Living Well

What is Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy?

2009-07-25T10:04:00.005-05:00

According to founder Michael Lee, "Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy is a holistic healing art. It invites presence and awareness rather than prescribed treatments. Using age-old yogic approaches to deepen presence and awareness, we are able to know ourselves more fully.
Out of this knowing, we are more easily moved to embrace the opportunity for change, growth, and enhanced well-being in body, feelings, thought, and spirit." In PRYT, yogic philosophy is incorporated with modern psychology, specifically the theories developed by Carl Rogers and
Carl Jung.
Through the use of assisted and supported yoga postures, guided breathing, and non-directive reflective dialogue, you experience physical sensations with more focus so that deeper mental and emotional connections can arise. This one-on-one experience is done on a padded mat with clothes on for 1.5 hours. Clients report various improvements, whether they include increased relaxation, release from chronic pain, and opening and releasing of undesirable behavior patterns and traumas. Lyndsey has been in training since October '08 and hopes to bring this integrative modality to all who are looking to hear the deeper wisdom held within them through this body-mind-spirit exploration. Sessions are half price on a sliding scale until September.

For more information call or email us. Additional links about researched benefits of yoga and yoga therapy can be found on the Crestwood Yoga & Massage blog under the RESEARCH ON YOGA section in the right column.

Healing Trauma

2009-07-25T09:54:00.003-05:00

In a 2007 article by Yoga Journal in the Holistic Healing section, therapeutic intervention with yoga is discussed, especially the research and findings of well-known PTSD specialist & professor, Bessel van der Kolk, who found and explored yoga for himself before using it as a healing tool.

Yoga along with yoga therapy (like Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy) can help people reunite with their bodies and become aware of the ebb and flow of sensations which at one point could have been overwhelming. Through various yoga practices and yoga therapy people can regain control and ownership of their breath, body, emotions, and mind. Click here.

Improving Your Relationships with Partner Yoga

2009-07-07T21:49:00.003-05:00

Are your relationships more challenging than they used to be? Has the heat got you agitated & less tolerable of yourself & others? Then join come explore Partner Yoga at Crestwood Yoga & Massage.
Starting in September for 6 wks, bring a partner to yoga class and an open mind so that you can explore new ways to bring harmony back into your relationship with yourself and those around you.
Class will be 1 - 1.5 hrs depending on size that registers. Limited to 8 people/4 couples - your partner can be your spouse, friend, or a stranger :) but must come with a partner each time. We'll begin with intention setting & breathing then move into warm-ups & partner poses finishing with a short meditation.

Suggestions for day/time are welcome. Total investment per partnership is $100 for 6 wks due by 1st class, 50% due upon registration.

Call or email to register. Payment accepted through PayPal in left column or by cash/check.

The Biology of Spiritual Practices

2009-05-21T21:20:00.003-05:00

Check out this 5-part series on NPR about the Biology of Spiritual Practices & Experiences and how prayer, meditation, & various spiritual practices affect the body & mind in positive, measurable ways.

More reasons to practice yoga & meditation!

Crestwood Yoga & Massage

2009-05-05T10:35:00.004-05:00

The studio is now open for classes & massages. I'll be teaching Tuesday 12n, Thurday 9a/12n/6:15p, & Sunday 6p. If you'd like another type of class @ another time, please let me know & I'll do my best about adding a class.

Classes are limited to about 10 people so come early. Packages available @ discounted price if paid in advance and can include massages.

Hope to see you there.

REMEMBER: 1st week of classes (may 5 - 11)are donation-based

NAMASTE

TIME Magazine highlights Yoga Therapy

2009-04-16T11:06:00.002-05:00

See the TIME Magazine article describing the use and increase of yoga therapy as an additional method of psychotherapy and self-exploration.

Here's the link: "Psychotherapy Goes from Couch to Yoga Mat".

Last Chance for Free Yoga Therapy

2009-04-11T20:07:00.003-05:00

Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy sessions will be free until April 21st when I leave to finish my training. Upon return in May, sessions will be 1/2 price (sliding scale) = $35-50.

