The Cold and Flu Blues

Well, our family was hit last week with the flu and cold.  My son missed 3 days of school and I caught the bug on Saturday.  I'm convinced that I avoided the worst of it due to my daily yoga practice and regular cardio exercise.  Yoga is known to both reduce stress and to boost the immune system. http://www.yogabasics.com/learn/yoga-therapy-for-colds-and-flu/.  Trust me, there were a couple of days where the last thing I wanted to do was roll out my yoga mat, yet always felt better after doing a standing forward fold, a backbend, and a headstand, followed by a longer than normal Savasana (Corpse Pose).  Granted, my practice on these sick days was much shorter than typical, yet getting on the mat was key.  To motivate me to get on my mat during my low energy days I promised myself a reward -- 15 minutes of self indulgent knitting (as you know that is my go to relaxation creative outlet).   A few more tactics for a fast recovery: early to bed, drinking warm lemon water http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/cheers-to-drinking-warm-lemon-water, and my ritual green smoothie. Wishing you good health this winter.  I'll close with my favorite mantra: "Take care of your body, it's the only place you have to live." written by Jim Rohn.

Practice and Persistance

Finally, Urdhva Dhanurasana! Two years of consistent practice and not giving up. Thought I would never be able to do this, yet I refused to accept the "never". Thank you to my wonderful teacher, Maggie for her patient teaching and inspiration. 

Today Brings Your Tomorrows

Today I had an 81 young lady come to my yoga class today. It was clear to me that she has lived a healthy lifestyle for years. She came to my class today as she is concerned about losing her flexibility and mobility. She drives her own vehicle, plays the piano, stands tall, is vibrant and energetic. Doesn't this sound wonderful at that age?

What can you do today for your tomorrows? Change an unhealthy habit, walk away from processed foods, pursue a passion, eat more fruits and veggies, take a walk, meditate, take a yoga class (of course you knew I would say that). It is not selfish to care for yourself today. Taking time for your health today will help you to enjoy time in the future when you have fewer responsibilities and more time to do what you "want" to do rather than what you "have" to do.

Relax, Flexible, Focus

Yoga does this! Words from my students today. I am blessed to have made a difference today. 

Yoga: Life Changing Transformation

Are you looking for Flexibility, Strength, Peace? My Yoga Practice has been a personal life changing transformation. . . I wrote this Haiku upon finishing Yoga Teacher training in 2013.  Are you ready to transform into that beautiful person you know you are? Take a yoga class to break out of your cocoon. 

Zeal Persistence Change 

Cocoon Growth Butterfly Fly

Flexible Strength Peace

By Bonnie Ottaviani

The stunning photos were taken my beautiful mom, Sharon.

My Morning walk

My husband and I walk in the mornings (5am) and saw the spectacular lunar eclipse as it was happening. Wish I had a better camera. Today was likely the best walk I have ever taken. The stars were bright, the weather was beautiful and the eclipse was stunningly amazing. 

       AT A LUNAR ECLIPSE

Thy shadow, Earth, from Pole to Central Sea,
Now steals along upon the Moon's meek shine
In even monochrome and curving line
Of imperturbable serenity.

How shall I link such sun-cast symmetry
With the torn troubled form I know as thine,
That profile, placid as a brow divine,
With continents of moil and misery?

And can immense Mortality but throw
So small a shade, and Heaven's high human scheme
Be hemmed within the coasts yon arc implies?

Is such the stellar gauge of earthly show,
Nation at war with nation, brains that teem,
Heroes, and women fairer than the skies?

By Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) 
 

In the Event of An Emergency.

If you have flown you are likely familiar with the phrase "in the event of an emergency place the oxygen mask on you first". This is a reminder to take care of ourselves first so that we have energy and strength to help others.  How can we take care of ourselves?  Yoga teaches us healthy body, healthy mind, healthy spirit.  The first step is to take care of your physical body through exercise, healthy nutrition, and enough rest.  Making changes on how we treat our physical bodies will translate to both our mental and spiritual well being.  Putting our health first is not a selfish act, it is a necessary act.  When we feel good we have both the attitude and energy we need to do good in our worlds. Can you find the time today to take care of yourself? What does that mean? Possibly getting up 30 minutes earlier for either a walk or run, taking a yoga class (hint, hint), walking past the pastries or that glass of wine, and going to bed at a reasonable hour.  If you do these things today not only will you be able to take care of those you love, you will be able to transform your life through strength, energy, and grace that your healthy body brings you.

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