Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Christmas long ago..

"Frosty days and ice-still nights,


Fir trees trimmed with tiny lights,

Sound of sleigh bells in the snow,

That was Christmas long ago.



Tykes on sleds and shouts of glee,

Icy-window filigree,

Sugarplums and candle glow,

Part of Christmas long ago.



Footsteps stealthy on the stair,

Sweet-voiced carols in the air,

Stocking hanging in a row,

Tell of Christmas long ago.



Starry nights so still and blue,

Good friends calling out to you,

Life, so fact, will always slow...

For dreams of Christmas long ago."

- Jo Geis, Christmas Long Ago

Monday, December 27, 2010

A New Year Quote to live by...

Another fresh new year is here …


Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest …

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!

~William Arthur Ward

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Christmas Time is Here

Give yourself the gift of massage during the holidays.  I know it is hard to find extra time during the holidays but it is still important to take care of yourself.  As massage helps to reduce anxiety and stress, symptoms related to the holidays, and can help you get through those tought times.  Give yourself an extra massage during the holidays.  Go ahead and take some time out to reduce some stress.  Many people find not only the time short but also the funding to put toward a massage.  I find it less affordable to go to a doctor for stress related illness than to pay for a monthly massage.  Monthly massage can help reduce illness and boost your immune system.  What are you waiting for?!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

This is a wonderful CD!!!!

Burton Hills Christmas quote

For many of us, sadly, the spirit of Christmas is "hurry". And yet, eventually, the hour comes when the rushing ends and the race against the calendar mercifully comes to a close. It is only now perhaps that we truly recognize the spirit of Christmas. It is not a matter of days or weeks, but of centuries - nearly twenty of them now since that holy night in Bethlehem. Regarded in this manner, the pre-Christmas rush may do us greater service than we realize. With all its temporal confusion, it may just help us to see that by contrast, Christmas itself is eternal. - Burton Hills

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

About my dog(s)

I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that. ~W. Dayton Wedgefarth

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Why practice yoga?

Let's see....because it makes you feel good.  Becuase it can be a great place to meet with great people.  It could become a great place to meet people.  I always feel this great source of empowerment.  Like I can go through anything and all will be fine.  I'm convinced that if I got up every morning and spent the day doing yoga my life would be more complete and organized.  So, I spend most of my days thinking about ways I can incorporate yoga into my daily life.  Here are a few...

The morning commute provides a wonderful opportunity to remind yourself of that peaceful intention that may already be fading into oblivion in the onslaught of aggressive drivers, red lights, and snail-paced traffic. Can you imagine how your neighborhood would change if all the drivers transformed their anger into compassion? And if all the world’s drivers (and non-drivers) did? As you wait at a red light, take a deep breath into your belly and with the exhale let go of all the chatter, all the self-imposed disaster scenarios (“I will never make it on time”) that your mind has so skillfully created. Instead, focus on your breathing to come back to that peaceful oasis that is always present within you. Any pranayama techniques work well – try the ocean-like sounding ujayii breath with emphasis on the exhale for a calming effect, or perhaps a round of the breath of fire to warm up on a really cold winter morning. Send loving kindness thoughts to the driver ahead of you, the one in your rear-view mirror, and even to the one that just cut you off. “May he/she be safe.” The choice is yours – do you want to fill your mind with anger and perpetuate what’s going on around you or can you reach deep within to break the cycle?  I have found that no matter what happens on my journey, I always get where I'm going at the same time.

During your workday, find new and creative ways to bring your awareness to whatever situation arises. Can you observe what makes you tense, and send your breath there to release the tension – just as you would in a yoga class? Use your lunch break to experiment with poses that can be done while sitting at a desk, or – if you are really fortunate to have adequate space available – do a few poses to feel energized and refreshed for the rest of the afternoon. If you spend your day hunched over a computer, shoulder stretches (such as Eagle/Garudasana or Cow/Gomukhasana arms) combined with deep breathing will feel delicious and relaxing.  Stretching is always a good way to get the blood flowing naturally and mind back where it needs to be.
As you return home at the end of the day, stay with the intention to be aware and kind. Despite the pressure to multitask at all times, observe whether being fully present doing just one thing at a time may be more satisfying. When you cook, cook. When you do laundry, do laundry. Breathe. Realize that happiness is contained in every single moment of awareness. If you have an evening yoga practice, this may be a good time to explore the deeply relaxing nature of forward bends as well as reclining and restorative poses. Let go of the day. Sit for a few minutes to quiet the mind and to give thanks for the opportunity to practice the ancient discipline of yoga, which simply means connecting with your true nature.  Remember to return home and be there.  Give the only time you get to be home home-time.  Let it all go....You're never going to get the time back!

May your life be peaceful and happy.

Parts of this post were written by  Eva Kuhlman, Highland Yoga Co-Founder   7/31/2005

Our meditation, slow flow yoga and yoga nidra workshop

Our workshop on November 13th went very well.  It was relaxing and calming as well as invigorating, lengthening and strengthening.  It was well presented and well received.  Workshops always go by too fast and the moment is short lived but lived with well meaning.  In yoga, a moment is never wasted.  Don't miss out on one of these types of workshops if they come your way.  Never look down at the opportunity to relax and restore your body.  Hope to see you all next time!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur

This is my favorite drink to make and give away during the holidays.  I enoy it most with Brandy!
1 3/4 c. liqueur (Irish or rye whiskey, brandy, rum, bourbon, or scotch)


1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 c. (1/2 pt.) whipping or light cream

4 eggs

2 tbsp. chocolate flavored syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. almond extract

2 tsp. instant coffee



Combine ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month. Stir before serving. Serve over ice.

Meditation, Slow Flow Yoga and Yoga Nidra Workshop

This workshop is designed to teach you how to slow down and enjoy what you are missing out on when you are stressed.  Most of us can become stressed easily when time is short and work is long.  This workshop will teach you how to breath and take in each moment without taking the moment too seriously.  Every moment passes and moves on to the next.  We need to enjoy the ride.
Meditation will be done in a seated position.  Meditation should be done in a consious state of mind.  Our mind needs to stay focused on the class and not on any outside disrutions that would take us away from enjoying our relaxation time.
Slow flow yoga is designed to move with the breath.  We will bring awareness to our breathing as we move from pose to pose.  This will take about 45 minutes.
Yoga Nidra is the final step in this workshop.  Yoga Nidra will be done in a lying down position.  A much more relaxed and serene state.  This will be final end of our workshop. 

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

This is a very nice CD.  Another one of my favorites!  The price is perfect for the value!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Use Yoga Props or Not by Dr Weil

Even the ancient arts - including yoga - are not immune from evolution. While original yogis did not use props such as sticky mats (foam mats with non-skid backing), foam blocks (pillow-like aids to cushion joints) or D rings (straps with D-shaped metal adjustment rings, used to help achieve or hold difficult poses), some modern practitioners find that props help them to ease into new moves, master more difficult poses or deepen their experience.




When deciding about props, consider the following:



•Why are you using them?

•Can your body do without them?

•Are you willing to let them go at some point?

If you're a stickler for tradition, you can still benefit from age-old methods of stabilizing your body such as a wall or the assistance of another person to enrich your yoga experience.

