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<title>My RSS Feed</title><link>http://www.healingbloom.com/index.html</link><description>Hot News&#x21;</description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>jbarchard@hotmail.com</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2007 Ja&#x27;net Barchard</dc:rights><dc:date>2008-10-21T12:46:11-06:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
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<lastBuildDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:28:21 -0600</lastBuildDate><item><title>Change &#x26; Balance in Yoga</title><dc:creator>jbarchard@hotmail.com</dc:creator><category>Philosophy</category><dc:date>2008-10-21T12:46:11-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.healingbloom.com/page4/files/47802a360c3dbf5fb5cad4ffb30b3ffd-9.html#unique-entry-id-9</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.healingbloom.com/page4/files/47802a360c3dbf5fb5cad4ffb30b3ffd-9.html#unique-entry-id-9</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[As the Seasons change we sense and observe the natural changes that occur in our environment with the transition of the Seasons.

...We have children, get married, break-up, get divorced, we get busy, we get bored, our relationships and jobs are fulfilling, feel empty and much more.  As you face the natural transitions and changes of life, a regular Yoga practice can help bring balance to your system, meaning your body, breath, mind, personality and emotions and help support you through wanted or unwanted change.

Through Yoga you can learn how to bring your body to a more balance place to resist and recoup from injury or dis-ease and to be able discern when your body is unbalanced.  You also develop an awareness of how your breath changes when you are straining or stressed and how you can feel more calm or energized by changing the quality of your breath.  An important aspect of Yoga is how you learn to focus your mind and calm the chatter of thoughts outside the present.  This is done through connecting your mind with a chosen object: your body and your breath while doing postures, your breath when doing a breathing practice, sound when doing mantra or a particular object that creates a sense of balance for the student when doing meditation.

A fundamental aspect of Yoga is self-study and this is done in part by observing your system in your Yoga practice.  From doing this, you may notice a pattern in your body, breath, thoughts or emotions when doing certain postures or breathing practices, or with a particular teacher or other students, or when you've had a busy day or a relaxing day before you practice....  By observing your system in your practice you learn how you can affect your system to create a sense of balance and calm to support through change.

Through this self-awareness you will begin to notice what people support you, what food supports your body and generally what helps you feel even and balanced in and out of class....  Often, you will first notice the outward changes that happen in your body and breath and in time the more subtle changes and shifts in your system will become more visible.

...look to your Yoga practice to see how you can change something in your system to feel more even and balanced.  The ability to discern what can and cannot be changed in a particular moment and having the tools to bring yourself calm and balance is invaluable in life.  Ultimately, change and transition can make us feel unbalanced and it is through making changes in our system that we can recreate balance.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Mind&#x2c; Body&#x2c; Breath &#x26; Baby - Prenatal &#x26; Postnatal Yoga</title><dc:creator>jbarchard@hotmail.com</dc:creator><category>Therapeutic Applications</category><dc:date>2008-09-28T10:04:00-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.healingbloom.com/page4/files/f34f8041dd7fac431c3a1aedf48bcc06-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.healingbloom.com/page4/files/f34f8041dd7fac431c3a1aedf48bcc06-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Depending on your stage of pregnancy the focus of your Yoga practice will vary.  Here are some general guidelines of how Yoga can be used during the various stages of pregnancy and after birth.

Early Pregnancy (1 to 16 weeks) In the early stage of your pregnancy is best to do gentle yoga, no matter what your Yoga experience or fitness level.  This is when your baby is undergoing the most rapid and crucial formation of its nervous system and the fetus is delicate.  At this stage, mothers often experience fatigue and are adapting to early hormonal changes.  It is a great time to use deep-breathing, slow mindful movement and relaxation techniques in your yoga practice to support your body and growing baby, and to help calm your mind.

Mid-Pregnancy (16 to 34 weeks) At this stage, hormone levels begin to level out and the fetus is well established.  This is the stage where mothers typically begin taking Prenatal Yoga classes to build posture awareness, strength and stamina for birth and learn breathing practices that support posture, increase breath capacity and help calm the mind.  Your yoga practice will also help you connect to your pelvic floor muscles in preparation for birth, relieve physical tension and discomfort, and recharge you as you release stress.

