Walking and Earthing

Walking and our amazing feet     

happy feet

Walking and Earthing

Why not be nice to your feet, massage and soak them, exercise them, and stretch them more?! Treat yourself to go barefoot more.  They are your foundation so give them loving attention! Show them your grateful for all they do.

My favorite quote about feet ~

-“The sole (or plantar surface) of the foot is richly covered with some 1,300 nerve endings per square inch. That’s more than found on any other part of the body… of comparable size.   Why are so many nerve endings concentrated there? To keep us ‘in touch’ with the Earth; the real physical world around us. It’s called ‘sensory response.’ The foot is the vital link between the person and the Earth.  The paws of all animals are equally rich in nerve endings. The Earth is covered with an electromagnetic layer. It’s this that creates the sensory response in our feet and the paws of animals. Try walking barefoot on the ground for a couple of minutes. Every living thing, including human beings, draws energy from this field through its feet, paws, or roots.“~ Dr. William Rossi~

Walking is underrated! wrote this blog years back, now  here I am I’m writing more (Random) thoughts about feet and walking.

Pada Bandha – A lesser bandha, but for shoe wearers it is as important as the other 3 main bandhas: mula, jalandhara, and uddiyanna.

In Sanskrit “pada” means “foot”, and bandha means “lock” or “harness”. Bandhas are used to draw the energy upward. Pada bandha is a yoga technique in which the soles of the feet are placed on the ground, so the weight is evenly distributed in the triangle formed by the big toe, little toe and heel center under the ankle. The arches of the foot actively lifted. This bandha connects the yogi’s body with the earth. Pada Bandha supports the lift of the arches and the optimal alignment of the joints in the legs and the pelvis.

Agni – The element, Fire; In Ayurveda this element relates to digestion (organ) Eyes (sense organ) and the action associated with fire is WALKING!

Walking is one of the primary motions for the human body (before cars buses etc.) Fire is balanced by a good diet, and proper movement, as well as enough rest. Walking is always proper movement when persons are able.

Too much fire can make one quick to anger, have too fast metabolism, be quick to go into action, sometimes without enough forethought!

So, walking can balance us humans in more than just awesome physical ways, when done regularly walking making us calmer, less stressed and more mindful. Water is also balancing of Agni, soaking feet after long day of being on the feet or standing for hours is a great habit.

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If everyone in Albuquerque, (where I live), or any urban city, began parking 4-8 blocks from their destination or getting off the bus 4-5 blocks early and walked …

People would see their neighbors and community more; Neighborhoods would be safer!

People would get fresh air and see trees birds, mountains, and plants; focusing the eyes on various distances which is super good for the eyes!  It also combats eye strain from computers, phones, dashboards, and televisions.

Walking  is an extremely beneficial exercise! gently lubricates all the joints, increases blood circulation, and is weight bearing for strong bones.

Just 30 minutes of walking a day increases metabolism and energy.

Much less fossil fuel would be used, better for earth! 

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A new favorite word, From Rational Wiki; Earthing

Earthling s an alternative medicine therapy where individuals “connect” with the Earth‘s negative surface charge. Apparently this is supposed to help you “balance” your internal circuitry and restore a lost electrical charge.[1] On the Earthing Institute’s website they claim Earthing can help improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and allow for deeper sleep.  To establish a connection to the ground it is suggested one can simply walk around barefoot.  From Rational Wiki; 

The other day I walked with a friend to a farm nearby, we put our feet into the freshly tilled soil.

Several sand-hill cranes were following a safe distance behind a tractor tilling the field, the cranes enjoyed the fresh soil, and maybe worms and seeds. We enjoyed watching these beautiful creatures, walk, fly and forage.

We decided to put our feet on that soil.  It was cool, moist and smelled wonderful. We relaxed in the moment our bare feet on the earth…

it was wonderful, it was medicine. we felt it, we were energized and more connected to each-other to the birds the earth and the nice day.

Peace, Christina

Purity of practice

Dear Yoga Friends,
Wishing you all peace, health and love; may you find closeness and joy in the seasonal changes.
There are so many distractions in the world today as well as so many worthy pursuits, right?Holidays, travel, visitors, media and consumerism all can distract our attention.
Stay strong and hold your sacred practice time, it is the most unselfish thing you can do!
In times of illness, injury, grief or crisis, shift your focus to less asana more pranayama or meditation. Do not deprive yourself of your daily practice.
Remember to keep your practice pure.

 When practice is pure it is never a burden, it brings joy, at the very least some peace.

What is purity of practice? It is practice without attachment to success or failure, pure dedication to move, raise energy, and grow.   It is pure effort, pure concentration, and pure discipline.

