Take What You Need, Offer What You Can

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During your yoga practice, take what you need. And offer what you can.

The poses should help nourish you. Ahimsa. Do no harm.

Photo by Jobi Otso. 

If you are energized, work hard. Linger in the poses the way that feels good in your body. If you are exhausted, take rest. Do a simpler version of a pose so that you can stay in longer, and steady the mind. The goal is not to find the fanciest pose, but to steady the mind.

Offer up what you can, releasing your attachment.

Photo by Jobi Otso.

Simply by showing up on your mat at the studio, you contribute to the class. Your energy is present. Your breath inspires the yogis around you. You have a profound impact on your teacher, just being there.


The next time you stand on your mat and bring your hands together in front of your heart, remind yourself to take what you need, and offer what you can. Stand on this foundation.

Survivors on the Yoga Mat

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Photos via Pinterest and courtesy of Sam.

Have you read any good yoga books lately? 

 Recently sponsored yogi Sam checked out Survivors on the Yoga Mat, a book about the incredible way yoga can transform us. Here’s her review… 

Survivors on the Yoga Mat is a collection of short essays about the healing power of yoga. The author shares the stories of people who stretch their way past pain into spaces of energy and collective healing.  These essays discuss illness, accidents, racism, sexual abuse, war, addiction, incarceration, and many other forms of trauma.

 The deeply personal experiences shared in this book illustrate how practice heals in ways words alone cannot. Challenges on the mat are often directly linked to greater struggles in life. 

Speaking of her own practice, the author states, “I was starting to realize that healing meant finding in the body the self that existed before trauma, the self that changed during the trauma, and the self that had come out the other side dazed, and often driven. Such healing also required that I start reaching out, that I look into the glistening eyes of other who were struggling both on and off the mat but still, sometimes miraculously coming back to it.” 

You don’t have to be a trauma survivor to appreciate this inspiring collection of personal stories. Healing for all of us takes place within a community of supportive yogis. 

 The book’s appendices also include great resources – an explanation of the eight limbs of yoga, a list of resources, a guide to finding the type of yoga that works for you, and a beautiful glossary with over 100 photos of yoga postures mentioned throughout the book. 

 Overall an important, beautiful read! 

Thank you Sam for posting, and a big thanks to the team behind the book for sharing a copy. Namaste.

Lovely Links

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Photos by Kiara Schwartz of TobruckAve.

What are you reading these days? I’d love to hear what your favorite blogs, books and magazines are lately.

Here are some lovely links for your Friday!

Myths about core work in yoga from expert teacher Sadie Nardini.

A yoga routine for when you have a shitty day.

‘This is the year of looking our fears square in the eye without running away. This is a moment of no escape.’

Headstand travels, a blog about movement.

Tobruck Ave, my new favorite fashion blog.

Would you ever schedule sex?

Mindful eating beyond sensory awareness.

Do twists in yoga class really wring out toxins?


Have a lovely weekend, yogis!

Be Kind to Yourself

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Photos via Pinterest.
Sometimes we feel lost and out of touch and we don’t even know why.  

 Sometimes we’re working on things we don’t care about or feel confused about the things we do care about. 

I think it’s important to not be too hard on ourselves during times like these.  

We’ll get back on track again with a little patience and self-forgiveness.

 Post by Markus Almond of Brooklyn to Mars.

Yogi Surprise February

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There is a little Zen proverb that goes like this:

“You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day — unless you’re too busy. Then you should sit for an hour.”

Today when I was opening up my February Yogi Surprise box, I thought of that quote.

Slowing down and being present does wonders for my soul. I love Yogi Surprise because when I see that lovely lavender box on my doorstep, that’s what I do. I stop for a moment, I take a deep breath, and I smile.

