tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83379518372535635702024-03-05T08:06:18.920-05:00Yoga VenturesMusings on Yoga, Adventure, and the OutdoorsAndria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-9519008894910011402012-04-05T14:44:00.001-04:002012-04-09T14:45:58.030-04:00Arm Balances for Energy and Strength<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When spring hits, I'm usually ready to start moving my body more and building strength. I put together this sequence of arm balances that builds upper body and core strength and can teach you how to move your body more fluidly. Whatever your motivation is for doing arm balances, I want you to forget about it for this sequence, and instead bring your mind only into the now. Do this sequence without grasping for an outcome. Be in each moment paying attention to the minute details of your body. You will find that you will build strength, gain energy, and learn to move better.</div>
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Start this sequence with this relaxation exercise: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKydKBK-674&context=C4468123ADvjVQa1PpcFMcW_9CBU2vATSpETJB_rFON_mBnHHlz-Q=" target="_blank">We Begin With the Breath</a></div>
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In this sequence, engage mula bandha and uddiyana bandha while maintaining relaxed free breathing. If you don't know what these are, find out! When doing yoga postures, it's important to understand these concepts in order to protect your spine and actually build strength. The best way to understand them is to find a qualified teacher to teach you or find a video or book about them and practice, practice, practice! I teach them in my <a href="http://yoga-ventures.com/shoulders.html" target="_blank">Yoga for Shoulders DVD</a>. </div>
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Of course, throughout the sequence, BREATHE FULLY! Focus on fluid movement, never pushing through any pain. Always stay within a pain free range of motion. </div>
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Next, do these two warm-up exercises:</div>
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Pullovers: for directions <a href="http://community.nrsweb.com/souls-and-water/2012/03/09/yoga-for-boaters-shoulder-pain/" target="_blank">Go Here</a> You can read the article or scroll down the page to get step-by-step instructions.</div>
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Mountain Pose Variation: for directions, <a href="http://yogaventures.blogspot.com/2010/08/posture-for-better-health-and-more.html" target="_blank">Go Here</a></div>
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Next, do some Cat/Cows with your breath to warm up your spine and wrists and then go into a Half Dog. </div>
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Then:</div>
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Down Dog</div>
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Plank</div>
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Side Plank</div>
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Back to Plank, then Side Plank to the other side and then back to Plank. Repeat as many as you want. Rest in Child's Pose if you need. Go back into Down Dog and then:</div>
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Crane Pose--this pose also needs some flexibility in the hips. Don't force the pose, works slowly into it. If you find you're really stiff, go into a forward bend with your knees deeply bent and hang out for awhile. Then try to the pose again. If your hips just won't do that, don't worry about it, just work on your hip flexibility and come back at it another day!</div>
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Scales Pose--sit cross-legged and place your hands beside your hips. Keep your collarbones broad and chest open, as you engage your core, push into your hands and try to lift your legs and pelvis off the floor. Again, don't force it if your hips aren't flexible enough or if this hurts your wrists. </div>
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To end, do another round of Pullovers, then take at least a 5-minute Savasana, Corpse Pose: </div>
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Fully release!</div>
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Enjoy and let me know if you have any questions! </div>
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The tank I'm wearing for Plank, Side Plank, Crane, and Scales is from <a href="http://www.soul-flower.com/" target="_blank">Soulflower</a>. </div>
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<br />Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-26043710621952487712012-03-19T18:53:00.001-04:002012-03-19T18:53:32.328-04:00Late Winter Hike to Shining Rock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In February, my husband and I went on one of our favorite hikes in Pisgah: Shining Rock. It's a high mountain hike with beautiful vistas that ends at a gigantic piece of white quartz. The weather was warm for February, but it was still pretty chilly way up at 5000-6000 feet. There was still plenty of frozen water. Enjoy our photos from one of the coolest places on Earth! </div>
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Yes, this is one amazing place, and I am truly grateful for the beautiful place in which I live, my good health so I can get out and enjoy it, and my dog and husband who love to adventure with me!Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-69221412404747245622012-01-16T15:29:00.000-05:002012-01-18T11:16:42.112-05:00Playful Standing Poses Sequence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My motto is "Relax, Breathe, Play." As life takes its toll, we often get really uptight, take shallow breaths, and forget how to be playful. When I get yoga students in class, they are often <i>sooooo serious</i>. We are only living for such a short time, why not use it to be more playful! It's yoga poses--it's movement, which is fun and relaxing, so lighten up and have fun! </div>
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So, in this series of poses, I'd like to help you invoke the relaxed and playful you. As you move through this sequence of poses, there are only a few directions: In each pose think: <b>relax, breathe, and play</b>. There are often all of these yoga cues that you hear in class, and that I tell you in my videos, but just let those go for now. Let go of the thinking mind. Feel the pose in your body. Don't worry about the shape of the pose or emulating what I am doing in the photos, just feel the pose for you. If a pose hurts you, back out and move in a range of motion in which you can relax, breathe, and play. </div>
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Also, hold the poses for however long you want. Do what feels good to you. There are no rules! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upward Arms Pose with a backbend. Do one that feels good to you!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree Pose One Side</td></tr>
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Balance, laugh!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree Pose Other Side</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjx3liUg3inMsKiOsHPLf3RXCJ5T6xrnwUApmz_hQiaJh41m2iJ8yjUbK30BXw2UjUxczxHswknr9TJIDR3Z30226fNzEBg4DCr37S54wMfL_9wwyVuO1CMNgaeCLPqrzdmSU553IEycKj/s1600/DSC_0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjx3liUg3inMsKiOsHPLf3RXCJ5T6xrnwUApmz_hQiaJh41m2iJ8yjUbK30BXw2UjUxczxHswknr9TJIDR3Z30226fNzEBg4DCr37S54wMfL_9wwyVuO1CMNgaeCLPqrzdmSU553IEycKj/s400/DSC_0111.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 2 Pose and flow into</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyiNVJRDStWQxywZ-Y8A5ONBs-APDZw2Kkz5t96oStn9jq_xgkrlwaKasCBf9W4OFmmc1aMbGSZkMI3_AIRvSPBOuRiaemxbqpZ2WArQFYpgs_BNbAWkcE0OkY5cQTXzNymrGX3EFZYrM/s1600/DSC_0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyiNVJRDStWQxywZ-Y8A5ONBs-APDZw2Kkz5t96oStn9jq_xgkrlwaKasCBf9W4OFmmc1aMbGSZkMI3_AIRvSPBOuRiaemxbqpZ2WArQFYpgs_BNbAWkcE0OkY5cQTXzNymrGX3EFZYrM/s400/DSC_0114.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reverse Warrior and flow into</td></tr>
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Flow, Breathe!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKnqMTLUded7njPioVzPfdkeSc8Tpb2h8-IBQ7gtR5JKYHuDaQQuJzQCyiKpBfHFBPTcAegoW1NQ_-sFKeT4j2GyJ69j3pT8zeSqlVqaiIbJI6XRsg4U9xLML7d9CTNo3Bmi-oRPDr0Bc/s1600/DSC_0118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKnqMTLUded7njPioVzPfdkeSc8Tpb2h8-IBQ7gtR5JKYHuDaQQuJzQCyiKpBfHFBPTcAegoW1NQ_-sFKeT4j2GyJ69j3pT8zeSqlVqaiIbJI6XRsg4U9xLML7d9CTNo3Bmi-oRPDr0Bc/s400/DSC_0118.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Extended Side Angle and flow into</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half Moon<br /><br />Come down to Mountain Pose and repeat the sequence on the other side. </td></tr>
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Then:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb-1tPwBrNZNfuO3a6RT2VLSlfAHEIH4_8rAqXrreULKyZyh4k_fHRJl1NjJ-sB0EIZpzz1bjhRyyhPU1l1OubuhQ285Asg16_KJMNEq1HFd0G95p07H6iQtxxRT7fa4o5QHjHDrkDA4O/s1600/DSC_0164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb-1tPwBrNZNfuO3a6RT2VLSlfAHEIH4_8rAqXrreULKyZyh4k_fHRJl1NjJ-sB0EIZpzz1bjhRyyhPU1l1OubuhQ285Asg16_KJMNEq1HFd0G95p07H6iQtxxRT7fa4o5QHjHDrkDA4O/s400/DSC_0164.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 1 Pose and flow into </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCFVeOdZ_inSLozQG6BAng-rnoMdBZUiPT8rkzc9PziVq7EmA1o3Kz5hUuCp_FQhsyzbE-ENk6enwT8QvViYuhD7CSSSNoRTjCchyCSljAJd4KRkkP9z5yKXM_Hx0-002Gl-Vye0MWf3A/s1600/DSC_0169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCFVeOdZ_inSLozQG6BAng-rnoMdBZUiPT8rkzc9PziVq7EmA1o3Kz5hUuCp_FQhsyzbE-ENk6enwT8QvViYuhD7CSSSNoRTjCchyCSljAJd4KRkkP9z5yKXM_Hx0-002Gl-Vye0MWf3A/s400/DSC_0169.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intense Side Stretch Pose and flow into</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0IW1cbytypV8OjgxqIYWOjWEquksVOSwEIxJgOYessiwyeI9pFjZ4SoigYpLvJPhi3n77rXmxYARqzUtJ5W4ALKnZYDu1Vpl_nJUs1a1CcSYyoKlejtfIy86VAUM3VqoIx32jqFY7q1G/s1600/DSC_0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0IW1cbytypV8OjgxqIYWOjWEquksVOSwEIxJgOYessiwyeI9pFjZ4SoigYpLvJPhi3n77rXmxYARqzUtJ5W4ALKnZYDu1Vpl_nJUs1a1CcSYyoKlejtfIy86VAUM3VqoIx32jqFY7q1G/s400/DSC_0171.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 3 Pose--don't worry about how far you do or don't get in a pose! The journey is the destination!<br /><br />Repeat the sequence to the other side. Now you can continue with more yoga postures of your liking or come down into Childs Pose and then move into Corpse Pose for naptime!</td></tr>
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By finding a state of relaxation, of full breathing, and of playfulness, you will find freedom. <br />
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This sequence was shot in the <a href="http://www.soul-flower.com/hippie/AVA019/Waves+of+Freedom+Pants.html" target="_blank">Waves of Freedom Pants </a>from <a href="http://www.soul-flower.com/" target="_blank">Soulflower</a> on the West Fork of the Pigeon River in Pisgah National Forest of North Carolina.Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-75809452416904451252011-12-13T16:19:00.000-05:002011-12-13T16:19:34.761-05:00Late Fall Appalachian HikingI recently went out for a hike in the mountains near my house and snapped a few photos. I noticed that this time of year, it's hard to take interesting photographs--everything is so stark and gray. So, I played around with some of my iphone photo apps to see what was possible. I don't know if these are any good or not, but it sure is fun playing around!<br />
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<br />Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-73215831047857766142011-11-21T18:20:00.000-05:002011-11-21T15:32:42.736-05:00Take It Easy Restorative Yoga SessionIt's that time of year when things get really busy, people get on your nerves, and colds and flu start making the rounds. When you are super busy, and your body and mind are exhausted, it's a good time for restorative yoga. The goal is to promote rest and calmness while stimulating your lymphatic system. <br />
