tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19732090270320846412024-02-07T16:25:04.553-08:00Living YogaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13027215875424729318noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-32465333404516073492013-08-14T20:16:00.000-07:002013-08-14T20:16:10.195-07:00Balancing Life on a Paddle Board<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Last week I tried paddle boarding for the first time. It was 6:00AM on Lake Ossipee and the water was very still. I was alone and did not have any instructions on using the board. I just went for it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Paddle boarding requires balance. I learned two things about balancing on a paddle board which can apply to how we find balance in our life.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is easier to balance when I am moving through the water. In life, balance comes easier if my body and mind are moving in a direction as opposed to floundering in one place. A teacher told me once that balance is not about trying to stand still, it is about how gracefully we can continually move ourselves back to the center.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Keep the body </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">soft</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (especially my knees). A ridged structure created an unstable and wobbly foundation. A ridged mind and inflexible body can quickly create an imbalance in our lives if things don't go the way we planned.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Next <b>Wednesday, August 21st from 6-8PM </b>I will be offering a workshop through <b>Blue Moon Yoga, </b><b>Exeter</b> entitled: </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gateways to Balance </b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In this workshop</span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">w</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">e will </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Explore some of Yoga’s gateways to balance. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sometimes we know we are out of balance but have forgotten or cannot see our way back.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> This workshop will provide the space to explore our unique pathway back to balance and offer tools to light our way. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Tools like a</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">lternate nostril breathing to stimulate a balanced mind, balance poses to experience the feeling of balance in our bodies, and the Gunas to determine which direction will lead us back will be discussed.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.bluemoon-yoga.net/workshops/workshops/293-gateways-to-balance" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gateways to Balance Workshop Details and Registratio</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">n</span></a><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-49794134977645083112013-06-13T20:22:00.004-07:002013-06-13T20:22:59.695-07:00Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)Here is a link to a great article that I found in Yoga Journal on Nadi Shodhana. It offers a good description of the Nadis: <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/927" target="_blank">Nadi Shodhana</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
Enjoy and Be Well!<div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-49055644166024482502013-06-04T19:15:00.000-07:002013-06-04T19:15:09.031-07:00Movement of Energy in YogaJoin me in attending this workshop this Friday 6/7 at the Blue Moon! It is a fascinating topic and Brian is an excellent instructor with a very calming presence.<br />
<a href="http://www.bluemoon-yoga.net/workshops/workshops/291-movement-of-energy-in-yoga" target="_blank">Movement of Energy in Yoga</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-56661226310524590202013-05-30T19:12:00.000-07:002013-05-30T19:12:04.371-07:00Inspirational Quote<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My daughter belongs to the Exeter Swim Team and their Team T-shirts always sport an inspirational quote. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is my favorite and it seems to fit very nicely with Yogic philosophy:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">"We are what we repeatedly do so excellence then is not an act but a habit."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">It's a practice, not an accomplishment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-17987799736597215942012-12-04T10:01:00.001-08:002012-12-04T10:01:11.038-08:00Fundraiser for Autism at Drinkwater Flowers, Saturday, Dec. 8thDrinkwater Flowers & Design is hosting a Holiday Centerpiece making event to benefit autism: <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday December 8th,<br />
Schedule project time to work with a designer and create your own beautiful Holiday decorated boxwood tree.<br />
Purchase your creation to help fight autism. </td></tr>
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http://www.drinkwaterdesigns.com/<div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-60579179696543574732012-06-15T05:29:00.001-07:002012-06-15T05:29:15.649-07:00Art and Yoga Camp for ChildrenCheck out the Art and Yoga Camp that I am co-leading with Jena Roberts, owner of Sangha Yoga and Michelle Graziano, Licensed NH art teacher! My daughter, Sydney will be participating and we would love to have some inspired artist and yoginis join us right here in Stratham at Sangha Yoga.<br />
