in this issue
Mindfulness in Motion
One of my favorite readings comes from Thich Nhat Hanh's book
Present Moment, Wonderful Moment (1990). In it he offers
various mindfulness verses to apply to our daily chores like
brushing our teeth and washing the dishes. If we can stay
present especially in simple tasks, we find stillness and peace.
For example, he reminds us that when we drink tea and we are
thinking of past events or plans for after tea, we are missing
the miracle of the moment. In yoga we harness the mind by
focusing on the breath. When we drink tea, we can savor the
present by tasting the tea and holding the warmth of the cup in
our hands.
Thich Nhat Hanh says, "When our mind and body have become one
and we are awake, we are ourselves, and we can encounter the
tea. If the tea becomes real, we become real. When we are able
to truly meet the tea, at that very moment, life is. As we drink
the tea, we are well aware that we are drinking the tea.
Drinking tea becomes the most important thing in life at that
moment. This is the practice of mindfulness."
He offers this meditation: "This cup of tea in my two
hands--mindfulness is held uprightly! My mind and body dwell in
the very here and now." Each line is said on the inhale, then
the exhale. Give it a try!
More meditations...
Quick Links...
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Greetings!
This monthly newsletter--published by me, Monica
Paredes, writer and yogi--is created to provide
resources to nourish your practice and inspire your
spirit. Although my class schedule has shrunk due to my
focus on special projects, I would like to stay in
touch. Please send an e-mail if there is anything you
would like to see featured.
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Take Good Care of Yourself
There are many ways to complement your yoga practice.
Massage is a treat for sore muscles, and an hour (or
more, if you're lucky) of pampering, relaxation and
replenishing.
If a massage is out of your budget, check out your
local massage school. Here in San Antonio, the Academy
for Massage Therapy offers one-hour massages given by
students for $25. I find them more effective for
relaxation than targeted intensive therapy.
Qigong is another complementary practice and is a
combination of controlled breathing, focused
concentration, and simple movement. According to the
Chinese model, sickness, pain, and other health
anomalies are caused when Qi energy is blocked. Qigong
exercises remove blocks and increase the flow of energy
through your body. When it flows freely, Qi energy heals
and restores the body.
I have added several links to these modalities on the
new-and-improved Resources page and have even added
healthy recipes. Enjoy!
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Yoga, Art and Expression
My new Yoga and Art series begins on March 30, 2004 from
5:30-8 p.m. with a celebration for women. A term
described in Dan Brown's novel The DaVinci Code,
the sacred feminine speaks of the divine and powerful
qualities of women throughout the ages. In this special
evening we will practice yoga, focusing on postures that
inspire grace, movement and creativity. The practice
will be followed by a private museum tour of the
"Gilding the Lily" exhibit and concludes with tea and
talk.
On April 10, 2004 from 9 a.m. to noon, Jane Goldstein
and I will be co-hosting the next series entitled: "In
Harmony with Nature" at the McNay Art Museum. After a
transformative yoga practice and walking meditation on
the museum grounds, we will be treated to a private
45-minute tour of the galleries, witnessing nature and
all its splendid colors captured by Impressionist and
more contemporary artists.
For more information or to register,
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A Concert to Soothe and Inspire Your Soul
Sun., March 14, 2004
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
The Yoga Place
Mad Agnes, my favorite Connecticut group, is coming
to The Yoga Place in San Antonio. If you're a fan of
accomplished instrumentalism and intricate harmonies,
this is the band to see... unplugged. Tickets are $15 or
$18 at the door. Please join us!
You can hear samples of their songs on their site.
More details here... »
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