Thoracic Expression

Low Intensity, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Somatic Education, Thoracic Spine, Upper Body, Yin & Somatics | 0 comments

Yin & Somatics

Thoracic Expression

The upper back is an area that can be a big source of tension and even pain. We also have a fair amount of cultural baggage around the appropriate way to hold our upper back. Even in the Yoga world, we tend to favor a stiff and straight upper back above other shapes. But the upper back is capable of so much more, and I believe we suffer when we get locked in to a specific posture or expression.

In this practice, we explore the capacity of the upper back to generate movements, sensations and even emotions. We will use a somatic lesson adapted from Feldenkrais Method® supported by familiar Yin Poses. Your upper back and neck will really benefit from this practice.

Natural Energy

20 Minute Class, Low Intensity, Podcast, Pranayama, Somatic Education, Yin & Pranayama | 0 comments

Yin & Pranayama

Natural Energy

We usually think of Yin as calming, soothing and down regulating. But with a few tweaks, we can cultivate a calm, natural energy as well. Not the jittery wired feeling you get from caffeine but a gentle boost, without the crash.

Back in episode 7 in this 4th season, we discussed breathing techniques, science and how this all applies to Yin Yoga. Please have a listen to learn how you can apply use these techniques as well!

For this practice, I’ve applied pranayama that are known to increase sympathetic activation, gently, as well as a somatic practice. You will be amazed at how great you feel after just 25 minutes.

All you NEED is a Yoga mat but some might also like to have a blanket for comfort.

Heartfelt Good Wishes in Practice

45 Minutes Class, Compassion, Hamstrings, Hips, Low Intensity, Podcast, Somatic Education, Yin & Somatics | 0 comments

Yin & Meditation

Heartfelt Good Wishes

This movement practice is supported by a form of meditation known as a Koan. Essentially a line of inquiry that you explore quietly. This type of meditation can lead to profound insight and transformation. Your movement will focus on the lower body with a progressive sequence of twists. This is a sweet and inquisitive practice that will leave you feeling calm and centered.

Props Neeeded: Bolster and blanket

Yin & Somatics: Stress Support

30 Minute Class, Chest, Low Intensity, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Shoulder, Yin & Somatics | 0 comments

Yin & Somatics

Stress Support

Chronic stress is linked to many of the most pernicious chronic diseases that plague modern humans. Managing stress is of critical importance for health, memory, learning and quality of life. We can’t change the stressful times that we live in. But there are simple, evidence informed strategies that you can use to reduce your stress in the moment, and with practice, manage your responses to stressors in the long term. In this practice we actually explore three of these strategies.

I’ve also focused our movement on the areas in which most of us hold our stress; the shoulders, neck and adductors (inner thighs).

This practice is a go to in your stress management plan.

Props: a blanket, maybe two blocks

Yin& Meditation: Your Shoulder Without Agenda

Low Intensity, Meditation, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine, Yin & Meditation | 0 comments

Yin & Meditation

Your Shoulder without Agenda

This gentle but powerful practice explores a concept as well as the shoulder through movement and mindfulness. Your practice will be supported by a simple task, moving from a place of curiosity rather than agenda. You will have an opportunity to explore how your beliefs shape your impressions of your shoulder as well as your movments. This is a very deep and satisfying practice that may just transform how you experience your shoulder and even the world itself.

Props needed: A blanket

Yin & Meditation for Acceptance

45 Minutes Class, Back, Chest, Compassion, Meditation, Podcast, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine, Yin & Meditation | 0 comments

Yin & Meditation

for Acceptance

When most of us hear the word acceptance, we think of giving up or giving in. Our culture makes a virtue of resisting, fighting, wriggling out of difficult circumstances. But there is enormous value in the practice of accepting first. Acknowledging is the first step in self compassion.

This pod-practice is about moving forward with compassion, rather than squashing our feelings or disappointment or grief. We will explore poses that focus on the shoulders, chest and upper back as we progress through a gentle meditation. Our meditation is loosely based on the Tonglen or Lions’ Roar practice from the Tibetan Buddhism.

Props needed: Soft block, thick blanket and maybe a bolster or pillow if your shoulders are a bit stiffer.

Thank you to my model Rachel for demonstrating these poses!

The information on this podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this podcast is for general information purposes only. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS podcast.