Badass Women: Anika

Perhaps my favorite thing about being a yoga blogger is that it connects me with so many wonderful people all around the world. 

I'm lucky that I got the chance to meet Anika, our next lovely lady in the Badass Women series, through a series of emails that immediately clued me in to how thoughtful, strong, and smart she is.

Anika lives in Washington state, practices Hatha yoga, and is dedicated to her practice and to sharing her story on her blog, Chronic Yogi. She is a total badass and she is changing the world through her beautiful, honest, courageous voice! Anika blogs about her life with Lyme disease, discussing her chronic illness in a way that helps people connect to, rather than feel alienated from, their bodies and spirits. I'm incredibly grateful for her presence in the world of yoga blogs, and personally inspired by her story.

Badass Women: Anika

What sorts of things do you do to connect in with your inner goddess and warrior woman energy?

I live with Chronic Lyme, which is really tough condition! For me it looks like some combination of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and chemical sensitivities. 

My capacities vary widely: sometimes I can cycle and hike, sometimes I need help getting to the bathroom and back or getting covers over my feet (and just about anything in between). 

Having a yoga practice through this means that I cannot strive to a next level or even know, in the morning, what kind of practice I can do in the evening. It means that I have to see what movement is going to support my body and its healing in the moment of my practice: is it an active standing practice, is it a slow practice that allows gravity to release pain and stiffness, or it is simply using a bolster to support the opening of my breath and release of tension? 

Being present with what supports where I actually am in my body on a given day supports my ability to connect to my chronic illness warrior self and finding the capacity for self-love. 

Connecting with other people with chronic illnesses is a huge source of strength for me. This January I ran an eight-week program called Living Chronically, a group for people living with a chronic condition—pain, disability, illness. When living with chronic pain, it’s easy to become isolated and easier still to then feel as if we’re doing something wrong and judge ourselves for not accomplishing everything we would if health issues were not a barrier. 

When spending time with other folks with chronic illnesses and exploring our relationships to aspects of ourselves as whole people—spirituality, sexuality, community—I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the inner strength and badassedness of the people around me. This community reminds me to hold myself in this light as well. When I’m in too much pain to live my life as I wish, when I have to cancel activities I was looking forward to, I am reminded that I share the struggle with kickass friends. 

Our pain is not our fault; our fortitude is to our credit. 

This sense of shared struggle is part of why I have my blog, the Chronic Yogi: On Being a Chronic Illness Healing Badass. I have had folks contact me to let me know that because of a post on relationships and chronic illness someone has been able to revision what they bring to a partnership as someone with disabilities, or that a post on triggers has helped a person stop blaming themselves for changes in friendship networks that they have experienced since getting sick. This feedback inspires me to keep working to shift cultures in which people with chronic illnesses often end up isolated from community. Pretty badass. 

What has shaped your journey to this point in your life?

There are so many things. Being a survivor, I’ve had to work to develop a sense of connection to myself and sense of safety inside my own skin. My yoga practice has been a huge part of this! Being queer has been so valuable to this work. It has given me access to vibrant counter-cultures that celebrate a wide range of having a body—fat bodies, hairy bodies—and different ways of communicating around intimacy and sexuality that does not make assumptions about what works for everyone. 

Having Chronic Lyme has been such a challenge to this work! Since the condition is not recognized by the CDC and treatment is not covered, I have had to spend a lot of time and energy living with intense pain and distress while facing not being believed by health care professionals. This has brought up so much hard history and been such a source of struggle. Holding a PhD in Gender Studies has helped me to be able to research, push back, and continue to seek adequate care and treatment for my health as well as advocating for and supporting others with Chronic Lyme (or those with conditions such as Fibromyalgia, MS, Chronic Fatigue, Chemical Sensitivities and other illnesses that often have symptoms that are the result of un-diagnosed Lyme disease). 

What practices help you stay grounded and help you rejuvenate?