Tell your friends who have children ages 8-12.<br />
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<b>Sangha Yoga Studio Presents: </b></h2>
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Camp</h2>
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We are sooo excited to offer a Summer Camp for Kids. Yoga is an amazing tool to promote self-awareness, self-esteem, and body awareness. Similarly, these attributes are necessary for artists. Art and Yoga go hand in hand. In this day camp, we will discover the relationship between self and the production of artistic expression. Great for beginning yogi or yoginis, yoga will feature vinyasa flow, group activity and meditation/relaxation. Art projects range from exploring the naturalists, expressionists, impressionists and more. The program is developed and taught by Michelle Graziano, licensed NH Art Teacher, Jena Roberts, RYT-200 Yoga instructor & Nicolle Casey, RYT-500 Yoga Instructor. ill feature vinyasa (flow), group activity and meditation/relaxation. Art projects range from exploring naturalists, expressionists, impressionists and more. The program was developed and is taught by a licensed NH Art teacher and a RYT-200 yoga teacher. Runs July 16th – 21st, 10-2pm. $100. Per student, $15. Materials fee. <br />
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<b>Who:</b> Children Ages 8-12</div>
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<b>Date:</b> July 16-20, 2012</div>
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<b>Time:</b> 9.15am-2.15pm</div>
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<b>Place:</b> Sangha Yoga, 108 High St. Stratham, </div>
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<b>Cost: </b>$100. + $15. materials fee</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/SanghaYogaStudio">www.facebook.com/SanghaYogaStudio</a></div>
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<b>Contact: </b>Jena Roberts, (603) 770-0473 <a href="mailto:jenap@comcast.net">jenap@comcast.net</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-64360620752091091442012-05-02T10:40:00.000-07:002012-05-02T10:40:52.271-07:00One Day - Spring Renewal - Yoga Retreat!Join me and a wonderful group of Yogis, May 12th - for a lovely day of great food, good folks, a lovely setting, yoga, meditation, chanting, nature walks, silence.... One day but it will feel like a week!<br />
<a href="http://www.bluemoon-yoga.net/workshops/workshops/233-spring-renewal-one-day-yoga-retreat">Yoga Retreat at Aryaloka - Newmarket</a><br />
http://www.aryaloka.org <br />
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Namaste,<br />
Nicolle<div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-11294936903927068622012-04-19T13:33:00.000-07:002012-04-19T13:33:21.057-07:00What Dr. Butera has to say about the egoI love what Dr. Butera, one of my yoga teachers and founder of Yoga Life Institute of Penn., say's about the ego and how best, for us to come to peace with it;-)<br />
Embrace the ego do not try to eradicate it:-) Ah, I feel better already.....<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGgYU9zqHUw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGgYU9zqHUw</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-85823980504031057712012-04-03T06:57:00.008-07:002012-04-03T07:03:28.168-07:00Celebrating Life and the Earth!<div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="background-color: color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">My Daughter, Sydney asked yesterday, "Why do we celebrate Easter?" We discussed the Christian celebration of the rebirth of Christ and </span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Mother Earth's </span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">celebration of the rebirth of nature. It all boils down to Spring being the time to celebrate new life, right? </span></span></div><div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="background-color: color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZ2_s7nXQ1e-gmeH_Xz5_NCAZK1N7Ps8kxsP6HxHUMMYL3WwR9tI77cIOGC4FO0muguOBQnjsVT6UVYQXSX-sU4S_dEShSdDdexsv35hTzT6fCX4cLdWRGzrBmniuddPAhrgjtnlYZuYB/s1600/bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZ2_s7nXQ1e-gmeH_Xz5_NCAZK1N7Ps8kxsP6HxHUMMYL3WwR9tI77cIOGC4FO0muguOBQnjsVT6UVYQXSX-sU4S_dEShSdDdexsv35hTzT6fCX4cLdWRGzrBmniuddPAhrgjtnlYZuYB/s1600/bunny.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Happy Easter, however, and for whatever reason you celebrate, Love Life!;-)</span></span></div><div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="background-color: color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: normal;"><div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="background-color: color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: normal;"><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Below is a post I wrote last year, I hope you can see the perennial purpose of me sharing this;-)</span></span></b></div><div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="background-color: color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Easter Bunny is coming this weekend and my son asked, "Mom, what does the Easter Bunny have to do with eggs anyway. They don't lay eggs." So we had a conversation about Spring time, and the rebirth of nature, and new life and how the prolific bunny and eggs are symbols of the new life and rebirth that takes place in Spring.</span></i></div><i></i><br />
