Friday, March 29, 2019

HEALING THE POWER OF SISTERHOOD

If you really knew me, you would know that I have lots of girl friends that I love and adore. If you really knew me, you would also know that it was not always this way for me. Yes, I have always had friends that are woman, but it wasn’t until the last 5 years or so that I really began to understand the power, wisdom, and importance of true, real, meaningful connections with other woman. 


I used to be afraid. I used to judge and compare myself to other woman. I used to feel jealous of that beautiful sister with all of the radiant talents and gifts. I used to compare myself and where I was on my professional or relationship status compared to “her”. I used to feel less than and not equal to my sisters. In turn, this had me feeling very distant and separate from other woman. We would be gathered in sisterhood, and I would always feel little distant and alone. For years, I did not really have a woman with whom I could call my best friend or reach out to in times of need and stress. 

My curiosity, is this; Do any other woman find this to be true? Do any other woman have similar experience? Have you ever felt the judgmental comparison between woman? Have you experienced this in the past and/or are you currently working with any similar patterns in you awareness? 

Over the course of the last 5 years or so, I have been on a deep spiritual quest to balance and awakening my growing power being a woman. I have been consciously cultivating and healing my relationship to the feminine through joining woman’s groups to reading books and taking courses in feminine embodiment. For me, becoming a mother was a huge step in claiming my seat as a woman and required me to extend my regard to other woman, so that I could learn from them, and I could receive the love and support that I needed as I passed through my motherhood initiation. 

In my recent studies, the late Shakti Milan puts forth a radical distinction in her book, Sexual Awakening For Woman, A Tantric Workbook, that I believe is worth talking about together in sisterhood tribe. She refers to this collective judgement and comparison between woman as the “Woman’s Union". Originating from the patriarchal paradigm where men hold the power, and maintain a "power over other” mentality, Shakti describes the fact that woman have internalized this belief and police other woman who are not fitting in with the prescribed norm (especially and specifically in the realm of sexuality). Instead of supporting and uplifting one another, secretly we wish other woman negativity and do not want the other to succeed or do well, or flourish.  Perhaps this is also embedded in our psyche to protect ourselves from loosing our men. If another woman seems threatening to our family/relationship, it is understanding that we would not want her close to us so therefore we outcast her as to not cause us trouble. 

As I have begun to unpack this belief and question its origination over the last several years of my study, I have come to discover that like in most relationships, what I see outwardly is truly a reflection of my internal state. When I catch myself in thought about judging another woman, I have a beautiful opportunity. I can either give my attention and energy towards the idea of separation of power over, OR I can use the moment as a learning opportunity for further self discovery. It can also be useful to understand that what we are uncovering here is also related to what is being held in the collective unconscious. For me, it is more powerful and empowering to take a long slow look in the mirror to discover something unreseolved in my own psyche and that held in the collective unconscious. 

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{A PRACTICE IN TAKING BACK JUDGEMENTS:
TRANSFORMING THE WOMAN’S UNION 
INTO THE SISTERHOOD SUPPORT}

This practice can be done solo, with other woman as a group discussion. After you do the journal work it can be useful to share what you are learning with other woman in your life/circle. In addition, after you complete this practice you will have a leans to see what happens for you in future moments if/when you feel the woman’s union arising inside of you. Pausing for a moment to feel and notice with mindfulness is the first step towards radical empowerment. 

STEP 1: Set aside 10/20 minutes in a quiet space with your journal and pen. 

STEP 2: Light a candle, burn some sage, and settle into an intentional space to be with yourself in this powerful inquire. 

STEP 3: Find a comfortable seat or lye down and begin taking slow deep breaths. Allow your attention to shift inward towards yourself. Scan your body, heart, and mind for how you are doing in this moment. 

STEP 4: Once you feel settled, ask yourself these question: “In what way do I judge and criticize woman? What do I typically judge other woman of and for? Do I typically feel better than or less than other woman?” Come up with your own creative questions that feel aligned with this inquire for you. 

STEP 5: Notice what arrises and take 10 minutes to free write in your journal about everything that arrises from you. Do not hold back. Allow yourself to feel all of it. The key here is welcoming all parts of yourself to be present with our judgement or make wrong. Be as nasty and unedited as possible to really let the energy flow. 

