Winter Blues

This week we had our first substantial snow fall of the season in the Midwest, and, although beautiful, the change of weather can sometimes bring sinus pressure, the infamous runny nose, and “I’m so uncomfortable I can’t sleep” scratchy throat.  What to do?  Yoga!  This open heart sequence from Ekhart Yoga is wonderful for relieving any irritating congestion in the upper body.  Check it out here: http://youtu.be/lvCiVsER-Cs

Dainty and Beautiful

Perhaps this isn’t so much of a “yoga fashion” suggestion as it is simply a piece (and company) I love and wanted to share.  This Tether Ring from Erica Weiner jewelry is so dainty and stunning I thought everyone would be interested in knowing about the site in which I found this gem…INCLUDING yogis!  When looking around in yoga class, my fellow classmates are typically wearing layers of bracelets, midi-rings and more!  If that describes you (it’s definitely me) check out all the beautiful finds at ericaweiner.com today!

Change IS Good

        “1. make a to-do-list

          2. practice coloring

          3. research graduate schools

          4. be spontaneous

          5. create lasting childhood memories

          6. make a will…”

          -Sally (Cat in the Hat)

Something that has been repeatedly noted while going through yoga teacher training is the importance of continuing to go to classes even after you begin to teach.  There is ALWAYS room to learn, to improve, and perhaps even have something you've heard a thousand times before resonate with you differently than it has in the past.  That being said yogis, make sure to get outside of your comfort zone and try a variety of classes.  Sure, your Saturday morning class is great, the teacher unbelievable, and you love your fellow classmates, but why not try  Tuesday night?  See what it’s like to slip on spandex after dinner, and get outdoors after the sun falls.  Speaking as a Mom, it’s sometimes rare to even leave the house for up to two days! (sigh) Venture out, and see the world with a different perspective.  Don’t be set in your ways, try something new, and allow yourself to continue to grow.  

Pasta Fagioli

It’s gray outdoors, the summer heat has officially passed, and the night is creeping in earlier and earlier as the winter nears. Our bodies crave hearty, warm foods as the cold weather settles in, so why not make a classic comfort food for dinner tonight…soup!  This Pasta Fagioli recipe has the thickness of a chili, but consist of more Italian flavors.  Serve with thinly sliced whole grain garlic bread or a simple spinach salad, and dinner is done!  P.S.  Also great the second day :)

Leggings: An Essential for Yogis

Leggings.  In the yoga world, can you ever have enough?  This blog is still fairly new, and in regards to “yogi wear” I’ve written about leggings multiple times.  My philosophy:  If your practicing yoga you should own the same amount of leggings as you do jeans. Dare I say perhaps even owning more?!  So the legging posts shall continue!  Here is a chic pair from Forever 21: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=activewear&ProductID=2000128066&VariantID=

Simple Ingredients. Big Flavor.

I don’t use Pinterest very often.  I find what seems to be an unending amount of information a bit disorienting; however, Pinterest in mild doses can pay off.  This recipe is the perfect example.  I have been in a lunch rut the past few weeks (I’ve lost count of how many tomato sandwiches I’ve made), and was looking for something new and easy (with a seven month old son at home anything complicated is off the menu).  Well this Portobello Mushroom Wrap was perfect in both the convenience and health categories.  It has simple ingredients, which more often than not equals a healthier food choice, and the wrap has such big flavor.  Let me know what you think, or leave some of your favorite wrap recipes below.

We All Need Yoga

Yoga is beneficial to everyone, for it can be modified to fit all.  Yoga does not discriminate.  It does not push you beyond what your physically capable of, yet it can surprise you by allowing you to go farther than your mind previously believed.  Yoga is not a religion, yet is spiritual.  It’s a way of life.  It’s our choices.  It’s necessary. We all need yoga.

