A Prayer of Thanksgiving

May we find compassion in our hearts and allow this to reveal itself through action within our hands.

May we break down walls that separate us from them, me from you.

May we find meaningful connection with others, so loneliness and hurt doesn't turn into anger, rage and violence. 

May we commune with nature, find healing through resilience and renewal.

Let hope overpower hate.

Let love overpower grief.

May joy, happiness and freedom be felt by us ALL.

As a way to bring ritual and gratitude into my home this week, I have created an alter in honor of Squaw Sachem and the Naumkeag tribe that inhabited the lands my home was built on.

When I look at the Earth, the sky, the clouds, the lakes, the rivers, the oceans, the grass, the dirt, the rocks, the mountains, the valleys, everything seen and unseen, it is pure magic. The constant regeneration and strength of this amazing planet is breathtaking. We are only passengers here, visitors for a short time in comparison with her longevity.

We are standing on sacred ground. 

"When we practice deep looking directed toward the heart of reality, we receive help, we receive understanding, we receive the wisdom that makes us free."
Thich Nhat Hanh

A few months ago, I typed in my home address at www.native-land.ca and received the name of the native tribe that lived where I lived over 400 years ago. I was excited to learn about the Naumkeag tribe, which translates as "the fishing place", from namaas (fish) and ki (place). Unfortunately, when I typed in 'Naumkeag' into my computer, the first information to arise was the residence of the former country estate lawyer Joseph Hodges Choate that held the same name, Naumkeag. I am still confused by this, even after reading about the elaborate and massive estate that was acquired as part of the colonial settlement of the Propect Hill section of Stockbridge, MA. The Naumkeag tribe came before the Naumkeag estate, a name stolen along with the land. The name, even if intended to be used with tribute, is not reflected in a structure built by non-Natives. The name should be recognized in associaton with the beauty of the Earth's elements, the lives lost, a transitional time in history.

The Naumkeag tribe were a Native American people who lived on the lands now known as Essex county, in North Eastern MA. In 1619, their Sachem, Nanepashemet was killed in war. Upon his death, the general governing of the tribe was continued by his widow, Squaw Sachem. Their son, Wenepoykin, had not yet come of age to make decisions for the tribe. The history of the Native Americans defending their loved ones, and their land, when colonial settlers came from Europe was retold to me in school as being one of peaceful trades and acquiescence. The reign of control and purpose that spread throughout the place where I live breaks my heart. War wiped out most of the Naumkeag tribe, and then the plague defeated them.

I think of Squaw Sachem, mourning her husband, taking on a chief role of decision making while raising a young child in unsafe times. Her anger, sadness, fear, and grief must have been overwhelming. The empathy I feel for her and her people is great. I am writing this essay as an act of compassion to humbly hold space for a time and place that came before me, but directly impacts my prosperity and privilege. I can't change the past, I can only act now. I'll call out the injustice, continue to educate myself and my children as celebrations of false holidays take school days away from them. I will teach from a place in my heart that knows the truth, that we are ALL deserving of happiness and freedom.

The world we live in remains divided, power hungry and unbalanced. There is violence, malicious attacks, anger and hate. My prayer of thanksgiving is to break down the barriers and send out love, care, support, and hope. To look beyond our differences, find meaningful connection, and rise up everyday in peace.

Take time this week to discover which Native tribe lived on the lands where your home is, and educate yourself about who they were, how they fought to live, and how they died.

Honor them, mourn them, share their stories.

Thanks and gratitude to Allen Salway whose voice is rising with courage to call out the truth and demand justice. His publications can be read all over the internet. Please take time to read the article linked below, written on 11/21/18.

Thanksgiving: The National Day of Mourning

Fall into Winter

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."
Albert Einstein

We are halfway through November already! Time seems to be speeding up, and all I want to do is S L O W down. If there ever was a month of steadiness, November is the one. Cold, brisk days, and earlier sunsets test our ability to keep up the pace of our busy life. Finding small pockets of time to bring stillness into one moment, to notice breath, to move your body is the gift of the practice. True rest can increase energy, reset your nervous system, and bring in a sense of balance, ease and comfort into all you do. Moving slowly and steady from a place of purpose and intention brings each task to the here and now. 

Focus and attend to what is needed, and let go of the rest.

  

The Triple Heater energy channel begins in the ring finger and travels up the arm over the shoulder, then it splits into two branches. One branch goes through the pericardium (heart space) and diaphragm (lung space), then runs vertical toward the navel. Another branch goes up the neck, around the ear and head, encircling the face.

  

Sit quietly in a place of comfort, where you will not be disturbed. Close your eyes, relax your face, and settle into this moment. Begin to notice your breath, and allow it to move freely through your body. Become aware of the parts of your body that move as the breath fills you up. Releasing breath slowly, sink down into your seat further. Begin to feel a connection with the floor, the foundation, and the Earth that rests underneath you. Keep a steadiness to your inhale and exhale. Bring your hands over your ears, gently curving your palms to hold the space between ears and hands to listen to the breath from the inside out. Each finger tip pad will fall along the sides of the head. Gently press into your fingers on your inhale, and then relax the pressure on the exhale. Continue this practice for as long as it feels good, paying attention to what arises when you give yourself time to listen, allowing audible distractions to fall away.

Below are offerings to move, breathe and meditate with me in these last few weeks of 2019.

