Toni Kuhn

I had my very first interview with Lindsay Schlick from Schlick Art photography. It was fun and easy to open up to Lindsay. She has a way of making people feel very comfortable.

Lindsay is an amazing photographer and she is a local here in Santa Clarita! She is patient, encouraging, and really knows how to shoot her subjects. Go to  her website to see some of her amazing photos and my interview.

http://theschlickartblog.com/post/38387370371/toni-kuhn-yoga-post-122012-schlickart#notes

•  Additionally, I wanted to let you know that I am still offering 10% off all private yoga lessons with me. This includes package deals and the offer is good through January 31, 2013. Lessons must be used within six months of  purchase. I have gift certificates too if you are looking to give the gift of yoga to someone special. You can contact me for pricing and schedule from the tab “private yoga  lessons” at the top of the screen.

Happy Holidays!

Meditating Santa

“We could say that meditation doesn’t have a reason or doesn’t have a purpose. In this respect it’s unlike almost all other things we do except perhaps making music and dancing. When we make music we don’t do it in order to reach a certain point, such as the end of the composition. If that were the purpose of music then obviously the fastest players would be the best. Also, when we are dancing we are not aiming to arrive at a particular place on the floor as in a journey. When we dance, the journey itself is the point, as when we play music the playing itself is the point. And exactly the same thing is true in meditation. Meditation is the discovery that the point of life is always arrived at in the immediate moment”- Alan Watts

• Find a quite spot.
• Sit comfortably with blankets or even a chair.
• Close your eyes and find your breath.
• Allow your exhale to be twice as long as your inhale; use a natural breath between cycles.
• After a few cycles of breath work, just allow your breathing to be effortless.
• Imagine your favorite place to be and see it with your mind’s eye.
• Stay here for 3-5 minutes.
• Open your eyes and feel renewed and ready to face the day.

Vrksasana ( Tree Pose)

During this busy time of the year we may feel a little scattered and pulled in many directions; therefore  practicing some balance poses will help center you. Additionally, Balance poses help to calm us, bring us clarity, build strength, and help us focus. Next time you are feeling the pressures of the world or over whelmed with the amount of things you need to get done, pause, breathe, and take a tree pose.

Here are some teaching tips:

• Begin in mountain pose.
• Bend your right knee and turn turn leg out to the right.
• Press down with the mound of toe on your left leg.
• Engage your left thigh and firm your buttocks.
• Place your right foot on your leg and continue to firm your hips.
• Press your palms together and relax your shoulders.
• Let your eye gaze become soft.
• Hold 5 breaths.
• Repeat on the left side.

Yoga Gingerbread Men

A friend of mine sent this picture to me on Facebook. It made me smile so I had to share it with all of you! Hopefully this will remind of you of yoga while you bake your cookies!

Remember to make time for yourself during this busy season. Come take one of my classes or schedule a private lesson with me. I am offering 10% off on all of my rates, including package deals.

“Learn to let go. That is the key to happiness.”- Buddha

Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of Fish Pose)

This week we will be focusing on twisting poses. Twists provide a “squeeze and soak” action that aids in digestion and in spinal mobility. They also assist the lymphatic system, strengthen the back, improve energy levels, and facilitate letting go and bringing in the new.  Just perfect for the holiday season.

 Here are some teaching tips:

• Start sitting on the floor with your legs straight out.
• Bend your right knee and place your foot over the left leg.
• Lean over to the left as you fold your leg knee and bring your foot around.
• Sit up tall with your hands above your head.
• Inhale and twist over your left leg.
• Place your right elbow on your knee and right fingers on the floor.
• Keep extended your spine as you gently revolve the torso.
• Hold five breaths.
• Unwind the body slowly and repeat the pose on the opposite side.

autumn mediation by Cornelia Kopp

 “Spend some time alone every day”- Dali Lama

 Spending some time alone every day can help you achieve a new perspective on your life. Being alone for even just a few minutes a day can calm you down, ease your stress, and let you enjoy all the good things in your life.

Here are a few techniques to help you gain perspective during the day.

•  Go for a walk
• Make a list of things you are grateful for
• Ask yourself- “will it matter in five years”?
• Sit or lie down with your eyes closed for a few minutes
• Listen to your favorite song without any distractions
• Meditate

Handstand

As you enter the busiest time of the year, you may find it harder to make time for yourself. This year, try to dedicate some time to regroup and recharge your batteries. You will feel much better about yourself and much more capable of handling the holiday season.

Perhaps a private yoga lesson will help you dedicate a little “me” time. Or better yet, give the gift of yoga to a friend or family member. I can provide you with a gift certificate for private yoga lessons with me.

For the month of December, I am offering 10% off all private yoga lessons. This includes package deals! Lessons can be purchased in December, and then used up to 6 months. You can book appointments consecutively or spread them out.  For more information, contact me through my web link, face book  or email.

This week in my classes we will be focusing on inversions to change our perspective, face our fears, and build our self confidence. Inversions take patience, determination, faith, and a little playfulness. Make sure to check with a yoga teacher for any contraindications before practicing any inversions.

Here are some teaching tips for handstand.

•  Place your mat short side against the wall.
• Begin in down dog & make sure hands are shoulder width apart
• Creases of the wrists face the wall
• Step one foot forward and shift your shoulders over your wrists
• Root your palms down and kick u to the wall
• Engage the muscles of the upper arm and keep your arms straight
• Engage your thighs and draw your bottom towards the ceiling
• Hold a few cycles of breath
• Come down and rest in child’s pose.

Take care of yourself. Breathe. Relax. Have Fun!

Extended Side Angle Pose

This week we will be focusing on poses that give us strength. Extended Side Angle Pose is a challenging pose that not only builds leg strength but it also lengthens the side body and helps you to feel grounded. As you practice this pose, let go of any irritation and allow yourself to open up to the pose.

Here are some teaching tips:

• Begin in warrior two, with your right knee bent.
• Have a yoga block handy if the floor seems far away.
• Make sure your feet are lined up right heel to back arch.
• Align the right knee over your ankle an in line with your second and third toes.
• Draw your right hip down as your left thigh presses straight back.
• Reach your right arm towards the right side and then place your hand on the floor or the block, behind your right leg.
• Extend your left arm over head and look up.
• Hold 5 breaths.
• Repeat on left side.