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Increase your chances of recovering from a stroke by incorporating these 5 Yoga asanas into stroke rehabilitation for stroke recovery and prevention …read more

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Numerous studies have shown the value of holistic practises like Yoga for stroke patients’ recovery and to prevent relapse and it is advised that those who have had a stroke or are at risk of having one, do mindfulness-based exercises like Tai Chi, Yoga and meditation as their cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure can all be lowered, which are risk factors for stroke. In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz of HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, shared, “Foods strong in potassium, such as sweet and white potatoes, bananas, tomatoes, prunes, melon, and soybeans, are encouraged for stroke patients to eat because they can help you maintain appropriate blood pressure, which is the main risk factor for stroke. Foods high in magnesium, including spinach, are also associated with a lower risk of stroke. Additionally, keep an eye on your diet by focusing on lean proteins and high-fiber foods. Avoid trans and saturated fats because they might cause artery blockages. Reduce salt intake and steer clear of processed meals, which can raise blood pressure.” (Photo by Mor Shani on Unsplash)

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Suggesting Yoga therapy for rehabilitation, he revealed, “You can increase your chances of recovering from a stroke by incorporating yoga therapy into stroke rehabilitation. Yoga is a holistic practise that combines physical postures with breathing exercises and meditation. Yoga may also aid elder stroke survivors in gaining better balance and increasing their level of activity.” He recommended the following asanas for stroke recovery and prevention – (Photo by Alonso Reyes on Unsplash)

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1. Vajrasana: Start by standing straight with your arms by your sides. • Lean forward and slowly lower your knees onto your mat. • Place your pelvis on your heels and point your toes outward. • Keep your heels close to each other. Place your palms on your knees facing up sit with your back up straight.(Grand Master Akshar)

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2. Sukhasana – Happy Pose: Place your palms on the knees while sitting erect with your spine straight in Dandasana. Fold the left leg and tuck it inside the right thigh. Then fold the right leg and tuck it inside the left thigh. (Photo by Mor Shani on Unsplash)

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3. Dandasana: Sit upright and extend your legs in front of you. Join your legs, bringing your heels together. Maintain a straight back. Tighten your pelvic, thigh, and calves muscles. In order to support your spine, place your palms on the floor next to your hips. Also, relax your shoulders. (Twitter/UKIYENGARYOGA)

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4. Adomukhi Svanasana: Begin in Cat Pose, where the palms are beneath the shoulders and the knees are below the hips. Push hips up, straightening the knees and elbows, and form an A’ shape. • Try to push your heels all the way to the floor. (Photo by Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar)

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5. Vrikshasana: • Place yourself in Samasthithi. • Raise your left leg and place foot on the inside of your raised thigh. To keep your foot in position, you can support it with your palm. Join palms and lift your hands up. Do the same with the other leg. (Pexels)

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Insisting upon improving your motor function and quality of life, Himalayan Siddha Akshar concluded, “Physical therapy is crucial for stroke victims because it helps them regain coordination and movement abilities that may have been impaired as a result of the stroke. You can start to benefit from better balance, an enhanced quality of life, less fear of falling, and the ability to carry out daily tasks by integrating Yoga.” (Photo by Scott Broome on Unsplash)

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This post was written by Marjorie Burns, MSSW, LCSW, supervisor, Dialectical Behavioral Therapist Program, Parkview Behavioral Health Institute.

I have been in the mental health field for more than 30 years and focusing on yoga and mindfulness for the last 12 years. Here, I’ll share some insights into these practices and the benefits that can be enjoyed by adding them into your daily life.
 

The benefits of practicing yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice that is used for physical, mental and spiritual well-being purposes. Through a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation, yoga focuses on bringing harmony between your mind and body. Many people, including myself, experience a number of health benefits from regularly practicing yoga including:

• Increased flexibility, muscle strength and tone
• Improved energy and vitality
• Less tension and stress
• Improved mental health and brain functioning
• Reduced inflammation
• Reduced anxiety
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Better posture and body awareness

The benefits of practicing mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and engaged in your thoughts, feelings and body. This involves focusing your mind on what’s happening in the present moment without rushing, evaluating or judging. One of the ways people practice mindfulness is through meditation. Studies show that mindfulness can have a positive impact on your health including:

• Reduced depression
• Reduced anxiety and stress
• Lowered blood pressure
• Improved sleep
• Reduced chronic pain
• Increased emotional regulation

How to get started with yoga and mindfulness

Within my life, I have learned the need to become in tune with myself, including looking at the external and internal stressors that are affecting my physical and mental health. With the world around us presenting constant challenges, it’s more important than ever to start a healthy life initiative Although there are multiple ways to do this, for me, mindfulness and yoga help me meet this balancing act of internal and external care. Here’s some ways you can get started on incorporating it into your life too.

