Saturday, December 22, 2007
Jupiter in Capricorn for the coming year, grounded growth
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Laughter yoga
Dreams for being 50 years old
In January I will travel to Tucson to spend a week studying yoga with Amy Weintraub, a yoga teacher I highly respect. Amy teaches "yoga for depression" to yoga teachers, psychologists, therapists, and others. When we can use yoga to give people the energy to overcome depression, I think that is miraculous. I look forward to sharing what I learn with my students in the future.
One thing I have ALWAYS wanted to do is raft down the Colorado River. I started checking trips available. I started to mention it to everyone. So what if my husband and daughter don't want to go, I'm going. Maybe my son is going. I am not letting other people's resistance discourage me. The Grand Canyon has always been magical for me, I am going to do this before I get too old and "rational" to not go.
I have made a list of things that I want to do. I was inspired by an advertisement for the movie, "The Bucket List". I realized when my mother died last summer that my life will be remembered by what I loved. I asked myself "Do I show my family what I love?", "Do I live with passion?"
When I started talking to people about this idea, other people got excited and wanted to participate. Passion is joy for life, we just have to figure out what we want the most, how to get there, and believe it is possible. I started with a couple easy things, like learning 3 good jokes to share with others and getting a good picture of myself for a future website.
Celebrating life is way more appealing than dreading getting old. I am going to keep looking for the glass that is 1/2 full.
Namaste
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Mercury in Scorpio goes retrograde Oct 11th
It feels like Mercury retrograde already, although it technically begins on Oct 11th and runs through Nov 2nd. For me this has brought in a lot of annoying energy that is distracting, almost like the static from a radio station that is not quite tuned in.
I went to teach a yoga class today and another teacher was already there to teach. I had been asked by a third person to substitute teach today, so I decided to simply be a student. The other two teachers were confused as to a new schedule between them... The class of over 25 people had a difficult time understanding the teacher’s directions, I felt for her…, some days are frustrating.
This mercury retrograde period starts at 9 degrees of Scorpio and goes back to 23 degrees of Libra. Scorpio looks for truth, deep mysteries, scandals; it likes to shake up the status quo. This period is ripe for political scandal or flawed decision making regarding use of force or power. Look for sewer systems to back up, stay out of petty gossiping, reflect back inappropriate uses of power and stand your ground. In other words, if it is none of your business then keep it that way. If it’s not someone else’s business, let them know that they should back off.
Scorpio is intense, this is a time to look at how you deal with your sexuality, use your masculine element in the world. Is it in balance with the feminine? Are you barking out orders without listening? Can you use your masculine energy more effectively and be constructive without getting angry?
Check in with yourself to see if the masculine and feminine are in balance when you communicate. Allow yourself to double check information that is given to you.
This particular mercury retrograde is being affected for the next couple weeks by Mars in Cancer. Mars energy is masculine, often impatient, and usually confrontational. You may not intend to sound irritable or confrontational, but that’s the way it could sound to others. Family squabbles or differences of opinion may come up. Take a deep breath and drawn in loving Venus energy for balance, then speaking slowly, try again.
Mercury retrograde is all about communication, seeing information in a new way and organizing our lives to be more effective.
Try cleaning out your closets, finishing a project that has been on hold, don’t get sucked into financial schemes that sound too good to be true. Nurture yourself with balance, cook favorite foods and let go of perfectionist criticism.
During the next 10 days (like we need more to process), Venus enters her least favorite sign of Virgo, the public servant and general perfectionist. Venus crosses good old Saturn who is hard working and Mr. Responsible. Venus is less nurturing here which can lead to more misunderstandings, especially in intimate relationships. I can here the conversation ....
He says, “Didn’t you hear me? I told you I was leaving an hour ago.”
She says, “Well you don’t have to take that tone of voice, I was distracted with …”
He says, “I have a million things to get done, I’ll call you later.”
She says, “Fine, then you can help me clean the house.”
