Maya Currents Blog

“Yoga — even when approached as a purely physical exercise –provides an excellent means of relaxing, focusing and clearing your mind. The child’s and corpse poses encourage you to slow down, clear your mind, and simply relax. The flexibility athletes develop from yoga can help them achieve better sport-specific performance, it also helps them prevent injuries.”

-Caleb McAllister, Live Strong

Join Maya instructor Alec Davis for a new group class, Yoga for Runners and Other Athletes, which starts Monday May 20 at 7:30 pm. Online registration available.

Back pain from decades of long distance running brought yoga teacher and ski instructor Alec Davis to yoga in 1988. His newest series of classes offered at Maya is geared for the serious sports enthusiast.

Yoga for Runners and Other Athletes explores the yoga poses that address the needs of an athlete’s body, enhancing alignment, flexibility, concentration and breathing. This yoga practice can help you enjoy your primary sport for a longer period of time, with a much lower risk of injury. Beginners and all levels welcome.

In our interview with Alec Davis, he shares his favorite motto, how it enhances his idea of perfect happiness and how you just might follow him on one of his favorite journeys.

What is your current state of mind? Quiet … for which I am grateful.

What is your favorite occupation? Teaching.

Who are your heroes in real life? Master Teachers who walk their talk (I am clear that this is challenging for all human beings).

What is your favorite journey? 1) Traveling to the Bugaboos to Heli ski and teach yoga.  2) Teaching yoga and shamanism in Costa Rica -which anyone can join me in doing this coming December (shameless plug!).

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Like.

What is the quality you most like in a man? Compassion.

What is the quality you most like in a woman? Compassion.

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? That all of us could have had more compassion for ourselves. I believe that if we are able to be compassionate with ourselves it is much easier to be compassionate with those closest to us.

What do you most value in your friends? Their presence in my life, as well as their forgiveness of my short comings.

What is your most treasured possession? My life.

What is your greatest extravagance? Heli skiing. 

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Living and being present in each moment, each breath -no matter what is going on.

Where would you like to live? The Northwest!

What is your greatest fear? (I would have answered this very differently a few years ago.) I was very afraid of heights, but not now. I also used to be afraid of failing; the past five years have lessened this fear significantly -I have had lots of failures. So right now, I can’t say I have a “greatest” fear.

How would you like to die?  At 98 … after having Heli skied all day, then practiced yoga, followed by a period of meditation and transfiguration, followed by having a glass of amazing red wine … then laying down and leaving my body.

What is your motto?  Breathe.

-posted May 17, 2013

Maya Currents is the voice of Maya Whole Health Studio, publishing fresh and informative articles covering studio happenings, the yoga practice, whole health wellness and more. Sign up for an email subscription by entering your address in the Follow Maya Currents form on the right and follow instructions.

If you’ve been sneezing a little more than usual, or your asthma is acting up, you’re not alone.

“May is a peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers, and a perfect time to educate patients, family, friends, co-workers and others about these diseases,” says the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Each year in May, the organization sponsors National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month to do just that.

Making the List. Asthma and allergies can flare up from pollen, dust and molds -even chemicals, cold air, exercise, infection and emotional upset. The Seattle area is number 93 on the list of “Asthma Capitals,” the 100 most challenging places to live with asthma – so a lot of Northwesterners out there are looking for asthma and allergy relief.

And a recent study by a renowned hospital in Vienna reveals over 70% of its patients with long-standing asthma had significant improvement after 10 weeks of acupuncture treatment.

Whole Health Wellness. Acupuncturists treat the whole person rather than a disease, acting on the nervous system and reducing inflammation, to strengthen a person’s constitution and overall health. Using acupuncture points to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue can increase the body’s natural painkillers and increase blood flow. This in turn can reduce any allergic response.

Studies in China show that needling one of the acupuncture points increased ventilation capacity in the lungs by 6.6%. The acupuncture treatment called cupping can also help allergy symptoms by bringing blood to the area, warming the lung and loosening phlegm.

Other evidence suggests that acupuncture can signal the brain to release endorphins, helping people with asthma or allergies to experience calmer breathing.