Slow Flow Yin Yoga

Wednesday 730p-845p

195 Green St.

Melrose, MA

*No class on 11/27, 12/25, or 1/1

 Winter R & R: A Yoga & Reiki Workshop

Sunday December 15, 2019

4p-530p

195 Green St.

Melrose, MA

Register online under Wellness Workshops for Adults

www.joyhealthylife.com

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us, and the darkest days of the year are here. Rest and restore with Roxanne Kelly and Michelle Heron for a candle-lit yoga class to honor the winter solstice. Awaken your senses with focused breathing, longer held yoga poses, essential oils, and hands-on Reiki assists. We will close with a guided meditation to bring peace and calm to body, heart and mind.

Tea, treats and conversation to follow.
A portion of the cost will be donated to Clean Water Action.
*Reiki is positive intention sent through the hands.


Lastly, I published a guided meditation available now on Insight Timer, which is a free application easily downloaded onto any device. I wrote this meditation for EVERYONE. It is best listened tobefore bed, snuggling with a loved one, or anytime there is a need to find deep rest.

Space Meditation was inspired by my boys, and all our Jedi yogi's who requested more meditation and relaxation during class.

Check it out!
www.insighttimer.com
(You will need to sign in, click on search icon, and type in my name)

Sending you ALL warmth, PEACE, and happiness this coming holiday season.

Energy Medicine

Place your left hand behind your head and lean back. Place your right hand on your forehead and lean in. Relax the muscles of your face and soften your shoulders. Uplift your spine, open your heart and breathe deeply. A round of three breaths will re-connect you to yourself. 

Energy medicine is an umbrella term for a group of healing modalities that work within the electromagnetic field of the body. Acupuncture, Qigong, Tai Chi, Shiatsu Massage, Yoga and Reiki are some examples that have been found to increase electrical conductance at specific points of the body. These practices work along the 'meridians' or energy lines of the body. These invisible pathways are theorized to live within the connective tissues, surrounding and protecting the major systems of the body.  In 2013, the National Institute of Health published data measuring the impedance within subcutaneous tissue that correlate these meridian lines with the fascial planes of the body. Our bodies are electromagnetic in nature, and science has measured these frequencies with machines. Electrocardiogram (EKG), electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are some examples of the machines that produce tracings, waveforms, and images measuring these electromagnetic frequencies within the body.

REI ~ Universe/Atmosphere   KI ~ Life Force Energy

Reiki is a Japanese form of healing that sends postive intention through the hands. I teach Reiki as a form of meditation and self care. I love Reiki for the way it makes me feel, grounded, connected and present. Sharing Reiki with others is a wonderful gift of giving and receiving without becoming depleted of your own energy.

Sensing the body through healing touch while breathing in and breathing out is a compassionate meditation experience, it is L O V E in action.

People use reiki to relax and strengthen their wellbeing; reduce pain, anxiety, and fatigue; help manage symptoms; reduce side effects of medications; and support recovery after injuries or surgery. According to the National Health Interview Survery published in 2007, 1.2 million adults and 161,000 children received one or more sessions of energy healing therapy such as Reiki in the previous year. According to the American Hospital Association, in 2007, 15% or over 800 American hospitals offered Reiki as part of hospital services.

In a recent study from Harvard University, a single session of Reiki significantly improved pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, and fatigue. This study was conducted in 2015 and 2016 by Dr. Natalie Trent, PhD, a neuroscientist and energy healer, working to integrate science and mind-body medicine. This is the largest prospective Reiki study to date, and these exciting results will be published soon!

In the world we live in today, there is too much stimulation, distraction and sensory overload. The area of of our bodies that receive the most information is our head, eyes, face, throat, neck, and mouth. It is where our five senses receive, assimilate, direct, and store what is moving toward us every moment of every day. Resting, relaxing, eating well, moving and sleeping at least 6-8 hours within a 24 hour period is what keeps us from burning out and becoming sick. I believe our five senses are our superpowers. Positive intention set through the hands charges up our superpowers.

Learning a few ways to reconnect with your mind, body and breath is a great way to start self care practices. I like to think of the mind, body, breath paradigm in the shape of a triangle. It is a way to create wholeness within our lives, but what is in the center of the triangle?

This is the creative aspect of self care. It is the heart of your daily life. When we listen quietly to the inner voice of our heart we will feel whole.

It only takes a few moments to reset. These offerings can be practiced anytime during the day or evening. Reiki gives you tools to stay calm, centered and balanced. Here are a few options I have been practicing, try one or two, and see how you can adapt some changes into your life.

The moment you wake up, before you get out of bed, or even open your eyes, place both hands to your heart space. Take three deep breaths and think of three things you are grateful for.

Start here with gratitude. 

Sit on the edge of your bed or stand up. Press your feet down into the floor, feel into all four corners of your feet. Sensing your solid foundation. Stretch your arms overhead, move to the right and breathe into the spaces of your rib cage. Breathe out moving back to center releasing your arms down by your side. Repeat on the left side, and continue for a round of three breaths on each side.

Coordinating breath with movement is exercise.

The heart meridian has three branches, each of which begins in the heart. One runs down through the diaphragm to the small intestine. Another runs up through the throat and tongue to meet the eye. And the third, runs across the upper chest and down the inner arm, ending at the tip of the little finger. 

Hands to heart, heart to hands. Feel the connection.

Learn Reiki as a safe, non-invasive practice of caring, holding, and supporting. Perform self Reiki every day (upon waking, during the day for an energy boost, or before bed) with hands over eyes, forehead, crown of head, ears, shoulders, upper chest, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, legs, knees and feet. Create a circuit of energy bringing the mind to the present moment.

During these cooler October mornings, I've been loving turmeric tea with ginseng and a honey spoon.

This is meditation.

