Welcome to my blog: Its an honor for me

The practice of Yoga has been a long journey within that has changed me in many powerful ways. When practicing yoga, I become more aware of my internal world and I am present within. Through my therapeutic yoga classes , my hope is to assist you in beginning your own JOURNEY WITHIN and help you heal and change. Yoga provides the perfect pathway to transform, blossom and thrive.
I am honored to serve expecting mommas and their little ones not only as a Pre and Post Natal yoga teacher but also as a Hypnobirthing educator and an Infant Massage instructor. I wear many hats in this world, but all of them are to help birth ourselves into a new state of consciousness. And for that, there are no words.....

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Private yoga lessons are the heart of Yoga


ABOUT THERAPEUTIC YOGA


Therapeutic yoga is not just another style of yoga. It is a way to directly address health challenges such as structural pain, problems from chronic illness and/or emotional disturbances. Private instruction is a wonderful way to bring yoga into your life.

What is Yoga Therapy?
 Yoga Therapy assumes each person is unique and adapts and applies Yoga techniques to help individuals based on their needs, interests, and current condition. Through one-on-one sessions, and through a personalized home practice, my goal is to enhance your health and well-being by reducing symptoms, restoring balance, increasing self-understanding, encouraging prevention, and facilitating healing at all levels of your being.

How can Yoga Therapy help you? 
Yoga Therapy is helpful for: Structural conditions (such as back pain, hip pain, sciatica).

Physiological conditions (such as high blood pressure, Hypertension, Multiple Sclerosis, arthritis, high blood pressure, constipation).

Emotional conditions (such as depression and anxiety), and many more are helped by the varied techniques of yoga.

What techniques are used?
 Many of the tools of yoga can be incorporated: physical postures, breath exercises, relaxation, meditation, mudras, mantras, and lifestyle (such as diet, exercise, sleep, or stress management). Because of the self-reflective nature of the work, discussion also becomes an integral part of our time together.

What do sessions look like?
 Sessions are conducted on a one-on-one basis and held in my studio . They are tailored to meet your special needs and a personal practice is developed to assist you in working on your own. No special equipment is required. 
 Please note I have a 24 hour cancellation policy.

I hope to inspire and empower you to reach your full potential, both physically, mentally, and emotionally leading to a healthy, joyful, and productive life.

To get more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Sara at (406) 600-1994

Workplace Yoga Classes

Sara offers group classes at your workplace! These classes usually last 45 minutes to 1 hour and can be conducted any time of day – before work, during lunch, after work or whenever it is convenient. This is a perfect gift to your employees helping them to reduce stress, and keep them fit and healthy.

One-time workshops are also available.

Periodically Taught Special Seminars:

Stress Management - also taught in the workplace


Therapeutic Yoga for Back Pain

Therapeutic Yoga for Hypertension
...and more workshops to come

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras - Chapter I, verse 47 - Autumn Light


Interpretive Translation by Joseph Le Page:

Upon gaining natural lucidity in meditative absorption beyond reflective thought (nirvichara samadhi), the higher Self naturally awakens, like the shimmering luminosity of Autumn light.

Note: The word ‘vaisharada’ used in this verse to mean clearness of mind or natural lucidity, literally means autumnal brightness, which serves as the inspiration for this commentary.

Commentary by Joseph Le Page – Autumn Light

Each year, I walk that ever new yet timeless trail down to the edge of the sunlit lake, where every tree, being and newly colored leaf is bathed in autumn’s golden rays.

And each year I gaze onto the surface of the lake, hoping to catch a glimpse, to see some trace, in the clarity of those golden rays, a reflection of my own true face.

And each year there are changes in the clarity I find, depending on the wind and weather in my mind, sometimes still clouded by doubt and fear, but gradually becoming clear and bright in the growing presence of autumn light.

And when that calm blue surface is furrowed by the nervous winds of worry, I rest my gaze onto the deep still center of the lake, and allow some time for the waves of wind-whipped mind to slowly fade away.

