All posts tagged: sharon rudyk yoga

Keeping Cool with Yoga

Published by Sharon

Top Three Ways to Cool Down with Yoga and Meditation You might not think of yoga when you consider ways to cool down.  As a matter of fact, with the proliferation of hot yoga, you may only think of yoga as an activity that is meant to generate heat.  But, yoga and meditation offer a variety of ways to help balance your experience of heat. First, we should explore the concept of “heat” in the context of yoga.  There are many different ways to look at heat and fire in energetic principles, asana/movement, and pranayama/breath.  One approach to heat is to examine the “agni” or digestive fires located in the navel center.  The heat produced during the effort of practicing yoga poses (asana) is designed to clear “energetic” impurities.  An example of an “energetic” impurity might be an emotional block or a mental pattern that is no longer helpful.  This allows energy to move more freely through the subtle body and creates potential where there may have not been any before the block was removed. …

Tension Relief for Pregnancy

Published by Sharon

Tension Relief for Pregnancy Tele-Workshop and Recording Tuition: $15 (Includes  MP3 download so you can enjoy the relaxation as many times and as often as you like!) Thursday, August 1, 2013 10:30 to 11:30 am (USA, Eastern) Recording available a few hours after the event through August 7, 2013.   Relieve tension in head, neck and shoulders Release water retention and discomfort in hands and wrists Learn a simple breathing exercise to help you relax at any time Experience a deep relaxation and yogic sleep that will refresh your body, mind and spirit even more than a nap (yes, really!)   Traditional pregnancy yoga and meditation classes and workshops require you to set aside time to attend that single event. Unfortunately, this means that you only have one chance to attend and perhaps you are exhausted that day or childcare for your toddler or older children falls through.  Matrika Tele-Workshops are simply fabulous because you can enjoy the workshop when it is most convenient for YOU and practice relaxation techniques with the guided recording as …

Health Benefits of Yoga

Published by Sharon

I’m really impressed with Tova Payne’s message and work.  If you sign up for her newsletter she sends out a FREE three-day program that is really intelligent and transformative.  It’s also do-able.  Because, let’s be honest, a lot of the “advice” out there is nearly impossible to follow.  Here is an interview that she did where she talks about the health benefits of yoga.

FREE Guided Meditation Webcast

Published by Sharon

Guided Meditation Recording Oh no!  Did you miss the live webcast? Download the MP3 and listen at your convenience and practice as often as you like (but not while driving–PLEASE)!  The recorded meditation will be available within an hour of the end of the live webcast. Online Book Club Courses I offer an online book club that features my favorite books on Buddhism, meditation, yoga, philosophy, anthropology, science, the body, anatomy, energy and more.  You can enroll anytime in my book club style course on the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths.  The cost is $25 and we spend five-weeks on this book: Dancing with Life by Phillip Moffitt.  The cost of the book is not included in the participation fees.  Start anytime and read and watch the videos and complete the worksheets all at your own pace and convenience. Newsletter Subscribe to Sharon’s Newsletter My newsletter members get exclusive access to additional FREE guided meditations, webcast seminars and yoga trainings.  If you aren’t already getting my newsletter, please sign-up today.  Upon registration you will immediately receive …

Add More Joy

Published by Sharon

You deserve the full benefits of meditation.  You work so hard and your days are so full—full of work, of creativity, of passion, of relationships and maybe even full of changing diapers and wiping little faces.   By the end of the day you are exhausted and depleted.  Your stress level is too high and you feel overwhelmed.  You’d like to take a yoga class or learn how to meditate, but you aren’t sure you can add even one more thing to your schedule. For you, I offer private meditation sessions in my unique and flexible three-month program.   I only accept a small number of students at any given time so I can focus on YOU.  You are special to me and I am honored to be your guide on this path to greater joy and liberation from stress, anxiety, worry and guilt.  It’s worth the wait.  Put your name on the waiting list today and you will be one delicious step closer to a better life.  

