Jul 31, 2010 |
Well, it wasn’t exactly camp, but I did recently attend a yoga workshop, “From Self-Image to Self-Discovery through the Zero Stress Yoga Nidra Zone,” with Gurudev Shri Amritji, who is recognized as one of the pioneers of the authentic teachings of yoga in the West. The workshop was a weekend event, and although I only could attend on Saturday, it was a great privilege to listen to and learn from Gurudev.
I was on a quest to enter the zero-stress zone through yoga and meditation, and I’m happy to say that I did fulfill my goal. Along the way I also picked up a few nuggets of wisdom that I would like to share.
While taking us through yoga poses, Gurudev asked us to lose the fear and breathe deeply into the poses. We were doing Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend), a pose that I used to hate, because my legs and lower back are tight. I feel like I can barely get by back down an inch, and there is no way I’m ever going to reach my toes. Why did it always look so easy? I didn’t realize it, but I guess I was fearful of the pose, my awkward inflexibility, and the uncomfortable stretch it provided. When I thought about losing the fear while I breathed deeply, I slowly felt myself relaxing into the pose. By stopping my normal negative reaction to the pose, it allowed me to focus instead on my body, my breathing, and how to get comfortable in the pose while also going deeper into it.
We were in the pose for a long time—I mean an abnormally long time in yoga standards—and I should have been going nuts, ready to cuss out the instructor and give up. But Gurudev’s voice was soothing as he led us deeper into the pose, and I found myself loving Paschimottanasana for the very first time in my yoga practice! Before we ended the pose, I opened my eyes, and my hands were closer to my toes than they had ever been.
Why was I bringing negativity and fear into my yoga practice? That stuff is no longer welcome!
Let go of your negative perceptions, lose the fear, breath, and open your mind to the possibilities. I can’t wait to apply this mantra both on and off the yoga mat.
Jul 31, 2010 |
The Daily Downward Dog (D.D.D.) – April 2010 Archive
April was a great month in my yoga journey as I entered into the Zero Stress Zone! Starting April 28, the D.D.D. changed formats and will now show up as a daily posting, so be sure to stop by for your daily dose of inspiration.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.”
–Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.
Monday, April 26, 2010
On Saturday I had an incredible experience–I entered the zero stress zone!!! The workshop I attended on Yoga Nidra was amazing and I learned so much that I can apply on the mat during yoga practice, and off the mat in everything I do. I plan to share my experience here on MariaMedia this week. Much thanks to Bhumi Yoga for hosting this event and to Gurudev Shri Amritji (Yogi Armit Desai) for sharing his wisdom.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Instead of shrinking in size as I age, I have actually grown! I’m not kidding. I went to the doctor for my annual check up this week and I grew about one-half inch. All those spinal stretches really did the trick. Yet another benefit from the practice of Yoga.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
I’m starting to get really excited about the event I’m going to attend this weekend. I’m going to learn about Yoga Nidra and how to utilize it to enter the zero stress zone. I’m also thrilled that I will be taught by an internationally recognized authority on yoga and holistic living, Gurudev Shri Amritji (Yogi Armit Desai).
What an incredible opportunity, and it’s right here in Northeast, Ohio! Wish me well on this new journey, and I’ll be sure to share my learnings here on the D.D.D.
April 23-25, 2010
From Self Image to Self Discovery through the Zero Stress Yoga Nidra Zone
Location: Olympian Community Center at Athenian Village, Cleveland, OH
Register: www.bhumiyoga.com or call Bhumi at 440-236-6366
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
For me, yoga is not just a workout – it’s about working on yourself.
–Mary Glover
This quote is so true! Since I’ve started yoga I have learned so many things about myself, my body, and how to love others. The real challenge is how to take the peace and learning from the mat and apply it off the mat.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The D.D.D. today is courtesy of Elizabeth Clay, a wonderful yoga instructor at LifeSource Yoga.
“If you’ve ever thought about being a yoga instructor, it’s totally worth it because you get to say stuff like ‘Sup-Ta Bad-dha Ko-Na-Sana’. It’s totally worth it!”
This was delivered in Elizabeth’s enthusiastic voice as the class took the Supta Baddha Konasana pose and I couldn’t help laughing as she slowly enunciated each syllable of the word. Pronunciation: (SOOP-tah BAW-dah cone-NAWS-ahna). It really is fun to say! Thanks Elizabeth for making yoga so much fun, you never fail to make me smile or laugh in every class I take.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Listening to the sound of waves while doing yoga or meditating is the best musical background I know. The sound of waves just instantly calms me and I feel at peace. I was lucky to have this experience over the weekend. If you live in Northeast Ohio, you would be amazed at how beautiful the surf and the sound of the waves from Lake Erie can be. If you don’t live near water – try buying a CD that has the sound of waves. The link below is for a CD I recommend – it provides over an hour of beautiful, relaxing wave music. It’s also great to put on right before you go to bed.
