On a Southwest Airlines flight from Sacramento to Burbank, we’re offered a drink shortly after we take off.  I’m sitting in the back, in my usual aisle seat, because when we land in Burbank they’ll open the back door as well as the front door and I can get out faster.  I usually pass on the drink and sip on the bottle of water I bring with me.  As we’re in close quarters, I can’t help but hear what all the people around me are ordering. Across the aisle from me are a mom and her two little girls – probably around 6 and 8 years old.  What do the girls order?  Diet Coke!  As a mother myself, I am appalled.  This is wrong on so many levels.  And yet, the mother of these two little girls thinks nothing of it.  Has she not read any newspaper article or magazine?  Caffeine, artificial sweetener, sodium, all kinds of chemicals and preservaties – there is NOTHING that is of any value to the body in these sodas.  The worst part of this whole scenario is that the soda is basically addictive, so these girls are starting in on a very bad habit at a very young age. What is it going to take to get parents to understand that they have to help their children to make good choices for themselves in every aspect of their lives – including the food and drink that they put into their bodies?  Maybe we should put an age limit on sodas the way we do on cigarettes.  I don’t know what the solution is, but with the problems with juvenile onset diabetes and youth obesity running rampant in the United States, we have to do something, because evidently parents just aren’t doing enough. ]]>

My best birthday present ever… so far?  This year Greg took me on a trip to Jamaica!  What a blast!  We flew Air Jamaica direct from Los Angeles to Montego Bay, overnight in about 5 1/2 hours.  The flight was really light so we were able to spread out in a whole row and sleep.  We took a shuttle from Montego Bay to Negril, where we stayed at “Couples Swept Away,” an all-inclusive resort.  All-inclusive really is that – you pay one fee before you get there and that covers everything – all your meals, drinks, tips, activities – it’s wonderful!  And it’s all you can eat, all you can drink, too, they’re not stingy in Jamaica! At our resort the food was really good, and they had a nice selection of vegetarian items, which is important to me and Greg as we are both vegan.  They even have one restaurant that serves only vegetarian food – and the menu changes every other day so you can’t get bored.  There are two “fancy” restaurants where you need reservations, and another restaurant where you order off the menu, and a more casual restaurant that is buffet style for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  We ended up going there most of the time because it was convenient, and we always found food we enjoyed.  Plus at breakfast they had soy milk for us, which ws a huge bonus. We were there in late April, just after the expensive season – rates go down after April 15 when the rainy season starts.  It’s not that bad, though – basically it’s sunny and warm and beautiful up until about 2 pm, then it clouds up, and rains – sometimes for a little while, sometimes for a couple of hours.  Then the evening is beautiful again.  We got caught in it twice.  Once we had scheduled our catamaran tour with the resort at 4 pm and it was just raining buckets… I told Greg they’d probably cancel, but he insisted we walk out to see what was going on.  By the time we got from our room to the water sport shack, I was SOAKED!  I asked the girl if the cruise was cancelled because of the rain and she said: “It’s not raining!  It’s liquid sunshine!”  The cruise was on, but I wouldn’t go.  Not my idea of a fun time to be stuck on a big boat with no roof on a choppy ocean.  Instead we went back to the room and watched the World Cup Cricket finals, which I thought was much more interesting!  Australia won, and my Aussie husband explained to me the rules and how to play.  The second time we got caught in the rain we had booked an eco-tour at a place about 20 minutes from the resort.  The weather looked good as we left, and just before we got there it started to come down – hard!  The guide lent us ponchos, and we took the self-tour of the rain forest, didn’t see many birds, but got a good feel for what a rain forest is all about! The Jamaicans have a great attitude about the weather.  When we said “too bad it’s raining” we were told no, it’s good that it’s raining, we need to appreciate what nature gives us every day.  It’s all good. It took us awhile to get on Jamaican time – Jamaican time is a little like Hawaiian time, few people wear watches, one minute might be four, you eat when you’re hungry and drink pretty much any time of day.  We went to Margaritaville one night where they boast of their 52 flavors of margaritas – they say 51 are great, but that 52nd will get you every time!  I tested out the “guava” variety and it was sweet, but at $9. a drink we were happier with the ones at Swept Away!  The place is lively – and I could tell that it would get more wild as the night went on.  Greg and I reached our level of wild acceptability around 7 pm and headed back to the hotel for our free dinner! Couples Swept Away is appropriately named.  There are all couples there.  No swingers, no kids.  Lots of weddings!  We probably saw 3 weddings a day while we were there.  Beautiful setting for it – and I guess destination weddings are as popular as everyone says they are!  Right next door is the Sandals Beaches Resort – that’s where you want to go if you bring your kids.  Very family friendly – lots of stuff for kids to do.  I was glad I chose Couples for our romantic getaway! My favorite day was when we chartered a glass bottom boat to take us on a little mini tour.  Our guide, Leroy, was very cool – he gave us a little history lesson about Jamaica – and he drove us by the “Nude Beach” and the “Prude Beach” at another resort called “Hedonism!”  We also breezed right by the “Nude Cruise” – and I hope those people were wearing sunscreen!  Greg got to snorkel a little, and we fed schools of fish.  The water is so clear there that you can see straight down to the bottom.  Greg learned to sail, and he took me out on a Hobie Cat one afternoon – it was so much fun!  We also went out on one of those pedal boats – a lot of work to not go very far – but there was only one electric boat and that one was checked out all the time. Another day we got our cab driver to take us into town to go shopping.  I found these amazing gemstones called “Caribbean Topaz” – I couldn’t resist – I bought a ring and the matching earrings – actually, Greg got them for me and I told them it was my mother’s day present. 🙂  The color is incredible, it’s got varying shades of blue and purple, even green, with touches of pink depending on where the light hits it.  The stones I got are oval and cushion cut, really beautiful.  After shopping we got dropped off at the famous “Rick’s Cafe” where they have cliff diving – and fancy drinks, of course!  We had dinner and watched the sunset.  Ah, paradise! Staying at the resort is a little like being on a cruise ship.  There are all kinds of activities, which you participate in only if you want to.  We went to a margarita mixer lesson, saw a fashion show put on by guests and staff, and went to a talent show one night.  And one night the place through an awesome beach party with a ship-wreck theme – dinner served outdoors on the sand, a live reggae band, entertainment in the form of a contortionist and a fire eater – what a kick! Most of the time I was content to just sit on the beach and enjoy the view.  I couldn’t bring myself to read or write, I just wanted to be.  We tried to use the internet one day to check on e-mail but the wireless wasn’t working and the internet cafe they have there was way too slow, slower than dial-up, so we gave up.  I think that was a blessing!  It felt really good to be unplugged for awhile! My suntan is starting to fade, but the memories of this vibrant island vacation will stay with me.
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Restorative Yoga Therapy: The Yapana Way to Self-Care And Well-Being

