Foliage
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Photos via An Apple a Day.
Fall colors are so beautiful. Rustic, natural and effortless are the words that come to mind.
Photos via An Age Old Tree.
Silent Retreat
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I spent my Sunday in silence, here:
I was happily surprised at how much energy the meditation generated in me. Even as I walked as slowly as possible, transferring weight from one foot to the other in slow motion, I felt like I wanted to climb a mountain or dance around joyfully.
While I sat in humble meditation, eyes closed, spine straight, I envisioned myself being silly and playful, the opposite of the serious scene around me.
There is something powerful about a group of yogis meditating together. Energy abounds. At one point in the morning, I wanted to hug every yogi in the group.
Chanting om together felt like such a powerful way to break the silence. Compassion buzzed in the room, in our strong and unwavering voices.
For one of the seated meditations, I spent a full 25 minutes inside the mantra, "I accept myself." The in-breath contained "I accept," and the out-breath, "myself." It was beautiful!
Today I'm enjoying sore shoulders and back muscles, a constant and pleasant reminder of my yoga retreat day. I'm looking forward to an epsom salt bath and my first Calm Within Chaos Phoenix Rising class tonight. The yoga and reflection continue!
I was happily surprised at how much energy the meditation generated in me. Even as I walked as slowly as possible, transferring weight from one foot to the other in slow motion, I felt like I wanted to climb a mountain or dance around joyfully.
While I sat in humble meditation, eyes closed, spine straight, I envisioned myself being silly and playful, the opposite of the serious scene around me.
There is something powerful about a group of yogis meditating together. Energy abounds. At one point in the morning, I wanted to hug every yogi in the group.
Chanting om together felt like such a powerful way to break the silence. Compassion buzzed in the room, in our strong and unwavering voices.
For one of the seated meditations, I spent a full 25 minutes inside the mantra, "I accept myself." The in-breath contained "I accept," and the out-breath, "myself." It was beautiful!
Today I'm enjoying sore shoulders and back muscles, a constant and pleasant reminder of my yoga retreat day. I'm looking forward to an epsom salt bath and my first Calm Within Chaos Phoenix Rising class tonight. The yoga and reflection continue!
Friday Meditation: Become the Witness
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Photo by me.
Rain is catching on the windowsills. In the distance, a siren wails. Nothing happens, and yet something is at work in me.
We are a constant ticker tape of thoughts and desires. Reflections happening in passing, fleeting memories, possibility, breath. If there's one thing meditation allows you, it's presence. If you can begin to see your life as it is happening, you gain insight into it. You can begin to shape who you are meant to be.
Here are two daily practices that can help you on your journey toward peace and thoughtful presence in the everyday.
Photo via Brian Ferry.
Practice 1: Ease Away Tension (Mid-Day)
Let your shoulders sink away from your ears. Now, scan your body for physical tension. Ask your muscles to relax. Start by taking a deep, full breath so your belly rises, then falls.
Notice where you are tight, bound. Breathe into these areas and notice how your whole body responds in grateful ease.
Photo via Brian Ferry.
Mentally retrace your day's steps. Imagine that you are watching a movie of yourself from the moment you woke up until now. You recall the alarm going off, turning it off, pulling away the covers to swing your legs out of bed. You walked down the hall to the bathroom to get ready for your day. You packed a lunch, put on your coat.
See how precisely you can remember the details. Notice the nuances, the little moments that stick out to you, the bits of conversation, funny moments, vivid colors, smells, thoughts. Try to recall how you reacted physically, mentally and emotionally to every event of the day.
At first, you may be surprised at how little you can recall while doing this exercise. Obvious moments may come to mind first -- surprising things that happened, emotional situations, difficulties. But the more you do this practice of reviewing your day, the more you will begin to pay attention to your life as it takes place and the more you will remember about the events that transpire.
Let this meditation technique enhance your awareness of the present. Become aware of yourself. Become excited about the live you are leading and the remarkable way which you can begin to fully experience the world physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Namaste.
Photo by me.
Deep Meditation: Yoga Nidra
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Above photo via Lululemon. Below photo via Lisa Morson on Flickr.
Next up in this week's posts on meditation, let's talk about yoga nidra. This a deep form of yogic meditation involving sleep-like relaxation in savasana. By withdrawing from the senses, and placing the brain in a state between waking and sleep, this practice can allow you to explore your subconscious, and the link between your body and mind.
Yoga nidra has many benefits:
- It invites deep relaxation on all levels – physical, mental and emotional.
- Yoga nidra can help you sleep better, work more effectively, and remove stress.
- Yoga nidra can be used to promote positive thinking in your life.
