Good morning!!
Just a reminder that Wake Forest Yoga is having FREE yoga week THIS WEEK!! Come check it out for FREE!! Visit www.wakeforestyoga.com or check the schedule here: http://www.wakeforestyoga.com/October%201%20to%207%20WFY%202007%20Free%20Class%20Schedule%20Rev3.pdf
I'm teaching a free YIN YOGA class tomorrow night at 6pm. :)
Also, my October schedule is out. Here's the link:
http://www.yogawithmarianne.com/uploads/Marianne_s_Yoga_1007Schedule_1_.pdf
Om Shanti,
Marianne
Monday, October 1, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Happy...Here....Now
Good morning,
First, take a moment to enjoy this beautiful blue sky. I took this pic on my last trip to Mexico. Oh...so sweet!
Yesterday & today my thoughts have been coming back to santosha, one of the niyamas. Typically you will find this translated to mean 'contentment'.
But what does it truly mean to be content? It sounds rather easy...but really, how often do you find yourself at a place of of contentment in your body, in your life, in your own mind? How often can you find your thoughts NOT racing to the next thing, or not worried about the future?
Seems in meditation this week a sense of peaceful contentment has been my experience. And realizing that peace makes me so much more aware of how other parts of my day are, well....to be completely honest, not so full of contentment.
Many of us can find ourselves at times looking to the past, looking to the future, spending lots of energy trying to makes sure we get what we think we want, looking to improve our 'now' experience. But really, in truth, doesn't all this serve to take us further away from the present?
If you are honest and ask yourself when thoughts come up for you, you may find that lots of your anxiety and frustration comes from the past or the future. If you really examine these thoughts, you might discover, like I do, that in the present most of the time the past and my experiences in the past are not really there for me in that moment. It's the thoughts about the past that are! And if I find myself dwelling on the future, I remember to remember that I've tried to make the future one way...and how did it turn out? The way it was going to anyway...with or without my effort. The control we have when it comes to our future experience is really limited. (Although our thinking minds would like to say WE have control!)
How much time are you really present in your life?
And if you aren't in the present living your life, who is??
All we really have control over are our thoughts and our reactions to them.
Become your own detective!!
In class I'll say "breathe" or "be aware of your breath". Truly these are hints to help bring folks back the present. And even on my own mat in my practice, I continue with these helpful hints to myself. And I think the more you examine your life, the more you can be your own guide to the gift that is the present.
So, if you're up for it...take some time to consider this post. Ask yourself and honestly see the answer to the question "How often are you truly present?" and see what you see. Don't ask yourself questions you think you already know the answer to. Be present.
Who knows, maybe you get a different experience today if you are open to the possibility.
May you find contentment and acceptance in every breath, with each moment, and with yourself.
Love & light,
Marianne
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Mats!
Namaste! Today I wanted to post my recommendations for yoga mats. As a teacher, I get lots of questions from students about mats. So, to my dear students & friends: here ya go!
I spent YEARS looking for just the right mat for my practice. I can't tell you the number of mats I bought & slid around on. And most yoga mats (the sticky kind) are made of PVC. On those mats, they would flatten when my hands/feet where on them so much, it was like not even having a mat. Oh my poor hips in Dhanurasana!
After lots of different mats, I finally found my favorites. And, I gave away the mats I didn't like.
Here are my top two:
1) Harmony Yoga Mats by Jade Yoga. Find out more about them here:http://www.jadeyoga.com/store/home.php
My take: This mat holds a special place in my heart. It was the first one I can say worked! The first one I didn't slip on. I put my hands down, and they stay there! This is the one I use when I teach. I use it when I teach simple because it's not as heavy as the Manduka mat below. Although, after much use, it's started to show some wear. I still don't care, I love this mat...and will buy others in the future. I like it because I don't slide, and it's rubber...so it has more cushion than my old mats. It feels better because it doesn't "give" as much.