A simple ritual like making a hot beverage in the morning can become a meaningful practice. Hot coffee, chocolate, tea, or even lemon water can bring a sense of presence to your day. Hold the warm cup in your hands and infuse Reiki energy through your hands into your beverage. Breathe in the steam from the cup, take a sip and taste the liquid. Feel the warmth nourish your body and enjoy.

Roasted honey butternut squash filled with baby kale and purple carrot over creamy buckwheat. Gomashio sprinkle, leafy greens and olive oil drizzle.

Take time with your first meal of the day, send positive intention through your hands into your food. I love a hot bowl of buckwheat cereal (it takes 2 minutes to cook, is gluten free, and highly versatile). I add in a spoonful of almond butter, lots of frozen blueberries, cinnamon, and honey drizzle. Roasted pumpkin, butternut or kabocha squash with pumpkin seeds, and dried fruit is another delicious option. If you are heading out, pack portable fuel that fills you up, think about the colors of the rainbow, and allow your food choices to reflect those colors. My favorite lunch is hummus on whole grain bread with cucumber slices, fresh leafy greens, olive oil drizzle, and gomashio (ground seseame seeds, sea salt, black pepper, and dried herbs). I always have clemetines, apples, bananas, carrots, cucumbers and radishes washed and ready to eat. Try preparing meals ahead of time, such as hearty soups and sauces to make weeknight meals easier. Foods that are local, and in-season can help with meal planning.

Food is energy medicine.

Go outside! Try to walk as much as you can. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk a little further to the next train or bus stop. Park your car further away from an entrance. 

Earthing: the act of putting your body in direct contact with the Earth.  The Earth is a beneficial source of negatively charged energy that helps to balance our electromagnetic field. "Plug" your feet into the planet to counter the positive charge we build up from our modern dis-connected lifestyle that often lacks regular contact with nature. 

In Japan, Shinrin-yoku, is defined as 'bathing in the forest atmosphere'. It is a practice that soothes the nervous system. Atmosphere is everything. It surrounds us and permeates our energy. Away from the pavement, concrete, loud sounds of car horns, trucks, and the bustling city is a place filled with rich colors, textures, softer sounds, and scents that feed your soul. Slow down and find a patch of green to walk on or sit near. Breathe in the air that is less toxic, closer to the trees. Open your senses, pay attention, and allow nature to heal you. A 2010 study published in Environmental Health and Preventative Medicine showed that people who participated in forest bathing had lower cortisol levels, pulse and blood pressure, reduced stress, and a strengthened immune system. The study states that trees emit phytoncides to protect themselves from fungus and insects. The phytoncides produce natural aromatherapeutic health benefits. Inhaling phytoncides triggers NK cells, which are specialized white blood cells that improve immune function. In another 2010 study, subjects who spent three days and two nights in a forest setting had significantly higher NK activity. The increased NK activity lasted for more than 30 days after the trip, suggesting that a forest bathing trip once a month enables individuals to maintain a higher level of NK activity; improving their immune system health. 

Find a way to move, breathe and meditate that feels good in your body and mind.

Resources:

C. Will Chen, Chen-Jei Tai, Cheuk-Sing Choy, Chau-Yun Hsu, Shoei-Loong Lin, Wing P. Chan, Hun- Sun Chiang, Chang-An Chen, and Ting-Kai Leung, Wave-Induced Flow in Merdians Demonstrated Using Photolumiescent Bioceramic Material on Acupuncture Points (Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; Nov 7.)

Barnes PM, Bloom B, Nahon R. CDC National Health Statistics Report #12. (United States: Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults and Children: 2007)

Yuk Tsunetsugu, Bum-Jin Park, and Yoshifumi Miyazaki, Trends in research related to "Shinrin-yoku" (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing). (Environ Health Prev Med. 2010 Jan; 15(1): 27-37.

Qing Li, Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function (Environ Health Prev Med. 2010 Jan; 15(1): 9-17.

Fall Yoga & Reiki offerings

"Autumn is a second Spring when every leaf is a flower."
Albert Camus

Autumn is here in New England, and for many of us it is a favorite season. The leaves turn from green to gold, and the fiery reds smolder into orange. The visibility of change is all around us. Transitions are happening moment to moment everyday. Taking time to pause, breathe, and move within these transitions is the mindfulness I truly enjoy sharing.

I am holding gratitude for the sweet yoga studio in Melrose, that feels like a second home. Joy Yoga is a gift to our local and extended community, friends, and families. This Fall, we will continue our weekly movement class. Showing up on the mat, just as you are, is a bold act of commitment. Thank you for sharing the practice with me.

Slow Flow Yin Yoga 

Wednesday evenings, 730pm-845pm.

Joy Yoga

195 Green St.

Melrose, MA

www.joyhealthylife.com

Slow Flow Yoga explores the element of time and space between transitions of movement. Yin is a longer held yoga style that increases the mobility of joints, and balances the body's energetic flow. Combining a slower paced yoga with yin poses create moments of awareness, highlighting your body's ability to move beyond what you think is possible. Moving, breathing, and meditating awakens your inner strength, endurance, and focus. It is a compassionate practice that challenges you to become your best self.

"Reiki is love. Love is wholeness. Wholeness is balance. Balance is wellbeing. Wellbeing is freedom from disease."
Dr. Mikao Usui

In addition to yoga, I teach Reiki as a form of meditation and a resource for self care. I'll continue to offer small group Reiki classes to those that are interested. Contact me: heronyoga@gmail.com or on Instagram: @heronyoga

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that sends positive intention through the hands. I have found that adding in a layer of touch deepens my focus while meditating, and practicing mindful movement.  Placing hands over eyes, forehead, crown of head, ears, shoulders, upper chest, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, legs, knees, and feet creates a circuit of energy bringing the mind to the present moment. Sensing the body through healing touch while breathing in and breathing out is a compassionate meditation practice, it is L O V E in action.

