tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-229105812011-08-14T06:42:41.068-07:00Welcome to my blog! I love yoga and everything about it. This blog is for sharing my thoughts around this beautiful art. I also have one dedicated to inspiration for teachers. My site is yogachi.com. I look forward to sharing more with you in years to come...@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.comBlogger1151100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-11500654460018171672009-02-25T18:06:00.001-08:002009-02-25T18:51:49.556-08:00

I have been creating a new blog (actually 2)...leading my first retreat in Costa Rica...preparing for a new radio show...signing a contract to publish a book...designing a new, dynamic program called "Ignite Your Life"...and continuing to expand my new company musélan.My apologies for my lack of attention here! I have now combined my blogs to be in ONE place at StudiesWithLaura.com. Please join

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-60658709022664834432009-01-02T18:36:00.001-08:002009-01-02T18:50:01.505-08:00

This week's monday morning musing is on releasing all obligations, in other words, doing everything with grace, even paying taxes. Here is a part of a post I wrote a year ago on taxes, my view. It has been one of my most popular posts and I have found I have shared this link with students and coaching clients more than any other. I thought it might be poignant again.I am grateful for paying

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-9143597095210949842008-12-29T19:47:00.000-08:002008-12-29T19:51:59.454-08:00

For another year, I will be participating in an online community called "WoYoPracMo" (World Yoga Practice Month). We are committing to practicing every day during the month of January and blogging about what we do. Please join us! Friend me. I am "Yoga Laura". View my page on WoYoPracMo

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-72567455891408266642008-12-28T12:01:00.000-08:002008-12-28T12:02:28.666-08:00

I have a few poses I consider to be the “quintessential” poses for our culture. The ones that counter our tendencies to keep us balanced. I will be sharing each of these poses over the next few posts. I like to include these in most of my practices to help keep me balanced. The first is so simple! And there is power in simplicity...Shoulder Rolls. Yep, so easy and can be done almost anywhere

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-70016833750749403912008-12-27T14:59:00.001-08:002008-12-27T14:59:51.920-08:00

I began blogging because I love yoga and truly want to share that love with anyone who wants to read. Then I began to feel obligated, obligated to write regularly. I easily go from joy and love to obligation and duty. So, I decided to stop until I felt moved to write from my heart again. I am back! And looking to sharing some of the ideas that have come up in the interim. I will only write

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-74888544176575956962008-12-11T09:29:00.000-08:002008-12-11T09:30:40.982-08:00

How would you describe your home practice? (or the home practice you want to have...) Is it fun? Exciting? Something you look forward to doing each day? Or is it something you feel you should do? The first step to creating an inspired practice is to make sure your reasons are coming from within, the deeper within the more inspired your practice will be. Whenever you feel a “should” come on

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-29290218324847414122008-12-10T09:05:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:08:10.964-08:00

Check out this post on NursingDegree.net on the Top 50 Eastern Medicine Blogs. You'll find a list of blogs for Yoga and meditation, massage, Chinese Medicine, Holistic Health, Herbal Medicine, and Accupuncture. Fabulous!

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-56360752009986118942008-12-09T19:07:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:08:33.213-08:00

I love this recipe. It is easy, fast, and my whole family likes it (a double bonus!)1 c pecans1/2 c sunflower seeds1/4 c pumpkin seeds1/2 c walnuts1/4 c almonds2 T grapeseed oil1 t chile powder2 T agave nectar1/2 saltOven: 300 degrees.Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.Spread ingredients on a cookie sheet in a single layerBake until toasted, stirring during the baking

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-35957270011579787492008-12-09T19:01:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:02:24.570-08:00

I love this bread. Yummy and so easy. The bread is very wheat-like.1 1/4 c water (I never warm the water)1 1/2 t yeast2 T oil2 T honey4 C whole spelt flour1 1/2 t saltPut all ingredients in the bread maker in the order listed. (Yeast goes in the water for spelt bread rather than in the flour like you do for wheat.)Set the bread maker on regular white loaf.Enjoy! Spelt Bread @ Group Recipes

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-43656781503859620552008-12-09T11:47:00.001-08:002008-12-09T11:47:28.924-08:00

Duluth, MN Originally uploaded by tamanthaWe had a traditional snow day yesterday...Lovely. I canceled a class so had a free evening I wasn't planning. Just like the old snow days with school! I played with the kids outside in the dark in the beautiful snow fall, then we had pancakes for dinner and watched home movies. What a fun evening...so carefree. More of my days will be care free now...

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-17629793371009125282008-12-05T18:28:00.000-08:002008-12-05T18:31:34.802-08:00

The pose of the month for muselan is Prasarita Padottanasana. I am looking forward to exploring this one. It is one of my very favorites!

