30- Saturday and feelin' photogenic

Saturday morning began with a peaceful practice followed by a photo shoot in the early afternoon by my talented hubbie http://www.papekphotography.com. He was doing a friend a fav by taking some fun asana pic's. I jumped in a few poses myself to get an idea of where my body is in certain poses?

Warrior II/ Virabhadrasana B


Prepping for Bakasana


Bakasana, no droopy feathers;)



Falling out of Pincha Mayurasana!! oops. As a team my hubbie (photographer) and I still happen to make it look graceful. I will continue to work on this one.

One more .....
Uttana Padasana/ Extended Leg Posture

Namaste, Julie

29- Yoga @ work

Finding time to integrate yoga during, before or after work is sometimes a challenge, but I'm game! I have gone so far at work as to sneak in a tree pose in the elevator. I know soooooo crazy!! Maybe even an uttanasana if my hamstrings and low back are feeling a bit tight. Another is Tadasana, Mountain pose while taking a few deep inhales and exhales. It's really not that daring because I only do this when not one else is in the elevator:) Once in a while the elevator stops a floor to early and an onlooker finds me with hands at hearts center, sometimes coming out of a pose or still in it. I forgot to mention that one of the hospital's I work at is Catholic, so the hands at heart center could always be seen as talking to the man above?

Another added bonus about my employer is that they also offers a Wellness program. It even includes an on site exercise program at each hospital for the employee's ONLY. Sweet huh? Yoga is offered about 2-3 times a week. I have found time to make it to 1 or 2 and when I can't make it I substitute that 1/2 hour to 15 minutes with either a few asanas on the elevator or a breathing exercise outside. This particular Friday I decided to go up to the top floor of the hospital (12th), breath in some fresh air, take in a beautiful panoramic view of San Diego and stretch it out with some yoga poses. It is amazing how a few poses can change your physiological makeup in a matter of a few minutes. These poses always help on a Friday.

What do you do at work to de-stress, become present and bring joy to fellow collegues?

P.S. Please don't tell the "boss lady"!!

Namaste

28- A Home Practice

A home practice was an executive decision this evening right before I was about to head out the door to the yoga studio. I splayed out my mat in the middle of the living room, pulled up some of my favorite yoga tunes on ITunes and was ready to improvise. 1 hour later I was in yogic bliss. I actually video taped my practice so that I could send it to my mom in Boston, Ma. She actually has never seen me practice yoga since I started 4 years ago. So I thought I would kill two birds with one stone. Guess what happened? Of course my video camera stopped taping after 8 minutes!! On top of that it won't upload to my blog. Oh well. Maybe next time mom:) Bhakti to all.

27- Gayatri Mantra

These are the two mantra's we speak of with one another before and prior to leaving each yoga class at the Haven. I feel as if they bring much peace and tranquility to the room before and after each practice.

Gayatri Mantra


Aum
Aum bhoor bhuwah swaha
tat savitur varenyam
bhargo devasya dheemahi
dhiyo yo naha prachodayat

Aum - Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Translation

Through the coming, going and the balance of life.
The essential nature which illumes existence
is the adorable one.
May all perceive through subtle intellect,
the brilliance of enlightenment.
Om, peace, peace, peace.





Prayer for Enlightenment


Aum
Sahana Vavatu
Sahanou Bhunaktu
Sahaviryam Karavava Hi
Tejasvina Vadhitamastu
Mavidh Vishava Hi
Aum


Translation

May both of us together be protected.
May both of us together be nourished.
May we work together with great energy.
May our study together be brilliant and effective.
May we not hate or dispute with each other.
Om.






Namaste, Julie

26- Low back stretches & Binding

Tonight's class started off with my teacher wanting to concentrate on binding in certain poses. She voiced to us her honest opinion that she felt that most of us needed a little extra time working on binding in certain poses. Out came the straps and blocks. We knew she meant business.

Her poses in mind were Tittibhasana B (standing & walking), Tittibhasana D "firefly", Kurmasana "Tortoise" into Supta Kurmasana "Sleeping tortoise", Ardha Matsyendrasana "Half Lord of the Fishes Posture" in no exact order. All of them using binds only if your body would allow it. If not we had the help of straps and her assistance when needed to help guide us in the right direction. Allowing us as students to feel our bodies in motion with the guidance of an experienced teacher adjusting us into proper alignment when needed.

These are just a few of the key postures we worked on this evening but the opening affect that I FINALLY had in my low back and hammies was incredible. Hallelujah! Once again thank goodness for teachers that sometimes know what my body needs more than I do. Susan (my teacher) that I have been working with since day 1 about 4 years ago is always willing to put that confidence combined with abandon, stretching and awareness in my poses that I sometimes lack. Her experience and adjustment have gotten me to where I am today.

