Inspiring Actions Yoga
type: channel
description: Top Rated Hudson Yoga Studio
date: 2025-01-18T19:08:11Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
generator agent: https://wordpress.org/
items: Yoga & Gut Health
items: Anxiety and Yoga – 3 Ways Yoga Helps Reduce Anxiety
items: Mindfulness
items: Somatic Movement
items: Preparing for Your 1st Yoga Class
items: Finding Inner Peace: The Transformative Power of Meditation
items: Tuning into the Benefits of Sound Healing
items: The 7 Chakras
items: The Essentials: Everything You Need to Know About Essential Oils
items: Reiki 101

Yoga & Gut Health
type: item
creator: Laura Ritchie
date: 2025-01-20T12:00:00Z
subject: Uncategorized
description: It’s been well documented that practicing asana, or the postures of yoga, helps with a variety of physical and mental ailments. Yoga can help with muscle tension and arthritis, even anxiety and stress responses. One area of our health yoga can improve that is often overlooked is digestion. Digestive issues are prevalent in our society; countless people suffer from things like IBS, Crohn’s disease, etc. Many yoga poses promote gut health, and in today’s post we’ll learn about why that’s important for both our physical and mental well-being.
encoded: It’s been well documented that practicing asana, or the postures of yoga, helps with a variety of physical and mental ailments. Yoga can help with muscle tension and arthritis, even anxiety and stress responses. One area of our health yoga can improve that is often overlooked is digestion. Digestive issues are prevalent in our society; countless people suffer from things like IBS, Crohn’s disease, etc. Many yoga poses promote gut health, and in today’s post we’ll learn about why that’s important for both our physical and mental well-being. We’ll discuss why the gut is often referred to as the ‘second brain’, and how yoga is a safe, natural, and effective way to improve this aspect of our physical beings. The insights shared in this post are drawn from the book Yoga Therapy for Digestive Health by Charlotte Watts. In her work, she delves into the intricate connection between gut health and mental well-being, illustrating how yoga can serve as a powerful tool for restoring balance within our bodies. Watts discusses how stress and trauma can lead to gut imbalances, resulting in physical issues like IBS and mental challenges such as anxiety. To enrich your understanding, I will include some quotes from her book, and if you’re intrigued, feel free to explore the provided link for more information! “We are learning more and more about how engaging with the nervous system (NS) and talking to the gut via attunement and self-compassion can have far-reaching effects that unravel conditions like IBS, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), acid reflux, colitis, diverticulitis and more.” <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="600" height="401" src="https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Hudson2021-173-1-1.jpg" alt="Yoga helps improve gut health through postures and breathing exercises. " class="wp-image-9623" srcset="https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Hudson2021-173-1-1.jpg 600w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/…

Anxiety and Yoga – 3 Ways Yoga Helps Reduce Anxiety
type: item
creator: Laura Ritchie
date: 2024-12-20T12:00:00Z
subject: Uncategorized
description: Ah, anxiety. Whether we experience it chronically or only in specific situations, we all recognize the unmistakable way our minds and bodies react with the fight-or-flight response. Personally, anxiety manifests as an accelerated heartbeat, shallow breaths, and hands that sweat and tremble. My thoughts spiral into a whirlwind of darkness and hopelessness. It’s an unpleasant […]
encoded: Ah, anxiety. Whether we experience it chronically or only in specific situations, we all recognize the unmistakable way our minds and bodies react with the fight-or-flight response. Personally, anxiety manifests as an accelerated heartbeat, shallow breaths, and hands that sweat and tremble. My thoughts spiral into a whirlwind of darkness and hopelessness. It’s an unpleasant experience that can halt me in my tracks. Uncomfortable as it may be, anxiety can also serve as a valuable signal, prompting us to examine aspects of our lives or ourselves that may need attention. Often, when faced with anxiety, our instinct is to suppress it as quickly as possible. We reach for distractions—turning on the TV, scrolling through our phones, taking medication, or indulging in substances. Instead of confronting anxiety head-on, we evade it, ignoring the insights it might hold for us. This avoidance is instinctual; after all, it is human nature to shy away from pain. Yet, it is only through mindfulness and cultivating a calm, undistracted mind that we truly comprehend the messages behind our anxiety. With practice, we can learn to coexist with our anxiety, embracing its intensity without the urge to escape. Seeking to avoid anxiety may provide temporary relief, but it does not eliminate the problem; instead, it can create energy blockages within us and reinforce patterns of avoidance in our minds. This is where yoga proves to be an invaluable tool for understanding the root of our anxiety and fostering curiosity about its lessons. Through the practice of yoga postures (or asana) and the exploration of its philosophy, we embark on a meaningful journey of self-exploration and healing. In today’s post, we will explore three essential ways that yoga can help us manage anxiety in a healthy manner. Through mindfulness, loving-kindness, and a connection with the Divine (or our higher purpose, if that resonates more with you), we can transform anxiety into a wise teacher and alleviate the s…