Also, don't forget to come to our OPEN HOUSE on May 4th to get more information about yoga, yoga therapy, massage & meditation that we'll be offering at the new office.

We're offering special packages of massage & yoga/etc. at a discounted price when you pay ahead (i.e. 1-hr weekly massage & yoga class for $250/mth = $50 savings). Additional discounts and freebies offered the first week we're opened (May 4 - 10), especially at the Open House from 11a - 5p.

YOGA STUDIO OPENS MAY 4TH

2009-03-15T21:07:00.010-05:00

Our new yoga studio will have its grand opening / open house on May 4th from 11a - 5p. During the open house, we'll have snacks, free chair massages, & opportunities for you to learn what we offer - including first class & massage discounts. Lyndsey Robinson & Jana Jones will be offering Kripalu & Ashtanga Vinyasa classes. Ginny Morgan, LMT, is the massage therapist that will be sharing the space with me. She offers deep tissues, Swedish, & pregnancy massage along with Reiki energy sessions.

Class time & day suggestions are welcome.

Tuesday 12-12:30pm Meditation in Motion ($5)

Wednesday 6-7pm Moderate Vinyasa Flow

Thursday 9-10am Moderate Kripalu

Sunday 6-7.30pm Kripalu Yoga + Meditation

Classes will be through the left side door of Sol Garden|Home between Subway & Crestwood Coffee at 5508 Crestwood Blvd in the Crestwood Shops.

First week of classes are donation-based (i.e. pay what you like or nothing at all :)

After the 1st week, 1 hr classes are $10 & 1.5 hr classes are $15.

Kripalu yoga emphasis breath & holding of postures along with finding "your" yoga - i.e. what your body can do & at what edge you want to work. More advanced classes include longer holds and more advanced postures along with free flow time called "meditation-in-motion" that follows a series of long holds.

Continue to check the website for class schedule updates & feel free to email me for more information.

Birmingham REIKI Share

2009-03-01T18:48:00.006-06:00

Reiki practitioners and people interested in experiencing and learning about Reiki are invited. We welcome all to join in to experience and work with Reiki energy.

Where: New Paths Counseling Center (Diamond Head Bldg - Ste 218) in Hoover, AL (map link in left sidebar)

When: 3rd Wednesday of Every Month

Time: 5:30 PM

Call/email to confirm time each month & RSVP if possible.

Donations welcome but not required for those just wanting to receive/experience Reiki energy from trained practitioners.

Sponsors:
Christine Picior
Janice Martin, LPC-S
Lyndsey Robinson, ALC, RYT, PRYT
Ginny Morgan, LMT
Eraka Sims

PHOENIX RISING YOGA THERAPY

2009-01-20T14:45:00.012-06:00

Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy is a one-on-one session, where the practitioner moves the client's body into supportive, modified yoga postures while engaging in open dialoguing about thoughts, feelings, insights or emotions that may be arising. The practitioner encourages the client to focus on the present happenings inside them through coaching of observation of movement and breath. Sessions begin with a centering followed by therapist led movements & reflecting dialogue then end with an integration where the client has a chance to see what insights arose and how to integrate them into their daily life.

Various benefits of PRYT vary from relaxation & stretch to opening into the healing of traumatic life events, undesirable patterns/behaviors, anxiety, & depression. No guarantees are made though because each person's body & process is different, even session to session, but the session always allows a receiving/intent setting at the start despite the non-prescriptive nature, allowing the client to be the guide as to how far their body is moved and what they say.

For more information, I can send you one of many published articles about Phoenix Rising & answer any questions. The link to the Center's website is under the Resources section. You can also try out a mini or modified session where we do a shorter session or work entirely from a chair versus from the cushioned mat on the floor. First sessions are FREE until I complete my certification in August/September 2009. Starting May 2009, sessions will be 1/2 price - $45 or whatever you can pay. The only requirement for sessions is a willingness to try something new, fill out an evaluation for me at the end, and maybe let me record the session for my reports to my supervising mentor with Phoenix Rising.

Holiday Gifts

2008-11-05T12:25:00.003-06:00

Want to give your friends & family a gift that they can use vs. another present that sits on a shelf collecting dust?

