Monday, September 10, 2012
Perserverence -Yoga by Sinda
My newest video out! Be inspired-we are all just taking the journey! xo
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Declaration of My Independent -Relationship Status: Yoga Mom
http://www.yoganonymous.com/declaration-of-my-independent-relationship-status-yoga-mom/
Monday, July 2, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Open Culture Presents Yoga By Sinda
If you haven't checked out my interview make sure ya do- newly edited! xoNamaste,
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July/August 2012 issue
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July/August 2012 issue
For my Article in the Well- Being section
See my interview on New Castle Community Television!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Tripod Headstand with Eagle Legs by Sinda
Here's a new video upload! Make sure to subscribe to my youtube channel to be the first to know when new video's come out. This demo was done in class! Thanks for watching! xo
Namaste,
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July/August 2012 issue
For my Article in the Well- Being section
See my interview on New Castle Community Television!
July/August 2012 issue
For my Article in the Well- Being section
See my interview on New Castle Community Television!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Friday, June 1, 2012
Flying Pigeon-Tripod Headstand-Flying Pigeon Class Demos with Sinda
Namaste,
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July/August 2012 issue
For my Article in the Well- Being section
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July/August 2012 issue
For my Article in the Well- Being section
See my interview on New Castle Community Television!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Parivrtta Trikonasana- Revolved Triangle with Sinda
New Video Uploaded Today! Yoga by Sinda- Get twitsted with yoga! xo
Namaste,
Sinda
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Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Flying Lizard Posture with Sinda
New Video Clip Uploaded Today- Flying Lizard Posture with Sinda! Enjoy this arm balance as you learn to take the world into your hands! xo
Namaste
Sinda
www.yogabysinda.com
Friday, May 18, 2012
Trikonasana or Triangle Pose with Sinda
Check out my newest video uploaded today Trikonasana or Triangle Pose with Sinda, xo! Like, Share, Comment and Try it!
Namaste
Sinda Anzovino, E-RYT, CATYMT
Sent from me :-)
Sent from me :-)
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Monday, May 14, 2012
Marichiasana A Pose with Sinda
Namaste,
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Friday, May 4, 2012
Seated Spread Fold-Upavistha Konasana with Sinda
New Video Uploaded! Try it at home and see how comfortable you can get in this pose. Make sure to hold it for 5 long breaths to allow the groin and back muscles to open fully! thanks for watching! xo
Namaste,
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Saturday, April 28, 2012
Transition from Side Plank with Leg Extension (Vasisthasana) to Monkey P...
Fun transitions, check this new video upload out and see what you can do with it! Thanks for taking the time to like, share, or just watch, xo!
Namaste,
Sinda Anzovino, E-RYT, CATYMT
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Thursday, April 26, 2012
Vashisthasana with leg extension with Sinda
Namaste,
Sinda
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Monday, April 23, 2012
10 Reasons Why You Should Be Practicing Yoga With Your Baby!
Often after giving birth moms feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Mommy and Me Yoga can combat these feelings and add tremendous benefits to your lives together. Whether done in a group class setting or in your own living room the benefits are endless. To be clear, Mommy & Me Yoga is not the same as a Postnatal yoga class; the difference being the level of interaction with your baby. In most postnatal classes your baby will lie on a mat or blanket next to your mat and observe while you practice. Mommy & Me yoga is a fully interactive experience where your baby is sharing most of the experiences with you! If you are not already practicing yoga with your baby then here are 10 great reasons why you ought to be!
1) Deepens bond between mom and baby
How great is it to know that you are working out and taking care of yourself without the guilt of feeling like you are leaving your baby? Sharing songs, interacting in familiar yoga poses and practicing breath work strengthen the ties between mom and baby.
2) Be social - meet other moms and babies
Certainly we’ve each had that day where if we don’t get out of the house we think we will go crazy! (Perhaps it was yet another sleepless night for the whole household.) Getting out of the house and coming to a place where you are filled with the social connection of other moms sharing similar experiences can be just what you and baby need to feel active. The change of scenery of the house could be just what you need to turn your world around.