Late Pregnancy (34 to 40 weeks +) In this last stage of pregnancy, mothers experience a greater sense of heaviness and need to focus on their upcoming birth.  Your yoga practice can help you keep comfortable and prepare you physically, mentally and emotionally for birth.  To prepare for birth, work with your breathing practices and contracting and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles (which are vital for natural birth and regaining abdominal health after birth) and support your self by taking time to relax and rest as needed.

...A gentle and supported progression to activity is recommended and your abdominal muscles must heal and be strengthened in a gentle and supported way.  Deep breathing in supported poses can help you tone and relaxation techniques can help you recharge during the day as you deal with less sleep and the life changes that come with a new baby.  Once you have healed from your natural birth or caesarian, you can then explore a Postnatal Yoga class to further rebuild your posture and abdominal strength and connect.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Yoga &#x26; Allergies</title><dc:creator>jbarchard@hotmail.com</dc:creator><category>Therapeutic Applications</category><dc:date>2008-09-28T10:01:00-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.healingbloom.com/page4/files/329ea88813abb0ddbe57cab5a2456d67-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.healingbloom.com/page4/files/329ea88813abb0ddbe57cab5a2456d67-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Allergies can lead to runny noses, watery eyes, congestion, sneezing, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, and more....  Making Yoga part of your life can significantly reduce how allergies impact your health.

People who have allergies often develop restricted breathing patterns and carry greater tension in their body.  Stress level can also add to tension or create more tension in the body, and directly affects the severity of your allergic reaction.  Yoga postures, breath-work and relaxation free up areas of tension and help you develop healthy patterns for your body, breath and mind.  Personally, I found that I developed less colds and congestion once I started practicing Yoga and it continues to help me face the occasional congestion and seasonal allergies.  The appropriate Yoga postures and breath-work, in combination with relaxation, builds a healthy respiratory system by increasing your breath capacity and developing your breath awareness.

Essentially, the effects of Yoga increase your resistance to allergens and decrease the impact of allergies on your life.  Using the tools of Yoga makes you healthier as a person and better able to face your allergies.

...If you feel stuffy nosed or headed, inhaling through your mouth and out through your nose in your Yoga practice (without forcing the breath), can help clear your sinuses.

...Doing neti kriya (a nasal wash) regularly can help keep your sinuses clear and healthy and reduce cold and allergy symptoms.

...Movements that put your head below your heart (bending down to pick something up and poses such as headstand, downward dog, standing forward bend, etc) can create more sinus pressure and limit your time in these postures when congested.

...When begun gently and progressed comfortably, Kapalabhati breath can help clear out your lungs and entire airway.

To learn more on how Yoga can support your specific health needs, talk to your Yoga teacher....  Working with an experienced Yoga teacher can help you develop a regular Yoga practice that includes breath work and postures that benefit your specific needs and bring you to greater health.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Alternate Nostril Breath (Nadi Shodhana)</title><dc:creator>jbarchard@hotmail.com</dc:creator><category>Pranayama</category><dc:date>2007-12-12T16:31:22-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.healingbloom.com/page4/files/e92a965ccdd557404878a931164e7aad-3.html#unique-entry-id-3</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.healingbloom.com/page4/files/e92a965ccdd557404878a931164e7aad-3.html#unique-entry-id-3</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I recommend that you learn pranayama from a experienced teacher.  If you have done this practice with me before or with another teacher, explore below to guide yourself through the practice at home.  *

Draw your index and middle finger of your right hand in to your palm, this is referred to as mrgi mudra.  *

Place the edge of your right thumb on the outside of your right nostril and the edge of your ring and pinkie fingers on the outside of your left nostril.  *

Partially close off each nostril with a light pressure of your thumb and fingers.

...Start by inhaling and exhaling through both sides of your nose.

...After your next exhale, close off your right nostril completely and keep a light pressure on your left nostril as you gently inhale left.

...Close your left nostril completely and exhale right (again keep a light pressure on the nostril you are breathing through), then inhale right.

...Close your right nostril and exhale left, inhale left.  Close your left nostril and repeat right.

...Continue to switch sides after each inhale.