STEP 6: Look back over what you wrote and reread your discoveries. Try to have an open mind and begin to try on the idea that what you see outwardly (your repulsions and judgements) are really all projections living inside of you that you are not wilding to face and own. Ask yourself powerfully, what is it in her/other woman that I either resist or desire in my own life/being? Take a serious look at the judgements and see if you can take responsibility for this aspect inside of you. 

*example: I notice that one judgement I have is that “she” sees to have such a successful career and is so confident! ~ Turning back to own my projections I would start to see that what I see in her is actually something I want for myself. I would love to have a successful career and be confident like her. Perhaps we can shift the focus towards, “wow, she seems so confident and successful. Maybe I could learn something from her!” Instead of making her wrong I can actually celebrate her and her wins. 

STEP 7: Make a commitment to take notice of how and when this comes up for you as you move forward. Again, we are not trying to change or fix anything, just simply bring awareness to the parts of ourself with a mindful awareness. As we notice projections and repulsions in others, we can begin to reclaim the lost parts of ourself that are really speaking through our judgements. 

STEP 8: Share what you are learning about this with your other sisters. Continue to inquire ongoing about this conversation. Comment and share what you are getting from this experience. 

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For me, this process has been a journey back to myself, owning my projections, and awakening the qualities see in other woman that I wish to cultivate for myself has been a deeply rich and rewarding process. Not only am I surrounded by many sisters, aunties, mothers, and daughters the I honor, respect and cherish, I have honestly created a beautiful support of sisters around me. It is my wish and honor to shed light to the conversation of how we have become separated as woman to unify together to illuminate a new paradigm in which we support and uplift one another with joy and reverence. To me, honoring the sacred in the other is a beautiful path of love and grace.

From my sister circle, to the world, it is my wish that all woman begin to remember the importance of seeing each other with honor and respect to birth a new paradigm rooted in shared care and positive regards seeing the best in one another.  Feminine nourishes the feminine in the world, and it is my prayer that we can allow ourselves the joy of sisterhood connection in the unique beautiful way that only we can offer one another.

I would love to hear how this conversation and practice outlined above has impacted you. Please comment bellow or send me a message on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stayintouchwithlarastouch/

With Love,
Lara 

Sunday, March 3, 2019

EMBODIMENT RITUAL FOR SELF -CONNECTION AND AUTHENTIC EXPRESSION

Take 5-10 minutes for this short practice to help you feel more connected to yourself and your authentic expression. 
Start your day this way or use this as a practice whenever you feel stuck or frustrated with anything. 


1. Turn off your phone and distractions and find a quiet space for yourself to be alone, possibly in nature. Set context by letting your family or roommates know that you are taking a few moments to be with yourself. Remind yourself of a benefit you may receive from taking a moment to slow down and turn towards yourself. 

2. Light a candle, burn some incense, or smudge the space to consciously shift towards a place of ritual and intentionality. 

3. Start standing. Close your eyes and shift your attention towards yourself. Start by bringing all of the attention to your mind and notice the quality of your thoughts. 

4. After a few breaths of noticing the texture of your mind, allow your focus to drop down into your heart center. Here, begin to notice any feeling tones or emotions you may be holding onto in this moment. Without making your experience good or bad, simply notice without attachment. 

5. After a few breaths allow your attention to now drop down further into your belly and pelvis. Notice physical sensations speaking to you. Where do you feel tight? pain? pleasure? Can you feel your feet on the ground under you? Listen to any movements your body wants. Do you want to move? Do you want to become still? Honor your physical body and allow rhythmic movements, shaking, undulations, stretching, etc. Take about a minute to be with your body in honoring your impulses. 

6. Become still. Place one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly. Take 3-5 slow deep breaths.

7. Ask yourself "what is authentically here that wants to be known". 

8. Allow for the answer to come through you. Choose a creative outlet to express your authenticity in this moment. 
  • Some options would be grab a pen and journal and free write for a few minutes, 
  • you could also speak out-loud to yourself or into a voice recorder. 
  • Another option would be to get some pastels and paper out and draw. 
  • You could also put on a lovely piece of music and dance through your body whatever it is you are holding in your experience. 
  • If you have a friend or partner to share your authentic expression with, you can ask them to witness you or listen to you speak. 
9. Close your ritual by finding a seated position on the earth. Take a few more slow long deep breaths. Place your hands at your heart center and bow your chin towards your chest. Offer gratitude to your mind~body~heart for its deep wisdom. Thank yourself for taking a few minutes to be with yourself. Bow forward and energetically seal in your practice time. 

