Contentment

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How happy are you? 

It's a question that floats through our minds now and then, and that often comes up at the beginning of the year, as we look toward the future with new goals.

How content are you with what you have, and who you are today?

One of Alive in the Fire's readers shares her story today about the power of contentment, and how to find it. May this post by Rana Waxman help you on your journey toward happiness!

Happiness cannot be found throught great effort and willpower, but is already present in open 

relaxation and letting go. 

-a

Ven. Lama Gendun Rinpoche

It is very easy to feel on top of the world when 

you are not being tested, but is this your default setting? If pressures build up, do you

breathe

through them, find ways to

diffuse tension

 or 

do you store it,

let pressure build

 and then explode?

I am not talking about 

the once in a while scenarios, but if things are not as you'd hoped, what are your attitudes, 

perceptions, and coping strategies? Do you still experience contentment or is this a borrowed measure 

reserved for the one day all the bills are paid, you have slept great, and you have eaten well...in 

other words, are you happy and smiling no matter what happens?

The reason I put forth these questions is that seeking happiness is a complex thing. Yogis 

call it uncovering our true Nature, and will tell you we are born into happiness, but the thinking 

mind gives us all kinds of trouble. It starts us chasing after the senses, after material gain, 

accumulation, etc. 

There's nothing wrong with wanting the iPhone 4; it looks super cool. But if you 

have the iPhone 3, do you then become less happy with what you do not yet possess once the iPhone 4 is released onto the market? Or do 

you accept what you have with gratitude? 

This last approach --

accepting what you have with gratitude

 -- is the fertile ground for lasting 

happiness.

Contentment, Patanjali says in the yoga sutras, is dynamic, as opposed to complacency which 

is a bit stagnant. We should be able to look at our life, weed out the toxic relationships and 

situations to then re-balance on all levels. This requires changing what isn't working; therefore, 

practicing contentment is a call to action sometimes

. It also asks us to

want what we have

.

Contentment brings us to a new perception of how things are, and so, calms the mind, 

fostering appreciation. It is an attitude that is independent of outside influences. 

What you 

have or don't have does not change the essence of who you are. 

You may be thinking, "Uh, 

maybe I can achieve contentment in my next life, but that sounds pretty hard to sustain now!" 

Though it may be easier to be 

happy when there is some kind of "success" in our life, the truly positive person will smile and 

keep a good sense of humor throughout turmoil, will exhale and

relax

, w

ill know that they are guided and protected, all-one, not alone.

I know virtues are hard to visualize and materialize and harmonize when things are tough, and disappointments abound. These are the times though when adopting a mind-set that views adversity as opportunity is helpful. So instead of chasing, spend a few moments in Nature, or quietly observing your breath, do a little 

Yoga Flow

, take a 

walk.

Allow this great and powerful and sustaining virtue to take root in your life so that your 

default setting is now rewired for peace and positivity in 2012...

Blessings,

Rana

Bendy Backbends for Beginners

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Photos via Pinterest and Coffee and Yoga.

One of my goals for the new year is to increase flexibility in my spine. I imagine this is true for a lot of you yogis, too, so this post offers a few reminders about how to do healthy and safe backbends whether you're new to yoga or you've been on the mat for a while.

Photo via Bikram Yoga.

One of the best things you can do as a beginner is to seek the guidance of a certified teacher. Yoga instructors with experience know how important it is to warm up the spine before attempting a deep backbend. During classes at a studio, you'll be able to engage in a smart series of postures to keep your spine safe, warming it up one vertebrae at a time.

Ever notice how in Bikram classes, you don't do camel or rabbit pose until the end of class? And in a Hatha class, you wouldn't do full wheel pose until you've done a bridge pose or two, right? Sequencing asanas this way allows you to ease into your spine's full flexibility.

Photo via Om Light Photography.

Another important consideration, especially for deep backbends, is to utilize strength in other areas of your body -- namely, your core and legs. Look at the photo above, for example. When you're in full wheel, your arms, legs, and core are engaged fully so that your lower back doesn't have to take the burden of holding you up.


Similarly, in camel pose (below), you push forward with your legs, hips and glutes so that your low back doesn't feel the full pressure of the upper half of the body bending over.