Mindfulness
type: item
creator: Laura Ritchie
date: 2024-11-20T17:46:00Z
subject: Uncategorized
description: We act in the moment with all our hearts because we are learning that that is all there is. We are finding that the only result worth achieving is being here now. All other positive outcomes are by-products of our present moment awareness. ~ Rolf Gates With all the holistic health buzzwords circulating in today’s […]
encoded: We act in the moment with all our hearts because we are learning that that is all there is. We are finding that the only result worth achieving is being here now. All other positive outcomes are by-products of our present moment awareness. ~ Rolf Gates With all the holistic health buzzwords circulating in today’s wellness culture, you’ve likely encountered the term ‘mindfulness’ more than once. It seems to pop up everywhere—from yoga studios to self-help books, and even in corporate wellness programs. But what does mindfulness really mean? At its core, mindfulness is about bringing our attention to the present moment with curiosity and without judgment. It invites us to slow down and truly experience our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, rather than rushing through life on autopilot. This practice encourages an awareness that can transform our relationship with ourselves and others, leading to enhanced emotional resilience, improved mental clarity, and a deeper sense of peace. In an age where we’re constantly bombarded with information and distractions, mindfulness has emerged as a beacon of hope for those of us seeking clarity and tranquility. Mindfulness encourages us to pause, breathe, and fully engage with the present moment. As we navigate our busy lives, cultivating mindfulness not only helps reduce stress but also enhances our overall well-being. In this post, we’ll explore the essence of mindfulness, its benefits, and simple techniques to incorporate it into our daily routines, allowing us to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. Join me on this journey towards a more mindful life, where every moment becomes an opportunity for deeper awareness and appreciation. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="682" height="1024" src="https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/stones-6546233_1280-682x1024.jpg" alt="Mindfulness encourages us to pause, breathe, and fully engage with the present moment." class="wp-image-12649" srcset="http…

Somatic Movement
type: item
creator: Laura Ritchie
date: 2024-10-20T11:00:00Z
subject: Uncategorized
subject: somatic exercise
subject: somatic experience therapy
subject: somatic movement
subject: somatic therapy
subject: somatics
description: As we journey through life, we naturally gravitate towards familiar patterns and behaviors that have proven effective for us in the past. However, this inclination to stick with what we know, even when it no longer serves us, can inadvertently perpetuate our own suffering. Similarly, our muscles exhibit a tendency to retain and repeat patterns […]
encoded: As we journey through life, we naturally gravitate towards familiar patterns and behaviors that have proven effective for us in the past. However, this inclination to stick with what we know, even when it no longer serves us, can inadvertently perpetuate our own suffering. Similarly, our muscles exhibit a tendency to retain and repeat patterns of tension and constriction as a subconscious response to trauma, stress, or grief. This muscular memory can lead to a lingering physical holding pattern, resulting in symptoms such as pain, inflammation, reduced mobility, and compromised posture, long after the initial experience has passed. Somatic movement, also called somatic therapy or somatic exercise, offers a transformative approach to addressing these deeply ingrained patterns of tension and pain. Somatic movement involves deliberate, mindful movements designed to re-educate the muscles, prompting them to release held tension and return to a state of equilibrium. These conscious, subtle movements also activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for inducing a sense of calm and rest within the body. With consistent practice, somatic movement can result in parasympathetic dominance, or a state in which our ‘rest and digest’ system is more active than our ‘fight or flight’ system. What is Somatic Movement? Somatic movement consists of gentle, subtle movements and inward exploration of our body’s response to them. Unlike traditional exercise routines that often prioritize external performance and appearance, somatic movement’s emphasis is on internal sensations, feelings, and perceptions during movement, encouraging participants to explore and understand their bodies on a deeper level. Like yoga, Ayurveda, and other holistic healing modalities, the concept behind somatic movement links both physical and emotional issues to a disconnect in the mind-body connection and lack of awareness of what our body is telling us to address. <img loading="lazy" dec…

