DeepBendYoga

You Can Help Haiti Now!

2010-01-23T19:46:00.000-08:00

"How can I make a difference?" We cannot possibly imagine the pain, loss, suffering that our Haitian neighbors are experiencing every second. Please don't turn a blind eye because you think you cannot make an impact. There are Yoga classes that are donating 100% of the proceeds to Haitian funds, you can download Hope For Haiti Now & 100% of those funds are going to relief efforts, skip that latte & put $5 or $10 on your cell phone for the Red Cross. It may not seem like a lot but $5 here is like $2000 in Haiti.

The money is getting there quickly...much more so than I thought. Educate yourself. Open your heart.

Bon Courage!

Avec beaucoup amour,
Kimberly

Holiday pounds!

2009-12-29T14:38:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Yep, that time of year has come to work off those holiday pounds. Take it slow, no injuries! Work with your trainer, local studio, even that Wii you just got (just don't let it replace your work-out!) As long as you get moving again & break a sweat, you're on the right track!

Happy New Year All!

Shanti,

Kimberly

Where have I been!?!

2009-06-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say on a beautiful beach, watching the sun melt into the ocean...but I can't. I've been working (still love what I do), taking all kinds of fitness classes, everything from yoga (dah!) to kick-boxing. LOVE kick-boxing (Marnie rocks!), still not a huge fan of hot yoga but I do it at least once a week for detox. With the right teacher, it's not too bad. There are other things I won't go back to but I'm glad I tried.

Bust out of your shells. Try a new form of fitness. If for nothing else, it opens your eyes to what you are currently doing.

Have fun! Peace

Are you a Yoga Snob?

2009-04-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

Find out! Have fun :-)

http://www.yogajournal.com/global/29

Here's mine...thank goodness!
I'm a Balanced Yogi!

A Balanced Yogi

You love your friends unconditionally and accept them for who they are no
matter what their yoga style preference, religious beliefs, or spending habits.
You focus on the good in people and would never try to change them. Almost
everyone feels comfortable in your presence. You live your yoga. You are an
inspiration to yoga students everywhere!

Sirshahsana?

2009-03-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

I finally did it. I bought the mother of all mats...the Manduka! My balance is a bit better but will it help me as I attempt an unassisted headstand? I'll keep you posted. Keep practicing!

Shanti,

Kimberly

Well, Well, Well

2009-01-14T10:37:00.000-08:00

Looks like you've finally come out of the woodwork! Thanks for all the support on achieving my goal. All of you who are studying with me know I have one for all us; Astavakrasana, Eight-Angle pose, by July. We can do it!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T20:07:00.000-08:00

I DID IT!!! My goal was to do a supported headstand by December 31, 2008 & I did! It felt so good I cried! I am going to begin 2009 with yoga, the knowledge that I can achieve my goals and nothing but the best vibes to all of you.

Shanti & Namaste,

Kimberly

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2008-12-05T12:57:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year; snow is on the trees (for some of us) and stress is in the air (for all of us!). Don't let the holiday shopping and parties get in the way of your much needed practice. If you keep your eyes open, you may find many stores offering free yoga classes to keep you on track. I am happy to share any info I have on that.

FYI: Yoga has been my saving grace for my shoulder. My goal is to do a supported headstand by the end of the year. I have 3 weeks to go. I will do it! What's your goal?

OUCH!

2008-10-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

First off, let me say I know it's been a while and I've missed communicating with you. Now, to all my fellow Yogis & Yoginis: I'm looking for your advice. I tore my rotator cuff (diving for the phone, stupid, I know). I have a labral tear, 6 - 12 O'clock. While working with a physical therapist I have been performing as much yoga as possible.

I would love to hear wisdom from my colleagues regarding which asanas might help in strengthening & stretching my shoulder. I can't wait to increase my range of motion! Your input is greatly appreciated.