Avoid misunderstandings, tell people you appreciate them. Let organizing be in balance with laughter, playfulness and listening to loved ones. Remember what is important to you in the big picture. There is a lot of room for exploring sexual politics in relationships during this retrograde. Who are communicating and who isn’t, who is withholding or manipulating love and intimacy in an attempt to control others? Who needs to improve the way they communicate their feelings? (All of us probably).
By Oct 24th, we will be getting irritable and more likely to act impulsively. We are still sorting out communication issues. The Sun will be entering Scorpio and the sexual tension may go up a notch….watch for it. Ours is to observe, learn and not get sucked into what isn’t our stuff. Namaste
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Working with Resistance, Mars Opposite Pluto
Monday, September 10, 2007
New Moon in Virgo on Sept 11, 2007 is also a partial eclipse
While there can be many explanations for feeling stressed. The new moon in Virgo on Sept 11, 2007 is under more stress than usual.
Virgo is a hard working sign that likes to be productive and creative. This new moon in Virgo is being challenged by aggrssive Mars, sudden changes from Uranus, and Jupiter the planet of expansion. Projects that formerly seemed managable may change suddenly and become more complicated that formerly anticipated.
Some astrologers speculate that this is "earthquake energy". Whatever you observe will undoubtable create tension that has to be released. This time can be used to look at where you are holding tension or resistance that is limiting your ability to use productive Virgo energy. This eclipse at 18 degrees of Virgo will impact those with planets at 18 degrees Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces and Gemini for the next 6 to 12 months.
Sudden changes can be met with faith and looking within for calm, centered guidance. Allow yourself to integrate changes without fear to stay productive. Refuse to speculate or take events to a panic level to work through challenges. Know that faith in spirit is a powerful tool in the face of physical changes. Breath deep, smile.
Managing change well and staying in the moment will serve all of us well this week.
Namaste, Anne
The Dog Whisperer inspiration for practicing yoga
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Balancing Diabetes and what is this Epidemic of Diabetes?
Currently over 20 million people in the United States have diabetes. At least 95% of those 20 million people have Type 2 diabetes, or the type associated with obesity and resistance to the insulin produced by the body. Type 1 diabetes accounts for the other 5% of people with diabetes, is usually diagnosed in children and is an autoimmune disease that stops insulin production in the body. Both conditions produce high blood sugars, and require daily vigilance regarding diet, exercise, and paying special attention to your physical body. Diabetes currently accounts for over $100 billion in annual healthcare expenditures in the U.S. and accounts for 28% of the medicare dollars spent each year.
I have had Type 1 diabetes for 36 years now, which I believe qualifies me to discuss what is learned from living with diabetes. When I was diagnosed with diabetes I was devastated. I was given the task of finding joy in my life differently than most people that I knew. Like most 12 year olds, I wanted to “fit in” and be like my peers. Over the years I have had many lessons from diabetes that keep repeating. Some lessons apply to any chronic illness, and some are specific to diabetes.
The first lesson from diabetes is: You are unique and must accept yourself, and love yourself for who you are to stay healthy. When you accept that your body has special needs and that you can adjust your life to fulfill those needs, your life improves. If you feel sorry for yourself and neglect your health needs, you will suffer.
The second lesson from diabetes is: Self discipline is good and can be done with joy, without suffering. Our society often says that “spontaneity is fun” and “discipline” is a drag that leads to suffering. Yet self discipline is required to practice and learn new skills. To graduate from high school, first you must have the self discipline to get out of bed and show up for class. To hold a job you must have the self discipline to develop a routine where you can get to work on time, cooperate with your boss, and complete your work as expected. Self discipline is an important part of life, and achieving your goals.
To change your attitude about self discipline regarding food you must ask yourself, “What is missing from my life that I refuse to eat in a disciplined way? Is there another reason that I eat unhealthy foods?” Carbohydrates can have a calming effect and produce a sense of relaxation. If a person is overly stressed or has difficulty sleeping, they may overeat in an attempt to release stress. People with diabetes must learn new ways to nurture themselves to relax.