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-43776871380751892322008-11-10T19:28:00.001-08:002008-11-10T19:31:40.253-08:00

We have entered my favorite month of the year. Really. I love this month. I love that we have a holiday that is nondenominational AND all about gratitude. I love that the holidays are around the corner because I still feel the sense of excitement and anticipation of the season. I love that the new year is around the corner. I also love that it is the month to work on my Spiritual Practice

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-24818551378987482842008-11-06T19:27:00.000-08:002008-11-06T19:33:39.208-08:00

So muselan is studying Parsvottanasana this month. It is not my favorite pose at all so I am challenging myself to investigate why that is. I have often found that I don't like a pose because it has something to teach me that I am avoiding. I do know that the pose took me right into my hamstring injury I had for years which I recently resolved. Does the pose still remind me of the discomfort?

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-72370373709385202502008-11-02T15:46:00.000-08:002008-11-02T15:47:45.402-08:00

We always have pancakes for dinner on Halloween. Here is a recipe I make for both pancakes and waffles. Enjoy! 1 1/2 cups barley flour1 1/2 cups oat flour1 T baking powder1/2 t salt3 T honey3 T safflower oil3 eggs1 1/2 cups rice milk2 t vanillaMix dry ingredients.Mix wet ingredients.Add wet to dry.Make them on the skillet.Yum! Wheat-Free PancakesWaffles @ Group Recipes

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-1379659431910425672008-11-01T11:20:00.001-07:002008-11-01T11:25:42.824-07:00

In Marya and my Awaken to Joy Program, we are exploring our Spiritual Practice for the month of November. How do you define Spiritual Practice? And what do you do for your practice? We would love to hear from you! Here is the blog to go to.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-80040624280385976252008-11-01T11:18:00.000-07:002008-11-01T11:19:04.649-07:00

Welcome to November! We are studying a new pose on ...musasana.... This month we are studying Parsvottanasana. Want to join us? Use the month to practice it, think about it, see what it has to teach you this month. There are also ideas on the blog for studying it more deeply if you aren't sure what to do. Then let us know what comes up for you!.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-22568793526748152832008-10-27T09:27:00.002-07:002008-10-27T09:28:33.953-07:00

Generally I prefer to stay out of the political arena, but I couldn't resist this one! It is fabulous!

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-36772830735864931162008-10-21T19:06:00.000-07:002008-10-23T10:39:59.838-07:00

Recently, Karen at Inspirasana asked me why I began yoga, so I thought I would reminisce a bit. Interestingly, yoga found me more than me finding yoga. (Coincidence, right?) I was eighteen years old when I had my first yoga class. I was in college and using it to fulfill my freshman PE requirement, not the most auspicious beginning! ☺ It wasn’t love at first sight. I was involved in

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-23124781262334235712008-10-18T12:32:00.001-07:002008-10-18T12:32:56.977-07:00

The Psoas is a fascinating muscle. (You may have heard it called “illiopsoas” which is what it is called when it is combined with another muscles the “iliacus”.) It is the only muscle that runs from the torso to the legs (all others go from torso to pelvis and pelvis to legs) so it is essential to the connection between the torso and the legs both physically and energetically. It runs from

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-29138904515473626832008-10-18T12:19:00.000-07:002008-10-18T12:21:44.579-07:00

Thank you X-Ray Technician Schools! They compiled the 100 best yoga and meditation sites for us. They have a brief description of each so you can find what fits you. Enjoy!

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-62594746858437643612008-09-22T13:33:00.001-07:002008-09-22T13:33:56.711-07:00

Want to join me in Costa Rica for a fabulous yoga retreat? I will be at Samasati Yoga and Nature Retreat Center January 24-31st. You will enjoy 3 daily yoga sessions with me (a early morning wake up, a before dinner stretch, and an evening relaxation.) You will also be able to enjoy eco-tours such as a waterfall trek:A zipline ride through the canopy of the jungle:Or spend an afternoon strolling

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-45478311919255545232008-09-11T08:08:00.001-07:002008-09-11T08:10:29.547-07:00

LauraOriginally uploaded by muselanIn my last post I wrote about how old beliefs create clutter in our hearts and we want to keep flowing and growing with life, discarding beliefs whenever it is time to let them go. Yoga can also help! Yoga keeps our bodies moving and more fluid. When our bodies are more fluid there is less chance for stagnation. There is a caveat: you must make sure that

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-25874336850132937752008-09-06T13:06:00.000-07:002008-09-06T13:08:21.067-07:00

So, my husband, children and I cleaned out our garage today. If you are like me, you wonder where in the world it all came from! I must admit, I began to philosophize as I went through box after box, wanting to throw and yet finding myself inextricably attached to much I know in my head I no longer need. I very much appreciate the work professional organizers do (I have had one in twice!) It

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-80400879179096640612008-08-27T08:40:00.000-07:002008-08-27T08:46:10.433-07:00

So, this month on my yoga community's (The Muses) musasana blog, we are studying Maricyasana III. This week, the study question is: How can you get more deeply into your upper back?When we twist, we tend to keep the twist in the mid-back,around T-11, T-12, and L-1.Getting it into the upper back is a powerful way ofincreasing the twist and making it deeper.Want to weigh in on the discussion? Let

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-14210549803233692382008-08-21T10:11:00.000-07:002008-08-21T10:19:23.335-07:00

I have been studying the brain lately in reading a book called The Answer by John Assaraf and Murray Smith. Basically the book discusses how our unconscious mind keeps us stuck in our current (usually limiting) way of thinking, stuck in a box. Sometimes the box is pleasant ("My marriage box is lovely!" and sometimes it is mediocre or even very uncomfortable ("My current job is terrible but...")

