Charlotte Family Yoga Center

Non- Violence Towards Living Beings

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 16:46:00 +0000

I was first introduced to non-violence towards living beings in my first 100 hours of yoga teacher training. It was suggested that being violent to living things could cause more violence or slowly create hate and resentment in one’s heart. I was taught that Buddhists refrain from eating meat because it was a pure form of non-violence, and an example of how we could make a personal commitment to respect life. We weren’t told that if we kept eating meat we would become man-hating zombies; but if we wanted a clean slate, a soft heart, and be able to have a better life overall – physically and mentally - then we should adjust and not abuse anything with a heartbeat for our own satisfaction.
The ultimate goal for a Buddhist to practice non-violence was to have compassion and understanding for all living things.
But does being non-violent really mean to stop killing? Or does it mean to have more compassion and unconditional love. Is there a chance that if one person treats one human with kindness, that the care will spread? From what I have seen, when someone has compassion or unconditional love; letting go of hate becomes more natural. When you let go of hate, in turn there will be less violence.
The famously quoted and well noted Gandhi thought of nonviolence as a positive sense of love. All while the definition of unconditional love is to “love without conditions or limitations”. He also believed that nonviolence was not just about abstaining from killing or war; or being passive towards violence. He firmly believed that forgiveness is much more rewarding than punishment, and to love the wrong doers, but not the wrong. This reminded me of the prophet Jesus, and a common saying associated within Christianity, “Love the sinner, but not the sin”.
One of my most favorite/hated stories of the Bible involved two brothers that split their fathers estate in the book of Luke. The story goes that the youngest of the two brothers thought it was time that their father’s estate was spilt amongst them both. The eldest stayed and worked on the farm with their father, while the youngest son traveled - and ‘sinfully’ spent his riches. After a while the youngest son became hungry, and decided to go back home. Willing to admit defeat to his father that he was a sinner, and unworthy to be called his son. When the son came home, the father rejoiced “this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!”. The family had a grand feast and celebrated, but the eldest brother was not so pleased. For he had worked beside his father the whole time and never got so much as a ‘thank you’. The eldest son explained his frustrations and the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again...” This particular Bible story frustrated me for years! Hearing this preposterous story at the age of six at catholic school, I thought it was ridiculous that the eldest son wasn’t rewarded for ‘doing good’ the entire time. It honestly bewildered me this father would allow someone back into his families’ lives that took advantage of their income.
A Buddhist like quote that hit home for me, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Those words spoke very clearly to me after 20 years of resentment towards a family member. Nonviolence is the personal practice of being harmless to the self and others under every condition. We should not be intimidated by the mighty roar of violence, because it is our jobs as warriors of non-violence to stand strong and still with an unwavering heart.
Christian and Buddhist alike, one principle is the same; unconditional love will heal a hardened heart.

Bibliography
1) Essay, by Ajit Sen On April 15, 2015 By Ajit Sei Category: Essays, Paragraphs and Articles, Famous and Great Personalities of India Non-violence of Mahatma Gandhi http://www.importantindia.com/12401/gandhian-philosophy-on-truth-and-nonviolence-ahimsa/
2) Book: Nonviolence to Animals, Earth, and Self in Asian Traditions By Christopher Chapple pg. 47
3) Blog: By, Anamika Sethi On July 24, 2014 Gandhian Philosophy on Truth and Non-violence http://www.importantindia.com/12401/gandhian-philosophy-on-truth-and-nonviolence-ahimsa/
4) Buddhists like quote: 11 Wise Quotes That Will Change Your Life Forever By: Elephant Journal http://www.elephantjournal.com/2016/01/11-wise-quotes-that-will-changeyour-way-of-thinking-forever/
5) Book: By Adele, Deborah. The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice. Duluth, MN: On-Word Bound Books, 2009.
6) Luke 15:11-32 New International Version (NIV) ‘The Parable of the Lost Son’ https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+15%3A11-3

By: Chalice Barstch-Bailley Feb. 8, 2016 200 CFYC Power Vinyasa Teacher Training

Ahimsa:Non-violence toward the planet

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 21:36:00 +0000

The non-violent practices of conserving energy and plant resources improves the health and stability of earth's climate by reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. High levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere cause significant changes in earth's climate and are primarily the result of emissions from fossil fuel combustion.
We begin to practice non-violence in our thoughts by becoming aware of the ways we depend on the energy generated by burning fossil fuels. This awareness can open a window of understanding the valuable role that plants and trees have in our ecosystem. Passing through the window and out into our community, we join others on this path of non-violence. By working together toward the health and preservation of planet earth, we practice non-violence. The primary fossil fuels consumed globally are oil, coal and natural gas. When burned, they create heat energy which can be used to generate electricity, fuel vehicles and airplanes, and heat homes. Improving the efficiency and limiting the use of these energy sources provides different ways in which to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Conserve electricity by using high efficiency appliances and lightbulbs and by turning off lights that aren't needed. Reduce fuel consumption by driving more fuel efficient vehicles, driving less, utilizing public transportation, riding a bike and walking. Walking has the added benefit of providing an opportunity to slow down.
Slowing down allows us to notice, and take in, the surrounding nature. Buddhist teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, explains this in his book, "Love Letter To The Earth." "Mindful walking is a wonderful practice to help us receive nourishment and healing from the Earth. When you open the door and go out into the fresh air, you get in touch with the air and the ground and all the elements around you. Steps like these have the power to save our lives. They can rescue us from the state of alienation we're living in and bring us back to a place of true refuge, reconnecting us with ourselves and with the Earth."
Growing plants and nurturing trees have a positive effect on the planet. Plants naturally contribute to the stability and balance of the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They also provide food, shelter and shade to the earth and it's inhabitants. Planting gardens as a food source, or supporting others in the community that do, also conserves energy.
Produce imported from other parts of the country, and from other countries, not only travels long distances by planes, trains, trucks, and ships, it requires extra packaging to do so. Reducing emissions is not the only way in which trees contribute to the health of the planet. Healthy trees moderate air temperature, control soil erosion and maintain the hydrologic cycle by absorbing rainfall and releasing moisture into the atmosphere.
In April 2015, an environmental declaration given by the Dalai Lama at the Global Environmental Forum for the Next Generation, included a specific guideline for action regarding trees. "Plant three trees per person or provide the support for those trees to be planted to restore a green earth." Local organizations that support the non-violent practices of conserving energy, plants and trees, serve their communities by offering access to their programs and opportunities to volunteer. Sharing the practice of non-violence with others is a powerful way in which we can affect positive change where we live. Catawba Land Conservancy is a land trust dedicated to ensuring that plant species thrive and our natural system functions properly. CLC is the lead effort behind the creation and completion of The Carolina Thread Trail, a project that preserves natural areas, provides an opportunity for exploring nature and offers a regional network of 220 miles of trails, blueways and conservation corridors across fifteen counties throughout North and South Carolina.
Both of these organizations rely on the support of volunteers in a variety of ways, which can be explored on their websites, http://catawbalands.org/ http://www.carolinathreadtrail.org/ Trees Charlotte is an organization dedicated to planting trees, primarily through volunteer efforts. Trees Charlotte also educates residents on the importance of trees and how to plant and care for them. Their website provides information on how to support Trees Charlotte by volunteering or donating. http://treescharlotte.org/
Duke Energy offers free high efficiency lightbulbs. Residential customers with an active account can request a one time supply of CFL's on Duke Energy's website. After participating in the free lightbulb program, customers are able to purchase additional CFL's at a discount. https://www.duke-energy.com/
Making lifestyle changes with regard to energy consumption, making time to grown plants and nurture trees, and making an effort to support the organizations in Charlotte who share the same mission are just a few ways we can begin to integrate non-violence toward the planet into everyday life.

