April 2012:Renewal

“Ten thousand flowers in spring
the moon in autumn
a cool breeze in summer
snow in winter.
If your mind isn’t clouded by unnecessary things,
this is the best season of your life.” Wu-men

No matter where you live in the world the coming of spring brings the miracle of new growth, renewal, freshness of life. Have you noticed how your own senses awaken to the brilliant change of daylight, the sweet smells of blossoms and grasses, the joyful sounds of bird songs and children playing outside? Spring is when life is alive in everything. There is a Buddhist saying that if we could see the miracle of a single flower, our whole life would change. The season of spring encourages our spirits to shake the old ways of being and reveal the expanded parts of ourselves. Take some time this season to renew your spirit. If life has felt like an extended period of winter, let all the sensual gifts of this season nurture, feed and soften your soul. Take your yoga mat outside and greet the day with appreciation. Drink some fortifying cleansing juices, receive a massage. Find some quality time with inspirational, like-minded individuals and enjoy some discussions and community experiences. Allow this season to offer you ways to connect to that part of yourself that is vibrant, clear and open. May this moment and every moment become the best season of your life.
With Joy,

Mary Beth

It’s Spring! Traditionally our thoughts turn to “spring cleaning” of our homes and property; let’s not forget ourselves in this process also. Sauca – cleanliness of mind and body. Our practice of yoga and incorporating massage into our lives can be a path for cleansing throughout the year
Asana, pranayama and massage increase our blood flow, oxygenating our cells, organs, muscles etc. while stimulating our lymphatic system, a major component of our immune system. Visualize your circulatory system. The heart works 24/7 pumping blood throughout the tissues of our bodies. Our lymphatic system looks very similar to our circulatory system, yet there is no “pump” to stimulate its flow. It is through our practices of yoga and massage that we stimulate and enable our bodies to cleanse and heal itself. The majority of lymph nodes are in our gut (intestines) and as we incorporate gentle twists and full breaths into our abdomen during our asana practice, we assist the path of healing.
Massage is a beneficial component of self-care and cleansing. The basic premise of massage is to stimulate blood flow and oxygenation throughout the tissue of our bodies while releasing the toxins stored in our muscles and joints. Have you ever felt tenderness in your body after receiving a massage? This soreness can be a result of the toxins being released into your system and then ultimately out of your body through massage.
As we practice our body softens and our mind becomes more present moving into a calmer and more positive state of mind. Choose to begin letting go of thoughts, beliefs and patterns in your life which no longer serve you, thus cleansing the mind creating more openness, peace and tranquility in your life.

~Kelly Knapp