Still Time to Register for 2012 Winter Yoga Session at PLN Yoga Studio!

2012 Winter Session Starts January 7th!

There is still time to register for classes in Christopher Lake and Prince Albert!

I am offering a variety of classes - Noon, Youth, Restorative, Beginner, All Levels, Intermediate, plus special "Sun"day Salutation and Timed Practices.

Check out my website for class schedule or see the Page on this blog that has class information.

Please call or email me to register or for more information!

Happy New Year!

Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.vpweb.com

New Year's Words of Wisdom

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,

so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

-Joseph Campbell

Happy New Year!

Namaste.

Pamela Nelson

www.plnyoga.vpweb.com

Words of Wisdom - 12

Whenever you are sincerely pleased,

You are nourished.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Namaste.

Pamela Nelson

www.plnyoga.vpweb.com



Sahasrara Chakra - Crown Chakra

The word sahasrara means dwelling place.  The crown chakra, represented as a thousand petalled lotus, is located like a halo at the top of the head and is considered the center of consciousness where absolute awareness dwells.  This chakra is associated with the brain and pineal gland and the colors white, gold and violet.

Being balanced in this chakra means having a strong foundation with all the other chakras from the root up.  When reached, a true sense of love and peace is experienced and given to all.  There is true amazement and appreciation in all that surrounds you.

When out of balance can feel caught up in materialism and the ego and have feelings of depression, exhaustion and confusion of what life is about. 

Poses that help to to balance the endocrine system, including inversions, plus meditation to help quiet the chatter of the mind.

For meditation there is no seed sound, but Om can be chanted. 

Namaste.

Pamela Nelson

www.plnyoga.vpweb.com



Words of Wisdom - 11

The yogi knows that the physical body is not only the temple for our soul,

but the means by which we embark on the inward journey toward the core.

-B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Life

Third Eye Chakra - Anja Chakra

The Anja Chakra, also called the third eye chakra is located right behind the root of the nose, between the eyebrows, drawing inward towards the centre of the head.  I have read that Anja means command or perception, and that it is this chakra, the wisdom eye, that guides the others.

Associated with the color indigo and the body parts of the brain, nervous system, pineal and pituitary glands and the sense organs (eyes, ears, nose), this sixth chakra, when open one is intuitive, using their sixth sense.  It is said that when open, the past, present and future can clearly be seen and the universal self is connected to the individual self in non-duality.

If out of balance, one might experience headaches, hearing and/or seeing difficulties, difficulty concentrating, poor memory and make choices based on fear and past experiences instead of inner wisdom.

Supported poses, especially forward bending poses that support the third eye, will help balance and stimulate this area. 

Focusing on this chakra while chanting OM helps to balance and draw one inward.
Sit with spine erect and bring hands in front of chest.  Have the thumbs touching and pointing towards the body.  Keep the index fingers pointing up together and all the other fingers bent to the second knuckle pressing together.

Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.vpweb.com

Birthday Special - Celebrating BKS Iyengar's 93rd Birthday

To celebrate Mr. Iyengar's Birthday I am offering a special.
Register for any class in the Winter 2012 session, and come try out any 5 RESTORATIVE classes during the Winter 2012 session for only $45.

The Restorative class is on Tuesday's from 6:45-7:45p.m.

A great class for all levels to help relieve tension and balance the body.

Offer valid until December 31st, 2012.

For more information or to take part in this special please call or email.
T: 306-982-2737
E: plnyoga@plnyoga.vpweb.com

Happy Birthday!

Pamela Nelson

www.plnyoga.vpweb.com



Vishudda Chakra - Throat Chakra

The vishudda chakra, or throat chakra is of course located on the spine at the base of the neck. It is associated with the color blue and relates to the body parts of the throat, thyroid and parathyroid, trachea, neck vertebra, mouth, esophagus and hypothalamus.

The word shuddhi means to purify. Being directly above the heart chakra, it is considered the first leading to higher consciousness. Moving from the physical energy centers up to the higher spiritual centers. It is the center of communication, governing our ability to communicate creatively and in our own personal way. When balanced creativity flows, either through music, art, etc. The mind is open, one speaks the truth, and speaks in a non-harmful way.

When out of balance, one may talk to much, gossip, stutter, talk excessively or inappropriately, very shy or have either a weak or an overly loud voice. Physical symptoms that may persist is the vishudda chakra is not spinning correctly may be chronic sore throats, thyroid problems, scoliosis, canker sores, gum disease, neck and shoulder tension, teeth grinding and jaw disorders.
Some asanas that help open and balance this chakra are bhujangasana (cobra pose), matsyasana (fish pose), supta virasana (reclined heros pose), salamba sarvangasana (supported shoulderstand), halasana (plow pose), viparita karani (legs up the wall pose).
Also, practicing the jalandhara bandha (net lock) at the throat and ujjai pranayama.