Erica Sioda February 1, 2015 200HR Power Vinyasa Teacher Training

Teacher Spotlight:Kelley Barrett

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 15:06:00 +0000

Why do you practice yoga?

I practice yoga simply because it feels good in both my mind and body. I like the challenge of creating physical strength and flexibility while honoring the integrity of my breath. I live for that moment in savasana when my mind is clear because my body no longer holds onto tension. My yoga practice frees me from all the junk that holds me back from being the person I want to be!

Why do you teach yoga?

I teach yoga because I love the practice and its transformative qualities. Yoga enriches my life so much, and by teaching it I feel like it's a small token of my appreciation to share it with other people. One of my favorite things about teaching yoga is that there's always an opportunity for me to learn and expand my knowledge base so that I become a better teacher, and in the process a better human!

How would you describe your teaching style? What can students expect when they come to your class?

I don't take myself too seriously and want others to have that same freeing experience! I like to add a little comic relief in my classes, especially in more challenging poses. I believe "laughter is the best medicine", so if I notice my students are looking a little too serious I like to lighten up the mood and get some smiles. That being said, I take yogic philosophy very serious and like to inject ancient wisdom into my classes too. I also tend to talk about anatomy and physiology while we're moving around the mat, based on knowledge from my former life in healthcare.

What is your advice to people who understand the health benefits of yoga, and would like to start a practice or practice more often, but have difficulty finding time?

Make it a priority , if you make it priority you will find time.

What are your hobbies or pursuits in addition to yoga?

My hobbies are creating art, baking (decorating cookies and cupcakes are my fav!), sewing, hiking and kayaking. My greatest joys in life are my two children and I enjoy spending my days being their Mommy and watching them discover all the wonders life has to offer!

What is your favorite quote.

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it." -Goethe

Kelley teaches :

Prenatal Yoga on Saturdays at 10:15am

Power Yoga On Saturdays at 9:00am

Teacher Spotlight: James Mahoney

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 03:16:00 +0000

James teaches Wednesday night 5:30pm Hot Power Flow And Wednesday night 8:15pm Long, Slow, Deep

My favorite thing about the CFYC community are the smiles & energy,like minded people coming together to grow.

Q. Why do you practice yoga?

Yoga has shown me that stepping back & checking in with where you are physically, mentally & emotionally is essential to leading a life you are happy with. Clearing space, letting go of anything that is not helping you to lead that life and putting in the work to reach your greatest potential. In practicing yoga, I take the time to consider what is important, release all the waste from my life and am able to fill myself up with what I truly need.

Q. Why do you teach yoga?

Giving back...my teachers at Charlotte Family Yoga Center, as well as the workshops I've attended elsewhere, have been the most beneficial people in my life. They've given direction and provide me with the space required to grow. They've helped me to understand that coming to the very edge of my discomfort physically & mentally, is the only way I'll move past boundaries & towards my most authentic self. I hope to share the same with my students.

Q. How would you describe your teaching style? What can students expect when they come to your class?

My teaching style stems from belief. Believing in yourself, most importantly when obstacles and uncertainty are directly in front of you, is the only way to live. Stepping back from the limitations in your head and seeing for yourself in the moment what can be achieved. Walking in and facing what frightens you time and again, leads to living life with confidence and lightness.

In my class students can expect to move through asanas with intention and purpose. Their attention will be guided towards specific areas of the body and they will be provided the space to clear their mind & explore the sensations within the pose without being judged. In addition to verbal instruction, a great deal of hands on assists will be used to ensure safety in alignment and to help students take their practice to a deeper level.

Q. What is your advice to people who understand the health benefits of yoga, and would like to start a practice or practice more often, but have difficulty finding time?

My only advice is you'll always be grateful that you showed up. Be it feeling tired after a long day at work or after having just gotten out of bed...just show up. After a short while, it becomes habitual & establishing habits that are beneficial leads towards a happier life.

Q. What are your hobbies or pursuits in addition to yoga?

Outside of yoga I enjoy Live music, hiking, camping and playing Chess. I visit the Whitewater center with my family over 20 times per year. I also enjoy vacations at the beach!

Q. What is your favorite quote?

"You must first fill yourself up to fullness, so that you may spill back out & give back to others"

Enjoy Every Moment: Practice Brahmacharya

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 22:15:00 +0000

Brahmacharya (nonexcess)

Brahmacharya is the act of not overdoing, of stopping before it is too much. When we practice nonexcess, we see each moment as sacred. Each moment is something that we should look at with awe and wonder. To do this we must slow down and really savor each moment. When we slow down, we only have room and time for the essentials and leave no space for the excess. Indulgences are left behind and we learn to take each moment for what it really is, for everything that the moment is worth.
In my opinion, the practice of nonexcess is living life to its fullest potential. When we take this perspective we get a true fullness from each moment. There are many places in life where we can apply and practice Brahmacharya. One way it applies is when we eat and drink. Instead of eating quickly and filling ourselves to the point of explosion, practicing nonexcess teaches us to slow down and savor each bite. When we do this we find the comfortable fullness instead of exceeding it.
Another way nonexcess applies is when it comes to material items. When we practice excess, our houses are full and bursting at the seams. Storage units are rented to fill with what no longer fits in our home and eventually you forget about what you have and things become meaningless. When you practice nonexcess in this case, your material items are limited to those which hold meaning. They continue to hold meaning because the excess is not blinding you from these items.
Additionally, nonexcess can apply in the case of relationships. When you begin to have excess in your relationships, needing to befriend each person you meet, you lose the sacredness that each friendship holds. This does not mean losing kindness and compassion for those you meet but rather choosing which relationships will become the ones you hold closest to you. When you try to pull everyone close, your relationships lose meaning.
Brahmacharya, nonexcess, should find its way into all aspects of our life. When you begin to practice this jewel, your life begins to hold greater meaning. You will find the sacredness in each moment of your life. You will truly live each moment to the fullest and with this you will find peace, gratitude and stillness.