Q & A with Author Leeann Carey

 

 

The title of your book is Restorative Yoga Therapy. What is the difference between restorative yoga and restorative yoga therapy?  

 

The difference between restorative yoga and restorative yoga therapy is simple: Restorative yoga is a wonderful practice with a goal of using supported poses to elicit a deep body/mind relaxation. Restorative yoga therapy uses supported poses to elicit a deep body/mind relaxation and is tailored to meet unique needs such as injuries and common ailments. Each class is carefully sequenced to address those needs within the framework of a theme-based practice.

 

The subtitle is The Yapana Way to Self-Care and Well-Being.  What is the Yapana Way?

 

The Yapana Way is a teaching style developed over years of studies with master teachers and my own personal practice. A complete Yapana yoga class includes movements in all planes, DOING (dynamic) poses, BEING (passive) poses, held for an extended period of time with the support of yoga props. The BEING poses makes up the restorative yoga therapy portion of the practice. 

 

More importantly, a Yapana Way practice meets students where they are. It is the way for self-reflection, change and ultimately, acceptance.

 

How would you respond to someone who says they aren’t flexible enough to practice yoga?

 

You don’t need to be flexible to practice yoga. If you can breathe, you can practice yoga. This is particularly true with restorative yoga therapy. Every single pose can be smartly adapted to meet hyper-flexibility, rigidity and a host of other needs. Yoga props are strategically placed to bring the pose to the student as opposed to forcing the student into a predetermined shape. Restorative yoga therapy is a perfect introduction into a yoga practice due to its gentle approach. All that is required is interest.

 

In a culture where sweat is valued over mindfulness, what would you say to someone who thinks restorative yoga therapy does little to improve one’s health?

 

Stress negatively impacts our well-being. According to the Huffington Post, a recent article in Popular Science reported that 30 percent of U.S. adults say stress affects their physical health and 33 percent say it has an impact on their mental health. On the other hand, Columbia University researchers found that those who sat in expansive positions with their arms and legs spread out for two minutes saw lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, than those in more tighter poses, according to Popular Science.