Peaople use reiki to relax and strengthen their wellbeing; reduce pain, anxiety, and fatigue; help manage symptoms; reduce side effects of medications; and support recovery after injuries or surgery. According to the National Health Interview Survey published in 2007, 1.2 million adults and 161,000 children received one or more sessions of energyhealing therapy such as Reiki in the previous year. According to the American Hospital Association, in 2007, 15% or over 800 American hospitals offered Reiki as part of hospital services.

In a recent study from Harvard University, a single session of Reiki significantly improved, pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, and fatigue. This study was conducted in 2016 and 2016 by Dr. Natalie Trent, PhD, a neuroscientist and energy healer, working to integrate science and mind-body medicine. This is the largest prospective Reiki study to date, and these exciting results will be published soon. Stay tuned!

For those who have shared Reiki with me, please feel free to leave a comment about your experience receiving and giving Reiki for others to learn more.

Home Practice

"Breathe in deeply to bring your mind home to your body."
Thich Nhat Hanh

In July, I returned to the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts in the full bloom of summertime for some much needed rest and relaxation. I booked a program at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health called 'Your Practice, Your life', with Elena Brower. The outcome of this experience, was to develop a meaningful home practice that grounds and balances, bringing you home to yourself. 

As I checked in and settled in, I felt the excitement of summer landing in my body, heart and mind. I gave myself some time before the workshop began to feel into all the elements. I lounged on the grass among the colorful blossoms, and enjoyed the stunning view of Lake Mahkeenac. I took a walk down to the lake and dipped my toes in the water. I felt the warmth on my skin as the sun beamed down from the blue sky. I closed my eyes and breathed in the air to connect with all sensation. It's powerful to be present with everything that rises to the surface.

Our senses open portals, we can stay present in mind and body, while our heart shifts into spaciousness with the breath.

"You are invited to come home to y o u r s e l f. To your radiance. Your ritual. Your courage. Your clarity. Your power. Your purpose. Your strength. Your softness. Your adaptability. Your acceptance. Your endurance. Your excellence."
Elena Brower ~Practice You ~ photo credit: @verredrose

The program was more than I expected, and gave me a blank canvas for re-creating my personal practice. There was nothing too fancy about it; we moved, we breathed, we meditated, we journaled, and we rested. What I took away, was a sense of empowerment, a permission slip to move without pressure of time, or competition within myself or from others. What was left was a feeling of reassurance, to be fully human in the body I was gifted.

The presence and touch of Elena Brower feels like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day, she offers a glimpse of hope for living in our world today. With wisdom and grace, she shared simple techniques as a way to create a daily practice unattached to rigid rules or expectations. We began with stillness in an effort to stay present. We activated breath, and moved gently to explore the many layers of our being through the process of listening.

Fresh off her interviews with Eddie Sterm and Abbie Galvin, Elena shared the benefits of resonance breathing as a base for physiological healing, and the importance of ritualizing your practice to show up for yourself, with teachings that strengthen our internal world to consistently participate in our external world. Her contributions remain humble, true, and realistic. 

Practice You is a map to your highest self; a field guide of your own creation. This link connects you to Elena Brower, her book, her podcast, and her awakening deck. 

practiceyou.com

So, what does a home practice look like?

A home practice is a personal practice. It is listening, feeling and observing how your body wants to move. It is a being, breathing and sensing process. Yoga philosophy speaks about the eight limbs, yamas (attitude toward our environment), niyamas (attitudes toward ourselves), asana (physical postures), pranayama (focused breathing), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (focused concentration), dhyana (meditative absorption), and samadhi (bliss). Attempting to utilize and incorporate this structural philosophy into my daily practice has become a part of my daily tool kit. There are many creative ways to do this, and that's what makes a practice so personal and unique.

The yamas and niyamas are awarenesses of life, relationship to the self, others and our environment. I bridge these into a daily gratitude practice with a morning meditation I share with my kids. Having time to enjoy mindful movement and meditation is a luxury. I don't take for granted the opportunities I have had to train and teach. Sharing these concepts with my kids is an active process of learning and growing together. 

Practice gratitude with me.

In the space where your mind wakes, but your body is still sleeping, deepen the breath. Place your left hand over your heart and your right hand over your left hand. Hands to heart, heart to hands. Take three deep breaths, inhale followed by exhale. Think of three gratutides for your day. 

This is where the practice begins, with gratitude.

Asana is defined in Sanskrit as "the seat." More commonly, it has expanded from the seated meditation posture into any physical posture within a practice, for which there are many. Movement cares for the body. It is a looking after of your bones, muscles and tissues while helping to keep all your organs, glands and pathways healthy. Keeping an open, internal conversation between my mind and body is a guide for how I want and need to move. For example, morning is not the best time for my body, it is stiff, tight and tense from sleeping. I need a slower form of movement to warm up my muscles, and strengthen my bones. For me, a yin practice is the perfect sequence for my body in the morning or early afternoon.  Moving and stretching slowly reduces the risk of injury, and allows for breath to move in and out of the body, stimulating the circulatory, immune and digestive systems. As the day progresses, I move in a more active, fluid, and faster pace. In the early evening, I like to coordinate my breath with dynamic, vigorous, standing poses to build strength and flexibility, then wind down with a few holding poses that cool the body and relax the nervous system. 

