Back to my Headstand!

I missed my upside downs! So glad to practice inversions again..

#headstand #inversion #yogalove#merciclementine #yogateacher#yogaeverydamnday #breatheandsmile#soyogawwww.soyoga.com.sg

Girls just want to have fun

#boomerang #loud #yogastudio#vikasayoga #kohsamui #breatheandsmile#so.yoga
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Y.O.G.A

#nontoitufaispasleo #createletters#yogaaddict #yogasg #girlfriends#yogatogether #partneryoga #vikasayoga#breatheandsmile #so.yoga
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Self Acupressure Routine

Ever felt like you’re moving underwater? Or maybe just your brain is? It can hit you in the middle of the day, after the morning coffee has worn off and your lunch is happily sitting in your stomach—productivity slows and brain fog rolls in. Or maybe you’re a Monday morning brain fog person, where you just aren’t moving as quickly as the day and people around you.

Either way, it can be frustrating and overwhelming when your brain isn’t firing the way it should be. When I have patients complain of brain fog (which is different from headaches), I immediately look into diet, as there are many things hidden in our daily meals that can contribute to slower-than-usual thinking. The main culprits are typically dairy, gluten, sugar, and many other additives to foods we ingest. The best way to alleviate brain fog with diet is to consume mostly whole foods, fresh produce, and to buy from local farms and gardens. That way you can be sure your food isn’t traveling from far and wide, which typically requires preservatives that make their way into your system. Once your diet is cleaned up, and even if it’s on its way to being clean, these quick acupressure techniques can help excite and clear your brain fog on the spot.

To help lift your brain fog, stimulate each of those points for 60 to 90 seconds with moderate pressure, then move to the next one in the cycle. You can do this cycle two to three times when you are feeling tired and sluggish and then get up, move around the room, and take some deep breaths. Moving chi (or energy) with acupressure and then oxygenating yourself is a sure way to liven up your body and get the brain juices flowing again! These three acupressure hot spots will help you clear your mind and fight brain fog:

1. Si Shen Cong, 4 Extraordinary Points on the top of your head.

Si Shen Cong are a group of four acupuncture points located on top of the head. They belong to a group of points, called "Extraordinary Points." The Si Shen Cong points have a strong stimulating effect on all aspects of the mind and spirit or "Shen." They are also used for headache, vertigo, insomnia, epilepsy, and of course, brain fog. They also help to clear the mind and calm the Shen, which can help with decision making in stressful situations.

Locate these points: You can locate these points by locating the vertex of the head, finding the midpoint (this location is the acupoint DU20 below), then finding a group of four points, about one inch respectively anterior, posterior, and two points lateral to the midpoint DU20.

2. DU20, the vertex of your head.

DU20 is also a powerful point for the brain and has a calming effect on the Shen. It has a very strong raising function, which makes it excellent for stirring up the mind and bringing your attention back. It can increase yang energy in the body, which leaves you feeling warm and invigorated. It is located at the vertex of the head, or very top of it.

Locate these points: The easiest way to find DU20 is to gently fold over the ears back to front and from the top where they come to a point when you have folded them, connect that line to the top of the head and that where you will find DU20. The DU meridian starts below the tip of the tailbone and runs up the midline of the body, over the head and ends on the inside of the upper lip where the frenulum joins the upper lip and gum.

It’s an incredibly powerful meridian for brain fog and all cognitive functions as it is said to innervate the brain.

3. KI 1, or Kidney 1, on the bottom of your foot.

Kidney 1 is the lowest and most grounding point on the body. The kidney meridian begins on the bottom of the foot at kidney 1 and innervates the kidneys, the reproductive organs, runs all the way up the body and terminates under the clavicle at Kidney 27.

Locate these points: You’ll find Kidney 1 on the sole of the foot, between the second and third metatarsal (foot bones), approximately one-third of the distance between the base of the second toe and the heel, in a depression formed when the foot is plantar flexed, like when you make a step-down motion.

Applying pressure with your fingers is an excellent way to stimulate this point. Stimulating Kidney 1 floods the body with kidney energy that has many beneficial effects including improving memory, strengthening focus, and improving hearing.

