Denver

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Photos via Pinterest.

Have you guys ever been to Denver? I have been talking about visiting there sometime soon. I think it would be great to have an adventure and take a vacation to Colorado, maybe stay at a cool local apartment, cozy up by a fireplace, hike near the mountains, and walk through an art gallery.


For those who have experienced Denver, what do you recommend?


Little Adventures

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Photos in this post via Leigh Ferrara, Sarah Rhoads, and Kate Harrison.

How adventurous are you? Do you like to plan big trips and exciting changes into your life on a regular basis?


Or are you more into trying new things that are close to your comfort zone, and having a staycation now and then? 




Lately I've been finding I'm craving what's wild, free, and full of life. But I'm also very happy where I am.

I think the important thing right now is being open to whatever comes next. Allowing for possibility, and dreaming big.



What do you do during times in your life when half your heart is aching for adventure, and the other half just wants to take a nap on the couch? :) I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Link Love (Yoga Reads around the Web)

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Photo via Pinterest.

How's your week going? 


It's been a while since I shared some of my favorite yoga reads from around the web, so I thought I'd post a few. 
Photo via Yoga Chocolate Love.

Yogini blogs I'm loving lately:
  • Yoga with Nadine (real-life reflections on progress in her yoga practice)
  • Beeyond Yoga (Bee writes about a lovely mix of life experiences, including yoga, fashion, beauty, forgiveness, and taming the inner critic)
  • Danielle Bisaab (a great blog for yoga, travel and slowing down to enjoy life's blessings)
  • Glow Green Girl (a glimpse into healthy yogini Michelle's nourishing eats and family life)
Ever thought of going raw? Here are some cool resources for eating raw:

Photo via Pinterest.


Shop smart (support companies that care):

  • The I Am Idea (you can buy yoga gear and accessories and support clean water, nutritious food, education, health care, and more)
  • Karma Warrior Clothing (awesome t-shirt and tank designs, plus 12% of your purchase supports a cause of your choice)

What are your favorite yoga blogs, studios, spots to shop, and news sources for health and wellness news?

Red Dirt Socks (A Story of Childhood Adventures)

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Photo by Wreckless Photography via Vagabond Bond.

As a kid, my dad would always take us on hikes in the hills of northern California. 

I can remember coming home with rust-red socks covered in that silt-y, robust sediment.

Evidence of an adventure.

 
Photos by my dad.

We'd spend hours exploring isolated trail heads: clambering over rocks, picking up walking sticks, running our fingers over the mossy bark of trees. Dad would tell us stories as we marched through the woods, our shoulders tanning in the mountain sun.

I always got goosebumps and a little thrill thinking about a bear or a cougar waiting around the next corner, or (once we were a little older), the thought of a concealed pot farm somewhere beyond the horizon. "You don't want to stumble upon those guys," my dad would say. "They'll just shoot you. Won't ask any questions." 


My head would be swimming with images of rough-looking men guarding the land, machine guns in hand. I half-wondered where he came up with this stuff, and half-loved the excitement of such a dangerous possibility. 


Looking back I sometimes wonder, who tells their kids stories like that? But now I see how my dad's not exactly average when it comes to storytelling, or hiking, for that matter -- I mean, how else would we have found ourselves wandering down to an abandoned mine in the woods, checking out the vistas in Yosemite National Park, walking through sinuous curves in Death Valley's Mosaic Canyon, or driving back roads in the Sierra Nevadas in "the van that thought it was a 4x4?"

I know one thing: if it weren't for my dad, I'd never have visited the towns of Volcanoville and Last Chance, or Furnace Creek and Badwater.


From him I've learned the value of adventure: how else can you expect to show your kids the natural beauty of a desert landscape, the walls of marble stone cut by water hundreds of years ago, alluvial fans in the red, pink, and yellow hue that's made only by iron salts and volcanic eruption?

 
 Photos  via Flickr.

