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Thankful Thursday: A First

Posted September 10th, 2009 | Leave a comment » | Bookmark and Share

I’m trying to keep the gratitude going, so I thought I’d inaugurate a new set of posts here.  Thankful Thursday – what I’m appreciative of a nd what I’m loving in the world. 

1. Citron green tea from Teazone — my first purchase from this Somerville-based company.   Their citron green is really good, and it’s helping me through a few days of sore throat.

2. Beautiful weather (finally!) in Boston – I’m soaking it up!   It’s rapidly becoming very brisk out at night, so I’m trying to let the autumn approach without kicking and screaming. 

3. New class at Black Lotus on Thursday nights – it was our first class tonight and it was lovely.   I’m going to like this time slot 🙂

4. The new fall line from Prana – my absolute favorite yoga clothes.  Love them, but unfortunately they last forever.   There’s no room in my dresser for new tops – I’m donating some of my old ones to make room for the new 🙂

Any gratitude out there that you want to share?

Peace,

Barrett

Posted under Yoga

I’ll Try Anything Once

Posted September 8th, 2009 | 5 Comments » | Bookmark and Share

I have never tried a Bikram class.   I’ve looked at the 26 poses a few times, but I’ve never gone to a class.  I have a bit of an aversion to Bikram for some reason, but I think I’m ready to give it the good ole college try.

Recently, I’ve seen two articles about different styles of yoga.  I get asked almost every week about the different styles of yoga, so here’s a great in-depth review from Yoga Journal of some of the major styles of yoga.  If you are an experienced practitioner, but you’re ready to shake it up a bit, think about trying out a new kind of class. 

Rebecca over at Om Gal also recently posted about the different schools of yoga, and has a great writing style, so you might enjoy her take on yoga.  

As I’m preparing for the Yoga Odyssey, I’m thinking about how I’ll use the 28 days of daily practice in a new and interesting way.   I think I’d like to try out several new classes around the Boston area in the month of October.   Though I’ve been practicing and teaching for awhile, there is so much I don’t know!  This could be a great way for me to do something a little different for myself as a yoga student.

I’m curious to know, dear readers, what you’ve wanted to try recently.   There is constant innovation in the yoga world, so some of you have doubtless heard of something I haven’t!   I’d love to know.

Enjoy your yoga adventures,

Barrett

Posted under Local Interest, Personal Experiences, Yoga, Yoga Articles

Keep Moving Forward

Posted August 26th, 2009 | Leave a comment » | Bookmark and Share

This interesting article just came through my email yesterday.   It’s from Patricia Walden, a wonderful teacher here in Cambridge.  My favorite part of the article is the emphasis on just continuing to practice, even when it isn’t apparent that you’re “progressing” or benefitting.

It reminds me of how I’ve felt the last few months as I’ve been running.  During the two 5K races I’ve run, I’ve had several moments where I just keep moving forward.   It doesn’t matter what I look like doing it, it doesn’t matter if I’m going fast or slow, it doesn’t matter if it’s up a hill or down.    I couldn’t believe, both times, that I actually finished the race!   Apparently, even when I didn’t believe it, I was “progressing” – I was moving forward!

I realized reading this article that this has applied to my yoga practice as well.   Over the years, of course I’ve been in a rut at times.   I feel run-down, preoccupied by other things, or just a little un-creative.   But I’ve known, deep down, that the more I can just get the on the mat, and keep practicing, the better it will go.   Sometimes I’ve just sat on my mat.   Sometimes I’ve danced through a yoga practice.   But the commitment has always been there, and so has the evolution. 

As part of the upcoming Yoga Odyssey, my online program that helps you create a daily yoga practice, I’m so excited to commit to taking a class once a week.   In that way, I’ll keep moving forward, because it’s been awhile since I’ve gone to a regular class.  

How are you moving forward, in life, and in your practice?   I look forward to hearing about it here, or during the Odyssey (early registration for the Odyssey ends September 10!).

Be well,

Barrett

Posted under Local Interest, Personal Experiences, Upcoming Events, Yoga, Yoga Articles

Back from Vacation

Posted August 25th, 2009 | Leave a comment » | Bookmark and Share

It’s been wonderful to back from vacation, just like it was wonderful to get away for a week as well!

I can safely say that I’m hooked on scuba diving – our vacation to the Cayman Islands included diving everyday, which was really nice.

It also included yoga around the pool every evening, which was pretty fun.   The yogis in the family ranged from 3 years old up into the 60’s!  Though it was at times chaotic, I really love sharing yoga with people.   It was nice that someone asked me everyday, “Are we still having yoga?”  I think others were really craving it as well. 