Tania Agness~ Summer 200 Hour Power Vinyasa Graduate

Robin Blackwell : Teacher Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 18:56:00 +0000

My favorite thing about the CFYC community is the collective energy of the students, trainees, teachers and staff at CFYC create an unparalleled environment of support and love. It's a great gift to be a part of it.

Robin teaches Monday night 8:15pm Long, Slow , Deep ,Tuesday 7:00pm Long, Slow, Deep and Wednesday night 7:00pm Slow Flow

Q. Why do you practice yoga?

As I began to pursue more of the the physical practice of yoga, the mental and spiritual benefits began to reveal themselves to me. The more I learned on the mat, the easier it became to enjoy my life off the mat. Today, I am clear that yoga is a magical gift that is always giving.

Q. Why do you teach yoga?

Teaching yoga allows me to connect with people, heart to heart, and offer them the loving acceptance that yoga has given me.

Q. How would you describe your teaching style? What can students expect when they come to your class?

My classes are energizing and challenging , but I keep them simple, safe and accessible to all levels.I strive to create a safe, accepting environment where people can be completely themselves and feel comfortable trying new things.

Q. What is your advice to people who understand the health benefits of yoga, and would like to start a practice or practice more often, but have difficulty finding time?

Try to find a class (early morning, late night, lunch hour) and schedule it in as if it is an appointment. You will find that you are much more efficient if you take the time to practice. Once you start, you will naturally want to make it a priority, because you will crave it.

Q. What are your hobbies or pursuits in addition to yoga?

I love traveling, attending live concerts, hanging with my doggie and cheering on the Carolina Panthers.

Q. What is your favorite quote?

"What you seek, is seeking you" ~Rumi

Teacher Spotlight: Sandi Perrott

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 21:18:00 +0000

Sandi teaches Monday night 5:30pm Little Kids Yoga , Thursday night 5:30pm Big Kids Yoga and Friday 9:30am Hot Power Flow.

"My favorite thing about the CFYC community is the connections and bonds between yogis on and off their mats. I love the practice, but the best is the feeling of acceptance and coming together in a common place to share a common passion."

Q. Why do you practice yoga?

I practice yoga because it is energizing and up lifting. Physically, I feel great — strong and balanced. Mentally, I feel grounded, calm and more equipped to face challenging situations.

Q. Why do you teach yoga?

Everyone has the most beautiful light shining within them and the more we practice yoga, the brighter that light shines.

Q. How would you describe your teaching style? What can students expect when they come to your class?

My classes are energizing and challenging but simple, safe and accessible to all levels.

Q. What is your advice to people who understand the health benefits of yoga, and would like to start a practice or practice more often, but have difficulty finding time?

You choose it all. Every moment of your life.Arrange and set time each week to recharge and choose making time for yourself

Q. What are your hobbies or pursuits in addition to yoga?

I spend my free time practicing yoga, reading (its my favorite ), being a mom to two

awesome kids Griffin 11 and Sophia 8. I love watching baseball but really love watching

Griffin(my son) play. I run around in My big old minivan carting kids to all their events (when did kids get so busy?)

I complain about it endlessly but secretly love it. More than anything I love spending my free

time or anytime available with my amazing husband of almost 19 years, John.

Q. What is your favorite quote?

"For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream"

Vincent Van Gogh

Teacher Spotlight: Sonya Brockman

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 20:00:00 +0000

Sonya teaches Monday 9:30am Hot Power Flow, Saturday 8:30am Shake Your Asana and Sunday 10:00am Shake Your Asana.

My favorite thing about the CFYC community: it's family. Walking through the studio door is like coming home. I feel welcomed, respected, and empowered. I love how the people of CFYC care so passionately for each other, the larger community, and for the practice.

Q. Why do you practice yoga?

I love the yoga community and the way I feel mentally and physically, after a challenging practice.

Q. Why do you teach yoga?

Inspire Students & Change Lives . I get downright gleeful when a student has a "lightbulb moment," with an asana. Teaching yoga allows me to share my joy for the practice of yoga. I especially love encouraging my students to understand that it's ok to take themselves and their practice lightly. That's why I've become so fond of teaching Shake Your Asana - I love it when people laugh in surprise at a song on my playlist, shake their booties in DownDog, maybe do a YMCA in eagle...

Q. How would you describe your teaching style? What can students expect when they come to your class?

Students can expect to have fun !Having fun, binds people together. Fun is infectious. It triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, fun and laughter are FREE!

Q. What is your advice to people who understand the health benefits of yoga, and would like to start a practice or practice more often, but have difficulty finding time?

Start where you are.Use what you have.Do what you can.

Q. What are your hobbies or pursuits in addition to yoga?

I have a passion for teaching English . I love nature photography.I sale jamberry nail design and spend my spare time with my awesome twin boys and husband .

Q. What is your favorite quote?

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Teacher Spotlight: Tony Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 19:49:00 +0000

Tony Hill teaches Mon. and Wed. Night 6:45pm ,Sun. 2:30pm Heated Deep Stretch. Thursday evening 7:00pm Long,Slow,Deep

"My favorite thing about CFYC is the community. It's family orientated. I feel as if that is important in this day and age"

Q. Why do you practice yoga?

Having learned the importance of presence through his years of practice, Tony says
"I strive to always be mindful of the moment, for this is where the power is."

Q. Why do you teach yoga?

What I love about teaching yoga is seeing the different levels of students. I like seeing a student come to class for the first time and fall in love with yoga and then watch them evolve and grow. Seeing them become co creative in transforming their life. Every one is going through some challenge in life.

Q. How would you describe your teaching style? What can students expect when they come to your class?

With a deep knowledge of the physical and energetic , I love to fuse my massage therapy and Thai yoga therapy knowledge and yoga together. You can expect to be nurtured and challenged mind, body and spirit.

Q. What is your advice to people who understand the health benefits of yoga, and would like to start a practice or practice more often, but have difficulty finding time?

Yoga doesn't take time ... it gives time. Making time to nurture our bodies now , we have time later to continue to do the things we love.

Q. What are your hobbies or pursuits in addition to yoga?

I spend my free time with my dogs, reading and learning about health, nutrition and well being.I practice

massage therapy and Thai Yoga therapy out of my home studio in Charlotte.

I am working on my meditation practice. I am spending time cultivating that part of my yoga practice.

Q. What is your favorite quote?

“The universe does not know whether the vibration that you're offering is because of something you're observing or something you're remembering or something that you are imagining. It just receives the vibration and answers it with things that match it.”

-Abraham Hicks

Maebeth Hill :Teacher Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 01:27:00 +0000

Maebeth Hill teaches Hot Power Flow on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5:30pm.

Q. Why do you practice yoga?

I love how it makes me feel . Because of yoga, I recognize the power that lies within my body, mind and spirit.