Being in nonstop pain is freaking rough. It takes so much energy to keep getting through the day and keep striving to get well. It’s easy to focus on my body as a problem to be solved. My yoga practice helps me to make a space where I can experience a sense of home in my body. I write more about this here and here.

I have been trying to develop a practice of cultivating small, everyday pleasures. Finding moments to go to the ocean and watch the waves, appreciate eating raspberries off the vine, or sit and have tea with a friend. These moments, however small, can rejuvenate my energy and commitment to working through pain. 

What would you tell a woman who needs help tapping in to her inner strength?

I think many women, in many circumstances, need to hear, “This is not your fault” and, “You are not alone.”

So often women are made responsible for circumstances they did not choose—from bring abused to getting a chronic illness—and are asked to examine how their own actions caused their pain. To women facing this, I want to stress, “This is not your fault.” You can and will heal but this is not your fault. You did not cause the pain you are in and you do not to be worn down through examining what you could have done differently to avoid it. 

When we feel we are to blame, it is easy to feel alone in our pain and struggle. We believe our struggle to be separate from the cultural conditions that make it possible for our pain to play out the way it does. But you are not alone. There are others who face the pain you face and whose struggles are similar to yours. You are not alone. 

Where will you go from here? Any badass plans for 2016?

I will continue to develop the Chronic Yogi as a blog through this year. Often folks living with chronic pain, illness, and disabilities face mental fog that makes long reading too laborious. I am committed to writing the Chronic Yogi blog in short, accessibly written pieces. Over time, I plan to publish a Chronic Yogi book, keeping the commitment to accessible writing and chapter breakdowns. 

I first started Living Chronically as part of my work as a UU Director of Lifelong Learning. When talking with people in the role of a director, I learned that many folks with disabilities and pain talked about not being “as much” a part of the community due to limited energy or not being able to contribute to committee work or the financial life of the organization as much as they would like. 

Living Chronically was different from a support group in a medical context. It was led by and for those with chronic illness, with the goal of facilitating as sense of belonging and membership in a larger community, rather than with the goal of imparting new skills or beliefs. This year I will also be applying for grants to further develop the Living Chronically series, piloting the format in a variety of community settings. This project will also lead to publishing a curriculum and facilitation guide to support different communities forming their own groups… which would support larger networks of badasses! 

A heartfelt Namaste to you, Anika, as you continue to walk your path and share your story!

PS Meet more badass women: Megan, Lauren, and Summer.

5 Daily Activities You Can Do While Practicing Yoga

Illustration via Pinterest.

Note: This is a guest post by yogi Alberto Güitrón. 

5 Daily Activities You Can Do While Practicing Yoga

Who hasn’t had one of those days when it’s hard to find time to catch your breath? I know I’ve been there. Sometimes it is challenging to relax and be mindful, let alone find time to get on the mat and practice a full yoga sequence.

But hey! We don’t have to be on a peaceful yoga retreat to practice. Because even surrounded by the constant hustle in which we live in, we all still have to take a shower, right?...I sure hope so :) We all still have to eat, sleep, get dressed, and go about our day. So, why not fit in some yoga during the activities we do each day?

These simple poses can help you create awareness, soften any muscles in your body that are tight, and help you keep a positive attitude.

Here are the five activities that can help you fit asana in, even during your busiest days:

Image source: Power Living

1. Practice yoga while taking a shower
I will share a brief personal story for this one. Before bringing yoga into my life, I used to find it hard to wash my feet. I had to balance leaning against the wall and grab my foot trying not to slip and fall. Until one day it occurred to me: Why don’t I try it in a Standing Forward Bend? Voila! Now I can easily reach my feet and wash in between the toes in Uttanasana without worrying about the slippery floor. Then, a Halfway Lift is ideal to wash the legs, and whenever I feel adventurous, I even try the Reverse Prayers Pose to reach my back with the sponge. I encourage you to do the same. Just pay attention to your breath or the water will run down your nose.

Image source: Storyteller Within.