Share what you experienced or gained from doing this practice with me!


Thursday, January 31, 2019

{The Divine Masculine}

With the return of the Divine Feminine awakening on the planet at this time, to me, it is equally important to consciously cultivate an embodied relationship with the Divine Masculine. In tandem, these two energies will birth true union, a new paradigm, rooted in the deep presence and unbounded, radiant love. Man or woman, we all contain feminine and masculine energies in our being. Connecting to and working with this as a map towards balance has been key for my yogic understanding of subtle energy and awakening on the path of becoming.

In my opinion, true masculine power is wildly misunderstood in our current patriarchal structures. My growing understanding of conscious masculine has less to do with power over and more to do with the power of showing up, staying with, & being a pillar of strength and direction for myself and others. As one of my dear friends and teacher Juliet Haines likes to refer to it, the feminine essence is like the flowing river of life, including all of our life experience, while the masculine essence is represented by the banks of the river. As this image depicts, the edges of the container represent the masculine's deep capacity to hold, to be with, & to penetrate with His presence. Unwavering in His steady commitment to being, He is limitless in His connection to consciousness. Vast open spaciousness allows freedom as an expansive stillness, a presence, a place to let go, & empty and surrenders into. He is also a giving force that protects and directs the flowing feminine lifeforce.


For years I have been connecting with and cultivating my flowing femininity. Feeling my female essence thrive has been deeply healing, rebalancing, and rewarding and yet, at times I can be swept up and away in her emotions, and unbounded shakti. Cultivating the spaciousness to empty out with the slowing presence of my inner divine masculine allows for a sense of peace and calm. As I am with myself in this new growing way I feel a new possibility to hold parts of myself that were once exiled or avoided. Now, with the ability and capacity to hold my life experiences with my inner masculine presence, I allow time and space to feel deeply without getting lost in the sea of feminine movement.
~~~~~~~
"I am pure consciousness.
I am the Generator, Orchestrator, and Power of Truth.
Source of Guidance, Full of Drive and Intelligence.
Fearless, Discerning, Decisive, and Giving,
I honor the Beloved with my Devoted Pillar of Commitment.
I am Sovereign, King who serves all. Father, Lover, Divine man.
I am a Lingam of Light.
I am fulfilled and free, a rhythmic, primordial power of light.
I am the actions of man as the son of my Father.
Intelligence of Transcendent Love, and Formless Truth I am Enlightenment."
- Attributes of the Divine Masculine from Sacred Relationships by Anaiya Sophia
~•~
(Image: Hindu Tantra "Shri Yantra" representing the union of the masculine and feminine divine.)

Friday, December 28, 2018

The Yoga of Relating - Valentine Partner Yoga Playshop with Lara Barber

The Yoga of Relating
Valentine Partner Yoga Playshop 
With Lara Barber 

Saturday 
February 9th 2019
5-8 p.m. 

FULL CIRCLE YOGA
519 Main Street 
Longmont, CO 80501
Relating is an art form that requires loving presence, attention, and intention.
Create and cultivate intimacy and sacred connection this Valentine's Day with your loved one through the sweet, sensual, and simple practices of Partner Yoga.
Join for a memorable afternoon of pleasure and play. Over the course of this unique "playshop" experience meditation, dropping into connection with self & other, bringing consciousness to include the body in relating, partner yoga practices, relaxing massage and touch, keys for healthy communication, and sweet desserts to top off your special date night.
All levels and abilities are welcome to join.
Include and honor the body~heart~mind~spirit with your sweetie this special Valentine Holiday.
Join with a partner.
Space is limited to 12 couples.
Register in advance to reserve your spot.
Investment is $50 per couple and includes a 3 hour partner yoga workshop and desserts and libations.
__________
Principle Based Partner Yoga™ is an emerging practice that combines the healing power of yoga, conscious touch, and union of self and other. It integrates the body-heart-mind-spirit connection among individuals by combining simple and profound techniques to inspire a deeper awareness in yoga poses & practices.
__________
Lara Barber has been teaching Principle-Based Partner Yoga™ since 2009. She is a passionate yogini and lover of life. Lara teaches classes inspired by her life's study of massage therapy, yoga, meditation & mindfulness, body-centered awareness, shamanism, authentic relating, & tantra. She views the present moment and the body as tools to access great depths of our being. Yoga is an art form that she carves into each practice to restore your body, mind, and soul, to leave you feeling more connected and aligned.

