A Cynical Yoga Practice?

I haven’t quite wrapped my head around it, but the word cynical is falling in my lap way to often at times. I find myself a lot of times questioning the “norm”.
Let’s bring this for example. In massage school they speak a lot about massaging the back. Because it is such a big area and bc it feels so good, but in teaching yoga I find most people need the front stretched. If massage is meant to be relaxing, then why not relax and stretch the areas that are most over worked. The front body. We live so within ourselves, constantly hiding from the world, guarding our chakras along with our fears and traumas or battles.  Why not massage the front more and not the back? We live in a slouching culture, hung over desks, or allowing gravity to pull us down into our seats. I am concerned. For myself and others.

This is where I feel cynical. So much lack of common sense being taught these days. So much laziness. I blame myself also. When I point fingers the first point goes to myself. When the back wants rubbing, then to me the back needs working. By work I mean pick my slouchy lazy comfortable self up and sit up, stand up tall. Face my stuff. As I write this, I am unconsciously, now consciously drawing my left elbow in a little closer, so now I am consciously am going to move it away from my mid line. I am gonna practice my “common sense”. My body is speaking to me. I need not guard my heart, but release the discomfort of vocalizing or writing things. This is all I just needed to release these thoughts.

in Yoga Retreat  by Claudia Chambers

Have you ever appreciated someone for their behavior?

Have you ever appreciated someone for their behavior?

Tonight a girl in massage training lashed out at me bc she didn’t like my questions. She later called me annoying for asking questions and said I was just a horse massage therapist. lol I can’t believe I am also a horse massage therapist. lol How awesome is that!
My questions are my questions. I learn differently. Active listening is a common technique used for people that speak another language. Speaking out loud by rewording comments and asking questions is important in a school setting.

I was more shocked than hurt. I closed my chakras quickly as I haven’t been spoken “at” like that since the bullies in high school.

I felt bad bc I am not good with names, but c’est la vie. I will always remember their story and energies. I later told her I appreciated her honesty. Her lashing out was her truth. Truth is good, but truth without kindness is led only by the ego. Ego vs Intellect. Which wolf do you feed?

Oh, and never stop asking questions, this is your life. You deserve to know the answer to your questions. And now I will sleep better at night. #satya #thereareteacherseverywhere #truth #yogaoffthemat #raleighncyoga #yrespira #chakras #heartopeners #eyeopeners #surrendertoyourtruth #truthwithkindness #bluemoon #canyoufeelthetidesturning 

in A peace of my mind...  by Claudia Chambers

Sports Injuries and the Healing Power of Yoga

Written by Guest Blogger:
Jason Lewis
Strongwell.org

Sports Injuries and the Healing Power of Yoga 

Sports injuries are far more common than you think – from 2011 to 2014, a reported 8.6 million people ages five and up sustained a sports-related injury. We all know that rest and ice are the most common remedies for an injury, but gentle stretching is recommended for even the most common sports injuries such as shin splints, pulled muscles, and pain/soreness. Stretching is the number one way to prevent injuries in the first place too, so why not start incorporating a little bit of yoga in your life as a healing method and preventative measure? 

Natural Pain Relief/Healing 

Whenever we feel an ache or a pain, the first inclination is to reach for a painkiller so that we can continue on with our day. For athletes, painkillers can quickly become a part of the routine to promote performance and recovery, with 60 percent of amateur athletes reporting the frequent use of painkillers. Oftentimes athletes adopt the mindset that they need to play through the pain, but there are consequences. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of addiction and drug abuse in even the most seasoned athletes. However, yoga is a natural method athletes can take part in to relieve pain and promote healing naturally. 

When practiced regularly, yoga can increase recovery time after strenuous workouts and practices, increase range of motion, stretch sore muscles, and increase your concentration. Stretching is like breathing to an athlete, but according to Active.com, “Yoga goes beyond simple stretching by working the muscles and joints through all ranges of motion–activating the little-used muscles that support the primary movers.” By combining yoga with physical therapy, athletes can not only heal their injury, but their mind. A sports injury can be seen as a setback or obstacle, taking a toll on mental well-being – not to mention it is extremely frustrating. Yoga can enhance mindfulness, helping you to channel the anger and frustration you feel into motivation and self-improvement. 

 

Find the Right Method 

All yoga isn’t created equal, and an Internet search can leave you feeling a little overwhelmed by all the yoga-related information. There are various types of yoga such as Restorative that focuses on relaxation, breathing-focused, fast-paced Vinyasa, and Hatha, which involves standing and seated poses and is great for beginners. It is best to keep in mind that some forms of yoga are a workout in themselves, and can be strenuous, so when you are deciding which type of yoga to try, consider whether your goal is to strengthen or recover. For example, Vinyasa could be used for cross-training to improve core strength and overall movement that a typical, repetitive training workout doesn’t address. However, if your training schedule is already packed with lots of high intensity workouts, Restorative yoga can help quiet your mind and central nervous system. 

 

When you first begin practicing yoga, you might find it helpful to take a few classes with an instructor first to prevent further injury. Some yoga poses are more difficult than others, so the most beneficial yoga session will be one that is in line with your skill level. The goal is to be challenged, but not so much that you risk further injury or being put off by yoga all together. It will take time and a little experimentation to the find the right class and instructor. Start by telling the instructor what you seek to get from your yoga session, and he or she will be able to point you in the right direction. 

Yoga is a wonderful way to promote healing after a sports injury, as well as relax your mind. Once you learn the proper way to practice it, you can start incorporating some yoga poses into your daily stretching for improved performance and state of mind. 

 

in Flexibility / Wellness & Healing  by Claudia Chambers

Welcome Sophia, our Ceremonialist & Reiki Master

Sophia Khotil

Ceremonialist and Reiki Healer

Sophia grew up in sunny Southern California, frequenting the beaches and hiking in the golden hills before making the big move to North Carolina, where she calls Durham her home now with her husband of 15 years and three young children. Her hobbies involve working with ceramics, in which the shaping of clay with one’s own hands is profoundly grounding, concocting new soap recipes, cooking,hiking, and road trips. Having an affinity with the natural world and its healing benefits and mysteries, Sophia pursued her master training in energy work in Costa Mesa under the tutelage of Ariel Hubbard and ceremonial work with The Fellowship of the Illumination. She then taught Reiki levels one and two and has attuned many students into the modality. She then went on to receive her license in massage and bodywork. Most of her life has been immersed in sacred rituals from intimate gatherings to large, collaborative ones, holding sacred space for those that need it. From tea ceremonies to women’s circles, Sophia enjoys sharing her constantly evolving path with others.
in Recent News  by Claudia Chambers

Jan 2018 Newsletter

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in Recent News  by Claudia Chambers