Candle Light Restorative & Yoga Nidra

Tonight starts the new restorative class on Sundays at the arrowhead studio.  The class length is longer and yoga nidra has been incorporated.  A beautiful yogi, Marsha, will be guiding this class.  This class is a slight beautiful departure from the previous teachers class, but change is important to grow.. explore... To remain stagnant is the sure path to death.  Embrace change, good and bad - hard and easy, and know that everything happens for a reason and when one door closes another opens.

What is Yoga Nidra?  Well yoga nidra, like vinyasa, levels, and hot, is a class with an intention.  The moon to the sun practice.

The Sanskrit word Yoga means ‘union’ or ‘one pointed awareness’ and Nidra means ‘sleep’. In Yoga Nidra, the body, mind and intellect are completely relaxed and one appears to be sleeping but the consciousness is functioning at a deeper level, and the subconscious and unconscious realms of mind get opened up. So yoga nidra is ‘dynamic sleep’ or in other words ‘psychic sleep’ in which you learn to relax consciously.

Marsha has incorporated bits of yoga nidra in classes building up to tonight and I have to say it is some of the most relaxing time I've spent just being.  You do stay at a level of consciousness.  You still hear her talking and guiding, but you are in a supporting pose completely relaxed. 1 hour of Yoga Nidra is equal to 4 hours of actual sleep.  Some people do fall completely asleep.  And that's okay!  Your body automatically does what it needs to keep you alive, and if you are low on energy you are gonna be snoring ;)

 How do you spend your moon practice?

Namaste

Ash

**update

The class was a huge slice of heaven!  45 minutes of yoga nidra was exactly what the naturopath ordered!  put a yoga fork in me!.. cause i'm relaxed :)

Pitta Kapha I am

One of the beautiful yogis that I practice under at Blissful Yoga emailed us a Ayurveda Questionnaire to gauge our Doshas.  After sitting down and honestly going through the lists I am a Pitta Kapha. :)

Lets talk about what Ayurveda and Doshas are:

Ayurveda, in sanskrit, translates as "knowledge of life".  Ayurveda dates back 5000 years to the sakskrit texts of the Vedas.  Ayurveda is a way of healing through our doshas, or physical constitution, emotional nature, and spiritual outlook.  This is also the sister science to yoga.

Doshas are defined through vata, pitta, and kapha.  Each one of us is a unique combination of these three forces.  Although we all have a bit of each dosha in each of us, most people tend to have an abundance of one or two of the doshas.  This combination is uniquely determined at the time of your conception.  This is your own personal blueprint or prakriti (nature).

Marsha, during last week's Sunday Restorative, explained the 3 doshas too us.  Your doshas change as you age.  Kapha is child, Pitta is young adult/adult, and Vata is adult (55)/senior.  For women vata starts when menopause begins.

Here are overviews of the 3 Doshas:

Kapha types have strong frames and are naturally athletic as long as they are actively exercising to manage and maintain a healthy weight.  They also tend to gain weight easily.  The influence of the earth and water elements makes them innately stable, compassionate, and loyal.  They do things in a methodical way, and prefer a regular routine in their personal and professional lives.  When imbalanced Kaphas can become unmotivated, stubborn, and complacent even when change is nessesary.  Their metabolism tends to be slow and their appetite for both food and stimulation is less intense then with vata or pitta.  Kaphas also benefits from exposing themselves to new enviornemnts, people, and occasionally fasting.


Pitta types are dominated by the element fire, which makes them innately strong, intense, and irritable.  They have a medium build body with endurance and powerful musculature.  They often have freckled skin that reddens easily in the sun, during physical exercise, massages, and blushing.  They are strong willed and are good at doing what they thing is right.  Pittas approach work and play with the same intensity and competitiveness.  Pittas are natural leaders and quick learners whose ability to comprehend and master a new skill and concepts can make them judgmental or impatient toward people they feel are slow or less focused than themselves.  They have strong digestion and intense appetites, both for food and challenges.  If they miss a meal they are likely to be crabby.  It is common for Pittas to suffer from health conditions such as inflammation, rashes, acne, and loose stool.  For balance, pittas need to manage their "fiery" tendencies, channeling them in productive ways and learning to recognize their destructive power.


