The Tracer

Ashtanga in Brooklyn

For those of you who love Ashtanga yoga, whether a Mysore or Led practice, and have been looking for a teacher in Brooklyn ~ it's your lucky day!  Elise Espat has created AshtangaBrooklyn.com to help all us Brooklynites find local Ashtanga! 

KITTY

 
NOTHING FOLLOWS

WEDGE

NEED

Computer Reality-Check

I'm sure there are literally millions of people out there who are in the same dilemma as I am - basically you need to use a computer regularly but meanwhile, you can literally feel and see it deteriorating your health.  I find myself in front of the screen much too often each day and catch myself slouching, barely breathing, and drained of vitality too often as well.  My eyesight alone has become progressively worse much quicker than if I only read newspapers, used a typewriter or a pen, and spoke to people in person instead of using email.

Is the solution to quit 'cold turkey'?  I would say that would be ideal, but not really possible if you still want to be up to pace with modern society.  However, we could all change a few habits to keep our computers from robbing our life force or making us feel that they are our lifeforce that we must plug into daily.  So this list is just a reminder to myself and everybody who is reading this right now - take from it what you will...

1) I'd rather you get up and talk a walk outside right now rather than sit here and read this.

2) If you're going to sit here and read this, take a moment to close your eyes and sense how your body feels.  Just breathe 5 deep breaths and feel everything.

3) So are your shoulders tense? Ass and legs numb? Wrists and fingers molded into claws? Eyes foggy? 

4) Okay just raise your arms up, stretch back and inhale and then stand up and walk around for a few seconds.  Feel free to not come back. ;)

5) If you came back and you are sitting here again, let's work on your posture.  You just have to stop slouching like this.  Try sitting up more straight, not stiffly, and increase the depth of your breath as you read this.  Roll your shoulders back a few times, stretch your neck, stretch your fingers, raise your arms up again, rub your eyes.

6) Come back to your deeper breathing and better posture.  Try to keep coming back to this each time you sit down at your desk and each time you pause between typing or clicking.  Not only now, but all times you are at the computer think breath and posture. (Try drinking some water too instead of that coffee!)

7) Now let's just think for a minute about what you are doing on the computer right now... How long have you used one today?  For what reasons?  Where they all necessary?  Did you come to the computer to avoid something else, like maybe you didn't feel like doing your laundry, or you were 'bored', or you were lonely?  Maybe you are at work and feel chained to the damn thing.  Does this kind of job really suit you? 

8) Don't forget, are you still breathing?  Are you sitting up so your blood can really circulate through your whole body?

9) Maybe it's time to add some variety and spice into your life.  No, don't start searching the web for that dream vacation/date/job.  How about right now you get out for awhile, take a walk and let your own mind dream of some ways you could spend some quality 'off-time'.  Even just simple stuff like walking the dog more often would be a good start.

10) And when you must get some work done on the computer, be it creative or to pay the bills, remember that back in the day artists and business people alike were able to function without computers, so it is not absolutely impossible.  Maybe it would be fun to own an old typewriter, or write some letters in script, or mix that song on a 4-track, or do some research or make some travel plans by going to the library for a change and leafing through some books... 

11) Okay, you're still here.  Well don't forget to breathe, stretch, and at least take a break once in a while!  (Remember though, heading for the TV doesn't count as a break. ;)

Three Graces

Rhei C ~ Leanne Allan ~ Jen Durkin

Last Friday I attended a musical evening at the Acoustic Cafe in CT, Welcome The Goddess. I was really looking forward to it because it had been awhile since I have seen and heard each of these women perform, and for them to all be at one venue was an event that could not be missed...

The first set was by Rhei C. and I have to say she is one of the most talented singers and songwriters out there.  She was formerly the lead singer for the Grapes of Vaudevillian Fantasy, and it was a disappointment for many when the group disbanded.  But now she is back and has truly come into her own.  Her set was the opener and very short, so it really wasn't enough!  Her new songs were sensual and breezy ~often invoking chills~ and simply a pleasure to hear.  A relaxed warmth filled the room when she took the stage and I'm sure alot of people took that feeling home with them.  She'll be on the radio tomorrow (live streaming 88.5 WVOF) with her new band on A.J's radio show Sharin' in the Groove.  Here is also a recent article in Hat City Entertainment.

Next up was Leanne Allan with her husband Doug Allan on guitar and members of Electric Hill.  Leanne also has an early history with the Grapes, and I hadn't heard her sing since then.  She was adorable on stage, but her presence was also very strong such that no one could turn their eyes or ears away.  Each of her songs had a message that rang true and her voice had a groove to it that enhanced every note played by Doug on his guitar.  I especially liked the song Brand New. 

The last set featured Jen Durkin and I think this was one of her best peformances ever.  This time, rather than fronting a full-on funk band, Jen just sang some songs that she loved accompanied by a keyboardist.  I've never seen her reveal more soul than she did that night.  And truly, I have never heard a white girl of the 21st century sing the blues with more intensity.  She's on to something here and I hope she sees this thing through...

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In Greek mythology, the Graces (Χάριτες also known as the Charites) were goddesses of charm, beauty, nature, human creativity and fertility. They were named Aglaia (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Mirth), and Thalia (Good Cheer) and were the daughters of the god Zeus and the nymph Eurynome. The Graces presided over banquets, dances, and all other pleasurable social events, and brought joy and goodwill to both gods and mortals. They were the special attendants of the divinities of love, Aphrodite and Eros, and together with companions, the Muses, they sang to the gods on Mount Olympus, and danced to music that the god Apollo made upon his lyre. Throughout history they have been known to provide divine inspiration to poets, artists, and musicians alike.

"Didn't you hear? Orange is the new black."

- Larry Marano