Costs: Around $50 retail
2) The Manduka mat, aka theTaj Mahal of yoga mats here: http://www.amazon.com/Manduka-71-Inch-Yoga-Mat-Black/dp/B0000DZFXZ
My take: This mat is great! It's the one I recently purchased after hearing from MANY yoga teachers that this was THE mat to have. It's heavy though; it weighs almost 7 pounds!! Because of the weight, this one stays home on my floor for home practice. I don't slide, it's SUPER thick, and it's supposed to last forever. And from the ones I've seen, I believe it will. Downside: you pay extra for the Taj Mahal of yoga mats. This one costs almost $80. But, if you consider all the mats I've bought, I'm more than paid for it in awful mats!
So, check them out & see what you think. The Harmony mat is now available in 3 thicknesses. :o) BOTH of these are better for the environment than the PVC mats. Since they last longer, they are less likely to end up in landfills. But yes, both of these are more expensive than the PVC mats. You pay for quality.
If you decide you want a Harmony mat, I am set up to purchase these wholesale. If I can get an minimun order of 4 mats, I can get them cheaper than the retail price listed above. All these prices are before shipping costs, of course. Email me if interested!
These 2 mats are the only mats that get the Yoga with Marianne stamp of approval currently. You can use PVC mats...some are better than others, but if you want a good mat, and you plan to stick with yoga and want your hands to stick in Downward Facing Dog, then go ahead & invest a little more.
Your wrists, hips and knees will thank you!
Happy Yogaing!
I spent YEARS looking for just the right mat for my practice. I can't tell you the number of mats I bought & slid around on. And most yoga mats (the sticky kind) are made of PVC. On those mats, they would flatten when my hands/feet where on them so much, it was like not even having a mat. Oh my poor hips in Dhanurasana!
After lots of different mats, I finally found my favorites. And, I gave away the mats I didn't like.
Here are my top two:
1) Harmony Yoga Mats by Jade Yoga. Find out more about them here:http://www.jadeyoga.com/store/home.php
My take: This mat holds a special place in my heart. It was the first one I can say worked! The first one I didn't slip on. I put my hands down, and they stay there! This is the one I use when I teach. I use it when I teach simple because it's not as heavy as the Manduka mat below. Although, after much use, it's started to show some wear. I still don't care, I love this mat...and will buy others in the future. I like it because I don't slide, and it's rubber...so it has more cushion than my old mats. It feels better because it doesn't "give" as much.
Costs: Around $50 retail
2) The Manduka mat, aka theTaj Mahal of yoga mats here: http://www.amazon.com/Manduka-71-Inch-Yoga-Mat-Black/dp/B0000DZFXZ
My take: This mat is great! It's the one I recently purchased after hearing from MANY yoga teachers that this was THE mat to have. It's heavy though; it weighs almost 7 pounds!! Because of the weight, this one stays home on my floor for home practice. I don't slide, it's SUPER thick, and it's supposed to last forever. And from the ones I've seen, I believe it will. Downside: you pay extra for the Taj Mahal of yoga mats. This one costs almost $80. But, if you consider all the mats I've bought, I'm more than paid for it in awful mats!
So, check them out & see what you think. The Harmony mat is now available in 3 thicknesses. :o) BOTH of these are better for the environment than the PVC mats. Since they last longer, they are less likely to end up in landfills. But yes, both of these are more expensive than the PVC mats. You pay for quality.
If you decide you want a Harmony mat, I am set up to purchase these wholesale. If I can get an minimun order of 4 mats, I can get them cheaper than the retail price listed above. All these prices are before shipping costs, of course. Email me if interested!
These 2 mats are the only mats that get the Yoga with Marianne stamp of approval currently. You can use PVC mats...some are better than others, but if you want a good mat, and you plan to stick with yoga and want your hands to stick in Downward Facing Dog, then go ahead & invest a little more.
Your wrists, hips and knees will thank you!
Happy Yogaing!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Quote for today...
"Meditation stirs up the dirt on the bottom of the pond. So at first the water seems murky, muddy, worse than it was. But over time, it clears and becomes a crystal pool."
Ahhh...don't you just love crystal pools?
Ahhh...don't you just love crystal pools?
Monday, August 27, 2007
Yoga teachers are human too
Can you believe this title? I mean, really, don't you think they aren't human? Isn't all the yoga asana & pranayama & meditation supposed to make those that teach yoga somewhat "superhuman"?
