Meditation Mini-Retreat, September 1-10
September mornings are my favorite mornings of the year. Still warm enough to be comfortable, and just starting to get cool. Please join me for 10 days in a row of sitting and walking meditation, Buddhist psychology and meditation technique, Taoist principles and Yogic breathing (pranayama). No experience necessary. Appropriate for total beginners, anyone looking to boost their daily practice, or to experience the powerful energy of group meditation.Pre-register online at http://yogacenterofchico.com/
Spring Cleaning Workshop
As the ground starts to warm up, and the earthworms start to wriggle beneath the soil, we too are feeling the pull to stretch our limbs. We are being coaxed out of our little refuges, and back out into the world. Are you feeling ready?Join me Sunday, March 12 from 12-3 to prepare your body, mind and spirit for the blossoming energy of spring. We will have a short talk about fasting and cleansing, clearing out old energy, and sweeping out the proverbial cobwebs or Winter. How can we best use the energy of the full moon and the Spring equinox to help bring us to a place of clarity and connection?We will mirror the seasonal transition through our Asana practice- moving from the quiet, introverted energy of the Winter to the more expansive, expressive, and detoxifying energy of Spring.
Please pre-register at clients.mindbodyonline.com
Sacred Sunday Cacao Ceremony
Please join Kaycee Green and I for our second Sacred Sunday Cacao Ceremony. No matter if you missed the last one or would like to come again, we have been preparing to create and hold a healing and peaceful space for all of you to experience this deeply heart opening ceremony.Our Sacred Cacao ceremony will begin at noon and will be followed by a very gentle and restorative yoga practice, a guided meditation and group reiki healing.Please come with your favorite mug and maybe a cozy wrap.Please see the post from October for a full list of contraindications as well as the healing benefits of Cacao.There is limited space, only 20 spots available. To secure your spot, please visit yogacenterofchico.com and go to "enrollments". You can also sign up in person at Yoga Center of Chico, before or after any class.Many blessings from us to you!
High Noon Power Flow
Super fun way to end the week! Join me for a quick paced, powerful vinyasa flow class set to my favorite tunes. Each week, I feature a different artist, album or genre. Comment your music requests below!
Thai Yoga Massage
Everyone loves a massage... Treat your loved one to a Thai Yoga Massage- an ancient healing experience they won't soon forget. Gift Certificates Available
Meditation Mini-Retreat
Please join our 10-day Meditation Mini-Retreat in December!We will meet at Yoga Center of Chico from 6-7am the first 10 days of December. The objective of this mini-retreat is to give new meditators a solid foundation of different techniques to practice meditation, as well as infusing the experience with a level of commitment and discipline which will help create more consistency in a home practice.This mini-retreat is also appropriate for anyone wishing to develop or deepen their existing meditation practice and give an opportunity to practice in a group setting. We gain support, inspiration and momentum when we practice as a group, and can often create a deeper sense of connection to each other.We will be learning some Buddhist terminology and psychology concepts, as well as practicing sitting, walking, mindfulness meditation and breath work (Pranayama). We will explore a number of other techniques that one can use to calm and center oneself in the midst of perceived chaos, techniques that are used to ground oneself and access deeper awareness and wisdom.Please pre-register at http://www.yogacenterofchico.com/YCC-Workshops.htmlAnd check out this wonderful article written by a past mini-retreat participant, describing her experience! http://kristinwillard.com/lessons-learned-from-my-mini-meditation-retreat/Hope to see you December 1st!
