Support the release of YE4CC's new CD by participating in this Home Study Course + more!

Yoga Empowered for Chronic Conditions: Develop Your Personal Yoga Practice e-Course 

has been restructured as a Home Study Course for those supporting a 

Yoga Empowered Fundraising Project

 to help me release:

Yoga Empowered for Chronic Conditions:

 Breath Practice + Guided Meditation CD
with Suzanne Stephens! 

There's many ways you can help be a part of this, including getting your own copy and more+, 

please take a look + share with your friends!


 ^o^  

 DEVELOP YOUR PERSONAL YOGA PRACTICE HOME STUDY COURSE:

Many people have told me that they want to begin practicing at home or outside the studio but don't know where to begin. Even those that do practice at home may find challenge with continued practice and with challenging themselves to continue to grow in Practice. 

 

If you want to take your Yoga Practice out of the studio and into your daily life this course is for you! If you live with Chronic Conditions that present unique challenge in your life (or not), and are ready to begin a life-long commitment to nourishing your whole well-being read on! 

 

This Home Study Course is broken into six different lessons and will introduce you to several Yoga Practices that you can begin to add to your life – meeting yourself where you are right in the comfort of your own home. 

I want you to find what resonates with you at your leisure. Perhaps you'll write the equivalent of four novels from the journal prompts or never pick up a pen. Perhaps you'll really enjoy the meditations but not get around to the movement.

 

I want you to think of these personal weekly lessons as creative toolboxes of calm. Want to feel more calm? Grab one of these tools. Does your neck ache? There's a tool for that too. Does your heart hurt? Yeppers. 

 

If you want to seize creative control over Your Personal Yoga Practice 
then let's begin! 

Valued at $65

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• Learn to meet yourself where you are without judgment. 
• Learn practical and tangible Yoga tools you can use any time to bring yourself to a greater place of balance and ease.
• Begin to see yourself in a more loving light and to let go of fear of the unknown regardless of what Chronic Condition challenges you.
  
• Create self care rituals to establish peace, trust and empowered living.
  
• In each new lesson learn movement, breath and meditation techniques you can use to help manage symptoms, calm your system and soothe your mind.
  
• No mat required – all movement practices will be from positions you find yourself in daily.
 

THIS HOME STUDY COURSE INCLUDES:

• An Introduction and 6 Lessons each including additional reading (PDF), a lesson video and journal prompts.
• Practices focusing on adding Yoga Practice to your day.
• Personal video messages with a corresponding lesson to print out and add notes to.

 WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• a Journal or something to write with. (optional)
• a Body
  
• Breath
• a Heart
• simply, an internet connection that can watch this video without trouble.
  

THIS SERIES IS RIGHT FOR:

• Those willing to Practice to empower their well-being. Movement and all practices are appropriate for any body - as long as you can breathe – you can do Yoga!  
• You may have 3 Chronic Health Challenges or none, this is appropriate for all practitioners. 

THIS SERIES IS NOT RIGHT FOR:

• Those that just want a nice ass in yoga pants. 
   

WHAT IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS:

• I can be reached via email at yogaempowered@live.com for questions. Really, don't be shy with them, this is why I'm here and why I do this!  

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS COURSE: 

"I found this course to be extremely helpful. Suzanne's "just right" method of teaching made it easy for me to incorporate yoga into my day. I find myself noticing, acknowledging and returning to my breath...SEVERAL times a day! Thank you, Suz!"

Mary Lou H.

"Thank you for providing this home study course that not only looks at yogic movements, but breath, intention, and self study. I felt comfortable participating in this course even though I have limited range of movement and pain. When I asked questions, you responded quickly through email. I now feel that I have some new tools to explore that will help me feel more comfortable in my body."

A.M.

"It is so easy to print everything and I still have no problems navigating the videos and actual lesson. Who knew that I could do this!  I am so excited.  I read the lesson, and watch the video, then I print the lesson.  Tonight I am going to read it in bed and do the asana practice.  I really enjoy reading in bed so this is perfect for me.  Plus I get to keep all of these printed lessons and refer to them whenever I want. I am totally loving this course and thank you so much for doing it and offering it."

