Take Five for a quick video :)

One On Ones

Enveloped in the cold December air, my sister--who's visiting for the holidays--and I marched on over to Crazy Wisdom Bookstore for the last of this year's Take Five Yoga Wednesday NOON Sessions. Though at first it seemed a little disheartening that no one showed, within a matter of a few Asanas, I couldn't have been more grateful for the opportunity to have a one on one with my very own sister.

Here are some pictures from our lovely afternoon together:

GaGa for Yoga! Have you checked your GABA lately?

I'm so excited to share this amazing news with you all. A new study from Boston University's School of Medicine found that Yoga boosts moods more effectively than walking. Doing an hour of yoga 3 times a week for 12 weeks increased GABA levels by 13%. GABA, is (a neurotransmitter that shows up once in a while that’s linked to a number of various medical and psychiatric disorders) lower in people who are depressed; levels usually rise with the use of medicine.

Remarkably, walkers showed no significant increase in GABA levels. So, if ya wanna put your pills down, pick up your mats and plop right on for some yoga!

"This is the first study to find a behavioral intervention [yoga] that has an effect on brain chemistry similar to that of antidepressants," says study author Chris Steeter, MD

So, hip-hip-hooray for YOGA!

From the soles of my feet, to your inner soul: Namaste & Happy Yoga!

Back from "T-Dot"

I'm back in Ann Arbor from a weekend getaway trip to Toronto. I went with a really good friend and I find it's always nice to explore a foreign city with someone who's extremely familiar. I've known my friend since we were both 11 years old. We've gone to places in Europe together numerous times, but aside from Michigan this was a first in exploring North America.
We went to a yoga studio in Toronto (which shall remain nameless) and though my friend doesn't practice yoga regularly, she was kind enough to join me early Sunday morning for a brief visit to one of Toronto's most popular places. Afterwards, we had a lovely breakfast at Niche and discussed the aforementioned yoga studio over Eggs Benedict. As an actual practitioner, I felt oddly intimidated by the students at the Toronto studio. My friend said she felt the same--to a terrifying degree. She said had she walked into such a studio on her own, she would've, "Walked right back out."
Not only did everyone look like a gymnast straight out of the Olympics, sadly there was an air of superiority as well. I smiled at a girl and she gawked back, almost offended. This studio was clearly well-invested... amazing hardwood floors, gorgeous murals of Laxmi, lavish statues of Hindu dieties lined all the windows which were hidden behind Chiffon curtains. A slight pedastal was built in the center of the room, surrounded by tea-candles. Our instructor did all of her Asanas in such a graceful manner, right on it. Glowing amidst the candles, it was all undeniably beautiful.
Nevertheless, neither my friend or I felt even remotely comfortable.
My own space is very limited and holds no fancy decorations, paintings, etc. but I hope it is welcoming.
This has made me wonder--what can I do as an instructor to ensure 100% of my clients will feel a warm, fuzzy feeling in their hearts upon setting foot inside Take Five Yoga?? If anyone has any ideas, please don't hesitate to contact me with ideas!

Turns out life is all Ha Ha Hee Hee!

I've just come back to Ann Arbor after a two-day conference on Laughter Yoga.

What a joyous weekend!

In 1995 Indian medical doctor Madan Katarai began Laughter Yoga with just five people at a random park in Mumbai, India. Over the past few years this little movement grew to include over 8,000 Laughter Clubs in around 80 countries! Who says life isn't all ha ha hee hee?

 Laughter Yoga combines Pranayama (breathing) from traditional Yoga with physical exercise that involves laughing. It is based around the scientific fact that generating fake laughter can provide the same benefits that genuine laughter offers. Conducted in group settings where laughter becomes contagious, it is an amazing way to de-stress, connect with others and it always leaves you with a little pep in your step!

 If anyone would like to contact me to conduct a Laughter Yoga session, please do not hesitate!

Laughter Yoga boosts company morale, peaks work performance by energizing employees and hightens teamwork amongst workers. Everyone who tries it always gives a huge Thumbs Up!

Namaste :)

A Brief Introduction :)

Hi All!
I am so excited to announce the opening of Take Five Yoga (TFY) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. On January 1st, 2011, I will be opening up an at-home, super-duper intimate yoga studio. It can hold no more than four students and one teacher. With space for five people, five classes a day, five times a week, I'm hoping I can do my little part in spreading the Yoga-love in my community.
Though I moved around a lot as a kid, since 5th grade I have pretty much called Ann Arbor my home. There were brief departures here and there, but I've always returned. It's no wonder that I'm trying my best to use very local-venues to promote TFY. On December 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th I will be hosting free Hatha Yoga classes at Crazy Wisdom Bookstore right on Main Street! Come join me at Noon. I will provide mats, but I do ask that you bring an open-mind and please be on time.
Namaste,

Roshani