By Dr Weil

Friday, October 29, 2010

The Power of Bridge Pose: By Dr. Weil

The Bridge Pose is a powerful tonic for body and mind. It provides an invigorating stretch for the chest, neck and spine. Traditionally, its benefits are said to also include:




•Calming the mind and alleviating stress and mild depression

•Stimulating abdominal organs, lungs and thyroid

•Rejuvenating tired legs

•Improving digestion

•Relieving the symptoms of menopause

•Reducing anxiety, fatigue, backache, headache and insomnia

It is also held to be a therapeutic for asthma, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and sinusitis. Visit Simple Pleasures Yoga & Massage to learn how to do the pose!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Combat dry skin

Older skin has fewer sweat and oil glands than younger skin. Dry skin may be caused by frequent baths, certain cosmetics or medications. Avoid using harsh soaps when bathing, and if possible, cut back on the number of baths or showers each week. A sponge bath with warm water may help to clean and revive skin without stripping the skin of its valuable moisturizers. When you do use soap, try using a natural very mild soap that does not contain any dyes, parabens or perfumes. Follow up the bath with a moisturizing lotion concentrating on problem dry areas. A good all natural moisturizer is one of the foundations for a healthy skin care regimen. Continue moisturizing throughout the day to keep skin healthy. Your hands and face are particularly susceptible to daily damage, and may need to be moisturized several times.  beautyandfashionadvice.com

Friday, October 15, 2010

I found this book at one of my trainings and enjoyed the little bit I got to read.  If this is something you feel would be helpful, I highly recommend it.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Simple Pleasures variety of massage styles offered.

Do you think table massage is the only way to get relief?  Well, we offer many ways for peace of mind and body.  Let me list a few...
Thai Massage - this is a style of massage that is performed on a mat with your clothes on.  While you sit and relax mostly, the practitioner passively manipulates your body into postions while massaging and creating a stretch in the muscle.  The end result is different than the table massage but is just as healing in many different ways.
Craniosacral - another creative way where you keep your clothes on.  This is another healing technique that uses light pressure for those who don't like deep tissue massage.  The practitioner listens to the body and works where the hands lead them.  With the help of an intake and awareness of the practitioner, muscles and joints can be relieved of stiffness.  Using energy and manipulation the result of this massage can be more relaxing than the well known table massage.
Yoga Therapy - in this sessions we take an evaluation to determine the purpose of the session.  From there we pick a series of poses and positions that will create a solution to problem areas.  Yoga poses are held dynamically or passively to strengthen and lengthen the body.  Others are designed to open problem areas.  Energy can be created or reduced in this session.  The end result is peace of mind!
Heated Stone Massage - this is where you do take your clothes off and lye on the massage table.  The massage is first started with heated stones and then a deep tissue massage is applied to the area that was massaged with the stones.  This is a favorite in the winter when the temperature drops below zero.  People tend to be more relaxed than ever with this massage!

Yoga at Simple Pleasures

We believe yoga is for every body.  Many times people are mislead into what yoga is about.  There are many defintions and many purposes for yoga.  Sometimes walking into the wrong yoga class can stear you into a mind thought that isn't what yoga is really about.  It is good to check out a class before walking into it.  Check the teacher out and find out what kind of training they have had.  The teacher can make or break the class.
Here we try to be as flexible and forgiving as anyone can be.  We let you make your own schedule and times.  We have set classes but you have the freedom to pick and choose when you can make it.  We teach to every body in the class.  No one is left behind.  We do our best to keep the class comfortable and welcoming for everyone.  There is room to grow if that is what you are looking for.  If all you want is a simple yoga class, we offer that too.
Your first class is free so nothing is spent but your time.  Don't hestitate and wait for the perfect time to start.  The perfect time is now.  See you soon!

Monday, October 11, 2010

This is one of my favorite yoga DVD's.  It has a yoga matrix so you can create your own workout.  It is for beginner's and beyond.
Another one of my favorite CD's!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

A Yoga Pose for the Blues by Dr. Weil

If you experience headaches, fatigue or mild depression, this yoga pose could help. The wide-legged forward bend, also known as Prasarita Padottanasana I (meaning “stretched out,” or “with outstretched limbs”), reputedly has many benefits, including therapeutic use for headache, lack of energy and poor mood. When done with proper form for the recommended amount of time, this pose can:




•Strengthen and stretch the legs and the spine

•Tone the abdominal organs

•Calm the mind

•Relieve mild backache

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

One of my favorite CD's...I will post more!

Taking advice on no-shows and last minute cancels....

How do you deal with no shows?


Do you always take a contact number when the client makes an appointment?

Do you phone a client whose number you have but who hasn't turned up?

What do you say to the client?

Do you re-book? Take a deposit?


What to do when your client does not show.....last minutes cancel=no-show=lost revenue....

Fall Harvest Apples

Ingredients


8 red apples, cored

1/4 cup butter

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/3 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 lemon, juiced

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place apples in a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2.In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, lemon juice and vanilla. Bring to a boil, and drizzle equally over apples.

3.Cover with foil, and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove cover, and continue to bake for 10 minutes, or until apples are tender. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 193
Total Fat: 9.3g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Falling into Winter

Fall is a great time to settle into a yoga class that you can enjoy.  Simple Pleasures has many classes and times available and a price that fits your lifestyle.
With the cool air settling into the north, your body may not want to be outside as often in the summer.  This means longer nights in front of the TV sitting on the couch. 
Joining a yoga class may help you out of the winter rutt from the bitter cold and the quiet nights.  Not only will it get you moving and feeling great but you will also meet new people and create a different kind of social group who will support you through the winter on into spring....
Hope to see you in the next yoga class!!!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Why Practice Yoga this Winter?!

Simple Pleasures Yoga has many classes to offer and weekend workshops during the cold months.  Yoga can help destress you during the busy holiday hours and also during the cold quiet times of January, February and March....Sign onto http://www.simplepleasure.biz/ for the class schedules.  Go to the Services Offered section.
Winter, with its gradually increasing darkness, begs us to immerse ourselves in the prosperous warmth of a wood-fire, a glass of clove-spiced cider and a thick wool blanket. During this time, it makes sense to pursue activities that encourage us to delve inward. Yoga, with its emphasis on internal observation, slow and dynamic movement, as well as relaxed breathing and an accepting attitude, may be the near-perfect activity for the snowy stresses of the holiday months ahead. Establishing yourself in a winter yoga practice is a way of going inward, aligning yourself with the slower cycles of nature, as well as detoxifying the mind and body from the stresses that the end of the year can bring. This winter, try to dedicate a few hours weekly to a yoga class that restores you to your glowing self, and you may find that you can rekindle your spark for the season!

The Winter Blues - Symptoms and Treatments

•Gentle backbends like salabasana, cobra and upward dog. This type of yoga allows us to move stagnated energy from our belly up into our hearts. It also helps to uplift our moods and energy levels.

•Doing less. Try to arrange your schedule to reflect the more internal nature of winter. Read more books, invite friends over for an early soup-dinner, or just take a few days off to reflect and rest.

•Going to bed earlier. The natural world is turning in earlier. We should too!

•Eating more warming, wet foods. Replace your morning bowl of granola and cold milk for piping hot oatmeal with cooked apples, butter and cinnamon.

•Doing an Ayurvedic oleation-a practice of self-massage. Choose a warming winter oil such as sesame. Massage yourself from head to toe in the morning, wait 20-30 minutes and then shower.

•Taking baths with warming oils such as ylang ylang, sweet orange, clove, amber or frakencense.

•Practicing some form of relaxation, meditation or breathwork.

Quite simply, winter is a time for rest. With that in mind, allow yourself to curl up, find some kitten whiskers, get out your favorite book and your softest blanket (Snuggie blanket anyone?), make a pot of your favorite soup, and let nature take over. Give yourself permission for a little hibernation, and you will truly see how these simple tips ripple out into the rest of your life.

And lastly, don't forget your in woolen mittens.



Suite101.com

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Yoga For Stress by YogaFit

YOGA FOR PHYSICAL STRESS: Yoga massages the skeletal system, which supports bone mass and growth while taking the stress away from the supporting muscles and tendons. Yoga mechanically removes tension from the muscles through stretching. Steady even yoga breathing reduces stress levels in the body, which is most often accompanied by rapid, shallow breathing Yoga encourages deep diaphragmatic breathing, activating a relaxation response. Yoga also massages the internal organs reducing high blood pressure, stress in the cardiovascular system at the level of the heart, arteries and blood. The nerve pathways are massaged and stretched through yoga practice, conducting messages throughout the body.