Believe me there is still plenty that needs to be worked on but just to see the light at the end of the tunnel and know that there is maybe a releasing of some kind on the nagging right side of my low back/hamstring area is a "god sent". Go figure this low back thing has been really peeving me for a while now, probably about a year to be exact. Today about 330pm I called my doc to schedule an MRI of my lumbar/thoracic spine for the 1st of Feb. I've been wanting to make this MRI appt for some time now for piece of mind. Also to make sure that there isn't more going on back there besides a good pulling on my psoas, sciatic nerve and the list goes on..... By 700pm this evening, half way through our class my back was feeling as if it was giving me some relief for the first time in a long time.

What the heck! Go figure??

Namaste

25-A bit more Viloma Pranayama

When Viloma Pranayama is practiced in gradual stage, without any aggressive holding of the breath, this breathing method can have a profound affect on your asana practice, giving you a new incoming breath. According to Matthew Sweeney it will help with postures that persist as being difficult or awkward in some way. By lengthening the inhalation smoothly and in stages, the lower back also tends to lengthen, giving more space for the lower lumbar and vertebral discs. This can free the spine from unwanted tension and pain.

I'm sure we all have our tensions and pain's as we connect with our bodies throughout our yoga practice. Finding those areas in our hips, shoulders, low back's and the list goes on, that have yet to be accessed prior to yoga. Now that we are telling them to wake up and join the yoga party they don't want to cooperate at all times, but I guess the ego can't have everything it's way:)

Why is it that some areas of the body seem to always seem more violent or resistant to stretching more than others? I've been told by numerous teachers, including my own that it's your body's way of opening up. Old emotions hidden deep within the muscles walls are now coming to the surface. Maybe it is that you are holding tension while practicing and not being fully conscious and aware of your body in space? Possibly so? I'm willing to stick around and figure it all out little by little with the help of this blog, my trusty body, yoga mat, mind, soul and breath.

I will continue to just smile and pay attention to both the inhale and exhale of my breath.

Namaste

24- Viloma Pranayama as taught by Matthew Sweeney

This evening I decided that a pranayama practice was needed. So I pulled out Matthew Sweeney's superb instructional book again and read about Viloma Pranayama. As I read I performed the breathing exercise according to his instruction's below.

Here we go. Feel free to follow along and give it a go.

Loma means hair and vi means against, so this breathing practice means to go against the grain. It is natural that the exhalation is longer than the inhalation, so in this case you will begin to lengthen the inhalation against natural tension. Start by sitting comfortably in an upright position with your hands resting on your knees. Tucking you chin slightly towards your chest without collapsing the back of your neck. Extend the crown of your head towards the ceiling. Relax your face and in particular release any tension around the eyes and jaw. Maintain a soft ujjayi breath.

-Exhale slowly and completely.
-Inhale for 2 seconds. Pause and softly hold the breath (without locking the throat) for 2 seconds.
-Inhale a little more for 2 seconds. Again pause the breath gently for 2 seconds.
-Continue for a total of 4 inhalations and 4 pauses. Do not breathe out completely until after the last pause.
-Exhale smoothly and continuously for a steady count of 4 (with 2 seconds per count). Repeat the inhalations and pauses again for the count of 4.
- Inhale and pause;inhale and pause,etc, followed by a long smooth exhalation.
- On the 3rd round increase the number of inhalations and pauses to 5. Repeat this once.
-On the 5th round increase the number of inhalations and pauses to 6. Repeat this once.

***The length of the inhalation and the length of the pauses should be the same.***

If at any time you fell there is too much pressure, or that you are forced to lock the body in some way, desist. Try to work your way towards a count of 8, 9, or 10. Then slowly come back down the scale, still pausing on the inhalation followed by a smooth exhalation. That is , if you are at a count of 10, come down to 9, then 8,etc..doing only one round of each until the breath is completely back to normal.

Initially this pranayama should be learnt without the full jalandhara kumbhaka, or throat lock. The correct term for these pauses between breaths is sthamba rather than kumbhaka. The aim is to pause rather than lock. The intention is not to learn how to hold the breath, but to balance the inhalation and exhalation, and to observe the natural tension b/t them.

Namaste.
May your breath be full.

23-One more post about Savasana

Saturday morning was spent at a fellow teacher trainer's morning vinyasa class. Thanks to Mary Ann our day was started off on the right foot.

As practice winded down and I found myself once again in savasana I took the opportunity to truly be present with my body, mind and spirit.

