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Happy Vata Season

Happy Vata Season

The crisp morning air of fall beakons us to incorporate some seasonal changes to our yoga practice. Ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine from India, is a sister science to yoga. One of the ideas that Ayurveda teaches is that with the change in season, we should make some changes in our diet and exercise routines. Ayurveda teaches that the dry, cold energy of fall and winter, the Vata Season, impact us physically and mentally. During this season we may be more prone to generalized aches and pains, stiff and painful joints, rough,…Read more
Hello My Name Is…Failure

Hello My Name Is…Failure

Last winter, when it was too cold for outdoor aerobic activity, I purchased EA Sports Active for my Wii. I got started the day I brought it home. I set my workout goals in the system, and met my new personal virtual trainer - I called her “Betty.” Betty challenged me with workouts designed to meet my goals. She used the data from the sensors I wore on my leg and arm to praise my form and progress. Her canned encouragement was endless. "Nice technique!" "You're a machine out there!" "Way to go!"…Read more
It’s All Relative

It’s All Relative

One August morning, my daughter and I started out for a walk. For the first time in a long while, the humidity was down and the thermostat was only reading 80 degrees. For a moment, when we first stepped outside, I actually wondered if AE needed a jacket and pants. As I giggled at the absurdity of that thought, I realized that 80 degrees felt relatively cool compared to the temperatures we had been experiencing. I spent the rest of our walk appreciating how much of what we think and feel is relative.…Read more
A Lunge for Everyone

A Lunge for Everyone

This is a pose that most people practiced long before they ever stepped foot on a yoga mat. So, why include it in this series focused on proper alignment and sequencing? Well, while we can all benefit from it, very few of us practice it with enough regularity to effect change. The muscles at the front of the thigh and hip get tight from sitting all day. But, they also get tight from a lot of exercise. So, whether you are a desk jockey, an athlete or some combination of the two, you…Read more
Save a Life Today – Ask5for5

Save a Life Today – Ask5for5

I thrilled to join with other bloggers and welcome Sarah as a guest blogger today. Whether or not you have kids of your own, I'm asking you to open your "parent" heart this morning and Ask5for5! Guest Blogger: Sarah Lenssen from #Ask5for5 Family photos by Mike Fiechtner Photography Thank you Jennifer and nearly 150 other bloggers from around the world for allowing me to share a story with you today, during Social Media Week. A hungry child in East Africa can't wait. Her hunger consumes her while we decide if we'll respond and…Read more