is it really spring???

I am so scared that it will snow again.
The tulips in my garden are out and about 5 inches tall already! They have survived the last few months so I guess they will be fine. The garlic sprouts are about 3 inches high and growing. My tomato plants are on the window sill enjoying the brightness and trying to stretch towards the outside. I have planted yellow, plum and beefsteak tomatoes. I am starting a white bean plant too. (I had planted 3 beans and only one grew) I have 9 little red hot chilli peppers too. They are taking their time. It just goes to show how amazing mother nature is! She will allow us to start seeds when we need them and does her best to help them grow.

listen to your world

In my April article for the valley voice I mentioned that when I was a child, my dad had a poster (at least I think it was a poster...maybe an album cover) that he displayed right above his stereo. At the time I think he had a stereo that included one of those double reel tape systems. Could have been around 1974 or so. One of my earliest memories is seeing that image. He took a photo of the stereo system and the sign and I still have that photo today. It was like he was telling me something even before I could read. It was in my memory even though I could not understand it at the time. Later when I could read, and found the photograph, I discovered that it said, "listen to your world." Still I was unsure about what it meant. The photo was put away but the memory of the sign was evolving in my mind. Much later, almost recently, I found the photo again. This time when I read the sign, it meant a lot more to me. I had evolved and the photo had remained a snapshot in time. The meaning was still the same as it was in 1974 and as it was in 2008. To the adult me, it spoke directly to my spirit, relating to yoga, meditation and my strong environmental convictions. Funny how it was present through all my life and a piece of me. It is like a reminder throught the stages of my life. What will it mean to the old aged me?

Listen to your world...

When I was a child, my father had a poster that had only those words on it. As soon as I could read, I started on a journey to figure out what those words meant. Every thing on earth has a sound and vibration. Shakespeare once said, "the earth has music for those who listen."

A yoga pose that calms the mind to help us listen better is Upavistha Konasana. The name of this pose translates into ‘seated angle’ pose. Sit comfortably on the floor and open your legs out as wide and comfortably as you can. If you feel discomfort in the low back, place a pillow under your seat. Position your knees and toes pointing upward. Inhale deeply, then exhale, place your hands on the floor in front of you. With straight arms, walk your hands as far as you feel comfortable while hinging in the hips. Hold the pose for a minute or so and tune into your breath. Close your eyes and turn your ears on.

Whether it is in our favorite pose or in meditation, really listen to the world around you. Listen for the collective universal sound. Listen for your own sound with in the universe. Listen to your world. What does it say?

march article for the valley voice

Here is the article that I wrote for the valley voice for the march publication...

the magazine is growing more and more every month and I am so proud of my good friend for single handedly developing this great mag! She is expecting twins in a month so it is a great feat indeed! She inspired me to write this one...

A new beginning

As the day grow longer and the weather gets warmer, spring brings signs of new life and a chance to start anew.

When we practise yoga, every pose can represent a new beginning. Every time we move into a pose, the body and mind responds and remembers the pose. As well, we have a chance to move further into the physical and mental aspects of the pose.

New beginnings include bringing new life into the world. Specialized prenatal yoga is a wonderful way to increase flexibility, help to control stress and strengthen focus during pregnancy. Certain poses are best during certain trimesters. Overall, a pregnant student should only do poses that feel good because intuition is the best indicator for any student. Not only physically beneficial, yoga can be a good way for an expecting mother to connect with her child while in the womb.

A basic prenatal yoga exercise is as simple as sitting in a quiet and comfortable place while breathing deeply. Make sure that the breath is long and steady. As you begin to relax, turn your mind inwards towards the baby. With each inhale, visualize strong love and warm light filling your body. As you exhale, move the warm love down to the baby. Feel connected to your breath and the baby. Imagine the baby feeling the love and becoming enclosed in the warmth and light. Continue as long as you feel comfortable. This exercise can be beneficial to all yoga practitioners and can be used to create a connection with your inner self instead.
Here’s to a new beginning this spring!