Five Points Yoga

Barrett's Blog

Archive for June, 2009

The Doula Guide to Birth – Book of the Month

Posted June 30th, 2009 | 2 Comments » | Bookmark and Share

Pregnant Mamas – Read this Book!

 

I’m adding to my list of favorite books to suggest in pregnancy.   Boston resident (and friend of mine) Ananda Lowe has written a FANTASTIC book all about what you need to know to give birth in the US today.  

 

It’s called “The Doula Guide to Birth: Secrets Every Pregnant Woman Should Know”  and it’s chock full of helpful tips from Ananda’s years as a doula, prenatal massage therapist, and employee at ALACE (I took her job at ALACE when she left in 2003, and learned much of what I know about pregnancy, birth and postpartum while working there). 

 

I like this book because it’s very open to all the possibilities of what someone may want in their birth.   I don’t think this book leaves anyone out – she speaks to single moms, lesbian moms, twin moms, and the dads/partners of said moms.  

 

A student of mine mentioned that she thought the book pushed the idea of getting a doula a little too much.   I’m such a fan of having a doula that I didn’t notice that at all, but I guess someone who knows they do not want a doula might experience that as well.  However, even if you know you don’t want a doula, I found information in this book that is hard to find written about anywhere else, so I still think it’s a great read.

 

Enjoy!

 

Barrett

Posted under Book Review, Local Interest, Postnatal Information, Prenatal Information

Under the Weather

Posted June 29th, 2009 | Leave a comment » | Bookmark and Share

I have a tickle in my throat, which is a first sign to me that my immune system is a little under the weather.   No small wonder given the lousiness of this June in Boston.

 

What am I going to do yoga-wise?

 

It’s interesting because I’ve been in a bit of a rut the last few weeks, including with yoga.   Nothing’s really wrong, but nothing’s super awesome either, know what I mean?  I’m noticing that my impulse is to try a strong yoga practice, because I haven’t had one in several days (my mom was visiting and I haven’t done my own yoga practice since Thursday).

 

However, I think it will be better for me to practice gentler yoga today.   I won’t practice vigorous Sun Salutes, with lots of up and down motions of the head, nor will I practice many inversions, even though these are often my favorite.  Instead, I think I’ll spend a lot of time on all fours, sitting and lying down instead.  

 

And that might just help me re-dedicate myself to some more in-depth yoga in a few days 🙂  

 

Here’s to more sunshine soon,

 

Barrett 

Posted under Yoga

K.I.S.S.

Posted June 8th, 2009 | Leave a comment » | Bookmark and Share

Keep It Simple Sweetie!

We laughed a lot getting ready for our first foray into backpacking – boy, for going back to nature, you sure do need a lot of expensive stuff!

It was so interesting for me to literally carry my world on my back for 4 days. It made me realize that we really don’t need much. I could have used more yoga, and a better place to do it than in the dirt and rocks, but otherwise, I was ok.

When we got to Moab, it was heavenly to take a shower and to sleep on a bed (my old back injury was starting to get a little cranky), things that day by day, I definitely take for granted.

But there were some things I absolutely didn’t miss – my email and cellphone!!!

I don’t think I’ve gone so long without checking either one since the advent of their existence! I’ve always been someone who, even on vacation, will stop by the local internet café, if it’s convenient, and check in on my life for a few minutes. I felt like these ways to communicate kept me in touch with my regular life, even if I was on vacation from it.

Well, there was no internet café in Canyonlands National Park, and surprisingly, even when I got to Moab, ensconced in a beautiful little cottage, I had no desire to turn on the computer or check my voicemail. I think being stripped down to just the most basic things (water, some food, a few articles of clothing, and some shelter) made me understand just how unnecessary being in constant contact is.

Now that I’m back, I can’t hide from them, and interestingly, I find I don’t want to. I had a respite, and now I’m back to managing the information flow. I think I’m doing better than usual, not getting overwhelmed at the 250 emails I had awaiting me. I’m doing only what is necessary, and letting go of the extraneous. AND, making sure to step outside on these beautiful days and enjoy the sunshine!

So, Keep It Simple! That’s what I’m talking about right now. It’s been present in my yoga practice too. Just doing the basics that I know put me into a good space. It’s been a really lovely transition back.

Namaste,

Barrett

PICTURES OF OUR TREK

About to head out – last sign of “amenities” like an air conditioned car

We headed off for a 14-mile hike after sleeping in til 10am – mistake! We had to hoof it to get back before dark.