Of course, yoga also strengthens all major muscle groups and greatly enhances flexibility and injury prevention as well.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Facts About Yoga

• Yoga is being practiced in USA since late 19th century but it only gained popularity around 1960s.


• A survey conducted in 2003 showed that 15 million Americans practice Yoga.

• The percentage of people that practice Yoga increases on an average of 20-25% every year.

• Yoga is thousands of years old.

• Yoga is not a religion it’s a that leads you to spiritual and physical self-realization.

• Yoga can relieve pain of chronic conditions.

• Yoga unites the body, mind and spirit into a balanced state.

• Yoga prevents osteoporosis.

• Yogic breathing expands your lungs.

• Yoga relives anxiety and depression better than the anti-depressant drugs.

• People who practice Yoga are believed to live longer than their counterparts who don’t.

Monday, September 6, 2010

8 reasons to meditate by Andrew Weil MD

Meditation is simply directed concentration, and involves learning to focus your awareness and direct it onto an object: your breath, a phrase or word repeated silently, a memorized inspirational passage, or an image in the mind's eye. The benefits of meditation are numerous, and include:




1.Helping lower blood pressure

2.Decreasing heart and respiratory rates

3.Increasing blood flow

4.Enhancing immune function

5.Reducing perception of pain

6.Relieving chronic pain due to arthritis and other disorders

7.Maintaining level mood

8.Bringing awareness and mindfulness to everyday aspects of life

A simple form of meditation that can be practiced by anyone is to walk or sit quietly in a natural setting and allow your thoughts and sensations to occur; observing them without judgment.

Meditation is simply directed concentration, and involves learning to focus your awareness and direct it onto an object: your breath, a phrase or word repeated silently, a memorized inspirational passage, or an image in the mind's eye. The benefits of meditation are numerous, and include:




1.Helping lower blood pressure

2.Decreasing heart and respiratory rates

3.Increasing blood flow

4.Enhancing immune function

5.Reducing perception of pain

6.Relieving chronic pain due to arthritis and other disorders

7.Maintaining level mood

8.Bringing awareness and mindfulness to everyday aspects of life

A simple form of meditation that can be practiced by anyone is to walk or sit quietly in a natural setting and allow your thoughts and sensations to occur; observing them without judgment.

Meditation is simply directed concentration, and involves learning to focus your awareness and direct it onto an object: your breath, a phrase or word repeated silently, a memorized inspirational passage, or an image in the mind's eye. The benefits of meditation are numerous, and include:




1.Helping lower blood pressure

2.Decreasing heart and respiratory rates

3.Increasing blood flow

4.Enhancing immune function

5.Reducing perception of pain

6.Relieving chronic pain due to arthritis and other disorders

7.Maintaining level mood

8.Bringing awareness and mindfulness to everyday aspects of life

A simple form of meditation that can be practiced by anyone is to walk or sit quietly in a natural setting and allow your thoughts and sensations to occur; observing them without judgment.

Andrew Weil MD

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Why I do Yoga...

My first time doing yoga was scary.  I couldn't figure out how muscles grow without weights.  Then I found out it wasn't material weights that kept you strong.  It's your own weight!  So then I went on a crash diet (just kidding)...
Yoga showed me how inflexible I was becoming as I age.  I no longer could do the splits or flip into back bends.  I had become totally lost in my journey of aging.  How could these tight, inflexible joints be mine?  I had been working out all of my life?  Well,  I guess you need to do that bad word....stretch!!!  So, I found a yoga class to go to.  At the end of that class they actually took some time to just lay there in a pose called corpse.  I could actually do that pose with no difficulty!!!  Then I remembered back to the last time I got to take a nap on the floor.  I believe I was in kindergarten.  I forgot how great it felt to lay still in the middle of the afternoon or at the beginning or end of my day.  I made a commitment to do this at least once a week.  Well, then it became a little obsession and I had to do yoga everyday.  Just to get to corpse pose.
Today, I feel good, my attitude is good for the most part,...my confidence has finally landed in my mind, I don't eat the bad stuff I used to love, my body is in great shape, I respond to the world with much more gratitude...etc. etc. etc....
Let's do yoga!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Fitness class schedule

Yoga classes for Every Body!
Monday
Yoga for people 50 & over
9:30am
Tuesday
Strength & Tone class
5:00pm
Advanced Yoga
6:00pm
Wednesday
Beginner's Yoga
5:30pm
Thursday
Strength & Tone class
5:00pm
Beginner's Yoga
6:00pm
Friday
Yoga for everyone!
9:30am

Remember, it is more important for a smile to spread over your chin
that it is to get your chin closer to your shin.

- Stuart Rice

Monday, August 30, 2010

A message on 'Attitude'

Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching? ~Dennis and Wendy Mannering


Have you ever noticed that your day is kind of like the first thought that enters your mind when you open your eyes for the day?  Attitude is a simple word that has a huge affect on our lives.  More affect than we know.  Even God cares about our attitude.  Sometimes we spread our attitude and give it to the people we are closest to.  Is it an attitude you want to come back at you?  Now we get back to the old saying, "If you want a smile, then give a smile."  Our attitude controls our work, sleep, play, relationships and everything inbetween.  Attitude is one of the most vital things that keep us alive.  As long as we keep it positive, all will be well.  It's typically the negative emotions that drown us in our own tears. 
Reader beware:  Be Happy!
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search


An attitude is a hypothetical construct that represents an individual's degree of like or dislike for an item. Attitudes are generally positive or negative views of a person, place, thing, or event-- this is often referred to as the attitude object. People can also be conflicted or ambivalent toward an object, meaning that they simultaneously possess both positive and negative attitudes toward the item in question.
Attitudes are judgments. They develop on the ABC model (affect, behavior, and cognition). The affective response is an emotional response that expresses an individual's degree of preference for an entity. The behavioral intention is a verbal indication or typical behavioral tendency of an individual. The cognitive response is a cognitive evaluation of the entity that constitutes an individual's beliefs about the object. Most attitudes are the result of either direct experience or observational learning from the environment.

Another attitude is called Emotion

A mental state that arises spontaneously rather than through conscious effort and is often accompanied by physiological changes; a feeling: the emotions of joy, sorrow, reverence, hate, and love.


A state of mental agitation or disturbance: spoke unsteadily in a voice that betrayed his emotion. See Synonyms at feeling.

The part of the consciousness that involves feeling; sensibility: "The very essence of literature is the war between emotion and intellect" (Isaac Bashevis Singer).

Let's not forget that the little emotions are the great captains of our lives and we obey them without realizing it. ~Vincent Van Gogh, 1889

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Photo Session: 200 hours of Teacher Training

Katie, Kelly and Christina spent the afternoon taking pictures in yoga poses.  We are looking forward to starting a teacher training program.  We hope to launch it next year in 2011.  It is a lot of work trying to put together 200 hours of information.  We will learn more and more about yoga as we put our hopes and dreams together.  We look forward to offering you the best of yoga today, tomorrow and forever.  

Friday, August 27, 2010

Attitude

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”
Charles R. Swindoll quotes (American Writer and Clergyman, b.1934)

Sunday, August 22, 2010

More on Materialism

Materialism developed, possibly independently, in several geographically separated regions of Eurasia during the Axial Age.




In Ancient Indian philosophy, materialism developed around 600 BC with the works of Ajita Kesakambali, Payasi, Kanada, and the proponents of the Cārvāka school of philosophy. Kanada was one of the early proponents of atomism. The Nyaya-Vaisesika school (600 BC - 100 BC) developed one of the earliest forms of atomism, though their proofs of God and positing that the consciousness was not material made them not to be materialists. The atomic tradition was carried forward by Buddhist atomism and the Jaina school.



