Eco-Friendly Yoga Wear

Photo via Balini Sportswear on Kickstarter.

As a yoga blogger, I'm always grateful to connect with other yogis who share an entrepreneurial spirit, and a giving heart.

Ada from Balini Sports is one such yogini. When she emailed me about her yoga wear company, I was immediately impressed by her passion for yoga and her generosity in sending me some sports bras to try out. It's a gift to be able to connect with people like Ada, and that's why today I'd love for you to check out her Kickstarter video. She's raising money so that she can continue to grow her business and generate awareness around the importance of creating environmentally friendly yoga wear.

Photos via Balini Sportswear.

The Balini Sports collection of yoga wear is incredibly comfortable, functional, and stylish, and made by a team who truly care about what they're doing. Ada is truly a gem, and I couldn't be happier for her and the incredible impact she's making in the yoga wear community. I hope you'll support her Kickstarter and check out the awesome clothes, too! Thanks, Ada, for all you do. Namaste.

PS The video features some incredible underwater yoga photography... and if you're into hot yoga, these clothes are perfect for you!

Real Men Do Yoga: Vincent

Photos courtesy of Vincent.

Today I'm honored to share Vincent's yoga story as part of the Real Men Do Yoga series. Vincent is a yogi from Washington state who I connected with on Instagram.

He's a military man with a strong practice and a big heart, and I could tell right away that he's the real deal. Thank you, Vince, for sharing your inspiring yoga journey and awesome photos! May you continue to walk a peaceful path, shining your light and lighting up others around you.

How did you end up in yoga class?

To be honest, it took me a while to get into an actual yoga class. I had wanted to try yoga for a long time but never had enough courage to sign up and attend one. I didn’t know why I was so scared because the first glance I ever had into a yoga class (which was during a 2009 deployment in Afghanistan) there were several other men in it. 

I think it really came down to me not wanting to be embarrassed of my lack of coordination or something. 

So fast forward a few years to the beginning of 2013 and the yoga itch came back and I decided to scratch it this time. I didn’t automatically just dive into a class; I started with videos from YouTube and like most people these days Instagram helped fuel my growing obsession with my practice. Being self-taught can only take you but so far in your practices so after a point I decided that I was ready to get over my fear of being among other people practicing yoga in a public venue. I have never looked back since.

What style do you practice?

I mainly practice Vinyasa Yoga. The thing I like about this style of practice how it focuses on gaining a better discipline when getting into postures and maintaining strong breathing techniques. Breathing is something I have a hard time keeping calm when practicing but the more I give myself into the flow the easier it becomes.

How do you feel when you practice?
I feel free and challenged all at the same time. I used to not believe that yoga was a serious workout until I gave it a go myself. But I always prepare myself for a great challenge every time I step on my mat. 

You never know what progress you will achieve or what setbacks will come your way. That’s one of the thing I love about practicing yoga.

Share about an experience you had on your mat that you’ll never forget.

Well there are so many experiences I could go on about (positive and negative) so to narrow it down will be rather hard. But this happened at home and at class. For a long time I was trying to get into wheel pose and could not understand what I was doing wrong. I was getting more and more frustrated with every attempt. So when I had enough I decided it would be the best idea to gain some proper instruction. 

My teacher Erin at Harmony Yoga in Spokane, WA gave me the confidence (with proper advice and a watchful eye) that was I was lacking in my posture. Out of nowhere I popped up into a proper aligned wheel. I have never been so happy on my mat before that time. I couldn’t stop smiling and Erin could see the shear excitement radiating from me. That is why that moment will stay with me.

 Are you ever aware of being one of few men in a yoga class? What are your thoughts on yoga for guys? What would you say to a guy who’s intimidated about taking a class?

I am typically one of two (if any) other guys in any of the classes I attend. I think that, like me, most guys do not see doing yoga as a “manly” activity to do while at the gym. 

One thing that I believe is a great benefit of doing yoga is that it adds another great tool in your toolbox of fitness. I know yoga has given me the ability to be calmer in times that it was needed. Giving me the chance to be more flexible and have greater control over muscle groups which can come in handy when lifting weights like most males will do in the gym. 

So I would say that more men need to give it a try and see what it is really about. There is no real reason to be intimidated by practicing yoga.

How do you see your yoga journey evolving in the next few years? Do you have any goals you’re working toward?

