SEPT 18, 2-4PM PARTNER YOGA WITH LIZ LEFFERT
In this workshop you and your partner will support each through a simple sequence of postures focused on breathing and gentle stretching while cultivating a deeper connection with your loved one through the give and take of partner yoga. We will also spend time learning some basic techniques from the Ancient Art of Traditional Thai Massage, including palm pressure, rhythmic rocking, and passive stretching, to relax and restore balance to the body.
This light-hearted practice will help us to be present and focus on each other. We will listen quietly, tuning into our partner as we give the compassion and healing energy that we ourselves would like to receive.
Help to strengthen your connection while having fun together at the same time. There is absolutely no experience necessary.
ABOUT LIZ:
Liz Leffert has been an avid student of yoga since 2003. Her interest in natural therapies led her to a career as Registered Yoga Instructor and Massage therapist. She has studied various western massage modalities and has in addition, over 220 hours of study at the Thai Bodywork School in Evanston with Chuck Duff. Liz recently realized a longtime dream of going to Thailand, where she spent two months, including one month of study with various Thai Massage teachers in the Northern Province of Chiang Mai.
TIME: 2:00-4:00pm
COST: $25/person
Pre-registration is required by email help@totalbodyyoga.com or call 847-266-9642
THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON STRESS…BURN OUT PREVENTION WITH YOGA
February 8, 2010: Tonight in classes want to address the theme of what Stress does to our brains and how burn out from Stress can be prevented from a yogic perspective. I’ll offer healthier and more conscious ways to confront the challenges of daily life.
Yoga is a holistic science of human nature, which teaches us how we can better understand our bodies and minds. By observing our fears, expectations and desires, it is possible to recognize and transform unhealthy and unsustainable patterns of behavior.
We will learn and practice simple breathing techniques and poses so that deep relaxation on the bodily and mental levels can be experienced. The full benefits of these “Yoga Tools” learned will be realized through regular practice and implementation in everyday life even if for just 7 minutes per day.
I have experienced Burn Out when in the corporate world and I know what stress can do to the brain. Yoga exercises and philosophy plays an everyday role in my life to keep me healthy so I can maintain my equilibrium. I want you to experience this same healthy solution to the stressors of life. Peace in all ways, Silvia
“ABOUT THE BRAIN: (From the book Yoga: A therapeutic approach by Gary Kraftsow)
- The brain stem and cerebellum are involved in the mechanical and usually Unconscious processes of regulating and processing the sensory, emotional, autonomic, hormonal, and motor functions of the body.
- The cerebrum is involved in Conscious processes such as intellectual thought, the processing and comprehension of sensory input, coordination, and the storing and processing of long term memory as well as conscious sensory and motor memory.
- The limbic system is concerned with learning, memory and the emotions and their related behavioural drives. But of even more importance to our consideration of Yoga therapy, the limbic systems provides the LINK between the Conscious , intellectual functions of the brain and the Unconscious, mechanical functions of the body.
STRESS AND DISEASE:
The bodily response to stress initiated in the hypothalamus (cerebellum) knows as fight or flight response, involves a chain reaction of chemicals released into the bloodstream, as follows: corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) is released from the hypothalamus; CRF then triggers the release of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ATCH) from the pituitary gland; and finally ATCH triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol from the adrenal glands. The results of this chain reaction are increase in heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and in increase in the peripheral circulation of blood to the skeletal muscles, as digestion stops and the flow of blood is directed away from the stomach and a whole range of other bodily changes.
Through this mechanism, the body is able to cope with stress and therefore survive. However, if through chronic physical or mental stress this mechanism s habitually engaged, the result is a depression of the IMMUNE response and weakening of the entire system. But whether the source of stress is internal, external, psychological, physical or some combination of these factors it is clear that the link between conscious mind and unconscious body responses work in both directions.”
IN A NUTSHELL: You guys what this means is that where brain activity can trigger emotional response and emotions effect a physical change, changes in our physical selves can trigger emotional responses that influence our thoughts. Poses and conscious breathing can heal us of stress.