• Become aware of yourself. To make a change in your life, it’s important to be open to the idea of helping yourself grow. You can start by becoming aware of your beliefs, feelings, body sensations and thoughts. By listening to your body and considering the things that you need, you’ll be more in tune with your mind, body and soul. Research shows that by doing mindfulness and/or yoga, you can reach a whole new level of self-awareness while also decreasing mental health and physical symptoms.
   
• Find the type that’s right for you. There are multiple types of mindfulness and yoga, so it’s important to find one that works for you. Your body type, activity level, health issues and available time should help you decide which type of practice is best. For example, for me, mindfulness exercises such as breathing and grounding are most helpful, as well as short spurts of chair yoga with music or anything involving nature. Take the time to look up the different types of mindfulness and yoga that will work with your lifestyle.
   
• Make a conscious effort. Mindfulness is a daily practice that can come consciously or unconsciously during our daily activities. For many, a conscious mindfulness practice involves making a choice to focus on an activity or place, or putting yourself in a pose where you are only aware of the moment. For example, you may want to sit in a quiet space, focus on breathing slowly and deeply or do light stretching. Whatever you do, ensure you make it a routine so you can reap the benefits of letting all other thoughts, judgements and worries float past.

Although I am by far no expert on yoga or mindfulness, I have seen the benefits these practices can provide in one’s mental and physical health. If you’re interested in learning more, I encourage you to contact Parkview’s health and dietitian departments and the Community Greenhouse for more information.
 

Additional resources

Looking for some more insight into these practices? Here are a few of my favorite experts if you’re interested in doing additional research:

Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. He is internationally known for his work as a scientist, writer and meditation teacher. He defines mindfulness as “Awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and being non-judgmental of oneself.”

Marsha Linehan, who has multiple studies on the use of mindfulness and its correlation of lowering our emotional reaction in stressful events. She also has significant studies that show mindfulness can positively affect our health by changing our brain chemistry.

Dr. Michael DeManicor, PhD, founder of Yoga Institute in Sydney, Australia. He blends information regarding the practice of yoga, mindfulness and its effectiveness on depression and anxiety. A good podcast you can listen to is called “Yoga and Mental Health” at podcast.flowartists.com.

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Bronwyn Benstead, second left, and Kevin Karaca were helped by friends Ethan Cairns, Lizzie Henshaw, Martyn Stonehouse and Ed Pountney to get the premises ready for opening. (Photo: Submitted)

Bronwyn Benstead and Kevin Karaca have set up a Community Interest Company in which profits are reinvested towards subsidising classes for those who need it. Every class paid for at Kula helps to fund subsidised passes and helps teachers hold regular ‘pay what you can’ classes for all.

Kevin, who teaches mindfulness, said: “We have tiered pricing. Not everyone is in the economic position to pay for classes. Our Oak passes are the true prices at Kula, but we also have Elm passes which are our effort to make access to classes within reach.”

If you can’t commit to a membership, you can drop in to classes or attend Karma Classes that are pay-what-you-can, between £2 and £10. The next Karma class will be held on October 1.

Daniel Smith, Bronwyn Benstead, Elaine Rudge, Simon Paterson, Ana Ochoa-de-Eribe, Lizzie Henshaw, Martyn Stonehouse at a Slow Social meet-up for company founders and business owners which is held on the third Friday of the month at Kula. (Photo: Submitted)

Kula, which is based at 7 Mansfield Road, Hasland, will host an open weekend September 22 to 24 when visitors can try a class for £5. These 45-minute taster classes including mindful flow, chair yoga, introduction to yoga, restorative flow, Vinyasa flow and embodied yin. Space is limited so places must be booked in advance on www.wearekula.co.uk

A six-week Introduction to Yoga class will start on October 3, running on Tuesdays at 8pm.

Kevin, a copywriter and marketing strategist, said: “We’re firstly trying to establish Kula in Hasland and then we hope to expand our work into other local communities in the area. We’re not wanting to be huge, but we recognise that smaller, intimate spaces where people can come together has huge value. Whether that’s to practice yoga, learn mindfulness, or run a community event. Being able to speak and meet everyone present matters. It’s also less intimidating.”

Yoga teacher Bronwyn, who hails from Doncaster, and Kevin, who grew up in Brighton, met four years ago while working at Rab which manufactures clothing and equipment for climbers and mountaineers. Kevin said: “We were both new to the area and enjoyed hiking and climbing and it all went from there. In October 2019 we bought our first house in Spital.”

