February 2009 Newsletter

DIRECTOR'S THOUGHTS

I am the mother of two girls - one who is almost three years old, the other just 10 months.  I'm with them every day, as I work from home around their naps and sleeping schedule, or when my husband is around.  I consider myself lucky to be able to spend so much time with them.

I am continuously amazed at how much fun these little people are, and how truly lovable and innocent they can be.  I am constantly being presented with challenges, and it would be an understatement to say my patience isn't pushed to the limit every single day.  However, after all the hard work and running around, there is this wonderful and beautiful light that seems to eminate from every pore of their body.

Their love for us as parents is unconditional, and exactly what I encourage people to reveal within themselves when I teach them at our corporate and private yoga classes.

As we approach Valentine's Day, let's learn to find the love within us that is already there.  How do we do that?

It's simpler than you think, but here are 5 tips . . .

(1) Let go of past hurts, people you haven't forgiven and past events or memories you cling to.  Really, truly, let them go. 

(2) Trust that everything will be okay.  In any situation, ask yourself "What's the worst that could happen?"  Often the worst possibility isn't even that bad, and would be very unlikely to happen anyway.

(3) Live each day in the present moment.  Forget about the past.  The future is uncertain and yet to be determined.  Just be here.

(4) Spend some time around children or animals.  See how beautiful and fresh their energy is.  They are so close to perfection and often that energy is "catching".

(5) Make yoga part of your life.  During Savasana pose (Relaxation) at the end of each class, lie down and completely relax.  Take a deep breath in, and when you exhale, really let go of anything that is bothering you or holding you back from truly living your life.  As you breathe in again, imagine you are breathing in joy, abundance, forgiveness, calm, acceptance and LOVE.  Enjoy how that feels and come back to that feeling anytime you need to throughout the day.

Regards,

Lynn Roberts

Director, Pure Yoga Inc.

FEBRUARY'S HEALTHY WORKPLACE POSE

Great Upper Back Stretch

BENEFITS
Releases tension in the upper back and between the shoulders.  Improves posture.  Opens chest and facilitates deeper breathing.   Improves circulation to upper body.  Improves energy by sending oxygen to the brain.


INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Sit upright in your chair with your feet flat on the floor, legs at a 90 degree angle.

Step 2: Interlace your fingers behind your head.

Step 3: As you inhale, draw your fingers toward each other, squeezing your shoulder blades together.  Exhale and continue to hold the stretch.  Relax your jaw and neck muscles.

Step 4: Hold for 5 deep breaths and then release.

Step 5: Shake our your arms and fingers.

For more information on how to bring the benefits of yoga into your Vancouver, Lower Mainland or Kamloops, British Columbia area workplace, click here.