Yoga at Home for Absolute Beginners!

Beginners Yoga: Cute, helpful book on Office Yoga

Last week I was browsing the health/exercise section of the library and came across the book, Office Yoga.  Intrigued by what another yoga advises on doing yoga at the office, I checked it out. Author Darrin Zeer has a lovely dedication at the beginning of his book..."may it inspire you to take good care of yourself at the office and throughout the day."

I couldn't agree more.  If you have a sedentary job (like mine as a writer/researcher/analyst) this cute small book is a nice reminder that can fit on the corner of your desk.  Even if you do yoga at home in the morning or evening, I recommend that you slip in yoga poses and techniques throughout the day to stay energized and serene.  Zeer presents 50 easy-to-follow, simple yoga stretches and techniques that you can slip into moments of your work day.  He offers some clever, creative ideas like meditating while reading your e-mails to get calm!

Zeer learned yoga and other healing arts while he lived in Asia for 7 years and he now teaches relaxation to individuals and groups in business.  Consider reading/buying this book yourself!  It can be a helpful, inspirational edition to your yoga library!   He also has written, Lovers' Yoga which teaches soothing stretches for two - sounds fun!  You can check out his work on http://www.relaxyoga.com/. 

Be more productive and relaxed at work this week by including yoga throughout your day!

Serenely yours,

Laura Venecia Rodriguez

 

 

Yoga for the Non-Athlete: A Huge New Yoga Studio Opening Soon in DC

This morning as I read the Tueday fitness section of the Washington Post Express paper, I realized that the chances of me signing up for a yoga class at a studio or gym anytime soon are slim to none... Talk about feeling intimidated!  A gargantuan new yoga/fitness center is opening in the Adams Morgan section of Washington, DC.  Named "Stroga" (www.Stroga.com) because it fuses strength and yoga, its creator predicts it will attract every yoga master and become a yoga mecca.

Key features of this new yoga "studio"that is housed in a mansion include floor to ceiling windows, stained glass, chandeliers and tons of floor space. The second floor of the studio can fit up to 125 people.  Whoa! The article included a photo of a huge class of at least 4 rows of a least 10 participants per row doing the downward dog.  Klutz that I am, I'd be afraid of not keeping up.  You definitely would need to arrive early for a class to grab a good spot so you could easily watch the instructor.   I would also find it disconcerting to have so many people on either side and in front and in back of me. Although, I guess one could say that because there are so many people in the class, no one is paying attention to anyone else - one might be able to remain anonymous.

If you like the camaraderie of a class and want to mingle- this place would likely be for great for you. It could definitely complement your home yoga practice so you could meet other yogis.  Equipped with couches and refreshments for socializing after workouts, you may make some good friends...maybe even meet your future spouse if you're single!  I'd say it's worth checking out--I may go to observe one day.  But, join a class there - me, the non-athlete?  Naw..  I'm a veritable homebody as far as my regular yoga practice goes....

Wisdom of the Day:  If you sign up for a yoga class, always go early to grab a good spot.

Blissfully yours,

Laura Venecia Rodriguez

Beginners Yoga: Questions Energize and Enhance Your Practice

Over the years I have heard motivational/inspirational speakers and trainers talk about the importance of asking yourself empowering questions.  I keep coming across more and more books and techniques that use questions to speed up one's writing or to enhance one's ability to tap the wisdom within.  Self-empowerment author, Noah St. John, has in fact developed a system of "afformations" or powerful questions to change one's consciousness.  Consistent use of afformations apparently can, according to Noah St. John, help us take our foot off our internal brake and so we can more easily move forward.

This morning I decided to try using effective questions to enhance my yoga practice and you know what?  I had one of my best sessions ever!  At the beginning of and throughout my regime, I asked myself, "Why is it so wonderful that I am doing these yoga poses?" and "why is yoga so wonderful for my mind, body,and spirit? It's become a cliche to say it, but our brains truly are hardwired to respond to questions and to plumb the depths of our subconscious for the answers.   We may not receive immediate answers but if we keep asking, eventually effective responses will pop up when we least expect it.  