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For even more benefit, practice pratyahara, sense withdrawal. As you do each pose, concentrate on relaxing each and every part of your body and feeling your breath move through your whole body. Become absorbed in what you are doing and feeling instead of letting anything distract you. Unless something is an emergency, just let it be and deal with it later. You will learn to become less reactive and begin to understand that many things that we think need our attention actually don't. You end up saving more energy for the things in life where it is needed.<br />
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Begin in Supported Child's Pose: <br />
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Cat/Cow moving with the breath:</div>
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Supported Half Down Dog:</div>
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Supported Standing Straddle:</div>
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Gate Pose: </div>
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Staff Pose: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tZR83qbSUdTZjnxcskRcNyjsihX-AGkcWByx2voy0E0jJ62Jv4AeiKXHpPersfwBxOLcEIo73NuCfgX7eknTUZMnVsoznhek87SH3DyINVnfP6UiTPDZdHPheK-uRTq2zZf0KYRGgYnz/s1600/Dandasana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tZR83qbSUdTZjnxcskRcNyjsihX-AGkcWByx2voy0E0jJ62Jv4AeiKXHpPersfwBxOLcEIo73NuCfgX7eknTUZMnVsoznhek87SH3DyINVnfP6UiTPDZdHPheK-uRTq2zZf0KYRGgYnz/s320/Dandasana.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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Smile during your yoga practice--don't take yourself too seriously!</div>
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Forward Fold, being sure to take it easy. </div>
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Twist, broaden the collarbones, be gentle: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKP38b7HLV48ETNBDN41Ivg4iXXpC9c8No_MJ0uLjeaZxllWsHKytaM55wJLtpNIopvl3bsa44QeW126_RLo-fMuXbUNu6dqg9hChvYauQH6txYs7xHuJu1gKr6EsO8BktwekL92QnQ6z/s1600/DSC_0055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKP38b7HLV48ETNBDN41Ivg4iXXpC9c8No_MJ0uLjeaZxllWsHKytaM55wJLtpNIopvl3bsa44QeW126_RLo-fMuXbUNu6dqg9hChvYauQH6txYs7xHuJu1gKr6EsO8BktwekL92QnQ6z/s320/DSC_0055.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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Reclining Supported Twist: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXr9jZPyZwXQP97ZozJlRmVP1NIQXjsMQ3SnyIzLBGoYvwIRdvZQFrgbAdR1z7QXnEZvRmvKckULfSgOqZmQuG-9VcW9DFGD6H3NJTwG6dkL7nnom9p73ccvTHaRRfbzgR-_sWBQdoZChJ/s1600/DSC_0057-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXr9jZPyZwXQP97ZozJlRmVP1NIQXjsMQ3SnyIzLBGoYvwIRdvZQFrgbAdR1z7QXnEZvRmvKckULfSgOqZmQuG-9VcW9DFGD6H3NJTwG6dkL7nnom9p73ccvTHaRRfbzgR-_sWBQdoZChJ/s320/DSC_0057-copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ahhhhh</div>
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Hump the bolster pose...JK! This is Supported Inverted Reclining Bound Angle to gently open the hips: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywi_siX3aUi3uVDrnaugCOGAQ_f8_q77EDgxyjG0_PCvz3vLI_3EsSmlgdKDpkzxaApz0vhf0VX4wMvE1VrYjUecrx82sjTaLRI42OXe6w_vC1-cGJ8aY0n8hQd0gfDLDz0BuUxckMxJu/s1600/DSC_0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywi_siX3aUi3uVDrnaugCOGAQ_f8_q77EDgxyjG0_PCvz3vLI_3EsSmlgdKDpkzxaApz0vhf0VX4wMvE1VrYjUecrx82sjTaLRI42OXe6w_vC1-cGJ8aY0n8hQd0gfDLDz0BuUxckMxJu/s320/DSC_0061.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Supported Reclining Bound Angle: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTF6-z2mookaMvicUgMobXVXB94GNviE97hL9c_8-9lz-usW3OjchIEsgmuWH6gcv9wPmXheiGC61XIYH9qJdcApMHpmtQuzJuoUqaVBp4EkIS2uprkl6FKWd5PMdxe3TT3nJWj5t7QTef/s1600/DSC_0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTF6-z2mookaMvicUgMobXVXB94GNviE97hL9c_8-9lz-usW3OjchIEsgmuWH6gcv9wPmXheiGC61XIYH9qJdcApMHpmtQuzJuoUqaVBp4EkIS2uprkl6FKWd5PMdxe3TT3nJWj5t7QTef/s320/DSC_0063.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Supported Bridge--backs of the shoulders and all of shoulder blades on the floor: </div>
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Legs Up the Wall: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82dZIyzwgo7BmPe_r3hL_NQvdLjkn9jctA8CzDfY-mcF4vgjWfxn6Km_gO0sqZrmC9tqhiPwG9M75XIbr7_hPNLWxpZO-AcjFKQP8411OoRlWTuOVLdXc0Dv4qTKtjmZ3NxJci17bX3F-/s1600/DSC_0066-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82dZIyzwgo7BmPe_r3hL_NQvdLjkn9jctA8CzDfY-mcF4vgjWfxn6Km_gO0sqZrmC9tqhiPwG9M75XIbr7_hPNLWxpZO-AcjFKQP8411OoRlWTuOVLdXc0Dv4qTKtjmZ3NxJci17bX3F-/s320/DSC_0066-copy.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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You can end in Corpse Pose or you can end after Legs Up the Wall. If you are on your period, skip the last 2 poses. </div>
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Here are some other resources to get you through the holidays:</div>
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<a href="http://yogaventures.blogspot.com/2010/11/family-time-gives-us-excellent.html" target="_blank">How your family can help you practice yoga</a></div>
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<a href="http://yogaventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/we-begin-with-breath.html" target="_blank">Breathing Exercise</a> Be sure and check out the audio version at the bottom of the page!</div>
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My bolster is hand made from <a href="http://innerspaceyoga.net/" target="_blank">Inner Space Yoga</a>. Bolsters are great to have for restorative practice! </div>
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My sweatshirt is from <a href="http://www.soul-flower.com/" target="_blank">Soulflower</a>--if you're looking for some cool gifts for yogis this year, be sure and check them out!</div>
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Enjoy! </div>
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<br />Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-23321526339817131392011-11-17T13:49:00.001-05:002011-11-17T14:29:31.022-05:00Pisgah Fall Mountain BikingThe weather has been dry and warm here in the Southern Appalachians of Western North Carolina--perfect for mountain biking! I went out just before peak color and got a few shots of this gorgeous place on a gorgeous day!<br />
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I headed down into here:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANWampAxLBcBRQIE1OqQ5F9JZkkZAA_moSD4Qlx7qevdw1G6U04WIGYnpmFLq9gFHzMAhJgeOkPlbWZZKypWBcuK69_E4ApIjWSxKhFEHWTvwhUgdiwZyIe6HMlsOuAFpsvfUJZqW860I/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANWampAxLBcBRQIE1OqQ5F9JZkkZAA_moSD4Qlx7qevdw1G6U04WIGYnpmFLq9gFHzMAhJgeOkPlbWZZKypWBcuK69_E4ApIjWSxKhFEHWTvwhUgdiwZyIe6HMlsOuAFpsvfUJZqW860I/s400/IMG_0033.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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And saw all of this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MvQg9tYa7b-2mehtAlETwrhMARlX8YRBvEevdFNW9LbdPv8MdSX_P8qLE9p3ijHTdF2LRmY2Xg1pDC17Ivm4oZ3Q1YyNtykKY2Iwt8gKvz0lwpwJulELJPS-9a2R1HFExz8lZCwoF-93/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MvQg9tYa7b-2mehtAlETwrhMARlX8YRBvEevdFNW9LbdPv8MdSX_P8qLE9p3ijHTdF2LRmY2Xg1pDC17Ivm4oZ3Q1YyNtykKY2Iwt8gKvz0lwpwJulELJPS-9a2R1HFExz8lZCwoF-93/s400/IMG_0021.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtN16xWuLZU-XWoNGl4-snt6iEUe0j4kM1UoCXpzWAF0wZeU_Dyati6K7I2INZG6y-lkjpfiFldANiap32udSXp1NS8T8jnAiUOJOqON_FzpUKor0HFTySn9LyUnI7BoFk-UIZ8tqXe9I/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtN16xWuLZU-XWoNGl4-snt6iEUe0j4kM1UoCXpzWAF0wZeU_Dyati6K7I2INZG6y-lkjpfiFldANiap32udSXp1NS8T8jnAiUOJOqON_FzpUKor0HFTySn9LyUnI7BoFk-UIZ8tqXe9I/s400/IMG_0023.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JGkqYhoS3rLn_l13J4azC0HNv6pARuVHeW04vRKsFgjN5QDJ5v256l2K6E2WMLiwyqlSFmC-rHlOJE-TxQ8ZiniUQVnM9LCVkSxH1Ny4DvepplXal578lJA-wgQ2NvVOxsLapvJvoE75/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JGkqYhoS3rLn_l13J4azC0HNv6pARuVHeW04vRKsFgjN5QDJ5v256l2K6E2WMLiwyqlSFmC-rHlOJE-TxQ8ZiniUQVnM9LCVkSxH1Ny4DvepplXal578lJA-wgQ2NvVOxsLapvJvoE75/s400/IMG_0024.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tR_tn0jdhNaoo5GbVEICzCkRLf4Rd2LP_xHQz1x_IQdzy1Vg946TH_vFhQj1Zwn4FNmWONRJ6azVBoPP_UU1Dne5wXua5WMOYGWKVAFpyiERjG_NRxRvAX8fC7ZdBwOWp7Jv8f9EBiYo/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tR_tn0jdhNaoo5GbVEICzCkRLf4Rd2LP_xHQz1x_IQdzy1Vg946TH_vFhQj1Zwn4FNmWONRJ6azVBoPP_UU1Dne5wXua5WMOYGWKVAFpyiERjG_NRxRvAX8fC7ZdBwOWp7Jv8f9EBiYo/s400/IMG_0025.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLslNe1BFn74Cticxuv879zgVJa0UIaREpM8ooD56LX56Vh-lV9yx76E3kBCkPq2tasfv6pUIQB6G2ljwW0lGiaA4B6Z9lVWW0QBCn1C_Rcu-zcAJAX44kiA7rote4jL_104wGyUDrlAyF/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLslNe1BFn74Cticxuv879zgVJa0UIaREpM8ooD56LX56Vh-lV9yx76E3kBCkPq2tasfv6pUIQB6G2ljwW0lGiaA4B6Z9lVWW0QBCn1C_Rcu-zcAJAX44kiA7rote4jL_104wGyUDrlAyF/s400/IMG_0028.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxEtuYZhAL_MqkGCgt9vttU-cP9TiGUUH23L2S2yL9NxoFz9l8yi0yoFPV7U66G15nLeJI0fSYa53S4qdL0Pn0tcGJDQV2er3RWYPgMepqhi3F7rPzhMhbDG4eELw6Yqaqqn4-DGbzPyq/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxEtuYZhAL_MqkGCgt9vttU-cP9TiGUUH23L2S2yL9NxoFz9l8yi0yoFPV7U66G15nLeJI0fSYa53S4qdL0Pn0tcGJDQV2er3RWYPgMepqhi3F7rPzhMhbDG4eELw6Yqaqqn4-DGbzPyq/s400/IMG_0029.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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Ahhh, clean mountain water!<br />
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We had a great time together!<br />
<br />Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-29332990777644697342011-11-09T15:50:00.000-05:002011-11-10T11:24:04.000-05:00Authentic Practice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been practicing yoga for a long time, and I've been through many phases with it. I've been in phases where I went to tons of classes and workshops, and I've been through periods where my practice was purely mental. Right now, I am taking a break from classes and balancing my mental and physical practices. In my physical practice, I am following a different teacher--I am listening for inner guidance. I am listening to my body by paying attention to all of the details of what I am doing, but not getting caught up in those details. I am letting my practice be more playful and explorative. <br />
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I am doing yoga when and where I want and moving how I feel like moving. Exploring, feeling. <br />
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To me, this is what it's all about. It's not about doing what a teacher tells you to do or trying to mimic a pose in a picture. It's about feeling your own body and exploring movement that feels good and natural to you. <br />
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It's not about doing as many poses as possible or doing certain poses, but exploring movement however slow or fast you want to move. <br />
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Try it! Whether your yoga practice is in classes or elsewhere, I encourage you to start feeling more. Find <i>your</i> authentic practice. <br />