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Bronwyn Benstead is a registered yoga teacher (photo: Lizzie Henshaw Photography)

Bronwyn, a forecasting and analytics manager at Equip, said: “We moved to Chesterfield just before lockdown. Those two years were hard not knowing anyone and as we’ve gotten to know more poeple, we’ve heard the same story repeating itself. People saying they want to meet others and saying they want to look after themselves.”

The couple took over the former party shop in Hasland which they transformed in just 10 days into the space now occupied by Kula. Kevin said: “The landlord had done the hard work of white-boxing the property. We got keys on August 4 and started scraping plaster off the floor to make it even that afternoon.” A paint party followed the next day and five days after that Bronwyn’s dad Steve and Kevin worked for 14 hours to lay laminate flooring.

A recent Crowdfunder appeal has raised £1,740 towards making the space more warm and welcoming and providing yoga chairs.

Since August 14 Kula has hosted 14 group classes, facilitated eight private classes and been visited by 39 students.

Kula is based at 7 Mansfield Road, Hasland. (Photo: Submitted)

Kevin and Bronwyn had a paint party at the premises which was turned into a welcoming space in just 10 days. (Photo: Submitted)

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Pet parents often struggle with guilt when leaving their pooches behind for work, workout and leisure activities. What if the Yoga time can be dedicated to your furry companions as well, extending health benefits to yourself as well as your pups. Puppy Yoga has become quite a rage nowadays as people are also allowing their animal companions to accompany them on Yoga mats multiplying their joy and mindfulness as well as adding to their pets’ happiness. A perfect bonding time for dogs and humans, Puppy Yoga or ‘doga’ entails doing Yoga practice in presence of your pet children as they lick your face or sniff your Yoga mat. (Also read: International Blind Dog Day: Tips to take care of your visually impaired dog)

Puppy Yoga has become quite a rage nowadays as people are also allowing their animal companions to accompany them on Yoga mats multiplying their joy and mindfulness as well as adding to their pets’ happiness.(Pinterest)

“Picture this: A room filled with wagging tails, joyful barks, and a bunch of downward-facing dogs – both human and furry. This delightful scene is none other than puppy yoga, a heartwarming trend that’s taking the world by storm. On International Dog Day, let’s delve into the world of puppy yoga, understand why it’s stealing hearts, and discover the pawsitive ways it benefits both dogs and their loving parents,” says Devanshi Shah, Founder and CEO, Petkonnect.

Puppy yoga, also known as ‘doga,’combines the best of two worlds: the calming practice of yoga and the boundless energy of adorable puppies. It’s not just a fitness routine; it’s a joyful experience that brings dogs and humans closer together.

“Imagine striking a pose while a fluffy pup cozies up next to you, licking your face or curiously sniffing your yoga mat. It’s an instant mood-lifter, bringing smiles, laughter, and an abundance of tail wags,” adds Shah.

So, why is Puppy Yoga gaining popularity?

“Well, besides being incredibly cute, it’s a fantastic way to strengthen the bond between dog and parent. Spending quality time with your pup is like a warm hug for your heart – and your four-legged friend’s heart, too. Engaging in poses while surrounded by these furry bundles of joy promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of connection that words alone can’t describe,” says Shah.

Benefits of Puppy Yoga

Creates joyful environment

Puppy Yoga creates a joyful and serene atmosphere for both humans and dogs and is an opportunity for bonding.

“For doggos, puppy yoga provides a stimulating environment. As they roam around, playfully interrupting your poses, they’re actually aiding your flexibility and balance. Their presence encourages mindfulness, keeping you rooted in the present moment. And yes, puppy yoga is a two-way street. The gentle stretches and soothing breaths of yoga create a serene atmosphere that dogs easily pick up on, helping to calm their spirits,” says Shah.

Relieves anxiety

On a deeper level, puppy yoga can also be therapeutic. It’s been shown to improve mood and alleviate anxiety in both dogs and humans.

“Those endearing puppy snuggles trigger the release of oxytocin – the ‘love hormone,’ which leads to a sense of comfort and emotional well-being. It’s a win-win scenario where both sides reap the rewards of this heartwarming union,” says Shah.

“Puppy yoga isn’t just about stretching your body; it’s about stretching your heart. On this International Dog Day, it’s a reminder of the incredible bond we share with our furry companions. So, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a newbie, gather your mat, invite your pup, and embark on a journey of wagging tails and soul-soothing stretches,” concludes Shah.