I would love to see my yoga journey evolve into something great over the next few years. What that actually means has yet to be revealed as of yet. I can only imagine how far practicing will take me. I have already met some wonderful yogis and made some lifelong connections all because of my practice so to ask for more seems crazy. I have some goals that I am working on within my practice but with my current job in the military and the demands that come with that I may not be able to dedicate the proper amount of time to landing a handstand that I can hold for more than one second. 

Other than that posture goal I just want to continue to be able to radiate positive vibes from within and have those vibes affect those around me in a positive manner.

Thanks again, Vincent! Readers, I hope you'll join me in following his journey in photos on Instagram.

Am I Pretty Enough?

I think the "Am I pretty enough?" question is one that a lot of yogis battle, women in particular. As we practice on the mat at home and in the studio, we find ourselves wondering: Am I beautiful? Is my body attractive (enough)? And can yoga transform me into someone sexier?

Putting on skin-tight yoga pants or some skimpy shorts for class leaves us over-thinking our body image or comparing ourselves to others around us. Some of us find our thoughts racing: can yoga help me lose weight? Do I need to lose weight? 


With the pressures of an appearance-driven society motivated by the superficial (and all the glamorous models and yoga teachers out there), we see may begin ourselves as less beautiful than we are.


We look in the mirror to find flaws, instead of the beauty that's there. Or we become hyper-conscious and/or hyper-critical of "problem" areas.

You know you've seen these kinds of people in yoga class -- the ones that can't stop staring at their asses in the mirror for a 90-minute Bikram class, or re-adjusting their clothes in the middle of the Ashtanga primary series, or staring at the cute teacher and winking as they stretch into upward dog with a suggestive exhale.

Instead of choosing to approach yoga in this way, we can offer the practice as sacred, loving devotion. In yoga, we honor our bodies, not judge them.

Or, on the other end of the spectrum, there are yogis who are too scared to leave the living room because ashamed or embarrassed about their bodies. They set up their mats at the back of the studio, hoping no one will notice muffin top, a flabby bum, or adult acne. They misconstrue their outer appearance as a measure of their own self-worth.

Believing in your beautiful body is important. So is understanding that we're not all made to be the same size or shape.

As someone who's always been on the curvier side, I've had periods in my life when I have felt unattractive, inadequate, or downright unlovable. I've been overweight, and wished like hell to lose it again so I can fit into my "skinnier" jeans. I've never been a size 4/6, and I never will be. 

But what I have come to learn is that I am in the body I'm meant to have, and that I'm beautiful the way I am. I also accept that my body will change over time, and that I can control some of those changes.

I've learned to make peace with who I am, inside and out. This isn't easy. It involves constantly re-accepting myself, being grateful for the capable body I have, and learning to cast off the messages around me about what it means to be "sexy."

In the interest of inspiring you guys to do the same, here are a few thoughts on how you can transform your thinking from, "Am I pretty enough?" to "How can I love myself better?"

Surround yourself with friends and family who support and love you. 

One of the best things you can do for your self-esteem is to put people in your life who will remind you that you are loved, just the way you are. They'll remind you that it's OK to eat brownies and potato chips now and then. They'll inspire you to go for a walk when you'd rather sit on the couch all day. 

Next, I highly recommend taking a long, hard look at your strengths. Instead of focusing on what you wish you could change, consciously choose to be grateful for what you love about yourself.

For every "flaw" you can find, there's something great about it. In my case, I couldn't do warrior-like yoga poses if not for my dancer's legs, which are curvy and muscular. My well-developed calves let me ride my bike like the wind. And because I've got hips, I look like a woman when I wear a dress, not a little girl.

  

When I take a close look at who I am, I know I'm beautiful. I'm real. I'm full of imperfections and blemishes which, when you look at the bigger picture, are no big deal.

  
Which brings me to another important point: I'm healthy in body, mind and spirit. 

I am continuously learning to manage my stress, to find balance. I ask for what I need instead of trying to handle challenges on my own without the support of those who love me. When I set my mind to something, I can achieve it. I am strong and capable, with the willpower I need.


I replenish my spirit with love. I pray, believe, and act out my faith in the everyday. I share my passion with family and friends, express who I am in my writing, and cherish my relationships with others around me. Largely in part through my yoga, I have come to acknowledge and accept where I am in the present, in order to move toward a happier and healthier future.


I have begun to look in the mirror and smile instead of cringe at what I know is beautiful.


So, yes, I am pretty enough. And I know it doesn't always feel like it, but so are you.

