Reiki Energy

Photos by Brynna Bryant of Respiro Photography.

Every moment has energy. Every breath. Every movement.

The question is, what do you surround yourself with?

What toxic and draining energies do you come into contact with? And what are your practices for healing, release and renewal?

I'm so grateful for my Reiki practice in that it allows me to channel healing. To find that 'reset' button, energetically. To give myself that gift, and to share it with others.

Drained batteries. Exhaustion. Depletion.

Reiki remedies these, and it creates opportunities for us to reach our highest potential.

I'm currently working on manifesting more Reiki -- sharing it more with those that I know, whether through one-on-one treatments, distance healing, or retreats that incorporate yoga and Reiki. If you're curious to hear more, please reach out (aliveinthefire at gmail dot com).

Sending peaceful energy your way, dear reader!

Namaste.

Lovely Nails

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? 

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.

Happy, Hydrated Skin in Winter

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. 

Divine

Photos via Pinterest. 

You are  divine.

Filled with light.

Lovely outside, and in.

What’s that? You didn’t hear me? 

Oh, I see… it’s because you were dancing. Your skirt ruffling and the wind in the trees and the sound of your own laughter, they had your attention.

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

Ayurvedic Oil Pulling

Have you ever tried the Ayurvedic healing practice of oil pulling?

It's a simple form of oral detoxification where you swish oil around in your mouth for 3 to 15 minutes. The results can be pretty profound: improved oral and systemic health, increased energy, weight loss, clearer skin, and pain relief.

So far, I've only pulled oil a few times and right away, my mouth felt clean and refreshed. I'm excited to start a more consistent practice of using it to see how it helps me detox.

Oil pulling works to rid the body of toxins that build up from poor diet, environmental factors, sedentary and stressful lifestyles, and lack of hydration. These oil soluble toxins get 'dumped' into the mouth through the salivary glances, and the pulling oil (which is swished and then discarded) takes them out. (Reminder - you'll want to discard the oil into the trash, not your sink!)

My favorite brand of oil is Gurunanda, an all-natural blend of organic sesame, sunflower, coconut, and peppermint oil. Having a mix of oils allows you to balance the three doshas while the peppermint oil acts as a catalyst ('agni').

It's a great product and an easy process, so it's worth a try!

You can purchase Gurunanda oil on Amazon, and read more about oil pulling on their website. Feel free to comment or email me with questions, and happy detoxing :)

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!

Yoga, Distorted

Sometimes my understanding of what it means to do ‘yoga’ gets twisted around.

I see images of celebrity teachers contorted into bendy poses. I wear expensive yoga pants (many of which have been gifted to me through connections I’ve made writing this blog), and students compliment me. I click ‘like’ on all of the Instagram and Facebook posts I see of beautiful, thin women doing arm balances and inversions. When I post a picture of myself doing an arm balance or inversion, I get ‘likes’ on social media.

Somewhere in the back of my head, a little voice starts to creep in.

You need to look sexy. You need to be skinny and strong, and you need to do the advanced poses.

The poses I’m doing are not enough… there’s more I could be doing… especially if I’m a teacher. I need to practice every day. In order to look like her, I need to do more.

We all struggle with body image issues. 

And I know I can be so, so hard on myself. 

But when I really sit with what it means to be a yogi—and a teacher—I come back to a much less distorted image of yoga. I see the deeper, spiritual, loving practice.

And the truly meaningful questions come to mind:

If what I’m doing is chasing poses, then what am I really practicing?

What if my goal in yoga was not to change my body, but to love my body?

What if the asana practice was about feeling, nourishing my body, and being supported…instead of about looking good?

Photo via article on Yoga Journal.

Today I read a post by a friend about this article by Kino Macgregor where she gives ‘cheats’ (ie tips) for making your crow pose more advanced. In the article, as shown in the photos, she’s actually referring to crane pose, not crow. My friend, the one who had posted the link to that article, wrote this reflection, “Firstly, the idea of "cheating" at yoga by doing a pose or variation that is accessible to you is ridiculous. Secondly, it seems that Yoga Journal's editors/writers don't know the difference between crow pose (kakasana) and crane pose (bakasana). Choose your teachers carefully!”