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-55056207342274129842008-08-10T09:38:00.001-07:002008-08-10T09:39:41.419-07:00

I was teaching Restorative Yoga the other night and had an insight about my own practice. I used to avoid Restorative Yoga (including Savasana) more than any other types of poses. I have always thought it was because I couldn’t sit still. Tonight, I realized it was about “not doing” and “not struggling”. I hadn’t realized how much in my life I felt I needed to struggle to do. Any success or

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-31200680988928397052008-07-27T09:14:00.000-07:002008-07-27T09:16:57.009-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about this pose since my yoga group “The Muses” and I spent April studying it. (Read more about our discoveries here.) I realize I have learned at least a dozen different ways to have the feet in the pose. In fact, I rarely hear the same direction from two different teachers! So, what is the “right” way? In answering that question, I am reminded of something

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-43807132319085396772008-07-21T12:59:00.000-07:002008-11-06T19:38:47.408-08:00

Remember Under Dogs? When someone pushes you on the swing and gets you so high, she can run under you? The other day, while swinging, Zack asked me for a "Down Dog"! That's my yoga boy!

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-91385266207659008282008-07-09T07:28:00.000-07:002008-07-10T08:38:26.704-07:00

Check this out! What a fabulous, and thorough, list! It should keep you doing your yoga for years to come...77 Surprising Health Benefits of Yoga.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-70383984552110907132008-06-02T18:50:00.000-07:002008-06-02T18:51:28.660-07:00

What if your injury was a blessing? What if you no longer saw it as an inconvenience? Something to be tolerated until you could “return” to your “normal” life and “normal” practice. If you have been practicing long enough, you probably have encountered an injury and you have probably also encountered the frustration and irritation that often accompanies an injury. What if injuries were

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-41779230296123252282008-05-29T19:04:00.000-07:002008-05-29T19:10:26.634-07:00

I was tagged for this so long ago, I don’t remember who tagged me! (Sorry)! It is a fun one, though, so I thought I would put it out there now. Here are the rules:- Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog. (If you can remember who tagged you that is...)- Share 7 random or weird things about yourself.- Tag people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-41507043186986764052008-05-24T18:43:00.000-07:002008-05-24T18:45:23.765-07:00

To take the analogy a bit further from Part I, when we drive through such deep ruts, aren’t you completely fixated on the ruts? It can be a bit scary to go through them and you are focused on the work involved. Ironically, if you were to look up, not only would you see that you are actually in a vast Africa Savannah and can see for miles, you would also find that driving through the ruts is

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-36514121144632424382008-05-20T20:40:00.000-07:002008-05-20T20:41:53.950-07:00

There is this wonderful Sanskrit word I just love: Samskaras. It actually has around 20 meanings (almost literally, check the The Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga by Georg Feuerstein). My favorite translation is “mental permeations”. It refers to having a set mental pattern. In other words, we think the same way every time the same thing happens. You always feel annoyed when your Dad tells

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-16821336822270551752008-05-19T14:13:00.000-07:002008-05-19T14:14:40.299-07:00

I love this recipe! They are good hot, cold and even frozen. Incredibly versatile and yummy, too!1-10 ounce package frozen spinach1 cup oat flour3 eggs¼ nutritional yeast or parmesan cheeselarge chopped onion¼ cup olive oil½ t garlic powder1 t salt½ t thyme (maybe more)½ sage350 degreesMix half the spinach and the rest of the ingredients into a food processor and process until smooth. Add the

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-85404419660909852572008-05-18T15:39:00.001-07:002008-05-18T15:39:56.469-07:00

Yoga in the French Alps Originally uploaded by kajo55I found this photo so inspiring! Both the pose and the location...just wanted to share.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-56256718175564421852008-05-15T19:09:00.001-07:002008-05-15T19:09:45.016-07:00

I have been studying seated forward folds for the year in my study of Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender). Since forward folds are the pose of surrender, this seemed appropriate. I just realized I grip the tops of my feet to “pull” myself into my pose! (So much for surrender!) Check it out. Do you do it?

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-21675665809625192332008-05-08T19:03:00.000-07:002008-05-08T19:05:37.022-07:00

Tadasana (Mountain Pose) is a very powerful pose. Or, at least, that is its intention. To fully engage the energy of the pose, you must have a balance between grounding and lifting. Often, the balance is tipped one way or the other. If you are overly grounded, the pose is heavy and lacks the expansion. If you are overly lifted, the pose is too light and lacks grounding. The intention of the opse

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-30716378884491056212008-05-05T19:15:00.000-07:002008-05-06T08:16:51.149-07:00

I want to introduce a new blog I have created with the women with whom I am beginning a new company. On this blog we investigate one yoga pose in-depth each month. We share our thoughts and experiences as we study this one pose. Please join us! We would love your comments as well. Musasana

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-75776648274664105242008-04-26T18:01:00.000-07:002008-11-06T19:38:47.876-08:00

I bet you hadn't thought of this one!! He taped it together and made it his "skirt".