2. Practice yoga while writing

Even if writing is not one of your main duties, I’m pretty sure almost everyone sends an email, writes a memo or just types on a laptop at least once a day. How about doing it while sitting in a Lotus Pose or a Hero’s Pose? Just put a flat surface on your lap to hold your notebook, laptop or whatever you’re using to write, and feel like a hero in your Virasana.

Also, if you’re on a chair behind a desk and are too shy to sit on the floor in the middle of the office, you can try to grab one ankle and bring it over the opposite thigh (something like a Figure Four but sitting down). Send the chest forward a little bit and feel the juices flowing in your hips and hammies without the shame of your coworkers staring at you.

Image source: Elemental Embrace.

3. Do yoga while reading

Since you are such a busy person, you may not have the time to read a good novel. However, there might be some boring reports waiting to be read. Motivate yourself with a Sphinx Pose! Grab those papers, lie on your stomach and put them in front of you. Enjoy the backbend and you’ll be done with the task way faster.

Image source: Yoga Shala.

4. Get dressed while practicing yoga

How about dressing up in a fun yoga-ish way? You can put on a t-shirt while transitioning from Warrior I to Warrior II, both arms would escape through the holes at the same time avoiding the usual struggle. You could adjust your shoes practicing Triangle Pose; and if you feel brave enough, you could even try to put on your pants in a Headstand... gravity will do most of the work.

5. Sleep and yoga

This one is easy. At one point you will have to sleep no matter how big of a workaholic you are. Therefore, go to bed in Shavasana, relax your body, focus on your breath and let your body move deeper until you fall asleep. You’ll wake up feeling fresh, energized and with no back or neck pain.

Now, those who claim not to have time for yoga have run out of excuses. And even if you do have time for your regular practice, these poses are fun to do and will help remind you to carry your practice with you no matter where you are.

Alberto Güitrón is a Community Manager at BookYogaRetreats.com. He is a committed yoga practitioner who still can’t touch the ground with his heels in Downward Dog. One day he’ll do it and he will probably write a story bragging about it.

Cosmic Chai, A Recipe for Kapha Energy

Photos and post by Claire Ragozzino of Vidya Living. 

Today I’m honored to share a guest post by Claire Ragozzino, who is an amazing plant-based chef, holistic nutrition coach and blogger over at Vidya Living. Her chai recipe below is wonderful for this time of year, when we’re feeling the effects of spring’s arrival. Enjoy!

Photos and post by Claire Ragozzino of Vidya Living. 

I’m writing you with a mug of chai in hand, wrapped cozy in a blanket while a fierce rain falls outside. We’re going on day 4 of April showers here in the great plains of Oklahoma, and while the land dearly needs this water, my body is swimming in what we Ayurvedic yogis call Kapha energy (ie. lethargic, heavy, slow, sleepy). 

Ayurveda, which translates to the science of life, is the study of our health in relation to the elements and the cyclical rhythms of the earth – think seasons and moon cycles. In Ayurveda, everything in nature, including ourselves, can be categorized by three primal energies, known as doshas, which consist of the five elements. We seek inner harmony through balancing these elements within us in accordance to what elements are showing up around us.  Through self-study, we begin to apply this science as a way to align with the beautiful cyclical dance of nature. Kapha dosha, the element of earth and water, governs the late winter and early spring, and regulates the water in the tissues and lymphatic system. When an abundance of Kapha is present, it can mean emotional and physical stagnation, slower digestion, excess mucous, and overall congestion showing up in body and mind.

Photos and post by Claire Ragozzino of Vidya Living. 

Keeping a balance of cooked foods, fresh astringent greens, and warming pungent spices like ginger, clove, black pepper, cinnamon and cardamom (think Chai spices) can help to balance out the presence of slow moving Kapha in the body.  These food habits paired with a more active asana practice and purifying pranayama practices, like Kapalabhati and Bastrika, will begin reawaken a dormant body and mind after a long winter of hibernation.  But while it’s still raining, curl up with a big mug of this springtime herbal chai and your favorite journal where you can write, reflect and usher in the new life, creativity and joy that comes with this new season of rebirth and awakening.

