Outdoor yoga! 08/12/2009
 
On the mornings that haven't been too rainy, we've been enjoying a morning practice in the sunshine. Yoga outside, first thing in the morning, is really an amazing way to start the day. It's almost impossible to not be in the present moment when the sun is shining on your face, there's a light breeze and the park around you is filled with life. It's a great way to take the time to enjoy the outdoors, while finding your mind-body-spirit connection. We'll keep it up as long as th
 
 

from Ode magazine (if you haven't picked up a copy, I highly recommend it)

 
Self Care 01/16/2009
 

I just returned home from an amazing massage with Rosy at Blue Heron Bodywork. While I make it a priority to go to yoga classes regularly, I sometimes find it hard to justify spending the money and time on something as indulgent as a massage. I realize this is an error in thinking. It's not indulgent, it's necessary!
I feel like someone hit my reset button. This is the perfect way to start the weekend. I've let go of any lingering thoughts from the week and I can simply be.
If we all took the time for self care on a regular basis, can you imagine how relaxed and enjoyable the world would be? My intention by writing this down is that I will remember how wonderful I feel and make it a priority to treat myself to this gift on a regular basis.   In addition to bliss, Rosy offers her services on a sliding scale which allows clients to calculate a payment appropriate to their level of income. She also has some specials on for January which make it nearly impossible not to treat yourself.
Excuse me while I clear my schedule for my next appointment....

 
Hibernation 12/16/2008
 

As we move towards the shortest day of the year, for many of us the urge to cocoon grows stronger every day. I often find myself faced with the question: Do I give in to this urge to cozy up and turn inwards, or do I give myself the nudge to get out of the house? Unfortunately there is no clear formula to find the best approach. Physical, mental and emotional needs change every day. It can be helpful to ask the question...what will make me feel healthy and alive today? Some days a crisp walk in the winter air will get the blood flowing and invigorate both the body and mind. On other days, cuddling up with a blanket and a book for an afternoon is so relaxing and restoring that it can provide energy for days to come.
Whether out for a walk or huddled inside, a few mindful breaths will allow for true appreciation of all winter has to offer.

 
Why Cocoa Bean? 11/18/2008
 

It’s fun. It makes me smile. It’s a bit different and it makes me wonder.

Choosing a name to represent your services is hard. Even harder is to verbalize the feeling I get from practicing yoga. I found that many words commonly associated with yoga didn’t quite feel like enough. So I decided instead to look at things I love, things that make me smile. I love chocolate. (organic, free trade, dark chocolate – the best!) Out of chocolate came cocoa. I think there is a bit of elegance to this word, and I like that cocoa is perfect in its most simple and natural form, and that it can be transformed into something absolutely divine. I also think it is fun to say.  I have always loved fun things (who doesn’t?)  - when I was about 5 years old, I took a break dancing workshop and the instructors gave us each nicknames. Mine was Jellybean.  This is where the bean came from.  I think the word bean is fun to say as well. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut and your heart.    

Yoga is fun. It makes me smile. It’s a bit different and it fills me with wonder.