Autumnal Equinox

This morning we woke up before dawn to take a special hike to a petroglyph panel with some friends that were visiting from out of town.  They just happened to be visiting on the autumnal equinox.  The  petroglyph panel that we hiked to this morning tells a specific story with the sun's light on the vernal & autumnal equinox each year.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equinox

Sun beginning to hit Seven Mile Rim.

Although the sun was hidden behind some clouds we were able to experience a small piece of the story as it worked it's way thru the rock and lit up a specific part of the panel.  An extra treat was a local hiking guide, Rory Tyler, that has done a great deal of research on Rock Art in this area was at the site.  He has been coming to the site for years and was kind enough to share his interpretation of the panel.

Rory sharing his interpretation

What I find so fasinating is the commitment it took to create this art.  Also, the connection to the earth and universe.  And, of course, that we are able to experience and interpret this ancient art & communication that has been preserved for over 1000 years.

Anusara Grand Gathering in Estes Park - Autumn Equinox

In addition to outlining the Universal Principles of Alignment this video shares some interesting thoughts on the Autumn Equinox in relation to our practice.

Love Soup

It is still summer but I made an adapted version of the Winter Squash and Yam Soup with Poblano Peppers yesterday.   This recipe, and what feels like a zillion (160 to be precise) other recipes for soup, exist in the cookbook, Love Soup by Anna Thomas. 

I didn't roast the peppers, I sauteed them with the onion and I used a variety of peppers ~ oh, and only butternut squash, no yams.

Even if you don't make soup very often this is a cookbook you will want to own so you can peruse the pages and be inspired.

Something to smile about. . .

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2010/08/so-you-think-you-are-not-changing-the-world-amy-ippoliti/

Parsvottanasana

The following definition is taken from Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar ~~~In Sanskirt, Parsva: sideways, side, or flank. Uttana: (ut=intense tan= to extend, stretch or lenghten).

For a photo and written instructions you can visit: http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/1675

Chrissy Sloan is Anusara Inspired!

Congratulations Chrissy!!

After years of practicing and teaching Anusara yoga Chrissy is officially certified as an Anusara Inspired Yoga Teacher. For those not familiar with the certification process it truly does involve years of study and practice. Thank you, Chrissy, for sharing your years of experience with the Moab community.

Chrissy is currently offering a weekly class at NOON on Wednesdays.

www.moabyoga.com

Begin

The Tantric philosophy that supports the yoga I practice encourages us to, "start where we are." This may sound obvious, yet, I continue to be surprised at how many potential students feel they must do something, learn something, get strong, or get in shape before coming to a yoga class. How do I help them know that we begin where we are?

We already have everything we need to learn, be strong, or be in shape to do yoga. We are perfect just as we are and the yoga practice enhances us. If I could show them a video of me practicing yoga the first few years I began showing up they would certainly understand that the 'practice' is the practice.

To be a little cheesy --- it makes me think of an old quote that continues to make me smile, "Life is the journey, not the destination." So is yoga.