Yoga With Cheryl Bruedigam

Couple's Yoga for Valentine's Day

2012-02-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

Couple's yoga for Valentine's Day - Get into your favorite pose together. Even if you have never practiced yoga, then just try sitting cross-legged, knees together, foreheads together and holding hands. Relax and enjoy the oneness.

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250

Yoga Vacations in New Mexico

2012-02-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

Practicing yoga is a fulfilling, life-changing experience and where better to fully experience the beauty and vigor of yoga than in enchanting New Mexico? The scent of fresh pine and sage permeating the senses, gazing up to deep blue skies while practicing your poses. Plateaus, mountaintops or fresh running rivers and streams, New Mexico can offer an exhilarating backdrop for your yoga practice or vacation.

There are numerous ways to include yoga on your next visit to New Mexico:

You can drop-in on most classes in various cities including Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Taos.

Or plan a retreat to one of Santa Fe or Taos’ relaxing hotels offering yoga packages like Yoga Retreats with Pasha Hogan at the Lodge in Santa Fe.

Or go it on your own, grab your mat and head out from any location in New Mexico to practice in nature.

Imagine standing in Mountain pose on top of a mountain; inhale, and exhale the fresh New Mexico air!

Practicing near one of the many hot springs in the state offers the opportunity for a relaxing soak afterwards, a nice way to wind down and treat any soreness. Several of the springs have nearby accommodations and Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa has accommodations onsite (one hour north of Santa Fe).

If you’re in Albuquerque, check out the The Ayurvedic Institute which teaches traditional Ayurvedic medicine of India including instruction in Ayurvedic healing includes herbs, nutrition, panchakarma cleansing, acupressure massage, Yoga, Sanskrit, and Jyotish (Vedic astrology).

Whatever you choose to do to include yoga in your next visit to New Mexico, you will benefit wholly as the clear skies, healing waters and fresh scents of New Mexico revitalize and renew your spirit.

Resources:
Use Yoga Finder’s convenient New Mexico directory
lists classes, workshops, retreats by city
　　

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250

Life Change

2012-02-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in life we know we are pushing the limits, going against the grain, over-extending ourselves, allowing addiction, eating badly, not getting enough rest, over-working ourselves, not getting enough exercise or fresh air and sunshine, yet we ignore it, and we push on. We ignore the little voice, the warning signs, thinking we can keep on keeping on and we will be fine. This is ego running the show. But body, mind and soul have a different plan, a different agenda, one that is good for each and all rather than the one that is simply good for ego.

Recently I experienced this. I had been pushing too long with too little. On top of that, I was given a new thyroid hormone prescription that my body rejected. Combine pre-menopausal symptoms, a bad diet with low blood sugar, too little rest, too much stress with a medical reaction and it was an explosive situation. Somewhere in my head I had known it was coming but I ignored it and went on. It had taken over two weeks on the new prescription before it really got into my system and reacted and it took about a month for my body to get back to normal.

During this time I was forced to take a long, hard look at myself, my habits, my diet, my routine.

All were contributors to the melt-down. I felt I had been to hell and back. Blood sugar dropping off the chart, hormones racing and feeling explosive, shaking, so dizzy I could not get up, surges inside of me that I had to literally breathe myself through from moment to moment, hour to hour. As the days progressed and I put a strict control on my diet and reverted back to the original prescription I had been on previously, the symptoms began to subside, until finally after a month they were gone.

Losing weight had been a goal but I had not implemented any efforts. Getting back on a healthy, whole foods diet, I had dropped ten pounds by the end of the month. The coffee had gone in the trash the first day. I then cut my tea to only an inch in a cup at a time so that I wouldn’t get the caffeine withdrawal headache. I never ate in the mornings, never ate until lunch but I began having a hard boiled egg early. I then had a half a cup of milk every hour between meals and added a snack in he afternoon and late evening. I cut all starches and carbs completely from my diet. Added fresh vegetables and fruits and because of a low thyroid went back on beef which I had not eaten for over a decade. All sweets excepts for fruits and ice cream were cut. I add a tablespoon of ice cream to the half cup of milk along with some banana and it really straightens me right out. I do this three times a day. This seemed to be what my body needed. Fortunately I already knew what I should not eat for low blood sugar and I had researched foods good for menopausal symptoms and those of a low thyroid so I combined these into a diet for my body and my needs.

