13. January 2010 by admin.

Since last Monday, the first “work day” of the new year, I’ve found myself floating through my work. . . attending to email, adjusting websites, working with my calendar and keeping a diligent eye on Facebook and other social media/marketing activity.  Though all work-related and important, none of these things are the tasks that most need my attention.

This fact has made me vaguely uncomfortable for the last week and a half.  While I know that it’s important to get organized and to enjoy getting back into the non-holiday swing of things, the time has come to light a fire under it and get focused.  In Yoga, this is referred to as tapas, which translates as heat, but can also be thought of as discipline or single-mindedness.

I love the non-judgmental, self-accepting ideals of Yoga.  They’ve helped me bring more calm and peace to my life.  AND, they can also sometimes lull me into the la-la land of spending too much time on things that aren’t the priority.  It’s that vague discomfort in the back of my head that increases when I get out of balance, and says, “Hey YOU!  Pay attention to the matter at hand here!  We’re not going to really be at peace until you address these tasks that you’re avoiding!”

And that’s where I am today.  Even though I’ve already grocery shopped, cleaned the kitchen and written a blog post (none of which are on the high priority list), it’s time to light a fire under it.  It’s time to give my most important tasks my undivided attention.  Through this, I know that I will find more peace, more ease, more connection to my best Self - the self that balances the work with the kinda-work.  That’s tapas in action.

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29. December 2009 by admin.

I sure have loved the special holiday foods this year.  I’ve loved sharing meals with special friends and family and splurging on things I might not usually buy, or eat.  I started with the eggnog BEFORE Thanksgiving.  But I also became more mindful with the choices around eggnog consumption, drinking mostly the soymilk variety and forgoing the homemade version.

Now that most of the meals and parties are past, and I’ve officially brought out my larger-sized “holiday jeans,” I am taking a look at how I feel about the choices I’ve made over the past month or so.  Choices regarding food, socializing, purchasing, attention, exercise.  Honestly, this is the healthiest, happiest holiday season I’ve ever had - in mind, body and spirit.

AND, the holiday season is coming to a close.  So, how do I transition back to my non-splurgiung self, while honoring the choices I’ve made over the past month?

I’ve decided to pull out a favorite recipe: Cleansing Kitchari.  It’s an Indian comfort food that people eat when fasting. It’s a porridge made of white rice, mung beans, ginger, coconut and Indian spices.  It’s creamy and savory, with satisfying spice combinations.  It’s delicious and I love it.

I think it will be the perfect transition out of the season.  One last treat - and this one will help me ground, and get my digestion back into sync.  What a great way to start the new year!

Check out the kitchari recipe!

Posted in Food, Yoga Therapy | 1 Comment »

16. April 2009 by admin.

I love this TIME article, because it describes our “brand” of yoga therapy (called Integrated Movement Therapy®), without actually being about IMT.  Check it out!

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1891271,00.html

Posted in Yoga Therapy | 2 Comments »

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 »

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!

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