Xun Zi developed a Confucian doctrine oriented on realism and materialism in Ancient China. Other notable Chinese materialists of this time include Yang Xiong and Wang Chong.



Ancient Greek philosophers like Anaxagoras, Epicurus and Democritus prefigure later materialists. The poem De Rerum Natura by Lucretius recounts the mechanistic philosophy of Democritus and Epicurus. According to this view, all that exists is matter and void, and all phenomena are the result of different motions and conglomerations of base material particles called "atoms." De Rerum Natura provides mechanistic explanations for phenomena such as erosion, evaporation, wind, and sound. Famous principles like "nothing can come from nothing" and "nothing can touch body but body" first appeared in the works of Lucretius.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Hylomorphism

Hylomorphism is the theory (originating with Aristotle (322 BC)) that all things are a combination of matter and form. Aristotle was one of the first ancient writers to approach the subject of life in a scientific way. Biology was one of his main interests, and there is extensive biological material in his extant writings. According to him, all things in the material universe have both matter and form. The form of a living thing is its soul (Greek 'psyche', Latin 'anima'). There are three kinds of souls: the 'vegetative soul' of plants, which causes them to grow and decay and nourish themselves, but does not cause motion and sensation; the 'animal soul' which causes animals to move and feel; and the rational soul which is the source of consciousness and reasoning which (Aristotle believed) is found only in man.[9] Each higher soul has all the attributes of the lower one. Aristotle believed that while matter can exist without form, form cannot exist without matter, and therefore the soul cannot exist without the body.[10]




Consistent with this account is a teleological explanation of life. A teleological explanation accounts for phenomena in terms of their purpose or goal-directedness. Thus, the whiteness of the polar bear's coat is explained by its purpose of camouflage. The direction of causality is the other way round from materialistic science, which explains the consequence in terms of a prior cause. Modern biologists now reject this functional view in terms of a material and causal one: biological features are to be explained not by looking forward to future optimal results, but by looking backwards to the past evolutionary history of a species, which led to the natural selection of the features in question.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Materialism

Some of the earliest theories of life were materialist, holding that all that exists is matter, and that all life is merely a complex form or arrangement of matter. Empedocles (430 B.C.) argued that every thing in the universe is made up of a combination of four eternal 'elements' or 'roots of all': earth, water, air, and fire. All change is explained by the arrangement and rearrangement of these four elements. The various forms of life are caused by an appropriate mixture of elements. For example, growth in plants is explained by the natural downward movement of earth and the natural upward movement of fire.[6]




Democritus (460 B.C.), the disciple of Leucippus, thought that the essential characteristic of life is having a soul (psychê). In common with other ancient writers, he used the term to mean the principle of living things that causes them to function as a living thing. He thought the soul was composed of fire atoms, because of the apparent connection between life and heat, and because fire moves.[7] He also suggested that humans originally lived like animals, gradually developing communities to help one another, originating language, and developing crafts and agriculture.[8]



In the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century, mechanistic ideas were revived by philosophers like Descartes

The Definition of Life (literally)

Life (cf. biota) is a characteristic that distinguishes objects that have signaling and self-sustaining processes (biology) from those that do not,[1][2] either because such functions have ceased (death), or else because they lack such functions and are classified as inanimate.[3]




In biology, the science of living organisms, life is the condition which distinguishes active organisms from inorganic matter.[4] Living organisms undergo metabolism, maintain homeostasis, possess a capacity to grow, respond to stimuli, reproduce and, through natural selection, adapt to their environment in successive generations. More complex living organisms can communicate through various means.[1][5] A diverse array of living organisms (life forms) can be found in the biosphere on Earth, and the properties common to these organisms—plants, animals, fungi, protists, archaea, and bacteria—are a carbon- and water-based cellular form with complex organization and heritable genetic information.



In philosophy and religion, the conception of life and its nature varies. Both offer interpretations as to how life relates to existence and consciousness, and both touch on many related issues, including life stance, purpose, conception of a god or gods, a soul or an afterlife.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Yoga, Massage Therapy & Me

Yoga started in 1999 for me.  I came from a running, lifting weights and sorry to say aerobics background.  I asked my sister for a yoga DVD for Christmas and she sent me Pilates.  I was okay with that but I still wanted yoga.  So I bought myself a Yoga Journal magazine assuming I would find what I was looking for.  I found a DVD to buy so I did buy it.  I started praciting with it and thought, "How could this possibly keep me fit?"  Well, by the end of the DVD I was wondering how I could possibly ever practice yoga.  I kept it up for several years and tryed to get my friends to practice.  All they wanted me to do was teach yoga.  Oh boy!  I didn't want to get myself in that mess!
At the same time, I also was unhappy as a Radiographer.  My friends were also happy with helping me out with that solution.  Become a Massage Therapist!!!  I was real happy to rule that out also.
After several months of dissapoinment and discouragement I moved on.  I took a yoga teacher training in the summer and started my massage classes in the fall.  Two years later I had a massage and yoga business started through the encouragement of my friends.  What they saw in me, I will never know but I am glas they saw what they did.
I am now a 200 Yoga Alliance registerd teacher working toward my 500 hours.  I am also working on become certified in Craniosacral Therapy and Thai Massage.  I have a full blown successful pracitice and I can only thank my friends!
My life has changed and so has my attitude toward life.  That is, most days ;o)

Friday, August 13, 2010

Om Mantra Poem

Waves flow through me
bringing flowers into bloom
in sunlight and gentle rain,
warming the damp earth,
filling the pockets of darkness
until they turn inside out
and seeds fall,
germinate, send shoots to the stars
which burst in showers of gold,
set the night sky aglow,
then drift into butterflies
waltzing with petals,
billowing in summer breezes,
rest in ferns by the wandering stream,
murmuring among stones
ancient sounds
that have always been,
always will be.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Yoga Mantra's defined

TASYA VACHAKAH PRANAVAH
Aum is the word denoting God.
OM SHANTI, OM SHANTI, OM SHANTI…
Let us meditate on the splendour of the God Savitr (Sun), Who will illuminate our understanding.

OM ASATOMA SADGAMAYA
TAMASOMA JYOTRIGAMAYA
MRITHYORMA AMRUTAMGAMAYA
OM SHANTI, OM SHANTI, OM SHANTI…
Lead us from darkness to light
From ignorance to truth
And from death to eternity
Let peace prevail everywhere.

VEDIC MANTRAS (SHANTI MANTRA) OM SAHANA VAVATU SAHANA BHUNATTU
SAHA VIRYAMKARAWAVAHAI
TEJASVINAVADITAMASTU
MA VIDVISHAVAHAI

OM SHANTI, OM SHANTI, OM SHANTI...

MANTRA MEANING

Together may we be protected
Together may we be nourished
Together may we work with great energy
May our journey together be brilliant and effective
May there be no bad feelings between us

Peace, Peace, Peace…

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Joy and Happiness

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.
-Marcus Aurelius
Happiness is like a cat, If you try to coax it or call it, it will avoid you; it will never come. But if you pay not attention to it and go about your business, you'll find it rubbing against your legs and jumping into your lap.
-William John Bennett
Because gratification of a desire leads to the temporary stilling of the mind and the experience of the peaceful, joyful Self, it's no wonder that we get hooked on thinking that happiness comes from the satisfaction of desires. This is the meaning of the old adage, Joy is not in things, it is in us.
-Joan Borysenko

Monday, August 9, 2010

10 reasons to stay fit as you age

1. It increases bone density and limits osteoporosis.
2. It helps you stay independent.
3. It increases metabolism.
4. It reduces your risk for falls.
5. It makes you more flexible.
6. It's a reason to be sociable.
7. It improves your mood.
8, 9 and 10. It helps your entire body.
It improves the way your lungs work, helps prevent and control diabetes and is good for your heart. "There is not a single system in the body that is not positively affected by exercise," Dr. Bryant says. All of the body's systems deteriorate with age. "We used to think that was a function of aging," he says. "But as much as 50 percent of it can be attributed to a lack of physical activity. Exercise will alter that. It will slow the breakdown. In some cases it can even reverse it." Being active will help you live well.
4 types of exercise:
Endurance, strength, balance and stretching.
Yoga will do at least 3 of the four but if you do power yoga, it will do all four. Visit www.simplepleasure.biz for your chance to become fit!

