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HEALTHY HAPPENING December 2019

Discover Yoga
by Star Kolb


How many times did I walk by the yoga studio(everyday!) before I dared to enter. The curiosity was there, yet the fear held me in limbo for months. Finally I entered and felt humbled in so many ways. This peeked even greater curiosity in yoga. So I dabbled, a class here and there. Loving some classes, running from others, but continually trying more classes. I had a lucky moment in which I found a studio that offered semi-private classes. I met up with two-three others the same time each week to practice and be guided by a trusted teacher (now a dear friend). There were moments that we cried, laughed, felt confused, scared, energized, light, strong, humbled and always in awe of our body-mind capacities! This is what transformed the relationship to my body and mind within yoga.

What would I say to someone who is curious, but nervous to come to a yoga class? “The hardest part of a yoga class is physically getting yourself to the class! That’s it, you did it, you arrived!”. The beauty of a private yoga lesson or a semi-private yoga lesson is the commitment to a time and space and knowing someone is there waiting and willing to hold space for you. This setting is designed to work within your needs. The beauty is that everyone’s needs and intentions for yoga are unique to themself.

Why might you want a private/semi-private yoga lesson? Healing and/or recovering from surgery or trauma; understanding the language of yoga to feel more comfortable attending public classes; to be clearly seen and heard; to refine or challenge any asana/pose, from headstand to savasana; to learn about your breath or how to practice mindfulness; to learn how to relax and restore when needed. The list is as infinite as there are people on the Earth. Maybe for today it is simply curiosity—my favorite!

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.” Albert Einstein

Moab Yoga is a gorgeous and relaxed studio that is filled with locals and visitors of all ages and abilities. The knowledge and care that Moab Yoga teachers possess are truly a gift to so many of us in the community. We invite you to try a class, a full private or gather a few friends for a semi private. This is a gift that will continue to grow and give within each person who partakes. It is an honor to practice with you!


How to Help Socially Isolated Seniors


The elderly population is on the rise in many countries. Advancements in healthcare and a growing emphasis on healthy lifestyles means people are living longer than ever before.

Age is often accompanied by wisdom, but men and women may also find that feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression may also settle in as they grow older. The Journal of Primary Prevention published "A Review of Social Isolation," which observed how social isolation has been linked to numerous detrimental health effects in older adults. Some of these ailments may include increased risk for mortality, rehospitalization, falls, and dementia.

Individuals looking to give back to their communities may want to consider helping seniors in their area. Although it can be difficult to see seniors with diminished physical or mental capabilities, the rewards of interacting and helping seniors can be immeasurable. There are plenty of ways to help seniors avoid isolation and continue to live fulfilling lives.

Provide transportation. A Place for Mom, a senior housing placement resource, notes that lack of adequate transportation is a main cause of social isolation among seniors. Voluntary or necessary cessation of driving makes getting to and from appointments or even recreational outings more difficult. Where public transportation is unavailable or challenging to come by, volunteers can help shuttle seniors to and from grocery stores, doctor's offices and any other places they need to go. Getting out regularly and seeing new faces can help seniors overcome feelings of loneliness.

Participate in hobbies together. Give seniors a sense of purpose by encouraging them to participate in hobbies or activities. Book clubs are one activity that can interest people of different age groups.

Encourage exercise. Physical exercise keeps the body fit and improves mental health. Seniors can benefit from physical activity because it promotes strong bones and a healthy cardiovascular system. In addition, seniors who enroll in exercise classes at gyms or local senior centers can meet like-minded adults, helping them overcome their feelings of isolation even further.

Provide meals and companionship. Older adults may not be getting all they need to maintain healthy weights and bodily functions. Cooking and shopping for healthy foods may be difficult. Provide seniors with healthy meals when possible, and take the time to share those meals. This can foster conversations that keep seniors' minds sharp and also may help prevent social isolation.

Seniors can benefit from many different forms of support, and helping older adults is a worthy volunteer initiative.


Learn the Basics of Essential Oils


Winter is a time of deceleration. Plant growth, outdoor activity, and the amount of daylight dwindle. The rush of events and tourists in town quiets down, allowing space and time to recharge and relax. As such, it can be the perfect time to prioritize your health and wellness if you let it fall by the wayside during the busy season.

In addition to physical health, holistic wellness encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual health. To address all of these aspects, one might consider using essential oils. These plant-derived oils are created by “steaming” organic matter and flash cooling the aromatic vapor into a liquid form. The oils are extracted from various parts of different plants, including the wood, bark, leaves, seeds, flowers, buds, roots, resins, and more.

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, providing a multitude of physical and mental benefits from a variety of applications. Most commonly, essential oils are used therapeutically, for balancing mood, energizing, relaxing, or focusing; they are also used to treat many physical ailments, colds, sore muscles, bites, stings, infections, and for skin and hair care. They have also had roles in spiritual rituals for centuries and in many modern-day household purposes as well.

