"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." - John Muir

When wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in the United States after being absent for nearly 70 years, the most remarkable "trophic cascade" occurred.  What is a trophic cascade and how exactly do wolves change rivers?  British environmental journalist George Monbiot explains in this video remix by Sustainable Man.

"Take a moment to think deeply about how your actions impact ecosystems all over the world in a wide variety of ways.  Can you begin a cascade of positive effects by changing some of your actions?"

See more at: http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=4904#sthash.uoPyRAoH.dpuf

“Vedic Thai Massage – Assisted Yoga is love. It is a sacred offering, a conscious contribution to self-realization and soul revelation, the goal and purpose of life.  With deliberate and skillful intentions of joyful communication, Thai-Yoga massage produces profound pleasure and inspiring tranquility physically and psychologically by replacing old, restricted energy patterns within the body/spirit. Socially revered as a medical folk art, it is commonly reported to revitalize and balance cerebral (emotional) and somatic (physical) ailments instantly.  This dignified and communally-cherished art parallels in sophistication results obtained by other modern medical options.  Aesthetically pleasing and highly recommended, Thai-Yoga bodywork enhances the quality of living by opening congested chakras (dormant reservoirs of bio-spiritual power) and clearing nadis (electro-magnetic meridian pathways), Nuad Borarn is one of the Original Matriarchs of healing.  Its distinction is true in its value of producing dynamic well-being and serenity.” - Mukti (Michael Buck)

Vedic Thai Massage-Assisted Yoga is traditionally performed on a large comfortable cotton futon floor mat which gives the receiver both comfort and full-body support. Working on the floor also allows the therapist to move freely around and above the client, making for effective use of the therapist’s bodyweight and mechanics. The therapist can also work with the receiver in a variety of positions, including prone, supine, side-lying, and seated.

In a Vedic Thai Massage-Assisted Yoga session you will wear loose-fitting or stretchy clothing that allows your body to move.No oils are needed. The techniques used work far beneath the surface of the body, effecting the deeper layers of the muscles and skeleton.

Treatments are routinely modified to include sensitivities addressing acute and chronic conditions, including: herniated disks, subluxations, muscle strain, joint replacements, surgeries, and pregnancy.

The Thai-Yoga Therapist doesn’t just use the power of their hands and fingers. They use their hands, their fingers, their palms, arms, knees, and feet, along with the reciever’s body weight and their resistance to provide a deeply moving experience. The Thai-Yoga Therapist enters into a meditative awareness adapting every asana stretch and technique to the client’s exact need, whether soft or strong.

Please visit Heart Stream Yoga's website www.HeartStreamYoga.com or call (907) 474-8108 for more information!

Cardio in yoga??  That's right baby!!  You can't just stretch cold muscles and expect them to relax!  You can't just start mobbing around in your old Chevy truck in 40 below either.  Make sense?  Now don't be put off, you're not going for a jog here.  You are literally saluting that giant ball of fire in the sky with your body saying, "What's up Sun!?  I am awake!  I am alive!  I am a reflection!  I am a light too!  I am pure consciousness!  Thank you for bringing that heat!  Woop WOOP!!"  In silence of course ;-)

Your body is indeed your spirit's vehicle and there are no auto-starts for these fine tuned machines.  The following is a little introduction to The Alaskan Yogi's cardio, also known as Surya Namaskar, or The Sun Salutation.  Remember your yoga ABC's and have fun with it!

            A.   Make sure your body is in ALIGNMENT.  Engage your core muscles.  Draw your belly in and up and                     your tailbone down.  Press into all four corners of your feet.  Stabilize and center your head                                 between your shoulders.  Spread your fingers wide.  Place your shoulders over your wrists and                         hands and your hips over your knees.
            B.  Focus on your BREATH.  Inhale on the upward movements and exhale on the downward                                     movements. 
            C.  CONSCIOUSNESS is key.  If it hurts don't force it.  Be CONSCIOUS of your ALIGNMENT and your                     BREATH.  Be CONSCIOUS of how warm or cold your are.  Be kind to your vehicle. 

Health Benefits of The Sun Salutation:

• Strengthens and awakens the body
• Calms the mind and emotional instability
• Challenges major muscles, lubricates joints and ligaments
• Improves posture, flexibility and balance
• Strengthens cardiovascular system by oxygenating blood
• Tones digestive system
• Stimulates lymphatic system
• Controlled breathing supports respiratory health which calms nervous system and has a balancing effect on the endocrine system.
• Relieves tension, stress and anxiety

One round of Sun Salutation consists of two sequences, the first leading with the right foot in positions 4 and 9, the second leading with the left.  Keep your hands in one place from positions 3 to 10 and try to co-ordinate your movements with your breathing.  Start by practicing four rounds and gradually build up to twelve rounds.

1. Stand erect with feet together and hands in the prayer position in front of your chest.  Make sure your weight is evenly distributed.  Exhale.
2. Inhaling, stretch your arms up and arch back from the waist, pushing the hips out, legs straight.  Relax your neck.
3. Exhaling, fold forward, and press your palms down, fingertips in line with toes - bend your knees if necessary.
4. Inhaling, bring the left (or right) leg back and place the knee on the floor.  Arch back and look up, lifting your chin.
5. Retaining the breath, bring the other leg back and support your weight on hands and toes.
6. Exhaling, lower your knees, then your chest and then your forehead, keeping your hips up and your toes curled under.
7. Inhaling, lower your hips, point your toes and bend back.  Keep legs together and shoulders down. Look up and back.
8. Exhaling, curl your toes under, raise your hips and pivot into an inverted "V"shape. Try to push your heels and head down and keep your shoulders back.
9. Inhaling, step forward and place the left (or right) foot between your hands.  Rest the other knee on the floor and look up, as in position 4.
10. Exhaling, bring the other leg forward and bend down from the waist, keeping your palms as in position 3.
11. Inhaling, stretch your arms forward, then up and back over your head and bend back slowly from the waist, as in position 1.
12. Exhaling, gently come back to an upright position and bring your arms down by your sides.