G.S.

 

Dear You

Hey there!

Many articles, videos and Yoga learnings from this enthusiastic Yoga teacher

have been posted here over the last several years!

This blog began as a resource for those who wanted to learn more about Yoga. 

In my own unquenching desire for learning more, delving deeper 

and enriching my own Yoga Practice- I wanted to share the awesome stuff 

I was learning then, practicing and cumulatively, being the better for it. 

I'm more dork than eloquent writer but overall I've hoped to express that

tending to your Yoga practice must come from the heart-

from the very essence of Being who You are- 

not me, not the Gurujis or that one chick that always

looks/seems/acts/writes/is so cool on Facebook.

Practice is meant to fit it's Practitioner- You. 

You create the energy, you put in the diligent hard work-

be Your Self - Your Best Self!

I mean it- if anything, I hope my dorkery over the years has
allowed you to be Your Self with some swagger and

to make Your Practice fit that spectacular Being! 

  

Rather than keep posting the same info over and over for you, 

I'm going to let this beautiful bounty of information rest in your hands.

 It's here for you to discover and uncover practices that
resonate with you and that empower you to Live as your Best Self.


It's here to learn to help manage chronic health challenges, and 
to inspire strength and resolve in body, mind and spirit, 
regardless of health status. 

The posts that follow are a couple Ye4CC Practice "Playlists".

Playlist One begins with ways to begin or to begin again to 

develop Your Personal Yoga Practice.

Reminders of why we practice or why'd we'd want to. 

Reminders of "the basics", things we may have forgotten or 

need to see again -now in this moment-  to grow from. 

I wrote the thing and I'll reread an article or rewatch a video
and still learn something new from it!

Practice Playlist 2 is a compendium of my most
revisted Practices. These are the ones that help me the most.
The ones I miss when I skip them. The ones that I do every day
and am much better all around for.
The humbling ones, the ones that made me look deeper and
still do. 

I hope this blog brings forward Practice,
sight from a new light and some chuckles. 

I'm focusing my attention on completing the Book:
Yoga Empowered for Chronic Conditions.


Please find me giving regular
updates, practice tips, information and resources
 at

Yoga Empowered News

YE on Facebook 

YE on Twitter

and as of January 2013,
follow my new Personal Practice blog:

chaos + understanding.

a yoga practice extends beyond the mat

return to your breath

^o^ 

Suz

 

YE4CC Practice Playlist One

Where to start and how to use this site

 What is Yoga? 

What is Viniyoga? 

 Yoga Is Not Just Asana

Meditation: What is It?

Breath Awareness is the biggest, strongest, most potent tool for 

those of us living with Chronic Conditions!

Breakdown: Beginning Breath Video 

YE4CC Practice Playlist 2

  Tx ( Treatment) Meditations

Breathing and the Three Bears 

The Core of Practice: Breathe Into It

Guided Body Scan Meditation

Add Yoga to Your Day: Quick Tips to ReFill Your Well

Meditation: An Incomplete List

Yoga Empowered for Chronic Badasses!

"Practice and all is coming." 

Pattabhi Jois

FAQ: Should I always lay down when practicing Yoga Nidra?

FAQ: Should I always lay down when practicing Yoga Nidra?

Nope. The inaccuracy lies with the inclusion of always in this sentence. If it said: Should I lay down when practicing Yoga Nidra? The answer would be it depends.

Through the cumulative practice- of both being present in breath and movement (in asana & in the world)- added to cumulative mindfulness practices over time, you are better able to see yourself as you are and to see things as they are: The goal of Yoga Practice. Things are ever-changing; whatever your things are.

Living with Chronic Conditions poses many challenges in our lives. Nidra practice teaches you how to listen to your body, with loving-kindness, and give it what it needs. This is especially useful for those having to adapt often. Our conditions (illness or not) are always changing, making me feel like I'm finding my new normal again and again at times. Yoga Practice gives me tools I can use to ride these waves- good, bad or neutral waves.