Keep in mind, too, that your low back should feel long throughout the posture.
Photo via  Dudes Doing Yoga.

Let the fear go. Remember that backbend postures stimulate your nervous system, sending you into a "fight or flight" response. It's normal to feel dizzy, energized, emotional, or otherwise stimulated during these poses.


Begin to approach each backbend with curiosity and patience. Apply your yogic skill of observation and watch your energy as it moves during the pose. How do you feel after a backbend? Are you more awake and alert?


Can you encourage yourself to try holding a pose for 10-15 seconds instead of 5? Remind yourself that you are opening your heart to greater compassion and deeper love by the simple act of bending back.


Gradually work your way in using the breath, and try to allow yourself to enjoy the backbend. Before you know it, you'll be craving them on a daily basis.
Photo via Michael Peter Carter on Tumblr.

Above all else, remember to give it time. Flexibility of the spine doesn't happen overnight -- it is a lifelong process. We spend so much time hunched in front of a keyboard or car steering wheel that it can take a while to reverse our tendency toward experiencing forward folds... but gradually, with persistence, you will find yourself arching backward gracefully with little resistance.

Want to learn more about backbends? Try this article from Yoga Journal, tips from another blogger, or Bikram's thoughts on how Bikram yoga can help heal back pain. Or learn more about how backbends open your heart.

Health is the New Wealth: Wholesome Recipes for 2012

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Photos in this post via Urban Yoga Girl, Lilie Zen Coach, Pinterest and Good Mood Food.

One of my goals for 2012 is to eat better than I ever have before. I believe taking my yoga off the mat and into the kitchen will help me lead a healthier, happier life.

Will you join me in my wholesome eating adventure? I'm inspired and want to plan:

healthier breakfasts,
 



more entrees and snacks featuring vegetables,




and healthy drinks from the juicer/blender instead of sweets.
 

Here are a few recipes via Good Mood Food (pictured above) to start out the year in a healthy, wholesome way. Keep an eye out for weekly posts featuring more wholesome recipes throughout the year, and please share your ideas in the comments below!

Morrocan Salad
  • 1 zucchini, cut in thin slices
  • 1 eggplant , cut in thin slices
  • olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • salt
  • 1 1/2 cup quinoa
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 bunches mint leaves
  • 1 bunch cilantro/coriander
  • 3 tbsp raisins
  • 2 avocados, cut into 1 inch squares
  • 4 small spring onions, chopped
  • 1 cup almonds, divided in half, roasted and salted
Start by making the marinated vegetables. Spread out the zucchini and eggplant slices on a bbq, in a grill pan or in the oven, a couple of minutes on each side. Put them in a bowl, drizzle olive oil, garlic and salt over them and set aside.

Cook the quinoa according to the package but add one tbsp cinnamon in the water. When it’s done cooking, rinse and set aside to cool off. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon and add five tbsp of olive oil into the quinoa. Chop half of the mint leaves, half of the cilantro and all the raisins, throw them in the quinoa and toss it around until everything is mixed. Serve in bowls together with the marinated vegetables, avocado, spring onions, the rest of the mint and cilantro and the roasted almonds.

Coconut Berry Smoothie
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup coconut water
  • 1 frozen banana
  • a big chunk fresh ginger, minced
  • juice from 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp coconut flakes
  • a handful of walnuts
Throw all the ingredients in the blender. Blend it for half a minute. Enjoy!

Ad Space Available at Alive in the Fire

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Alive in the Fire is an award-winning blog all about yoga, but we also love fashion, green goods, spa and massage, and creative companies with a passionate approach.

Looking for a great deal on ad space for the month of January or February? Contact me at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com today! Prices are super affordable and you can get great above-the-fold coverage.

Alive in the Fire's audience is an organic fit for those hoping to reach an active, hip, green, fashionable and largely female audience. The blog is a great fit for companies who sell yoga and fitness gear or apparel, healthy food or drink, and green goods.

By becoming a sponsor with Alive in the Fire, you will reach a lively community of readers who love yoga and who care about taking good care of themselves, each other, and the world.

For more info about the types of companies I've worked with in the past, see here. And for details on ad spots in 2012, email me at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com. Namaste!

Photos via Urban Yoga Girl.

Is Ballet the New Yoga?

