Healthy Things to Remember

One of the wonderful things about teaching yoga is that I have the opportunity to come in contact with other like-minded individuals to learn other ways to be healthy and lead a joyful life.

A few weeks ago, I attended a women's luncheon where I was able to hear a chiropractor speak. She mentioned ways we could prevent disease instead of depending on healthcare to cover our problems in the future. She talked about taking charge of your own health.

Here were some tips:

• 3-5 % becomes genetic disorder-the rest is up to you.
• You can't get what you want by focusing on what you don't want.
• Strive for excellence not perfection.
• Take 7 hours of sleep, minimum, each night.

Practicing Yoga in Nature

Last Thursday, I taught my yoga class in my backyard. It was a beautiful experience. It was definitely challenging with the children and parents yelling in the school yard behind our home, but it was a great way to really practice "YOGA" in the midst of noise. The yoga students were focused in their practice. They seemed to enjoy having this experience in nature. I can't wait to have such wonderful weather again so we could have class outside again. It was a breath of fresh air!

What do you enjoy most about your yoga practice?

I would love to hear what you enjoy most about your yoga practice. I have to ask because when I see how much my yoga practice has done for me over the years, I hope that yoga has blessed all of you in many ways as well.

What I enjoy most about my yoga practice is the spirituality it has brought into my life, the calm it has brought to my mind, and the health it has brought to my body.

Practicing Yoga during this financial crisis

Are you finding it hard to spend money these days due to your job situation or worry about your financial future? What are your priorities when you decide to spend money at a time like this? For me, as a yoga instructor and a daily practitioner, I really can't imagine doing away with my YOGA. It is what keeps me sane and relaxed in the middle of all this chaos. I also know that there aren't too many things out there that cost $15 or less, that will give me an hour of sanity. If I can take a one-hour yoga class for only $15 or less when I buy a frequent class pass, I think it is well worth it. Everyone needs to take care of themselves, especially during these stressful times. As I have always said and experienced, there isn't a lot out there that will give you physical, mental, and emotional benefits like yoga does. Remember, it is more than a physical practice. It is a LIFESTYLE.

When I think of the things I find to be a priority no matter what, they are eating healthy and exercising. These are the things that will keep you going not just for yourself but for your family. When you are happy and in harmony, your family can be too.

FREE YOGA TALK

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2009
Time: 2:00 PM
Place: Down the Garden Path
Address: 2108 Arlington Ave., Upper Arlington, OH 43221

Come join us to talk about the following topics:

• Kathy's yoga journey: How and why I started yoga and how it has helped me in my every day life
  
• Breathing exercises: Tips on how to help you stay calm in the midst of chaos
  
• Yoga Demos: Vinyasa Yoga and Yin Yoga
  
• Question & Answer Session

March 2009 Yoga Sessions in Worthington, Ohio

Mondays, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Dates: March 9, 16, 23
Level: Beginner & Intermediate Students
Vinyasa Yoga: An active and challenging class including breath- synchronized movement through a series of postures that cleanse and strengthen the body while focusing and calming the mind. Though the classes can be quite vigorous, time will be spent in each class on pranayama and relaxation.

Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Dates: March 12, 19, 26
Level: Beginner & Intermediate Students
Yin-Yang Yoga: This class is the perfect balance of Vinyasa and Yin Yoga. Experience an active and heated practice to tone and strengthen the body, while synchronizing the breath with movement. As a great compliment, release further tension from the body and stimulate the flow of chi (energy) by holding floor postures for 3-5 minutes.

Monthly Pricing for March Session:
$72 for 6-class pass ($12 per class)
$37.50 for 3-class pass ($12.50 per class)
$15 for drop-in / single class

Please call or email to register for class:
614-271-3913
kathy@katicayoga.com

Partner Yoga Workshop

Date: Sunday, February 15, 2009

Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM

Place: The Yoga Factory

Address: 223B East Broadway, Westerville, OH 43081

Pricing: $35 per couple or $25 per person

Taught by: Kathy and Doug Yannucci

To register, please contact: The Yoga Factory at (614) 891-8866

The Truth to Success

I came across this quote in my Franklin planner, and wanted to share it. Yes, I do own a Franklin planner. I like to be organized.

"Success means we go to sleep at night knowing that our talents and abilities were used in a way that served others." -Marianne Williamson

So many of us feel unsuccessful in our lives due to either not making work deadlines, not making enough money, not having the title we think we deserve, or not being in a certain place in our lives as we expected or had planned years ago. All these so called "unsuccessful barometers" put so much pressure on us, and usually, it is social pressure.

When was the last time you felt successful just because you helped a friend in need, volunteered your time at a shelter, took care of a sick family member, or taught yoga class. All these examples are successful. I have to remember that myself. When I see smiles and peace across my students' faces, I remember that I am using my passion for yoga to help others. I also remember that I can use yoga to help myself.

Katica Yoga - Lunchtime Classes in Worthington

December - Lunch Hour Yoga Classes for Beginners
Dates: December 4, 11, 18
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Place: Worthington United Methodist Church
Address: 600 High Street, Worthington, OH
Drop In Fee: $15 per class
Monthly Session: $37.50 (includes 3 classes for December)

To sign up, email: kathy@katicayoga.com

Practicing Yoga With Your Pets

I wanted to share a wonderful experience that I had last night and this morning, with my dogs. Last night, I was practicing some sun salutations on my mat in my home studio, about an hour before teaching a class. As I was in downward dog, my lab, Zen, walked behind my feet, and started licking my ankles. My ujjayi breath soon turned into laughter at the sight. He wouldn't stop. As I continued to practice and move towards the floor for badhakonasana, once again, he started to lick my feet. It was quite funny.

This morning, as they were a little sleepy after their walk and meal, I started my morning practice. As I was in downward dog, my other dog, Rocco, walked next to my mat and also stretched into downward dog, as if he was trying to teach me the real thing. As I went into prasarita padotasana, he did the cutest thing. He came to my mat, lied down with his chin on the floor, right between my legs. As I exhaled into my forward bend, my nose was about 2 inches from his nose, and all we did was look into each other's eyes. It was beautiful and so special. I think he went into a zone after that, because next thing I know, as I moved through my practice, he rolled unto his side, and placed his head close to my feet and stayed so still. He put the biggest smile on my face.

This is where I witness how yoga becomes a benefit, not just for the one who practices, but for the ones who surround you. What a way to share YOGA!

November - Lunch Hour Yoga Classes for Beginners

New yoga session begins!

Dates: November 6, 13, and 20
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Place: Worthington United Methodist Church
Address: 600 High Street, Worthington, OH
Drop In Fee: $15 per class
Monthly Session: $37.50 (includes 3 classes for November)

Creating a Yoga Space in Your Home

Recently, I was inspired to transform my family room into a yoga studio. I have been teaching classes from my finished basement in my home but I was missing practicing on hard wood floors for better balance. I also have lots of windows and views to the beautiful trees outside, so it was only time before I made this transformation. I can't wait to light up the fireplace in the winter to add more warmth and ambiance to my yoga classes. I hope this inspires all of you to create a yoga space somewhere in your home.

Practicing Yoga

My day always begins with breathing exercises and mantra meditation. It is a great way to start the day, calm and with a clear mind. After my meditation, I usually practice Yin Yoga, consisting of a few floor stretches while staying in each pose for 3-4 minutes.