Do you ever sit down in front of your computer with a clear intention to get work done, then find yourself spaced out on Facebook or just stuck? The ideas aren’t flowing. The words aren’t coming easily. Whatever it is you’re doing feels like a chore? In our internet based lifestyles, I think most of us experience this more often than we realize. Yet somehow it’s taken for granted that we must spend hours upon hours each day on our computers or other such devices in order to be functional, productive, and engaged. I’m currently plugging through an online based program. The first week I was flying because the work was incredibly inspiring and I was making a lot of breakthroughs. Second…
Posts tagged “Yoga”
Being teachable applies on so many levels and kicks up your vibration in a major way. From moment to moment, being teachable keeps you open, compassionate, and receptive. More specifically, being teachable in your creative passion, career or otherwise, keeps you growing, inspired, and thriving. Allow me to explain. As a yoga teacher, I am committed to expanding my knowledge base and abilities throughout the course of my entire life. My first training merely set the foundation for me to step on this path and continue to expand while at the same time diving deep within to discover the truth of my calling. A couple years ago I made a commitment to myself to find my next teacher. Not just any teacher,…
Our bodies are highly intelligent and communicate with us constantly. Well, at least they try to, though sometimes we don’t listen. In those cases, the body usually finds ways to speak louder, scream if necessary, so we pay attention. We all know its common signals: butterflies of excitement, sweaty nervous palms, stress tension at the base of the neck. However, there may be times that something is going on where the message isn’t so obvious, or perhaps we aren’t even aware that something is amiss until it starts to get in our way. At those times you have a choice. You either A) push the signals aside, pretending they’re not there and just plough ahead as though nothing is wrong. Or B) you…
Tagged: anemia, B12, body's wisdom, bodywork, communication, compassion, compassionate approach, health, iron, loving choice, Meditation, Self-Care, self-love, wellness, wisdom, Yoga
Thankfully, meditation has moved into the mainstream, and you’re no longer considered a weirdo if it’s part of your daily routine (at least I hope not!). The benefits of meditation are undeniable and span the full spectrum of wellness from mental, to emotional, to physical, to spiritual. A lot of people are curious about it or have a desire to do it, yet hit roadblocks of frustration that prevent truly connecting to the practice. Resistance rises, and meditation remains mysterious and “unattainable.” If this is you, fear not! Like yoga, meditation is a practice (well technically, meditation is yoga, and vice versa). I’ve been practicing meditation regularly for about four years now, but my practice wasn’t truly solidified until I spent 10…
As a society, or perhaps as part of the human condition, we tend to see only what is in front of our faces, and even that can be challenging at times! This same problem exists in yoga class when attention is paid primarily to the detail of the front body while what’s going on behind your field of vision, well, takes a back seat. When this happens, you are missing out on some key activation in the asana, therefore not getting the full benefit of your practice. To illustrate my point, we’re going to look at two commonly practiced postures, Warrior I and Warrior II. Because of how often they show up in class, people might be less mindful of the details. …
“Many people today are depriving themselves of one of the most simple yet profound pleasures of life, the possession of a healthy digestive and elimination system. It is fundamental to our enjoyment of life, for our digestion influences our whole perception and appreciation of life.” Dr. Swami Karmananda It’s so true isn’t? When our stomach is upset, we are upset. There’s really no way around it. To feel well, a happy belly is key, so allow me to present to you this week’s topic for Wellness Wednesday: the importance of having a happy and healthy digestive system. A simple tip for getting there? Invite raw apple cider vinegar into your life. I spent most of my young life struggling with stomach issues. After…
I don’t think it’s news to anyone that positive thinking leads to greater health and happiness. Though we might all be aware of this, we can’t simply flip a switch and go from a negative mindset to a positive one, especially if we have a lot going on in life that can be perceived as challenging, overwhelming, or downright awful. The truth is, I used to have a horrible attitude and a dismal outlook on existence. Though I was extremely loved and very well cared for, often the emotions that dominated my home environment were sadness, anger, and anxiety. In my late teens/early twenties, family struggles led me to my own extreme depression, insomnia, and general viewpoint that life was mostly heart wrenching…
It is said that we should do one thing everyday that scares us. Well, once you decide to turn your passion into your life’s work, the only way to possibly succeed is to constantly do things that scare you! Creating my yoga business challenges me to push myself in terms of what I am able to offer, and how I get the word out to the public that I exist. The only way to grow is to be willing to put myself out there, take risks, then re-examine, reflect and repeat. In pondering my New Year’s intentions and goals for 2013, I made certain to not just ask what I want to do and manifest, but most importantly why? I find that when…
I don’t recall when I did my first headstand, as it has been and continues to be an evolving process. I do remember feeling exhilarated when I could hold it in the middle of the room with balance and stability. I then re-learned how to do it using my core as my center, which added to its benefits as a strengthening and healing posture. What I do in headstand continues to advance as there are so many versions, so many ways to be playful and experimental (see above) as my body gets stronger and more open. Yoga, as anyone that practices knows, is a journey. One, that in many ways, reflects our journey through life. We start as beginners, curious, open, and…
Tagged: Core Strength, Growth, Headstand, New Year's Resolution, Yoga
This is a story of two friends, John and Marc, who found their way to yoga later on in life than most. What led them there was not a desire to do handstands, find enlightenment, or achieve a slender chiseled physique. Rather, it was the desire to be free of pain and find joy in movement. In this present time, by far the most popular trend in yoga in the city of Los Angeles is Vinyasa, a rigorous practice that works up a sweat while you push the boundaries of your physical capabilities. Whether you’re just starting out in a beginner’s class, or you’re in an advanced level 2/3, this is the style that dominates. It’s exhilarating and beautiful, a practice I…
Tagged: back pain, healing, hip pain, injuries, Movement, retirees, Self-Care, shoulder pain, Yoga, Yoga Therapy