Seeking earnestly to find balance of effort to match were you are at on any giving day. Balance of the energy to what is at any given moment.
 Yoga is for flexibility of mind, emotion and body.
Travel outside your comfort zone often, whether that means slowing down, stepping it up or reaching out.
Expanding your practice, energetically, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually or socially.
If you are grieving loss of a loved one, maybe a few vigorous poses to work through the anger that is one phase of grief, or some gentle and comforting asanas to nurture yourself. Reaching out to others when the pull to isolate is strong. Allow yourself to feel the grief.
Be with others who comfort you. If you're comforting a friend, sit and listen and give them space to cry, simply holding their hand and appreciating them and their process.

Peace,
Christina

on the mat and in life

On the mat & in life

How we are on the mat reflects how we are facing life!

Yoga offers opportunities to meet challenges with a calm mind, determination, and curiosity; to fail and not give up, to persist. How you meet challenges on the mat in a daily practice trains your mind to meet life’s challenges.

Yoga requires self-disciple!

Lately I have been asking myself these 3 questions when I find practice difficult, or don’t even want to start.(I still have days where I don’t feel like doing it at all! )

• Is the mental chatter in my brain quiet?
• Am I accepting of myself exactly where/how I am?
• Am I clinging to the “comfort zone” or do I want growth and change?

Once I’ve gotten 5 minutes in…. the answers are: Yes, Yes and I want to grow and change!  It is rare that I don’t continue practice for an hour or more. The magic is outside the comfort zone. (For me, “outside the comfort zone” is: starting and going 5 minutes, day after day, week after week, year after year.)  It is starting and that 1st, 5 minutes that require the most discipline! After 5 minutes I remember who I am and Why I do yoga.

I have begun asking these 3 questions about almost everything I “feel” like avoiding in life.  It’s amazing!  If I show up I’m all-in.  If I choose not to do something it is with no judgment or guilt.

Discipline when Aging and with Disabilities:

I have taught yoga mindfulness for over 8 years with elderly persons in an assisted living setting.  I have formed relationships, seen many people at the end stages of life, and said many goodbyes.

I have learned from watching people give up one thing, activity and then another and another untill not much is left to call living.  I have learned and been inspired by people who discipline themselves to show up for class and activities (life).  I have watched these people having purpose and meaning in their lives: they keep building relationships. They are happy and spread goodwill and joy. Profound physical limitations do not stop them. They show up, they start things, they persist even with on-going pain. They feel better after being active. They keep showing up!  When these people pass it is a graceful letting go.

There comes a time when it is about giving-up, letting go, but let’s use our self-discipline to live to the fullest and build many bridges in the meantime!

Keep venturing out of the comfort zone, my friends and live with magic until we finish this ride!

Peace, Christina

This entry was posted in As It Is., daily practice, inner peace, Loving your body, Yoga, meditation, stress-free mind and lifestyle. and tagged Active lifestyle, Ageless living, awareness, daily practice, Get Moving, getting started, live to the fullest, mindfulness on July 3, 2018. Edit

New Year

I wish you all peace, health and happiness in the new year. 

I have enjoyed simplifying and teaching fewer classes in 2020. What I have found most fulfilling is our special events & workshops in intimate settings like my home and being in small groups, so there will be more of those in 2020.
In 2019 I had the pleasure to meet and study with David Garrigues at his workshop in Sante Fe.
I want to share a great podcast where He shares yoga knowledge eloquently and generously!
 This one is about pain in practice and life!  It is 52 minutes and well worth taking time to listen to!   https://soundcloud.com/asanakitchen/pain-is-real

 GOOD YOGA / BEST PRACTICE 
 It is what matches where you are at! Vigorous makes sence often, but, restorative is good yoga! Some days this is the smartest and best practice!

Some days laying over a bolster is the right "back-bend" for me,
though some days my back loves to full wheel-Urdva Danurasana 

Some days I skip reaching together hands a bind.
   
When I'm grieving  part of my practice includes allowing time to cry.                               
 It's all good yoga!  Listen to the podcast to broaden your idea of what your practice can be!!!

For those who have drifted away from classes or practice for whatever reason, 

Please know, yoga always welcomes you back!

