Happy Earth Day...April 22 2010 !

My favorite quote for Earth Day is simply "Everyday is Earth Day" by an unknown author. Indeed, if we treated Mother Earth in this manner things would be very different today. But as spring flowers are blooming and the trees budding and the chirp of birds returning I find I am still very passionate about the beauty of this Earth, despite the dire situation we've put her in. Passionate enough to try and live everyday as if it were Earth Day. Here are a few more quotes that I love, as well as a few ways to help keep Mother Earth happy.....Have a blessed Earth Day!

"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed." Mahatma Ghandi, Spiritual Leader 1869-1948

"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in." John Muir, Preservationist 1838-1914

"To see a world in a grain of sand, And a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, And eternity in an hour." William BlakePoet, painter1757-1827

Some "green" tips:

Consider going vegetarian, at least occasionally. There is more toxic waste produced from animal fields, slaughter, processing, and distribution that there is pollution from passenger cars. And besides, going veggie is paramount in the practice of AHIMSA...one of the first rules of yoga..."non harming".

Shop everywhere with re-usable bags. Some stores even offer you a discount if you bring your own bag. And some are now offering to plant a tree if you purchase one of their re-usable bags.

Turn off the water when you brush your teeth, or combine teeth brushing with showering.

Collect the running bath water while you wait for it to heat up for your shower. You can use it on plants, to wash dishes, or the next time you flush the toilet.

Recycle your old yoga mat. They make great sticky strips for drawers, closets, or shoe racks. They provide extra cushioning on a hard chair. You can also cut it into really small pieces and use it for packaging padding. (remember to tell the recipient of your package to re-use it too!)

Don't throw away that junk mail. Much of it can be used for scratch paper!

Wash out freezer baggies and re-use them. I find I can get at least 10 uses out of one bag before it's spent. Saves money too!

Switch to organic, eco friendly products wherever you can. It really makes a big impact. And pretty soon the farmers markets will be open....support them and support sustainability!

Go to Uncommon Ground on Devon Ave and order a "tree-tini". For every '"tree-tini" purchased a tree is planted....and it's yummy too!

However you celebrate Earth Day, I hope you do it with a smile! That too makes the Earth a much better place!

Today

This poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson has a simple but important message. In this time of great uncertainty about the future, this reminds us to not only be here now, but to really enjoy the now. Have a great day!

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. He is rich who owns the day. And no-one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety. Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in. Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day. Begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your own nonsense. This new day is too dear, with its hope and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.

***Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have You Tried YOGASSAGE?

In case you haven't heard, I'm now offering a special practice called Yogassage! Yogassage is comprised of passive yoga stretching (meaning you lay there, I gently stretch you), acupressure, a little Reiki, a little traditional massage, a little meditation, a little chakra balancing, and a whole lot of tension release. It's very similar to Thai Yoga Massage, but with added stuff (Tracy style). Sessions are done on the padded floor, you stay fully clothed, and they last about an hour to an hour and 1/4. The fee is $85 a session. You will leave feeling soothed, refreshed and relaxed.

Here's what some Yogassage recipients are saying:

"Yogassage is a truly unique, therapeutic, wonderful form of body relaxation! It really ought to be called YogAHHHssage. I liked so much about it: the combination of beneficial elements that Tracy (and ONLY Tracy!) knows how to employ; the fact that it is not entirely passive (There is no risk of falling asleep and drooling or snoring, during a yogassage session!). With her extensive knowledge of the entire body, glandular and muscular-skeletal points, Tracy addresses very gently all regions, tip to toe. I had not requested work on any particular problem area nor muscle strain, but it is apparent that this kind of relaxation therapy would be quite helpful for sore muscles. I did find it to be very relaxing, releasing, healing and pampering. Afterwards, I felt distinctly soothed, invigorated and cleansed! I would absolutely recommend this to anyone----it is a delightfully innovative, highly effective experience! I look forward to my next yogahhhssage!" Miriam Sturm
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"I've had a variety of massages across the globe and always like to try out new treatments. I'd recommend Yogassage for dancers, yogis, and other active people who exercise regularly. I don't think it would be a good option for people who are out of touch with their bodies as they probably don't know how to relax! There's something unique about how the stretches and manipulated adjustments lead to relaxation verses a Swedish massage where it's motionless. The closest examples of similar massages would be Thai or Shiatsu. By relaxing and giving into the movement, a deeper relaxation is achieved than typical massage. Still, it's completely relaxing since the practitioner is doing all the work and the recipient is passive. I think a few sessions will ultimately help anyone's yoga practice as one benefit is a better understanding of the range and limits of movement. I'd recommend Yogassage to all your students, friend, and family as a way to both be pampered and learn a little more about their own bodies." Sona
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"Yogassage: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! What more is there to say? Tracy’s Yogassage is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. A large part of Yogassage is Tracy moving your body in Yoga or yoga-like movements while you’re on the floor. The more you relax, the more she can move you deeper than you can go by yourself. This sounds scary, but it feels wonderful and I have felt released, not sore, afterwards.