"To feel 'fit as a fiddle', you must tone down your middle."
Author Unknown

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Facing troubled times

If you compared your troubles, or challenges, with those of others, you would surely find that there are those whose troubles make yours look like minor inconveniences.
Catherine Pulsifer, from Cheer
I would not leave you in your times of trouble. We never could have come this far. I took the good times, I'll take the bad times, I'll take you just the way you are.
Billy Joel

Amen.....Give thanks....

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Useful thoughts about change

"Change has a bad reputation in our society. But it isn't all bad — not by any means. In fact, change is necessary in life — to keep us moving ... to keep us growing ... to keep us interested . ... Imagine life without change. It would be static ... boring ... dull."

— Dr. Dennis O'Grady
in Bottom Line - Personal
"Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."

—John F. Kennedy

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Message from Buddha

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. ~Buddha

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Nirvana in a Nutshell (Scott Shaw) 121

If you want an answer to a question, you can find someone to five it to you. But, and answer means different things to different people, based on individual perception.
Perception leads to illusion. For there is no universal truth in a world which is defined by the limitations of logical understanding.
If you don't seek answers you will not be lied to. Not lied to, you are free from deception. Free from deception, you can encounter life in your own terms.
Understanding yourself, you see the world clearly. As it is only you who is viewing it.

Seeking no answers, is your pathway to Nirvana.

Monday, July 19, 2010

More on Thai Massage

From Wikipedia - Thai massage is a type of massage in Thai style that involves stretching and deep massage. This form of bodywork is usually performed on the floor, and the client wears comfortable clothes that allow for movement. No oils are used in Thai massage. It is known in Thailand as "nuat phaen boran" (Thai: นวดแผนโบราณ, IPA: [nûɑt pʰἔːn boːraːn]), literally, the ancient-manner massage.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Thai Yoga Massage 2 training

I just completed another training in Thai Yoga Massage. Here is some great information I found and wanted to share with you. I am now offering 1, 1.5 and 2 hour sessions.

Thai Massage, or Nuad Boraen, or Traditional Thai Massage, or Thai Yoga Massage, is a unique and powerful healing art that has been an integral part of traditional Thai medicine for thousands of years.

Thai Yoga Massage is a truly wonderful experience for both giver and receiver as energy blockages are released, boundaries dissolve and deep healing occurs in a space of presence and meditation.
The benefits of Thai Yoga Massage are countless. By freeing the flow of vital energy in the body, Thai Massage can improve posture, breathing, flexibility, digestion and circulation. Muscles are stretched, inner organs toned and emotional and nervous tension is reduced. Often a deep sense of peace can be experienced during and after a treatment.

Although the main emphasis in the practice of Thai Yoga Massage is usually on health prevention (as all disease manifests first on the energy level and can be treated there before it becomes physical), it can also be of great therapeutic benefit for a range of specific problems and conditions, such as headaches, back pain, digestive disorders, shoulder and neck tension, joint pain, menstruation problems, insomnia and other stress related conditions.
Thai Yoga Massage is done on a firm futon or mat on the floor with the patient dressed in light clothes. Typically a session lasts between 1 ½ - 2 hours, but can also be considerably longer if needed.

The practitioner uses his or her thumbs, palms, elbows, knees and feet to apply a combination of acupressure, gentle rocking and twisting, joint and spine mobilizations and assisted yoga stretches. With the therapist using bodyweight instead of strength and a steady and meditative rhythm, Thai Yoga Massage looks and feels like a graceful dance between giver and receiver.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Yoga Food for Thought

The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic system, which is often identified with the fight-or-flight response, and the parasympathetic, which is identified with what's been called the relaxation response. When you do yoga - the deep breathing, the stretching, the movements that release muscle tension, the relaxed focus on being present in your body - you initiate a process that turns the fight-or-flight system off and the relaxation response on. That has a dramatic effect on the body. The heartbeat slows, respiration decreases, blood pressure decreases. The body seizes this chance to turn on the healing mechanisms. ~Richard Faulds

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Doing good to all

Sometime in your life, hope that you might see one starved man, the look on his face when the bread finally arrives. Hope that you might have baked it or bought or even kneaded it yourself. For that look on his face, for your meeting his eyes across a piece of bread, you might be willing to lose a lot, or suffer a lot, or die a little, even. ~Daniel Berrigan

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Craniosacral Therapy Training II

I have just come back from my second training and wanted to share more information on what this technique is. So, here it is from the Upledger Institute...
CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

Migraine Headaches
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Motor-Coordination Impairments
Colic
Autism
Central Nervous System Disorders
Orthopedic Problems
Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
Scoliosis
Infantile Disorders
Learning Disabilities
Chronic Fatigue
Emotional Difficulties
Stress and Tension-Related Problems
Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Surgical Dysfunction

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Living Life

Life is a building. It rises slowly, day by day, through the years. Every new lesson we learn lays a block on the edifice which is rising silently within us. Every experience, every touch of another life on ours, every influence that impresses us, every book we read, every conversation we have, every act of our commonest days adds to the invisible building.
- J. R. Miller

Friday, June 25, 2010

Use your creative ideas

If you don't follow through on your creative ideas, someone else will pick them up and use them.
When you get an idea of this sort, you should jump in with both feet, not just stick your toe in the water...
Be daring, be fearless, and don't be afraid that somebody is going to criticise you or laugh at you. If your ego is not involved no one can hurt you.
Guru R.H.H

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Recipe to Cleanse

Ocean Veggie Stir Fry
1–2 tablespoons sesame or olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, winter squash, burdock), julienned or sliced thin
1/2 cups arame or hijiki seaweed, soaked for 20 minutes
1/3 cup apple juice
1/2 cup corn kernels, frozen
1/2 cup other vegetables (such as broccoli, snow peas, string beans), chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce

1.In a medium to large frying pan, heat oil over medium heat, and sauté onion for 1 minute. Add root vegetables, and cook for 3 to 6 minutes.
2.Place seaweed in the frying pan with apple juice and just enough water to cover. Cover, lower heat, and let simmer for 20 minutes. You may need to check on the liquid level and adjust.
3.Uncover, and add remaining vegetables and soy sauce. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until water evaporates.

Morning Quote

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day. ~Elwyn Brooks White

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Live your Life

Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.-- Buddha
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. -- Buddha

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Give your dreams a chance

Sometimes when we dream, we try so hard to make the dream come true we miss our goal. We don't wait until the dream has a chance to evolve and come true. We force the situation and fall short of the final goal. That's when we should learn to give the dream a chance and give it to God. God will take good care of it and lead you down the road of hope. If you listen, the truth will be told to you. Listen to your own gut and do what it is telling you. God will tell you to move in the direction you are hoping for or he will put a bad feeling in your heart and that is when we need to listen and let God and go in the direction he is leading us. If God puts you down a path you are unsure of, it is probably because his plan is better than yours. So go ahead, listen to your heart and follow your dreams and Gods plan for you. God is always on your side.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Midwest Yoga Conference

Katie and I had a great time in Chicago at the Midwest Yoga Conference! There we learned more about restorative yoga, yoga therapy, Thai Yoga Massage, Yoga in general, arm balancing poses and much more. We got to meet some of the best in Yoga and listen to their stories. They shared with us their stories and wisdom to help us grow in our own practice and in our teaching practice. We are eager to show you all the great stuff we learned! We're happy to offer you more opportunities to grow in your yoga practice.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Fruit Flush Diet By Krisha McCoy, MS

The Fruit Flush diet is a three-day detox diet designed by nutritionist Jay Robb to cleanse your system and help you lose weight. This detox diet plan claims to help you lose up to nine pounds in just three days, conquer food addition, and jump-start your diet and exercise program.

