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.
Yoga invites an exploration of positions and movements you don’t always do. This opportunity to experience something different allows you to embrace the discomfort of change. You learn to notice when your mental imprints, known as samskaras, shape your perceptions, reactions, and understanding of the world. Exploring new thoughts, habits or routines cultivates mental resilience and openness.
Strengthening the core, whether done in Yoga or other practices, are impacting the fight-or-flight response. In 2016, Peter Strick, a leading neuroscientist at the University of Pittsburgh mapped the connection between the core muscles, adrenal glands, and brain. The awareness that we gain through mindful yoga practices leave a positive imprint throughout our day.
The spine is most stable when in its neutral position, and it becomes less stable as it deviates from this natural alignment. Optimal health doesn't demand excessive spinal flexibility. Stability is the primary function of the spine. Remember, you are unique—no one else shares your biography or biology. One-size-fits-all advice doesn't hold; what works for one person might not work for you. The key is to discover the movements and exercises that serve your body. Let your practice be adaptable, not dogmatic, respecting the vast spectrum of human variation.
Having osteoporosis shouldn’t prevent you from engaging in physical activity. Movement such as those done in Yoga can support healthy bones. A 2016 study reported that 12 minutes of yoga appeared to raise bone mineral density in the spine and the femur safely. Yoga is also good for your balance, flexibility, brain and more. However, not all yoga postures are beneficial for everybody’s skeleton. Some yoga postures and movements are associated with risks for those with osteoporosis. Therefore, it is important to equip yourself with knowledge about what movements are safe and what movements should be avoided.
Combining Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra is a good recipe to contribute to your wellbeing. Yoga Nidra is a meditative practice of listening and letting go. Yin Yoga is an effective practice that is introspective (engaging in mindfulness activities designed to increase self-awareness) and interospective (creating and noticing a change in some aspect of one's internal self, such as muscular system, breathing, temperature, pulse or touch, energy, consciousness). Wind down and relax Wednesday evenings from north Chatham County. Apply mindfulness techniques to cultivate relaxation, awareness and insights to our mind, body and heart with Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra.
4th of July gives us time to celebrate the joys of freedom. However, real freedom is an internal practice. Group classes at Dogwood Studios will follow our regular schedule throughout July. As everyone celebrates Fourth of July, you will find a few subs throughout the month and Joint Freeing Yoga on July 4th will be offered as an On Demand Video rather than a live class.
Aviva had the pleasure of sitting down with her friend Melissa Russell for an interview about the upcoming iRest Lunchtime Learning on May 17th 11:45 am - 1:00 pm. iRest is a yoga nidra meditation that takes you on a journey through the koshas (the feeling, breath, mind, wisdom, and joy bodies) to facilitate deep rest and healing.