Source: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/this-three-minute-acupressure-routine-to-clear-your-brain-fog?utm_term=pos-1&utm_source=mbg&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=180130

Also www.soyoga.com.sg 

10 Things That Make Kids Less Anxious

Anxiety is a normal part of childhood, and every child goes through phases. A phase is temporary and usually harmless. But children who suffer from an anxiety disorder experience fear, nervousness, and shyness, and they start to avoid places and activities.” ~ Anxiety and Depression Association of America

It is estimated that anxiety disorders affect one in eight children. Studies show that children with untreated anxiety are more likely to engage in substance abuse, under-perform academically, and remove themselves from important social development experiences.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), 80 percent of children with a diagnosable anxiety disorder are not getting treatment. This is particularly troublesome considering that the brain undergoes tremendous growth during childhood; thus, increasing the chances that the anxiety becomes hardwired.

In this article, we’re going to discuss signs of childhood anxiety, how to reduce a child’s anxiety, and other possible treatment options.

SIGNS OF CHILDHOOD ANXIETY

Parents of a young girl named Ella share their story:

“Ella was a worrier. Every morning, she worried that she wouldn’t make the bus on time, even though she hadn’t missed it once all year. And every afternoon, she worried that she wouldn’t get her favorite spot at the lunch table, or that she might have a pop quiz in science class and wouldn’t be prepared. At night, she worried about getting her homework done and whether her clothes would look right at school the next day.”

As you can gather from these parents’ story, child anxiety is quite apparent provided adequate attention is being given. Anxious kids display their anxiety in many ways – at home, school, and in social settings.

Per kidshealth.org, kids suffering from anxiety will have one or more of the following signs:

- excessive worry most days of the week, for weeks on end
– trouble sleeping at night or sleepiness during the day
– restlessness or fatigue during waking hours
– trouble concentrating
– irritability

THINGS THAT REDUCE CHILDHOOD ANXIETY

When children experience chronic anxiety, it’s easy for parents to fall into the trap of trying to protect their child. However, overprotection is counterproductive to relieving anxiety – and exacerbates many of the symptoms.

Per the Child Mind Institute, here are 10 pointers for helping children escape the cycle of anxiety

1. UNDERSTAND THAT ELIMINATING ANXIETY ISN’T THE GOAL – BUT MANAGING IT.

It can be discouraging to see your kid deal with anxiety. It’s painful for us. But as much as we would like to get rid of everything that causes anxiety, it’s just not possible.

Instead, it’s all about teaching the child to tolerate their anxiety as best they can, even when they’re anxious.
Eventually, the anxiety will subside.

2. ALLOW THE CHILD TO CONFRONT THEIR ANXIETY.

While helping children avoid the things they’re afraid of may help in the short-term, it exacerbates the problem in the long run.

It’s important for parents to understand that pulling their child out of every anxiety-provoking situation reinforces avoidance – a poor coping mechanism for anxiety and stress.

3. SET POSITIVE AND REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS.

Setting positive and realistic expectations is all about instilling a sense of self-confidence. Often, expressing confidence that your child will be okay allows them to manage their anxiety well enough to see things through.

4. RESPECT, BUT DON’T EMPOWER, THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS.

You don’t want to belittle your child’s anxiety, but you don’t want to amplify it either. If your child is fearful about going to the doctor, address (don’t ignore) her concerns.

Listen and be empathetic, and say something along the lines of “I know you’re scared now, and that’s okay. We’ll get through this together.”

5. DON’T ASK ANTICIPATORY QUESTIONS.

If you have a vague feeling that something may be bothering your child, make sure to ask open-ended questions – and not leading them.

For example, the question “How is studying going for your exams?” encourages your child to express themselves more than “Are you anxious about your mid-terms?”

6. DON’T REINFORCE THEIR FEARS.

In other words, don’t give your child a reason to be afraid. If your child has a negative experience with a bully, for example, the last thing you want to do is give him or her a reason to fear the big, strong kid in class.

Again, empathize and listen. If you don’t know how to respond, do some research and come back to the discussion. Whatever you do, don’t say “there’s a good reason for your fear” unless there is.

