experience and wisdom
It’s said, with experience comes wisdom, but the key is pausing and reflecting on the experience. Another way to look at is by this quote by Lao Tzu.
knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment Lao Tzu
What is the color that helps you sit down and pause?
What is your favorite color? What will make you sit and pause?
A lot of money is spent every year figuring out what will be the popular, trending colors for the year. For example, the color choices for cars, clothing and paint.
Catspaw Studio is a boutique that loves to find unique fabric. Fabric that inspires.
What’s the best color for you? The color that inspires you to sit and pause. If you pick one of your favorite colors for a meditation cushion you may be more inclined to use it. Of course there are no guarantees – you still have to decide to sit and pause 😉
The tradition for meditation cushions, floor pillows, yoga props or a zafu, has been austere, dark, solid colors such as black and purple, or some combination that follows a particular lineage. But you may want to choose a color that is grounding and calming for you. Here is a brief list of the effect various colors. The list is from the home page of Color Psychology, which offers a detailed look at the psychological meaning and impact of color.
(The Psychology and Meaning of Colors)
A list of colors that may encourage you to sit and pause
Yellow stimulates joy and uplifts the mind.
Orange stirs up energy and boosts confidence.
Red excites the passions and helps overcome depression.
Violet calms the emotions and deflects irritability.
Blue soothes the spirit and induces harmony.
Green balances, heals, and relaxes.
Black inspires both introspection and discipline.
Brown encourages security and stability.
One thing to remember is that determining the right color for your cushion, goes beyond matching the colors in your home. Remember, the purpose for a cushion is to support your body and to be able to sit and pause.
There is power in the pause.
Feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness – being grateful
This is a good time of year to practice pausing. As Emerson says cultivate the habit of being grateful.
Most of us struggle and there are a lot of reasons we all struggle, but if we can slow down to practice self-care, being grateful and reflective, is what this time of year is about.
Give the gift of Self-Care for yourself and others on your gift list
Gift Ideas for Self-Care
What kind of gift do I give that person on my list? That is always the hardest question for me to answer. Great gift ideas are something that the person could use, and they had not thought of. A lot of us rely on gift cards. Gift cards are safe choice.
To encourage self-care you may give a gift certificate of massage and that would be great. Those little moments of self-care by using a hot/cold pack, essential oil, or taking a yoga class and simply learning to pause.
Include yourself on the gift list
Give the gift of self-care this holiday season. Instead of playing it safe consider a unique gift from Catspaw Studio
that will encourage to practice the are of pausing. 
Gift certificates are also a great way to surprise someone that has always wanted to try a yoga or meditate.
Encouraging someone to take care of themselves maybe a gift that is not realized right away. Most of us need a little nudge to practice yoga or stop tend to those achy muscles.
Echter’s Garden Center is partnering with Ralston House, a child advocacy center in Arvada, Colorado for a special evening during the season of giving. This is an opportunity to enjoy the seasonal beauty of Echter’s,
while you party with a purpose! Look for Catspaw Studio to be there with our products. For more info.
Essential Yoga Poses to stay Open and Strong for Wellness
So, you’re interested in learning some essential yoga poses, but aren’t sure where to start. These relatively easy yoga poses are among the most commonly utilized. Learn them and you’re on your way to wellness using yoga.
Downward Facing Dog
One of the first poses you should master seems only easy until you’ve done it. There are a few ways you can get into this pose. You can either bend over forward and bring your arms to the ground or push up from the ground. Basically, the pose will create an upside “V” with your body.
Avoid pushing forward too far: many people try to get into a true 45-degree angle and create a pose too much like a plank. 30-35 degrees should be more than enough for this pose.
Warrior II and variations of Warrior
Perhaps the most instantly identifiable yoga pose, “Warrior II” will challenge your hips, your legs, and your arms. Start by facing forward with your legs about shoulder width apart. Now, turn your head to the right, lift your arms until they are parallel with the ground, and bend to the right.
Bend your right knee until it’s very nearly at a 45-degree angle. Hold here and stare out towards your right finger tips. Squeeze your abs to support your back, waist, and hips.
Triangle Pose
The “Triangle Pose” is a little trickier, but not impossible for beginners. Start by standing with your feet about shoulder width apart and your hands parallel to the ground.
Now, bend your right arm towards the ground, touching the ground with your palm. Twist your waist back to accommodate. If you can’t quite touch the ground, rest your hand on a yoga brick. Extend your left arm to the sky at a 90-degree angle and hold.
Child’s Pose
The “Child’s Pose” is an important pose for beginners because it’s the default “break” pose. Start by getting on your knees and bending your arms forward towards the ground. Don’t strain yourself by pushing too far: just feel a gentle stretch as you pull your arms forward and your face to the ground.
Breathe slowly while you’re here and relax your mind. While in this pose, your muscles will release any severe tension and pain. Once you’re done resting, perform your next move.
Yoga is a rewarding and relaxing exercise that can bring a lot of joy and inspiration into your life. Contact us if you’re interested in learning more.
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