On the way, there were some crazy parts as we moved in and out of canyons

Very happy to be done and back to our tent home. Ready for some pasta and then bed!

Posted under Health and Wellness, Personal Experiences, Yoga

Farmers Markets Are Back!

Posted June 4th, 2009 | Leave a comment » | Bookmark and Share

 

I LOVE the farmer’s market!   Even though I’ve had a CSA share with Waltham Fields for 9 years(!!!), I still make my way to the farmer’s market regularly.    We have one every day of the week near Cambridge!

 

Check out http://www.massfarmersmarkets.org/  for lots of info about when and where.   Some markets I love:

 

Copley Square, Tuesday and Friday – my favorite one, because it’s big and has Siena Farms, which always has interesting produce.   Siena Farms is connected to Oleana, one of our best restaurants in Cambridge.  

 

Central Square, Monday – the easiest one for me to get to.   It’s really great.   One of my favorite strawberry growers is here.

 

Davis Square, Wednesday – my former closest farmer’s market.  It’s an awesome feel here. 

 

Union Square, Saturday – also a fun family feel.

 

There’s also Harvard Square on Sunday and Tuesday, Cambridgeport on Saturday, and Kendall Square on Thursday.

 

I hope to bump into some of you this summer!   Here’s to an awesome healthy summer everyone!

 

Namaste,

 

Barrett

Posted under Food, Health and Wellness, Local Interest

The Birth Survey is Launched

Posted June 3rd, 2009 | Leave a comment » | Bookmark and Share

Just Launched!   The first ever consumer ratings website for birth locations (hospitals, birth centers) and providers around the country!

 

I think this could be a really useful survey that will give many future parents good information about care providers when they are pregnant.   Read about the Birth Survey here.   If you’ve given birth in the last 3 years, I encourage you to fill out the survey.   Future moms need your experience to help them navigate through their choices in childbirth!

 

The Birth Survey was designed by CIMS – the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services.   They do great work!

 

Let me know if you fill out the survey!

 

Barrett

Posted under Health and Wellness, Postnatal Information, Prenatal Information

Love Those Standing Poses

Posted June 2nd, 2009 | Leave a comment » | Bookmark and Share

 

We do a lot of standing postures in my classes.   I love them.   I never get bored by them.   They never get easy, but they do become more familiar and comfortable as time goes by.  Everything you want in a challenging yoga pose!

 

I’ve heard it said, “If you want to stand on your head, you have to learn to stand on your own two feet first.”   Headstand is considered one of the most important postures to master and to practice (although fyi, I have found that any inversion is great – it’s not so important for me to practice Headstand all the time). 

 

But the *foundation* of any practice really is the standing postures.  And I think it’s true that standing postures help you stand on your own two feet – meaning, they are very grounding, empowering and encouraging.   We really feel like a proud “warrior” in those classic Warrior Postures.   We feel able to bloom open, bursting with energy in Triangle or Half Moon.   We feel connected to the earth, rooted and present in balance postures like Eagle or Tree. 

 

Here’s a series I love to practice.   You should practice these after you’re a little warmed up, and using blocks as props where needed.  

 

Warrior 2 à Triangle à ½ Moon

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

(apologies for the half moon pose going the other way from the other two!)

 

If you’re feeling really feisty, after the above sequence, take a rest and then revolve the above sequence.  Be prepared for the intensity go up a few notches!  I’ve attached links to each of the below postures.   Enjoy the work, and then enjoy the rest afterwards 🙂  

 

Revolved Lunge à Revolved Triangle à Revolved ½ Moon

 

What are your favorite standing postures?  

 

Namaste!

 

Barrett

Posted under Personal Experiences, Yoga

Back from Utah Vacation

Posted June 1st, 2009 | Leave a comment » | Bookmark and Share

Just a quick post to say I’m back, and so happy to be teaching and practicing again!   I had an awesome time in Utah, going to a wedding and then camping out in the wilds of southern Utah.  I learned some things that I’d love to share in the next few days (I’m also planning to share some amazing pictures), but mostly, I just loved teaching again last night (yay for pregnant ladies – teaching prenatal yoga makes me so happy!).

Today I’m teaching three classes in a row, and I feel energized and ready to have fun with everyone who shows up.  

Love and light, and see you on the mat,

Barrett

Posted under Personal Experiences, Yoga

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