Research in neuroplasticity shows that the brain and nervous system are continually shaped by repeated experiences. Just as chronic stress can strengthen pathways associated with survival responses, repeated experiences of safety and regulation can strengthen pathways associated with resilience.
In yoga, we speak of Sangha, a gathering of people who walk a shared path, who choose again and again to practice in a way that uplifts not only themselves but the collective whole. A Sangha is not defined by walls or geography; it’s defined by the steady presence of individuals who show up with curiosity, courage, tenderness, and a willingness to grow.
For students who have attended at least one of our Osteoporosis and Yoga workshops, we’re excited to offer a unique 7-session experiential workshop that blend Yin/Yang poses and movements designed to target specific fascial lines in the body.
In many ways, interoception is the bridge between our body and our mind. It allows us to notice sensations that signal our emotional states, physiological needs, and overall wellbeing. When our interoceptive awareness is well-developed, we’re more attuned to what our body is telling us, which can guide us toward healthier choices, emotional regulation, and even pain reduction.
Summer is a season of expansion - longer days, warmer nights, and a chance to open ourselves to the full and abundant energy. Summer invites us to embrace the vibrant qualities of the season: growth, activity, and celebration. Yet with all this outward energy, it’s easy to get caught in the busyness of “doing” and forget the value of “being.”
Dogwood Studio is happy to welcome our newest intern, Aviva!
Aviva Chaye Tulasi is a registered yoga instructor (RYT) who is currently enrolled in a IYAT certified 800 hour yoga therapy program. She is thrilled to be Dogwood Studio’s newest intern. She has trained and taught with the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers - a classical yoga system integrating the 4 paths of yoga.
Months into the pandemic, and we are still uncertain where the light at the end of the tunnel may be. Does this thought send chills up your spine more than the haunting decorations for the approaching Halloween holiday? If so, you are not alone. Pandemic stress, as it is being called, affects all of us, but in different ways. How can you know if you are experiencing it?
By now, you have likely read one of our blogs on how yoga is linked to improving physical and mental health. Another focus of yoga is in becoming more aware of how we respond, also known as self-regulation. Self-regulation is being intentional. Choosing to focus on the meaning behind someone’s words, or choosing to focus on the beauty of the day, rather than focusing on the person’s anger or your long to do list, reframes the negativity in an intentional manner and is a form of self-regulation.
Stress is a part of all people’s lives. During the pandemic, stress has increased for many due to concerns about illness, isolation, financial insecurity, or lack of contact such as hugging loved ones. Stress if viewed negatively, where we react to stress through mind and body harmfully, is linked to many health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, and many chronic illnesses. It is important to manage stress’ impact on your for both physical and mental health and for improved quality of life during both good or difficult times. While experiencing stress negatively, it can seem like an impossible task. We just want stress to go away, but we need to realize that we DO have control of our bodies and our minds and how we respond to stress.
As we age, our immune systems become less able to respond. We have fewer immune cells and inflammation increases. Stress can further weaken the immune system. If we are of a certain age, there is a higher dose flu shot that helps compensate for this fact. But what about other issues we need our immune system for, such as healing, reducing inflammation, or illnesses that may not have a vaccine? There is evidence that practicing yoga may help us boost our immune systems, reduce inflammation, as well as reduce stress.
As we age, we lose mobility. Western medicine focuses on our aging joints, which often suffer from arthritic changes over time. Following the concept of tensegrity, we can realize that mobility is much more than just our joints. Our changing mobility is due to a lack of space in our bodies, due to tightened fascia or soft tissue. The tightened soft tissue puts more strain on the joints and can lead to arthritis. Discomfort from joints may lead to a decrease in movement, which then starts the cycle over again with reduced flexibility in soft tissue.
Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2020, (Rain Date October 27th)
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Fee: $13 ($12 Member of the NC Botanical Garden)
Limited to 16 attendees: register soon
Where: North Carolina Botanical Garden (website)
Register: HERE
Join us for 75 minutes of rejuvenating outdoor yoga. The class will be held outside in the Children’s Wonder Garden.
What is tensegrity and how does it apply to yoga?
You may be familiar with your yoga therapist explaining that a certain pose will help your body “open” in a certain dimension. But what is going on inside the body to allow this to happen? There is an engineering concept called “tensegrity”, a combination of tension and integrity, that can be applied to your body. We usually think of our bodies being built on the skeleton, where movement is limited by the bones and joints. It is natural to think about it this way since we use skeleton models to understand how the body moves. We are primarily a system of soft tissues, the muscles and fascia, with secondary support from the bones. Instead of the bones holding everything together, the balance of tension across our bodies is the main support.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is being present in the moment, without judgment. Practicing mindfulness has health benefits, including reduced anxiety and depression, and an increased ability to cope with stress or illness. Some studies have shown that mindfulness practices caused measurable positive changes in areas of the brain responsible for memory, learning, and emotion.
Join us for 75 minutes of rejuvenating outdoor yoga. The class will be held outside in the Children’s Wonder Garden. You will be immersed in the sounds and sights of nature as Sam leads you through a series of seated, standing and lying poses in the meadow with views of native flowers, trees, and butterflies. The class is gentle and invigorating. Variations of poses will be offered. Sign-up and plan to join us as part of your lunch break.