<div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></div><div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The earth is teaming with new life and it is a perfect time to celebrate the season of rebirth, Easter, and "Earth Day"! </span></i></div><i></i><br />
<div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></div><div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">So, get outside, go for a walk, practice Yoga on the lawn. (I hear the folks at the White House will be practicing on their front lawn, prior to hunting for Easter eggs this year.) </span></i></div><i></i><br />
<div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></div><div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Anyway you celebrate, find a way to include our wonderful life giving Earth.</span></i></div><br />
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</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-9651025971321479682012-03-26T09:16:00.000-07:002012-03-26T09:16:18.626-07:00One Day Spring Renewal Retreat!Please Join me and some of YogaLife Institutes most inspiring Yoga instructors for a One Day Spring Renewal Retreat!<br />
I am so excited to spend the day with my lovely friends; practice yoga, eat amazing, fresh, local, organic and sometime Wild food and reconnect with myself and nature. I'm breathing deeper just thinking about it!<br />
Bring your Mom (It's Mother's day weekend), sister, daughter, husband <b> </b><br />
<b>Saturday, May 12th</b><br />
<b>Aryaloka Buddhist Center, Newmarket, NH </b>(This place is amazing, check it out under Links I Like...)<br />
See link for more details and register online: <br />
<a href="http://www.bluemoon-yoga.net/workshops/workshops/233-spring-renewal-one-day-yoga-retreat">Spring Renewal Retreat</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-81190334984534628552012-03-26T08:43:00.000-07:002012-03-26T08:43:41.100-07:00Prayer in Nature - Our Topic in Yoga/Meditation class this weekIn "The American Scholar," Ralph Waldo Emerson defines three stages for the Transcendentalist's life.<br />
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1. One studies the wisdom of the past. In terms of meditation, a review of major mystics satisfies study of the past.<br />
2. Spiritualize life by communing with nature and learning to listen to the divine from within one's self. This idea closely resembles the Yogic thought of stilling one's mind in order to gain an understanding of higher aspects of one's self and reality. Mystics assert that divinity can be found from within.<br />
3. After self-renewal, one works toward the renewal of society at large.<br />
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Join Us: 6:00-7:30 at Blue Moon Yoga - Weather permitting, we will practice outside<br />
Dress appropriately and bring a towel if you don't want to put you mat on the ground.<div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-38625068832651747752012-02-22T18:26:00.000-08:002012-02-22T18:26:09.905-08:00From Worry to FaithIn class today, it was wonderful to hear how students manage worry and build faith. <br />
Some of us practice acceptance,<br />
Some of us reach out to those that are easy to love like our children,<br />
Some of us build faith through prayer, meditation and discipline to stay in the present and move towards acceptance/surrender<br />
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A quote from the Bible "Sermon on the Mount" "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his (her) life?" Matthew 6:27<br />
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Welcome to all those new to our Wednesday class and Blessings to those who were not with us today but may join us again.<br />
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Namaste,<br />
Nicolle<div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-81663842991048118132012-02-16T10:24:00.000-08:002012-02-16T10:24:43.426-08:00Special Loving Kindness Meditation - Led by Louise Beck-LongoIn honor of Valentine's Day, I have asked Louise Beck-Longo, Blue Moon Yoga student/Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and Zen Meditation practitioner to lead our meditation this evening. Please join our Yoga and Meditation class at Blue Moon Yoga this evening from 6-7:30pm.<br />
<a href="http://www.beckcognitivetherapyassociates.com/about.html">Louise Beck</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-51958714733827668082012-02-12T11:31:00.000-08:002012-02-12T11:31:53.572-08:00Yoga Mala Raised over $11,000. for H(E)AT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here we are at Yoga Mala practicing our 95th Sun Salutation! Yes, I did all 108! It was an amazing practice for a beautiful cause! Thank you to those that sponsored me for this event. I will be collecting pledges this week. You can give me your donation in class or put a check in the mail, Payable to HEAT at 8 Spring Creek Lane Stratham, NH 03885.