25. February 2009 by admin.

I learned this week of another dear friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  It challenges me to call on some of my tools for coping with fear and loss.  One of my favorites of these tools is the “5 Remembrances” of the Buddha, as translated by Thich Nhat Hanh.  I found this beautiful portrayal, created by www.plumvillage.org.

5 Remembrances, Thich Nhat Hanh

Posted in Yoga Therapy, Uncategorized | No Comments »

10. February 2009 by admin.

“As human beings we all want to be happy and free from misery… we have learned that the key to happiness is inner peace. The greatest obstacles to inner peace are disturbing emotions such as anger, attachment, fear and suspicion, while love and compassion and a sense of universal responsibility are the sources of peace and happiness.” - His Holiness the Dalai Lama

I find that when I’m having trouble with someone, or even understanding a group of people, that these concepts are helpful to remember.

Long live HHDL!

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

9. February 2009 by admin.

As I start this Monday morning, with more things on my unwritten to-do list, I find myself feeling behind, feeling rushed, feeling like there isn’t enough time.  It’s a common feeling for many of us.  If we take time away from work on the weekends, we’re often confronted with a wall of responsibilities on Monday morning.

My newest “to do’s” include this blog & a twitter account.  So, as I sat here, wondering what to write, I asked myself - What yoga lesson exists here?  What most needs to be learned in this situation?

What I’ve come up with is the yama concept of aparigraha, or non-possessiveness, non-grasping.  If I can loosen my grip and my mind about these new (to me) web tools, and not worry about writing the perfect entry, and doing this with the best web optimization, I can relax into my morning.

Whatever this is, it is.  It can be a breath, it can be a transition, it can be a practice in self-acceptance.

So, if by chance you’ve found your way here.  I invite you to ask yourself… what in your life, in this moment, might benefit from a looser grip?  What might be a little more enjoyable, if you just trusted a little bit more, that everything will be okay?

So, with that, I’m going to let go of the Twitter idea for the moment and let this be enough.  Ahhh, that feels better….

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

6. February 2009 by admin.

Well, the news for the week, and a suitable kick-off for this blog, is that I’ve graduated from the Samarya Center’s Integrated Movement Therapy program!  Horray!

For almost two years, I’ve been schlepping myself around the globe, challenging my family with my absence, and finally I’m finished.

A little more about Integrated Movement Therapy (IMT):  IMT is a yoga-based therapy method that was created by Stephanie Sisson (LCSW) & Molly Lannon Kenny (MS-CCC).  It uses aspects of talk therapy, breath work, yoga postures and assisted relaxation to help clients find better health and happiness for themselves.  For more info, direct from the source, see www.samaryacenter.org.

I was so surprised with the response to my completion.  In addition to the emails of support and the surprise party at the train station, I received this document, intended as a poster.  Check it out.  I love the contrast of the hijabs & the yoga.  Thanks, friends!

Posted in Yoga Therapy | 1 Comment »