The Good Life (Hello from Tahoe)

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Happy Labor Day weekend, yogis!

I am enjoying great vibes in Tahoe...having an amazing time listening to live music on the beach, hanging out with friends, going for walks at King's Beach, playing a little guitar, and definitely checking out a new studio tomorrow.


Thankfully the air has cleared a little today. A couple days ago it was pretty smoky around here!


I hope you're having a peaceful, energizing time wherever you are. Wishing you much love and happiness!

Yogi on the Move

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Hey lovelies! Hope you've been having a beautiful weekend. 

I just returned to California after an amazing road trip to Chicago. It was quite an adventure driving all the way across the country (solo on the way out, and with my sister on the way back)! I woke up this morning feeling so grateful to be back and to have had the chance to do some summer traveling.


4,000 miles of driving definitely did a number on my body though...let's just say my sad, sore upper back and shoulders and my tight hips were very excited for a hot vinyasa class today!

Stay tuned for a post on yoga for long road trips. I'll give you some advice for postures that will help keep you limber and give you great energy for those long days of sitting.


This week I plan to share a mix of exciting posts... highlights from the road trip, updates on my new job and upcoming yoga teacher training (!!!), and some reflections on recent insights from teachers during class.

Thanks for your patience and see you around the blog again soon!


Namaste.

Tasty Bite: Healthy Indian and Pan-Asian Meals on the Go

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 Above photo by me; below photos via Tasty Bite.

Are you a healthy eater?

 I've recently been opting for pescatarian choices and trying to avoid heavy meals. I was excited when the team over at Tasty Bite reached out to me about trying some of their all-natural Indian and Pan-Asian heat-and-eat meals.

 Their entrees are perfect for days when you don't have time to pack a lunch for work, or you're too tired to fix an elaborate meal for dinner.

 

  

Tasty Bite sent me a sampling of their 1-step 1-minute entrees, including the Lemongrass Ginger noodles, the Pad Thai noodles, the Kashmir spinach and the Ginger Lentil rice. All were delicious! 

I was a little surprised at how the noodle dishes were spicy, but I enjoyed the fact that they had a little kick :)

I would highly recommend this brand to anyone interested in a quick option for a tasty, healthy meal without preservatives. Their packages don't have to be refrigerated, either, which is convenient. 

Thanks, Tasty Bite, for sharing the love! 

A Guest Post on Aloe Vera

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Photos via Pinterest.

Oh, summer sunburns. I recently suffered a bad one, and was reminded of the healing properties of the aloe vera plant.

Today I bring you a guest post from Louise Ross on the many wonderful benefits of aloe vera, which go beyond just treating sunburns. Happy reading, and be sure you wear sunscreen while it's still hot out, yogis!


Aloe Vera: It's More Than Just a Plant

I often blog about natural remedies for many medical conditions because they're easier to apply, are highly effective, and have less side effects on our health. Today, I bring you the 'plant of immortality', as the Egyptians referred to it thousands of years ago, aloe vera plant.

Used as a beauty regimen, a cure for insomnia, and a solution for baldness, it is even considered as a potential AIDS and cancer fighter. Scientists and researchers are still studying its antiseptic properties but aloes definitely sound promising. 


To give you an idea, here are the highlights:

1. It has soothing effects on skin.
If Cleopatra is known to be the most vain woman that ever lived (she regularly bathed in fresh milk, mind you), then her use of aloe vera is a certain sign that it's a good routine. She used the succulent juices on her skin as a daily beauty regimen to, you know, keep away wrinkles and keep herself looking radiant.

Plus, aloes have a cooling effect that's great during summer. I once applied this on my son's sunburns and the results were instant. It's the perfect first aid for rashes and sunburns.

2. It has healing properties for scars and tattoos.
Ever been victimised on a drunken night at 17 and ended up with an Elmo tattoo on your tummy when you woke up? Well, you don't have to suffer endless ridicule and horrible memories of that night because aloe vera is your go-to. Although it can't fully erase inked skin, it can assist tattoo removal cream in getting rid of your tattoo. You don't have to go through painful laser treatments just to erase your barbwire arm ink.

I haven't tried this routine myself because thankfully I don't have embarrassing tattoos, but it's certainly a must try.


3. It moisturizes and exfoliates skin.
When I was 5 months pregnant with my 1st, I was desperate for an anti-stretch marks lotion. All I found in cosmetics stores were creams promising smooth skin but without any assurances of 'no side effects'. Fearing risk for my baby, I looked for an alternative. It was a relief I discovered aloe vera. Sure, I knew about aloes good for the hair and all that, but I wasn't aware that it was good for baby bumps as well.

Now, I have no stretch marks and my tummy is even smoother and wrinkle free. Try applying raw aloe vera juice gently on your belly after you bathe and before you sleep. Notice the difference in just two days.

4. It helps with digestion problems and boosts immune system.
Anybody who's had digestive problems should keep a pot of aloe vera plant close to their kitchen windows. It's a natural remedy that can sooth your tummy and, well, help with any digestion issues you have.