I’ve had three Yogassages so far. Twice I’ve gone because of shoulder pain and stiffness in my neck (not surprising considering this winter!). Once I went for general tuning and relaxation. After each Yogassage I feel like I’m floating, and the tightness and pain are gone. It’s difficult to decide if I should stay for Yoga afterwards (which I’ve done twice and have felt an amazing level of fluidity and joy), or if I should go home and wrap myself in the peace that follows the Yogassage.

I think the critical element of Tracy’s Yogassage is Tracy. The same compassion and strength/gentleness and knowledge that are the hallmark of Tracy’s yoga teaching style come through in her Yogassage technique. She just KNOWS where I need work. I think the biggest responsibility we as Yogassage recipients have is to make sure we tell Tracy beforehand of any injuries or medical issues we have so the level of massage will be appropriate.

I found that I got more out of the 2nd Yogassage, and even more out of the 3rd, because I knew what to expect and was able to relax into them more. Can’t wait for the next one!"
Renee Schwartz

So why not treat yourself to a Yogassage session soon? Just contact me anyway that's convenient to set up an appointment. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!

Namaste,
Tracy

New Year...New Opportunities

Happy New Year to all of you! I truly believe 2009 holds great promise in so many ways. May we all enter into it with a positive spirit and a willingness to live fully and freely!

With the beginning of the New Year we have a figurative moment to re-evaluate our dharmic path, and a fresh opportunity to work a little more towards that path. Hopefully for all of you that includes Yoga! I encourage all of you to take this auspicious beginning as an opportunity to not only deepen your level of yoga practice and study, but to share the gift of yoga with those you love. Imagine a world where everyone just had a chance to breathe before they acted or reacted. I believe the setting in the world is perfect right now to embrace the strong, positive vibrational power that Yoga has...and what better way to spread the peace, stillness and strength than to encourage your friends and family to begin a practice. To help facilitate this I'm offering gift certificates for Yoga with Tracy Von Kaenel at a discounted rate. Purchase a certificate for 2 classes or more and get one class free! This offer is good for new students only.... Let me know if you'd like to purchase a gift certificate for a friend. This is a limited time offer so hurry! Expires Jan. 31st 2009. Gift certificates good for one year.

New beginnings also bring changes. Please see the additional posting for class changes and additions. Blessings to you all in this beautiful new year. May it bring you moments of great joy, great peace, and great strides on your dharmic path.

Class Changes and Additions

Starting January 1st, 2009 there are a few changes and additions to the current schedule at the Tai Chi Center.

First,unfortunately, due to lack of attendance, the Wednesday 12:30-1:30 class will no longer run. There may be a chance to re-establish this class in the future if there is enough interest.

On the flipside, I'm happy to announce that I will now be offering private lessons. The current sheduled time available for privates is 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, right before the Tuesday night class. Other times may be available as well. This is a wonderful opportunity to work on something specific that we may not get to in class, or if you are working with an injury and need modifications to help you in class. It is also a great chance to learn how to deepen your practice.

In addition, I'm offering a new style of privates called YOGASSAGE. What's that you ask? It's a combination of passive yoga stretching (meaning you lay there, I gently stretch you), gentle accupressure, a little Reiki, a little traditional massage, a little meditation, and a whole lot of tension release. It's very similar to Thai Yoga Massage, but with added stuff (Tracy style). Sessions are done on the padded floor, you stay fully clothed, and they last about an hour. It's very peaceful and soothing.The fee for all private sessions are $85 a session and usually run about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. If you would like to schedule a private lesson of any sort please contact me either in person, email or phone.

Holiday Schedule

The following classes will be cancelled due to the holidays. Take advantage of the classes that are still running! Anyone is welcome at any class and will be challenged appropriately.

I hope to see a lot of you during this busy time!

Cancelled Classes:

Wednesday November 26th 12:30-1:30 only
(the evening class WILL run)

Wednesday December 24th 12:30-1:30 and 6:00-7:30

Wednesday December 31st 12:30-1:30 and 6:00-7:30

'Tis the Season

Once again the busy holiday season approaches and our normal routine is thrown out the window. It is challenging during this time to remember to include the things that make us feel and function our best, like sleep, yoga, proper nutrition and exercise. I invite you to deepen your awareness this year of the things that allow you to fully experience the joys of the holidays without the stresses they often include. As the season brings colder weather it is a great time to deepen or begin a meditation practice. Just a few minutes a day can make a difference. A home yoga practice can also help offset the mood changes that come with changing weather and changing schedules. And of course, the more yoga classes you can attend the more likely you'll stay grounded and focused, as well as open to the joy. This can truly be a special time if we enter into it with a connection to our bodies, minds and spirits. No matter what you celebrate, may it bring you a multitude of love, light and laughter. Namaste, Tracy