I want to be of love and service again, in the best way I know how, which is by offering the life-altering gift of therapeutic yoga in the Svaroopa® style. At 72, I am caring myself and others by living in my body as comfortably as possible. I also want the peace that comes with a well-managed mind. Perhaps this appeals to you too.
If so, I am offering weekly classes both on the zoom platform and at my home studio in Amador City, CA. There’s a strong possibility that you know someone who would benefit from experiencing the unique Svaroopa® style of yoga and the gifts it gives to body, mind and spirit. Over the past 26 years, my immersion into this approach has released me from chronic back pain, migraines and a hyperactive mind and more.
I am deeply grateful to have a rich variety of tools and practices to fall back on when things are challenging. My yoga practice has built (and re-built) my immune and nervous systems into robust functionality even amid great internal and external challenges. In 2021, I used every tool I’ve gathered to manage the discomforts of breast cancer treatments and a heart condition, both of which are now thankfully resolved. It would be my pleasure to share these rich and powerful teachings with you. If you want to learn more about what I’m up to, for yourself or for someone you care about, please check out Heart Rhythm Yoga at www.barbarasthompson.com. It would be my pleasure to share these easy-to-do, powerful practices with you.
We appear to be in turbulent times, but I know one thing for sure- this life is precious and I intend to live it with an open mind, relaxed body and soft heart. I would love to have you join me.
Barbara
As a yoga teacher for over 20 years, I’ve seen the power of giving people tools for how to slow down and turn inward. In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with stress and stimulation, which takes a toll on our mental and physical health. Restorative yoga provides a much-needed break from the chaos of daily life, allowing us to rest, relax, and recharge.
What I love most about restorative yoga is that it reliably dissolves aches, pain and tension. Most anyone can do it, even those facing serious health challenges. The practice consists of holding gentle and supported poses for extended periods of time, allowing the body to release tension and tightness while encouraging a sense of calm and tranquility.
Restorative yoga is accessible to everyone, regardless of their age or level of experience. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve sleep, or simply unwind, this practice can help you to cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being. If you are dealing with persistent back pain, a cancer diagnosis or other chronic condition you are welcome to attend as I am able to adapt poses for each student. I teach locally in Amador County and am soon opening an online yoga studio dedicated to providing Yoga For Every Body.
This is a noisy time in our world. The volume in our conversations is high, the energy intense. Strong opinions abound. It is easy to get plugged in and stay plugged in as events are unfolding at an unprecedented pace.
An agitated mind is not necessarily a productive one. It certainly is not peaceful. I have two decades of meditation practice and I am struggling to reach that calm place within me and rest into it while moving through the day.
Since I am 100% responsible for the contents of my mind and how I react to what’s in there, I’ve had to consciously slow my roll and ease back down into the simple feeling of being.
So, I’m going to deliberately choose something different in the month of February. Instead of revving my mental engine, I’m going to shift into neutral more often. And rest there. Surely it will minimize the wear and tear on my mind and body. I’ll remember to take deep, slow breaths when I get agitated.
This month, I choose to contribute thoughtful, non-judgmental discourse. I will be curious about the perspectives other people hold, and open to hearing their opinions. Agreement is optional. It’s been my life’s work to create safe spaces for communication to unfold. I’m getting back on track with that mission.
I choose to look for the good in the chaos and not to be afraid of outcomes that are as yet unknown.
I am the chooser of my experience, whether I like to own that concept or not. This month, I choose curiosity. And open-heartedness. And hope.
“The more tranquil a person becomes, the greater is their success, influence, and power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.”
–James Allen