That being said, I encourage you to check out a new site from Andreas Zoltan, creator of DoYouYoga.com, and Erin Motz of the “30 Day Yoga Challenge.”  It’s a revolutionary movement of bringing yoga into the homes of people all over the world.  Making yoga accessible to all, motivating, and social.  Make sure to check it out today: http://www.myyogapro.com/00404

Out of Control

Manipura, the third chakra of the body, has do to with the power of the will.  When too much energy is focused in this one area of your body (located near the navel) you may deal with the inability to slow down and the need to be in control.  On the contrary, when not enough attention is directed toward this chakra the side-effects are timidity, low energy, and a submissive approach to life.

Personally, I feel as though I have traits of both the excessive and deficient manipura; so wouldn’t that make me balanced?!  Not so much.  Struggling with an extreme trait from both an overactive and dismal third chakra doesn’t necessarily mean the traits counteract one another; it simply exemplifies the inconsistency of “control” within this particular area of my life.

Am I out of control?  I’m not drinking myself under the table, reckless driving, or starting brawls with strangers.  To an outsider looking in I probably appear to be fairly “normal.”  However, you don’t have to perform an extreme act of rage in order to need help, for the goal of balancing the third chakra is to, “…develop the courage to stand your ground, to protect the sacred within, to accept challenges, and maintain power in a firm quiet way;” (“The Sevenfold Journey,” pg. 129 Judith & Vega) to consciously be aware of our decisions, who we allow to influence us, and the understanding of our own power.

I confess, I sometimes am guilty of allowing my mind to dwell on matters I have no control over which in turn can be demobilizing and extracts energy from what is truly important (i.e. family, life goals, etc…).  When we practice yoga it encourages this balance amongst all the chakras, and brings an awareness of the changes that need to be made in OUR minds (we can’t do anything about anyone else’s).

So, I encourage you to laugh, and let go of what you can’t control.  “When we can laugh at something, it no longer has power over us.” (“The Sevenfold Journey,” pg. 148 Judith & Vega)  Continue to practice, and notice the areas in your life you need balance.

Little Yogis

Kids can do just about anything and make it absolutely adorable even when the act is considered to be "bad behavior."  For example, seeing a toddler who is potty training running through a Barnes and Noble with their pants down is cute and funny.  However, seeing a 50-year-old man do the same thing is unsettling to say the least...and maybe a little funny.  Now people can practice yoga at ANY age without being frowned upon J, but seeing a kid in downward facing dog is one of the most darling things I’ve seen…ever!  So when coming across “The Little Yoga Mat” I had to buy one for my son.  Did I mention he is only 7 months?!  Perhaps, I got a little carried away, but I am looking forward to one day sharing the lovely practice of yoga with my baby boy.  Buy one here for the little ones in your life!

The Golden Vegetable

Okay, okay…this isn’t so much a recipe, but rather some cooking advice.  I have been cooking with spaghetti squash since I married my husband, and started preparing meals for someone other than myself.  (A banana and peanut butter no longer seemed “appropriate” for dinner;).  I felt like I had discovered gold when first cooking with this wonderful vegetable, for it was both delicious and a calorie cutter when substituted for pasta or rice.  Here is the prep work laid out: http://homecooking.about.com/od/vegetablerecipes/ss/spagsquashsbs.htm

Paripurna Navasana

Yoga is not about perfection.  That being said, it is also not about being blissfully ignorant and throwing your body into a pose it simply isn’t ready for.  It’s important to use wisdom when practicing asanas, and with wisdom learning the proper alignment for poses in our daily practice.  In the video link below, Kathryn Budig breaks down Paripurna Navasana.  This is a pose I had the priveledge of teaching over a week ago in my yoga teacher training course, so if interested in learning more modifications for boat pose leave a comment or head over to my contact page J. http://youtu.be/1Jc1xubsnpg

Baby Steps

It’s day five of the “October Cleanse,” a challenge consisting of at LEAST thirty minutes of yoga each day, and I feel great!  It’s amazing how quickly our bodies adapt and conform to a new routine.

