A Yoga Sanctuary In Your Own Backyard (Guest Post)

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Photos in this post via Wari Om Photography and Pinterest.

If you're like me, you like yoga because when you practice, you know just where you are. 

There is something profound about the mind-body connection and the way the body's location in space determines how we feel. Experiences aren't solely internal; they also depend on the world around us.

Which is why creating a little yoga sanctuary for yourself is such a great idea -- it's a space where you can unwind, be true to your emotions, and be alone with your yoga mat.

I was so inspired when Alive in the Fire reader Sarah Oxley wrote to me recently with her idea for how to transform a backyard garden shed into a mini yoga-studio space. Read on for her beautiful story.

Wouldn't some boot planters like these be a fun way to brighten up your backyard yoga sanctuary?

I’m new to the world of yoga, and I’m enjoying all the calming benefits and health benefits I’m gaining from it. But when I first started, I had a very big problem.

I wanted to practice the postures and techniques I’d learned in class at home. I always felt energized and at peace after class, and naturally, I wanted to recreate this experience at home, but I simply didn't have the space. 

 
Creating a special space at home for yoga can help you deepen your practice.

We have a small house with a garden, and although there’s plenty of room for me, the significant other and our things, there’s not really the right space for me to feel comfortable doing yoga in.

I was always worrying about knocking something over or I was checking how close I was to something, like a bookcase, a wall, small table, lamp, you get the idea.

Inspiration hit me, when looking out the back window into our yard, and I spotted our garden shed. Our garden shed which barely had anything in it and wasn't really used at all. I decided to give it a new function as my yoga sanctuary.

The lawn mower was relocated to the garage, also rather empty, as well as the few gardening tools we have, a spade and some secateurs just about sums it up. Then a good clean out was in order, everything from giving the floor a good sweep to dusting away all the cobwebs. 

Natural light, greenery, and silence: nothing better to surround yourself with before yoga.

Now came the tricky bit: creating my yoga sanctuary. As the weather’s still rather cold and miserable and spring is a long way off, I put a portable heater in the shed. I didn't like the feel of wood beneath my bare feet, and my yoga mat could only cover so much, so I placed a white bed sheet, which I had spare, on the floor and stapled the edges and corners down with a staple gun.

Now there was plenty of room, and I really liked the look and feel of the white sheet when doing my yoga, as the vastness of it helped my thoughts find focus. I had space, I had comfort, and I even had a CD player for when the silence of the shed wasn't supporting my focus.

Ballet is so inspiring, don't you think?

I was still feeling a bit uninspired, so I added some pictures. As I’m a beginner I decided to hang up some pictures of yoga poses and asanas which I want to learn and improve. I've also got some pictures of favourite landscape photographs and prints of my favorite artists. Impressionists have me hooked at the moment, so Degas and Monet are up there. 

 
I think if I had a yoga sanctuary, I might put up an anatomy poster and a nice om design.

I thought it would be a good idea to share my yoga sanctuary with other yogis, as it was so easy to create once the idea came to mind. Of course, you don’t have to do exactly what I did for your own yoga sanctuary. I think what makes it so special to me is that I have space and I feel comfortable in it. So that’s the key: space and comfort. Enjoy creating your very own yoga sanctuary.

Talk about a dream yoga sanctuary!

Thanks, Sarah, for sharing your inspiration! This post has me dreaming about sunny skies and warmer temperatures. Now we can all plan our yoga sanctuary spaces before spring arrives. XO!

The Path Toward Handstand

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Photos by me.

I'm resolute to master handstand. 

I've recently learned something important: I'm at the beginning. In order for me to hold myself in an inversion that intense, I first need to build a foundation of strength and flexibility in my wrists and hands.


So I've been practicing the exercises in this video, as well as reminding myself that handstand isn't as big a deal as I sometimes want to make it. After I (like many of us in the yoga blogger world) saw that Yoga by Equinox video with Briohny Smith practicing amazing presses into handstand in her underwear, I really wished I could do that.


But, like everything in yoga, handstands take time. So I'm committing to be patient, build a strong base, and enjoy the process.


More than anything, I've been trying to encourage myself along the way and smile at all the little victories -- like feeling my hands grow stronger, watching my fear diminish, and feeling that rush of being upside down, even if it's only for a second or two to start.


Here are a couple more videos from Mike Taylor and Tara Stiles that have helped. I love how she keeps a positive and light attitude about things. After all, whether or not you can do a handstand doesn't determine your abilities as a yogi. :)


Party Hugs

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Photos via One Love Photo.

Isn't this the sweetest wedding? I love how simple it is: a man and a woman who love each other meet on a dock, surrounded by their closest loved ones (and a puppy in a basket!). 


