I won't be pressing any
Thankfully I can use breathe to keep PANIC at bay
Yoga begins with a smile given with intention. Intention flows with breath, flows with any choice of movement or effort. Yoga is a perfect balance between action and rest... avoiding exhaustion and procrastination.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Yoga Health and Education Trust Remedial Retreat
Remedial Residential Event Sun 6th-Fri 11th, Nov 2011
Arrival Sunday afternoon for a calming and peaceful introduction in the hall. We stored our yoga equipment in the hall we were to use for our yoga practice and Yoga 5 Day Remedial Therapeutic Course at Domus Mariae at Woodford
After introductions we all retired to our rooms. The room was on the second floor, but a lift is available to get all to their rooms. My room was imaculately clean and ready for my use. It was sparse but perfect for my bedroom needs. At the end of the hall were kitchnette facilities for drinks and breakfast.
What a wonderful opportunity to wake up and go to the hall and do my personal practice without any of the burdens from home. These daily practices without distractions have allowed me to develop my practice and allow work on class plans for my yoga students.
Each Morning at 10am to 11.30am we had a led yoga practice taking consideration of the differing Multiple Sclerosis problems and adapted with those considerations in mind. I knew I was lucky to be more able bodied than some, but my little extra needs were gently dealt with. My hands are weak and I could not hold the knees in position for certain poses and they soon came to support me. Even though my core is strong enough to give support, that would have not provided the benefits the asana was supposed to give. Both Ineke and the helper Mary helped me during our daily practice to ensure I practiced properly and got the full benefit. It was greatly appreciated.
At noon we settled into a comfortable position and was guided into a 20 minute mediation with Ineke. By Friday I was consciously aware of how much more settled I was in myself, simply by taking a 20 minute quiet time to mediate and focus on my breath.
The mediatation was immediately followed by lunch, that took into account everyone’s dietary needs (and for a group of 9 there many variations!) and they produced a delicious lunchtime meal.
After lunch until 3.30, it was our own free time. I personally took the opportunity to take a nap, after the manditory mobile call to husband from the room.
The theme of this retreat was nutrition, especially considering Ayurveda. A new subject to me, we did a test and my Dosha and Gunas and apparently I am rajestic Kapha. It was interesting and kind of scary how a simple test can pin down the elements of who I am. There are special diets that support the type of person you are but, I definitely need to digest the information before I change the food I choose to digest. It is quite empowering to think I could actually take some control over this nuisance that is Multiple Sclerosis with a simple change to my diet. I am looking into an alternitive to dairy products. Apparently there has been a lot of study into how dairy has a detrimental effort on people with Multiple Soclerosis, although I think it could be the population as a whole. Lots of homework for me, and perhaps share with the family at home.
.
I must admit to missing out on most of the evening talks – my MS ensured I took to my bed early. Thursday night, however, I was more rested – just in time to go home. It was a calm moment to share music, poems, stories that were important to us. The top is a picture of my Dad holding my Grandaughter on the day she was born I attached above Poem “I wish you enough..” and below an extract from “Yogi’s Prayer” I shared from Mukanda Stiles “Structural Yoga Theraphy”
May everyone know a life of joy
May everyone have a life of health
May everyone only see the good in the world
May everyone soon be released from Pain
I am almost a fully qualified yoga teacher, only needing to two more observed interviews. June has kindly agreed to mentor me to help me reach my goal with and be more able to help others in my the MS community.
Monday, October 24, 2011
What a wonderful experience this weekend was....
This coming weekend I'm fundraising
for
I'd love your support!
Text YOGA69 £1
to 70070 to sponsor me today.
Thanks. http://www.justgiving.com/Smilieyogi
Karen Mascoll,
Yoga Teacher.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Chanting and humming...which is better for you?
I thought it would be ironic to use carnivorous proverb... It is the same meat with a different gravy, but interesting point of discussion.
Chanting is a good Habit
“When you sing, you pray twice” — St. Augustine
Chanting simply means singing [rhythmic speaking] certain sounds or words. It is a commonly used spiritual practice and hence is mostly synonymous with religious rituals. Chanting calms our emotions and helps meditate better. But do we know that it produces positive energy and aids in enhancing our overall health?
Let us have a close look at some of the benefits chanting has on our body, mind and soul.