Prepping for my weekly class is a huge part of  my personal practice. Feeling into the month, the week, the day, and the hour is a multi-sensory experience. Just as the seasons change throughout the year, the transitions in body, heart and mind are moment to moment. We can lean into the seasons of our day by taking time to notice what is happening to us and in us through mindful awareness. My practice is deeply affected by what is happening in the world, what's going on with my family, my experiences at work, and the fierce constancy of change found in nature.

Start slowly and see how and when your body likes to move. Choose four or five of your favorite poses and practice them daily. Watch as these poses evolve and change over time.

Pranayama is controlled or focused breathing. Prana is defined as "energy or life force", and ayama translates as "expansion or extension". When used alone or in conjunction with meditation or movement, the breath is the spark of the practice. Deep, focused, breathing can ground a meditation practice, or help to coordinate the rhythm of movement. Taking time to discipline yourself with breathing techniques that feel easeful in your body can shift your perception and perspective.

Breathe with me.

Find a comfortable position, connect to breath. Inhale followed by exhale.
Let the breath anchor you, settle in, stay. 

Arrive back into your body and find space to listen, notice and pause.

Sit with what arises.

Let the breath guide you back home. 

Pratyahara is a layered feeling of pulling away from your external world (the senses) and deepening into your internal world (the mind). Yoga Nidra "yogic sleep" is my personal choice for embodying pratyahara, and as a form of lying down meditation it gently guides you into dhyarana and dhyana. I listen to Yoga Nidra before bed, and sometimes in the late morning or afternoon if I have time. Yoga Nidra promotes deep rest and relaxation, it is a way for everyone to feel at home within themselves. 


Insight Timer is a FREE application for meditation and sleep.
insghttimer.com

Dhyyarana (centering) and dhyana (the zone) work together to connect with a form of meditation that feels right to concentrate on. Settle into it and the absorption follows. Inevitably, once you sit, lay down or get quiet in the body, all the things you NEED to remember quickly come back to you. And then there are the distractions; family, friends, noisy neighbors, the dust bunnies on the floor, the dishes, the laundry, and the phone. All I can say, is KEEP GOING. Set your timer for one minute, two minutes, or five minutes a day and see if it can possibly turn into ten or twenty minutes a day. 

I have never been consistent at traditional meditation. Sitting on a cushion, closing my eyes and connecting to breath is a kind of torture for my busy mind and body. My experience with meditation is through the Theraveda tradition of Buddhist philosophy. I have had weeklong trainings in Vippassana 'insight" meditation, where the breath is the main focal point. My mind wanders, I return to the breath. My nose is itching, I return to the breath. I have an ache in my back, I return to the breath. This meditation style offers a clear awareness of what is happening as it happens. Loving kindness or 'metta' meditation is a popular form of Buddhhist meditation. It is the cultivation of benevolence, and more commonly known as compassion meditation. 

I have found that adding in a layer of touch deepens my focus while meditating. This is where Reiki has been a major player in my practice. Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that sends positive intention through the hands. Placing hands over eyes, forehead, crown of head, ears, shoulders, upper chest, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, legs, knees and feet creates a circuit of energy. This electric current brings my mind to the present moment. Sensing my body through healing touch while breathing in and breathing out is a compassionate meditation experience, it is L O V E in action. 

Adding Reiki to loving kindness meditation has elevated my home practice. 

Practice compassion with me.

Place your left hand behind your head and lean back. Place your right hand over your forehead and lean in. Gently find a rhythm to your breathing, inhale followed by exhale. Connect to your experience just as it is.

Saying these words silently or aloud as an intention or Sankalpa, ( a positive vow or statement formed by the heart and mind, made in the present tense) can greatly enhance the experience.

"May I be filled with loving kindness. May I be peaceful and at ease. May I be safe and healthy. May I be happy and free."

Gently move your left hand to your heart space and your right hand over your lower abdomen. Breathe in and breathe out. Reconnect your interior awareness to your outer awareness. Think about your worthy place in this world, your community, your state, your country, and all the humans who reside with you on planet Earth.

Saying these words aloud or silently, in the home of your heart can benefit us all.

"May we ALL be filled with loving kindness. May we ALL be peaceful and at ease. May we ALL be safe and healthy. May we ALL be happy and free."

Samadhi doesn't have to be an epic pinnacle, it can be an awakening, an awareness, and a state of being within one fleeting moment. Every day offers an opportunity to be the best version of ourselves. Extending loving awareness to those around us, sharing our stories, our experiences brings in the act of compassion, a willingness to be available in our present life together. When I take the time to cultivate my practice, I feel whole, balanced and complete. Could that be bliss? Perhaps it is, a returning home to oneself.

"The greatest teacher will send you back home to yourself."
Nayyirah Waheed

Igniting my personal practice with a workshop was just what I needed to reconnect my heart and mind to body and breath. I met some wonderful people who gave their time and attention to the experience, refreshing my home practice. Truly living my yoga soldifies my definition of home; a refuge of security and comfort within oneself. 

This expanded awareness clears the path of obstructions, opening space for a present mind, a giving heart, and a steady breath. 

As a teacher, I am a forever student, reading, listening, observing, and understanding what is all around me. I am influenced and motivated by other teachers and students in my local community and beyond. In Sanskrit, the word Sangha means "association", "assembly", "company", or "community". Practicing yoga within a community that allows you to feel safe and accepted is essential. Yoga classes have the power to unite and inspire. The experience of practicing yoga with others can strengthen a home practice.