I tried to find a little time every day to practice on my own as well, which was really nice.  Vacations can be just as hectic as “regular” life, so packing my yoga mat was an essential.  What I missed most about yoga at home was lying over a block – I did this as soon as I got home on Sunday evening, and it was HEAVENLY.

I only have a picture of lying over a bolster, which is also nice, and you can get a sense from the picture why I love it so much.   It really gets me over the hunching of everyday life.

IMG_0548  

Looking forward to seeing more of you on the mat this week.  And I’m REALLY looking forward to the upcoming Odyssey in October!   More on that later in the week!

Namaste,

Barrett

Posted under Personal Experiences, Yoga

Off for a Week

Posted August 15th, 2009 | Leave a comment » | Bookmark and Share

I’ve been silent on the blog for a few weeks, and probably that will remain so for the next week.   I’m off on another scuba diving vacation – woohoo!

But I have had a lot of interesting ideas for the blog coming my way.   So, stay tuned for some writings when I return.

For now, enjoy this bit of stand up comedy about yoga – gotta love his “yoga voice!”

Stand up Comic Discussing Yoga

Have a great week!

Barrett

Posted under Yoga

Yoga Music Inspires!

Posted July 30th, 2009 | 5 Comments » | Bookmark and Share

 

I love music, and I really love music while I practice!   Some people play music while practicing and some don’t, but if you’re curious about it, I thought I’d give you some ideas. 

 

My all-time faves that you’ll hear in class all the time:

 

1. Any Shiva Rea compilation – one of my favorite teachers who creates amazing music compilations (and produces great DVDs) :

Jala   – Jala means water, and you will just flow right through this CD! I play this at Black Lotus all the time.

Shakti Rhythms – Shakti means power, and this is a strong (but not frenetic) CD that will keep you energized.

Yoga Rhythms – A classic, and one I still go back to over and over.

 

2. Jai Uttal – a regular kirtan (sacred yoga music) maker

Music for Yoga and Other Joys – I come back to this again and again.  It’s mellow and beautiful

 

3. The Spirit of Yoga – great for relaxing practices

 

4. Donna Delory

The Lover and the Beloved – my current favorite!  I play it all.the.time

 

5. Wah!   Anything by her, but especially:

Savasana, and Savasana 2 – awesome for relaxation

Hidden in the name – double CD with some beautiful tracks

 

6. Jennifer Berezan

Returning – so many babies have been born to this music!

 

Those are some of my favorites, but I’ve also found some fun music over the years through Itunes playlists.   I usually search for yoga tunes.  

 

I also like music that isn’t yoga specific.   I’ve loved practicing to Moby, general reggae, Ali Farka Toure, and lots of other “world” music.  And yes, occasionally, I’ll do yoga to some 80’s tune (Livin on a Prayer by Bon Jovi, anyone?).   

 

These days in yoga classes, you can hear almost anything!  I was once asked to teach a disco yoga class, with disco music blasting in the background.   I politely declined, and that health club is no longer operating (coincidence?  You decide).  

 

But really, if it works for you, that’s awesome!  Whatever gets you to the mat.

 

I’d love to hear what you’re listening to these days, and if you even like to listen to music while you’re practicing.  Send in a comment.   I know I’ve missed something good!

 

Keep on grooving,

 

Barrett

 

Posted under Personal Experiences, Yoga

Get Right on the Mat

Posted July 23rd, 2009 | 1 Comment » | Bookmark and Share

Two weeks ago, a private student and I made a pact:   instead of going right to our computers when we get home, we’d go right to our yoga mats.   Even if it was just for a minute or two, we were both interested in breaking the habit of getting sucked into our online world as soon as we walk in the door.  

 

The first week I wasn’t so good at this.  It was a busy and hard week, and that’s always a challenging environment to try to make a change in.    This week has been better though, and I’ve found myself going to the mat more often than the computer.   It’s been great! 

 

My favorite things on the mat?   Well, it depends.   Sometimes I do a sun salute.   Sometimes I sit down and do a forward bend (very calming for me).   And sometimes I lie over a block or curl myself up over the bolster.  Heavenly!   I feel much more in control and present than when I check out whatever’s going on in my email.  

 

Try the experiment  – get right on your mat when you get home, and circumvent your usual pattern, whether it’s turning on the TV, going to the fridge, or logging on.  See how it works for you, and let us know!