And when my gaze lifts beyond the horizon of the lake, into the future’s endless maze, I soften my breath and rest my sight on the ever-perfect present moment, bathed in autumn light.

And when clouds of sadness roll across, reminders of life’s deep lake of loss, I watch and wait for the dark shadows to abate, as white clouds of wisdom sail again over the vast blue stillness of the lake.

Sometimes, I go there just to rest my mind, to close my eyes and journey inside, to bathe in the stillness beyond time, and then return to life revitalized in the luminous glow of autumn light.

And sometimes, I simply sit in awe at the almost unberable beauty of the autumn glow, painting a landscape of earth, lake and sky with the precious gold leaf of autumn light.

And in the grace of those golden rays, I offer thanks for each new day, a precious gift of Divine delight wrapped in the glory of autumn light.

And each year that autumn brilliance grows, a reflection of my own awakening soul, the seeds of wisdom germinating deep inside, grow and burst the banks of the everyday mind, and the One Self shines forth clear and bright in the mystery of autumn light.

Now, that autumn aura guides each step, in ever present companionship, a golden cocoon of Divine embrace guiding me to reunion with my own true face.

And this year, a fresh breeze of freedom blows through my mind as I walk arm in arm with the Divine; with nothing left to loose, fear or fight, I gaze into the lake with crystal clear sight, to find no face at all, only Autumn Light.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Integrative Yoga Therapy Professional Yoga Therapist Training

I'm honored and excited to be in Kripalu for the month of September to deepen my understanding of yoga therapy and learn practical applications of Integrative Yoga Therapy principles and techniques with Joseph Le Page. This forms the practicum and integration for my 500-hour Professional Yoga Therapist certification. Upon my return, I will be happy to offer group and one on one yoga therapy classes in this community, creating safe space, loving presence and unconditional positive regard. Namaste!

Hypnobirthing new course starting in Bozeman




Hello Hypnobirthing families. Wow! There are many of us now in Montana! That fills my heart with joy, especially when I see all those wonderful babies around town.... THANK YOU!! As many of you know my family is moving to Bozeman on October 1st. I will have more news for you in the month of October regarding my WOMEN AND CHILDREN YOGA AND SUPPORT CENTER, but, for now, I'd like to announce the opening of a new Hypnobirthing course starting in Bozeman October 17. It will take place for 5 consecutive Sundays from 4:30 to 6:30pm. I've always believed that word of mouth and recommendation is the best way to advertise. So here is the info. Please feel free to pass it along to any expecting mom and family you think might be interested. I wish you peace, joy, and a happy fall season.

CHILDBIRTH CLASSES - HypnoBirthing®
My philosophy is one of empowered and gentle birth, for baby and for mom. I draw on my own knowledge and my own Hypnobirthing experience, as well as the work of Mickey Mongan. I believe women birth most easily in calm, safe environments with no interventions and interruptions. I seek to give you the resources you need to achieve the birth you want. I offer knowledge, reassurance and support in a calm, relaxed environment with plenty of personal attention (something I believe pregnant moms and partners truly deserve).

(5) - 2 -hour classes
CHILDBIRTH CLASSES OUTLINE
UNIT #1 Building A Positive Expectancy- Sunday October 17 (4:30pm to 6:30pm)
Introduction - HypnoBirthing® Storie, HypnoBirthing® Beginnings, Rationale/Muscle Comparison, How the Uterus Work, Articles of Birth Affirmation, Uterus During Surge Illustration, What’s Wrong with Labor?, How Fear Affects Labor, Origin of Pain Concept/Curse of Eves, Hypnosis and Deep Relaxation, Creating Positive Birth Outcome, Psycho-Physical Exercise, Pen Dropping, Sleep Breathing Introduction/Demonstration, Lemon Cutting Script, Light Arm/Heavy Arm, HypnoBirthing® Stories # 1 and #2