Usually I even eat one of the snacks just after I open the box (because they are always so yummy!), so that puts me in a good mood, too ;)

This month, the box was filled with all sorts of goodies that couldn’t have come at a better time…

Sprouted granola, for a healthy sweet treat instead of leftover Valentine’s Day candy…


Lovely all-natural facial cleansing cloths – perfect for after a sweaty yoga class!
 
A soap that’s gentle on my skin (perfect during winter time) and a moisturizer that's great for trouble areas like elbows and heels...

  
Keen-Wah energy bars which are now in my desk drawer at work, ready to fend off any ‘hangry’ afternoons.

 
The box included a few more goodies, including a hot yoga headband that I shared with one of my sponsored yogis and a charcoal water filter that I have yet to try.

If you’re in need of a little mini-retreat and the chance to become blissfully present, I recommend checking out Yogi Surprise. So much goodness in one little box! xo

I am a Student of Yoga

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Tonight, I walked into the studio feeling depleted and clouded by negativity. 

 I hardly wanted to show up, but I did it anyway.

 An hour later, after the sweat and the breathing, I walked out feeling a little lighter, more energetic, and inspired by my students. 

 There's the yoga.

 I am as much a student of yoga as I am a teacher. This practice is full of surprises. Life is, too.

 Namaste.

I Need a Hug

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The last few weeks have been rough.

 I'm fighting off a sinus infection, so everything seems off. It's hard to breathe and difficult to hear, which means everything feels like a struggle.

 Add to the mix: stress at work, changes at home, sleepless nights, and expensive car troubles. Ugh!

I am trying to stay positive, but have been getting frustrated.

 The good news is that I have a lot of support, I have some awesome things to look forward to, and despite all of the stress, there are little blessings everywhere.

 It's amazing how sometimes a hot shower or a few minutes spent journaling can make all the difference.

I hope you're staying healthy, yogis! If you have a moment, send a hug my way, won't you?

xo

Too Busy?

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Say ‘no’ when someone asks you to commit to something you know you shouldn't take on. And then be content with the space you’ve created for yourself.

Let go. 

You can’t do everything. By trying to do everything, you are limiting what you can actually accomplish.


When you get bogged down, you’re no longer productive. And you're less happy.

Instead of trying to do everything, do the thing that brings you the most joy.

Instead of trying to be patient and wait for something better, take charge. 


Live your life like you mean it. Waste no time. 

Enjoy every moment.

Yin Yoga

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Have you ever taken a yin yoga class?

Primarily I practice vinyasa, a style of yoga where you flow from posture to posture, using the breath to link them together in a sequence. The class builds to a peak, and is often a vigorous, sweaty workout, sometimes held in a heated room. (It's a 'yang' practice, since it's high-energy.)

Yin yoga, on the other hand, involves holding restorative poses for 3-5 minutes each, and settling in to sensation. Yin is more about being than it is about doing, and the idea is to let go, to surrender, and to be still.

When I was in yin class this week, I really struggled with the stillness. Quieting the mind can be such a challenge!

So often in my day-to-day routine, I'm moving quickly from task to task, from one place to the next. At work, I check emails constantly and often have to re-prioritize and task-switch throughout the day.

And besides work, there's the constant phone checking, conversations with family and friends, web browsing, driving, to-do list making, chores, errands... the list goes on!

Photo via 

Pinterest

.

Yin yoga can be challenging, but it is such a worthwhile practice.

The goal is to come to your mat, acknowledging where you are. Whether you are stressed or relaxed, comforted or tense, the most important part is being willing to show up and do the work.

If you've never tried yin yoga, I highly recommend trying out a class. Look for a teacher who's able to hold space and speak in a way that feels grounding and calm. Good music, a relaxing atmosphere and plenty of props also help.

You can also add yin poses to your at-home yoga routine. Here are a few links to try:

Happy, Hydrated Skin in Winter

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Does your skin get dry in the winter? Mine definitely does, and it can be annoying to have itchiness and peeling. 

Today I'm offering ideas for how to keep your skin happy, healthy, and hydrated throughout the cold, dry winter season.