Interdependence Meditation

Published by Sharon

Guided Meditation on Interdependence   In honor of Independence Day, I have decided to host a guided meditation on interdependence that you can experience from anywhere by calling-in on your phone.  This will be a live guided meditation experience.  All you need to do is dial-in to the conference call and then put your phone on speaker, get comfortable and enjoy the meditation session.  It doesn’t matter if you fall asleep and start snoring because the callers are muted.  You can even listen as you wash dishes or take a bath.  I am requesting a $10 karmic offering for the meditation, but payment is not required. There is a payment button below the sign-up if you do wish to make an offering for the meditation. Date: Monday, July 1, 2013 Time: 8:30 pm Introduction and basic meditation instructions for beginners 8:45-9:15 pm Guided Meditation 9:15-9:25 pm Closing (all times are Eastern USA) Access Code: Sign-up below and you will receive an e-mail with the dial-in number and access code on Friday, June 28th Subscribe to …

NEW Online Meditation Course

Published by Sharon

Four Noble Truths: Insights and Meditations In this five-week online course, we will explore the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism through Phillip Moffitt’s book, “Dancing with Life: Buddhist Insights for Finding Meaning and Joy in the Face of Suffering.”  The course includes guided required reading of this text and instruction in a variety of mindful meditations that help build compassion and insight.  Introductory tuition $25. You can start the course at ANY time and have immediate access to the first unit upon enrollment.  You have five weeks to take the course from the date you start.  There is no schedule to keep to or required group activities.  Read at your own pace and engage with the videos, worksheets and guided meditations in whatever way is most helpful for you.  No grades.  No pressure.  No requirements. This course is for you if: You want to feel less anxiety, stress and depression You want to learn more about fundamental concepts in Buddhism You need a flexible program that allows you to work at your convenience You wish …

Benefits of Yoga and Meditation

Published by Sharon

Benefits of Matrika Yoga and Meditation What if I told you that just sitting and breathing and moving in gentle and mindful ways could improve the quality of your life and improve your health on every level in just five minutes a day? What if I told you that for less than $2 per day, you could reduce your stress, back pain, increase flexibility and strength and have optimum mental health?  Well, all of this is true!  You can improve your health and well-being this year with reasonable investment of money and time.   The benefits last forever. Start with A Mindful Month: Program Begins November 1st I offer private sessions, small group instruction, and advanced yoga studies with or without teacher certification.  Many of my programs for women’s health, stress management and wellness can be accessed from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.  For my students based in Pittsburgh, I am delighted to offer private and small group sessions at the beautiful Mookshi Wellness Center near Frick Park/Regent Square. Benefits of Yoga …

A Pep Talk for You!

Published by Sharon

A Little Pep Talk Just for YOU How many flexible people do you know?  Let’s be honest here—you don’t actually KNOW anyone who is flexible.  If yoga required flexibility, then 15 million people in America wouldn’t have been practicing last year.  But, they did. How many thin people do you know?  If yoga required you to look fabulous in stretch pants, then 15 million people in America wouldn’t have been practicing last year.  But, despite the fact that two-thirds of Americans are overweight, they did. And, by the way, I bet you look awesome just as you are. Don’t think you have enough money for yoga?  Yes, studying yoga and meditation is an investment.  But, in 2010 the cost of heart disease in the United States was $444 BILLION DOLLARS (source).  This is a no brainer.  Invest now in practices that immediately improve the quality of your life at a fraction of the cost that chronic illness and disease imposes on your life later. Stop making excuses.  Making an investment in yoga and meditation will …

Seven Stress Related Health Problems

Published by Sharon

Here are seven stress-related health problems you can do something about with gentle yoga and meditation.  Remember, stress isn’t a “feeling”–it is a physiologic response to perceived (or real) danger.  It isn’t in “your head” and yoga and meditation provide release of deeply held tensions, fears and anxieties through physical, mental and spiritual exercises. Heart Disease and Diabetes Stress raises your glucose levels making it harder to manage Type 2 diabetes.  Mindfulness-based meditation programs have been proven to reverse heart disease. Asthma Chronic stress makes asthma worse and children with stressed-out parents are more likely to have asthma. Obesity Stress causes higher levels of the hormone cortisol which makes you collect fat around your middle. Headaches Migraines and tension headaches.  Enough said. Depression and Anxiety Adults who report having stressful jobs (like having a lot of work and very few rewards) have an 80% higher chance of developing depression than adults who do not report a stressful work environment.  It’s unlikely that you can change your work situation overnight, but you can change your response …