Pure essential oils are very concentrated and should only be used with sufficient knowledge of their potency and appropriate applications. On Sunday, December 8th, Moonflower Community Co-op will host an opportunity to learn more about this powerful resource with a demo and class taught by Eric Scott Bresselsmith. Eric is a self-taught artisan essential oil distiller based in Boulder, Utah. The sole operator of his company, House of Aromatics, he produces essential oils from native plants he harvests himself from the high desert mountains of southern Utah, including piñon pine, juniper, fir, spruce, snakeweed, sage, and rabbitbrush. Eric has been distilling small batches of wildcrafted essential oils since 2008.

Eric will be at Moonflower Co-op on Sunday, December 8th with samples from 12pm-4pm and then will teach a class on the basics of essential oils from 5:30-7pm. He will discuss topics such as:
• Indications and practical applications of essential oils;
• The connection of essential oils to alchemy, chemistry, and the innate spirit/intelligence of the plants’ nature;
• The importance of essential oils produced from regional plants and trees;
• “Neat” use (do’s and don’ts), dilution, and diffusion;
• The difference between therapeutic, cosmetic, and industrial grade essential oils and the importance of knowing the difference;
• The difference between essential oils, hydrosols, oil infusions, teas, and tinctures;
• The fundamentals of the distillation process.

Give your mind, body, and soul the gift of self-care this winter! Start by educating yourself on the potential of integrating essential oils into your wellness routine, and see how you can use Moonflower’s wide selection (including Eric’s House of Aromatics products) to your benefit. This class is free, open to the public, and will take place in Moonflower’s Datura Deli community space, at 39 E 100 N

Be sure to mention that you read about this in Moab Happenings.


HEALTHY CLASSES

Mondays
YoMassage Class- 6pm at the Red Rock Bakery meeting room, 74 S Main St.
Call or text Meagan Coy 563-528-2908 for details.

Tuesdays
Sheng Zhen Tuesdays with Lisa- December 3, 10, 17 with two meditation forms from 1:-1:45 seated from a chair and a standing form taught from 2:00-3:00 pm at the Grand Center Vitality Room at 182 North 500 West. Contact certified teacher, Lisa DeRees 435-260-9678 for details.

Kundalini Yoga & Gong Meditation- 5:30pm at 125 E. 200 North, Historic Helen Taylor Home. Teacher: Gregory Lee Hood. By donation. For info: 713-817-7859.

Wednesday
Yoga with Star- 11:30-12:45pm at Moab Recreation & Aquatic Center, 374 N Park Ave. Props available. Drop-in prices. Donation based for AARP Medicare Sup, SilverSneaker, and Fit members. Questions? Contact Star Kolb mindivine@gmail.com 406-291-6408

Meditation Class with Tom Edwards- Dec 4, 11, 18 from Noon-1pm at the Moab Arts & Recreation Center, 111 E. 100 North. Learn how to meditate, or renew & continue your meditation practice. This is an ongoing group, but you can feel free to come & go. Please bring a cushion if you have one. For info: 435-260-9488

Thursdays
Kundalini Yoga & Gong Meditation- 5:30pm at 125 E. 200 North, Historic Helen Taylor Home. Teacher: Gregory Lee Hood & Music Sound Therapist Annette Kearl, PhD. By donation. For info: 713-817-7859.

Fridays
YoMassage Class- 6pm at the Red Rock Bakery meeting room, 74 S Main St. Call or text Meagan Coy 563-528-2908 for details.

Saturdays
Kundalini Yoga & Gong Meditation 10am at 2125 E. 200 North, Historic Helen Taylor Home. Teacher: Gregory Lee Hood & Music Sound Therapist Annette Kearl, PhD. By donation. For info: 713-817-7859

December 6-8 Asana, Awareness, and Body Science: Yoga Workshops with Adam Ballenger
Moab Yoga 37 E Center St. See class details at www.moabyoga.com 435-259-2455

December 8-January 5 Women's Temple: Sacred gathering space for Women with Katherina Diemer
5 classes $55 or drop-in to any single class. Moab Yoga 37 E Center St. See class details at www.moabyoga.com 435-259-2455

Dec 21 Entering the Heart: Winter Solstice Yoga Workshop with Porscha Doucette 3-6pm The darker days of winter beckon us to journey through the darker depths of our hearts to find our own inner light. In this all-levels workshop we will work to release holding around the diaphragm, open the inner arms and lungs, and create heart space. The practice will include singing, SATYA, asana, pranayama, and meditation. Please sign up in advance, space is limited. $35/$45. Moab Yoga 37 E Center St. www.moabyoga.com 435-259-2455

Jan 1 Begin Bright: New Year's Day Yoga Practice with Lily Houghton Join Lily 10am-Noon for a gentle practice to enliven the body and calm the mind, as we open to a new year and decade. Practice is ideal for all levels of students and will include breathing, yoga postures, and meditation. $20/$25 Moab Yoga 37 E Center St. www.moabyoga.com 435-259-2455


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