~Watch this video to learn how to release tension in your hips~

As the weather heats up, stay cool with this

pranayamic technique to decrease body temperature!

Sitali which means cool, is a method of yogic breathing that reduces the fire energy principle we call pitta which is associated with catabolic processes in the body. Yogis likely have our animal friends to thank for this one - try it below and you be the judge.

EASY METHOD
1. Purse your lips into a tiny "o" shape, like a reaching kiss. Keep your tongue inside floating , so it doesn't touch teeth or gums.
2. Slowly inhale through your mouth, feel the cooled air. If your mouth becomes dry, be patient and slow it down more.
3. To exhale, use the tip of your tongue softly against the top inside roof of your mouth. Exhale even more slowly as you inhaled. The air will exit your nose, so feel the heat exiting too.

TRADITIONAL METHOD

1. Curl up the sides of your tongue and stick the tip outside your lips. Use your teeth gently to keep tongue in place, lips kept as relaxed as possible.
2. Inhale slowly as in step 2 above then exhale through your nose as in step 3.
3. In a more advanced method, breath is retained and chin locked against collarbone (jalandhara bandha).
To experience these instant cooling, calming effects, start with 3-4 minutes of relaxed practice. Never strain, never struggle. Rest about half way through and enjoy a few quiet moments afterward. To enhance your concentration think the word "cool" with each in-breath and the words "I am" with each out-breath. Now...SMILE.

FROM A STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVE
One yoga student reports that she combines Sitali with drinking plenty of room temperature water when she does outdoor work in the Houston summertime. "I used to get very overheated and suffer from complete exhaustion while doing heavy yard work. I'd be wiped out for the rest of my day." Her futile attempts to combat these effects by alternating heavy physical activity with lots of iced tea only increased these effects. After deciding to adopt a more yogic approach… "I take Sitali breaks in the shade and drink water without ice. I find myself cool, more energized and ready to go again."

Just watched this and I think it explains why All That Matters is here...to support folks who are ready to live well. Click Here. Joan

Looking for a little advice, pick me-up or just another reason to feel inspired?

Besides the wonderful words of our yoga teachers, we've got some great new "daily" books in the store, from positive affirmations to ways to the save the Earth. We would love to share some excerpts for you now~

From: 365 Ways to Save the Earth

Use heat for weeding. You can sidpense with chemical herbidie, for example, by using heat: Pour boiling water on the weeds. The weeds darken almost immediately and turn brown withing a few hours, much like the effect of a contact herbicide, but there is no toxic residue and the area is immediately safe for children.

From: Wisdom - 365 Throughts from Indian Masters

You have to stand against the whole world although you may hav eto stand alone. You have to stare the world in the face although the world may look at your with a bloodshoot eye. Do not fear. Trust that little thing in you which resides in the heart and says: forsake friends, wife, all, but testify to that for which you have lived and for which you have to die.-Mahatma Gandhi

From: 365 Tao-Daily Meditations

Be still to know the absolute.

Be active to know the outer.

The two spring from the same source,

all of life is one whole.

Meet Bob Votava our featured student of the month!
Bob is a friendly and active yogi that represents All That Matters well!


When did you start yoga and what attracted you to the practice: I was first introduced to Transcendental Meditation I would read related books but it wasn’t until years later when I realized what an asset All That Matters is to Wakefield.
What is your favorite style of yoga: I have only gone to the 50+ classes, and even though my family has ventured off to other classes, I’m afraid to leave my senior cocoon.
What other activities do you enjoy: Working with community organizations, traveling and exploring back roads both here and abroad, many times doing this on my bike.
Favorite sound: The voice of the one you love. Also, classical, opera or music by Pink Floyd:)
Least favorite sound: Morning Alarm clock...
Favorite meal: NY C Hot Dog! (w/ mustard and sauerkraut)

What keeps you doing yoga: For me, it has become a time to encounter Peace….it has
become somewhat of a religious experience.
Advice to beginners: Depending on age, yoga can offer different answers for different needs. For youth, it can offer a component to a more sustainable, less materialistic existence. For seniors, it’s more of a concern with staying healthy, but this will hopefully lead to a more rewarding philosophical experience.
What do you like most about All That Matters: I appreciate that Joan Dwyer has created such an all-encompassing facility in Wakefield, so close to home. She has helped make our town very special within RI.
Any other words of wisdom?: Don’t be afraid to step outside your definition of security. Allow yourself the joy of experiencing different ideas, cultures, food...and of course, people!