 I nodded my head as soon as I read that. And I loved seeing the comments from other yogis, too:

“[We have this] mentality that we need to change ourselves. And constantly do "challenges." Well. I challenge us to love ourselves and do modifications and practice different versions of poses with joy and no ego. And also to stop using the #yogaeverydamnday hashtag. You don't work in a coal mine. And even if you do…be joyful!”

“Yoga takes different forms than just asana and even the asana doesn't need to be very fancy to be effective. I could post a picture of myself at my desk or cleaning the house or playing with my dogs and tag it #yogaeveryjoyousday.”

I encourage you to liberate yourself today, from the distorted yoga.

Roll out your mat and before you get discouraged or harsh with yourself, say thank you to your body, for all the ways that it serves you so well.

My mantra today is this…

The pose I’m doing is enough. I’m allowed to have a nourishing practice, instead of a harming one (ahimsa).

I AM beautiful… and today, my practice isn’t so much about me being beautiful as it is about me feeling that it’s true.

I will let this yoga be a practice of loving myself.

PS I found it really hard to choose photos for this post. It is often a challenge to choose photos for my blog posts, actually.

There’s a part of me that loves sharing inspiring images of yoga asana on my blog, and there’s a part of me that really struggles with the fact that these images can also contribute to the distorted view of the practice.

Recently, for example, I did an outdoor photo shoot with an incredibly talented photographer and I’m simultaneously thrilled to share the results, and yet also hesitant because of all the issues it raises when we see these types of images. Photos of asana are a beautiful expression of the dedication that goes into the practice, and yet we must be careful not to idolize them.

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts… there are a lot of nuances and layers to this conversation.

And I hope you’ll stay tuned – more to come on body image and asana soon!

Finding Joy...Everywhere

Find joy in the everyday moments.

Because, well, that's where we spend a lot of our time.

:)

This is my friend Jamie. She teaches at the same yoga studio where I do, and lately we've been trading classes. Recently she's been sharing photos of her practice in the everyday moments ... no mat required :)

I feel really grateful for that reminder -- that yoga is sacred all the time, whether we're at a fancy, quiet studio or in the middle of the grocery store.

We always have the opportunity to be present. There is no fancy training required.

I think often in our yoga communities we get caught up in the rituals, and our need to control everything and have it be perfect all the time.

I need to set up my mat in the same corner of the room whenever I take class, because that's where I'm most comfortable... I don't like when the yogis next to me are breathing heavily or struggling; they're stealing away my precious 'me' time... 

I hope that the teacher will cue the poses I've 'mastered,' so I can show them off... maybe if I had some cute yoga pants like those, I'd have the confidence to do better in class...

The beauty of it is that this is the yoga. When we are face-to-face with struggle, or lack of control, and we sit back and say, I surrender! I let it go. And we allow ourselves to be with whatever IS, in that moment.

Not engaging the Monkey Mind chatter-- instead, witnessing it, and letting it pass like an ocean wave being called back out to sea.

We don't get attached, and we ask to be humbled.

That's when we are really practicing yoga.

Jamie is a wonderful, vibrant example of this practice. Of the power in simply being present.

She shows up authentically, no matter what she is doing... whether she's teaching, practicing on her own mat, singing Bob Marley songs at the end of class... hanging out with her kiddos, getting tattooed, laughing with friends...

I'm grateful that she is willing to be silly, and non-traditional, and that she challenges her students to go to a place they didn't think was possible. (I'm one of her students, and I've definitely experienced that in her classes!)

It's through this kind of surrendering -- of letting go of all the ego-based ways we come to yoga -- that really allows us to engage with the divine.

And what's most beautiful is that these opportunities are around us all the time... every day. Whether we're in line at the grocery store or sitting on the couch at home, or standing on our mat at the studio. It's all yoga. It's just a matter of tuning in.

All Bodies are Beautiful

Video via Kickstarter.

