Welcoming the Aquarius New Moon

The New Moon signifies fresh starts and new intentions. It’s the perfect time for reflection, and planning ahead. Tonight’s moon is the Aquarius New Moon. Aquarians, like myself, are known for known for being forward-thinking, and community minded. Without delving into a deep astrological discussion – which is not my forte – let’s take a moment to consider WHY this first new moon of the year is significant? What is it about an Aquarius New Moon that is so energetic?

New Intentions. So take a moment right now and speak your intention – or your words – for the year. Put them out there to the Universe. I chose three words, trusting in that number for added oomph. My words for 2020 are: Focus. Prosperity. Health.

Community minded. Aquarians are, by nature, community driven people. We are social. We tend to be activists. We tend to jump into action with both feet. I encourage you to get off the bench, step out of your safety zone, and blossom. Allow yourself to reach your full potential. Whatever is holding us back, let’s let go together and thrive together. Focus on individual self, our businesses, and our community. Through Focus, we WILL Prosper. Believe in yourself and we will attract what we need and who we need. Let’s create our own magic this year.

Speaking of magic, plan to come to our Midsummer Holistic Expo on Sunday, 28 June. My vision is to bring the magazine to life and connect people. So, inside there will be predominately mind-body-spirit vendors. Outside will be herb, gardening, and sustainable living related vendors. We currently have two rooms set aside for speakers. The Keynote Speaker will be Eagle Skyfire, Shaman and Seer. She has this incredible energy about her. It is both calming and energizing at the same time.

Health and activism are going to have to meld for me personally this year. I have to learn to be my own activist in order to improve my health. At 50 though some habits are hard to break. That, and Aquarians can be a stubborn lot! This year, I hope to bring you more natural health related articles. My personal goals relating to health are to loose weight and gain control over my diabetes.

Blessings,
~ Jeanne

(c) 2020, Therapeutic Thymes, LLC

Jeanne’s Journeys: Solomons, Maryland

WP_20181027_08_04_35_ProThis past weekend, we loaded up the Honda and headed South for Illuminate Solomon. The show was held in Solomon, Maryland at the Hilton. The Illuminate Festivals are always a great show for Mind, Body, & Spirit entities. This was the second year there for the show. Judy and her staff do a great job putting on these shows.

It was our first time attending in Solomon, Maryland. Years ago, when our oldest – Mary – was just little, we used to live just North the Mason-Dixon and so hopping over the line for something was not unusual. She used to think the state was actually named after her! But I digressed …

WP_20181028_10_00_50_ProLocated in Calvert County, Solomon’s sits where the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay meet. Solomon’s Island is a beautiful area with a long history, dating well back to the late 1600’s. At that time, it was known as Bourne’s Island. It was not until 1870, when a prominent businessman from Baltimore named Isaac Solomon, advertised his canning operation, located there, as “Solomon’s Island”, that the US Postal Service officially recognized it as such. Understandably so, Solomon’s became known for its shipbuilding, ship repair, and seafood industries. Today, there are seafood restaurants scattered across the Island.

Inner Equinox
Inner Equinox

Friday night, after we checked in at the Hilton, we checked out the lone metaphysical shop on the Island. Inner Equinox. Incredible shop. Great staff. This unique little shop sells crystals, tarot cards, holistic jewelry, essential oils, smudges, tapestry, statues, candles, and more. They also have some touristy things for sale. Given their location just off the Bay, this was not surprising at all. In addition to the retail shop, they also offer a number of services and readings. For a full list, please do check them out on Facebook. They were also at the Illuminate Solomon show and are now our newest carrier! If you missed us at the show, stop in at 14560 Solomons Island Rd. S, in Solomons to pick up your copy.

