Tag: yoga

Learning New Tricks

by anyhusmoen

A little over a year ago, I became interested in mat pilates. So much so, that in the fall of 2022, I started the Balanced Body Mat Pilates teacher training program and trained at two local studios; Paragon Pilates and Awaken Pilates. Spoiler alert, it is COMPLETELY different from yoga. While yoga is all about linking expansive postures with the breath, pilates is all about getting deep into the muscle layers with your breath. I recently told a pilates student that while yoga usually feels really good during a class, pilates typically feels really good AFTER the class. At least, this is what I have personally experienced. It is challenging, but I love the challenge.

I am currently teaching a Beginning Mat Pilates class at the Yoga Center Retreat and will be adding a morning class at a new studio starting April 2nd. For those who are willing to rise and shine for a 7:00am Mat Class, you can join me Tuesday mornings at the Communal Studio at West End. The studio is owned by Una Setia and offers a variety of class and workshops; I am very excited to be part of it.

For class details and locations, please note below.

Do You Love Full Moons Too?

by anyhusmoen

I love full moons. I love watching them rise over the horizon, I love
standing underneath them when they are high in the sky, and I love seeing how
they reflect over water. There is something magical, mysterious, and
captivating about the full moon; it almost feels like it is trying to tell me
something. 

Actually, the moon is trying to tell us all something; let it go.  Let go of
what? Let go of what is no longer serving you. This can represent a multitude
of things such as physical objects, overpacked schedules, people who bring us
down or our own self-defeating thoughts. 

Every so often, I hold a Full Moon Ritual at the Yoga Center Retreat and we explore
all topics that involve the full moon. How does the full moon make you feel? What
draws you to the full moon? How does your mood change as the moon becomes
fuller and fuller? Do you have any rituals that you practice during the full
moon? Some people use this time to clean their house or cleanse their crystal
while others may enjoy an evening hike or recording their feelings in a
journal. 

During my moon workshops, we start out with general discussions about the
moon and then go into the powerful meaning behind full moons. Full moons are a
time for letting go of what no longer serves you. I give everyone time to
journal, list and name what they feel those things are. After 10 minutes or so
of reflection, I have them write down the most pressing thing on a piece of
paper and fold it up. Once everyone has their "thing" written down,
we all take turns burning that piece of paper in a glass bowl and one’s turn is
not up until that piece of paper has turned into ashes. Everyone is given the
opportunity to share what was on that piece of paper or keep it to themselves. 

Moon Ritual Burning Ceremony Remnants

Yet, the full moon isn’t just a time to acknowledge what isn’t working in
our lives, it’s also a time to express gratitude to what is working in our
favor. We also take time during the workshop to reflect on all that we are
grateful for and share that with the group if desired. 

We conclude our time with a short practice to open the body and release any pent-up
energy and to calm the mind. It truly is one of my most favorite workshops to
hold because I am always so moved and inspired by those who have attended. 

My next workshop will be Friday, February 23rd at 6:30pm (the moon will be at it’s peak the following night) at the Yoga Center Retreat. I would love
to have you join us but if you can’t, do take some time for yourself during the
upcoming full moon and check in with how you’re feeling and see what your body
and spirit may be needing. Perhaps you can start a moon ritual of your very
own!