Q. Why do you teach yoga?

Wanting to share the benefits of yoga is what led me to become a yoga teacher. I love seeing my students leave my classes feeling better than when they arrived and see the transformations happen! Teaching yoga is a highlight of my day!

Q. How would you describe your teaching style? What can students expect when they come to your class?

My classes focus on safety and alignment. We explore yoga postures that build strength, balance and flexibility. Each class is infused with a sprinkling of yogic philosophy and a healthy dose of humor!

Q. What is your advice to people who understand the health benefits of yoga, and would like to start a practice or practice more often, but have difficulty finding time?

The busier you are, the more you need to make time for yoga.

Q. What are your hobbies or pursuits in addition to yoga?

I am an artist and educator. When I'm not in my studio creating art or teaching yoga, you can find me outdoors playing tennis, knitting and enjoying life with my husband, three children, 4-year-old grandson and newborn granddaughter!

Q. What is your favorite yoga quote?

Always have a dream, because you never know when it will come true~Unknown

The Undoing ..Savasana

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 19:04:00 +0000

If you struggle with Savasana or skip it altogether, you are definitely not alone!

Savasana

When I first attended a yoga class in my mid twenties, these words were a signal for me to lie down and think about what I needed to do the rest of the day.

My practice took a turn about 3 years later when I found a teacher who was much more interested in the deeper aspects of yoga than the physical, focusing more on breath awareness and the energies of the body...but still I resisted.There was something inside me that could not, or would not, let go …

Initially my own resistance felt like a physical, rather than a psychological one. The very act of lying down on the floor, was almost impossible for me. Even when I did lie down, my body was rigid and my mind was wondering .

It always seemed like a great irony to me that the meaning of Savasana derives from the Sanskrit word meaning "corpse", because as soon as I lay down on the floor, it would feel like my mind and my body, was at its most alive. Restlessness, boredom, even a sudden itch ...it seemed that my body was determined not to let me relax. It took a while before I realized that the restlessness was not physical issue, but one that originated in my mind.

During most yoga classes where we are guided through a series of postures, our minds are often absorbed with the more of the physical aspects of the practice - alignment, breathing in and out at the right time, balance - let's face it, there’s no time for boredom when you’re trying not to fall over in Warrior 3!

However, when the body is resting on the floor, this focus is suddenly gone. The mind has nothing to ‘do’. This is where boredom, restlessness, irritation or even a sudden urge to move your arm, your leg, tap your fingers or even a sudden itch.

For me, the biggest change occurred when my approach to the idea of what productive was. Sometimes our ideas of self-worth are caught up with the notion of being “busy” and “useful” and if we’re not filling every moment of the day doing something then we’re being “unproductive”. We get in the habit of always doing and so the idea of "being" still feels awkward and uncomfortable .

The shift in my attitude came about partly through meditation; when I realized that simply being is as “productive”, if not more so, than doing. That some of my greatest moments of clarity have been in the moments of silence and stillness of the Undoing.

Next time your in Savasana try to resist the temptation of doing, look at it as 5 min of Undoing .That being may just be the best thing you do for yourself all day.

Why is savasana so important?

Release: this pose can help bring about a deep state of rest which can help to release stress and muscular tension
Rejuvenate: after an energetic practice it can help ‘reset’ the body temperature, calm the central nervous system and bring the breath back to normal.
Integrate: it gives you a chance to absorb the benefits of the practice.

Amazing Benefits Of Tween Yoga

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:23:00 +0000

Amazing Benefits Of Tween Yoga

Overcoming fear and finding confidence:

Tweens are often overcome with fear, fear that they don’t fit in, fear that they will fail, fear that they aren’t good enough. Yoga offers a chance for tweens to prove to themselves that they can in fact achieve things that once seemed impossible. In some cases, a tween will be weary that they aren’t flexible enough to find certain poses, or worry that they will look strange or silly trying. This is particularly the case with challenging poses such as inversions and balances. However, when the tween realizes that they can lift themselves up, or achieve balance, they become liberated of that fear. As a result, they can carry that new found confidence into other aspects of life, approaching difficult situations fearlessly and achieving their goals.

Promoting health during crucial development:

Those who practice yoga will commonly tout the health benefits and ability for a yoga practice to ease pain and aid ailments. For tweens, this benefit is even more noteworthy, in that they are in the midst of crucial development and body changes. Many of the yoga poses have been proven to have positive effects on the body’s organs and systems. For example, child’s pose calms the nervous and lymphatic system, Tadasana (mountain pose) can improve digestion and circulation, and Sirasana (headstand) revitalises the hormonal system. Whilst the poses provide physical benefit, they can also have effects on emotions, helping to deal with stress and anxiety. Exposing tweens to a yoga practice provides them with the opportunity to support their ever changing body in the process and improves the ability for their body to achieve ultimate health.

Stress Relief:

Just as important as physical health is emotional health. Tweens are under constant stress from their school work, to friends and family, and pursuing their hobbies. Not only do the yoga poses offer stress relief in the way they manipulate the body, but it is also in the mindfulness element of the practice that Tweens will find relief and learn to balance their life.

Building meaningful friendships:

While yoga is appear to be a solitary practice, there is also a strong sense of community among those who adopt the yogic lifestyle. Incorporating the ideas and principles of yoga into one’s life makes it easy to connect with others who do the same. When a group of tweens practice yoga together, they may form a bond a supportive community that they wouldn’t otherwise. A yoga teacher will emphasise that each individual should attempt a pose to their best of their ability, and maintain that there is no competition between students. Understanding this can help develop friendships based on compassion and respect for one another’s strengths and differences, something that students can carry with them beyond the yoga studio.

We love playing yoga games they help tweens engage in creative play and thinking that ignites joy and stimulates the secretion of dopamine and DHEA – The happy chemicals of the body. These positive chemical messengers build brain cells and improve mood, causing a positive attitude adjustment. Visualization slows brain waves, allowing the nervous system to recharge, and the activity between both hemispheres of the brain to integrate. This process enhances learning, problem solving and a sense of peaceful well-being.

Some Of Our Tween Yoga Themes:

Being Peaceful

Showing Kindness

Being Honest

Accepting others

Be Generous

Taking Care of Ourselves and our community

See the Positive

Spend time with yourself

Charlotte Family Yoga Offers Tween Yoga Every Tuesday Evening 5:30pm

Tapas-The Heat Of Change

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 23:01:00 +0000

Tapas - the heat of change

Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.
B.K.S. Iyengar
Deborah Adele, the author of the The Yamas & Niyamas says this, “Tapas literally means heat and can be translated as catharsis, austerities, self-discipline, spiritual effort, change, tolerance or transformation. Tapas has the sense of cooking ourselves in the fire of discipline to transform ourselves into something else.” T.K.V. Desikachar, says that “tapas is a means by which we can keep ourselves healthy and cleanse ourselves inwardly”. I uncovered so many loosely related ideas around the observance of tapas that I struggled to create a unified concept to communicate. Nevertheless, the challenge of sharing this Niyama, helped to make tapas real for me. Effort, discipline and transformation were essential and through this process my personal meaning of tapas evolved into 3 simplified points:

Point #1 - How can the heat be created? Well, focused energy brings heat. Think of the heat that can be created when we capture the sun through a magnifying glass or create friction by striking a match. When we set our intention and give our attention to change - this is focused energy - and we’ve completed the first step.

