Cleaning House (With Yogi Surprise September)

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How recently have you 'cleaned house' on the different areas of your life?

 In the last few weeks, I've been savoring moments when I can release what is old and needs to be surrendered.

 I've been organizing paperwork, tidying rooms, and making space for my yoga mat.

 I've been talking to friends about the past, and seeing what ways I need to (and am ready to) let go of it.

 I've been writing down my thoughts.

 Taking time to sit. To notice. To breathe.

 To imagine my whole body, mind, and spirit free from clutter.

What do you need to release in order to be more present? What practices help you do this?

 If you're feeling a little lost on where to start, or overwhelmed by the thought of surrendering something, it can be helpful to simply do one thing.

 Clean your yoga mat. 

 Take a long, hot bath.

 Take a walk somewhere barefoot and picture every bit of negative energy, every old, stale, untrue thought, every doubt-- picture them leaving you, exiting your body through your feet, being left to dust.

 This month's Yogi Surprise box helped me clean house. My two favorite products: the Pura Botanica Bath Infusion Rose' Retreat (it has mineral sea salts, essential oils and curative herbs and flowers...um, amazing!), and the Happy Spritz Namaste Ninja Handcrafted Aromatherapy (an energizing blend that has anti-microbial properties and will keep your mat feeling, and smelling, super fresh.)
Wishing you clarity, peace, and patience as you clean house. Namaste.

You

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You are the one person uniquely qualified to be you.  

 No one else can.  

 It's your game; it's your rules.  

You get to define success and failure.  

 You get to judge what is right and wrong, good and bad.  

You alone get to decide how you are, in this moment.

 Photos by Ken Johnson of CKC Image.

Have a Beautiful Friday!

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You must love in such a way that the other person feels free.
-Thich Nhat Hanh


Wishing you a beautiful Friday from the team at Alive in the Fire! May your day and your weekend be inspired by love and light.
 


First photo by Ken Johnson of CKC Image. Second and third photos courtesy of Kelsie and Yani. 

What Helps You Stay Mindful?

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What helps you stay mindful throughout your day?

 I was recently asked to answer this question. What practices do I use to fight stress and boost productivity? My favorites are yoga, breathwork and writing.


 Meditation, yoga, writing and breathing practices help me stay mindful.

 On stressful days, I try to give myself permission to sit with what is, whether I'm tired or emotional or overwhelmed. I like to sit down or sometimes take 'legs up the wall' pose and just spend a few minutes noticing my body. 

 Where do I feel tense? How am I breathing? What is the energy in my body like in this moment?

 Rolling out my yoga mat and moving for 15-20 minutes allows me to release stagnant energy. Some days, I'll stay with one pose for an extended period of time. One minute in headstand, or two minutes in Pigeon on each side -- that can make a huge difference in how my day is going!

I also love to write in my journal. I think it's important to write from a place of authenticity. If I'm having a rough day, I might not write a gratitude list. I might write about why I'm upset, why I feel stuck, or what I'm fearful of. On happy days, a gratitude list or a blog post or a long post on Instagram might be more fitting. The important thing is to start with how I'm truly doing, instead of trying to pretend I'm in a different space.

 Breathing is so important too. Lately I've been all about Nadi Shodhana, alternate nostril breathing. I feel so relaxed after just a few minutes of this Pranayama technique. I'm grateful that there are so many methods for staying mindful and for releasing stress, since different days I need different tools.

This post was inspired by a Q&A article I participated in. You can read the full article featuring other amazing yoga teachers and their ideas here.

Photos in this post by Ken Johnson of CKCImage.com.

A Beautiful Yoga Book

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Hi friends!

What yoga books are you reading lately?


Sponsored yogini Kels recently checked out Letters from the Yoga Masters, which features the collected letters of Dr. Hari Dickman to the hundreds of yogis he corresponded with—including Swami Sivananda, Ramana Maharshi, and Paramhansa Yogananda. 

Today on Alive in the Fire she shares her thoughts on the book...


This jewel of a book is a fitting tribute to a great soul, offered lovingly by his dedicated student. 

 Its a book you don't want to lose. Its passion, its love, its life and most of its words are written by some of the greatest yoga masters of the past. 

 Hari, Hari Rickman, (whom you'll later be introduced to, well, sooner than later actually) devoted his life to the study of yoga. He once said, "I'm obsessed with yoga and Ill never get enough." Even as Hari was living in a displaced persons camp during the Second World War, he was studying and practicing yoga. 

