Best Love Story Ever

The stories that we tell ourselves about love and the narratives that we create around our loves are so important to our understanding of love within the context of our own history and life story.  There is the story of our first love, loves gone wrong, loves that were unexpected and those that grew over time.  There is the love of pets and the love of our apartment or house and the love of our car.  These loves have stories too.  Our love is the story of love.

But, what does this do for us in this moment.  What is love in this breath?  And how do some of our stories prevent us from experiencing love deeply or even at all?  What about love that gets interrupted by illness, by geographic distance or circumstances beyond our control?  These types of stories are either bitter all together or bitter sweet and this is a judgement that causes us great suffering.  They are based on expectations and not real, in this moment, experiences that are truly available to us.

A mindful approach to love can bring a sense of comfort and open awareness to the people and living beings we care about.  Even a momentary release of the story of love might inspire unexpected passion and permission to evolve in a unique and completely different way.  In the movie Up, which is, perhaps, one of the greatest love stories–EVER, we watch as a young couple has their hopes for having a baby dashed and so they start to save for a big adventure.  Along the way, as they save and dream, the jar gets filled, but then life happens—-they need a new tire, they have medical emergencies and a tree falls on their  house.  They never get to go on the journey together—or do they?  For the meaning of the movie is that, actually, the love doesn’t die when Ellie (the wife) dies.  The love and the story continue and the husband is able to take it and carry it with him on a different kind of adventure.

This week, I’d like you to explore your own love story and all the narratives of love (including love lost) that you embody—through heartache, through longing, and through your efforts all through the day to maintain your loves (the dogs you walked, the meals you prepared, the doctor’s appointments you made, the travel plans you created, the bookbag you packed for a child or maybe the sticker or small note you put in a wee ones lunchbox,etc.)—-not only are these narratives in your mind, they are also very much in your body.

MEDITATION on a LOVE STORY

When you have five minutes to sit or even to lie down, I invite you to take five deep breaths in through your nose and slowly release the breaths through your mouth.  Feel your mouth, jaw and throat relax a little more with each exhale.

Take a moment to remember a first love.  Whatever comes to mind first is what you should use.  Don’t try to control it.  You’ve likely had lots of first loves (first ice cream, first trip to the beach, first pet, first kiss, first crush, first bathing suit you felt you looked great in……..), so whatever comes to mind first, use that.  If you are finding it hard not to control your choice, go back to taking a few breaths and allow your mind to return and rest on whatever comes to you first.

Now, bring that love story to mind and let the whole narrative play out in your heart-mind—really allow the story to be told and to unfold in its entirety.  At the end of the story, or wherever your narrative of that love ends, bring your awareness to your body.  Notice how that narrative made you feel in your body.  Does any part of your body feel pleasure with the narrative?  Are you stressed or tense anywhere in your body?  Are you generally relaxed or agitated or sleepy or happy or frustrated?  What is the feeling-place of your love story narrative?

Starting with your toes and working your way up the body, completely relax (feet, legs, hips, belly, back, heart, arms, hands, shoulders, throat, neck, jaw, head, whole body).  As you release tension in the body, visualize the love, without the narrative, fill all the open spaces so that you are vibrating in the glow of the affection itself.  The love is with you.  It  IS you.  Relax your whole body into this narrative free love festival.  See yourself as love.  Be aware of what it feels like to be love without boundaries.  Without the story.  Simply, delicious and infinite love.

Finally, open your eyes and move through the rest of your day or evening or night from this place of infinite love.  Enjoy!

I hope that you enjoyed this little meditation on love and the stories about love that you tell yourself and others.  Please forward on this message and share with anyone and everyone you know who could benefit from a little love meditation today.  I send out a love letter to everyone on my e-mail newsletter list each and every Thursday.  If you like this little love note, please join my community and you too can receive a little note of affection (a poem, a video, a meditation, a yoga practice a virtual kiss, etc.) in your inbox every week too.

Posted by Sharon Fennimore Rudyk, MA, E-RYT a Pittsburgh-based yoga instructor and mind body therapist.  If you are interested in liberation in this lifetime or working with me to free yourself from chronic pain, sickening stress levels and all stress-related illness and disease, please give me a call for your FREE phone consultation: 412-855-5692.   Thanks to the power of the internet, I can serve clients all across the globe!

Isn’t that a cult?

Is there a small part of you, perhaps a nagging little voice that discourages you from starting a yoga practice?  Does that voice come from a place of fear about what other people might think if they saw you with your yoga mat?  Did you finally come out of the yoga closet at work only to have that weird guy from the third floor who definitely lives at home with his mom and still sleeps in a bunk bed ask you if yoga was a cult?