- Yoga nidra can help lessen symptoms of insomnia, hypertension, depression, asthma, digestive disorders, migraine headaches and ulcers.
Here are some resources where you can learn more about yoga nidra:
- Reflections on Kripalu's website from Richard Miller on the positive effects of a regular yoga nidra practice on active duty soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. The results are amazing!
- Wonderful yoga nidra CDs from iRest which you can use for an at-home practice.
- Richard Miller's book, Yoga Nidra: A Meditative Practice for Deep Relaxation and Healing, for a full understanding of finding deep relaxation. I'm definitely going to purchase this book in the near future (keep an eye out for a review on Alive in the Fire!)
Finally, a little poem by yours truly about the wonder of yoga nidra. Enjoy!
Above photo via Lululemon.
also known as yogic sleep.
Welcome to the body.
Attention, a call to the small delicate parts
contemplative energy
thumb-index finger joined energy circuiting in the body
Where is the index finger of my right hand?
abounding energy comes falling
into the room
How can I experience it?
The voice moves quickly on
to other areas
deserving rest
right side of the chest
waist
hip,
lower leg.
Following is not the object falling is
here, we arrive at the center
The whole body
Sense the whole body.
Bright sound surfaces
in the background of this space,
time energy light
arriving into the limbs the right side the left side
of the body
a deep sense of falling
into the self, core being
the center between the eyebrows,
soles of the feet,
heart center
awake with clarity, pure light.
Hover above
your own body
you are the stream of awareness luminosity
within the stillness
no body
you are only your own mind.
Going inward, letting
go
relax the heart
lungs, esophagus
night rustling outside the window
belly, endocrine system,
digestive organs, reproductive organs
softness
moving inward creates the
freedom relaxation
you used to know fear and can no longer name it,
possession, anger, sensation, knowing,
you have lost
the very essence of suffering.
You are not replaced.
You are not replaced.
But here
body flat heart beating lungs breathing
a voice will walk you through yourself,
retracing steps
until spacious presence
all that you are in this room
faraway, mysterious problems
looking back at you
The Wrist Clear
/I recently posted about full wheel and keeping your wrists strong and healthy. I wanted to follow up and share this awesome video. It's a simple little move from yogini goddess Sadini Nardini that you can do anytime -- during practice, or walking down the street -- to help save your wrists from discomfort and pain. Check it out!
Mid-Week Meditation: Let Go of Imperfection
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Photo via The House of Milk.
As soon as I typed the title to this post, I wondered: how much would it change me not only to let go of imperfection, but to embrace it in my life?
Instead of worrying that my skin is smooth enough, or my conversation fascinating enough, I could enjoy the beauty of my life. What if I shifted my focus from how perfectly I can execute an asana during yoga class (or in my living room, for that matter) and instead experience gratitude for the chance to practice?
This is a deep and difficult path for me to take, because it goes against years of habit. I'm so used to looking in the mirror and rushing to find what could be improved, whether it's a single blemish or my very shape. And yet I'm capable of discovering myself with a smile-- relaxing as I find that it's still the same me in there. By expanding on this, I can begin to let go of imperfection.
For today's meditation practice, I recommend you sit in a public place where you can watch people wander by on the street. Read this paragraph, and then look around. See what imperfections you can find that are truly beautiful -- the details that make the world what it is. Then, give yourself a few minutes to journal about things you've considered imperfections in your own life. Reflect on how you might reshape your thinking.
Why this obsession with perfection? Then you will be tense, anxious, nervous, always uneasy, troubled, in conflict. The English word ‘agony’ comes from a root which means: to be in conflict. To be constantly wrestling with oneself — that is the meaning of agony. You will be in agony if you are not at ease with yourself. Don’t demand the impossible, be natural, at ease, loving yourself, loving others. And remember, a person who cannot love himself because he goes on condemning, cannot love anybody else either. A perfectionist is not only a perfectionist about himself, he is about others also. A man who is hard on himself is bound to be hard on others. His demands are impossible.
-From a post by Osho on Lilie Zen Coach
Finally, have a laugh. Sometimes humor is a great way to let go.
Photo by me.
Advice Needed on Full Wheel
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Photo via FYeahYoga.
Do you practice full wheel? I'd love your advice on how to strengthen the wrists for this pose. I usually find they feel the weakest.
I'm guessing that simply holding the pose for longer intervals would help, slowly working my way to a minute or so. Yesterday I also did some stretching on the wall with my arms straight out from the shoulders, hands turned outward, flat on the wall surface. Leaning my body weight into the palms provides a good challenge.
Have any other tips?
As a side note, I've always thought tiny wrists are beautiful and have wished for some delicate ones myself. But I didn't consider the importance of having strength for poses like this. Now, I can be grateful for my wider, more capable joints! :)
Workday Meditation
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Photo via Everyday Musings.
