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Welcome!
One of my favorite weeks of the summer is the time I spend with my "natal" family--my brother and sisters and others, at the beach on the coast of Texas.
Although my New Hampshire friends wrinkle their noses to think of exchanging of week of New England summer for one in Texas where it is unquestionably HOT, I return each year to a place my family has visited for over three decades. The ocean waters are an easy-to-enter and delightful temperature and we go in the gulf waters often.
At the beach, my mornings start with yoga, which is probably no surprise to anyone.
At 7 a.m., I carry my yoga mat close to the water's edge. Virtually no one is on the beach at this hour I am surprised to discover.
With the shore and the sound of the waves as my background, I begin with sun salutations to warm my body. I go on to poses which fit the need for how I feel in the moment. And somewhere in my sequence, I counter the effects of the bad mattress I've slept on by including great feeling back stretches. The best for me is always the end, shavasana, where I enjoy watching my body relax.
I believe in using a yoga mat each time I practice. A mat helps create an instant yoga space, no matter where you are, like for me at the beach.
I have different yoga mats for different locations: mats to teach with, for travel, and at home. I left the mat I used on the beach this year with my sister. She will wash it, put it out to dry, and make it good-as-new. I didn't want sand in my suitcase. And I suspect that she will take that mat out and use it.
Until recently I did not offer yoga mats for sale on my website. They are bulky to store and ship. But since I don't do yoga without one, and I think they are a must-have for sun salutations, the yoga flow in Heart Healthy Yoga, I knew we needed to carry them in our on-line store. They are important to make any surface "anti-slip".
Our stockroom has just received a box of mats. As a reader of my newsletter, I want to give you a deal:
Take 20% when you use the coupon code: MAT
to buy a mat through our website by clicking the link below. That is a savings of nearly $10 off two mats. Or you can order by phone (603 924-9642 or 800 960-9642.)
 Simply write MAT in the coupon box at the bottom of the order form, click "apply" and automatically you will be able to purchase one (or more) mat/s for $19.96 each.
If your total order is over $50, we will give you FREE Shipping within the U.S. |
| Quote of the Month |
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"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."
~ Buddha |
| 3 Easy Steps to a Happier Day |
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1. Morning Intention and Visualization
As soon as you wake up in the morning, take about 5 minutes to focus your mind on the day ahead. Imagine the best day where everything you want to happen occurs. Think about the goals you have (large and small), your intentions and committments, and how your relationships can be most fulfilling.
Start by sitting in a comfortable position, closing your eyes and visualizing your day going exactly as you would like it to.
Then spend several moments feeling the feelings you would feel if you had already experienced this perfect day. I believe that the intensity of this good feeling fuels an intensity of attraction.
2. Switch to a Better Feeling Thought
Start paying attention to the many times during the day that you have emotional responses (to other people, experiences, or even your own thoughts) that are not in alignment with having the best day you desire.
Pay special attention to when you feel disappointment, resentment, frustration or anger about your experiences and circumstances.
Create a shift in thinking by moving your thoughts to ones that make you feel better. It is especially important to focus your thoughts and behaviors on things that cause you to feel joy.
Focus your thoughts on what brings you joy (your lover, your best friend, your grandchildren, your favorite vacation spot). Focus also on your actions in doing the things you love to do (pet your cat, work in your garden, listen to your favorite music, do yoga).
You may also want to do the Heart-Centered Breathing technique (see below) to install love or another high positive emotion in your heart. My student Anna is one who swears this really works for her!
3. Remember an Attitude of Gratitude
It is important to take time each day to focus on what you are grateful for. Some people do this in the morning after they visualize their best day; others prefer to reflect on gratitudes in the evening or before bed.
Focus on what in your day, or in your life, (most of which you take for granted) that you are grateful for--your health, your children, your job, the nice weather, electricity, running water, a nice stereo system, your flower or vegetable garden, your pets, your friends).
No matter what your situation, there are always things to be grateful for. The more you focus on what you are grateful for, the more things and experiences you will attract to be grateful for.
A friend keeps a journal of her daily gratitudes. She has nearly filled the book and now feels an abundance of good in her life. |
| Best Buy |
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This set includes what you have seen on TV:
Heart Healthy Yoga DVD
Total Relaxation CD
Eye Pillow for superior relaxation
An $60 value for $54 plus FREE shipping in the U.S.
Don't forget to add a mat to your order. Remember to use coupon code MAT in the coupon box, to get a 20% savings off each mat. |
| Heart-Centered Breathing |
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This month's breathing technique was first printed in my newsletter of December, 2007. I repeat it because I mention it above. I learned it as the HeartMath Solution for relieving worry, fatigue, and tension by Doc Childre.
Once learned, these three steps take only a minute. The technique is very simple, but each step is important.
1. Heart Focus
Focus your attention in the area of your heart. Many people think the heart is on the left side of the chest, but it's really closer to the center, behind the breastbone. If you like, you can put your hand over your heart to help. If your mind wanders, just keep shifting your attention back to the area of your heart. Now you are ready for the next step, Heart Breathing
2. Heart Breathing
As you focus on the area of your heart, imagine your breath is flowing in and out through that area. This helps your mind and energy to stay focused in the heart area and your respiration and heart rhythms to synchronize. Breathe slowly and gently in through your heart to a count of five or six, and slowly and easily out through your heart to a count of five or six. Do this until your breathing feels smooth and balanced. Continue to breathe with ease until you find a natural inner rhythm that feels good to you.
3. Heart Feeling
Continue to breathe through the area of your heart. As you do so, recall a positive feeling, a time when you felt so good inside, and try to re-experience it. This could be a feeling of appreciation or love toward a special person or a pet, a place you enjoy, or an activity that was fun. Allow yourself to feel this good feeling and sustain it as you breathe.
In summary, focus your attention in the area of your heart, imagine you are breathing slowly through your heart area, and then while continuing to breathe slowly and easily, re-experience a positive feeling like love, compassion, or appreciation. | |
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Wishes for your health and happiness,
Yoga For The Rest Of Us
P.S. You may click on the Forward email link below to share this newsletter with others. They will not be added to our mailing list, and we do not retain their email address. |
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