Amazing Yoga and Wellness Books and DVDs

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Hi, yogis!

All sorts of lovely books and yoga DVDs have been making their way to me lately and I'm excited to share them with you. If you need a recommendation for what to read or watch the next time you have a rainy, cold day, I got you :)

What I'm Reading

The New Chinese Medicine Handbook by Misha Ruth Cohen

Before checking out this book, I felt intimidated by Chinese medicine and all its detailed information, regimens and routines. I love that the author offers an approachable guide; as she says, the book is an invitation to a shared healing journey. "If you have picked up this book," Cohen says, "you are searching for answers to the age-old questions: How do I live life fully, how can I heal myself of sickness, and who can guide me in this complex process?" 

If you're like me and dislike going to the doctor and want a more holistic approach to health,

The New Chinese Medicine Handbook

 is a great resource. It gives you a sense of how to approach health with the mind, body, and spirit all integrated as a whole instead of offering quick-fix, Western-minded solutions. Chinese medicine offers a new way of thinking about how to take care of yourself, how to find balance, and how to treat both physical and emotional disharmony.

Restoring Flexibility: A Gentle Yoga-Based Practice to Increase Mobility at Any Age  by Andrea Gilats, PhD, RYT

I can't tell you how many times I've heard from friends, family, and strangers, "I'm too stiff and out of shape to practice yoga!" This is the perfect book for answering that statement with a resounding, "Yoga is for everyone!" I'd recommend this book for anyone who is a beginner and wants to increase mobility. If you or someone you know is intimidated by yoga, try this book. Andrea offers simple routines that anyone can do, and she includes great photos, step-by-step instructions and daily practices to try. The sections include:

  • aligning bones and centering your breath
  • restoring upper body flexibility
  • restoring spinal flexibility
  • restoring hip flexibility - flexors, and rotators and adductors
  • restoring agility - the yoga sun salutation 
  • restoring lower body flexibility
  • reclining joint releases and muscle relaxation

Restoring Flexibility  is comprehensive, detailed, and a really smart approach for beginners. Although the title hints at age, I think this book is applicable to yogis of any age, and it's a wonderful guide to starting where you are instead of taking a class that's too fast-paced or intimidating. Highly recommended.

Essential Oils for Beauty, Wellness, and the Home by Alicia Atkinson

I love this book! It's filled with helpful information about essential oils and recipes and methods for using them. Need to fight the flu? Need relief from allergies? Need to relieve stress or feel better after a bad day? This book has essential oil remedies to help.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Hangover Relief Protocol: Detoxifying Blend

1 TBsp sweet almond oil

2 drops lemon essential oil

2 drops thyme essential oil

2 drops cilantro essential oil

2 drops rosemary essential oil

In a 0.5 oz (15 mL) blue or amber glass bottle, mix 1 Tbsp almond oil with 2 drops each of lemon, thyme, rosemary and cilantro. Cap tightly and shake to mix. Use, or store for later in a cool, dry location.

Massage Blend

sweet almond oil

8 drops ylang ylang essential oil

4 drops clary sage essential oil

2 drops bergamot essential oil

2 drops sandalwood essential oil

What I'm Watching

Awake: The Life of Yogananda

"Will is that which changes thought into energy." - Yogananda

This is such an interesting film! A look at the reaction of the western world as a 'superstar guru' came to Los Angeles featuring commentary by Deepak Chopra, Russel Simmons, and even If you've read Autobiography of a Yogi, that's only the beginning to Yogananda's story :)

YEM: Yoga as Energy Medicine with Parvati

Wow! Parvati is such a gifted and mesmerizing teacher... one of my favorite aspects to her teachings is the way she draws in energetic movement and lines of energy. She'll help you become more aware of the subtle intricacies of the practice. Each routine is incredibly revitalizing and healing. Great DVD.

What are you guys reading and watching these days? I'd love to hear! XO

Gratitude (Yogi Surprise November)

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Photo by Tra Huynh of Two Twenty Photography.

My lovely yogis, how's November going for you? Are you staying grounded in gratitude?

I've been keeping the gratitude theme going around here at Alive in the Fire, and was excited to see that the team over at Yogi Surprise is doing the same :)

My box arrived this week and I did a little happy dance when I opened it up to find such amazing goodies. This box is my favorite box yet -- I loved absolutely every item in there. :) Thank you, Yogi Surprise team!