Time for Renewal
“The beautiful Spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.”-Harriet Ann Jacobs
Spring is a time for renewal and regeneration. As we see the trees leaf out, the grass turn green and the wildflowers pop up we cant help but feel a little lighter of heart as we see the great potential of transformation. Life is one big transition from Birth to Death, and as bleak as that may seem, Nature reminds up that change and growth can be a beautiful thing.Just as a bear hibernates for the Winter, we may have also found ourselves to be more reflective, introspective and quiet, perhaps even isolated or reclusive. We may have felt stagnant or low at times. This is a natural way of being. In the process, we may have learned new things about ourselves, and are at a point of making change. The light exuberance of Spring can help inspire us to transform; to put into practice the wisdom we have accumulated in our darker days.Our bodies are also in need of support during this transition. Storing fats to keep us warm, perhaps being more sedentary has added to the feeling of sluggishness. We imbibe and indulge over the holidays, and as the weather cools and the days seem shorter, we typically aren’t as active as we might be in nicer weather. All of which is a natural cycle of behavior, and nothing to feel badly about.Spring is the perfect time to address our heath-- physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. There are lots of things we can do to support our bodies and minds at this time, including fasting, deep tissue/organ cleansing, massage, meditation, medicinal herbs and plant spirit medicine, skin brushing, steam/sauna/sweat lodge, salt/mineral baths and of course, yoga.Please join me to learn more about ways we can support ourselves as we emerge from our cocoons, our caves, our dark dens and enter into our brightest phase of the year. A short discussion will be followed by a long, warm, detoxifying yoga practice for all levels.Spring Healing Workshopby Cheri NealYoga Center of ChicoSunday 3/20/16Vernal Equinox11:30 am – 2:30 pm“For within your flesh, deep within the center of your being, is the undaunted, waiting, longing, all-knowing. Is the ready, able, perfect. Within you, waiting its turn to emerge, piece by piece, with the dawn of every former test of trial and blackness, is the next unfolding, the great unfurling of wings, the re-forged backbone of a true Child of Light.”― Jennifer DeLucy
Intuition
When you act from intuition, you are acting from a place of clear connection to self. When you are in clear connection to self, you are in absolute connection to the Source. Therefore when you act from intuition, you are fully supported by the Source in your actions. You cannot fail.When you act from the thinking/judging mind, you are more connected to the outcome of your actions. You are worried about what others may say or think. You are relying on external support, that you may or may not receive. You will always be wondering what the outcome would be if you had acted differently.Listen to your intuition. Act accordingly.
Meditation Mini-Retreat
Early Bird Discount~$45 before March 1st 2016Join me at the Yoga Center of Chico for 10 days of Meditation. We will be exploring different techniques and methods of meditation, including, but not limited to, seated (Zazen), guided, walking, and loving kindness (Metta) meditation. This mini-retreat is geared towards beginning meditators, meditators who need a little refresher course or anyone who would like to meditate in a group setting with some instruction.6-7 am April 1-10 at the Yoga Center of Chico.Register Here
Adho Muhka Svanasana (downward facing dog)
Here's a classic pose we all should know and love, Adho Muhka Svanasana, or Downward Facing Dog. This pose is technically an inversion which make it incredibly calming to the nervous system, but also is a strength building pose, especially when held for longer periods of time. Downward Facing Dog is like a homecoming to the seasoned practitioner, promoting a quiet mind and offering the body a chance to recover and rest in between other challenging postures or sequences. For the beginner, it brings us into awareness of our natural strength and ability, as well as shows our bodies how to cultivate more internal support, length and space within the body.Begin by coming onto the hands and knees. Spread the fingers as wide as possible, creating even space between all of the fingers. Take a deep breath in and with an exhale, lift the knees from the floor and reach the pelvis as high as possible. As you press evenly into the hands, feel the arms and the sides of the body lengthen. As you lift higher through the hips, allow the heels to reach toward the floor, elongating the backs of the legs. Do your best not to collapse in the chest or shoulders, and draw slightly in right below the navel. Breathe deeply and evenly for 3 to 5 rounds, with each breath, allowing the mind to soften.