“One of the best ways to boost your immune system is to boost your eating,” says Maya acupuncturist Brandon Leahy. “The digestive system feeds into the respiratory system in Chinese Medicine. If you’re prone to getting coughs, colds and asthma, avoid sugars, wheat and dairy.

Maya offers acupuncture appointments with Brandon Leahy, Diane Yeh and Tripat Chawla most days of the week. Call the Studio at 425.271.0200 for more information.

-posted May 15, 2013 

Maya Currents is the voice of Maya Whole Health Studio, publishing fresh and informative articles covering studio happenings, the yoga practice, whole health wellness and more. Sign up for an email subscription by entering your address in the Follow Maya Currents form on the right and follow instructions.

On this day that is widely dedicated to honoring the spirit of motherhood, we give thanks to all who create, sustain, and nurture our Maya community.

The root of the word “mother” is “ma”. Many languages from all around the globe use a similar phoneme to convey the same idea. The earliest meaning associated with this word was “life giving”. As linguists and anthropologists have traced back, they have found that this sound is frequently associated with the external breast of the female body, as well as the heart center of all humans. This imagery evokes sustenance, comfort, and pleasure across many cultures. (Ma-ssage, anyone??)

Providing sustenance, comfort, and pleasure.

For new mothers and moms-to-be, Maya offers pregnancy massage, providing support and relief during a time when many changes happen in a woman’s body.

“During pregnancy massage, moms-to-be are placed in a comfortable, fully-supported position lying on their side, to take the pressure off of their already stressed joints and ligaments,” says Maya massage practitioner Genevieve White-Burney. “In my experience, the most common areas addressed are hips, low back and sacro-iliac joints, as well as the upper back.”

Experts say the therapeutic bodywork of prenatal massage caters to the special needs of the mother-to-be with a noninvasive approach that eases physical discomfort, preparing her for labor. It also relieves mental fatigue, providing nurturing emotional support.

“Abdominal massage is offered to an expecting mother to help ease any digestion discomfort, which is common during pregnancy, as well as increasing blood circulation to the abdominal area, insuring that baby will enjoy the massage as well,” says Maya massage practitioner Kari Hanson. “Applying oil to the belly area will hydrate the skin, increasing blood flow to the superficial tissue, which helps to ease the appearance of any stretch marks. So important and therapeutic for mama and baby!”

Additionally, many women experience uncomfortable water retention and even severe edema, especially during summer months. Genevieve points to certain massage techniques, such as lymphatic drainage, that may dramatically reduce this.

“After delivery, it can take time for the body to return to its former state,” she adds. “Massage is a great way to provide support for this process as well. Many OB-GYNs are more than happy to prescribe massage for pregnancy-related aches and pains during this time.”

Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gift. Women can enjoy massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy -during the first, second or third trimester- as well as after baby is born, with so many benefits:

• Reduces swelling
• Lessens pain, back pain in particular
• Tones lose muscles and relaxes tense muscles to increase flexibility
• Helps decrease insomnia
• Eliminates toxins associates with fatigue
• Strengthens the immune system
• Stimulates the release of the body’s natural pain killers
• Helps relieve anxiety or depression
• Can be used during the birth, making the experience easier and more comfortable
• Eases stress mothers often feel after the birth

As a gift or for yourself, call the Studio to book a pregnancy massage appointment today. 425.271.0200.

-posted May 3, 2013

Maya Currents is the voice of Maya Whole Health Studio, publishing fresh blog posts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Sign up for an email subscription by entering your address in the Follow Maya Currents form on the right and follow instructions.

“Fusion Fitness classes are ideal for anyone who wants to get stronger, more flexible and improve their balance,” says Maya instructor Heidi Keith. “Folks who have tried my class were pleasantly surprised that adding Fusion Fitness to their routine is helping them get stronger, feel more stable and balanced, giving them more confidence in their other yoga and pilates classes at the Studio.”

Lengthen, Strengthen and Stabilize. Throughout the next two months of May and June, Heidi’s Fusion Fitness classes at the Studio will give clients an opportunity to improve cardiovascular conditioning, build core strength through targeted exercises and circuit work, and increase stability through balance exercises.

“Fusion ‘fitness’ is a great workout and helps to improve my yoga practice.”
-Joseph S.