Learning to meet yourself where you are – however you are-  is the training. By learning this, exercising this – you can do many things/Practices to bring yourself to a greater place of balance and ease. 

Let this be one of your goals in Yoga: 

To practice listening to your body and mind with loving kindness. 
Then, give yourself what you need to create a place of greater balance and ease. 

Since things are always changing, even in the tough times – you will begin to understand this and see pain and suffering completely different. Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.

First, ask yourself a few questions:  Why am I doing this Practice? 

                                                                         What is my Goal? 

                                                             What Practice can I do to bring me closer to that Goal?

Finding out why you're doing each Practice should begin with listening to your body. Find your beginning breath. Use a quick 6 sense mindfulness meditation to settle in.  Bring your awareness to the sounds around you, the four walls, the ceiling, the floor, to your body (seated, standing- where ever you are in that moment) and finally to the sensation of your breath. Take 5-30 minutes to do this.

Nidra practices help you begin to really hone in on dropping in. Dropping in, meaning, that transition from a mind/body caught up in and not being paid attention to type of awareness to a more focused inward place to be able to meditatively listen to your breath.  Often not so easily done, when we're caught up in what the outside world is always ready to tell us. Nervous systems feeling fried with too much information... but I digress.

Then, notice how your body feels (think more descriptive words- less story). Notice things that may set you off, upset you or maybe you're neutral at the moment. Notice how your mind feels (again, just descriptive). This must be done without judgement but with a curious and loving mind. By taking the time to listen- you can then decide what your goal is.

Finding out what your Goal is should begin with how your body/mind feel. Not how you feel. How your body feels right now. How your mind feels right now. They are separate. Listen and by listening you know now what your body/mind needs.  Then, create: Personal Yoga Practice is an Art form! Do you want to feel more energetic, balanced... what's the opposite of what your body/mind are feeling right now? How can I get there?

Learning what Practices you can do to get more towards where you'd like to be – is part of the Art of Personal Practice. Think of pianists, potters, painters, musicians, writers – they get better at their craft with practice. Learning Mozart doesn't happen overnight. Neither does Yoga. With practice, you begin to understand what Practices work best for you in certain times. With practice, they begin to become what you do and part of who you are – without a set design. There's a blueprint for Personal Practice but the design is all up to You!

So... should you always lay down when practicing Yoga Nidra? Nope. Only when it would serve your Practice in bringing you to a greater place of balance and ease.

Find a comfortable position at all times.

 a yoga practice extends beyond the mat. 

return to your breath. 

^o^

Suz

 

 

Let me know what questions you have about your Yoga Practice in the comments section below or directly at yogaempowered@live.com. 

 

Self Study - I Am Home.

I am Home.

Not- 

I am in a place of dwelling or even where I live but rather-  

I am. Home.

 I get it now. I didn't before. 

Home is in me, I never leave it. 

My breath is home.
To me, breath is spirit- washing in and over me.

 I get it. I take home with me.

 I never leave it- It never leaves me.

I Am Home.

Pain is inevitable- suffering is optional. It's true. I can decide, me - aka home, decides that it's okay and to go with it or it's not okay and to change something about it.

Pain sensation, sadness, anger or what I call the bad feelings that I don't want to experience... they need to be seen and heard just like all the rest, and when they are - they soften. Rather than fighting them - I welcome them, even though it's the hardest road sometimes - I welcome them. I am present and will even sit with them for a time getting to know them, hear them and just listen. I ask what they want, what they need and what action they need me to take in life. I listen. 

Most times it's clear; slow down, rest or forgive. Sometimes I don't know and that's okay too. The action, the intention and the practice of listening, to my own body's signals and messengers, is Yoga. The action of not labeling, filtering or judging but instead welcoming with compassionate and loving-kindness and holding it for everything that presents or arises on my path - is Yoga.