I love this project, and I can so relate to what Taryn, the creator says:

"Women and girls are constantly held back and lead to believe they’re not as good as they should be. Why? Because every day we feel we’re being judged on our appearance and how far away it is from an unachievable ideal.

Lose weight, reduce wrinkles, fight cellulite; we’re constantly told to fight a battle to be someone other than who we are."

With Embrace, Taryn seeks to explore body image and encourage people around the world to shift their thinking. What a beautiful story, and a beautiful goal!

In yoga, we seek to embody our bodies -- to connect with our own physicality, to nurture, to release, and ultimately to love our bodies.

I encourage you to check out the Body Image Movement, and I hope you'll truly hear me when I say: you are beautiful.

Namaste.

True Beauty

Being beautiful means believing in yourself. Trusting your inner wisdom, even as you take risks. Beautiful is throwing convention to the wind, and doing it your own way.

This week, I chopped off a bunch of my hair—I went for it, even though I knew it would be different than any style I've had before. And I love it! I feel sexy and unique and playful.

Beautiful is saying YES to opportunities that come your way.

This week I said YES to the chance to teach yoga at my home studio, Leap Yoga in Folsom. I’ll be sharing an hour of asana with my wonderful community and I am thrilled! My intention for the class is to humble myself, to be willing to be seen, and to have fun.

Beautiful is being dedicated to the soulful practices that allow you to love others.

This week, I’m spending time on my mat, meditating, reading, and remembering to take time for myself, even as I serve. In all I do, I seek peace and balance.

In this moment, I feel beautiful. And I think you’re beautiful too!

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!

Changes

Photos by Cait Loper Photography.

Lately I am surprised by my own body.

In downward dog, my heels skim the floor.

In crow, my arms, wrists and hands are and steady and strong. I can stay for eight breaths instead of three.

I’m working on bringing my torso down onto my forearms in wheel.

Last night I moved effortlessly into Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II (Pose Dedicated to the Sage II), both feet hovering off the ground, my body resolute to hold the posture. Instead of falling out like I have so many times, I felt weightless, resilient.

I can hold handstand off the wall for a few breaths, and I recently tried handstand-ing forward from downdog into forward fold, and it worked. I hovered for a moment, feeling the thrill of the inversion, before I continued in my flow.

It is exciting to experience my practice deepening, my body unfolding, my heart opening.

It is beautiful to witness the beauty and power of change, to ask: whose body is this?

Staying Young: Yoga and Its Effects on Aging

Photo by Robert Sturman via Elephant Journal.

With yoga, you can grow younger every year.

I mean, have you guys seen the world’s oldest yoga teacher (above)? Or Dharma Mittra (below)?

They glow. And it's because they have been dedicated to their practice for years. Today I bring you an awesome guest post by health writer Tara Heath about the anti-aging benefits of yoga. Haven’t you heard you should do inversions for fewer wrinkles? Well, that’s only the beginning! Read on…

Photo via Pinterest.

Aging is something that nobody can prevent – even as much as everyone in the world would like to. However, there are some things you can do in your day-to-day life to help slow the process of aging and stay healthy. The most obvious of those being simple things like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep each night.

Yoga, despite its popularity and generally accepted health benefits, isn't something people always think of when considering ways to slow the clock on aging. Surprisingly, it turns out that it may actually be a beneficial weapon in the fight against time. 

Even if you’re not in your senior years quite yet, or aging isn't the first thing on your mind, taking steps to stay healthy and feel young can benefit everybody, and starting early is always better than starting late. 

Image courtesy of Flickr .

Increased Flexibility 

Men and women are born with the same amount of flexibility, but as they age, that flexibility decreases. While the decline typically occurs faster in men than women, adults over the age of 35 are generally much less flexible than they were in their 20s.

Yoga, which puts the body in a variety of unique positions, helps improve flexibility in a way that isn't overly uncomfortable or painful. Over time, doing the poses can make it easier for you to do daily tasks. This can help you tremendously as you age, as many injuries for adults and seniors come from doing everyday activities. 

Image courtesy of Flickr .