Remember; These excuses for not getting to class are good reasons to start or constantly continue yoga practice!    “I’m not flexible” yoga helps you become more flexible over time!        “I’m out of shape” Yoga helps you get in shape, and if you can breathe, you can do yoga!          “I’m too overweight” Love yourself now as you are and begin regular yoga, you are worthy of all yoga's benefits, now.    “I’m too old” You are never too old to reap the benefits of yoga!               "I don't have time" Making time for yourself is radical; it is important and in the long run you'll have more energy making better use of your time throughout the day!      “I’m too stressed"  You need to show up, period: Regular yoga helps you manage stress!        “I don’t have the energy”do some restorative yoga;Yoga gives you energy! You may feel tired after classes or practice in the beginning but stick with it and you will begin to have more energy.      "I have this injury or condition” You are more than your conditions and injuries. Talk with instructor, focus on all that you can do and grow your practice from there! 
Not showing up for class or toughing it out and not getting modifications are both poor choices. The most inspiring student is the one who shows up despite obstacles, the bigger your obstacle the more you inspire others!  
  Peace, Christina   

grief and praise

For me, Autumn is a time for rest or wildness, or both.  Every autumn, I  am aware of my own domestication process,  school, learning to contain myself, sit still, follow directions, and hold back expression.   So, I  cry more this time of year, because I am  missing my wildness.  I want to dance with abandon, let tears roll, and laugh until my sides ache and eyes water. Not all the time, of course, but more, deeper.

As autumn deepens, it is a time of decay and dying,  to let go of what has finished it’s time. Some of what we let go of , we may need to grieve. 

I recently listened to  talks, Grief and Praise, by a South American Shaman, Martin Prechtel.  His way of speaking is humble and humorous. His book, The Smell of Rain on Dust, is an exquisite, and deeply comforting read about life and grief. 

 I hope some of you listen and enjoy this as much as I did, read his book or at least read the notes below.  He reminded me of the medicine of tears (and laughter). I am paraphrasing some of his talk here…

“The ability to weep is a gift. Laughter and weeping are relatives.   Praise and grief live in the same house, sleep in the same bed. Weeping is not depression, not sadness…it is lack of grieving. Tears loosen  medicine…This is why we feel so alive when grief is done…done properly…there is not a right way, but…you look a mess when you’re done and feel so alive~!  Grief brings you back to life. Grief is a form of praise of life, the gift of being alive.”

He talked about how important it is to praise young people, all their ideas,” praise them well, all the time, listen to them and teach them how to grieve properly.  Let then see you grieve so they will know how….. The ”tough” youth play out our illness, for us to see- they act flat- like they feel nothing….flat.” (he tells a funny story in the talk)

 When something dies it is important to grieve, or it is as if it was never alive. You can’t deal with it yourself; it takes a community…To grieve properly takes a lot of people, hundreds of people…  Praise is better that way too.  

“When the tears roll you have to listen to the person. Nothing to solve… they are in that place, listen to them, let it rock.. Same with happiness… let it roll… Grief makes people care for each other…We love expression in the village, the people watch out for you. People praise and grieve in such a way that the village holds them up while they do it”.  

Here is a prayer he spoke in native language, then in English, then explained it’s meaning                                        Long Line, Honey in the Heart, tears of Gods,                                                                 white roads, paved with the eyebrows of the moon, which is sea foam                             all color roads, which are paved with abundance from the tail of the morning star,    which is the deer.    No evils, 13 thank-you(s).

Do listen to the whole brief talks at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6h3JNOCTYc

Namaste,   Christina

purity of practice is joy in practice

Dear Yoga Friends,

Wishing you all peace, health and love; may you find closeness and joy in the seasonal changes.

There are so many distractions in the world today as well as so many worthy pursuits, right?Holidays, travel, visitors, media and consumerism all can distract our attention.

Stay strong and hold your sacred practice time, it is the most unselfish thing you can do!

In times of illness, injury, grief or crisis, shift your focus to less asana more pranayama or meditation. Do not deprive yourself of your daily practice.

Remember to keep your practice pure.

 When practice is pure it is never a burden, it brings joy, at the very least some peace.

What is purity of practice? It is practice without attachment to success or failure, pure dedication to move, raise energy, and grow.   It is pure effort, pure concentration, and pure discipline.

Seeking earnestly to find balance of effort to match were you are at on any giving day. Balance of the energy to what is at any given moment. 

Yoga is for flexibility of mind, emotion and body.

Travel outside your comfort zone often, whether that means slowing down, stepping it up or reaching out. 

Expanding your practice, energetically, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually or socially.

Your practice changes! As it should!  You change, life changes. It is the only thing we can count on- change- so let your practice change to fit where you and life is in the moment. Mix it up, try working off stress and frustrations through more vinyasa or being your strongest. Let yourself laugh at small attempts at difficult poses. 

If you are grieving loss of a loved one, maybe a few vigorous poses to work through the anger that is one phase of grief, or some gentle and comforting asanas to nurture yourself. Reaching out to others when the pull to isolate is strong. Allow yourself to feel the grief. Be with others who comfort you. If you’re comforting a friend, sit and listen and give them space to cry, simply holding their hand and appreciating them and their process.

Love and Light through the season,

Christina

Dec 15th Yoga Members Appreciation Event:  Optional 45 minute walk together at 3:00 pm  Restorative Yoga Hour 4-5pm, followed by tea time.  Is OK to join just for restorative class. 