Much to save in the month of May!

It must be all the beautiful blooming flowers or maybe the increase of Vitamin D, either way we want to give you

20% off ALL THINGS ROSE in the store!!

This includes facial care products by Dr. Hauschka, Weleda, Badger and more!


A picture of haromny, the rose plant is considered perfectly balanced in root, stem and blossom. Rose extracts, essential oils, and waxes are beneficial for their protective, soothing and balancing properties to the skin.




Also, take 20% off all books by Christiane Northup, M.D.

Choose from: Women's Bodies-Women's Wisom , Mother-Daughter Wisdom, The Wisdom of Menopause, and others!

Some praise for Christiane - acclaimed and renowned author and speaker:

"Her books are masterpieces for every woman who has an interest in her body, her mind, and her soul" -Caroline Myss, Ph.D.

"I recommend her books to all women and also to all men who want to understand and nourish the women in their lives"-Deepak Chopra, M.D

So stop on into the Store where we are always happy to help you find what you are looking for and point out the latest in discounts and more:)

This mothers day, let's also share the love with our connected mother - mother earth!
We offer many environmentally friendly products in our store that not only help to reduce our carbon footprint but that also teach us how to really reduce, reuse and recycle that which is good.

Take a peak at this video which shows our top 5 eco-friendly products!
(maybe you will even want to get one for your own mother :) )

Have you experienced the benefits of massage therapy? Has it been a while since your last massage? No matter what may be going on in your life, when you break it down Massage Therapy is good for you!

There are actually a lot of reasons/benefits one can derive from a massage therapy.

Here are 5 of the most common ones.

Massage Therapy helps:

1. Promote relaxation.There are different types of activities the body encounters daily. Each person is unique making activities of daily living vary from one person to another. But all results in one thing.At the end of the day your body feels overworked and exhausted. Your muscles are sore from all the work done.Massage helps relax and stretch your muscles. There are different types of massage techniques applied not only to your skin but to underlying tissues as well.When your body is relaxed you are ready to start the next day fresh. You feel rested and you feel anew.

2. Relieve Pain.Common pains felt are shoulder and back pain. These may be a result of prolonged sitting, standing, carrying heavy objects and/or pregnancy.A massage session helps alleviate the pain you are feeling.When you are in pain your muscles contract. Your mind concentrates on the pain making you feel more pain than it usually is. Sometimes pain can be exaggerated if you think of it at all times.Today, massage is not only used for relaxation purposes. It also plays a role on the therapeutic process of relieving pain. Different pressures are applied on certain areas. Massage works 2 ways. It works as a diversion and as a therapy. When you undergo massage, as stated in number one you feel relaxed. Sometimes a massage therapist plays a soft music in the background thus making you think of something else. Aside from diversion, the type of massage applied for pain is different from relaxation massage. Different pressures and strokes are applied on areas of the body experiencing pain.

3. Promote circulation and oxygenation. When a massage therapist manipulates body tissues they not only manipulate the muscles but blood vessels as well.How? Blood vessels carry the blood throughout the body. For every stroke applied the muscles and blood vessels are affected. Ever notice how massage strokes follow an upward direction? This action actually helps promote blood supply towards the heart. The heart then pumps/distributes the blood supplied to the different parts of the body.Speaking of oxygenation, blood plays a role in oxygenation. The blood (red blood cells) carries oxygen. Since massage helps in blood circulation it also means that it helps distribute oxygen in the body.