Kingfishers
Kingfishers

Saturday, after the show, we had dinner at Kingfishers. The food was excellent. Just the right serving sizes. I had ½ pound shrimp. Glenn had bourbon salmon with asparagus and crunchy onions and brussels sprouts. The flavors complemented each other perfectly. Both of us had cup of shrimp chowder. OMG delicious. Only thing that would have made dinner more perfect would have been had we got there before dark since we were seated at the window to the bay. Server Alexis absolutely great too. Chef Andrew or was he manager came out very friendly. Said this was a new menu too. Check them out virtually at: http://stoneysseafoodhouse.com/kingfishers/.

Had we had more time, I would have loved to check out some of the other sites. Also on the Island is the Annmarie Garden & Arts Center. This is a sculpture garden along a wooded area near St. Johns Creek. In a future issue, I would like to feature garden art and thought the sculptures would make incredible photos, but they have pretty strict photography regulations so – to be honest – I didn’t even try to see this one. Other places on the “next time” list are: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary, he Calvert Cliffs State Park, and (for the hubby) the Spaceflight America Museum and Science Center in nearby Prince Frederick.

This weekend, we’re off to Hamburg, PA. Hamburg is named after Hamburg, Germany. We’ll be there for the annual Fall Inner Peace Holistic Expo, held at the Fieldhouse.

Until then …

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC., 2018.

Jeanne’s Journeys: Solomons, Maryland

WP_20181027_08_04_35_ProThis past weekend, we loaded up the Honda and headed South for Illuminate Solomon. The show was held in Solomon, Maryland at the Hilton. The Illuminate Festivals are always a great show for Mind, Body, & Spirit entities. This was the second year there for the show. Judy and her staff do a great job putting on these shows.

It was our first time attending in Solomon, Maryland. Years ago, when our oldest – Mary – was just little, we used to live just North the Mason-Dixon and so hopping over the line for something was not unusual. She used to think the state was actually named after her! But I digressed …

WP_20181028_10_00_50_ProLocated in Calvert County, Solomon’s sits where the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay meet. Solomon’s Island is a beautiful area with a long history, dating well back to the late 1600’s. At that time, it was known as Bourne’s Island. It was not until 1870, when a prominent businessman from Baltimore named Isaac Solomon, advertised his canning operation, located there, as “Solomon’s Island”, that the US Postal Service officially recognized it as such. Understandably so, Solomon’s became known for its shipbuilding, ship repair, and seafood industries. Today, there are seafood restaurants scattered across the Island.

Inner Equinox
Inner Equinox

Friday night, after we checked in at the Hilton, we checked out the lone metaphysical shop on the Island. Inner Equinox. Incredible shop. Great staff. This unique little shop sells crystals, tarot cards, holistic jewelry, essential oils, smudges, tapestry, statues, candles, and more. They also have some touristy things for sale. Given their location just off the Bay, this was not surprising at all. In addition to the retail shop, they also offer a number of services and readings. For a full list, please do check them out on Facebook. They were also at the Illuminate Solomon show and are now our newest carrier! If you missed us at the show, stop in at 14560 Solomons Island Rd. S, in Solomons to pick up your copy.

Kingfishers
Kingfishers

Saturday, after the show, we had dinner at Kingfishers. The food was excellent. Just the right serving sizes. I had ½ pound shrimp. Glenn had bourbon salmon with asparagus and crunchy onions and brussels sprouts. The flavors complemented each other perfectly. Both of us had cup of shrimp chowder. OMG delicious. Only thing that would have made dinner more perfect would have been had we got there before dark since we were seated at the window to the bay. Server Alexis absolutely great too. Chef Andrew or was he manager came out very friendly. Said this was a new menu too. Check them out virtually at: http://stoneysseafoodhouse.com/kingfishers/.

Had we had more time, I would have loved to check out some of the other sites. Also on the Island is the Annmarie Garden & Arts Center. This is a sculpture garden along a wooded area near St. Johns Creek. In a future issue, I would like to feature garden art and thought the sculptures would make incredible photos, but they have pretty strict photography regulations so – to be honest – I didn’t even try to see this one. Other places on the “next time” list are: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary, he Calvert Cliffs State Park, and (for the hubby) the Spaceflight America Museum and Science Center in nearby Prince Frederick.