Lying there I truthfully can say that I had no hatred in me at this point, I couldn't generate a hateful, or deceitful, or sly thought in this pose. It was not possible. I could almost feel the vibration of purity in my body that the asana practice had brought on. It raised my consciousness and intention to a higher, more spiritual plane. In that moment, I was able to feel how yoga is a spiritual science, not a physical work out. Bare awareness is all I felt and it was beautiful. The warmth of the sun's rays coming from the overhead skylight were beaming on me as I lay in savasana and I was so thankful for those rays after numerous days of rain here in San Diego:)

I find that when I achieve peace in Savasana, I try to remind myself that I can call upon this feeling, contact this place inside me, at any time during the day.
As does my dog Izzy.....Seen below. She is also appreciative of the sunny SD rays of sunshine.

22-Chandra Krama "Moon Sequence"

These Friday work days always seem to beat me down:( I don't know why I allow them to do so? I came home with an aching back and a slight headache and not in the mood to step on my mat this evening. With my commitment to yoga in the back of my head and knowing I would feel better after a few poses I decided to dig out Matthew Sweeney's book I had purchased back in July of 09' during one of his workshops in Encinitas. It is called Vinyasa Krama, Five Unique Sequences. Thanks goodness I did.

With my loving husband offering to cook a dinner of Vegetarian Penne Vodka I jumped on my mat with scrumptious smells floating in the air. I was already feeling better knowing dinner was taken care of. (thx scott)

I chose to do a few poses from Matthew Sweeney's Chandra Krama sequence http://www.yogatemple.com/ It is a practice that is intended for full moon, new moon days and at those times when you are feeling more tired than usual. It is also possible to practice this sequence around many injuries. It doesn't include any jumping or intense poses, but it has just enough spunk to it that it keeps you present and flowing with your breath. This Moon Sequence was designed and written by Matthew a long time (some 18-24+yrs) ashtanga practitioner that had practiced side by side with Guruji for many years back in the 90's. He is a teacher based out of Byron Bay Australia that tours yearly teaching his complimentary Astanga series. I feel so fortunate to have been able to take a 2 day workshop with Matthew. His demeanor as a teacher of yoga is both compassionate and knowledgeable. These qualities are portrayed beautifully in his sequences reminding us to bring our practice to new heights and awareness to each and every moment.

Half way through the two hour sequence I called it quits feeling lighter and rejuvenated. My low back was not yelling at me anymore and my mind was in a healthier realm.

Let's eat.

Namaste

P.S. I highly recommend listening to the interview with Yoga Peeps that Matthew did back in 07'. It really shed some light on becoming a yoga teacher and the practice in general from his perspective.

http://yogapeeps.com/main/2007/episode-41-matthew-sweeney-australia-2/271

Day 21

Savasana is a golden opportunity to draw deeper into your own being.


Savasana allows you to stop, listen, feel and observe. Turning your awareness inward. So often, we are focused on external things—-now is the opportunity to rest your mind from external distractions and experience the sense of peace that is available to you now, and in every moment. During savasana, the body becomes relaxed and still. As your body relaxes, the mind too, relaxes. You may find yourself being drawn deeply into the inner landscape of your being. As your body rests, allow your mind to feel tranquil, peaceful and serene—-this is the state between waking and sleeping. To experience this state fully, focus your attention on the breath. Feel its subtle energy flowing into your body with the inhalation. Allow the breath to draw you into the space of stillness that resides within you. With each breath, allow yourself to fully relax into this space of stillness.

"In Savasana often we want to fidget, move, adjust our hair, fix the towel — we want to do everything but just BE.

But the key to Savasana is the Stillness. It’s the Stillness that allows us to OBSERVE and determine whether these urges and desires truly need to be ACTED upon.

This trains us to do the same in life: by practicing Stillness, we nurture the ability to discern the difference between what we WANT, and what we NEED in our lives.

This is one of the many values of the Stillness in Savasana…and also Stillness in our Lives". -QUOTED from a fellow yogi:)

Namaste and be......

Day 20

Savasana tonight after practice was peaceful, rejuvenating and needed!!

For those of you that have not experienced Savasana and are intrigued by it's benefits. Feel free to give it a try.

1. Lie down on your back on the floor or your mat.

2. Allowing your feet to fall out to either side of your body about hip width distance apart.

3. Bringing the arms alongside the body, but slightly separated from the body, and turn the palms to face upwards.

4. Relax the whole body, including the face. Let the body feel heavy. It feels as though your body is weightless and you are falling into the floor.

5. Let your breath occur naturally. Let go of the "ujjayi" breath

6. After about 10 minutes of lying down contently gently awaken your fingers, toes and mind. Deepen the breath and slowly roll to your right side bending your knees to your chest as you roll onto your right side. Keeping your eyes closed for one inhale and exhale breath.