Point #2 - In order for the warming and burning off to take place, an environment to support this intensity must exist. Just as fire needs oxygen, we need a space for the action to occur. That space can be found in a DAILY yoga practice – we simply must commit to it.

Point #3 – In order to sustain that focused energy, there must be fuel . For most of us, this is the easy part for there are always those things about ourselves we desire to change. We can begin by adjusting our inner dialogues and accepting that change is possible because everything begins in the mind. Our journey toward transformation is lifelong and the change itself, becomes its own reward.

Most descriptions of tapas underscore the challenge, the difficulty and the struggle that self discipline and austerity present. However, from my perspective, there is GOOD news. Heat can also create light and that light can illuminate, as well as burn. When we can use tapas to burn off what’s not needed, the light can help us see the beauty of what yet remains. Through asana, breathwork and meditation, we not only become less than we were before, we become more.

References
Adele, Deborah, (2009)The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice Deskichar, T.K.V, (1995) The Heart of Yoga, Developing a Personal Practice Stephens, Mark, (2010) Teaching Yoga, Essential Foundations and Techniques Author Unknown, The Eight Limbs of Yoga , a Basic Overview, www.expressionsofspirit.com-yoga
Author Unknown, Tapas (Niyama) Austerity, www.peace-flow-yoga.com

Written By:Robin Simmons Blackwell
Robin Teaches Wednesday 7:00pm Power Flow and Saturday 9:00am Power Flow

Freedom from wanting unlocks the real purpose of existence

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 11:46:00 +0000

Aparigraha, or non-possessiveness, is the fifth of the five yamas in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: “Freedom from wanting unlocks the real purpose of existence” (II.39) In The Yamas and Niyamas, Deborah Adele, carries this notion of non-possessiveness even further, interpreting aparigraha more generally as “nonattachment, nongreed, nonclinging, nongrasping, and noncoveting; we can simply think of it as being able to ‘let go’” (90).
To practice aparigraha, you must first recognize the difference between what you need and what you want. Practicing aparigraha means being able not only to distinguish between your needs and superfluous desires, but being willing to leave those unnecessary desires behind you. It is the virtue of letting go.

B.K. S. Iyengar tells us in The Light of Yoga that “By the observance of aparigraha, the yogi makes his life as simple as possible and trains his mind not to feel the loss or the lack of anything. Then everything he really needs will come to him by itself at the proper time” (35). In other words, to practice aparigraha is to simplify, to declutter your home and your life. When we let go of those desires for extra stuff, when we trust in our sense of the universe’s Big Picture for our lives, the universe will provide what we need.
In The Heart ofYoga, T.K.V. Desikachar offers an even bolder take on this idea of letting go, of simplifying, suggesting that taking more than you need is taking advantage of someone or something: “We should only take what we have earned; if we take more, we are exploiting someone else” (99-100).
Desikachar’s interpretation, that our greediness for things we want but don’t need exploits others, emphasizes the link between aparigraha and asteya, the third yama, which is the virtue of non-stealing: “For those who have no inclination to steal, the truly precious is at hand” (II.37). Desikachar’s alignment of these two yamas may be one of the roots of some confusion among yogis about these two concepts. In fact, this confusion is so widespread that you’d be hard-pressed to find an article on aparigraha that doesn’t begin with some variation on “how is this different from asteya?”

The answer to this question isn’t terribly simple. Both start from what Iyengar describes as the need for you to understand that they you are not lacking, that nothing is missing in your lives at this moment, and that the universe will provide what you need when you are ready to receive it. From this premise, it stands to reason that if you practice aparigraha, non-greediness, asteya, non-stealing, will organically follow. If you trust that you are and have enough, you will find contentment in letting go.

Yogic practice of aparigraha can and should extend beyond just letting go of the desire for material possessions. As the practice of not clinging or coveting, aparigraha also applies to letting go of suffering. We suffer when we cannot (or choose not) let go of past traumas or fears about the future. Aparigraha challenges us to let go, to stop clinging to what we think may happen or regret has already happened. In yoga, we can practice aparigraha by releasing our expectations of what we can do or of how a particular pose is supposed to look. Let go of the unnecessary stuff, and let yourself be surprised at what happens.

Sonya Brockman
Sonya teaches Hot Power Express Tuesday morning 6am and Monday 4:30pm

References
Deborah Adele, The Yamas and Niyamas Desikachar, The Heart of Yoga
BKS Iyengar, The Light of Yoga Patanjali, Yoga Sutras

Santosha: There is a gateway to calming the stormy waters that lie within us

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 00:30:00 +0000

Santosha

What if I told you that I know the secret to creating inner peace? That there is a way to handle anything that life throws at you and not falter. There is a gateway to calming the stormy waters that lie within each of us. Would you want to know more? Would you believe me if I told you that there is nothing missing in your life, it is already complete the way it comes to you in each moment? That is the concept of santosha, or contentment. Santosha is expressing gratitude for what you have instead of constantly seeking (Adele, p.120). We live in a society that promotes seeking. Each television commercial, billboard, piece of junk mail in the mailbox, instill a sense of longing. When you are not content with yourself, it is easy to conform to other’s expectations.

According to Desikachar, santosha means to accept yourself as you are. It means being “content with who we are and where we are in life” (Bachman, p. 179). There is no need to try to change or fix anything. In every moment, every day, each of us is making progress.
Desikachar also believes that practicing santosha means accepting what life offers and learning from it. Nothing is permanent. It has been said the more one seeks santosha, the more we “need it to look a certain way, the more it eludes us” (Adele, p. 129). Santosha is accomplished when things are seen as neutral as opposed to good or bad, appealing or repulsive, fun or boring. You are satisfied with whatever you are doing. Releasing expectation and practicing non-attachment to the outcome of a situation helps prevent disappointment. It also allows us to be accepting when someone does not behave the way we would like them to (Bachman).

“Slowing down, stepping back, and appreciating the little things in life creates inner happiness” (Bachman, p. 182). When was the last time you felt content? What were you doing? Who were you with? Perhaps you were enjoying the little things in life. The company of a good friend, a wagging tail, a beautiful sunrise. In that moment society’s pressure to seek was far from your mind.