Tips for Great Skin During Winter

1. Drink more fluids.

 This one is obvious, but worth mentioning! During the winter, increase the amount of water, juice and tea you're drinking each day. Especially if you practice hot yoga! Coconut water and bananas are also great for keeping your electrolyte and potassium levels high.

2. Wash your face with lukewarm or cool water

, instead of hot. 

Photo via 

Pinterest

.

3. Eat more hydrating foods

, those high in water content. Fruits and veggies like apple, oranges, kiwis, celery, cucumber, tomato, zucchini, and carrots are great. I recommend

green smoothies

in the morning!

4. Use a humidifier

at night.

5. Add pranayama breathwork to your yoga routine.

 Heat-building breathwork such as

breath of fire

,

ujjayi

, and

agni sara

are great.  

4. Use all-natural products.

 I love coconut oil after a shower, especially on my hands and feet. It's also great to put on any skin that's been tattooed, after it's fully healed :) I also love

Kari Gran

's organic skincare products.

Deborah, one of my sponsored yogis, had a chance to try out a lovely

skincare kit

from Kari Gran. If you're in need of a refresh, I highly recommend her skincare line for healthy, all-natural hydration. 

More thoughts from Deborah...

Yoga gifts always arrive at the perfect moment, and I received a surprise package of

Kari Gran

’s amazing cleansing oil, essential serum, and hydrating tonic exactly when I needed a treat. They lifted my spirits and my skin tone! The products are 100% natural -- the only ingredients are pure plant based oils. I feel like a goddess applying them, and am looking forward to trying Kari Gran’s natural make up too.

The hydrating tonic feels lovely and refreshing in the morning, or any time I feel li

ke a cooling mist. The oils feel very clean and simple -- my favorite kind of product. In fact, I am usually not into products at all, but Kari Gran definitely passes my test for top purity. She uses absolutely no mystery ingredients -- for example the cleansing oil contains oils of sunflower, avocado, castor, lavender and Vitamin E. That’s it! 

The products feel lovely and make my skin glow. I went through the samples quickly and am looking to order more. 

On Eating Healthy (Plus, A Raw Vegan Protein Smoothie Recipe)

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What do you like to eat, yogis?

I’m continuously amazed at what a difference it makes when I eat a balanced diet and stay consistent with my yoga practice.

One of my friends who is a personal trainer suggests taking an “80/20” approach – when you’re looking to get in shape, focus 80% of your efforts on your diet, and 20% on your physical activity.

It’s important to make gradual changes and set attainable goals when you change how you eat. In order to sustain the changes, take small steps.

 
Incorporate one or two new healthy habits into your daily routine. Maybe instead of drinking soda, drink water with your meals. Or cut down your alcoholic beverage intake by one less drink per night.

I also love adding greens to each meal, and drinking more healthy smoothies for breakfast and lunch.
 

My favorite recipe is super simple, if you’d like to try it!

Berry Smoothie
1/2 cup frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries)
1/2 cup spinach
1 cup almond milk
1 packet Vanilla SunWarrior (Warrior Blend Raw Vegan Protein)

Blend and enjoy!


PS Leo at Zen Habits also has some amazing ideas for a gradual approach to healthy eating.

Love

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Photo by Justin Kral.

There is a person in your life who loves you.  This person loves you with all of their being.  

They are always on your side and they pray every day that you succeed.  You’re missing the beauties of life every time you’re too busy for this person.  

You’re giving up a little bit of your soul every time you choose work over this person.  Love them.  Call them now and make them laugh.

This post is from Brooklyn to Mars, a blog by Markus Almond. (It’s my new favorite blog, and I hope you’ll check it out for inspiration!)

Be Willing

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Photo by Jobi Otso.

Be willing to sit with what is. That is yoga.

We call it a practice because we have to try again and again. It's not a one-time deal, and it doesn't just happen on your mat.

