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Saturday, January 7, 2012

There is a breath for that ...

Thurs. the 5th Men's 10 am class day :
Truly where does the time go?

I have been reflecting back on our packed room class with all the mats, balls, blocks and bodies willingly working on being more aware of body postures, breath and openness.   That was a heart warming picture with a bit of humor provided which is always a blessing.  
While a posture (stretch) is being formed and adjustments in alignments are made, that is an excellent time to slow the breath down which adds another layer of focus and calmness.   Learning to listen to the wisdom of your body is easier to acquire in this mind set.  
Whether you are making the turn to the back nine with a little less energy then you had in the front, or you've seemed to have lost your focus  ... There is a breath for that and that and  much more!

This week, challenge yourself and become your own observer.  Try at least 
2-3 times in a day to STOP, take a slow breath through your nose (to the count of 4) and then even a tad slower, exhale to the count of 6.    To check yourself to see if you are engaging most of your diaphragm,  place your hand on your belly and as you inhale, allow the belly to expand then on the exhale, feel the navel press back towards the spine to empty all the air out.   
Simple and so powerful so show yourself success and I'll see you next time...

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Tues. yoga dove deep! AWESOME

Jan 3rd, 2012.  WoWee!!!

Eleven mighty souls ventured a bit deeper inside today with breath and alignment focus.   Reminders and re-adjustments were made.  It's a skill to learn how to observe ourselves.  

Standing in mountain (tadasana) is a fantastic practice in alignment, checking from feet to crown (reminders to consider in every posture).  Line the feet hip distance apart with outside edges parallel.   Lift and spread toes laying each one down from pinky to the big toe.  Imagine gripping a ball between the knees to engage muscular energy to hug in.  Lift quads enlivening the rest of the legs.   Lower tailbone while noticing that your low, deep abdominal muscle activates with that move.   A very core muscle to support the pelvic floor and the  bodies balance.  Elongate the spine by lifting out of the waist.  Broaden the collarbone bringing the wing tips of your shoulders towards touching on the back.   Actively reach the fingertips down by your side, elongating the neck from top of the head. Chin should be parallel to floor .... and it begins?

No matter how rough the waves are on the surface, if you dive deep enough, there are no waves,  just stillness!

Thank all you warriors of yoga for coming and giving so much of yourself to your practice.   
See ya next time .... 

A repost reminder to the golfer journey and life too

Hello my Yoga for Golfers group,
I so enjoyed yesterday starting this journey with you of focusing on your golf game.  As I mentioned in class, Yoga can address both parts of golf: the physical and mental.  
Most golfers work a lifetime trying to perfect the physical aspect of the game like endless hours swinging the club, forming the repetitive motion to coordinate the swing to hit the ball squarely along with taking lessons, spending a bunch of money on new gadgets, equipment and reading books on improving the swing.
Rarely do most of us spend time developing the mental skills to improve the game.
Gene Sarazen understood while pointing to his head and saying, "it's all up here"!
Ben Hogan said, "Golf is 20% technique, 80% mental".
I'm not going to argue with them so, let's start working.
How many of you have a verbal cue (in yoga it's called a mantra) that you say when you address the ball?  This whole mind-body connection is supported by sports science studies saying to improve performance, one must effectively use the mind.
The way we think is truly the way we feel and behave!!!!!
So, make sure your mantra is positive.  That will start you working on the #1 secret to mastering the mind game of golf, CONFIDENCE. 
#2 secret is CONCENTRATION.  Conscious Breathing and Balance is an excellent way to practice.  Continue to work on both of these as we did in class.
More to come next week.
Please don't hesitate to call if you have any questions or want some more ideas.
Sorry for the lengthy email.  If you get to this part then just one more reminder; be kind to your soles and pick up those rocks with your toes.
Happy golfing and see you on tues.
carol rubin
317-696-2122
www.carol-rubin.com   (feel free to check out my blog on the front page of my website)