Get Yoga Happy
photo by B. Imei Hsu May 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Yoga and Summertime: Atheletes
Summertime is the time I use to "catch up". With practitioners moving outdoors to take advantage of the gorgeous Seattle weather, I shift my focus towards dance performance and what I like to call Seattle's "high season" of Bellydance (aka Middle Eastern dance) with the following free public festivals:
NW Folklife Festival (May 22- 25)
Mediterranean Fantasy Festival (July 17 - 19)
Arab Festival (dates to come)
I wrap up my group classes (Yoga for Eating Disorders and Yoga at Rainier Health and Fitness) for the summer, and I also head outdoors. An example is Yoga on Alki Beach (meet at the statue). If the weather holds, I'm down there doing pratypana (warm ups), pranyama (breathing techniques), and modified yoga asana while facing the water. You are welcome to join in, watch, ask questions, or just take one of my free newsletters, which includes "Five Tips to Your Best Summer...Ever."
I also like to consider the intersection between Yoga and other sport activities, such as running, soccer, tennis, and bicycling. Using Yoga to control your breathing and release prana (life force) is an essential element to any physical activity.
Recently, I spoke with a young football player who has had some difficulty with breathing. After conducting a session focus on breath technique and meditation, there was a visible positive result! Of course, he had been advised to see a doctor and rule out any physiological explanations for his breathing difficulties. I expect to hear back how these techniques helped him with his football training. But it was no surprise to hear that his team uses some modified Yoga Asana (Postures) to help them improve their strength, control and focus, and agility.
Got a story about Yoga and your sport activity? Shoot me a response.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Summer of Yoga and Dance
Summer updates for Dream Yoga and Dance in Seattle:
YOGA
Free Yoga and Yoga demos at Alki Beach Saturdays in June (meet at the statue), weather permitting.
Yoga at Rainier Health and Fitness will continue until the last Monday in June, and then return in September.
Yoga for Eating Disorders ends June 17. I will offer private and semi-privates on this subject by appointment.
DANCE
June 19 Friday 10 pm Bellydancing with Imei at Jerzy's Wine Bar, Redmond. Free.
June 27 Saturday 6:30 pm and 8 pm Bellydancing with Imei at Spiro's Greek Island, Kent
June 28 Sunday 7 pm Pearls of the East: Bellydance and Beyond at Kalia Indian Cuisine, Greenwood
Coming soon: July's schedule for dance, including Mediterranean Fantasy Festival July 17 -19
See my website at http://www.dreamyogaanddance.com
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Rainier Health and Fitness turns Four
Happy Birthday, Rainier Health and Fitness
If you live or work near Beacon Hill, you need to check out Rainier Health and Fitness.
There are no celebrities here. Not a lot of fancy machines. There are a few trainers and volunteers who float around and can give you tips on workouts and healthy-heart activities. There is no juice station or protein powder shake stands, no tanning beds, sauna or jacuzzi. Instead, a clean environment with a daycare available, and memberships starting at $11 per month for those who can't otherwise afford a safe place to exercise within a 20 mile radius.
Other perks:
Yoga
Spinning classes
Aerobics
Free weights and machines
Friendly staff
Women-only hours (at specified times)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Yes YOU can...
Yoga and Obama
I admit it. At the West Seattle Democratic Women's breakfast to watch the inauguration of Barack Obama, I was looking for one of the many Kleenex boxes floating around the room.
Obama has not only inspired a nation, but the world. It was estimated that 5 billion people watched this moment through satellite. If I recall correctly, only three other events have caused that kind of stir -- the first man on the moon, the death of Princess Diana, and the explosion of the space shuttle. Ooh, maybe this Maddoff scandal also rates high. But nothing has united us, given us as much hope, and make the bleakness of this recession a little less... bleak.
Obama has rightly asked people to consider service. Why service? It is a platform for change that you can visibly see, and usually immediately.
Yoga is another vehicle for change. The practice of Yoga makes you see things differently, reframing your perspective, even as you hang upside down in Downward facing dog, balance on your hands in Crow, or look up towards the sky in Warrior I. The practice of the Yamas and Niyamas (restraints and practices) help work out your character, preparing it for change. Ever notice how some of the most hip and progressive people are older people with a practice such as meditation and yoga (namely, H.H. Dalai Lama)? How do you think HE prepares for the inevitability of change? Yes, even the HH has a physical practice.
We have to go beyond wanting change. We must now BE the change. If you don't know what that is, get with some people who do, who understand that mind and body shifts from moment to moment. Chances are, you'll find those people in a yoga class.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Kripalu Yoga at Belltown Dance Studio Wednesdays at 6 pm
NEW! Kripalu Yoga at Belltown Dance Studio
Wednesdays at 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm (started on Jan. 14)
2515 4th Avenue (4th and Vine)
Parking is easy!
$15 drop in format, or pre-pay at the beginning of a series (5 weeks) for a discount!
Imei brings Kripalu Yoga and her knowledge of body mechanics in dance to enhance your Yoga practice. She will help you work through personal challenges, modifying any pose to help you stretch, strengthen, prevent injuries, and improve your balance on and off the mat.
Bring your own mat if you have one, a personal towel and water bottle.
For more information, see www.dancesalsaon1.com (soon to be Belltown Dance Studio site).
Friday, January 9, 2009
New Yoga Classes in 2009!
After the wild weather...
After the holidays...
After traveling to Paris and back....
NEW YOGA CLASSES for every budget and location!
T-mobile employees:
Fridays at noon, Newport fitness center, 12 noon - 1:15 pm
Suggested donation format
Rainier Health and Fitness
Mondays starting January 12 at 5:30 - 6:45 pm
Included in your fitness membership of $11/month!
NEW! Belltown Dance Studio
2515 4th Avenue (4th and Vine)
Wednesdays staring January 14 at 6:00 - 7:15 pm
5 weeks, $70 if you prepay by January 12, $75 thereafter
or $15 to drop in
Prepay by going to www.dancesalsaon1.com, register page, and scroll down to Kripalu Yoga
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