Yoga is being able to breathe through the discouraging situations, while witnessing the manipulative behavior of others. To say, I am OK, even after hearing harsh words or witnessing suffering and loss. To allow sadness, anger, frustration, and fear—and not to cling to them.

Yoga is fully appreciating the smiles and the times when people surprise you with how amazing they are. It’s the practice of saying thank you. Of honoring what is sacred, and taking the time to notice it. It’s the belly-aching kind of laughter, and the gratitude, and the hugs.

Whatever it is… sit with it.

Fully allow it.

Yoga is not easy, but it is worth it.

Introducing Alive in the Fire's 2015 Sponsored Yogis

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I’d like to introduce you to three very special yoginis… 

 The 2015 Sponsored Yogis!

Congratulations, Valerie, Elizabeth and Keyla! I could not be more excited to have you on board!

 I also wanted to take a moment to thank all of the yogis who submitted applications. It was harder than ever this year to narrow down my selections, because you are all SO amazing. (I seriously wish this program could be my full-time job so I could sponsor all of you!) I hope you will remain encouraged to deepen your yoga practice, and I hope that answering some of the questions on the application allowed you to explore what yoga means to you.

 At the heart of Sponsored Yogis is the yogic principle of seva, or selfless service. I hope that this program inspires you to give to others, whether you’re working directly with me or just reading about it here on the blog. We all have so much love to share, and the time for doing that is now. Don’t wait. Give hugs. Give thanks. It’s the most important thing we do – loving others, and ourselves.

 Here’s a little more info about each of these amazing women, and please stay tuned for more of their posts!
Valerie
Meet Valerie, a Sacramento-based yogini. She is a student and teacher of various yoga styles, including Raja, Hatha, Kundalini, and hot yoga. She graduated from New York University with a BA in Journalism and is excited to share her passion for writing. As Valerie says, “Yoga makes me a better person. There is a quote- today, be better than you were yesterday. Yoga helps me do that.”

 What drew you to yoga? 
I once heard in a yoga class that people either come to yoga because they want more or they need to let something go, or both. I was both. I had a yearning for more--- more meaning, more gratitude, more contentment. I was drawn to yoga because my heart needed to heal and it was the one place where I could quiet the thoughts in my mind and be in the present moment. 

 Why are you excited to be a Sponsored Yogi?
I love the idea of the yoga community coming together and working to help one another. I also see it as a chance to meet more like-minded souls. I would like to contribute by posting positive affirmations and look forward to writing about what I continue to learn on and off my mat. 
Elizabeth
Meet Elizabeth, a yogini, hula hooper, yoga teacher, mom from Sutter, CA. Elizabeth describes herself as a ‘baby-wearing, glittery, braids-in-my-hair, tattooed, ring-on-every-finger, incense-burning wife, daughter, devoted friend, community servant, head-over-heels-in-love with my husband kind of woman.’ She was exposed to yoga during a traumatic and devastating time in her life, and found that the practice was incredibly healing. 

 How has yoga changed your life?
I feel so grounded and connected with the present moment when I'm on my mat. I apply art emphasis in my yoga practice, and also in my parenting and daily way of life.

 Why are you excited to be a Sponsored Yogi?
I am always looking to learn more and more to better myself and inspire/empower others. I am motivated and committed. I can’t wait to promote and spread the love!
Keyla
Meet Keyla, a yogini, yoga teacher, break dancer and freelance artist from Orlando, Florida. She practices Hatha, Vinyasa and stand up paddle board yoga. Keyla is a holistic health coach, and raw chef with a passion for eating well (keep an eye out for her recipes—they are divine!). Keyla is excited to be a part of Sponsored Yogis because, as she says, “It’s easier to stay inspired when you are part of something bigger than yourself.”

 Why do you practice yoga?
My body asks for it. Nothing keeps me on it; it’s just part of me. Same habit as brushing my teeth daily. It’s just something that my body does naturally now.