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<br />Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-91303460360115663082011-11-04T16:36:00.000-04:002011-11-04T16:36:37.037-04:00Russell Fork River!I love fall in the Southeast US for many reasons, but the number one reason is that we have a plethora of dam releases through river gorges to choose from for whitewater paddling! In the fall, in preparation for the winter rains, many lakes are drained through the rivers below the lake. The result is warm water flowing through river gorges with beautiful fall colors! One of my favorites is the classic class 4, 5 whitewater of the infamous Russell Fork River. Enjoy our photos and a write up from one of our recent weekends up in this area tucked away in the Kentucky/Virginia coal mining country:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Put-In</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contemplating El Horrendo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andria At El Horrendo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andria at Second Drop</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andria at First Drop</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew prepares for the race at El Horrendo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Ending!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff at Climax</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff at First Drop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzra4JMsRqfWoH7M7YXv9Yc8K89KnrS489f26nPvVz2VsgRW2q9_2GpbxgWIhWJtrJHWpMqWxSewI-4x_1myYbZRIbDbDI6Awz7poXBLSZ-DyQjxeI1uzrBMFNqUQv3NMhGUuoOUPc_W0/s1600/Leland+ElHo2%253A2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzra4JMsRqfWoH7M7YXv9Yc8K89KnrS489f26nPvVz2VsgRW2q9_2GpbxgWIhWJtrJHWpMqWxSewI-4x_1myYbZRIbDbDI6Awz7poXBLSZ-DyQjxeI1uzrBMFNqUQv3NMhGUuoOUPc_W0/s320/Leland+ElHo2%253A2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leland lands ElHo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrszpHyDWF0EtaTrHESKs3GngOH2TyJZwb-hhg-05kfKsfY_xbK9_zM11vVYawWWkHjLu3RDASKPIVMazgsU7lv0RAB501lU1GlSOy_xfJpoD-qOKZURpXcpU4B6cY_vGYzYPVN2ZGRpp3/s1600/Raft2ElHo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrszpHyDWF0EtaTrHESKs3GngOH2TyJZwb-hhg-05kfKsfY_xbK9_zM11vVYawWWkHjLu3RDASKPIVMazgsU7lv0RAB501lU1GlSOy_xfJpoD-qOKZURpXcpU4B6cY_vGYzYPVN2ZGRpp3/s320/Raft2ElHo2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy Rafters!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-bxJItYlXBKU9pFlXcuY63imCeeKK-vowq6QCStQZQ4LYvrqEjpuoPzmzmTkaN802V4cOnOgcGk0KpiNl4-yImwPpDvxftwJ_JN6BlaTJWymuB_EhGRTKdkMCcx2b370AG2T3ulCihT0/s1600/SeanClimax1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-bxJItYlXBKU9pFlXcuY63imCeeKK-vowq6QCStQZQ4LYvrqEjpuoPzmzmTkaN802V4cOnOgcGk0KpiNl4-yImwPpDvxftwJ_JN6BlaTJWymuB_EhGRTKdkMCcx2b370AG2T3ulCihT0/s320/SeanClimax1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean Climaxes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL7rIGrUK-12wIqqNjksapegri6oJKuHnACRQF2jO_yrtxriCIV4RiQ1uuOEl8pbOYOtRnqtvN9Mbley4nj9c8qsuG_p7szwG-h4wmU0ipxMYGyBxLBm5aFsR_bwlQTeJU-hquF9B1EAP/s1600/SeanTD3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL7rIGrUK-12wIqqNjksapegri6oJKuHnACRQF2jO_yrtxriCIV4RiQ1uuOEl8pbOYOtRnqtvN9Mbley4nj9c8qsuG_p7szwG-h4wmU0ipxMYGyBxLBm5aFsR_bwlQTeJU-hquF9B1EAP/s320/SeanTD3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean Runs 3rd Drop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdP-aPw3-ON3ehco5LgYRq99wiOVn0_j4toBGzyrqUtI7x9LrLoniwjqCEaDPrf3OhaVNgCcsn6yKFkjccrCQogMafudF_bwMBfYFLgvJ0r6vvNzEkQyN6XKewfwNAmjivEmuhOYSZO5t/s1600/WoodOut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdP-aPw3-ON3ehco5LgYRq99wiOVn0_j4toBGzyrqUtI7x9LrLoniwjqCEaDPrf3OhaVNgCcsn6yKFkjccrCQogMafudF_bwMBfYFLgvJ0r6vvNzEkQyN6XKewfwNAmjivEmuhOYSZO5t/s320/WoodOut.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff has the wood out before Climax</td></tr>
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Our friend and Colorado Kayak Supply team paddler, Joe Keck did a nice write up of the weekend from a Colorado boy's perspective and a discussion of the great whitewater guidebooks of all time:</div>
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<a href="http://coloradokayak.blogspot.com/2011/10/forkin-fun.html" target="_blank">Forkin' Fun</a><br /><br /></div>Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-68360759423115869432011-06-17T15:06:00.001-04:002011-06-29T14:01:28.834-04:00Festival YogaIt's high summer festival season, so I put together a short sequence of festival friendly yoga poses that refresh and relax, so you can be ready for the next band! Festivals are tons of fun, but they can be stressful, so be sure and make time for yourself each day by taking a break from activity and re-connecting with yourself. You'll get a lot more out of the festival if you're feeling your best.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">As you perform these exercises, allow your body to be as it is without forcing an experience, relax your facial muscles and your throat to provide relief from so much interaction, and release areas of your body where you are holding unnecessary tension so that later you can fully release on the dance floor!<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1vbfTbgsL2hsqS75lF2TWs387HlGB6pGMzo2oOnJo9xzWFlzvay17WpWBAtkl2BgpKQFbcCBChOoqY8Hy_JztDFFEDv7SiFiAUyxE3QeIBsFMXwofYC_nr3iCjhoVN_NJdGQXDLrws1E/s1600/DSC_0087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1vbfTbgsL2hsqS75lF2TWs387HlGB6pGMzo2oOnJo9xzWFlzvay17WpWBAtkl2BgpKQFbcCBChOoqY8Hy_JztDFFEDv7SiFiAUyxE3QeIBsFMXwofYC_nr3iCjhoVN_NJdGQXDLrws1E/s320/DSC_0087.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Mountain Pose</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">Instead of overdoing this pose, take the time to just be. Stand, using no more energy than you need to hold yourself up. Let gravity relax your pelvis and your low back. Feel your feet on the ground. Let your torso and upper body rise up effortlessly. Broaden your collarbones without forcing. Just be where you are instead of trying to force an experience.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Perform these next exercises while sitting or standing:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To release tension in the neck and shoulders:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">1. Stretch the back of your neck by bringing the crown of your head forward and down for a breaths. Slowly come up and stretch each side of your neck by bringing the crown your head down to each side for a few breaths. Relax the opposite shoulder. Slowly come up to neutral. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxo2cD0Cp1c_TrmeV8nsTbeQR1M_11gq1BXJtwUCrj7Mhz5VF1cNdGZFZMI9igy3R-kPtO6hrcnjIDkLbd8fg1VZjbvy1_th3f6ztQV-_-LGajc8OAayooPJwe3YXnpgFd90nXVtXjOZR/s1600/shrugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxo2cD0Cp1c_TrmeV8nsTbeQR1M_11gq1BXJtwUCrj7Mhz5VF1cNdGZFZMI9igy3R-kPtO6hrcnjIDkLbd8fg1VZjbvy1_th3f6ztQV-_-LGajc8OAayooPJwe3YXnpgFd90nXVtXjOZR/s320/shrugs.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Shrugs</div><div class="MsoNormal"> 2. Leading with your shoulder blades, shrug your shoulders up. Then release down letting everything go. Repeat a few more times.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ0e3v_vlf1TTxZv_XMc6Oca5YzOBcb-oF6YQcXG1W7IjULW_QPcwPWyNh7P8FAkIhFgcEinBZyQLr_ygPNN3K2IxlVlgzWrH17iDLL5Dn9U8vPyAxUQKcFnO9PymFZ6A-Bfyl3VN7eSx/s1600/Shrugs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ0e3v_vlf1TTxZv_XMc6Oca5YzOBcb-oF6YQcXG1W7IjULW_QPcwPWyNh7P8FAkIhFgcEinBZyQLr_ygPNN3K2IxlVlgzWrH17iDLL5Dn9U8vPyAxUQKcFnO9PymFZ6A-Bfyl3VN7eSx/s320/Shrugs1.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Rolls </div><div class="MsoNormal">3. Again leading with your shoulder blades, roll your shoulders. So bring your shoulder blades up, together, down your spine, then draw them apart. Repeat a few times, then reverse. Bring your shoulder blades together, up the spine, then draw them apart and down. Repeat a few times. Doing these exercises leading with your shoulder blades is awkward at first, but you'll get the hang of it!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To create more lung capacity for more dancing perform Breath Stretches--let your breath lead the way:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mWb3Jcq1GNXD69tgsE4ksEacwaN02B8Y2neaQ-RkeagMK0vSEqg81aGlwibSG4ImwdWh7Rb4_hXPZPDSgXUGgsb7XPvRv7Q6eSF_fX3sx53qMDLRXNGOVyUwFPsJJF6ddAvOEob8quP-/s1600/DSC_0097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mWb3Jcq1GNXD69tgsE4ksEacwaN02B8Y2neaQ-RkeagMK0vSEqg81aGlwibSG4ImwdWh7Rb4_hXPZPDSgXUGgsb7XPvRv7Q6eSF_fX3sx53qMDLRXNGOVyUwFPsJJF6ddAvOEob8quP-/s320/DSC_0097.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>1. Inhale as you broaden your collarbones and bring your arms slightly back and fill the front of your chest with air. Exhale and release down. Repeat a few times.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw_AvtxNB8kr6kZ3AtZFuk2YYMcf_XXEAbg29qEvnW-Uj4wF-LcIwq6QniapcJEXZA97PQJoplUyYOCpjdnmHUQHYIo9-LXxFB3JR7LV_AVyq3Aqz1vTx8qCFY3JwitLgHl_3rAb_9YWZ/s1600/DSC_0101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw_AvtxNB8kr6kZ3AtZFuk2YYMcf_XXEAbg29qEvnW-Uj4wF-LcIwq6QniapcJEXZA97PQJoplUyYOCpjdnmHUQHYIo9-LXxFB3JR7LV_AVyq3Aqz1vTx8qCFY3JwitLgHl_3rAb_9YWZ/s320/DSC_0101.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>2. Inhale as you round your upper back, spreading your shoulder blades and fill your upper back with air. Exhale and come up. Repeat a few times.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYVPfqQLPXZ2lpkvT7sb6M1NGDQoOXx2BvzZiX3vPOhmVwMQ1XO1G829k2oJTTaARYGLbjQNDc50ssa2yGc9C0ywVqkMDjSwTfZZSQ_TzIUEVypOyxpabB_CZmsnJ2bdPPwHg-gYH5xXg/s1600/DSC_0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYVPfqQLPXZ2lpkvT7sb6M1NGDQoOXx2BvzZiX3vPOhmVwMQ1XO1G829k2oJTTaARYGLbjQNDc50ssa2yGc9C0ywVqkMDjSwTfZZSQ_TzIUEVypOyxpabB_CZmsnJ2bdPPwHg-gYH5xXg/s320/DSC_0111.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>3. Inhale and bring your arms overhead. Exhale to one side. Stay for a few breaths. Feel the breath making space between each rib. Relax your head, your shoulders, and your opposite hip. Repeat to the other side. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Come back into Mountain Pose and just be. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcMP_Np3phQony978hehdkkUmwGz7AD15Y3bcrhyphenhyphenpVej9QdJE0Ik8OIwgsFbf7YUZ49aGU7xWlfHoLQ3G9a8z00RaeA8wjU8CWQOyuLbI-o8YNAggiUs8yn9TcHLRBQwh2rwT5mhy7PYe/s1600/DSC_0117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcMP_Np3phQony978hehdkkUmwGz7AD15Y3bcrhyphenhyphenpVej9QdJE0Ik8OIwgsFbf7YUZ49aGU7xWlfHoLQ3G9a8z00RaeA8wjU8CWQOyuLbI-o8YNAggiUs8yn9TcHLRBQwh2rwT5mhy7PYe/s320/DSC_0117.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Waterfall Forward Bend<br />
Now slowly come into a forward bend; bend your knees and come all the way forward letting your upper body dangle forward. Keep your weight even in your feet. Let go. Relax your face and throat. Feel as though your upper body is a waterfall. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The rest of the poses provide relief from standing, walking, and dancing to get you ready for more! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Come onto your hands and knees. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-qaZlQKb9kU09lQ5N5COxk-nwnoy3UOMTAI4jMpuCneN1ndOhbcbvgdk1fZSzPOANtTospfDpwFM55ATqZFlwktEakyN_So01-L7n_3wmbehReL4lSJdDYlFwOJvntSM7MmUUbZjHGZo/s1600/DSC_0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-qaZlQKb9kU09lQ5N5COxk-nwnoy3UOMTAI4jMpuCneN1ndOhbcbvgdk1fZSzPOANtTospfDpwFM55ATqZFlwktEakyN_So01-L7n_3wmbehReL4lSJdDYlFwOJvntSM7MmUUbZjHGZo/s320/DSC_0120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Half Dog<br />
Scoot your knees back slightly and then move your hips back toward your feet. Move your ribcage toward your hips, not the ground. Let your head hang. Make sure to not overextend out of the shoulder joint—keep your shoulders and your upper back relaxed. Do not try to force an experience. Be with what is. After a few breaths, come back to all fours.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGirUA38oBbn3y7YUwbxLdfcpX9UXDl8-ntJ6HCb6vMfiIXq_SqWcM3k0suhk_Hzn_TtuYk42W_HN-ziYXKx2gF5jJJeMKXMYgIe2oprup8f9w41j3QtI2PNTf1gchTx6NElXzOCyW7RY/s1600/DSC_0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGirUA38oBbn3y7YUwbxLdfcpX9UXDl8-ntJ6HCb6vMfiIXq_SqWcM3k0suhk_Hzn_TtuYk42W_HN-ziYXKx2gF5jJJeMKXMYgIe2oprup8f9w41j3QtI2PNTf1gchTx6NElXzOCyW7RY/s320/DSC_0130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Down Dog<br />