Heidi’s “Lengthen, Strengthen and Stabilize” Fusion Fitness classes on Tuesdays emphasize upper body strengthening and stretching exercises, while on Thursdays, this focus is on the lower body. Each class ends with a 10-minute cool down and stretch, using a variety of methods including restorative yoga poses, foam rollers and tennis balls for deep tissue release. Heidi offers modifications and variations on the exercises throughout the classes, and anyone is welcome.  

“Fitness Fusion is a great opportunity to switch up the normal routine and perfectly complements a yoga and pilates practice by providing a fun and challenging experience to clients of all levels,” she says.

Fusion Fitness is a fast paced, full body workout that draws from the diverse disciplines of yoga, pilates, plyometrics and classic strength and circuit training.

Join Heidi for Fusion Fitness, Yoga Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga and Warm Vinyasa Flow on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

-posted May 1, 2013

Maya Currents is the voice of Maya Whole Health Studio, publishing fresh blog posts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Sign up for an email subscription by entering your address in the Follow Maya Currents form on the right and follow instructions.

On Sunday, April 28, Maya was honored to be the final display point for the complete The Contemplative Photographer’s Alphabet, a traveling exhibit of small canvases featuring original photography and poetry by multimedia artist and author Diane Walker. This show has traveled the United States, appearing at numerous events and locations promoting introspection and compassion.

“Several of the canvases left our studio Sunday in the arms of happy new owners,” says owner/manager Shannon Aldrich Payne. “Diane has graciously allowed us to continue showing the rest of the collection in our practice studio for one more week, for the enjoyment of those who could not make it to the studio on Sunday for the viewing.”

Maya’s Spring Celebration also featured a kirtan, led by Maya instructor Emily Fish. “It was another magical time at Maya,” Shannon says. “Thank you to all who joined us in the celebration of springtime and all the sensual pleasures of the evening. Given the enthusiastic response, we will be doing this again, soon!”

-posted April 29, 2013

Maya Currents is the voice of Maya Whole Health Studio, publishing fresh blog posts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Sign up for an email subscription by entering your address in the Follow Maya Currents form on the right and follow instructions.

Wild Thing …

With spring blooming everywhere, “It seems a good time to open our hearts with strength and curiosity, just as the flowers are,” says Maya instructor Michelle Peterson.

The big back bend of Camatkarasana, also known as “Wild Thing” or “Fallen Triangle,” is a pose that opens the body –including the chest, lungs and shoulders; the front of the legs and the hip flexors. Sometimes practiced to ease fatigue and mild depression, Wild Thing also builds strength in the upper back and shoulders.

The word “camatkara” can be translated as astonishment, surprise, miracle, high poetical composition, spectacle, riot or festive turbulence –quite a rapture! “Imagine the astonishment of trusting your body and breath, and the safety of your class community and teacher to where you find yourself upside down in a pose you did not know you could do,” Michelle says.

Students usually move into Wild Thing from Downward Facing Dog, flipping it to reveal that rapture.

“Recall how a sequence of poses fits together as verse, one leading to the next with assurance and delight in the rhythm. Savor the spectacle of our hearts opened with strength and grace, the giddy riot that can erupt after the stimulation. Enjoy the festive turbulence as we give the pose our all and then fall out, laughing at the joy of trying.”

Sounds wonderful – just like spring itself!

Practice Camatkarasana with Michelle during prAta yoga, Saturday mornings at 7:30 am.

-posted April 26, 2013

Maya Currents is the voice of Maya Whole Health Studio, publishing fresh blog posts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Sign up for an email subscription by entering your address in the Follow Maya Currents form on the right and follow instructions.

Maya’s Spring Celebration is a special evening in the Studio that features a kirtan – the devotional singing of ancient Sanskrit mantras derived from the Bhakti tradition- and the opening of an art exhibit.

This Sunday, April 28, meet Bainbridge artist and author Diane Walker, who is thrilled that Maya is making it possible to show both sides of her work in one place – photography and painting.

A poet and writer most of her life, Diane didn’t discover photography until she was in her 40′s. “What drew me to it was this sense that the pictures were being taken through me more than by me,” she says. “It just sort of happened, with so much ease and joy -which was quite exhilarating; I felt like I had finally figured out what I was born to do.”