Vata types are lanky and thin.  Thy are very mentally and physically active and enjoy creative endeavors, meeting new people, and traveling to new places.  When Vatas are balanced, they are flexible, have lively imaginations, and are original thinkers.  When Vatas is imbalanced they can get anxious, ungrounded, and flaky.  Vatas tend to run cold and dry while enjoying warm, humid weather.  It is common for Vatas to experience cold hands and feet, constipation, dry skin, and cracking joints.  The influence of the element air in their constitution causes their energy, mood, and appetite to fluctuate dramatically.  For this reason Vatas often fail to eat and sleep regularly, swinging from eating heavy foods to ground and sedate themselves, or ingesting stimulants like coffee and sugar to sustain intense mental and physical activity.  Insomnia and low immunity are very common problem for the sensitive vata person.


With all that being said... I am a Pitta Kapha.  The dominance is in the Pitta.  And reading through these descriptions its on the money.  It was amusing to read and be like "yup i'm that.. that one too.. yep... ooh def that one".. but also very informative.  Made me a little more aware of myself even more.  I have become much more aware of myself in the physical aspect of life by practicing yoga 4-6 times a week.  My body now "craves" the things it needs.  I find myself craving salad or veggies sometimes after a period of heavy foods.  So I am now ready to listen to my body and give it the natural things it needs to be balanced.

I have also attached the survey that Marsha sent out to find out what Dosha you are.  Take the Quiz, Find Out What Dosha You Are, and Let The Healing Begin!!

Aum Shanti Shanti Shanti Aum

Namaste Ash :)



(click on them.. they get bigger!)

That Sweet Soreness

Is what I look for in my practice.  If the pose is easy and aligned I take that as my body's indication to challenge myself further. A day after a dynamic wall yoga class by Rosa on Wednesday; my back, sides, biceps, and core are sore. That "muscles are full of blood and you worked the hell out of them" kind of soreness.  I took two weeks off from yoga in a combo of week vaca and then a week of rest. My body just wasn't feeling it and the moon cycle was a rough one.  But that sweet soreness pulls me back.  My body craves the movement, the challenge, the opportunity for my mind to be clear and in the moment.  And the ablitiy to push myself in directions I never thought I would get to.  And continue to do so!

I have now been practicing at least 4 times a week consistently since the first of May.  5 months of practice translates in my life to 28lbs lost and counting, a clearer calmer mind, accountability, being healthy, physical strength and stamina, and growing my practice further.  I plan to take the YogaWorks 200 RYT and teach in the community.  I want to share and give back the beautiful energy and guidance I have received from the Yogis I practice under :)

SatNam

40 Days 40 Classes: COMPLETE :)

40 beautiful days ago (well now actually 42) I started out on a journey to find some peace (shanti) to my mind-body-soul, and make a physical life change.

I have been over weight since the end of 2007.  Depression had me on the Taco Bell/Del Taco diet for a good year.  I piled on a good 60lbs since high school.  Its funny, because in your mind and when you look in the mirror you some how still think you are healthy... and you are far from it.  So we joined a gym.  Youfit.  And have personal training.  I lost 8lbs the first two months and was pumped.  Then a true blessing came along and I got a job working at Blissful Yoga.  As a personal and business goal I wanted to take each class.  This way I was able to experience the class for myself while being able to speak about the class to a prospective student.  The summer solstice conjured a 108 Sun Salutations led by Margie at the studio.  AMAZING.  My body felt a live.  Electric.  The vibration of atoms in my body left me tingling. 

So the 40 Day Challenge has served several purposes.  I wanted to have the discipline and be able to challenge myself and grow my practice, move my body to promote wellness and fat loss, the addiction my body had started to create in response to the month of classes I had already taken just working there, and a jump start to making my body a healthy environment for a little one :)  I lost 17lbs, gained more strength in my body than I have ever had, and allowed myself to push through my own barriers.  The ability to use the body's natural systems to heal, cleanse, and balance.  And an expeirence that I can take pride in but also continue to use to keep me accountable.  My practice has grown exponentially and I want to continue to grow it.  Heck I can do inversions now and got down into full splits.  I haven't been in splits since middle school Razzle Dazzle!!!!!