Push up through your abs to bring your hips up and back. Bend your knees if you need. Honor your body. Let your hamstrings slowly unwind. Then "walk the dog," stretching each calf separately.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Qn72X58GT9qbnEXroCjmYo2bRXnMAp1Rx000-RfP8VMtLvhy6IbCks5eCxVJzsFkdNE86FHhyphenhyphenP0npirDwXzztRaizXYJAGD47g1gcO7kSZdPYlSLWINNLRtLhByvnEv8nq7UjI1Wy8jn/s1600/DSC_0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Qn72X58GT9qbnEXroCjmYo2bRXnMAp1Rx000-RfP8VMtLvhy6IbCks5eCxVJzsFkdNE86FHhyphenhyphenP0npirDwXzztRaizXYJAGD47g1gcO7kSZdPYlSLWINNLRtLhByvnEv8nq7UjI1Wy8jn/s320/DSC_0137.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Lunges<br />
Step one leg up between your hands. Drop the back knee down. Keep your pelvis square and neutral. There should be no tension in your hips or low back. If there is, move to a place of no pain or tension. Move your hips forward, not down, to come further in the pose. Bring your arms overhead and fill the front of the chest with air. Take a few big breaths and switch legs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQdSq3uLwAODnhPe5MM2dGBxxnpKVPr0sDn1g-PldYc83BKiXb52DbwG5foyqaXFp-Xmsc8yYmhZFIAfykywHrfx7e6TKWely9rsb5ePFq_jCg4XkTmwGRCizWPU-jsOcOTCZHjnQj77_/s1600/DSC_0143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQdSq3uLwAODnhPe5MM2dGBxxnpKVPr0sDn1g-PldYc83BKiXb52DbwG5foyqaXFp-Xmsc8yYmhZFIAfykywHrfx7e6TKWely9rsb5ePFq_jCg4XkTmwGRCizWPU-jsOcOTCZHjnQj77_/s320/DSC_0143.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Bound Angle<br />
Come to a seated position with your knees bent and the bottoms of your feet together. If your knees are higher than your hips, sit up on a support. Place your hands besides your hips and take some big breaths. Then bring your hands in front of you and come forward any amount breathing into your back body. Release into the pose. Take a few breaths and come up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMSdzFnK6ByVnjCA_34nBtJYSLdnfcQhszFQh12xSucA5lAeoUxFL3AiLgZZ7vUw6x9nH_NaFxvY_8twVl4YOU1RZD9b8MKeSlEzcpIX1hhtGOhfcisiPWytb1X5HhbOMG3jzX7icelte/s1600/DSC_0154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMSdzFnK6ByVnjCA_34nBtJYSLdnfcQhszFQh12xSucA5lAeoUxFL3AiLgZZ7vUw6x9nH_NaFxvY_8twVl4YOU1RZD9b8MKeSlEzcpIX1hhtGOhfcisiPWytb1X5HhbOMG3jzX7icelte/s320/DSC_0154.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Seated Wide Angle Pose<br />
Straighten your legs so that you get a stretch, but not too much! Place your hands besides your hips again and take some big breaths. Then place your hands in front of you and come forward any amount without forcing. Take a few calming breaths and come up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsDygycKfbw96caF7E987dYsLRKU1H7z60HnPkYxBF56CP8g5SFt9-FQSmOmi5MnjxgNNvyLmaIGJFHOkooQyFnSBj4ilicRhCxRLs2mURPivnuWyPCS3bR7s8YAuqyRjaCHeQj1P3q9g/s1600/DSC_0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsDygycKfbw96caF7E987dYsLRKU1H7z60HnPkYxBF56CP8g5SFt9-FQSmOmi5MnjxgNNvyLmaIGJFHOkooQyFnSBj4ilicRhCxRLs2mURPivnuWyPCS3bR7s8YAuqyRjaCHeQj1P3q9g/s320/DSC_0158.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Supine Log Pose<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Lying down on your back with your knees bent, place your ankle on the opposite knee. Do not push on your knee to stretch the hip--let your hip release on its own through relaxed breathing. For more stretch bring the legs toward you. Take a few breaths and switch legs.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatvJjsLOodSo4RtFy4P1ab4Yq5pVTo2aU0tk0ILFwPJHBrb0a1f21Qcuf0CGF8aV0RV4pdboIHivxlw5pHLIsfE32xZrewcU7lQ3rHD9I9qh9WXNnqDGxbc72YLQmYa8QfReNNk7EKXqT/s1600/DSC_0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatvJjsLOodSo4RtFy4P1ab4Yq5pVTo2aU0tk0ILFwPJHBrb0a1f21Qcuf0CGF8aV0RV4pdboIHivxlw5pHLIsfE32xZrewcU7lQ3rHD9I9qh9WXNnqDGxbc72YLQmYa8QfReNNk7EKXqT/s320/DSC_0162.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Easy Twist<br />
Lying down with your knees bent, bring your legs up to a 90-degree angle. Make sure you don't arch your back as you bring your legs up. In this position, relax your hips and draw your belly in slightly. Exhale as you release your legs to one side. Come all the way to the floor or have your legs up on a support if bringing them all the way to the floor makes a twinge in your low back. Be in a pain free zone always. Release and relax the side waist. Now, straighten your top leg and feel a nice stretch in that hip:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5y4qN4hpSwtWWc9v0R19nLSz1KLhOq89tUpI774fD2qgy8aEkp5oGhCUjcwzUB4klQfhHTe6zbP5zY4B-E9f2HfKMRm8ZDldkCRQwIeBl7rKIJ9w3UGO5SKk0WLd_QuNZUSthVF1K8fgP/s1600/DSC_0167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5y4qN4hpSwtWWc9v0R19nLSz1KLhOq89tUpI774fD2qgy8aEkp5oGhCUjcwzUB4klQfhHTe6zbP5zY4B-E9f2HfKMRm8ZDldkCRQwIeBl7rKIJ9w3UGO5SKk0WLd_QuNZUSthVF1K8fgP/s320/DSC_0167.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Take a few breaths. Inhale, come up, and switch sides. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When you are finished, hug your knees to your chest and then slowly release all the way to the final pose, Corpse Pose, lying down in a comfortable position. Take a few minutes to fully release in this pose. Feel the weight of your body heavy on the ground. Release all muscular effort. Go through each body part releasing tension. Feel your breath through your whole body. <br />
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If you like, you can begin and end your yoga practice with this breathing exercise:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/YogaVentures?feature=mhee#p/a/u/1/mKydKBK-674">We Begin With The Breath</a><br />
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<a href="http://yogaventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/we-begin-with-breath.html"></a>Roll to your side and come to sitting. Don't you feel so much better! Bring the peace, love, and connection that you feel out into the festival! <br />
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If you really dig the clothes that I am wearing for this shoot, keep your eye out for my upcoming review of the "<a href="http://www.soul-flower.com/hippie/SOL222/Carry+Your+Own+Sunshine+Tank.html">Carry Your Own Sunshine" Tank</a> on the <a href="http://soulflowerbuds.blogspot.com/search/label/karma%20krewe">Soulflower Karma Krewe blog</a> soon. For now, you can check out the tank and the pants at <a href="http://www.soul-flower.com/organic/yoga/yoga+clothing.html">Soul-flower.com!</a></div>Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-17624043932302083612011-06-15T15:03:00.001-04:002011-06-15T15:06:49.137-04:00In an Injury Rut? Quit Skimping on Your Rehab and How Yoga Therapy Can Help<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">Being involved with outdoor sports, I am around lot of people who have or had injuries. One thing that we all have in common is that we want to heal fast and get back at our activities and our lives. However, if you want to fully heal from your injuries, you can't take short cuts, so it's best to have a holistic plan that involves both treatment </span><span style="font-family: Times-Italic; font-size: 16pt;"><i>and</i></span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;"> rehabilitation. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">There are many treatments for an injury; examples are surgery, prolotherapy, acupuncture, or any other choice that involves a specialist doing something to your injury to help stabilize it. Rehabilitation, such as physical therapy and/or yoga therapy can either follow or be included along with the treatments. In both PT and YT, the purpose is for you to learn to move your body again using kinesiology principles that you learn from your therapist. Then you move your body through the exercises in a pain free zone until it becomes engrained in your mind and body and you develop necessary strength and flexibility. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0BxrrmoTzki8YdKORFZmLf7l8tvdxVWdrlmgSWPhHeZTsX1WOGW3EzFbFEM4j40V8wV_AZwlgePNKo5qG7T9MyJ8fhdunnYfQw5kMZphexFeVcn5Ai7QMIYd1kjoFvwDjggWIJv6JvrM/s1600/shrugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0BxrrmoTzki8YdKORFZmLf7l8tvdxVWdrlmgSWPhHeZTsX1WOGW3EzFbFEM4j40V8wV_AZwlgePNKo5qG7T9MyJ8fhdunnYfQw5kMZphexFeVcn5Ai7QMIYd1kjoFvwDjggWIJv6JvrM/s320/shrugs.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">Yoga therapy is a tool for healing that looks at the whole person—body, mind, and spirit to achieve your goals. So, in a yoga therapy session not only do you learn physical movements that you can do to heal your injury; but you learn better ways of breathing to release tension and create stability; and awareness exercises for your mind so that you can be aware of how you are holding yourself on a daily basis and during your activity. You are also encouraged to look at what your injury means on a deeper level—what personality traits are causing you to move in such a way as to cause injury? Are you rushing through a movement because you don't have proper technique? Is your mind somewhere else, such as on the perceived outcome? Are you tense and nervous? Are you trying to move your body faster than you are able? Do you constantly push yourself past exhaustion? These traits are human nature and by becoming aware of them, they no longer will control you. You can learn these things about yourself just by being mindful of how you do your physical exercises in a yoga therapy session. The purpose of the session is to learn to slow down and pay attention to what you are doing so that you can hold your body in a way that is healthy and effective, and you learn how to observe where your mind is so that you can bring it into the moment and apply yourself fully. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8x91Lkcj_3ah8u1MUsdCkxZBjXjgKBMiyESloJnj5RM6HAA93627Mj3AggbL3NbDpe_cgZm0E0ltiy19SZ27YQdNaEOaO2v1yy4dOXSV3s1zDEcMDzWdXiv-XiQPgnWmAX97XFYSFr_KZ/s1600/49toB+boof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8x91Lkcj_3ah8u1MUsdCkxZBjXjgKBMiyESloJnj5RM6HAA93627Mj3AggbL3NbDpe_cgZm0E0ltiy19SZ27YQdNaEOaO2v1yy4dOXSV3s1zDEcMDzWdXiv-XiQPgnWmAX97XFYSFr_KZ/s320/49toB+boof.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">Any injury rehabilitation is not a passive process and can take a few weeks to years. Actually, it is a process that never ends. I'm sorry, but there are no shortcuts in this step. Saying that there is would be like saying you can become a great cyclist by going out one time, or that you can learn to climb or kayak instantaneously. Just like the outdoor sports that we love, rehabilitating after an injury is a learning process. If you skip steps, the only person that you cheat is yourself. Plus, if done thoroughly and mindfully and with the appropriate therapist, your rehabilitation will probably make you better at your sport or activity than you were before! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;">So if you've recently been injured and you're cutting corners on your rehab, I encourage you start fully participating in it now! You don't have anything to lose except the couch!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkRNncDsoAb4sqK4UEPdviSos8JIDcv8qyu9wdWlP-rDmhdmXTeGotFWEKwy_tNLG7Z8FuJz-LglLZgs0349Lej-xOhFdjPhLQBat9FnekezshVa7wxSSQlk8iHewy8613G5_Dplj-Pff/s1600/chaturanga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkRNncDsoAb4sqK4UEPdviSos8JIDcv8qyu9wdWlP-rDmhdmXTeGotFWEKwy_tNLG7Z8FuJz-LglLZgs0349Lej-xOhFdjPhLQBat9FnekezshVa7wxSSQlk8iHewy8613G5_Dplj-Pff/s320/chaturanga.