Would you believe that some consider contentment to be a boring concept? That when one practices santosha, there is nothing new and exciting to share. When did we stop listening to the little voice in our heads that told us the important things in life can’t be bought? Or that when one is not constantly chasing something, they are being lazy. It is important to recharge and fill your own cup before you can give fully of yourself to others.
The next time you are feeling discontent, remind yourself that shifting the way you think about something can transform your attitude towards it. No one and nothing can make you feel a certain way. Giving your emotional state to someone or something outside of your control is an inappropriate and wasteful use of energy. Practicing contentment with your emotions; sadness, boredom, frustration, anger, helps to calm the waters. You and only you have the power to calm the depths within.

References
Adele, D. (2009). The yamas & niyamas: Exploring yoga’s ethical practice. Duluth, Minnesota: On-Word Bound Books LLC
Habash, C. L. (2012). Making peace with contentment (Santosha). Retrieved from http://awakeningself.com/writing/making-peace-with-contentment-Santosha/
Bachman, N. (2011). The path of the yoga sutras: A practical guide to the core of yoga. Boulder, Colorado: Sounds True

Written by Christina Dodge
Christina Teaches Slow Flow Friday nights 6:00pm and Sunday Morning 8:30am

Satya

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 01:44:00 +0000

This week My teacher trainees were asked to study Satya (truthfulness) is one of the yamas in the Eight Limbs of Yoga. It isn’t only referring to little white lies, or big lies, we sometimes tell; it also refers to the thoughts we think, our actions and our speech.
Here are some examples of practicing Satya.

During a particularly challenging yoga class, living from your truth might mean taking a step back. Coming down to your knees for Chaturanga or consciously staying in Cobra instead of coming up into Upward Facing Dog. Or it might mean challenging yourself: Like sinking deeper into Warrior 2.
Living from your truth means honoring and owning your feelings. Are you in a relationship ,job, living situation, friendship, and so on that doesn’t feel right? Are you honoring your truth by staying in that relationship?
Living from your truth means taking responsibility for your actions. Making excuses or blaming others are just ways we avoid living from our truth. In reality, we hurt ourselves more than anyone else. How can we trust what others say, when we know we aren’t truthful?
Living from your truth means being true to your word. When you make an appointment, be on time. When you promise to take better care of yourself, to get 8 hours of sleep, to eat healthy, to have a spa day… DO IT!
Living from your truth means being compassionate. First and foremost, forgive yourself for times you haven’t lived from your truth. And know it will probably happen again, and you’ll have to forgive again. And do the same for others. When we are compassionate, yet still honoring our feelings in each relationship (see the second point), friends and strangers alike know it’s not a “one strike, you’re out” deal. It’s human to make mistakes, it’s divine to forgive and move one.

One of the simplest ways to learn to live from your truth is by showing up to your yoga mat every day. Yoga allows you to breath, to let go of your masks (perfect mother, perfect wife, perfect boss, perfect worker bee, perfect yogi, perfect ______), to rest in your true being.

Ahimsa:Non-Violence

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Wed, 21 May 2014 20:25:00 +0000

This week our focus is on the first yama and perhaps the most famous one: ahimsa.

What if we lived in a world where no one thought, spoke, or caused hurt toward others?

At least, not intentionally?

Are you familiar with ahimsa?

Extremely simply put, ahimsa means “non-violence” or “do not injure”

Yoga Journal describes Ahimsa as follows:

The first yama is perhaps the most famous one: ahimsa, usually translated as “nonviolence.” This refers not only to physical violence, but also to the violence of words or thoughts. What we think about ourselves or others can be as powerful as any physical attempt to harm. To practice ahimsa is to be constantly vigilant, to observe ourselves in interaction with others and to notice our thoughts and intentions.

On the surface, ahimsa is such a simple concept, isn’t it?

Instead of having —

Negative thoughts.
Hateful speech.
Hurtful actions.

– be kind to others with:

Gentle understanding.
Encouraging words.
Helpful deeds.

So how do I practice ahimsa on my mat?

When your on your mat, make your intention to move through the asanas gracefully, without force or judgement. Learn to respect your body and it’s limitations.Keep an awareness of your thoughts looking for seeds of violence embedded within. I try to observe and not react to the less than peaceful mind chatter because it is fleeting.

They leave my mind as quickly as they arrive. The same goes for my emotions.

So what can you do in your own life?

Practice LOVE, for yourself and others. Set an intention to do, speak and think in kindness. Stop putting yourself down and instead reaffirm your worth, appearance and abilities. Find forgiveness. Let go of resentments, guilt and shame. Develop a sense of respect and interconnectedness with others. Sit in meditation and prayer. Do not react. Reflect instead.

Ahimsa is unconditional love and compassion. It is the ultimate form and practice of peace. The journey begins from self acceptance deep within the human heart. Yoga leads us to a peaceful reconciliation with our own true nature.

Yoga with Props will Deepen Your Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Wed, 14 May 2014 02:22:00 +0000

Can a Yoga Prop Help Prop Up Your Practice?

Some people may wonder if using a yoga prop can help them get more out of their practice. My personal opinion is yes.

B.K.S. Iyengar introduced the yoga prop as a means of supporting proper alignment of the joints and bones during postures. Maintaining proper alignment is key to reducing the possibility of injury and to allowing you to get deeper into the poses.

1. More openness and freedom.

2. Greater stability and strength.

3. Delicious rejuvenation.

4. Keener self-awareness.

5. Sharper concentration.

6. Explore New Territory

Whether you're an eager beginner or seasoned practitioner join Emily June 7th for Yoga with Props.

Learn how to deepen forward folds and create variations of triangle and half moon. Break down binds and shoulder openers. Deepen and align the body in splits and hip openers.

What are the benefits of meditation?

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 23:53:00 +0000

What is Meditation? According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, meditate means “to spend time in quiet thought for religious purposes or relaxation”. Other variations of the meaning include: “to engage in contemplation or reflection, to engage in mental exercise (as concentration on one’s breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness.”
If you mention the word meditation you might be met with confusion or mistrust. Similar to the way Yoga was once thought to be a “hokey religious thing” meditation, has often been associated with Buddhism or Hinduism. As meditation gains popularity and praise from doctors and scientists the true benefits are becoming more and more accessible to people of all backgrounds. Research over the past 10 years shows meditation has the power to actually change your brain! Neuroscientists have found increased gray matter density in areas of the brain that are important for attention, emotion regulation and mental flexibility in the brains of those that meditate when compared to those that don’t. Scientists have also found links to meditation and a larger hippocampus. What is gray matter and the hippocampus, and how does it affect you, you might ask? Increased gray matter typically makes an area of the brain more efficient or powerful at processing information and the hippocampus is the area of the brain crucial for memory. So basically if you meditate studies show your brain is better able to focus, you will have a better memory, better mental flexibility and you will be able to manage emotions better. Additionally meditation keeps your brain young. With age the areas of the brain responsible for sustaining attention usually shrink but meditation reduces this decay and may even counteract it completely. How long does this miracle program take? Studies show positive results can be seen in just several weeks when meditating for as little as 12-20 minutes per day! Researchers have found benefits that include more than just changing the brain, which is no small feat, such benefits include: relaxation, reduction of stress, enhanced creativity, lower blood pressure, and less depression and anxiety The benefits of meditation have even been noticed by some of the country’s biggest tech giants and multi-national corporations such as Google, Apple, Procter & Gamble, and General Mills who have incorporated “mindfulness” training programs for their employees. One way industry leaders are incorporating mindfulness into their daily routine is by following these 5 steps:
1. Anchor your day with a contemplative morning practice (e.g., Breath, Zen, Kabbala, etc.)
2. Before entering the workplace, remind yourself of your organization’s purpose and recommit to your vocation as a leader.
3. Throughout the day, pause to be fully present in the moment before undertaking the next critical task.
4. Review the day’s events at the close of the day to prevent work stresses from spilling into your home life.
5. Before going to bed, engage in some spiritual reading