Inversions Workshop
This workshop is designed for the beginning and intermediate practitioner to learn (or review) how to move safely in and out of inverted poses. Focus with be on building the strength and awareness necessary for inversions. Themes will include overcoming fears, restoring balance, and ultimately changing our perspective. Featured poses will be (but not limited to) Shoulderstand, Headstand, Forearm Balance and Handstand.Please join me on Saturday September 28th from 12:30 to 3pm at Earth Yoga, Santa Catalina, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
Seated Figure Four
Seated Figure Four or Eka Pada Utkatasana is a wonderful standing balance pose as well as a deep hip opener.Start in Tadasana (mountain pose) and begin to soften both knees. Bring palms to connect at the heart center. Slowly shift your weight into your left leg as you bend even more deeply into the left knee. Draw in at the low belly and lift the right foot a few inches from the floor. Once you have established your balance, bring the right ankle across the left thigh, right above the knee. Allow the right knee to draw back slightly, fusing the ankle to the thigh for more stability. Deepen the bend of the standing leg to the point of healthy resistance in the outer right hip and take a few breaths here. As your body indicates readiness, raise both arms above the head, upper arms right along side the ears. Smile!
Surya Namaskar
A quick little vid filmed at Manhanset Chapel in Shelter Island, NY. Repeat this sun salutation a few times to warm up the body before moving into your standing poses. (Turn your volume down- apologies for the sound quality!)
Love Letters
Dearest Students of In Motion Fitness,I miss you. I miss your presence, your dedication to your practice, your openness. I miss your lovely smiles and glowing energy. I miss at 10:45 and I miss you at noon. I miss you at 8am for meditation and I miss you at 6:45 to get tropical. But I digress. To miss something is to be apart from something and that separateness from you that I sometimes feel is just an illusion. You are all still in my heart now and always. The imprint that you have left on my life continues to amaze me.Here in New York, I am the outsider, the new girl. Eyes full of scrutiny, hearts full of doubt and minds full of discontent fill my classes. It reminds me of the true meaning of the word “Yoga”. Yoga is not just Asana. It is a practice in finding peace. It is a way to confront the discontent in our hearts. It is a way to still the body in order to observe the mind. It is a daily practice- not just on the mat but ALWAYS. Always practice mindfulness, always practice observance, always practice compassion, contentment, loving kindness, patience and awareness.Discontent, restlessness, and judgement reflect in our bodies. It is easy to spot! On the same token, peacefulness, openness and contentment also shine through in our faces and bodies. These things become our Mudra, the physical manifestations of the heart and mind. It is my job to look at not only your bodies, postures and the nuances of alignment, but also to observe the energetic body and how your posture or Mudra reflects either the flowing or blocking of that energy. We literally ARE what we think about! Our thoughts and feelings have the power to heal us or to lead us into disease.Having said this, I want to thank you all from the depths of my heart. Thank you for putting your trust in me. Thank you for your open spirit. Thank you for allowing me to lead you for so many years. Thank you for your presence. Thank you for all of your hard work. Thank you for showing me your patience and compassion when I needed it, for showing your fellow students the same. This is YOGA!Please continue to practice yoga. Not just Asana. And remember to greet all of your teachers with the same receptivity and willingness you showed me, because they just might be the “New Girl”. Besides, malcontent doesn’t look good on anyone. ☺Love,Cheri
Yoga as a means of healing: Body, Mind and Spirit
As a yoga instructor and practitioner, it’s hard not to notice the trends in the yoga world. As westerners, we may have a limited scope of Yoga, meaning that what is a vast and ancient means to bringing the mind and body into balance has been compartmentalized to suit our busy lives. It seems that we have isolated the Asana practice as an approach to physical fitness, and in that we have lost sight of the other aspects of Yoga, and as a result, are missing out on the benefits of a whole practice.Airport Yoga
I know that long flights can be a pain, but here's some tips for the savvy traveler to keep your body and mind feeling good!
When you arrive to your gate, look for a space by the outlet at the wall and plug in your phone, laptop or charge your camera battery. While you are charging up, you will have an opportunity to do a few yoga postures to calm your nerves and to prepare your body for your trip. I usually travel with a yoga mat, but rarely want to unroll in in the airport, unless the layover is really long! I always have a sarong or pareo in my backpack that I lay out and use as my personal layover space. I also try and wear slip on shoes (for less hassle in the security line), which makes it easy to kick my shoes off and have a seat.