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span></div>Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-48437662672500908942011-03-31T17:30:00.003-04:002011-04-20T11:27:46.575-04:00The Who, What, and Why of "Yoga for Shoulders"<div class="MsoNormal">So, I've been posting up for months about my <a href="http://www.brushymountainpublishing.com/yoga-ventures/shoulders.html">Yoga for Shoulders classes and video</a>. You may be wondering why I teach <a href="http://www.brushymountainpublishing.com/yoga-ventures/shoulders.html">Yoga for Shoulders</a> and if it's appropriate for you. So here is my story, some info on shoulder injuries, and how you can and can't use yoga to heal: <br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Yoga for Shoulders—7 Steps to Healing and Preventing Sports Injuries</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As a whitewater athlete, I’ve had my share of shoulder injuries over the years. During my first couple of injuries, I was in my yoga teacher training and healed up pretty quickly; or so it seemed. As I got older, I developed chronic pain in my shoulder. I thought that I would just need to get used to the pain—I was an extreme athlete, and pain was par for the course, right? Then I began studying yoga therapy and playing around with some different yoga techniques. To my amazement, pain that I'd had in my shoulder for seven years went away in about two weeks with the right exercises. As the pain faded, I gained a safe range of motion that I never thought possible, and my strength increased. Now I can do all kinds of things that I had been told that I would never do again without surgery. My yoga practice and paddling are thriving, and my athletic life is opening up to new possibilities every day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Inspired by my healing, I began educating myself further so that I could help other injured athletes use yoga to gain more freedom and strength in their bodies. For several years, I immersed myself in more therapy based yoga teacher training, and I taught yoga classes to people with shoulder injuries. Through the process, I discovered what shoulder problems are common in active people and what should be done in order to heal through yoga practice. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Generally, active people's shoulders become injured because of trauma–such as a dislocation and/or repetitive motion and posture–such as kayaking or riding a bike. Obviously, after trauma, an injury needs healing time. If you experience pain in the following months or years, the injury has become chronic. Bodily imbalances then develop that are often similar to repetitive motion injury. Either way, the typical scenario is that the arm bone tends to move forward in the socket due to muscular imbalances. As the arm bone rolls forward, it causes the opening between the arm bone, the collarbone, and the shoulder blade to become smaller until it pinches on important stabilizing tendons causing pain and swelling. Further, when pinched, the tendons are cut off from the muscles causing instability in the shoulder. The symptoms of this are weakness and burning in the front and back of the shoulder and feeling as if your arm might come off as you reach for the shampoo bottle in the shower. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you exercise and push through these pain sensations, go ahead and make an appointment with your orthopedist for surgery. The exercise will speed up the injury process, and you'll need surgery pretty soon. Think of a rope moving back and forth between sharp rocks. What will eventually happen? By pushing through pain sensations in your shoulder while working out or doing yoga, you’re causing damage—pain and swelling are your body's signal. If you truly want to heal, you have to learn to listen to your body's pain signals and work within a pain-free range of motion, or you will be in pain and injured forever. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, what should you do to heal or prevent this kind of injury? These are the steps that I take using yoga as therapy to help someone heal from a shoulder injury, heal after surgery, and to prevent shoulder problems:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">1. Breathing—learning to fully breathe in a relaxed body is the base of a yoga practice. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">2. Bandhas--energy locks in the body, some of which create necessary core stability for yoga poses. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">3. Releasing the fronts of the shoulders. This is stretching–kind of. I like to think of it as releasing—you are gently returning your body to its natural state.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">4. Movement in the shoulder blades–your shoulder joint is actually only as mobile as your shoulder blades. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">5. Standing poses—learning to move your whole body in a pain free range of motion.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">6. Building core strength—not only strengthening your abs, but also your spine and shoulder blades. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">7. Weight bearing poses on the shoulders—a culmination of all the previous techniques, learning to balance effort and ease in the body by moving through poses that develop balanced strength. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Can you get this from attending your local yoga studio? Maybe, but probably not in a general class setting. I've been in some classes where the teacher helped me tremendously. But in some classes, when I was moving improperly and making my shoulder worse, no one ever corrected me. Also, there are many poses done in general yoga classes that are not appropriate for athletes with shoulder injuries; some common poses will actually weaken injured shoulders. If you are an athlete with shoulder problems, you should make a private appointment with a yoga teacher who is trained and experienced in shoulder therapy for athletes. After you are healed and understand your injury, you will be free to go to any sort of yoga classes!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What about doing yoga on your own to heal your shoulder? That’s okay as long as you know what you’re doing. If you don't, seek help–or you may never get to do your beloved activity again! A home yoga practice is good as long as it's tailored to your shoulder injury. You can use a <a href="http://www.brushymountainpublishing.com/yoga-ventures/shoulders.html">video</a> as a guide, but make sure it's okay for your injury. If you are going it alone, my advice is to always move slowly while you exercise and pay attention to your alignment. If you get pain and pinching, stop doing what you are doing and work within a pain free range of motion. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A path to healing is never quick and easy, but if you want to play hard, it's essential. So, take the time and a little extra effort (and ease!) to get out of the pain and injury cycle and discover the amazing rewards of your accomplishment. May your shoulders be free!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JZ1ehd6Qj8QGDhf7v1_EpA-BcxWah2e4tpm-tb32IqvLmkUKZU4ABVrIXT9_Z-SrJByMaKaF0Mik8mnAWxp3bpWBstxepD8mhwnV0wK3-m-WGxX_vvztZ-t5E09-HEAeDEhBhF387prD/s1600/DownDog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JZ1ehd6Qj8QGDhf7v1_EpA-BcxWah2e4tpm-tb32IqvLmkUKZU4ABVrIXT9_Z-SrJByMaKaF0Mik8mnAWxp3bpWBstxepD8mhwnV0wK3-m-WGxX_vvztZ-t5E09-HEAeDEhBhF387prD/s320/DownDog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am available for private instruction in Asheville, North Carolina and over the internet. I also created a <a href="http://brushymountainpublishing.com/yoga-ventures/shoulders.html">yoga DVD</a> with a step by step program to heal and prevent shoulder injuries. You can <a href="mailto:yoga@brushymountainpublishing.com">send me and email</a> or visit my website <a href="http://www.brushymountainpublishing.com/yoga-ventures/shoulders.html">YogaVenturesDotCom</a> for more info!</div>Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-5425648368688353382011-03-16T14:08:00.002-04:002011-03-17T12:25:18.647-04:00Praise the Effort, Not the RewardIn our society, we have this ugly dichotomy that on the one hand says that you can do anything, and then when you do it, if you're not the best at it, then you're just not good enough. I have always wondered about it and in the following article a writer and a psychologist explain the situation. <br />
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I am stoked that I have had to work hard in my life for everything I have achieved--I am not naturally good at anything and the hard work is the reward for me. I have a "growth mindset," but it has taken some work to even have that--learning to turn off the media, avoid negative people, and combat negative self talk. <br />
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Don't let society fool you into being stuck or thinking you suck. Don't worry about your swim or your fall--just get back up and try try again! That is what I keep doing--my sweetest successes have come after huge failures. <br />
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If you are into sports and/or have kids, this is a must read! Here is the article from Women's Adventure:<br />
<a href="http://www.womensadventuremagazine.com/blog/a-for-effort/">A is for Effort</a>Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-62315972796994934192011-03-10T10:41:00.000-05:002011-03-10T10:41:24.475-05:00A Review of "Yoga for Shoulders"Making a yoga video is really tough. First, I have to decide what all I can fit in there--I have to usually cut down my material tons and then think of how to put it all together so that it will be simple to the end user. Then I have to figure out how I will say each cue so that the user can understand. While I did practice for years on my yoga students before I made this video, once the video was finished, I wondered if I made any sense. I wondered if the structure and the language were useful or confusing. So, the first thing I did was send off the video to the very groups of people that I was targeting with this video: active people who may or may not already do yoga. I thought Tali from the Cupcake Mafia blog would be perfect because she is an active outdoors girl who happens to be in yoga teacher training. A teacher in training is perfect because they are being taught to be critical of other teachers and I wanted an honest opinion. It helps me tremendously to hear that she understood the structure of the video and that the very purpose is to slow you down in your yoga practice and pay more attention to the process. That is the only way to heal. Thanks so much to Tali for taking the time to be thorough with my DVD and give a review that is super helpful to me and to you:<br />
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="http://www.mycupcakemafia.com/2011/02/review-yoga-for-shoulders-with-andria.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CupcakeMafia+%28Cupcake+Mafia%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher">Review: Yoga for Shoulders with Andria Davis, RYT by Tali of the Cupcake Mafia blog. </a></h3>Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-21896606377097546562011-01-05T18:33:00.001-05:002011-01-05T18:35:35.924-05:00"Yoga for Shoulders" DVD is finally finished!You can purchase the new DVD, read all about it, and check out the trailer at the <a href="http://www.brushymountainpublishing.com/yoga-ventures/index.html">YOGAVENTURES WEBSITE</a>. <br />
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If you'd like to read more about how we made the DVD and my inspiration for it, check out my blog posts below. <br />
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If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me through my website.<br />