Well...think again. As I type this post I am home sick. Yep, and I teach yoga too. And believe it or not...I even had to get a sub for my yoga class tonight because I'm sick.
Part of me feels guilty. I should be out teaching yoga, working, right? Yet my body says, rather abruptly: "STOP! You need to slow down whether you want to or not."
And I'm listening. I realize that going non-stop creates an imbalance, so I'm in the Yin mood today. I'm trying to take it easy...and get better.
So there--I said it. I get sick-just like most other folks on the planet. I get sick and I get colds sometimes too. I get sore throats, headaches, fevers, and the like. So truly we have more things in common than things that separate us.
I even go to doctors too. :) And I like the fact I have doctors that are so great at helping keep me healthy!
So part of me felt like posting to tell you all the great yoga things you could do (or I could do) to help from getting sick. But since I've been sick for the past week, I felt it best to just post about the fact yoga teachers get sick too.
And to top it all off, I got sick on vacation. I can hear all the "poor you" coming my way now. Yes, getting sick on vacation is absolutely no fun. But it does happens, so it's still part of our experience.
Today I'm embracing the human in me...the part of me that can catch bugs, the part of me that can get sick after breathing recirculated air from a sold out flight to the West coast and the part of me that does enjoy a throat lozenge when my throat is so sore.
Remember we are all human. We all want to be healthy, happy, and free.
Today, I'm focusing on the healthy part of that...and I'm embracing compassion towards myself, and acceptance. No need to struggle more...I'll just stay in bed, and really relax.
Maybe I'll just go do savasana now.
Well...think again. As I type this post I am home sick. Yep, and I teach yoga too. And believe it or not...I even had to get a sub for my yoga class tonight because I'm sick.
Part of me feels guilty. I should be out teaching yoga, working, right? Yet my body says, rather abruptly: "STOP! You need to slow down whether you want to or not."
And I'm listening. I realize that going non-stop creates an imbalance, so I'm in the Yin mood today. I'm trying to take it easy...and get better.
So there--I said it. I get sick-just like most other folks on the planet. I get sick and I get colds sometimes too. I get sore throats, headaches, fevers, and the like. So truly we have more things in common than things that separate us.
I even go to doctors too. :) And I like the fact I have doctors that are so great at helping keep me healthy!
So part of me felt like posting to tell you all the great yoga things you could do (or I could do) to help from getting sick. But since I've been sick for the past week, I felt it best to just post about the fact yoga teachers get sick too.
And to top it all off, I got sick on vacation. I can hear all the "poor you" coming my way now. Yes, getting sick on vacation is absolutely no fun. But it does happens, so it's still part of our experience.
Today I'm embracing the human in me...the part of me that can catch bugs, the part of me that can get sick after breathing recirculated air from a sold out flight to the West coast and the part of me that does enjoy a throat lozenge when my throat is so sore.
Remember we are all human. We all want to be healthy, happy, and free.
Today, I'm focusing on the healthy part of that...and I'm embracing compassion towards myself, and acceptance. No need to struggle more...I'll just stay in bed, and really relax.
Maybe I'll just go do savasana now.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Yoga with Stormy
As promised, here are some more pics from the Grand Opening. Yoga with Stormy pics!
Have a great day!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Yoga with Morgan
Here are some pics of one of the newest yoginis, Morgan!! She came with her family to the yoga booth at the recent grand opening.
Isn't she great? Check out her camel! I think if her mom would have let her...she'd have practiced yoga all day long with me! :)
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Cameron's Story
Good afternoon,
Today I'm going to post about my friend, Mark Rowe's son.
I just spoke with Mark Rowe a little bit ago. He gave me an update on his son. For those of you that don't know, his son is now quadriplegic after an accident. His son Cameron is in Atlanta for treatment now...and there has been some progress. Mark just told me on the phone that Cameron is requesting special prayers for his lungs to clear and his tongue to heal so that he can eat, talk and breathe.
Mark also let me know about a website we can all visit to send Cameron our encouragement via the web. Although Cameron cannot talk, he can certainly get these messages
So, when you get a moment, go visit his site. It's really simple. Just go to www.caringbridge.org
Then type in cameronrowe (no space obviously). From there you can read his story, view his journal, and leave messages on the guestbook he checks daily.