 

Enjoy your practice, 

 

Barrett

Posted under Personal Experiences, Yoga

Overheard in Yoga Class

Posted July 21st, 2009 | 2 Comments » | Bookmark and Share

 

Before class started yesterday, I heard this question posed:

 

“Which do you think has more nutritional value:  beer or ice cream?”  

 

An earnest debate ensued 🙂

 

 

Enjoy your practice (before you partake in either beer or ice cream),

 

Barrett

Posted under Food, Personal Experiences, Yoga

Foot Foundation

Posted July 14th, 2009 | Leave a comment » | Bookmark and Share

 

 

Some of you may have heard me talk about my chronically sprained ankles.   When I was a teenager, about once a year I’d sprain one of my ankles badly enough that I’d have to ice it and wear an ace bandage for about 4 weeks (often in the summertime – boo!).   Every morning I’d wake up and my ankle would be so stiff and swollen, and I’d wonder if it would ever be back to normal. 

 

One of the worst times this happened was in Israel, where I studied abroad in college.   I was really getting into yoga at the time, and practicing a lot on my own.   I sensed that working with yoga might help my ankles feel better over time.  

 

And I was right!   The last time I sprained my ankle was the next summer.   By then, I was committed to yoga, and was taking my first teacher training.   I remember spending every morning practicing slow sun salutes, and working on kneeling and downward dog back and forth.    My ankles quickly grew strong and they’ve never had a problem since!   I credit yoga with it.

 

Recently, the NYTimes Well blog featured an article about sprained ankles, and the importance on balance (thanks for the tip, Angela!).   I read it today and really got excited by the fact that my love of balances probably really helped my ankles all those years ago!

 

Today I taught a leg practice in yoga class – lots of strengthening of the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and gluteal muscles.   We did a few foot and ankle strengthening postures as well, and I mentioned the NYTimes article.  

 

After class, a relatively new yoga student approached me and told me that since he’s been practicing, he hasn’t noticed his chronically sprained ankle feeling stiff at all.   He mentioned that when he went to physical therapy for his ankles, primarily he received balancing postures similar to yoga postures that we practice in class.   He credits his regular yoga practice over the last few months with helping him “fix” his sprained ankle once and for all.

 

Yoga’s the best J

 

So, enjoy the wobbling next time you practice balance postures like Tree, Eagle, Dancer and Half Moon. All that wobbling is helping your feet and ankles stay strong and balanced, so that you are less likely to sprain your ankles.  And check out this mini-article from Body and Soul and this larger article from Yoga Journal about strengthening and stretching the feet.

 

Barrett

Posted under Personal Experiences, Yoga, Yoga Articles

Gratitude Journal

Posted July 7th, 2009 | 1 Comment » | Bookmark and Share

Over the years, I’ve kept lots of journals.  I still have all my journals from childhood and my teens stored away. However,  I haven’t kept a regular journal in a few years – just a few sporadic writings here and there.  

 

Recently, I’ve picked it up again though.   I’ve been keeping a gratitude journal.  This is an idea I heard years ago, I think on Oprah(!!).   The idea is that every day you write down 5 things you’re grateful for (to read more details about it, click here).  It can be anything – from a really exciting event (I got a new job!  I just went skydiving!) to the most basic of things (I love my parents.   I’m happy for a roof over my head.). It’s a very private practice for me, and so I often repeat myself, or write similar things in different ways, because it’s just a reflection of what’s inside in that moment.

 

Some days you find you’re spilling over with gratitude, and that’s fun.  However, I think it’s especially helpful if you’ve had a bad day.   Usually, the gratitude journal helps put everything in perspective.  There’s so much to be grateful for – we are so lucky – even if we have some terrible days along the way, you know?

 

 

One thing I’m finding as I’m keeping the gratitude journal – yoga shows up on it almost everyday.  I use it for so many things, and there’s so many parts of yoga to be thankful for. 

 

 

So here’s 5 (that I want to share) things I’m grateful for today:

 

1) I’m so happy to have had the beautiful weekend (and Monday)!   It’s helping me not care about the gray and rain today.

 

2) The impatiens on my deck.   They’re the only flowers out there that look good with lots of rain.

 

3) My farm share – the greens have been amazing this year, and I have so many yummy choices in my fridge currently.

 

4) Andala tea – spicy Middle Eastern goodness at my favorite café

 

5) My bike – it’s so fun to bike to work, and now I have a bike rack so I can carry more easily. 

 

And one more, because they’re just flowing today!

 

Bonus: Hand to big toe pose – awesomely fun today!  Felt like I could hold it effortlessly forever. 

 

 

In gratitude,

 

Barrett

Posted under Health and Wellness, Personal Experiences, Yoga

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