Teacher Training Week One: Humility, Openness and Embodying the Fearless Voice

I did it! Week one of teacher training is complete!

My heart feels so full of love and gratitude right now. My body is exhausted, my mind present and awake. Already I've learned so much and connected so much with my practice, my teachers, and my fellow trainees. 

It's hard to put the experience into words, and I hope to write a more complete post later on... but here were a few highlights:

• Practicing with some of my favorite teachers at LEAP each day of the training. Pushing my body to a new edge and diving deep into the asana even after I thought I wanted to give up. Listening to each teacher in a whole new way -- as a teacher and as a student. Noticing the cues, the transitions, the wisdom offered.
• Working through fear. 
• Becoming connected to my experience physically, emotionally and cognitively. Becoming more present than ever before.
• Doing partner work with fellow trainees, and discovering the beauty of trust.
• Teaching for the first time in front of a big group, and laughing as I stumbled through the words :) Accepting myself and allowing myself to feel strong even after moments of hesitation. Knowing that with practice, all will come!
• Laughing over stories together and after hearing about the wild, ridiculous things that yoga teachers deal with and experience. Smiling while imagining myself experiencing those things.
• Asking the big questions, like: what do I want to bring to my students? Why do I want to teach? What do I offer as a teacher? Who am I?
• Committing to deepening my daily practices of asana, meditation, conscious eating, healthy relationships, open communication, and self-love and self-acceptance.

The path is laid before me, and I am walking it!

om namah shivaya om

Here's to enjoying the journey!

XO

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Yoga Books

Photo via

Pinterest

.

Have you read any good yoga books lately?

I’m about to start these two as part of my

yoga teacher training

:

Journey Into Power

by Baron Baptiste

The Yamas and Niyamas

by Deborah Adele

I think together they’ll be a great mix of information and inspiration for practicing yoga both on and off the mat.

I’m also hoping to dive back into this anatomy book: 

Scientific Keys Volume 1: The Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga

(If you’re interested in ordering it, click

this link

to support my affiliate page!)

Reading is a great way to complement your yoga. As you learn, you deepen the experience.

If you have any suggestions for books, I’d love to hear!

PS I also highly recommend 

Yoga Cures

 by Tara Stiles, 

Hellbent

by Benjamin Lorr or 

The Wisdom of Yoga

 by Stephen Cope if you’re in need of a good yoga read!

Climb On (This is the Beginning)

Yesterday I scaled Ballbuster Rock in Tahoe -- a little 5.7 climb to the top of a 50-foot boulder with a lot of great chimneying. 

I am really falling in love with the thrill of rock climbing. There is something breathtaking about the physical and mental challenge of following a route and executing each hold...the way my stomach sometimes still does little flips when I look down... and the satisfaction of reaching the top and knowing I made it by my own strength and determination.

It's also refreshing to experience the beginning, of being new to the whole experience. Rock climbing involves so many skills and techniques, and I have only just scratched the surface.  

Being a beginner allows me to be open and vulnerable, to check my ego. To persevere through discomfort.

The rock challenges me to face my fears and insecurities; in order to complete a climb I have to trust my instincts and my own strength. I must breathe through the moments that feel impossible. Keep going. I hear my inner knowing speak the truth, of knowing I am strong.

Like with the yoga, I am simply practicing flexibility, strength and balance. I am reaching within, and trusting that as I practice, all is coming.

Rock climbing gives me a chance to let go of my expectations and to be receptive to what's happening in the moment.

I return to the breath. I detach from the outcome. I push myself to my edge.

I climb on.

PS Do you climb? Have any tips or resources I should check out? Leave a comment below!

Freefalling (My First Tandem Skydive!)

Yogis... I still can't believe it: over the weekend I jumped out of a plane!

Skydiving was such an insane and amazing experience. Leading up to the day of our jump, I wavered between feeling excited and nervous, but once I was strapped into that harness, I felt stoked.

It totally helped that my instructor at Skydive Sacramento, Justin, was hilarious. He made me feel comfortable by explaining the whole process, talking through what I should do right before we left the plane (crouch down like in chair pose and lean my head back) and during the fall (arch like a "happy banana" aka boat pose and breathe through my nose). 

And on the way up, he faked me out like he was about to push me out of the plane. I definitely started cracking up and the photographer was able to catch it :)

When we reached 13,000 feet, we didn't hesitate to scoot over to the door and prepare to make the jump. I lined up my toes on the edge of the plane, leaned my head back, and let go.

That's the beauty of doing your first tandem jump: the instructor is in total control, and you're just along for the ride!

We tumbled through the air...

And I loved every second of the exhilarating, wild ride of the freefall. 60 seconds of being purely present to the moment!

Then, once the parachute was open, it was so peaceful and serene, like the whole world had slowed down. I felt like I was floating, connected to the earth below, suspended in a quiet purity.

I could do this every day, I thought. And I told my instructor, "Now I see why you do this!" It felt like such a unique, almost sacred, experience. 