 One of my favorite scripts is on page 129 where he describes when he learned about Yoni or Shanmukhi Mudra. I really needed a good insight on concentration. The hand written letters that are exampled are engrossing and very intriguing. You have to see them for yourself! 

 How fortunate that the yogic knowledge Dr. Dickman gained from many revered teachers has been preserved so carefully and faithfully that it can enrich the lives of many spiritual seekers who otherwise would never have known of him. Right?! 

 Last snippet; page. 87 discusses Sitali and Sitkari which I think its great to learn, especially during the warm season because it quickly cools down the body. The breathe is so amazing. Literally. 

 Namaste. Kels.

A Big 'Ol Hug

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What I wouldn't give to wrap you up in my arms and squeeze you tight.

I can still picture the smell of your shirt as I nuzzle into you,


and that feeling of how the world stops,

and I'm just alive and here with you,


breathing, smiling,

being

in love. 


PS Hugs on hugs on hugs. Namaste.

Photos in this post via Pinterest by Storyboard Wedding (1), via Victoria Bilsborough on Pinterest (2), via Ohsomoco on Pinterest (3), and by Matty Collett (4).

What to Look for In a Pair of Yoga Pants

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Yogis, I'm sure you've been there before: you're at your favorite studio, five minutes into class, and you realize... "Sh*t. These yoga pants suck!"

Or maybe you're new to yoga and trying to decide where to shop.

Well, let me help you out a little bit :)


What makes a pair of yoga pants awesome?

To me, finding a wonderful pair of leggings to wear to yoga is about three things:

1. Comfort. I like my yoga pants to fit snugly, but not so snug that they're uncomfortable. Yoga pants should be comfy enough that I can wear them for half the day, or more. 

2. Performance. Do the yoga pants move around too much while I'm practicing, or do they stay put? Do I feel hot when I wear them, or is the material breathable, so if I start to sweat I don't feel stuffy or overheated? Consider how well your yoga wear will perform as you practice, especially if there's heat involved.

3. Fun design. Let's be honest-- the new trends in yoga wear offer a variety of fun, creative print designs. Long gone are the days of boring yoga pants!

My new favorite yoga pants? Ginger Orange. I've been wearing my awesome purple leggings a lot lately and I've noticed that they are super comfortable and they stay put when I practice. Plus, they're gorgeous!

On the Ginger Orange website it says that their brand offers "activewear for rebel yogis, urban nomads and barefoot hippies." Now that's an awesome approach for yoga pants, if you ask me!


Photos in this post by Ken Johnson of CKCImage.com, featuring classic royal purple Ginger Orange leggings.

PS Regardless of what yoga pants you're wearing, I think you're beautiful.

Trust Yourself

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Trust your instincts.

 Believe in your strength. Look how far it has brought you.

 You can be happy on your own, without asking anyone else for their approval.

 You're capable, and the universe has offered you this moment to shine.

 And if you get to the end of the day and realize you haven't even been aware of your instincts, or noticed your strength, give yourself permission to shake that off and start over again.

 Photo by Ken Johnson of CKCImage.com.

Movement

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Maybe you're tired, or feeling defeated, and you'd rather sit on the couch than roll out your yoga mat.

 I encourage you to try a little movement, despite the discomfort.

Five minutes. Maybe ten. Set yourself a small enough goal that it's really hard to make an excuse not to move.

 Take a walk around the block. Do ten pushups and ten situps in your living room. Three sun salutations.

 Do only the yoga poses that feel good, the ones your body is calling out for, and for now, skip the rest. Release any feeling of guilt, any notion of, 'I could do better,' or, 'I'm not good enough.'

It may not feel fun to get started, but I'd guess that afterwards you feel grateful you made time for keeping your vital energy moving.

 Find a little movement that works for you in your day. See how you feel.

 Namaste.

 Photos in this post by Ken Johnson of CKCImage.com (1), Brynna Bryant of Respiro Photography (2) and Justin Kral of Kral Studios (3).

 PS, as a side note, this post is as much for me as it is for you... so please remember, you're not alone on the days when you might struggle to make time for movement. And if you happen to be having a sh*tty day, this is another great post to check out.

Sponsored Yogis

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A gift is pure when it is given from the heart to the right person at the right time and at the right place, and when we contemplate nothing in return.
—The Bhagavad Gita


To make a donation to the Sponsored Yogis program, click here:
Please email Rachel at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com for questions about  next year's program. Note: Illustration by Rebecca Hawkes.