7. MOTIVATE THE CHILD TO TOLERATE HER ANXIETY.

It’s important to let your child know how proud you are of them enduring anxiety. Anxiety and fear aren’t easy things for anyone to contend with, much less a young child.

We should know that we all possess what is called the “habitation curve.” As we are exposed to the thing(s) that we fear, we slowly but surely get over them; which is precisely what a child – and all of us, for that matter – needs to do.

8. MAKE SURE TO REACH A CONCLUSION.

We all live busy lives and may leave things unfinished from time to time. However, adequately addressing your child’s anxiety issues isn’t something to put off.

Commit to finding a resolution and resolve to keep that commitment no matter how long it may take.

9. SET A GOOD EXAMPLE.

If your child is dealing with stress and anxiety issues, the best thing you can do is keep a stiff upper lip about your problems.

Again, stress and anxiety hit all of us. If you must release some pent-up tension, do it away from the child. Certainly, do not involve the child in such scenarios.

10. LISTEN WITH FULL INTENT.

When we’re dealing with a child who is obviously anxious, we’d be wise to lend an attentive ear. Not only is this part of being an adult, but attentively listening to a troubled child both sets a good example and helps to reach a solution earlier.

Source: https://www.powerofpositivity.com/make-kids-less-anxious/
Also follow www.soyoga.com.sg

Let there peace

A few ways to help our children find their own peace..

"I grew up in a big Irish Catholic family with six siblings. We went to Catholic schools and church every Sunday. I loved when we sang in church Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. Who knew so many years later I would be teaching children how to find peace inside. I wonder if this song planted a seed so many years ago that peace does indeed begin with me?

Recently I have had to reach deep inside to find that place of peace. I am highly sensitive to energy and whether I want to or not, I can feel deeply others’ pain and hurt. This political year has been hard for me. I want to believe the best in people. I know there are good people in America doing great things. But, we do look to leaders to lay a foundation and this year has been horrifying. I am ashamed and embarrassed by our President. His blatant racism hurts my soul. When I am walking in New York City or riding my bike in my mostly Hispanic neighborhood in Santa Fe all I want to do is apologize. “I’m so sorry,” I want to say, “He doesn’t speak for me.” Instead I look at them and send love from my heart to theirs.

I have had to reach deep into my soul and really practice what I preach to find that place of peace inside of me. I teach children to breath, meditate and move to find it. Why? Because peace is where your life soars. Nothing and no one can affect you when you are in a vibration of peace.

It’s not about finding peace or looking for peace. It’s about connecting with peace. You can’t strive, work hard, or study hard to find peace. Peace is a place of letting go and then the connection happens.

Connecting with peace puts you in harmony with life. When we connect with peace, we live a life of joy, because that is what we attract. We are able to go to that place of peace inside, no matter what is happening on the outside, and ultimately, peace is where the power lies. We are in control when we are at peace. External influences don’t bother us.

So how do we connect our children to peace?

1) Meditation is the most important way. When my kids were little we would meditate every night together as part of our evening routine. It helps the mind let go and relax. There are meditation aps and videos that you can put on for them as they drift off to sleep in a peace.

2) Going for a walk in nature helps us connect with the greater world around us. Looking up at the sky, feeling the vibration of the trees and the earth helps us to realize that we are all a part of something bigger than us.

3) Staying mindful and in the moment. Living for today frees our spirit and focuses our energy on the most important things right in front of us. Focus on the now and let go of the past and stop worrying about the future and you will feel a sense of peace and calm.

When children connect with peace, they are able to listen to their own inner voice and intuition. Intuition guides the children to do what is best for them, which brings them to a vibration of peace. This vibration of peace attracts more good things and takes the child round and round in a circle of joy.

My wish for everyone this year is that we are able to find peace within our hearts and experience the pure joy that it can bring…"

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/let-there-be-peace_us_5a49066de4b06cd2bd03e0dc
www.soyoga.com.sg

Inspiration for Early Morning

Inspiration for waking up for a sunrise yoga:-)
#yogainthemorning #yoaginspiration#lifegoals #jumpoutofbed #colourrun#breatheandsmile #soyoga
www.soyoga.com.sg