Yoga and Meditation Classes with Sharon Rudyk

Published by Sharon

This Week: Starting Monday, April 29, 2013 GROUP CLASSES: This MONDAY I am teaching an all levels (and when I say “all levels” I truly mean that everyone from absolute beginners to advanced students will all feel comfortable and get a great practice) yoga class at Mookshi Wellness Center.  Class is from 10:00-11:00 am.  Just $5 for your first class at Mookshi!  (LOCATION: 401 Biddle Avenue, 2nd Floor above Biddle’s Escape Cafe, Regent Square, Pittsburgh) I have availability for private sessions or yoga spa treatments this TUESDAY afternoon and evening as well as THURSDAY in the morning, afternoon and evening.  Please call me to schedule (412) 855-5692. Women of all ages with irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS, PMS, infertility, painful periods or other pelvic pain should check out my personalized womens’ holistic health and lifestyle counseling sessions.  Most women find some (if not a great deal) relief within six-sessions. I have some private childbirth education and birth doula availability in June and July.  I will not be accepting births for August or the beginning of September.  Please …

Top Three Mother’s Day Secrets

Published by Sharon

With Mother’s Day fast approaching (May 12, 2013), you may find yourself with the challenging task of figuring out what to get your mother this year.  You’ve smeared mushed food on her clothes, shared bodily fluids, kept her up all night and out all day and basically accepted the sacrifice of this woman’s independence since the moment of your conception as if it was a given.  And, really, now you have to figure out what to buy her that is at all meaningful in the face of this sacrifice?  Talk about pressure!  Well, in this short little blog, I will share five Mother’s Day secrets that are going to relieve the pressure and give you some fabulous ideas for how to really honor your mother. Mother’s Day Secret Number One: Your mother doesn’t need another______________________________ (fill in the blank with any store bought object). Seriously, no more mugs, lipsticks, t-shirts, necklaces, movie tickets, bracelets, t-shirts, stamps, kitchen supplies, notebooks, shoelaces, soaps, lotions or perfumes.  Just stop it with the “stuff” already!  Unless you are under …

Closing Yoga Matrika

Published by Sharon

I will be teaching two more classes at 1406 S. Negley Avenue: Final Classes Tuesday, April 23, 2013 4:30pm Matrika Flow Saturday, April 27, 2013 9:45 am Matrika Prenatal Yoga & Exercise Please come and practice with me this summer!  I miss you already and look forward to seeing you soon and often: MAY SCHEDULE Weekly class schedule,descriptions, details and location information/directions. Mondays 10:00 am Matrika Flow at mookshi 11:15 am Matrika Baby and Mom Yoga at mookshi Tuesdays 6:00 pm Gentle Yoga & Walking Meditation in Frick Park Sundays 11:00 am Meditation in Motion at mookshi 12:15 pm Matrika Prenatal Yoga and Exercise at mookshi Do you have personal belongings at the studio (props,equipment,your mat)? Please come in the 30-minutes before or after either of these final classes to collect your belongings (or, even better, come enjoy class!).  I will take anything that is left to my home and you can call me at your convenience to arrange pick-up (412) 855-5692.

Love Letter Thursday 2.28.13

Published by Sharon

28.2.13 Pittsburgh, PA I want to live in a world where everyone believes that each new day represents a completely new opportunity.  It really breaks my heart when I talk with my friends, family or students and they feel as though their future has been determined by the mistakes, adversity or experiences of their past.  I see so many of us feeling stuck and in the feeling place of lacking the velocity to bring ourselves out of a trajectory that has us on the wrong track, but we feel like we just aren’t the “type of person” that makes changes “like that” or perhaps we feel doomed to be just like ______________(fill in the blank with the name of some relative).  Sometimes, it is just so hard to see around the obstacles and challenges in our life. I want you to feel powerful in the face of change and adversity.   So, I’ve created, just for you, a sweet meditation practice where you take a little bit of time (an hour and fifteen minutes to …

Mindful Flow at mookshi wellness center

Published by Sharon

I am tickled, delighted and honored to be teaching at mookshi wellness center.  Please join me in this beautiful space dedicated to healing arts.  I am offering two series of Mindful Flow classes this spring.  Due to our desire to maintain the intimate nature of this series, we request that you pre-register.  Students will be warmly welcomed to drop-in to single classes as space permits. Please send Sharon an e-mail to register (sharon@yogamatrika.com) or call (412) 855-5692. Mindful Flow Join me for this esoteric bliss mission!  In this yoga series open to all levels, we move with the breath creating joy in open awareness.  As our practice is a moving meditation, we use a variety of poses, breathing exercises and visualization techniques from Chinese, Tibetan and Indian yoga traditions to create flexibility and strength in body, mind and spirit.  This healing practice will help you feel centered, relaxed and inspired.  Enjoy a stronger and more flexible body as you build a foundation for profound happiness and tranquility. SERIES I: Mondays, March 4, 11, 18 and …