Bodily basics
It is surprising to know that chanting benefits our body in so many ways:
* A research done by Alfred Tomatis of the French Academy of Science and Medicine found that chanting sounds have a therapeutic effect on the body. It soothes all our bodily systems and activates the body’s natural healing process. It also plays a part in reversing heart disease.
* According to a research done at the Cleveland University, USA, the rhythmic tones involved in chanting create a melodious effect in the body called the Neuro-linguistic effect [NLE]. When we know the meaning of the mantra we are reciting, it creates a Psycholinguistic effect [PLE] on the body. The NLE and the PLE effects are by-products of the production and spreading of curative chemicals in the brain. The research concludes that this is the real reason why chanting provokes curative effects in us.
* A study by Dr Alan Watkins [senior lecturer in neuroscience at Imperial College London] revealed that while chanting, our heart rate and blood pressure dip to its lowest in the day. Doctors say that even listening to chants normalises adrenalin levels, brain wave pattern and lowers cholesterol levels.
* Using chants as part of our exercise regimen, helps facilitate movement and flow of the body during exercise.
* Studies prove that making chants a part of our daily yoga can help achieve greater weight loss in a shorter span of time.
* Neuroscientist Marian Diamond from the University of California found that chanting helps block the release of stress hormones and increases immune function. It also keeps our muscles and joints flexible for a long time.
* The body’s energy and vitality are augmented by regular chanting.
Mind matters
A calm mind begets a healthy and vibrant you.
* Dr Alan Watkins says when we chant, the vibration of the sound calms the nervous system and a profound sense of peace is obtained. It also de-stresses and facilitates better concentration and memory power.
* According to Dr Watkins, chanting promotes a sense of well-being and helps us bond better with people around us, especially when practiced in a group.
* Chanting enhances our good virtues, by eliminating negative thoughts. We can thus enjoy whatever we do and achieve success easily.
* It helps control our mind and emotions.
* Alfred Tomatis highlights that chanting aids in getting over addictions like smoking, alcohol and drugs.
Spiritual saga
Chanting brings about a transformation that leads us closer to the Divine.
* Psychologists believe that chanting mantras [especially the name of God] helps us become aware of the Supreme Being and unite with him. Thus, chanting aids in connecting with the Divine.
* Chanting alters our consciousness and raises the psychic power.
* Spiritual gurus claim that when we chant sacred words, it provides us with the power to attain our goals in life and lift ourselves above mere earthly pleasures.
* Religious authorities vow that chanting harmonises the physical, emotional and intellectual forces. This harmony makes us a complete being.
* Chanting enhances our spirituality by letting us transcend to higher spiritual thoughts.
No kidding
Most mothers will vouch for the effect musical chants had on them and their baby [from the time it was in her womb till about six years of age]. Pregnant women listen to chants to calm their body and mind. Chanting or music is also an effective tool for helping little babies sleep.
Time and place
Time and ambience are critical aspects to gain maximum benefits of chanting. Chanting should be practised everyday at a fixed time. The ideal timings are the early mornings and evenings. Also, the place where you are sitting should be calm and comfortable.
Gist of it all
It is essential for all of us to have a sound body and calm mind. Once we are free from all worries and have achieved stability in mind and body, our lives will become bliss. Chanting is based on the concepts of self-regulation and relaxation. If you want these concepts to be extended into your lives, you now know what to do. This good habit is really worth being an inseparable part of our life.
Chanting cures depression
An 8-week study was carried out at the Samarya Center for Integrated Movement Therapy and Ashtanga Yoga in Seattle, WA, to see the effects of chanting on general well-being and particularly respiratory functions in people suffering from mild-to-severe depression. The results showed that chanting helped participants increase control over their breath and expiratory output level. The participants claimed that chanting reduced their anxiety and improved their mood. Researchers thus concluded that if done at least once a week, chanting is an effective means of enhancing people’s moods in the immediate present, as well as over an extended period of time.
Chanting is easy
Chanting is the need of the hour especially during these modern times of stressful lifestyles. Here’s why you should and can incorporate this good habit into your life, no matter how busy your daily schedule:
* You can chant with a group of friends or just alone in the quiet of your room.
* You can chant whenever you want and wherever you want.
* You can chant during office breaks, or even while travelling.
* You don’t have to sit in any particular position or make any prior preparations.
"Daily Humming is Good For You",
During humming, the gas exchange between the nasal passages and the sinuses is 98 percent, almost a complete exchange. During normal exhalation, without humming, the gas exchange rate is only 4 percent.
