As we melt into August, the shortening of days is accelerating, the harvest of crops is peaking, and first glimmers of autumn are felt, especially at the end of the month when the quality of light changes and dryness in the plants is noticed.

We cannot control the dryness in the environment, but we can influence the hydration and flexibility in the muscular-skeletal structure of our bodies with regular asana practice.  With regular (preferably daily) practice, our bodies can remain pliable as they age.  Stiffness, aches, and pains decrease.

Specifically, such aches and pains of the head, neck, shoulders, and arms can be relieved by such postures as shoulderstand and fish which stretch the ligaments in those areas and thus relieve compression of the nerves and sensitivity of the nerve branches. The bundles of fiber woven to create our connective tissue are designed to withstand enormous strains and stresses and have tremendous strength. The tendency is for them is to shorten and become dry.  Poses mindfully practiced and held for longer periods of time are the best way to create length and hydration in those tissues.  The net effect is to experience our lives in these vehicles of our bodies as if we were wearing them like a glove instead of dragging them around.  This translates to having more energy for experiencing joy and happiness in all that we do.

For a full list of August classes, please see the calendar page or a hard copy available at The Pots Place.  See the list below for two special opportunities the evening of Friday, August 15.

• Laughing Yoga returns on Friday, August 15, at 5:30 p.m. with Susan Polk.  If you attended the June session and enjoyed it, please return; if you missed that class, here’s your chance to experience a different style of yoga!
• Talk and Meditation session also returns on Friday, August 15, at 6:45 p.m. with Juanita.  This informal gathering provides an opportunity to talk about meditation and then to practice a short meditation.  No experience is necessary, and there is no charge.

Remember that even if you are running late when the gallery downstairs is closed, you can still join us for class.  If the front door is locked, come to the back door of The Pots Place (look for the blue building) and ring the buzzer.  The teacher will then unlock the door remotely for you to enter through the pottery studio.