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-58397193101935042862008-04-21T19:18:00.000-07:002008-04-21T19:19:08.522-07:00

It is true. My 4 year old eats meat. It was a difficult decision for me, I have been vegetarian for over fifteen years for a variety of reasons and my seven year old daughter is flourishing as a vegetarian. My husband and I suspected our son needed meat for 6 months before we finally fed it to him four months ago. My husband also eats meat so it isn’t an anomaly in our house. He was vegan

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-16833088840579186822008-04-15T19:00:00.000-07:002008-04-15T19:04:49.795-07:00

I just realized that surrender is about being in the heart! I spend so much time in my head, ruminating, planning, thinking, analyzing and reanalyzing. None of those things are necessary when you are truly surrendering! I had created this meditation awhile ago when I realized the energy bubble around my head was buzzing when I meditated and the energy in my heart was still. I wanted more

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-27718677281540711612008-04-13T19:35:00.001-07:002008-04-13T19:40:49.530-07:00

“Ultimately, whether we achieve the final posture or not is insignificant. Those who do not believe this may be quite disillusioned to discover that nothing particularly remarkable or even pleasant happens when you finally put your feet on the back of your head. If our practice has been driven by hopes of radiant delight in that final moment, we may find ourselves asking, ‘Is this all there is?

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-39456394130569352112008-04-11T19:00:00.000-07:002008-11-06T19:38:48.074-08:00

This is what I did last weekend:

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-55591111610208814922008-04-04T13:59:00.000-07:002008-04-04T14:22:23.911-07:00

Okay, I am back and what an interesting month it has been! Between being sick, attending a conference, going on a trip, and having internet on the fritz, I kind of feel like March was a blogging blur. I feel I abandoned my blogs! I feel renewed energy and a bunch of ideas are flowing around my head and I can’t wait to share them with all of you! The biggest idea and the one I want to explore

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-46046845024078671032008-03-13T10:40:00.000-07:002008-03-13T10:46:33.072-07:00

Ever struggle with reading the asana column in Yoga Journal while trying to perform the actions? Or get your spouse to read it to you? Me too! I finally recorded reading it for myself and thought you might enjoy it as well. This recording is Charles Matkin's article on Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana. I talk you through the entire process, repeating for the other side. Let me know if you enjoy the

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-8036523035360137282008-03-10T10:39:00.001-07:002008-03-10T10:39:12.911-07:00

Hi, Everyone. Sorry I haven't posted in awhile -- I have been very sick! I am better now and am preparing a few new posts. I will put them up soon. Peace, Laura

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-187522526841484432008-03-03T18:54:00.000-08:002008-03-03T18:56:31.937-08:00

I sent this email to my Master Class group. (I teach a group of teachers once a month. We study one pose in-depth and then do Pranayama). I had a few comments on what I said so I thought it would be helpful for others so I am posting it. Hope it helps you better understand yourself. I am including the links to the breathing exercises I refer to in the post. Enjoy them!ExhaleInhaleGetting to

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-44748518420115302792008-02-27T08:54:00.000-08:002008-02-27T08:55:07.208-08:00

“…it’s hard to see the bigger picture when you think you are the great controller of your life.” (Donna Farhi) “As I emptied my cup, the world flowed in.” (Rolf Gates)I have two quotes for you this month. They have similar thoughts and both are beautiful. In December, I decided to spend this year studying the last of the niyamas, Ishvara Pranidhana or surrender. Like many of us, I have

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-56308734861918678632008-02-20T20:54:00.000-08:002008-02-20T21:06:11.177-08:00

Have I got a recipe for you! It is incredibly easy and so yummy! I can sense a taste of butter in it. (No, there is no butter and my husband has pointed out that it has been 4 years since I tasted butter so maybe my butter taste buds are a bit sensitive!) This recipe come from Vegan Italiano.1 large head of cauliflower. (You can use a huge one here. Just add more stock, if necessary.)¼ C

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-32891587389613952272008-02-18T11:41:00.001-08:002008-02-18T11:52:33.151-08:00

Let me tell you about a program I created a few years ago. I call it A Year of Living Compassionately. The story of how why I created it is long and can be read here. For now, suffice it to say that I became acutely aware that I was not the deeply compassionate, loving mom I wanted to be. What was coming out of me was disheartening and I wanted to make a change.I discovered many things in my

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-84904669771698445432008-02-14T18:32:00.000-08:002008-02-14T18:35:28.135-08:00

In tonight’s class I taught, I had an interesting thought I shared with my students. Do you often go into a pose assuming it will look exactly as you did it last time? I am guessing there are a few poses in which you do. Personally, basic standing poses such as Warrior II and Triangle Poses are my weak spot. I just plop myself into my usual position and hang out there until I think it is time