This weekend, we’re off to Hamburg, PA. Hamburg is named after Hamburg, Germany. We’ll be there for the annual Fall Inner Peace Holistic Expo, held at the Fieldhouse.

Until then …

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC., 2018.

Spirit of Oneness Holistic Expo Continues

WP_20181006_09_46_33_ProHARRISBURG — The Spirit of Oneness Holistic Expo continues today at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg, PA. The expo offers two floors of readers, healers, massages, aura photography, crystals and gems, art, jewelry, Therapeutic Thymes Magazine, and more. There are also talks scheduled throughout the day, as well as live entertainment. You will enter the expo from the 3rd Street entrance. Vendors are located both on that main level when you enter and downstairs. The expo runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

You can find us in the upper room straight back as you enter (booth C42).  That’s our stand pictured on the right here. We have back issues available, and the current issue (Fall 2018). We also offer subscriptions. In addition to the magazine, we have mandala cloths. You can use them for your beach cloth or a table cloth, or even a wall hanging. They are a large circle shaped 100% cotton cloth. There are two choices: one is a blue gradient, and the other is black and has a ring of elephants worked in the design (which to be honest, is what caught Jeanne’s attention!). We also have a selection of artwork by Lititz (PA) area artist Shaun Hutchinson. He offers a Celtic Tree, a Mucha style woman, and a Watercolor Mandala.

Yesterday, we were blessed to be near author Amber Nightingale. A review of her book Reiki Healing for the Modern World was included in our Fall 2018 issue. She was there offering book signings and tarot reading. Crystal Sage (out of Maryland) is there this weekend and they have new autumn scents. I picked up a couple Pumpkin Spice bath bombs Saturday. Today, I actually have a list of things to get from them (soap, a few more bath bombs, lip balms, some sprays – stocking stuffers!). Judy Kay, a psychic medium, is offering readings there this weekend. She is incredible. If there is something you seek, advice or information, consult with Judy. Her schedule fills up fast though. If you are looking for crystals, check out Odds and Ends Corner. Zak is downstairs this weekend and has tables of crystals and geodes from which to choose.

Shopping for those unique holiday gifts? Check out Rustic Magic & More. This was the first I had seen Jim Caufield’s work but wow – he is very talented. He offers “fun, useful, and magical things made with sticks and other natural materials.” The grapevine works is what caught my attention and drew me into his stand. These are just a quick handful of the talented vendors and readers who are at the Spirit of Oneness Holistic Expo this weekend. Special thanks go to Sharon and her team at the Alta View Wellness Center for putting on the expo each year.

The Scottish Rite Cathedral is located at 2701 N 3rd St., Harrisburg, PA. There is plenty of free parking in the parking lot opposite the street from the venue.

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC, 2018.

Jeanne’s Journeys: Mother Earth News Fair

MENFairAs I write this, It’s Monday evening and the Mother Earth News Fair has come to another close and I have safely made it home, despite being extremely wore out. I had a great time at the show this year, both professionally and personally. I always go away though wishing I could have seen more or could have attended more talks. It is simply that huge of a show.

Ladies Homestead GatheringOur booth – as a media sponsor of the Fair – was in the bookstore and we were fortunate enough to be placed next to the National Ladies Homestead Gathering. Essentially it is a network group, designed to be both small local groups and a national group, of like-minded women of all ages who desire to be more self-sufficient. The founder, Cyndi Ball, spoke each day at the Fair as well. I caught her Saturday “Lunchtime with the Ladies Homestead Gathering.” One of our aspects is promoting a more sustainable way of life so this group fits right in and – I am excited to announce – Cyndi will be a regular contributor to Therapeutic Thymes! She will, naturally, be writing seasonally appropriate articles about homesteading.