The Slow Revolution

The Slow Revolution, Svadhyaya

Dear Yoga Friends,

I wish to encourage you to join a revolution. The slow revolution has been going on forever; it is armed with powerful weapons, compassion and courage. It speaks truth through clear voices, working for a better world together.

The leaders of the slow revolution are not hateful, not angry, not judging they are collaborating and offering solutions and staying clear about the problems humans on earth face. They are bringing people together, understanding how everyone is vital in the process of making a better world.

Evolve in this inner revolution. The world needs us to be awake, creative and connected.  Speak up against injustice with a heart full of love. There are many good people showing the way.  Let them inspire you, and support those leaders who stay calm through the storms and those who bring people together.

Do vote. Do continue to do the good works. Do speak your truth more.  Do have courage, from the fire you tend every day, your meditation/yoga practice.  But,

 “Never be in a hurry;
Do everything quietly
and in a calm spirit.
Do not lose your inner peace
for anything whatsoever,
even if your whole world seems upset.”

 ~ Francis de Sales

When we feel week and powerless, let’s strive to show each other how powerful we are. When the culture tells us to be independent rather than interdependent, encourages isolation, and we feel alone,  defy this conditioning and connect with other humans over and over, regularly.

Because together, we are strong.

When the culture tells you to be afraid, choose love instead, it always the antidote to fear. To be brave is to carry on in spite of fear, to love in the face of hatred. No matter how unjust and cruel the tyrants and injustices are, the real revolution will come from knowing how to be calm and love even the enemies, the others.

When the culture tells us to see humans as others, somehow not worthy, contradict this by caring for those persons less fortunate, marginalized and oppressed. This can be as simple as eye contact with those who are made invisible such as disabled, elderly, children and homeless persons.

I call on you to drink deeper the fruits of yoga: daily practice, meditation, compassion and discipline. Be together. Keep showing up for yourself and each other. This will keep you sane and empowered.

Your daily practice empowers you to filter the pervasive attention-grabbing news and media which screams for your attention by playing on the emotions of fear and hatred. This, along with the pressure to look and be OK, can be overwhelming. Advertising, promotions and campaigns tell us “we must do…”, playing on any insecurities and fears we may have.

Our world doesn’t need any more people stuck in despair and hopelessness. Our world doesn’t need any more people acting from anger. Our world doesn’t need any more people too busy to nurture their souls and the souls of persons everywhere.

I get stuck, paralyzed even, when I let my attention be pulled by external forces. I get so angry or overwhelmed and react poorly when I haven’t practiced svadhyaya, one of the niyamas, one of the eight limbs of yoga.

Svadhyaya – study of the self. It is the fourth niyama of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras will deepen our yoga practice way beyond the mat.

Practice of svadhyaya brings emotional balance. Emotional intelligence is accepting all feelings, allowing space and time for all emotions to move through you, thereby reclaiming your rational thinking and not being controlled or stuck by past hurts, humiliations and unmet needs.

If you catch yourself annoyed with others, love them, see their humanity, no matter how broken they seem, and then look at what state you are in.   If someone else’s behaviors can steal your peace, it is the surest map to where you need healing. Discover what, about you, needs to judge rather than be compassionate. Become aware of where to heal, in yourself, that which got broken. This is svadhyaya.

Yes, it is right to have and feel emotions; there is sadness, loss and cruelty in the world, how can we not cry, shudder and even scream about it? This sometimes is called release; crying, laughing, yawning, ranting, growling, sighing, and sweating are all ways in which we release. If we are irrational or stuck in regards to an aspect of our life, it is based on past hurts, fears, and oppression. It comes from times where we had to store away the feelings. Our beings (mind, body, cells, habits, thoughts) are where it gets stored.

In modern society we expect people to look and be fine even when grieving great loss, to be back at work within days, back to our normal selves. Grief and unreleased emotions stored in our beings cloud our rational mind and create ill health and disease.

When you are overwhelmed by the horrible things of the world, create a place to find your peace, your inner stillness, a stillness deep enough to keep you a force for good. Cultivate this in your practice and carry it forward to hold space for people along your path. Begin with those near you in your day to day life. As more of us do this, the world changes.

I too stuff emotions, yet if I find persons who are able to hold space, and practice deep listening, I release those emotions that are in the way and in my being. Then I am free to act with compassion and creative intelligence, rather than react, become depressed or shut down. I also hold space for others to do this work in equal exchange. It is not as difficult as it is different, it goes against all our conditioning, and it is worth time and effort, it is worth risking mistakes and appearing foolish.

Peace,

Christina

Recommended reading, The Smell of Rain on Dust, by Martin Prechtel

If you want to join classes and events please refer to current schedule on website menu. www.happymountainyoga.com