In the summer season we feel warmer, and in SW Florida, more humid and heavy. It is crucial that we find ways to stay balanced with our body temperature, hydration, activities, and mindfulness. Just because it is hot, doesn’t mean we should be dormant or always hibernate indoors! Pranayama, or breath control practice benefits our body and mind by moving vital Prana through our energy pathways. More gentle and slower Asana movements facilitate the body to
Red cardinals and Bluejays often visit me in nature, communicating as they “sing” our connection.I am known to be less than a songbird to sing a song or chant a mantra. My voice is strong with ability to project what I need to say. But when it comes to singing or chanting, I would rather hide or lip sync, fearing others will hear me. I have missed out on the
Photos from Gina’s recent hike. Mammoth March plants a tree for each participant, 1200 for our hike!My recent adventure in Tennessee relates to our need to warm up to best enjoy the journey. I completed my first professional hike with intent to do my best. I surrendered to the possibility I may not make the “Finish Line” at 20 miles in 8 hours. I have trained on flat lands of
Flowers from Gina’s garden, including the Night Blooming Cactus, so special as we only get to see the blooms once. April Showers Brought May Flowers, new life, new growth. Every morning, it’s the same with our bodies, a fresh new day ahead begins as we begin to warm up, to grow. When we rise, we usually rinse like April showers. Maybe a cool water face splash, a shower, a glass of water help
Turns out you can Hoola without the Hoop! Fusion Yoga Teacher Natalie demonstrates circumduction.Our final of the Super Six Spinal Movements, Circumduction! I recently learned that this is actually a 6th one last year during my Costa Rica Advanced 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training. Most yoga schools teach only 5 spinal movements which we have covered: Axial Extension/Lengthening, Lateral/Side Bends, Axial Rotation/Twists, Flexion/Folds and Backbends. Circumductions, Bharmanasana in Sanskrit, creates rotation of our entire spine in
Common Backbend Poses as demonstrated by our most recent Fusion Yoga Teacher Graduates, descriptions below. Embrace the Backbend for good spinal health! Backbends are energizing, hip, chest and heart openers, increase oxygen to the body, strengthen our back body, and help us focus. They are great counterposes for our Forward Bends/Flexion Spinal Movement which compress the frontal spine, as backbends compress the back side of the vertebrae. But, all Backbends must
Common Forward Fold Poses as demonstrated by our most recent Fusion Yoga Teacher Graduates, descriptions below. Go Forward! Typically practiced in a Fusion yoga class, Forward Bends/Flexion are one of the most recognized of our Super Six Spinal Movements. However, they must be done properly to get the most benefit while preventing injury. When we mindfully bend forward we open up the back of the spine, while backbends open the front
We bend so we won’t break. Sometimes it is ok and beneficial to move our upper body sideways with intention. Lateral Flexion or Side Bend is one of our 6 Spinal Movements to improve flexibility, strengthen our obliques (large side core muscles), and open up the ribcage to expand the lungs for deeper breathing.They are a must for me every morning to loosen up to move more freely, and refresh my body of tightness after
It is with great pleasure, honor and pride we celebrate, Fusion turns NINE!!! Our milestone is not by luck, but a formula with clear intention and actions to offer you a special sanctuary filled with amazing and unique practitioners. Our supportive community has been our icing on the cake.The years haven’t been easy, it is true. But that’s why we are meant to be here, for you, and us. To
Spring clearing is great for our external space, but our internal body spaces may need extra attention too after a cooler fall & winter season with many associated holidays and celebrations. So this week we begin a series to do this, beginning with spinal movements in yoga asanas (postures). We start with the Twist. Some of you may remember Chubby Checkers hit song and dance in the ’60s, The Twist. But