Prenatal Yoga Classes in Pittsburgh

Published by Sharon

Matrika Prenatal Yoga and Exercise Follow this link to Sharon’s awesome Pittsburgh Yoga Doula website for all things delicious, expectant and new!   Group Class Schedule Wednesday at matrika (1406 S. Negley Avenue, Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh 15217) 6:00-7:15 pm Saturday at matrika (1406 S. Negley Avenue, Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh 15217) 9:45-11:00 am Tuition $18 for single drop-in class* $90 for 6-class package *First class is FREE when you buy a package the same day that you take your first class Payment Options Bring a personal check made out to SHARON RUDYK Use a Visa, Mastercard, Discover or any debit card Exact cash (no change is available) Matrika Prenatal Yoga and Exercise classes aren’t just regular classes modified for pregnancy!  Sharon has developed a unique system that prepares mothers in mind, body and spirit with the strength, courage and endurance necessary to enjoy a beautiful pregnancy, powerful labor and birth and mothering a newborn.  No experience with yoga or meditation is required, but Sharon suggests that you discuss with your  care provider and get their support …

What You Don’t Know About Your Period is A LOT!

Published by Sharon

PERIOD. A workshop for women facilitated by Sharon F. Rudyk SUNDAY, April 14, 2013 from 1:00 to 3:30 pm $35 (tuition includes a cycle tracker kit and all handouts) Register by calling Sharon (412) 855-5692 or by sending an e-mail to: sharon@yogamatrika.com In this workshop, you will be re-introduced to your amazing menstrual cycle on physical, spiritual and energetic levels.  The cost of the workshop includes a kit with everything you need to learn about fertility signs and tracking the length and phases of your own unique cycle.  Never be surprised by your period again!  You will learn a unique yoga-based meditation to tune into the energy your moon cycle to help you time creative projects, big decisions and times for rest and rejuvenation.  Respect your natural energetic rhythms and learn self-care techniques for PMS, painful periods and pelvic pain from the seemingly mysterious to ovarian cysts and other challenges to fertility and reproductive health for women.  This workshop is for women of all ages and in all phases of cycling.  Young women under the …

I’ve Got Soba. Yes I Do!

Published by Sharon

This post answers the call that regularly haunts yoginis all over the world: I’ve got Soba.  Yes I do! I’ve got Soba. How about you? And, lest we get stuck in some circular nutrition chant that leaves us all hungry and with an increasingly dusty box of soba noodles in our pantries, I’m going to cook my soba noodles tonight.  Yes, I am. I’ve got a box of Soba Pasta that has been giving me the evil eye on my pantry shelf for a more than a few weeks now.  I love soba noodles and I”m pretty sure that at least one of my children will gobble them right up…….but I just haven’t been sure how to make them.  As I have a winter farm share, I’m also trying to take advantage of the local veggies that I have in my fridge that will go bad soon unless I figure out what to do with them—-and SOON! So, tonight, I think I am making this recipe from the Eden Foods website.  I’ll let you know …

For the Love of Lavender

Published by Sharon

  Since I feel particularly calmed and grounded by the scent of lavender, I thought I would re-post this informative article written by David Crow on how lavender can be used to promote health and well-being for everyone in your household.  As we approach Valentine’s Day, I reflect on how this scent brings me into a state of open awareness that is also beneficial to my meditation and yoga practices.  Regardless of your state of partnership or romance this season, how delightful to take an opportunity to think about ways to live more deeply from your heart and to ground your decision making and movements from this deepest and our original seat of intelligence.  And, if you are new to buying essential oils from Floracopeia, please take advantage of the 25% discount I offer to my students.   Lavender By David Crow, L.Ac. (Published in Yogi Times, Oct. ‘04) Lavender is one of the most well-known, versatile, and extensively used essential oils in the world. When we use lavender essential oil we receive the blessings of …