Thankfully I had my yoga. I would not want to imagine experiencing what I experienced without it. At times I had to be careful of course because of my dizziness but having my yoga to carry me through was a life-saver as was the relationship I already had in reaching spirit. I asked for help and prayed a lot during this time. I meditated and I listened to the spirit and the guidance I was given to put myself back on the road to good health. At one point in the thick of it, I had a vison of a medicine man and I knew he came to heal me. I don’t have a clue who he was or if he was of a spirit nature only but he was there and his presence strengthened me.

Having felt as though I had been to hell and back and not knowing at some points how I was even going to make it, I processed many other things about myself and my life that I knew needed work and wished to change. I was able to whole-heartedly embrace life, feeling stronger and more gracious than ever before almost as though I had been given a clean slate.

As an empty-nester, just past fifty, pre-menopausal, I knew I was on the verge of a new life phase. This one horrid month was the beginning of that new phase and though there are many more changes to be made, growth to happen and much to come, it is with joy that I have accepted and stepped onto this gracious new path of living.

Don't wait for something to happen to force the change. Take the iniative and make your changes today. Start your daily yoga practice, get on a whole foods diet, drop the addictions and move into a joyous state of being.

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250

Retreat at Home

2012-02-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Yoga alone has the ability to take you far from the mundane world to the realm of rejuvenation, exhilaration, and pure relaxation. All things one would seek in a retreat, and closer at hand than you might expect. Why spend thousands of dollars seeking a high-end retreat when as Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home,” and her wisdom may be taken both in the literal sense and in the ethereal sense. Another popular saying, “Home is where the heart is,” may also be interpreted into the cosmic home. Contentedness is part of our yogic path; one of the five niyamas of the second limb, and in this fast-paced, hurried world, learning to retreat at home is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Plan a yoga retreat for yourself at home. Pick a weekend perhaps, or a day off from work, or a vacation day. A day that you can spend alone, or invite your mate or friend(s) to share in your retreat. Plan on a dawn to beyond-dusk schedule. A sample schedule might look something like this:

6:00 a.m. rise
6:15 warm ups, Salutation to the Sun
6:30 regular yoga routine
7:00 meditation
8:00 breakfast
10:00 study or compose mantras, study Ayurvedic healing or cooking
12:00 p.m. lunch
2:00 work on more difficult poses or learn new ones or just take some creative free time
4:30 relaxing herbal bath, or swim (if you have access to a pool)
6:00 candlelight dinner
9:00 yoga, closing with meditation

End day with quiet, insightful activities such as reading, studying, journal-writing, quiet conversation if with others, or listing to peaceful music. Plan your schedule with your needs and goals in mind. Maybe your idea of retreat includes sleeping in until ten, then rising to begin the day.

Your at-home yoga retreat is a great time to experiment with related things that you may not normally have time to include in your regular day or regular yoga routine such as pursuing, practicing and perfecting more difficult poses, or taking a stab at Ayurvedic cooking, or contemplating the Yoga Sutras. Try to bring the yogic state of mind into every thing you do during your retreat, make it the retreat challenge. For instance, if you are preparing vegetables, savor the snapping of the green beans, the grating of carrots. Honor your grain and bread. If you read, read closely with intent to learn, to absorb, to understand.

Make learning the art of retreating at home a part of your yogic journey. Not only will you become more in tune with your home, but will bring a peace and harmony to your home, your self, and any others who live there. Make it special, make it purposeful, and make it your own; your own yoga retreat at home.

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250

Lesson #8 Standing Forward Bend/Forward Hanging Bend - Uttanasana

2012-02-02T15:37:00.003-07:00

Standing Forward Bend/Forward Hanging Bend - Uttanasana

Coming out of the Downward Facing Dog, standing bent forward, fingertips to floor, breath in, clasping calves with hands and pull forehead to knees with knees slightly bent. Exhale. Repeat and draw your head closer with each exhalation.

Still bent, cross arms and gently grasp elbows and hang, relaxing. Release arms, staying in bend, hang loosely. Hold for at least four breaths with knees slightly bent, lengthening and bending a little further down with each breath. Begin to raise up one vertebrae at a time un-curling as you rise until in a standing position.

Note that some instructors encourage you to keep your knees locked and to come out of this pose with your back straight however if you have problems with dizziness (low blood pressure, low blood sugar) you will want to slightly bend the knees and come up slowly one vertebra at a time. I have low blood sugar and problems with dizziness so I teach from this perspective. You will also want to keep the knees bent if you have lower back problems or injuries.