7. On the next inhale slowly bring yourself back up into a sitting position. Feel free to take lotus posture or a comfortable seated posture of your choice.

Finish by saying peace (namaste) to your fellow yogis and teacher. Go about your day being thankful:)

Day 19-Tuesday

For the next few days my blogs are going to focus on Savasana Pose. It is such an essential yet beneficial part to the yoga practice that I think just one blog post won't do it justice. So bear with me as we learn about this often overlooked posture.

The practice of Savasana "Corpse Pose" is the one pose that must be savored at the end of each practice session. The main aim behind this asana is to provide relaxation to the body after a yoga session helping to cool down the body and mind. Various teachers, students, my own opinion and readings I have come across will all be game over the next few days as we learn some more about Savasana (such a beautiful Sanskrit word)

It is a practice for peace that should last about 10 minutes to reap the full benefits. Sometimes overlooked, often underestimated, the practice of savasana integrates asana into all layers of consciousness. But its more subtle and profound payoff is the experience of relaxation in everything we do. When the mind is constantly working, there’s no awareness of one’s creativity, potential or joy.

The Bhagavad Gita states that the “highest happiness comes upon the yogi whose mind is calmed.” Swami Rama said, “A quiet mind is the foundation for cultivating a joyful mind; happiness is always preceded by peace.” Translation: an uptight yogi is an unhappy yogi.

Therefore, it’s important to remember that when we lie in savasana, we are exercising the essential component of our inner peace practice.

Seasoned yogis know that savasana is not as easy as it looks. To invigorate and refresh both mind and body through conscious relaxation requires patience, mindfulness and alertness. Therefore, this seemingly easy posture is one of the most difficult to master, yet one of the best for preparing for meditation.

Many practitioners, including myself on more occasions than not find myself dreaming, thoughts of dinner pop into my mind, future vacations, to-do lists, etc. Call it spiritual ignorance, but for a long time I felt savasana was an extraneous and difficult part of yoga class.

I have found that it is a chance to be still and focus our energy inward.
Unsure of whether we are awake or asleep, we can feel our heart beat. We can watch the mind race and we can choose to let these things go (even if it is only for a brief moment)and settle deeper and deeper in the essence of who we are.

Namaste, Julie P
(that was a long winded blog)

Monday Day 18 on Jan 18,2010

Who is a sugar fiend? I am ...I am...

Here is a great recipe I tried out this past Saturday and it was a hit...No leftover's for me:( But it is a really quick easy recipe so I plan on making some more this week..Yummy in my tummy

VEGAN ICED OATMEAL COOKIES-makes 12-18 cookies

To keep the icing for these chewy morsels from cracking, spread it on while the cookies are still hot.

Cookies:
2 Tbs. Flaxseed meal (ground flaxseeds in a food processor probably works too)
1 cup oat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt ICING:
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 Tbs vegan margarine,softened 3/4 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar 2 Tbs lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups old fashioned Oats
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

1. To make cookies: Stir together flaxseed meal and 3 Tbs water in small bowl. Set aside. Whisk together oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in large bowl. Set aside.

2.Beat margarine, brown sugar and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer 1-2 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add applesauce and vanill, and beat until smooth. Stir in oat flour mixture with spatula. Add oats, raisins and flaxseed mixture and stir to combine. Cover, and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.

3.Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 2 baking sheets with cooking spray. Roll cookie dough into golf ball-sized rounds, and place dough balls in 1 1/2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie to 1/4 inch thickness with bottom of drinking glass dipped in water. Bake 10-12 minutes or until cookies look dry on top and are jusst beginning to brown.

4. Meanwhile to make Icing: Whisk together confectioners' sugar and lemon juice in small bowl until smmoth: Icing should be thick, but spreadable. Gently brush Icing on hot cookies. Cool 5 min. Then EAT!!!!

Sunday Day 17

Today was spent relaxing back into a sunday routine after I dropped my little Bro, Ryan off at the airport. The day consisted of catching up on laundry, cleaning up house and of course YOGA.

This evening I rolled out my mat in the T.V. room and followed along as Richard Freeman guided me through the primary series of Ashtanga Yoga on DVD. His voice is so soothing that our dog, Izzy fell asleep on the couch peacefully in a doggie child's pose as I practiced 3 feet away from her. Jumping, balancing and all she didn't budge an inch. I wish I had taken a picture of her, it was priceless.