Thinking back on it now, I desperately want the photographs from those trips sitting on my desk at work. Little reminders of what it means to truly live.

My dad knows the worth of a good exploration -- whether it's in the natural world, or inside the imagination.



Not to mention, we had normal conversations, too. The kind every daughter should be allowed to have with her father: if he wasn't making up stories about secret drug operations, we'd throw around reviews of our favorite novels at the time. Dad always reading a James W. Hall or a Robert Ludlum or a Dean R. Koontz novel. He'd tell me about this wily character Thorn, or the scoundrel detective Travis McGee. 



A character that sounds sort of like my dad in a way: willing to take the daring route or bend a few rules in the pursuit of getting the bad guy, fiercely loyal to those he loves, and constantly seeking new adventures. My dad's a hero - don't get me wrong - but he's not your average superman. 

He's the father who wasn't scared to paint my face as Dracula for my first Halloween (bloody fangs and all), and then make my twin sister the innocent-looking bunny (I mean, come on, how many parents cracked up at that sight when they opened the door to hand out candy?!). 


He's the dad who buys a new car to fix up every year, including a big green pickup truck that he hauls up the mountain when he wants to go for a hike. 

The dad who spent Christmas day with my brother in Death Valley this year (the first year neither of them had opened any presents, he says). The dad who takes me sailing and on long car trips and on walks down by our neighborhood creek.


 


Definitely the kind of dad you'd want in your corner when the chips are down, and you better believe he's been there for me.

My dad's no character from the chapter of a book, but he knows how to keep things interesting. And, for as dramatic as I make my stories about our hiking trips to be in my head, the wonder and delight of those California landscapes was nothing like an exaggerated novel plot. 



We never did discover the imagined, far-off plot of land with drugs growing like weeds, or the mountain lion with its claws outstretched. We may have seen a few brown bears and deer and foxes along the way, but we never brought home any scars -- only memories of those traveled paths. Plus, of course, the red dirt covering our hiking boots.

Dad made us shake it off before we got back in the car for the long ride home. But when I was home in the comfort and safety of our house, I'd find the dirt again as I peeled off my dirty socks. Home, and with traces of the day, traces of my own bravery to show for it. That perfect color all over my socks, staining them a lovely shade of crimson. 


Wild Thing (You Make My Heart Sing)

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Photo via Geeky Yogini.

Lately I've been working on my Wild Thing pose. Do you guys know this one? 


It's also referred to as "flipping the dog" since you come into it by starting in Downward Facing Dog, and then transferring weight to one side of the body and arching backward.


Camatkarasana pose (known as “Wild Thing”) is such a fun, playful, energetic posture. And it's challenging! You need a lot of strength in your shoulders and core to do it.


Do any of you have any Wild Things tips? I'd love to hear them.
Above photo via Leigh Ferrara Yoga.  Below photo via Yoga Union CWC. 

Here's a little description from Yoga Journal on getting into the pose:
From Downward Dog, bring your weight into your right hand and roll onto the outer edge of your right foot. Step your left foot back and place your toes on the floor with your knee bent at 90 degrees. Exhale and, keeping your right leg straight, push your body away from the floor. Use your legs and buttocks to lift your tailbone and hips as high as you can, until you are almost standing on your right foot. Keep breathing and curl your head back, extending your left arm from your heart and expressing your power and freedom.
To see "Wild Thing" in action, check out this video from Amy Ippoliti and Julieta Claire:


Here's to open hearts as you get your "Wild Thing" on!

Sweet Valentine's Elopement

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Photos by Gladys Jem Photography, via Green Wedding Shoes.

This would be a sweet way to get married... surrounded by your closest friends and family, plus a ton of candles, and even a fun chess game at the end of the night :) And they eloped on Valentine's Day! How romantic.




Happy Hugs

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Photos in this post via Oh Darling Photography and Tyler Branch.

I say "I love you" a lot. But even if I say it four or five times in a day, I still need hugs from him too.


