October 2018

Hello all, and welcome to Fall.  For real now.  

Please enjoy some self-care tips for Fall below as well as details of classes from Heart Tree Yoga.

SELF-CARE FOR FALL
What does Ayurveda have to say?

Today feels wonderful.  This morning was the first crisp taste of Fall.  It is an absolutely gorgeous day.  

I am someone who can feel the grip of cold quickly though and I know I need to prepare my body for the cooler temperatures that this true shift of the seasons is now bringing.

The science of Ayurveda, of which (full disclosure) I am still a new learner, urges that we find balance in our systems by moving with the rhythms of the seasons and the day, particularly adjusting our self-care regime according to these shifts.  

So I thought I'd share about a book I'd like to be exploring this Fall.  It is called The New Ayurvedic Kitchen: What to Eat for How You Feel by Divya Alter.

Some bottom line tips from Alter to help our internal digestive system are to move from the lighter foods of summer to foods that have qualities of being heavy (but not clogging), moist, warm, and soft, as well as have the tastes of being sweet, sour, and salty.   This means staying clear of dry, cold and raw foods that can be more difficult to digest.  Instead, since during this time of year and the coming winter our body must utilize more internal energy to heat itself, Alter recommends cooked foods that require less internal energy to break down and digest.  Soups are a wonderful option of course.  Warmed beverages are preferred too.  And the use of warming spices figures strongly into Ayurvedic suggestions for the season as well.  

Alter's Fall recipes include some yummy looking smoothies, warmed breakfast options, rice dishes, soup, stew, main course and side dish options as well as dessert items and warmed beverage ideas.  I hope to experiment, explore and discover my favorites in the coming weeks!  Maybe you can join me.  :)
 

 OCTOBER EVENTS

Mark your Calendars! 


SUNDAY OCTOBER 21
Yoga Nidra and the Art of Conscious Relaxation
4:30-5:30 pm at Body Grace studio in Vienna 
Fee: $20 pre-registered: $25 drop-in

Yoga Nidra is an ancient practice that takes people into a state of deep relaxation through a guided meditative process and conscious visualization. Also known as yogic sleep, the practice gives rest to the mind, body and senses by drawing the practitioner into a state of conscious awareness—a brain state between full wakefulness and full sleep. This practice has been linked with reducing stress, tension and pain; improving circulation and immune functioning; lowering blood pressure and inflammation; and stabilizing mood. Yoga Nidra is generally practiced while lying down or in a seated position. For your comfort, please bring a pillow and wear comfortable clothing and arrive 15 minutes before class start. Mats and blankets are available at the studio or feel free to bring your own. Please RSVP to reserve a spot with Jan at [email protected] 


REMINDER:  MONDAY EVENINGS 6:45pm-8pm, Body Grace Fitness and Yoga

Yoga for "Core" and Connection

A truly stable core allows the body to respond naturally, without bracing and excessive tension, despite changes in how fast you are going, how much weight you are carrying, or if you are changing direction.  This unique class is for people seeking to strengthen and balance their internal structure—“core” stability—through improved movement.  Class will include a blend of mindful movement, breathing exercises, yoga poses and meditation to help practitioners experience how a supportive and responsive “core” emerges when you are moving and breathing well. Class suitable for all levels.


In addition, Heart Tree Yoga's special program  THRIVE- Supporting People with Parkinson's Through Yoga Therapeutics has begun.  Please reach out if you are curious about what's unique about this program! 
 

Care for Yourself and Be Well,

Carolyn