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Being Whole; Feet, Knees & Ankles Too

Screen Shot 2013-03-23 at 6.44.16 PM  It’s remarkable that with so much attention to finding the ‘right shoes’ and the ‘right fit’ that Americans have so many feet problems. Three quarters of us have painful foot health problems at one time or another.  Problems here can translate to various maladies of the knees and ankles as well.

Screen Shot 2013-03-23 at 6.45.49 PM  We have been inspired by students who have found that as they begin yoga practice their feet, knees and ankles hurt less and feel stronger and more stable.  A few years ago we began periodic 2 hour clinics to help students learn more and this term Marie will teach an expanded 4-week special series starting Thursday, April 4th for a more in-depth experience of practices that may be helpful.

We have been delighted to meet a local podiatrist Dr. Ray McClanahan who has put together a system of foot care to correct problems, increase athletic performance, decrease injury, enhance balance, and improve strength. All of this is congruent with what we teach in our yoga classes.

In this special series Marie introduces you to a wide range of practices we have found helpful for students over the years.   She will also introduce you to some of Dr. McClanahan’s thoughts and how to find out more about him.  You might check out his wonderful video about how he developed his system.

Yoga Ascends Even with Government Budget Sequestration & Airport Delays

100_4364  (Brant attempting to fly?)

Among the effects of the federal government’s budget sequestration are looming delays at airports.  Some air traffic controllers will be furloughed so air traffic may be a bit stymied.

Never fear.  Airports are setting up yoga rooms.  Oh my.  I first heard of the San Francisco Airports new yoga room from a student a few weeks ago.  (See the AP YouTube story)  Next there was the Burlington Vermont Airport’s yoga room (Read Lisa Rathke’s AP story).  Now even in conservative Texas the Dallas airport is making space for traveling yogis on gate D40 (See KTUU’s news story).

Shortly after 9/11 Mare suggested that she and I go to the Portland Airport to offer yoga classes for folks stuck during that terrible time for travelers.  Perhaps she had a intuition for what was to come.

Glad for this practical dimension practice to be visible and now available at airports.  Perhaps next there will be a yoga room available for the members of congress to help them get off the treadmill of confrontation and work with one another and our president toward a more functional government and get past the budget sequestration.