What is Sponsored Yogis?
Sponsored Yogis is an annual program at Alive in the Fire where I choose yogis around the country to support in their yoga journey. I fundraise in order to provide studio classes, yoga gear, yoga wear, and various green goods (nutritious snacks, spa products, and custom journals) to each individual. I keep in close contact with the group, offering customized advice and resources on yoga, meditation and wellness. Sponsored yogis also have the chance to write about their experiences and share their stories with blog readers. 

What’s the goal of the program?
At the heart of yoga is seva, or selfless service. The Sponsored Yogis program is my way of giving back to the yoga community and inspiring others to dive deeper into their practice.

The goals of the program are to:
  • Inspire yogis of all levels 
  • Share knowledge about all 8 limbs of yoga as well as meditation, nutrition and emotional wellness
  • Build community
  • Communicate new yoga stories and diverse perspectives on the blog
  • Support yoga studios, health and wellness businesses, artists and entrepreneurs by featuring them on Alive in the Fire 
How can I get sponsored?
Email Rachel at aliveinthefire (at) gmail (dot) com for an application.

How are sponsored yogis chosen? What criteria is used to determine who gets picked?
Sponsored yogis are chosen based on an application process involving some writing about yourself, and some follow up with Rachel. The application consists of a series of questions about the yogi’s background in yoga and their ideas for blogging and contributing to Alive in the Fire. When reviewing applications, I look for passion and commitment. I choose yogis who are dedicated to deepening their practice, who are enthusiastic about engaging in community, and who are ready to speak their truth and shine their light in the world.

How can I make a donation to support the sponsored yogis?
If you are a yoga studio owner, yoga teacher, massage therapist, reiki practitioner, health and wellness business owner, nutritionist, artist, entrepreneur, or just generally generous person interested in giving, contact Rachel at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com.

Your gifts are what sustain the program! Whether you offer a yoga mat, free week of classes, or a yoga book, you’ll inspire a yogi on a personal level. You’ll also have the chance to bring awareness to your brand through:
  • A post reviewing your product, including photos and links to your website or social media
  • The opportunity to purchase discounted ad space on Alive in the Fire
  • Word-of-mouth endorsement at yoga studios and in health and wellness communities around the country
  • Participation in a unique generosity project that may spur media coverage 
  • Sharing large amounts of happiness, peace, and joy with strangers—making our world a better place!

Sponsored Yogis 2016
Kelsie (Clarkston, WA)
Yani (Bakersfield, CA)

 Sponsored Yogis 2015
Keyla (Orlando, FL)
Elizabeth (Sutter, CA)
Valerie (Sacramento, CA)

 Sponsored Yogis 2014 
Jena (Roseville, CA)
Justin (Folsom, CA)
Samantha (Washington, DC)
Ty (St. Louis Park, Minnesota)
Deborah (Asheville, NC)

Emily
Nicole
Hans
Dana 
Rich
Beth
Annie
Emily
Photos by Justin Kral.

Pranayama: Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

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Happy Monday, yogis! I hope you had a restful and fun weekend.

I'm curious: do you practice pranayama (breathing techniques) at your yoga studio, or at home?

It's interesting to me how the culture of every yoga studio varies, and it seems like these days you can find both traditional classes which feature ancient, yogic breathing practices, and you can also find studios where you'll only hear about Ujjayi breath while in class.

Recently I've been incorporating nadi shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, into my daily routine. I find that it relaxes my entire body, calms my mind, and helps me feel balanced.

Would you like to try it?

Find a comfortable seated position, and close your eyes. (Note, if this is your first time trying a pranayama technique, please see my note below.*)


Take a few moments to ground yourself. Allow your thoughts to settle.

Notice your body, any sensation, any area that draws your attention.

Then, notice your breath.

Where in your body do you feel your breath?

Let your awareness settle on the breath alone. You can begin counting your inhales and exhales. Inhale to a count of four; exhale to a count of four.

After a few rounds like this, we'll begin nadi shodhana, alternate nostril breathing.

Bring your right hand just in front of your face.

Bend your index and middle fingers, creating a sort of "y" shape with your hand. During this breath technique, you'll use your thumb to cover your right nostril, and your ring finger to cover your left nostril.

Close your right nostril with your right thumb. Inhale through the left nostril slowly and steadily, filling up your lungs.