Autumn Equinox 108 Salutations next month and the next 40 Day Challenge is in January.  I cannot wait :D

I love the way my body feels...that I know that I can go to yoga, no matter what is going on in life.. step onto my mat and shelf my thoughts, my mind stills and my body surrenders to the flow.

Yoga Love <3

36 Days

Today is day 36 of the 40 day Challenge at work at Blissful Yoga.  With 4 days of classes ahead of me here is where I'm at..

1. Hot Yoga w/Delene
2. Vinyasa w/Marci
3. Yoga Wall w/Rosa
4. Stretch & Restore w/Aleesha
5. Bliss Flow w/Suzanne
6. Yoga Fit w/Margie
7. Restorative w/Carrie
8. Hot Yoga w/Delene
9. Vinyasa w/Marci
10. Candle Light w/Tracy
11. Vinyasa w/Aleesha
12. Bliss Flow w/Tracy
13. Restorative w/Delene
14. Hot Yoga w/Delene
15. Restorative w/Carrie
16. All Levels w/Marci
17. Home Practice
18. Yoga Wall w/Rosa
19. Home Practice
20. Bliss Flow w/Suzanne
21. Home Practice
22. Extended Restorative w/Carrie & Josh
23. Hot Yoga w/Craig
24. Home Practice
25. Yoga Wall w/Rosa
26. Restorative w/Delene
27. Yinyasa w/Delene
28. Home practice
29. Restorative w/Josh
30. Candle Light w/Tracy
31. Bliss Flow w/Marci
32. Restorative w/Aleesha
33. Flow & Restore w/Aleesha
34. Monthly Ashtanga Primary w/John
35. Restorative w/Marsha
36. All Levels w/Marci
37.  
38.  
39.  
40.  

I have to say that Yoga really is something else.  For anyone who doubts it.. that its a foofoo thing for only women.. step up and do 40 days of yoga.. and then ask yourself again.  I personally have lost 17lbs while participating in the 40 day challenge.  The strength in my body I lost over the past few years I have gained back.. plus some.  My body feels alive.  The 108 Sun Salutations to welcome the Summer Solistice was a profound moment for my mind and body.  These 40 days are a gift.

I'm pumped for the NEXT 40 days in January :D  Even if I'm preg.. its going down.. Erin did it and she is going in Friday to have her son..  She came to Level I/II this morning. She is a rock star and is absolutely glowing.  And her practice is through the roof.

Also getting our first Bountiful Basket this weekend :D  Super excited about that.  A really amazing women, Kate, inspired me to try it :)  Check out her blog.. Kate's Blog :)

Well I'm off to put posole together in the crockpot.  I love that darn thing :D  Mom bought it for me a few xmas' ago and that bad girl does work son.

Shanti!

PS: my hubby is playing don't stop believing for me <3 even though he things journey is a butt band hehe

Flow to find Balance

 

 

 

 

 

Flow to Find Your Balance

Balance. Just the word conjures up a surreal image of a sunny, stress-free life in which work, friends and family peacefully coexist with plenty of time for shared meals, sleep and museum-hopping. But is that idealized vision really what finding balance is all about? 

Yoga has a lot to teach us about balance; the physical practice revolves around dualistic relationships—strength and flexibility, push and pull, engaging and softening. The play between these opposing forces mirrors the fundamental relationship a yogi has with the ground below and the air above, the body serving as the connection between the two.

Take a simple pose like Tadasana, mountain pose. The feet root down into the earth and, in reaction to that, the heart lifts a little higher and the crown of the head rises up a little taller—you push down to lengthen up. Your sense of connectedness to the earth helps you to find an expansiveness up and away from the earth. This kind of oppositional energetic movement is something you can recognize most easily in balancing postures.

Explore your balance with this sequence. Hold each pose for 3 to 5 breaths.