Well, I’ve found something more intriguing than yoga and would like to suggest some potential come-backs:

1. Oh, you thought this was a YOGA mat?  No way!  I just bring this so I can Prancercise in place.

2. Seriously?  Yoga?  You thought I did yoga?  I’m going to Prancercise my way to Hollywood!

3. Yoga is for hippies.  I’m all about Prancercise!

Since it is unlikely that Prancercise, although it is a real exercise system, is going to sweep the nation anytime soon, you will render your friends, co-workers and neighbors stunned.  Almost no one wants to admit that they are out of the loop, and, if they do ask you what Prancercise is just look them in the eye, let your mouth drop open and then whisper, “SERIOUSLY” while using your thumb and index finger on your forehead to make the L for LOSER sign and walk away.  Hey, why not PRANCE away?  Keep em’ guessing and then get back to your yoga practice in peace.

Namaste.

The NIH (National Institute of Health) suggests that doing yoga for 12-weeks has a statistically significant benefit for adults with chronic back pain: 

What the Science Says About Yoga and Back Pain

Current research suggests that a carefully adapted set of yoga poses may reduce low-back pain and improve function. Other studies also suggest that practicing yoga (as well as other forms of regular exercise) might improve quality of life; reduce stress; lower heart rate and blood pressure; help relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia; and improve overall physical fitness, strength, and flexibility. But some research suggests yoga may not improve asthma, and studies looking at yoga and arthritis have had mixed results.

• One NCCAM-funded study of 90 people with chronic low-back pain found that participants who practiced Iyengar yoga had significantly less disability, pain, and depression after 6 months.
• In a 2011 study, also funded by NCCAM, researchers compared yoga with conventional stretching exercises or a self-care book in 228 adults with chronic low-back pain. The results showed that both yoga and stretching were more effective than a self-care book for improving function and reducing symptoms due to chronic low-back pain.
• Conclusions from another 2011 study of 313 adults with chronic or recurring low-back pain suggested that practicing yoga for 12 weeks resulted in better function than usual medical care.

Mind Body Therapy is Ideal When:

Crisis of Change
When all the signs point to a need for change—in relationship, in career, in lifestyle, in diet, in habit—any change, then turn to mind body sessions with Sharon. Change, even changes that are positive and that we know will create beauty and joy in our lives, creates stress. We find ourselves indecisive, procrastinating, hiding, unhappy and terribly afraid. We may be angry. Anger is especially prevalent when circumstances are requiring change that were not predicted or undesirable. Yoga provides calm in the storm and it is from this place of centered peace that we can make decisions, create a plan of action and allow a complex response that doesn’t feel scary or overwhelming.

Women’s Health, Fertility, Pregnancy and Beyond
Sharon uses the tools of yoga to help women learn about the unique powers of both predictable and unpredictable powers that they alone hold. She provides holistic guidance on physical practices, lifestyle, nutrition, visualization, breathing and meditation techniques that can help: support a healthy endocrine and hormone balance, regulate menstrual cycles, ease symptoms of PMS and menopause, optimize fertility, prepare for childbirth, heal from birth, strengthen bone, tone the body and explore the energetic patterns that support great health.

Living Outside the Body
Does your body betray you? Do you feel uncomfortable in your body? If you dislike your body, don’t understand your body, ignore your body or suffer in your body (pain, headaches, shoulder pain, back problems, weakness, generally feeling tight or inflexible…..), then yoga is a perfect way to start to connect who you are with the body that you have. Our culture asks us to ignore the pain or suggests that we dull the pain with medication and there are companies that will try to sell you special products (mattresses, chairs, shoes, heating pads, magic ointments and more!) that will bring you some kind of relief. The wonderful thing about yoga is that it teaches us that we already have the best tool we are ever going to have for our relief—-the body! Yes, the very same body that we think is the problem is also the solution!

Cancer and Other Life Changing Diagnosis
While my wish for you is that you never receive a diagnosis of cancer or another life changing diagnosis, I find that yoga supports healing in two different ways. First, yoga provides us with stress relief and helps us manage fears, anxiety and pain. There are specific exercises that can be done that have immediate benefits in these areas. Second, yoga works on an energetic and cellular level to support healing. This yoga involves work with relaxation, visualization, breathing and, as appropriate, gentle movements. Sessions can be conducted in your hospital room, at the studio or through SKYPE. If you need a recorded session that you can play at any time when you need it, Sharon is happy to prepare an MP3 recording of an individual session that is created uniquely for you.

Click on this picture to find out why this mountain range is so meaningful to Sharon.

Physical Benefits

Poorly managed stress finds a way of calling attention to itself in the body through chronic pain, problems sleeping, digestive issues, headaches, back pain, weakness and a tight feeling across the body.  Working with Sharon is a wonderful way to find open spaces, relieve these chronic physical complaints and strengthen and tone the body.  Breathing practices both enhance nervous system processes and help with asthma, panic and anxiety.  Stress has been implicated in infertility, cardiovascular disease (the no.1 killer of women in America) including diabetes, asthma and breathing problems, endocrine disorders, PMS, migraine, digestive problems such as IBS and more.  Yoga and meditation help us to approach the body on an energetic level in order to receive incredible health benefits and relief from chronic health problems.