Close your left nostril with your ring finger so both nostrils are closed; retain your breath at the top for a brief moment. Then, open your right nostril and release the breath through the right side, exhaling fully.

Inhale slowly through the right side, filling up again. At the top of the breath, hold both nostrils closed and pause for a moment.

Then open your left nostril and breathe slowly out through the left side. Pause briefly at the bottom.

Repeat for two to five minutes (or longer). Work up to longer periods of practicing this breath.


Here's a simplified explanation, in case that above description got a little confusing or wordy for you ;)

  • Exhale fully.
  • Cover your right nostril as you inhale on the left.
  • Pause at the top of the breath and close both nostrils.
  • Cover your left nostril as you exhale on the right.
  • (Keep your fingers as is as you) inhale on the right.
  • Pause at the top of the breath and close both nostrils.
  • Open your left nostril and exhale on the left.

Or, even more simply:
  • Inhale left, exhale right.
  • Inhale right, exhale left.
Once you get the hang of this breath technique, it's very relaxing.


Nadi Shodhana is a powerful yogic practice. This breath will allow you to: support your lung and respiratory system, balance the left and right hemispheres of your brain, clear your body's energetic channels, rejuvenate your nervous system and release stress.


*An important note: one of my favorite yoga teachers once explained to me that pranayama is a serious part of the yoga practice. It's important to establish a foundational yoga practice before you begin working on pranayama. Please practice with a teacher who is knowledgeable and can show you exactly how the breath technique works and who you can ask questions. 

Nadi Shodhana is a basic pranayama practice, so it would probably be OK for you to try it simply based on reading this post, but if you're getting into any other more complex breath practices, or any pranayama that involves holding (retaining) the breath, please do so with an experienced teacher in the room with you. As with anything in yoga, if any of these breath practices cause you any sort of anxiety, please skip them and go back to your normal breath in and out through the nose.

Namaste.

 All images in this post by Ken Johnson of CKCImage.com. Leggings by Ginger Orange Activewear.

Questions

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There is this deep part of me that questions... everything.

All the bits and pieces of my life.

I hear the questions, quietly in my mind. 


Is this what I'm supposed to be doing?

Where do I want to go from here?

Can I accept this moment, as it is?

Can I love myself, as I am? 
  

Today I can choose to set those questions aside and simply breathe.

Simply be.

Images in this post by Ken Johnson of CKCImage.com. Leggings by Ginger Orange.

Finding Balance (Yogi Surprise August Review)

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Balance is an ongoing challenge for me.

Finding the right mix of doing and non-doing, of excitement and relaxation, of seriousness and levity, of saying 'yes' and saying 'no'...

I believe this will be a continual process, and I'm grateful for the moments when I feel in balance.

I'm also grateful that yoga helps me find balance.


In this month's Yogi Surprise box, I discovered a wonderful mix of items designed to restore and re-harmonize my body's natural energies. I love the sense of calm that I found when using any of these products, and I'm glad that the monthly arrival of the little purple Yogi Suprise box on my doorstep is a reminder to find time to slow down and rejuvenate.

Here are my favorites from the Yogi Surprise August box:
Root + Willow lemon geranium lava scrub

I've been craving a body scrub for months and was so pleasantly surprised to find this one in the box! The smell reminds me a lot of a lotion we used to have at one of my favorite yoga studios, and that extremely relaxing feeling of being in Shavasana when the teacher comes around at the end of class and gives you a shoulder press (amazing!). This scrub is my absolute favorite item from the box. Its invigorating aroma with the lemon really perks me up, and I love the feeling of soft skin after the sugar scrub. I'll definitely be heading to the Root + Willow site to buy some more when I run out. :)
Tiger Balm patch pain relieving patches

These are genius! I've loved Tiger Balm ever since I started yoga and I used to use it quite a bit during my Bikram days. Usually I'd end up making a mess whenever I'd apply it, and then would have to be careful to wash my hands afterward and not to rub it off on my clothing or yoga mat. These patches are a clever way to keep your hands free of the pain-relieving ointment, and they stay sticky for hours! I highly recommend these for after a strenuous workout or yoga class, or if you're like me and you get home from work at the office and your neck is sore. Highly recommend them for all yoga teacher trainees, too!
Navitas Naturals superfood bar (goji acai)

This bar was delicious. A perfect afternoon snack or pick-me-up before yoga class. And it's certified organic, plant-based and made with superfood ingredients. Yum!