When I asked my questions this morning before and during my yoga practice, I felt that I had unleashed some type of energizer bunny that start zipping throughout my mind, body, and spirit. Something in my subconscious must have been awakened.  I felt such bliss - it was amazing!  No exaggeration!  This technique may seem silly and woo-woo to you.  But, I DARE you to try it.....

Blissfully yours,

Laura Venecia Rodriguez

Wisdom of the Day:  "Ask yourself, ' Why does my daily yoga practice cause my energy level to soar so dramatically?~ Laura Venecia Rodriguez

 

 

Beginners Hatha Yoga: The Essence of Yoga and Its Benefits

 

I just came across a most interesting article from Suzanne Stephens, a woman afflicted with multiple sclerosis who has incorporated yoga so effectively into her life.  I believe she is spot on with two recommendations she makes in developing and adding a yoga regime to one's life--  she says all you have to be is yourself and she also advises to make no judgments when you do your poses.

These days with all the intense and sometimes competitive yoga classes out there, one can lose sight of being content with slower but still beneficial progress.  Yes - BE yourself.  While a child and teenager I felt so constrained by being kind of klutzy and unathletic at best!  However, learning yoga and become attuned to my body and especially being to just be myself while benefitting from gentle hatha yoga poses boosted my self-esteen as well as my sense of well being by becoming more supple and serene.

Suspending judgment of your progress is also important as you learn and practice yoga.  When you begin it can be easy tos lide into self-judgment when certain poses seem beyond immediate reach or downright impossible.  As the Nike slogan goes, "Just do it," just do what you can and leave the rest to time and gravity.  Consistency without judgment, in my view, assures progress.  Ms Stephens teaches yoga to individuals suffering from chronic illness.  Kudos to her!  You can check out her article at:

http://crazysexylife.com/2010/add-yoga-to-your-day/comment-page-1/#comment-17176

Serenely yours,

Laura Venecia Rodriguez

Beginners Yoga: Yoga Shoulder Stand Helps Eliminate Shoveling Soreness!

My son's cold which seemed worse this morning and Montgomery County school's closure due to snow kept me at home today.  A second day in a row of telecommuting and being temporarily snowed in prompted me to sleep in a bit later and move my yoga practice to the afternoon.  Good thing I did!  A bit before noon I decided to shovel the driveway since the sun had finally emerged and I could hear the droplets of snow melting off off the roof and gutters. I figured shoveling would be easier now.

Shoveling the top of the driveway wasn't too difficult but the lower half had about 4 inches of snow and it was a bit heavy.  Annoying all this snow we've been having - I'm just not a fan of it!   But, I wanted to get this task over with and I moved quickly but cautiously to finish shoveling the rest of the driveway.  I was aware that my back was getting a bit tired even though I moved carefully to make sure I didn't strain it. I did the usual careful bending down and up from the knees.  I got the job done and didn't think too much about it until after I finished my work and did a late afternoon  yoga session that my shoulders  felt sore - I wondered why and then remembered the brief shoveling session (only about 22 minutes!).  However, after I did the shoulder stand, I felt the kinks and soreness from my shoulders completely dissipate.  I felt so much better!  So, always be careful when you shovel and if you have a chance - do some yoga later to relieve any tension and soreness that shoveling can cause!   Below is a graphic showing you how to do the shoulder stand.

Namaste!

Laura Venecia Rodriguez  

 

Beginners' Hatha Yoga: Does Ringo Starr do Yoga Now?

 

 I watched a bit of the Grammys last night and was pleased to see Ringo Starr alongside singer Norah Jones introducing some of the nominations.  I had not seen him on television in years - not since my daughter watched Thomas the Tank Engine and he was the trusty railroad conductor.  Wow!  I was amazed - Ringo looks quite youthful - he could pass for 20 years younger than his chronological age.  He apparently will turn 70 (S-E-V-E-N-T-Y!) this coming July.  What's his secret????

According to certain circles, we have the Beatles to thank for helping to popularize and spread the yoga movement in Western society with their famous trip to India way back in 1968.  And, almost a year ago this spring, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr held a concert to raise funds to teach children meditation.  So, is Ringo Starr practicing yoga now?  If you know, please let me know!  I wouldn't be surprised....Yoga can definitely bring out your youthful qualities.

Namaste,

Laura Venecia Rodriguez