Working silently for a better future
Hey there, how was your weekend? My weekend was a bit fast but fun. I'm training for the Capitol 10K Run this April, so I set my alarm for 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning and drove to the Mueller neighborhood, East of IH 35 for a practice run. I was astonished at the amount of growth in this area. This is also where I used to live between the years of 1988 and 1994. Following my RunGo app, I literally crossed Larkwood Street, where I used to live. I was compelled to leave the course and check out my old house. They had modernized it a bit but it's still a 1950's-60's style home with the low roof. Still, I loved living there at the time. I was close to everything and the front and back yard were huge. What a crazy experience to run by a home you lived in 25 years ago.
Recovery
After sleeping for 2 hours when I returned home, it was time to get ready for my sister's big band concert (Debra Watson & the Smokin' Aces). I sing harmonies with her in the band. We had a packed house Saturday night at Central Market Westgate. What a wonderful place to swing dance and socialize. I love that it's an early night, 6:30-9 p.m. but you definitely can count on getting exercise. Don't worry if you don't have a partner. The dancers are great at asking newcomers to dance or you simply dance with your friends. Great food too!
My brother John and his wife Grace came to the show. What a surprise! They were celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary. They had traveled from San Antonio to be with Andrew, their son and my nephew, while Andrew's wife had a great adventure with her best friend in New York City!
Today, Sunday, it was another glorious day of singing. This time I sang and played guitar with the Emmaus Catholic Parish Contemporary choir at 10:30 a.m. Leaving with peace in my heart and tears for so many that are not as fortunate as we are, the rest of the day was quiet (but busy!). I'm loving the milder weather and have promised myself a short walk once I get this newsletter out, so thank you for reading.
Did you Know?
A scalene triangle has three different sides at three different angles, but a lesser-known use for the term “scalene” describes three pairs of deeply seated muscles on each side of the neck. The scalene muscles help bend the neck and lift the first and second ribs. Because they lift upper ribs and create space in the chest, scalene muscles are considered connected to the muscles of respiration, as accessories to the diaphragm and the muscles inside the torso.
Tips for Happy Scalene Muscles
Stretching your scalenes is important:
When you tilt your head to one side you will stretch your middle scalene on the other side.
As you stretch your middle scalene, looking up over the shoulder towards the opposite direction can stretch your anterior scalene.
As you stretch your middle scalene, looking down with your head turned towards the same side can help you stretch your posterior scalene.
Verywellhealth.com
Yoga and parasympathetic nervous system response
And, did you know....
Breathing is about gas exchange. We take in oxygen, it bonds to hemoglobin in our blood, and travels to our tissues. If the right amount of carbon dioxide is present, the oxygen lets go of the hemoglobin and goes into the tissues; the hemoglobin takes the carbon dioxide back to the lungs and we exhale it out. If not enough carbon dioxide is present, the oxygen won’t let go and you will gasp for air, which will continue the cycle.
Deep, slow breathing—as you might do as part of a yoga therapy session—is associated with parasympathetic activation, decreased chemoreflex sensitivity, and stress reduction. By practicing this type of diaphragmatic breathing you can optimize the oxygen-carbon dioxide gas exchange, maintain parasympathetic activation, and reduce stress. The slow rhythm of this type of breathing produces several other physical and physiological changes, too, which we will discuss in subsequent posts.
Now, let's take a look at this incredible upcoming week. I am so excited at what we are doing in the Yoga by Dayna studio. If you haven't yet experienced the CoreFirst bands (with a yoga therapy twist), you will be amazed! I'd love for some of you who have gotten on board to share your testimonials.
So far, we are using the bands for Private sessions only. You must be introduced to these one on one. Eventually, when you fall in love with them, which you will, we can create a special workshop at the studio. We may just make it into a celebration party! But first, you have to step up and join us! Here's the latest schedule:
CHECK OUT THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE! FEBRUARY 6-11, 2023
CLASSES
MONDAY 12 p.m. Delicious Deep Stretch
TUESDAY 12 p.m. Perfect Posture Yoga
WEDNESDAY 12:15 p.m. Delicious Deep Stretch
FRIDAY 10 a.m. Half & Half Yoga
HALF & HALF will satisfy almost everyone’s need for strength training and deep stretching. At 10 a.m., we will be doing standing stretches and warrior poses. At 10:30 a.m. we take a quick water break and then proceed to the floor. Relaxing, restorative poses will follow.
PRIVATE SESSIONS THIS WEEK
Yoga by Dayna Schedule
Feb 20-25, 2023
MONDAY makes me smile
8 a.m. OPEN!
9:15 a.m. Judy & Andy ZOOM
10:30 a.m. Christine ZOOM
12 p.m. Deep Stretch *
1:30 p.m. Chris & Carol
3 p.m. David C.
TUESDAY totally rocks
9 a.m. OPEN!
10:30 a.m. Brookdale Living
12 p.m. Perfect Posture Yoga*
1:30 p.m. Christina
4:30 p.m. Susan and Paula ZOOM
5:45 p.m. Christopher @ studio
WEDNESDAY wows (Ash Wednesday)
9 a.m. Chris & Carol (on location)
10:30 p.m. Jenny (on location)
12:15 p.m. Deep Stretch *
1:30 p.m. Megan
3:15 p.m. Brookdale Nursing (there)
THURSDAY thrives
9 a.m. Christina
10:30 am Belmont! (there)
12 p.m. Judy & Andy
1:30 p.m. David C.
FRIDAY flies
8:30 a.m. Paula and Susan
10 a.m. Half & Half Yoga
11:30 a.m. Susan J.
1 p.m. OPEN!
Remember that your Divine Spirit lies within you. Treat it well!
Dayna Culwell, C-IAYT
Owner & Instructor, Yoga by Dayna
Did you Know?
A scalene triangle has three different sides at three different angles, but a lesser-known use for the term “scalene” describes three pairs of deeply seated muscles on each side of the neck. The scalene muscles help bend the neck and lift the first and second ribs. Because they lift upper ribs and create space in the chest, scalene muscles are considered connected to the muscles of respiration, as accessories to the diaphragm and the muscles inside the torso.
What Makes the Scalene Muscles Tight
The scalenes are implicated in a number of neck problems. Below are a few of the more common ones.
Torticollis
Torticollis, also known as wry neck, is a condition in which your neck muscles stay contracted in chronically shortened positions.2 All of the scalene muscles are involved in torticollis.
Sometimes torticollis occurs due to genetic factors that affect the nervous system. It can also develop due to trauma or drugs.2
Torticollis is characterized by a twisted neck position that is very difficult to release. The head also tilts to the opposite side.
Tips for Happy Scalene Muscles
Stretching your scalenes is important:
When you tilt your head to one side you will stretch your middle scalene on the other side.
As you stretch your middle scalene, looking up over the shoulder towards the opposite direction can stretch your anterior scalene.
As you stretch your middle scalene, looking down with your head turned towards the same side can help you stretch your posterior scalene.