Namaste

In Loving Memory of My Brother Joe

2008-07-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

Born September 8, 1963

Passed Away July 19, 2008

Asatoma SadgamayaThamaso Maa Jyothir GamayaMrithyor Maa Amrutham GamayaAum Shanti Shanti Shantihi

BrihadaranyakaUpanishad

Meaning: Lead me from the unreal to the real.Lead me from darkness to light.Lead me from death to immortality.May there be peace everywhere.

http://www.legacy.com/chicagotribune/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=113872730

Strap On!

2008-07-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to preform an asan and just can't make it? Take ego out of the equation and use tool; blocks, blankets, straps, to name a few. I was working on cat-bow with some very dedicated clients (5 minutes!). They found it quite challenging to keep their elbows in. Then I had them work on it using a strap as in the pictures. It prevent the elbows from splaying, making the asan easier, allowing you to focus on the benefits it provides.

Yoga is not a competition. Use tools to prevent injury and allow you to reach that next level on your personal journey. Shanti

Nobody's Perfect

2008-05-28T07:34:00.000-07:00

I promised pictures & thanks to my lovely photographer Amanda I'm here to deliver...but I am presenting an asana I did not mention, headstand. Not only is it SO much fun, it is packed with benefits. It improves core strength, digestion, calms the brain, and strengthens arms & much more. CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT UNLESS YOU ARE AN EXPERIENCED YOGI OR ASSISTANCED.

As you can see, even instructors have off days. I did not create a proper base as my elbows were too far apart. What I did do right though & what I’d like you to keep in mind is once I realized I was going over I placed my right foot forward to catch me, landing in a semi-backbend which is much better than landing ON your back! (we’ve all done it at least once) Be careful, have fun. Shanti

"But it's easy"

2008-05-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

I had an encounter today. I received a compliment on my arms and was asked what I do. "I teach yoga". "But that's easy!" I laughed & sent her to my blog. Anyone who has held Warrior2 so long that their legs begin to shake; successfully performs a one legged side-plank, crow, or even tree pose will attest to the fact that easy is not the first adjective which comes to mind. Yoga is a balance of the mind, body & spirit...a challenge which takes years of practice.

Feel free to express your opinion here. Pictures & descriptive instructions of the afore mentioned poses coming soon.

Shanti,

Kimberly

The Body Believes What the Mind Tells It

2008-04-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

Our minds are so powerful! You have more power than you are using. If you are working on a pose and you tell yourself "I can't", you're right! Your body will hold on to that theory with every muscle it has. Now...breath. Tell yourself "I can!" and celebrate every step you make toward your ultimate goal (Warrior 3 is a challenge!) Soon enough you'll find yourself holding plank without counting the minutes or gracefully lifting yourself into backbends and headstands. Have fun with your practice, believe in yourself and work with a supportive instructor.

Shanti

Chakras

2008-03-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

We have 7 main chakras which are the energy centers of our bodies;Crown, Third Eye, Throat, Heart, Solar Plexus, Sacral, and Root. Every asana (pose) affects a chakra. It is important to open and balance these energy centers for both physical and mental benefits. Have you ever had an instructor tell you to breathe through your heart center? Balancing that fourth chakra increases your capacity toward love and compassion.

Ask your instructor which poses you need to do to balance, strengthening your personal practice. I am also happy to discuss the subject further.

Shanti,

Kimberly

I'm Back!

2008-03-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

Coming out of my 3rd week of the flu, I understand how frustrating it is to put your yoga practice on hold. While it is necessary (and nearly impossible) to physically practice, you can use this down-time to meditate. Don't push it...allow yourself time to heal. Your body will tell you when you are ready to perform asanas again. In the meantime, a neti pot and ginger tea may be your best friends!

Wishing you health & happiness!

Kimberly

Stay Hydrated!

