The sacrum, often overlooked, plays a vital role in both spinal health and overall movement. It's not just a single bone but a fusion of five vertebrae that occurs as we age, usually completing the process in our 20s. Despite this fusion, the sacrum is part of a dynamic system that requires awareness and movement to stay healthy.
Yoga and creativity share a special connection. Both require us to move beyond the confines of the familiar, to explore the unknown, and to embrace the perspective of a beginner—a fresh lens through which we see the world. This convergence of yoga and creativity is a catalyst for inspiration, opening doors to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of being.
Yoga therapy is fundamentally about empowering you to take an active approach to self-care through the tailored application of yoga. Unlike general group classes, which aim to benefit a wide range of participants, yoga therapy offers a personalized and evolving practice that addresses specific health challenges and promotes overall well-being.
iRest Yoga Nidra can be perceived as resting, especially since rest is in the name, and we all are not people who rest. Resting can even be a bit scary. It is easy to wonder: Will everything be OK if I slow down and rest? What if I told you that iRest Yoga Nidra is active resting? You are doing something. You are actively listening to a voice, following the prompts, re-wiring your brain, and improving your health.
There exists a subtle yet profound connection between the mind and the breath. Choosing to breathe consciously, transforms our practice into an embrace of clarity. Yoga practice becomes more than moving with intention. Noticing the breath funnels activities of the mind into an effortless one pointed focus. With each breath, we surrender deeper into our practice, letting go of distractions and attachments, and embracing the fullness of our being.
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras outline 8 stages for the practice of Yoga, the Eight Limbs of Yoga. The later stages describe how to cultivate a practice of meditation. Meditation offers an opportunity to integrate your experience and notice what is in your Awareness. It is a journey of training the mind to stay present and focused. Identifying where you are in the meditation continuum of practice (Dharna, Dhyana or Samadhi) allows you to find greater awareness.
Even if you don’t notice it or feel it, every time you step on the mat and move your body, you support balancing your inner and outer experience. Yoga practices give an opportunity for Qi (Chi, life force) to flow more freely through the meridians (rivers of energy). You might not be able to see Qi flowing through meridians, however you can experience the effect of your energy. Free flowing Qi allows the energy nourishes our body and improves the health of our organs so we can experience the vitality of life.
The winter solstice is upon us. Each day the sun’s journey across the sky continues to shorten, and each night the stars have a little more time to gaze upon the Earth. It is a time to reflect on the year that is behind us: on the growth we have made, the joy we’ve shared, and the challenges we have faced. It is also a time to dream about the year ahead: to make intentions and consider the abundant possibilities that may come our way. In our yoga practice, we seek to restore balance to our body, mind and heart, and to carry this balance out into our daily lives so we may come from a place of integrity and compassion.
This week is Service Week! All are welcome to participate by joining us for any of our group classes October 9th-13th. You can sign up for classes using subscriptions and packages throughout the week. All proceeds will be donated directly to Healing Pines Respite. You may also contribute a donation of any amount to Dogwood’s Healing Pines Respite Fund. We hope sharing our yoga practice and raising money can provide a refuge of compassionate practice for all.
In the midst of our busy lives, finding inner peace is an invaluable pursuit. While yoga is often seen as a solitary practice, it teaches us that the journey towards inner peace can be greatly enhanced when we embrace the support and connection of a community.
Yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditations help you achieve a peaceful state of mind. However, yoga is not limited to practices on the mat. You can experience glimpses of your peaceful nature at any time. You can experience PEACE in any setting and doing any activity. Take time throughout your day to relish in life’s beauty. Seek out joy and immerse yourself in the experience.
Join the Dogwood Team for a day of self care and creativity on Saturday October 14th, 2023 from 8:30am-3:30pm for our biannual Art and Yoga Retreat: Heart of Peace at the NC Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill. We will be collaborating with artist Beverly Dyer to deliver a retreat filled with creative art journaling and mindful movement practices in the lovely setting of the Garden.