I made a quick round of the vendors outside. There were vendors selling everything from herbal remedies and lotions to solar power equipment to crystals, to tractors to … use your imagination. The list just goes on. The Fair literally takes over the Seven Springs Ski Resort. There are vendors and talks everywhere. Oh – and livestock! I found an alpaca farmer from whom I purchased an infant hat (for our grandson, Tyr, who was born Friday) and two adorable finger puppets for his two big sisters.

I was excited to see the Wild Mountain Soap Company there. Phillip and Mary are the owners. They make their own products: soaps, deodorants, lotions, bath bombs, and – my favorite – muscle rubs. Their muscle rub is made with aloe, menthol, capsaicin, and camphor oil. After a long day on my feet, the rub was greatly appreciated.

Brew Beer Like a Yeti by Jereme ZimmermanUp in the bookstore, presenters were doing book signings as well. Jereme Zimmerman was there signing his recent “Brew Beer Like a Yeti.” Picked up a signed copy for a reviewer. Look for a review by Mathieu Gascon. He is an insurance agent by day and a homebrewer by night and weekend.

There was so much to see and learn. Watch for more both here and in the magazine itself. Don’t have a subscription yet? Click HERE to go to our “subscribe” page. Also, we’d love to hear your advice for first time attendees. Share your suggestions in the comments section.

The next Mother Earth News Fair is next month in Topeka, Kansas.

Until next journey …

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC., 2018.

Jeanne’s Journeys: Martinsburg to Johnstown

WP_20180909_10_51_06_ProThis past Sunday, we were at the Awake Holistic Show in Martinsburg, WV. It was the second year for the show but our first time in West Virginia. While the rain, I’m sure, may have held some people back, it was still well attended and of course, is still growing. We love the connections we make at the various shows we attend and this one was no different. One connection was with Rebecca Oubouzar, of Raven’s Own. Rebecca is writing an article for Therapeutic Thymes on the Kabyle, and their Kahina Stones.

We were supposed to be outside vendors and I am so grateful Melody found room for us inside. We were tucked in on the side between the one hallway to the restroom and the speakers’ room, so we had a constant – no pun intended – flow of traffic by us.

WP_20180911_09_28_27_ProMonday – yesterday – we traveled from Martinsburg, WV to Johnstown, PA. I wanted to check out Berkley Springs, WV on the way through. I had heard about the natural springs there, which I will definitely have to check out next trip. Driving through town, I noticed Portals A New Age Shoppe. I could have easily spent most of the day here! Located at 21 North Washington Street, this shop offers crystals, runes, pendulums, herbs, candles, jewelry, books, tarot cards, and more. So much more! They also have an in-house tarot reader, should you stop in and want a reading.

We then lunched at Tari’s A Premiere Café & Inn, located right next door to Portals. It was a decent, well priced lunch. Our waitress was great. Serving portions were a nice size. Glenn actually took half his sandwich to go! I – being the picky eater I am – only had a small piece of grilled chicken with bacon, no roll and no toppings. It was not exciting but that was me not a reflection of Tari’s. The décor was an interesting mix of the ages. There are three eating areas: the barroom, the restaurant, and the gallery. We definitely recommend stopping here, if you pass through town.

After lunch, we started back on the road to Johnstown, PA. Since time was not a factor, we decided to opt out of tolls and major highways. Our route took us through some small towns and villages. It took us through some places that would make a hamlet seem large. We went through Burnt Factory, WV on Route 522 out of West Virginia. We crossed the Potomac River on the West Virginia/Maryland line, making comments about the rising water and how fast she was flowing. The rivers we crossed yesterday were not our problem. No, our problem came on some minor road, between cornfields. I have no photos to share with you. I was so focused on how to get out of that “puddle” which went on for about a mile. I was about a quarter-mile in when I realized, I need to get out of there. Suffice to say, the under carriage of my Honda is now clean, and I really do dislike going in reverse! Once I got back to dry roads, Glenn took over driving. We hit a few more questionable spots and a couple roads already closed due to the rain. We traveled through the State Game Lands, just north of the Gallitzin State Forest. The water flowed on either side. It was both beautiful and potentially dangerous.