I know that Mark & his family appreciate all the support & prayers.
Thanks!
------------------------------------------
I thought I'd go ahead & attach some more info in case you would like it. Here ya go!
Here's Cameron's story...
On June 7, 2007, Cameron was practicing with his brother Derrick at a motocross track called Robin's Ridge, about an hour from Charlotte. On his second lap, he was riding with a group of expert riders and approached a huge jump. He decided at the last minute to slow down to avoid crashing and hurting other riders. As a result of this, Cameron landed short of the landing area, severely injuring himself. He knew that he would take a hard fall but wanted to make sure the other riders would not get hurt.
Cameron was air lifted to CMC with his father, Mark at his side, fighting for his life. He fractured his C-1, C-2 and C-4 Cervical vertebra along with other injures.
He is now in Atlanta at the Shepherd Center, one of the top spinal hospitals in the country. His spinal injury is considered an "incomplete injury" which gives us all hope that his condition improves.
Cameron wants everyone to know he appreciates all the cards and prayers and communicated to his mom and dad "my goal is to walk out of the hospital one day".
--------------------------
And here's the update on how he's doing....
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 08, 2007 11:41 AM, CDT
It's been 2 months since Cameron's accident. His web page has been on line for less than 2 weeks with over 475 visits. Cameron thanks everyone for visiting and writing in the Guestbook. He looks forward each day to find words of encouragement, prayers, and humor.
This is the first update on Cameron's condition and Mark (his dad) wants everyone to know his prognosis.
It is a Traumatic Atlanta-Occipital dislocation, a rare lesion that is usually fatal. On June 14th surgeons and the trauma team performed a fusion operation that attached the base of his skull to his C-1 through C-4 vertebra with titanium rods to stabilize his neck. Test show that he did not have any cognitive brain injuries (reasoning, understanding, memory) however his brain stem was traumatized which affects all functions of his body. (Eyesight, speech, breathing, and resulting in quadriplegia paralysis)
His improvements are as follows: He has total sensation through out his body, moving his neck, shoulders, abs and isolated leg movements. Doctors have reduced his pain medicine and he is gaining more sensation in areas that he could not feel before. He is now breathing without a ventilator but uses a trach tube. Speech therapy is helping strengthen the base of his tongue so that he will be able to breathe, speak, and eat in the future. The good news is, doctors are amazed at his progress in such a short time and is conducting a medical case study to document his progress.
Cameron is requesting special prayers for his lungs to clear and his tongue to heal so that he can eat, talk and breathe.
He also asks that you pray for his family to give them hope and strength while he is in recovery.
Today I'm going to post about my friend, Mark Rowe's son.
I just spoke with Mark Rowe a little bit ago. He gave me an update on his son. For those of you that don't know, his son is now quadriplegic after an accident. His son Cameron is in Atlanta for treatment now...and there has been some progress. Mark just told me on the phone that Cameron is requesting special prayers for his lungs to clear and his tongue to heal so that he can eat, talk and breathe.
Mark also let me know about a website we can all visit to send Cameron our encouragement via the web. Although Cameron cannot talk, he can certainly get these messages
So, when you get a moment, go visit his site. It's really simple. Just go to www.caringbridge.org
Then type in cameronrowe (no space obviously). From there you can read his story, view his journal, and leave messages on the guestbook he checks daily.
I know that Mark & his family appreciate all the support & prayers.
Thanks!
------------------------------------------
I thought I'd go ahead & attach some more info in case you would like it. Here ya go!
Here's Cameron's story...
On June 7, 2007, Cameron was practicing with his brother Derrick at a motocross track called Robin's Ridge, about an hour from Charlotte. On his second lap, he was riding with a group of expert riders and approached a huge jump. He decided at the last minute to slow down to avoid crashing and hurting other riders. As a result of this, Cameron landed short of the landing area, severely injuring himself. He knew that he would take a hard fall but wanted to make sure the other riders would not get hurt.
Cameron was air lifted to CMC with his father, Mark at his side, fighting for his life. He fractured his C-1, C-2 and C-4 Cervical vertebra along with other injures.