For me, the practice is about showing up, and staying present to what is happening now. Being true to myself and teaching from this place of truth allows others to trust, relax, and enjoy an authentic experience. I take great care to plan and prepare the classes I share with others. It is in the space of moving, breathing and meditating that I'll change everything I planned and teach from the heart.  

This is freedom for me. Freedom of expression. Taking time to find a way to make all I want to share surrounding this movement practice that is rooted in yoga, but constantly shifting and morphing, available and accessible to everyone. Connecting with daily rituals, meaningful connections, peaceful practices and inclusive communities are supportive ways to practice home. 

"My yoga. It doesn't matter if everything isn't perfect. My practice is just that. My practice.
It's my time to feel alive, calm and connected."
Jill Conyers

What does your home practice look like?

I am in a constant state of learning about other ways to practice mindful movement. The best way to learn is to share your story with others. Leave me a comment below, I would love to hear about how you move! 

Summertime

"The Earth laughs in flowers." Ralph Waldo Emerson

June is here! Summer is getting closer and closer.

Seasonal shifts are a perfect opportunity to slow down and give yourself the gift of time to be present, to feel sensation and breath in your body. MIndful movement, focused breathing, and meditation offers a pathway to connect our inner world (mind/body), to our outer world (environment), and to the larger universe around us.

As Summer approaches, here are some way to move, breathe and meditate with me.

Reiki Level I Training

Saturday June 8, 2019

10a-4p at Joy Yoga

Melrose, MA

www.joyhealthylife.com

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique called palm healing or hands-on healing. It is a practice of sending positivie intention and healing through the hands. Learning Reiki requires no special skill and is open to everyone. The emphais is on healing the self and learning to share Reiki with others. Many people who are trained in Reiki begin by using it for their families and friends. I teach Reiki as a form of meditation and self care. Reiki encourages rest, relaxation, emotional and physical wellbeing and is a wonderful complement to many forms of wellness.

Later on this month, we will celebrate the first day of summer. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky for the year. In Latin, 'Solstice' translates as "sun standing still", which references the position of the sun on this day. It is one of the earliest astronomical observations in human history. Dedicated rituals, festivals and ancient monuments are designed to align with the sun's light energy and all that it provides. We can adapt this celebration of the sun within our own modern lives by reflecting on the light that shines within each of us and listening to what we need to recharge our personal energy. 

In honor of the Summer Solstice, Jennifer Murphy, LMT and I will be co-leading a Yoga & Reiki Workshops that combines purposeful movement, focused breathing and meditation while offering a safe space to receove hands-on Reiki assists.

Soften & Shine: Yoga & Reiki Summer Workshop

Sunday June 23, 2019

3-5p at Joy Yoga

Melrose, MA

www.joyhealthylife.com

This workshop is a gentle, restorative yoga practice with guided meditation and Reiki hands-on assists encouraging relaxation. We will warm up the body with a grounding slow flow practice to increae circulation and find a rhythm to the breath. Longer held yin yoga poses will be taught to release the deeper layers of tissue surrounding the skeletal, muscular and organ systems, increasing our mobility and balancing the body's energetic flow. We will close with an extended Yoga Nidra session to soften and relax the whole body, strengthening our inner light, to shine from the inside out.

The warmth of the sun and longer days are a reminder of how good it is to find balance between work and rest. Many of us take vacation over the summer to enjoy the beautiful weather, find space in our days, to not hurry, to linger longer, and to let go of responsibility for a while. Join me for yoga every Wednesday in June and most of July.

Slow Flow with Yin Yoga

Wednesday evenings 730-845p

Joy Yoga

Melrose, MA

No Class July 3

I will be taking vacation in August and have decided to take my own advice and slow down. So, rather than cancelling more than a few classes, I am taking the month of August off from teaching yoga to find space in my days, to not hurry, to linger longer, and let go of responsibility for a while. We will resume our Wednesday evening classes on September 4, 2019.

For over ten years, I have met many of you on the mat for our weekly yoga class. The location has changed and new faces have arrived, while old friends continue to show up. This class has been an anchor for me, it is a constant reminder of staying present, honoring a space of learning and opening into the beauty of moment ot moment transitions. 

Thank you all for your continues patronage.
See you on the mat!

Tao

"Human connection is pure energy. Some people rise to meet that connection and some people let it go dormant."
Tao Porchon-Lynch

Tao or Dao is a Chinese word translated as "way", "path", "route", "road" or sometimes more loosely as "principle" or "beliefs".  In East Asian philosophy, Tao is the natural order of the universe, an intuitive knowing that humans must discern in order to realize their potential and individual wisdom. This intuitive knowing of "life" cannot be grasped as a concept; it is known through actual living experience of one's everyday being.

I attended a 2- hour yoga worksop in NY on April 13, 2019 with Tao Porchon-Lynch. Tao is an American yoga master and award-winning author of French and Indian descent. Born in 1918, she discovered yoga in 1926 when she was eight years old while living in India.

The workshop was a powerful, dynamic vinyasa flow that was challenging and inspiring. Tao's beauty, grace and energy is palpable. Her 100 year old wisdom has earned her respect and reverence. She had two assistants during class, but she walked among us and stopped mid-flow to discuss in detail the imprtance of breath, alignment and intention.

Tao's mantra is: "There is nothing you cannot do."