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-14334088238432987482008-02-09T08:44:00.000-08:002008-02-09T08:45:19.936-08:00

I was the victim of a random act of kindness today. I had just taught my morning class and my students were leaving. It snowed throughout class so students were brushing off the windows on their cars. I peaked out the window only to see one of my students brushing off the windows of my car! It just made me smile. Thanks, L, for that kindness. It has brightened my heart today so I know it is

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-37881854908205731872008-02-04T09:02:00.000-08:002008-02-04T09:04:19.284-08:00

I just received this email from my parents:Father Daughter TalkA young woman was about to finish her first year of college. Like so many others her age, she considered herself to be a very liberal Democrat, and among other liberal ideals, was very much in favor of higher taxes to support more government programs, in other words redistribution of wealth. She was deeply ashamed that her father was

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-90425218940578646802008-02-02T13:03:00.000-08:002008-02-06T19:50:28.425-08:00

Okay, I have been tagged and I am thrilled! I challenged Nona at Everyday Yogini to answer these questions on her birthday and now she challenged me right back. These questions are a tradition started by a group of friends I lived with for a year. For each birthday we had a big dinner for the guest of honor. After the dinner (and, usually, after much wine had been drunk), each person at the

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-63769994844143286012008-01-31T12:08:00.001-08:002008-02-01T19:12:00.548-08:00

(I get so many questions about what I eat since I am meat-, wheat-, dairy-, soy-, and corn-free. So I began a recipe page at GroupRecipes.com and will be starting a "What's for Dinner" column here in my blog. You can use the widget at the bottom of the column to the left to link to my GroupRecipe page for more recipes.)1 C Oat flour1 C Barley flour½ t salt¼ rounded t baking soda2 t baking

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-33194921651003044692008-01-31T11:12:00.000-08:002008-01-31T11:24:18.835-08:00

(I committed to practicing yoga each day in the month of January as part of World Yoga Practice Month. I tracked my progress here in this blog and also at my World Yoga Practice Month Page)Still feeling under the weather so haven’t been out to blog much. I am proud to say (or perhaps shout) I DID IT!! I practiced every day in the month of January. I have always been quite dedicated to doing

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-80290193142276628382008-01-29T19:03:00.001-08:002008-01-31T11:26:02.470-08:00

I just received this email from my mother. I have read it a few times in the past and love its message. EnjoyBelow is a wonderful poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked to share her 'beauty tips.' It was read at her funeral years later. For attractive lips,speak words of kindness...For lovely eyes,seek out the good in people.For a slim figure,share your foodwith the hungry.For beautiful hair,let

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-18639941652452621802008-01-28T19:27:00.000-08:002008-01-28T19:29:24.487-08:00

I am still not feeling well and in a pre-woyopracmo day, I would have skipped a practice all-together, except for my meditation. Not so any longer! I am at least going to do my Savasana (with its focus on surrender) and then off to bed.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-69707662883612697992008-01-28T19:25:00.001-08:002008-01-28T19:25:37.574-08:00

I am tired and not feeling well so I am going to make this a quick report. Yesterday I taught in the morning and finished the day with Savasana. Today, not feeling well, I did some restorative work for myself and am off to my Savasana. Good night!

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-82791725722466769042008-01-25T19:05:00.000-08:002008-01-25T19:09:54.658-08:00

(I have committed to practicing yoga every day for the month of January for World Yoga Practice Month. You can track my progress on this blog and on the World Yoga Practice Month Site [name: Yoga Laura]. Better yet, join me!)I slept in again today. Glorious! I just love sleeping in. I used to feel guilty sleeping in because I “should” be working. (Even in college I was in the library by 8

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-85988237814985841582008-01-25T10:24:00.000-08:002008-01-25T10:29:24.563-08:00

1 15-oz can navy or other white bean2 15-oz can diced tomatoes (can use tomatoes with green chiles but that is too spicy for my family)salt and peppertortilla strips for the topPut the beans and tomatoes in a food processor and process until smooth.Heat the soup to hot, adding salt and pepper to taste.I fry up strips of tortillas (brown rice ones in our house) and use them as decoration over the

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-13836754586007461342008-01-25T09:41:00.001-08:002008-01-25T09:41:35.657-08:00

What is your edge in a pose? You know, the place where you feel you cannot go more deeply into the pose? It feels like a wall, doesn’t it? Like you couldn’t possibly go further. Did you know there is no such thing as a “wall” in stretching? We are working with soft tissue here, it can always lengthen. Now, it is true you reach a place in which you can’t go further, for now, but that place

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-6711764497044992382008-01-25T09:26:00.000-08:002008-01-25T10:08:05.288-08:00

I cut this saying out a magazine last fall. Doesn't it sound fabulous! I have many inspirational quotes (I am a collector, as you have probably noticed) and this one, from an ad, has affected more than any other. I realized that much of my life was unforgettable - absolutely fabulous. Then there were also parts that were unremarkable and it was time to change them. I want all parts of my life to

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-8990098949547412412008-01-24T18:32:00.001-08:002008-01-24T18:32:44.592-08:00

I woke early for my japa and meditation. I skipped my afternoon asana to go to my homeschool playgroup. I am off to forward folds and twists and Savasana. You know, I am with all of you who want to continue this group. I am having such fun. Although I have practiced yoga for years, I do find I am even more committed because of this group. Fabulous!