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Namaste, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nicolle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxrXQgN13rd4RdNwhgDDQf8r4Xr4n2p7n597mTJkz2Q_e43Xl-TChgmZneIPBsLISEPlnwoNpB25OtQYL9lfg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-9683627384355966522012-02-09T11:24:00.000-08:002012-02-09T11:24:52.895-08:00Great Interview on the Benefits of Yoga<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">"The Benefits way out way the risks," Broad say's. <u>This is an excellent promotion for our Yoga community who is pursuing Yoga Therapy training through the Yoga Life Institute</u> (See Link's I Like... for more detail)! As science begins to prove the reason's why Yoga is so beneficial and how, Broad suggests it's the way of the future for health and wellness care!</span></span></h6><a href="http://tinyurl.com/NPR-interview-practicing-yoga">NPR-interview-practicing-yoga</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-75934804503643985672012-01-28T09:03:00.000-08:002012-01-28T09:03:49.441-08:00Courage vs. FearWhen we are fearful our bodies have a certain physical and mental response. Yoga can help us with this.<br />
When we are faced with fear, Yoga Philosophy encourages us to practice the opposite. If we are faced with a situation or thought which makes us fearful we can consider doing something courageous instead. Sounds easy in theory, but what can we do when our bodies shift into a state of fight or flight?<br />
<br />
First approach:<br />
1) Identify the fear, (ex. I am afraid of public speaking) <br />
2) Try to accept it. Perhaps the fear then subsides to a concern...<br />
3) Do what you are afraid of anyway... (What is the worse that can happen?)<br />
<br />
Second approach:<br />
Look at an area where you are courageous, like skiing, and apply the courage that it takes to ski to something that you are afraid of. (Contemplate how when you first started skiing you might have been fearful, but the more you did it the more courageous you became.)<br />
<br />
In addition, our bodies respond to our conscious and unconscious fears. Our heart -rate quickens, our breath becomes shallow and isolated to our chest, and our body hunches over and rounds forward to protect our vital organs. All as if we are preparing to be attacked. Much of this physical response is unconscious, but if we can learn to become aware of our bodies response we can do things to change them.<br />
<br />
<b>Deep Breathing into the diaphragm/belly</b><br />
Deep breathing increases the oxygen and blood flow to the brain. Oxygenated blood cleanses the blood stream from stress hormones.<br />
<b>Chest opening stretches</b> to counter the protective posture<br />
<b>Forward bends </b>to surrender to the peace in this moment and offer a new perspective.<br />
<br />
The above actions came be done at the times we experience fear, but we can also practice these actions when we practice yoga so that our body remembers how to respond.<br />
Also, movements like<b> spinal twists </b>and <b>side bends</b> massage and soak the organs. Especially, the liver and kidneys where toxins are stored due to habitual stress response.<br />
When practicing Yoga visualize a small fear and then imagine a courageous behavior that you already possess. Imagine this while doing your physical Asana practice and reinforce the learning in our minds and bodies.<div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-29887548828614221392012-01-19T10:51:00.000-08:002012-01-19T10:51:14.160-08:00Yoga Mala - to Benefit (H)EATOn February 12th, I will be participating in doing108 Sun Salutations with other local Yoga instructors and students to benefit (H)EAT a charitable organization which will supply heating oil and meals to Seacoast families in need (10,000 gallons and 10,000 meals). <br />
If you are interested in sponsoring me, I have a pledge sheet at Blue Moon Yoga or you can email me. You can pledge a set amount or per Sun Salutation. I plan to do all 108;-)<br />
<br />
Here is a link to the event if you are interested in joining me:<a href="http://www.yogaonthehillkittery.com/yogamala/"> Yoga Mala</a><br />
<br />
Namaste,<br />
Nicolle Casey<div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-20374586159233675792012-01-12T19:22:00.000-08:002012-01-12T19:22:13.975-08:00How The Diaphragm Works in BreathingThanks to everyone that joined us for Yoga class this week. Here is an answer to Louise's excellent question. <br />
The diaphragm is the primary muscle of respiration. It flattens out to expand the ribs and make room for the lungs during inhalation. It domes up to form around the heart and lungs during exhalation. Filling our belly as we inhale draws the diaphragm down increasing the space for the lungs to expand. Contracting the belly pushes the diaphragm up which compresses the lungs and assists in eliminating the oxygen depleted air. <br />
Here is a link to a 3-D video which shows how the diaphragm works.<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp-gCvW8PRY">3D view of the Diaphragm</a><br />