The primary sequence in Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is called "Yoga Chikitsa," which means "yoga therapy." The purpose of this sequence is to align the spine and detoxify the body, as well as to build flexibility, strength, and stamina. This is said to be the most demanding style of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, because it consists of so many poses (75! to be exact) and because it is rather time consuming (approximately 2 1/2 hours to complete the entire series). I only made it through 1 hr and 15 minutes last night, but I was happy with that:)

The series begins with Sun Salutations A and B that get the body heated, followed by breath synchronized standing postures. Keeping the awareness of body, mind and breath while moving from standing to 35 seated postures. This seated series goes through active segments, then rests the body with some less complicated postures. Then, it requires the body to work hard once again before finally finishing the series with an ending sequence. This ending sequence is the final step after the seated postures that really allows the body to cool itself down and prepare for savasana.

Savasana should be taken for at least 10 minutes to reap the benefits of your practice.

Namaste, Julie

Day 16 -Saturday

Today's Saturday morning began with a refreshing pranayama (breathing) exercise called Nadi Sodhana(Alternate Nostril Breathing). Sitting in a comfortable cross legged position on the floor in my bedroom I began a 10 minute breathing exercise that would allow my sinuses to clear all while decreasing neck and facial tension. This particular breathing exercise is also said to improve intelligence & brain functioning (could use some more of that), particularly the communication between left and right brain hemispheres.


I did not video tape myself while performing the breathing exercise, but here is a video I found on youtube that goes over the basic's of the pranayama.

Try it out............

Day 15-Friday

My Friday was spent working from 9-5pm at the hospital and my yogic focus for the day was Karuna. Karuna is the sanskrit word meaning compassion, active sympathy, gentle affection and a willingness to bear the pain of others.

Compassion has been on my mind this past week as the media has kept us informed of the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti that has taken the lives of many loved ones. Many fellow health care employee's, friends and loved ones have mentioned in conversations over the past week that they don't know how to show their compassion towards the suffering going on in Haiti? My only answer so far has been to donate what you can in any small amount within your local community. Whether that be donating blood to the Red Cross, money, food, clothing or your prayers? It all helps in the grand scheme of things. I added a link in the top left hand corner of my blog to make donating all that more accessible for those who are feeling the need to give:)

In The Essence of the Heart Sutra, His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote,

"According to Buddhism, compassion is an aspiration, a state of mind, wanting others to be free from suffering. It's not passive -- it's not empathy alone -- but rather an empathetic altruism that actively strives to free others from suffering. Genuine compassion must have both wisdom and lovingkindness. That is to say, one must understand the nature of the suffering from which we wish to free others (this is wisdom), and one must experience deep intimacy and empathy with other sentient beings (this is lovingkindness)."

The practice of karuna asks us to open to pain without drawing away or guarding our hearts. It asks us to dare to touch our deepest wounds--and to touch the wounds of others as if they were our own. When we stop pushing away our own humanity--in all of its darkness and glory--we become more able to embrace other people with compassion as well.

Namaste, Julie

Day 14 ----Thursday

Happy Thursday! Or should I say Happy Paid time off from Work Day because my brother is visiting?

This morning I let Ryan sleep in and I grabbed a morning yoga class with my friend Tab. She got called off from work as of last night and sent me a text wondering if I wanted to go to a yoga class with her in the a.m? Of course! We headed off to the Haven at 0930 for an hour and a half of yoga bliss:)

Today's class blended teaching's of "tapas" with plenty of challenging poses presented by our teacher this morning.

I found this definition of tapas on the Internet that I thought best described "tapas" in it's entirety.........Read Below ....

Tapas is loosely defined to mean enthusiasm, excitement and discipline towards yoga--a sort of inner fire to be the best you can be while practicing yoga. In order to fully commit to yoga, many believe you must practice tapas in its entirety. Read on to learn how to practice tapas in yoga.

InstructionsThings You'll Need:
Basic Yoga Knowledge

Step 1. Find self-discipline to practice yoga. Creating tapas with your yoga means starting daily practice for even a few minutes at home each day. Instead of making excuses, find a way to work yoga into your life.

Step 2. Listen to you body and work harder to make it balanced. Never give up on a yoga pose or do it half-heartedly. Find the tapas in yourself to take it to the next level.

Step 3. Strive for purity. By practicing tapas, each pose creates raw energy that stimulates the muscles and the mind. By practicing tapas and exhibiting purity in daily life, you are constantly becoming closer to your soul, or god, depending on what you are searching for?

Step 4. Practice tapas with each asana. Push down a little bit further, breathe deeper and strive to reach a higher spirituality.

Step 5. Simplify your life to practice true tapas. As you unclutter your mind from material possessions, you may be able to more closely focused on the teachings of yoga. With the distraction of television, MP3 players and cell phones, you need to exert extra tapas to make it through the day.

Step 6. Learn to appreciate stillness. Tapas does not need constant movement. Energy can be created from remaining perfectly still. Discipline is needed to hold the same pose for 15 minutes or more. Let tapas keep your arms from sagging, your back straight and your head in the asana.

