Musings on Turning 75!

When I turned 50 and my cranky body was calling to me to do something different — I started taking yoga classes. The mind-full body work, the steadiness of attention, and the wisdom I found was like coming home.

Then, at 60 I found so much value in the many benefits, so started teacher training to insure my commitment.

In 2003, I opened Yoga Circle Studio to spread the circle, and we have a happier, healthier community as a result. And certainly, I am a happier, healthier person. (ps: There is no anti-aging secret: it’s the yoga!)

Make yoga a part of your life, everyday.

[nggallery id=12]I love yoga and Snohomish and glad to be of service, as your yogi, artist, mayor. (More flexible than most mayors.) Click on any image to enlarge and begin a slideshow.

Here’s what a regular practice of yoga can do for your body, mind and spirit:
· Improves flexibility especially in the joints so injuries are less likely.
· Improves cardiovascular health and a healthier blood flow throughout the body.
· Improves lung capacity and relaxation through deep breathing.
· Improves balance and encourages more body awareness.
· Helps strengthen core muscles and overall muscular-skeletal strength.
· Reduces stress through the calming and meditative qualities of yoga.
· Increases mental focus.
· Encourages living the virtues of truthfulness, kindness, moderation, and gratitude.
· Invites you to be present, to be aware, and to be happy.

Click to see the comments and add yours!

Video: Yin Yoga Workshop, Sunday, May 25, 1-4p

Yin Yoga
with Shelly Dorland
Sunday, May 25, 2014 | 1-4p | Cost: $40

Yin Yoga is the practice of exercising deep muscle, fascia, and bone tissue in the body in long held meditative poses. Yin Yoga is a perfect complement to the dynamic and muscular (yang) styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat, and the lengthening and contracting of our muscles. Yin Yoga generally targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine which are accessed through long held poses & gravity.

If you attended Shelly’s workshop please don’t be shy about leaving a comment below about your experience, which may help others. Thanks!

Focus on Core, Sunday, April 27, 1-4p

Focus on Core: Strength, Mobility & Safety
with Sarah Johnston & Candace McKenna
Sunday, April 27, 2014 | 1-4p | Cost: $40

The muscles which support the sacroiliac joint, lower back and spine are the muscles of our Core, or naval center. This workshop will focus on asanas which help us locate our primary (psoas) and secondary core muscles and then learn to engage and release them for improved stability and alignment. We will explore the powerful effect of mindfully engaging these muscles during all movement. Many of the poses come from the master teacher Donna Fahri, (who has given permission for this material to be shared —follow this link for a free download of the class handouts! ).

And if you attended the workshop, please consider leaving a comment below about your experience.