Notice the breath. What message does it have for us?<div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-57267356831881201542012-01-05T19:38:00.000-08:002012-01-05T19:38:47.426-08:00Happy New Year!<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">I am continuing to teach the Yoga and Meditation class on Thursday evenings from 6-7:30pm. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks to all who attended this evening. </div><div class="MsoNormal">This evening we focus on poses that clear the mind and meditation on inspirational passages as suggested by Eknath Easwaran. Eknath states that slow, sustained concentration on these passages drives them deep into our minds. And whatever we drive deep into consciousness, that we become." Or as the Buddha says, "All that we are is the result of what we have thought."<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Eknath compiled a book of passages from many Spiritual traditions. The title of this book is </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">God Makes the Rivers to Flow </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">from the Sacred Literature of the World Chosen for Daily Meditation</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Following is the Prayer of St Francis (which I shared in class this evening)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">Lord make me an instrument of thy peace;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">Where there is hatred let me sow love,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">Where there is injury pardon,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">Where there is doubt let me sow faith,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">Where there is despair let me sow hope,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">Where there is darkness let me sow light,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">Where there is sadness let me sow joy</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">Oh divine master grant that I might not so much seek to </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">Be consoled as console,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">be understood as to understand,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">be loved as to love,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">For it is in giving that we receive,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">It is in dying to self that we are bore to eternal life</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is another passage from the book:</div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><u><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Songs of Sri Ramakrishna</span></u><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Dwell, O mind, within yourself;<br />
Enter no other’s home.<br />
If you but seek there, you will find<br />
All you are searching for.<br />
God, the true Philosopher’s Stone,<br />
Who answers every prayer,<br />
Lies hidden deep within your heart,<br />
The richest gem of all.<br />
How many pearls and precious stones<br />
Are scattered all about<br />
The outer court that lies before<br />
The chamber of your heart!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Namaste</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-70275794878138540882012-01-05T19:37:00.000-08:002012-01-05T19:37:35.030-08:00New Class<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">I am now teaching a 1 hour, Yoga I - Vinyasa Flow class at 11:00am on Wednesday’s at Blue Moon Yoga. </div><div class="MsoNormal">The theme of our classes, for the next eight weeks will center on Yoga’s approach to emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">This week we practiced focusing the opposite<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>virtue (hope, joy, faith, acceptance, compassion,) for the times that our emotions interfere with our higher intentions or purpose and prevent us from doing what we have set out to do.</div>Thank you all who attended.<div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-15029436791246100532011-04-25T13:06:00.000-07:002011-04-25T13:06:15.134-07:00School Vacation Week Yoga Teaching ScheduleBelow is a schedule of the classes that I am teaching this week. I hope to see you.....<br />
<b>April 26-28th</b><br />
Tuesday, Yoga II - 9-10:30am<br />
Wednesday, Yoga II - Vigorous - 9-10:30am<br />
Wednesday, Yoga I - 12:15-1:15pm <br />
Thursday, Yoga II - Vigorous - 12- 1:30pm<div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-16518158126365055472011-04-25T12:59:00.000-07:002011-04-25T12:59:08.907-07:00Celebrating Life and the Earth!<span _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099;" style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt;">Here is the introduction wrote for last weeks Blue Moon Newsletter:</span><br />
<span _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099;" style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkACR8AuIokvINBOHL_P331u1DzYPnWah2RPUl-1nu9kNMkHzDoGIwrJNOo-Ngj9UzqK_kQQur9omI_467LgjXvyY38dXjlc5qNrZHHCHAe3SFQkzvtG5xU-voTwSa3uiNwW2t4aMT4Qsi/s1600/iStock_000011800232XSmall%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkACR8AuIokvINBOHL_P331u1DzYPnWah2RPUl-1nu9kNMkHzDoGIwrJNOo-Ngj9UzqK_kQQur9omI_467LgjXvyY38dXjlc5qNrZHHCHAe3SFQkzvtG5xU-voTwSa3uiNwW2t4aMT4Qsi/s320/iStock_000011800232XSmall%25282%2529.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099;" style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt;">Dear Yoga Friends, </span> <br />
<span><br />
