Categories
Yoga

Utthita Trikonasana

Benefits of “Triangle” pose are many … to list:

Strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
Stretches the hips, groins, hamstrings, and calves; shoulders, chest, and spine
Stimulates the abdominal organs
Improves digestion
Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause
Relieves backache – yet, consult your doctor for your own unique needs.
Therapeutic for anxiety, flat feet, infertility, neck pain, osteoporosis, and sciatica
according to Yoga Journal. Should be modified with blocks, chairs, walls according to where the student’s at.


& Better You Yoga:)
Change comes from within – Subtle Adjustment from WITHIN from the first photo.
First Trikonasana with a block – see the curve on upper rib, the neck curve – Teacher Judith observes…after placing the sand bag
BEFORE
Following careful verbal cures – THEN to the next photo taken within few minutes – note the subtle difference – see the cervical spine, the line with a little pelvic awareness, a sand bag for awareness … now block removed for a better alignment. Feeling the shift from within. Making space from within to find more freedom. This master teacher does not force with her hand adjustments – but observes and directs – then steps back to see the whole pose, i.e., assesses the energetics of the lines with mindful regard for human anatomy and kinesiology. Reminiscing the Invitational from last year – thank you Teacher Judith:) Same pose, totally different energy.

AFTER:)

Here’s Teacher Judith photo found on the … where else but the internet … from awhile ago:) So so cool that she’s still teaching decades later !

Categories
Beautiful Places

Rain Forecast Today

Precipitation is anticipated according to the weather report – it’s Autumn.

“Grace surrounds us and holds us like the sky holds everything in it … and as soon as I find a way to let go of my story, I keep seeing over and over again that grace is always here and it includes the forgetting and the remembering. The practice is the opening of the hand to catch the raindrops, which are always falling. If you don’t open your hand, you get wet, but you don’t get much to drink.”

– Krishna Das


Rain to put out the fire, allowing us to capture the fleeting moments of abundance whilst sustaining a loss so great. Getting wet, drink up, shake it off and then we will welcome with courage, this season of abundance. Gratitude.

Categories
Beautiful Rituals Beautiful Things

DIY Homemade “China Gel”

Muscle Tensions? Tightness? Pain?

We can make our own muscle pain relief cream, gel, balm – what you might want to call and the following is the basic recipe. You could add lemongrass, frankincense, myrrh for additional aroma/healing qualities … but make sure to dilute and to do a patch test to see if there’s any sensitivities*:

1/4 – 1/2cup Coconut Oil – Melt and whip
1-2 teaspoons Beeswax pellets

(if you don’t have it – basically to keep the coconut oil from melting into liquid and provide the needed consistency for spreading on skin – just place whipped and in frig)

5 drops Camphor oil
5 drops Peppermint oil
5 drops Eucalyptus oil

(warning – just do not rub your eyes or for that matter, do not touch your face area when engaged in this fun project!)

OR if dealing coconut oil is a bit too messy for you, purchase a jar of natural Vitamin E cream then add the essential oils.
Blend and whip with a whisk or blender. Consistency of the cream is something to experiment with so start with the smallest batch to find the right ratio.
One should do a patch test on the arm to make sure the concentration of oils are just right and not too strong to cause skin irritations.

If cooled in frig., applying this cream is especially effective after a hot bath or shower. And even better DURING or AFTER a good yoga practice.

Give it try in your home spa:) spread it on shoulders, then have warm towels on them,
relax into a restorative pose for rejuvenation. Sighhhhhh

* Eleven year old boy’s favorite pose – supported but floaty bridge pose – after muscle strengthening series of warrior poses:) Then, there’s a mom-to-be, gestating new life – Reclining bound-angle pose is super yummy for others in need … to restore and renew their zest for life:) Bring on the calm, the alertness … recharge each day with a good mix of effort offset with ease. Rest. Balance.

**why homemade? As with anything, non-home balms with unknown ingredients, moderation in application is advised. As with exercise, more is not necessarily better – read this.

 

** Lavender and tee tree oils in a large doze are not recommended for men and boys.  What is large doze?  Just ask me directly.