  • Yogi Surprise yoga sequence series card. Loved the poses focused on self-acceptance, generosity, and serenity.
  • Sibu Beauty sea buckthorn age defying eye cream. This stuff works great and helps make me feel pretty. Jess says, you're already pretty! haha ;)

Photo via Yuni.
  • Yuni Beauty instant shower sheets. These things are genius...they're not standard size wipes - they're big! So it's actually like having a little mini shower. Highly recommend for any other yoga teachers who sweat a lot and need to run from class to class. Also, they're very reasonably priced if you need to buy more after the Yogi Surprise ones run out :)


Feeling very grateful for the Yogi Surprise team for continually finding the best brands the health and wellness community has to offer!

If you haven't signed up yet, go get yourself set up for a mini vacation once a month. And if you need a gift idea for friends or family (or your favorite yoga teacher), this is the way to go!

XO

My Favorite Fall Books

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Photo via Pinterest. Book photos via Amazon and author websites.

As the weather cools down, fall is a great time for curling up with a good book.

 Lately I've been lucky enough to try out some new books about healthy living and yoga. These are my top 4 favorites right now:

I love Jennifer's down-to-earth voice. Every recipe and story she shares is grounded in a genuine love for food and for eating and an extensive background in plant-based cooking. The hummus recipe and coconut bliss ball recipe are incredible! 


by Amber Rose, Sadie Frost and Holly Davidson

This book is gorgeous! The amount of wisdom shared by Amber, Sadie, and Holly seems like it would be overwhelming, but the way they have organized this book makes it very accessible and appealing. I especially love the workout ideas and week-long plan for wellbeing. This book truly captures mind, body and spirit in one extensive guidebook written by real women.


by Yogrishi Vishvketu 

Wow! That's what I can't stop thinking whenever I pick up this text and look through it. The book is filled with hundreds of photographs of different yoga poses, sequencing for beginner, intermediate and advanced students, as well as chakra-based practices that you can do. In this book we see Vishvketu's legacy, his devotion, and his truly incredible contribution to the yoga community. Highly recommend checking it out, and purchasing a copy for your local studio.



by Sean Vigue

With the colder temperatures settling in, now is a great time to turn up the heat in your practice and invite fiery tapas energy to burn off anything that is old or stagnant. I love that this book offers a practical, easy-to-read guide to doing that. Athletes of any sport can gain a lot of flexibility, body awareness and breath stamina by practicing yoga, and I'm grateful that books like this one encourage that! This book would make a great gift for someone who is new to yoga, but it's also great for seasoned practitioners. This book covers a lot of ground: whether you're looking to improve balance, focus, control, breathing, posture, or flexibility; strengthen your back, joints, or core; or reduce or heal from injury. A great read.

Photo via Pinterest.

What books are you reading these days, yogis? XO

Celebrating Life: Yogi Surprise October

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Do you ever take time to celebrate simply being alive?

 Sometimes when I slow down, I start to see all the miracles around me. :)

I'm so glad that the theme for Yogi Surprise this month is celebrating life. It matches perfectly with what I've been trying to do lately-- slow down and take time to appreciate all the blessings in my life.

When I clear my schedule and move mindfully through the day (doing my best not to rush), it has an incredible impact on my state of mind. Doing one thing at a time builds a certain rhythm that allows me to feel more gratitude. 

 Even the 'in-between' moments like waiting in traffic or showing up early somewhere become a welcome opportunity to meditate or send distance Reiki to someone I love. 

 When I stay present to the moment, I have endless opportunities to celebrate my life...and endless reasons to!
My three favorite products from the October Yogi Surprise box all helped me feel grounded in the present moment, and grateful for small miracles.


  • Meraki Botanicals healing lavender geranium body balm. I've been rubbing this on my feet at night before bed and it is soo luxurious! Very calming and relaxing.
 
  • Urban Oreganics matcha anti-aging mask. This mask really helped perk up my skin after some long travel days! The ingredients in it include kaolin clay, bentonite clay, french green clay, organic kelp powder and organic matcha green tea! Amazing.
  • Paleo Simplified pecan pie superfood energy bar. I packed this as a snack on my long road trip and was so grateful for something healthy, delicious and full of lasting energy. Yum.

Lovely Nails

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Yoginis, do you paint your nails? :)

 Today on the blog, a lovely review of some uniquely nail polish by Sponsored Yogi Valerie!


Today I indulged in some "me" time- a DIY mani and nature. Nail polish and nature? Yes! With FABY Nature nail polish I was able to be get great looking nails with nature's influences. 

