Getting Supple

People often ask me why they should try yoga. The answers are many because yoga is holistic. It works on all levels - body, mind and spirit.

One reason to practice yoga is because it helps the body restore fluids to the connective tissue. As we age we lose 15% of bodily fluids. The more you stretch, twist, and wring your body, the more synovial fluid bathes the cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These actions help restore our flexibility and make us more supple. When we are supple, we can move easily and have larger range of motion in our joints. We feel like we can do any physical task we choose to take on.
When we're supple we feel more lively and want to experience all that life has to offer.
Why not experience growing YOUR body more supple this summer at Isis Yoga Center? New Classes start Sunday, July 5th.
Call us today at 651-994-0124 and grow more supple!

Do you experience hot flashes? Get overheated? Feel aggravated?

Use your own breath to cool yourself down!

A yogic breath - named Sheetali Pranayama (cooling breath) may just be what the doctor should order.

It cools and reduces mental and emotional excitation. It induces muscular relaxation and mental tranquility, and may be used as a tranquilizer before sleep. It helps control hunger and thirst, and generates a feeling of satisfaction. It helps reduce blood pressure and acid stomach.

Instructions for Sheetali Breath:

Sit in a comfortable position.
Close the eyes and relax the body.
Extend the tongue outside the mouth as far as possible without strain.
Roll the sides of the tongue up so a tube is formed.
Note: Only 1/3 of the populace has the genes to do this. If you don't, make a circle of your lips instead.
Inhale and draw your breath in through this tube, close the mouth and exhale through the nostrils. When you exhale visualize pushing the energy down through your hips into the earth.
The breath should produce a noise similar to rushing wind.
A feeling of icy coldness will be experienced on the tongue and the roof of the mouth.
This is one round of breath.
Practice a total of 9 rounds of breath.
After completion wash the inside of your mouth with your tongue.

Use it for hot flashes, or when overheated, or aggravated. You'll cool off quickly.

Another thought for cooling off and calming down is to drop into Isis Yoga Center and take a class. Your first class is free! Call us today at 651-994-0124 and find out what a difference yoga can make in your life!

A Brief Escape - A Big Dose of Calm

Last week I was on a brief vacation in northern Minnesota. Everyday I got up and did yoga on the deck facing the lake and listened to the loon.
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed that!
My daily yoga practice is like that. It's like taking a brief vacation. I shut my head off. I come internal. I listen to my breath. I come to the space within where I am in mental, physical, and emotional balance. I get replenished and recharged. It is like a miniature vacation without having to travel!
Yoga is like that. If you're looking for a sanctuary away from the hubbub and intensity of living full out in the fast paced world, consider sampling a yoga class and see if it isn't the big dose of calm you've been looking for.
The next Open House at Isis Yoga center is on Sat, Sept. 6 from Noon - 3 p.m. All classes are free that day and we'd love to share some calm with you!

Like Floating in Still Water

I'm reminded today as we enter what is usually the hottest period of summer of the reason I continue to do yoga. It's a safe harbor for me. It's a gentle space that I can float in for a while. I listen to my breath. I relax. I come to that space which is the center of myself where I can just be. When I'm done I feel centered, refreshed, and confident, as I move into the activities of the day.

If you haven't explored yoga, this might be a good time to stick your big toe in. It might be the big dose of calm you need.

Call Isis Yoga at 651-994-0124 to join a class.

If you have any comments or questions, please send them my way. I'd love to hear from you. - Namaste, Kathleen

A Place for Friends

At Isis Yoga and Wellness Center we welcome all levels of fitness and all types of body shapes. Our class sizes are small (5-15 students), so our instructors can pay attention to proper alignment and tailor classes to fit all the participants’ needs. They’ll take you at your current level of fitness and will guide you as you become stronger and healthier. They’ll inspire you with fun, creative classes to guide you on your path to wellness!