Plus, it's the perfect boost for your immune system, it has high levels of anti oxidants, and it stimulates white blood cells, essentially the ninjas of your body.

It really doesn't get any better than this. 

Photo by me.

Aloe Vera can also help with:
  • Skin troubles
  • Burns and irritations to the skin
  • Removal of scars and blemishes
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Digestive problems
  • Detoxification
  • Cardiovascular health
You'll find a lot of cosmetics products like lotions, creams, deodorants, and even makeup feature aloe vera in the ingredients list. It's a world renowned plant with terrific medicinal and healing properties.

Conclusion 

Aloe vera has been here for thousands of years, and yet we're only scraping the surface of its potential for medicine. Given studies and researches about this plant for many years now, who knows what it can do in the next few months, years?

About the Author: This article is written by Louise Ross for Lazer Cream - a leading provider of a quality tattoo removal cream in the UK. You can find success stories and photos from customers found on their site.

Night Yoga

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Sometimes I practice yoga late at night. There is something very calming about being in the backyard, stars overhead, light breeze, hardly any sounds.


There is nothing but my mat and the breath, the flow of prana within.

I reach fully, stretch passionately, move only with intention.


I play, trying new postures, testing the waters to see what's possible. I laugh when I fall out.
  

I connect in fully to the heart center. Where is my true self?

Savasana is a release. Full rest. I have reconnected. Namaste.

Listening

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Yoga does not see you as broken, ugly, imperfect, weak, or insecure. You see you as those things.

Learn to let go. Learn to listen to the yoga instead.


Come to your mat and let your heart be softened. Let your breath be heard. See the ways in which you are beautiful, strong, worthy.


Walk away changed.

Sat Nam: truth is my name.

PS Special thanks to Tess at East Wind Yoga for teaching the class that inspired this post.

Why Do We Practice?

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We practice yoga because it works.

No matter who you are, what kind of shape you're in -- physically, spiritually-- if you come to yoga on a consistent basis, it will change you.

You will learn to follow the breath. To stretch. To deepen your understanding of your own body. To grow your compassion for others. To learn patience.

Come when you are tired.

Come when you don't want to.

We practice because yoga works. Simple as that.

Summer at the Lake (Happy 4th of July!)

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Did you have a happy 4th of July?

Mine was beautiful! I spent the day at Folsom Lake with my sister, brother-in-law, and my nephew. Then we joined my mom for dinner and watched some neighbors set off fireworks.


My favorite part of the day was just being in nature, swimming and playing in the water, and laying in the sun.

The California landscape and the heat of the day made me think of a NeedtoBreathe song I've been listening to lately:

Come down to the river
Come and let yourself in
Make good on a promise
To never hurt again
If you're lost and lonely
You're broken down
Bring all of your troubles
Come lay 'em down


Granted, we were at the lake, not a river... but anyway :)


What did you guys do for the holiday? Are you celebrating all weekend? Traveling somewhere fun? 

 Whatever you're up to, I'm hoping you find happiness and the relaxation you so deserve. Namaste, beautiful ones!

Yoga For Busy Moms

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Photos via Pinterest.

Yogini goddesses, I couldn't be more excited to share this beautiful guest post from health writer Virginia Cunningham with you today. Virginia shares her thoughts on why yoga is great for busy moms, the benefits of practicing, and advice on how to get started.

Being a mom is one of the most stressful jobs in the universe. It’s not just one full-time position, but at least five. Moms find it difficult to manage without acting on the urge to pull out all of her hair. It’s important for even the busiest mom to find some time for herself to relax.

Yoga is the perfect activity to manage your stress.

Why Should I Spend My Precious Time on Yoga?

-Quick Workout

Most workouts take at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week to see and feel any results. For somebody who works and deals with the needs of their kids, 90 minutes a week is a luxury she might now have. Some yoga workouts only require 15 minutes and you’ll feel results sooner.

-Stress Relief

Stress is a major cause of many health ailments, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. You owe it to yourself and your family to stay healthy. Yoga can lower your blood pressure by relieving you of the stress that weighs heavy on your shoulders.

Give Yourself Alone Time

As a mom, there’s always someone who claims to need your undivided attention. Being around people all day, every day, can eventually feel like a burden. If you don’t give yourself time to be alone, you could end up resenting the people you love most. Yoga can be the solitary experience you sorely need.
Teaches You to Relax

Relaxation is one of those essential subjects we never learned in school. The more work you have to do in a single day, the more tension builds up. Without learning to relax, you could find yourself with chronic aches and pains. Part of yoga is learning how to breathe and take time to relax. These are tools you can use in any situation when needed.

Energizes You

One long day of hard work can zap the energy from you for the whole week. Fifteen minutes of yoga in the morning just might be enough to kickstart your day in the right direction. You’ll have more energy during the day, which will make it easier for you to deal with whatever challenges life throws at you.

Yoga Tips For Beginning Moms

Plan Your Weekly Routine

Even if you decide on making yoga your new regular activity, it’s too easy to let time slip by you, therefore, you should plan for when you’re able to fit yoga in. Start by thinking about what time of day you’ll have the energy and time to devote to at least 15 minutes of yoga. If you choose the wrong time, you could end up too exhausted to participate.

