Meditation is Such a Funny Thing

More so than when I was growing up, there are now many "flavors" of meditation from which to choose, quite a variety from which to become confused.

The Basics are the Basics
As you deal with franchised templates, expert advice, iconic labeling, shoulds and daren'ts, remember this: Basics are Basics.

Regarding Meditation
I strongly believe in working with a person's temperament. Some people are much more energetic than others. Take into account interests, needs at that particular moment in life and desires. Yes, desires - for they will guide as a compass to your personal expressions.

Life Changes - We Change
What worked then, may not work now.

Different times in life require different tools. You don't carry all your tools around with you all the time - you use tools as required.

For people who are more active, meditation is completely different than for people less physically active.

Strongly intellectual people enter meditation differently than others.

Julia Roberts said of the book/film Eat, Pray, Love that it is important for people to take the time to find these things where you are for, not everyone can afford to travel, or take extended breaks.

Julia Cameron writes of taking Artist Dates, identify things near to your heart and chase them on a regular basis, scheduling the time.

My Tai Chi teacher used to call the practice of Tai Chi, Meditation in Action, and Yoga, Meditation in Repose. The idea is, with whichever practice/s you play with - take it into daily life.

The book Chop Wood, Carry Water: A Guide to Finding Spiritual Fulfillment in Every Day Life brought this to people's attention in the mid-1970's and we now have a vast library available to dip into for inspiration.

My yoga teacher insisted, you already know. We each have within us the guidance, the knowing, the teaching. A challenging pill to swallow at any age, but especially when young!

Dream teachers help us unravel our own living and dreaming symbols.
You Be the Guide

Shop around. Feel what is right for you, at the particular time. Commit. Show up. Enjoy.

In my teaching, I synthesize and integrate the various tools to meet individual and group needs.


Photo: Hand of Life Lura Astor

Yoga and Wine

Living in Wine Country 

QUESTION: What does a yoga practitioner and a bottle of wine have in common? They both Breathe.
 
Research confirms that drinking
gives same benefits as yoga !


Savasana
Position of total relaxation
Also called the corpse pose

Balasana
Position that brings the sensation of peace and calm










 

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
This position calms the brain and heals tired legs

Marjayasana
Stimulates the midriff area and the spinal column

Halasana
Excellent for back pain and insomnia

Salambhasana
Great exercise to stimulate the lumbar area, legs, and arms


Dolphin
Excellent for the shoulder area, thorax, legs, and arms


Ananda Balasana
This position is great for massaging the hip area

Malasana
This position is for ankles and back muscles



Teacher's Disclaimer: anyone who knows me knows that I get high on life, body work, teaching, laughter and the study of smells. In the above photographic depictions, I recommend the non-abusive way to enLIGHTening your body-mind-spirit-emotions ... if you have any genetic predispositions towards alcoholism ... stay away from the bottle. And, while you can drive after yoga, have someone else drive after you've been imbibing. Also, there are more homeless than ever, so help out in your community. 

photos: I don't yet know who to credit

Dynamic Flexibility - Class Description

With a deep concern for helping people move through daily life with more energy, less pain, greater ease, and better focus, I developed classes using techniques that release excess tension while strengthening postures that hold a body in balance.

This work corrects pain-causing habits, such as slouching and pain-adaptation, aids recovery from injury, and sharpens recreational and work performance.

I've worked throughout the country in schools, universities, fitness centers, theaters and corporations, instructing students from ages 3 to 93.

My years as a licensed massage therapist aided my kinaesthetic understanding of anatomy.

Bringing over 30 years experience with Tai Chi Chuan, yoga, sports performance, dance, body rehabilitation and body re-education to this health and teaching work.


Water & Dancing People: lastor