Inspirational Yoga Video

Amazing video, brought tears to my eyes!
The power of thought and yoga!

CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO or play below:

Some of my Favorite Quotes

We often find quotes evoking memories and feelings. For me, they are like poetry, here are some of my favorite quotes, which often times make me happier, more goal oriented, and provide me with assurance. I hope they provide you with some inspiration!

"Is life not a thousand times too short for us to bore ourselves? "
-Friedrich Nietzsche

"Only after you've lost everything, are you free to do anything."
- Fight Club, Tyler Durden

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
- Plato

“When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky.”
-Buddha

"Beauty is whatever gives joy."
-Edna St. Vincent Millay

"Quod me nutrit me destruit"

"A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages"
-Tennessee Williams

"I'll be a genius, and the world will admire me. Perhaps I'll be despised and misunderstood but I'll be a genius, a great genius."
-Salvador Dali

"You is talking loco and I like it!"
- Zoolander, Hansel

"The purpose of our lives is to be happy."
-Tenzin Gyatso

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
-Dr. Suess

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit."
-Aristotle

"The more powerful and original a mind, the more it will incline towards the religion of solitude."
-Aldous Huxley

“I'm a pessimist because of intelligence, but an optimist because of will”
- Antonio Gramsci

Daily Intention 12/4/2012

Take a long deep breath in... And release. Its time to take action.

Daily Intention 12/3/2012

Let your mind open to the new possibilities and encounters of today.

Yoga Shavasana

Yoga shavasana is an asana known as corpse pose. To me it is an integral part of yoga even though it as often viewed as something that is unimportant. It is comparable to a ribbon that ties your practice together. Shavasana is probably the closest I have come to complete emptying of myself. It is the point in practice of reflection which is so integral to the whole point of practice.
The pose allows one to capture the mental importance of the situation by creating a space where one must focus on breath and thought. With the physical strain the body has undergone, the body allows itself to completely relax and surrender giving the mind ample time to reach the aspired state. Shavasana allows relaxation, destress, integration, inner focus, and completion. It is ritual in yoga and that is an important reason why it practice must be completed start to finish.

Daily Intention 11/28/2012

The best way to finish something is to take one step at a time and begin.

Daily Intention 11/27/2012

When you feel like you have a lot to do, take the time to approach it step by step. Even with your work load and environment moving quickly, there is always time to slow things down, mentally and accomplish it all.

Daily Intention 11/25/2012

There is always time to be happy. Don't forget that!

Letters to a Lama

Over thanksgiving, I read a book that was comprised of various letters sent to a Lama. These letters asked for advice on what to do in various situations from a wide spectrum of people.

With each letter I noticed a theme which is what I love about the philosophy of Buddhism,
compassion.
With each letter, even those suffering were told to still be compassionate and think of others,
the lama mentioned that with each decision, thought, or action our karmas are altered. Karma, he mentioned, is also very scientific- like Newtons laws- where every action has a reaction.
With this in mind, often compassion and the thought of well being for others is the most beneficial way to overcome anything.

I practiced this myself, and felt myself immediately overwhelmed with Thanks for what I have and compassion for those who were not as fortunate- this compassion and thinking of them even citing mantras for their well-being actually seemed to benefit me! It was as though all the tension and negativity inside me was melting away and leaving my body.

I suggest everyone read a book by a Lama, the simple clarity and the eloquence of their ideals makes so much sense and truly helped me feel inspired to be compassionate.

Chakras

So in yoga, a lot is derived from breath which controls the flow of chakra.
Chakra is a word often used in yoga describing a vivid and semi-tangible energy that flows through us. In the east it is known as an indicator of a person's aura and what they value as well as showing the levels of enlightenment they have encountered.

Chakra- the word itself- means wheel in sanskrit. Effectively, these wheels move at varying speeds and colors dependent on our influences and our own lives.

The balance of various  chakras indicated harmony and inner peace. The chakra of the universe needs to remain balanced among each of us, as it indicates a connection with the world and ourselves.

To read about the 7 major chakras, visit this link:
http://healing.about.com/od/chakratheseven/a/study7chakras.htm

Daily Intention 11/22/2012

Appreciate the feeling of love that surrounds you when you are around those who make you smile.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is a photo posted by Lulu Lemon, and that I had to share.
Yogi's Love Stretchy Pants :)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Be thankful for the love in your heart and the beauty in those around you!