Her hands on assists, direct eye contact, and observation of movement was impeccable. She enjoys the energetic connection human to human and emphasized the conscious effort to extend, lengthen and radiate. Tao led us easefully into King Dancer pose, highighting the foot arch in Tree pose and taught variations of Downward Dog that pushed our strength and balance.  Her beautiful vinyasa is "meditative energy in motion". Warrior 1-3, Half Moon, Triangle, and Revolved Triangle flowed from right to left, left to right. Her yoga flow is a 'Dance of Light', (Tao is a competitive ballroom dancer) choreographed to Tango music. By the time I got to meet her, I was hot and sweating from our yoga workout. As I introduced myself to her, I thanked Tao for her work. She held my hand tight, and pressed her forehead to mine as tears spilled down my cheeks. It was as if she could feel my life experiences through our physical connection and held me showing her empathy and compassion. 

Tao is a woman who continues to love each moment of life as a gift, despite hardship and suffering. 

"The power of our thoughts can make us live a happy, healthy life, or fill our body with poison, resulting in pain and then death."

She greets each day with a smile, moving and breathing as the sun comes up and keeps moving and breathing until the sun goes down. 

"Smile as you rise with the sun, smile at the beauty of life within you, and everything on this planet."

Tao has walked with Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Lither King Jr. promoting peace. Shw was a hollywood actress, model, and remains a formal yoga teacher (teaching weekly classes and workshops) who trained with Indra Devi, Sri Aurobindo, and B.K.S. Iyengar. Tao has energized and uplifted me, I'm still floating. 

taoporchonlynch.com

Welcome Spring!

Winter into Spring

Today is the first day of Spring, and as we transition out of winter it is a time to remember that these seasonal shifts bring balance into our lives. The Southern Hemisphere is welcoming their Autumn Equinox as we begin our Spring Equinox. The sun that shines on Earth's equator presents an almost equal length of day and night. These transitions are felt in the observing and listening day to day, week to week, month to month, and year to year. Tuning into these shifts in mind, body and breath is in the moving, breathing, meditating and feeling of our moment to moment awareness.

Another full 'supermoon' is on display tonight, but it will be our third and final. It seems these extra bright moons only happen three times a century, coinciding with perigee, the moon's closest point to Earth during its monthly orbit. So, enjoy the view as the sun sets in the west and the moon rises in the east around the same time today.

It is a pleasure to see meet week to week on the mat for mindful movement connected to breath, where we pay attention to time and space between pose progressions and focus on shapes that are held longer in the body.

Slow Flow with Yin

Wednesday evenings

730-845p

joyhealthylife.com

(NO CLASS 4/17/19 and 5/22/19)

Our Yoga & Reiki Spring workshop on Sunday 3/24/19 is SOLD OUT! It seems highlighting the changing seasons offers a need within the community to slow down our lives and bring in a quality of purposeful moving, breathing and meditating. In anticipation of our growing waitlist, we will have another workshop as the Summer Solstice approaches. 

Save the date: 

Yoga & Reiki

Summer Solstice Workshop

6/23/19!

Jennifer Murphy, LMT and I will be co-hosting this workshop on gentle movement, focused breathing, and longer held Yin yoga poses. Jen will guide a thoughtful meditation with creative reflection, and we will both provide hands on Reiki assists. Reiki sends positive intention and healing through the hands. The workshop will close with a lying down meditation practice known as Yoga Nidra. 

Reiki

I have been practicing Reiki since 2004, and teaching Reiki since 2016 to small groups upon request. This year, I taught my largest Reiki classes in February and March! Learning Reiki requires no special skill and is open to everyone. The emphasis is on healing the self and learning to share Reiki with others. Many people who are trained in Reiki begin by using it for their families and friends. 

Due to continued requests for Reiki I, I have added a small group Reiki I training at Joy Yoga. 

Reiki I Training

5/19/19 

10-4p

Register at joyhealthylife.com under Wellness Workshops for Adults. Space is limited.

For those already trained in Reiki I and wish to learn more, there are 3 spots left for Reiki II training at Borealis Yoga. 

Reiki II Training

4/6/19

1-5p

Register at borealisyoga.com under workshops. 

Where Meditation Comes to Life

Jedi Yoga returns in May with back to back workshops!

May the 4th Be With You

Saturday 5/4/19

Joy Yoga

Melrose, MA

joyhealthylife.com

Revenge of the 5th

Sunday 5/5/19

Borealis Yoga

Medford, MA

borealisyoga.com

Jedi Yoga is open to all kids ages 6-10. We will bring balance to the Force with Yoda's peaceful warrior flow, use breathing techniques and mindful concentration exercises to train our Jedi mind. Combining movement based activities, meditation, and creative Star Wars poses we will awaken the Force within! Costumes are encouraged!

Registration and times should be up soon for both these workshops!

May This Be Love

The way you speak to yourself matters. 

Writing prompt: Consider imagining your younger self, and then speak to her the way you speak to yourself now.

Waterfall
Nothing can harm me at all
My worries seem so very small
With my waterfall

I can see my rainbow calling me
Through the misty breeze
Of my waterfall
Jimi Hendrix

When I turned 12, I stopped speaking in public. I barely spoke in school, my voice was heard only when necessary to get by in classes. My middle school yearbook was filled with notes from other kids to "speak up", "you should talk more", and "I can't hear you!" My parents just thought it was a phase and didn't make a big deal of it. My younger sister carried me, protected me and spoke for me. It seemed she understood the pain I was going through and knew no other way to help but to hold my hand through it. 

I found it difficult to make eye contact with others. When in public, I hid behind anything I could find. The hatred and disgust I felt for myself was overwhelming. I would look in the mirror and see pure ugliness. It was as if my heart and reflection were taken over by a demon. Adolescence is a bitch, hormones hijacked my emotions. My body was changing in ways my mind wasn't ready for. I couldn't connect to my identity as having self worth, self respect or diginity as a human being.