<div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Easter Bunny is coming this weekend and my son asked, "Mom, what does the Easter Bunny have to do with eggs anyway. They don't lay eggs." So we had a conversation about Spring time, and the rebirth of nature, and new life and how the prolific bunny and eggs are symbols of the new life and rebirth that takes place in Spring.</div><div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The earth is teaming with new life and it is a perfect time to celebrate the season of rebirth, Easter, and "Earth Day"! </div><div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So, get outside, go for a walk, practice Yoga on the lawn. (I hear that the folks at the White House will be practicing on their front lawn, prior to hunting for Easter eggs this year.) </div><div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Anyway you celebrate, find a way to include our wonderful life giving Earth.</div><div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Namaste,</div><div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Nicolle Casey</div><div _mce_style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Blue Moon Yoga Instructor </div></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-80752364797428369372011-03-30T08:56:00.000-07:002011-03-30T08:56:36.711-07:00Yoga and the Lymphatic SystemFor students in last weeks Noon-time class, following is a link to an article on the benefits of Yoga and the lymphatic system. <a href="http://www.myyogaonline.com/about-yoga/yoga-anatomy/yoga-and-lymphatic-circulation">Yoga and the Lymphatic System</a><br />
Namaste,<br />
Nicolle<div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-2852818212626818562011-03-28T11:43:00.000-07:002011-03-28T11:53:50.626-07:00Basic Yoga Practice with Heart Opening Poses<style>
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<div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">On the weekend of March 12th, I led two Yoga sessions as part of a Wellspring Network Chiropractic "Clear Day". (Learn more about the Clear Day and Wellspring below.) For optimal benefit, in the least amount of time, we stretched our spine in five different directions: up (to lengthen), forward, backward, side-to-side, and twist. In addition, we practiced poses, which facilitate an open heart. It was a wonderful practice, which left us relaxed, open, and feeling connected as a community. Several people asked me to send them the series of poses we practiced. So, here it is.</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br />
You can complete these spine stretches in as little as 5 minutes. (Try it for a week and see how your feel!)</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><br />
<b>Mountain Pose</b> – rooting all parts of your feet into the floor, tucking your tail bone slightly, lengthening your spine, lifting your chest and tucking your chin down and back so that the base of your skull is in line with the rest of your spine and finally lift up through the crown of your head. Lengthening as you inhale and deepening, rooting into the posture as you exhale. <b>(Up)</b></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><br />
<b>Side Stretch</b> - Arms over head and lean to the left and lean to the right stretching through one side from the foot (firmly rooted into the earth) up to the fingertips and contracting on the opposite side. (<b>Side stretch</b>)</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><br />
<b>Wheel Pose</b> – Sweep your arms up overhead, extend up through your chest, chin and forehead, gently gaze up toward the ceiling and bend backwards arching your lower back. <b>(Back bend and Forward bend)</b></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><br />
<b>Standing Twist</b> - Swing your arms from side to side behind your back, allowing them to be heavy and flop against your body. We used to call this the washing machine when we were kids. <b>(Twist)</b></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br />
Here are poses to facilitate an <b>open heart</b>. Some poses stretch the muscular areas of our thoracic spine and chest. Some poses strengthen our arms and hands. Our arms and hands support us, are an extension of our hearts and are often how we reach out to others. Some poses stimulate the heart chakra (the energetic center in our body located in center of our chest parallel with our heart).</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><br />
<b>Arm Sweep</b> - Sweep arms up over head, hands in prayer pose, then draw your hands down to heart. Or <b> </b></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><b>Wide Arm Circles – </b>Cross your arms low in front of your navel and draw them up over head, open them wide and draw them down and back along your side. Then, continue, cross your arms low in front, bend your knees slightly and sweep up, again.<b> </b><br />
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<b>Opening the Hand Chakras</b> (as suggested by <i>Wheels of Life – A User’s guide to the Chakra System</i> by Anodea Judith, PH.D.) “Extend both arms out in front of you, parallel to the floor with elbows straight. Turn one hand up and one hand down. Now quickly open and close your hands a dozen times or so. Reverse your palms and repeat. This opens the hand chakras. To feel their energy, open your hands and slowly bring your palms together, starting about two feet apart. When your hands are about four inches apart you should be able to feel a subtle ball of energy, like a magnetic field, floating between your palms. If you tune in closely, you may even be able to feel it spinning.” Once you are complete with this experience, draw the energy in, with both hands, towards your heart, one over the other and receive.</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><br />