Poor gas exchange and poor circulation in the sinus cavities create a good environment for bacterial growth. Researchers suggest that daily humming could help reduce the incidence of sinusitis and upper respiratory infections.
Also, sinuses are major producers of nitric oxide, which helps dilate capillaries and increase blood flow. When nitric oxide levels are measured during humming, researchers find that they are 15 times higher than during normal breathing"
Daily Humming is Good For You
Post kijumn on Tue Mar 16, 2010 12:59 am
Chanting is a good Habit
“When you sing, you pray twice” — St. Augustine
Chanting simply means singing [rhythmic speaking] certain sounds or words. It is a commonly used spiritual practice and hence is mostly synonymous with religious rituals. Chanting calms our emotions and helps meditate better. But do we know that it produces positive energy and aids in enhancing our overall health?
Let us have a close look at some of the benefits chanting has on our body, mind and soul.
Bodily basics
It is surprising to know that chanting benefits our body in so many ways:
* A research done by Alfred Tomatis of the French Academy of Science and Medicine found that chanting sounds have a therapeutic effect on the body. It soothes all our bodily systems and activates the body’s natural healing process. It also plays a part in reversing heart disease.
* According to a research done at the Cleveland University, USA, the rhythmic tones involved in chanting create a melodious effect in the body called the Neuro-linguistic effect [NLE]. When we know the meaning of the mantra we are reciting, it creates a Psycholinguistic effect [PLE] on the body. The NLE and the PLE effects are by-products of the production and spreading of curative chemicals in the brain. The research concludes that this is the real reason why chanting provokes curative effects in us.
* A study by Dr Alan Watkins [senior lecturer in neuroscience at Imperial College London] revealed that while chanting, our heart rate and blood pressure dip to its lowest in the day. Doctors say that even listening to chants normalises adrenalin levels, brain wave pattern and lowers cholesterol levels.
* Using chants as part of our exercise regimen, helps facilitate movement and flow of the body during exercise.
* Studies prove that making chants a part of our daily yoga can help achieve greater weight loss in a shorter span of time.
* Neuroscientist Marian Diamond from the University of California found that chanting helps block the release of stress hormones and increases immune function. It also keeps our muscles and joints flexible for a long time.
* The body’s energy and vitality are augmented by regular chanting.
Mind matters
A calm mind begets a healthy and vibrant you.
* Dr Alan Watkins says when we chant, the vibration of the sound calms the nervous system and a profound sense of peace is obtained. It also de-stresses and facilitates better concentration and memory power.
* According to Dr Watkins, chanting promotes a sense of well-being and helps us bond better with people around us, especially when practiced in a group.
* Chanting enhances our good virtues, by eliminating negative thoughts. We can thus enjoy whatever we do and achieve success easily.
* It helps control our mind and emotions.
* Alfred Tomatis highlights that chanting aids in getting over addictions like smoking, alcohol and drugs.
Spiritual saga
Chanting brings about a transformation that leads us closer to the Divine.
* Psychologists believe that chanting mantras [especially the name of God] helps us become aware of the Supreme Being and unite with him. Thus, chanting aids in connecting with the Divine.
* Chanting alters our consciousness and raises the psychic power.
* Spiritual gurus claim that when we chant sacred words, it provides us with the power to attain our goals in life and lift ourselves above mere earthly pleasures.
* Religious authorities vow that chanting harmonises the physical, emotional and intellectual forces. This harmony makes us a complete being.
* Chanting enhances our spirituality by letting us transcend to higher spiritual thoughts.
No kidding
Most mothers will vouch for the effect musical chants had on them and their baby [from the time it was in her womb till about six years of age]. Pregnant women listen to chants to calm their body and mind. Chanting or music is also an effective tool for helping little babies sleep.
Time and place
Time and ambience are critical aspects to gain maximum benefits of chanting. Chanting should be practised everyday at a fixed time. The ideal timings are the early mornings and evenings. Also, the place where you are sitting should be calm and comfortable.
Gist of it all
It is essential for all of us to have a sound body and calm mind. Once we are free from all worries and have achieved stability in mind and body, our lives will become bliss. Chanting is based on the concepts of self-regulation and relaxation. If you want these concepts to be extended into your lives, you now know what to do. This good habit is really worth being an inseparable part of our life.
