Lessons on emotions

I was reading an article yesterday on Mother's Day and the topic was messages and words we heard from our mothers when we were small. I started thinking about my own growing up. I remember being held to strong standards and expectations, but I feel blessed that I never faced harsh criticism or the put downs or name calling that some kids lived with and experienced. What I do remember is the strong message I received about anger being a negative thing. "Oh, don't be so angry" was a common refrain in my household growing up. I'm not sure why, but anger was the one emotion that was really not accepted and was quickly shut down. I'm not sure if it was part of not "talking back" or arguing with my parents, or if there was a larger discomfort with anger itself. I just figured out pretty quickly that being mad and angry was not pleasing or accepted.

As a result, I have had to take time as an adult to learn how to be angry in appropriate ways. Lashing out and being too passionate about certain subjects has certainly gotten me into hot water in the past. I also know that I actively avoided conflict and hard conversations that had the potential to make someone angry whenever possible. Imagine my surprise when as a young therapist at a conference, I heard for the first time that an appropriate response to anger in others was "You're really angry." Yikes. Talk about just naming it and calling that emotion out, just as it is!

What emotions are difficult for you to express or sit with? You might be wondering, what on earth does this have to do with yoga? I believe that my yoga practice helps me regulate my emotional state and safely explore all facets of my being. Through breath work and new postures that are challenging and not as simple as they look, I learn that sometimes my assumptions are incorrect. I get reminded over and over again about the need to be flexible and open minded. When I can 'be with' all of my thoughts and emotions on the mat, I find I can see them through a lens of compassion and less judgment. I no longer have to accept the idea of 'oh, don't feel that way' or other messages that somehow tell me my emotions are anyone else's business but mine.

Progress!

Yesterday, I completed the first draft of my reflections book! For me, this was HUGE! Writing a daily reflection book has been an idea of mine for years, so to finally have a draft completed, is an amazing accomplishment for me. Of course, so much remains. I still have re-writes to do. Then the big learning curve about editors, publishing, selling books, etc!

My goal with the book is to bring something useful to my yoga students and fellow yoga teachers. Every yoga class ends in savasana or final relaxation. In my Yoga Moodra classes, I have always included a quote or short reflection as my students are entering their relaxation time. My hope is to provide some small bit of inspiration or wisdom that students can ponder in the last few minutes of class on their mats.

I'll keep you all posted as the book develops and when I am ready to share it with you. There have been so many moments of interesting coincidences, new ideas, and gentle nudgings from the universe that tell me to keep going with this creative effort. 

Peace!

Energy: Saving it, using it, replenishing it

How often do you think about your own energy? Of course, if we are ill or we have a sleepless night, we may recognize that we feel sluggish and low energy. What about on the ordinary days? Most of us don't make conscious decisions about how we will spend our physical, mental, and emotional energy. Or at least, not until recently.  As things in our world grow chaotic and hard to predict, I find I have to be extra diligent about my decisions. Social media: a huge energy drain. Nightly news: an energy drain. A peek at the stock market and its performance: who knows!

I'm so grateful for my yoga practice. Nothing else slows me down and helps me assess my own energy and how I can put it to good use. As I breathe, I think more clearly. As I bend and move, I get into the present moment and can appreciate my body and the energy it provides me each day.

Rest, play, creative pursuits...they all help me fill my tank and replenish energy. Eating well and being aware of the fuel I need each day becomes important too.

I'd love to hear from you....what's the best way for you to recharge and gain energy?

April 15 2025

In this week leading up to Easter, I've been thinking about springtime and all the new life and changes that take place in our natural world. Now that I live in Florida, spring looks and feels a lot different than it did in the Midwest, but we do have trees that go dormant that are now green again. As you can see by the photo, the bird of paradise are blooming. 

Springtime means longer days and more sunshine. For many, it's also a time to start to consider new goals or planning for summer vacations or travel. As you move through spring, what are you planning or hoping for? If you have travel plans in mind, remember that your Yoga Moodra classes can go along too! You can continue your yoga practice from anyplace that provides a WIFI signal. 

 In the crazy and unpredictable times we live in, having a yoga practice that helps us manage stress and change is more important than ever before. Getting on my mat has always helped to calm me and get me connected with the present moment. Yoga provides time for me to consider what deserves my time and energy, and what I can release. 

Amidst the problems and disagreements of the day, I appreciate time on the mat and remembering that we are all a part of one human family. Yoga means 'to yoke' or bring together. May your yoga practice help you feel whole. May your practice help you connect and bring together all aspects of yourself, and remind you of your connection to others. You belong here and we belong to one another. 

 

Try Try Again!

Hello everyone. I am going to try (again) to revive this blog that has been dormant now for 5 years! While I have not made entries here, my life has been full of challenges, joys, and disappointments. Probably a lot like all of your lives.

Through the ups and downs, I continue to be amazed by the power of my yoga practice! Yoga has helped me develop a sense of calm and reduced my reactivity to daily challenges. It is indeed a practice, so I have to keep working on feeling grounded, challenging myself on and off the mat, and stretching, strengthening, and breathing through it all.

Right now, I am making final preparations to travel back to MN to do a presentation on Self Care for MSSA (Mn Social Services Association). Mixing yoga and mental health concepts has been my thing, and I am thrilled to have an opportunity to share some ideas and strategies for surviving and thriving in these difficult times.

I'll post again next week and my yoga classes continue next week. Happy Spring! May you each find a new way to bloom and grow this season!

Not my Superpower!

Ok, so it is becoming quite clear that blogging is not my superpower! I have truly neglected this task, especially since I developed the Yoga Moodra Website. I'm not sure anyone sees this or reads this...so  it has not felt like an effective way to engage with others and especially my dear yoga students. If you ARE reading this....feel free to provide feedback about what you might like to read about on this site.
Namaste

Thinking Ahead......

Hey Yogis!!!
I'd love your feedback. I am hoping to offer one or 2 special courses this fall/winter and would love to hear your thoughts about what you'd be interested in. These special courses or short workshops would be in addition to my regularly scheduled yoga classes and would offer an opportunity to dive a bit deeper into a topic.
Some ideas could be: a 2-4 class course on :
mudras
meditation
breath work
mindfulness
improving posture
core strength
yoga and mood management

etc etc.....
Of course, some of what you might suggest may fall outside my areas of expertise.....but I'd love feedback about what you'd be interested in. Knowing your needs and interests will help me plan something that feels relevant and useful.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts...respond to the blog, send me an email, or see me before or after yoga class!

Peace