Archive for March, 2010

I consider myself to be really lucky because most days the biggest decision I choose to make is usually whether I’ll go for a jog today or do some yoga. If I’m really blessed I get to do all of the above!

Jogging for most of us, consists of doning some form of comfortable kit and trainers and going outside (usually but not always) to move, for a slightly pro-longed amount of time, at a quicker than walking pace. This quicker than walking pace usually results in the body getting warmer and perhaps sweaty, the heart and lungs working a little harder so we get a bit puffed and endorphins being released so that we feel great whilst we’re doing it.

Yoga, however, means doning some form of comfortable clothing but not trainers. Remaining inside (usually but not always) to move in ways that we typically do not move in on a daily basis. This a-typical moving usually results in the body getting warmer, the heart and lungs working a bit harder and endorphins being released so that we feel great while we’re doing it.

These two accounts are a little simplistic, I admit and for most people going for a jog and going to a yoga class appear to be at opposite ends of the spectrum in the fitness game. But I have discovered that they are not such a world apart and, when they are combined, these two disciplines provide a powerful tool to support us in the understanding of our inner world in relation to our outer world, journey. The practise of yoga involves bringing full awareness to the moment. “Full attention without tension” as my yoga teacher would say. So in keeping with this philosophy I introduce you to “J-oga”. Sounds like yoga but with a “j” and is jogging with awareness. Awareness means noticing and being present to what is happening in this moment. So jogging with awareness means noticing what is going on whilst you are jogging and it  does require some regular practise.

How does my body feel? What do I see? What can I hear? How is my breathing? 

How am I choosing to feel? How do I perceive what I am seeing? Can I fine tune my ear to hear? Where is my breath?

“J-oga” will ask you to notice all of this whilst jogging but without judging. No,no no. No judging whilst jogging, thankyou. Just “be”ing, through moving, and that moving is jogging. Then and only then, can you move out from all those unhelpful things that that voice in your head keeps telling you, like “oh my legs ache!” or “oh I can’t get my breath!” and ultimately you allow, which prevents you from fully experiencing the moment as it really is.  You move out from focusing on your inner, not so great, experiences and you start to notice what is around you. Then you actually begin to connect with what it is you are jogging through. At this point I would strongly suggest you choose to jog through nature. When you move through nature there is an opportunity that a miracle can happen.When you start to notice the beauty that surrounds you, something very innate in you is activated and you start to fill up. You actually can’t help it it’s so instinctive. You start to breathe more deeply and as you fill up with oxygen you start to relax and enjoy the scenery. You no longer notice your aching legs because it is your heart that is aching more than anything  from witnessing the bounty of the beauty that surrounds you. You become inspired by what surrounds you, the leaf that has drifted down in front of you, the canopy of the trees that shelter you, the breeze that awakens your face and the oxygen that floods in to your lungs and just fills you up with that vital breath of life. You don’t even hear that complaining voice anymore because all you can hear is birdsong.

So if jogging aint your thang but yoga is or yoga aint your thang but jogging is, why not try a spot of ”J-oga” and experience a miracle?

By the way, another gem my yoga teacher used to say is this ”Yoga doesn’t end when you leave the mat” and neither does “J-oga” when you stop jogging.

xx

Huh? What are they? Parabens are a class of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Where will I find them? In cosmetics, toothpaste, moisturisers, facecreams etc

What’s your point? Parabens could be a contributory factor in breast cancer.

The lead researcher of the UK study, molecular biologist Philippa Darbre, reported that the ester-bearing form of the parabens found in the tumors indicate that they came from something applied to the skin, such as an underarm deodorant, cream or body spray, and stated that the results helped to explain why up to 60% of all breast tumors are found in just one-fifth of the breast - the upper-outer quadrant, nearest the underarm.(Wikepedia)

How do I find out more? Google it.

Anything else? Check out SLS, Sodium Laurel Sulphate another chemical used as a foaming agent in toothpaste and soap. It’s another one where more research is needed.

Explore and consider using products now being produced without any of these “uncertain” chemicals. For example www.calendula-organics.co.uk and www.pitrock.co.uk

Pitrok supply crystals that you wet a little and rub under the arm as you would a deoderant. The way it works is that you may still sweat but the bacteria that makes the sweat smell is nuetralised.

Temple Initiation

Maiden Castle, Dorset

“Opening a portal into the angelic &

elemental realms.”

Sun 28th March, Maiden Castle, Dorchester, Dorset, 1pm-4pm, cost: £15

For further information and bookings please call Julie or David on 01202 429300

e-mail david@mysticklight.com

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BARN DANCE in aid of Julia’s House

Saturday 17th April 2010

7pm- 10.30pm

at Twynhams school, Sopers lane, Christchurch

Tickets £8.00 in advance £10 on the night

from Julia’s House Charity Shops in Bransgore & Christchurch or from the fundraising office on (01202)607400