This pose is relaxing and relieves tension and stress. It massages the inner organs and reduces abdominal and back pain during menstruation.

Watch the accompanying video

Thank you for joining me. Our next sequence in the series will be Shoulder Rolls.

Until then, namaste,

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250

Lesson #7 - Downward Facing Dog - Adho Mukha Svanasana

2012-01-27T16:51:00.001-07:00

Downward Facing Dog - Adho Mukha Svanasana

Everyone’s favorite, Downward Facing Dog. Wonderfully relaxing and stretching at the same time!

This pose calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression, energizes the body while stretching the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands. It strengthens the arms and legs. Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause and menstrual discomfort when done with head supported. Also helps prevent osteoporosis and improves digestion. Relieves headache, insomnia, back pain, and fatigue. It is therapeutic for high blood pressure, asthma, flat feet, sciatica, sinusitis.

In this series we come into Downward Facing Dog from the ending position of the cobra. Laying face down, forehead to floor inhale, lift up onto all fours then exhale and push off from your knees onto your feet. Feet spread evenly beneath the hip area. Inhale, knees slightly bent and heals off floor, lengthen your tail bone into the pubis area. Lift and stretch toward the ceiling. Exhale and push your thighs back and stretch your heals down to floor. Your gaze should be at your navel to keep yourself in proper alignment. Hold for at least five breaths or as long as comfortable.

If your heals will not go to the floor, this may take some work to stretch and achieve or it may be that your bone structure does not allow for this and that is the case with many people. Never force. Gently work to your maximum comfort and stretch.

We will come out of this pose into the Forward Hanging Bend. Inhale, lunge forward with one foot between hands, then the other, exhale. Come slowly upward to a standing position one vertebra at a time until we learn the next pose, Forward Hanging Bend.

Cautions:

Avoid if you have Carpal tunnel syndrome or diarrhea. If pregnant, do not do this pose in late pregnancy. If you have high blood pressure or headache, support your head on a bolster or block, ears level between the arms.

Watch the accompanying video

Thank you for joining me for Downward Facing Dog. Check back for our next pose in this series, Forward Hanging Bend.

Until then,

Namaste,

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250

Lesson #6 The Pose of the Cobra - Bhujangasana

2012-01-24T17:08:00.001-07:00

Pose of the Cobra - Bhujangasana

I love this pose. It is a power pose, bringing strength and focus and intent.

The pose of the Cobra strengthens the spine and stretches chest and lungs, shoulders, and abdomen. It is firming to the buttocks and stimulates abdominal organs. This pose helps relieve stress and fatigue and opens the heart and lungs. Additionally it soothes the sciatica and is good for asthma. Some older writings mention that this pose increases body heat, destroys disease, and awakens kundalini.

From a seated position go onto all fours as in the pose of the Cat. Gently bring your thighs to the floor and then lower your chest to the floor, nose, forehead to floor. Lying flat face down on floor, elbows in and hugging the body, hands on floor close to upper rib cage, palms down and fingers pointing straight. Legs straight, toes pointed. Breathe in and raise upper body up (do not push up with arms, use your back muscles) into the cobra position as far and as straight as you may without raising the pubis area off the floor. Hold eyes focused straight ahead. Exhale and gently lower chest, nose and forehead to floor one vertebrae at a time. Repeat for a total of four or more times. Return to an upright position sitting on knees.

Modified Cobra for beginners

Modification for beginners: from the laying position, palms aligned with shoulders, inhale and raise only the chest off the floor. Hold and exhale and lower the chest one vertebra at a time back to the laying position.

Cautions:

Not recommended for pregnancy or back injuries. Can be hard on the wrists so if you have carpal tunnel syndrome you may want to avoid this pose.

Watch the accompanying video.

Thank you for joining me for the Pose of the Cobra. Our next pose in the series will be the Downward Facing Dog.

Namaste,

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250

Working Through Grief with Yoga

2012-01-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

Working Through Grief with Yoga
by Cheryl Yale-Bruedigam CYI - 250

In 2005, I lost my father. I was forty-four at the time and had only been seriously practicing yoga for about four months. And though we weren’t close, his loss was a period at the end of a lifetime of loss. At only ten months of age, my mother and unborn sister were lost to a car wreck. In high school, my boyfriend and many other friends were lost to car wrecks, motorcycle wrecks, accidents, suicides; seemingly almost too much to list for such an early age in life. In my late twenties, I lost my grandparents who had raised me since the loss of my mother. Well actually my grandfather went just three days after my thirtieth birthday. Close enough.

