I thought, I'm going to leave, but first, I'll stay here for two more breaths. In those two breaths the people around me dissolved, and the beauty of the vista popped out. I had more presence, more enjoyment, than perhaps in the previous hour.
In yoga we can practice this life presence. Often, in a challenging pose, our mind distracts us, telling us it's too difficult or noticing that the person next to us can do it better. In these times, it helps to focus on the breath, perhaps to stay in the pose for two more breaths, rather than dropping out. The breath makes us more present, quieting the mind, focusing more on our life energy, and all that is positive inside us and around us -- our strength, love, and passion.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #7 7/20/2009
Yoga and Healthy Cholesteral
Scientific study has found that as little as 10 days of yoga practice can lower "bad" fats in the blood, while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL).
Another study looked at individuals after 3 months of yoga and found that the decreases in cholesterol were greater (the yoga had more of an effect) in those individuals whose cholesterol was too high to begin with.
This suggests that yoga was able to help each individual at the level that was needed for that person. Wow!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #6 7/13/2009
References:
Khatri D, et al. Effects of yoga and meditation on clinical and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 78: e9-e10, 2007.
Bijlani RL, et al. A brief but comprehensive lifestyle education program based on yoga reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 11: 267-274, 2005.
Another study looked at individuals after 3 months of yoga and found that the decreases in cholesterol were greater (the yoga had more of an effect) in those individuals whose cholesterol was too high to begin with.
This suggests that yoga was able to help each individual at the level that was needed for that person. Wow!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #6 7/13/2009
References:
Khatri D, et al. Effects of yoga and meditation on clinical and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 78: e9-e10, 2007.
Bijlani RL, et al. A brief but comprehensive lifestyle education program based on yoga reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 11: 267-274, 2005.
Driving as a Yogi
Recently, while I was driving, the light was green and the person in front of me chose to slow down. I watched my reaction. (Anger. Honk the horn.) Wait, am I breathing?
Yogic philosophy constantly reminds us that it's the journey and not the destination. The more we practice yoga, the easier this becomes. In a society filled with focus on achieving goals (ie driving to the destination), it's easy to let the little things slip by.
Next time that person in front of us makes us miss the light, stop and look around. Maybe a store you've been looking for is at that intersection and you never would have noticed. Perhaps you hadn't noticed the beautiful weather. Sometimes we are made to slow down, so that we take the time to enjoy our journey!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #5 7/06/2009
Yogic philosophy constantly reminds us that it's the journey and not the destination. The more we practice yoga, the easier this becomes. In a society filled with focus on achieving goals (ie driving to the destination), it's easy to let the little things slip by.
Next time that person in front of us makes us miss the light, stop and look around. Maybe a store you've been looking for is at that intersection and you never would have noticed. Perhaps you hadn't noticed the beautiful weather. Sometimes we are made to slow down, so that we take the time to enjoy our journey!
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #5 7/06/2009
Yoga and Healthy Blood Pressure
Can yoga actually help to bring blood pressure to a healthy level? Medical research seems to say so.
High blood pressure, a common health problem in the US, is linked to our daily stress levels. It turns out that yoga's beneficial effects to decrease stress has also been proven scientifically to lower blood pressure.
In one study, three months of yoga training caused a significant decrease in blood pressure in people with clinical hypertension (high blood pressure) without additional medication or other intervention (reference below).
It seems that the health benefits of a regular yoga practice are truly endless. Allowing us to enjoy a life with less pills and more health, naturally.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #4 6/29/2009
Reference:
Khatri D et al. Effects of yoga and meditation on clinical and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 78: e9-e10, 2007.
Walking the Walk
One of my students informed me that since practicing yoga she brings her shoulders back and down while walking -- and it makes a big difference.
That got me thinking...how do we walk? What message do we send out? Do we feel grounded in our feet and strong in our core? Are our shoulders back and down, opening the chest and the heart? Or do we protect the heart with hunched shoulders, losing stability and grounding?
Every way we move, in fact, sends a message to those around us, and the nice thing is, we can choose that message!
With a regular yoga practice, we very naturally send a message of inner strength and compassion with every move that we make.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #3 6/22/2009
That got me thinking...how do we walk? What message do we send out? Do we feel grounded in our feet and strong in our core? Are our shoulders back and down, opening the chest and the heart? Or do we protect the heart with hunched shoulders, losing stability and grounding?
Every way we move, in fact, sends a message to those around us, and the nice thing is, we can choose that message!
With a regular yoga practice, we very naturally send a message of inner strength and compassion with every move that we make.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #3 6/22/2009
Yoga Heals...even scientific research says so
Medical research reminds us that the power to heal can in fact lie within. Many understand that yoga makes us physically stronger, more flexible and maybe even more relaxed, but scientists have found that the yoga practice goes deeper than that. For example, in people with high blood sugar (a pre-diabetic condition), research has shown that a yoga practice for as little as 10 days can significantly lower blood sugar, thus preventing or even reversing the development of diabetes (references below).
Perhaps this ability to self-heal has been dormant. A yoga practice can re-awaken and stimulate this natural ability, taking back control of our health.
References:
Khatri D, et al. Effects of yoga and meditation on clinical and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 78: e9-e10, 2007.
Bijlani RL, et al. A brief but comprehensive lifestyle education program based on yoga reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 11: 267-274, 2005.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #2 6/15/2009
Perhaps this ability to self-heal has been dormant. A yoga practice can re-awaken and stimulate this natural ability, taking back control of our health.
References:
Khatri D, et al. Effects of yoga and meditation on clinical and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 78: e9-e10, 2007.
Bijlani RL, et al. A brief but comprehensive lifestyle education program based on yoga reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 11: 267-274, 2005.
From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #2 6/15/2009
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