That being said, I have a fairly pathetic confession to disclose.  On my (clearing my throat) second…yes, second day of the yoga cleanse I almost gave into temptation and took the day off.  ON DAY TWO!  It’s as if my inner being was whispering “sweet nothings” in attempt to manipulate my mind, “You deserve to rest, your six month old woke up in the middle of the night.  You’ll do great tomorrow!”  And I did, for a second, think about starting over the next day, but quickly remembered that feeling of regret I’ve had in the past after starting a workout program and letting life, distractions,  and even laziness inhibit any sort of progress.

That second night I did the thirty minutes, and only three days later my entire outlook has changed.  So stay encouraged,and keep going.  As Bob Wiley (my favorite Bill Murray character) might say, “Take baby steps,” and you’ll reach your goal soon enough J.

Practice Makes Perfect?

Yoga is more than just a physical exercise.  Many unfamiliar with the practice easily throw the term “yoga” in conjunction with crossfit, pilates, spinning, and the list goes on; however, there are multiples facets of this ancient art.   Yoga is divided up into eight limbs.  The first being Yama which is, “…the great commandments transcending creed, country, age and time.  They are: ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (continence) and aparigraha (non-coveting).” (“Light on Yoga,” pg. 31 Iyengar)

Raised in a Christian home, these principles are eerily comparable to the Ten Commandments written in the Bible (Exodus 20:2-17 NKJV); however, my purpose in writing this blog post is not to convince you that Jesus did yoga!  I wanted to focus on ahimsa, the first ethical discipline of Yama. 

Ahimsa is more than just NOT abusing those around you whether physically, mentally or emotionally, it is about love.  Being kind to yourself, to others and yes, your enemies.   Love doesn’t have ulterior motives.  Love simply is.  So how do we get to this place where we are not kind to others solely because that is what we are “supposed to do” and kindness simply becomes part of our nature?  Practice.  Yoga is about continuing to better oneself.  Being aware of where you are, and not seeking a specific result.  So perhaps in the beginning of your yoga journey you have to consciously make an effort to treat those who disrespect you in a gracious manner, but I believe as time progresses, as these “good” decisions are consistently made, love genuinely begins to exude from your very being.  It’s not always going to be this way.  We are all bound to run into a situation that is frustrating and difficult to love through; however, with each testing circumstance we approach with love the clearer it becomes in determining what decisions should be made.  Perhaps practice doesn’t make us “perfect,” but it certainly makes us better J.

See the Invisible

The first weekend of my yoga teacher training course is under my belt, and I have to say the first day was fairly tough.  It seems as though an immense amount of time has past since I’ve been in any type of classroom setting, so focusing for eight straight hours has proven to be a challenge all on its own.  However, I left feeling uplifted and encouraged regarding my commitment to finish this course.  You see, like many of us in today’s day and age, I can easily look at someone else to see my shortcomings.   When pertaining to yoga I can see that I’m not as flexible as the girl on the mat next to me, I can’t hold crow pose as long as the guy across the room, I need to be more “spiritual” like my yoga teacher, and the list goes on. If you can relate to this you are also aware that this line of thinking is exhausting! Here is an excerpt from a reading we were assigned for class that you may find uplifting:

“One of our greatest challenges as Westerners practicing yoga is to learn to perceive progress through “invisible” signs, signs that are quite often unacknowledged by the culture at large.  Are we moving toward greater kindness, patience, or tolerance toward others?  Are we able to remain calm and centered even when others around us become agitated and angry?  How we speak, how we treat others, and how we live are more subjective qualities and attributes we need to learn to recognize in ourselves as a testament to our own progress and as gauges of authenticity in our potential teachers.  When we remain committed to our most deeply held values we can begin to discern the difference between the appearance of achievement and the true experience of transformation, and thereby free ourselves to pursue those things of real value.”  (“Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit,” pg. 8 Donna Farhi)

The idea of yoga is not to simply strive to do the most “challenging” poses, or, “…about self improvement or making ourselves better.  It is a process of deconstructing barriers we may have erected that prevent us form having an authentic connection with ourselves and with the world.”  ("Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit,” pg. 5 Donna Farhi).