Hugs let you show your love. In storytelling, they always say it's better to "show, not tell." Well, I say hug away! It's the best way to show someone how much you really care. :)





Iluka Activewear

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Are you guys in need of some awesome yoga wear? 

With spring just around the corner, now is a great time to stock up on clothing for your yoga retreat trips, summer conferences, festivals, and favorite hot classes. I recommend you check out Iluka Activewear -- they sell bandeau tops, short shorts, tanks, capris, onesies and pants in tons of fun and colorful prints.

 

       
All photos via Iluka Activewear.

Have fun shopping!

Cowgirl Yoga Retreat

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Photos via Big Sky Yoga Retreats.

If you're into open sky country, this is the retreat of a lifetime! Big Sky Yoga offers retreats in Bozeman, Montana that involve hiking, horseback riding, health and wellness seminars, meditation, and yoga classes (a blend of Vinyasa, Ashtanga and restorative postures). 



They even do a special program for women who have battled breast cancer, and this year 8 scholarship recipients will participate in the healing and rejuvenating retreat. How cool is that?!

Have you ever been on a yoga retreat?

Yoga at Home: My Favorite DVDs

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Are you new to yoga and unsure where to start in the expansive, wild world of yoga DVDs? 

I'll admit: between Barnes and Noble, Amazon and all of the teacher blogs and websites out there, it's hard to know who's at-home practice routine is worth trying.

This post is for all of you yogis who want to keep your practice going at home, but don't know which DVDs are worthy of your time. This list includes all of the ones I'm a fan of, plus a few I've never tried but which look amazing. Hope it brings you many great hours at home on your mat!

Kundalini Yoga to Detox and Destress with Maya Fiennes

Rodney Yee: Yoga Burn

Seane Corn: Detox Flow Yoga or Vinyasa Flow

Morning Kundalini with Tommy Rosen via Gaiam TV

Fit Body Yoga with Gwen Lawrence via Gaiam TV

AM/PM Yoga for Beginners with Barbara Benagh

Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga Total Body Transformation (which I recently reviewed in detail)

As far as online resources/ subscription services go, I highly recommend GaiamTV.com. I want to try Yogis Anonymous  out sometime soon too. Any of you ever used it?

Here are three other DVDs on my must-try list:

Power Flow Yoga with Shiva Rea

Budokon  with Jason Olive

Yin Yoga  with Paul Grilley

Which yoga DVDs are your favorite? Please share your recommendations in the comments below. Happy living room yoga-ing! :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

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Above photo via Reading My Tea Leaves. Below photo via The Daily Muse.


Are you guys celebrating love today? It's easy to get caught up in the commercial side of Valentine's Day, but it's also a fun time to share hugs and kisses with those you really care about.


Growing up, I always loved how my mom would write cards and get chocolates for me, my twin sister, and my brother. We'd come down for breakfast and they'd be set up on the kitchen table, just waiting to be opened. Last year she even sent me fresh-baked cupcakes! It was such a fun surprise getting them in the mail.


Do you guys have any special V-Day traditions? 


Here are some other fun ideas for Valentine's that I've seen around the web:


Mindy and Daniel Coleman go to the same Starbucks every Valentine's, and take a picture to remember it by.


Writing teeny tiny love notes and hiding them around the house could be great fun.

Sending a beautiful bouquet of flowers is always a classy move, whether it's for your love or even a parent or grandparent. Wouldn't it be cool to go with something way different from a dozen red roses?

It would be fun to have a secret garden date on Valentine's too :)


And of course, everybody (single, dating or married) should do a yoga class -- that's the best way to show yourself some love!

However you are (or aren't) celebrating today, I hope you have lots of fun! XO

Attentive Students of Yoga

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Photo via 365 Days Yoga.

Being a yoga student means listening to the teacher and yourself. 


What have I brought to my mat today?


What does my body need?


How will this practice shape the rest of my day? (Or, looking at it a different way: how can yoga transform my future?)