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Photos via Urban Yoga Girl.

Back in high school, I used to dance. I think some of my love for yoga stems from that original desire to move freely, stretch deeply, and be present to the moment.

The other day I read an article about how ballet studios could become as popular as yoga studios in 2012. What do you guys think? Would you try a dance class along with your usual yoga routine?




PS More ballerinas here, here and here. XO!

Merry Christmas Eve!

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Photos via Pinterest.

Merry Christmas Eve! I hope you are all celebrating with family, enjoying the festivities, and perhaps even lighting a candle or two for a relaxing yoga practice at home. 

My sister and I are going to host a family yoga class in the living room. I'm excited to try some asanas with my little nephew, parents-in-law and brothers-in-law. Yoga party time!


Healing Yoga: Cancer Patients Experience the Benefits

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Photos via Pinterest and Flickr.

I am touched and honored to bring you a guest post today from Trevor Bradshaw, an aspiring writer, yoga nut, and brother to a cancer survivor. 

Trevor has a true passion for writing about the benefits of yoga for cancer patients, and his compassion inspires. Thanks, Trevor, for sharing your perspective and some healthy tips for those on the road to healing! Namaste.


Yoga provides many benefits for quite a diverse assortment of physical issues from back pain to stress management.  In an age when hospitals continue to become more specialized, the success that millions of people have had with yoga has prompted the medical community to take notice of its myriad health benefits. Today, most doctors, including the Mayo Clinic, have taken note of how a regular yoga practice can help benefit cancer patients. And while it’s clear that yoga by itself does not cure cancer, it has become well recognized for providing several important benefits to cancer patients.

Yoga is extremely beneficial to cancer patients because it can offset many of the negative symptoms related to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Cancer patients often must undergo these extremely debilitating treatments, causing them to suffer fatigue and nausea. A mild yoga program, however, helps to relieve nausea, which many patients’ find unbearable, and as well as helping to maintain patients’ energy. While many report still feeling fatigued, it is often to a much lesser degree if they are practicing yoga.



New studies show that not only is yoga a great way to combat the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but also a great tool in calming the nervous system.  By combining different poses and breathing techniques yoga is used to help improve issues with sleep and reduce the dependency on sedatives as well as relieve muscle pains that are associated with deadly cancers like leukemia and mesothelioma.  For many cancer patients, sleep deprivation causes additional emotional and physical breakdowns but yoga can help patients get a good sleep and feel better throughout the day.


  

Yoga also has been proven to increase the number of red blood cells in the body.  This is particularly important for cancer patients and regular yoga practice also increases the circulation of oxygen carrying blood cells throughout the body. Adequate oxygen supplies are of paramount in working to heal a cancerous body. The improved circulation and increased red blood cells from yoga help the body heal and keep the immune system in good working shape.

Furthermore, a yoga practice does not have to be strenuous -- an added boon for fatigued cancer patients. Many patients already experience the many health benefits of a gentle yoga class, but there are still many who have yet to hear about its benefits. For cancer patients who are apprehensive about attending class at a studio, they have the option of practicing in the convenience of their own homes. 

If you know someone who is a cancer patient and new to yoga, tell them about the benefits and how simple it can be to start with a beginners program by taking a class or buying a DVD.




For more reading about how yoga helps cancer patients, check out this post or read more by Trevor here. 


Or you can learn from a Bikram teacher who says yoga saved her life. 


You can also check out reflections on practicing with pain or learning to cultivate compassion with your yoga.

Partner Yoga

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Photos via Bikram Yoga Dallas and Contact Partner Yoga on Facebook.

Have you guys tried partner yoga? I think there's something so inspiring about sharing your practice with someone you trust.

At a silent meditation retreat I attended this year, we practiced a little bit of partner yoga at the end of the day. I was paired with my instructor (no pressure, eh?!) and actually found it one of the most relaxing, meditative parts of the day.



When it's just you and one other person, your concentration must be focused, deliberate and calm. You must steady your breath and your body in order to coordinate movements together. Even simple postures like tree pose become an introspective challenge, and deeper stretching postures can be intensified with the help of a partner.



Would you practice partner yoga with a friend or lover? There's something so intimate about it (besides the physical contact) and you really are learning to communicate with each other in a non-verbal way. 