Life is happening right now. I may or may not get another shot (not sure what I believe there quite yet) but I want to enjoy this one. That's my most heart-felt desire - to enjoy this Life and to be present.

I can't imagine ever enjoying pain but rather than suffering the inevitability of pain I choose to welcome it as I practice welcoming everything. If I don't like something I can change the experience somehow. This helps me be present and not hate my body for hurting or not working right. I'd rather be present and enjoy (making the best) of every flippen moment I have with breath. On my last one I want to feel as if I hadn't missed a thing, knowing I Am Home and I've been here all along. 

 a yoga practice extends beyond the mat.
return to your breath. 

^o^ 

Suz

 

YE4CC SUMMER Urban Retreat July 21st!

Yoga Empowered for Chronic Conditions 

1st Annual Urban SUMMER Retreat: 

a Day of Mindfulness & Yoga  

Saturday July 21st, 2012

10:00am - 4:00pm

at

the Good Shepherd Center
Seattle, Wa.

Retreat is one of the most enriching, enlivening 

and affirming things you can do. 

Join me for this special treat! 

This Retreat is being held for YE for Chronic Conditions students!

Open to new, old and current students.  
*All students must be able to get to and from the floor without assistance.

We will be spending the day in silence, practicing 

mindfulness meditations, gentle asana, pranayama and more.

Practice techniques we've learned in class and some new ones.

Learn useful techniques to help manage energy levels and enrich your spirit!

                                                                              

Tentative Schedule:

10:00- 11:15am

Opening Ceremony
Asana, pranayama and meditation.
 

11:15- 11:30am

Break
 

11:30- 12:30pm

Mindfulness Mini Practices.

12:30- 1:30pm

Silent Mindful Lunch.

1:30- 2:45pm
Gentle Asana & Yoga Nidra Practice.
 

2:45 - 3:00 pm

Break
 

3:00 - 4:00 

Closing Practice & Ceremony



As always,
you will be encouraged to meet yourself where you are
and to practice accordingly.

You will need to bring your yoga mat, a blanket or 2,

plus any props you desire. 
Bring your own healthy bagged lunch & snacks. 

Chairs and Tables will be provided. 
Hot water, tea and drinking water provided. 

There will be plenty of fans on site to keep us cool! 

Limited to 20 students. 
All students must be able to get to & from the floor 
without assistance.

Gross Monthly Income	Cost for YE4CC Summer Urban Retreat
Below $1,000	3 Scholarships Available.*  Contact me at yogaempowered@live.com
$1,000 - $1,499	$ 65.00
$1,500 - $1,999	$ 75.00                          Registration
$2,000 - $2,999	$ 85.00                                  is
$3,000 - $3,999	$ 105.00                           closed.
Over $4,000	$ 125.00

 *Scholarships available on first come first served basis:
1 full scholarship & 2 half scholarships available.

  

(This is on the honor system- no need to provide income info-

simply register at the appropriate rate.) 

Registration closes Wed July 18th! 

 

Register above through PayPal or 

contact me to reserve your spot and mail check 

payable to Yoga Empowered to:

Yoga Empowered 

PO Box 17341 

Seattle, WA 98127

 I'm so thrilled to be able to offer this Urban Retreat at
the Good Shepherd Center again!
This historic building has so much character and feeling- 

 We all fell in love with it at the Winter Retreat in January.

There are plenty of areas to explore and it's a definite RETREAT from the city. 
It feels like you're on a grand estate... 

Upon paid registration- 
you will receive more information.


Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. 
I'm very much looking forward to this, now twice a year, Practice! 
Hope to see you there!

 a yoga practice extends beyond the mat.
return to your breath.

  ^o^

Suz

 

Cancellation Policy for Retreat

• 14 or more days prior to Retreat = Full Refund (minus $3 fee if paid with credit card)
• 7 to 13 days prior to Retreat = Class Credit
• Within 7 days (1 week) prior to Retreat = No refund or class credit
• If Yoga Empowered cancels the Retreat, a full refund will be issued.