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May you be well and free of suffering!Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-19376643645307223512010-11-24T12:04:00.003-05:002010-11-24T12:08:42.896-05:00Family time gives us an excellent opportunity for yoga practice! Here are some tips to help:<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"> 1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Get out and go for a walk and do some yoga poses during the holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You'll be a good role model for the kids and the fresh air and exercise can clear the brain and increase endorphins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If you are throwing the dinner, don't overwork yourself and then blame others by becoming short-tempered—this is controlling and selfish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>See this as an opportunity to work together and delegate tasks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Teach that this is a time when the family works together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And if you are a guest, be of service.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> 3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Practice non-judgment and compassion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We throw these words around a lot in yoga, but really think about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Others have a right to do what they do and believe what they believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Your family has feelings and a belief system just as you do and having respect towards them will gain them respect towards you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Learn to see past the things that annoy you about people and into their humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Practice loving them even though you don't agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Love supersedes all boundaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You can't control others, but you can control your reactions to them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The reason that we practice mediation is for this moment!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When all of these family energies, noise, food, children, emotions, loud television, and other chaos are going on around you, stay in touch with the peace inside yourself.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The most complicated thing is to do is to be who you are.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We have a tendency to begin to see ourselves as we think that our family sees us, which causes resentment.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just be observant of your behaviors, emotions, and thoughts and you can break this pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Easier said than done, but maybe for now, just practice!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I know everyone throws around advice for the holidays and even that can seem overwhelming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So, to keep it simple, just remember to be happy, loving, and peaceful and have all of your actions come from that place and the holiday could be one to be worth celebrating!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-1158659208901824242010-11-04T16:21:00.019-04:002010-11-04T17:28:12.093-04:00Finishing up the "Yoga for Shoulders" VideoWe are finally finishing up the "Yoga for Shoulders" video! It's been a long tough road, but we finally got the last footage that we need. I am really stoked to help out others with shoulder issues and I really hope that this video will help out!<br /><br />Here are some shots from Linville Gorge in North Carolina:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEAFkLc969IMMoTZ4UY0JAEFMoCW4IGzt1ob1s9eA-c_RBgLJD4RPZcCp1Pt1bRdo_0KVwkF2oetqvEVrRHZTGMZ_60yiqdOxNpWJ3LGhd8vzyK28HAK_8eSwu5HVLbcGFp0J5IOrwWt5/s1600/Restore.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEAFkLc969IMMoTZ4UY0JAEFMoCW4IGzt1ob1s9eA-c_RBgLJD4RPZcCp1Pt1bRdo_0KVwkF2oetqvEVrRHZTGMZ_60yiqdOxNpWJ3LGhd8vzyK28HAK_8eSwu5HVLbcGFp0J5IOrwWt5/s320/Restore.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535798396541932818" border="0" /></a><br />This is a restorative pose to work on releasing tightness and tension in the fronts of the shoulders that can cause impingement.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48xeLieXseIDcA4ZvDQeYsxr0IYgLCnKQTk4Dsg1XmZ4wHdrq27wii7Sol9iIpGt0ArfqqI3QHyW6TH5OsQkax7Dj_EPHK172Q-ktKwf6gH5_o6uR2W-CAXwjfZ3meB1EWZfq_0mKEe0v/s1600/shrugs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48xeLieXseIDcA4ZvDQeYsxr0IYgLCnKQTk4Dsg1XmZ4wHdrq27wii7Sol9iIpGt0ArfqqI3QHyW6TH5OsQkax7Dj_EPHK172Q-ktKwf6gH5_o6uR2W-CAXwjfZ3meB1EWZfq_0mKEe0v/s320/shrugs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535795652876819314" border="0" /></a><br />We will work on becoming more aware of the shoulder blades and work on moving them around to prevent frozen shoulder.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzs9CZs3GJyGzTDlfn25uY8wyBRykJtoBnkIP2ACEutUUuK0ecsQ9YLAXav7L13h_r-nHT4wX-wPPoV6C1-VjjtYPvOn05dBsoQsi0sNNB3RuM4loJP02TmWPxylsF7PTV1ysxevhkU0M/s1600/pullovers.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzs9CZs3GJyGzTDlfn25uY8wyBRykJtoBnkIP2ACEutUUuK0ecsQ9YLAXav7L13h_r-nHT4wX-wPPoV6C1-VjjtYPvOn05dBsoQsi0sNNB3RuM4loJP02TmWPxylsF7PTV1ysxevhkU0M/s320/pullovers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535798801711027602" border="0" /></a><br />Not a bad place to be working! My husband and I do all of the work on these videos ourselves--we love it, but it's also very difficult in many ways. He is amazing--he does all of the camera work (3 video cameras and 1 still) and directs too! We use all natural lighting, which is why it takes us awhile to get the right day. We also do all of our own editing and sound.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPigoAjn3fENv4Iu6uyOIAGvFpwD4-s8XooWWTzzoMvHmjUApJrWOnUJyyGKVExHyQGfZ1EGtnkSnwtwhojEBItaC0qITzFsa7jH0aXYjpKoZTNjIZoOihLqAI8nHBtrSK6qHZCniZrLc0/s1600/MountainStretch.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPigoAjn3fENv4Iu6uyOIAGvFpwD4-s8XooWWTzzoMvHmjUApJrWOnUJyyGKVExHyQGfZ1EGtnkSnwtwhojEBItaC0qITzFsa7jH0aXYjpKoZTNjIZoOihLqAI8nHBtrSK6qHZCniZrLc0/s320/MountainStretch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535798981107861458" border="0" /></a><br />A variation on Mountain Pose to help with better posture.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9mHCrqZUApU3mrmwmdd6q2JraF4xTl1y4qOk14HI9-PeENQ02MY3GQ1bfOQuATHE1y6pACrGXUq3NXZs1k4R1MXN9f0d4bzo8I-U5fcmeDChpuwhyphenhyphenvWKid5NRHZEKei3XH1bIdVjkdlL/s1600/DownDog1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9mHCrqZUApU3mrmwmdd6q2JraF4xTl1y4qOk14HI9-PeENQ02MY3GQ1bfOQuATHE1y6pACrGXUq3NXZs1k4R1MXN9f0d4bzo8I-U5fcmeDChpuwhyphenhyphenvWKid5NRHZEKei3XH1bIdVjkdlL/s320/DownDog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535799154389049266" border="0" /></a><br />Downward Facing Dog Pose--we will work with the mechanics of this pose for safely performing the pose for those with shoulder issues and with using your core to lift the weight out of the shoulders and wrists.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqEdUiBhZgG4BJfUrpcjrhy3J9XuOKDatrsyN-9YrPpQ2q2KRfEa4zJbFsMizzoaaUQ9gzbCBaBo9fCiFHyGLTRF2mXA93NHGr5JI9dPzUgoNCUANvImchNu8jrxeNRcSc7ZnuDxHD97Q/s1600/Plank.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqEdUiBhZgG4BJfUrpcjrhy3J9XuOKDatrsyN-9YrPpQ2q2KRfEa4zJbFsMizzoaaUQ9gzbCBaBo9fCiFHyGLTRF2mXA93NHGr5JI9dPzUgoNCUANvImchNu8jrxeNRcSc7ZnuDxHD97Q/s320/Plank.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535799336775576818" border="0" /></a><br />Plank Pose--we will work on the same concepts as in Down Dog--how to use the whole body better to relieve the shoulders and wrists.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9FmmTbaGqIgIvGgIpgpvrEqfdqUY0tr3uDNL7DDRTbjQjulSR-E7rig_BL3pI2PZWPXA5Gv3CSS9JzvVK9-ISFieZIH_nQmyYSlGXVILMJGQIfXCYfY36084KjyeLRkBS8ts5gfe2m8s/s1600/chaturanga.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9FmmTbaGqIgIvGgIpgpvrEqfdqUY0tr3uDNL7DDRTbjQjulSR-E7rig_BL3pI2PZWPXA5Gv3CSS9JzvVK9-ISFieZIH_nQmyYSlGXVILMJGQIfXCYfY36084KjyeLRkBS8ts5gfe2m8s/s320/chaturanga.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535799468239428274" border="0" /></a><br />Whew! This is Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose). It is better to perform this one with knees down to work very diligently on making sure you are using your body correctly. It can exacerbate problems if done poorly, but if done mindfully it will build strength and grace in your body!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVjqCIWhRjPUZIGkE1uFUruhqAKOkCXzstbl1BxN88Q1v088WW8SvddTrAOzXuKbdZ-lN-YK7yjjaEuNAnC-xU_eZ0coeTD-7xh-xpbYtdD3H3mNlqgP82awN0N0scA9iJ4_a4rMCuzJS/s1600/DownDog.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVjqCIWhRjPUZIGkE1uFUruhqAKOkCXzstbl1BxN88Q1v088WW8SvddTrAOzXuKbdZ-lN-YK7yjjaEuNAnC-xU_eZ0coeTD-7xh-xpbYtdD3H3mNlqgP82awN0N0scA9iJ4_a4rMCuzJS/s320/DownDog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535799611227982466" border="0" /></a><br />Ahh--my shoulders feel so good and free! I have not had surgery and I have never felt better! I have made much progress with this program for my own shoulders by overcoming injuries that resulted in impingement, pain, and severe shoulder blade winging and dysfunction. I heard the same complaints from many of my friends--some who had surgery and some who didn't, so I began to want to help people get out of the shoulder pain and injury cycle. I have been teaching shoulders classes for a few years and now have put the class together for this video. I hope that everyone finds freedom and strength in their shoulders!Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-16315506662058542132010-10-12T12:39:00.004-04:002010-10-12T13:41:07.828-04:00Kayaking, Road Cycling, and Mountain Biking...<p class="MsoNormal">That is what I wish I were doing every waking hour!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On the kayaking part, I almost have been!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>September and October is Gauley Season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This season takes place in West Virginia every year when the Army Corps of Engineers releases water out of Summersville Lake and into the Gauley River gorge below it to drop the lake in preparation for winter rains. Here is a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C94XahgrGZg">video head cam tour </a>of the Gauley River taken by my husband, Leland, via squirt boat, a special kind of glass boat that kicks the river up a notch.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the 3rd week of September, there is the biggest festival in the whitewater kayaking world there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We had a booth and had some fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here are some pictures from the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=48396&id=100000101419073">shenanigans at Gauley Festival 2010.</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the mountain biking part, I haven't been on my bike in months!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But these ladies have been taking up the slack for me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the Minx Girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are some rad women from the UK, who just wrote up <a href="http://issuu.com/minx-girl.com/docs/minxcompendium2">this Compendium</a> for a huge cycling event over there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are some core articles here (including one on yoga, hehehe!).</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tis the season for road cycling events here in Appalachia as we come into one of our best seasons—the colorful mountains, cool dry air, and dry roads make for sweet rides!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is one of my favorite local events, <a href="http://tugaloocorridor.org/tourdetugaloo.html">the Tour de Tugaloo.</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Tucked away in the north Georgia mountains, if you are looking for a ride with something for every level and a fun vibe, put this one on your to do list. You might even win a "Yoga for Cyclists" DVD!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <!--EndFragment--><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dQJabSZbKCy1Ay5ptojzbRa-y-XBN-L0XQVYNR2bMdJbPhIJqXks-bTxRAIbs7ae4E8jMy76nlV1pM1cv7ymf3TA26LjvR8jQ_KGrwIMKqAFLusIP7rj8QL_tqWbKmS8EiQR4FX6RbQy/s1600/MTB+2008.jpg"></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dQJabSZbKCy1Ay5ptojzbRa-y-XBN-L0XQVYNR2bMdJbPhIJqXks-bTxRAIbs7ae4E8jMy76nlV1pM1cv7ymf3TA26LjvR8jQ_KGrwIMKqAFLusIP7rj8QL_tqWbKmS8EiQR4FX6RbQy/s1600/MTB+2008.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dQJabSZbKCy1Ay5ptojzbRa-y-XBN-L0XQVYNR2bMdJbPhIJqXks-bTxRAIbs7ae4E8jMy76nlV1pM1cv7ymf3TA26LjvR8jQ_KGrwIMKqAFLusIP7rj8QL_tqWbKmS8EiQR4FX6RbQy/s320/MTB+2008.