The third lesson from diabetes is: You are more than your latest blood sugar level. Most physicians value patient blood sugar levels over general patient well being. Patients are often told to worry about complications if they run high blood sugars, which can create fear, guilt, anger and long term stress.
The rate of depression among people diagnosed with diabetes is MUCH higher than the general population. Patients must be helped to become less fearful and not suffer over an occasional high blood sugar. When patients hate to check blood sugar levels because the numbers are always “too high” or “bad”, patients stop checking blood sugar levels. If every test affects self esteem, then there is a problem. Blood sugars are information and must be used to help patients accept their own needs.
The fourth lesson from diabetes is: Never, absolutely never, give up on deciding to love your life living with diabetes.
While some people with diabetes may be cured by loosing weight, discontinuing medications or changing their diet, most people will spend many years learning the lessons of diabetes. When people with diabetes decide that life is good and that they are grateful to be alive, managing diabetes gets easier. It's all attitude!
How can life be sweet even if you must take medications, watch your diet, and love your body? See what you choose to focus on in your life. Fill up your life with loving people, creative activities that you love, speak about life and yourself with joy.
The fifth lesson from diabetes is: Get help, stay motivated and surround yourself with support.
Let other people know that you have diabetes, don’t hide it or be embarrassed by the diagnosis. A wonderful way of living with diabetes is by being a diabetes D.I.V.A, which stands for Disciplined, Informed, Visible, and Active.
Create a support system of people who support the fabulousness of YOU, and help you maintain your goals to love life fully. It can be challenging to stay motivated to live a healthy lifestyle unless you surround yourself with people who share your value for good health. If all your friends love to spend social time eating sweets or drinking alcohol, then is that supporting YOU? Weight Watchers has weekly meetings to keep people motivated to follow a healthy diet. Find a doctor that you feel comfortable with and who encourages your efforts, avoid dreading going to a cranky doctor.
The sixth lesson of diabetes is: To enjoy your body by being active, keeping food and activity in balance.
Find an activity that you love, such as swing dancing, yoga, tai chi, power walking with a friend, jazzercise, dog training, gardening, biking as you watch sports on TV, or even massaging your feet. Figure out what you enjoy, and find a way to do it daily. Set yourself goals for time spent being active in a way you enjoy (lesson #2) .
The seventh lesson of diabetes is: To love all types of food without being overly attached to one type of food, and don’t feel denied.
When we are overly attached to something then we suffer without it. Some foods become a type of addiction for people. If I believe that I have no control over how I eat, or am being controlled by cravings, it is time to get help. Identify beliefs about food that are controlling your behavior. Take your power back to look at your beliefs and habits. Examine your attachments to certain foods and decide what you can let go of or adjust.
So what are the lessons that our country needs to learn to slow down this epidemic of diabetes?
1. Love and accept your body needs, avoid feeling sorry for yourself, perfection is not an option.
2. Practice self discipline with joy, and be patient while working toward your goals.
3. Set goals, don't suffer over one blood sugar, send yourself positive messages about your health.
4. Love life, celebrate life, never give up on loving life.
5. Get help and create a network to support your goals for good health.
6. Enjoy being active daily.
7. Love food without extreme attachment
Bringing these lessons into your life now will decrease your risk on developing diabetes. Learn the lessons now. Pass it on.
Namaste, Anne
Creating a Sacred Space
Yoga and the medicine wheel practices such as opening sacred space have helped me ground my energy, feel more connected and able to appreciate our planet. We can root as deeply into the earth as we reach up into the heavens.
Standing Facing South “To the winds of the South, blow through this space and help me open sacred space. Show me how to release all that binds me, as the serpent sheds her skin. Help me to release all attachments and patterns that lead to suffering, and walk in beauty. Thank you.”
Standing Facing West “To the winds of the West, where the sun sets, blow through this space and help me open sacred space. I ask the jaguar to help me track all sources of darkness, fear or limitations in my life and clear them. Help me identify all karmic and genetic programming that no longer serves me and release them with your help. Thank you.”
