Life's Little Notes From Me to You

 January can feel gloomy with the holidays over and spring still far away. But this year, teaching more classes and meeting new people for complimentary sessions has been a game-changer for me.

Increased social connection is beating the January blues! Experts have found that nurturing a small group of like-minded friends and gathering weekly is key. Research even shows 5-6 hours of social interaction is ideal—even for introverts. As an extrovert, I’m still working on that!

Spiritual teacher Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us to find happiness within, like through yoga. Research now suggests that’s only part of the answer. Check out the resources below, and a special offer, just after my breathwork insights!

Breathwork: The Secret to Elevating Your Yoga Practice
by Frances Adamson

Today yoga is often seen as a physical practice, involving deliberate postures and movements. There's a gymnastic quality to it, and we think of the toning effects on the body and flexibility.

The often overlooked is the use of breathwork in yoga and it's benefits.

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With its ability to centre us in the present moment, bring our awareness inside, and reduce mind-chatter, the incredible benefits are immediately available.

From beginners to advanced practitioners, the continuous development of breath focus is essential to maximise stability, strength and staying present. Just last year I discovered a fresh perspective when my teacher reminded me of a specific focal point- a visualization technique to use with the breath in practice.

Although in every class the reminder was there, when I was ready I heard it more clearly, opening up a new level of awareness and reigniting my practice.

Renewing the focus for the mind and maintaining attention inward grounds us in the present moment.

Using specific breath techniques during yoga poses has immediate and noticeable effects. Firstly, it centers awareness inside your body, freeing you from the constant grip of the mind on your attention. Secondly, these techniques help the lungs to expand fully,  which boosts your physical capacity.

The benefits of deeper breaths extend to the entire torso and organs- strengthening the diaphragm and massaging the organs contributes to the overall stability of the body. Imagine preparing to lift something heavy - unconsciously, you take a deep breath and hold it, providing stability during the lift.

This stabilizing effect of our breath is crucial for both current health and future wellness.

As we foster physical balance and mindful breath use in yoga, the body's coordination and stability are improved. There is a fundamental link between physical balance and mental clarity, as the steadiness cultivated through breath and yoga asana relaxes the nervous system.

Using breathing techniques, stress, excitement, and pain can be effectively moderated because this relaxation allows your nervous system to shift from a heightened state to a more balanced and calmer one. Slow breathing signals to your body that it's safe to dial down stress responses, promoting a sense of ease and well-being.

This shift not only soothes the mind but also has a tangible impact on your physical state, reducing inflammation and activating the immune system.

And, attention to the breath brings awareness to the subtle joy of being alive in the moment.

Practicing these techniques in yoga, from the four foundational focus's for the breath, to the more subtle ones, you will foster a deeper understanding of yourself and the surrounding world. Using these tools encourages a shift in perspective, leading us to experience ourselves as a miraculous being within a greater whole.

Your breath operates on all these levels to create stability - enhancing physical balance and strength, mental clarity, emotional equilibrium and even spiritual awareness, making it an indispensable and economic tool contributing to your over-all well-being and fitness.

At Joy Core Connection, breath is the heart of yoga, making it accessible to anyone who wants the benefits.

Just as contributing to your retirement fund is a wise course for financial security, building stability in the realms of the physical, mental and spiritual is an essential part of your plan to live a long and healthy life.

Embracing yoga as a profound and efficient tool is not just a practice; it's a strategic investment in the richness and longevity of your overall wellness.

Two for One Group Yoga Special

February being LOVE month, spread the love with family, friends and co-workers-  sign up this week for classes and you both get half off. (or you can treat!). You can both come and try a class free with no obligation. If you're already signed up you'll receive your discount for February.

Here's the link to connect with me- or text or call me at 289-928-7292.

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I'm looking forward to beating the winter blues by getting together and igniting our inner fire! 

ON MY BEDSIDE TABLE:
'The Blue Zones of Happiness' by Dan Buettner

Dan Buettner is an adventurer and author who studies places in the world where people live the longest and happiest lives. He calls these places the "Blue Zones." He shares his discoveries through books and a documentary so others can learn how to live better too.

Here’s a list of some of his books and the documentary:

  1. The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest (2008)
  2. Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way (2010)
  3. The Blue Zones Solution: Eating and Living Like the World’s Healthiest People (2015)
  4. The Blue Zones of Happiness: Lessons from the World’s Happiest People (2017)
  5. The Blue Zones Challenge: A 4-Week Plan for a Longer, Better Life (2021)
  6. Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones (Documentary, 2023)

Dan found that people in Blue Zones live long, happy lives because they eat healthy foods like beans and vegetables, move their bodies every day, spend time with friends and family, and have a sense of purpose. They don’t try to be healthy all at once—they build good habits into their everyday lives. It’s a lot like planting

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