<b>Sun Salutation</b> – There are many variations of the Sun salutation. Described below, is the one we practiced. Begin in <b>Mountain pose</b>, swan dive to a <b>Forward Bend</b>, step back into <b>Plank</b>, lower down from plank to the floor. Move into <b>Cobra </b>(detailed below) then push up into <b>Upward Facing Dog</b> and the <b>Downward Facing Dog</b>. Step forward into <b>Lunge</b> with the left leg and step forward into <b>Forward Bend</b> with the right leg. Finally, bend your knees and draw your arms up over your head, bring them together in prayer position and draw them down in front of your heart.</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><br />
<b>Cobra </b>– Lie flat on your stomach with your stomach with arms bent and palms placed face down by your shoulders. Inhale, and slowly lift your head, brush your nose and chin along the floor and extend up from your forehead, lengthening along the back of your neck. As you inhale, use your breath as well as your core muscles to continue to lift your shoulders, and back as far as you can go comfortably. Then as you exhale completely, relax down on to the floor and repeat, leading with the inhale. </div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><br />
<b>Squat</b> - with feet a little further than hip distance apart, hold and take a few breaths, then move to a seated position, bend your knees and place the soles of your feet on the floor. Then, slowly roll down onto your back. </div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><br />
<b>Inversion</b> - Draw your feet up in the air so that the soles of your feet are reaching towards the sky. Press up through the soles of your feet alternating one leg at a time pressing up through the hip. To finish, draw your feet down, so that your knees are bent, feet are flat on the floor, and your heals are as close to your buttocks as is comfortable.</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><br />
<b>Bridge</b> – Begin with you knees bent, feet on the floor and heals drawn in to your buttocks. Then, lengthen you spin by elongating your cervical spin and flattening the base of onto the floor so that more of the base of your skull is touching the floor. Then, lengthen your lumbar spin and past it onto the floor so that there is no longer an arch or space between the floor and your lower back. Then, lengthen your spine as you inhale from your lower diaphragm, filling up your belly, diaphragm and upper chest. At the top of the inhale, begin to exhale and peel your back off the floor, from the base of your spine, one vertebra at a time, lifting up through your hips rib cage and chest. Draw your shoulder blades together, tuck your arms down along the floor behind you and clasp your fingers together at the base of your spine. When you have exhaled completely, inhale and fill your lungs and expand your chest a little further, then exhale and roll back down onto your back and begin again for 3 rounds.</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><br />
<b>Savasana </b>- (Relaxation) – Lay on your back, knees bent and the soles of your feet together, and knees fall out to either side. You may use blankets or bolsters to support your hips and make this position comfortable. Then, prepare to receive the experience of your physical practice, allowing the breath to flow in and out comfortably.</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><br />
<b>Pranayama </b>(Breath exercise) – Is an essential element, especially for a heart opening practice. We did not use our time in this session to focus on the breath as there was another session dedicated to breath work. A future post will be dedicated to this topic.</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><br />
<b>Meditation</b> – Traditionally the physical asana practice of yoga is to prepare our mind and bodies for meditation. We did a brief re-centering practice to re-align with the initial intention of our practice but did not allow time for a formal meditation period. A future post will be dedicated to this topic.</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in 0.1pt 0.5in;"><style>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 9pt;">The Clear Day</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 9pt;"> is a daylong healing retreat. The day includes 3 Network Entrainments (Chiropractic adjustments) as well as workshops on Yoga, Expressive Dance, and Breath work (SRI). They also had nutritious vegan food offered in a lovely setting, The Aryaloka Buddhist retreat center. You can learn more about this mode of healing (Network Chiropractic) and the Aryaloka retreat center by clicking on the aforementioned topics in the section of my blog titled "<b>Links that I like...</b>"</span> </div><b><u><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"></span></u></b> <style>
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</style> <b><u><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"></span></u></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973209027032084641.post-31563987991729671162011-03-10T11:14:00.000-08:002011-03-10T11:14:04.268-08:00Living Yoga: Feeding the Bliss Body<a href="http://nicolle-livingyoga.blogspot.com/2011/03/feeding-bliss-body.html?spref=bl">Living Yoga: Feeding the Bliss Body</a>: "Last weeks class focused on the Kosha's. The Koshas is a Yogic term for the different energetic layers of our being. The five la..."<div class="blogger-post-footer">check out my new post;-)</div>Nicollehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12484929713324126919noreply@blogger.com0