 

An intelligent restorative yoga therapy practice is designed to expand the bodies habitual closed or compressed position (historic poor postural habits whether sitting or standing) in supported yoga poses. One can experience an outer opening, inner calm and overall tranquil feeling. With the proper support, students can relax into the pose’s shape for a minimum of two minutes.

 

Living in the 21st century is crowded with responsibilities, commitments and complications. A restorative yoga therapy practice is an excellent healthy option for coping, managing and decreasing stress levels in order to live a fuller and more joyful life.

 

 

The style of yoga you write about uses a lot of props. Why?

 

Yoga props help bring the pose to the student. Bringing the pose to the student prevents overreaching physically and mentally. It fosters balance and acceptance. And it allows for the student to spend longer than five or so breaths in a pose. The time is used for self-reflection into what’s happening now and is followed by an adjustment if needed. Sometimes the nature of a pose only requires presence and breathing. Each person’s experience is different because everyone’s needs are different. But this I know for sure: When the pose is strategically propped whether it is to awaken or soothe an area, the props are instrumental in extending the length of time possible in each pose. A little more time in each pose means a little more time to practice skills of all kinds.

 

What if someone doesn’t want to invest in the expense of yoga props — can they still practice this style?

 

It is not necessary to invest in the expense of yoga props in order to practice this style. You can typically find items around your house or office that will do the trick. You can also make your own props. My husband bought wood from the local hardware store and made all of my wooden blocks and dowels to my specifications. We saved hundreds of dollars. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can make your own yoga belts, pillows and even bolsters. Standard prop measurements are listed in the book as well as suggestions for other things you can use for yoga props.

 

If someone only had time to do a 3 poses from the book, which ones would you recommend and why?

 

Matysyasana (Fish Pose):  Backbends are so important for keeping the spine supple. Many of us spend so much time with forward shoulders, sunken chests and rounded mid-backs. As a result, our back, shoulders and neck become stiff and rigid. This is the go-to pose that helps to reverse those effects. Backbends open the chest, thereby widening the diaphragmatic band just underneath the chest. This promotes better access to the breath and is a good pose to practice Three-Part Breathing, a simple breathing technique that can settle the mind and support a meditative experience used to cope with stress.

 

Parivrtta Pavanmuktasana (Revolved Knee Squeeze Pose)

Many of us spend most of our time during the day bent over and rarely get the chance to safely rotate our spine. Twists are a great way to unwind tension built throughout the day while opening the shoulders, chest and hips. There are prone twists and supine twists. The prone twists are a bit quieter on the nervous system than the prone ones. Although I like twists of all kinds, the prone twists by nature are ones you can really melt into. They require less rotation of the spine than the supine ones and when well-supported, feel absolutely divine. People have been known to drool on their bolster. It’s true!

 

Viparita Karani (Legs Up The Wall Pose)

This pose can be practiced with or without support underneath the pelvis. Either way, I recommend practicing it every day; I do. Think of the saying, “take a load off your feet”. That’s exactly what this pose does. It turns the body’s typical standing or sitting position upside down and draws the fluids from the legs into the lower abdomen. This is a perfect panacea for those that spend long hours of sitting or standing, experience leg swelling, or suffer from an achy lower back. It’s also a great pose to practice after airplane travel. You’re guaranteed to feel refreshed and renewed afterward.

 

What do you think the most common misconception people have about yoga is�and what is the actual truth? 

 

I think the current misconception about yoga is that it is a workout. Hatha Yoga or asanas (poses) seems to be the most popular branch of yoga in the U.S. It is a wonderful thing that a reported 21 million Americans are practicing yoga. However, like all things that have grown exponentially, it has been watered down from its original purpose.

 

These days, many practitioners use the poses solely as exercise – to sweat, get a better butt, or lose weight. While none of these reasons are negative, yoga’s roots go much deeper. And if acknowledged, can be stepping stones to deeply taking charge of our self-care and well-being. However, many people walk into the doors of yoga due to a desire for a physical experience. Over time, they may come to find other benefits and that’s a good thing.

 

The truth is, yoga is a practice, not a workout. It was designed to address way more than our physical needs. A yoga practice can tone the physical body, but it also tunes-up the mental body and delivers the skills that are needed to cope with the daily stressors we all face. The real workout is what happens when we step off the mat. The kind of mind we bring to our time on the mat is a direct pointer to the kind of mind we bring into the world.

 

Those that think yoga is about getting the best workout they can, miss yoga’s intention: To learn skills that develop presence and self-acceptance throughout all aspects of life. That’s why it makes no difference whether you are sweating in dynamic poses or relaxing in passive ones. The opportunity for meeting your thoughts and feelings whether you are in “doing” or “being” mode is always there. Now. And now.

