Myyogajoy

2 days ago

Yoga Off the Mat: Sometimes the reminders we need are in plain sight—slow down! These signs were perfect—I did see beautiful children, sweet dogs, and one grumpy man whom I was able to connect with and eked out a smile😉😁 For what do you need to slow down today?🤔 ... See MoreSee Less

Myyogajoy

2 weeks ago

Yoga Off the Mat: lately I’ve been using the affirmation “I am healing exactly as I should.” Truth be told, I’ve been scared s&$@less about this whole process and praying that my bone will stay vital so I don’t have to have another surgery. In preparation for my 5 week post-op appointment today, I set the intention “I trust and accept what is with Grace, Strength and Stability.” Aaaaand… good news! After 7 weeks, I can begin to use my dominant arm again! When I got home after my appointment, I had tears again, but this time they were tears of joy and relief! BIG exhale🌬️ … I feel like I can begin to live my life again🙌 THANK YOU, thank you, thank you for all the prayers, gestures, good vibes and well wishes🙏🏻 If you’re ever in doubt, you really do make a difference🥰😌 ... See MoreSee Less

Myyogajoy

4 weeks ago

Yoga Off the Mat: In my work as a dentist, I am trained to look for what is wrong: tooth decay, gum and bone disease, cancer, etc. For those who aren’t familiar, this is an X-ray of an abscessed/cracked tooth🫤. Evolutionarily, there were advantages to looking for danger, poison, predators and anything out of the ordinary. AND, in our lives today, it’s also important to look for what is right, what is working, what is healthy and whole😌. Whenever life seems discouraging (and I can relate lately!), take a moment to recognize the good, what you can do, and the positive👍😁 ... See MoreSee Less

Myyogajoy

1 month ago

Yoga Off the Mat: I’m able to remove my sling at home now, but I still wear it when I’m taking a walk (this “low impact” activity can actually be very “bouncy”!) and to protect myself when I’m in public. When I went to the grocery the other day (yes, it is safe and legal to drive with the use of one arm as long as you and your doctor feel that you’re capable), a cashier noticed me in the checkout line and opened up a new lane for me. 😇 He then proceeded to help me unload my cart. While he was ringing me up and bagging, he shared that he had had a hand injury and surgeries which forced him to use his left hand for months. What’s my point? 1) He SAW me, related to me, and offered to help without being asked. He was aware of others and used this awareness to go above and beyond to make a difference.
2) He wanted to share his story. He wanted to be SEEN and HEARD. People crave connection, and it’s become more blatantly obvious to me lately. From my preop nurses who wanted to share about their child’s ski accident or their child’s educational/career path, to my Uber driver who was in search of a mosque so he could pray before sunset after he finished my ride, people NEED to be seen, listened to and acknowledged. Each of these people opened up to me because they felt safe and received. I was happy to listen, affirm and reflect, or sometimes just listen. I stayed curious and learned from them. It doesn’t cost anything and can happen while standing on a grocery line…
How can you see someone differently today???🤔👀👂🥰😁👍 ... See MoreSee Less

Myyogajoy

1 month ago

Yoga Off the Mat: one lesson that continues to bop me over the head is the necessity of slowing down and being present. Today was a day for rest and healing. Dozing with my dogs, I woke to catch a lovely sunset. How often do we miss the simplest pleasures and moments in life because we’re just too busy “doing” things? Shtira is the Āyurvedic quality of being and stillness. Wishing you peace-filled moments and presence☮️😌 ... See MoreSee Less

Myyogajoy

2 months ago

Yoga Off the Mat: this may be waaaaay off the mat, but I had shoulder surgery today to repair an injury. Fortunately, I am still numb, so there is not pain. I am also unable to move or feel my arm or hand, which is really strange. I took the opportunity to support my hand and close my eyes and rest. Then I imagined  that I was holding the hands of so many people who love me: those who are with me, and even my dad who has passed. I imagined holding his frail hand as he was dying.  I envisioned holding my daughter’s small but capable hands, and my sons, large, strong hands. I held my husband’sbeautiful hand in my mind, and others’. Closing my eyes, and being present, and mindful was truly comforting. I invite you to try it sometime, and if you’re so inclined, leave me a comment about your experience. 🥰💛😇 ... See MoreSee Less

Myyogajoy

2 months ago

Yoga Off the Mat: Learning to be a Lefty— it’s just not right!😂  this is my first attempt at peeling a sweet potato, using only my left hand. I have also experienced the frustration of trying to use scissors that are meant for a right handed person with my left hand—not a good result! 🤪 As always, every challenge presents the opportunity to grow. Not being able to use my dominant side for very much has broadened my appreciation not only for the south paws of this world, but also for people who simply think, process or do things a little differently from others. Think learning disabilities, autism, dyslexia and more… One of the many things I love about Āyurveda and Elemental-Wellness is the concept that we are all created Whole and complete, just as we are. There is nothing wrong or broken about doing or processing things another way; it’s just “different”. So try doing things differently (eating with your non dominant hand, opening jars with one hand, hopping on one foot—whatever!) Be creative! And leave a comment on any insights or awareness that come up😁👍 ... See MoreSee Less