4. Relieve sleeplessness/Insomnia.This is related to number 1 and 3. There are times when you experience difficulty trying to sleep. There are plenty of reasons why. You may be anxious about tomorrow's presentation or you just have a lot of things in mind. A massage session helps relieve the stress you feel from today and tomorrow's work.

5. Promote Flexibility.Massage helps relieve tensed and knotted muscles. When muscles are not tensed they are more free. They can move more.Massage is one good way of a warm-up. It promotes flexibility thus improving ones range of motion.Massage therapy has really come a long way. What used to be a form of relaxation and recreation is now used to help during treatments of certain health conditions (alternative healing).Continuous education about massage therapy should always be practiced. This not only helps make awareness but it will also serve as reminders to those who are already familiar with it.

source: Wellness.com

What Matters? The Earth. Our home.

Earth Day is coming up and maybe we can all find a way to take our yoga off the mat and into nature.

Let us be mindful each time we make a purchase, to see how much packaging is being used.

Let us balance our trash and recyclables to double check what can be recycled, reused, composted or salvaged.

Let us use patience when travelling. Is this a destination we could walk, bike or take a bus too?

Let us surrender to a day off in the sun, on the beach, by the lake, river or other natural delight.

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. ~Kahlil Gibran

We have many mindful workshops to learn from , environmentally friendly products at our store and a friendly staff to always help set you in the right direction.

Join us this Earth Day, Friday - April 22 for 15% off everything in the store and many more discounts at the front desk!

With all the available access to music these days, it's easy to put off purchasing an entire music album. But it IS the album itself that keeps the flow, the smooth transition, the similar melodies and beautiful harmonies together, to help you enter a state of bliss. Why worry about putting playlists together when you can have it all on one disc. Here at the Store, we are fully stocked with acclaimed albums that aid with your yoga practice, meditation or relaxing background music. Ever wonder which album is right for you? Click the link below to get an overview of some of the more popular albums we carry and how each one could contribute to an aspect of your life:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79TLVGjVrm0

Did you know that nutrition, diet and lifestyle are all connected to the health of your eyes? Did you know that anti-oxidants play a large role in eye care as well? If you are interested in learning more natural ways to keep your vision strong, consider joining us this weekend for Dr. Marc Grossman's Natural Approach to Eye Care workshop! Improve your eyesight, become less dependent on glasses, and prevent vision problems at any age.

Here is a sneak peak at some common eye exercises you can do yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W10j2fL0hy0

We are proud to carry Marc's book in our store!

Would you like to know a little more about the company prAna and why we are so proud to carry them in our store? Then check out this video and/or stop on into the Store where we would be happy to show you all of what prAna has to offer:)

Welcome Spring!!

According to the Five Element theory, the human body is made of the same five primary elements that exist in nature - wood, fire, metal, earth and water. Each element relates to different organs, energy systems, physical and psychological aspects of who we are. And just like in nature, our bodies also experience 'seasons'.

SPRING & THE WOOD ELEMENT...
Meridians: Liver and Gall Bladder by Lisa Telford

As the heavy chill of winter begins to lift, the days become longer and our amount of activity naturally increases. Spring is the season of fresh new beginnings. New shoots sprout from the ground & trees and the energy is a rising one of lightness, freshness and renewal. A healthy wood element provides us with the ability to CHANGE and to be FLEXIBLE.

The liver & gall bladder are the organs of focus in spring. In oriental medicine the liver is seen as the emperor of the body and sets the standards for the rest of the body to follow so a healthy liver means a healthy reference point for the whole body. A time for spring-cleaning inside as well as out, we focus on detoxifying & cleansing the body of the build-ups that accumulate from the heavier diet & lowered activity of winter.

Other areas associated with these organs, the joints especially shoulders and knees, tendons, immune system, eyes and vision can also be accessed and healed at this time. When our wood element is functioning well we feel clear, light, inspired and connected to our higher vision. Our immune system is healthy and we are flexible enough to change direction and move with ease.

Rise early, try somthing new, revitalise, active and attune yourself to the energy of this exciting season!!

Tis the Week of St. Patty's Day and in honour of our Irish friends and roots, we would like to share a blessing with you that rings true to our yogic roots as well!