I think it's important to bring these reflections and an open mind when you roll out your mat. Then you let your body do the talking.


Photo by me.

Recently a friend and fellow blogger brought it to my attention that she loves reading Alive in the Fire because it's about how to be a yoga student, not a teacher. "That's where I'm coming from, and that's what I want to hear about," she said.


I was equally flattered and inspired by this thought. I read a lot of yoga teacher blogs, and have thought about completing yoga teacher training for a long time, but it's not where I am right now. I am excited that although I am not certified to instruct you yogis, I still have a valued perspective to share.


What do you think? Do you like reading about the journey of a fellow yoga student? I'd love your thoughts on what posts resonate most :)

The Joy of Quiet

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Photos via The Cool Hunter.

Let's escape to a little spot in Brazil where no one can find us. We'll learn to enjoy the quiet. No need for checking our inbox, planning our next career move, or figuring out how to accomplish more.


We'll sit in the sun, and just be.


We'll sleep when we're tired, and rewrite our definition for happiness.


Not perfection, but perfect calm.





Nothing makes me feel better — calmer, clearer and happier — than being in one place, absorbed in a book, a conversation, a piece of music. It’s actually something deeper than mere happiness: it’s joy, which the monk David Steindl-Rast describes as “that kind of happiness that doesn’t depend on what happens.”
-Pico Iyer, "The Joy of Quiet," New York Times


This post was also inspired by Daily Cup of Yoga's "Learning to Sit Alone." To learn more about how you can adopt zen habits and be happy with what you have, I recommend this blog.

Studying the Science of Yoga: Does It Really Help Improve Health?

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Photo via FYeahAshtanga.

Are you interested in learning more about the science behind yoga?


I've sometimes wondered how and why certain asanas help. Does a forward fold really release stress? Can heart openers truly allow you to move through emotional pain? And what postures actually have an effect on preventing disease, increasing physical health, or helping you sleep better?

As with everything in yoga, the opinions vary. And the research is ongoing.


Photo via FYeahAshtanga.


Plus, it depends on who you ask. Bikram teachers may focus on the way compression postures increase blood flow to stimulate detoxification, whereas an Ashtanga or vinyasa teacher could spend more time in class talking about the importance of applying the mula bandha in a way that's balanced, strong, and yet relaxed. 


Or maybe you've taken a yoga class where the focus isn't even on the body; it's on the mind, and the power of meditation, or a different element of the eight limbs of yoga (outside of asana) that can transform your practice.

What do you guys think? How has yoga helped you personally? (Did you lose weight, heal from an injury, or better your sex life? Are you able to concentrate better, or exercise more?)



Photos via Urban Yoga Girl. 


There are some interesting resources out there who study the scientific effects of yoga (and you may have heard about some of this when the whole "How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body" NYT article surfaced). Here are a few links if you're interested in further reading:

Photo via FYeahAshtanga.

Do you know of any other great resources for yogis interested in the science of yoga? I'd love to hear!

You're Beautiful (Trust Me!)

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Photos in this post via Pinterest and Pacing the Panic Room.

Maybe no one told you yet today, so I will: you're beautiful. You have a lot going for you that's only yours, that no one else can lay claim to.

Your freckles and fingerprints can never be re-created.

Your dreams are wilder than most. 



You deserve good things. Even on the days when things go wrong and no one thanks you for being who you are, you are appreciated and loved.

You're not a model, and you don't need to be. You're beautiful the way you are. Think of how happy you could be if you gave up the ideal of perfection.



Your mind is amazing and lovely, too. Keep thinking, being your creative self, casting off those messages that bring you down, remembering who you really are.

Photo via Pacing the Panic Room.

Artsy Yoga Retreat in the Tropics

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Saskia Schreiber | Retreat + Relax from Pure Souls on Vimeo.


If I could, I would sign up for this retreat today. Have you ever been on a yoga retreat to somewhere exotic? Or been on one that incorporated art or dance into the practice? Looks like fun to me!