Sultry Yoga

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This lady's got a stunning Ashtanga practice, and there's something so sultry about the video and song. Would you ever practice in your underwear at home? (I suppose during a Bikram class, you're not wearing much more...)


And what do you think -- is this video too much? Too sexy to be a true representation of what yoga's about? Even though I think it's a bit over the top, there is something mesmerizing about her.

Sponsored Yoginis I Love: Meet Dana, Annie and Emily

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Photos courtesy of Dana, Annie and Emily.

Hey readers! Remember about a year ago when I embarked on a unique journey with some awesome yogis from around the country? Well, I ended up sponsoring these eight yogis and you've heard from some of them...

And I'm a little embarrassed to say it's taken me so long to introduce you to all of them (because they really are wonderful!), but here we go: please meet Dana, Annie and Emily, three yoginis I really admire. I hope to feature more of them on the blog in the weeks to come, so please stay tuned!

Dana Almdale of Chicago, IL

When I’m not on my yoga mat, I plan events for an association in downtown Chicago for a living. In addition to Bikram, I love to run – so let me know if you need tips on how to be Bikram yogi and a runner! 


I have also recently become a vegan, so I am always on the look-out for new hot & hip restaurants to try. I’m so excited about this sponsorship and to have the chance to share with fellow yogis about having a 9-5 job, traveling, building relationships, and still being able to stay dedicated to your yoga practice.


Annie Sullivan of Baltimore, MD

I'm a 23-year-old with a seriously addictive personality. Luckily, the addictions are in the form of fresh fruit, spin class and most recently, Bikram. I'm fairly new to practice but my dancer roots give me a strong foundation. 

Off the mat, I work on the social marketing team of a Baltimore marketing firm and catch as many local shows as I can. 

I’m fairly new to Bikram yoga but from what I’ve tasted, it’s something I’d like to practice for the rest of my life. I was a dancer for the majority of my life so I have wanted to regain some of my flexibility. 

I recently fell back into a solid gym routine and a coworker dragged me to a spin class back in September. Ever since that fateful day, I’ve been spinning three times a week and running and weight training another three (I normally give myself one day off a week). 

I was so nervous for my first Bikram yoga class but I was able to keep up with the instructor and my body was humming with joy (and sweat). I’ve been taking classes since and I love it! 


Emily Taggart of Sacramento, CA

Yoga is life, and there are so many different lifestyles just as there are so many different asana and practice styles – but it’s all yoga! One thing that is important to me as a brand-spanking new teacher is to build community – build it in my backyard which is saturated with yoga studios of all kinds and anywhere/anyhow else I can.

I live for beauty and have worked my life through being a musician, working in various arts organizations, and now as a newbie yoga teacher to share accessible, beautiful experiences with people. I’m a Appalachian soul living in the Golden State. I have a sharply compassionate wit and can generally spot BS a mile away. I love walking this path with yoga, and I’m really down-to-earth.

Yoga Momma

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Photo courtesy of DeAnn Michiels.

Today I'm bringing you an inspiring story from an Alive in the Fire reader, DeAnn, who responded to my recent request for guest posts. I especially love hearing how she balances her Bikram yoga practice with a little core power. Yoga moms, you rock!


My daughter is 11 months old and I have really loved getting back on the mat after having my first child. My passion is Bikram yoga. It started when I was 18 yeas old and I am now 30.  My studio is the Bikram Studio City, CA.

Recently though, I have started going to hot power fusion classes at a Core Power Yoga in Sherman Oaks.  I enjoy the vinyasa flow element and core strengthening blended in with my favorite hot Bikram poses.



Photo courtesy of DeAnn Michiels.

I work full time and share watching our daughter with my husband who also works full time. I coach a soccer team and a basketball team, and also am in school full time completing my California teaching credential.  Life is good!
Namaste,
DeAnn Michiels


Photos via Flickr.
 

Are you a yoga mom? Want to share your story about how yoga has changed your life? Write to me at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com today!

Wholesome Recipe: Homemade Salt & Vinegar Chips

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Photo via Oh She Glows.

One of my favorite not-so-healthy snacks are salt and vinegar chips.  I love them, especially the ones from Jimmy Johns. But let's be honest: they're not exactly the healthiest.

So imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this recipe via Oh She Glows (adapted from Martha Stewart and 101 Cookbooks). You can make your own s&v chips, and they're healthier than the store-bought bags! Perfect for my first recipe in the wholesome eating in 2012 series. Enjoy!


Ingredients:
  • Approx 4 cups (or more) white vinegar
  • 4-5 medium potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
  • 1-1.5 tsp coarse sea salt
  • Very small sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp Extra virgin olive oil
Directions: Wash and slice up the potatoes into 1/4 inch rounds. Place in a medium sized pot. Pour vinegar into pot until all the potatoes are covered by the vinegar. Bring to a boil and then reduce to medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit in pot for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take a greased baking sheet and lay the potato rounds flat on the sheet. Drizzle oil and mix with hands. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 425F. After 30 minutes of baking, flip carefully. Drizzle oil and sprinkle more salt. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, watching carefully not to burn the potatoes. Serve with ketchup and more sea salt if preferred. 

The Juicing Journey Resumes

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All photos by me.

I'm juicing again! I couldn't be more excited to add some fresh-squeezed fruits and veggies to my diet for the new year. I'm on the path to eating well; after all, health is the new wealth (hadn't you heard?).

This week I tried two simple and tasty recipes.

The first was a citrus-y energy boost: 1 apple, 2 oranges, and a lemon. Zing! This juice was a little sour, it's very palatable and is a nice combo of flavors.

Next up, I tried a new green juice. I thought this one was much better than the first green juice I made, a little less crazy tasting (no ginger, and less celery). I loved it! The perfect afternoon snack.


I threw in 3 oranges, 1 apple, 3 celery sticks, 1/2 cucumber, and a bunch of spinach. Mmmm green machine!



The result was a beautiful, bright colored juice that tasted lovely -- light, refreshing, a little sweet and not too overpowering. I think I'm going to stick with spinach over kale for a while, since my tastebuds seem to enjoy it more.



I'm proud to say I've got fresh juice back in the fridge! Stay tuned for more juice recipes soon, plus new dishes for the wholesome eating series as well.

Wanted: Your Inspiring Story

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Photo via 365 Days Yoga.

Do you have an inspiring yoga or fitness story to share? 

One of my goals for Alive in the Fire in 2012 is to feature more guest posts. I'd love to hear from readers, yogis, yoga teachers, bloggers, coaches, trainers, chefs, dietitians... basically anyone with an exhilarating, refreshing perspective who'd like to share!

Email me today with your thoughts (aliveinthefire at gmail dot com). You could reflect on:
  • how your yoga practice has shaped your life
  • your favorite fitness routine
  • what you eat to stay healthy
  • your strategies for avoiding stress and building happy, healthy relationships
  • your yoga or fitness goals for 2012
Looking forward to hearing from you! Namaste. 
Photo via Lauren Ross.

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.