The FABY Nature collection is inspired by nature and is made of 87% natural ingredients which are natural origin derived from the manufacture of wood, pulp, cotton, maize, cassava and other raw vegetable materials. 

It is not derived from petroleum and FABY products are cruelty free and never tested on animals. 

This chip resistant and long lasting polish is also free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene and camphor. 

I loved how this natural nail polish went on smoothly. After two coats and a top coat, my perfectly polished nails were good to go!

Yogis, what are your favorite nail polishes? 

Coloring Flower Mandalas (Book Review)

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Do you ever feel like your creativity needs a boost?

 I think all of us can relate to that 'stuck in a rut' feeling, whether it's in regard to our own art projects, work, relationships, or even our yoga practice.

 It's so important to try new things, and to adopt a playful attitude!

 Recently I was lucky to share the amazing book Coloring Flower Mandalas by Wendy Piersall with my lovely sponsored yogini Elizabeth. It's the perfect book for bringing out your inner goddess and inner child, all at once!

Here's what Elizabeth said about the book:

 I absolutely love Coloring Flower Mandalas. It was the most colorful meditation I've ever experienced. 

 Such beautiful hand-drawn designs! It was a great way for me to be present in the moment and find a few moments of calmness. I was able to bring out my inner artist and have some fun. I even turned on some good reggae and got in the zone. Thank you so much for creating an amazing adult coloring book!

 A big thanks to Wendy Piersall for creating such a lovely book, and to the team at Ulysses Press for sharing this unique book with Alive in the Fire!

You may recall I have some mandalas tattooed in my sleeve :) What I love is that these designs have existed for thousands of years as tools for meditation and healing... the powerful sacred geometry, the spiritual symbolism, the lovely colors... all of it works together to create a beautiful, meditative design :)

 Cheers to all mandalas, whether they're in books or tattoos or your meditation space!

 Namaste, friends.

Yogi Surprise May

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This month, I decided to give away all the goodies inside my lovely Yogi Surprise box. Often the box is a reminder to take care of myself and to treat myself... but this month, I decided to offer those reminders to other lovely people in my life.


I gave the Moon Valley Organics Peppermint Foot Rub and Luv Superfoods Beegan Bites to a friend who's been traveling a lot, and who could use a reminder to slow down, rejuvenate, and enjoy a blissful foot massage and chocolate treat!


The Tibetan prayer flags and Yoga Mind mouth mist are now at the yoga studio where I teach. The flags will be a reminder to make every yoga practice sacred and peaceful. The mouth mist I keep in my cubby and will use it before classes. It's great because on a practical level it will help me ensure I have fresh breath, and on a deeper level it will help me to raise my vibration, and to offer stability and clarity in my speech whenever I am instructing students.


I chose to give the Tea Tibet Harmony Spiced tea to a friend whose values I admire; she is a strong, determined woman but she also knows the importance of balance and rest. I know this tea will be a lovely reminder to her to cherish and enjoy peaceful moments in the morning and throughout the day.

The values behind the Yogi Surprise brand are so inspiring, and I love that each care package arrives with carefully selected items that are reminders to take gentle care, and to savor each small moment. If you haven't checked out their website yet, I highly recommend it -- their blog is full of wonderful ideas, and they've even got a free e-book for download called, 'The Art of Self-Love.'

If you're signing up for Yogi Surprise, be sure to use the coupon code GRATITUDE to save 20% off your subscription for life!

Namaste, lovely yogis!

Tools for Yoga Beginners

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Photos by LucidReflections. Yoga tank top by Liquido Activewear.

Recently I’ve been taking basics classes at my yoga studio.

Yes, you read that right :) Even though I’ve been practicing yoga for 10 years and have been teaching for 5, I still find it important to focus on the basics.

Having a strong foundation – good alignment and a calm, full breath throughout the practice – is key!

No matter how long you’ve been practicing yoga, it is always helpful to practice ‘beginner’s mind’ – staying true to where your body is in the moment, not being attached to what you may have done on your mat yesterday or a few weeks ago. A simpler version of the pose is preferred if it helps you steady your mind and steady your breath.

Are you new to yoga?

Here are a few recommendations…

Find a teacher who makes you feel calm, grounded, and inspired

. Videos at home are great, but it really does make a difference if you can practice with the leadership of a teacher and the presence of other yogis in the room! Finding a teacher you trust and whose sequencing feels good in your body will help you build a solid foundation for your practice. Be sure to ask questions before, during and after class, especially if you feel confused.

Yoga mat by Yoga Design Lab. 