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527215091167565538" /></a></div><br /><br />See ya!Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-51098828339711731752010-09-22T11:25:00.003-04:002010-09-22T11:53:32.476-04:00Yoga for Shoulders Class is Back!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZw_ZCQd1_-ouCrFJcwL3veS9d8FtanWKqbgg9c5-gW7mILdzl9LAbYeNX6iz8Fb3IHjYA8qMpP8uJdu2cn99cafUecXkSgJFcu0kOS-zzYbdQOmwkGHIRi0F_NT9_wqsnWfhLRpLdq-M/s1600/yoga-for-shoulders-(3).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZw_ZCQd1_-ouCrFJcwL3veS9d8FtanWKqbgg9c5-gW7mILdzl9LAbYeNX6iz8Fb3IHjYA8qMpP8uJdu2cn99cafUecXkSgJFcu0kOS-zzYbdQOmwkGHIRi0F_NT9_wqsnWfhLRpLdq-M/s400/yoga-for-shoulders-(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519763221425498258" /></a><br /><br />You can find out more and sign up <a href="http://www.onecenteryoga.com/wb/pages/special-classes/yoga-for-shoulders.php">here.</a>Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-53890448004912768232010-08-19T15:12:00.029-04:002010-09-02T14:21:03.940-04:00Yoga Core Exercises for Healing and Preventing Sports InjuriesIt's not news that in order to increase your sports performance, you need to exercise your core. But if you think that this means doing a bunch of sit-ups, you need to freshen up your strategy. Core exercises should not only strengthen your core, but also teach you to use your whole body in a more functional manner. Your body is more efficient when your power emerges from your strong, stable center taking pressure off all the peripheral and much less stable joints of the body. The end result of learning to move from your core is that you will have better posture, less injuries, and more energy. The holistic viewpoint of Yoga makes it the perfect tool to teach us these lessons.<br /><br />While doing these exercises, think in terms of your body as a whole. The point of these core exercises is to re-teach your body how to move in a more efficient manner. These exercises are from the upcoming "Yoga for Shoulders: Restore and Strengthen" DVD, so the focus is on how the core relates to the shoulders.<br /><br />In all of the poses, make sure that when you engage your shoulder blades, that they move <span style="font-weight:bold;">into</span> the back and <span style="font-weight:bold;">not toward</span> each other. In the Boat Poses, think of all energy emanating from the navel and work on releasing unnecessary effort in the rest of the body:<br /><br />Half Boat Pose, Ardha Navasana:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahqI0-LP139ZLoFZvDqjLN_nDq9Sfh4JWXr5dPuD9Fdu3uodKQY-pEw5gezIBkBalK1DOJjvP62BGnZ4dCpm4CSorcPGT-b6CBcsSv81jVFVu0nA-9fG8uBWGKrPJLpNjGUJHTYUN7Y-d/s1600/ArdhaNavasana.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahqI0-LP139ZLoFZvDqjLN_nDq9Sfh4JWXr5dPuD9Fdu3uodKQY-pEw5gezIBkBalK1DOJjvP62BGnZ4dCpm4CSorcPGT-b6CBcsSv81jVFVu0nA-9fG8uBWGKrPJLpNjGUJHTYUN7Y-d/s320/ArdhaNavasana.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507229200952206146" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Begin in Supine Mountain Pose: lying on your back, feet together and flexed, arms at your sides. Lengthen your spine, relax extraneous tensions, and breathe fully. Exhale as you strongly engage the abdominals and lift the legs and torso without arching the low back or jutting the head forward. Concentrate on only using your middle: don't tense the fronts of the shoulders keeping the collarbones broad. Draw the shoulder blades down the back and then firm them onto the back. Breathe fully and relax the jaws and the face. Stay as long as you can stand it. Release back to the floor and relax fully taking deep breaths. Repeat. <br /><br />Full Boat Pose, Navasana:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRoq7s6jc_bGpDsu6Cyyju8xzXBvjt4OfK58pYYMBIk1BtKG-zoOaeB4uStCVsVcgqTUWwnOli-c8ua-bwyrg4bze9KQiCE4IYFNYtAve5Yf6LdIj6bbDCbHqdIB8BezPJxFdEprsEYOS/s1600/Navasana1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRoq7s6jc_bGpDsu6Cyyju8xzXBvjt4OfK58pYYMBIk1BtKG-zoOaeB4uStCVsVcgqTUWwnOli-c8ua-bwyrg4bze9KQiCE4IYFNYtAve5Yf6LdIj6bbDCbHqdIB8BezPJxFdEprsEYOS/s320/Navasana1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507229455182147442" border="0" /></a><br />Begin sitting with your legs bent in front of you and feet flat on the floor. Lift in and up with the inner thighs, pelvic floor and navel. Lift up through the spine and the crown of the head. Broaden the collarbones and draw the shoulder blades down the back. Engage the bottom tips of your shoulder blades forward--toward your sternum.<br /><br />Using your hands on the floor next to your hips for balance, exhale and lift your feet off the floor. Keep all of the above actions going. If you need more challenge, lift your hands and straighten your arms in front of you. Draw the arm bones back in the sockets, slide the shoulder blades down the back, and engage the bottom tips of them forward. Lift up with the back body as much as with the front body. Keep the collarbones broad and breathe evenly. Relax the face and jaws.<br /><br />To go one step further, straighten the legs. Squeeze the inner thighs. Activate and spread the toes. Breathe and maintain all of the above actions.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEP-BJVs4DcQC2RuRydxE20sf7i3BrrymWIKKYwLdJnDoRzQ7PalWd2XNp_pPGyXGwx5Jpucv3-QgsfuKJn660Z-ky9zvj1_PD_MuLbq1_-UqVjhvIrCQxRHamRc40iRzw8APYIalsaTd/s1600/Navasana2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEP-BJVs4DcQC2RuRydxE20sf7i3BrrymWIKKYwLdJnDoRzQ7PalWd2XNp_pPGyXGwx5Jpucv3-QgsfuKJn660Z-ky9zvj1_PD_MuLbq1_-UqVjhvIrCQxRHamRc40iRzw8APYIalsaTd/s320/Navasana2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507229724991916066" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Release back to sitting and take some deep breaths and relax all effort. Repeat. <br /><br />The next pose stretches the front body and strengthens the often-ignored back body and the spine. A strong and flexible spine is part of a strong core: <br /><br />Locust Pose, Salabhasana:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZsQpon1z1ObUhcGfJUjyQYmTkhsCB5ZBhj_1ZSfRVirRZeXthwtLoKbVd4LL8PVuIMow2JfDeNMDKbVyWP5x0hiS9Ba1y7WWu2PkO6WTn1D4v-Pm6LPLXMt-yZjSglNNqjLuwO_0ltbc/s1600/locustprep-blog.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZsQpon1z1ObUhcGfJUjyQYmTkhsCB5ZBhj_1ZSfRVirRZeXthwtLoKbVd4LL8PVuIMow2JfDeNMDKbVyWP5x0hiS9Ba1y7WWu2PkO6WTn1D4v-Pm6LPLXMt-yZjSglNNqjLuwO_0ltbc/s320/locustprep-blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507229957867586386" border="0" /></a><br />Lie in a prone position with your forehead on the floor, your feet about hip width, and your arms by your sides with your palms face up. Take a deep breath and release all tension. Lengthen your spine from your tailbone through the crown of your head. Broaden your collarbones, draw the shoulder blades down your back and engage the lower and inner shoulder blades into the back. Inhale as you lift your legs, torso, and arms. Keep the head in line with the spine and take your gaze up. Release tension from your face and jaws. Breathe fully. Exhale and slowly come down and release completely into the floor. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0eEm6g4GEMzBeDeYWUV9oKMtfbCE27N_kY3GSG33QumF2glyE0d6agTofMNbc1KvikimngdhN3fqDLFl_z8B7VVSLrxpiTlzPiGXHDEDc63sY_ff4LNvCOhNixZO5Ah7rvIFELZqLx7Z/s1600/Locust-blog.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0eEm6g4GEMzBeDeYWUV9oKMtfbCE27N_kY3GSG33QumF2glyE0d6agTofMNbc1KvikimngdhN3fqDLFl_z8B7VVSLrxpiTlzPiGXHDEDc63sY_ff4LNvCOhNixZO5Ah7rvIFELZqLx7Z/s320/Locust-blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507230246708128738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />End with Relaxation Pose, Savasana:<br />Lie in a comfortable postition. Release your body into the floor completely. Stay for at least 5 minutes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplF7Ps_gyMQkdFFgii5-9le6h8GPG8siWb8cZfea8j3ODUIRsx73NRSxu9K01MsGoJryaCOwT4oiRTcbRUScSTvRtD5T8zgImhIOBkSBr_OJHztIq4YIW1vZjkX201fdSyMpatvHGRwVh/s1600/DSC_0357.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplF7Ps_gyMQkdFFgii5-9le6h8GPG8siWb8cZfea8j3ODUIRsx73NRSxu9K01MsGoJryaCOwT4oiRTcbRUScSTvRtD5T8zgImhIOBkSBr_OJHztIq4YIW1vZjkX201fdSyMpatvHGRwVh/s320/DSC_0357.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507231663332082194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />If these poses cause any sharp pains in your body, your body is not ready, and you need an instructor to watch and correct your alignment. Listen to your body and seek guidance if you need.Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-47767788267137749682010-08-12T14:14:00.006-04:002010-08-25T11:33:48.441-04:00Improve Your Posture and Your Performance With This Simple Yoga Exercise<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGTyPKSfis1Qusy7EJniLAaO3d8OKHMdlHEI0OiSxD9dNtmeDUbtPLuqeg4SWRPzyGnapWxhAH4kb86uaW0_mB9xQo_ieoQEcdL5oI63LRxfF1qafiXyRB2hxjcsFRMvNgxfR7Rc2XtnN/s1600/PosturePose.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGTyPKSfis1Qusy7EJniLAaO3d8OKHMdlHEI0OiSxD9dNtmeDUbtPLuqeg4SWRPzyGnapWxhAH4kb86uaW0_mB9xQo_ieoQEcdL5oI63LRxfF1qafiXyRB2hxjcsFRMvNgxfR7Rc2XtnN/s320/PosturePose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504593090207924722" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" >Aligned posture will bring you better health and livliness because it takes pressure off your joints and allows the blood to flow and the organs to function better giving you more energy for the fun and necessary things in life! Try this one simple and quick exercise: take a belt (or a strap, paddle, or broomstick) and hold it behind your back shoulder width with your arms straight and your palms facing your butt; stand in Mountain Pose with your weight distributed evenly between your two legs and into the base of the big toes, the pinky toes, and the center of the back of the heels; gently draw the belly in and up without disturbing your breathing; lift up through the crown of the head; broaden your collarbones, roll your shoulders open, draw your shoulder blades down your back and the inner shoulder blades forward toward your sternum; do not let the upper arm bones roll forward and down, do not let the rib cage protrude forward, and do not lock the elbows. Do this exercise as often as possible always letting the body unfold into the pose and not forcing. Smile and breathe! </span>Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-45323942474651818582010-05-25T17:12:00.012-04:002010-05-26T12:21:03.854-04:00Let's Be an AngelMany people wonder why I am so obsessed with whitewater that I have completely dedicated my life to it. It may even look as though I live selfishly. But this is far from my intentions. Back in 1996, I almost lost my life. Just in time, I found whitewater and it drew me into the magic of the river. The river gave me my life back and began to teach me about myself and everything else--it has made me complete. The sport of whitewater is a gift to me and I want to share this gift with others. So, I have joined a team of women kayakers to help raise money for young adults with cancer so that they can go to a whitewater camp for free and feel the joy of paddling. Our team is called River Angels, and I intend to be just that. This is not a competition for me to call attention to my ego, this is a chance to show someone else the magic of the river. If you would like to donate to this cause in my name from now until June 15 2010, please visit this website: <a href="http://www.eddyflower.com/MakeDonation.aspx">Eddyflower Vertical Challenge</a>, and simply 1. select my name; 2. enter your info; 3. and make your donation. Thanks for helping me be a River Angel! <div> </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrawErMl64LiBdfVt53-L-mXyuGRdXbMxLuF40RNqQrjQPw6EjuK2jI3_f1K8Q3RZnsSVWv-Lho-njjNkT4nPrHEI2fVykktiwOwgi1PKYVAzIxUVSFC1wgfLfN8MdEwFK9zlD6RJVXn3/s1600/sieve-city-andria2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrawErMl64LiBdfVt53-L-mXyuGRdXbMxLuF40RNqQrjQPw6EjuK2jI3_f1K8Q3RZnsSVWv-Lho-njjNkT4nPrHEI2fVykktiwOwgi1PKYVAzIxUVSFC1wgfLfN8MdEwFK9zlD6RJVXn3/s320/sieve-city-andria2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475411398259987362" /></a>Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-5581876201552951512010-05-08T16:08:00.016-04:002010-05-12T12:03:13.850-04:00Yoga for ShouldersWe have finally started filming my next yoga video (actually YOUR next yoga video!), "Yoga for Shoulders!" We will be out filming in various spectacular outdoor settings this summer so that we can make a kick ass video that you will love to watch and do!