Sitting in an airplane seat can really wreak havoc on your hips, hamstrings and back. I like to do a low-key routine to address these areas specifically. You might be surprised at how many people AREN'T looking at you while you get your guru on, but if you do feel the eyes of an onlooker, just remember that they are probably admiring what you are doing for yourself. Remember as you do your sequence to breathe deeply, keep your eyes open and luggage nearby.Here's a short routine for your layover:
Paschimottanasana: Seated forward bend. Sit with legs outstretched, straighten through the knees without hyper-extending. Flex your feet back towards your body then try to straighten your toes up toward the sky. Sit up straight, lengthening up through your spine and neck, then fold at the hips and reach your hands toward your feet without straining to touch them. Let your objective in this pose to lengthen the back of the legs, while extending through the crown and heels simultaneously. Take 1-3 deep breaths.
Janusirsasana: Head to knee forward bend. From Paschimotanasana, bend one knee and bring your heel towards the mid-line of your body, placing the sole of your foot against the inner thigh of the opposite leg. Extend fully through the straight leg and also the spine and neck. Maintaining the length in your body, turn your torso towards your straight leg and begin to bend at the hip. Aim your sternum towards your kneecap and bend forward until you feel resistance in the hamstrings. Take 1-3 deep breaths. Change legs and repeat on the other side.
Eka Pada Rajakapotanasana: One-legged king pigeon pose. Begin on hands and knees. Slide one knee as far forward in between your hands as you can, placing the knee near the outer edge of your sarong or mat and your heel in front of you. Level your hips, using a prop, if necessary (a wadded up sweatshirt or travel book will do), underneath the thigh of the bent leg. Lengthen through your back leg bringing the front of the thigh and kneecap squarely to the ground. To stretch the hip flexors and the front of the thigh (which naturally shorten and tighten when we sit for long periods of time), sit up straight and support yourself with your hands or fingertips. Try to bring your shoulders over your hips without overarching your low back.
Take 1-3 deep breaths then start to walk your hands forward, folding over your bent knee. Use stacked fists to support your head. Take 1-3 breaths in the resting phase of this pose. Switch legs and repeat on other side. *Note: If you'd like to add a Downward Facing Dog at this point, go ahead! Though, you may not find your sarong to have enough grip for this.
Gomukhasana: Cow Face Pose. From a seated position, bend both knees straight up and lace one leg under the other. Allow the thigh of the bottom leg to touch the floor and bring that knee toward the midline of your body. Stack the top knee on top of bottom knee and allow the soles of your feet to face up towards the ceiling. While you are settling into your hips, take the palms of your hands to the soles of your feet. Here I like to do a bit of reflexology, pressing my thumbs into various pressure points in the sole and along the arch of the foot. Stay for 1-3 breaths then switch sides and repeat. *Note, if you are familiar with the full pose you can go ahead and add the arms too.
Gentle Spinal Twist: Sit cross-legged and begin to lengthen your spine. Maintaining the length, begin to twist to the right, placing the right hand lightly to the floor behind you and your left hand on the opposite knee. Continue to find space between the vertebra of your spine as you twist. Stay for 1-3 breaths then return to center and switch sides.
Baddha Konasana: From your seated position, bring soles of the feet together and allow your knees to fall outward and towards the floor. Slide your heels away from your body just enough to create a wide diamond with the legs. Lengthen up through the spine and begin to hinge at the hips to come into a forward fold. Aim the forehead towards the feet without straining or over-stretching. Take 1-3 deep breaths.
When you hear your group called to start boarding, take your time. Stand up slowly, place your feet about hip with apart, and interlace your fingers behind your back.
Take a deep breath in and as you exhale, bend forward at the hip crease and allow your arms to fall forward over your head. Take a few breaths, let go of any unnecessary tension and any toxic thoughts. Begin to stand up slowly, let your blood pressure regulate and release your hands.Now you're ready to put on that backpack and enjoy your flight. Remember to grab your phone and charger and don't forget to stay hydrated.Happy travels!