Standing Facing North “To the winds of the North, blow through this space and help me create sacred space. I honor the hummingbird who drinks from the nectar of life and know how to make long journeys with faith. I honor all the spiritual teachers who teach that anything is possible through love. I listen in stillness to connect with spirit. Thank you.”
Standing Facing East “To the winds of the East, where the sun rises, blow through this space and help me create sacred space. I ask the Eagle and the Condor to show me how to see life with impeccable vision, how to travel as my true self, and with spirit. Show me how to manifest more than I have yet to dream of. Thank you.”
Hands to the Earth “Mother Earth, help me create sacred space. I honor all your creations, your plants, the stones, and all the animals. Thank you for creating this place of learning and providing so much to support me. I honor the fish, the birds, the insects, the four legged animals and all your people, I seek to know you deeper and support you. Thank you.”
Hands to the Sky “Great Spirit, God, the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars, blow through this space now and help me create sacred space. Thank you for the life energy that you provide us, for all that you provide that I may not even understand. I seek to work on your behalf and honor you. Thank you.”
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Shakti healing with creative energy
Monday, August 20, 2007
Mars is pushing you to get busy
Sunday, August 19, 2007
What's up in the night sky?
Legs Up the Wall Pose to Restore Balance
Start by sitting with your knees bent and one hip next to a wall. Lay back, turn your body to face the wall and extend your legs up the wall. If this hurts your back, then keep the knees slightly bent and even press the soles of your feet into the wall. Let your arms come out to your sides with the palms facing up.
This is a great way to reduce swelling in legs and feet at the end of the day. This pose can reduce blood pressure, reduce hot flashes, and help insomnia. Try meditating here, or just reading a magazine. Children love this pose for reading bedtime stories. Have fun and relax.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
12 Astrological Sign Symbols
2. Taurus (the bull)….................... bulls head and horns
3. Gemini (the twins)…..................Roman numeral II
4. Cancer (the crab)….. .................crab claws
5. Leo (the lion) ..............................lions tail
6. Virgo (the virgin) .......................Greek spelling of the word virgin
7. Libra (the scales) ........................the scales
8. Scorpio (the scorpion)....... .........scorpions tail
9. Sagittarius (the archer)..... .........archers arrow
10. Capricorn (the seagoat) ............seagoats horn and tail
11. Aquarius (the water-bearer)....waves of electricity
12. Pisces (the fish)...........................two fish tied together
About Me
Defining the 12 Astrological Houses
1st House: Also called the Ascendant or the Rising Sign, shows the outward personality,
the first impression made, and somewhat the physical appearance.
2nd House: What you value and what you are attracted to such as money, food, and
material possessions that you accumulate.
3rd House: How you communicate, early learning, brothers and sisters, neighborhood
Short trips.
4th House: Your home, your family, your sense of belonging, your childhood
your security, your mother, your inner self.
5th House: How you love, creative expression, care for children, play, go on vacation,
Risk taking, involvement with sports and performing arts.
6th House: How you work, take responsibility, serve others, your daily routine, health,
and how you organize your life.
7th House: Also called the Descendant, shows your relationships, partnerships, types of
people that we attract, open enemies, and commitments.
8th House: Shared resources and intimacy such as shared money, inheritances, taxes,
sex, death, research, and power, types of energy we share with others.
9th House: Your beliefs, religion, higher education, worldliness, interactions with the
legal system, publishing, and your in-laws.
10th House: Your career, your long term goals, your father, the public side of your life,
recognition from society and your reputation.
11th House: Your interactions with groups of people, memberships in clubs, relationships
with acquaintances and co-workers, sociability, participation in society goals,
help we may give or receive from others.
12th House: Hidden strengths and weaknesses, subconscious limitations, self-undoing,
chronic illness, spiritual needs, areas of secret hopes or desires.
Created by Anne Morris
Libra Sun Astrology