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Joyful
Spirit Yoga Studio |
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August/September, 2008 |
Volume 2, Number1 |
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Of Special Interest
· Saturday classes resume in September! · Good to Know · Sep 21 is International Day of Peace · Mudra of the Month Quick Links: All Natural Personal Care Products Contact Us email: marjoriet@aol.com 214-282-9608 To be
removed from this email list, please send email to marjoriet@aol.com and put “unsubscribe” in
the subject line. |
Joyful Day!
What
have you discovered this summer? During
our intense heat wave, I discovered that I really enjoy hanging laundry out
on the line. Seriously. If there was a job opening for this line of
work, I would apply immediately. I much
prefer standing upright, pinning up clothes with the birds chirping, breeze
blowing, leaves rustling to bending over a hot dryer, the use of which causes
my electric bill to soar right along with the temperature. Why, on a 3-digit degree day, one can get
several fragrant loads on and off the line in no time while also saving money
and energy! Another
discovery I have made is that I am very fond of a green August. Okay, so maybe this is not so much a
discovery as it is an observation about this particular August. I am not able to remember when we last had a
green August. Maybe I have simply been
unaware or unobservant of late summer greennesses of yore, but I am used to
walking around my yard at this time of year with the brown grass crunching
under my feet, the leaves from the cottonwood trees yellowed and falling to
the ground, and the sycamore leaves completely browned and dropping. The recent rains have changed my opinions
and habits of this late summer season, and I am grateful for the change. I
have also discovered that I really do not enjoy time at the computer. Though I do understand and am grateful for the
benefits and conveniences of being able to communicate easily with others,
pay bills, keep up with the news, download music to my ipod, keep in touch
with friends and family, etcetera, I find myself reluctant to sit and do the
work of sorting and replying to emails, reading newsletters (like this one!),
typing agendas, registering for conferences, ordering my favorite green tea...the
list goes on and on. Call me old
fashioned, technologically challenged, electronically inefficient, or Mrs.
Bunyan, but I simply prefer being outside amongst other living things,
tending the garden or flower bed, or clearing fallen branches, or engaging in
conversation, or reading a book, or writing a letter – by hand. I
have discovered that I am much more attracted to and impressed with God’s
creations than humankind’s creations – as amazing as they are. I
think that part of my resentment toward my computer and other technical gizmos
stems not only from the learning curve challenges these devices present me,
but also from the fact that I seem to allow them to keep me from myself. One of the beauties of yoga is that it
requires us to spend time with our self – to get to know our self or to reacquaint
our self with our self. We develop an
awareness that not only allows but encourages discovery and/or re-discovery
of who we are and the Truth that lies within. Perhaps
you would like to join me in taking a techno time out - a time to free
ourselves from our gadgetry and take a gander at our internal big
screen. Whether you are able to make
it to a yoga class, or simply roll your mat out at home, or sit in a favorite
spot inside or outside, enjoy the time spent in stillness and the ensuing awareness
that leads to self-discovery. May
Your Spirit Soar, Margie Saturday classes return beginning Sep 6Saturday
classes will resume beginning this Saturday, September 6. The class will still meet at 10:45
a.m. We will continue to alternate
teachers for variety and for your enjoyment! Good to KnowDid
you know that parsley has been viewed as a medicinal herb for more than 2000
years? According to The Complete Guide
to Natural Healing, parsley is a diuretic that purifies the blood and
accelerates the excretion of toxins. More
than just a pretty garnish, parsley aids digestion and metabolism. It has also been used to ease bloating,
stomach cramps and nausea, as well as relieve arthritis symptoms. It can have a soothing effect for those
with kidney and bladder ailments.
Eaten regularly, it is said to reduce heart rate and lower blood
pressure. It also freshens breath. Parsley is a good source of many vitamins
and minerals, including iron, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium,
manganese, and folic acid. Large amounts
of parsley should be avoided by women who are pregnant, as it can stimulate
uterine contractions, but after the baby is born, it can help tone the uterus
and promote lactation. Use fresh
parsley rather than dried, and add to foods at the last minute for best
flavor and most health benefits. September 21 is International Day of PeaceOur
Saturday, Sep 20 yoga class will reflect this observation to promote peace in
the world. Come join Lydia in the
gentle movement of a nice flow class, and let peace permeate your being and
be reflected to all whom you encounter. Kelly
McGonigal is a psychology, yoga, and meditation teacher at Stanford
University. She describes Vajrapradama
Mudra as a hand gesture which symbolizes unshakable confidence. Vajra means thunderbolt, which is
considered in yoga to be an expression of powerfully focused energy. Practicing this mudra can remind us of both
our personal power and our faith in something greater. To form this mudra, interlace the fingers
at the heart center with the thumbs wide.
Practice letting go of self-doubt, mistrust of others, or hopelessness
in the face of obstacles. |