It was during this time that I met my best friend. She was my complete opposite in appearance; tall, thin, blond, curly hair, and in personality; outgoing, social and secure. She was the yang to my yin. We found connection in our love for being outside, music, movies, books and our imaginations. One of the first gifts she ever gave me was a journal. Words poured out as if they were tears, emptying all the fear, worry, and insecurity from my mind and body. Journaling was my form of therapy, working through emotional and physical problems on my own terms. This gift of friendship and writing remains an active part of my days, both of which I am most grateful for.

Life is filled with good and bad experiences. It seems the bad experiences are the ones that birth change, as they are the ones that push one to seek refuge. Sometimes you just have to endure it for a while, and listen.

Music has always been an inspiration, it has pulled me from the deep, dark places of my mind.
A great distraction to the reality of life. It was popular to have casette tapes when I was young, as compact discs were just starting to be made. Music became portable, you could play albums on a "walkman" and create a soundtrack for your life. The sounds I listened to began to change the way I thought of myself. At home, my Dad had a record player and a large collection of vinyl records, which sound much better than casette tapes. I would get lost listening to records, laying on the floor of my bedroom with the volume turned way up so I could feel the vibration reverberate into my body. At the time, I had no idea this was a form of healing. I knew nothing of sound therapy, it just felt good. Nature has the same holisitic effect on me, it picks up the fragmented pieces and glues them back together. Tuning into the frequency and vibration of the Earth is music in nature.

I fell in love when I was 17. We shared a ride to college a few days a week, met in between classes, and discovered all styles of music together. We made friends, worked hard, and traveled together. Seeing more of the world opened my eyes to all the possibilities available to me. Slowly, my confidence grew, I was building courage to enjoy life and all its freedoms. His affection and attention gave me the space to feel safe, to share my vulnerability with the world. That sweet, patient man is now my husband. We have two loving children who challenge, inspire and call me to be the best version of myself.

If my 42 year old self told my 12 year old self that I would become a strong, beautiful woman who is loved and respected, I wouldn't have believed it. I was lucky to have a supportive family, and to find close friends who helped pull me out of the rabbit hole I tumbled into. It's even more amazing, that I am able to lead movement classes and workshops, and speak at public events. You could say I overcame my period of silence, but the anxiety, doubt, and negative thoughts are still present in my life. They creep in unexpectedly, crippling me, holding me hostage in my own body. Thankfully, those feelings don't last long because I know they don't have power over me anymore. I've already been there, I've hated myself long enough. I've faced my fears of shame, embarrassment, humility, and it has only made me stronger. When they do show up, I just think of my younger self. The image at the top of this post is me, age 6. My heart melts for her sparkling blue eyes, sweet, genuine smile and heart full of love.

Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
Simon & Garfunkel

Winter Soul Food

It's winter in New England, cold, rainy, slushy days contrasted with milder, sunny, snowy days. Winter is a time for comfort, warmth, and soul food. Here are a few (healthyish) recipes that I make during this season that are hearty, vegetarian, and gluten free.

Potato, Leek, and Fennel Soup

Gather your ingredients, 2 large potatoes, 2 medium sized carrots, 1 medium size fennel bulb with stems, 1 large leek, butter, salt, pepper, cumin and herbs de provence. Rinse vegetables, peel the potatoes and carrots. Slice the fennel bulb into small pieces saving some of the stems for later. In a large pot add 2 generous tablespoons of butter or olive oil. Turn heat on to medium flame and add in the sliced leek and chopped fennel bulb.

Stir and saute the vegetables on medium flame, add in 2 teaspoons of sea salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of herbs de provence. 

Once the vegetables soften and cook down, add in chopped potatoes, carrots and 5-6 cups of water. Add 1-2 more tablesoons of butter (or olive oil), the rest of the fennel stems, and cook on medium flame for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the potato and carrots are soft.

This is an easy to make soup recipe that is inexpensive, quick and nourishing. Enjoy it with a large hunk of sourdough bread! This recipe makes a few servings, I love sharing it with friends and always give some to my Mom. It's her favorite!



Here's another great recipe that is versatile and satisfying!

Butternut Squash Polenta with Arugula

Polenta is a beautiful food that can be mixed and matched for savory or sweet flavors. It's a great breakfast variaton instead of oats when honey, maple syrup or a dollop of your favorite jam is added. Cook up your corn grits aka polenta according to the package. Make sure you stir often with a long-handled spoon because of the pops and bubbles.

Peel, slice, and roast a medium sized butternut squash in a pan that can hold 1-2 inches of water. I like to drizzle the squash with olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and cumin. Herbs de provence is one of my favorite herbal blends; lavendar buds, thyme, rosemary, parsley, tarragon, marjoram, savory, sage and chervil can add depth to your dish. I bake the squash in a water bath at 375 degrees for 1-2 hours, or until the squash is soft.

Any extra favorite veggies can be added; garlic sautéed mushrooms in olive oil make this vegetarian dish taste meaty.

Rinsed fresh arugula has a peppery taste and wilts nicely over the warm polenta and squash. Toss the leaves with olive oil, sea salt and a squeeze of lime to brighten the dish.

Garnish with homemade guacamole if your avocado is ready to eat. Scallion, cilantro and shredded colby jack cheese pair well with this yummy meal.

The versatility of this dish is perfect for the 'picky eater' too!

Hope these meals spark comfort and creativity 
during these winter months.

Enjoy!