Step 7. Remember that tapas is a yoga concept that can be applied to any part of your life. It is not something that must be done, it simply is done. It is an internal discipline that drives you forward, using yoga as its medium.

Namaste. May you practice tapas ( I am not talking about the the spanish appetizer's here) with great vigor and enjoyment:)

Day 13

My Little Brother Ryan is in town!

He was nice enough to make an additional stop over here in SD after his mini vacation in Salt Lake City, Utah last week. From what I have been told it sounds like the last week for him was spent skiing with childhood buddies and meeting snow bunnies on the slopes (Not too shabby). While in SD Ry and I have been spending some quality sibling time enjoying some fun in the sun, taking mini road trips to tourist sites and eating some deliciouso Mexican comida!

To make his trip even that more memorable I got him to join me in a yoga class the night after he arrived in SD;) I figured his muscles needed a good stretching after all that high impact skiing he did over the past week and I still needed to keep my commitment of doing yoga during my 365. To my surprise I think Ry kinda enjoyed the class? I know your not supposed to watch others practice because it can be distracting and a bit rude but towards the end of class we were practicing our headstands.......... Once I had made it to the floor after my headstand and was quietly waiting in childs pose I glanced to my Bro's mat on my left. Low and behold Ry ( ALL 6'2'' of him) was eloquently perched against the wall testing his limit's and shoulder strength. Job Well Done Ryan. Thanks for spending some QT (quality time) with your big sis.

He still has a few more days in SD. Lets see if I can get him to a class at the Haven? Maybe Sat?

BIG SISTER's RULE!!

Day 12

This morning before going to work I fit in a few sun salutations of Surya Namaskara A and B followed by some hamstring and external hip stretches. A total of 15-20 minutes was spent on my mat allowing me to start my day off without a cup of coffee and feeling refreshed. As most of you know I have never been much of a morning person, but some things can change with time right? You never know what your capable of unless you give it a try.

I have found that many people always ask me the question how often do you practice? Everyone's practice is very individual and experiential. Now that I have fully committed myself to this 365 I have found myself fitting in yoga every day, but prior to Jan 1 I definitely had my up's and down's of keeping a consistent practice. I would allow errands, social events, work events, medical appt's, vacations etc to take me away from a disciplined yoga routine. Now I can honestly say that I am starting to find pleasure in my practice making it much easier for me to be dedicated to the commitment at hand. Whether it be 5 min or 2 hours finding a routine that you can stick with will allow you to see greater results. Whatever those results may be? All you really need to practice is a tiny space to fit your mat, yourself and making the time.

I also have found that when I practice yoga, everything else in my life seems to flow much smoother. Suddenly I have the time for friends, family, errands and more yoga! More patience overcomes me and steady composure allows me to perform my daily activities with resilience. Unfortunately we can't avoid all of the stresses that life throws at us. Our only real control is how we react to the waves of challenges that are thrust upon us.- David Swenson.

Day 11

Tonight's practice was spend next to my hubbie's yoga mat at the studio. I am very proud to say that he came back to practicing with vigor after deciding to take the month of December on a hiatus. Scott says, " His body told him he needed a rest" and that's what he did and I wasn't about to argue;) A happy husband makes a happy wife.

Namaste

Day 10

http://www.wahmusic.com/index.html

Today started off practicing yoga next to a dear friend of The Papek's. So dear that she married us two lovebirds over a year and a half ago. Yes, Champagne you get a mention in the blog:) The hour and half long practice was a fresh start to the day.

Next I headed off to support my good friend Caitlin (soon to be married in Aug 2010) at a Bridal Bazaar located at the Grand Del Mar for a few hours (we snuck in the back door they don't let hoodlum's like us go to these spiffy events. J/K). After a glass of free champagne, a bridal gown fashion show, horderves, cake and a "on the house" candy bar I had to call it quits. And I was only there for an hour and a half!! They sure do bombard those brides with everything but the kitchen sink, but Caitlin looked as if she was holding up just fine as I left.

Now it's 3:15 and I'm heading home from the Bridal Bazaar to meet Scott at the house before we head off to see Wah! in concert at the Haven Yoga Studio. Wah!'s performance this evening was a Silent Auction/Charity Event to support San Diego's homeless youth.
http://www.photocharity.com/

Wah!'s music was so heartfelt and peaceful tonite. Being surrounded by fellow yogi's, friends and teachers made Wah!'s concert all the more meaningful. I hope Photocharity received enough love tonite from the community to help fund the homeless youths in need.