Daily intention 11/15/2012

When things seem right in your life, lift your head and smile- a gift called the present is something to relish.

Yoga History

I recently checked out this awesome article on yoga history,
In modern times yoga is known as a great form of exercise. It allows for the practitioner to balance themselves with strength, flexibility, and mentality.
In ancient times, however, yoga was something much more. It was a physical, mental, and spiritual connection focusing on connection with oneself and the world around you.
Its important to understand the purpose of yoga as not just a workout, but a state of mind and being.
The goal of yoga is divinity and enlightenment, complete inner peace.

To read more, visit this site:
http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/fall05/levy/history.html

Daily Intention 11/8/2012

Listen to songs that remind you of childhood, reminiscing puts perspective on the present.

Daily Intention 11/4/2012

Its never too late to set an intention. Put your mind to it and work.

Face Yoga- Anti Aging Trend-

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2012/11/face-yoga-is-the-new-natural-anti-aging-trend/

I have already done face yoga. I am not sure about the benefits of it, however like yoga, I know that it is definitely working my muscles and I can feel a difference with relaxation and control over aspects of my body and face. Face yoga apparently is the new natural anti-aging trend as this article eludes to. It allows for the student to practice various faces like lion face or fish face to target different parts of the face.

The idea is not impractical at all and makes sense in the biological sense. Working muscles increases blood flow, and encourages collagen and other promoters of elasticity which control how wrinkled a face can get.

As yoga moves forward we're not only seeing facial yoga but so many other varieties as well!

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga

In class, Lindsay mentioned the seven spiritual laws of yoga by Deepak Chopra
And, so I researched more about it because I was interested:
"1) The Law of Pure Potentiality in yoga reminds us that at every moment, we can make a choice to be happier, healthier and more loving. In the quiet space between poses, we are reminded of the Law of Pure Potentiality. 2) The Law of Giving and Receiving is expressed in the appropriate use of breath during yoga postures. The breath is the link between mind and body and between individuals and their environment. 3) The Law of Cause and Effect reminds us that each of our choices has consequences. The sensations in our body provide subtle clues as to the best choice. Yoga teaches us to listen to the signals of comfort and discomfort our body is sending. 4) The Law of Least Effort encourages us to use our life energy with impeccability. Yoga helps us remove the friction between our minds and bodies that wastes energy. 5) The Law of Intention and Desire teaches us to focus on the action that is likely to fulfill our desires rather than the fruits of our actions. Our yoga practice demonstrates how focusing on the sensations generated in a pose and surrendering into those sensations improves the performance of the yoga posture. 6) The Law of Detachment says that if we want something, we need to relinquish our attachment to the outcome. This principle along with the Law of Intention and Desire is key to a successful yoga practice and a successful life. 7) The Law of Dharma recognizes that everything has its unique purpose in life. Experiencing our unique way of performing yoga in practice reminds us to express our uniqueness in life. "

http://www.newliving.com/issues/july_2004/articles/chopra.html

 

Daily Intention 10/29/2012

Embrace the good things for as long as you can

Yoga and Art

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/18/turning-yoga-into-art/

Reading the above article in the NY Times really was interesting. It was more the imagery and the photography that was appealing, however it shows the true beauty and art of yoga.

Yoga as an art is easy to see, like dancing it creates beautiful curvature and truly allows expression through the use of a human body. Yoga has the amazing ability to create beauty through the pain and building of tolerance. Not only is it physically beautiful but, the idea of yoga in itself is gorgeous and artistic. The idea to break down your body and put it through enough pain, that it can ignore any thoughts and allow full concentration and mental mastery.

I encourage you to look through the article and the photography, it is beautiful!

Yogasms?

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/09/28/yogasms-on-the-rise-instructors-say-yoga-related-orgasms-are-real.html

I recently read this article, and was amused at the topic.
However, once I began thinking about it, it seemed completely valid that someone could get a "Yogasm"

The idea of a yogasm, especially for women is possible the way I see it. Yoga is very spiritual and you are in tune with your body and breath. At a state of blissful being and complete trust with yourself, isn't it possible to reach a point of Yogasm!?

