Saturday, December 31, 2011

Mehndi

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. 2011
Mehndi is the temporary tinting of the skin, by applying Henna. In India and around the world Henna is applied for special occasions including Hindu festivals and most elaborately for brides on their wedding day. It is traditionally applied to both the hands and the feet to awaken the wearer's "inner-light". 
Brides must be very patient with this process as the application of Henna can take several hours; after which they must remain still to ensure they do not smudge the detailed design.

When applying Henna, it is best to let it dry completely before removing; up to 8 hours. Mehndi will stain your skin a rich brown colour and will last a few days up until one week.


Insider's Tip: For best results you can apply a mixture of fresh lemon juice and granulated sugar to keep the henna from completely drying; then leave the Henna on the skin over night. By doing so you can have your Henna last up to twice as long. *Remember to cover your Mehndi with a plastic bag over night to ensure you don't ruin your sheets*

Friday, December 30, 2011

Saturday, December 31

Come de-stress before the ball drops
Shawna will be teaching a 1-hour Hatha Yoga class Saturday morning 9:15-10:15 AM @ Fitness Quest in the Town Centre, Brandon.
This class is perfect for all ages and levels of experience.
$7 drop-in
Free for members

Why not start that New Years Resolution early?

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Finding YOUR Sadhana


  साधना Sadhana
Personal devotional practice. Self-enrichment.

 It is the realization of your true potential, allowing your best qualities to shine.



 Finding your Sadhana may be the meaning of life.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. -Marianne Williamson
Let go of your fears and become the person you are truly meant to be. 

 My Sadhana is practicing yoga and sharing yoga with others. What is yours?









Natarajasana- Lord of the Dance- Lord Shiva Pose

Natarajasana named after Lord Shiva, whom in Hinduism is, the creator and destroyer of all the universe.
This pose is quite beautiful but also takes a considerable amount of strength and flexibility.

How to get into this pose
Standing in Tadasana (standing tall on both feet) transfer the weight onto the left foot, keeping the left leg locked.
Open your right palm to the front and draw the shoulder back. While bending at the right knee, swing your right arm back to meet your foot and catch the inside of the right ankle.
Lift your left arm up and lengthen your left side.
Find your balance by choosing a point of focus, a drishti, this is the base of the pose. Once you are ready you may begin to kick into your right hand using the strength of your leg to left your foot away from your glutes.
Try to maintain the pose for 20-30 seconds.


Benefits of this pose
Improves balance
Strengthens your standing leg and ankle
Stretches your thighs, groin and abdomen
Stretches your shoulders and chest