2008-02-18T12:32:00.000-08:00

A lot of people have asked me about certain forms of yoga which focus on raising your body temperature. Here is my pat answer; while I choose to teach Hatha and Vinyasa Flow, there is a form out there for everyone. Just be very careful. No matter which form you choose, you are going to sweat (even the ladies). It is very important that you keep your body hydrated as it is quite difficult to practice yoga if you faint or worse. Choose your form carefully. Shanti

Ahhh...Savasana

2008-02-09T11:15:00.000-08:00

Everyone’s favorite pose; so peaceful, so relaxing, but also an extremely important (and difficult!) part of your practice. This is the time to release all external thoughts, allowing your body to fall into utter, complete relaxation. During this time, the lactic acids are traveling out of your muscles so you won’t have that “next day soreness” one often feels after physical exertion. Don’t rush Savasana. Scan your body for any tension and release on exhalations. Allow your breath to flow naturally, softly. Turn to your right side after a period of anywhere between 5 – 30 minutes. Rest for a moment before you raise yourself with your arms, your head being the last to come up. As with any asana, the more you practice… :-)

Shanti

Kimberly

No pain no gain????

2008-01-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

Recently I’ve seen advertisements for exercise programs which encourage participants to “push through the pain”. The practice of yoga teaches us the opposite. You can challenge yourself when performing yoga but stop before any pose becomes painful. If you are experiencing pain, talk to your instructor; change your alignment, back out of the pose. Enjoy the benefits your practice can bring you without injury. Shanti

1440

2008-01-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

There are 1,440 minutes in a day. Out of those, how many do you spend in peace? By peace I mean no TV, no radio, no books, no speaking (and sleeping doesn't count!). Try this; find a comfortable place in your home, light a candle or incense. Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and take 5 minutes for yourself. Just breathe, softly, gently. Pay attention to your breath...don't fight it, don't guide it, just let it flow.

You can set a timer if this is a challenge for you. Your body, mind and spirit deserve this break. Out of 1,440 minutes, we can all find 5 to give ourselves. Who knows, over time, you may find you no longer require a timer!

Shanti

Resolution time

2007-12-31T11:25:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!Instead of going with a corny 2008 rhyme, I decided to reprint the article I published in a local paper regarding some of the benfits of yoga. My contact info is at the end. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Happy reading!

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Yoga: Is it Just for Women?
When you hear someone say, “I take yoga,” what is the first thing you usually hear? Most likely, it is “wow, you must be flexible!” There is a misconception that Yoga is a form of exercise geared toward women to increase flexibility. It’s time to burst that bubble. Yoga is for more than just women. Some of the most respected Yoga practitioners in the world are male. It is also much more than an exercise; it is a way of life, an attitude. Will you gain flexibility? Absolutely. However, the benefits of Yoga have been proven to be much greater than simply allowing oneself to bend into pretzel-like positions. Yoga proves to be an excellent muscle toner that provides fluid movements of the joints, ligaments and tendons and aids in resisting stress and detoxifying the body. Yoga practitioners enjoy better posture, resulting in proper functioning of the organs and digestive system. Proper practice increases lung capacity, eases arthritis and can cure varicose veins. Studies have shown that Savasana, everyone’s favorite position of resting tranquilly on your back, can reduce high blood pressure, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and calms the nervous system. All these benefits can serve as a base for an exercise regime including weights, aerobics, Pilates, swimming, or whatever it is you enjoy; or you can dedicate yourself to full Yoga practice. The important part is to start with an instructor, and not with a book or video. Yoga is not a do-it-yourself kit. It is an oral tradition passed down thousands of years. It is extremely important to have the guidance of an experienced instructor who can tailor positions to your specific needs and abilities. Find an instructor and setting, be it studio or private, who you are comfortable with. The goal of any instructor should be to assist you in opening and guiding you along your path, not simply reaching a destination. Hatha Yoga is a great place to begin. The movements are soft, patient, and deliberate. But don’t fool yourself; you will be challenged and you will sweat. If you are experienced and are looking for a more vigorous session, Vinyasa Flow may be more suitable for you. These are only two of the many forms of Yoga offered. No matter which form you choose to practice, you will become more in tune with your body, reap multiple health benefits and enjoy life more! So gentlemen (not just ladies), buy yourself a sticky-mat and join others in the fantastic journey of balancing your mind, body and spirit.

