Finding Joy

Joy comes naturally during the easy times of life, but it takes effort to find moments of happiness during the hard ones. Life has many trials and tribulations, but we can experience joy throughout if we keep in mind that hardships do ultimately dissipate. Growing up any time I was sad or frustrated my Mom would tell me, "this too shall pass", and this did seem to help somewhat because it gave me hope that things would eventually get better. I still think of those words today whenever I am feeling down. 

One way to find happiness during difficult times is to be grateful for all the good that you have. Recognize the abundance and blessings in your life, even in the midst of the difficulties by appreciating the things that you have and not taking things for granted. It may be simple as appreciating having a roof over your head and food in the cabinet. Writing down what you are grateful for expands the process. Keep a gratitude journal and write in it every night before bed or maybe once a week. You might even want to write down your troubles. Let enough time pass before rereading what you wrote in your journal and you could discover there was a reason for the difficulty and it may even have been a blessing in disguise. 

Another way to find happiness during difficult times is to live in the moment. There are moments of joy in even the most painful times of life. You could be having a troubling day but look up to see a magnificent sunset or a glorious flock of birds flying overhead. Let the beauty of the scene transport you to another plane of existence where troubles do not lie. Which brings me to a third way of finding happiness, embracing nature. Two of the most profound places of peace are the forest and the ocean. If you can go to a forest and breathe deeply, letting the oxygen fill your lungs it can instantly bring a peaceful feeling. Just being among the trees can uplift and energize you. Take a walk on the beach and open up your senses to feel the sand between your toes, listen to the waves and smell the salty air. Merely doing this has a way of renewing us and bringing comfort. 

Last but not least, moving your body can transform your experience. Take a walk preferably in nature, through the woods or on the beach, in a park or even around your block. Turn on some music and dance. And you probably know what I'm going to say next...try doing some yoga. Doing yoga moves energy through meridians in our body that can remove negativity. Sometime we may cry while the negative energy moves through us, but then we can release it rather than holding onto it, allowing room for joy. Try it next time you are feeling low. 

Our story this month; May I be filled with joy. 

We found joy in our practice this month as we practiced Wild Thing. If you would like to give Wild Thing a try the instructions are as follows:

From Down Dog come into Side Plank on your right side. Step your left foot behind you, keep your right leg straight and push your hips up away from the floor. Scoop your tailbone and use your legs to keep lifting your hips. Curl your head back, lift your left side body, and keep your left upper arm moving toward your shoulder socket. Extend your left arm overhead and curve into a rapturous backbend. Have fun. Be wild. Taste your freedom. Then release, step back to Down Dog and switch sides. 


Love, Peace and Joy!
MM

The Mind is like the Moon

It's been said that the mind is like the moon. Why? Because, the moon has no light of its own. It is just reflected light. Just as the moon's light comes from the sun, the mind's light comes from our inner sun. 

Like the moon, the mind tends to wax and wane. It may be filled with interest in something, then in the next moment that interest will fade. The mind, like the moon, does this because it is reflected light. It is not self-luminous; it is susceptible to fluctuation and change. We often seek the light from outside ourselves, looking for bright things, hoping they will fill us with light. We seek light from the outside because we haven't yet realized our own self illuminating nature. 

The moon and the mind also have a dark, shadow side. When we allow the inner light to illuminate the dark places however, things don't look so scary. We can do this by simply observing our thoughts and feelings. Without judgement just witness thoughts that are negative and become aware of the feelings that arise. Once you become aware that these thoughts and feelings do not serve you, the inner light can guide them in the opposite direction. 

The inner light is all wise, all powerful and all loving. When you are unsure of your way and all around you seems dark allow the inner sun to guide you. When the inner light guides you, you'll find peace in all of life's situations. Turn inward, find your inner sun, realize your self luminous nature and shine your light on everything and everyone!

Our story this month; I honor my inner light.

Half Moon Pose

We will begin in Mountain Pose, move through a variation of Pyramid Pose and then let our inner light shine as we find Half Moon Pose using a block. 

From Mountain Pose place the block alongside the right foot. Step the left foot back about 3 feet, turn the foot to a 45 degree angle. Place the left hand on the hip. Inhale and lengthen the spine, exhale and fold forward hinging at the hips, bringing the right hand to the block. Pause and feel the stretch. Inhale and bend the right knee, lifting the heel of the left foot, into sort of a lunge. Exhale and rock back lowering the left heel as you straighten the right leg. Repeat several times, inhale as you lunge forward and exhale as you rock back.

On the next inhale pick up the block and place it about 18 inches in front of you, the back leg will automatically begin to lift. Exhale as work toward bringing the back leg parallel to the ground. Engage your core as you straighten the front leg. Actively reach through the back heel, flex the foot. Stack your top hip over your bottom hip, stack your left shoulder over your right and open your torso. Then extend your top arm and lift towards the sky. Balance and let your light shine! Repeat on the opposite side. 

Here is a short meditation to connect with your inner light. 

Sit in a quiet place, comfortable with your hands resting on your knees palms facing up and eyes closed. Begin by taking several slow, deep breaths. Now visualize a light within your heart. Focus your attention on that inner light. When the mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to the inner light without judgment. 

Once the image of the light is clear, add a simple gesture to the visualization. Inhale and softly open your arms. Exhale and place your palms over your heart. Repeat twice more. With your hands over your heart sit quietly for a few moments breathing gently. When you are ready open your eyes and remember this light of wisdom, power, and love is always within you. 

Mahalo, we serve. 

KH

Sutra 2.36 Satya

Dedicated to truth and integrity, our thoughts, words, and actions gain the power to manifest. (Translated by Nischala Joy Devi)

The Yamas are a code of conduct for the Yogi. Sri Swami Satchidananada explains that Samadhi, which is the ultimate goal of yoga, should not be practiced without the proper moral background.  In Christian terms the yamas would equate to Matthew 7:12, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." 

Sutra 2.36, Satya, is the second of the five Yamas. This yama specifically relates to truthfulness and integrity. It refers to the idea of lying as intentionally misleading others. It means never giving someone else even a slightly different impression from what you know to be true. It is an injunction against deception. Keep in mind that an omission is also a deceit. By deceiving another you are essentially harming them. When others know we are honest, we'll build a trusting relationship. It should also be pointed out that satya should always be in service of ahimsa, the first yama. This means that one should speak carefully and avoid brutal honesty and gossip. It is important to be mindful of the boundary between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. Always communicate with kindness. 

"When you have become willing to hide nothing, you will not only be willing to enter into communion but will also understand peace and joy." - A Course in Miracles

A truthful statement conforms to the way that things are, but a lie requires an ongoing process of bending the facts to support its existence. Lying to others chips away at one's inner integrity and may plant itself like a seed in one's consciousness, giving rise to an inability to see oneself honesty. Nischala says it beautifully, "The power of truth is created through the alchemy of personal integrity."  She equates the power to "feeling" truth as a physical reaction. For example, tears may fall spontaneously as your heart unfolds with words of truth. On the other hand with words that dim truth, you may experience a tightening in the body that releases a wash of fear and anxiety. The heart rests when it is in Satya. Truth carries it's own reward.  "The truth shall set you free." John 8:32

Our physical practice this month is all about core strength because a strong core supports our body. Core strength also refers to the spiritual, ethical, and emotional essence of who you truly are. This means core strength also supports your mind and spirit. 
Our story this month is: I am strong in body, mind, and spirit. 

One of the core poses we practiced this month is called Dolphin Plank. Dolphin Plank builds strength through resistance of your body's weight, which helps to increase bone density. This pose strengthens the arms, legs, and core muscles, including the abdomen, chest and low back. It also strengthens the muscles around the spine which helps to improve posture. 

Begin on your hands and knees. Align your wrists directly under your shoulders, and your knees under your hips. Lower your elbows to the floor directly beneath your shoulders. Keep your forearms parallel to each other. Distribute your weight evenly across both forearms. Tuck your toes and step back with your feet, bringing your body and head into one straight line. Align your heels over your toes. Keep your thighs lifted and take care not to let your hips sink too low. Keep your head in line with your spine. Engage your abdominals. Gaze between your hands. Hold the pose while breathing smoothly for five breaths. Those using the pose to build stamina can hold for up to five minutes. To release the pose slowly lower onto your knees, then press back into child's pose. 

MM

Turning Tables @ LLA

We had a wonderful time as exhibitors at the Louisiana Library Association Conference held at the Riverfront Conference Center in Alexandria. As former librarians we've been attendees at the LLA conferences in the past, sitting in on seminars and browsing the exhibits. This year we turned the tables and became exhibitors; offering a fun, fresh "novel" idea, filled with creative energy ...Moving-Tale!

The theme of the conference this year was "Wisdom and Wonder @ Louisiana Libraries." Sounds like yoga and story to us! One of the first books we found and utilized in our yoga storytelling was a compliation of folktales by Hugh Lipton titled "Tales of Wisdom and Wonder." A coincidence one might say but we thought it uniqely fitting for our first experience as exhibitors. 

We spend two days seeking and practicing wisdom and wonder while enjoying meeting colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere. Our bookmarks, flyers, and postcards were handed out with information on our yoga storytelling presentations. We held a fun drawing for a free copy of The Impossible Dream; A Yoga Storytelling Adventure, as we let attendees know that the book is available from Ingram/Baker and Taylor for school and library orders. Sweet sounds of the gong rang thoughout the convention center reminding us, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE! 

JoDee was the winner!

Our intention for exhibiting at the conference was to connect to the community and connect we did. We had a great time talking to the librarians and other exhibitors, answering questions and sharing ideas. Moving-Tale offers new possibilities for public and school libraries and we look forward to sharing story and yoga with everyone we met. For more info on our yoga storytelling presentations visit us at www.moving-tale.com or email us at movingtale@gmail.com

Mahalo, we serve. 

Sthira sukham asanam.

Yoga Sutra 2.46 

This aphorism is often translated as, stable (sthira) comfortable (sukham) posture (asanam). It tells us that a yoga posture is intended to express the balance between effort and ease.

Sthira means stable. Stability takes effort.

Sukham means comfortable. A feeling of ease.

Asanam means seat. Posture or presence.

Whenever you practice yoga you're trying to find a balance between these aspects. We like to say, “feel the stretch, without the strain.” Let’s consider what it feels like to cultivate these two qualities of sthira and sukha in our asana practice. Sthira is the ability to be steady in body, mind, and breath. The muscles are engaged, the mind notices what is arising, and the breath is rhythmic. Sukha is the comfort that comes when the joints and bones are aligned and the muscles are free from tension or strain, the mind is spacious and aware, and the breath flows with ease.

We can balance effort and ease in our daily lives through routine. Sthira and sukha flow from establishing a routine. Waking up, eating, and going to bed at approximately the same time each day all contribute to steadiness and comfort. Life is relationships. We are in a constant relationship with our environment and the people around us. How might your relationships change if you consciously cultivated being present, steady, and comfortable? 

I love this quote by Judith Hanson, "Yoga is not about touching your toes, its about what you learn on the way down." Therefore, the point of the practice of yoga is not to achieve certain postures, but to learn to move through our lives with steadiness and comfort. Cultivating sthira suham asanam helps us find a balance between effort and ease. It is a process that extends beyond the edge of our yoga mat, it takes us into every aspect of our daily lives and this is what yoga is all about!

Our story this month; I find balance between effort and ease. We practiced balancing poses, of course! Here are couple you might like to try.

Reclining Vishnu Pose

Begin by lying on your back, roll over onto your right side and bend the right arm bringing the hand to support your head, fingers reaching towards the spine. Your entire right side from elbow to heel is in a straight line. Bend the left knee and place the foot in front of the body, take hold of the big toe with your left hand. Straighten and lift the leg towards the sky for your comfort level.  Keep the feet flexed. Balance without rolling. Balance comes from your center.  Release the toe hold and gently come onto your back. Repeat on the opposite side then rest on your back for a few breaths.

You can modify this pose by looping a strap around the foot before lifting the leg. For wrist or shoulder issues you can place your forearm on the floor and align your elbow under the shoulder. Spread your fingers wide. 

Dancer Pose

Begin in mountain, feet hip distance apart, bend the right leg bringing the foot towards the backside, the knee should be pointing toward the floor, hold the foot, ankle or the big toe with the right hand and balance, now lift and stretch the leg behind you as you gently lean forward, lift the left hand reaching out in front. Gaze just past your hand. Release and repeat on the other side.

Happiness and health,

KH

Our book is now available at Ingram/Baker and Taylor for school and library orders! Yay!

We had a blast at Milton Elementary School's literacy night. We sold and signed copies of The Impossible Dream; A Yoga Storytelling Adventure! Several teachers who made a purchase were excited to use the yoga storytelling adventure method in their classrooms. Woohoo! 

Our table was set up in a sweet spot near the entrance/exit.  Kids stopped by and practiced yoga with us throughout the event. The school chose "camping" as a theme. We decided to introduce the children to Warrior II pose and everyone experienced feeling "strong and courageous." Each yogi got one of our fun bookmarks and enjoyed ringing the gong before moving along to their next adventure.

We thought we'd share a few of our thoughts on how storytelling and yoga enhance literacy skills. Storytelling enhances language, listening and critical thinking skills and yoga enhances mind and body awareness. These twin arts increase balance, strength, and flexibility in both body and mind. Children develop not only language but also emotional and physical literacy as well.  

Storytelling is extremely valuable in developing young listener's imagination and yoga brings the story alive; it is both interactive and theatrical. Storytelling and yoga unite the logical and creative sides of the brain. Integrating left brain and right brain activity strengthens neural pathways responsible for memory, imagination, and learning. We know children absorb and process information through listening, seeing, and moving and storytelling and yoga engage the whole child honoring all the ways in which they learn. This increased engagement promotes deep learning. Including yoga along with storytelling stimulates the imagination as well as visualization abilities. By visually acting out the story with yoga postures children learn to transfer images into words and the visual images of the yoga postures enhance children's recall. They are now a part of the story and able to recall/retell in detail. Comprehension success!

Two of the many yogi's who practiced with us.

If you'd like to introduce a child to yoga through storytelling please see the sidebar and click on the Amazon link to order a copy of The Impossible Dream; A Yoga Storytelling Adventure. For author visits and presentations contact us at www.movingtale@gmail.com or www.moving-tale.com

Through the magic of story and the wisdom of yoga let the adventure begin!

Giving and Receiving

The universe operates through the energetic exchange of giving and receiving. Giving and receiving go together. They are the same thing, just different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe.  Naturally, the intention behind your giving and receiving is important. Our intention should be to offer happiness and health!

As you give, you open the gate to receive. Whatever you offer to someone else, the energy of the universe works to bring the same to you. Many of us find it easier to give than to receive but it is just as important to be open to receiving, receiving requires grace.

Our bodies and minds are continuously interacting with the universe. When the life force is flowing freely through your body and mind, you are open to the generosity and grace of the universe. Certainly, balance is key to a generous and gracious life. In order to be healthy, we must develop a balance between giving and receiving. When we give too much we can become depleted.  However, when we receive without giving back we often become self-absorbed.

Giving and receiving is alive in every breath we take. With each inhale and exhale there is an energetic exchange. Take a deep breath and hold it. After a moment or two you will notice how uncomfortable you begin to feel because you are holding onto something that is meant to be released. Exhale completely and hold the breath with empty lungs. Once again, you will feel uncomfortable since you are resisting receiving something you need.

During your yoga practice it is important to maintain breath awareness, allowing the inflow and outflow of your breath to be an effortless exchange of energy. Tune in to the life force that flows through your body as move into and out of postures. Enjoy the sensations as your body expands and contracts, giving and receiving. Be aware of the needs of the body, giving it time to receive what you are offering. You just may find that challenging postures are more easily achieved!

We invite you find the balance between giving and receiving, and as you do so consider what you might like to receive and begin to give it, be it affection, appreciation, abundance….

Our story this month; I open the gate to giving and receiving.  

Gate Pose

Gate Pose is a side bend that stretches the entire side body and is suitable for students of all levels.

Caution; knee injury

Kneel tall, bring the left foot out in front with the knee bent at 90 degrees, pause. Then bring the foot out to the side opening the hip, the knee remains bent at 90 degrees, pause. Now extend the left leg out straight to the side, place the sole of the foot on the ground toes pointing away, keep shoulders and hips square to the front. Inhale lifting arms to shoulder height and rotate the right palm upward, exhale as you reach overhead and towards the left, place the left hand gently on the left leg. Gaze upward toward your right hand. Hold the pose for several breaths. To release inhale and bring both arms to shoulder height, exhale and lower them as you come back to kneeling tall. Repeat on the other side. 

Mahalo, we serve.

KH