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Sometimes it's so easy to look at my life and feel so grateful as I witness all my blessings and gifts. I see what I have rather than what I don't. I see what works rather than what doesn't. I see possibilities rather than obstacles.
 And Spring makes this easy for us with all the magnificent colors and radiant scents filling the air with beauty and life. The bulbs of flowers and trees beginning their journey toward the sun -- I witness their boldness and vibrancy. I can feel the Earth starting to awaken, to pulse to a new rhythm. How I wish I could always have that resilience, that unwavering perspective toward light, love, and gratitude!Yet other times, it feels like in order to feel gratitude I have to move cement inside of myself to shift my perspective. So what do we do in these instances when we can't see anything but the void and emptiness? Well, I'll tell you one thing: it doesn't help when I hear someone say, "try and see what you're grateful for," or "just have faith," or "try and detach and look on the bright side!" Ahhhh, it's simply not that easy sometimes. In these moments, all we can do is feel where we are first. And if that means wishing it were different, than let it be. Wish your heart out, cry your heart out. If we can't accept fully where we are, we're not being honest and can't possibly move to a different place authentically. Sometimes this just covers the feeling with a band-aid, and the wound continues to grow.
During my yoga teacher training, we referred to an acronym -- BRFWA. I still remember it to this day and want to share it with you.Breath, Relax, Feel, Watch, Allow. Many people (myself included) get off the train at Feel. It's generally the most uncomfortable place, but it doesn't last forever. I used to have a fear that if I started feeling it would never end or it would feel like death. The events that seem to stir the pot of emotions to boiling or overflowing in you or I are often the very ones that necessitate the greatest patience and modifications, as well as opportunities to awaken and grow.For some, time does not heal the inevitable changes in life, but adjusting to them offers healing through them. And adjustments can take time.Rather than "just" getting on with things as if they never happened, or staying stuck in your fears, emotions, or the situation, you now are ad-justing.
Adjusting to...Changes. Getting your bearings again. Differences, variances, perspectives. Not having all the answers. New ways. Looking at, and being with things, differently now. Getting used to a new routine or way of doing things. The way you feel physically and/or emotionally. Loss on various levels. Not being able to do things the way you used to. The unknown.It's important for our health to be vulnerable not only with others but also with ourselves. To have that intimate relationship with our own hearts is crucial to living a balanced emotional life. So, next time you retreat inward when you need to feel, try and remember BRFWA. It won't last forever, and it won't kill you either, that I can promise. Be well my friends, and may the light of Spring bring you the promise of rebirth, renewal, and a burst of hope.Wishing you health and happiness,Anisha
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Pangu Yoga at Ananda Healing Arts
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classes by-donation April 29 and May 13
Take advantage of the opportunity to experience Pangu Yoga in a small group setting with Anisha at Ananda Healing Arts. With class size limited to four students, you can dive deep in to the practice in a more intimate setting, and allow for more regular Qi cultivation through group practice.
A love offering is appreciated but not expected.
 Mondays, April 29 and May 13 9:30-11:00 am
Must have previously taken Pangu Yoga.
Thoughts from a student after a recent Pangu Yoga class
I remember feeling so grounded in the practice, and even though it was my first experience with Pangu Yoga, Anisha led it with such love and care. I felt so at home with the practice that I began to wonder to myself, "where have I practiced this before?" Feeling much gratitude for the class and the accompanying DVD so I can practice at home too!
Blessings,
Mary Parsons
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Pangu Shengong, Saturday Group Practice
| Learn Pangu theory and strengthen your Qi
Students of the Pangu Shengong Moving Form are invited to join Anisha and Paul for a no-fee group practice every Saturday morning, held at the host's home.
This is a great opportunity to learn more Pangu theory, stay motivated, and  ask questions in a group setting, the benefits of which Master Ou often speaks. The strengthening of your own Qi, heart, and soul is the most important.
Practices are held from 10:00-11:15 am, Saturdays. Learn more at Ananda Healing Arts.
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Wood ~ the Element of Spring
| As nature awakens from winter, the Wood, which has been resting, begins to burst forth with new life. We, too, as part of nature, rise up into Spring with new energy and purpose. We plant seeds, form new plans, make decisions, and move into action. Out with the old, in with the new! So, it's no surprise that Spring is also the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being.
 Tree -- Wood Element
In Chinese medicine, Wood represents the liver and its complementary organ, the gall bladder. These organs are the primary targets for springtime cleansing and health regimens. The liver function is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body and sees the directions we must take to live our lives in harmony with nature, while the gall bladder function gives us the ability to make decisions and judge wisely.
When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also run smoothly. For optimum health this spring, move your Qi!
Put some Spring in your step!
Stretch - The liver controls the tendons. According to Chinese medicine, the
liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a
morning stretch into your routine. Try Yoga or Tai Qi.
Eye Exercises - The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.
Eat Green - Green is the color of the liver and of springtime. Eat young plants -- fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses -- to improve the liver's overall function and to aid in the movement of Qi.
Taste Sour - Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the
liver's Qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil
for your salad dressing, and garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.
 Go Outside! - Outdoor air helps liver Qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver Qi stagnation. Try hiking or take up golf.
Enjoy Milk Thistle Tea - Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.
Get Acupuncture Treatments - Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger, and frustration, which are often associated with liver Qi disharmony.
Acupuncturists choose among hundreds of acupuncture points, each with its own special quality, energy, and "spirit," to help nature do its healing work. Seasonal acupuncture treatments just five times a year can serve to tone the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems.
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To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water
exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter . . . to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower
in spring -- these are some of the rewards of the simple life. ~ John Burrough
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