I thought this was an interesting article, and I'm sure I've felt the power of yoga in reaching an epic state of mind like that of a Yogasm.

Daily Intention 10/19/2012

Give yourself more credit, allow yourself to trust your intentions and the intentions of those around you.

Daily Intention 10/15/12

Kick back your feet and let yourself relax for at least a day, let your day be for you.

Yoga Article

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/12/encinitas-union-school-di_n_1961578.html

I recently read this article above, and was astounded.
Let me start off by saying, that for me, yoga is spiritual but not in the sense of religion but more so oneself and being wholly entranced and in harmony in your body.

This article describes how a school in California implemented yoga in order for children to be promoted into a healthier lifestyle and common exercise.
However, parents responded with outrage, saying this is practicing the hindu religion and that removing their own children from this causes forced segregation.

Yoga is not meant to close the mind into one type of thought, but instead, open your mind to so many possibilities. Often people forget that even through positive thought, negative actions can happen therefore its so imperative that people are aware of something before accusations arise and its important to always keep an open mind.

Daily Intention 10/13/12

Raise your arms to the sky and shout it out. Sometimes you need a release

Things that Yogi's Say...

I love to laugh, especially at myself, and definitely found this video hilarious!
Yogis Video

Daily Intention 10/11/12

Take ah moment to embrace the light in all. The charisma in life is beautiful!

Daily Intention 10/10/12

Don't get easily distracted, the best days can prelude the worst.

Yoga and Music

People can often relate in many senses if not yoga. One of these methods of connection is music. As my mother often said, music is the sound of the soul. Everyone can relate to their likes and dislikes through music. Much of it bringing a sense of peace or evoking a certain emotion.
Yoga and music however prepare an intrinsic value and share a connection for creating mental fixation.
 Yoga is calming the mind and uses practices of meditation and physical strain in order to achieve true balance in oneself. Music can have the same therapeutic calming effect and allow people to delve into themselves. It is a character of identity and is rare to each person.
Even whilst in a yoga class, its easy to see that music can alter moods and passion. With something loud and high energy, the body wants to perform quickly and with rapture. However when something is soft, soothing, and gentle, the mind and body respond in the same way.
Its clear to me that yoga and music share the same divinity. They are an enclosure away from reality at times, enough to relax or thrill. 


For more on yoga & music read the article below:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-terri-kennedy/being-yoga_b_1853150.html

Daily Intention 10/2/2012

Savor the beauty of life. The soft rays of the sun, the cool breeze, and the intrinsic values of the natural world.

Daily Intention 10/1/2012

When life gives you a struggle, keep your chin up and work harder

Daily Intention 9/30/2012

When problems begin to overwhelm your mind, take time to think each through and rationalise how to proceed through calm and thoughtful reasoning. 

Yoga and Spirituality

I personally love the idea of somethings we cannot understand, the great mysteries of the unknown. My grandfather was very politically involved in his younger years working with high officials and even dined with the prime minister of China. Ironically enough, that dinner was when he started becoming a vegan. They had a huge feast with 40 or so different types of meat. Then as he finished, there was a small ceremony then the guests were allowed to roam the grounds in which included a zoo tour. It was then that the hosts mentioned that the feast that they had just eaten was composed of these very types of animals that they were looking at in the zoo! That was when my grandfather decided to quit eating meat, and became even more spiritual by tying himself to nature.

When he tells me this story, (my family has many stories), I can imagine the empathy he felt when he saw these animals and how he understood that spirituality connects us to all life. He is one of the healthiest people I know because he follows through and takes care of himself but what is interesting about this lifestyle change is how it effects his energy. I generally believe in science coming from the Colorado School of Mines, however, he is one of the most kind and pure souls. His energy is different from others around him and others can sense it. The chakra in his body is balanced well and he is able to communicate with himself and his surroundings in such an effortless way.

He told me that he practiced learning Reiki in India from a "master" for eight years, however the instructor had told him that eating meat will cause difficulty in practicing reiki- which made sense- the energies effecting so much. Therefore, he continues to practice reiki and veganism.

Self Practice

Mastering the Head and hand stands and attempting to get closer to the scorpion...

