LAUGHTER:  

As always, the best medicine!

A woman was sitting with her three year old son while he opened the birthday gift from his grandmother.  He was delighted to find a super soaker water gun. He squealed with delight and headed for the nearest sink.

The woman was not pleased and turned to her Mother and said, "I'm surprised at you. Don't you remember how we used to drive you crazy with water guns?"

Her Mom (the Grandmother) smiled and then replied, "Oh yes, I certainly do remember..." 

 How To Really Enjoy Your Summer Vacation!  

Today's newsletter includes my recommendation for what I think will be the second most popular book among baby boomers this summer - after mine of course! I just loved reading Don't Ever Give Up On Love. Those of you who know me personally, know that I'm the glass half full type and this book is an incredibly "feel good" collection of stories. I loved every page. As always, enjoy my anti-stress tip and the humor at the bottom left of the newsletter. 

This time of year can be quite stressful. Planning a much deserved vacation, while attempting to "catch-up" on everything, so that your "to-do" list doesn't reach from ceiling to floor, before you get back from your trip, can be daunting. While I can't wave a magic wand and make it all disappear, I can give you a technique for coping with the stress so that it doesn't ruin your much needed R&R. 

The best way to get everything done on your list, believe it or not, is to take some time out to meditate! I know that sounds counter-intuitive, but hear me out. When you allow your mind to rest and your body to relax, everything becomes clearer, you are more focused, concentration improves and you get more done. Many people believe that they must sit in lotus position to meditate, and indeed, that's the way I was taught. The idea is that when you are in lotus position, you have a stable, triangular base for your body to remain comfortable and balanced while you meditate. Well, perhaps that works for some, but most of the Baby Boomers that I know are not the least bit balanced nor comfortable in lotus position! They are quite relieved when I show them another option, the position I meditate in, and that it works quite well. It's also good for your spine, so you get double the benefit!

Lie on your back with your butt up against the base of your couch, your lower legs resting comfortably on the seat of your couch, with your thighs perpendicular to the floor. This position allows your back muscles to relax completely. If your neck is arched, with your chin pointing toward the ceiling, place a small pillow under your head so that your neck muscles can also relax completely. Now count your breath backwards from 27: inhale 27, exhale 27, inhale 26, etc. all the way to zero. When you reach zero, start again.

Focus on deep, full inhalations and long slow exhalations. This will lower your blood pressure and help your body to circulate freshly oxygenated blood to every organ, muscle and gland. Do this for at least ten minutes every morning before you start your day and you will see how much more can be accomplished!

Best of Health,

Kathi 

BACK WORKSHOP IN THE BERKSHIRES!

For all you BERKSHIRE-ites!

      Workshop on Saturday at Sruti Yoga Center

33 Railroad St. 2nd floor 

Great Barrington, MA.   

"Stop Back and Sciatic Nerve Pain Today!"

Saturday June 25th from 1 - 3:30 pm   

$50.00 - now that's a bargain!   

 Reserve Your Spot Now!