3) Lose your pregnancy weight and strengthen your postnatal body
In Mommy & Me Yoga, you are lifting your baby and sometimes using them as a weight, which means that your practice is a progressive one. In simple terms, as your baby gains weight you are changing your practice. Build core stabilization, endurance, stamina and strength and tighten up your abdominals.
4) Grow from love
Introduce your baby to yoga a practice that begins with love and is catered to them by repeatedly picking them up to interact and then giving them their space to observe. Mommy & Me Yoga provides visual stimulation through movement of fingers and toes. Moms get to observe babies as they learn developmental movement from their yoga exploration. Singing to them, offering hugs and kisses and lots of nurturing through the class allows this introduction of yoga to babies at such a young age to be one that grows from love!
5) Learn calming techniques to help keep your household a place of peace during the first year
Many of the techniques such a deep belly breathing, eye contact with baby and giving them the familiarity of a consistently structured class helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Setting up class in a circle allows your baby to become more social with other babies as they grow and gives them a higher comfort level around people. Through the repetition of physical contact and of a Mommy & Me Yoga routine babies build confidence.
6) Improve baby’s sleep
Because it is both physically and mentally stimulating it tires babies out. Practicing regularly will help babies sleep better and longer!
7) Improve baby’s digestion
Simple movements offered in yoga class are specifically for helping baby’s digestion by gently stimulating the large intestine. By moving food through them, these movements also help to assist with the relief of gas pains.
8) Learn the healing touch of baby massage
Simple structured massage at the end of each class gives babies a sense of calm and an enhanced overall feeling of well being. The inner rotation massaging of the legs helps to decrease tension that babies carry in their legs. Massaging the back gives babies more time in “tummy time” where they are able to strengthen their backs and cores. Babies may also tolerate “tummy time” longer because of the back massage.
9) Reduce tension from the back
Stretching and working through yoga that slowly brings you back to a steady practice and does so with the assistance of your baby helps to reduce tension from the back that, let’s be honest, probably built up over time from lugging a 35 pound car seat with baby attached everywhere you go. Maybe it’s all of the leaning over while breastfeeding or the rounding of the back each time you place your baby in and out of their crib. What ever the case may be, that first year of baby lifting and bending can wreak havoc on your back and yoga with your baby is a great way to help strengthen and protect your back!
10) Bring what you learn at class home
Practicing the songs, movements, breath work and massage that you learn in class at home offers added practice for you, bonding between you and your baby and a sense of ritual and community. It also creates a family activity that even other parents or family members can be involved in. You can also hire a qualified yoga teacher to come to your home and work with you and a group of friends, alternating houses and yoga play-dates!
The benefits of practicing yoga with your baby are indisputable! It’s important to keep in mind that just like you, babies have good days and bad. Sometimes you may experience your baby needing to cry or wanting to nurse or feed for part of a class and it’s important to offer them the securities and comforts they need. Take heart that over time and repetition your baby will grow to love their special time spent with mommy and all the other babies. You may even see mile stones happening in class, like first time roll overs, and army crawls! Just think when they do happen, you have a whole group that will celebrate these beautiful moments with you!
About the Author:
Sinda Anzovino, E-RYT, CATYMT received her BA in English from Muhlenberg College. She began teaching Vinyasa Yoga in 2000. She is certified in pre & postnatal yoga, kids yoga, kids with special needs yoga, and Advanced Thai Yoga Massage Therapy. She also designed a 200-hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training Program recognized by Yoga Alliance as well as designing teacher training programs for Kids Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Toddler & Me Yoga and Mommy & Me Yoga. Sinda is the former Owner of YOGA JOURNEY, Registered Yoga School with Yoga Alliance (opened 2005, closed 2009). Sinda currently teaches Vinyasa Yoga; Power Vinyasa Yoga and 'Advancing Your Yoga Practice' classes at many of the NYSC's in Westchester, NY. She also teaches the majority of Prenatal Yoga & Mommy & Me Yoga classes at Destination Maternity in White Plains, NY, in addition to her private clientele. She is the proud mother of two beautiful children and resides in Westchester, NY.
