shape shifting=breathing

Yoga was canceled and I had no problem spending a rainy Saturday at an anatomy workshop by Leslie Kaminoff (hosted by the Long Island Yoga Association). I work near his studio but am yet to actually attend anything there. We learned that the diaphragm connects to so many different parts of the body, from the tongue to foot ligaments! So expanding the diaphragm--shape shifting, though not necessarily through downward, belly-outward force of air--deepens the breath. I like this idea of expansiveness. So postures can shift the shape of the diaphragm and the breath can naturally deepen.

Randy Fahrbach led another inspiring meditation webinar last night, drawing from the St Francis prayer and offering, as usual, a range of tools.

kirtan and Energy Moves

This Saturday I'll be teaching a short yoga session in Inwood Park, can't wait! The last was excellent, we had a not-too-sunny day that allowed the Inwood and Palisades fall colors to glow. Nature was our teacher, especially for mountain pose and rag doll with our heads hanging like pieces of fruit.

I participated in an energizing kirtan Sunday. I love kirtan, which I had thought was New Age and weird, but it's healing! As Wah! says, you're singing praises to god, whatever your understanding of god may be. Singing/chanting is shown to have therapeutic benefit for stress reduction, even if the bhakti-devotional aspects are unappealing.

I also did a fantastic class with CJ McPhee and her Energy Moves system, it's so gentle and relaxing. For anyone interested in tai chi and chi gung, these motions are easy to follow yet feel very renewing. Soon her DVD/CD will be available on Amazon, which I've used and enjoy. Simplicity meets healing.