Contributed by Kimberly Bradshaw, Yoga Instructor and DeepBendYoga proprietor. Email her at kimberlyyogini@yahoo.com

Happy Holidays

2007-12-23T09:32:00.000-08:00

Have a safe and joyous holiday! Don't forget to practice :-)

Shanti

Kimberly

Peace

2007-12-19T12:33:00.000-08:00

Feeling hectic? Try this one; OM SHANTI, SHANTI, SHANTI (Om, peace, peace, peace). Shanti is repeated three times as an interpretation of peace in the body, mind and spirit. Be mindful when you chant. Say this as many times as you need to; until you feel yourself release. You can use prayer beads as a guide if you'd like and repeat the chant 108 times. Best wishes and Shanti. Kimberly

Mantras

2007-12-12T12:03:00.000-08:00

Yes, chanting. When I first began practicing yoga, I thought "the chanting part" was kind-of weird. It's ok. Give yourself time to open up to the idea. If you are in a class and they are chanting and you don't feel comfortable, simply listen. Feel the vibrations and at some point you may find it turns into music. The point is to help you focus, to prepare you for meditation, to turn the outside world off. Here is one for you to try on your own:

OM NAMAH SHIVYA (pronounced:aum nahmah shi vi ya)
Generally translated it means "I bow to Shiva, the Inner Self or Consciousness" further translating to "I bow to my inner self". It is a very powerful mantra. You are honoring who you are and that which you are capable to become. Many miracles have come to individuals after this chant. Who knows. I would love to hear your stories. ***Never chant a mantra without full understanding of its meaning. Shanti

Tree Pose Balance

2007-12-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

Just a little tip; whether you have your foot to the opposing ankle or can raise it all the way up to your inner thigh, make sure you are pushing your knee out and back. This will help you a great deal to maintain balance. Once you feel balanced, reach your arms either straight up & clasp your hands or into a 'v' shape and breath. Those beautiful trees need no decoration! :-)

Change your view

2007-11-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

Down-dog, shoulder stands, hand-stands, head-stands...the list of inversions goes on and on. Why do them? That list can go on and on too, but how about these benefits to get you started; besides being fun :-) inversions help stimulate your metabolism aiding in the regulation of weight. That's probably enough to flip some people upside-down. While in an inversion you are bringing an influx of blood to the brain and heart resulting in improved memory, creativity, soothing the nervous system and strengthening the heart.

Talk with your yoga instructor before attempting any inversion. There are many forms and props to assist you. Make sure it is a safe time and environment in which to do them. With the guidance of an experienced instructor, you will enjoy yourself while benefiting your body. Have fun!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

I hope you all enjoy your day with family and friends or in personal reflection. Shanti

Now is the perfect time!

2007-11-20T12:19:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, the holidays are here; the time for giving, being with family and friends, hoping you can get to the store before it closes for that last minute item. What about you? Are you putting your yoga practice on hold because you're "too busy"? Are you waiting to begin practice until after the holidays? Ask yourself this; am I really that unimportant that I will prioritize a can of green beans above myself? Don't lose sight of why you are practicing or want to practice yoga; to balance your mind, body and spirit. Stay true to your practice. Sign up for that session you've been considering. Ring in the New Year with less stress and more balance.

What's Your Style?

2007-11-14T11:24:00.000-08:00

During a recent session, I changed from a Hatha focus to a Vinyasa Flow. My clients were amply prepared and quite receptive. Note: beginner practitioners should not attempt Vinyasa Flow as there is a greater risk for injury. They provided positive feedback following the class so this is an avenue we will explore again. With so many forms of yoga asanas available today, traditional and non-traditional, there is certainly one that appeals to each personality. Explore your options; find out what works best for you. A world of yoga ranging from Hatha to Couples to Power Yoga is waiting for you! Come join us!

Airhead?