Mental Health

Yoga and meditation are sciences that provide us with specific tools for mental health and well-being.  We know that brushing our teeth twice a day is important for oral health, but we tend to ignore mental hygiene.  The science and medicine of yoga and meditation have been proven, for thousands of years, to provide evidence-based changes in the brain, endocrine and circulatory systems.  While working with Sharon, you will learn techniques that you can use at any time and in any place to support mental and emotional health and well-being.  Yoga philosophy teaches us the incredible benefits of compassion, awareness and approaching problems with equanimity.  These are learned skills—the very skills you will learn while working with Sharon.

Community

Yoga and meditation draw upon philosophical and spiritual systems and cosmologies that suggest we are all connected.  This sense of connection provides relief and promotes well-being.  You are not alone.  If you are suffering, you are not the only one suffering this way.  If you are in a state of bliss, you are connected to all living beings enjoying happiness at this very moment.  Our American culture teaches us that we should be independent and self-reliant.  Yoga and meditation help relieve us of the pressure of being alone in the world and we not only find a very real community of people to support us on our adventure, but we start to feel connected the the earth, our environment, to the movement of time and all living beings in a deep and meaningful way.  Some might say that this adds a spiritual component to their practice, but what you call this sense of connection isn’t as important as how wonderful it makes you feel!

Sharon designs unique individual and group mind body therapy sessions that are specifically designed to address a wide spectrum of lifestyle and wellness concerns unique to women, couples and families.  Please call for your free phone consultation (412) 855-5692.

Women’s Health

• optimum fertility
• assisted reproductive technology procedure support (IVF support)
• bone health
• pain management (arthritis, shoulder pain, chronic pain, painful periods)
• cesarean and surgical birth recovery
• pregnancy
• depression, anxiety, fear
• menstrual education
• postpartum issues
• hormone balance, metabolism, weight management

Cancer Support

• phone or in-person deep relaxation sessions
• visualization
• meditation
• gentle yoga
• anxiety, fear and mood
• pain management
• surgical recovery: rejuvenation, strengthening, flexibility, balance
• living with cancer

Senior Health

• older adults with arthritis
• chair yoga
• heart and circulation issues
• breathing problems
• strength
• fall prevention/balance
• injury prevention

Teens and Adults

• chronic headaches
• back and neck pain
• insomnia
• mood
• circulation
• metabolism and weight
• painful periods
• menopause support
• injury recovery
• injury prevention for athletes
• depression and anxiety
• stress management

Family

• family yoga sessions
• couple sessions
• birth preparation for couples
• parenting planning for couples
• postnatal family sessions
• mother/daughter sessions
• birthday parties, celebrations, remembering
• ritual

The NIH (National Institute of Health) suggests that doing yoga for 12-weeks has a statistically significant benefit for adults with chronic back pain: 

What the Science Says About Yoga

Current research suggests that a carefully adapted set of yoga poses may reduce low-back pain and improve function. Other studies also suggest that practicing yoga (as well as other forms of regular exercise) might improve quality of life; reduce stress; lower heart rate and blood pressure; help relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia; and improve overall physical fitness, strength, and flexibility. But some research suggests yoga may not improve asthma, and studies looking at yoga and arthritis have had mixed results.

• One NCCAM-funded study of 90 people with chronic low-back pain found that participants who practiced Iyengar yoga had significantly less disability, pain, and depression after 6 months.
• In a 2011 study, also funded by NCCAM, researchers compared yoga with conventional stretching exercises or a self-care book in 228 adults with chronic low-back pain. The results showed that both yoga and stretching were more effective than a self-care book for improving function and reducing symptoms due to chronic low-back pain.
• Conclusions from another 2011 study of 313 adults with chronic or recurring low-back pain suggested that practicing yoga for 12 weeks resulted in better function than usual medical care.

Call Sharon for your FREE consultation or
to schedule your first session today!
412.855.5692

Tuesday 4:30 pm GROUP: Tonglen Meditation in Motion 

Call Sharon to reserve space by Sunday (412) 855-5692.  Space is limited.  You will only receive a return call if there is a problem with your reservation or class is cancelled.  Otherwise, you should assume there is a space being held for you.  All sessions held at Mookshi Wellness Center at 401 Biddle Avenue in Regent Square (just 4-blocks from the clay tennis courts at Frick Park).

