August 8, 2004 - I have been thinking on my instructors great comment when I asked how she got started teaching. She said that she started by focusing on her own practice. That comment has really stuck with me. Simple and can be applied in all areas of our life. We can give away only what we have. So having good health, a safe environment, and good finances can only help us help our loved ones.....................

I am in process of cleaning and organizing my home and my finances. I am also want to learn more about yoga and specifically sun saluations. Given I want to conserve (money, time, resources in general) I took a look at what was up on Yoga Journal and yes, they have several articles on sun saluations. Sometimes it is the little things.

July 14, 2004 - I have recently had the opportunity to take yoga classes from 2 additional instructors because my primary instructor went out of town on vacation. It is striking how different they can be. I am definitely very happy with my primary instructor. She has a flowing style that balances strength and flexibility.

I am also digging a class where I can sweat, take a nap, offer up a quiet pray, and have a good cry all in the same class. Right now my life is quite stressful and the relaxation in the class allows me to release a lot of the emotional tension.

June 25, 2004 - Well, I did end up skipping my optional techniques bellydance class last night. Sometimes it a tough one to go to with family obligations and that it is later at night (which sometimes is a good thing) which means I am up later than usual.

I was able to get to be early and get up early to get to yoga class this morning. What a great compliment to bellydancing. It is funny, I was sore yesterday and stiff this morning in my abs. Now, I would have thought my bellydancing (and yes, I have seen definition develop under the fat) would have helped me there. I guess I am using the muscles differently in yoga.

When the class first started I was stiff. But as the class progressed and I warmed up, I was able to stretch a bit farther. I am able to get farther than I can in class. I am glad I am in a class to help make sure I at least getting close to good form. It is a very cool learning experience.

June 23, 2004 - Judging by my entries, balance is something I need continual work on, grin. Anyway, I went to my first yoga class today. Wow. I knew it would be harder than it looks, my sister clued me into that one. It was a great workout. Very different from belly dancing. That is, of course, what I wanted. I chose yoga as a compliment to belly dancing, to lengthen and to hopefully add grace and fludity to my dancing. It is very exciting to have another exercise form that I can do in my bare feet.

My biggest challenge will not be getting up so early but rather a scheduling issue with the rest of the family. I am hoping to build a comfort level with it in class during this short window of scheduling opportunity, about 6 weeks. I then hope to continue with videos.

Feb. 20, 2004 - I have been thinking on something I have read recently, the power of pause. Taking a moment (literally a second or two) to stop, take a deep breath, think, then act. It can be remarkable powerful and calming. The moment gives the mind the space to center and the breath gives the body the ingredient, oxygen, to do it. I am starting to use it in my quest for a healthier body and mind. I will keep you posted on my progress. If you find it helpful, please contact us and let us know.