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!


Also, if you find yourself like this on or after St. Pattys Day (and discovered that you enjoyed it) then come on in to a yoga class where we can help release up some tense muscles and get you nice and relaxed without the help use of alcohol ;)

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Please take a moment to welcome our newest group of Teacher Trainee's! Coral Brown began her 500-hr Teacher Training Program in February and took this fantastic picture of the happy, beautiful faces! If you see them around, make sure to say hello!

Meet Kristi Martel our featured student of the month!
Kristi is a friendly and active yogini that represents All That Matters well!

When did you start yoga and what attracted you to the practice: I was a jujitsuka, badly injured my back & yoga really helped . I loved the gymnastics of it.
What is your favorite style of yoga:  I started with Iyengar and loved the attention to alignment, but currently heated vinyasa is my favorite because I feel cleansed , rung out, and fully stretched.

What other activities do you enjoy: I’m a pianist, vocalist, songwriter, & dancer. Baking, swimming, knitting, spending time with my family, & teaching music.
Favorite sound:  the ocean, a barn full of horses, morning birds, my boyfriends voice.
Least favorite sound:  feedback while on stage...
A great inspiring book you recommend: Keri Hume’s “The Bone People”
What keeps you doing yoga:  Feeling more fully in body.
Advice to beginners: just keep showing up:) with my back injury I couldn’t touch my toes, but within a few months of practice I could, and after about 8 months I could fold in half again!!!
What do you like most about All That Matters: I like that there are so many classes. I like the desk folks and several of the teachers.
Any other words of wisdom?: Just be present to what is :)

New Class atAll That Matters!

Breaking News:


Philip Urso is offering his latest class creation
~ An Hour of Power~

The best, most complete workout you can get in an hour- and it's YOGA!
These classes are the kind where you wonder where the time went and at the end
you're left in a transformational state. All levels welcome!

Don't miss this heated class - offered from March 2-24Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4-5pm. Sign up for one or buy a class pass and tap into the Hour of Power for the whole month.

ALL THAT MATTERS has been nominated for Best Yoga Studio in RI by the Providence Phoenix Newspaper! So please take the time to show your support and lend us your vote! Then pass along the good news:) Help us win Best Studio and we'll continue to BE the best studio and continue to provide you with great classes, health services, workshop, shopping experience, atmosphere and more! Thank you!

GIVE US YOUR BEST!
Vote for your favorite people and places for the Phoenix's annual BEST issue. You can vote for your favorites in four categories: FOOD + DRINK, SHOPPING, ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT AND CITY LIFE.

vote here: http://providence.thephoenix.com/thebest/providence/vote

Have you ever wondered about some of the statuary you see around our studio? Can't figure our which Hindu God/Goddess that is? Curious to know the symboloic meaning and representation of each? Well with our current influx of statuary to the store, we wanted to share a quick guide to the Hindu Dieties and some other sacred symbols.

Buddha: Embodiment of peace, enlightenment, inner stilless and compassion

Ganesha: God of strength and fortitude. The remover of obstables and bestower of success.

Nataraja: Lord Shiva in the dancing form, who performs his divine dance to destroy a weary universe and make preparations the process of creation

Kwan Yin (Quan Yin/GuanYin): Goddess of compassion and observer of the sounds and cries of the world.

Lakshmi: Goddess of prosperity. Reminds us of our own ability to create abundance in all areas of our lives.

Mudras: Yoga of the Hands, mudras represent feelings such as forgiveness, acceptance and freedom from fear.

OM or AUM: The sacred sound of the universe. Vibrates throughout all existence bringing inner peace and harmony.

Lotus Flower: Embodies infinite potential. Symbolizes renewal, transformation and new beginnings.

Need a little inspiration or encouragment to just take a moment to breathe, relax and rejuvenate?

Check out http://www.doasone.com/About_2.htm a website dedicated to uniting and connecting people from around the world to share techniques for daily, optimal breathing and enable global, synchronous breathing, laughing, meditation and more!