It is always a privilege to be part of a huge accomplishment for a student. Yesterday was a banner day for Handstands.

A key alignment principle for doing a handstand is ‘hugging to the midline.’ This is the second component of Muscle Energy. Hugging to the midline provides stability and consistent power for going up in handstand.

In two separate classes, Lynn and Leslie put their hands on the mat, gathered their power (and nerve!) and went up.
Lynn hadn’t done a handstand since she was a kid and Leslie had never done one. Such a big moment - way to go ladies. And thanks to all the other students in class who whooped and cheered, celebrating the accomplishment.

Strengthen and Support your Physical Self:  Muscle Energy

The word, Yoga, means “to yoke, union.”   Think of connecting all of your parts and bringing them into one whole.   To do this on a physical level we implore Anusara Yoga’s second Universal Principle of Alignment:  Muscle Energy

Muscle Energy is the act of firming the muscles around the bones and then bringing that energy into the midline. From there, energy moves to one of three focal points in the body. Muscle Energy brings about awareness and support of our physical body. When we hug into our own self we claim our ability to be whole; to be capable of wholeness - strong, and powerfully connected to our own greatness.  We have, to the best of our ability, claimed ourselves as individuals in this world. We matter. Who we are matters. Using Muscle Energy we literally and figuratively stand up for ourselves.  

Greetings Good Life Yogis - it has been quite a wonderful week here in St. John. Amazing weather and beautiful vistas, glorious water views and of course good company and good yoga. Hopefully, some pictures will properly upload and you can enjoy a slice of the Island…. See you Monday!

Sankalpa Mudra

United Intention of Heart and Mind

Last week we opened the door to creative energy and our pure potential.  This week we take one intention for the year and seal it with the Sankalpa Mudra.

Sankalpa Mudra is a contract, a seal and commitment from your heart and mind.

United on both fronts, the Sankalpa Mudra takes the mind’s crystal clear objective and seals it with the heart’s desire.  Such powerful allies these two, heart and mind.  Bring them together and watch what manifests, what grows and becomes your reality.

Come prepared to set in motion your powerful intention to manifest a worthy endeavor.

This is the poem that I read just after Savasana this week.  Thank you Kit for offering us another reminder of our absolute potential.

This week we will explore the endless potential that exists for 2009.  During class I have read off a list of wonderful affirmations that may help you narrow and define what is important for you in 09.  Here is that list:

Good Life Yoga – January 2009 – www.goodlifeyoga.com

You have the power to manifest an incredible year.  Here is a list of general affirmations. Take what resonates with you and put it in a place that you see every day – like your mirror, your refrigerator, a door, window – your desk – It’s all Good.

Universal Affirmations for 2009

I am open to the power within me and all around me.  I know it as myself and I am strong.

I honor myself in this form.  I am beautiful.  I wrap my arms around myself with support.

I create beauty in this world.

I offer the fullest expression of myself to the world as a gift to the One.

I abide in the abundance of joy, freedom and absolute fullness that is my true nature.

I am free from worry and doubt.

I am healthy and happy.

I am courageous and capable of living a full spectrum life.

I have all I need.

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2009 brings to me:

Good Health – I consciously choose healthy foods and activities that stimulate my body, mind and heart

Good Relationships – I begin with adoration for myself.  The Light of my confidence attracts positive relationships.

Good Wealth – The energy of money freely comes to me.

Congratulations to everyone that attend the ICA Food Shelf Benefit today.  It is amazing what we can do together.  After several hours, 108 Sun Salutations were  finished and the group was flushed, sweaty and elated.  Thanks to Lisa and Stacey who helped teach the ’rounds’ of Salutations.  Whew. 

Hats off to Puck for the fastest use of props ever seen.  And to Pamela, who despite a cranky toe, toughed it out.  And Kathy, who forwent (is that a word?) her eye brow waxing appt. to finish up in style.  I think the comment was, “what’s a few stray hairs between friends?”.  Yippeee!  I have yet to present ICA with our bounty of offering.

Hello Good Life Yogis,  This is it.  Something new for 09!  I’ve started a blog as a way to share with you all the happenings at Good Life Yoga.

I’ll start soon with offering the weekly theme.  Every week I put something up on the white board at the studio that highlights our theme of the week.  On the blog, I’ll be able to go into more detail as well as share with you some stories from the classroom.  Let me know your thoughts.  I look forward to growing a new way of sharing Good Life Yoga with you.