Then eighteen months before the loss of my father, we lost his brother, my uncle, with whom I had grown up with in my grandparent’s home, closer to a sibling than an uncle. There were other grandparents and relatives lost along the way but these were my immediate family and close friends. These unfortunate losses weighed heavy but as I said, my father’s loss seemingly put the period at the end of it all, because, I believe, of yoga.

Yoga is grounding and when a major jolt comes along in life, if you have nothing to ground you, it is easy to fly away, fly to pieces, fly off the deep end. Yes, many of us have a religious belief that can help to see us through. But having or participating in a belief system and being close to God are two different things and how close you are in your relationship at the time of the jolt can make or break your ability to cope with the situation. How strong your faith is, how in tune you are with the spirit. Through all the losses except my father, sure I believed in God, I had spiritual guidance when I allowed myself to reach for it but I was not grounded and I was not close with God. But at the time of the loss of my father, though I had only been seriously practicing yoga for a few months, I had already indeed become grounded and close in my relationship. This is yoga’s purpose, union of self with the supreme being.

At every other loss I completely fell to pieces, unable to cope, but upon the loss of my father, though of course I also fell to pieces, the difference was that I was able to pick myself back up, to gain strength and understanding, and to heal in ways I had not done before, because of yoga.

I can remember sitting in the pose of the Hero with silent tears streaming down my face, forcing myself onto the next pose, and so on, day after day, week after week, until finally there were no more tears. Sounds simple and it ways it was simpler. I had something; a tool to use to work through an ugly mess of piled up feelings and loss. I had a reason to push forward, I had more poses to do and with each pose, each session, came a little more relief and ease. Just a little but each time it was better. I was able to work out and leave my grief on the mat where it was released and freed, no longer weighing me down. Just freed. Released. And though all it takes is the sound of a diesel truck or the rattle of an empty horse trailer coming down the road to spark a tear for my father, it is a free and simple tear, lasting in its reverence of a man I loved but free to leave my body and go on its way. I could not have achieved this level of healing without yoga.

There are many articles boasting the countless amazing attributes of yoga but this one is to let you know in particular of its positive healing effects on grief from someone who knows. If you are suffering from grief, take up yoga today. You will be a different person tomorrow. Even if you are not suffering from grief, at some point in every life it is something we all must face. Start your yoga practice now, today, so that no matter what kind of a jolt life brings, you will be strong and prepared to cope and heal with understanding and ease.

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250

Lesson #5 Pose of the Child - Balasana

2012-01-20T12:16:00.004-07:00

Pose of the Child - Balasana

From the seated position of the Hero (big toes together, sitting on heals), inhale, and as you exhale, gently and slowly lower your forehead to the floor. Bring arms around and back toward your hip area, lying them on the floor, palms up, in a completely relaxed state. Let your shoulders down so that they are relaxed and not scrunched up. Relax in this position and breathe normally, going deeper into the relaxation with each breath. Remain in the pose until you are ready for the next pose. When done, return to the seated position.

I like to imagine in this pose that I have returned to the womb, all cares are forgotten and I am once again in a state of purity, comfort and nurturing. Let yourself know that this time is just for you, this is your time to relax and revive.

Note: This pose may be down at any interval during your practice, when you feel you need a break or to rest. This pose may also be done at any time during your day for a refreshing quick rest.

Pose of the Child modified for pregnancy

Modifications for pregnancy

Using pillows or folded blankets, stack them in front of your body, pulling them close in and up on the knees. Inhale, exhale and lean forward onto the pillows or blankets, placing your forehead down. Arms back around the hip area, palms facing up and gently resting on the floor. Breathe normally yet allowing yourself to go a little deeper into the relaxation with each breath and when you feel rested and ready to do the next pose, return to your seated position.

This pose gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles, calms the brain and helps relieve stress and fatigue. It also relieves back and neck pain when done with head and torso supported.

Cautions: Avoid this pose of you have diarrhea or have had a knee injury.

Watch the accompanying video

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250

Lesson #4 - The Pose of the Cat or Marjaryasana

2012-01-11T17:23:00.001-07:00

Lesson #4 - The Pose of the Cat or Marjaryasana

Excellent for relieving stress, the pose of the cat also massages the spine and the organs in the stomach area.

