Yoga Life

 Many years ago while pursuing a degree in counseling, I interned at a state mental health center as one of my practicums. The format of the center included individual therapy and group therapy as well as a selection of classes designed to enrich and augment the therapy process.

One of the classes I assisted in was yoga.  It was the first time I was exposed to Hatha Yoga. I used this ancient practice not only in later counseling treatment but in my own personal life. It was truly a life-altering. The teacher, Diana Alstad, received a PhD from Yale and was a professor at Duke University in the Humanities before changing course to pursue yoga, write, and do workshops full time. This brief bio doesn’t begin to cover her accomplishments since.

Although I haven’t always been faithful in my practice, it has remained a constant in my life. I truly believe that continued practice, whatever your level, can insure better health and a longer life. It has been a gift and I strongly encourage anyone and everyone to try it at least once.

In finding a teacher, my recommendation is to rely on word-of-mouth. If you try one class and the teacher pushes you too far, too fast, you’re in the wrong place. It is for everyone regardless of their level of flexibility, age or strength.

Another misconception is that yoga is for the “woo-woo,” hippie set. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s for anyone who wants better health.

DRIVE YOUR PLOW OVER THE BONES OF THE DEAD-MARCH 2022 BOOK SELECTION

 OlgaTokarczuk-is a critically acclaimed Polish writer and winner of The Nobel Prize for Literature and the Booker Prize among others. Her novel, Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead is a murder-mystery which also examines the moral issues of man’s use and misuse of nature.

The story focuses on the life of an elderly woman, Janina Duszejko, who lives in an isolated, rural setting in Poland. The book begins with the discovery of the death of a disliked neighbor. We learn bit by bit of her belief in the sanctity of nature and all living things. She spends most of her time studying astrology and translating the poetry of William Blake. She also teaches English to young children in the closest town.

Several deaths follow the first one. All the deaths have one thing in common, all victims were hunters and abusers of nature. Janina attempts to help the police by suggesting the men murdered were killed by the animals they abused. Her explanations are waved away as the rantings of a mad old woman.

Every character encountered is fully drawn and gives insight into another aspect of Janina. Wholly original, fascinating story.