Chanting cures depression
An 8-week study was carried out at the Samarya Center for Integrated Movement Therapy and Ashtanga Yoga in Seattle, WA, to see the effects of chanting on general well-being and particularly respiratory functions in people suffering from mild-to-severe depression. The results showed that chanting helped participants increase control over their breath and expiratory output level. The participants claimed that chanting reduced their anxiety and improved their mood. Researchers thus concluded that if done at least once a week, chanting is an effective means of enhancing people’s moods in the immediate present, as well as over an extended period of time.
Chanting is easy
Chanting is the need of the hour especially during these modern times of stressful lifestyles. Here’s why you should and can incorporate this good habit into your life, no matter how busy your daily schedule:
* You can chant with a group of friends or just alone in the quiet of your room.
* You can chant whenever you want and wherever you want.
* You can chant during office breaks, or even while travelling.
* You don’t have to sit in any particular position or make any prior preparations.
"Daily Humming is Good For You",
During humming, the gas exchange between the nasal passages and the sinuses is 98 percent, almost a complete exchange. During normal exhalation, without humming, the gas exchange rate is only 4 percent.
Poor gas exchange and poor circulation in the sinus cavities create a good environment for bacterial growth. Researchers suggest that daily humming could help reduce the incidence of sinusitis and upper respiratory infections.
Also, sinuses are major producers of nitric oxide, which helps dilate capillaries and increase blood flow. When nitric oxide levels are measured during humming, researchers find that they are 15 times higher than during normal breathing"
Daily Humming is Good For You
Post kijumn on Tue Mar 16, 2010 12:59 am
Saturday, October 8, 2011
How to make a busy Saturday a happy one...
I have spent some time working on my fundraising effort a sucessul one for the Speacial Yoga Centre but now...
I know much to do but it's Saturday, I think I would just like people to donate a few pounds, mainly cos I want to show I am capable. Used my faithful tool when looking inspiration, good old internet. I found a wonderful link Pschology Today that I would love to share with you.
This little list of 50 items includes some of my personal “joy” favorites. EnJOY!
1. Smile.
2. Write a thank-you note to yourself (on your best stationery, of course).
3. Venture outside for five-minute walk.
4. Indulge in a delicious piece of chocolate (or a fresh colorful smoothie).
5. Find a piece of jewelry you haven’t worn in awhile – feels just like vintage shopping!
6. Pick fresh flowers or send yourself a little bouquet of favorite flowers.
7. Laugh – Visit a funny blog, watch a movie, or spend time with someone who makes you laugh.
8. Find serenity at a favorite local spot (ex. a park, a lake, a coffee shop, a little nook in your house or office).
9. Take one action towards a goal or dream.
10. Hit the pause button and spend five-minutes alone – allow your mind to become quiet.
11. Bake a favorite treat with a family member or friend — or bake alone and surprise someone special with yummy treats.
12. Discover an uplifting and fun song – something new.
13. Slow down and enjoy a long brunch.
14. Try a new fitness class.
15. Indulge in watching tv or reading a magazine – guilt free!
16. Declare a vacation day – write it BIG on your calendar so you get to anticipate this upcoming personal time (a vacation day can fall on the weekend).
17. Do a good deed — help someone else find joy.
18. Treat yourself to a favorite cup of coffee or tea – enjoy the flavors and activate your senses.
19. Be goofy! Dance around your room to your favorite music.
20. Explore the inspirational and joyful blog, Kind Over Matter.
21. Draw for fun.
22. Get rid of two items in your physical environment that make you feel negative.
23. Bite into a piece of fresh fruit.
24. Wear a color that makes you feel confident and joyful!
25. Write down three things that you are grateful for.
26. Call a supportive friend – or reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to in awhile.
27. Watch the sunset from a beautiful location.
28. Discover something new.
29. Start a book that you’ve been meaning to read.
30. Begin a fun DIY project.
31. Frame a photo of a favorite memory.
32. Take five deep breaths and stretch.
33. Browse books at your local book store.
34. Interview yourself (sounds foolish, but can be oh so fun!) -- try the Proust Questionnaire.
35. Try a new recipe.
36. Learn something new (ex. a new hobby or craft).
37. Redesign (use what you already own to redesign your space) an area of your office or home.
38. Write a thoughtful comment on a personal blog you read (comments mean the world to me – hint hint!).
39. Create a list of 10 things you love about your significant other – surprise him/her with the list.
40. Look on the bright side.
41. Take a short, relaxing nap. Wake up rejuvenated.
42. Ask for support from those you trust with a problem – solving a problem definitely adds joy to the day (TipTap is a fun way to do this online).