Next thing you know, they're hitched! And toasting each other and dancing in the moonlight :)







Yoga is Sexy, But That's Not All

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Chances are, you've seen this video by now. If not, go ahead and watch it. Brihony Smyth's practice is a thing of beauty... but although that's what many of us notice upon first glance, that's not the only thing she has going for her.

When I first saw these fearless arm balances, I couldn't help but a) feel jealous of them, and b) feel jealous of Smyth's toned, practically-naked body. In fact, I was a little distracted by how little she's wearing, and I was quick to  judge her and Equinox's ploy to sell using sex appeal.

But then I read this interview with Kathryn Budig, celebrity yogini and a former teacher of Brihony Smyth, on Huffington Post. Budig talks about the controversy behind her experience modeling naked for ToeSox, the yoga company that she's a spokeswoman for, as well as her discussion with Smyth about peoples' reactions to her video.

After taking a closer look, it sounds like the three and a half minute YouTube posting wasn't just made as a way to show off Briohny's sexy yoga moves. In fact, it was an act of self-expression, and a beautiful reminder of struggles overcome -- turns out Smyth used to suffer from an eating disorder, and had poor self-esteem and a low body image. 

Also turns out, the video is a lovely reminder to yogis like me that appearances aren't everything, and we should be slower to judge others. 

Thanks, Briohny. I needed that little nudge. Plus, you'd be happy to know that now I'm working on my handstands, too :)


More from Briohny Smith about her intentions in creating the "Yoga by Equinox" video:
They gave me full artistic freedom and allowed me to express "My Yoga." We all agreed that minimal clothing was the best way to show the lines of the body. I felt very comfortable with that since most of my female teachers have been photographed in the nude by Jasper Johal. Equinox explained that the concept would showcase the home practice of Woman of our generation set inn NYC. I loved it!
Once on set, I put my outfit on and had a brief moment of panic... a relapse of old thinking. But when I revealed that to my fiancé he told me, "You look beautiful." And that stopped the chatter in my mind.
No one expected or hoped for controversy but I understand and respect all views.   This situation reminds me of an exercise my sponsor gave me during my recovery in OA. I made a list consisting of the names of those who I felt hurt me. I read the list to my sponsor, and to my surprise she tells me to think of ways to practice compassion for the people on this list. This exercise helped me learn that the way we react to something is a reflection of the way we feel inside. It helped me look within for the answers to my eating disorder issues rather than blame others for my pain. 
It felt incredibly liberating to be confident in my own skin. So, thank you to Equinox, Q Blog, and to everyone who was inspired by the video. 
Photos via Pinterest.

Do you argue the other side of the spectrum, that Briohny's video is a bit too much? 

Check out this reaction piece by The Washington Post that talks about how her performance in lingerie is "emblematic of the Western commercialization of yoga," where it's more about "having a cute ass" than being able to move toward inner silence and meditation.

What do you think? Were you inspired by the video in spite of its controversy?

Wind in Your Hair

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Photos via coquinete on Flickr.

Now is the time of year when I dream about faraway places. Warm, sunny beaches and long road trips where you can have the music blaring and the windows down.

Do you ever get wanderlust-y in the winter? Where would you go if you could escape somewhere?




Juice Tips

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Photos by me.

Here are three things I've learned during my juicing adventures so far. 


1. The perfect afternoon snack consists of a glass of green juice, plus some celery sticks with peanut butter. Mmmm!


2. If you want to step up your juicing regimen, make two batches at one. Drink the first one now, and save your second batch in a BPA-free water bottle in the fridge. It's recommended to drink your juice within 24 hours of preparing it, and remember to shake well since contents of different juices may settle into layers.



3. For even more hydrating power in your juice, throw in a Purity Coconut Water packet from YogaEarth! I like to put this in the bottom of my water bottle or juice pitcher, and it mixes in easily and adds a lovely taste.


Stay tuned for more juicing tips! Or check out some advice from Joe Cross of Reboot Your Life.

Green Machine

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Photos by me.

I am seriously a fan of this green juice I've been making. I actually find myself craving that fresh, vibrant taste instead of other (less-healthy) things. And there's nothing better than the beautiful color, delicious froth on top, and knowing that I'm getting a ton of great nutrients all in one glass.

 

Day or night, mixing together a green machine juice is the best. Lately, I throw together two batches -- one to enjoy right now, and one for later in the day. This means quite a bit of fruit and veggie prep, but it's so worth it.

I think I've graduated from being a casual juicer to a green machine lover. Soon I'll be on my way to a full juice cleanse :) Thanks, Joe Cross and the documentarians who made Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead -- you inspired me to get this far!

Wholesome Snacks

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Photos via Pinterest.