Healing Sounds Of Nature: Ocean Waves
Friday, April 16, 2010
“Yoga is almost like music in a way; there’s no end to it.”
–Sting
Had to put this quote up as it covers three of my favorite things in life – yoga, music and Sting!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Well the response to my question yesterday was overwhelming! I’m still sorting through all of them 😉 but my favorite by far was from @jilianrayne on Twitter. Her yoga instructor told her to smile and she says that it works for her! I know that smiling has really helped me when I’m in a difficult pose, so I will give it a try today not only at yoga, but in everything I do. Thanks Jilian!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Had a great yoga class last night, but really had a hard time turning my brain off and focusing on the practice. Does this ever happen to you? I try to focus on my breathing, and depending on the pose it helps to close my eyes. If you have a suggestion on how to turn off the chatter in your head during yoga class or a method that works for you, please send me a note through the Contact Pageor twitter me @mariamedianet. I’ll share the comments in a future D.D.D.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
“A photographer gets people to pose for him. A yoga instructor gets people to pose for themselves.”
–Terri Guillemets
Monday, April 12, 2010
Saw the best marketing tagline EVER this weekend….”Enter the Zero Stress Zone”
It was on an ad for Amrit Yoga. I think this needs a full blog dedicated to it, because the zero stress zone is a place I want to visit!
Friday, April 9, 2010
It’s turning into music appreciation week here at the D.D.D. Yesterday in the middle of yoga class, a song came on that sounded like standard eastern yoga fare and then all of a sudden some guy breaks out in rap! I’d never done yoga to rap before and I have to tell you it is really fun. The artist I heard is MC Yogi and he has created a unique blend of yoga inspired world hip hop music. If your curious, check out his website or itunes and listen to Ganesh is Fresh and Rock on Hanuman! My yoga instructor recommended his album Elephant Power
. Elephant Power is unstoppable!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
I love all the different music I hear during yoga class and recently came upon the music of Wade Imre Morissette (twin brother to Alanis – I guess talent runs deep in that family). Wade is someone that has taken both of his passions – teaching yoga and music, and united them to make beautiful music that really compliments a yoga practice. You can check out his music and learn about Bliss Dance at www.wadeimremorissette.com. I have got to try Bliss Dance!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Heard this at my yoga class last night. We go to yoga to get flexible, not because we already are flexible.
I love all those little affirmations I receive during class.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Want to try a very simple form of yoga today? Try closing your eyes and breathing in and out slowly ten times in a row. Even though it’s just breathing…you are doing yoga!
Monday, April 5, 2010
I celebrated Easter dinner with my family at a Thai food restaurant. Yeah, I know that is pretty untraditional, but we wanted to eat out and didn’t have reservations or the patience to wait for a table. In case you haven’t noticed, sushi and curry dishes are not real popular on Easter Sunday, so the restaurant was not crowded. After a great meal, the fortune cookies arrived and they became our version of an Easter egg hunt, with the messages inside serving as surprise treats. I want to share my fortune cookie message, “Look ahead or you won’t get ahead.” This message really hit home, as I need to have that forward vision for MariaMedia and all of the work that I want to do in the coming year to accomplish my goals. It’s not going to happen overnight, but with a lot of hard work and a vision for the future, I can do it! Here’s what my husband’s fortune cookie said, and I couldn’t agree more, “Your family is one of nature’s masterpieces.”
Friday, April 2, 2010
Get what you came for! I love when the yoga instructor says that during class to motivate us to stretch a little farther or to get our heads away from the thoughts of the day and into concentrating on our breath and our practice. It always helps me to focus and remember why I’m there and to stop thinking about the errands I have to run after class. No matter what you do today or where you go, try applying this mantra – and get what you came for!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
A new month and a new season to enjoy. Give yourself a gift today and spend some time doing yoga or meditate for a few minutes. Aaahhh…Life is Good!
Jul 31, 2010 |
In case you missed some of the meditative musings or the instructions on how to give yourself a hug…here’s the archive of March 2010 Daily Downward Dogs!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
The winter snow has melted away, the weather is getting warmer, my daffodils are blooming, and it’s time to get outside for some outdoor meditation. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the sound of the birds, notice the smells and grow your awareness. Get outside today (or this week) and reconnect with nature.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
While sitting at your desk today, give yourself a HUG! Not only will you feel better, it will help you stretch your neck and shoulders and relieve tension.