During the practice I experienced at the retreat, I found that it was a little awkward at first (especially during postures where we were staring straight at each other!) but eventually it became more comfortable practicing side by side. 

Ironically, if you let it, partner yoga can be a very self-reflexive practice. As you work together, you allow yourself to go farther inward and experience your inner world, your emotions, and your experience of intimacy.




I think it would be great to plan a romantic partner yoga and dinner date, or even try to incorporate a partner yoga class with the whole family. How fun would it be to see moms and dads sharing yoga asanas with their kids?!


Want to learn more? This book and this book both look pretty good, or you could try this video. I'd suggest searching for partner yoga classes in your local community -- you'll meet other awesome yogis and get a great practice in!

Not a fan of partner yoga? Read this hilarious article from Salon for one reviewer's experience with a neighbor's sweaty thighs. Oh, dear! 

Merry & Bright: A Plan for Keeping Your Sanity through the Holidays

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Photo via Rosencrown.

Let's be honest: sometimes the holidays can get the best of you. You may find yourself budgeting, shopping for gifts, planning special activities with friends, socializing at work, baking, meal planning, traveling, and wondering when you'll get a chance to sit back and relax.

If you've felt yourself falling into a tailspin this holiday season, this post is for you.


  
Yoga pose illustrations via Introspective Narwhal.

Here are a few tips for holding tight to your sanity and peace throughout the holiday season.

Set aside some time for yourself. This is the perfect time of year to really delve into your personal yoga practice! I recommend at least 20 minutes a day for restorative postures and heart openers. Consider this time on your mat a chance to put some compassion back into your frenzied body and mind. You could try the 12 Days of Yoga to start!

Then let this become your mantra:

We're all trying to do so much, and if we're not practicing our yoga, it's hard to do anything at all.

Remember to put family first. The true spirit of Christmas isn't about the gifts you give; it's about creating lasting memories with your loved ones. 
You could always read your kids a fun Santa yoga book, or have a snowball fight and photo shoot with some friends.

Photos via Sanga Yoga.

Minimalize, especially if you're traveling for the holidays. Place a few Amazon orders for your faraway friends and family, and opt for gift wrapping and a note inside the package. Or pack light and pick up heavy gifts once you arrive in your destination.

Be smart with your funds. Set a limit for what you can afford to spend, and don't go above it. You'll be grateful (and stress free) once the new year hits.

Get creative with your gifts! Write a poem, sing a song, take a photograph... or rely on whatever other crafty skills you've got. 
 

Treat yourself in a way that's healthy and happy. Limit the amount of sugary sweets you have each day so that you can enjoy that special cup of hot cocoa and cookie without feeling overstuffed. And be true to your expectations: if you decide there's a special day when you want to indulge, allow yourself the freedom to do so and don't beat yourself up about it afterward. Just schedule in a few extra workouts later; I recommend the Hot Room for sweating out any excess toxins!

How can you best enjoy the holidays? Give, give, give. Give what you can, not what you think people want you to. Give gifts that have meaning. Skip the meaningless ones you know won't get much use. Give thanks. Give praise to those around you who are making a positive impact. Best of all, give your love. Namaste!

Photo via LilieZenCoach.

Gaiam TV: A Library of Yoga Videos & Documentaries You Don't Want to Miss (Beginners, This Means You!)

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Gaiam TV is the resource that beginners and yogis with a strong home practice have been waiting for. From yoga videos to fitness and workout videos, inspirational films and wellness videos, and many other health and wellness-related media, Gaiam TV has you covered. 


Their website is easy to navigate and they offer the chance to download videos to various devices so you can bring your yoga with you.


Not to mention you can try their subscription totally free for 10 days before you sign up! And stay tuned: next week on Alive in the Fire, I'll be offering a giveaway for a 3-month trial of Gaiam TV.


Photos via Gaiam TV.

In today's consumer-driven world, we are used to having a lot of choices at our fingertips: on the web, at the grocery store, even on our Netflix accounts. But don't you ever get tired of having so many possibilities to pick from?


Gaiam TV is the perfect solution: you've got lots of options, but they all fall within the health and wellness category you know you love. 


