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Changes

5/30/2012

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I feel like it's been forever since I last posted a blog post.  Really, it's only been two weeks, but those weeks have been busy ones.  There have been lots of changes in Yoga for Grief Support land.  
The latest session of class started at the beginning of May, and I was overwhelmed with the number of people who wanted to register.  To accommodate, I created a second class at the very last minute, and to my surprise was able to completely fill a second class.
It's upsetting to know that there are so many people in this city who are searching for and requiring grief support services, but I am so honoured that I am able to provide these classes.
I also got a new website! I worked with Leah at Artist's Websites to create a new, dedicated Yoga for Grief Support site.  If you search around this site, you will notice that you can subscribe to this blog, or subscribe to the newsletter, (or both) and even find information on other yoga classes that I teach in Edmonton.  And, of course, all the information for the Yoga for Grief Support Cla
I have big plans for the summer. Ongoing blog posts, planning for fall sessions, and development of a Yoga for Grief Support meditation CD. Stay tuned! 
Namaste,
Sandy
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The Yoga Magic Bag

5/13/2012

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I recently bought a sandbag for my home yoga practice, and to use with one-on-one students. Sandbags are often used  to add weight to a pose, or to give  external pressure to our bodies as a way of cueing and /or to provide our bodies with feedback.  Recently, I brought the sandbag back into my yoga practice.  I was craving it’s weight; it makes me feel more grounded and solid.

A yoga sandbag is literally a 10lb sandbag – dressed up in cute fabric:

Picture
Often in yoga poses, we talk to our bodies in  a way that makes them feel the ground with more awareness. Sensing our limbs pressing into the ground, and the rebound effect of elongation, length and strength we get from this.  We pay attention to how we stand, sit, or lay, so we can feel rooted or connected to our physical body, and beyond that, to the earth.  It’s this connection that allows us to stand taller and more firmly – literally and metaphorically.  Standing “in our truth” is the essence of “grounding” ourselves.

This is where a sandbag can be helpful – it’s added weight gives the body more of a sense of sinking into itself.  It helps us be more rooted and grounded.  In some poses, adding a sandbag is like having a teachers hands guiding you to move deeper.  It can help to teach what feeling physically grounded feels like.

Maybe my craving for a yoga sandbag comes from my obsession with magic bags. I love magic bags. Partly for the warmth, and partly for the weight. Granted, it’s not 10lbs, but it’s enough to feel a little more secure, and a little more comforted.

Picture
I suppose the sandbag is like the Yoga Magic Bag!

I found a great article from the Halfmoon Yoga Product blog, that has photos, descriptions and precautions for using a sandbag in a variety of postures. My personal favorite is legs up the wall with the sandbag on my feet.

Picture
Have you tried a sandbag in your yoga practice? Share your thoughts.

Namaste,

Sandy

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    Author

    Sandy Ayre
    Occupational Therapist
    Yoga Instructor
    Death and Grief Studies Certificate

    Sandy offers in-person Yoga for Grief Support classes in Edmonton, and world-wide online. 

    ​Learn more about her here.


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  • Home
  • Classes
    • Group Yoga For Grief Support >
      • FAQ
    • Online Yoga Programs >
      • January-April-Schedule
      • Navigating Grief
      • FAQ and Policies
    • Guided Audio Practice - Online >
      • FAQ and Policies
    • Workshops and Speaking Engagements
    • Mentorship for Yoga Teachers
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Newsletter
  • About
  • Contact