First, breath deep a few times and then extend your arms out in front of you at shoulder height. Relax your shoulders down. Bring your right arm across your chest and grab onto your left shoulder and then bring your left arm over top the right arm to grab onto your right shoulder (like your giving yourself a big bear hug). Drop your chin down to your chest. Take a long breath in and out and then extend your arms out. Repeat at least 3-5 times, alternating which arm is on top and keep going as long as you like – you can never have too many self administered hugs!
For more exercises to help with Neck and Shoulder pain, check out this book by Carol Krucoff
Healing Yoga for Neck & Shoulder Pain: Easy, Effective Practices for Releasing Tension and Relieving Pain
Monday, March 29, 2010
I’m watching my ten year old niece today and having so much fun, I forgot to enter the D.D.D. this morning. So I guess my message today is sometimes you just gotta stop, smell the tulips, make pancakes and play with the kids.
Friday, March 26, 2010
The fullness of my life –
The sweet wine of autumn days and summer nights,
My little hoard gleaned through the years,
And hours rich with living.
That will be my gift
When death knocks at my door.
–Deepak Chopra from The Book of Secrets
Thursday, March 25, 2010
On several occasions when I’ve been in yoga class and in a certain pose, the instructor will ask us the class to dedicate their practice or send their love to someone that day. I really love this concept of taking the focus off yourself and transferring love and kind thoughts to others. Sometimes I think it’s just a way of getting the class to not think about how hard the pose is, but I know better. When I go to yoga today, I’ll be sending out some yoga love rays to many people in my life.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Yoga sheds the fear, insecurity, and worry that collects like dust. The more you practice the more YOU shine through.
This was a tweet from Tara Stiles that I retweeted last night. Thanks Tara!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Lokah samasta sukhino bhavantu
Translated: May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Over the weekend I contemplated changing the name of this page to the Downward Dog Digest. I was feeling a little overwhelmed with keeping up the daily content along with the other work I do to support myself and thought I would just shoot for a few times a week. I was just about to change it and thought, wait a minute Maria, this is totally counter to what you are supposed to be doing with your life right now. You can’t cut out yoga and meditation and the things that relax and heal you. If anything, you should be doing more of it. It’s time to get that balance back. So Jai to everyone – the D.D.D. is here to stay! (p.s. Jai means – Right on! I celebrate it!).
Friday, March 19, 2010
I have a very tight back, neck and shoulders and frequently experience pain in my lower back. About a month ago, I started directing my breath into my lower back during yoga (primarily during savasana) and have noticed a difference, but I wondered if it was just in my head. While doing research on meditation yesterday, I got really excited when I read that if you allow your mind to focus on a particular part of the body, the blood flow to that part increases and the cells receive more oxygen and other nutrients in abundance. Wow – it wasn’t all in my head. Watch out back, neck and shoulders, I’ll be focusing on you.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
My outdoor meditation experiment on Wednesday was great. As I meditated, the sun kissed my face, I breathed in fresh mountain air, and it left me feeling relaxed and at peace. Too bad the meditation is not helping my tired legs feel any better.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Today I’m going to try some outdoor meditation. I’m going skiing, the sun is going to be shining, and I’m going to use those long lift rides up to breathe in fresh air, clear my mind and move into a Zen like state! I hope I don’t get too deep into a state of consciousness that I forget to get off the lift at the top!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
My biggest challenge in my meditation practice will always be the ability to quiet and clear my mind. Let’s just say there’s a lot going on up there. But when I do manage to let go of the chaos, stress, and sense of myself it becomes easier to focus and enter into a deeper state of meditation. Getting there can take some time and patience, but when you get there it is blissful!
Monday, March 15, 2010
I’m going to focus on starting my meditation practice this week – wanna come along for the ride? How often should we meditate? According to the Dali Lama, if possible, we should meditate four times a day – at dawn, morning, afternoon and evening. For most of us, that is not going to be possible, so the most important thing is to establish your own regular schedule of daily meditation. I’m going to shoot for early morning and right before bed. Until I get used to this practice, I’m going to start out with just a few minutes and slowly lengthen the amount of time.
Friday, March 12, 2010
I just heard about a new form of exercise – Yoga Spinning! It’s a combination of a spinning class with yoga. At first I thought it sounded absurd to try and mix something intense and aerobic with the calm stretching and breathing of yoga, but then I started reading about it, and it sounds pretty cool. Check out this article about Yoga Spinning from Yoga Journal.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
“Whatever joy there is in the world arises from wishing for others’ happiness. Whatever suffering there is in the world arises from wishing for your own happiness.”