• Start in downward-facing dog pose.
• Inhale to lift your right leg up in the air. As you exhale, step your right foot in between your hands and lift your arms up by your ears to come into a high lunge. 
• As you inhale, bring your palms to meet in front of your heart in a prayer gesture and exhale to angle your torso forward. On your inhale, lift your left leg up into a Warrior III pose. Modify by placing your hands on blocks beneath your shoulders if needed.
• Inhale to come up to stand, balancing on your right foot. Bring your right hand to your hip and take your left big toe in yogi toe lock with the first two fingers and thumb of your left hand. On an inhale, extend your left leg straight out in front of you and lift your right arm up into the sky. Modify by keeping your left knee bent and interlacing your hands beneath your thigh. 
• Open your left leg out to the left side of the room and extend your right arm out to the right side of the room. 
• Come into tree pose by bringing the sole of your left foot to the inside of your right thigh and extending both arms up towards the sky.
• As you inhale, bring your hands into prayer at your heart and exhale to point your left knee to the front of the room.  Move through Warrior III pose with prayer at your heart into a balancing standing split, lifting your left leg even higher behind you and bowing your head closer to the earth. Keep your gaze on the floor for balance. Modify by placing your hands on blocks.
• Gently step back into a low lunge with your hands on either side of your right foot.
• Exhale to step back into downward-facing dog pose. Repeat the flow on the opposite side.

The Well Wisdom:

Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes we encounter things that are hard and challenging, while other times life feels nothing but smooth. Just remember: these two opposite realms must both exist in order for us to practice living in the middle ground in between—it is there we will find balance.

(*by Jen Guarnieri
August 8, 2011)

BlissFlow: Vinyasa 101

Tomorrow morning's 1st class is blissflow.  Blissflow is a dialed down intro class to a normal vinyasa.   This class helps one learn the vinyasa.. or sun salutations.. in their practice.  The teachers also space asanas in sequence with the vinyasa.  I have taken both classes and I like them both so much that it would have to come down to my mood.  The way you feel after any of the classes.. especially the hot classes. That's the reward.  Not just the weight loss and tone up.. or the detox.. but that feeling you get.. the natural endorphins releasing.  Peace.

These photos illustrate Surya Namaskara A (Sun Salutation A)

Vinyāsa	breath	Dṛṣṭi	explanation of movement
1	IN	añguṣṭhamadhye	raise arms overhead
2	EX	nāsāgre	spread fingers, hinging at the hip fold forward, hands to ground Uttanasana (उत्तानासन, Uttānāsana)
3	IN	bhrūmadhye	come half-way up with straight spine, lift head
4	EX	nāsāgre	hands down, float back, ellbows close to chest Chaturanga Dandasana (चतुराङ्ग दण्डासन, Caturāṅga Daṇḍāsana)
5	IN	bhrūmadhye	roll on tops of feet, open the chest, straighten arms, Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana (ऊर्ध्व मुख श्वानासन, Ūrdhva Mukha Śvānāsana)
6	EX	nābicakre	tuck toes, push back, lift hips, straight arms Adho Mukha Shvanasana (अधो मुख श्वानासन, Adho Mukha Śvānāsana)
	5BR	nābicakre	Adho Mukha Svanasana (अधो मुख स्वानासन, Adho Mukha Svānāsana)
7	IN	bhrūmadhye	glide forward, lift Head, stretch Back
8	EX	nāsāgre	Head to knees Uttanasana (उत्तानासन, Uttānāsana)
9	IN	añguṣṭhamadhye	raise Arms over side, straighten up with straight back
-	EX	nāsāgre	lower Arms over side Samasthitih (समस्थितिः, Samasthitiḥ)

Class Update :)

Here is an update of classes I take/have taken at Blissful Yoga :)  I'd almost have to say that all of them are my fav... but Wall and Restorative are a bit ahead in the Favorite Class race ;)


Purple Highlight means they have been conquered.. :D

-All Levels
-Ashtanga Primary (Monthly)
-Blissflow
-Candle Light Yoga Level I/II
-Hot Yoga
-Hot Yoga I/II
-Intro to Yoga
-Level I/II
-Level II/III
-Restorative Candle Light
-Restorative Yoga
-Stretch and Restore
-Vinyasa
-Yin Yoga
-YinYasa
-Yoga Core
-Yoga Fit
-Yoga Wall (ABSOLUTE favorite class)

Shanti!