Preparing for Your 1st Yoga Class
type: item
creator: Laura Ritchie
date: 2024-09-21T00:46:00Z
subject: Uncategorized
description: As a newcomer to yoga, it’s not uncommon to feel intimidated by the concept of taking your first group class in a studio. You may assume the other students will be seasoned practitioners who have mastered their practice, or feel self-conscious about trying unfamiliar poses in front of others. Maybe the process makes you nervous; […]
encoded: As a newcomer to yoga, it’s not uncommon to feel intimidated by the concept of taking your first group class in a studio. You may assume the other students will be seasoned practitioners who have mastered their practice, or feel self-conscious about trying unfamiliar poses in front of others. Maybe the process makes you nervous; you may be wondering: Will I need to bring a mat? What should I wear? What type of class should I try? At times, these fears can be so overpowering that they prevent individuals from trying that first yoga class at all. When first dipping your toe into the pool of yoga, it’s important to remember that everyone starts as a beginner, and that yoga is a practice that is much more about progress than perfection. In this post, we’ll address these concerns and provide you with the basics you need to feel comfortable walking into your first class. We’ll answer questions like whether you need to bring a mat, whether shorts or leggings are best, and what to expect during savasana! We’ll also introduce some common yoga poses you’ll encounter in most classes, so keep reading to learn more! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="684" src="https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/JenniferMarenPhotography2021-22-1024x684.jpg" alt="The best attire for your first yoga class will be something that is comfortable and allows you to move freely. " class="wp-image-12584" srcset="https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/JenniferMarenPhotography2021-22-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/JenniferMarenPhotography2021-22-300x200.jpg 300w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/JenniferMarenPhotography2021-22-768x513.jpg 768w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/JenniferMarenPhotography2021-22-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/JenniferMarenPhotography2021-22.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw…

Finding Inner Peace: The Transformative Power of Meditation
type: item
creator: Laura Ritchie
date: 2024-08-20T11:55:00Z
subject: Uncategorized
subject: meditation
subject: yoga
description: Starting a meditation practice can feel intimidating, especially when your mind is full of constant chatter and it seems like you’re not making any progress. But even though it may feel like you’re doing nothing except sitting on a cushion with a tornado of thoughts swirling around, meditation is far from a waste of time. […]
encoded: Starting a meditation practice can feel intimidating, especially when your mind is full of constant chatter and it seems like you’re not making any progress. But even though it may feel like you’re doing nothing except sitting on a cushion with a tornado of thoughts swirling around, meditation is far from a waste of time. Meditation is very much like exercising: It takes time to see results. When you meditate, you are training your brain to think differently, and that is not an easy task to do. In today’s fast-paced society and in our often-chaotic lives, we are constantly bombarded with stimuli and distractions that can make it nearly impossible to be in the present moment in our minds. On top of that, our minds actually create their own distractions in the form of things like self-talk, rumination, and worry. When you meditate, you are disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of life, and exploring what your mind does when you try to focus it. This can lead to invaluable insight into your healing journey, as well as improved health and wellbeing. Often times, finding moments of calm and clarity in our lives can feel like a luxury, let alone setting aside significant chunks of time to sit in meditation. But taking the time to meditate offers benefits that far outweigh the effort and time spent. Meditation is a powerful antidote to the stressors we face in life, and it can teach us to be fully present for the experiences we have. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of meditation on both a physical and mental/emotional level. We’ll talk about why meditation is so hard at first, and offer realistic guidance to encourage you on your journey. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/chris-ensey-16QrjudiZnE-unsplash-1024x683.jpg" alt="Often times, finding moments of calm and clarity in our lives can feel like a luxury, let alone setting aside significant chunks of time to sit in medit…