Improved Joint Strength 

Like flexibility, joint strength tends to diminish with age. Yoga is beneficial for building or restoring some of that joint strength, however, as many types of yoga incorporate poses that require you to support your body weight. In that way, yoga is much like strength training, which also helps improve joint strength.

Of course, the positions you use that require you to support your body weight also aid in building muscle. More muscle mass also helps reduce injuries and keep your body weight down.

Better Sleep 

Aging adults tend to have more sleep problems than younger ones. Not getting enough sleep can result in serious health problems and more rapid aging.

Doing yoga regularly can help you improve your quality of sleep since the asana practice combines both exercise and relaxation techniques – two things we know are essential or a well-regulated sleep schedule. 

If you have trouble sleeping at night and it’s causing problems in your daily life or making you feel run-down, taking a few yoga classes could go a long ways toward curing your problem.

Photo via Pinterest.

It’s impossible to stop the aging process completely, but that doesn't mean that you can’t slow it down a bit. Although eating right is what you hear about most when the topic of aging comes up, exercise and relaxation are both a close second.

Luckily those are two things that yoga can provide for you, making it an almost ideal anti-aging activity. 

Photo via Pinterest.

Tara Heath is a freelance writer in Southern California. She enjoys practicing yoga regularly, finding that it is very beneficial in helping her to relax and unwind after a long day. As a health writer, she contributes to the Presidio Home Care blog. 

Mantra and Manifestation with Steve Gold

Last weekend I had the pleasure of practicing a vinyasa flow class with live music from Steve Gold, and then attending his workshop on Mantra and Manifestation. Both were incredible yoga experiences!

It was so powerful to sing during class, to be freely encouraged to make noise and to express from the heart. The studio was jam-packed, yogis lined up like little sardines. There’s always something exciting about a full room and I was inspired by the energy created by all of us moving and breathing together.

And I have to say it was pretty magical singing So Much Magnificence and feeling the voices resonate in the room during savasana. If you haven’t heard that song, you should definitely check it out.

During the workshop, Steve dove into an exploration of mantra.

We sang om namah shivaya, a mantra close to my heart. You may remember, I have it tattooed on my right ankle :)

Though the Sanskrit words are hard to translate, some interpret the phrase as “I am that I am.” The breakdown of each word can be explained with various definitions:

• Om: the universal sound; an exuberant roar of joy; “yes!”; verily; so be it; amen
• Namah: to bow; “I invite this energy into my heart”
• Shiva: that which contains all things; all possibility; maximum expansion; the destroyer of ignorance

When chanting om namah shivaya, I acknowledge my higher Self. I acknowledge all aspects of my being, and all possibilities for what may come. I ground myself, considering the path I walk. I see the path clearly before me. Om namah shivaya. I am that I am.

The words have such power, and for me personally, they conjure up a lot of memories of the past year when I chanted as a way to invite strength into my life. When we sang the first time during Steve’s workshop, I couldn’t help but tear up.

Om namah shivaya, Om shanti

Om namah shivaya, Om shanty

The words felt like such a relief, and the collective sound of the chant brought me into a space of light, peace, and comfort.

After explaining the meaning of the mantra and letting us experience it firsthand, Steve launched into a compelling story about moving to Hawaii in his 20s. His goal was to cast aside physical and material attachments, to detach from society in pursuit of enlightenment. He encountered several wise mentors and spiritual texts along the way, and was surprised to find that while the adventure was initially very appealing, he couldn’t sustain this simple life of living in a hut, spending days by a waterfall with his guitar, and doing yoga and meditation.

Perhaps most surprising was finding confirmation that his path toward enlightenment didn’t have to look like that of a monk.

He was struck by the words in the Gospel of Sri Rama Krishna that stood in stark contrast to the lifestyle of his spiritual quest:

As long as you have desires, you must exhaust them.

Later, another teacher put it in this way: All of us seek something to do, and someone to love.

Why not discover what it is you seek, and run after it exuberantly?

So often in yoga and spiritual circles, we hear about the ancient masters who sacrificed a so-called “normal” life and retreated to the caves to do the “real” yoga, meditation, praying, fasting, and other sacred practices.

