Newsletter Fall September 2007
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 Namaste, Friends.
I love the Fall.
I like the cooler nights coming from the ocean's mist. I don't mind having to defrost my car's windshield from the accumulated fog of overnight driveway parking.
Overall, my body/mind senses the change around me and it manages to acclimate inside. I seem to bust out less whacky yoga moves and turn toward more breathing and contemplation.
The last 9 months I have been met by some unexpected physical challenges. As a result, I've had to ask myself a serious question. After all these years of practicing yoga, am I doing the pose to do the pose, or am I doing the pose to feel the pose?
I understand that there is no right or wrong answer. However, asking this question puts me face-to-face with my intentions, as they can be disconnected to the spirit of why I chose to practice. Getting clarity about this not only keeps me connected to the spirit of my yoga, but it also defrosts the fog of ego and disillusionment that can accumulate over time.
So I offer you the same question. Are you practicing to do or to feel? Perhaps being clear about this will give you a level of insight as to how you are practicing. I know it has for me.
Enjoy the process.
Love and Smiles,
leeann
IN THIS ISSUE
- Bend-2-Mend Therapy
- Backyard Yoga
- Asana Column - Shoulder Jacket
- Supported Yoga Therapy Training
- Healthy Soup Recipe
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Bend-2-Mend Therapy
Recently I traveled to Canada to attend a training to sharpen my skills within the framework of therapeutic yoga.
The experience was an exquisite pointer to where my greatest passion for teaching yoga lies.
As a result, I have narrowed my private practice to working specifically with those suffering from chronic pain.
I am offering a one-time, one-hour session at a dramatically discounted rate of $50 so you or your friends can experience the magic of this therapy.
Bend-2-Mend Yoga Therapy is a gentle yet powerful approach to eliminating a history of chronic pain.
Simple movements that identify bio-mechanic weaknesses, followed by a custom-designed therapeutic yoga program, restores functional movement and promotes equilibrium both physically and mentally.
Bend-2-Mend Yoga Therapy fosters a pain-free life and allows you to return to what you are called to do with ease and vitality.
To learn more or book an appointment, e.mail me at leeann@planetyoga.com or call me at 424.212.9025.
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Backyard Yoga
 Practice with me in my backyard!
You can practice yoga just about anywhere - and for some of us that means my backyard!
Fridays
10am - 11:30am
Level 1 Iyengar
Saturdays
9am - 10:30am, Slow Flow Level 1 & 2
Here are the dates for the Fall:
September
Friday, 21
Saturday, 22
Saturday, 29
October
Friday, 5
Saturday, 6
November
Friday, 2
Saturday, 3
$20/class. Just bring your yoga mat. I have all the props you may need. If it is raining or very cold the class is canceled. Call ahead to check 424.212.9025. |
Asana Column - Shoulder Jacket
Upper Back and Neck Release
 Do you sit at the computer for hours? Do you feel your upper back and neck tightening?
Here's a simple yoga trick you can use while sitting for long periods of time at the computer. It will help to keep you shoulders back and down, and your chest upright. It may also inspire you to stand and sit with better awareness of how you're holding yourself in your upper body. And it will promote better overall posture. Who doesn't need that?!
Props: 6 - 8' Yoga Strap with Buckle
Directions:
1. Place the buckle-end of the yoga strap around the front side of your right shoulder.
2. Reach back with your left arm and grab the tail-end of the strap.
3. Wrap the tail-end of the strap underneath your left armpit.
4. Wrap the tail-end of the strap over your left shoulder.
5. Wrap the tail-end of the strap behind you and underneath your right armpit.
6. Buckle the strap snug.
7. Check in the mirror to see that the strap has made an "X" across your back.
8. Be upright and tighten the strap so that when you drop your arms alongside your body, you feel the yoga strap gently pulling the shoulders back and down. The yoga strap should not be too tight so that it thickens the upper traps.
9. Now breathe and feel, and go about your business.
10. Try wearing the "shoulder jacket" for 10 - 15 minutes at a time.
When you take the yoga strap off, try to maintain the alignment with the least amount of effort on your part.
Go ahead - try it. The only thing you've got to lose is all the stress you've been building in your neck and upper back muscles! |
Supported Yoga Therapy Training
 Learn to teach Restorative Yoga November 9 - 11, 2007
Click here for more information.
Sign-up by October 5 and receive
$75 off regular price.
Supported Yoga Therapy helps to restore overall health and well-being through a series of poses fully supported by props. The intention of this unique practice is to induce a deep state of relaxation and promote self-inquiry through mindful observation.
It can be used in all styles of yoga and fitness classes as a beginning meditation, warm-up or a relaxation toward the end of the class. Of course, it can be taught as an entire group class.
It is ideal for yoga and group fitness teachers, body workers and therapists that use the body's wisdom to uncover and explore release, awareness and insight.
$695
$495 Equniox Member
$395 Equinox Teachers
HELD AT:
FITNESS AND SPA
550 Deep Valley Drive
Rolling Hills Estates, CA
Friday, November 9, 12pm - 8pm
Saturday, November 10, 12pm - 7pm
Sunday, November 11, 12pm - 4pm |
Healthy Soup Recipe
I love a good lentil soup. Here's my favorite one. Try it and let me know what you think.
Tomato Lentil Soup, Serves 8
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable stock
2/3 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, sprig of fresh thyme for garnish
1 tablespoon snipped fresh dill, or 1 teaspoon dried dill
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon, or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 teaspoon minced fresh sweet marjoram, or 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or to taste
1 28-ounce can tomatoes, coarsely chopped, with juice
a few dashes to Tabasco sauce for heat!
salt to taste
Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vegetable stock, lentils, carrots, celery, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat. reduce the heat; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and vegetables are tender, about 1 hour.
Meanwhile, stir together the tomato paste, chopped parsley, thyme, dill, tarragon, marjoram, and pepper in a small bowl; set aside.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the tomatoes with juice. Add 1 cup of the soup liquid to the tomato paste mixture and stir until smooth; add to the soup and stir gently until heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh herb.
Serve with a nice green salad and crusty bread.
Unlike other dried beans, lentils don't need soaking before cooking. Before using, put lentils in a colander and rinse to remove dust; also pick through them and discard any shriveled lentils or bits of gravel.
The soup will keep for up to 5 days in a covered container in the refrigerator. When reheating, stir in vegetable stock or water to thin as desired. |
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