Bhakti, Julie

9 of 365

When you take a deep breath and chant Om, it causes a very calmful effect, which will totally relax your mind and body. It is the first stage of meditation, which aims at drawing your attention away from all other tensions that have occupied your mind. The sound of Om is very pleasant to hear. When accompanied by slow deep breathing, it gives a very gentle massage to your chest, spine, tummy and head.

Om chanting improves the functioning of all organs of the body and thus, helps in curing various diseases. It helps to improve your concentration power, thereby enabling you to grasp more information. Om chanting is like an orientation to the spiritual practices. When your mind is away from all the worldly thoughts, it is the stage when you get truly connected to the almighty God. It infuses vitality in the body and one tends to feel stronger.

Chanting OM before and after yoga class is always an option based on the student's comfort. And when you recite Om, just don't do it for the sake of it. Instead, make a sincere effort to accomplish the purpose of performing it. If you succeed in doing so, there will be amazing feeling in your heart. There is no fixed time of meditating on Om. You can do it as many times as you wish. When your mind is totally able to concentrate, it is at that point of time that you are in a position to realize the power of divinity.

Namaste, Julie

Day ocho of 365

Happy Friday evening!

I have decided to spend my friday night watching the newly released DVD Julie and Julia (based on the life of Julia Childs). A week ago when I mentioned starting a blog to some of my girlfriends they asked me if I had seen Julie & Julia the movie? I hadn't and I had no idea what the connection between the two things would be, if any? Maybe having the same name and blogging?

After watching the movie I figured I should probably let my readers know how this whole blogging idea came about? Basically on a wim. A few days before the new year we found ourselves with a few financial resolutions but nothing too exciting. So to spice up the new year a bit we decided to both do a 365 blog about something we truly are passionate about and wanted to learn more about on a day to day basis. Why not Yoga and Photography? We both have already put plenty of time and energy into our areas of chosen study and it just seemed like this would be the next step. Putting it on paper for the whole world to enjoy and possibly come along for the ride was a no brainer.

I can honestly say that we are OCHO day's in and we are both doing pretty well. No break down's or hissy fit's so far ( Julie in the movie was quite emotional and tempermental throughout her 365 blog). I feel that yoga for me over the next 357 days will be a tool to assist me in becoming more insightful and aware of my mind body relationship. I hope to keep my personal yoga practice as my true guide and use books, movies, workshop's, music, etc as my butter to my bread (only analogy I could come up with at 1030 on a saturday night).

Oh yeah, the movie was a 3 3/4 out of 5 stars. Inspirational and who doesn't love Julia Childs?

Day 7 of 365 ONE WEEK of BLOGGING completed

Tonight like most weeknights after work was spent at the Haven Yoga Studio surrounded by fellow yogi's. Our hour and a half classes are taught by our aw inspiring yoga studio owner Susan. It's so nice practicing in a warm studio sweating up a storm on a somewhat chilly night in San Diego. Sometimes it's just the little things I'm thankful for.

I attached a sweet video of David Swenson practicing Ashtanga yoga for some onlookers. The precision and beauty with which he moves as if he is the only one in the room is amazing to me. Now that is what I call a "moving meditation with the breath as his guide".







Namaste,
Julie

Day 6

Today was a very memorable and emotional day for myself and loved ones around me. I had to go say farewell to an elderly friend that is currently in the process of ending her life with the assistance of hospice services. This all came about very suddenly due to a surprising diagnosis of stage 5 lung cancer (Really not a big fan of this five letter word) within the past month. It has all happened so suddenly and out of the blue?

I remember her telling me about her diagnosis of Cancer with disapointment in her voice backed with a touch of fear. Since that day in the hospital her spirit and faith has been intact with the help of loving family and friends.

As I sat next to her today at her home and looked into her eyes. I could tell that she was fading away from us into another realm (whatever that may be?) and not looking back. She looked as if she was done fighting and was ready to be reunited with her hugband who had fought the same fight with Lung Cancer just over 5 years ago. Goodbye Mrs G and I wish you well on your journey:) You are loved dearly.


I came across this quote below as I searched for how yoga assist's with the death and dying process. We all are given a multitude of life's challenges throughout our time here. How we choose to grow, love and become more compassionate from them has been my true lesson so far.

The body is born; it grows, ages, and dies. The seer watches this process dispassionately. Pattabhi Jois says, "The body is just a rented house." Through the practice of hatha yoga, we keep the body clean and healthy so it lasts a long time, and at the same time we refine our awareness so we can realize that what dies is the outer covering. Essence endures - Tim Miller

5/365

Below are some pictures Scott took for me the other night while I was working on some backbends, etc. He is also doing a 365 blog, but for photography. So he got to working on some lighting techniques while I attempted (key word here)to work on my backbends. We had fun and both got our blog posts done for Day 5/365!!


