the mat works

Super Healthy Super Chicken Recipe for the Superbowl

2010-01-21T12:20:00.000-08:00

We all love celebrations. It's a great time to share in common joy.

One of the most treasured celebrations in the majority of American homes is the once-a-year Superbowl party! Mat Works Yoga friend, Despina Panagakos Yeargin, has posted a healthy, simple and quick recipe that you may wish to try at your next celebration, possibly a Superbowl party. It's called SUPERchicken, a chicken recipe with the veggies in the chicken.

You can find Despina's recipe at http://www.alphagoodcookcooking.blogspot.com/

2009-12-18T06:44:00.000-08:00

Don't let the hurried pace of the holidays get you down. You can continue to be good to your body by doing a few simple things:

Take a breathing break. Stop your work for ONE minute, sit comfortably in your chair, rest you head and neck comfortably, put your hands to your sides or rest them on your lap, close your eyes and B-R-E-A-T-H-E. A deep breath in through the nose and a long one out through the nose. Tongue resting against the roof of the mouth, continue your breathing, gradually lengthening the 'out' breath. Surprise, surprise--you feel better, there is more oxygen in your body and you have reduced your stress.

Grow or buy organic sprouts. Add them to your salad at lunch or dinner. Consider them a concentrated form of nutrition--good medicine for your hurry up pace of life right now. Is that easy or what?

Turn the T.V. off and hold the hand of a loved one. We ALL know how good that feels!

Have a hot cup of green tea. The steam from the hot liquid will add good moisture to your face and to your sinuses and the tea will help your body to detox. A good thing, right?

If you have time, come to one of our holiday schedule yoga classes. The best medicine for your body and soul during these busy times

Namaste

Studio Closed

2009-11-24T10:57:00.000-08:00

In order than I may fully enjoy the holiday with my family, The Mat Works Yoga Studio will be closed for the remainder of the week.

See you all next week.

Debbie

THANKS-GIVING

2009-11-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

Giving thanks does not have to be a once-a-year event. We have an opportunity to show gratitude every day:

In every step that we take without pain

With every healing breath that we take into our bodies

In every encounter with a friend

With every smile that we observe

With every smile that we share

As we sit at the dinner table with our loved ones, over a bowl of soup or a simple salad

During each yoga session

I encourage all of you, on this Thanksgiving Day, to focus on the people; show compassion, give love and practice humility, flexibility and understanding.

Namaste and Happy Thanks-giving...every day.

Living the Simple Life

2009-11-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

Learning to unclutter can be quite a challenge.

When we've lived for so long with one of everything, with instant gratification and with 'hurry up' on our minds at work and at play, removing the emotional and physical 'extras' might be just the prescription we need.

To find out "When Less is More", read more on this topic, and learn how others have voluntarily simplified their lives.

Creator of Yoga Postures Poster...Inspirational Life

2009-11-06T14:11:00.000-08:00

In 1984, before Photoshop magic, former bodybuilder Dharma Mittra created his classic "Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures." Today the 68-year-old continues to inspire yogis worldwide with his challenging sequences, compassionate charm, winning humility, and message of devotion. In class, he leads a vigorous workout while encouraging students to make each move "an offering to God."

Read the rest of this story for the story of the man who grew up on a pig farm and one day turned vegetarian.

12 Tips to Help Boost Energy Levels

2009-11-05T03:10:00.000-08:00

From the health and fitness department at MSN.com, 12 easy tips for maintaining good energy levels throughout your day.

12 Surprising Things That Are Making You Tired (Redbook magazine on MSN.com)

You'll be surprised to learn how much movement and deep breathing can help with this. Those of us who have been practicing yoga for a long time, already know the benefits of both of these simple habits.

Take a little time for yourself today.

Namaste, Debbie

Fall Flavors Support Yoga Practice

2009-11-04T06:20:00.000-08:00

Seasonal flavors in a healthy Apple-Butternut Squash Soup recipe offer a healthy and satisfying meal for the fall weather. Healthy eating supports your yoga practice and helps fuel your body.

There's just no reason to skip a meal, when it's such an easy and comforting dish as this one.

Namaste, Debbie

New Workshop: Fall Into Yoga, A Seasonal Practice

2009-11-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

Each season has its own feel, which has a deep effect on each of us. Join Debbie Harvley, RYT, for a practice of awareness on how the season effects change in our lives.

Preparation for the season will include using our practice to match internal rhythms to the fall season. For advanced beginners to indermediate students wishing to celebrate the seasonal change.

Saturday, November 21, 2009 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm/ $35 Come early to set up. All mats and props included, or you may bring your own.

Seated Salutations

2009-11-02T06:28:00.000-08:00

Seated Salutations, a variation of Sun Salutations, is a gentle way to stretch the back. Remember, always warm up properly.

Seated Salutations is included in our Back Care Yoga class, every Friday, 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm. It's only $10 a session, so stop by to try it out. I have all of the props and equipment, so just bring yourself and come a little early, so I can give you a quick tour and help you to set up. I want your first experience to be a good one.

If you would like your own copy of my (now famous) stick figure sun salutations guide, e-mail me at matworksyoga@yahoo.com You can also stop by for a free consultation. Call me to schedule one-on-one time for us to discuss your specific yoga needs. 864-992-5410

Namaste, Debbie

Yoga Journal - Yoga Well-Being - Good Memory

2009-11-02T06:05:00.001-08:00

Yoga Journal - Yoga Well-Being - Good Memory

Posted using ShareThis

Isn't it amazing that science is now confirming what yoga practitioners have knows for years! Yoga does help with regenerating the nerve pathways in the brain. We don't have to allow our brain to age. We can regenerate and grow every day, by doing for our brains what we do for our bodies. I recommend reading this article at yogajournal.com and encourage you to post your comments right here.

Namaste, Debbie

Mindful Eating

2009-11-02T05:36:00.000-08:00

Eating in a mindful way enhances your yoga practice. Try snacking on a handful of raw nuts to push back on that urge to eat empty calories. How about a whole grain muffin and water instead of a soda and chips?

Crave something crunchy? How about sunflower seeds and a juicy crisp apple or celery stuffed with goat cheese and sprikled with toasted almonds?

Think twice when you're ready for a snack; it could make a big difference to your energy level, especially mid-afternoon, when we're all looking for a lift to get through the work day. Even a spoonful of natural peanut butter or almond butter is healthier, has more protein and will do a better (and healthier) job of treating those cravings.

And, sometimes, when all you've got is 10 minutes for lunch, try a healthy treat and eat mindfully--do a good thing for your body and mind. It's not difficult to pack a salad, a chuck of cheese and grapes!

Namaste, Debbie