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Yoga instructor Caleen Caseryn Chua has a thing for calmness and positive energy. She believes that both are necessary reset strategies in a modern life that is chaotic and overwhelming.

After relinquishing her F&B business, Chua, 35, is now a yoga and mindfulness coach who hopes to guide women to focus and pay attention to their inner needs and cultivate tenacity.

Yoga, Chua says, has helped her achieve a physical and mental wellness balance that she lacked before.“The traditional view is still that mothers stay home and sacrifice for their children, but who will take care of them when they perform their duties as mothers?” she asks.

Three years ago, she launched Yoga for Mums, a programme for women to help them experience a change through yoga and mindfulness.

“With a stronger, more resilient mind, they are able to find inner peace and ways to manage their negative emotions from life’s pressures,” she says.

She pays special attention to women who are neglected while fulfilling their motherhood duties.

“These women often experience emotional neglect, even depression, while taking care of their children and families. I hope to play a role as a guide for women to achieve emotional satisfaction through mindfulness,” she adds.

Bouncing back

Yoga is not new to Chua as she has been practising it since she was 18. She studied finance, and has worked as a business analyst as well as managed restaurants. Her working life was hectic, with long working days, and she fell into a period of depression.

Four months after giving birth, a physical examination showed an ovarian cyst and Chua was overwhelmed and worried. “Who would look after my young child if I don’t survive?” she would often ask herself.

Chua says after her health scare, she vowed to use her skills and energy to help others.It was during that period that she decided that if the operation to remove her cyst was successful, she would focus her efforts on giving something positive to society. And that was how her programme came about.

“I just never imagined that I would come full circle and go back to yoga and mindfulness, but here I am. Yoga has been very helpful to me. It allowed me to connect with myself, gave me space to learn and grow, and made me calmer and more focused.

“I think it’s very important to empower mothers and keep them mentally healthy and strong so they too, feel valued and cared for. Mothers use a lot of their energy to raise their children and take care of their families, and to create a family atmosphere full of positive energy and develop positive attitude towards life.”

Regaining body confidence

Chua says many mothers have body confidence issues postpartum, and she is no exception. She set the goal of regaining her figure and strength by combining high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and yoga three times a week. She regularly shares her progress on social media to encourage other postpartum mothers.

“Even if women feel that they are fatter or weaker after giving birth, they should not give up on themselves. There is hope and possibility to become their best selves again.”

She believes that it is very important for mothers to have a positive attitude.

“If they are not determined or do not have a positive mindset, then any coaching will be in vain. The biggest challenge I face as a yoga and mindfulness coach is negative mentality. If individuals can change their negative mentality, they can achieve so much more,” she says.

Currently, her Mind and Body Transformation Programme has trained more than 120 students, 95% of whom are mothers.

On top of mindfulness, postpartum mothers should also eat well, including having enough protein and other important nutrients, especially during breastfeeding period.

Chua hopes to empower more mothers, especially in South-East Asia, and wants to build a community where women can support each other with annual retreats and mind and body transformation events.

“Despite the global narrative of women empowerment and gender equality, I feel that in South-East Asia, the traditional thinking that a mother gives her all for her children and family still prevails.

“Women should also be in a supportive community to share experiences, encourage one another and discover new ideas. I hope that programmes such as this can open doors for mothers to be their best,” she concludes.

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The initiative of encouraging workplaces to incorporate a ‘Y-Break at Office Chair’ is a highly welcomed step and has the potential to help millions of employees in India and this initiative was launched by the Ministry of AYUSH last month on the heels of International Yoga Day, with an aim to help the workforce tackle stress, feel more energised and focus better. Incorporating Yoga into the office routine is a powerful strategy that can profoundly impact both physical and mental well-being, consequently leading to increased productivity among employees as Yoga nurtures our bodies, soothes our minds and enriches our holistic wellness by offering a perfect blend of physical and mental exercises, empowering us with the skills to gracefully and resiliently navigate the process of ageing.

Monday motivation with Y-Break at office: All about the recent buzz around Yoga at office chair (Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels)

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Marcus Ranney, Founder and CEO at Human Edge, shared, “Yoga’s capacity to soothe the body and mind is one of its benefits. Emotional stress can set off a chain reaction of physical effects, including the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which constrict arteries and raise blood pressure. Yoga’s deep breathing and mental focus may assist to relieve stress. For dealing with stressful occurrences at work, mindfulness techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing are useful stress management tools.”

