Good Morning. I will have to postpone the last session of our Strong and Capable Series to probably tomorrow or Thursday. My uncle (very close to me) just passed away. I am currently in no position to be live leading a relaxing restorative session. Thank you for understanding. Here is a prerecorded session that fall in the same category - we will explore different breath rations that have a very calming effect YOUR YOGA CLASS

A big review of 189 stretching studies, about 6,700 adults, looked at what actually makes people more flexible. One finding I love: how hard people stretched didn't make a significant difference. Translation: you don't have to suffer for your hamstrings. Steady beats heroic. One honest caveat: the people in these studies averaged about 27 years old, and most were men. The review measured flexibility only, not pain or joint health. So take it as a good reason to stop pushing into pain, not a promise. I know the pushing kind of stretching and performing any sport very well. Kayaking from age seven, skydiving at the US Nationals, a half Ironman. Not everything I did back then was bringing me joy. A lot of it was chasing a sense of worthiness, a little adrenaline, proving something. That's how I know the difference between pushing a body and listening to one. One thing to try today: pick whatever is tight right now, a hip, a calf, a shoulder, and hold a pleasant stretch for about a minute or two. Stop when your body starts to brace, or when the sensation turns icy and sharp. No wincing. As I like to say: if you couldn't smile while you're stretching, you're already doing too much. The is a good Yoga Session to explore this: GET ACCESS A quick note: if you are managing an injury or a condition, check with your doctor or PT before adding anything new. Come find your own tight spots in the classroom this week, whatever calls to you. And if you want the longer classes too, Premium is still just $7 a month.

Good morning, pack! 🐺 I want to point you to one of my favorite flows in the whole Hips & Flow challenge: Day 9, the Lunge Flow. Why I love it: in my experience, it opens up the range of motion in your hips while it builds strength, especially in your upper body. Two things at once, which is exactly how I like to practice. Heads up: it’s a little challenging and it asks for good hip mobility. If your hips are on the tighter side, go slower, use less range, and skip any part that doesn’t feel right. Your body is the boss here. My tip: stretch your hamstrings for a few minutes before you jump in. It makes the whole flow feel better. Bonus: put on some good music in the background. It’s more fun that way. 🎶 Do it, then come back and tell me how it went. What was the hardest part, and what was your favorite? 👉 YOUR FLOW Move within your comfortable range. This is general wellness, not medical advice. Have a wonderful day! 🐺

I've come to a rather lovely conclusion. For most of my life, rest and play were things I had to earn. First, I had to finish my work, take care of everyone, clean the house, cross things off my list, and preferably accomplish something impressive. Then I was allowed to do something just for the pleasure of doing it. Even my own yoga practice somehow ended up on the reward side of the equation. Does that sound familiar? That little voice telling you to get something useful done before you're allowed to enjoy yourself? Well, I've decided to turn that whole arrangement upside down. 😄 These days, I'm learning to make rest and play a prerequisite, not a reward. And by play, I don't necessarily mean games. I mean doing something simply because I enjoy doing it. Moving my body, practicing yoga, going for a walk, trying something new, or getting completely absorbed in an activity without needing to accomplish anything. No goal to reach. No result to produce. No way to measure whether I did a good job. Imagine that! 😂 Because here's something I've noticed: When I'm rested, and when I've made room for play, everything gets better. People seem friendlier. Colors look brighter. I notice beautiful flowers and the smells in the air. Conversations become more enjoyable. I listen better, laugh more easily, and have more patience. I enjoy my work, my friends, my animals, and yes, even the ordinary household chores. It's not that the world has magically changed. It's that I have more of myself available to enjoy it. And that's quite a difference. I'm beginning to understand that taking care of myself isn't something I do after I've taken care of my life. It's how I make sure I have the energy, curiosity, and joy to actually participate in it. So I'm no longer waiting until everything is done before I allow myself to rest or play. Because, seriously, when is everything ever done? 😄 I'm curious about you. When was the last time you did something purely for the joy of doing it, without trying to get better at it, accomplish something, or turn it into another productive activity?

If you have time on Monday and/or Tuesday please join me .