There is nothing quite like the feeling of swaying and swooping back and forth, the calm of the air and sun on the body, the beauty of the sky, the gentle sound of the wind catching in the chute. 

Our landing was smooth and easy, just me holding my legs up and sliding to the ground. I landed feeling more alive and more fearless than I have in a long time. I felt a new appreciation for the ground beneath my feet, for my body, and for trying something new.

There is power and beauty in feeling fearless while you're trying something new.

Almost immediately, I realized... I can't wait to go again!

Thanks to the team at Skydive Sacramento for making my first skydiving experience a fantastic one, and cheers to more jumps very soon!

PS I hope to do a post soon on yoga for skydivers (it's all about boat pose and pranayama breathing!) as well as a series on fearlessness. Stay tuned!

Just Breathe

Photos via Pinterest.

In this moment, you have the choice to simply be.

Be in tune with your breath. Be present to the sensations in your body.

Be willing to let go of your judgments about what is happening.

You can be grateful for the blessings that surround you.

For your experiences, your relationships, your love.

You can generate gratitude in your heart.

You have the choice to simply breathe, and be.

Just Be

Photo via Pinterest.

This is a good reminder...

Have you taken a moment today just to be?

Yoga on the Beach

Video via Meghan Currie on YouTube.

This girl has a stunning practice. Where do you bring your yoga?

Moving Slowly

Sometimes the practice is about savoring the journey.

The point is not to strike a perfect pose or to cure your mind of wandering.

The process itself is the true experience.

What does my breath sound like?

How does it feel to raise my arms gracefully above my head? To stretch my fingertips wider on the mat?

What can I let go of in this moment?

In class today, try moving slowly, more slowly than you normally do. Savor the way your body feels as it moves toward a pose, or as you transition out of it. 

Is there anything you are avoiding by rushing?

Experience the yoga in a new way, one where you are at peace with the process.

Yoga at Lake Tahoe (And Falling More in Love with My Life)

I am a big fan of taking my practice out of the studio. Often being in a new location can bring new perspective. When I am

in nature

, I feel more grounded, more connected to the heart of my practice.

I see my yoga with clear vision.

I am not caught up in the little habits that come with a familiar class.

I allow myself to move freely through the postures, listening for what my body needs.

Yesterday I hiked down a little path not far from Hidden Beach at Lake Tahoe and rolled out my mat on the pine needles. I had an amazing view of the water.

I sat on a flat rock, breathing, letting my mind settle.

I meditated on the power and beauty of the physical world. I let my heart fill with gratitude for the chance to be present in such a gorgeous place. I did not hurry to move from stillness into the postures.

I slowed down my flow between postures, pausing to notice alignment. I let each breath be full and deep, feeling the difference from the elevation and the subtle smell of pine and water.

The sound of the lake lapping at the shoreline.

The sunlight falling through the trees.

I am grateful for days like these, when the yoga feels natural, grounded, true. 

I am grateful to wake up sore the next day, my muscles reminding me of the efforts I made, reminding me that I am strong.

Over and over, I am falling in love with this experience we call

yoga

. Yoga simply teaches me to hold a perspective that is peaceful, loving, aware, grateful.

At the end of a practice like yesterday's, my heart full and my head clear, I realize: the asana is simply a way for me to fall even deeper in love with my life.

Holding Space for Gratitude

What are you seeking today? Shape your experience by setting an intention.

Today my intention is to let go of negativity that does not serve me.

Today my intention is to resonate peace to those around me.

Today my intention is to let go of fear.

This practice can also allow you to open up new space for gratitude.

I am grateful for time on the mat.

I am grateful to carry my practice into my day to day life.

I am grateful for the journey in yoga-- that it is an ongoing learning process instead of a one-time occurrence. I am grateful that yoga is more than performing a posture.

Celebrating 1,000 Posts at Alive in the Fire

Photos via Pinterest.

Wanna know something crazy?

I've posted over 1,000 times on Alive in the Fire.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pretty exciting, right?!

I think we should all celebrate. :)

Hopefully I'll have my act together and be back to regular posting again soon, lovelies! It's just been a whirlwind of enjoying life to the fullest lately... which often means less time camped in front of the computer screen.

Thanks for your patience and namaste!

Why Do You Love Yoga?

Video via Lululemon on YouTube.

I love this video from Lululemon featuring Wanderlust yogis speaking about their love of yoga.

How has the practice changed you?

How does yoga wake you up? Help you fight through challenges? Bring you home? 

It is through the challenge that we discover a new space or a new pathway to change. I come right back to myself.

PS Read this for more inspiration on how yoga is a true love story, one that sometimes requires walking through darkness before you can find new consciousness.

The Good Life (Hello from Tahoe)

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

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

 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

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.

Setting an Intention

Photos via Pinterest.

I am healthy; I am strong.

I vibrate this mantra during my practice today. 

I will feel into my full potential.

At any time I feel weak, unstable or incapable, I will return to the intention: I am healthy; I am strong.