— Shantideva
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
I can almost touch the floor now when I do triangle pose. That is pretty darn exciting, because when I first started back to classes this summer, I could only get my hand just past my knee. I am getting more flexible every day!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Note to self – Don’t stay up until 3 AM and then get up the next day to go skiing when you are over 40. It’s fun, but wipes you out the next day and keeps you from posting your D.D.D.!
Monday, March 8, 2010
The sun is shining, I’m going skiing today with my best friend and it’s my b-day! Life is Good!
Friday, March 5, 2010
You don’t have to be flexible to do yoga, you get flexible by practicing yoga. It is a gradual change, but your body will change as you are able to reach farther, stretch longer, and begin to feel more flexible, and when it does your confidence will grow and it feels GREAT!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Why don’t I feel like a goddess when I’m in goddess pose? Instead I feel awkward, my butt is sticking out, and it’s not the most comfortable of poses. I’m gonna have to work on feeling more goddess like!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Typically at the end of yoga class, the teacher will say “Namaste” and the class will repeat “Namaste” back to the teacher. I took yoga for a really long time, and never really knew the meaning of Namaste. So here it is, in case you were wondering.
Namaste: I recognize the Divine Light that is within you. It is the same Divine Light that is with me.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
It’s no fun going through life only doing the things you’re good at. Try something new, play around with it and have some fun!
Monday, March 1, 2010
It is amazing how within minutes, mediation can temporarily reduce the impacts that stress can have on your body. While meditating you’re blood pressure lowers, breathing regulates, muscle tension reduces – it’s a beautiful thing that you can do for your body!
Jul 31, 2010 |
In case you missed these daily delights in February – here’s the archive of February’s Daily Downward Dogs.
Friday, February 26, 2010 – It was Olympic week at MariaMedia, so the Daily Downward Dogs from Feb 22 through Feb 26 were Olympic themed.
“If you are ever going to achieve as much as you can in a sport, you are going to have to be willing to make a leap of faith to learn how much your body can handle.”
—Meredith Rainey Valmon, two-time Olympian
In yoga there are many poses that I am afraid to try. It may be a fear of falling or because I don’t think I’m strong enough to do it. I’m going to take the advice from the Olympic athletes I quoted this week, take a leap of faith, be fearless and just go for it during my yoga practice!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
I’m taking my inspiration today from all the amazing women Olympic athletes competing (and kicking ass) in Vancouver this year. Check out this funny article about five of the coolest!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
“In order to meet the challenge, you have to have that support.”
–Jackie Joyner-Kersee
I learned this lesson first hand last night in my yoga class, when we all worked together as a team to help support each other to get into a wheel pose. If you think this pose looks easy, it isn’t! For most of the class this was their first time attempting this pose (well, we’ve all done back bends as kids, but once you get past your teens, it’s not a move typically in the repertoire). With the help and support from each other we met the challenge, and it felt amazing! It felt good to work as a team, and I watched as they got up from the mat with a huge smile on their face and a major sense of accomplishment. The stretch in my back felt wonderful too! Our instructor reminded us all that in life, you have to strip away the ego and allow others to help and support you! I hope the US women’s hockey team follows this lesson on Thursday!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Olympics come once every four years. That thought just slays me every time I watch the athletes compete. I can’t help thinking about what must go through their minds as they get ready to perform. All the training, the pain, the sacrifice, and now it comes down to this one chance to bring it all to fruition to achieve a dream of winning a medal. Intensity Level = 10, Pressure Level = 10, Fearlessness = 10, Determination = 10! Try channeling all that Olympic intensity today, and focus on doing one thing so well, that you could step up on that platform and win your very own gold medal. It can be whatever you want, from eating your Wheaties, to singing in the shower, to attempting a new pose in yoga class. Personally, my goal today is to win the gold medal in hugging!
Monday, February 22, 2010
While watching the Winter Olympics, I marveled at how one of the women skaters in the pairs competition fearlessly allowed her partner to hoist her into the air over his head, kept her balance, spun around, and then landed backwards on one skate, all while maintaining a smile on her face. That is multi-tasking at its finest and also a damn miracle. These athletes have an incredible amount of courage, the ability to put their fears aside, and amazing trust in their partners! Try facing one of your fears today and take it on with a smile!