Friday, December 14, 2018

Lara's Touch: 2019 Updated Prices and Packages


Lara Barber  

E-RTY Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher

CMT Certified Massage Therapist 






Private Yoga rates: 60 minutes $100 | 90 minutes $120

Partner Yoga rates: 60 minutes $150 | 90 minutes $200 (Private one-on-one session, Couple's session, Workshops) 

Massage Therapy rates: 60 minutes $100 | 75 minutes $120 | 90 minutes $150

**90 minute sessions are preferred to be able to tend to your self care needs 


~*~


PACKAGE DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE: 

Private Yoga rates @ 60 minutes $100  *10% discount with purchase of package 

  • 3 hours $270 (regular cost $300) 
  • 6 hours $540 (regular cost $600) 
  • 8 hours $720 (regular cost $800) 
  • 10 hours $900 (regular cost $1000) 
Partner Yoga rates @ 60 minutes $150 *10% discount with purchase of package 
  • 3 hours $405 (regular cost $450) 
  • 6 hours $810 (regular cost $900) 
  • 8 hours $1,080 (regular cost $1,200) 
  • 10 hours $1,350 (regular cost $1,500) 

Massage Therapy rates @ 60 minutes $100

  • 3 hours $270 (regular cost $300) 
  • 6 hours $540 (regular cost $600) 
  • 8 hours $720 (regular cost $800) 
  • 10 hours $900 (regular cost $1000)

***Massage Therapy rates @ 90 minute sessions $150 
  • 3 sessions $405 (regular cost $450) 
  • 6 sessions $810 (regular cost $900) 
  • 8 sessions $1,080 (regular cost of $1,200) 
  • 10 sessions $1,350 (regular cost $1,500)
Massage: deep tissue, Swedish, polarity therapy, sports, chair, integrative, Thai Yoga, and Shiatsu 

Yoga: Private and group sessions, Vinyasa, Yin, and Principle Based Partner Yoga

~*~

Group discounts and packages available: 




Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Explore the chakras with Lara Barber

Explore the chakras with Lara Barber at Full Circle Yoga every Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. from November 2nd through December 15th.


Join for one, some, or all 7 classes.

Explore our ancient yogic energy body through simple yoga poses, chanting, self reflection, and a growing understanding of yourself and others.


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Friday, November 2nd
THE ROOT: Muladhara Chakra
SEED SOUND: LAM
"I AM."

The word Muladhara is a combination of two Sanskrit words: "Mula," which means “root” and "Adhara," which means “support” or “base". As the foundation of our energy system, the root represents our connection to mother earth, our connection to our basic survival, vitality, and sense of ground.

When in balance, we feel firmly rooting in our lives and being, with a sense of freedom. If out of balance, one may be ungrounded, flighty, with no sense of honoring or knowing self. Or on another extreem, an unbalanced connection to the root may express in an inability to complete things or make progress.

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Friday, November 9th:
THE SACRAL: Svadhisthana Chakra
SEED SOUND: VAM
"I FEEL."

According to Hindu Tantrism, Svadhistana is a combination of two Sanskrit words: "svad or swa," which means “one's own” and "Adhisthana," which means “abode” or “seat". As the second center of our ancient energetic system, the sacral chakra represents our connection to our emotional body, our connection with the world through our 5 senses, sensuality/sexuality, our creativity, our relationship to pleasure, the element of water, and our ability to be flexible and go with the flow.

When this chakra is in balance we feel comfortable and in the right relationship with our sexuality and creative power, we honor our sexuality as sacred and contain this aspect of our life with healthy boundaries, expression, and reverence. One who has a balanced sacral chakra can remain playful and able to flow with life. Being bright and open, they possess a playful connection with others.  If out of balance, one may seem rigid, disconnected from feelings, unable to go with the flow of life and have a strong block in their sexual expression. Or on another extreme, an unbalanced connection to Svadhisthana may express as emotional outbreaks, addiction to sex, limited capacity to enjoy life's pleasures, no passion or zest for life, and/or co-dependent relating tendencies.

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Friday, November 16th: THE SOLAR PLEXUS: Manipura Chakra
SEED SOUND: RAM
"I DO." 
Our third energetic center, with the Sanskrit name "Manipura", ("mani" meaning gem, and "puri' meaning city) is referred to as the "lustrous gem" because it shines like a warm sun when in balance.  Being our source of will, and power, when this center is balanced we feel confident and secure in our autonomy. The solar plexus center, located about six inches above your belly button, is associated with the color yellow and the element of fire. Not only is this related to our energetic center of self-esteem, and it also relates to our transformational fire/heat energy that burns away impurities through intention and action directing us on our soul's unique path. 