Photos and post by Claire Ragozzino of Vidya Living.  

 HERBAL CHAI

6 cups water

2 cinnamon sticks

2 tbsp fresh grated ginger

2 tbsp fresh grated turmeric

10 cardamom pods

1 tsp whole cloves

5 black peppercorns

4 star anise pods

½ tsp whole allspice

Optional: ¼  cup dried tulsi leaves (holy basil)

Bring the water to boil on the stove top.  Add the spices and simmer for 15-20 minutes.  Reduce heat to low and add the dried tulsi, let steep for 3-5 more minutes. Remove from heat and strain the liquid.  To serve, pour the hot concentrate into a mug about ½ to ¾ of the way full, then top your favorite nut or seed milk.  Sweeten with a spoonful of raw honey. Makes 2 cups concentrate.

Photos and post by Claire Ragozzino of Vidya Living.  

This Cosmic Chai recipe was originally posted on Vidya Living. Claire Ragozzino is a certified yoga instructor, plant-based chef and holistic nutrition coach. She works with clients around the globe to inspire transformational changes in their health and wellbeing. Her wellness programs are infused with Ayurvedic principles, plant-based nutrition, and yogic philosophy to cultivate knowledge for intuitive healing. Work with Claire one-on-one to craft a unique personal nutrition and lifestyle plan, or join the online community as she guides you through a purposeful seasonal detox. Learn about her seasonally-inspired plant-based recipes, e-courses, global retreats, and transformational nutrition coaching programs at www.vidyacleanse.com and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

PS More info about how to do an Ayurvedic cleanse and how to do Ayurvedic oil pulling for oral detoxification. Also find out more about your dosha, or Ayurvedic energy type, by taking this dosha quiz. Cheers to your health, yogis!

What It's Like Being a Yoga Blogger and Teacher (An Interview with Candace)

Photos via Yoga by Candace.

How did you find yoga?

My mom brought me to Kripalu, a center for yoga and health in the Berkshire Mountains when I was 15. It used to be a monastery and it's this gorgeous, sprawling building with the most amazing energy. Back then, it was only $20 to take a class and spend the whole day there using the facilities and having a delicious lunch. Now, it's over $120 for the day!

What keeps you on your mat?

A connection to something deeper. I know that sounds a little out there, but my practice is like going to church. It inspires me, it fuels me, it motivates me, it nourishes me.

When did you know you wanted to become a teacher?

When I a kid, I used to make my brother play School with me. I was the teacher (obviously), and he had to be the student. I always, always, always wanted to be a teacher because I was inspired by so many great ones at such a young age (shout out to Mrs. Rutolo, Mrs. Neary, and Mr. Norris - my kindergarten, first and fourth grade teachers). When I started practicing yoga, I found a whole new love and another realization - that I could explain things to people in a new and innovative way. So I started a yoga blog after my teacher training with the hopes of sharing these ideas. I used my background (I have a Master's in Secondary Education) to create visual learning guides and explain things in simple ways.

What advice do you have for new yogis?

Let go of expectations for where you ought to be. So many people say they're not flexible enough or something similar. Not being flexible enough to do yoga is like saying you're too dirty to take a bath. New teachers? Always be a student first. Approach the class with the idea that it's for the students, not for yourself. Tune in to your best qualities and know what you can offer. Then find ways to infuse your gifts into the teaching of the class.

What has helped you grow your following on your blog, and in your teaching?

The secret to a successful blog is offering a solution to a problem. Identify a problem, help people, and they'll want to share it with their friends. That action of sharing is what will help grow a blog. In teaching, I've done one really important thing to grow my teaching: 1) Remain a student first. I try to take master classes and participate in in-depth study as much as I can. The more I learn, the more I can grow and share as a teacher.