From the seated position of the Hero, come up on all fours. Hands on the floor in front of you, in alinement with the shoulders, knees spread in alignment with the hips. With the head down, inhale and as you inhale bring the eyes upward as far as possible, head back, arching the back. Exhale and gently and slowly return to the starting position. Repeat for at least four breaths. Return to the seated position.

Enjoy this pose and really give it your best stretch.

Cautions: If you have had a neck injury, keep your head in line with the torso.

Watch the accompanying video.

Thank you for joining me. The next pose in our series will be the Pose of the Child. Until then,

Namaste,

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250

Lesson #3 - Pose of the Hero - Virasana

2012-01-07T18:44:00.009-07:00

Greetings and thank you for joining me for the third lesson in this series, Pose of the Hero. You will be assuming the position of a seated warrior or hero (asana refers to pose), with vira meaning thus in Sanskrit.

This pose develops strength and endurance and brings deep stretching to the chest area. It will improve your ability to do deep breathing, It also relieves stiffness and improves flexibility. Relieves backache, pain from injured tailbone, helps herniated discs.

Cautions:
*Use a folded blanket under your knees if your knees have been injured.
*Not for anyone with cardiac conditions.

Pose of the Hero - Virasana

Sitting on the soles of your feet, lower the forehead to the floor, arms outstretched in front of you. Slightly lift the buttocks off of the soles, stretching, reaching the arms as far as possible, breathing in as you lift and stretch, exhaling as you release with buttocks back to soles, remaining in the outstretched position. Repeat four or more times. Return to your seated upright position.

The advanced position will bring the buttocks off the heals and onto the floor for the seated position.

*Modification, if you are pregnant, from the seated position, inhale, lean forward exhaling, keeping the spine straight and remaining upright place hands or fingertips on floor if you can reach.

Watch the video on youtube.

This is a wonderful stretch and relaxation.

Our next lesson will be the Pose of the Cat or Marjaryasana.

Until next time,

Namaste,

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250

Lesson 2 - Warm-ups and Stretches

2012-01-04T18:53:00.004-07:00

Greetings and thank you for joining me for Leson #2, Warm-ups and Stretches.

Supine Knee to Forehead Stretch

Lesson #2 in this series covers gentle but deep stretching of the entire body, and Supine Knee to Forehead Stretches. After relaxation, warm-ups are second in priority. They prepare the body for a full yoga practice.

To begin:

Full Body Stretch

Stretch the arms back over the head to the floor. Inhale, tighten and stretch the right side of your body, point your toes as far as you can and reach with your arm as far as you can. Hold, exhale and release. Repeat with left side. Return arms to the floor by your side.

Supine Knee to Forehead Stretch

Next as a warm up, raise the right knee toward the chest clasping hands around it and pull toward forehead breathing in as the leg comes up.. Hold for four breaths. Breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth with the last exhale as the leg is gently released. Repeat with left leg. Hold for four breaths and gently release. Repeat with both legs. Lower legs gently to floor. Relax.

To sit up, raise knees and clasp tops of feet and roll up into a cross-legged position (Lotus Pose or Indian stye).

Please watch the accompanying video at youtube.

You have completed your warm-ups and stretching. It is very important to gently warm-up prior to a full yoga session.

Our next lesson will be The Pose of the Hero or Virasana. Until next time.

Namaste,

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250

Be Here Now

2012-01-03T14:23:00.001-07:00

Witnessing the changing, swirling, cleansing grains, I am imbued with the impermanence of all things.
~ the Zen of changing the kitty litter ~cb

Have you done your relaxation? My yoga practice was very good today. I feel appreciative, respectful, honoring, patient, graceful, being here now, aware, moving slowly and enjoying each movement, acknowledging each moment. And bowing in reverence to all things.

Let yoga color your world. Yoga can change your world.

I hope to have the next lesson done soon. Until then,

Namaste,

Cheryl

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250

Lesson 1 - Beginning Relaxation - Pose of the Corpse - Savasana

2012-01-01T22:17:00.002-07:00

Savasana (Corpse Pose) Relaxation

The first and most important thing to learn for your yoga practice is the beginning relaxation. You need not even be a practitioner of yoga to do this relaxation. Everyone needs to relax. But for yoga students it is the first step. This gentle, guided, deep relaxation will prepare your body for the poses that will follow it. Your body will be relaxed and ready to perform. We will also close our practice with this same techniqie once all of the poses have been completed.