WP_20180910_16_13_41_ProPotentially dangerous. We stopped at the Johnstown Flood National Memorial next since it was on our way through. The reservoir was originally a water supply area for the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal. The dam was completed in 1853. The South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club bought the lake and the South Fork Dam in 1879 as a summer retreat for their prestigious members. Townspeople were hesitant about the dam, nervous about its safety. The South Fork Club assured everyone it was safe. Then on 31 May 1889, the lake had swelled after an evening of heavy rains. The South Fork Club tried to save the dam but the water crested and the force was too strong. That afternoon, the dam broke. In less than an hour, the wave traveled at 40 miles per hour and quickly overtook the town below. The people there had little or no warnings. Over 2,000 died that day and thousands more were injured.

Today, the sun is momentarily out here in Johnstown. We hope to get out and see some sights and just enjoy the day both today and tomorrow, before hitting the road again to head for the Mother Earth News Fair in Seven Springs.

Special thanks – and shout out – to Flo with Abagayle’s Travel Agency. She is based out of Lititz, PA, but has clients throughout the country. I use her for most of our travel needs. If you have travel needs, connect with her.

Until next journey …

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC., 2018.

Jeanne’s Journeys: Frosty Hollow Herb Fair

 

WP_20180804_13_20_39_ProFrosty Hollow Bed & Breakfast is a beautiful, relaxing, family owned and operated B&B nestled along Route 44 just outside Coudersport. Guests filled the farmhouse, the cottage, and the converted barn. It was already booked when we heard about the Herb Fair, so we were not there for the B&B but rather the Herb Fair.

WP_20180804_08_40_16_ProThe weather held out for us Saturday and the Herb Fair was very well attended. Everyone was so welcoming. We felt like we knew the Ayers family for years, rather than just having met them. The Herb Fest was held literally in the clearing of their gardens. Yes, that was plural. Gardens. The had a section for vegetables, a corn section, and of course an herb garden, as well as flowers.

Vendors were varied. In addition to us, there was maple syrup, jewelry, pottery, herbs, kombucha, essential oils, natural soaps, vegetable and fruits, and more.

And the Gift Shop …

WP_20180804_07_45_25_ProIt was a selection of homemade jams and jellies, near salves and lotions, near pickles and salsa, against a backdrop of antiques, old store items, containers of herbs, sachets, and so much more. There were some seasonal decorative pieces and clothing with the Frosty Hollow logo. I also noticed some products by our own Sue Morris, of Sue’s Salves. And now, the gift shop at Frosty Hollow also sells an incredible magazine about herbs and natural living, and a therapeutic and sustainable way of life. Yes, they now carry Therapeutic Thymes Magazine! Our Summer Issue is on their shelves!

Click HERE for a complete list of places to find our magazine.

Sunday morning we had breakfast at Fezz’s Diner, as the place we stayed at did not offer breakfast. Good food. Good service. Great location – just off Route 6 on Ice Mine Road. The diner is actually the original 1954 Silk City Diner from Patterson, NJ. Now while that didn’t mean anything to me whatsoever, the hubby – Philly boy that he once was – was in awe and swears he ate at the original one in the 1970s with his Dad. In any case, if you go near Coudersport, stop in at Fezz’s., A word of warning though: they accept cash but not credit cards!

Until next journey …

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC., 2018.

Jeanne’s Journeys: God’s Country

by Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

Part of my role as Editor and Publisher is going around to various shows and promoting Therapeutic Thymes. My husband – and my IT & Logistics guy – almost always joins me. We meet the most wonderful people and see the most incredible places on or travels. I decided it was time to start a web-exclusive column journalling those travels.