He is now in Atlanta at the Shepherd Center, one of the top spinal hospitals in the country. His spinal injury is considered an "incomplete injury" which gives us all hope that his condition improves.
Cameron wants everyone to know he appreciates all the cards and prayers and communicated to his mom and dad "my goal is to walk out of the hospital one day".
--------------------------
And here's the update on how he's doing....
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 08, 2007 11:41 AM, CDT
It's been 2 months since Cameron's accident. His web page has been on line for less than 2 weeks with over 475 visits. Cameron thanks everyone for visiting and writing in the Guestbook. He looks forward each day to find words of encouragement, prayers, and humor.
This is the first update on Cameron's condition and Mark (his dad) wants everyone to know his prognosis.
It is a Traumatic Atlanta-Occipital dislocation, a rare lesion that is usually fatal. On June 14th surgeons and the trauma team performed a fusion operation that attached the base of his skull to his C-1 through C-4 vertebra with titanium rods to stabilize his neck. Test show that he did not have any cognitive brain injuries (reasoning, understanding, memory) however his brain stem was traumatized which affects all functions of his body. (Eyesight, speech, breathing, and resulting in quadriplegia paralysis)
His improvements are as follows: He has total sensation through out his body, moving his neck, shoulders, abs and isolated leg movements. Doctors have reduced his pain medicine and he is gaining more sensation in areas that he could not feel before. He is now breathing without a ventilator but uses a trach tube. Speech therapy is helping strengthen the base of his tongue so that he will be able to breathe, speak, and eat in the future. The good news is, doctors are amazed at his progress in such a short time and is conducting a medical case study to document his progress.
Cameron is requesting special prayers for his lungs to clear and his tongue to heal so that he can eat, talk and breathe.
He also asks that you pray for his family to give them hope and strength while he is in recovery.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
The Summer of French Braids
Just recently, I did something I always thought I couldn't do--something I was convinced I wouldn't be able to do.
Since it's been SO hot outside, I really wanted to do something different with this stuff atop my head. I actually talked a sweet coworker into doing a french braid for me one Friday after work. It reminded me of being a little girl, sitting on the floor, while my mom or one of my aunts braided my hair. I think I almost forgot how nice it was to have the hair off my neck!
After that braid, I really wanted more. And that same weekend, I had someone else braid it before a yoga workshop because I didn't want to mess with my hair that day. Since I'm growing my hair out...this seemed like a smart alternative. I had found a great new hair option, but I thought to myself, "oh...I don't want to keep bugging my friends and coworkers to keep doing this for me". I wanted to be able to do it myself. But, did I mention, I can't do that? Thoughts of great arm pain in attempts to do this very thing myself in the past haunted my brain.
But I figured, let me do some research. So thanks to google, I found a great article on how to french braid your own hair. Ahhh... and there was a tip for my tired arms!
So I gave it a shot. I french braided my own hair. First one turned out okay, but I knew with practice I could improve. I gave myself the task to braid my hair everyday before work for one week. I figured by the end of the week I'll had it down.
I tried braiding it wet; I tried doing it after the hair was dry. I tried using different products--You name it. And now, I found what works best for me. I can now braid my hair in about 5-7 mins!
The week of french braids was about one month ago. Now I mainly do the braid when I have lots of teaching after work. It's great for yoga, because I can roll backwards, and not have a clip press into the back of my head!
I write this story for you today to show you that you too can do something you never thought you could. If you get out of the little box you've created for your self, you'll see that truly the possibilities are endless.
And all this is like our yoga practice. Try different types. Try different times of the day to practice. Try different teachers. But let your inner teacher be your guide. Find what works best for you...and practice.
As I write today, my hair is french braided! ;o)
May you begin to notice the limits you place on yourself.
Om Shanti,
Marianne
Since it's been SO hot outside, I really wanted to do something different with this stuff atop my head. I actually talked a sweet coworker into doing a french braid for me one Friday after work. It reminded me of being a little girl, sitting on the floor, while my mom or one of my aunts braided my hair. I think I almost forgot how nice it was to have the hair off my neck!