I recently tried out Gaiam TV and I couldn't have been more pleased with the results. I opted to try a few yoga videos in new styles to mix up my routine (Rodney Yee and Seane Corne, you rock), and then I got even more daring: I opted for the Jillian Michaels "Ripped in 30" workout.

I'd heard about Jillian a few times from my twin sister, who is a personal trainer. She's used her high-energy, fat-burning routines for clients many times in the past and had great results. I mean, you can't really go wrong with a workout instructor who's been known to say, "Unless you puke, faint, or die, keep going!"


Now there's a woman after my Bikram-loving heart :)


Throughout the video, I sweated, strengthened new muscles, and was inspired to push harder even when the exercises were challenging. I was also able to convince my sister to try the video, and share her thoughts. Here's what Laura of Fighting Spirit Fitness has to say about the workout:

Jillian Michaels does a wonderful job in her video "Ripped in 30," to give the average couch potato like you and me a good workout and place to start. I did her workout yesterday and was sweating myself even though I'm a personal trainer. Even if you can't do all the advanced moves, she gives you alternative modifications, which is very important when training clients.


She has a very effective way of combining cardio movements with weight training using light dumbbells. I also use similar methods in my clients workouts because it produces the most fat burn. By combining more intensity in a shorter period of time, along with shunting blood to the upper and lower body (by a lot of getting up and down), a person can get a great cardio workout along with strength training at the same time; this allows for maximum fat burn!


Jillian also allows people room to improve in the 30 days, which is great because as you get stronger, you can increase the difficulty of the exercises. Most people don't have an hour to spend working out a day, but this is a great time efficient way to get strong and lean. Thanks for sharing, Jillian. You continue to inspire me to new heights and give it my all!


Pretty awesome, right? I may have to continue with the program and see what the results are like after a month of getting ripped!


At the end of the video, Jillian says something that rang true with my yogi self:


"Transformation is not a future event... it's a current activity."


So whether you're completely new to yoga or establishing a workout routine for yourself, or you're an advanced student who wants to expand into new territory, a resource like Gaiam TV can give you the chance to change yourself for the better. Here and now, in the moment.


Be good to yourself. Work out. Do yoga. And hey, while you're at it... try some Gaiam TV!


Thank You from Alive in the Fire

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Photos via Urban Yoga Girl and Pinterest.

I just wanted to take a little moment to say THANK YOU for following the blog. I am continuously inspired, motivated and in awe of you, wonderful readers, and the way you've made this yoga community grow. It never ceases to amaze me how lovely you all are! I hope you'll stick around and continue on the yoga journey with me.

A heartfelt namaste,
Rachel

This Just In: Yoga Poses Can't be Copyrighted

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Photo via 365 Days Yoga on Tumblr.

Last week I posted about the lawsuit by Bikram against Yoga to the People and was pleasantly surprised to hear your comments on the controversy. I heard a resounding shout from readers to protect the integrity of the Bikram yoga 26 & 2 series... but it looks like that shout has not been held up in court.


Photo via Pinterest.


Regulators have announced that "yoga poses such as head-to-knee stretches and the sequences of the moves are 'exercises' rather than 'choreography' and can’t be copyrighted in the United States."


The new U.S. Copyright Office decision does not acknowledge exercises (including yoga movements) as able to be protected choreography.

Photo via Pinterest.


I guess this means NYC yogis will be able to take their $8 hot yoga class after all.


For further reading, check out:


What do you guys think?

Start Your Holistic Development through Yoga (Guest Post)

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Photos via LilieZenCoach and Urban Yoga Girl.
 

I recently connected with Lexi from Lexi Yoga and was excited when she agreed to share a post about the potential yoga brings to all who practice. This guest post offers some lovely insight into what we gain by laying it all down on the mat -- beginners and advanced students alike. Enjoy!

Photo via LilieZenCoach.

Yoga has the capacity of to condition and strengthen your body, mind and spirit. It also brings holistic growth to those who practice. There are no deadlines, no times to beat, no schedules to go after. You are able to work your development at your own pace. 

Even the instructor in your class cannot tell you that you are already to go to the next level of development if you yourself feel that you are not yet ready. You are free to explore and get to know yourself better first before catapulting yourself to the next stage of your
development.
Photo via Blue Kite Photo.

