November 7-13: Donation class and lots of Subbing AND a Restorative Practice to Re-boot Your Week

Teaching Schedule:

Monday 4pm, The Yoga Shala (NE), All Level Vinyasa *New Class!
Wednesday 4pm, The Yoga Shala (NE), All Level Vinyasa *New Class!
Thursday 7am, The People's Yoga (N), Morning Flow
Friday 10am, Exhale (NE), Hatha Blend
Friday 5:30pm, Yoga Shala (SE), All Level Vinyasa (subbing)
Sunday 4pm, Yoga Shala (SE), All Level Vinyasa- Donation class- pay what you can!

Cold weather is here, time for hot drinks and yoga to warm the soul

I wanted to draw a bit of attention to my schedule this week- on Sunday I will be teaching a donation class at the South East Yoga Shala (32nd and Division).  Pay what you can and enjoy some yoga!  This class is open to everyone and promises to be a good time.  I also have a couple new regular classes starting on Monday afternoon at 4pm at the Yoga Shala on Williams, also all level Vinyasa classes- hope to see some of you North Easters there :)

Now that November is here I find myself thinking quite a bit about gratitude and giving thanks.   I want to first off thank all the students, studio owners and fellow teachers I've met since moving to Portland.  You have all been so welcoming and open- I can't imagine a better way to move to a new city.  Around this time of year I usually like to examine my practice and give thanks for all it has brought to my life.  My practice has been with me so long I really don't know what I would be like without it and yet it still continues to inspire me on a daily basis.

It is always so interesting to look at how my practice has changed over the years.  When I left LA I felt determined to find another Mysore style class and stay with Ashtanga practice, through my time traveling I could feel my practice shifting, being active all day long I no longer felt the need for such a heating, rigorous practice.  Where I used to need the movement and the breath to get out of my head now I find that I don't necessarily need all of that for my practice to be complete.  There are times when I have been out biking and teaching all day that a simple restorative practice with some meditation and pranayama are all I really need.  I have had a great time sampling from all the awesome teachers and allowing my practice to become something that feeds me.  It is great to know that all of these practices are out there and will be there when I need them, I just am enjoying having the option to chose right now.

A little extra for this week- I've been bringing a lot of restorative yoga into my practice lately and want to pass on some of the goodness to you- here is a little mini practice for when you feel you need to hit the reset button.  If you need more detailed information on these poses email me or comment below and I would be happy to provide.

1) Supported Savasana with a blanket folded under the head and a rolled blanket or bolster under the knees.  Stay here about 5 minutes just watching the breath as is slowly moves in and out.

2) Passive twist on your back- hug the knees into the chest and then let them release to one side, arms extended to the sides and letting the head release opposite the legs.  Take about 10 long breathes on each side.

3) Legs up the Wall (Vipariti Karani).  Lie down by a wall and take the legs up the wall- you can stay here up to 10 minutes if you are comfortable.  To come up gently draw the knees into the chest, roll to one side and come up to seated.  Take a few moments here in stillness before going about your day.