Give them a gift certificate for a Health Coaching Session or Private Yoga Session. In these consultations, they will have the chance to find out what services would best serve them & how to put what they learn into practice. An ADDED BONUS is stress reduction techniques & centering exercises that they can take home that day to help them through the holidays and the new year.

*Health Coaching sessions can be done by phone/Skype/in person.

DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE for purchase of multiple gift certificates.

See left column for list of prices or inquire about additional services/options.

Peace.

Economic Concerns to Seeking Services

2008-10-24T15:44:00.004-05:00

With the recent economic fallout, much of the nation is concerned about overspending & saving for the future. As a result many people believe it is wasteful to seek any services that are not NECESSARY, but what is truly necessary & what can we really afford? While this crisis has ruined many & scared even more, I encourage you to stay centered & look deep at what truly feeds you & supplies you.

While daily or even weekly services such as manicures, massages & mental health counseling may seem a luxury or an unnecessary expense, HOW DO YOU FEEL AFTERWARDS? Is there a before & after difference? Spending wisely is important but it's also important to take care of your INTERNAL NEEDS as much as your external. We hear in our culture that we should give & sacrifice & help others, but to what extent & at what cost?

"Place the oxygen mask on yourself before you place it on a child or help someone else." "Love your neighbor as yourself." Sound familiar. If we don't take care of our own needs then how will we help anyone else? If we don't know how to really LOVE ourselves then how can we love others?

So give yourself a much needed & DESERVED service so that you can continue to be your best or BETTER! Because the happier & more balanced you are inside the brighter the world (& eventually, the economy) will be. If you want the service & the rewards then I'll help you get it at an affordable rate.

TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE.

Peace.

Services

2008-10-15T09:37:00.007-05:00

Holistic Counseling (Individual / Group): substance abuse, depression, anxiety, women's issues, GLBT issues, trauma, relationships, spiritual issues, mind/body connection

Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy (Private / Group) : reconnect with the wisdom of your own body, allowing deeper awareness, insight & healing in many areas of your life; bring about stress reduction, encourage team building

Kripalu Yoga Sessions (Private / Group Class): lose weight, strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, decrease stress, improve sleep & relaxation, heal injuries

Reiki Energy & Integration Sessions: balance the energy field, soothe mind/body/spirit, process energetic/emotional memories

Journey into Mind/Body-Based Therapy

2008-10-15T08:58:00.014-05:00

Lyndsey has been practicing & studying counseling, yoga, philosophy, religion & meditation for 7 years. Being a competitive athlete throughout high school she was sidelined in college by a back injury in 2001. As a result she began looking for something that would gently challenge & bring awareness into her body but also bring peace to her chattering mind. Her first yoga teacher was also a school counselor and provided her with the space to explore her physical injuries along with exploring how her mind and emotions were playing a role in her ever deepening depression. Through this and other experiences, Lyndsey was drawn to the field of counseling where she could combine her various interests into a modality of treatment that could help a wide array of people improve their lives as well like she did.

After college, she attained her Masters Degree in Counseling along with outside study of more holistic practices that united mind, body & spirit. Through continued experience with, training in, and/or use of mind-body based therapies & philosophies such as Pesso-Boyden System Psychomotor, Kripalu & Kundalini yoga, mindfulness meditation/prayer & Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, Lyndsey has been able to virtually eliminate her physical problems & balance her stress/emotions along with the use of any medications for them. She continues to explore & educate herself about these therapies with the guidance & supervision of experienced members of these fields.

While at Kripalu, she studied under PremShakti Mary Stout, student of Swami Kripalvananda (Bapuji), & Sudha Carolyn Lundeen, a holistic nurse & Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Practitioner. Lyndsey is currently under counseling licensure supervision by Janice Martin, LPC-S. Also, she is currently seeking Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy certification which she will complete in August '09.

Lyndsey has worked in addiction treatment centers, with men's & women's groups, adolescents and has intern experience with art therapy, play therapy, & social work.

Lyndsey continues to use traditional Rogerian counseling, yoga, meditation & body therapies not only to guide her own private holistic counseling practice but also to renew & recharge herself.