...Repeat for 12 breaths.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Meditation 1 - Sensation and Breath</title><dc:creator>jbarchard@hotmail.com</dc:creator><category>Mini Meditations</category><dc:date>2007-12-12T16:07:52-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.healingbloom.com/page4/files/45f40ff1ba512473b72eba119f19548c-2.html#unique-entry-id-2</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.healingbloom.com/page4/files/45f40ff1ba512473b72eba119f19548c-2.html#unique-entry-id-2</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Once you have set a space for your practice, sit comfortably with a straight spine....  Gently place your tongue to the roof of your mouth allowing it thicken as it rests in your mouth....  Breathing in and out through your nose, slowly draw your attention in to your breath.

Allow your breath to move it in its natural flow, and begin to notice the sensation of your breath as it passes over the flesh between your upper lip and nose.  What sensations do you feel as you breath in?  What sensations do you feel as you breath out?...  Is it warm, cool, clear, restricted, etc. Observe this sensation for 6 or more breaths.  Now begin to notice the sensation of your breath as it travels through your nasal passages, again observing what sensations you feel for 6 or more breaths.

Follow your breath with your awareness slowly through your body, noticing any sensations as your breath moves in to your lungs....  Shift your focus to the movement of your abdomen with your breath.  Allow your awareness to stay connected to the natural movement of your abdomen with your breath.  Allow your focus to stay with the rhythmic movement of your belly for 12 or more breaths.

When you are ready to complete your meditation, keep your eyes closed begin to observe any sound in the room, taking some deep breaths, begin to notice the feeling of your clothes as they rest next to your skin....  Take a moment to transition back in to the room fully with your awareness.  You may also bring your hands in to anjali mudra (prayer position) and take a moment for gratitude and/or for an intention.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Tips to Starting a Home Meditation Practice</title><dc:creator>jbarchard@hotmail.com</dc:creator><category>Mini Meditations</category><dc:date>2007-12-12T15:55:17-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.healingbloom.com/page4/files/f1f5a012f3089255eb6c618312e9969b-1.html#unique-entry-id-1</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.healingbloom.com/page4/files/f1f5a012f3089255eb6c618312e9969b-1.html#unique-entry-id-1</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Pick a time of day that you can routinely use for your practice, i.e. before breakfast, before bed, after work, etc.

...Start with 5 minutes and add on 5 minutes, as you feel ready, working up to 20 minutes or longer.

...If you will be sitting for longer than 10 minutes or are feeling stiff from your day, practice some warm-up yoga postures and breathing techniques to prepare your body for meditation....  Cat stretch (http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2468) Cow stretch (http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2467) Child&rsquo;s pose (http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/475)

...Take a couple of minutes to close your eyes and do one of the breathing techniques listed in the Pranayama section.

...* Remember to set your timer after you have done any of your preparation stretches and/or breathing techniques.

...If you have any discomfort sitting on the floor, even with cushions and blankets, sit in a chair with your feet planted on the floor (or a stool, book, etc, if feet do not reach the ground).

...Take the time to create a seated meditation posture that works for you.

...The key to any meditation practice is to observe your thoughts without participating in them.  Whenever your thoughts begin to wander, bring your attention back to observing what you have chosen to focus on for your meditation: your breath, stillness, visualizing a peaceful place, a feeling and/or word, etc. It is the nature of the mind to think and as thoughts pop up in to your mind, acknowledge them and let them go without labeling them or evaluating them.  With practice you will be able to keep your focus longer and less and less thoughts will distract you.

...Close your eyes and rest your tongue towards the roof of your mouth allowing it to soften and expand in all directions....  Close your eyes and direct your gaze to the centre of your brow or down to your heart (the centre of your chest) or another gaze point that you find works for you.

...Once you hear the beep of your timer, deepen your breath and sit quietly for a moment with your eyes closed....  Gently take some stretches while seated or while lying on your back if you are feeling stiff.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Welcome to Info &#x26; Tips</title><dc:creator>jbarchard@hotmail.com</dc:creator><category>Welcome</category><dc:date>2007-12-12T13:32:02-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.healingbloom.com/page4/files/1632403e7dcf4b01223304ceea583287-0.html#unique-entry-id-0</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.healingbloom.com/page4/files/1632403e7dcf4b01223304ceea583287-0.html#unique-entry-id-0</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[There are tips on how to bring Yoga in to your day at home and at work; and information about Yoga and its practices.  Click on the left side menu to browse and explore!

Please use the Contact page to submit any questions or feedback.

Namaste!]]></content:encoded></item></channel>
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