Obviously this shift can have dramatic impact on the quality of our relationships. Communication that generates from the heart center includes consideration for both speaker and audience. You don't have to be a yogi to know what I'm talking about. The phrase "speaking from the heart" is widely known. Think about the last time someone said something to you and it really resonated. Were they trying to convince you of their point or were they sharing something personal? 

A person with an open, balanced Fourth Chakra has a great capacity for love and compassion without becoming drained. This chakra point is the home of courage, which relates to the French word coeur meaning heart, and inspiration, a word derived from the Latin root spirare meaning to breathe -- a lovely reminder that the Fourth Chakra rules the heart and lungs.

Looks like The Grinch needs a little work on his Fourth Chakra

Fourth Chakra imbalance can manifest physically in the form of heart and lung problems, arthritis, asthma, hypertension, stroke and a compromised immune system. Poor posture or slouching can signal problems here. The shoulders are a gateway to the heart and, from an energetic perspective, their role is to protect the heart from "bad" stuff. Awesome tactic -- unless the shoulders never get any release and instead become clogged with chronic tension.

Emotional symptoms of a problematic Heart Center can be seen in fear, bitterness, co-dependency, insensitivity, grief, depression, jealousy, loneliness, despair and holding grudges (see the quintessential image of this phenomenon, at left, by Dr. Seuss). Those are some pretty bleak character traits -- but if a sorry case like The Grinch can expand his shriveled heart, there's certainly hope for the rest of us.

All pranayam (breath exercise) provides healthy stimulation to the Fourth Chakra. A wonderful asana (pose) to begin with is Baby Pose, which opens this area from the back body and, therefore, may feel less vulnerable than sending the heart forward. As your heart center begins to open, it becomes possible to explore more advanced poses. From baby backbends such as Sphinx Pose, Warrior I and Cat/Cow you may eventually work your way into more challenging asanas like Camel Pose, Bow Pose or even Wheel Pose (a good-old-fashioned backbend).

Working on the Fourth Chakra invites compassion, love and grace into our lives. But remember, there is no advantage to rushing into heart opening. If this area is blocked, it is with good reason and attempting to move too fast too soon here can actually make matters worse. By the time many folks get to a yoga class (child prodigies excluded), the Heart Chakra can be quite closed thanks to emotional wounds that happen in life.

Often the early stages of a yoga practice involve encouraging this area to revive after trauma, conflict, death or divorce. Allow this chakra to open slowly and gently. In other words, I urge you to say no if a teacher wants to stand on your upper back and pull your arms behind you to "open" this center. Such force can cause not only physical injury but can also overwhelm you to the point of being reluctant to continue your practice. Instead, use breath awareness and gradual progress to invite the heart to melt over time.

Yoga teaches us to begin exactly where we are. My students hear me say often during class, "Listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs." Slowing down and allowing a pose to show itself to you on your mat creates protected space not only for your physical body but also for suppressed emotions. When the old hurts are released safely, and we can look upon our own frailties gracefully, the authentic power of the Heart Chakra can shine upon ourselves and others. 

At this time of year, I frequently hear from people that the holiday season is a major source of stress. The seemingly endless advertisements depicting joyous holidays do not resonate with many of us. Furthermore, the pressure to be cheerful can be unbearable for those dealing with complicated family dynamics or painful changes in their lives.

Even for those who typically enjoy the coming weeks, the hustle and bustle leaves little time for self-care. Without making a special commitment to nurture your body, mind and spirit, you can quickly get lost in the shuffle.

My December class at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena will be specially designed to neutralize strain and relieve mild depression. You will also benefit from poses that balance the glandular system and aid digestion (just in case you eat too much Tofurky) and we will probably even laugh a little, too!

Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena

10 to 11:30 a.m. 

$15 suggested fee

Complimentary! Gratis! On the house! 

North Hollywood  

"Yoga" is a word that derives from the Sanskrit "jugat," which means to join together. The purpose of all yoga is to awaken consciousness. Various styles of yoga emphasize differing methods to achieve that awakening. No style of yoga is "better" or "worse" than another, they simply employ different methods for practice.

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini yoga uses breath, sound and movement to create a awareness of and connection to mind, body and spirit. A typical class lasts 90 minutes. The session includes tuning in, warm up, a set of poses called a "kriya" designed by Yogi Bhajan for a specific effect (such as glandular balance or spinal flexibility), meditation, relaxation and closing.  

Hatha yoga is the most widely practiced form of yoga in the world. Hatha Yoga uses asana (postures) and conscious breathing in combination with mental focus to develop awareness, strength and flexibility, and relaxation. Poses and sequences common to Hatha yoga (such as sun salutations) are often part of the warm up for my Kundalini yoga classes. 

Private Classes

Private classes at my studio are available by appointment for $75.00 per class. You will benefit from personalized yoga sets and meditation specific to your needs and/or requests, typically lasting 90 minutes. For an additional transportation fee (based on mileage), I am able to provide private instruction in your cat-free home. 

Mat Space Reservations

Space is limited to six mats per class in North Hollywood. For this reason, online reservations are required to attend. Online reservations are requested, but not required, at locations other than my home studio. Private classes are by appointment only. Please email me to ask questions or make an appointment. 

Cancellations 

Students who cancel their mat space reservation with less than 24-hour notice will be asked to pay the full class fee. No charge for cancellations with more than 24-hours notice.  

Private Classes

Private classes at my studio are available by appointment for $75.00 per class. You will benefit from personalized yoga sets and meditation specific to your needs and/or requests, typically lasting 90 minutes. For an additional transportation fee (based on mileage), I am able to provide private instruction in your cat-free home.