Learn from an Instructor

Some yoga poses can be dangerous if you attempt them for the first time on your own. Learning yoga from a book might seem like a time and money saver; however, it will be more effective to learn from a trained professional.

Whether you go to a yoga class or buy an instructional DVD, it’s important to learn the basics from somebody trustworthy so you know that you’ll gain all the benefits from your yoga workout.

Listen to Your Body

Not every yoga pose is made for every person. People come in all different shapes, sizes and levels of flexibility. Anyone can participate in yoga, but some poses can be dangerous or uncomfortable. Let your body tell you what is comfortable and don’t try to force yourself.

Yoga is a very relaxing exercise that anyone, especially busy moms, should incorporate into their daily routine.

Virginia Cunningham is a freelance writer from Southern California whose writing specializes in a range of health topics, including personal fitness, family health and vitamins and supplements. She practices yoga each morning to get a kickstart for the rest of her day.

Thanks, Virginia, for such a great post! Namaste.

Being Open to Challenges

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Photo via FYeahYoga.

My teacher shared a profound idea in savasana today. He didn't say, "Let go of all your thoughts and concerns. Detach from them and rest in stillness."

He said, "Consider whatever it is that's challenging you in life right now, whether that's a relationship or a situation or an unfulfilled desire. Embrace that.

"What are you turning away from? Look at how you can learn to embrace those challenges as they come up for you."  

Photo via Pinterest.

I think so often we come to yoga hoping to get away from the stresses of daily life, or the obstacles in our path. We are searching for relief from sadness and turmoil, or for a reprieve from apathy, a sense of deeper meaning and of belonging.

What we have to remember, though, is that yoga challenges us, too. The practice is meant to.

Yoga is not necessarily a break from challenges, but an experience in practicing how to embrace them and work through them one breath at a time.

Photo via Dudes Doing Yoga. 

Inevitably, at some point in class we reach a moment when we can choose to give up, or to trust the teacher's words and our own bodies... and that's when amazing things happen. We stretch farther into the pose than we did yesterday, or we lift off the floor in an arm balance six months after trying it over and over again.

We look in the mirror and see ourselves differently, or perhaps for the first time, we see ourselves for who we truly are.

And we leave the mat feeling lighthearted and energized, ready to face the challenges waiting outside the studio, more open to them than before.

Give It All Away

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Photos via Yogic Photos.

If you're feeling uninspired in your practice, here's an idea: dedicate your practice to someone you love or someone you know is suffering.


Set the intention that every movement you make, every asana you hold, will be for the benefit of others.


When class gets hard or you meet resistance or pain on the mat, bring your attention back to your beloved.


Do your yoga by giving it all away.

At the end of savasana, at the sound of that final om, know this: all beings are liberated.

Chaturanga

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Photos via Pinterest.

Chaturanga used to be one of my least favorite poses, but I've recently embraced it in class. The "pushup of yoga" is one of those poses that can help you build the strength and courage you need to move toward more advanced postures, like handstand and arm balances.


A few quick tips on proper alignment in chaturanga:
  • Generate the pose from strength in the legs. Keep those quads engaged!
  • In the pose, elbows are over the wrists. Hands press down, low belly lifts.
  • Before you bend, be sure to shift forward. Reach with your heart and your heels.
  • Draw your shoulder blades together strongly, picturing your heart opening.
  • Gaze slightly forward, not up, in order to avoid tension in the neck. 
  • Think about avoiding these common issues: bum is too high (engage the core more firmly) or shoulders are drooping (again, think of your shoulder blades drawing back).

A final note: consider  if you're adding resistance to the pose. If your teacher asks you to take Chaturanga and hold for five breaths, what is your immediate reaction? Is it the thought, Damn, I don't want to do that or, worse yet, I can't do that?

You'd be surprised at what you're capable of if you let yourself trust yourself and be open to what's possible. You may find your arms hold you there, steady, if you can calm your mind first. The body perseveres. 

You are in the moment, not resisting the yoga, encouraged by the warrior yogis around you.

Free Shipping All Summer at Sweaty Betty

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Summer has started and the heat is here to stay. 

It's a great time to shop for new yoga or swimwear. I recommend checking out Sweaty Betty... they have an amazing deal going on all summer where you can get free shipping on orders over $100!

Just use the code USAFREESHIP when you check out. Ooh la la!

 

Returning to the Practice

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Sometimes my yoga falls away.

I make excuses, or feel too tired to roll out my mat. 


It never ceases to amaze me how much I gain from returning to my yoga.

I feel lighter, more capable, stronger. I feel better about myself. My mind quiets down. I am more present.


It is worth the effort to spend a little time each day flowing through asana and sitting in meditation. Whether that's showing up at a studio for class, or (if you're like me) simply turning on a Rodney Yee video for an hour at home, you will be grateful you made the effort.

For every moment I put into my practice, the yoga gives back.