I found it refreshing to be reminded that we each have spiritual gifts, and many of them involve worldly connections. For Steve Gold, fulfilling his dharma means being a conduit for spontaneous spiritual connection and transformation through musical gatherings. He travels, connects with people up close, and shares his music in a very visceral, immediate way.

He’s had to overcome fears and self-doubt in order to do so. Again and again, he returns to his heart’s truest desire in order to find the motivation and inspiration to keep playing his songs and speaking his truth.

I am grateful to Steve for sharing his wisdom and his powerful music, and for challenging me to be clear about my desires – to be conscious of them, and active physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually in pursuing them.

Om namah shivaya om!

 

Steve has a new track called Golden Om. I highly recommend his albums Let Your Heart Be Known and So Much Magnificence. 

He's also on Facebook.

A Guest Post on Aloe Vera

Photos via Pinterest.

Oh, summer sunburns. I recently suffered a bad one, and was reminded of the healing properties of the aloe vera plant.

Today I bring you a guest post from Louise Ross on the many wonderful benefits of aloe vera, which go beyond just treating sunburns. Happy reading, and be sure you wear sunscreen while it's still hot out, yogis!

Aloe Vera: It's More Than Just a Plant

I often blog about natural remedies for many medical conditions because they're easier to apply, are highly effective, and have less side effects on our health. Today, I bring you the 'plant of immortality', as the Egyptians referred to it thousands of years ago, aloe vera plant.

Used as a beauty regimen, a cure for insomnia, and a solution for baldness, it is even considered as a potential AIDS and cancer fighter. Scientists and researchers are still studying its antiseptic properties but aloes definitely sound promising. 

To give you an idea, here are the highlights:

1. It has soothing effects on skin.
If Cleopatra is known to be the most vain woman that ever lived (she regularly bathed in fresh milk, mind you), then her use of aloe vera is a certain sign that it's a good routine. She used the succulent juices on her skin as a daily beauty regimen to, you know, keep away wrinkles and keep herself looking radiant.

Plus, aloes have a cooling effect that's great during summer. I once applied this on my son's sunburns and the results were instant. It's the perfect first aid for rashes and sunburns.

2. It has healing properties for scars and tattoos.
Ever been victimised on a drunken night at 17 and ended up with an Elmo tattoo on your tummy when you woke up? Well, you don't have to suffer endless ridicule and horrible memories of that night because aloe vera is your go-to. Although it can't fully erase inked skin, it can assist tattoo removal cream in getting rid of your tattoo. You don't have to go through painful laser treatments just to erase your barbwire arm ink.

I haven't tried this routine myself because thankfully I don't have embarrassing tattoos, but it's certainly a must try.

3. It moisturizes and exfoliates skin.
When I was 5 months pregnant with my 1st, I was desperate for an anti-stretch marks lotion. All I found in cosmetics stores were creams promising smooth skin but without any assurances of 'no side effects'. Fearing risk for my baby, I looked for an alternative. It was a relief I discovered aloe vera. Sure, I knew about aloes good for the hair and all that, but I wasn't aware that it was good for baby bumps as well.

Now, I have no stretch marks and my tummy is even smoother and wrinkle free. Try applying raw aloe vera juice gently on your belly after you bathe and before you sleep. Notice the difference in just two days.

4. It helps with digestion problems and boosts immune system.
Anybody who's had digestive problems should keep a pot of aloe vera plant close to their kitchen windows. It's a natural remedy that can sooth your tummy and, well, help with any digestion issues you have.

Plus, it's the perfect boost for your immune system, it has high levels of anti oxidants, and it stimulates white blood cells, essentially the ninjas of your body.

It really doesn't get any better than this. 

Photo by me.

Aloe Vera can also help with:

• Skin troubles
• Burns and irritations to the skin
• Removal of scars and blemishes
• Reducing inflammation
• Digestive problems
• Detoxification
• Cardiovascular health

You'll find a lot of cosmetics products like lotions, creams, deodorants, and even makeup feature aloe vera in the ingredients list. It's a world renowned plant with terrific medicinal and healing properties.