When this chakra is in balance one maintains a healthy sense of ego. Without being self-doubting with low self-esteem, or having an inflated ego with a desire to achieve external validation, one will remain centered and in right relationship with willpower and a deep connection to self. No longer seeming to be the victim to life circumstances, we realize at the third chakra level of development that we have the power to choose our life path and direction. We feel centered in who we are with a healthy sense of sovereignty. Steering the course of your own ship, with a balanced 3rd chakra, one will have energy and be focused in alignment with path and purpose. 

If out of balance, a person who has an imbalance in this area of life will have low self-esteem, seek approval from outside sources, may seem powerless and unmotivated in life, and may struggle with an inability to take action. On another extreme, a person who seems overpowering, overindulgent, be dominant, or tend to manipulate others to get what they want, may also be expressing imbalances in the Manipura Chakra. 
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Friday November 23rd: 
THE HEART CENTER: Anahata Chakra
SEED SOUND: YAM
"I FEEL."

Our fourth primary Chakra, in Sanskrit called "Anahata" means "unstruck", "unbeaten," or "unhurt" and refers to the Vedic concept of unstruck sound, the sound of the celestial realm. Here resides the spiritual center of love, balance, and connection. Personally, I find it fascinating that the heart chakra is the center of love, and is located directly in the center of the chest, as well as the center of our 7 primary chakras (with 3 above, and 3 below). To me, this highlights how central the energy of love is to our wellbeing and health. In addition, referring to this "unstruck" realm of the "celestial" order of the sky, the energy of love seems to be an everyday ordinary miracle that keeps life in order and, just as the sun and moon dance together in order, so can the energy of love and compassion dance amongst the lover and the beloved. Associated with the element of air, the color green, and the resting home of self-compassion, self-love, compassion, openness, and the love for others, to me, Anahata Chakra is an important place to generate healing for ourselves and the world.  Our sweet sensitive hearts call out amongst humans in need of attention and care, it seems to me, like an important place to take an honest inventory by noticing your thoughts, emotions, and actions to identify any blockages in your heart center. 

When this chakra is in balance we feel open and available to share love with those around us.  No longer acting from core beliefs of isolation and disconnection, we feel harmonious and receptive to give and receive the energy of love with ease, joy, and glory. We also manifest strong self-compassion and learn to foster and support a loving relationship with ones-self as our primary and most important relationship. Here, we generate a deeper sense of trust in ourselves which outwardly softens the edges and barriers to the heart resulting in more compassion and love for others. 

If out of balance, a person may be distant from others, may not feel very welcome in social settings, feeling like they do not belong, and may have social anxiety. Due to a lack of understanding and self-compassion, they may be very harsh or critical on themselves. At the other end of the spectrum, one may feel overly attached in relationships, being clingy or desperate, with a "hole" in their heart that must be filled by another. Perhaps one with an excess or deficiency in the heart chakra could manifest in playing the role of the victim or prosecutor in intimate relating, or may hold grudges and feel bitter and angry towards others often. 
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Friday, November 30th: 
THE THROAT: Vishuddah Chakra
SEED SOUND: HAM
"I SPEAK."
Moving upward to the 5th primary chakra we discover the power of vibrational sound, communication, our unique expression, and wisdom. The Sanskrit name "Vishuddah" translates into meaning "especially pure" and refers to the potency of speaking, listening, and expressing yourself from a higher form of consciousness. Located at the throat and neck, our throat center is the first on the ladder of the more spiritual chakras, and bridges the body and the mind. Living in alignment, "especially pure", unclouded in the throat chakra, reminds us of the beautiful power of inviting our vibrational actions to line up with our vibrational words.
When this chakra is in balance we are honest and open in our communication and relationships. We may also find ease in our confidence and a clear direct assertiveness and discernment when decisiveness is needed. Having a balanced throat chakra may manifest as a deep sense of dignity and respect for ourselves while also maintaining an openness when others bring their opinions.