A beautiful practice for intermediate to advanced yoga students, “tonglen” means give and take.  First, we get in touch with the power and fragrance of our lotus hearts and with this strength we breathe in the needs of global humanity and we exhale healing.  This practice includes sun salutations in the spirit of tonglen and a holistic sequence of poses designed to strengthen and align heart, mind and body.  An active physical yoga practice that incorporates a specific meditation and visualization practice that brings profound peace and balance to the spirit.  Although this practice is for everyone regardless of physical ability or flexibility, the theoretical concept behind the practice is nuanced and advanced—-best for students who have at least one year of regular asana practice.  If you aren’t sure whether or not you are ready for this practice, please call before registering for the series (412) 855-5692.

Tuesdays, 4:30-5:45 pm held at Mookshi Wellness Center (401 Biddle Avenue, Regent Square)
$25 per session (pay with check made out to YOGA MATRIKA or with a credit/debit card)

Private Small Group Classes

Deepen your practice of yoga through the practice and study of traditional yoga techniques from India, China and Tibet.  No experience required and all practices can be modified to meet your level, interests and goals.  This is a small group limited to six students or less.

Monday 10:00 am Group: Sivananda Yoga, Meditation and Relaxation

Activate the parasympathetic nervous system and release deeply held tension and stress in the body through this unique Hatha yoga practice that incorporates active poses and relaxation in a beautifully coordinated holistic practice.  Therapeutic and strengthening at the same time, Sivananda yoga practices bring body, mind and spirit into balance.  Come and practice and stay for an additional half-hour if you wish for a meditation practice and discussion of the philosophy and science of Sivananda Yoga.  All classes are held at the fabulous Mookshi Wellness Center in Regent Square (401 Biddle Avenue, 2nd Floor, above Biddle’s Escape Cafe).  

MONDAYS by appointment.  Please call by Saturday evening to reserve: 412-855-5692.  You will only receive a return call if there is a problem with your reservation.  No news is good news.
Practice: 10:00 to 11:00 am
Optional Meditation and Discussion: 11:05-11:30
single session tuition: $25
Pay with check made out to YOGA MATRIKA or use a debit/credit card.

Love Letter Thursday
5.22.13
Pittsburgh, PA

Sometimes it is best to let someone else do the talking.  This week, I offer you these beautiful song lyrics:

PERHAPS LOVE (John Denver)

Perhaps love is like a resting place, a shelter from the storm
It exists to give you comfort, it is there to keep you warm
And in those times of trouble when you are most alone
The memory of love will bring you home

Perhaps love is like a window, perhaps an open door
It invites you to come closer, it wants to show you more
And even if you lose yourself and don’t know what to do
The memory of love will see you through

Love to some is like a cloud, to some as strong as steel
For some a way of living, for some a way to feel
And some say love is holding on and some say letting go
And some say love is everything, and some say they don’t know

Perhaps love is like the ocean, full of conflict, full of pain
Like a fire when it’s cold outside, thunder when it rains
If I should live forever, and all my dreams come true
My memories of love will be of you

Some say love is holding on and some say letting go
Some say love is everything and some say they don’t know

Perhaps love is like the mountains, full og conflict, full of change
Like a fire when it’s cold outside, thunder when it rains
If I should live forever, and all my dreams come true
My memories of love will be of you

Take Action

“Perhaps love is like a window, perhaps an open door 
It invites you to come closer, it wants to show you more…”

I suggest that you sit quietly and read this poem to yourself.  Afterwards, notice the quality of your breathing.  Notice how you are holding your body.  Be aware of very subtle shifts, thoughts, sensations that you may be experiencing in your body, mind and energy as you connect with the meaning behind the words of this poem through the action of reading.  Then, read these instructions and take five minutes with your eyes closed to enjoy the visualization.  Set a timer so you can really relax.  Enjoy!

Visualization Instructions

After reading the poem and observing how you feel, very gently close your eyes.  Imagine yourself in an open room.  You feel safe and confident.  Notice that there is an open window and walk to the window so you can get a better look outside.  When you look outside, visualize the most beautiful natural scene imaginable.  If you love the ocean, include the ocean in your scene.  If you love mountains, put some mountains outside your window.  Relax into this beautiful scene as you realize that the window is at the ground level and it is possible for you to simply hop through and physically explore your scene.  Explore without the boundaries of human experience—see into the core of your mountain or feel each grain of sand of your desert or notice that you can see to the floor of the ocean.  With each touch, smell, emotion, sight and texture you are able to dive deeper and deeper into your scene.  When you are done, you find that you automatically know the way back to your open room.  When your five minute timer has sounded, open your eyes and come back into your space knowing that this beautiful world is always in your heart ready to be explored.  You are there right now. Be. Be Happy. Be.

I’d love to know about what you choose to see outside your window and how you experience this visualization.  Or, perhaps this poem spoke to you in a special way that you’d like to share?  Please share your experience in the comments section below.

Posted by Sharon Rudyk, a yoga instructor and doula based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Find out more about Sharon here.