He suggested, “One can learn to focus their attention on the present moment and become more aware of your thoughts and emotions by practicing mindfulness. This can help manage stress more effectively and improve overall well-being. Mindfulness activities have been demonstrated to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase productivity, according to research. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health examined the effects of 15 studies involving various types of physical relaxation for stress alleviation on healthcare professionals. The study found that, while all physical relaxation strategies reduced work-related stress, yoga seemed to outperform the others.”

On a physical level, he revealed that regular Yoga practice enhances flexibility, strengthens muscles and improves posture. Dr Marcus Ranney highlighted, “Sitting for long hours at a desk can result in stiffness, muscle tension, and decreased range of motion. By introducing Yoga sessions during breaks or offering designated yoga classes, employees can engage in stretching exercises that specifically target these issues. Improved physical well-being translates to increased comfort, reduced risk of musculoskeletal disorders and heightened energy levels, allowing employees to perform tasks more efficiently and with greater ease. Furthermore, the introduction of yoga into the office routine fosters a positive and supportive work environment. It sends a clear message that the organization values the health and well-being of its employees. This gesture can boost employee morale, job satisfaction and loyalty. By investing in the physical and mental wellness of employees, organisations can experience reduced absenteeism, improved employee engagement and decreased turnover rates.”

According to Shuvashish Mukherjee, Head of Yoga and Fitness at Truworth Wellness, Yoga – an ancient practice originating from India – is widely regarded as a valuable contribution to the world. He said, “It has gained particular recognition as an effective remedy for stress reduction, a significant concern in today’s workplace where employees often spend more than 10 hours per day on their jobs. The detrimental effects of prolonged sitting in office chairs while fixated on screens are well-documented, negatively impacting both the body and mind. Not only does sitting in a chair for long hours result in neck and back pain but also contributes to the speedy accumulation of fat in the abdominal, hips, and thigh region. Additionally, the strain on the eyes and headache from constantly looking at the screen, and you have the recipe for an unwell body. Not taking care of the physical and mental well-being also impacts the employers and can result in increased absenteeism and attrition rate.”

The Yoga expert gushed, “Integrating Yoga into the daily routines of employees can bring remarkable benefits to both the workforce and employers alike. With yoga, targeting both the body and the mind, employees can get into the rhythm of learning techniques to stretch their bodies, improve posture and enhance their overall physical well-being. Meanwhile, by practicing breath control and meditation, one can significantly add to enhanced mindfulness which can lead to better concentration and higher productivity. Hence, by embracing Yoga in the workplace, employers are not only equipping employees with a powerful tool to re-energize, clear their thoughts and manage stress effectively but also actively contributing to their overall well-being, fostering a sense of belonging and care.”

He advised, “By integrating short yoga sessions during the workday, employees can remain active. A mix of yoga practices such as ‘asanas’ (postures), ‘pranayama’ (breathing techniques), and ‘dhyana’ (meditation) can be pivotal in enhancing the overall well-being of employees. Exercises like squats, mountain climbers, leg raises and tricep dips can easily be executed at the workplace to evade the sedentary nature of desk work and include some movement to one’s body. Organizing small group meditation and breath control sessions a few times a week can not just help in improving lung capacity but also enable employees to return to work with a relaxed mind. As the power of Yoga traverses the foreign lands, we hope that the Y-Break – Yoga at Office Chair’ will motivate employees to become more active and push employers to invest in practices to take better care of their workforce’s well-being.”

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When Denisha Parker started training to be a yoga instructor in 2019, she noticed she was often the only person of color in the room.

“You have all-Black spaces or all-white spaces,” she observes. “And I’m like, yeah, how can we learn? How can we grow? How can we hear each other’s story if we’re still separated? And I didn’t want that.”

Parker quickly made it her mission to create a welcoming space where a diverse group of people could gather and promote mindfulness, physical wellness, and self-exploration.

In June, Parker opened Yoga Nisha, her first brick-and-mortar yoga studio. Tucked into the back of Eastgate Shopping Center in Mayfield Heights, Yoga Nisha is more than just an exercise studio, it’s a diverse, multicultural wellness community. In fact, “Nisha” stands for Nourishing, Intention, Self-Awareness, Healing, and Acceptance.

Yoga Nisha studio“What I’ve created over these three years are relationships amongst people, because I’ve created this safe community where I am a lot of people’s only Black friend, and I know that, but my story isn’t the only story.”

Yoga Nisha offers a variety of yoga classes, from the basics and fast-spaced vinyasa, to slow burn and meditation, Parker also plans to offer Yoga Therapy—a growing health modality that uses the movements of yoga to promote physical, mental, and emotional healing, as well as massage and traditional talk therapy.

