Posts in body
Free the Upper Back

A practice to tend to upper backs and necks sore from increased screen time. Movement to mobilize the upper back, strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight ones. Closes with a breath technique and visualization to support healing and a softer way of relating with muscle tension of the body. Try this practice every other day for improvement over time but keep mobilizing the upper back daily. *Note, continued pain related to the spine may require further investigation from a Dr. or PT

Practice for Healthy Digestion- Get Things Moving!

A morning practice designed to support your body in elimination and digestion. Start by sipping hot water and continue with a breath technique and movements intended to stimulate and enhance digestion followed by a mudra that supports digestive fire, not to mention our ability to properly digest our life experiences- taking what we need, and releasing what no longer serves us!

30 Minutes, Balance, Calm, bodyLisa Dumas
Soothe a Stiff Neck

A practice for occasional neck and shoulder stiffness (if neck pain is acute, sharp, electric please see a health professional) When we work with freeing the neck and shoulders we are also tending to the 5th chakra-this practice can also be useful for those wanting to address challenges with communication, listening or clearly expressing truth. Practice closes with a mudra to help release neck tension and balance energy.

Wake Up Happy

A first thing in the morning refresher. An invitation to focus on the good, get inspired, breathe and move in ways to uplift and invigorate (no yoga mat required- you could do it next to the bed!). Then, have your journal ready for some gratitude listing to take you into your day ready to receive more of what you love.

Meditation: Presence Through Body Awareness

For those of us who count ourselves as worriers, focusing on our breath during meditation can be anxiety-inducing. This meditation invites you to focus on sensations of the body- the part of you that’s always present. You might find this technique to be very relaxing, because it helps us to arrive in the present moment where we belong and feel the most content. It’s also useful for those of us not accustomed to feeling our bodies and helps us befriend them and the sensations within.

Meditation, body, Calm, Balance, soulLisa Dumas
Morning Ritual: Ground and Connect to a Sense of Safety

The yogic map of a human being consists of five sheaths (koshas) that we can work with to balance our system and connect with our true nature more often. The first sheath or layer is the physical body. For many of us, connecting with our physical body is a path to feeling more at ease because we become present, the only place life really exists. Use this morning ritual when you want to ground and calm a nervous mind and body and focus scattered attention.

Grounding into the Qualities of the Heart

This slow flow hatha class begins with a breath technique to ignite the symbolic heart space. The physical practice is structured to "open" the front of the body and strengthen the back of the body and it closes with relaxation and meditation intended to help us stay connected to love, gratitude, compassion and the other expansive qualities of our hearts.

Open Heart, Strong Back (boundaries)

A moderate hatha practice that encourages expansion across the physical chest and an intention to cultivate a receptive open heart through movement and a specific breath technique. We can create space at the front line of the body by strengthening the muscles of the back body which invites you to consider nourishing your strong back (or strong, healthy boundaries)

Magic Morning

Start the day by stepping into who you want to be, rather than reactivity. Connect to your body, breath and heartfelt intentions with this moderate to challenging class designed to wake you up with purpose and presence.

Getting Grounded

A hatha practice with additional focus on stretching and strengthening the feet and muscles of the legs. Expect to experience how calming and empowering it can be to really "feel your feet on the ground" and learn to establish a firm foundation on and off the mat.

75 Minutes, Balance, body, Calm, mindLisa Dumas