Let's Get Zen

Q & A with Maria Eble - Inspiring Young Yogis ~ By Claudia A. Barbieri ~ Q: Can you remember your first yoga session? How did you make the decision to go?   A: I found a 2-week intro to a studio I used to drive past all the time. I had never practiced in a studio before, so I researched as much as possible to know what I might expect. Despite how hot my cotton yoga pants felt, I was hooked! I started practicing every day, and by my year anniversary of practicing regularly, I had signed up to start teacher training.   Q: How would you describe your style of instruction?  A: I like a pretty traditional vinyasa class that builds from a strong, focused base. That is the type of class I want to create for all levels of practitioners to enjoy. I encourage using props to support your practice, whether you are an experienced yogi or someone starting out. That support helps keep your ego in check and helps you have a little more courage to try something new. You will find ...

  Q & A with Catherine  Costanzo, Co-Owner of LGZ - Brains & Beauty ~ Q: How would you describe Let’s Get Zen’s philosophy and approach to maintaining a happy client? A: We have a simple philosophy … creating a safe, judgment-free space in which to practice where clients connect with their inner selves and each other — reaping these benefits both on and off their yoga mats. Our yogis love the positive and accepting energy they find here.   Q: Can you remember your f irst yoga session? How did you make the decision to go?  A: Wow, it has been so long since my first yoga class! I was in my late 20s and had been a part time “aerobic instructor” in college, so I was coming from a very high energy, music-driven workout environment (think leg warmers and Jane Fonda). I always loved staying fit and thought yoga would be a good extension to my routine. I quickly found it much different and very settling. The more yoga classes I took, the more I preferred it ove...

"Om"-work Part Deux  ~ By Claudia A. Barbieri ~ Welcome back!  A few weeks ago, I had discussed some "om"-work you would love to do.  Who tried the walking meditation or the compassion meditation?  Maybe you did, or maybe it's on your future agenda.  Spring is here, so maybe the walking meditation will be the easier one to squeeze into your routine.   "Om"- work, in the yogi world, should enhance your well-being and mindfulness not hinder it.  So, do not stress if you have not scheduled the time for yourself just yet.  You will.   Today, I want to add another way to reach mindfulness that you may want to try.  Meditation is simply silent time in which you schedule for yourself to disconnect and decompress from life's distractions. Five to ten minutes is all you need to start.  Once again, I am referencing my little gem of a book, Mindfulness and Meditation  by  Venerable Thubten Lundrup. Before you begin your med...