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Sunday, April 22, 2012
Bujadpidasana- Double Arm Pressure Pose with Sinda
Uploaded Now!!!! Music produced by D-Tektiv! Subscribe to my channel to be the first to know when new videos are uploaded! Love the feedback and support, xo! Keep practicing!
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Namaste,
Sinda
Friday, April 20, 2012
Virabhadrasana 1- Warrior 1 Pose with Sinda
Namaste,
Sinda
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Check out my article on Elephant Journal: Planting Seeds of Intention
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
3 Point Upward Bow Pose- Urdva Dhanurasana with Sinda
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Namaste
Sinda Anzovino, E-RYT, CATYMT
Friday, April 13, 2012
Astravakrasana- Eight Angle Pose with Sinda
Learn to transition from single arm pressure pose to eight angle pose with Sinda! Check out the newest clip uploaded to my youtube channel today!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Single Arm Pressure Pose-with Sinda
Check out my newest video upload to my youtube channel TODAY! Practice this pose at home and see how well you can work with your bandhas in the posture. Be sure to "Like" or "Share" if you don't mind! Thanks for all the love and support! Hope to see you at class soon! Namaste!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Yoga Demo by Sinda Side Crow to Tripod Headstand to Side Crow
Namaste,
Sinda
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Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Bringing Yoga Home...5 Ways to Benefit from a Home Practice
You’ve heard it said a million times...yoga is a daily practice. In your head you try to figure out whose classes you can attend and which times might fit your schedule. Classes are not necessarily catering to the times which are available to you. Frustrated, you start to wonder how you get a daily practice in? You understand that the benefits of daily practice will be a good thing, but you are still left sorting out the logistics of it. Finally, you come upon the simple answer! Add a home practice to complement the class practices you are able to make at your yoga studio or gym.
Enjoy these 5 benefits by establishing a home practice:
- Set your own times. Practice yoga while you are still in your pajamas if you feel like it!
- Stay centered. Practicing each day is much like taking a look in the mirror before you go out into the world. You get a chance to check in on how you feel and establish your self-confidence and self-worth.
- Retain strength and flexibility over time. Practicing once a week will not retain flexibility any more than dieting once a week will help you lose weight. Increasing the number of days you practice by adding a home practice can completely change your level of strength and flexibility and provide quicker physical progress as far as asanas (poses) are concerned.
- Move at your own pace. In a class you may feel rushed or even anxious to keep up with the teachers cues. In your own space you have the opportunity to really take your time with your breath and make sure you feel truly open in your pose before moving onto the next one.
- Bring the sacredness of your practice home. Change your perspective on what it means to have a yoga practice. Not just having to go to a specific place to allow your yoga to happen, but letting your practice exist wherever you happen to be. This can be quite a liberating experience.
The hard part is the many pitfalls we all have in our lives; children, pets, phone, computer, TV, lack of space, lack of motivation and other distractions such as chores. These pitfalls will help justify why you just cannot get a practice in at home if you let them. So how do you get around this? Start by closing your eyes and thinking about what the biggest pitfalls are for you when you are at home. Planning how to overcome those challenges will make you better able to maintain a home practice.
To help get you through this part here are some tips on overcoming those pitfalls:
- Invest in a gate to keep out kids and pets.
- Throw a tapestry over the computer and TV if they are in the same room as you will be practicing in. You will create a more welcoming space.
- Turn the computer and the telephone off. If you must keep your computer on, check out some Youtube videos of yoga for inspiration or to follow along to.
- Design your yogic space! This can be as simple or ornate as you like. Create a home altar that is mobile (candles, incense, statues, crystals, pictures of family or whatever you hold sacred and special to you). Dim the lights. Add a serenity fountain or some other connection to the elements. Play your favorite yoga music. Try to use a corner or space near a wall - you won’t need anything larger than the size of your yoga mat. If you do have a wall to use, a great motivator is to put up a picture of you in your favorite yoga pose or a picture of a pose you are trying to work towards. This will keep you inspired and you can change up the picture whenever you want. Keep a bottle of water and a towel handy so you don’t feel the need to leave your space once you have begun your practice.
