Preparing The Body & Mind For The Winter To Come.

As the darkening days begin to hoover over us it is hard to find the importance and the purpose of these cool seasons. Preparing for the seasons to come is as important as a bear beginning to fill up before hibernation. It is easy to find ourselves in a state of fatigue, slow going, and unmotivated state. In order to prepare for the these emotions we can “fill up” as we begin to transition. Using these technique’s as the days get shorter, the nights get longer and the air gets cooler can help to sustain you through this important season. 

1. Exercise, lightly: We all know it is important to keep the internal flame going through the cold winter months but ensuring we rest and use this time to nourish the body is important. 
2. Find a pranayama (breathing) practice: As the cool air begins to fill our lungs its important to not return to short chest-y breaths. When our bodies get cold it can be easy to find tension in the body from being in a closed off state. Relaxing the body and practicing pranayama will help nourish you through. 
3. Transition to warm, cooked foods: Moving from light, fresh foods in the summer, like a salad, into hearty soups and stews with help the transition. Keep the body full and warm. 
4. More sleep: For many people our work schedules do not change with the seasons so learning to eat dinner earlier (preferably before it gets dark) and go to bed early will nourish the body with more rest and sleep.  
5. Stay warm: Keeping the physical body warm with layers, blankets and fireplaces is important to ensure body tension is at ease. Practicing pranayama – lions breath – to warm up in front of the fire place in a blanket helps to sustain the internal fire.  

Utilizing these practice as we get into the warm months will help sustain us through the dry, cold months. Just remember, take it easy, eat good, sleep good, and stay warm.
Namaste.

     MONTHLY MEDITATION

                              This month’s meditation is brought to you by:                                                                               Awareness Body Scan

Becoming aware of the body as the days begin to get shorter and colder is pertinent to winter “survival”. Practicing a weekly body scan to check-in with the body as it transitions into the cold.

MEDITATION

    TEACHER OF THE MONTH

Sarah Herbolsheimer

Sarah Herbolsheimer is a 200hr RYT who trained at Omaha Yoga and Bodyworks Center under Susi Amendola. Sarah teaches within a traditional Hatha yoga style that emphasis relaxation and meditation. Classes are designed for all levels, often using props such as; bolsters, wall, chair, blocks and straps. Her classes are creatively designed to help students get in touch with their own healer, which she believes lives within yourself. Classes will incorporate breathing techniques and postures that will be taught to be taken off the mat and utilize in everyday life.

Join Sarah Tuesdays (beginning November 7th) for Yoga for Health at 6:30PM at OIC Main. 
The November 7th class is FREE to everyone!!

     MONTHLY AFFIRMATION
                                                                  

Give yourself permission to embrace an opportunity to better yourself, to conquer the world. A huge part about being mindful, or finding yourself living mindfully is that you learn to embrace every moment and every opportunity. We understand that not every opportunity is our ideal one, but in the times of hardship we can power through and learn.

Opportunities are what we make of them. Hard ones make us stronger, easy ones make us grateful. Shifting your perspective to embrace each moment, each hour, each day, and each opportunity will open the doors to a new kind of living.

Carpe diem.

     WHATS GOING ON AT OIC?

• November 14th $20 Massage Day from 10-5pm at OIC Main with Cami.
• Student and teacher week November 27th-December 1st 10% off all massages with Cami
• Christine Lustgarten, reiki master, is now seeing patients at our lakeside facility!
• Yoga for Health Class of November 7th is FREE!! Sign up HERE.