When I began practicing yoga a few years after being diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn’t know the research on it’s health benefits, but my gut told me it was good for me.

A study published in the Journal for Clinical Oncology indicates yoga is especially helpful in reducing fatigue associated with breast cancer treatments. After three months of twice a week yoga practice those in the yoga group reported more vitality and better sleep than in the control group which didn’t participate in the classes.

At the six month follow up the yoga group reported about 60% less fatigue than the control group, even though many had stopped practicing after the initial three month trial.

As with all research, correlation doesn’t equal causation. But the current study is one in a growing body of research supporting many physical and psychological benefits from yoga.

If you’re fatigued from cancer treatment or just life in general, consider exploring the potential benefits of yoga. As always, consult with your healthcare provider as to your unique needs and limitations. And remember that all yoga classes are not alike. Do your homework. Find out what studios are in your area, review the class descriptions and look for a beginning level or gentle class to get started.

If you’re in the Pasadena area, my yoga teacher friend Tatiana is offering a four week introduction to yoga series on Sunday afternoons at Mission Street Yoga in South Pasadena. Begins February 9th.

My Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. class meets weekly at Glendale Presbyterian Church.

Hope to see you in yoga sometime soon.

My guest blogger today is my beloved husband Dave Rogers. We lost our 9 year old Doberman Skye to a sudden onset neurological disorder yesterday. Skye was my friend, “baby” and a wise little teacher about listening to my body, being in the moment and loyalty, among other things. This is Dave’s tribute to our Little Skye Girl.

Clear Blue Skye in her Prime sitting on Dave's lap

RIP Skye, 2005 – 2014

I was the first to see Skye (at two weeks on the puppy monitor) and to meet her (at eight weeks). But it was clear from the moment they met that Skye was Cissy’s girl. The bond between them was instantaneous and permanent.

To Skye, I was merely Mr. Fun who would chase her around the yard — and The Slave, who got up in the middle of most nights so she could go out and pee (even though she really didn’t need to).

But Cissy was the center of Skye’s life. They relished every moment they spent together, whether on solo walks at Occidental College or long love sessions on the rug in Cissy’s study. All you had to see was the look in Skye’s eyes to know that Cissy was her treasure.

In many, many ways, Skye was the perfect dog. She required virtually no obedience training. She was the perfect walker and smart as a whip. She was mellow when mellow was appropriate, crazy when it was time for craziness. She loved meeting people and her gentle face and manner reassured even shy little folks. The only imperfect thing she did was leave us too early.

Rest in peace, Skye.

Legend comforting ailing Skye

Christ-centered yoga brings body, mind and spirit together to help you deepen you connection to God’s love.

praying with our bodies

We use the physical poses of yoga, breath awareness and experiential prayer to enhance your ability to sense God’s presence and align yourself with the graces continually being poured out by the Spirit to transform us degree by degree into greater Christlikeness.

In addition to the spiritual growth fostered through praying with our bodies, other potential benefits of regular practice include: increased mobility and energy, improved balance and mood, normalized gastrointestinal functioning and much more.

I’d love to share the gifts of yoga with you.

Tuesdays at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena @ 7:30 p.m. – 8 week session begins January 14th.

The Fuller class is open to people outside the Fuller community when spots are available. Contact Jose at 626-584-5680 to register.

Wednesdays at Glendale Presbyterian Church @ 6:15 p.m. – meets weekly in room 202. Contact me for more information.

Both classes are open to all levels of experience.

Bring a yoga mat or towel, water and wear comfortable clothes.