Remember you can always start small. Maybe just bring 5 sets of sun salutations into your home practice at first and see if you can commit to that. As you build consistency, increase the duration of your home practice. And if you are having a rough day, take a seat on your mat or zafu (meditation cushion) and take 5 minutes to close your eyes and center your body, breath and mind. This is far better than skipping the practice altogether. Within a week you will feel like a new person and I promise you will begin to see changes in your practice and your perspective. I leave you with one of my favorite quotes: “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change”.
~ Dr. Wayne W. Dyer.
Namaste,
Sinda
Monday, March 19, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Viva la Revolution!
Benefits of twisting postures that may make you want to revolt!
So I’m sure most of you have found yourselves holding your breath, gritting your teeth and mentally counting down the moments until you can release poses such as revolved triangle. “Smurf” yoga (holding your breath in a pose until you turn blue) is certainly not the answer. Revolved Triangle pose, in my experience, is on the top of the “we don’t love it” list. Add to that pose revolved extended side angle or revolved lunge and suddenly frowns appear, faces sink and a time clock begins before losing students via the domino effect (exiting from the pose one by one before the 5 breaths are completed).
So what is it about these twisting postures that make you want to revolt? Is it the self-awareness that becomes more apparent as you are forced to face the extra loving in the midsection? Is it the frustration with your body’s inflexibility within the spinal column? Perhaps as you are wringing out your intestines and abdominal organs, you are also limiting the space the lungs have to take in their maximum breath? Some practitioners may even find themselves caught on the borderline of anxiety or fear that they will not be able to take a deep enough breath to stay in the pose.
So with all of these stress-inducing thoughts towards twisted postures, why do them at all? There are a ton of physical benefits to twisting postures. They sculpt the abdomen and obliques (love handles). The compression and stimulation of the abdominal organs such as the liver, pancreas, kidneys, intestines, and bladder help with the removal of excretory waste as well as relief from gas pains. Maybe pick a day and skip the coffee and do a twist instead! Twists also assist with circulation. Limiting and then releasing the flow of blood through the body allows fresh movement of oxygen through the blood stream and assists with tissue healing.
Sounds great, right? Well that’s not all! Twists also neutralize the spine after back bends and help keep your natural spinal rotation and soft tissues pliable. You can be reassured that over time your body will remain healthy enough to twist this way and that without losing length or putting yourself at higher risk for random injuries. If you happen to participate in sports like golf, soccer, martial arts, football, baseball, tennis and others that involve twisting for full range of motion, then a yoga practice that involves some of these revolting twisting postures is essential as a complimentary practice to your sport!
So moving away from the physiological effect of twisting postures we can explore this both mentally and with attention to breath! Mentally, how we perceive our practice and poses can immediately create a conflict in the mind. In yoga mental conflicts are not necessarily fights going on in your head. It simply means that you have not found Santosha (contentment) with the pose. Santosha meaning you neither revel in the posture nor feel any form of aversion to it either. You simply do the posture and focus on remaining present and in the moment. By releasing yourself of the conflict in the mind and finding contentment in twisting postures you will experience a more level and open flow in the mind during your physical practice.
Ujjayai (victorious) breath should be used to take the “Smurf” yoga out of your practice. In twists, the compression of ribs and lungs can make it impossible to take full big breaths and can also make it a troubling experience to try to breathe using your mouth. Instead focus on the Ujjayai breath skills where there is the slightest constriction at the back of the throat that allows for the elongation of the duration of each inhalation and exhalation. Allow the breaths to last 5 counts in and 5 counts out. This technique is much the same as fogging up a window with your mouth and creating that condensation effect but instead of using your mouth, you use your nose for both the inhalation and the exhalation. Remember, if you are not breathing, you are not practicing.