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-41446704537339428592008-01-23T19:34:00.000-08:002008-01-23T19:40:34.023-08:00

(Continue to follow my home practice as commit to practicing everyday in January for World Yoga Practice Month.)Yesterday was glorious! Began the day with japa and meditation, did an arm balance practice to Mr. Rogers (other parents of small children will understand!), taught two yoga classes, and then ended the evening with a lovely forward fold and twist practice and Savasana. It is on these

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-15739143731030662442008-01-21T18:55:00.001-08:002008-01-23T19:40:34.023-08:00

(Follow my practice for the month of January as I journal what I do for World Yoga Practice Month -- I am YogaLaura if you want to check out my page!)Yesterday I had a lovely japa and meditation to start my day. My husband got up with the kids (read: he allowed my to sleep in). It was glorious! When I finally woke up, the room was quiet. I just sat up in bed and meditated right then and

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-71264316055951497402008-01-19T19:34:00.000-08:002008-01-23T19:40:34.024-08:00

I had an early class today so I was up extra early for my Japa and meditation session. I am really getting to love that early morning time when the house is quiet and I can feel the peace of the pre-dawn energy. My house is frequently filled with the sound of squealing children (either from joy or anger) and that, too, is musical in its own way. There is something about the quiet, early

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-21892358413898352192008-01-19T19:33:00.000-08:002008-01-23T19:40:34.024-08:00

So, one of my new year’s resolutions is to open my back and psoas to Urdhva Dhanurasana and ultimately Dwi Pada Viparita Dhanurasana. My shoulders are ready and I think my upper back is almost ready. My psoas needs some work. It is where I carry my fear and I need to let myself release a bit more control to fully release this muscle. I am also working on surrender this year so I see many

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-53299644348241536292008-01-17T20:26:00.000-08:002008-01-17T20:27:23.739-08:00

I was up bright and early for my Japa session and meditation. Then I spent the morning with clients in my life coaching business and doing writing for a new internet-based yoga company I am starting. So much fun! I spent the afternoon at my homeschooling playgroup. Now I am off to spend the evening with my husband, chatting and doing my forward fold practice and Savasanaaaaahhhh….

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-57818824554076697542008-01-16T19:45:00.000-08:002008-01-16T19:46:17.386-08:00

Today I did lots of yoga and ahhhh….does it feel great! These are the days in which I remember exactly why I do what I do and feel the deep gratitude for 5000 years of wisdom. I woke early to a japa and meditation session. Then I taught a private yoga session. I have a great story to share from today. This afternoon I did a workout video with my daughter. I love to do all kinds of exercise

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-83627787072577583862008-01-15T19:26:00.001-08:002008-01-15T19:26:54.402-08:00

I didn’t sleep well last night – extremely unusual for me. (I use to say I slept like a baby. Then I had one – they don’t sleep that well!) So I slept a bit later and skipped my morning practice. I taught a couple of classes tonight so I did quite a bit of yoga. I am off to do my evening of forward folds and then Savasana. Good night!

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-61510760494843320952008-01-14T18:52:00.000-08:002008-01-14T18:53:01.481-08:00

I was feeling burned out on the computer yesterday so I decided not to do anything on it for the evening (usually when I post). Then, I decided I would at least do my woyopracmo post because, well, I should do it, and wouldn’t you know! It was the same moment the site was down for upkeep. The Universe was out to help me release my control. I bet everyone survived without my post as well.So,

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-48638307153143460512008-01-12T18:44:00.000-08:002008-01-12T18:46:06.155-08:00

(I am tracking my yoga practice for the month of january for World Yoga Practice Month. You can read each day about what I did that day!)I was up super early again today. I had an 8:30 class and I was up at 6 am to fit in my japa and meditation and boy am I glad I did! When I got home this afternoon, I had an experience of comic relief (something that other parents will appreciate especially.)

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-2206581673666640822008-01-11T18:35:00.000-08:002008-01-11T19:03:28.598-08:00

Let me begin by saying I have chosen this year to study the niyama, Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender) in my life. Control is a big one for me and can leave me inflexible, impatient, and certainly not in the flow of what life has planned for me. I have studied surrender often in my life and have let go of much of my control. There is still a bit left and I am ready to leave that bit behind! So,

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-15118581025324099222008-01-10T19:09:00.001-08:002008-01-10T19:09:47.746-08:00

I am a huge supporter of defining yoga as so much more than the physical practice. I also firmly believe that you do not need 90 contiguous minutes of uninterrupted practice to consider yourself a “practicing yogi” (Thank goodness because otherwise I could count on one hand the number of “real” practices I have had since my children were born!) In fact, that is one reason I love yoga so much.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-83193266099194914152008-01-10T19:05:00.000-08:002008-01-10T19:07:27.367-08:00