Because of the holistic development you get from this practice, a lot of people are drawn toward yoga. There are various yoga practices that you can choose from but ultimately, all of these practices still boil down to yoga’s primary goal which is to experience freedom. Freedom from just about anything you can think of that life can present you: from pain, from problems, from the difficulties you are feeling mentally and physically.

It all begins with the conditioning of your mind that you are ready to thread the way of clean living, of life that is pointing to your holistic development as an individual capable of doing anything. Synergize your body with the various poses and the breathing techniques and you will find inner peace to focus on things. Learn the discipline that will free you from the vices that you have grown accustomed with and be enlightened to the path of holistic growth.

The journey will progress to your body’s needs for exercise. As you are getting accustomed to the different poses and the breathing techniques required, you will get the conditioning you need to fully merge your mind and body. Let this experience take you to the next stage, which is the tapping of your spirit. As you are able to gain control over your body and mind, you will be able to connect with your spiritual well being. This will then open your path to the way of ultimate freedom; freedom from any distractions, from stress, vices and other bodily sufferings.

Yoga doesn’t just stop with these three phases as it is a continuous journey of development. Just like the insatiable needs of us humans, yoga also goes on and on and you can still feed your body, mind and spirit by turning the negative things around you into something positive.

Find your inner self by merging your body, mind and spirit. In this continuous action, you will see happiness and contentment even in the smallest things. With this newly found happiness you will learn how to accept others for what and who they are thus in the process you will not just cultivate inner peace but also peace within the confine of others. Yoga seeks the truth while developing you as a complete person.

Photo via Lululemon.

I love Lexi's reflections on the way yoga can help you free your mind to stop listening to the negative thoughts that come through, and all those crippling habits we set for ourselves. Thanks, Lexi, for sharing! Namaste.

The Bamboo Bottle: A Water Bottle for the Naturalist in You

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Photos by me.

There are a few things I'll always love: the feeling of sand under my bare feet, the thrill of a long bike ride in the sun, a refreshing swim, a hike in the woods, and the relief of taking a long drink of water after a good workout.

What can I say? I'm a green girl from California and a big fan of all things natural, organic, and clean. I believe beauty that is pure comes from what is unprocessed, whole, wild.


That's why I was super excited to discover the Bamboo Bottle, a reusable water bottle unlike any other. It's more sleek and aesthetic than most drinking containers you'll find, and the best part is that it's made from materials that are clean and safe, too.

You've got bamboo (for a stylish exterior, and formidable strength) and glass (for clean drinking at all temperatures). Yes, the top is plastic, but it's also BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and recyclable. 

The Bamboo Bottle is the perfect water bottle for all your active friends, whether they love yoga, biking, hiking, or they just want a secure way to transport liquids in the car! It's great for both cold and hot drinks (including tea!). My recommendation would be to go with the design that has a flip top for convenient use.



   
Photos via The Bamboo Bottle Company.

Photo by me.


Go ahead, enjoy an all-natural portable drinking container experience: try the Bamboo Bottle! It also makes a lovely Christmas gift if you're still shopping for friends or family.

Christmas Cookies

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Photo via Smitten Kitchen.
Tis the season for holiday baking!


I'm getting so excited to bake with my mum-in-law and twin sister over Christmas. I think we'll make classic chocolate chip cookies, plus a few other new recipes.


This is hands down the best recipe for chocolate chips I've ever had (thanks to Wendy, whose kids I used to babysit, for sharing!). Enjoy!


Wendy's Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies


Preheat oven to 375 degrees.


1.5 c sugar
1.5 c brown sugar, packed
2 c crisco (can use a bit less, or substitute butter)
3 eggs


Beat above ingredients until they are creamed together.


1.5 tsp salt
1.5 tsp baking soda
3 tsp vanilla extract


Blend in to mixture.


Finally, blend in 4.5 cups flour, adding a bit at a time as you go. Fold in a bag of chocolate chips. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a cookie sheet and bake 7-10 minutes or until edges are golden.


Here are the other two recipes I can't wait to try:


Gooey Butter Cookies from Lottie and Doof 
(or really any of their recipes from the 12 Days of Cookies!)

Russian Tea Cakes from Smitten Kitchen