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The Inner Voice
A weekly newsletter from Debbie Jensen-Grubb, RYT500
December 10, 2012 - Issue 18
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New Item! Free!!
The Daily Yoga Poses Poster |  FREE!!! For all who receive this newsletter my first ever poster to download and print out! Thank you for joining The Inner Voice newsletter! (You need to open it in another window and print it from there.) |
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Quick Links
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This weeks reading can be seen here at The Daily OM:
********************************************** To access past issues click here: **********************************************
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For the first time ever The Yoga Center will be offering classes during their winter break!
I will be offering one Gentle Yoga class on Friday, December 28 at 9:30 a.m.
or call 410-720-4340. |
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| Greetings! |  Last week I talked about the act of giving and so it naturally follows that this week the discussion is on receiving. Giving and receiving are locked together as dynamic actions, you cannot have one without the other. The ability to receive well is a social skill that requires practice to master. It, therefore, can be seen as an art to be a gracious receiver. In fact, if you think about it for a moment, you are always a receiver; for even as you are the receiver you are the giver as well, and so it stands to reason that as you are the giver you are also the receiver. It is a continuum, an unending circle, of love and gratitude. Cool, huh? What a great sequence to be a part of! |
| Mantra | |
A mantra is a sound or phrase that aids in the concentration of meditation. It is a Sanskrit term and literally means 'instrument of thought'. Here you will find a suggested mantra to use during the week (from Louise Hay's 'Heal Your Body'). Just repeat it whenever you need a lift.
I choose to handle all of my experiences with love and with joy and with ease. |
| Rib-Tickler of the Week - hee hee | |
Nothing sucks more than that
moment during an argument
when you realize you are wrong!
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Hand and Forearm Stretches
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The hand is an intricate part of the whole arm, so the hand effects the shoulder and the shoulder will effect the hand. Begin to notice how often you clench your hands, especially in traffic around the steering wheel.
From repetitive use we can experience trigger finger, carpel tunnel, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff problems. It is important that we practice good hand health to maintain healthy alignment in the whole arm, up to the shoulder.
Yoga is an excellent way in building strength in our hands, wrists, and arms. Caution is required because of the delicate structure of our upper extremities (there are eight bones in the wrist alone).
As in all yoga, when healing pain in one area you must take into account the whole body. A weak core, tight shoulders, or a too-flexible low back can throw too much weight onto the arms, wrists, or hands, so move from the center of the body in all poses. For example, if you are on all fours lift the abdomen and firm the shoulder blades onto your back by moving them apart and down so that the weight doesn't collapse onto your hands.
Alignment is important too. When you place your hands on the floor align the crease of the wrists with the front edge of the mat, next notice how your wrists fall more towards the little-finger-side, instead place equal pressure on the thumb side of the wrist. Spread the fingers and press into the index finger as much as the little finger.
We give much attention to stretching out the legs prior to exercising, give just as much attention to your hands after a long day at work. Stretch, move, and wiggle them in various positions to relieve tension. You'll feel relief spread throughout your whole body, brain, and face. You might even smile more now too! ;-)
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Nutrition Prescription - Mustard
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 For the most part when you think of mustard you think of backyard barbeques with hamburgers and hot dogs. Well, my friend, there is a host of wonderful attributes to mustard. Mind you now I'm talking about mustard powder or seeds, not the kind that is all ready mixed in the bottle.
Did you know that the mustard plant is related to broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cabbage (a strong anticancer group of plants). There are over 40 varieties of the plant but only three are mainly used: black, white, and brown. The white version is the one used to make the common American mustard, the brown is used for Dijon, and the black is used most often for medicinal purposes, especially in Asia where it originates but is becoming more popular for food uses.
Mustard stimulates digestion and increases the appetite. It has been used to heal skin diseases due to its sulfur content. Mustard plasters have been applied to the chest to clear up congestion in the sinuses and chest for centuries. In fact mustard is mentioned in ancient Sanskrit writings and the New Testament, and it is said that Hippocrates used it. Now they are looking to this amazing, age-old spice to assist in healing cancers, diabetes, relieving arthritis pain with mustard oil rubs, and scores of other uses*.
It is one of the most traded spices in the world today. You can purchase it as seeds, a powder, or all ready mixed into a condiment. The powder on its own is not very strong but when you add water to it an enzymatic reaction increases its pungency and heat. Watch out! It can be very heating and if left on the skin too long cause irritation.
It is listed by Reader's Digest as one of the top ten healing spices. Check it out and give it try and allow yourself to receive all the goodness this ancient spice has to give.
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| Ponderings - The Art of Receiving |
 For every gift given there is a gift received. How to receive is some-times the biggest question, and now that we are in gift-giving-season it might be something to consider.
To receive graciously takes skill, consideration, and kindness. It is an esteemed position to be in when you are the receiver because the giver is offering you a part of themselves. To acknowledge the gift is to acknowledge the giver.
When someone gives you a gift they have taken the time, and spent their money, to choose something for y-o-u. The fact that someone thought of you enough to give you a present is to be appreciated. It truly is the thought that counts.
Per etiquette when presented with a gift receive it with both hands if possible, look the person in the eyes, smile, and say, 'Thank You'. If it is from someone you are close to be sure to give them a hug too.
So, what if you don't like the gift, you know you'll never use it, or it's just plain hideous? It doesn't matter. Let them know how much you treasure their thoughtfulness and generosity, and how much you appreciate the person themselves.
You can even be exaggerated in your response because it's really the response that is so eagerly awaited. Have you ever watched Extreme Makeover: Home Edition? It is the reaction of the recipients upon seeing their new house for the first time that we watch the show, it brings joy to your heart and tears to your eyes. Do the same for those that gift you, be happy to show your gratitude for their thoughtfulness.
Because really isn't that is what it is all about? It is not about the presents themselves (though it is really nice to get a jaw-dropping surprise!), it's about their presence in your life. It's about the miracle and wonder of being alive, choosing each other, and sharing this glorious world together. And for just a moment someone is visibly and tangibly affirming their gratitude for you. How awesome and validating is that?
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We all love to receive gifts and we all love to give them too. It is a circle of gratitude and love. It is a way of expressing affection, friendship, happiness and joy, appreciation, and recognition. It strengthens the bond of family and community. Gifting, both giving and receiving is a part of the fabric of humankind, so in the Spirit of the season let the Spirit of the gift be more important than the gift itself.
Namaste,
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The next workshop is:
Yoga Nidra
Monday, December 31st
New Year's Eve!
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
This workshop fills up fast so please make your reservations early.
You can register at 410-720-4340 or online at www.columbiayoga.com
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