Parker has created a bright, airy space with high ceilings, fresh white walls, and crisp green accents. There’s a main yoga studio for classes, a cubby space for belongings, and a smaller meditation room in which students can spend time before or after classes. Students can sign up for classes online or through the Mindbody app.

Parker says the biggest challenge she’s had since opening is that no one wants to leave. Her students tend to linger after class, talking and catching up around the water cooler—furthering Parker’s community ideal.

“We grow from conversations, we grow from interactions, we grow from coming to a space as a collective, by being authentic to who we are and not feeling like we have to shun ourselves or put ourselves in a box because the person next to us is judging us,” she says. “And that’s how all of this was born.”

While running Yoga Nisha, Parker is also a wife and a mother of five children, Albert, 24, twins Alonna and Alonn, 21, Jason, 11, and Jayse, 9, and she works full-time as an intervention specialist in education in the South Euclid-Lyndhurst City Schools.

“I always say my life has been fully aligned,” she says. “And when you really listen to what the universe is saying to you, your life can do amazing things.”

A long journey

Parker’s life has been an amazing sequence of action and hard work. Even though she grew up poor in Cleveland’s St. Clair Superior neighborhood, Parker’s mother instilled in her and her sisters the importance of self-love and self-worth—making Parker want something more for her own children.

“I knew how I grew up, and I just didn’t want them to have that same struggle,” she says. “I wanted to expose them to different experiences that I didn’t have. So, I worked really hard, most of the time working multiple jobs to do so, but I did it.”

Yoga Nisha family and friendsYears ago, as a young single mother of three, Parker worked full-time at Progressive Insurance while attending Cleveland State University for social work. College led to an internship at Rap Art in Cleveland Heights, which helped Parker realize she wanted to teach kids with learning disabilities. That realization, in turn, led to a return to Cleveland State for a master’s degree in special education.

Parker’s foray into teaching fitness started when she went to a free introductory Barre3 class at a Barre3 yoga studio in Legacy Village. Within a month, Parker had decided to become an instructor.

In addition to her full-time special education intervention job, she taught classes at the Lyndhurst studio for seven years. Because Parker’s yoga instruction certification only allowed her to teach Barre3, she started to take her training a bit further because it would give her more independence.

During her training, Parker began to see a new dimension to yoga—a mind-body connection through breathing, posture, and self-awareness.

The enlightenment led her in a new direction, and Parker began teaching yoga. In August 2021 she was awarded a $4,500 grant from Awakening Yoga Spaces, an organization that aims to diversify the yoga space by making yoga teacher training more accessible to Black, indigenous, and people of color.

Parker used the grant to become a Certified Yoga Therapist and continues gathering like-minded people who now exercise and socialize in her wellness center. She says it’s been a long journey. While Parker is enjoying her success, she’s also preparing for the future.

“I’m just looking forward to growing a community and it’s been bigger than I could have ever imagined,” she says. It’s beyond my wildest dreams. This space is just the beginning.”

Yoga Nisha is located at Eastgate Shopping Center, 1341 SOM Center Road, Mayfield Heights, (440) 565-7108.

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In modern times and the multiple commitments it brings along with it, many people are increasingly facing memory issues and difficulty in focussing on a task. This is due to endless to-do lists, increasing competition, peer pressure and workload. Brain health can also get affected due to unmanaged stress, lack of sleep and excessive screen time. It’s important to slow down and engage in activities that are meaningful, mindful and de-stressing. Adopting Yoga practices in daily life can help your body and mind transition into a peaceful state. Various yoga postures and pranayama can soothe nerves, release stress and calm the mind which can in turn enhance your cognitive function and memory. (Also read: World Brain Day 2023: Foods to eat and avoid for sharper memory, improving brain health)

Adopting Yoga practices in daily life can help your body and mind transition into a peaceful state.(Freepik)

Dr Hansaji Yogendra, Director, The Yoga Institute in an interview with HT Digital shares everyday Yoga tips to enhance brain health and improve memory:

1. Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness can bring clarity and peace at the same time. When you are more aware of the present moment, your mind is at ease, and this helps you focus on a task well. Start your day with a few minutes of mindfulness meditation. Sit in a comfortable posture with your eyes closed and focus on your breath. This practice calms the mind, reduces mental chatter, and sets a positive tone for the day ahead.

2. Practicing asanas

Another morning ritual that can improve your brain health is practicing asanas that improve blood flow to the brain and bring clarity. Practice such Yoga asanas can awaken your senses. Matsyasana, Sirsashana, Sarvangasana, invigorate the nervous system and improve brain health.

3. Relaxation with Savasana

How you unwind your day can make a great difference in your brain health. Yoga can help you reduce stress which can in turn improve your cognitive function. Savasana (Corpse Pose) allows your body and mind to integrate the benefits of Yoga practice.

