I've already noted that Sunday Stretch (Yin yoga poses) is coming to an end, since there are basically about 25 poses we use. I did not do a SS in November, so I will do my final one at the end of January., unless I find another pose that might be helpful to us quilters. I do have a good hips one yet to show you. So, I think this month, with all its busy-ness, along with this weekend, heralding the start of a new year, needs another meditation post. Just 10 minutes a day for a little quiet, inner-listening time can really do wonders. I know I need to get back into this regularly; it was very worthwhile, and Miss Bella sure enjoyed the 12 minute app I use on my phone:
She just knows when I do the meditation, and personally I think it adds a little something extra: a warm furry body purring on my crossed legs.
This is the free app I use:
You can personalize it with the style of sounds you'd like to remind you of intervals of time and beginning and end. There are different screenshots too to put you in a reflective mood.
I wish everyone peace in 2018. Peace in your heart, and peace that you spread throughout your life. Here is Kino MacGregor again:
Please come back Monday for a very exciting announcement!
With only 25 or so Yin poses, Sunday Stretch is coming to an end. Something that I always start every Yin class with is meditation and breath work. It is so important to just breathe, slowly, steadily, in and back out, through the nose, as we do in yoga, paying attention to the way our ribs move: expanding and contracting in all four directions (yes!) fronts, backs, both sides lifting and opening to make room for the beautiful pink lungs, virtual sponges that fill up the majority of your chest cavity, to expand and contract in those same four directions...
It's truly amazing how much calmer one can feel just by taking a few or several minutes and breathing calmly and steadily and with attention. Your breath is such a powerful tool that can help you deal with stressful situations; it definitely has helped me. Like anything, we get better at meditation with practice.
Today I give you a YouTube video meditation that I think you might like, from Ashtangi Kino McGregor. Less than 10 minutes seated comfortably, led by her, and I'm sure you will feel incredibly at peace.
It occurred to me that I did not stay on topic as I had planned yesterday, but veered off into talking about our "last time" things we are doing as the countdown is happening.
Sniff, sniff! I decided to pack up my sewing room today. Of course I'm now assailed by a driving urge to machine quilt my Brrr! Park quilt. Too bad; the only project I've left myself is my Self Round Robin appliqué and the hand-quilting on that runner that I might just get finished. I do have a couple of items that have not fit into that Rubbermaid tub, sewing machine caddy, and navy blue toolbox, shocker, I know. I LOVE that toolbox, bought in the hardware department at Canadian Tire several years ago, it has followed me to many a retreat, and now two trips to our condo!
