connection = union = yoga

 

As I stepped on to the lake ice I remembered stepping onto a sandy beach several months before. This seemed to reframe the annual event known as winter into a mere change of scenery at this familiar Minnesota lakeside. I see how we disconnect from the daily inventory that is constantly changing around us, and become riveted back to present moment by our breathing. The joy we find in our own being, is the most meaningful. The beauty of it is that there is no mistaking it, you don't have to decide if deep inhalation and measured rhythmic exhale was empowering, calming, or satisfying to know that it is a measure of your vitality.

That is what many long-time students say again and again about the connection to yoga and breathing. That yoga magnifies the joy found inside, and diminishes the emphasis on conditions outside. The transformative benefits of yoga are inside of us, it becomes obvious with consistent practice.  The action to return to the yoga mat becomes familiar, much like a calling for fresh air or stretching your legs on a walk. There are many reasons to stay connected to our practice, to approach the practice as we are in this exact moment. 

Yoga practice can become the teacher- then Jane is not the only teacher! (but I would miss you in class!) I hope to see comments from long-time students. Please share your insights on yoga transformation. And do come to class soon.

Peace,

Yoga Jane

winter healing and hibernation

Those who live in cooler climates have much adventure each winter. There is weather and more weather...days of colorless sky followed by the bright brilliant blue blue sky. Days where 32 degrees seems balmy and days where it's 20 below windchill. Each day we wake up and witness something new. It keeps life interesting and keeps us flexible and hearty. We get to cozy up inside and go within. We can calm down and regenerate our strength. We can use our energy in creative ways.

Let winter be a time where it's ok to go within and explore different areas of your being. Instead of resisting try to go with the flow. It's ok to take a couple months and move in another direction.

Thich Nhat Hahn says that, "Resting, Calming and Slowing are prerequisites for healing." Let your inward reflection be part of your yoga and meditation practice. Feel the difference between the buzzing of spring and summer, and the cooler qualities of the winter season as you move through your practice. Feel yourself as curious and open. Enjoy.

Peace,

Yoga Jane 

when we are at our best

For many of us, the end of the year and the holiday season means devotion of time and resources to a special time spent with people whom we do not see very often. Whether we view them as rewarding, exciting, or the opposite, the holidays are usually something we deal with every year.  When a new year begins, our focus may be shifted to our own aspirations, maybe to self -improvement. We spend a lot of time in our heads, pondering our memories and dreams. It is true that bringing joy to ourselves happens through our actions. Unfortunately, we do a lot that is not our best for us, working long hours, having too many cocktails, not always resting restoring and relaxing when we know we need it.

For our selves, we are whole. We are not split up into categories like our days and weeks are. We are not like the seasons, we are like the whole year, and all of time.  When we approach yoga or meditation, we may think that one hour or one pose was our best. We may think we succeeded at yoga, or we may know that we were distracted during our practice. What we can know is that to practice yoga or meditation is always our best. Remember, we are whole. Think of this practice as a fresh green salad with healthy dressing. Each time we eat it, it is good for us. Even if it is boring, or too big or small. It is good.



annica

One morning so close, one day so close, one moment so close.

Being human is a permeable moment in constant motion.

A primal urging followed by an accelerated attempt to sort

through its repertoire.

Luminous is the heart saluting each encounter and elephant memory deep in our souls.

Yoga Jane

making peace

December seems a good time of year to make peace. Peace with ourselves, our lives, work, friends, family and the world at large. Tensions may run high this time of year making it a great challenge to be in a peaceful place.

Recently I was challenged while teaching yoga and learned how to make peace in a new way. One of my students made it very obvious that he did not like being in a yoga class, and he was there only because his wife encouraged him and he wanted to see the "series" through. The rest of the class was aware of this, which made the situation more awkward.

The energy around this situation was palpable. Like being trapped in a space with no room to breathe. I tried to empathize, encourage and talk to him so that I could help,  but none of those methods worked. In the end, he ended the series and we never spoke of it. It made me sad. I felt like it was odd that we couldn't even have a dialogue.

After a few days I realized that there was something he needed to happen in that class, that didn't happen. It was likely out of my control. It brought up questions about my teaching style and ability to deal with a difficult class situation. I got feedback from a couple of friends who teach yoga which was helpful and kind. 

Then I had a watershed moment. I realized that I am not the "doer." I could make peace with this story and not hang on to it. More importantly I realized that making peace with this situation allowed me to see how making peace in all situations can work and affect my own inner peace. I started noticing other areas in my life where I could stop hanging on. It was really liberating. I could breathe again.

Peace,

Yoga Jane