4. Pranayama for clarity

Observing your breath is the best way to bring stillness and comfort. The practice helps you connect with self and align yourself with your truth. Incorporate pranayama (breath control) exercises into your routine. Pranayama techniques like Ujjayi and Kapalabhati oxygenate the brain, helping to improve focus and memory.

5. Gratitude practice

As you observe your breath, focus on the asanas, and begin to see the movement of your thoughts, you will realise many things to be grateful about. The feeling that you are blessed in so many ways can work wonders for your brain health. Gratitude boosts positivity and reduces stress, creating the best environment for improved brain function.

6. Include brain-boosting foods

A satvik ahaar is important for your brain health. Combine Yoga with a brain-healthy diet. Consume foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins that nourish the brain. Blueberries, walnuts, avocados, and dark leafy greens are excellent choices.

7. Quality sleep

Deep sleep is increasingly becoming a dream for many people giving rise to a host of health issues. Lack of sleep or disruptions in it severely affects mental health, mood and overall productivity. Prioritize quality sleep, as it plays a vital role in boosting memory and overall brain health. Practicing Yashtikasana and abdominal breathing before sleeping works wonders and also improves the quality of sleep.

8. Consistency in Yoga practice

Yoga is a life-long journey and as you go along this path, magical things will await you that will transform you completely. Aim to make Yoga a part of your daily routine to experience its long-term benefits on brain health and memory.

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A new organization geared toward breaking the stigma around cannabis is gearing up for its first event that combines warm, soothing drinks, relaxed guided meditation and of course, marijuana.

The Cannabis Society of Springfield is hosting Mindfulness and Cannabis on Wednesday, July 26 from 7-9 p.m. at The Coffee Ethic. The after-business-hours event is a part of The Coffee Ethic’s Human Beans series, an invitation for community members to celebrate humanity through exploring the unknown.

The event will begin with a discussion about cannabis application and appropriate THC dosing. When it comes to marijuana-infused products, or edibles, first-time users are encouraged to start with 2.5 mg doses, then waiting an hour before consuming more if needed.

Cannabis Society of Springfield co-founder Annie Sicard said this discussion will be “very intentional,” as she hopes to portray the different, useful ways cannabis can aid in a user’s life.

“It’s not just about getting stoned, it’s also about using cannabis as a tool toward personal development, creativity, trauma transformation,” Sicard said. “Cannabis is a tool, a plant medicine, that can also be for enjoyment, pleasure, celebration and intoxication.”

More: Missouri extends grace period for marijuana ‘plain packaging’ rules meant to protect kids

Diving a bit deeper, Sicard said she will discuss how folks can use cannabis to “train the mind to come into the body.” Dedee Cullens, founder of 2 Leaf Nurses, a marijuana resource for patients, caregivers and medical providers, will expand on this further, discussing cannabis’ physiological impact on the body.

The event will also include a candlelight meditation and seated yoga nidra session lead by Kirsten Vlasic, a trained yoga instructor and budtender at The Farmer’s Wife. As the yoga session will be seated, Vlasic said attendees do not need to bring yoga mats. Instead, she will provide blankets for attendees to help them get comfortable.

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Yoga nidra is focused on helping get the brain into the delta brainwave state, the state between being awake and asleep. Vlasic said being in this state allows one to access their subconscious while remaining relaxed and focused. Vlasic’s session at the Cannabis and Mindfulness event will be between 15-20 minutes.

Before the event kicks off, marijuana-infused samples will be available for interested attendees.

Annie Sicard is a co-founder of the Cannabis Society of Springfield.

“People are going to leave there feeling like they’ve been to the spa; it’s going to be so incredible how they feel when they leave that place,” Sicard said.

Tickets must be purchased in advance to attend the event, which is open to adults 21 and up. Tickets may be purchased on Eventbrite for $10 at bit.ly/3Dilwcm. Only 30 total seats are available.

The Coffee Ethic is no stranger to the marijuana industry. Last year, the downtown coffee shop partnered with Missouri’s Own Edibles, a part of the Show-Me Organics marijuana brand, to release cannabis-and-coffee pods. Each pod contains a combination of Brazilian dark roast coffee and 10 mg of THC, 5 mg of CBD and 5 mg of CBG.

The Coffee Ethic is collaborating with Vivid, a marijuana manufacturer, to offer cannabis and coffee pods. The pods may be used in a Keurig coffeemaker or as a pour over. The coffee is a Brazilian co-op roast, specially make for the product. Each pod contains 10mg of THC, 5mg of CBD and 5mg of CBG. For sale at The Farmer’s Wife, one pod is $9 and a four pack is $28, before tax.