So instead of revolting the next time you are faced with a twisting posture, take the opportunity to breathe, mentally explore the experience of being present in the pose, connect with Santosha and think about how yummy your belly, back, obliques and digestives system will feel. Instead of thinking how much longer until I get out of this pose think “Viva la Revolution” and bring on the twists!
Namaste
Sinda
Web: YogabySinda
Friday, March 2, 2012
Your Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Practice
So you’ve tried a group class and left feeling like you were nearly in the same place as where you started. You’ve practiced at home but are not sure if you are doing the poses correctly. Maybe you are beginning to ask yourself if yoga is really right for you...
Yoga can be practiced in a variety of ways. But how do you know which way is best for you? Not only do you have multiple styles of yoga to choose from but you also have a variety of ways in which you can participate in your practice. You may find yourself walking into a class whose name you don’t understand and are unsure of the expectations. Mostly you just hear that yoga is good for your back, your tightness or any other thing that may currently be ailing you; and truthfully yoga is all that and more. For those of you more experienced practitioners, you may feel as though your practice has begun to plateau in a large class setting. You may find that you want more time from your teacher but are unable to attain that in the limited amount of time that the class runs.
Here is a guide that will break down the pros and cons and help you decide on where to take your practice to next!
Firstly, let it be known that back in the day when Krishnamacharya (thought of as the grandfather of yoga) was teaching yoga it was not done in large group classes but instead was offered one on one. This allowed the teacher to depart a mass of knowledge to their student much like a disciple. This dynamic has changed and I will refrain from offering an opinion on which methods I consider best, as I think that whether practicing solo, one one one, in small groups, or in large classes, benefits truly have to do with what your immediate goal may be as far as your particular practice is concerned.
Private Yoga Sessions
Using a qualified experienced and certified instructor can help you change your practice by leaps and bounds. (You can find one by checking out www.yogaalliance.org/.) 100% of the time is spent on you and your needs. During private sessions your teacher can observe and immediately catch improper alignment or form. They can identify negative habits that may have crept into your practice and help to break you out of them. They can assist you in getting to the next level of poses you may be struggling with by offering helpful tips, demonstrating how to use props and physically assisting your body into postures. This is also a great idea if you have injuries or issues with your body where learning how to modify, or practice safely is your main goal. While these classes may be more expensive than the small group classes, you may find that you may only need a few sessions to bring your practice to where you would like it to be. Private sessions also offer a convenience factor, fitting the time around your schedule. Your teacher may even design small session class outlines for you to work on at home during the week until your next private session. This will allow you to build your strength and flexibility in the time between sessions.
The drawback is higher cost. These sessions will generally run anywhere from $125-$150 per hour session when the teacher comes to you. Once you start them, you may not want to stop!
Small Group Classes
Now these are a nice idea when you are looking to keep costs low but want to get out of the rut of being lost in a larger class. These classes generally have no greater than 12 students in them. This allows the teacher to offer personal attention to each individual in every class. Partner work is often a large part of the class experience. This allows as much hands on time and assisting as possible. The teacher can then divide their time among everyone. These classes are taught workshop style and because of this, the cost may be anywhere from $25-$40 per hour session. The important thing about exploring one of these small group classes is that there is an agenda that all of the class participants will be working on together, otherwise it will be impossible for one teacher to meet the needs of 12 different students bringing 12 different goals to the group.
Unfortunately, you may not receive as much individual attention as you are hoping for. You may also find that as you progress, your needs and aims may vary from the set agenda for the group.
Large Class of Yoga
It’s easier to blend in and go with the flow. If you are someone who learns visually then there are generally a lot of bodies to observe and follow even when the teacher is moving through the room and assisting other practitioners. If you feed off of the synchronization of many bodies moving and experiencing a physical connection together and releasing large group energy, then this is a great experience. Another plus is that even in a very large yoga class if your form is in a position where it poses a danger to you, your teacher should still be able to get to you to keep you practicing safely.