Ham (pronounced Hung) is the mantra to chant to help balance the vishudda chakra. Sitting with a stable foundation, the spine lifting, cross the fingers inside towards the palms and let the thumbs touch at the top. Concentrate on the throat chakra as you chant - HAM.

Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.vpweb.com

Poster for upcoming Youth Yoga Class - winter 2012

Hello!  Here is the poster for the upcoming Youth Yoga Class. If you know anyone that might be interested please pass along. For about ages 8-11.  Thanks.

Namaste.

Pamela Nelson

www.plnyoga.vpweb.com





All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten

At this time of year we seemed to be reminded of what is really important, and for some reason this poem came to mind.  It seems to get the essence of what young kids know and as we age seem to forget.  I think we try to make things more complex, but when we go back to the basics it is all right there, we learned it in kindergarten.

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
by Robert Fulghum

These are the things I learned:

Share everything.

Play fair.

Don't hit people.

Put things back where you found them.

Clean up your own mess.

Don't take things that aren't yours.

Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.

Wash your hands before you eat.

Flush.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life -

Learn some and think some

And draw and paint and sing and dance

And play and work everyday some.

Take a nap every afternoon.

When you go out into the world,

Watch out for traffic,

Hold hands and stick together.

Be aware of wonder.

 Namaste.

Pamela Nelson

www.plnyoga.vpweb.com



Yoga to Boost the Immune System

Winter seems to be a time when our immune systems could use a boost. Below is a sequence to help the immune system. It has been adapted from SVADHYAYA, Volume 1, Issue 2 An Iyengar Yoga Newsletter from the C.W.T. Studio, Hong Kong May 2003.

Many of the poses have been a "Pose of the Month" in the past in this blog. I have listed the month so you can go back and read more information. Those that have not been I have given general instructions.

If you don't have blocks, bolsters or straps try using blankets, pillows or belts to help give support and keep the chest open.

All the poses can be held for 5-10 minutes depending on how much time you have to practice. A restorative class can be just the thing to help boost the immune system and relax the nervous system,but ensure you are holding and aligning yourself correctly.

1. Setu Bandha - with four bolsters and strap for around upper thighs.

Lie two bolsters lenghwise and place two more on top. At home could use pillows or trifolded blankets.
Sitting at one end, place the strap around the upper legs.
Sit evenly in the middle of the bolsters, bring hands down to ground and begin to release back so spine even on the bolsters.
Let the shoulders and the back of the head come to the floor. See picture below.

Back of the neck lengthens gently and the outer shoulders release to the floor so the chest can round open. Let the palms fall open with inner arms rolling out. Draw the tailbone towards the heels and keep outer thighs rolling in. Decend thigh bones down and let abdomen softly release towards the spine on the exhalation. Face, throat and abdomen remain soft.
To come up, bring feet to one side of bolsters and use arms to press up. Lift from the breatbone up with a long spine.

2. Supta Baddha Konasana

See December 2010 "Pose of the Month" for more information.

3.Supta Virasana

See September 2011 "Pose of the Month" for more information.

4.Adho Mukha Svanasana - head supported

See March 2011 "Pose of the Month" for more information.
5.Dwi Pada Viparta Dandasana - supported version

See February 2011 "Pose of the Month" for more information on the supported version.


6.Viparta Karani - Legs up the wall

Place a bolster with a blanket on top at the wall. Sit on one edge of the bolser and turn and recline back so pelvis is supported on bolster and legs go up the wall. Let the back body gently move towards the front body and the sternum lift. Broaden the collarbones towards the outer shoulders and release the arms out to the sides with palms up. Keep the face, throat and abdomen soft.

See May 2011 "Pose of the Month" for more information.

Namaste.

To Health and Happiness.

Pamela Nelson

www.plnyogastudio.com

info@plnyogastudio.com

 

December Book Review - What is your favorite holiday book?

Trying to pick a book to review for December has been very difficult because there are so many wonderful, inspiring and thought provoking books out there. 
Wintertime though brings me back to simpler times of being a kid, playing out in the snow, being excited about the holiday season, putting on variety shows for my parents and relatives and thinking of great gifts to make for family.  The excitement children bring to the season is contagious - so I am reminded of all the great holiday books I loved as a child. 

So I am not going to review any one book this month, but ask what your favorite holiday book was when you were young and maybe inspire you to go pick it up and read it again to yourself -or better yet- a child!  So many had great holiday messages.  Let me know - I would love to read them.

A few of mine:
Mandy
one about a frog or toad being lost in a winter storm and his bear friend coming to rescue him - anyone know the title to that one?
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
A Christmas Carol


Namaste.
Peace on Earth.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.vpweb.com