Susquehanna River 3 August 2018 by Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman
Susquehanna River 3 August 2018 by Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

Friday, we left Lancaster en route to Coudersport for the Frosty Hollow Herb Fair (held yesterday).  We came up a day early to get settled and I wanted to pop in and meet/chat with some of our distributors up this way. That, and I wanted to stop near Liverpool on the way up. There’s this little rest area on 11 & 15 where I can usually dip my toes in my (Susquehanna) River. With all the rain lately though the access was roped off. She was running high and fast. There is just something about the Susquehanna that quiets my soul and relaxes me. We used to come up to Daddy’s cabin in the summers growing up and stop sometimes at this rest stop. His cabin was in Cross Forks in Potter County and it is so gorgeous there. There is an obvious reason this area is called God’s Country.

Bald Eagle State ParkSo fast forward before this becomes a book in and of itself, Glenn (hubby) suggested we try a “new” route, a “scenic” route. The next thing I know we are on top of the Bald Eagle State Park. Beautiful vista. We saw a doe and her fawn. I was very thankful the rain had stopped finally, that no one else was driving that one lane oil and chipped roadway, and that Michael (Daddario Auto & Tire in Lancaster) had fixed our air conditioning earlier in the week.  Along Route 144, while there was a bit of standing water on the road, the breathtaking image was the water running off the side of the mountain. Just incredible seeing the force of Nature.

We came into a little village – Germania – where we stopped at the general store / cafe / real estate office. Up  here, like many small towns, people tend to wear many hats. We met Brenda Adams there. She owns the store and cafe. She is also the local real estate lady. Very friendly. Love the “old time” feeling of the store. If you have a nostalgic bone in your body, this is a must stop on your travels. While there, I bought the History of Germania. Brenda said it supported the Ladies Auxiliary. The town’s history is interesting and I will most likely delve into it at some point on my genealogy site. Genealogy has been an obsession of mine for as long as I can remember.

From there, we traveled to Coudersport. Our first stop was the in, just to check in and confirm our lodging, and because it was the first stop we passed. It was clean. The steakhouse attached to it was great but the internet – wow. In town we stopped on Main Street, at the Potter County Artisan Center (PCAC), which is also home to the Coudersport Chamber of Commerce. So many artisans were featured there. There was local honey, jewelry, pottery, books, and of course Therapeutic Thymes Magazine is sold there too! Our next stop, also on Main Street, was the Hidden Passages Book Store. What an incredible place! She’s an artist (jewelry, paintings, everything). He is on the local borough council and is a bibliophile. Bryan (the owner) and Glenn engaged in a conversation that covered almost every genre of  books.

We didn’t find too much to do in town, even on a Friday night, but that was okay. We were pretty tired and needed to rest up for the Herb Fest. That and the Steakhouse closed at 9.  Internet up here is spotting (though I’m writing this at Fezz’s Diner during breakfast Sunday before we head out) but all in all, this has been a great trip! Looking forward to the next time up here. Later today, I will post about the Herb Fair at Frosty Hollow and our Sunday adventures!

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC., 2018.

Celebration of Life Expo Continues

celebration of life expoYORK – The 17th Annual Celebration of Life Expo kicked off yesterday and will continue today -Sunday, 13 August – at the York Expo Center. The Expo, sponsored by New Visions Bookstore, offers everything from books and magazines to handcrafted items to angel readings to reiki sessions to natural soaps and oils, to Himalayan salt lamps and everything in between. There will also be free hourly talks of various subjects.

Therapeutic Thymes raffled off a one-year subscription yesterday and will hold another today. The winner of Saturday’s drawing is Lisa Gentzler, of York. Congratulations, Lisa.

Today’s show runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7. The Expo Center is located at 334 Carlisle Road, which is Route 74. The show is in the Memorial Hall Building.

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC, 2017.