However, you can get lost in a large class and may not receive individual attention. Therefore, it may take you longer before you realize any negative habits you may have picked up in your practice.
Home Practice
A home practice is an excellent way to cut your costs and maintain a daily practice. You can set your mat down in any room of the house. You can watch different yoga videos for variety and inspiration. A home practice is a great compliment to some form of private or group sessions! And hey, you can even practice in your pajamas!
The downside of this is that there is no one there to assist you. There is no teacher to make sure you are doing the movements correctly or safely. There is no one to help you understand the way the bandhas or breath work work can be used to deepen your practice. Progression to a more intermediate or advanced level is seriously limited.
Remember that your practice should be daily! It’s great to switch up your practice methods. Try new classes, explore private and small group sessions, think about what
you want to accomplish or what may be frustrating you in your practice and seek out a means to keep your practice inviting and progressive physically and mentally. You are in control of your deeper connection and have many choices at your disposal; mix it up and don’t be afraid to see where you can take your practice to.
Namaste
Sinda
WEB: Yoga by Sinda
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Needs Versus Wants in Yoga
So why do we feel the need to be so goal oriented in yoga classes and what is with the craziness attached to being able to grab our toes? Perhaps it is our misunderstanding of needs versus wants that is to blame.
Need versus want is the very same in your yoga class as it is with any relationship or situation off your mat. You may want to conquer that physical yoga pose in the same way that you want that person in your life to love you a certain way, but these wants are not the same as needs. In a yoga class you need to breathe. You need to build heat. You need to learn how to use your bandhas (energy locks). You certainly need to stay present. --You do not need to wear Lululemon clothing! You do not need to look perfect in your poses! You do not need to weigh 90lbs to practice!
Often, making the clarification between what is needed versus wanted can pose a serious challenge. In a relationship, being unable to differentiate between the two concepts can lead to confrontation over things that should be inconsequential. My mom would call this “choosing your battles.” The important thing is to understand what you need from the relationship while not getting caught up in the small stuff that could derail you from that main need. In your practice it is the same. When we start to compare our practice to others or become overly involved in our appearance or expectations, then we begin to get derailed from the experience of the practice.
This concept of want is really derived from what is called Asmita (ego) in yoga. Asmita is one of the 5 Kleshas (afflictions) to happiness. Many say that the other four Kleshas (Avidya-ignorance, Raja-attachment, Dvesha-repulsion, Abhinivesha-fear of loss or clinging to one's life) are all derived from Asmita. Asmita may cloud what you need as wants get in the way.
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| Paschimottanasana |
In Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend pose) we can look at this idea a little more closely. Folding over extended legs and reaching the heart towards the lower legs with the hands towards the feet we find ourselves in this pose. You may want to grab your feet and pull yourself down because something inside insists that you can and will reach your feet. That is the want, but the need would be to feel your way into the pose; embracing the 5 breaths of internal massaging to the abdominal organs, focusing on muscle releases during exhalations and finding contentment in the practice and the experience.
While it is ok to have both needs and wants as far as your practice or anything else in your life goes, it is important to acknowledge that the wants are not necessary to feel the deepest connections in your relationships or your practice. Committing to a daily practice may help with regards to staying true to present needs. When the practice is daily we are less likely to place such high expectations for physical outcomes. Often this the time we let go of these ego-attached desires and begin to see progress in the physical practice.
Yoga in itself means to yoke or unite the mind and body. Each time you approach your mat or life circumstances many things may be different: material stature, relationships, your physicality and energy may all be different, but as the saying goes: “where ever you go, there you are.” Understanding how to differentiate between needs and wants and being able to deduct the ego from many of these experiences will help you to progress through your practice without getting hung up on the small stuff and it will do the same for your relationships in life as well...
Namaste
Sinda
Monday, February 13, 2012
Better Sex With Yoga
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| Double Bound Angle Pose |
Sure we’ve all heard the news on Sting and his tantric yoga “sexploits” and let us not forget the acro-yoga type contraptions of Tommy Lee and Pamela, but what are the true benefits of yoga in the bedroom?