(I am participating in a program called World Yoga Practice Month. I have committed to doing a practice each day in the month of January. Continue following my practice here on my blog.)I was up early for a client today (I do life coaching) and once again was able to get up a bit earlier to fit in my Japa and meditation session. As I mentioned in my last post, my biggest “work” days are

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-11673349923364765142008-01-09T19:52:00.001-08:002008-01-09T19:52:41.185-08:00

Not only did I make my private session, I got up even earlier to start my day with a Japa and mediation session. I then taught a four-hour private, came home to spend time with my children and then taught again this evening. I am quite tired. The bulk of my “work” week is from Tuesday night to Thursday afternoon. Since I do late evenings and early mornings, I find by Wednesday night I am plum

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-151784396584572922008-01-08T19:35:00.000-08:002008-01-08T19:36:35.275-08:00

I started the day with a breathing session. My son got up with me and I was so grateful he was willing to watch the photos on the computer screen while I listened to my breathing exercises. I taught two classes tonight and I am going to do a looooonnnnnggggg Savasana before bed. I have a really early private session tomorrow (8:00!)

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-35360928878527055642008-01-07T18:36:00.000-08:002008-01-07T18:37:42.356-08:00

I had a really early private session today (okay, it was at 8:30, that is really early for me! I used to teach aerobics regularly at 6:15 am. I think I am getting a bit soft! ☺) And I got up that early so I could start my day with Japa and meditation. Ahhh…nothing sets the tone for the day like a bit of quiet. Then I taught a private and another class. I did twists in both. It felt so

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-63462171054516057222008-01-01T19:03:00.000-08:002008-01-06T18:19:48.530-08:00

As part of World Yoga Practice Month (woyopracmo.com), I have committed to practicing and blogging each day in the month of January. I think I will do it in a single blog and just keep editing it so look for this post for my latest practice.Day Six: Finally, A True PracticeI did it! I actually got on my mat for a total of 60 glorious, uninterrupted minutes! My daughter and husband were taking

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-40289238918259609522007-12-31T19:47:00.001-08:002007-12-31T19:47:52.571-08:00

I am so ready to go! I have been waiting for January first to come around. I am teaching a New Year's Day workshop tomorrow (Taking Your New Year's Resolutions to the Mat). I am going to get up extra early to begin my day with Pranayama and meditation. Mmmm...Delicious!

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-62197265964772760862007-12-22T10:43:00.000-08:002007-12-22T11:11:52.774-08:00

Happy Holidays, everyone! I have a gift for each of you. Here is a visualization I created for consciously feeling your heart and the beautiful love that is there. Have a wonderful holiday!Love Meditation

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-51269718267182216442007-12-15T11:47:00.000-08:002008-03-01T09:34:00.630-08:00

I just had to share these great tip from a blog I really enjoy: Total-Health-Yoga. Ideas for recycling your yoga mats! Personally, I have three I could recycle. (All but my very first mat -- very attached to that one sentimentally! :-) )

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-46254140182886944002007-12-12T19:36:00.001-08:002007-12-12T20:00:48.716-08:00

One of the things I love so dearly about yoga is there is so much to learn. I will never be done. I am a frequent studier of the Yoga Sutras, especially the yamas (nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, and non-greed) and the niyamas (purity, contentment, discipline, self-study, and surrender). I have spent time on each one, teaching about them and studying them myself. I have

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-16887941272055689172007-12-11T19:36:00.001-08:002008-11-06T19:38:48.832-08:00

I was up early this morning to do my breathing practice before my children were up. I often use the podcasts I have on my website (so my own recordings) to guide me in my breathing. So, here I was in the middle of our living room, listening to my own voice talk myself through a breathing series. My four year old son, Zack, woke up and came to find me. My children know that when I am in the

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-56802306570153168172007-11-20T19:54:00.000-08:002007-11-20T19:56:00.121-08:00

I love Thanksgiving. It is truly my very favorite holiday. A day set aside for us to count our blessings; to realize how wonderful our lives really are. I taught silent classes tonight as a gift to my students. As silent class is one in which I do not speak for the entire class. I demonstrate the pose, then they do them. It is an incredibly power class. Students are drawn into the silence

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-85688854233161387612007-11-12T19:12:00.000-08:002007-11-12T19:13:53.307-08:00

In my last post, I discussed the difference between motivation (coming from fear) and inspiration (coming from love). When you are doing something with motivation, you are doing it because you are afraid something else will happen if you don’t do it. When you are doing it from inspiration, you are doing it because you are excited about what will happen when you do it. Well, when I learned the

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-36382339717664317772007-11-07T18:42:00.000-08:002007-11-07T18:43:57.567-08:00

In one of his books, one of my favorite authors, Wayne Dyer, describes the difference between motivation and inspiration. Motivation comes from the negative. “I must do this or this bad thing will happen.” (Read with enormous weight and negativity to the words.) (I must exercise or I will get out of shape. I must eat right or I will get high cholesterol. I must do my yoga practice or I will