The Fruit Flush Diet: Basics

The Fruit Flush diet is a severe three-day detox session during which you will:

Drink at least 12 glasses of bottled or filtered water each day
Avoid non-water beverages, including coffee and tea
Eat any type of fresh fruits (no frozen, dried, or canned fruits), preferably organic
Have salad in the evening — all non-starchy, preferably organic, vegetables
Avoid exercising
Consume supplemental protein drinks
The Fruit Flush Diet: Pros

The main strength of the Fruit Flush diet is that it encourages you to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, which are an essential part of a healthful diet.

"Fruit is one of the healthiest foods in the world," says dietitian Katherine Tallmadge, RD, national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and author of Diet Simple: 192 Mental Tricks, Substitutions, Habits and Inspirations. "The more fruits and vegetables people eat, the healthier they are, and usually the thinner they are," she says.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Nice things you can do for yourself

1. Plan some fun. Check your local paper for all the fun acitivities!
2. Express your creativity. Whatever you love to do. Do it better!
3. Get outside no matter what the sky brings to you.
4. (My favorite) Let music take you higher!
5. Walk a dog.
6. Volunteer. Go to the local dog shelter to volunteer to walk a dog!
7. Change will do you good. Change a room in your house.
8. Plan a party.
9. Plan a personal spa and relaxation day.
10. Reach out to friends & family.
11. Practice yoga!
12. Get a massage!
I am true to most of this stuff. Sometimes life can be hard and we need a little boost. Take on some of this advice!

Monday, May 31, 2010

Nirvana in a Nutshell (Scott Shaw)

Absent Reality.
How many times have you been driving to some location, only to realize that you do not remember traveling the last several miles?
How many times have you eaten a meal, never tasting a bite?
How many times have you become aware, in the middle of an experience, and realized you are living it but not truly experiencing it?
Due to the onslaught of the modern world, many people have unconsciously come to block out how their bodies and minds truly experience anything in any given moment. This leads to a life lived without an interaction with self.
Without the interaction of self, life passes by in a blur, and realizations are left to those who wish to touch their moment.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Nirvana in a Nutshell (Scott Shaw)

Many of life's ongoing experiences become accepted discomfort.
When you were a child and you did not like something, most likely you expressed your dicontent by crying.
As you grew up, you learn to temper your feelings and accept situations you do not particularly feel comfortable in: jobs, living conditions, dysfunctional relationships, and the like.
If you relate this understanding to the average person, they will simply tell you, "That's Life" or "You've grown up."
But, is that what life is about--acceptance of discomfort?
Many people personally direct their bodies into discomfort by working out in a gym or sitting for untold hours in meditation.
Is this truly a pathway to a healthier body and a more enlightened mind?
If you step outside of what is expected of you, if you move beyond what society has guided you to do, you will find a completely different world--defined by a completely new set of rules--a place where there are no rules.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

With God everything is possible Part Four

Move in supernatural, miracle power. This is the best news of all--your miracle isn't limted by your strength, power or abilities. It all beelongs to God. And there's nothing that He can't do. Joel Osteen
Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway. ~Mary C. Crowley

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Enjoying Monday Morning

I take nothing for granted. I now have only good days, or great days.
Lance Armstrong, famous cyclist
"With confidence, you have won before you have started"
-Marcus Garvey.
How many times have you heard people dread the beginning of the work week? I feel too many times. Hearing negative feelings gives birth to more negative feelings until finally, Monday is a bad day.
We create our own lives by our thoughts. We could praise Monday and be thankful we have the opportunity to live through another Monday and perhaps another week. Living positive creates a positive life. Go ahead. Give it a try. Be the person with Hope that everyone is looking for!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

With God everything is possible Part Three

Decide in His wisdom the best possible moment to come through.
Many people want this job because no one wants to wait a second longer than they have to. But the truth is, God knows exactly when it's time - not just a good time, but the right time. He's ot usually early, but He's never late. Joel Osteen
Fortunately analysis is not the only way to resolve inner conflicts. Life itself still remains a very effective therapist.
Karen Horney

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Importance of drinking water

During a massage today, a client told me that she heard on the radio, if you drink 2 glasses of water before getting out of bed in the morning, it may cure chronic headaches. After hearing this I thought I would do some research and listed below are a few other things water does.
•Regulating and maintaining body temperature through perspiration.
•Moistening tissues such as those of the eyes, ears, nose and throat.
•Lowering the burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out toxins and other waste products.
•Protecting body organs and tissues.
•Serving as a medium for various biochemical reactions that occur in the body
•Lubricating joints.
•Helping to prevent constipation.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Stay in Faith: Part two

More from Joel Osteen, Lakewood Church, Houston, Texas
You're going to have plenty of opportunities to get discouraged and give up. Jesus performed all kinds of miracles in different places for different people with different circumstances. But the one thing they all had in common was a man or a woman who kept trusting in faith.

Be not afraid of greatness, some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.
William Shakespeare

Monday, May 17, 2010

Joel Osteen: 4 Keys to Receiving a Miracle

Part One:
If you want to receive a miracle, it begins with believing not only that God's able to do them, but that He wants to. Negative thinking and a cynical mindset will keep you from experiencing God's best.
This message comes from Joel Osteen out of Lakewood Church, Houston, TX
There will be more to come.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Is Yoga a Full Body Workout?

Coming from a full line of history exercise, I have found that Yoga has got me in the best shape I have ever been in. I have exercised since the day I was born and I am pretty sure I have done it all. Then I found yoga and felt I needed nothing else. I still love to swim with my dogs and walk my dogs...
When I teach yoga, people always ask, "Are we working the abs today?" My answer is always, "Yes." If you are properly practicing yoga, you are working your abs. Many, if not all, poses require ab strength. There are some like Boat that work the abs but plank, triangle and many more help too. It takes strong abs to hold a balance pose whether on your feet or on your arms/hands. There are also poses that purposely work the abs for you. I feel there is no need to constantly worry about one body part when we have so many we need to focus on. When we focus on the body as a whole, that keeps our body in balance and harmony. That is what yoga does. It focuses on the body as a whole. So, dig in and have fun!!!!
'A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.' Mark Twain

Friday, May 14, 2010

Music to my ears

Believe it or not there is a definition out there about that statement.
If something someone says is music to your ears, it is exactly what you had wanted to hear. Music is an important substance in our lives. We pay poeple millions/year to make music for us. We use it for all purposes in our lives. Believe it or not, it has many healing properties to our mind and body. It affects blood pressure, heartbeat, boosts the immune system, reduces muscle tension improving body movement and coordination, generates a feeling of safety & well being, improves your attitude and the end of a stressful day and on and on and on.
It's no wonder we pay those people so much money. When I clean the house I prefer AC/DC and when I soak in the tub I like something soothing and calming. When I shop I really like Gwen Stefani, Cindy Lauper, Madonna, or someone spunky like them. What does this music do for me? It keeps me in the mood and gets the job done. So, next time you have something to do that isn't what you prefer to do, be particular about the music you choose. It could make or break the moment,

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Meditation

I think people hear the word meditation and freeze up. This makes me feel that there is a lot of confusion about meditation. I practiced meditation at an Ananda Retreat a couple of years back. It wasn't too difficult for me to sit still and be quiet as I fell asleep every time. I got the idea I was way too tired and didn't take the time to sit still enough.
It's hard for many of us to purposely sit still for any length of time. And then when you add meditation to sitting still it becomes a little harder. Let me help you out with some of this.
The last time you sat in a chair and quietly watched the birds outside the window, you were meditating. The last time you sat on the porch quietly in the morning and listened to the song the birds were singing, you were meditating. The last time you got on your knees and prayed for any length of time, you were meditating. The last time you laid in the sun quietly, you were meditating.
So, the next time you take some time out for yourself and go sit quietly but not asleep, you are giving your mind and body some healing time. Don't think of it as meditation. Think of it as a time out!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Vegetable Super Juice (Detox Recipe)

Vegetable Super Juice
Serves 2

This juice is a popular one for breakfast as it gives your energy levels a boost, wakens your digestive system while giving your body a nutrition, yet gentle start to the day.