43. Disconnect for lunch – close your door, turn off the computer and blackberry, and simply enjoy a peaceful lunch break.
44. Search for a hidden treasure on Ebay or Etsy.
45. Write a hope note and leave it for someone to find.
46. Connect with your fellow tweeters. Send a tweet with a joyful message.
47. Donate one item (or your time) to a local charity.
48. Create a collage (or browse the outstanding galleries) on Pinterest.
49. Create a list of 10 things that make you happy – your own personal “joy” list.
50. Make a commitment to do at least one thing per day that adds joy to your life.
I know much to do but it's Saturday, I think I would just like people to donate a few pounds, mainly cos I want to show I am capable. Used my faithful tool when looking inspiration, good old internet. I found a wonderful link Pschology Today that I would love to share with you.
This little list of 50 items includes some of my personal “joy” favorites. EnJOY!
1. Smile.
2. Write a thank-you note to yourself (on your best stationery, of course).
3. Venture outside for five-minute walk.
5. Find a piece of jewelry you haven’t worn in awhile – feels just like vintage shopping!
6. Pick fresh flowers or send yourself a little bouquet of favorite flowers.
7. Laugh – Visit a funny blog, watch a movie, or spend time with someone who makes you laugh.
8. Find serenity at a favorite local spot (ex. a park, a lake, a coffee shop, a little nook in your house or office).
9. Take one action towards a goal or dream.
10. Hit the pause button and spend five-minutes alone – allow your mind to become quiet.
11. Bake a favorite treat with a family member or friend — or bake alone and surprise someone special with yummy treats.
12. Discover an uplifting and fun song – something new.
13. Slow down and enjoy a long brunch.
14. Try a new fitness class.
15. Indulge in watching tv or reading a magazine – guilt free!
16. Declare a vacation day – write it BIG on your calendar so you get to anticipate this upcoming personal time (a vacation day can fall on the weekend).
17. Do a good deed — help someone else find joy.
18. Treat yourself to a favorite cup of coffee or tea – enjoy the flavors and activate your senses.
19. Be goofy! Dance around your room to your favorite music.
20. Explore the inspirational and joyful blog, Kind Over Matter.
21. Draw for fun.
22. Get rid of two items in your physical environment that make you feel negative.
23. Bite into a piece of fresh fruit.
24. Wear a color that makes you feel confident and joyful!
25. Write down three things that you are grateful for.
26. Call a supportive friend – or reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to in awhile.
27. Watch the sunset from a beautiful location.
28. Discover something new.
29. Start a book that you’ve been meaning to read.
30. Begin a fun DIY project.
31. Frame a photo of a favorite memory.
32. Take five deep breaths and stretch.
33. Browse books at your local book store.
34. Interview yourself (sounds foolish, but can be oh so fun!) -- try the Proust Questionnaire.
35. Try a new recipe.
36. Learn something new (ex. a new hobby or craft).
37. Redesign (use what you already own to redesign your space) an area of your office or home.
38. Write a thoughtful comment on a personal blog you read (comments mean the world to me – hint hint!).
39. Create a list of 10 things you love about your significant other – surprise him/her with the list.
40. Look on the bright side.
41. Take a short, relaxing nap. Wake up rejuvenated.
42. Ask for support from those you trust with a problem – solving a problem definitely adds joy to the day (TipTap is a fun way to do this online).
43. Disconnect for lunch – close your door, turn off the computer and blackberry, and simply enjoy a peaceful lunch break.
44. Search for a hidden treasure on Ebay or Etsy.
45. Write a hope note and leave it for someone to find.
46. Connect with your fellow tweeters. Send a tweet with a joyful message.
47. Donate one item (or your time) to a local charity.
48. Create a collage (or browse the outstanding galleries) on Pinterest.
49. Create a list of 10 things that make you happy – your own personal “joy” list.
50. Make a commitment to do at least one thing per day that adds joy to your life.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
yoga-poses-relieve-pain-calm-anxiety-and-more
Click the above picture, for a link to Yoga poses relieve pain calm anxiety and more
thanks to IVillage
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Things to do on a Lazy Sunday....
First get up....
start with some energising music and yoga practice
2. Survive
Plan and Prepare
Specifically I am supporting the
Special Yoga Centre
3 Go to bed
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