It's especially easy to lose yourself during the work day. The chaos piles up: a flurry of emails and phone calls coming and going, the noise of keys clacking on the keyboard.
When you need a break, try this little mindful meditation from your desk chair: Do Nothing for Two Minutes. See if you can hold still and simply breathe for a full two minutes. I believe you can.
Monday Meditation: Fearlessness
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Yogis, do you meditate? I've found that the practice of sitting in stillness and silence can do wonders for the mind. Once you offer yourself a space and time to let whatever is happening arise, you can come to terms with your internal struggles. You can also begin to discover things about yourself you never realized.
In the interest of celebrating the practice of meditation, and because I have a silent retreat with Grateful Yoga coming up, I am going to offer a variety of posts on meditation this week. The first will allow you to face your fears.
If you try this meditation and benefit from it, please share your thoughts in the comments below! I'd love to hear from you.
Meditation for Overcoming Fear
Lie down or sit in a comfortable chair. Inhale, letting your abdomen expand, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale quickly through your mouth. Inhale again, holding the breath in your upper chest, and exhale through the mouth.
Now place one hand on your solar plexus and one on your heart. Breathe into the solar plexus, taking several slow breaths as you relax that area. Now breathe into and consciously relax the heart.
As you relax, witness your thoughts and emotions. Be present with whatever comes up, without judgment. If fear is present, make space for it. Let your fear freely arise, and allow it to release.
Become centered in the part of you that witnesses every aspect of life without being lost in it.
- From Yoga Journal October 2011 issue, found via Lilie Zen Coach
Reflections on Being Beautiful
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Photo via Frou Frouu.
Photo via BYCM.
You go out even on the bad hair days. In fact, you embrace bad hair days. You consider them a chance to focus on others, giving them the attention they deserve. You also acknowledge that bad hair days are good for baking chocolate cake at home, listening to the rain out the window, and appreciating the beauty of nature and all that surrounds you.
Photo via BYCM.
You do not strive to be perfect, and you share this with others. Satisfaction, rest, simplicity: you appreciate these. You understand that, 'You do not become good by trying to be good, but by finding the goodness that is already within you, and allowing that goodness to emerge' (Eckhart Tolle). You stand tall on the legs that you have, knowing they are beautiful.
Photo via Sarah Rhoads.
Releasing Desire
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Pigeon pose is a deep hip stretch than can release feelings of comfort as you wring out your spine. Or, if you're like me, you might experience compassion for others who deal with chronic pain.
Camel pose has been known to invite a feeling of overwhelm, panic and excitement.
Other heart openers such as full wheel can help a feeling of genuine compassion emerge in the body.
As we bow in child's pose, everything rushes in, sometimes erupting in sadness or even tears.
Which postures bring out your emotions?
PS: Have you noticed how many of the popular advanced poses, like Standing Bow, Scorpion, and Handstand don't necessarily evoke a big emotional reaction like these do? It makes me wonder about how our culture encourages us to focus on what's flashy and impressive rather than push through the difficulties of life. Just an interesting observation! What do you think?
Fall Care Packages
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Photo via PoppyTalk Handmade.
Lately I've been wanting to put together a fall care package for my sister, who just moved to North Carolina with her hubby and little one. I can just picture her opening it to find a fun wall print, relaxing candle, and adorable toddler wear. Aren't these woolen slippers beyond cute? And I can so picture my nephew running around in a little rollerskating monster shirt.
Sometimes you just want to send some love and you don't really need a special occasion to do it. I'll just have to work on letting my crafty side loose and see what I can create!
Photo via PoppyTalk Handmade.
First photo via PoppyTalk Handmade. Second photo via Threadless.
Autumn's Arrival and the Breath in Yoga
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Photo via Miss Moss.
Fall is here! It's time to walk fearlessly toward cold weather... knowing, of course, that we've also got cozy slippers, candle-lit fireplaces, crockpot meals, and a whole lot of cuddling together on the couch headed our way.
As the seasons change, we are refreshed by new, crisp air.
Last night at the end of Bikram class, I was enjoying our rounds of kapalbhati breathing. I love that this practice is built into the end of the series. It is our last chance to invigorate and cleanse the lungs, which in turn move energy throughout the body. Our whole yoga class has been leading up to this, essentially: the movement of the breath.
Photo by me.
Perhaps this is all there is to yoga: stillness and the breath. Stripped bare, this is all that remains. We need nothing else.
Photo via Closet Visit.
The breath: our beginning, our ending. The sounds of pranayama and of blowing in firm unite us, giving shape to our focus. The breath is made visible in a new way.