After that braid, I really wanted more. And that same weekend, I had someone else braid it before a yoga workshop because I didn't want to mess with my hair that day. Since I'm growing my hair out...this seemed like a smart alternative. I had found a great new hair option, but I thought to myself, "oh...I don't want to keep bugging my friends and coworkers to keep doing this for me". I wanted to be able to do it myself. But, did I mention, I can't do that? Thoughts of great arm pain in attempts to do this very thing myself in the past haunted my brain.
But I figured, let me do some research. So thanks to google, I found a great article on how to french braid your own hair. Ahhh... and there was a tip for my tired arms!
So I gave it a shot. I french braided my own hair. First one turned out okay, but I knew with practice I could improve. I gave myself the task to braid my hair everyday before work for one week. I figured by the end of the week I'll had it down.
I tried braiding it wet; I tried doing it after the hair was dry. I tried using different products--You name it. And now, I found what works best for me. I can now braid my hair in about 5-7 mins!
The week of french braids was about one month ago. Now I mainly do the braid when I have lots of teaching after work. It's great for yoga, because I can roll backwards, and not have a clip press into the back of my head!
I write this story for you today to show you that you too can do something you never thought you could. If you get out of the little box you've created for your self, you'll see that truly the possibilities are endless.
And all this is like our yoga practice. Try different types. Try different times of the day to practice. Try different teachers. But let your inner teacher be your guide. Find what works best for you...and practice.
As I write today, my hair is french braided! ;o)
May you begin to notice the limits you place on yourself.
Om Shanti,
Marianne
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Grand Opening Yoga Booth!
A BIG thanks to all that came to the Regions grand opening in Raleigh this past Saturday. I truly enjoyed meeting you all, and doing some yoga with you too! .JPG)
Thank you Wake Forest Yoga for donating the class cards! And winners, I hope you enjoy the free yoga and the relaxing gift set from Eye Pillows by Mare.
I even got to do yoga with Stormy from the Carolina Hurricanes!
Pics to come soon!
.JPG)
Thank you Wake Forest Yoga for donating the class cards! And winners, I hope you enjoy the free yoga and the relaxing gift set from Eye Pillows by Mare.
I even got to do yoga with Stormy from the Carolina Hurricanes!
Pics to come soon!
-Marianne
Different Strokes...
There are SO many different styles of yoga these days! And what a blessing. If you have ever taken a yoga class, and thought to yourself, "Yoga isn't for me"...then quite possibly, you might not have looked hard enough.
Lately I've been considering the different types of yoga. To just list a few: Vinyasa, Yin, Bikram, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Restorative, Gentle, Kundalini...and the list goes on from there!
If a particular style doesn't seem to be a perfect fit, don't stop there. Give yoga another chance. Not only are there many different styles, but every teacher brings there own style as well. You might find a very patient teacher, a challenging teacher, and many more.
If you are interested in what yoga can offer you, try many different styles-and different teachers too. Don't let one class be what you sum yoga up to be all about. It offers so much more!
Thank goodness there is the variety of yoga we see. The many styles & many teachers help make yoga more accessible to every body.
Chances are you can find a perfect fit.
Blessings to you,
Marianne
Lately I've been considering the different types of yoga. To just list a few: Vinyasa, Yin, Bikram, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Restorative, Gentle, Kundalini...and the list goes on from there!
If a particular style doesn't seem to be a perfect fit, don't stop there. Give yoga another chance. Not only are there many different styles, but every teacher brings there own style as well. You might find a very patient teacher, a challenging teacher, and many more.
If you are interested in what yoga can offer you, try many different styles-and different teachers too. Don't let one class be what you sum yoga up to be all about. It offers so much more!
Thank goodness there is the variety of yoga we see. The many styles & many teachers help make yoga more accessible to every body.
Chances are you can find a perfect fit.
Blessings to you,
Marianne
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Welcome!
Welcome to Marianne's new yoga blog! So glad you're here!
You can learn more about my teaching schedule, and explore other fun resources for yoga students, at my website: yogawithmarianne.com
My intention with this new blog is share information about yoga. If you have a question about yoga, please email me at marianne @ yogawithmarianne.com.
You can learn more about my teaching schedule, and explore other fun resources for yoga students, at my website: yogawithmarianne.com
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