Yoga class, session 1

“A person can make himself happy, or miserable, regardless of what is actually happening ‘outside,’ just by changing the contents of consciousness. We all know individuals who can transform hopeless situations into challenges to be overcome, just through the force of their personalities. This ability to persevere despite obstacles and setbacks is the quality people most admire in others, and justly so; it is probably the most important trait not only for succeeding in life, but for enjoying it as well. To develop this trait, one must find ways to order consciousness so as to be in control of feelings and thoughts. It is best not to expect shortcuts will do the trick

Kirtan

Went to my first Kirtan tonight.  Very interesting.  I really enjoyed about 1.5 hours of yoga followed by chanting.  It was beautiful, joyful and meditative.  I could definitely get used to this.

Definition for Kirtan:  Kirtan practice involves chanting hymns or mantras to the accompaniment of instruments such as theharmonium, tablas, the two-headed mrdangaor pakhawaj drum and hand cymbals (karatalas). 

Chakra yoga

One of the things I learned in this weekend's yoga class was about asanas that balance the chakras. ...

#1 Root Chakra or muladhara. Safety and Survival. Color is Red.  Location is base of spine.  

Asana for root: downward dog.  I need to drop my head a bit ...

Others asanas are:  warrior, mountain, bridge,  seated angle and savasana 

#2 Chakra Sacral or Svadisthana.  Relationships and creativity.  Color is orange.  Location is lower abdomen 

Asana: triangle pose 

Other poses for sacral: king of the dancer, child pose, and sun salutations 

#3 naval solar plexis chakra.  Personality and will power.   I should have done bow pose for this but I did camel instead 

Other poses: warrior 1 and 2,  bow pose and boat

#4 Heart Chakra or anahata:  love and compassion. Color is green. Location is center of chest

Wheel pose or backbend and camel

Other poses: cobra, forward bend, 

#5. Throat chakra or visuddha.  Expression and communication .  Color is turquoise.

Plow pose 

Other asanas:

#6. Third Eye Chakra or ajna. Location is between and above eyes.   Intuition.  Color is indigo.

Other asanas:

#7 crown chakra or Sahasrara.  Union and highest power of energy. Color is violet.  Location is top of head. 

Corpse or savasana pose and headstand:

Other poses:

A handstand a day!  3/13/14

Handstand Challenge: No wall by 2015

http://5sgif.me/1gKMR4p

Cyd's Excellent Yoga Adventure

A new chapter in my life is about to begin!  Yoga 200!  Follow me on Instagram :) http://instagram.com/yogaspire or click on the Instagram link on the right >>>

So, I'm a beginner yogi just about to start my Yoga 200 class.  I created this blog (mostly for myself) to document my journey from start to finish.  It will hold my thoughts, joys, sorrows and achievements along the way.  

Yoga and meditation were both an integral part of healing my mind, body and soul during and after my cancer journey.  Yoga changed my life.  Although it is still somewhat a mystery to me as to why it helped me so much.  I was a runner for many years until an injury.  I loved it and the "runners high"; but it does not compare to the peace I experience  from yoga.  Anyhow,  I'm eager to learn more and ready to help others (one day)  feel more peaceful, grounded and present. 

So did I mentioned I'm a newbie? -- and by that I mean a newbie.  Lol!  I have mostly practice on my own for the last couple years.  Recently I have been going to Heart Of Yoga on Sunday's.  The classes,  people, and instructors are amazing.  I get so much more out of a class than I do at home.

Anyhow,  Here are a few asanas taken recently.  I realize I have a long way to go; but I have a feeling the journey will mostly be sweet and rewarding.


So this is me now (February 2014).  I love how yoga can be done anywhere :)  Here I am waiting for an airplane in Atlanta International Airport

 This is me on a hike turning 50 in St. John.

 I love this.  I need to find out where to get this reference guide.