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-76298001855997437122007-10-29T09:57:00.000-07:002007-10-29T09:58:14.429-07:00

How is your personal practice? Usually when I ask a student this question the response is riddled with guilt. Rarely is a student able to live up to her own expectations (or what they think mine are). I am always a bit amused because the guilt is causing more harm than not having the practice the student thinks she should have. We need to grow into our habits. We cannot force them on

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-6328206836581203412007-10-29T09:43:00.000-07:002007-10-29T09:56:31.354-07:00

“Good alignment allows you to do more with your life effort,while poor alignment requires more energy to sustain.”This quote is a paraphrase by one of my students from something Donna Farhi (an internationally renowned yoga teacher and author) said. It is so powerful. Read it again. Good alignment lets you do more with your life effort. What a thought! We often get caught up in our

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-80544359707163801582007-09-26T15:38:00.001-07:002007-09-26T15:38:42.592-07:00

My last entry was about twisting with the spine, or twisting in integrity with the outer body. This entry is about twisting with integrity for the inner body. You have two aspects to the physical body. The outer body consists of what you see, arms and legs and torso, along with what you don’t see, your bones. The inner body consists of your internal organs, the contents of the outer body.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-68009273836727994722007-08-23T19:39:00.001-07:002007-09-26T15:39:25.249-07:00

I am amazed (and admittedly occasionally amused) watching us twist our bodies. We look a bit like contortionists, having lost the alignment of our spines, heads, and often limbs in the attempt of a deeper twist. When we lose the alignment and move into a deeper twist, not only have we lost the integrity of our body, we have lost our energy line as well. At best we don’t get the full benefits

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-17217770140558535822007-08-13T19:14:00.000-07:002007-09-26T15:39:48.583-07:00

Whenever you do a pose, you should feel complete physically. In other words, if you feel you absolutely need to follow a pose to balance your body, or release physical tension from the first pose, something was wrong in your initial pose. If you do a backbend and can’t wait to twist or forward fold to release your lower back, you need to work on the alignment in your backbends. If you forward

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-81957377227665158392007-06-23T10:35:00.001-07:002007-09-26T15:40:39.034-07:00

Here is a way to easily feel your energy on your yoga mat (and quite dramatically.) We will do it with standing poses so if you use a block, place the block on the outside of your right leg. Begin in Tadasana (Mountain Pose). Take a moment to really feel your pose. I want you to be able to remember how you feel right now to compare it with how you will feel in a moment.Now, do this series of

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-88699826764574447612007-06-23T10:35:00.000-07:002007-08-13T19:29:32.491-07:00

Here is a way to easily feel your energy on your yoga mat (and quite dramatically.) We will do it with standing poses so if you use a block, place the block on the outside of your right leg. Begin in Tadasana (Mountain Pose). Take a moment to really feel your pose. I want you to be able to remember how you feel right now to compare it with how you will feel in a moment. Now, do this series of

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-66731735280001573862007-05-21T10:57:00.000-07:002007-08-13T19:29:32.492-07:00

Are you aware of you energy yet? Can you feel the prana or chi (or whatever you call it)? Here are two really easy ways to begin to sense it. One you can do while you are sitting here reading this blog entry (although, admittedly, if your workmates can see you they may wonder…)Put your arms straight out in front of you, chest-height. Turn one palm up and one palm down. Quickly open and close

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-12656207291828143042007-05-03T19:39:00.000-07:002008-11-06T19:38:49.372-08:00

Yep! I really do yoga with my kids climbing on me – literally. Here are the photos to prove it.I also want to add that my husband told me Zack (3 years) did his own yoga practice tonight while his sister took a bath. (I was out teaching yoga). He said, “Daddy, can I do yoga?” Then he got out is mat and proceeded to do about 5 minutes of his own yoga (many variations of down dog.) That’s my

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-74468712951558871132007-05-03T14:52:00.001-07:002007-05-09T19:42:24.483-07:00

Here is a wonderful exercise for letting go. In our culture, we view the cycle of the breath as beginning with an inhalation and ending with an exhalation. There are cultures in which they view it going the other way, beginning with an exhalation and ending with an inhalation. When I need to let go, I use this image of the breath. I first exhale, releasing whatever I am holding on to,

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-43151365675787806182007-05-03T14:51:00.001-07:002007-05-09T19:42:47.841-07:00

How do I stay motivated with my practice? Doing my practice leaves me feeling wonderful! Calm, relaxed, peaceful, kind, loving feelings I crave. If I stray too far from my practice, I begin to feel fears and negativity creep back into my life. I see myself becoming irritable with my children, less grounded and centered. I also find it feeds other negative habits, such as choosing foods that

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22910581.post-6133221395678873782007-04-20T08:13:00.000-07:002007-05-09T19:42:47.842-07:00

In my last entry, I described my practice and the fact that I do something up to four times every day. How do I do it? Frankly, because I don’t have high expectations. It took my years to let go of my high practice expectations. Before kids, I had time for a leisurely practice with a lot of asanas (and time to work into the challenging ones) and hours of quiet for Pranayama and meditation.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com