Just like yoga, meditation is a personal practice and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to meditate it’s about finding what works for you. There are tons of books with tip and tricks different styles of meditation and even meditation workshops. In today’s age of technology as you might guess, there are even meditation Apps! So take time for yourself and know when you “quiet the mind, the soul will speak”- Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati. ~Annie Bolton Jan 2014 Teacher Training

Inside View On How Yoga Increases Athlete Performance

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 01:50:00 +0000

I was first introduced to yoga when I became very serious in my ice skating career. Many people associate figure skaters with flexibility and grace. However, most skaters don’t just practice skating, and become flexible. Many skaters took ballet, but I found yoga to be the perfect parallel practice.

Yoga isn’t just for figure skaters, it has become a huge part of training among professional sports teams. Such as the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, NBA player Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James from the Miami Heat, and Ray Lewis from the Baltimore Ravens just to name a few. Triathletes, marathon runners, swimmers, MMA fighters, and pretty much every sport you can think of has started practicing yoga to benefit their performance.

Yoga is the perfect practice to incorporate into every athlete’s routine. Many endurance athletes develop shortened hamstrings, and hip flexors because they don’t stretch out their muscles. Yoga not only elongates muscles, but also works the muscles around the joints. Gaining full movement in the body helps performance as well as preventing injuries caused by tight muscles.

By practicing yoga I was able to lengthen my muscles, as well as strengthen and tone weaker areas. Yoga helped me build my upper body strength, and solid core muscles. Yoga will work muscles that other exercises cannot engage, providing athletes with strength in all areas of their body.

One of the greatest things yoga taught me is how to breathe in and out through my nose, utilizing the entire capacity of my belly, ribcage and upper chest. I was able to practice my routine multiple times in a row, rather than once needing to catch my breath. I was able to push myself to practice longer, and try new things. The breathing techniques also helped my endurance when long distance running.

Practicing yoga helped me become fully aware of my body. I was able to realize when I was working too hard, or when I could work harder. This new control of my body helped calm my anxiety. Preparing for competitions and performances not longer felt scary. On the ice I was able to block out theaudience, judges, other competitors, and just be with myself. I learned how to keep my mind in the present moment, alone on the ice, just like when I’m on my yoga mat. This mind body awareness is a huge benefit for athletes in practicing, performing, and pushing their limits.

In 2006 I had a serious fall on my tailbone. I read how yoga helped people quickly recover from injury. As I continued to practice yoga, I realized it was the ultimate well-rounded exercise. By the time my tailbone healed I was so fascinated with yoga I wanted to deepen my practice, and allowed the younger generation to take over the skating world.

I still run, bike, skate, and do various recreational activities. I’ve noticed weeks where I do more cardio exercise than yoga, and I feel my body start to break down. Incorporating yoga helps balance out my body. It brings nourishment, mobility, and restores the body.

Overall yoga has reshaped my entire body, inside and out. There are so many kinds of yoga making it available for everyone to have their own yoga practice that fits what he or she wants to get out of it.

Jessica Garris just completed her 200 Hour Power Yoga Teacher Training At CFYC

http://jessialfordgarris.wordpress.com

Deep Stretch at Charlotte Family Yoga

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 01:32:00 +0000

Why Deep Stretch?

Muscles are the motors of your body. All action is due to their contraction. They can do more work if they have greater contractile strength. Contractile strength is greater when the muscles are longer. In other words, the longer the muscle, the more work it can do when acting on a joint. Stretched muscles are longer muscles.
Stretching allows greater extension of a joint when moving. For example, if you are a runner, if you stretch prior to running, your stride will be longer. If the stride remains the same length, then the involved muscles will be doing less work.
Stretching helps prevent injuries. The more flexible a person is, the less the likelihood of a torn or strained muscle. Over time, proper stretching strengthens both ligaments and tendons. Ligaments attach bone to bone, tendons attach muscles to bone. When you stretch properly, you are microtearing the fibers of your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When you rest, your body repairs those tears, and you are left with longer, stronger, more resilient muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Stretching promotes faster recovery. Stretching the muscles helps to move the toxins and waste products of muscular exertion out of the muscles and into the bloodstream, where they can be broken down and eliminated.
Stretching relaxes your body. Relaxing your body allows you to experience less intense negative emotional states.
Muscles that are tight waste energy. Stretching allows you to become aware of areas in your body that are held with undue tension, so you can release those areas.
Stretching feels GOOD!!! Anyone, at any age, can stretch. It does not matter where your flexibility level is when you begin, as long as you work at it you will improve.

Charlotte Family Yoga Offers Deep Stretch on Monday and Wednesdays 6:45pm Saturday 11:30am and Sunday 2:30pm

Benefits Of Meditation

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 02:01:00 +0000

Most of us focus on improving our lives through exercising regularly and eating well but what about our minds?Meditation has been proven to have a positive impact on memory, anxiety levels, stress levels, energy levels, emotional regulation, attention span and learning ability.

Without knowing it many of us are slaves to our minds. Our own mind is our worst enemy. We try to focus, yet our minds wander off and we’re distracted. We find ourselves doing things we don’t intend or want to before we even know it. Meditation can help us overcome these challenges

I have been meditating regularly for around 2 years now and it has positively impacted all areas of my life. I started with 10 minutes daily of simple calm breathing meditation and recently progressed to 20 min daily which changed everything.

I suggest you practice this for 10 minutes a day in the morning and evening. If the day is chaotic consider taking time out to meditate and be amazed as you emerge from this ready to take on the world!

When most people start to meditate they find it difficult and this isn’t surprising as most of us are used to hurtling through the world where we are constantly thinking and doing. Meditation can be challenging when you first start but with practice it gets easier and over time the benefits start to appear.

Practiced in the morning meditation allows one to commence the day with a sense of calm and a sharpness of mind that will allow you greater concentration and control of sensations that may arise throughout the day. Think of it as preparing your mind!

