This Past Week

It felt like each day this week went by so slowly but despite that I can't believe it is Friday already. Today we need to confirm our tickets to head back to Germany in July, underscoring the feeling that summer is flying by. (Side note: has anyone used a cargo company that ships pets internationally? We usually fly Lufthansa but we may need to go on another airline and we can't take the dog, apparently. Please help!)

Anyway, I have been practicing arm balances lately since my wrists have been feeling great. I'm currently working on my crow pose. The lady on the right is doing the full expression, and you can see I need to work on straightening my arms and rounding my back. I think I'm almost there which feels really good. 

​sunrise

In other news, we've been making the most of each day here and taking time to really appreciate all we have. The weather has been gorgeous all week, starting with Monday, when we got up to watch the sunrise. ​

​Bose sport in-ear headphones

Making plans for going back to Germany is reminding me that I need to take care of little things in the states like replacing my headphones. I had a pair of Bose in-ear headphones for working out that I loved. The wire had begun to peel, exposing the lines and interfering with the sound, so I took them to the store and they replaced them with the new sports headphones. I love them! They come with an armband, but mine doesn't fit well so I won't be using it. They also have a little mic on the wire so you can answer calls if you need to, and it also adjusts the volume. I can't praise Bose enough for their customer service and how they stand behind their products. ​

Hope you all have a great weekend and Memorial Day!​

Yoga Tip: Crow Pose

Kakasana, also known as Crow Pose, is a great arm balancing posture. It's fun to play around with it whether you're a beginner or a more experienced yogi. Give it a go and let me know how you find it!

How to do it: Start by squatting with your feet about mat width apart. Inhale and plant your hands firmly into the mat shoulder distance apart. Look about 8 inches in front of you. Find your drishti (focal point) and don't look anywhere else. Push into the fingertips and the roots of the fingers. Bring your knees to touch a couple inches above your elbows and slowly come up onto your tiptoes. Exhale and lean forward, resting your knees and the tops of your shins on your triceps and gently lift your toes off the ground. 

Benefits: Strengthens the shoulders, arms and wrists. Improves balance. Works the forearm muscles. Great for people with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Tips: When starting out, put a pillow under your face. My yoga instructor broke her nose when she fell out of this pose!! Also, be really diligent about pushing into the fingertips and roots of the fingers. Stay mindful not to collapse your weight into the outer edges of the palms- that could injure your wrists.