My Yoga Journey Continues

By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

Last week I mentioned that I realized that I really needed a place that would be willing to walk me through the various poses from a complete beginner’s point of view. I did some research via the web and talking to various people. I found a place!


Now first I should back up and mentioned my parameters. I live in Lancaster County, PA so I did want something close because I know me. If I found the most awesome place but it was more than say a 15-minute drive, I would find every excuse to skip. I wanted a small class setting so I would hopefully feel less awkward than a large class, plus I know I could use a little extra attention from the instructor. Parking had to be easy. I love that Lancaster City is essentially 15 minutes away but there have been times, especially when I go into class at PCA&D, that I have driven around for a half hour trying to find a parking spot. Parking needed to be easy.

All that said, I found The Yoga Room.

It is located within the Shoppes at Kissel Hill in Manheim Township. Monday nights, at the moment, is a Beginner’s Class. I had spoken to the instructor via emails but I had not met her until this past Monday. I got there early and there was another class going on inside so I kind of hung out in the foyer, not really knowing what to do. By the way, there are some comfy seats down the hall if you should come and get there early.

Laurie Garrett– the instructor – has this gentle soothing voice and the music she played was very relaxing. It was not loud and bouncing like the music in the yoga class I tried before in a local gym. That music made me feel like I had been in a hurry up and keep pace class. Laurie’s music made me feel relaxed before my class even began!

The class was slow moving. It was myself and one other woman, so we had plenty of personal attention to detail, which is one reason I chose this class. Normally this is a four-week course but she let me join halfway through. The course is designed to make the new student familiar with correct alignment and breathing. It is a prelude to the other classes, which she explained. She went through the use of blocks and other supports used commonly in yoga.

The Yoga Room does offer several levels of yoga classes. I am not going into all of them here since this is about my journey but you may check out the website at www.theyogaroomlancaster.com.

So time to roll our my mat and get started moving, right? No. I rolled out my mat and we all sat. Still. My mat was nothing special. I had picked it up awhile back at “that other place” and it was still in the wrapper until I left for class. It is an Ombre Yoga Mat 24” x 68” and it is a boring gray. It is cushioned and should ease stress on my joints and tendons. It is lightweight and very portable, though I should get a mat bag. The only complaint I have about my mat is that, like so many other things anymore, it was made in China. So, if you know of a local place that makes yoga mats, I would love to hear about them!

We began, as I said, by sitting. I think she called this the Easy Pose, or maybe should just meant it was easy. Basically, we sat with our legs crisscrossed, hands resting on our knees. Breathing in deep. Exhaling. Staring at my awkward self in all those mirrors. I get it – the mirrors help you see how your pose looks but they are still a little intimidating for those of us who are not thrilled with our appearance.

I forget the order of the other poses. We did the Cat Pose which flowed into the Cow Pose. We did the Chair Pose and the Warrior Pose. The Cat Pose massages the spine and the organs in your belly, while the Cow warms the spine gently. The Chair is great for the diaphragm and heart while it clearly works the arms and legs. The Warrior was a little harder for me. My feet just would not cooperate! A great reference, by the way, for these poses and more is The Yoga Journal.

yoga down dogAt some point towards the end of class, we did the Downward Facing Dog. By that time, my body was feeling things it hasn’t in quite a long time. I was ready for the Corpse Pose!

One of the last poses we did – I forget the name – looked more like I was in the birthing room again. I knew there was a reason I chose a C-section. How awkward looking and by this time, it hurt my lower back/spine putting that pressure there. I don’t mean that I was hurt but rather one reason I see a chiropractor on a regular basis and want to do yoga now is because of regular back pain.

At times I felt like I should run away and wait til I loose some weight so these poses are less … ugly. A big reason I am doing this though is that I start to gain some energy so that I can do other things and then I will be able to loose the weight. I do also realize that this weight did not come on overnight so it won’t be getting off over one night or one exercise routine.

And so continues my new mindset and my new life …
Namaste

Photo Credit: Metro