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Hi Soul Flow Yogis,
I always look for a theme when I'm trying to find the monthly welcome and I have to say that three times in the last week 'Contentment', or Santosha as it is known in sanskrit, has come across my eyes. And being a believer of signs, I will take note when the universe is trying to tell me something and pay it forward.
In reading a student's struggle, an explanation of contentment was given as to living with more acceptance of what is rather than falling into a state of complacency. Celebrating the good in each situation finding your santosha comes in reducing, simplifying and appreciating.
Notice how little you actually need. When you schedule fewer things, you create space in your day. Appreciate the openness that comes with your practice. ...on your mat and off.
And to leave you with my Yogi Tea quote from today, "Happiness Comes From Contentment."
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Technique & Alignment
with
Chris Gianino
Mondays 7:15 - 8:30 pm
Soul Flow is excited to offer this 6 week series dedicated to core alignment and engagement. - Specifically to the alignment of hips in basic standing and seated pose and to the location/engagement of mula/uddiyana while we're there. So, part technique workshop, part core strengthening session.
This new workshop is offered by Chris Gianino. Chris initially came to yoga with a desire to touch his toes and improve his climbing. Nearly 15 years later, he now no longer climbs all that much but he interacts with his toes on an almost daily basis. His teaching is based on the influences of his various teachers (including Simon Park, Katerina Wen and Edward Clark) and the strong belief that yoga should be beautiful, beneficial and lots of fun.
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"Yoga Peeps" are part of a project called ArtCycle where local artists build whatever they want out of old bicycle parts. Soul Flow Yogi's "Yoga Peeps" are displayed in downtown Spartanburg right on Morgan Square. Look for the other creative entries at various locations throughout the downtown area.
TO VOTE FOR THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD:
(which would make me most happy)
1) Call 864-285-3547
2) Listen to the art cycle history
3) Press 2 to listen to me and the thought behind Yoga Peeps
4) Press *0 to leave a message saying you wish to vote for Yoga Peeps |
Ask 'Flo'  Why do we do poses for our Thyroid?
Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is butterfly-shaped and sits at the base of the atom's apple in your neck, weighs only an ounce yet holds a massive role in the regulation of metabolism of the entire body, heart rate and temperature. Two primary hormones are produced by the thyroid: thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothryronine (T-3). These maintain metabolic rate, including the speed at which energy is burned in the body, control protein synthesis, body temperature, heart rate and a number of other functions affecting every system in the body. The thyroid also produces the hormone calcitonin, which regulates essential blood levels of calcium. The thyroid is controlled in turn by the Pituitary Glad which produces TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) located at the third eye. The thyroid gland is sensitive to environmental factors, as well as other processes taking place in our body. Environmental pollution, heavy metals, a number of prescription medications and even chronic stress, can all negatively affect thyroid function. Some imbalances of the thyroid gland occur when it is over or under-active.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is the condition of over-activity of the thyroid gland. Common symptoms include weight loss or gain, appetite changes, intolerance to heat, sleep difficulties, fatigue, impaired fertility and thyroid gland enlargement.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, hyperthyroid is a condition of disturbance of vata, the body's air element. Therapies to calm, soothe and reduce stimulation are important.
Hypothyroidism
Under-activity of the thyroid gland or less-than-normal secretion of thyroid hormone is hypothyroidism, which can cause a slowing down of metabolism. This can lead to decreased metabolic rate, with symptoms including increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, weight gain, muscle weakness and pale, dry skin. Under-activity of the thyroid is also a significant cause of depression.
Ayurvedically, hypothyroidism is a disorder of kapha, the body's earth element. Interventions that provide stimulation are appropriate.
YOGA
In the classic Light on Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar describes the significance of sarvangasana (shoulderstand). Iyengar says it is a panacea for most common ailments, since it increases the blood supply to the thyroid and parathyroid glands due to the chin lock in the neck region. All of the different variations of this pose are traditionally thought to be helpful for improving thyroid function and can be found in a most recent case study in Yoga For Wellness by renowned yoga therapist Gary Kraftsow utilizing your yoga practice to restore thyroid health.
Since thyroid dysfunction is typically under-diagnosed, and can affect all body systems, Yoga practice and finding balance are important tools for a healthy endocrine and metabolic system.
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Class Schedule
Monday
5:45-7:00pm All Levels
7:15-8:30pm Techniqe & Alignment
Tuesday
6:15-7:00am Gentle Flow
5:45-7:00pm Beginner
7:15-8:30pm All Levels
Wednesday
5:45-7:00pm Gentle
7:15-8:30pm Hot
Thursday
6:15-7:00am Gentle Flow
5:45-7:00pm All Levels
7:15-8:30pm Restorative
Friday
7:00-8:30pm Partner
(Once per Month)
Saturday
9:00-10:15am Yoga Ball
10:30-11:30am Children's
Sunday
6:00-7:00pm Community ($6) |
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Pose of the Month
Shoulder Stand
Salamba Sarvangasana
1. Fold two or more firm blankets into rectangles and stack them on top of each other. Lie on the blankets with your shoulders supported and parallel to one of the longer edges with your head on the floor.
2. Lay your arms on the floor alongside your torso, then bend your knees and set your feet against the floor with the heels close to the sitting bones. Exhale, press your arms against the floor and push your feet away from the floor, drawing your thighs into the front torso.
3. Continue to lift by curling the pelvis and then the back away from the floor so that your knees come toward your face. Bend your elbows and draw them toward each other walking your hands up your back towards your shoulderblades. 4. Raise your pelvis over your shoulders so that your torso is relatively perpendicular to the floor. Keep your chin in line with your bellybutton at all times.
5. Lift your bent knees toward the ceiling, bringing your thighs in line with your torso and hanging the heels down by your buttocks. Finally, straighten the knees pressing the heels up toward the ceiling. When the backs of the legs are fully lengthened, lift through the balls of the big toes so the inner legs are slightly longer than the outer.
6. Soften the throat and tongue. Firm the shoulder blades against the back and move the sternum toward the chin as you try and lift the upper spine away from the floor.
7. To come down, bend your knees into your torso again, and roll your back torso slowly and carefully onto the floor, keeping the back of your head on the floor.
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ROAD TRIP
Sacred Chant Concert
Snatam Kaur, GuruGanesha Singh, Ramesh Kannan
Atlanta, Georgia
Friday, September 24, 2010 07:30 PM
Join Soul Flow on this wonderful experience.
Sign up at the studio or Yogi@SoulFlowYogi.com |
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Soul Flow in the News!
Natural Awakenings - Page 6!
Pick up this month's copy, or click above, to read a great blurb on our Kid's Yoga Class with a fun picture of Alissa and Luke. |
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