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInXgdjfYmCIZ7uiRdZK44warCwrLTAsbm8aMG20RFj6YltBB_xYM7kTvAXYL-9GQ9vgXUaEQdrff8BZ-YK8Kwv-wuO2sbyTU7t5tnKuOzqXlgN32-lbN75d7t2AIrpPC3fDLxMn42ZGFW/s1600/DSC_0026.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInXgdjfYmCIZ7uiRdZK44warCwrLTAsbm8aMG20RFj6YltBB_xYM7kTvAXYL-9GQ9vgXUaEQdrff8BZ-YK8Kwv-wuO2sbyTU7t5tnKuOzqXlgN32-lbN75d7t2AIrpPC3fDLxMn42ZGFW/s320/DSC_0026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469004293383378130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's the scoop: A few years back during my yoga teacher training program, I sustained a shoulder injury while out whitewater kayaking. We were working on Sun Salutations at the time, and my shoulder healed up really fast. Since then, I have focused much of my yoga study on healing the shoulders. I have discovered some secrets to yoga techniques that have made a huge difference in my life, and now I want to share what I have learned. The DVD will be a step by step program to restore functional alignment and strength in the shoulders. As I make the DVD, I will post up some poses, so that hopefully you can start working on getting back in the game right away! But beware--if these poses irritate your shoulders, you need more instruction, and you should consult your yoga teacher and/or wait for the DVD.<br /><br />If you want to do this series right now, I suggest you begin your session with my previous post on breathing, <a href="http://yogaventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/we-begin-with-breath.html">We Begin With the Breath.</a> I have included an audio version down at the bottom of that post, which will be much easier to follow.<br /><br />Also, follow these instructions in each pose: 1. lift mula bandha and uddiyana bandha (if you don't know what they are, ask your yoga teacher and/or wait for the video); 2. slide the shoulder blades down the back; 3. don't protrude the bottom rib cage; 4. keep the gaze steady; 5. avoid over-efforting from forcing into poses; 6. avoid sloppy lifeless poses by paying attention to your body and mind; 7. Relax your face! 8. Breathe Fully! There are many more instructions, of course, but just work on those for now.<br /><br />And last, but not least, end the session with at least 5 minutes of Corpse Pose.<br /><br />Here are some poses from the 4th Session in the video, "Standing Poses:"<br /><br />Urdhva Hastasana--Upward Arms Pose:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGpnWFAGcisGlPoRBn30Wutxtk4Psq49PQ6IuU8rZqrEiuJvIfRqtIQvzIGo8J5me8qHEzcn1qTAh-P5vligkVYjY_5TqI2gLWgRTRuHkDL4v0qXWBy1StHLzF4jNAOSs95mxHweE9YmF/s1600/DSC_0021.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGpnWFAGcisGlPoRBn30Wutxtk4Psq49PQ6IuU8rZqrEiuJvIfRqtIQvzIGo8J5me8qHEzcn1qTAh-P5vligkVYjY_5TqI2gLWgRTRuHkDL4v0qXWBy1StHLzF4jNAOSs95mxHweE9YmF/s320/DSC_0021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468999452908831202" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Utkatasana--Powerful Pose:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0D7IlIBz12G4AQiBaHtKhfb3uj8gYGfAyV0QF6CRP1_iDWlTfXWmOyWWpqLiMkyRDn9cttGk7Q_DEVgljlUQ-I43953Iy5k3S-eOOVhEERf8xgJ9CPegBAyBF9HWr9pMVykkWSbQYdLwv/s1600/DSC_0025.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0D7IlIBz12G4AQiBaHtKhfb3uj8gYGfAyV0QF6CRP1_iDWlTfXWmOyWWpqLiMkyRDn9cttGk7Q_DEVgljlUQ-I43953Iy5k3S-eOOVhEERf8xgJ9CPegBAyBF9HWr9pMVykkWSbQYdLwv/s320/DSC_0025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469001280444268850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Virabhadrasana 1--Warrior Pose 1:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxCj8dJ3ScvujgwcBD2OjwME_QwfwzN2vEHAfrJJ9jAbntrNmgZDa8nkqHcl4b9TgfRgNX2dFC_antOnADZb1dvGLIj6GyX13hnZvasu8StErPv85wXFXQdhWRwhTHbIhj9vBjTfEIBKE/s1600/DSC_0031.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxCj8dJ3ScvujgwcBD2OjwME_QwfwzN2vEHAfrJJ9jAbntrNmgZDa8nkqHcl4b9TgfRgNX2dFC_antOnADZb1dvGLIj6GyX13hnZvasu8StErPv85wXFXQdhWRwhTHbIhj9vBjTfEIBKE/s320/DSC_0031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469002224046475506" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Prasarita Padottanasana--Standing Straddle series:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjStOhJy3jGXPAIgPh_D-t1cZ301YjaTlGg-hf2RC-sv3YFTSNL9HRztz8CpjayTKUBjPCKN9qhmtIhzAG0iGkA1NKoo8-zX5nSwdHd6_EZaXdnY9hHpACiStVBj2z9Q1hWyscqeFweT2/s1600/DSC_0042.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjStOhJy3jGXPAIgPh_D-t1cZ301YjaTlGg-hf2RC-sv3YFTSNL9HRztz8CpjayTKUBjPCKN9qhmtIhzAG0iGkA1NKoo8-zX5nSwdHd6_EZaXdnY9hHpACiStVBj2z9Q1hWyscqeFweT2/s320/DSC_0042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469002896501362946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlrub0t2Cz1cvru8YkdJrRhMCVEVlQZTHG7Nz_jDdYnKI1ebGtn1z-I4TlGolbCjCDSwRbKeR2LqpWsIBdGy2M42BVxorIReKM4HcEXt_HGK-U74cULohanSYflDYX_bAnR5oO1azxhtV/s1600/DSC_0052.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlrub0t2Cz1cvru8YkdJrRhMCVEVlQZTHG7Nz_jDdYnKI1ebGtn1z-I4TlGolbCjCDSwRbKeR2LqpWsIBdGy2M42BVxorIReKM4HcEXt_HGK-U74cULohanSYflDYX_bAnR5oO1azxhtV/s320/DSC_0052.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469003149927747058" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVtTT_ghEgeMtOiD40yII4SA2qyXsqkmRUdgfm86EaOuQ7yPXlEJCGHqkkuCAXMKj3dCagDG2g610rZCBeHN6IcnIsbUXUm0blZ1JeLJOqtfSm1dCCHuH59aH8VUiEYjNNaw-Zp6_6Mn8/s1600/DSC_0060.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVtTT_ghEgeMtOiD40yII4SA2qyXsqkmRUdgfm86EaOuQ7yPXlEJCGHqkkuCAXMKj3dCagDG2g610rZCBeHN6IcnIsbUXUm0blZ1JeLJOqtfSm1dCCHuH59aH8VUiEYjNNaw-Zp6_6Mn8/s320/DSC_0060.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469003383958372082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />May your shoulders be free!Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-73396811877905578562010-03-21T10:00:00.004-04:002010-03-21T10:13:00.400-04:00Yoga and ExerciseBecause I am an athlete, I do many kinds of activities and kinds of exercise. I view my yoga practice as a tool in life to help me in all of my endeavors rather than an end in itself. And this is my message to people--yoga is a tool to help you do whatever it is that you do better and with more clarity. So I love to hear stories where people's yoga practice is helping them live a better life--in the regular every day activities kind of way, like exercising at the gym. I read this story and its awesome--how practicing yoga has helped Francesca on her road to fitness at the gym. Read her quick and inspiring story here: <a href="http://www.yogahub.com/blog/yoga-and-breathing/">YogaHub Blog</a>.Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-87560478885168544602010-03-12T12:50:00.009-05:002010-08-19T15:07:53.610-04:00We Begin With the Breath...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdAsFAvm9B1NljraNouwqVSSbolSr2Q1Po4L-RoK1c7KC0eAlKPYqbuVszEqkd6npKhamLZlzPgxj5BxddMPJXn0czQ8vpn_9Y8S8KPBGgjE72EVHQUpqDkp6lYcNDMlqdXSSBQoV9Bgj/s1600/Breathing.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdAsFAvm9B1NljraNouwqVSSbolSr2Q1Po4L-RoK1c7KC0eAlKPYqbuVszEqkd6npKhamLZlzPgxj5BxddMPJXn0czQ8vpn_9Y8S8KPBGgjE72EVHQUpqDkp6lYcNDMlqdXSSBQoV9Bgj/s320/Breathing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507199623509194274" /></a><br />Before attempting any yoga poses, its necessary to develop awareness of your breath and relaxed breathing.<span style=""> Here is a breath practice that is good for complete beginners to advanced yoga practitioners.<br /></span><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To begin, lie on your back with your knees bent or straight.<span style=""> </span>Completely release into the floor.<span style=""> </span>Let go of any distractions and<span style=""> </span>bring the mind inward to prepare for practice.<span style=""> </span>Become aware of your body and of your breath. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Release the face, the jaws, around the mouth, the forehead and between the eyes. Let the eyes become receptive.<span style=""> </span>Let the ears become receptive.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now place your hands on your chest.<span style=""> </span>Feel the chest rise and fall with the breath.<span style=""> </span>Feel the collarbones as they spread apart.<span style=""> </span>Feel the shoulders broaden outward.<span style=""> </span>Notice the shoulder blades pressing into the floor as you breathe. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now feel the breath as it moves your rib cage.<span style=""> </span>Feel the breath in the front of your rib cage, in the sides of the rib cage, and in the back.<span style=""> </span>Let the breath fill the whole rib cage. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now bring your hands to your belly. Feel the belly expanding on the inhalations and falling on the exhalations.<span style=""> </span>If you feel the opposite happening, you must stay with this exercise until you feel the belly expanding on the inhalations and falling on the exhalations.<span style=""> </span>Do not force the breath, just let it move through your body.<span style=""> </span>Release, relax.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now place your hands on your hib bones.<span style=""> </span>As you inhale and exhale, feel how the pelvis rocks with the breath.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Feel the breath moving through the whole body.<span style=""> </span>Feel the whole body breathe.<span style=""> </span>Let the body accept the breath. <span style=""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Here is the exercise in audio: Enjoy!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=""></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><br /></span></p> <!--EndFragment--><br /><br /><embed src="http://brushymountainpublishing.com/yoga-ventures/media/Breathing_1-2.mp3" autostart="false" loop="false" height="40"></embed>Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337951837253563570.post-58786485780798818202010-03-02T14:31:00.006-05:002010-03-02T14:45:23.425-05:00Be a Better Athlete Through YogaLearn to move through difficult emotions during your sport by practicing moving through them in your yoga practice. If you have trouble meditating because you "cannot sit still," do it anyway-do it past your comfort zone and then you will be able to push past your comfort zone off the mat too. Set a timer and sit or lie down for that amount of time, even if its just 3 minutes--it will help you! Or if during your asana (posture) practice, you zone out and don't pay attention to what you are doing, not only will you eventually injure yourself, but you are not benefiting from your mind training that an asana practice provides. During your physical practice, when the mind wanders, bring it back to what you are doing. Then you will notice as you are about to run that rapid or push up that hill, when your mind wanders and then you get scared and feel like giving up, you can bring your mind back to what you are doing. In the moment, there is no fear. <br /><br />Here are a couple more great articles from my favorite Yoga Journal writer, Sally Kempton:<br /><a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2516?utm_source=DailyInsight&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_content=b&utm_campaign=DI_2010-03-01">Free Yourself</a><br /><a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/2580?utm_source=DailyInsight&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_content=b&utm_campaign=DI_2010-03-01">What Are You Resisting?</a>Andria B. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16834771485239411510noreply@blogger.com0