Try the following postures at home to build up strength:
*Standing Leg Extension
*Crow Pose
Try the following postures to lengthen your hamstrings, open your hips and bend over backwards for better sex:
*Seated Spread Fold
*Head to Knee
*Upward Bow with or without chair- think Russell Brand in “Forgetting Sara Marshall.”
How to engage your mula bandha: In a flowing yoga class, such as Vinyasa, you would move through the class with this lock engaged at about 50% of what you are capable which helps to stabilize the pelvic bowl.
Try to control peeing mid-stream by employing your Mula Bandha. Lifting the pelvic floor functions to stop and start the flow in a manner similar to Kegels. These same muscles and lift for women are used when squeezing the penis or anything else once inside the vagina. For women, engaging these muscles while thrusting or rotating will help to add more friction and stimulation to the clitoris.
For men, engaging the Mula Bandha will hold back the need to ejaculate right away (without thoughts of Margaret Thatcher naked on a cold day). It will also keep the mood in the right place.
Position to work this Bandha in: Down Dog
Additional exercises you can do to strengthen the Mula Bandha anywhere include the following: Counting Bandha builders. Start by working with your breath and engaging your Bandha to the count of three, then release to the count of three. Next step, breathe and try four and four. For each new breath try adding increments of one until you are able to build up to a count of 10 and 10. Then put all that hard work into action!
Try: taking a class together and hold hands during Savasana (deep relaxation).
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| Double Triangle Pose |
Try: Partner Boat
Double Triangle
Double bound angle (diamond) (kisses, hugs and whispers of naughty little nothings are welcome here)
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| Partner Boat Pose |
The old adage remains true; the couple that plays together stays together. Spice things up and step out of your routine by making a yoga date, hitting a class or the bedroom floor. Keep your plans open to see where the mood takes you.
Namaste
Sinda
Friday, February 10, 2012
Planting Seeds of Intention and Watching Them Grow
Taking a yoga class without an intention is much like getting into a car without having a destination. Instead of reaching the destination by the end of the journey, you may end exactly where you started. At the beginning of the class a teacher may plant a seed of intention or offer that you set your own personal intention for the class. Much in the way of a topical meditation or concept meant to root you in the now and give a focus for mental work; intentions are not long term goals like achieving a particular pose or losing weight. Instead they might deal with anger, dharana (concentration) or letting go. These are clear and simple concepts which you can immediately relate to and apply to body, breath or mind.
Once the seed is planted allow it to grow. Admittedly, this becomes slightly easier once physical asanas (poses) do not occupy all of your thoughts while practicing. It is essential even at the novice level and especially when maintaing a home practice that an intention be established.
So how do you grow the seeds once they are planted? By bringing the intention back from time to time. When you find your self in down dog during class this is a great time to revisit your intention. These continued revisits or stops along the journey should help you to find a deeper root to the present and sometimes allow you to let go of mental baggage or resolve a conflict that may have been deep inside of you. Meditation can be challenging sometimes; intention in a flowing class is much like a moving meditation allowing you to pick it up and put it down. This is often why so many yogis & yoginis flock to physical styles of Yoga. It becomes much easier to focus on the physical right here and right now. The body speaks to you, and if you aren’t listening, it will yell at you. Intentions allow us to listen to the body, breath and mind with enhanced hearing.
As I begin my journey blogging I set my intention to focus on Tapas (not the Spanish food).
Tapas in Yoga denotes self discipline; committing to oneself and then working to maintain that commitment.
The easiest way to look at this yogic concept is to look at your own practice. Is it daily? Consistent? Something you look forward to? When you approach your mat are you energetic or expectant? Believe it or not if you are able to simply step on your mat each day it is very unlikely that you will feel compelled to skip the practice entirely.
So my Tapas will begin to incorporate more than my daily practice and teachings. I now work towards a commitment to myself to write daily, explore topical meditation in writing and to share these thoughts with you.
Namaste.
Sinda
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