2007-11-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

There are times I have difficulty grounding into a position, thus balancing. I have been told that thin people are ruled by the element of air and we naturally don't want to ground (I don't quite know how to take that). I tend to over-pronate when attempting balance poses like Warrior III. Suggestions? And no, I don't do the pose on the table ;-)

Yoga & Multi-tasking

2007-11-08T16:19:00.000-08:00

Yoga is much more than asanas (poses); it is a way of life. I continue to learn as my experience grows. One point I am gaining clarity on is how the western way of multi-tasking, this quality so many of us pride ourselves on (guilty) is so far out of line with the teachings of yoga. How many times have you checked your email while eating, talked on the phone while making dinner, blogged, IM'd and text all at once (ha! gotcha!)? I am so accustomed to multi-tasking, I do it in my sleep! Sure, we all look to our sessions for that moment of stress relief, but what about the other 23 hours? Our challenge is this; when you eat, eat, when you work, work, when you love, love. And when you practice yoga, be fully present in the moment and practice. Good vibes to all of you on your journey!

Balance

2007-11-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

Balance…yoga brings balance into your life. The point is not about achieving the perfect pose; it’s about balancing the mind, body and spirit. Yoga feeds the body from the inside out and when you are really good (absolutely in the moment) you can experience a separation from the physical body. I call these my “yoga moments”. You cannot force them. They simply happen when you release…

Focus on your practice, focus on you. Feed yourself from the inside out. At the end of the day, love the person who grabs the blankets & curls up with the pillows to head off to fantasy land. Sweet dreams…

Show me the money!

2007-11-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

An article I recently read really hit home. It discussed the fact that most yoga instructors are broke (I can attest to that!) and have to hold down "real jobs" to pay the bills in order do what they truly love, teach yoga. If you ask them, according to the article, most will say money is not important (obviously they didn't ask me). The discussion circled around if we are honoring the yamas and niyamas if we focus on making money through teaching. Can we be spiritual and still make money? A point was made that some of the most successful yoga instructors of our time our also quite wealthy because of their teaching. Here's my two cents (ha!); we should all be able to make a comfortable living by following our passion, be it teaching yoga or building houses. Spirituality comes from within; being able to pay my bills on time is not going to change the essence of who I am.

I wish you all huge success!

The Power of Yoga

2007-11-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

This link was shared with me & I must pass it on. Enjoy, learn, share.
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2336751020071024

But which Religion?

2007-10-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

Many people wonder, do I have to practice a certain religion to practice yoga? No. The word 'yoga' means to yoke, or unite the body, mind and spirit. Ah, there I go, talking about "spirit". Spirituality comes in all forms and yoga is simply a method to help students align their own spirituality with their mind and body. Yoga is compatible with any religious faith or non faith...but we all have some sort of personal spirituality in our lives and working that into your yoga practice will help bring you into balance.

Create Your Haven

2007-10-27T08:04:00.001-07:00

One of the purposes of practicing yoga is to be so focused on your breath that you can release yourself from your physical body. I don't know about you, but this is pretty difficult for me to do in a cold, harsh room. So I create an environment that is conducive to such an endeavor. I dim the lights, sometimes turning them off entirely and light candles. I light incense and play music that fits my mood at the moment. Do whatever you need to make your space comfortable and do not let anyone interrupt your time. For once, it is ok to be selfish. This is your time. Create your space. Enjoy your practice. Shanti

Teens & Yoga

2007-10-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

I recently had the honor of teaching a group of teens. From my perspective, it was thrilling to see how open their minds are, how easy it is for them to be in the present moment. The feedback I received was that they enjoyed the session not only for the physical aspect, but also as a way to relieve the stress they experience from school and social activities. They all expressed an interest in having true Hatha Yoga taught at school. If you have a teen in your life, take them to a class with you. They will appreciate the release and you may learn how to just be...

To the group I taught; thank you and namaste

Could you repeat that please...

2007-10-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

We've all experienced it; the yoga instructor who teaches entirely in Sanskrit, forgetting that the rest of us are not Sanskrit scholars and have no idea what she wants us to do! There are some poses we are familiar hearing presented in Sanskrit (for the beginner, you will become used to them quickly); Savasana "corpse pose" is a perfect example. For the most part, yoga can be taught effectively in English. Do not hesitate to ask your instructor to translate. He/she will not be offended...even teachers need direction sometimes :-)

Bottom line: don't let your fear of not understanding what's being said stop you from practicing. Yoga instructors come with their own personalities and teaching styles and there is one out there for everyone; kind of like dating... ;-)

Can you be TOO flexible???