As you may already know, I'm on a quest this year to eat well. I'm preparing wholesome meals and juicing regularly. But it's not always easy, especially when I'm hungry for a quick snack.


That's why I'm excited to bring you a few healthy snack ideas from my sister, Laura, who is a personal trainer in the Raleigh area. She works with her clients not only to slim down and build muscle, but also to develop smart eating habits. Here are some fresh snack ideas she recommends for at home or work.


Smart Snacks
  • 1/2 cup Baby carrots = 35 calories 
  • Green or red bell pepper cut into slices= about 30 calories 
  • Celery sticks w/ 1 tbsp peanut butter = about 100 calories 
  • 2 rice cakes w/ slice of lean deli meat and peanut butter or cheese slice (sounds strange, but it's a great source of protein!) = about 250 calories
  • Wheat thins and cheese (8 crackers + 1 laughing cow cheese wedge)= about 180 calories 
  • 1 large cantaloupe wedge = about 35 calories 
  • 1/2 apple with 1 cup skim milk = about 125 calories 
  • Yogurt cup (I recommend Greek yogurt or other kinds high in protein and fiber)
  • Popcorn (Smartfood brand, or air popped)
  

What healthy snacks do you like?

Patience

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Photos in this post via Pinterest here and here.

As a yogi, sometimes I just wanna be able to put my foot behind my head.

Or press into handstand after doing a nice little vinyasa flow.

Or rock scorpion pose. I've been practicing for a couple of years now, so this shouldn't be too much to ask, right?




It's easy to forget how much yoga is like life; we want it to be easy, but it isn't always.

Maybe not even half the time, maybe never.

I have to keep trying. I have to keep working at my flexibility, strength and balance every day.

It is possible to slide backwards if I get lazy.

It's also possible to reach my goals -- eventually-- as long as I can be patient, if I can accept the long journey, if I learn to enjoy the path.

Difficult yoga poses aren't just tricks for impressing people or showing off. 

These asanas are  a sign of patience -- and the slow, hard work it takes to get somewhere in life.


Can you do any of the crazy poses, like scorpion, handstand, dropbacks into full wheel, or eight-angle? How long did it take you to get there?

Yoga for Athletes & the Importance of Rest (an Interview with Sage Rountree)

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Photos in this post via Sage Rountree and  Pinterest.
   
This year, one of my blogging goals is to attract new readers to Alive in the Fire who are beginning yogis, or who are athletic but don't know how to approach yoga. I want to make yoga accessible to more people, help answer questions for beginners, and offer athletic people new ideas for leading a healthy and happy life.


As part of that goal, I am inviting more guest posts from yoga teachers, coaches, personal trainers, and other inspiring individuals. Today I bring you advice from Sage Rountree, who is a sports endurance coach as well as an internationally recognized authority in yoga for athletes. She's written many books, and regularly contributes to Yoga Journal, Runner's World, Endurance Magazine and USA Triathlon Life. 


Sage also co-owns the Carrboro Yoga Company and teaches nationwide workshops on yoga for athletes, trainings for teachers on working with athletes, and running and yoga retreats.



What advice would you give to a novice yogi who is nervous about his or her first class?

You gotta start somewhere. It's like doing your first race. There might be nerves before and missteps during, but you'll feel great when it's over! Be sure to rest in class as needed; yoga is surprisingly hard.

What postures would you recommend for runners and joggers to improve flexibility?

Lunges. For more details, check out a series about that I did for Competitor:


On your blog and in your books, you advocate for athletes to incorporate rest into their routine. Why is this, and how does it work? What do you recommend?

Rest is when we get stronger. It's when the body is adapting to the stress of training, whether the training is yoga, running, or something else. Without rest, injury and burnout are inevitable. Listen to your body, take days off, and trust that less is more. "The Athlete's Guide to Recovery" covers this in detail.

 

What is your favorite thing about yoga? What does it allow you to do in life that you otherwise couldn't?

I go to the mat for balance and for self-inquiry. That's why I train and race, too. Yoga helps me keep a sense of perspective, because it gives me time and space to pay attention to the experience of each moment, and this brings balance to my body and mind.

How can athletes develop a spirit of non-competition using yoga? Have you been able to witness this change in attitude with your students?

Ah, yes. It's tough: athletes are used to competition. I talk a lot in class about doing less, which ties in to the recovery angle. It's gratifying to see students begin to avoid the deepest expressions of poses and instead stop when they reach a pleasant intensity. You can read more about my thoughts on competition on my Yoga Journal blog, here. 


Thanks for your incredible tips, Sage! If you'd like to read more of her wise advice, try Sage's blog on Yoga Journal. Namaste!

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.