Movement: Wheel Variation

Playing around the other day with wheel pose. What a test of balance to lift your arm! ​A pose can always "go" somewhere- so any time you feel like you're getting bored with a pose try lifting a limb and see what happens. :)

Thoughts of the Day: Journey of Today

3 Yoga Poses for Sciatica

{Via}​

Sciatica is a common problem among both men and women and it can be maddeningly uncomfortable. Luckily, there are a couple yoga poses ​that really help. Here are three I put together that can provide relief.

First up, pigeon pose.​

Next up, seated piriformis stretch.​

Last one- laying piriformis stretch.​

What Type of Yoga is Best for You?

In honor of National Yoga Month, I thought I'd give you a rundown of different types of yoga so you can choose what might work best for you. The picture above is from my teacher training in Thailand (can you spot me? i'm in the white on the purple mat). To my knowledge, there isn't a class that is always blindfolded but I'd be down to start one- this was one of the best classes I've ever taken!! Ok, so let's get started. My list is just based on what I'm familiar with. There are many other types of yoga not listed here. 

AcroYoga​

Expect: A partner-based, playful class that combines yoga, acrobatics and Thai massage. Super fun and uplifting (literally), and it challenges you to trust your partner, and be sensitive to his/her/your own needs. ​

Ashtanga

Expect: An athletic and physically demanding practice  based around sun salutations. It is vinyasa style- or a flowing movement. You go from pose to pose, almost like a dance. ​Traditionally, as taught by creator Patthabi Jois, Ashtanga is done Mysore-style, which is individually and silently, with the teacher walking around adjusting. Typically in the states, though, you will most likely have an instructor who leads you through the practice.

Baptiste Power Yoga​

Expect: A heated room and a flowing 90 minute sequence. ​This is a physically demanding practice. Each teacher's sequence will be different, but the overall class is designed to strengthen and tone the entire body.

Bikram​

Expect: A heated room at 105 degrees. You'll do a series of the same 26 postures in each class, no matter what studio or who the teacher is. You repeat most of the postures twice. Expect to sweat A LOT.​

Iyengar ​

Expect: This type of yoga focuses on alignment of the body. Especially great for people with posture problems, back issues, etc. You may only do a few poses per class with the focus on the subtle body and the importance of alignment in postures.​

Jivamukti​

Expect: An emphasis on spiritual development along with a physical practice. Sanskrit chanting and spiritual readings are common during class. There's a focus on linking yogic lifestyle both on and off the mat.

Kripalu ​

Expect: The focus in Kripalu yoga is prana (breath), and you'll do meditation, breathing exercises and relaxation practice to awaken the observation of breath. Classes can be either gentle or more physically demanding depending on the teacher and the class needs. 

Pesto Casserole

​Last night I threw this pesto veggie/lentil/tofu dish together, and it came out wayyyy better than expected. So good, in fact, that I feel it's worth sharing here. :) It's really easy, and a lot of the ingredients are interchangeable so you can just use what you already have. Hope you enjoy! 

Preheat oven to 350.​

Ingredients: ​

Chopped and peeled organic carrots, zucchini and onion (but you could use any veggies)​

Chopped up veggie "meats"- I used "meat"balls, and Chik'n nuggets (could use tempeh or skip this)​

1 cup almond milk​

1 1/2 cups water​

Three heaping scoops pesto​

A pinch of cinnamon​

1 cup lentils​ (optional and interchangeable with chickpeas or any other beans)

1/2 cup brown rice (optional and interchangeable with quinoa, millet, etc.)​

Directions: Put the grains in a casserole dish, followed by the other ingredients. Add the liquid and pesto last. Put it in the oven for 30-40 minutes (or until the grains are completely cooked). The liquid looks like a lot when you're putting it all together, but keep in mind it gets completely soaked up by the grains as it cooks. Eat and enjoy!​