Prepping for a back bend with my hands at hearts center. Take 5 deep and even breath's here, feeling grounded


Once you feel grounded allow your hands to go straight out behind you with your arms parallell with your ears next to your head. By now you might be feeling the stretch in the front of your hips. If it is too much pressure on your back come up to standing and work on the previous pose before going any further or consider Camel Pose on the ground as another option to prep your back?
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Once you have dropped back into Upward Bow/Backbend/Urdhva Dhanurasana hold there for 5 deep and even breaths. Feel free to drop your head to the ground once and come back up to your backbend. Try this 3 times.

Or slowly start off with one at a time and work yourself up to three? All the while keeping your feet hip width distance apart with toes pointed forward, weight evenly distributed making sure to not dump into your low back. Try to find opening in the front of your hips by gently pushing with your feet and straightening your legs.

Opening your chest will happen progressively as you push through your hands dropping your head back. Slowly and gently gets you there. I'm still working on it, believe me it's not easy and these pictures are not perfect by any means:)



After a backbend stretch such as Urdhva Dhanurasana. A forward bend (Paschimottanasana A) is a great relief and allows your spine to lengthen. This one is slightly modified with a bend in my knees. Leading with your sternum. Keep both legs active with your heels moving ahead and toes pulling back.


I definitely recommend a good 15 minute warm up before attempting any of the above so you lessen the chance of injuring yourself. I usually do 4-5 Surya Namaskara A & B's prior to any asanas. These allow the body to gain heat and warmth. Setting the rhythm and mood for each yoga session.

"Allow your practice to mature gradually. Be patient and enjoy the journey". -David Swenson.

Day 4 of 365

Day 3 of 365

Hot Yoga has never been very enjoyable for me in the past. I have tried Bikram and one other studio that offered Hot Yoga options, but it never has been my fancy. I think the whole idea of heating the room to 105-110 degrees F until now has felt like cheating to me (thats just my past biased personal opinion).

I have always practiced with a teacher that has had an Ashtanga/Vinyasa yoga background.
This particular Ashtanga style that I have been following for the past 4 years uses the inhale and exhale breath during practice of the various asanas for 1 1/2hrs to heat the body.

Whereas in Hot Yoga the external heat assists your body in moving with the breath. Either way as long as you get the same benefit whatever that may be for you is great!! As long as you are still using the breath as your guide and not allowing external stimuli like "heat"and beading sweat to distract your practice.

Before I arrived at this particular yoga studio today I made myself not have any past opinions affect my practice. I went to class with a new fresh perspective and no hidden agenda's of whether or not I was going to get my whopping $10 worth. I just enjoyed the flow with my friend's mat by my side and let loose.

Today was the third time and maybe it was the charm? As the hour long class went by I found myself not irritated by the heated room and not paying any attention to surrounding yogi's. It was just me, my sweat and my breath on the mat (Yuckie I know , but it you've ever been to one of these classes you know what I am talking about. It is another level of perspiration altogether).

Long story short yoga may have it's different styles, methods of practice and guruji's to follow. But if the end result is that relaxed connection of body, mind and spirit that everyone talks about then maybe you got it right?

Namaste,

Julie P

2 of 365 in the wonderful land of San Diego

Today was such a chill day.

It started out with a great yoga practice at 9am at a good friends yoga studio up the street that included superb adjustments by Troy http://www.troyoga.com/bio.htm . These adjustments somehow to my amazement allowed my body to work though the stubborn, tight areas that hinder my day to day practice. Thank goodness/Halleluyah for teachers that are proficient at adjustments. Somehow allowing my body & breath to guide me to the unknown areas of where yoga can take you:)

Who knew my head could reach my knee in Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana (aka " Half bound lotus western intense stretch") or Trianga Mukhaikapada Paschimottanaasana (ok that 's enough crazy talk:)). Thank goodness for teachers that see your potential and push you to that limit.

As Ice Cube would say, " Today was a good day".

Namaste, Julie P

Day 1 of 365 in Exploring Yoga

January 1st 2010!!! It is officially the new year. Have you set your goals for 2010?

One of my goals for the next 365 days is to incorporate some aspect of yoga into my daily routine. I plan to use this blog as my unofficial diary allowing me to document how yoga can be incorporated in daily life in a multitude of ways.

Some of you may already know that yoga has found a special place in my hubbie and my life over the past 4 years. It is with this love and admiration of yoga that has lead me to attempt the next 365 days sharing it with family, friends and who ever else it might inspire?

Stay tuned to find out what happens as the days and weeks go by with the love of yoga as my guide:)

Namaste, Julie P