Learn Ujjayi breath and mula bandha

. These two practices help you contain prana, life force, in your body as you practice. They also protect you from injury because they keep your mind present, and the body stable. 

Mula bandha is the root lock, where you draw the navel in toward the spine and pull up on the pelvic floor muscles.

Ujjayi is the 'victorious' breath, with a gentle constriction in the back of the throat so that the exhale is audible and sounds like an ocean wave. I invite you to read more about mula bandhaand Ujjayi and also highly recommend chatting with your yoga teacher in person about these practices!

Experiment with the details

. Chances are, the first time you try a yoga pose, you will not be in your body’s ideal alignment. And you may actually realize over time that there are some cues from the teacher that you need to ignore based on your body’s unique structure. Not all knees feel good in a low lunge. Some shoulders and elbows will hyper-extend in downward dog, unless you know to limit how far you extend. 

For a fun experiment, you could try the CopyCat Yoga mat —which shows diagrams on the surface of the mat for where to place your hands and feet in the poses. I like that this gives someone who is new to yoga a starting place; however, I highly recommend you go beyond using a tool like this. Don’t let any prop be your end-all-be-all for how to do a pose. See how your body feels, fine tune, make changes, and also have a teacher check out your alignment.

If you're curious about what kind of class would be a good fit for you, here's a breakdown of different yoga styles , and a book  about how to choose one.

Yoga mat by CopyCat.

Invest in some yoga gear that inspires you.

I'm currently in love with my incredible mat from Yoga Design Lab, which features a beautiful sunset photograph on it, as well as a fun backless tank from Liquido Activewear by Tiffany Cruikshank. Treat yourself to a colorful pair of leggings or a yoga mat with a unique design... and let them be a reminder of how unique and awesome you are every time you practice! You deserve it :)

Yoga mat by Yoga Design Lab. Yoga tank top by Liquido Activewear

Get support from yoga props.

Props are wonderful for deepening your practice. They help your body feel comfortable and supported so that you can relax into a pose, and then bring your focus back to your breath. 

Yoga props are not going to limit you; they actually deepen your practice. Some new students are hesitant to use props because they think they’re ‘cheating’ by doing this – not the case! I had this mindset for a long time, and I was totally missing out on all the lovely benefits a prop can offer. 

Take, for example, pigeon pose. If your hip does not come all the way down to the ground, place a block or blanket or folded up mat beneath it. This allows your hip to fully rest and for the large muscles to relax, allowing the stretch to move into the fascia, the connective tissue fibers deep in the body which hold everything together. The goal in pigeon pose is to release tension from these deeper layers, and if you’re tense and hovering above a block, your body can’t quite do that. Let the prop take the struggle out of the pose.

My other favorite props: a block, Dharma Yoga Wheel (for opening the spine), a meditation cushion, and a foam roller for after class.

Here's a recap of awesome yoga resources not to be missed:

Enjoy!

Diagnose Yourself

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Photos via Pinterest.

As yogis, we know that we are our own best teachers. This is true in all areas of life, not just on the yoga mat.

When we visit the doctor, we put our trust in the hands of medical professionals, and in the healthcare system as a whole. Are you an empowered patient when you go to the doctor’s office? How well do you know your body?

Today I’d love to share sponsored yogi Sam’s review of a book called Diagnose Yourself. This is a great resource for yogis looking to become more self-aware, especially as it relates to taking control of your own health. Enjoy!


How many times have you seen your doctor and left frustrated with his or her inability to address your health concern?

I know I’ve personally experienced this time and again, when I’ve seen my physician and several specialists, spent a lot of time and money, only for my issue to be misdiagnosed and untreated.


In Diagnose Yourself, Jenner explains how the institutions that we would expect to keep us healthy are instead designed to treat sick people. As a result we have to take charge of our own health and well being, playing a more active role in diagnosis and treatment. Jenner provides a process and template to take control of your health now and to prevent future health issues, so you can live a happy, healthy, empowered life. You spend more time with yourself than anyone else in this world, making your role in diagnosing yourself of the utmost importance.

The next time you’re faced with a health concern, give the tools in this book a try to improve communication with your doctor and take charge of your health!

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

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.

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!

What Does It Mean to Be a Yogi?

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There are two steps on the spiritual path:

1. Begin.

2. Continue.

This rings true... the more I surrender to the practice, and the more I stick with it, the more yoga changes me for the better.

Recently a lovely friend of mine said, after taking my class, "You're not just a person who practices yoga. You're a yogi. You're actually living yoga in your life."