UNIT #2 Falling in Love With Your Baby/Preparing Mind & Body- Sunday October 24 (4:30pm to 6:30pm)
HypnoBirthing® Stories -- #3 and #4, Prenatal Bonding Techniques, Bonding Exercise, Father’s Script, Mother’s Conversation with Her Unborn Child, Parent’s Prayer, Relaxation and Breathing, Routine , Positions , Facial Relaxation, Sleep Breathing Reviewed, Slow Breathing, Birth Breathing, Progressive, Instant, and Deepening Techniques, Progressive Relaxation, Disappearing Letters, Birth Companion’s Deepening Script
Relaxation and Visualizations, Rainbow Script, Opening Blossom, Blue Satin Ribbons, Arm-Wrist Test, Releasing Limiting Thoughts Assignment, Preparing the Body for Birthing, Light touch Massage, Stretching the Inner Thigh Muscles, The Leaping Frog/squatting/Semi-squatting
Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels), Perineal Massage
Nutritions importance for healthy, happy babies

UNIT #3 Getting Ready to Welcome your Baby- Sunday October 31 (4:30pm to 6:30pm)
Birth Stories Videos #5 and #6 , Daddy’s Promise, Birth Preferences, Hospital Records and Pre-Admission Registration, Breech Presentation, When Baby is Ready , Looking at Your Due Date, Special Circumstances That Require The Attention of A Caregiver, Avoiding Artificial Induction of Labor, Achieving A Natural Start of Labor, Prelude to Labor , Your Body Working for You And with You, Releasing Negative Emotions and Fear

UNIT #4 Overview of Childbirth—Sunday November 7 (4:30pm to 6:30pm)
A Labor of Love Birth Stories Video #7 , Onset of Labor—Thinning and Opening Phase, Arriving at The Hospital, As Labor Moves along, Birth Companion’s Role, Birth Companion’s Birth Guide, If Labor Stalls or Slows, Review of Misconceptions, Natural Measures to Restart Labor, Important Questions for Birth Companions to Protect Natural Birthing Experience, As Birthing advances—Nearing Completion, Birth Rehearsal Imagery

UNIT #5 - Birthing—Breathing Love, Bringing Life- Sunday November 14 (4:30pm to 6:30pm)
Show Birthing Video—Birth Into Being , Hallmarks of Labor Mother Nears Completion—thinning and opening, Birthing Phase—Breathing Baby Down, Positioning and Repositioning, Birth—The Final Act, Forest Fantasy Metaphor , Balloon Trip Release, Pelvic Station, Birth Explained Simply , Visualization for Optimal Birth, Baby care basics and advice. We will have a lactation consultant come to class to talk about breastfeeding and answer all your questions.

What will you receive along with this course?
The Hypnobirthing book- The Mongan Method by Marie Mongan, A handbook, full of useful and up-to-date information, visualizations and positions, 2 relaxation CDs, soothing music and guided birth relaxation, support for birthing your way, a peer and support/ friend group of like-minded others to learn with, a safe, nurturing place to develop a connection with your birth partner, full time phone/e-mail support, pregnancy and post-partum, an extensive birth, parenting, breastfeeding borrowing library (books and DVDs), new and updated all natural birth films in class, a chance to practice relaxation together every week
Guest speakers at the end of each unit: doula, chiropractor, lactation consultant and a former Hypnobirthing mom with her Hypno-baby to share her experience with you, a class reunion with your little ones and the rest of the class

CLASS PRICING- 5 week Hypnobirthing classes: $50 to register and $200 for the course. This includes all materials and instruction for mom and her birth partner, plus anyone else who might attend the birth and would like education. To provide personal attention I allow only 6 couples per group, so REGISTER NOW as classes fill quickly.
I will be happy to answer any questions you might have when you call or email. To register for classes, send your name and address and I will send you a registration form
.

“In the sheltered simplicity of the first days after a baby is born, one sees again the magical closed circle, the miraculous sense of two people existing only for each other, the tranquil sky reflected on the face of the mother nursing her child.” - Anne Morrow Lindberg