Ingredients:

1 whole cucumber
4 sticks of celery
2-4 handfuls of spinach
8 lettuce leaves
Any other greens!
Optional boosters: parsley and fresh alfalfa sprouts

Juice all ingredients and mix 50/50 with distilled water. Add optional lemon juice to taste and Prime pH to boost the alkalinity of the juice.

Yoga for Stress?

When I first started practicing yoga, I got very excited and started looking for all the DVD's that offered yoga lessons. As I was looking I found DVD's designed for all issues in life. I felt I didn't need to lose weight, make my back feel better, reduce stress or any of the other healing methods they could come up with. So, I bought the ones for beginner's and intermediates. It is difficult find a DVD for advanced students. That's because there are more beginner's than there are advanced.
After a couple years of practicing, I decided I wanted to teach yoga. I took a weekend certification and was starving for more information. A weekend was not near enough time to learn to teach yoga. Since I didn't have much opportunity for advanced teaching in my area, I started to buy those DVD's for certain troubles in our life that I mentioned earlier. I found that most of them (not all of them) were a basic yoga class. Unless there was a chair to sit on or something you wouldn't typically use in a general yoga class, they were a typical yoga class that you could practice at any yoga place near you. Let's face it. Practicing general yoga (that's a yoga anyone can do) will heal your body of many issues that you may be having. Be sure to check with your physician to be sure it is right for you and join the next yoga class and see what everyone is talking about.
Since the first weekend training I achieved my 200 hour registered Yoga Alliance certificate. I am now an ERYT (E = Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher).

Monday, May 10, 2010

Feeling Happy

Every Sunday morning I wake up, turn on the TV, and listen to Joel Osteen. I find that to be the best day of the week. I used to try to avoid looking forward to Sunday because it is the last day off before I have to return to work. Joel is very uplifting and is filled with hope. Something we all seem to need a lot of these days. After 30 minutes of Joel I feel fulfilled and able to face the last day off before the week begins. He teaches me to not dread the day but live in it and give thanks.
I opened my Yoga Journal magazine the other day and they had an article on feeling happy. It is titled, Im so happy for you. It teaches you that by giving praise to others will help to lift your feelings also. It also discusses how we envy our lucky friends instead of taking delight in their good fortune. I felt like I was listening to Joel again. I enjoyed the article. It is much more calming to be delightful than to have to hang on to negative emotions. Instead of, "It's Monday again...try to tell yourself how much you love Mondays. Find the good things in the day. Tell your friend who has let you down how great they look and what a good friend they are. Focus on the positive and you will feel positive the rest of the day, week, or month. Keep your mind positive and good fortune will come your way. Just ask Joel Osteen and Yoga Journal.
P.S. I have also found that receiving monthly massages and practicing yoga daily has a positive effect on life also....

Friday, May 7, 2010

Detox /soup

Broccoli Soup
For serving of 4

•14 ounce of vegetable broth
•2 cups of water
•1 pound of broccoli, chopped
•1 cup of sliced carrots
•1 onion, sliced into rings
•1 teaspoon salt
•½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
1.Add broth and water in saucepan and boil it with high heat
2.Add broccoli, carrots, and onion
3.Add salt and pepper
4.Simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables become tender
5.To make it creamy, you can blend it in a blender

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Client quote of the day

During the week we work like we're in control and at the end of the week we pray like we are in control. Amen to that!
That is why I became such addicted to yoga and massage. It gives me time to slow down and find out what it is like to relax and let go. We need to understand that we cannot control our situation at all times but we can control our reactions, thoughts and the way we live. Our choices and our thoughts are our lives. I found through yoga first what it was like to focus on one thing only and to let all the little irritations from the day just slip away. And then I discovered that massage does it better by giving me that free mind for many days after the massage. When the body feels good, so does the mind.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Another Great Detox Recipe

Cilantro Lime Hummus

Ingredients
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
14 oz canned chickpeas, drained & rinsed
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup tahini
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
Juice of 2 limes


Directions
Combine all ingredients into blender, except olive oil. Start to blend and add olive oil slowly. Add a little lime zest. That's it! Enjoy! Serve with corn tortilla chips or pita wedges.

Per two tablespoons: 94 calories, 8 g. fat, 1 g. sat. fat, 6.7 g. carbs, 1.4 g. fiber, 1.7 g. sugar, 2 g. protein

Massage Quote of the Day

Yesterday while I was giving a client a therapeutic massage, he let his true feelings about massage release. He suddenly bursted out during the session, "I don't know how I lived my life before massage!"
I often feel the same way after receiving a therapeutic massage. After the massage, my body floats to my car and away I go. Suddenly, my mind and body are at ease. Nothing can stir my mind at that point. But it's not the same day that is so wonderful, it's also the days following the massage. For example, Monday morning when I began to work I realized my neck and shoulders didn't hurt anymore. Then it occurred to me that I had just received a massage a few days earlier. The massage lasts for many days afer receiving the massage. I always repeat receiving the massage one to two days per month. Who would want to miss out on the most relaxing day of your life?

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Yoga & Weight Loss

I have been into fitness since the day I was born. My family promoted physical fitness and trained my mind well to stick with it all of my life. People tend to think that people who participate in fitness have no trouble dealing with weight or eating habits. This has been a proven misconception in my lifetime of fitness. It wasn't until I started practicing yoga in 1999 that I began to feel better about food and body image. After the first year, I started wearing clothes that fit my body and didn't hang off of me. After two years my husband said,"I know why you are staying so thin. It's the yoga." I told him of course, he was nuts but later proven wrong. My food choices have become lighter. Sweets aren't so tempting and I am more mindful about how much I eat and what I put in my mouth in one sitting. I tend to snack all day because feeling full makes me feel sick. Now I need to tell my husband he was right. I have read studies that even the simplest yoga class can help a person maintain weight and increase their mindful eating habits. It is important to practice yoga regularly to gain this type if sense about your body. Regularly means at least 3 times a week or more.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Warm Asparagus & Courgette Salad Detox recipe con't

6-10 hazelnuts
250g (8oz) bunch of asparagus
1 large handful of salad leaves
½ large courgette
salt & black pepper

For the Dressing:
½ tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp clear honey
juice of ½ small lemon
1 tsp olive oil

Chop the hazelnuts and then dry-roast them in a non-stick pan; when they start to smell toasted, remove the pan from the heat.
Fill a large pan with water and put it on to boil. Trim the woody ends from the asparagus and then discard them (they can go toward vegetable stock if you wish). Cut the remaining stems halfway along and put the thicker, lower halves into the boiling water for 3 minutes. Now add the rest of the asparagus to the pan of boiling water and cook for 2 minutes.
Make the dressing:
Whisk the mustard, honey, lemon juice and olive oil together until smooth. Arrange the salad leaves on a plate.
Meanwhile, make long strips of courgette with a potato peeler; discard any which are entirely peel and also get rid of the rather seedy core. Add the strips to the asparagus and cook for a further minute.
Drain and allow to cool briefly until the asparagus can be handled, and then arrange both the asparagus pieces and the courgette strips on top of the salad leaves. Whisk the dressing once more and drizzle it over everything, season with salt and black pepper and scatter the hazelnuts on top. Serve immediately.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Why get a massage?