It meant a lot to me, especially since I often reflect on what this practice really means, and I keep coming back to the moments when I'm able to be more patient and kind with myself and others -- not really the yoga postures.

Yoga reminds me of how powerful it is to give: to offer help to those in need, to say thank you to those who support me, to treat myself and others with kindness and respect.


Yogi Bhajan says it this way: You are here to serve, here to lift, here to grace, here to give hope and action, to give the very deep love of your soul to all those who are in need.

Sometimes we get caught up in doing yoga 'perfectly' or having our poses look good... we forget that what we're really after is love. Love for ourselves. Love for others. Love for the moment, exactly as it is.

Next time you're on your mat, pause for a moment. Put your hand over your heart and notice everything that's happening, right now. Go within, and see what's really fueling your practice.

Both of the shirts in this post were given to me by the generous team at Yoga Outlet. I love that the seva shirt reminds me to give, and that the gold Ganesh shirt reminds me that the obstacles have been cleared out of my way, and that I am walking the path of my dharma. Both are comfortable and fit well, and when I wear them, I invite ease. Thank you, Yoga Outlet team, for helping me dress the part of a true yogi!

Yoga in Autumn

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Fall is here!

I’m in love with this time of year.

‘Tis the season… for wearing cozy sweaters…

…holding the mug in my palms for a minute before I sip my coffee, so I can feel the warmth…


…wearing boots and scarves…

…reading with the window open on rainy days so I can hear the sound of it…

 


…enjoying fires in the fire pit…

…and of course, turning up the heat a little bit in my yoga practice.


How are you liking fall so far?

PS If you’re looking for lovely, comfy fall styles, try Cozy Orange. The teal pullover sweater and the rad patterned blue and black leggings I’m wearing here are from their shop. Bonus: their clothing is eco-friendly, and the company is taking steps to help end world poverty. Amazing!

Yoga Books: Going Om (Real Life Stories On and Off the Yoga Mat)

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I just finished reading GoingOm: Real Life Stories On and Off the Yoga Mat, edited by Melissa Carroll. This is my favorite yoga book of 2014!

It’s such a beautiful collection of personal narratives from talented authors. Each story is a glimpse into what it really means to be a yogi, how the experience spills over into real life. The way asana illuminates the truths of life. The laughable moments of what sometimes goes on in a yoga class… and the deeper reflections that show us how they lead to healing.
Photo via Pinterest.
The writing in these essays is effortless – sometimes witty and clever, sometimes heartbreaking. What I love about the book is the raw honesty that comes through, and the way that the book is as much about what it means to be human as it is about what it means to do yoga. I’d highly recommend it, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or someone who wants to learn more about yoga.

Here are a few excerpts I really loved. The first is about how yoga helps us see our bodies with compassion, instead of criticism; the second is a beautiful description of how yoga can be captured using photography—and how the real yoga is in the shedding of the ego. Enjoy!
Photo via Pinterest.
from Being Seen by Emily Rapp

Yoga changed the relationship I have with my body by forcing me to understand that it was not a fixed entity to control but an embodied presence to be enjoyed.

I found that some days I could balance, some days I could not.  I found that I had more upper-body strength than I had counted on. I found that I stopped worrying about the way I looked doing a pose, and just found a way to do it. I stopped trying to be good.
Photo via Pinterest.
One day, in the middle of practice, on a day when I was finding the poses particularly difficult, the teacher approached me and said, "You have a beautiful practice." I had always wanted to hear that I had a beautiful body, althought I knew part of me would always resist that that could possibly be true. I felt, in that moment of acknowledgement, seen. Not for looking a particular way or for conforming to some norm, but for simply being present in that room, in the moment...

True yoga isn't about being technically skilled, and it's never about being good, as hard as it is to believe these statements. It's about being prsent, being alive, and for me, being truly seen. Now, instead of thinking, I will never be good at yoga, I think, I love to do yoga. A subtle change, but a transformative one.
Photo via Pinterest.
from Broga by Alan Shaw

One picture slayed me. Dru is in a south Tampa yoga studio, a few years younger than she is now, her hair noticeably shorter. The picture shows her hovering over the floor. Wearing a red top and pink yoga pants, she's inclined forward in Eight-Angle Pose. She holds her upper body in a lowered push-up position, and her legs bent around to her right. One leg is fed under her arm and the other over, and she's twisted them at the ankle.

