 Breathing Space is committed to offering a naturally organic experience by operating with the needs of our planet in mind. We strive to sustain the beauty of the earth by recycling and selecting natural products--from our soaps to our yoga products. Massage linens are washed in natural laundry detergent and cleaning agents are entirely non-toxic. Everyone, including babies and those with allergies or environmental sensitivities, can breathe deeply, knowing that our studios are a natural sanctuary in which to practice yoga.   |
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  Okay, I will stop with the crazy kids photos soon but I like how this shows me receiving help in pigeon pose (my left foot is visible by my right hip). This posture is one of the best for releasing tension in the buttock muscles, and can help ward off sciatic nerve problems that we acquire from sitting for lengthy periods. When our hips are in their natural state of openness, we can walk and run freely, experience ease sitting in cross legged or lotus position and almost every other yoga pose becomes more fluid. On a more subtle level, I chose this posture because of the chaos many of us are experiencing with the flu outbreak. When we worry, we constipate our minds and our lower region. When we choose to play in the moment and accept life as it is, our energy starts to flow, everywhere. Breathe into the opening and ask yourself where in your body or your life can you let go of control...and enjoy! |
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Finding the Joy in Living - Tame the Flame This Summer “I found a June Bug and I’m trying to show him I care but he’s lost his head and I think he’s dead.” Sophia Kierstead-Abbass, 4 yrs old Happy Summer fellow Yogis! Summer is upon us now and outside of last week’s down pour (poor timing for the Queen’s visit), we typically experience the hottest time of the year. In Ayurveda, the sister science to yoga, from mid-March to mid-July, we are in what is called Pitta season. Pitta is one of the three body types that mingle through our society, symbolized by the sun. This powerful solar energy possesses characteristics such as ambition and intensity. The upside of Pitta season is that we tend to find ourselves enjoying outdoor activities with more energy and inspiration for daily tasks. The pitfall to Pitta season is that we can easily find ourselves over-heated and irritable, zealously burning the flame within. The fire of Pitta is a beautiful and necessary energy, what we call tejas, but we all know that a small fire can easily become a blazing forest fire that consumes our once creative energy. Imbalanced fire energy then quickly leads to Vata imbalance (another body-type), which looks like those of us who are held hostage by our schedules, running around like a chicken (or June Bug) with it’s head cut off. The effects of these imbalances reek havoc on our hormonal systems, immunity and states of mind. Here are some suggestions for maintaining healthy levels of tejas/fire for the next few weeks, until we move into our Vata fall season. 1) Eat moderate amounts of food, just enough to be well nourished. One of my heroes, John Robbins wrote in his book May All Be Fed, “Today a greater percentage of the human race is overweight than at any other time in history. Meanwhile, a greater percentage of the human race suffers from malnutrition than at any other time in recorded history.” At our house, we eat our main meal at lunch time when our digestive fire (agni) is at its highest and digestion is most efficient. Supper is a light meal of salad and soup or smoothy. Aloe Vera is a super food that helps to balance Pitta, 2oz twice a day is recommended. 2) Decrease physical and mental temperatures. Consume foods that are cooling, like water with lime and ice, raw salad greens and fresh vegies. The Yogis recommend that we fill our lives with sweetness, natural sweetness that is, like we find in a ripe, juicy mango. Mentally, we can aspire to speak in ways that promote harmony and act in ways that express compassion for all of life. Summer is a fine time to turn off the TV and scheduling devices and establish calm, joyful routines. Jenny Click Here to Download This months Newsletter. Past Newsletters July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 January 2009 December 2008 August 2008 June 2008 
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