Self Care

Deepen Your Practice 2020

Deepen Your Practice 2020

Just about 5 years ago in a New Years flow at our studio, I set a Sankalpa.

Lying on my back preparing for class that day, I snuck a peek at the intention words on our ceiling lights. At the time, I was tired, my body and mind were stressed. I found myself in a job that was tearing at my heart strings, relationships that were disingenuous, and a life that seemed to be moving on its own without me in it.

As we often do in those moments, I was desperately searching for something outside of myself- God, The Universe, My husband, my boss..someone to swoop in and save the day, save me, make my life easier,

When I spotted the word Bliss.

Sankalpa

Sankalpa

Just about 5 years ago in a New Years flow at our studio, I set a Sankalpa.

Lying on my back preparing for class that day, I snuck a peek at the intention words on our ceiling lights. At the time, I was tired, my body and mind were stressed. I found myself in a job that was tearing at my heart strings, relationships that were disingenuous, and a life that seemed to be moving on its own without me in it.

As we often do in those moments, I was desperately searching for something outside of myself- God, The Universe, My husband, my boss..someone to swoop in and save the day, save me, make my life easier,

When I spotted the word Bliss.

Asteya

Asteya

The Yamas and Niyamas from Patanjalis 8 limb path are guidelines for living a yogic lifestyle. These are not “rules” for being a Yogi. Yogis are known for a practice that is non-judgemental. Yogis typically accept and even embrace differences. Therefore, we need to consider these guidelines as suggestions and interpret them ourselves and determine what they mean to us as individuals.

Satya

Satya

The Yamas and Niyamas from Patanjalis 8 limb path are guidelines for living a yogic lifestyle. These are not “rules” for being a Yogi. Yogis are known for a practice that is non-judgemental. Yogis typically accept and even embrace differences. Therefore, we need to consider these guidelines as suggestions and interpret them ourselves and determine what they mean to us as individuals.

     

 
   Ahimsa  The Yamas and Niyamas from Patanjalis 8 limb path are guidelines for living a yogic lifestyle.  These are not “rules” for being a Yogi.  Yogis are known for a practice that is non-judgemental.  Yogis typically accep

The Yamas and Niyamas from Patanjalis 8 limb path are guidelines for living a yogic lifestyle. These are not “rules” for being a Yogi. Yogis are known for a practice that is non-judgemental. Yogis typically accept and even embrace differences. Therefore, we need to consider these guidelines as suggestions and interpret them ourselves and determine what they mean to us as individuals.

Why kids need to be taught Mindfulness

Often summertime offers kids an opportunity to break away from the rigid schedules and busyness of school and slow down a bit.  The slower schedule of summer can also bring about an opportunity to introduce children and young adults to new ideas or ways of being.  Kids minds may be better able to attend to ideas of mindfulness and meditation as ways of addressing their anxiety and stress they may often encounter over the school year.  

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is the act of becoming more in the present moment and can be achieved through breath work (pranayama) or meditation (watching our thoughts with non-attachment) and/or yoga postures (asana). 

Although many studios (including DRISHTIQ Yoga) offer yoga classes for kids and teens- there are also many great articles online that help explain mindfulness to kids and resources online and on the app store that help parents and caregivers foster a mindfulness or meditation practice with their kids. 

Watching mediation videos like Amy K's mindful moment or using apps like Smiling Mind can allow kids the opportunity to practice meditation or mindfulness in small amounts of time each day.  These resources can give them tools they need to understand how becoming more present in each moment, slowing down the breath, focusing the mind away from the worries about the past or fears or anxiety about the future. 

YOGA IN SCHOOLS

DRISHTIQ Yoga is excited to work with our community  to bring yoga and mindfulness to area teens and young adults.  We've been privileged to serve area schools staff and students as well as local Girl Scout/Boy Scout troops and other social and educational settings.  We are here if you need help or have an opportunity for us to come in and share our expertise with the students or population you serve.

Just give us a call or stop in so we can chat! 




Weathering the Storm

For most of us, it's not always storming. Our lives aren't always filled with chaos and turmoil, threat of danger, illness or injury. Our minds may feel that way sometimes- our inner "roommate" may constantly be warning us of impending threats, contemplating reasons to worries or possible worst outcomes.

In reality- only 50% of our lives are spent in storms.  

But when you're in one, it may seem like there is no place to turn.  

The Role of Self Care

That's why a regular self care practice can prepare us in the body and mind- and change our reaction to storms when they really do arise. No one is immune to trauma.  We all will experience our own trauma from time to time. We are human, and that is a part. 

However we can work to live in a way that we are better able to move through trauma in all its "glory". Creating a life of accepting that even storms bring sunshine. Our yoga practice is just that, a practice.  On our mats we tap in to more stillness, peace, and breathe trying to find as safe place to land. When things are going quite well,and when the reality is just the opposite.


As a community of yogis, we know we are all on a journey. That's why our studio is one of the happiest places to be.  A place of acceptance, honor for one another, and space- physical space and the mental/emotional space we can find in the communal solitude we find on our mats. And that's why when we can't make it to the studio- because of storms or impending weather,we find solace on our mat in our home practice when we can.  With the helpful guidance of an online yoga practice or simply using what we've learned at the studio to move and breathe through some postures.

Gratitude- for self care.  Self care- knowing where to land when you're not sure where to go, is a life preserver. Namaste.