How will you celebrates the winter solstice... In the Northern Hemisphere this solstice is celebrated between Dec 21st -Dec 22nd...a solstice is always a reason to celebrate.. what is it? The December solstice according to Astronomers represents the longest night and shortest day.. so you can get home quickly from work and start the partying earlier and for much longer:) If you happen to go to a yoga class before the party celebrate by being expansive with your asanas. .. In my own practice I plan to honour my good fortune for such a wonderful year and make my practice all about the humble warrior....Happy winter solstice everyone..

Each day is a little life , Every waling and rising a little better, Every fresh morning a little youth, Every going to rest and sleep a little death....Arthur Schophenahuer

Because Yoga is rooted in Hindu mythology, I like to link stories about the Gods and Goddesses who gives us inspiration for our practice. Where I live in the North West Fall presents itself with showers, winds and then full on rain. It is not cold yet it is no longer warm, the sun has waned and the light has faded. The Goddess Durga is known to be the mother of the universe, she goes by  many names and avatars. She has many arms to protect her devotees from all corners of the universe, and many weapons to call on each in itself symbolizes our abilities. She embodies both the male and female self (Shakti) she travels mightily on the back of a lion. Who would not want this powerful being to become the inspiration for a fiery Fall practice. As the days shorten and the nights become colder, as simple beings we crave hibernation, and begin to fold in onto ourselves. Using Durga as the inspiration we can learn that success is not certain (the symbol of the unopened lotus) and that knowledge is but applied perception (the sharpened sword) On our mats this fall these two simple bits of offerings can bring us to our mats humble and without expectation. Do  not forget to smile. Namaste

Did you miss the Blood Moon,?  Well even if you did its effects on our being lives on for another week or so. As yogis we are apt to create intentions for our practice, based on how we feel at the time or a future expectation. The powerful moon dictates how we spend our nights preceding its might, as a full moon or recently as a blood mood. Either way we  feel fiery and bold, restless and excited, sleep is just at our finger tips and hard to grasp. How do we use this, energy. Practice with many Salutations to the Moon, let your practice be warming and cooling at the same time. Chandrasana (the moon) can be cooling but many yogis feel warmed and stimulated, so intersperse your Moon Salutations with Balasana (child.s pose) Make a dance of your salutation. This restless energy will pass. do not let the opportunity to create something new and powerful slip away. welcome to the Fall...

As a practitioner or a regular student of Pilates, always come with the conscious understanding that every movement in Pilates takes times. To create stability, and strength the student must be aware of the slightest movement which takes them out of alignment or plumb. There is always a visualization aspect, such as imagine there are weight tied to ankles or wrists,  this imagery helps in a slower (not necessarily snails pace :)) more defined series of movements, In a beginners class patience above all is the key, body awareness the direction of your breath and integration of the fundamentals.. keep practicing

As we spring into 'SPRING' it is hard to miss all the hustle and bustle in the Landscaping world, weeds out flowers in. Not bad. On your mat today think of removing weeds or or a certain stubbornness to your practice and grow flowers instead.. Vriksasana (tree pose) is a wonderfully fitting Asana. Begin in Tadasana (mountain pose) as you reach for the sky on the inhale do not forget that the earth beneath is there to support you. Bring your hands to your hips, turn your right knee out, BREATH. You can stay here or slide you foot up your calf.. BREATHE. You can stay here or grab your ankle and rest your foot on your inner left thigh.. BREATHE.Now for the FULL ASANA, extend your branches over head, options to take samastisti or chin mudra.. BREATHE Stay for five breaths if you can then switch sides. Take it all in and welcome to spring!!

Oya the pagan Goddess of transformation..inspiration for a yoga practice comes from many places, a reminder that YOGA and its teachings are not a religious one. Some stories are simply that stories. Oya as she stands is an inspiration to allow change to happen naturally like spring, when seedlings and perennials push their way through the once frozen earth. she reminds us that death is natural, life is an evolution and change if we embrace it can be wonderful...Happy Monday everyone