 

Tell us about your yoga journey. How/when did you first start practicing and what inspired you to want to go on to teach?   

 

There are two experiences that started me on my yoga journey. In the late 70’s while I was visiting my brother in college, I went for a walk and passed a house with a sign in front that read: FREE Sunday Dinner. It was Sunday and I was hungry, so I walked into the open front door. Everyone was dressed the same and playing instruments and singing the same words over and over again. Afterward, they welcomed me and gave me a bowl and utensils and told me to stand in line to get fed. Everyone seemed genuinely nice and happy to have me at their dinner table.  I never thought much about it until a year or so later when I was dating a guy who got up early each morning to “breathe”. He was a cyclist and claimed it helped him to focus and stay calm in the face of his challenging rides. He taught me how to manage my breath. From then on, I had a dedicated daily pranayama practice before I ever struck a pose. It made my head feel so clear — it was undeniable and indescribable. Those two experiences started me on my journey. Once I let yoga in I never looked back.  

 

Circumstances came before inspiration. I was attending classes regularly and one day my teacher didn’t show up to teach the class. I was encouraged by other students to “lead” the class. Begrudgingly, I did. Although it was not a positive experience for me (I trembled when demonstrating the poses and stumbled over my words), others continued to ask me to share with them what had transformed my life. Years later, co-workers from the company we all worked for said to me, “clearly, you should not be working for this company.” So, I quit and studied to become an official yoga instructor so someone could hire me to teach them. Witnessing the countless transformation in others inspired me to continue to share the principles and practice with others.

 

Restorative Yoga Therapy by Leeann Carey

June 15, 2015 • Yoga/Health & Wellness • Trade Pback & eBook

224 pages w/ B&W illustrations • Price: $17.95 • ISBN 978-1-60868-359-8 

 

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We’re in the thick of awards season, and this morning the Academy Award nominees were announced.  Here’s my take:
Best Picture Nominees:
BABEL
THE DEPARTED
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
THE QUEEN First of all, I’m surprised that Dream Girls didn’t make the cut.  I would think that Letters from Iwo Jima would be Foreign Language Film, it is all in Japanese with subtitles, but it is American made, directed by Clint Eastwood, so I don’t know what the Academy rules are.  But I think that is probably the slot that Dream Girls should have been in.  I have seen all of these movies.  I understand Babel, with all the buzz it’s gotten being an international cast, and multiple locations.  But I didn’t like the movie.  It’s dark, slow, and bloated, and I don’t think it makes its point well.  The Departed is amazing.  It’s the kind of edge-of-your-seat thriller that keeps movie-goers excited.  The cast is stellar, and there are so many twists and surprises you want to go back and watch it again just to make sure you didn’t miss anything.  Credit the director, Martin Scorsese, for bringing it all together so seamlessly.  I think The Departed deserves the win.  Little Miss Sunshine is one of my favorite films of the year, and it’s a victory for this small independent film to be playing in the big leagues with this nomination.  But I think that’s as far as it will go.  While The Queen was a brilliant movie, there’s nothing big or special enough about it to get the win. Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role:
Leonardo DiCaprio – Blood Diamond
Ryan Gosling – Half Nelson
Peter O’Toole – Venus
Will Smith – The Pursuit of Happyness
Forrest Whitaker – The Last King of Scotland I didn’t even see Half Nelson, Venus, or the Last King of Scotland.  If they were out in the theatre anywhere near me I missed them.  Leonardo DiCaprio was terrific in Blood Diamond, but I liked his performance in The Departed better and I’m surprised his nomination wasn’t for that film.  He will  get some support because he had such a great year.  Will Smith turned in a moving performance, and this is his second nomiantion, but I think the award will go to Forrest Whitaker.  He’s been getting all the buzz, all the critics awards, and he walked away with the Golden Globe last week. Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:
Penelope Cruz – Volver
Judi Dench – Notes on a Scandal
Helen Mirren – The Queen
Meryl Streep – The Devil Wears Prada
Kate Winslet – Little Children Judi Dench was mesmerizing, Meryl Streep was devilishly hilarious, and Penelope Cruz was luminous.  But I think the Oscar will go to The Queen herself, Helen Mirren.  Kate Winslet will get the award someday, she’s been nominated several times and her performance was flawless, but this is Helen Mirren’s year. Other sure things:
Cars will win Animated Feature.
Pan’s Labyrinth will win Foreign Film.
Marie Antoinette will win Costume Design.
Martin Scorsese will win director for The Departed. more later!