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So much of the stress you hold and the ways you keep yourself stuck have to do with how far you've traveled from your original self. You can release that tension by identifying who's actually there under all those layers and why that pure essence is really perfect as it is. And when you let go of that stress... when you can stop blaming yourself for being who you are, it frees up an enormous amount of energy to move forward in life.
Jean Haner
Waking up to who you are requires letting go of who you imagine yourself to be.
Jim Britt

Yoga Pose (asana) for the week: Setu Bandha Sarvangasana = Bridge Pose
Fitness/Health Tip for the week: Slow

down your workout!! Mindful movement will get you better results. If you are “pumping” through your reps with weights you are NOT letting your muscles contract sufficiently to get the break down needed to build muscle. Slow down, use your breath and even incorporate “holds” into your sets. When doing cardio workouts varying the pace also increases its efficiency, want to increase your cardio-vascular health and kick up your fat burning? Go for the interval!
Musings from Aminda:

Who is the true you? When was the last time you listened in to that inner voice? What have you done in life to please others or to be who you thought you “should” be? Its OK we all do it to some extent and in reality its part of our evolution, as a species we need a group to survive so it is inherent to try to fit in and be part of the collective. But what can we do to stay true to ourselves and not give into peer pressure? Hey, it didn’t stop back in high school? How much of what we do in our lives today is because it’s what we believe to be true as opposed to what has become habitual? Maybe, just maybe you have no idea what the case is for you???? Well heck that’s probably the case for a lot of us…I don’t know about you but last time I checked life was moving at an increasingly fast pace, sometimes leaving little room for self inquiry and deep thoughts. But this self connection, this conversation with your inner self is essential to relieving stress and leading an authentic life, authenticity is what separates living from surviving. Although there are times when survival mode is necessary we all seek something more profound and discovering the self is the foundation of a life lived beyond mere survival. So what to do? It doesn’t mean you need to become a monk or take a walk-a-bout (although that does sound fun sometimes) it simply means allowing yourself a little time for that conversation. Working out, walking, yoga, meditation all provide an opportunity to just listen, it doesn’t have to be formal or even of a long duration, just a few moments to be quiet and hear what you have to say to YOU…I am often told by students that they “can’t” meditate or slow down or be quiet…but that’s simply isn’t true, maybe you can’t sit for an hour in empty minded meditation, but sheesh, who can??? Don’t think it’s an all or nothing deal…you can listen while you walk, garden, sit watching a sunset…I am discovering that for most people the only real issue is feeling “guilty” for being still. So lets change the parameters and start to help ourselves and others realize that sometimes NOT DOING is the BEST form of BEING there is, we are “accomplishing” something when we are still, let us be part of the revolution that jumps off of societies treadmill of DO DO DO , GET GET GET and let’s just BE, and connect with our true selves, our true nature--- and if that scares you a bit you aren’t alone, and if you have no idea where to start…you are definitely not alone. Come on down to yoga class, get a massage, ask about hypno let us help you…find you!!