January 30- February 5: Yoga, a Recipe for Life

I love to cook- I realize many of you reading this already know that but sometimes I just need to type it out loud.  In these dark days it feels so good to turn on the oven and put together something that makes people smile.  With S working out of town for the next month or so I've been trying to keep him well stocked with baked goods- last week was cookies, this week was scones with lemons I picked on my trip to Los Angeles.  There is something so simply satisfying about following a recipe and enjoying the results.

The same thing could be said of a yoga practice- the Yoga Sutras say:

Abhyasa vairagyabhyam tat nirodhah

which translated means that if we practice, and are committed to our practice, we will receive the benefits that yoga has to offer.  In fact the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are basically a recipe book for how to live our lives through the tenants of  Yoga, if you have never picked up a copy it is worth a read.  If you have questions you can always ask me in class.  So whatever you are doing today- set aside some time, even 10 minutes, to commit to your practice.  You will be happy you did.

Public Teaching Schedule:

Monday 6:30am, People's Yoga North, Morning Flow
Monday 9:30am, Yoga Shala North, Vinyasa Level 2
Monday 4pm, Yoga Shala North, All Level Vinyasa
Monday 6pm, Yoga Shala SE, Vinyasa Level 2

Wednesday 6:30am, People's Yoga North, Morning Flow
Wednesady 4pm, Yoga Shala North, All Level Vinyasa
Wednesday 7:15pm, Exhale Yoga, Yoga Basics

Thursday 6pm, Yoga Shala SE, Vinyasa Level 2

Friday 6:30am, People's Yoga North, Morning Flow
Friday 9:15am, Exhale Yoga, Hatha Blend
Friday 12pm, Yoga Shala SE, All Level Vinyasa (subbing)
Friday 5:30pm, Yoga Shala SE, All Level Vinyasa

Saturday 5pm, Yoga Shala SE, All Level Vinyasa (subbing)

January 23-29: Feeling Inspired

There are times when it is important to slow our practice down and simply enjoy the silence.  It has been a wintery week here in Portland, snow, rain, lots of slush- everything and everyone has had a chance to move at a leisurely pace with no pressure to hurry since there is really nowhere to go.  This can be a challenging time of year to get to class but it always pays off and gives me the energy to get through my day, even when I would rather lie on the couch and watch movies... this is a great time of year to move slow- hold poses a bit longer longer and to take a long savasana to give our bodies and minds the rest they need.

After spending a week in the dark and the rain I was super excited to head to southern California for a visit and some sunshine!  I was able to get in a yoga class while I was there with Annie Carpenter- a teacher I have always enjoyed practicing with.  Her sequencing is challenging yet accessible and she approaches everything with enthusiasm and love.  It was such a treat to have some time on the mat with her.  I have lots of great ideas to take into the next few weeks of classes here in Portland- Annie is so inspiring with her words and playful approach to practice.

As for LA itself- this was first trip backing since moving- it was great to see old friends and visit all the old places that we used to spend so much time.  I wouldn't trade my time there for anything- but it does not feel like home anymore- LA will always be there to visit but I am happy to say that I am Pacific Northwest Gal through and through.


Public Teaching Schedule:

Monday 6:30am, People's Yoga North, Morning Flow
Monday 9:30am, Yoga Shala North, Vinyasa Level 2
Monday 4pm, Yoga Shala North, All Level Vinyasa
Monday 6pm, Yoga Shala SE, Vinyasa Level 2

Wednesday 6:30am, People's Yoga North, Morning Flow
Wednesady 4pm, Yoga Shala North, All Level Vinyasa
Wednesday 7:15pm, Exhale Yoga, Yoga Basics

Thursday 6pm, Yoga Shala SE, Vinyasa Level 2

Friday 6:30am, People's Yoga North, Morning Flow
Friday 9:15am, Exhale Yoga, Hatha Blend
Friday 5:30pm, Yoga Shala SE, All Level Vinyasa