Yoga Tip: Yoga for the Back

​Here's a ten minute video I put together to release tension and strengthen the back muscles. Hope you enjoy! 

Yoga Tunes: Mid-Morning Practice

If you're looking for some yoga tunes, I've got just the thing. Here's a new playlist with what I've been listening to recently. It's a pretty chill alternative mix of singer/songwriter types perfect for a mid-morning practice. Hope you enjoy.​

PS- More playlists here.

Self Care

 "Undoubtedly to some, the idea of giving so much self love will seem very cold, hard, and unmerciful. Still this matter may be seen in a different light, when we find that 'looking out for Number One,' as directed by the Infinite, is really looking out for Number Two and is indeed the only way to permanently benefit Number Two." -Prentice Mulford

I recently returned from Nice, where I spent a blissful few days alone. The city was buzzing but I was silent, enjoying being an observer of myself and others. I did what I wanted- I read, I slept in, I explored. It was exactly what I needed- a few days to myself to recharge and reconnect. And i didn't feel guilty about it.

It wasn't until last year that I changed my ideas about "looking out for Number One". I used to feel it was greedy and self-serving to always keep your best interest at heart and do what serves you. But then I realized a few things: 

A) I needed to change my ideas about what it means to be "self-serving". Self-serving, in this instance, does not mean greedy. To me, it means doing something that causes no harm to you or anyone else, and nurtures you spiritually, physically or mentally thereby benefitting the people around you.  

B) When we practice doing what is best for us (in a respectful, harmless way), we will be better partners, friends, mothers/sisters/daughters, etc. Our feelings are contagious to those around us, so when we are feeling fulfilled and happy it spills over into other aspects of our lives.

So, when you put yourself on the back burner and focus on family, friends, work, whatever- you're doing yourself (and everyone else) a huge disservice. 

Everyone is different, so a weekend trip might not be the answer for you. Maybe you need something bigger or maybe you need something smaller. Something as simple as carving out time in your day to do something that you love could be really beneficial. Maybe just once a week is better for you- a zumba class you've always wanted to try, for example. Or perhaps just once a month- you join a book club or some sort of social group. Or maybe you need a yearly week-long trip/stay-cation (a vacation at home). Whatever it is you need, you should do. Erase your fears, your anxieties and your guilt. Looking out for yourself is the best way to help others.

For the Foodies: When I'm in France

There's this running joke about my food choices- I'm lucky enough to get to travel throughout European countries known for their fantastic cooking, and yet I always wind up getting salads when out to eat. It's sort of absurd, but I know what I like, what can I say?! ​

This past weekend I was in Nice for a little solo getaway. (Side note: If you've never traveled alone, I highly recommend it. Choose a safe destination (Nice was fantastic!) and take a few days to just be alone. It's wonderful. You learn about yourself and discover strengths and talents you didn't know you had.) Anyway, I took pictures of all my meals because I am little obsessed with food, and I didn't even realize until just now that with the exception of a crepe here and a chocolate there, I had ordered salads in one variation or another. Typical! 

​From top left clockwise: Field greens and smoked salmon with two baby crepes; another field greens salad with a caprese sandwich; millet, peas and cauliflower baked in an almond sauce with a side salad; and a caesar salad with chicken. Bon appetite! 

Yoga Tip: Downward Dog

​Downward dog is a pose that we see A LOT in yoga. It can be a very challenging pose at first. I've had students complain of wrist pain while doing it, for example. The following tips may help you in downward dog. For now, don't worry about getting your heels to the ground. Make sure the foundation is right first and then work on elongating the hamstrings. 

I always tell students to visualize their body as an upside down letter V. This gets them to move their tailbone to the sky, and elongate the spine and legs. From here, spread the fingers as shown. Push into the fingertips and roots of the fingers. This is where most of the weight should be and will help with wrist issues. ​Push the mat away from you so your armpits are long. Rotate your elbows away from you and let go of any tension in the neck.

​Feet should be hip distance apart. A lot of times people take their feet too wide. Your hips are not as wide as you think they are! (A rule of thumb is to stand, and look down at your feet. With your hands find your hip bones. Your feet should be directly underneath.) Continue to push out of the armpits and elongate the spine. Without moving your feet, rotate your thighs slightly inward. Reach the tailbone to the sky. Breathe.