Pushing Springfield’s marijuana industry to the next level

Sicard, who has more than 20 years of marijuana industry experience, founded the Cannabis Society of Springfield alongside Cody Shackleton, director of operations and marketing at The Farmer’s Wife, this year. The organization centers around cannabis event planning in Springfield.

Working in the marijuana industry for several years, Shackleton has attended countless cannabis events geared toward industry professionals, but he wanted to curate more local events geared toward consumers.

Cody Shackleton is the co-founder of the Cannabis Society of Springfield.

Shackleton said the goal of the organization is to encourage expanded social acceptance of cannabis through “upscale” shopping events at dispensaries, outdoor events with marijuana-infused food and ultimately a city-wide 4/20 festival in 2024.

“We’re really trying to push the society forward outside of the small smoke sessions in your backyard or at your home,” Shackleton said. “We’re trying to push this to the next level and do something really amazing for Springfield.”

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Cannabis Society aims to break stigma through community events

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MILTON, Ga. — It’s hard to do yoga’s Downward Facing Dog with a goat on your back or rise into Mountain Pose with a sloth hanging on your shoulders and a pig snuffling at your ankles.

But for people at Love GOGA in Milton, mixing cute, friendly farm animals with yoga is a recipe for increased mindfulness, health and self-care.

Launched in 2017 by Milton resident Cathi Huff, Love GOGA has grown into a successful yoga and wellness business, with thousands of raving fans who sell out nearly every event the business holds each month.

Huff said everything started for Love GOGA when her kids left for college and she wanted to do something using her background in holistic health and her lifelong dream of owning a farm, where she could learn to ride horses.

So, Huff and her family bought a farm and started their animal family with a retired racehorse named Bronx, who once raced under the name “Atlantis Dream” and inspired their name for the property — the Atlantis Dream Farm. Since then, goats, dogs, cats, llamas, pigs and a herd of other animals have joined them there.

Milton resident Cathi Huff founded Love GOGA farm animal yoga at her farm in 2017 after her kids went off to college. Since then, the company has grown into a wildly popular health and wellness business, with fans throughout North Georgia.

LOVE GOGA/PROVIDED

“We bought the property seven years ago, and Bronx moved to the backyard, then he started getting buddies,” Huff said.

From the very beginning, Love GOGA’s farm animal yoga classes and events blew up thanks to the internet and TV, leading to over 3,000 hits a week on their website and more than 125 people a week visiting the farm to do yoga.

Marketing Manager Danielle Bartling said Huff’s vision came to life in an organic, effortless way because people really seem to understand what she wanted to share.

“She just combined her love for animals and holistic wellness and mindfulness … it was just like alchemy, no one had really done it that way before,” Bartling said.

But Huff said the company’s true mission of wellness and health didn’t come into focus until therapists and private schools started calling, wanting to hire them for private events.

With events held at the Atlantis Dream Farm in Milton and special events held throughout the North Georgia area, there are countless opportunities each year for Georgia residents to participate in Love GOGA’s farm animal yoga classes.

LOVE GOGA/PROVIDED

“We realized that it was more than just goat yoga,” she said. “The third year is really when it became crystal clear to me that this was my purpose.”

Bartling said the sessions’ uniqueness draws people in, even people who practice yoga on a daily basis.

“We take people out of their routine; you’re not going to do farm animal yoga every single day, but you come out to Halcyon on a Saturday, you’re surrounded by animals … they’re silly, they’re so cute,” Bartling said. “The animals help ground you to the moment … you’re really just there with them.”

And, ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, people seem to need grounding more than ever, she said.

“People are starving for personal attention and self-care and compassion for themselves,” he said. “The goal for us is to get it to as many people as possible because it’s helped us so much.”

Held at the Halcyon development in Forsyth County each month, Farm Animal Yoga on the Green is one of Love GOGA’s most popular events and nearly always sells out, business owners said.

LOVE GOGA/PROVIDED

Today Huff and her staff have expanded their lineup to include a partnership with North Georgia Wildlife Park in Cleveland, Ga., and Halcyon in Forsyth County. Those events, GOGA in the Wild and Halcyon Farm Animal Yoga, are almost always fully booked.

These are bolstered by special programs, like an event they recently had with the City of Milton that featured a sloth, capybara and fennec fox.

To learn more about Love GOGA events and Mindful Seeds, the business’s “happiness project” that will begin teaching mindfulness at the farm in July, visit lovegoga.com/

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