View allAll Photos Tagged monroect
This is a variation of Side Plank, perhaps one of the most effective Iliotibial Band or ligament stretching posture-- a very important pose for athletes, especially runners, outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, climbers and others; the transition into this pose is from last weeks posture, Pigeon Pose. Please practice the pose on both sides. If using the foam roller is not your option/preference the hip can rest on the mat or onto a block or a bolster. This pose also strengthens the oblique muscles, the shoulders and arms. It offers a great opener for the chest/pectoral muscles.
Dancer pose, Natarajasana in beautiful & colorful New Hampshire. Yoga feels great anytime and anywhere, but after a few hours in the car, it feels even more necessary. It was a scenic day trip, touring Slovenian Bee Keepers. Inspiration all around~ practice yoga and meditation for mental clarity, to open the heart and loosen tight hips, shoulders and all the rest. Breathe in peace, beauty, bliss! Exhale & let go of all that does not serve you in any way.
May you find your Bliss this week: yoga in group or private sessions, kids, teen, partner, meditation...
register in advance, please~
Low Lunge or Anjayanasana is a wonderful hip releasing posture, a gentle back bend that lengthens throughout the spine, stretches the quads and hamstrings, softens any tension in the facial muscles. It is a great pose for anyone (athletes or less active individuals). One must practice on both sides of the body; holding the pose for several long calm breaths.
Wheel Pose (Upward Pose), in Sanskrit called Urdhva Dhanurasana is truly a powerful back bending posture that requires practicing and warming up in preparatory postures that increase the flexibility of the spine as well as stamina and strength. It is extremely important to warm up the spine before one is attempting the full pose. Preparatory postures can be: Cobra, Camel, Upward Dog, Bridge and many overs. Also, one can use a large balance ball to build up the flexibility in the spine as well as confidence to lift further and deeper into a high back-bending posture such as this.
One of the last pictures I took of hummingbirds for this year. A few days later, they were gone. Hopefully, they'll have a safe trip and return next year!
Taken in Monroe, CT
September 26, 2016
Bound Extended Side Angle Pose/Baddha Utthita Parsvakonasana (a variation of a Side Angle /Utthita Parsvakonasan) --it is a great opening & lengthening pose for chest, legs, groin...Breathe deeply as you focus on keeping your gaze upward (sky or ceiling); repeat pose on both sides. One can modify: simply resting the bottom hand onto a block or rock or some handy prop & top arm reaching upwards, or top arm can wrap towards the lower back facilitating a gentler opening through the chest & torso; practice until the opening & release in the tight areas will allow deeper variations.
Handstand, in Sanskrit is Adho Mukha Vrksasana -- an inversion that will instantly change your perspective. Provides shoulders and arms strength; improves body stability and balance; relieves the body of tension and anxiety. Inversions are fun and playful; practice and enjoy the process.
On Sunday, September 4, 2016, we had several members of the extended Beacon Hill Church family visiting. Tim Bakies gave a report on his youth pastor work in Arizona and Sherman Driver preached. Both stayed for a fellowship luncheon afterwards.
Crow/Bakasana, or I should say this is a Flying Crow thanks to a wonderful and supportive friend & yogi Amie, who is in Table Pose, a strong base. Both postures are demonstrated in the photo above. Practice both Crow & Table with another person to strengthen your entire body; Crow is an arm balancing posture. Practicing Crow on solid ground is advisable, however, if practicing yoga with someone who is encouraging, fun, and willing to partner up while working on improving the body's strength, endurance, confidence, then partner up & just have fun.
On Sunday, July 3, 2016, we both worshipped our good God and thanked Him for Independence Day. Jackie Grainger came to talk to us about MasterMedia, and afterwards we did some setup for VBS.
One yoga posture that not only increases your focus, stamina and confidence, while it twists and wrings out all the unwanted toxins, stress, negativity out of mind and body; it is none other that Twisted/Revolved Side Angle, better known as Parivrta Parsvakonasana. Start in Tadasana/Mountain Pose (a definite place to ground and breathe deeply). Step one leg back as if prepping for Warrior 1, yet as the torso lengthens upward, place hands in Namaste at your heart, twisting from the waist over the bent front leg. Hold posture for 6-8 breaths, to strengthen all the active muscles involved, most importantly focusing on one breath at a time. Repeat on the second side. Enjoy every breath. Feel alive and present in each breath!
Looking forward to seeing you all week!
Warrior 1 - sunshine on the chest, knowing winter will be over soon! All the warrior postures standing poses challenge and strengthen, increasing endurance and stamina, lengthen the hamstrings, release tightness in the chest and heart area. Practice this pose anywhere you have a few moments and the space to step into the pose, focus on mindful breathing and being present. Repeat on both sides of the body.
One Legged Bridge Pose on Stand Up Paddle Board on Lake Champlain. Private session SUP yoga with a lovely young lady, Brooke an MBA student, an athletic coach, a determined individual. This is a challenging back bend, yet on a SUP becomes an intense posture. Besides being an intermediate to advanced back bend, it becomes a balancing pose; by lifting one leg it challenges & strengthens the core muscles, the glutes, the arms, opens the chest, and increases one's focus & stamina.
Saluting the sun (before race yoga to stretch the body and calm the mind) at the 23rd Annual Sprint for Monroe 2015! What an an amazing outcome at our community event; most importantly Bliss Yoga team was the largest team at the race. Thank you all for your commitment to wellness! I am grateful you are choosing Bliss as part of your lifestyle! Please share Bliss with your friends and family! Don't hesitate to invite them to yoga, share the schedule with your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors (they may not know about it and how it can improve their health and benefit their body and mind.
The pose of the week is Partner Bow- Dhanurasana. Bend back in shape of a bow without forcing the pose; simply find your energy, lock in, load and be ready to aim; aim for your personal goal/intention; focus on your target. Just breathe and remember to have fun while practicing on your own or with a partner (it's even more enjoyable).