As Diane developed a daily meditation practice, she discovered that her photographs have a contemplative feel to them. “It seemed natural to pair the poetry that emerged from my meditation practice with the images, which is how I ended up producing A Contemplative Photographer’s Alphabet.”

On display at Maya this night only, A Contemplative Photographer’s Alphabet is a traveling exhibit of 25 canvases of  photographs accompanied by poetry. The individual works are available for purchase this evening.

“In a sense the photography prepared me for the painting; certainly it gave me a strong sense of composition and color. Now I have to do the work, which feels very exposed. There’s more of me involved. I become the instrument.”

Throughout all the years of taking photos, Diane dreamed of painting, but was terrified to try it. “Photography was a way to do art without actually having to wield a brush and risk failure,” she says. Yet, earlier this year she gave it a go. “I could see that it was important to honor the impulse. So, for Lent -that 40-day period before Easter which I honor as a time to either give up something that gets in the way of my spiritual practice or take on something that can become a spiritual practice- I decided to paint every day. I’ve still got a long way to go, but I’m very pleased with the results.”

Beginning this Sunday April 28, an exhibit of Diane’s paintings and mixed media work from that period will be on display at Maya and available for purchase through July.

Diane finds the spiritual practice of painting more challenging that photography, likening it to the way yoga can be more challenging than meditation. “It’s not enough to go into that space where you feel more attuned with spirit, or energy. But you have to allow it to express itself through you, through movement. The best works emerge when I allow that spirit to flow through me onto the canvas without thinking about what it is I’m trying to create.”

For Diane, Maya’s exhibit of both the photographic meditations and the paintings expresses a sort of whole health of its own, “something I’m only beginning to grasp,” she says.

Maya’s Spring Celebration
Mix & Mingle … Meet the Artist … Prize Drawing*

Sunday April 28 | 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Art Show | Kirtan | Potluck Menu
Please bring a small dish or beverage to share with the Maya community.

Please RSVP | studio@mayawholehealth.com | 425.271.0200 | Facebook

*Thank you for your continued support in completing Maya’s Class Evaluations. All names of those who signed the forms have been entered into a random drawing for prizes taking place tonight. No need to be present to win.

-posted April 24, 2013 

Maya Currents is the voice of Maya Whole Health Studio, publishing fresh blog posts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Sign up for an email subscription by entering your address in the Follow Maya Currents form on the right and follow instructions.

Happy Earth Day, Everyone!

Do you love the ancient libation known as beer? This afternoon starting at 3:00 pm, look for the Maya’s Information Booth at the Grand Opening of World of Beer at the Landing!

We’ve also donated Maya items for the raffle to benefit Sunni Rudd, lead hostess at The Rock restaurant, and the Renton Fire Department!

Celebrate Earth Day with a grand opening, and find out what Maya Whole Health can do for you!

-posted April 22, 2013 

Maya Currents is the voice of Maya Whole Health Studio, publishing fresh blog posts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Sign up for an email subscription by entering your address in the Follow Maya Currents form on the right and follow instructions.

Maya is gearing up for Earth Day with a long weekend full of special events.

Yoga for the 12^th Man. GO HAWKS! Seahawks 12K Run at the Landing 2013 is this Sunday, April 21. Reminder … due to planned road closures and traffic diversions changes to Sunday’s Class Schedule are indicated here: 

REGISTER ONLINE 

Recover from the 12K the Maya Whole Health Way.
This Sunday, 4/21
Warm Vinyasa Yoga Class 
11:15 am – 12:30 pm
Massage & Acupuncture Available
11:30 am – 5:30 pm
Call to Schedule Now 425.271.0200
Ask Ahead About Insurance Billing

Yoga for Runners Series
Mondays, May 20 – June 17
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Ask About Runner Specials for Class Packages and Services

Do you love the ancient libation known as beer? On Earth Day, April 22, look for the Maya’s Information Booth at the Grand Opening of World of Beer at the Landing!

We’ve also donated Maya items for the raffle to benefit Sunni Rudd, lead hostess at The Rock restaurant, and the Renton Fire Department!

-posted April 19, 2013 

Maya Currents is the voice of Maya Whole Health Studio, publishing fresh blog posts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Sign up for an email subscription by entering your address in the Follow Maya Currents form on the right and follow instructions.