For more inspiration on developing a healthy body image, see these posts from these bloggers:

• Eating disorders are serious. If you think you have one, please seek help. And if you're in need of some inspiration, check out Beth's story. Or read Angela's reflections on replacing binge eating with self-acceptance and love.
• Joanna of A Cup of Jo recently posted about feeling confident about your body.
• To learn why food makes you feel beautiful, check out this post.
• One bloggers discovery about the practical side of swimsuits. Plus, an impressive ad campaign about listening to your body, not the glossy pages of a beauty magazine.

Have you struggled to build a positive image of yourself? What have you learned? Please share your comments below, and thanks for reading!

Marika Athletic Wear for Yoga, Skydiving, and Rock Climbing

Illustration above via Pinterest. Other photos via

Marika

.

When it comes to

yoga wear

, I tend to look for a couple of key things:

• Is it comfortable? (and hopefully flattering)

• Is it functional? (meaning it won’t get in the way or slip down as I stretch)

• Is the style unique? (good colors, fun design)

• Can I wear this outside of yoga class? (bonus!)

Marika

women’s active and yoga wear fits all of these categories. Their products are the kind of athletic wear that makes you feel like a million bucks, and that gets out of your way so you can focus on your practice.

I am so grateful I connected with their savvy, passionate team. They sent me an awesome new outfit to try:

The Balance line

dream sequence seamless tank

…and

the Balance line

divine intervention flat waist capri

.

Both fit wonderfully—the material is soft, stretchy, and snug without being bunchy. The capris are the perfect length for a hot yoga class, and I love the fun printed waistband. And I love that the print on the shirt looks like a heart, but every time I wear it someone comments that it looks like an owl! :)

And my favorite part about this new outfit?

Not only have the tank and capris been perfect for yoga class, but I’ve worn them

skydiving

 and

rock climbing

, too! And I’m pretty sure I could pull off wearing the top under a hoodie at work, or out to dinner with friends (which makes for an easy transition if you’re in a hurry to get to the studio for class, by the way!).

If you’re looking to find high-quality yoga wear from a stellar company with great customer service, add

Marika

 to your list. Highly recommended!

PS You can browse their new items here: 

Marika New Arrivals

. And their

tie dye

tops are fantastic!

Free Shipping at Sweaty Betty

 

Are you shopping for new yoga gear this weekend?

Maybe some winter apparel? I'm looking at you, all you yogis who ski, snowboard and snowshoe! :)

 

I highly recommend checking out Sweaty Betty. They're offering FREE shipping on everything until the 21st, and they've got so many cute options of warm, cozy outerwear that's functional and stylish!

Use this code at checkout: FREESHIP 

Happy shopping, lovelies!

Get Free Delivery with code FREESHIP at SweatyBetty.com

Sweaty Betty Mid-Season Sale

Photos via Sweaty Betty.

Starting tomorrow, Sweaty Betty is launching their mid-season sale. Some of their best sellers will be featured with savings up to 50% off.

 

Check out some of their featured sale products, which include sports bras, yoga tees, outerwear, dresses, yoga pants and more.

 

Their sales will be expiring on 3/25/13, so get shopping, yogis!

 

For the Love of Yoga

Photo via Pinterest.

Ooh la la, now that's a fancy yoga kiss! 

Do you practice with your partner?

Tie Dye Yoga Pants

Photos via Iluka Activewear.

I won't lie: I'm a big sucker for tie dye :)

I'm seeing it more and more this fall. Would you guys wear wild yoga pants like these to class? 

Or do you prefer to dress down in standard black stretchy pants and a big t-shirt?

Yoga Pants You Can Dance In

Photos of me by Cara Brostrom. Other photos and yoga bottoms I'm wearing by American Flora.

When you practice yoga, being comfortable is key...and that is determined in part by what you're wearing. I recently fell in love with one of my absolute favorite pairs of yoga pants, which also serve as perfect bottoms for hip hop class: American Flora Iris cropped pants.

Yogis, dancers, beautiful people -- I can't say this loud enough: American Flora rocks!

I love that the pants are not full-length. That means they're perfect for a hot vinyasa flow or Bikram class when I don't feel like wearing short shorts. Plus they don't ride up during postures, and they're fashionable enough to wear under a skirt, too.

They're one of the most versatile bottoms I have because I use them for hula hooping and biking, too. Now that's the kind of yoga wear that I can get behind: fully functional, fun-to-wear, and comfy before, during, and after class. (And the company is green!)