Photo via Pinterest.
With Open Arms
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Photo and quote via Lauren Ross on Tumblr.
-Abu adh-Dhiya
Yoga Wear for Your Inner Goddess + A Giveaway
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Photo via Damn Good Yoga. That's not me, but now I definitely want to try crow wearing the outfit!
Logo and photos below via YMX.
I was flattered to receive an offer from YMX to do a review of their yoga products. I've always loved their stylish workout clothing, especially the tribal and tattoo designs that sneak their way onto YMX products.
I've been loving my koi hoodie. It's comfortable with a cutting-edge design, and perfect for layering at the beginning of a yoga class, when the studio is still cool. Plus, I can even wear it to work!
YMX tanks, hoodies and leggings are highly functional, too: the fabric is made with wicking benefits, so it keeps you cool throughout a workout. I vote their tops are best worn in vigorous vinyasa and Hatha classes (or if you're like me, with a mat rolled out in your living room or while on an early fall bike ride). I imagine runners would love any of these products as well.
Sleek, sexy, and practical? Now that's my kind of style :)
Note: don't let the photos of the leggings fool you -- they don't sit loosely on your legs; they hug tightly to your body. And since the fabric is quite thin, I probably won't wear these leggings during class, but they are perfect for a lovely at-home practice.
YMX makes yoga wear that honors the inner goddess in you -- the artist, creator, inspiring one. The one who isn't afraid to show off her curves. The side of you that's energetic, even in the middle of winter. The unafraid, curious one. You're the one who's ready for anything.
Want to win a YMX outfit of your own? Leave a comment below or Tweet at me with your favorite yoga pose lately, and a way to reach you.
Also, be sure to stay tuned for a review and giveaway of the YMX winter line coming soon to Alive in the Fire!
The Search for Self Improvement
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Photo via FYeahYoga.
There's a lot of literature out there these days about self-help and self-improvement. Do you engage in any practices that are purely meant to help you become a better person?
In many ways, this is the heart of yoga. To engage in the life-long quest for improving ourselves from the inside out.
I believe this involves two important steps:
Be open to new things. And know your resources.
A reader of Alive in the Fire recently shared a lovely resource for those of you out there looking to be better, and to encourage others in their quest to do so. It's a site called Betterfly (aptly named, don't you think?) I suggest you check it out, especially if you're ready to search for new yoga classes.
Photos via Betterfly.
The only way to grow is to keep an open mind. This way you can accept others for who they are and accept unexpected situations as they arise.
Photo via I Can Read.
Day Off
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All photos via Heart of Light.
How beautiful would this day be?
Baking cinnamon rolls, enjoying one.
Writing through the morning by the window and a jar of flowers.
And an afternoon nap.
Becoming Beautiful (A Giveaway)
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Photo via Pinterest.
Can gratefulness lead us to become something new?
There are places where you go to transform yourself -- beauty from the outside in. This site brings you a selection of spas and salons, and they're offering this lovely little giveaway. Go on, enter it. You could find yourself transformed -- a whole free year of salon or spa treatments.
Then join me for a few reflections on the nature of beauty in the coming days. Feel free to speak your mind in the conversation below.
Photo via Beth Altrogge.
Photo via Odette NY.
Photo via Odette NY.
Yoga Bums
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Photo via Love More Fear Less on Tumblr.
Pretty people, upside down. A little inspiration for your Friday afternoon -- may you witness the way you can keep your cool, even when the whole world seems to be standing on its head!
Photo via Yoga Journal of a Not Very Calm Character on Tumblr.
I like to imagine the conversations the pair below had while experiencing the jarring reality of the body efforting against gravity. A discussion like that would be as surreal and playful as yelling underwater (did you do that with your siblings as a kid? I sure did.)
Headstands and handstands cultivate deep awareness, and allow us to observe the weight of the body, and yet there is an experience of floating upward. We can eliminate our own heaviness -- by strength, curiosity, courage.
How else is this sort of release possible?
Photo via Yoga Journal of a Not Very Calm Character on Tumblr.
Photo via Yoga Journal of a Not Very Calm Character on Tumblr.
Photo via Yoga Journal of a Not Very Calm Character on Tumblr.
Photo via Yoga Journal of a Not Very Calm Character on Tumblr.
Photo via Love More Fear Less on Tumblr.
Fall is Happening
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Photo via Pinterest.
I love cozying up.
And drinking apple cider and enjoying anything pumpkin (seriously).
I'm thinking about trying to make this syrup for my own homemade pumpkin spice lattes.
What fall adventures have you been enjoying lately, yogis?
Photo via Carl Zoch.
Photo via Pinterest.