If out of balance, as you may have guessed, a person may feel shy, or have an inability to express themselves openly. Due to shame or guilty patterns, one may hold secrets and feel like they must hide from others. Deficiency in the throat could also manifest as difficulty in being honest with ourselves and others, one may find themselves in restrictive relationships were their full expression is not welcome, there may be a fear of public speaking, and an inability to express emotions. On another extreem, an excessive throat imbalance could result in speaking too quickly or too impulsively, aggressive expression of opinions, or one may be socially overbearing or overly opinionated.
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Friday, December 7th: 
THE THIRD EYE: Ajna Chakra
SEED SOUND: OM
"I SEE."
Climbing upward to the spiritual 6th primary chakra, also known as Ajna Chakra, meaning "to command", we make contact with ourselves beyond what can be seen by the naked eye. The higher you reach, the more gentle the power and the subtlety of our liberated freedom becomes. Our third eye (also known as the brow chakra) is the energetic center for perception, intuition, ability to see forward and backward in time, & connects us to our power of manifestation, imagination, and thought. Being the space of mindful watching, this chakra empowers us to take responsibility for our life, remembering that we can cultivate conscious "command of our life", remembering that we have the capacity to own and create our reality. Sometime considered a psychic center, some people expereince clairvoyance when they clear and work with this chakra. According to yogic philosophy, when the thrid eye is balanced and in harmony with our other chakras, we reach the doorway to spiritual enlightnement. A notable fact is that the brow chakra is the point where the central energy channel, called the sushumna, and the two lateral channels (representing sun and moon energies) called the ida and pingala, converge in the center of the forehead. Our 6th chakra is a powerful place to consciously connect with our growing capacity for insight, perception, seeing, vision, magic, miracles, manifestation, moving beyond the realm of time, & cultivating our intuition.
When this chakra is in balance, we unlock the power to see things from a meta overarching perspective. We have a more clear bird's eye view of our path and have easy access spiritually to Mystical States moving beyond the material realm. We also feel a sense of calm and clarity, we are self aware, have foresight, & possess an ability to distinguish truth from illusion. Furthermore, we distinguish reality from fantasy and we are no longer fixated on our limitations, and can see the bigger picture of life. Our life can become more fluid, vibrant, and creative while following the spontaneous flow, listening to the guidance of our intuition.
If out of balance, and specifically if this center of our being has deficiency, it may manifest as a sense of living without a direction, being ungrounded, with no particular aim. One may seem confused often and have a quality of being dreamy, fuzzy, and lost. On another extreme, if this particular chakra is excessive, it may manifest as being narrow-minded, arrogant, one pointed, or maybe a feeling of being narrow-minded and not open to the spiritual aspects of life. An imbalance at the brow center could also contribute to mood disorders, depression, mental illness, and paranoia.
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Friday December 14th: 
THE CROWN: Sahasrara
SEED SOUND: SILENCE
"I UNDERSTAND."
Our final 7th primary chakra in called "Sahasrara" in Sanskrit meaning "thousand petaled" refers to the metaphor of a lotus flower blooming at the top of our head connecting us with divine consciousness. According to yoga philosophy, Sahasrara is the seat of the soul and the access point towards full spiritual enlightenment Reminding us that we have access to the eternal, it is here at the crown chakra, that we give, receive, & exchange with universal energy. Moving beyond the mind & beyond the body, we recognize and embark upon our path of remembering our true spiritual essence. Our crown chakra is also associated with the ability to have the perception of the bigger picture and to cultivate self-awareness. Being connected to the spiritual, having a connection with the 7th Chakra ignites a deeper understanding of the support of the unseen realms and that we can cultivate a deep sense of peace beyond the worldly affairs of everyday life. Granting a deeper meaning to life, meditation, mindfulness, awareness, and spiritual presence offer us a sense of living beyond the basic understanding into a more expansive experience of life offering more inner peace and clarity. While we may have imbalances in the lower chakras, connecting to and opening the crown chakra allows energy to flow more freely through the entire energetic system.