2007-10-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

Well, yes...and no. Yes, but only if you lose body awareness. That happened to me while striking Virabhadrasana I (Warrior 1). I didn't realize it until colleagues pointed it out. What's the big deal? Over time, misalignment can cause serious injuries. A couple things you can do: lay your strap or draw a line down the middle of your mat. For this pose in particular it will help insure you are lining your heals on the same plane. Secondly, practice in front of a full length mirror. At some point you'll want to break away from this so you can bring your thoughts inward, but it is a great way to see how your body is performing. Shanti

Laughter during Yoga?

2007-10-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

Ever been in a class where everyone was silent and so serious? Then there was that one person who started laughing when she fell out of Tree pose? That person would be me. I love yoga! I enjoy it so much that every part of my being is engaged, relaxed, happy! Sure, I am quite capable of quiet moments, when appropriate, but outside of those moments I laugh and smile and truly enjoy. My apologies if I have offended anyone. For those of you holding back, try it. It can only add to your experience. Besides, its great for your abs!

Plank position...its a love/hate relationship

2007-10-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

Anyone who's been in plank knows what I'm talking about...you're holding your body up with your arms, on the tips of your toes...its almost military! But, it is a wonderful pose. All of your muscles are engaged and if there is any area of weakness it will show up here. The more you do it, the more you'll love it. Here's the key...BREATHE! I've been told one day I'll be able to hold plank effortlessly for any length of time. I'm working on it!

Welcome!

2007-10-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Welcome to my blog. I have created this because I have a passion for teaching yoga. I would like to help demystify the practice so more people bring this incredible study into their lives...to their own comfort level. I have attached a recent article I wrote on the subject and look forward to your comments.

Shanti (peace)

Kimberly

October 2007

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Yoga: Is it Just for Women?
When you hear someone say, “I take yoga,” what is the first thing you usually hear? Most likely, it is “wow, you must be flexible!” There is a misconception that Yoga is a form of exercise geared toward women to increase flexibility. It’s time to burst that bubble. Yoga is for more than just women. Some of the most respected Yoga practitioners in the world are male. It is also much more than an exercise; it is a way of life, an attitude. Will you gain flexibility? Absolutely. However, the benefits of Yoga have been proven to be much greater than simply allowing oneself to bend into pretzel-like positions. Yoga proves to be an excellent muscle
toner that provides fluid movements of the joints, ligaments and tendons and aids in resisting stress and detoxifying the body. Yoga practitioners enjoy better posture, resulting in proper functioning of the organs and digestive system. Proper practice increases lung capacity, eases arthritis and can cure varicose veins. Studies have shown that Savasana, everyone’s favorite
position of resting tranquilly on your back, can reduce high blood pressure, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and calms the nervous system. All these benefits can serve as a base for
an exercise regime including weights, aerobics, Pilates, swimming, or whatever it is you enjoy; or you can dedicate yourself to full Yoga practice. The important part is to start with an instructor, and not with a book or video. Yoga is not a do-it-yourself kit. It is an oral tradition passed down thousands of years. It is extremely important to have the guidance of an experienced instructor who can tailor positions to your specific needs and abilities. Find
an instructor and setting, be it studio or private, who you are comfortable with. The goal of any instructor should be to assist you in opening and guiding you along your path, not simply reaching a destination. Hatha Yoga is a great place to begin. The movements are soft, patient, and deliberate. But don’t fool yourself; you will be challenged and you will sweat. If you are experienced and are looking for a more vigorous session, Vinyasa Flow may be more suitable for you. These are only two of the many forms of Yoga offered. No matter which form you choose to practice, you will become more in tune with your body, reap multiple health benefits and enjoy life more! So gentlemen (not just ladies), buy yourself a sticky-mat and join others in the fantastic journey of balancing your mind, body and spirit.

Contributed by Kimberly Bradshaw, Yoga
instructor and DeepBendYoga proprietor. Email
her at kimberlyyogini@yahoo.com.