Daily Intention 9/26/2012

When you are overcome with joy, let go, and allow it to consume you

#Yoga Life

In terms of recent events and the media discussing all the bad referee calls, I felt this appropriate :)

Self Practice

A lovely day of yoga at Kafadar with some of my favorite people... I focused mostly on attempting to do head and handstands and get my back and breath to get accustomed to 'the Scorpion' pose! 

Daily Intention 09/26/2012

Outcast your proverbial natures, embrace the inner weirdness. 

The Language of Yoga

Its amazing what a word can do to change your day.
As I was composing poetry earlier this weekend, I realized how influential language truly is.
When we practice we can encompass our feelings and emotions through just one word,
Love, Healing, Happiness, Joy, all can describe the pleasures of the day
and Hate, Ugly, Bad, all can have a complete opposite effect on dictating energies.
It was a fruitful moment when I realized how this related to yoga. We often go around saying things, sometimes things that we don't realize the impact of. Words make a difference, communication is integral in healthy relationships and to make people release any pent up tension or stress.

In yoga, the words we say, though often little, matter.
These short simplistic words encompass the very energy of our bodies and allow us to portray our mentalities.

Yoga is often practiced through the use of Sanskrit tongue. Such simple words uttered have greater and deeper meanings that truly detail the inner-workings of practices such as yoga. They are simple and earthly and manage to allow true freedom within the soul.

For more information on the language of yoga itself and the meanings of Sanskrit terminology you can visit:
http://yogalifejourney.com/sanskrit/sanskrit-words-the-language-of-yoga/

Daily Intention 9/24/2012

Sometimes you just have to be honest with yourself and the ones around you, even if what you're trying to say is difficult or embarrassing to say, SAY IT! Today's intention is courage for truth.

Daily Intention 9/16/2012

Dig deeper than needed, explore and discover passion. 

The Benefits of Yoga

I already knew the calming effects of yoga and its influence on the body's strength, core, flexibility, and fluidity however, researching more about it enlightened me to the plethora of benefits that yoga provides.

I personally have experienced much of the healing aspects of yoga not only in conditioning the body but also the mind. Its important to realize how much the mind has an affect on how someone heals or feels. Mentality not only puts our emotions in check but also has a significant influence over how the body reacts and feels.

Its interesting to think and hear of all the possibilities that yoga can offer. I read a particular blog in which the writer used yoga as an alternative therapy for:

Digestive disorders

Anger issues

Fear

Panic

Jealousy

Body tension

Anxiety

Back Pain

Stress management

Arthritis

Depression


Its amazing to think how much yoga can do and much of it has to do with the person's will and belief in their own potential. It only eludes once more to the fact that the mental state we are in is truly what determines how our bodies react to ourselves and also how others see us. 

Read more about this article at: http://healthmad.com/alternative/the-benefits-of-chakra-yoga-and-yoga-therapy/#ixzz26hFEoJ35

Daily Intention 9/14/12

And as the nights get colder appreciate every bit of sunshine

Daily Intention 9/10/12

Remove the negativity or the cloudiness in your mind. Accomplish what you must, today.

Daily Intention 9/5/2012

Allow my body to recover, replenish my soul through a day of calming and restorative practice. 

Self Practice Reflection (Monday 9/3/2012)

The great thing about self practice in yoga is that you can go at your own pace and in whichever environment you choose. Yesterday consisted of a calming yoga session with my friends from Holland. The most basic vinyasa was where the day had taken us. Later that evening I ran 4 miles then headed to kickboxing at the Rec Center continuing to practice fluidity of the body and control in each muscle and each breath. 

Daily Intention 9/4/2012

Let go of the negativity from the past day. Make it mentally tangible, then expel it from your mind, You do not need negativity or stress. You control your emotions and feelings. Its all mental.

Daily Intention 9/3/2012

Wake up early enough to watch the sunrise, allow the body to release any tension and let go before proceeding with the hectic day.

Daily Intention 9/2/2012

Improve concentration through the focus of dense subject matter

Daily Intention: 8/29/2012

Take time to appreciate the ones around me and be thankful for strong community and familial ties.

Daily Intention: 8/28/2012

Take a breath in between the chaos and find serenity amidst the coolness of the shade. 

Daily Intention: 8/26/2012

Detoxify the body and cleanse the mind, preparing yourself for the new week ahead.