When this chakra is in balance, we possess a rejuvenated sense of appreciating being alive on this planet. Identifying beyond the low self, one with an open flowing crown will also experience this same relationship with life; open, flowing, spontaneous, free, aligned, fluid, and playful. Having a more grandiose or meta perspective of life as well as the Higher Self, you will be more present in life, seeing and remembering the bigger picture of your spiritual life and evolution. With a deep connection to spirit, one will live from this holy space towards a place of enlightened peace. Having released blockages on the 7th chakra will allow a person to define their reality as being pleasant and expansive.
If our of balance, on the deficient end of the spectrum, one may find themselves without purpose in life and alienated from others. Being withdrawn with a strong sense of disconnection a person could potentially find themselves with a lack of understanding or compassion for others, apathy, loneliness, and an overall sense of lifelessness. At the opposite end of the spectrum with excess energy at the crown chakra, may manifest as imbalances in the mind like perhaps being more prone to mental fog, confusion, mental illness, or have neurological or endocrine disorders. Inflating or having a false sense of self can also result in manifesting symptoms of egotism, greed, or materialism. Being concerned with the material plane can offset our deeper direction and path in life as a spiritual being waking up on the earth.

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Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Summer of Partner Yoga

Join us this summer at Full Circle Yoga for a series of lovely Partner Yoga Workshops. Join for one, some, or all three summer workshops! 


Principle-Based Partner Yoga™ is a visionary healing art that expands traditional yoga into the realm of relationship. Designed for two or more people, this practice is not for lovers only but invites everyone into a direct experience of embodied, unity consciousness. The practice utilizes the forms and principles of traditional yoga while incorporating the presence of another to deepen the impact and power of the practice. It expands and awakens our capacity in our individual practice while developing our skills in relating to others. We will join together to explore partner yoga poses, listening practices, authentic sharing, and learning tools of embodied connection and clear communication. 

These workshops are designed for all levels of experience and open to individuals, couples, or friends. 

JUNE 24th - Introduction to the Principles of Partner Yoga
JULY 29th - The Pleasures of Restorative Partner Yoga
AUGUST 26th - Joyful & Expansive Partner Yoga Flying 

SUNDAYS 1-3 p.m. 

$20 single /$40 per couple *per event 
OR 
$50 ($10 off) single / $100 per couple ($20 off) *sign up for all 3 

Join with or without a partner. 
All levels and abilities are welcome to join. 
___________________

‘Introduction to The Principles of Partner Yoga’ 
Sunday, June 24th, 1-3 p.m.

Using a wide range of postures and energy practices, this workshop demonstrates the power of human connection. When we consciously connect with the presence and energy of others, we deepen our self-awareness and our posture. Discover how to integrate Partner Yoga principles such as trust, grounding, balance, and compassion both in postures and moment to moment living. 
....

‘The Pleasures of Restorative Partner Yoga’ 
Sunday, July 29th, 1-3 p.m. 

Explore the art of listening through heart and hands - practice staying deeply rooted in oneself while resting and restoring with others. This workshop incorporates various healing and restorative practices that guide us into a deep, embodied silence with others. Included is refined alignment for Back-to-Back Sacrum Connection and other restorative postures and moment to moment living. 
....

'Joyful & Expansive Partner Yoga Flying' 
Sunday, August 26th, 1-3 p.m.

In Partner Yoga postures, there is always a point of balance and stillness in which we can rest - even in the most challenging postures. Learn to safely navigate yourself and your partner in aerial postures. This workshop provides a step-by-step how to enter into the powerful flying posture sequences. These postures are instrumental in overcoming physical and emotional limitations and learning to trust ourselves and each other. In addition, being weightless, being suspended in the air, and deeply connecting with another in this way, can satisfy a rewarding part of our childlike spirit that craves to play and experience joy.
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For questions or more information contact Lara at larastouch@gmail.com
To register or reserve your spot visit:  Full Circle Yoga Upcoming Events