Stamba superfoods travel supplement

I haven't taken this supplement for long enough to know that it's making a big difference for me in terms of energy and immunity support, but so far I like the results! You can tell that the brand takes great care in making a high-quality supplement, and I absolutely love the little glass container that the capsules are in (I'll be reusing it for sure). Thanks, Stamba, for being a part of this month's box!


What practices help you stay in balance? Do you have any go-to products you use to help bring things back into balance?

Sending big hugs to the team at Yogi Suprise, and as always, to you, dear readers. Much love and cheers to finding balance throughout this month!

All photos of me in this post by Ken Johnson of CKCImage.com. CKC Image is a Humboldt County photography business; check out their Facebook page for more awesome photos. Other photos via Root + Willow (3), Tiger Balm (4), Navitas Naturals (5) and Stamba (6). Leggings by Ginger Orange Activewear.

Badass Yoga Teachers: Online Resources You Don't Want to Miss

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Happy Monday, yogis!

So far in the Badass Yoga Teachers series, we've talked about some great topics:
The more I write this series, the more I've realized: there are endless topics for yoga teachers to explore!

Today, I'd like to refer you to a wonderful list of websites that I've used for support in my professional and personal development.

Whether you're new or experienced, feeling eager or feeling stuck, these sites have some incredible wisdom to offer. Happy reading!

Websites Every Yoga Teacher Should Check Out





www.thejourneyjunkie.com
  • I love Allie's heartfelt writing. Her site is a wonderful resource for finding creative sequences to incorporate into your own home practice. I appreciate that she offers short yoga routines, and as a teacher sometimes a 10-minute or 30-minute video is the perfect pick-me-up for during your busy day!
  • She's also got a great post on how to create a blog, if you're a teacher hoping to share your story more.

What are your favorite websites for yoga teacher resources? I'd love to hear! XO

5 Things You can Do Right Now to Ease Anxiety

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Anyone else out there struggle with anxiety sometimes?

Today on Alive in the Fire I want to talk about some ways that you can ease anxiety during a stressful moment.



1. Notice where you are. Can you draw your experience into your physical body? Notice where you are, what you see, where your body is touching the ground. Feel your feet, your hands, your belly. Sit down and put your back against a wall, or maybe lie down. Notice, what is your body asking for? Get grounded into your physical being.

 2. Take deep breaths. Oftentimes when I've experienced strong anxiety, I start to breathe shallowly and quickly, from my chest, rather than taking in deep belly breaths. This can lead to an intensified feeling of panic. If I sit down and breathe consciously for a few minutes, this helps a lot. One tool I love to use is the SAM app I downloaded on my phone; it's an app designed specifically to help with anxiety and there's one option for 'Calm breathing' where you can use a timer to count your inhales and exhales. It might sound silly or oversimplified, but when you're in a high-anxiety state it's actually a very effective and calming technique to focus on breathing. Take away distractions. Breathe. This will help relax your body and calm your mind.

3. Take a shower or wash your face. Give yourself a little massage, either on your feet or your temples. Take a moment to rinse away this moment. Picture yourself brushing off whatever is weighing on you. Again, stay present to your physical body.

4. Express some of the emotions you're feeling. Verbalize and speak out loud about what's going on for you. Maybe you talk to yourself in the shower, or write in your journal. Or...

 5. Reach out. Call or text a friend. Ask if you can come over and get a hug. Let yourself lean on those you love, and acknowledge that it's OK to feel weak right now. Talk. Talk more than you want to. Talk, even though it's uncomfortable. Let the conversation be messy and let yourself be OK with that. 

 And, at the end of the day, give yourself permission to be in a place of struggle. Remind yourself that you are OK. Things will get better from here.


Namaste, loves! Sending each of you a hug. 

Illustrations found on Pinterest (via HealthyPlace.com and Dena Douglas Hobbs)  and from Google Play (SAM App illustration).

 PS Other great posts about dealing with anxiety:

Your Yoga Practice

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Consider for a moment that every move you make today will count as your yoga practice.

 Each word you speak. Each breath, the fullness with which you breathe.

 Let your poses, like your life, be an offering.

Consider the way you move through your day.

 Can you leave more evidence of love?

 Can you spread kindness in subtle ways, even when your first reaction isn't compassion?

Go within. Do your meditation.

 Share your practice.

 Namaste.