In the evening meditation is an effective way to halt the thoughts, stress and anxiety generated throughout the day allowing you to sleep peacefully and wake fully rested. Think of it as clearing your mind!

To get started with simple calm breathing meditation:

1. Find a quite space where you won’t be disturbed. Preferably with minimal background noise.

2. If you can sit cross legged on the floor on a cushion otherwise in a comfortable chair. If you’re a beginner I recommend not sitting in a comfortable chair as you will get used to being comfortable here and if you join a group or take a class you will have to get used to sitting on the floor! Sitting on the floor in a proper position also requires discipline and a commitment to the practice of meditation which should be cultivated.

3. After you sit take a moment to organise yourself and get comfortable. Ensure your back is straight, your head slightly forward and your hands either folded in your lap or resting on your legs/knees.

4. After a few moments bring your attention to your breath. Focus on the inflow and outflow. Become aware of all the sensations associated with breathing and simply observe the experience of breathing.

5. Thoughts will come and go in the background. You will feel different sensations in your body. Simply allow these to occur in the background and continue to focus on your breathing.

6. The mind will wander away from the breath. You will inevitably find yourself thinking about something else. Sensations will arise and demand your attention. Before you know it you will be thinking about something when you were trying to focus on your breathing. This happens. When you notice this or lose control of your concentration simply bring your awareness back to your breath again. With practice you will be able to remain focused on your breath for longer periods of time which is the aim of Samatha meditation.

7. 10 minutes of meditation twice a day. In the morning as soon as you rise and at the end of the day. Once you’re able to maintain concentration for this period of time you can consider extending the time. Typically the feeling of relaxation, peacefulness and bliss that comes from this will be encouragement enough for you to do so!

Meditation will make you feel good and improve the quality of your life. Enjoy.

Patience

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 03:04:00 +0000

I love that it snowed all day today!

Today my intention was Patience.

From yogic teachings this means that we find equanimity towards all objects, situations or things - be they joyful or sorrowful or easy or hard, snowy or rainy. When we find our yoga we enter a state of calmness and clarity that reflects perfect presence within the chaos or tension, even a snowy day. It is that feeling where we are in sync with what is going on and don’t feel compelled to fight the situation or change it in anyway.

So when we are faced with the snow, we are reminded to slow down and be mindful. Yoga teaches us that the ANTIDOTE to impatience is "going with the flow". To be in sync with the way things are happening remembering that whatever the present situation we know "it will change."
Snow is water, water is flow and it will eventually melt and move onto a different form.If you need more patience instead of fighting or getting mad at the snow just slow down, keep breathing and enjoy. Make the best snowy vacation,enjoying your family, friends and remember when mother nature is asking us to practice patience we should listen.

Shake Your Asana : CFYC Favorite Songs

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Family Yoga Center) — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 21:34:00 +0000

Shake Your Asana at Charlotte Family Yoga

Baptiste Power Practice with uplifting music, guaranteed to take you to your edge.

Some our favorite songs!

Some Nights-Fun

The Warrior-Scandal

Burn-Ellie Goulding

Roar-Katy Perry

Lets Go-Calvin Harris

Firework-Katy Perry

Living In The Moment-Jason Mraz

Best Day Of My Life-American Authors

Cannonball-Lea Michele

Right Now-Van Halen

Stompa-Serens Ryder

Be Still-The Fray

Good Life-OneRepublic

World, Hold On-Bob Sinclair

Wake Me Up-Avicii

Shake Your Asana Offered

5:30pm Friday

8:30am Saturday Morning

10:00am Sunday

Instead of a Resolution, Try a Revolution

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 20:27:00 +0000

Although every day is a new opportunity to make a change, this is the time of year when the urge to make changes gets stronger. High off of New Year's punch, holiday family, Christmas fruitcake, Hanukkah latkes and all the other things that make the end of the year so special, we look at the new year as a time to "get right". No, no, we won't just undo the transgressions of the last few months of holiday craziness -- we vow to get on track to be better for the entire year. If you're like me, I cycle through the same few resolutions every year: get organized, be more financially responsible, spend more time with family. And of course some version of weight loss, whether it is to eat more vegetables, stay on an exercise plan, or shed pounds. But it was Einstein who said insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the same results. So instead of this year, trying to change the same habits, why not try something different -- become different?

Look into who you are and have the courage to express your authentic self.

I know what you're thinking, "Become different? That sounds hard. I have a hard enough time keeping my normal resolutions". Instead of a resolution, try a revolution. Work on changing the inside, and expect the outside to follow. But it's not as hard as you might think because everything you need is within you. It's about looking into who you are and having the courage to express your authentic self. As you use yoga to get closer to who you really are, the crap that prevents you from taking care of yourself starts to fall away. Self-compassion and self-love become inevitable and you want to take care of yourself by eating right and moving your body.

In the name self-respect and self-care, you'll begin to take care of yourself, to speak up for yourself. As your authentic self you finally change the things within you that hold you back from the things you deserve -- love, good health, nurturing relationships, and more.

The 40 Days program at Charlotte Family Yoga Center is about self-reflection. By building your yoga practice, you challenge the limits of who you are. You come back day after day, even if you're a little sore at first. You begin to move through the poses like your body knows. Then you apply that newfound knowledge to your life to make sustainable changes. It may sound like hard work, but as you practice daily, your poses become more effortless -- you stop thinking and you just do. As you build confidence in yourself, it becomes second nature to try new things outside of class.

Charlotte Family Yoga Center

Non- Violence Towards Living Beings

Ahimsa:Non-violence toward the planet

Teacher Spotlight:Kelley Barrett

Teacher Spotlight: James Mahoney

Enjoy Every Moment: Practice Brahmacharya

Robin Blackwell : Teacher Spotlight

Teacher Spotlight: Sandi Perrott

Teacher Spotlight: Sonya Brockman

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Teacher Spotlight: Tony Hill

“The universe does not know whether the vibration that you're offering is because of something you're observing or something you're remembering or something that you are imagining. It just receives the vibration and answers it with things that match it.”

Maebeth Hill :Teacher Spotlight

The Undoing ..Savasana

Savasana

Why is savasana so important?

Amazing Benefits Of Tween Yoga

Tapas-The Heat Of Change

Freedom from wanting unlocks the real purpose of existence

Santosha: There is a gateway to calming the stormy waters that lie within us

Satya

Ahimsa:Non-Violence

Yoga with Props will Deepen Your Practice

Can a Yoga Prop Help Prop Up Your Practice?

What are the benefits of meditation?

Inside View On How Yoga Increases Athlete Performance

Deep Stretch at Charlotte Family Yoga

Why Deep Stretch?

Benefits Of Meditation

Patience

Shake Your Asana : CFYC Favorite Songs

Instead of a Resolution, Try a Revolution

Look into who you are and have the courage to express your authentic self.

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery