Italy Bound 4-3-18

I’m immersing myself in language comprehension, speed style.  With 3 days to go until my yoga retreat to Gubbio, Italy, I’ve got to work hard. But even if I don’t know what I am saying or comprehend what is being said to me, I really like my attempts at the Italian accent. I think it makes me feel like a local.  Moyo Yoga is hosting this delicious retreat to Gubbio.  We will have two yoga offerings per day, hiking, relaxing, day trips to sites, tastings, classes, and of course, the food and wine.  I am quite ready for this trip mentally and emotionally (just not the packing part yet).

Several in the class had asked for this poem.  I will remember it as I make many mistakes in trying to speak Italian.  I am excited about the prospect of discovery that comes with making mistakes.

I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.

So that’s my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious mistakes. Make mistakes nobody’s ever made before. Don’t freeze, don’t stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work, or family, or life.

Whatever it is you’re scared of doing. Do it. Make your mistakes, next year and forever.

 – Neil Gaiman

Poses

Supported Dandasana with Ushas Mudra

Benefits: lengthens legs, nice transition to practice, supports natural spine alignment, resting pose

Props: bolster, block, blankets

Place a bolster against the wall, maybe supported by a block. Sit back on the bolster, adjust for your comfort. Legs may be straight out in front or lay them over a blanket roll or another bolster. Place a neck roll behind the neck, resting hands on belly or by your side. Remain present as you transition from your day. Ah……

Ushas Meditation – Gesture of the Dawn for Opening to New Possibilities

Benefits: to cultivate more positive attitudes, supports living in the present moment, enhances circulation, creates a balance of relaxation and alertness, cultivates calm and mental clarity.

Listen to the recording here

Supported Bridge Pose

Props: 3 blankets, neck roll, eye pillow, bolster, block

Extras: blanket for warmth

Benefits: Expands the chest muscles, opens the lungs, balances the glands, quiets the nerves and releases tension in the nervous system, increases oxygen intake to the brain, can stimulate the immune system (thyroid)

Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift butt and slide the stack of 2 or 4 blankets under the base of your spine. Find a comfortable position, then let the upper back release on the floor. Arms are relaxed at sides or resting on belly. Feel chest and belly rise with each breath. Roll gently to one side when done and inhale up to seated.