Friday, February 19, 2010
OK – stop the presses! I meditated for the first time in yoga class last night and it was sublime! I think I had an out of body experience, but then again maybe I was just lightheaded from the heat and exhaustion. Don’t know for sure, but I do want to learn more about meditation. Weekend research assignment here I come!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Variety is the spice of life and I’ve found a spicy way to bring variety to my workout routine and my life! Yesterday, I left my yoga mat in the car and went to a Zumba class to dance my butt off to Shakira, Santana and some great salsa and hip-hop music. It’s like taking a quick trip to a club in San Juan to get warmed up on a cold snowy night, and for some reason I’m always in the mood for a cold tropical drink after class! Try mixing up your work-out routine to keep it fun!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
I just found out about “Yotox” a new and natural alternative to all the crap out there for women to get rid of wrinkles and turkey neck! This is an anti-aging yoga regimen that I can do for my face! Hey, the muscles on your face and neck are no different than the rest of your body, so why not work them out too. I’m reading about it in The Yoga Facelift by Marie-Veronique Nadeau. I’ll keep you posted and let you know if it works!
The Yoga Facelift
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Feeling much better today – I made it to yoga class yesterday! At one point during class, I pushed myself to go into a wheel pose instead of a bridge pose for the very first time. I wasn’t able to hold it very long, but I did it, and it felt great! Now I know I’m strong enough to do wheel pose, I just need to push myself a little harder next time and I can hold the pose as long as I need to. I think I’ll take that lesson off the mat today, take a risk and do something new! I hope it feels just as great!
Monday, February 15, 2010
I’m not getting the inspiration today to write the D.D.D. Probably because I haven’t been to a yoga class in almost a week. Today’s mantra – must go to yoga class, must go to yoga class!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Be good to yourself this weekend – go get a Yoga video from the library and try it! If you’re pressed for time, check out this quick five minute video on You Tube.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Here’s one way to bring peace to your life…try not to want the things you don’t have and enjoy the things that you do have.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
What is yoga? I went to Answers.com and found this excellent definition…
“The term yoga comes from a Sanskrit word which means yoke or union. Traditionally, yoga is a method joining the individual self with the Divine, Universal Spirit, or Cosmic Consciousness. Physical and mental exercises are designed to help achieve this goal, also called self-transcendence or enlightenment. On the physical level, yoga postures, called asanas, are designed to tone, strengthen, and align the body. These postures are performed to make the spine supple and healthy and to promote blood flow to all the organs, glands, and tissues, keeping all the bodily systems healthy. On the mental level, yoga uses breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation (dyana) to quiet, clarify, and discipline the mind. However, experts are quick to point out that yoga is not a religion, but a way of living with health and peace of mind as its aims.”
Interested…check out more about yoga at Answers.com
Jul 31, 2010 |
I started taking yoga about five years ago and fell in love with it. Not only was it a great workout, it was just what I needed to stretch and strengthen my back, and it provided a much needed sense of calm at that time in my life. Unfortunately, I was swallowed up by my typical type-A lifestyle, couldn’t find the time to work out anymore, and went into what I like to call my “toxic” years of stress, sleep deprivation, and unhealthy living.
One of the first things I did when I got off the toxic train last year was to sign up for yoga. After just one class I felt the love again!
What’s so great about yoga? Let me tell you the top ten reasons why I love it:
1) It provides the chance to learn something new about yoga and my body each and every class. This is an adult furthering education class I can take the rest of my life.
2) In a non-threatening atmosphere I’m challenged to push myself to try new poses, reach further, and not be afraid to fall or lose my balance.
3) I feel like I’m back in kindergarten when I lie on my mat during the resting poses. I mean come on, how many forms of exercise let you take breaks?
4) Anticipating what music the teacher will play and loving it when we do it to rap or dance in class!
5) Clearing out the thoughts in my head and being in the present during class (an enormous challenge for me).
6) Noticing that my body is becoming more flexible and that feeling of accomplishment when I can reach a little further in a pose.
7) The natural yoga high I get from breathing in so much oxygen throughout class.
8) Tingling muscles and feeling great all day after a morning class.
9) All of the spiritual aspects of yoga – the inspirational messages conveyed by the instructor, chanting, meditation – it’s like going to a church where you stretch and sweat and honor others and yourself.
10) Savasana – the meditational resting period at the end of the class when you get to take a spiritual nap.
11) (I couldn’t stop at 10.) The fact that you can take the principles of yoga into everyday life!
If you practice yoga, please let me know what you love about it!
Well, it wasn’t exactly camp, but I did recently attend a yoga workshop, “From Self-Image to Self-Discovery through the Zero Stress Yoga Nidra Zone,” with Gurudev Shri Amritji, who is recognized as one of the pioneers of the authentic teachings of yoga in the West. The workshop was a weekend event, and although I only could attend on Saturday, it was a great privilege to listen to and learn from Gurudev.