If you'd like to get a massage, you first need to find a licensed or registered therapist. If it is your first massage, a licensed or registered therapist should be able to explain what you can expect. How can you tell if they are licensed or registered? Look for NCBTMB, NCTMB, LMT behind their name. If you see just Massage Therapist or CMT, be leery. They have limited education which leads to limited knowledge or skills. CMT means they are certified but, certification only means possibly 8 hours to 100 hours of training. It is important to know the muscular structure and function and also the physical body ailments.
I have an education in Radiography and Massage Therapy. My Anatomy and Physiology was studied in depth when I went to school for Radiography. I am so thankful for all the information that was taught to me because what I learned comes up a lot during an intake session in massage therapy.
Massage has many benefits with the biggest one being stress relief. Many of us are under stress in one way or another. Stress can create many issues with our body to include mental or physical pain. Mental pain can be felt in any area of the body and can deteriorate our health quickly as well as physical pain. It is important that we listen to our body during it's time of need. Getting a massage may seem expensive, but it is more expensive for surgery. There are some contradictions to massage so ask for physician if it is right for you.
I myself get a massage monthly for an hour and a half. If I feel I need more massage I go twice a month. I like to think I listen to my body. Don't let life get you down. Get a massage and practice yoga....

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Thai Yoga Massage

Thai yoga massage was created based on historic Indian traditions. The session is a mix of stretches and acupressure massage which helps to promote the flow of energy in the body. Thai yoga massage is becoming more popular across the world.
Thai yoga aims to reduce blockages and promote healthy energy flow through gentle stretches, massage, and stimulation of central points of energy. Muscular blockages lead to insufficient energy levels and therefore health problems.
Thai yoga massage can last 60 to 90 minutes. It is a hands-on combination of gentle stretching and stimulating massage. The therapist leads the client through a slow, methodical process of breathing control, gentle stretching, and massage aimed at opening energy channels and stimulating muscular and nerve centers.
Christina has been practicing and training for two years. She plans to continue training this year and through 2011. She hopes to accumiulate more interest in Thai Yoga Massage as she feels it is beneficial for everyone just like yoga.
In Thai Massage, the client remains fully clothed in comfortable clothing that is not binding in any area of the body. This allows for full flow of energy through all of the centers. This is perfect for those who are uncomfortable undressing during traditional table massage.
In the end, the client will feel fully open and released from any muscular tension felt prior to the Thai Yoga Massage. There is about a 15 minute resting session in the end to fully relax the client and take them to a quiet place of meditation. It is the perfect end of a perfect session. Namaste'

Monday, April 26, 2010

Why practice yoga?

That seems to be a question that comes up everyday. Everyone thinks that they will come to a yoga class and meditate for an hour. Most people are comfused about what yoga is and what class to take. It seems yoga is more complicated than what it really is. I remember when I first started looking at yoga. With a background in running, weight training, arobics and any other high impact exercise you can think of I couldn't imagine slowing down and doing yoga. So, I bought my first yoga DVD. I always worked out at home and never went to a gym. I am very self disciplined. Anyway, I worked out with my yoga DVD for the first time about 11 years ago. I was amazed at how great I felt. I was also amazed at how inflexible I was. The first backbend almost left me paralyzed (just kidding). It did floor me though. But, the imprtant thing is that I left me high impact exercise behind and started practicing yoga more frequently. I bough every yoga DVD I could find. Soon after that, my siet changed, my body image changed, my confidence rose, my body awareness arrived, my life changed for the better and I became a better person. Was it yoga? I do give it credit. I also credit massage as it came about 4 years later. What would I do without yoga & massage? So, yoga is not an hour of meditation unless you go to a meditation class. Yoga is a workout. No matter what class you take. What is important is the knowledge of what kind of yoga you are going to take. There are many types of yoga classes out there and I would be leary of walking into a yoga class that labels that class as just Yoga. Be sure you know the class fits your level. If you are a beginner, at least make sure it is a beginners class. Then there is the question of whether it is a vinyasa flow, Iyenger, Hot Yoga, Ashtanga, Kundilini, or Hatha yoga. I think I hit them all but you get the idea. Just be sure you know what you are walking into when you go to yoga. I am positive you feel good when the class is over.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Craniosacral Therapy

I just got back from my first training. Two more to go. It is very confusing as it is a whole new way of looking at the body. In massage I was trained to be aggressive but in Cranio I'm trained to be light and patient. I have a couple of things I need to work on. Oh boy! I'll get back to you later this week on details of my training.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Ginger Mango Smoothee

Her's a healthy smoothee recipe to get your warm summer mornings off to a good start. This would go great during your spring detox also. Exchange the milk for soy milk or almond milk. Yummmmmmmmm!
2 cups frozen mango chunks*
1 cup cubed fresh pineapple
1 6-oz. carton plain lowfat yogurt
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder (optional)
2 Tbsp. honey
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• In a blender combine mango chunks, pineapple, yogurt, milk, milk powder (if using),honey and ginger. Cover and blend until smooth. Makes: 4 (6-ounce) servings

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Time to Detox

Feeling sluggish, achy, bloated? Time to detox. Spring is a great time to detox with all the new sprouts, greens and berrys. I find I have more energy and can maintain my weight if I detox at least twice a year. I have also been told that it is good to detox in each season because each season boasts its own individual harvest of fresh foods and our bodies need them all. It is best to eat the in-season foods to keep your digestive and lymph systems working at their peak. There are many web pages to visit that can help you optimize your detox. The length of time you spend in your detox is determined by your will-power. I like to spend at least 2 weeks detoxing to thoroughly cleanse my system and to get it running at top speed. Does anyone have any helpful advice to add to this post?

Monday, April 19, 2010

Craniosacral Therapy

I am excited to announce that Friday the 23rd of April is my first training in Craniosacral Therapy. I have done my best to explain what this type of therapy is but I have found it difficult to do without the training. There are many definitions out there. This is the best description I have found.
Craniosacral Therapy is an alternative medicine used by osteopaths, massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors and occupational therapists. The session begins with the therapist placing their hands on the patient, which allows them to tune into their craniosacral system. The practitioner works with the spine and skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragm and fascia. The restriction of nerve passages is released and the movement of cerebral spinal fluid through the spinal cord is optimized, and misaligned bones are restored to their natural position. Craniosacral Therapists use this treatment to treat mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ syndrome, and chronic pain syndrome such as fybromyaglia. A condition defined as unexplained muscular pain.
I will continue to update you with information as travel through my trainings.

Charity Month

This month I am asking for donations to give the the Prince of Peace food pantry or to the La Crescent Animal Rescue.
Prince of Peace is in need of non-perishable food items and toiletries.
La Crescent Animal Rescue is in need of items for dogs & cats to include food like Science Diet cat food. Leashes, collars, rawhide chews, beds are a few of the items they need. Visit them at www.lacrescentanimalrescue.org for more information.
Bring you items to Simple Pleasures Yoga & Massage and take 5% off of your services!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Chakra Yoga Workshop

Chakra yoga workshop is being offered on Saturday, January 23rd. This is a fun and exciting opportunity to network with friends and family. It begins at 10:00am and will last for two hours. We will perform a series of sun salutations focusing on the different chakras in our bodies. We will begin with a warm-up and end with a comforting savasana. The cost is only $15.00 per person or bring a friend and pay only $25.00 for the two of you. Call 608-780-7909 to sign up. Hope to see you there!