 Why are you excited to be a Sponsored Yogi?
I love to write, I love to meet new people and I love to share great things going on in the community that I feel more people should know about. I would like to bring awareness to people that yoga doesn’t have to be something serious, you can have a lot of fun as you’re learning more discipline at the same time.
Photo by Jobi Otso.

More Sponsored Yogi posts coming soon… stay tuned!

Rest and Rejuvenation (Yogi Surprise January Box Review)

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Lately I’ve been pondering the importance of rest. Life gets so busy, and I know I spend more time than I’d like to running around, feeling overwhelmed by the amount of plans I have on my calendar.

What would your life look like if you practiced slowness, being present, and giving yourself time to relax on a daily basis?

We can choose to do this at any time, by noticing what’s going on around us, savoring the moment. Focusing on the breath. Pausing to feel grateful. Clearing time to just be instead of do.

And, of course, it helps to plan little retreat days! What’s your favorite way to get a little extra R&R?
  

Maybe you enjoy hot baths, aromatherapy, and massage. Or maybe you take a weekly hot yoga class and enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends afterward. Writing… meditation… a long walk… a gourmet meal. All of these things help us to rejuvenate.

This month, the Yogi Surprise box is themed around rejuvenation. This is such a powerful practice to engage in. When we neglect ourselves, we miss out on the beauty of the present moment and our ability to fully appreciate it. For me, rejuvenation helps me to fully enjoy good health, peaceful relationships, and contentment in all areas of life. It is a key to happiness!

My favorite products from this month’s box are the palo santo incense sticks and yummy snacks (Betsy’s best bar and chocolate-covered cherries). I’ve been keeping the palo santo in my car, and I love the calming, earthy scent. Each time I get in my car now, I think, ‘Mmmmm,’ and take a big, deep breath. It’s a feeling of being ‘home,’ if you know what I mean. Relaxed and comfortable.


The snacks were perfect for on-the-go energy. I tried the Betsy’s bar as soon as I opened the box, actually. It had been a long day at work and I got home after teaching yoga and was exhausted and so hungry (borderline hangry!). I saw that the bar had 10 grams of protein and thought, ‘Perfect!’ It was the ideal snack to enjoy while cooking myself dinner. As for the chocolate-covered cherries, they are a lovely indulgent treat for any time I’m feeling the need for a pick-me-up. They’re a great reminder of summer, too, and how much I can’t wait for long, sunny days.

If you haven’t checked out Yogi Surprise yet, I highly recommend cruising over to their website. They post great information and inspirational content on their blog, plus every month they offer their customers the chance to enter in a giveaway for a yoga retreat. 


Use the code 'LOVEYOURSELF' to get 20% off your order!

I love getting the boxes each month because they are a great reminder to slow down and take time for just me.

Namaste, yogis. Here’s wishing you a rejuvenating rest of January 2015!

Divine

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Photos via Pinterest. 
You are  divine.

Filled with light.
Lovely outside, and in.

What’s that? You didn’t hear me? 
Oh, I see… it’s because you were dancing. Your skirt ruffling and the wind in the trees and the sound of your own laughter, they had your attention.

Well, now that you’re listening, let me tell you again: you’re beautiful. Absolutely divine. 

Seeking Sacramento Area Photographers

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Photos via Pinterest. 


Are you a Sacramento-area lifestyle photographer? Are you interested in building your portfolio with lifestyle and/or fitness photos?

I’m looking to do a yoga photography shoot in the next few weeks, possibly in a studio space or outdoors. You can use the photos to promote your work, and I’ll also publish them on Alive in the Fire and social media outlets, with credit to you of course! Please contact me here or in an email (aliveinthefire at gmail dot com) for more details. Thanks!

PS I'm also looking for contacts for boudoir shoots (more info about that coming soon). If you are a boudoir photographer in Sacramento or know one who you recommend, please let me know! :)