I've seen her in this pose in three other photos from the album, and each one just knocks me out. The casual strength it must have taken, the years of focusing on her core, her form. She's exhibiting in the photos the strength I chase each time I practice yoga. The power in her body I see each time I look at this photo kills me and reminds me of why I fell for her. 

It's in her eyes. She's looking at the camera, face placid as a still lake at dawn. No sweat on her brow, or grimace marring her mouth, no red flushing across her cheeks.

She's at peace.

And there's no pride in her expression.
Photo via Pinterest.

Many thanks to the team at Cleis Press for sharing the book. Namaste.

How To Do A Fall Ayurvedic Cleanse

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 Photos via Vidya Cleanse and Pinterest.

Note: this post is excerpted from a post on Organic India's blog by Ayurvedic Wellness Educator and Herbalist Hopi Darnell.

An essential part of Ayurveda is following cues of nature, and that means eating what nature provides for the season. 

Interestingly, fall and spring are the two times per year that the seasonal harvest foods have an especially cleansing effect on the body, helping us transition into the extreme weather cycles of winter and summer (both of which have great impact on our body’s inflammatory response, stress levels, and digestive health).

In the early fall months we have a great opportunity for deeper cleansing, signaled by the arrival of apples, beets and green beans. This harvest of lymph-cleansing foods expels heat we've accumulated in our bodies all summer, resetting the body’s inflammatory response before the colder, harsher months of winter (when the available foods are naturally heavier, richer, and more difficult to digest). Should we miss this opportunity for fall cleansing, we can likely expect to catch more seasonal illnesses in the winter, experience digestive imbalances, and have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.

The Equinoxes – when day and night hang in equal balance – are considered in Ayurveda to be the best times to cleanse. The traditional Panchakarma is a simple, 4-day detox that can be easily performed at home using herbs, skincare and an important therapy called oleation. In Sanskrit, pancha means 5 and karma means action – these are the 5 actions that can be used for a fall cleanse.

Steps: 
1. Daily Oleation, where melted Ghee is consumed first thing in the morning in increasing amounts (flax, hemp, or coconut oil can be used as a vegan alternative). Note: Organic India has an awesome buy-one-get-one free deal for ghee going on right now!



2. Eating a mono-diet of a split mung bean and rice soup called 'Kitchari', 3 meals per day. Kitchari is a traditional mung bean and rice porridge with a nourishing yet detoxifying effect for the body.


3. Skin brushing with a cotton washcloth or raw silk gloves designed for this purpose, prior to evening bath or shower

4. 20-minute evening bath or shower

4. Self massage with organic food grade raw sesame oil or coconut oil during or after evening bath or shower

Photo via Organic India.

5. Herbal supplements are used to aid digestion, and on day 4 laxative therapy on Day 4 helps expel toxins from the body. Herbs include Turmeric (with meals), Amalaki (before meals, if you have agitated digestion), Trikatu (before meals, if you have sluggish digestion), and Liver Kidney formula (between meals).



If you're going to participate in this cleanse, I highly recommend using products by Organic India. They are a conscious brand who you can trust for high-quality, exceptional organic foods. In working with Organic India's PR team, I was incredibly impressed by their generosity, professionalism, and compassion. Seriously leaps and bounds above so many brands I've worked with!

Would you do an Ayurvedic cleanse? Have you done one? What was your experience?

Kombucha Love

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 Do you guys like kombucha?

It’s a bubbly fermented tea drink that’s great for your digestion. You can find it in lots of flavors at the grocery store, and more and more I’m hearing about friends who brew at home, and local restaurants and food trucks that offer it on tap.

 

Recently I had the pleasure of trying Kombucha Wonder Drink, and I have to say I’m impressed with their sparkling varieties! My favorite is the Essence of Mango; it’s just the right amount of sweetness.

I also loved re-using the little bottles for drinking water throughout my work day. (You could even put a few Gerber daisies in one and set it on your desk as a way to brighten up the room!)


It’s great that Kombucha Wonder Drink doesn’t need to be refrigerated until after it’s opened – meaning you could place an order online and have it shipped to you, rather than needing to buy it in the grocery store. This is because the kombucha is pasteurized, so it is absent of live cultures, and therefore shelf stable. The drink still has active organic acids—the stuff in kombucha that helps improve digestion and detoxify. Kombucha Wonder Drink is the only brand to offer this shelf-stable variety, because of founder Stephen Lee's expertise in the tea industry (he also co-founded the Stash and Tazo Tea companies).


What’s your favorite kombucha flavor?

PS Learn more about how kombucha is made, and the nutritional benefits of kombucha.