How has yoga changed your life?

Ah that's a tough one! How hasn't it changed my life is probably more relevant, haha. Yoga has taught me so many things about how to handle challenging situations from anxiety to conflict to self-doubt. It's taught me self-acceptance, and the important lesson that everyone I encounter is doing the best that they know how so to take nothing personally. It's taught me that no matter where I find myself, and however stressed, angry or sad I might feel, the breath is the boss and it's always there to anchor me. It's taught me to breathe, relax, and let go. It's taught me discipline, courage, and strength.

Thanks, Candace, for your lovely insight! 

For more awesome yoga routines and inspiring blog posts, visit Yoga by Candace. Here are a few of my favorite posts:

How to open your hips.

How to build core strength for handstand.

Confessions of a yoga teacher.

Creating a Yoga Studio Space at Home

Have you ever thought about creating a sacred space at home where you can practice yoga or meditate?

I’ve always had the goal of clearing a spot where I can do my home practice.

No matter if your home is spacious or small, creating an at-home yoga space is a great thing to do. I’ve even seen beautiful little backyard areas and corners in the garage transformed into custom, calm ‘studios!’

Here are some tips from Dane O’Leary at the Modernize.net team about how to create a yoga space at home.

How to Create a Yoga Space at Home

Not only is yoga helpful in becoming physically healthy, but it's also great for your soul. 

Many people invest in gym memberships and expensive classes in order to master the art of yoga under the impression that having a yoga studio at home is too expensive or requires too much space to be realistic. However, just about anyone can have a yoga studio at home. Here’s how you can create a home yoga studio where you can balance body, mind and spirit.

Less is More

When it comes to a yoga studio, you don’t need much in the way of furniture and décor. In fact, most experts and yoga instructors will tell you that less is more. In your minimalist yoga studio, the most essential thing is just to have the space to practice.

Serene Seclusion

Ideally, your at-home studio space will have a door you can close, so that you separate yourself from the rest of your home (and any kids or pets that want to join you!). 

However, not everyone has the space available to designate a room for just yoga. A home office or spare bedroom — rooms that aren’t frequently occupied or are only occupied by you — are great for doubling as an at-home yoga studio.

The Space

To inspire serenity and tranquility, your yoga studio should feature calm, muted cool colors and warm cream colors. The color palette shouldn’t draw attention, but rather recede into the background. Lighting is also important. Installing a dimmer so that you have full control of your studio’s light would be optimal. Lamps with a three-way switch also give you more control over the amount of light.

Intention

Accessorize your yoga studio with things that will remind you of yoga and of your intent to improve your body and mind. Candles create a calming, serene environment and come in a variety of calming fragrances such as lavender, lemon, and jasmine. It might be a good idea to invest in a sound machine or an iPod dock you can use to play calming music. Potted plants are also soothing and therapeutic, lending themselves to the mood of your sanctuary.

Flea markets and yard sales are great places to find other treasures for your yoga studio. A trunk would be useful for storing your yoga supplies and a bookshelf or wall shelves would house candles, books, and inspirational items. You might consider hanging some posters, pictures, or artwork on the walls, but make sure they embody tranquility; things like ocean and beach scenes, Impressionist and abstract art are great for an at-home yoga studio.

Finish on the Floor

Professionals say that the floor of your yoga studio is perhaps the most important feature of your at-home yoga studio. Most recommend hardwood floors since they don’t get as cold as tile and other types of floors, they give a little while you move while being firm enough for support, and they won’t hurt your knees. Carpets are too soft and are poor for stability, but would be a good second choice.

Every yoga enthusiast needs a good yoga mat, perhaps more than one if you plan to ever have companions join you in your yoga studio. Large pillows and cushions also make for great floor seating as well. 

Head to Modernize.com for more home ideas and inspiration. 

Thanks, Dane, for these awesome ideas!

Photos via Unsplash.

PS How to create a space for hot yoga at home.