Conclusion 

Aloe vera has been here for thousands of years, and yet we're only scraping the surface of its potential for medicine. Given studies and researches about this plant for many years now, who knows what it can do in the next few months, years?

About the Author: This article is written by Louise Ross for Lazer Cream - a leading provider of a quality tattoo removal cream in the UK. You can find success stories and photos from customers found on their site.

Yoga For Busy Moms

Photos via Pinterest.

Yogini goddesses, I couldn't be more excited to share this beautiful guest post from health writer Virginia Cunningham with you today. Virginia shares her thoughts on why yoga is great for busy moms, the benefits of practicing, and advice on how to get started.

Being a mom is one of the most stressful jobs in the universe. It’s not just one full-time position, but at least five. Moms find it difficult to manage without acting on the urge to pull out all of her hair. It’s important for even the busiest mom to find some time for herself to relax.

Yoga is the perfect activity to manage your stress.

Why Should I Spend My Precious Time on Yoga?

-Quick Workout

Most workouts take at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week to see and feel any results. For somebody who works and deals with the needs of their kids, 90 minutes a week is a luxury she might now have. Some yoga workouts only require 15 minutes and you’ll feel results sooner.

-Stress Relief

Stress is a major cause of many health ailments, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. You owe it to yourself and your family to stay healthy. Yoga can lower your blood pressure by relieving you of the stress that weighs heavy on your shoulders.

Give Yourself Alone Time

As a mom, there’s always someone who claims to need your undivided attention. Being around people all day, every day, can eventually feel like a burden. If you don’t give yourself time to be alone, you could end up resenting the people you love most. Yoga can be the solitary experience you sorely need.

Teaches You to Relax

Relaxation is one of those essential subjects we never learned in school. The more work you have to do in a single day, the more tension builds up. Without learning to relax, you could find yourself with chronic aches and pains. Part of yoga is learning how to breathe and take time to relax. These are tools you can use in any situation when needed.

Energizes You

One long day of hard work can zap the energy from you for the whole week. Fifteen minutes of yoga in the morning just might be enough to kickstart your day in the right direction. You’ll have more energy during the day, which will make it easier for you to deal with whatever challenges life throws at you.

Yoga Tips For Beginning Moms

Plan Your Weekly Routine

Even if you decide on making yoga your new regular activity, it’s too easy to let time slip by you, therefore, you should plan for when you’re able to fit yoga in. Start by thinking about what time of day you’ll have the energy and time to devote to at least 15 minutes of yoga. If you choose the wrong time, you could end up too exhausted to participate.

Learn from an Instructor

Some yoga poses can be dangerous if you attempt them for the first time on your own. Learning yoga from a book might seem like a time and money saver; however, it will be more effective to learn from a trained professional.

Whether you go to a yoga class or buy an instructional DVD, it’s important to learn the basics from somebody trustworthy so you know that you’ll gain all the benefits from your yoga workout.

Listen to Your Body

Not every yoga pose is made for every person. People come in all different shapes, sizes and levels of flexibility. Anyone can participate in yoga, but some poses can be dangerous or uncomfortable. Let your body tell you what is comfortable and don’t try to force yourself.

Yoga is a very relaxing exercise that anyone, especially busy moms, should incorporate into their daily routine.

Virginia Cunningham is a freelance writer from Southern California whose writing specializes in a range of health topics, including personal fitness, family health and vitamins and supplements. She practices yoga each morning to get a kickstart for the rest of her day.

Thanks, Virginia, for such a great post! Namaste.

A California Adventure

Friends, yogis, beautiful ones: I'm back from my camping adventure! My friend Yoel and I had an amazing time in Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite.

We spent the days relaxing, hiking, eating picnic lunches, building campfires, making smores, telling stories, and just generally enjoying the beautiful California landscape. We also spent a few days in San Francisco exploring and riding bikes.

I did a little yoga out in nature, too :) I will definitely post some of those photos soon!

I feel refreshed and grateful to be back home.

How have you guys been? XO!