1. Using Yoga in Everyday Life Katie Kohlbeck, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) 2014 Midwest Seizure Smart Conference

2. My Story

3. What is Yoga? State of union between two opposites - body and mind; individual and universal consciousness; a process of uniting the opposing forces in the body and mind in order to achieve supreme awareness and enlightenment, from the Sanskrit era meaning "to join together or yoke"; a system of techniques to enable the joining of the physical and emotional/spiritual bodies.

4. Yogic Breath (Pranayama) ●The breath is foundation of yoga practice. ●Benefits are numerous: better sleep, feeling calmer and centered, ability to navigate intense emotions ●Good breathing activates our parasympathetic nervous system (“calm and connect system”) ●Begin to unite mind and body: o 4-7-8 Breath (or Relaxing Breath): Breathe in for count of 4, hold the breath for 7 and release with a sigh for 8 counts. Repeat. o Brahmari Pranayama (Bee Breath): Inhale and as you exhale, hum like a buzzing bee. Repeat. *Source: http://kripalu.org/blog/thrive/2014/01/02/breath-body-and-mind-the-physiology-of-pranayama/

5. Movement (Poses / Asanas) ●Asana practice increases flexibility, joint mobility and strength ●Breath plays significant role in asana practice ●Let’s try it! o Half Sun Salutation (Ardha Surya Namaskar) can be practiced either standing or seated o Begin in standing or seated. Ground down through your feet o Inhale and lift your arms overhead o Exhale and come into a forward fold o Inhale to lift your chest, open your heart and lengthen your spine o Exhale and return to a forward fold o Inhale and reach your arms up to the sky o Exhale and bring your palms together, lower to in front of your heart

6. Meditation ●Meditation can help ease stress and anxiety ●Objective is not to make thoughts stop but rather to observe and let go ●Tips for starting and maintaining a meditation practice: o Start with a few minutes each day and increase from there o Connect with a group to practice with o Use a Mantra: “Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is a wonderful moment.” - Thich Naht Hahn o Walking Meditation: Walk mindfully (without a destination) for 5 minutes and notice sensations in and around you o Just remember that the key to meditation ….

8. Thank you - and Namaste! www.katiekohlbeckyoga.com Email: info@katiekohlbeckyoga.com Twitter: @KatieKohlbeck Facebook.com/KatieKohlbeckYoga