Stop comparing yourself to others, and become aware of the changes occurring inside of your very being.  

October Cleanse

“I’m so sorry.  I don’t mean to be so loud.”  The nurse looked back at me and gave me a warm smile replying, “Don’t be sorry.  You’re doing great.”  I was entering into the last stage of labor, and with each contraction I exhaled a long monotone moan.  I sounded like a whale in heat, which was appropriate for at the end of my pregnancy I also felt like one.  The doctor came in, and it was time to push!  The atmosphere in the room was peculiar; far from anything I had seen portrayed by Hollywood.  Both my legs were up; however, one was only consistently being held while the other would land on what was conveniently located at the height of my dangling foot (i.e. the doctor’s shoulder, a nurse passing by, etc…).  The room was completely relaxed.  Between each push a variety of topics left my lips including knitting and what I considered to be “good” Scotch.

“One more push!”

Within a minute my crying infant was placed on my chest.  I kissed his head, and looked over at my husband.  The look on his face will forever be imprinted on my heart.  Tears filled his eyes.  We had immediately fallen in love with our son, Dylan.

Nearly six months later it feels as though our baby boy has forever been a part of our family.  I’ve never loved the way that I love him.  I know that I am blessed.   

 To all of you new parents: In this special duration of time the hours, days and weeks in the confines of your home may seem to be at a stand still, but the world does go on!  Life continues to evolve, and there will be pockets within this haze when you begin to notice these changes or suddenly get a shot of reality.

About two months ago, although minute and perhaps vain, I had one of these moments.  I was looking in the mirror with an extra five pounds from pregnancy on me (all which seems to have congregated to my upper thighs and rear!), and understood I was ready to get back to where I started.  You see, I had my greatest body practicing yoga pre-pregnancy. I was (and am) unfamiliar with the body I have now, and I yearn for my former physical state.

I’m ready for a drastic overhaul.

As of today, I’m committing to a 30 day yoga cleanse.  The cleanse consists of AT LEAST a half hour of yoga everyday for the month of October.  I challenge you to join me, and leave feedback on how you’re doing, encouragement for others, or frustration you might have.  I would love to hear from you, and would appreciate a community of workout buddies!!!

Getting Started

Like most people, especially those of the female gender, I have body image issues.  Just over two years ago I was newly married, head over heels in love, yet still dissatisfied with what I saw in the mirror.  How could one be so happy with the relationships encompassing their life and still feel insatiable?  “Okay, this is the summer I lose ten pounds.”  I started diligently going to the gym, running when I could; however, I wasn’t seeing the results I sought after.  Frustration was on the rise.  Frustration with the lack of progress, and frustration with the fact that I was frustrated ABOUT the lack of progress (it seemed petty).  Well, if something is going on that you don’t like, CHANGE IT!  (I’m fairly certain I heard this on an infomercial some late night).  This is where my yoga journey began…

I dabbled in and out of yoga classes for two years, but my favorite studio space was my living room.  I decided to try yoga on a more consistent basis, and in a matter of weeks my body began to change.  I began to change!  Without sounding overly “spiritual,” after practicing yoga I persisted to learn to slow down and abandon anxieties no run could ever shake off.  Yoga became something I looked forward to, and when Jillian Michaels told me I was a rock star in her DVD, “Yoga Meltdown,” (which I would recommend) I would respond, “NO, you’re the rock star, Jillian!”  Sure, maybe the solitude of my living room was getting to me.  I didn’t care.  I felt GOOD! 

I’m happy to say I lost those ten pounds, but reaped a newfound confidence.  This is how I fell in love with the yoga practice, and would encourage anyone, right in their home, to begin theirs.