Tuning into the Benefits of Sound Healing
type: item
creator: Laura Ritchie
date: 2024-07-20T22:02:56Z
subject: Uncategorized
description: Sound healing is a powerful and ancient practice that has been used for centuries to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By using frequencies and vibrations, sound healing can help to release tension, reduce stress, and create a sense of inner peace and relaxation. In recent years, sound healing has gained popularity in the Western […]
encoded: Sound healing is a powerful and ancient practice that has been used for centuries to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By using frequencies and vibrations, sound healing can help to release tension, reduce stress, and create a sense of inner peace and relaxation. In recent years, sound healing has gained popularity in the Western world as a non-invasive and natural way to support overall health and wellness. In this post, we will explore the benefits of sound healing and how it can be used to enhance your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. What is Sound Healing Sound healing, often referred to as a ‘sound bath’, is a therapeutic practice that utilizes instruments like singing bowls and gongs for the purpose of healing and overall well-being. It can be experienced in a one-on-one session with a practitioner or in a group setting. Sound healing can realign our brainwaves to a state of homeostasis, which can lead to relaxation and improved well-being. This can be especially beneficial for those dealing with issues like anxiety and insomnia. In fact, some research suggests that sound healing can even have physical benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/gold-163201_1280-1024x768.jpg" alt="The frequency of sound causes a shift in our brainwave using something called entrainment, a law of physics. Entrainment in terms of sound healing is the process of using external stimuli, such as light or sound, to bring brainwaves into harmony that are otherwise out of sync. " class="wp-image-12538" srcset="https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/gold-163201_1280-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/gold-163201_1280-300x225.jpg 300w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/gold-163201_1280-768x576.jpg 768w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-co…

The 7 Chakras
type: item
creator: Laura Ritchie
date: 2024-06-20T22:33:00Z
subject: Uncategorized
description: The resurgence of interest in the concept of chakras and its associated science is indicative of a broader societal shift towards embracing traditional methods of healing in our Western culture. As curiosity and acceptance of practices like ayurveda, yoga, and Reiki continue to grow, the chakra system has emerged as a central component of these […]
encoded: The resurgence of interest in the concept of chakras and its associated science is indicative of a broader societal shift towards embracing traditional methods of healing in our Western culture. As curiosity and acceptance of practices like ayurveda, yoga, and Reiki continue to grow, the chakra system has emerged as a central component of these holistic approaches to well-being. The profound impact of balanced chakras extends beyond individual wellness, influencing the interconnected facets of our existence: physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health. When the chakras are in harmony, individuals often experience a profound sense of balance and vitality in these four archetypes, leading to an overall improvement in their quality of life. This renewed interest in chakras reflects a collective recognition of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and serves as a testament to the enduring wisdom of ancient healing traditions in our modern world. In this post, we’ll discuss the chakra system as a whole. The following posts will highlight each chakra, including its attributes, signs of imbalance, and methods for restoring balance. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="853" height="1280" src="https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ai-generated-8729762_1280.png" alt="Chakra in Sanskrit means ‘disc’ or ‘wheel’, and the word refers to the seven energy centers in our body, located along the length of our spine. The chakra system starts at the base of our spine and moves up through the top of our head. " class="wp-image-12514" style="width:441px" srcset="https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ai-generated-8729762_1280.png 853w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ai-generated-8729762_1280-200x300.png 200w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ai-generated-8729762_1280-682x1024.png 682w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ai-generated-8729762_1280-768x1152.png 76…