You will want to wear comfortable clothing. Yoga may be practiced one hour after a snack or three hours after a meal. Rings and jewelry can be distracting and uncomfortable so you may want to remove all jewelry. It is best to practice yoga in bare feet so as not to slip. Find a quiet place to practice where you will be completely undisturbed. Unroll your mat or use the floor, blankets can be too slippery for most poses but are ok for the relaxation. This may also be done in bed to aid in a good night's sleep.

Begin by lying down, palms turned upward, feet relaxed and falling open. Breathe in, exhale. Completely relaxed. Relax the feet, the calves, the thighs, the buttocks. Relax the lower back by pushing it to the floor, then releasing. Relax the shoulders by pulling them down away from the neck. Relax your chest, abdomen, diaphragm, face, eyes, eyelids, mouth, let the mouth fall slightly open. Now just lie in relaxation. Clear the mind of thoughts. Breathe normally.

Place hands on lower stomach (diaphragm area) breathing in and out. Notice how the body feels, notice the breath. Do this for four or more breaths. In and out.

Move the hands to the rib cage area. Repeat. Feel the breath.

Move the hands to the upper chest, repeat. Feel the breath.

Relax.

Please watch the accompanying video at youtube with music by Taos Winds.

Our next lesson will be on warms-ups and light stretching. Please join me then.

Namaste,

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250

Introduction: Yoga is Easy and Understandable

2012-01-01T17:06:00.006-07:00

Welcome to my online studio. Yoga is easy. My teachings are from the very beginning in simple terms. If you are clue-less and it all seems too complicated, too flaky or too commercial, you have come to the right place. You do not have to bang a gong, you do not have to burn incense, you do not have to be a vegetarian, you do not have to convert your religious beliefs, you do not have to learn Sanskrit, you do not have to invest any money. All you need to practice yoga is you. A mat helps.

Though it originated in the ancient eastern-Indian culture which has a Hindu base, yoga is not a religious practice. Any person of any belief system or none, may practice yoga. Yoga is the union of body, mind and soul with God. It may also be used strictly for physical well-being but in doing so, you may be surprised to find that the spiritual creeps in.

Yoga may also be practiced in many other ways that stem from The Eight Limbs of Yoga and I will cover these later on but briefly they are: ethical, ritual and self-discipline, the poses, breath, detachment (going within), concentration, meditation, and elightenment. There are also many branches of yoga. My teachings focus on traditional Hatha Yoga for the physical. There are other branches of yoga that can be practiced and combined to incorporate yoga into every aspect of your life and these will all be covered here.

My teachings will focus on the physical poses or asanas, though as I said, I will also bring in the other branches as we go. These include things like being of service, devotion, study, lifestyle, etc.

People practice yoga for many different reasons. Health, fitness and physical well-being, mental clarity, longevity, inner peace, spiritual growth, relaxation, energy, pain management and many, many more. The benefits of yoga comprise a long list. Ask yourself why you are interested in beginning yoga. Know what you want so that you may achieve your goals and get the most from your practice. You may find that your reasons change daily. Some days you may need to relax and re-energize, on others you may want to trim and tone and yet at other times you may be seeking comfort or prayer. Your reasons are your own but always know them. Ask yourself, what do I want from my yoga today?

There are thousands of yoga poses. We will cover the basics, twenty-ish, so that you may easily begin a consistent, uncomplicated practice that can become a part of your day. The pose we will cover in the next segment will be the pose of the corpse, savasana, a yoga relaxation of the body.

In the meantime, do your thinking, know why you want to practice yoga and what you want from it and how much you are willing to give to it to start. Get your mat if you can, most places they are about $10. Your first assignment is to unroll and re-roll your mat. Sounds easy right? Let me know if you got it in alignment on the first try. Perfect alignment on both sides. Get set, ready, roll!

I will have accompanying videos for each pose as we move through the series.

Please subscribe and we will see you next lesson for the pose of the corpse, or savasana.

In the yoga realm you will see the word Namaste. It is Sanskrit and simply put means I honor you, I salute you, I recognize your existence in the universe. It is usually accompanied by hands in the prayer sign and a slight bow. "Nama" means bow, "as" means I, and "te" means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means "bow me you" or "I bow to you. You do not have to say or use this, it is simply a traditional greeting or salutation but it's good to know what it means because you will run across it.

Until next time, Namaste.

Cheryl

Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250