If you're in the mood for some new athletic wear, I highly recommend checking out American Flora. They market to dancers, mostly, but their stuff is beautiful and works well for keeping cool during any workout.

Thanks, American Flora, for introducing me to your line of yoga and dance wear. Keep sharing your light. Namaste.

Hoop de Hoop (Practice Your Art!)

Photos by me.

Happy Monday, yogis!

I hope you had a weekend filled with love, hope, and happy energy. I've been enjoying some relaxed time with my brother and his friend who are visiting from California.

There's nothing better than being a tourist in your own city. I'm relearning Chicago: hula hooping by Lake Michigan, experiencing my first baseball game (what up SOX?!), taking the El everywhere, Festa Italiana (Peroni, pizza, old guys singing like Frank Sinatra, and sunny walks all over the place), and dancing the night away at the Underground. 

And, of course, practicing some yoga and writing some poetry.

What art are you practicing these days?

Yoga Wear for Springtime

 

 Photos via Iluka Activewear. 

Spring is in the air! 

If you're looking for a little springtime fashion and yoga inspiration, check out Iluka Activewear. 

The shop has some lovely new Phat Buddha halter tops, Onzie items on clearance, and these beautiful kaftans.

  

 

I can picture wearing one to hang out with friends before class, cover up on the way to the beach or the pool, or even under leggings while at work. So comfy and stylish!

*Full disclosure: this is a sponsored post.

Sweaty Betty Yoga Wear

Photos by me.

Sweaty Betty is a women's fitness clothing company based in the UK. They make beautiful women's athletic wear, including clothing for yoga, running, gym workouts, swimming, tennis and even skiing. I recently had the pleasure of testing out their lovely ballerina cami and kriya tights.

 

Both the tank and the leggings fit like a dream. Sweaty Betty's fabrics are high-quality, stretchy, and super soft, which left me feeling cozy and comfortable throughout my workout.  

And get this: the cami has a built-in bra and is made with natural, anti-bacterial bamboo which actually helps prevent odor. Not to mention the back has a criss-cross design with interlaced straps that totally show off my tattoo. It's basically my new favorite yoga top :)

 

Not only did I not have to worry about wearing a sports bra while doing yoga at home, but I also discovered that the ballerina cami doubles as an awesome undershirt for everyday styles, like at the office! 

I am totally wearing this shirt while out and about again soon, and may just have to keep it as my #1 pick for days when I'm going straight to yoga after work.

Overall I am very pleased with both the ballerina cami top and the kriya tights. Wearing them makes me feel energized, empowered, and stylish. I'll admit: now, before I even start my yoga routine, I dance around my living room a bit when I've got them on, reliving my days of doing leaps and turns on my high school dance team :)

I encourage all you beautiful yoginis to check out Sweaty Betty's latest offerings. As you may know, I'm an affiliate with them and hope you'll place orders through Alive in the Fire as a way of supporting the blog. Simply click any of the links in this post, or use the right-side Sweaty Betty banner on the homepage to get to their site. As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Namaste!

Be a Yoga Pro at SweatyBetty.com

Iluka Activewear

Are you guys in need of some awesome yoga wear? 

With spring just around the corner, now is a great time to stock up on clothing for your yoga retreat trips, summer conferences, festivals, and favorite hot classes. I recommend you check out Iluka Activewear -- they sell bandeau tops, short shorts, tanks, capris, onesies and pants in tons of fun and colorful prints.

 

       

All photos via Iluka Activewear.

Have fun shopping!

You're Beautiful (Trust Me!)

Photos in this post via Pinterest and Pacing the Panic Room.

Maybe no one told you yet today, so I will: you're beautiful. You have a lot going for you that's only yours, that no one else can lay claim to.

Your freckles and fingerprints can never be re-created.

Your dreams are wilder than most. 

You deserve good things. Even on the days when things go wrong and no one thanks you for being who you are, you are appreciated and loved.

You're not a model, and you don't need to be. You're beautiful the way you are. Think of how happy you could be if you gave up the ideal of perfection.

Your mind is amazing and lovely, too. Keep thinking, being your creative self, casting off those messages that bring you down, remembering who you really are.

Photo via Pacing the Panic Room.

Tales of Endurance (Photos from the Everyday)

Photos by Alexandre Kurek.

As you may remember, I'm a big fan of photographers who find a way to capture the heart of an everyday moment. I love that there is something so raw and poignant about these images from Alexandre Kurek. They are spellbinding, wouldn't you say?

PS: He blogs, too.