The Essentials: Everything You Need to Know About Essential Oils
type: item
creator: Laura Ritchie
date: 2024-05-20T15:29:00Z
subject: Uncategorized
description: Once in a yoga class, as we settled into savasana, the instructor went around and applied a dab of lavender essential oil to each of our foreheads and temples. The scent was truly amazing, and I found myself thinking, “I want to smell this forever.” I immediately bought some for myself and, because I had […]
encoded: Once in a yoga class, as we settled into savasana, the instructor went around and applied a dab of lavender essential oil to each of our foreheads and temples. The scent was truly amazing, and I found myself thinking, “I want to smell this forever.” I immediately bought some for myself and, because I had no idea what I was doing, began to do some research about how to use them. I learned that there is a lot more to essential oils than smelling good. Essential oils are incredibly versatile and can be utilized for a wide array of purposes, including aromatherapy, natural cleaning solutions, skincare, and even promoting overall wellness Essential oils have been used for centuries for their natural healing properties and their ability to promote holistic well-being, as well as their practical uses. Derived from plants, these potent oils have gained popularity for their various therapeutic uses, from promoting relaxation and reducing stress to supporting skin health and aiding in natural healing. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, but they are often incorporated into other holistic healing modalities like yoga and meditation because of their ability to promote relaxation and mental clarity. In this post, we’ll learn about the benefits of essential oils and how they are made, as well as the basics on how to use them! How Essential Oils are Made <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1708" src="https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/towfiqu-barbhuiya-jbjmimlaC-U-unsplash-scaled.jpg" alt="Essential oils are extracted from various parts of plants, including the flowers, leaves, bark, stems, and roots." class="wp-image-12533" srcset="https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/towfiqu-barbhuiya-jbjmimlaC-U-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/towfiqu-barbhuiya-jbjmimlaC-U-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/towfiqu-barbhuiya-jbjmim…

Reiki 101
type: item
creator: Laura Ritchie
date: 2024-04-21T01:24:00Z
subject: Uncategorized
description: Have you ever heard of Reiki energy healing? It’s a form of alternative therapy that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The practice involves the use of hands-on or hands-off techniques to channel energy into the body, with the goal of promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. While Reiki may sound like a new […]
encoded: Have you ever heard of Reiki energy healing? It’s a form of alternative therapy that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The practice involves the use of hands-on or hands-off techniques to channel energy into the body, with the goal of promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. While Reiki may sound like a new age fad to some, it’s actually rooted in ancient traditions and has been used for centuries to improve overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many physical and energetic benefits of Reiki energy healing and how it can help you achieve a more balanced and harmonious life. What is Reiki? Reiki originated in ancient Tibetan Buddhism and was later popularized in Japan by Mikao Usui. Today, most modern practitioners are attuned to Reiki under his teachings. Reiki involves a series of hand positions that can be performed on yourself or others, stimulating the flow of energy in the body. By doing so, it releases blockages, stagnant energy, and toxins, allowing the body to heal naturally. Although similar to massage, there is very little physical contact involved in Reiki. Instead, the practitioner directs energy through the body’s energetic field, often referred to as the aura. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="626" src="https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/aura-5338110_1280-1024x626.jpg" alt="Reiki originated in ancient Tibetan Buddhism and was later popularized in Japan by Mikao Usui. Today, most modern practitioners are attuned to Reiki under his teachings. " class="wp-image-12506" srcset="https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/aura-5338110_1280-1024x626.jpg 1024w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/aura-5338110_1280-300x184.jpg 300w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/aura-5338110_1280-768x470.jpg 768w, https://inspiringactions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/aura-5338110_1280.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024…