Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Encouraging & Nurturing Independent Yogis

Many of the yogis I work with have been with me for some time now. I try not to refer to them as my students, because more often they are teaching me, and for that I am grateful.

I usually lead the Sun Salutation sequence during class, and I've been doing so for years. About a month ago, I asked my practicing yogis during class if they were comfortable doing their Sun Salutations on their own (but together as a group), as a moving meditation. I felt my voice during the sequence was more of a distraction than an instruction. I wanted them to experience how even while moving, we can find the calming stillness in our minds.

Sun Salutations are empowering and energizing. They demand us to be present mentally, physically, and spiritually. They prove we can be strong, confident, and independent yogis.

It took a few rounds, but soon we were all moving and breathing on our own, but together. It wasn't long until the atmosphere in the room became totally energized. I've always encouraged my fellow yogis to do the number of salutations best for them, so some of us did 3-4, and others 10-15. After each yogi finished their sequences, they would quietly fold into Child's Pose and rest until the others finished.

The results were amazing! The response was so positive, we've continued.

My goal is to encourage & nurture independent, confident yogis. I believe it's important for the yogis who attend my classes to learn they can do yoga on their own. Their yoga is, after all, their practice. No two yogis are alike. We're all different. We move and breathe differently and we have unique and / or specific needs.

Of course, I adore instructing and practicing with fellow yoga folks, but I also love that the yogis who attend Be the Tree Yoga come to understand this is their own personal journey.

~Namaste

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Feeling Blah? Hug a Tree

It may improve your health and disposition. If you don't believe me, read this article here.










You Might Be a Tree Hugger If...



  • You recycle
  • You kick off your shoes and walk barefoot in the grass
  • You use your own totes when shopping
  • You plant trees on Arbor or Earth Day (or just because!)
  • You're environmentally conscious
  • You frown on chemicals in the garden
  • You eat organic foods when possible
  • You find any excuse to be out in nature
  • Your favorite yoga pose is Tree Pose
  • (Or if the name of your yoga business includes the word "tree"
  • You find yourself talking to the trees. Out loud.
  • You're a gardener


And just in case you're wondering...


How to Hug a Tree


Step 1: Locate a tree.
Step 2: Wrap your arms around it.
Step 3: Squeeze

Namaste~

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Yoga for Tight Hips

Tight hips got you moving slow? Believe it or not, tight hips can cause a multitude of other issues. Lower back pain, legs, knees...

You may not even realize your hips are tight until you attempt to sit in fire log pose or cow face pose and you're suddenly struck with an unworldly pain that prompts you to spring off the mat and run screaming from yoga class.

Fear not, brave yogis. There's a solution. Stretch. Yes, it's the very thing which alerted you, but I promise, it'll help.

9 Yoga Stretches to Help Relieve Hip and Lower Back Pain

One of my favorite websites / blogs to follow is Yoga by Candace. Not because we share the same name, (but that is very cool!) but because her blog is full of helpful tips and fabulous information. I also follow her on Facebook.

And guess what? April 1st began her April Yoga Project: 30 Day Yoga Program for Tight Hips. It's not to late to make the commitment to yourself.

Be the Tree Yoga is declaring April happy-hip month. :) Try it at home or join us in class. Trust me, your hips will be happy and thankful.

Be well, friends~

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Toasty Tootsies in Yoga Class



There's a chill in the air and winter will be here before you know it. But don't let your legs and feet freeze in yoga class. Leg warmers, yes the same kind we rocked in the 80's, provide leg warmth and while in Savasana, you can roll them down over your toes.


A simple Google search "yoga socks" or "yoga leg warmers" will do the trick. Prepare to be amazed. 

Warning: Cute socks can be addictive. 


There are many talented artists, crafters, & knitters 
who will even do custom orders!
(Links for each under image)

Eco Threads Clothing

Find these on Etsy!


Or choose a pair that goes all the way to the foot, leaving toes and heels exposed for stability in poses.

Find These on Etsy!

No Slip Yoga Socks


Gaiam Yoga Socks



So, keep those tootsies toasty. Order your pair today!

~Namaste



Wednesday, September 24, 2014

HISD Offers Yoga in 12 Schools

As a certified yoga instructor who'd jump at the opportunity to teach yoga to children, this is amazing news!

In the past, I've blogged about teaching teen girls here, and I've also expressed my desire to teach yoga to children on my How & Why I Became a Yogini page

On September 23, 2014, the Houston area newspapers and news channels featured stories about the Houston Independent School District bringing yoga into a dozen schools. The benefits of yoga in schools are endless. Really. All I can say is...


I am able.
I am willing.
I am ready!

Here are just a couple of the articles published yesterday, Sept. 23, 2014. Way to go, HISD! 

HISD Hopes Yoga Classes Will Boost Students' Health (Houston Chronicle)

HISD Offering Yoga at 12 Schools (KPRC Ch. 2)

The Sonima Foundation is the California based foundation who helped fund the wellness program with HISD.

Bent On Learning is another non-profit organization based in New York who also assists schools bringing yoga to the classrooms.

Bent On Learning will be one of the presenters on Sept 27 at the first annual National Kid's Yoga Conference.

Good stuff is happening, folks!

~Namaste'

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Yoga Aids Vets

US soldiers participating in the Yoga For Veterans program. (Photo: Give Back Yoga Foundation)
As a former military wife, this subject is all too real. The results of time served, wartime or not, can and will leave lasting effects on our heroes. Good or bad. And yet, I'm quite certain it would be difficult to find any one of these folks who would take back one moment of their time spent in the military. It's just they way they are. 

But what happens when they come home?

(Does that rhetorical question need be answered?)

I've known and heard about those who suffer from PTSD and other stress-related symptoms. Anxiety. Depression. Panic Disorder. Anger. Fear. The list goes on. Sure, there are medications and therapy, and then, there's yoga. 

Yoga can help. It's been researched. The proof is in the results

Article on NPR

If you know a veteran who's in need, please pass this information along. Here's a great resource link listing various sources for yoga organizations to aid veterans.

~Namaste

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Yoga Classes in Downtown Brenham

Isn't this the best news ever?! The darling owner of Top Floor Academy of Dance has graciously offered me the use of her studio, located downtown in Brenham, just across the street from KTEX radio station. The address is 216 E. Main Street. It's spacious, has a mirrored wall, and a bar for balance. It's perfect! Classes begin next week!

Here are the details: 

Beginning September 9th...

Tuesdays & Fridays 12:00 - 1:00 (lunchtime yoga) 
Cost: $12.00
*Please provide your own yoga mat. 
*Please dress accordingly, comfortable work out attire.

*If you arrive a few minutes late, please be courteous and come in quietly & set up in the back. :)

If all goes well, a morning class will be added, too.

Help spread the word by sharing the news with your family & friends!!

Namaste~

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Feeling Stressed? Stop. Focus. Breathe.

Yes, it's just that simple.

Most of us live busy lives. We're always on the go. We overbook our schedules. Some of us never stop. When this happens, stress builds...and builds...and builds, until you feel like you'll explode (or implode). During times like this, we tend to shallow breathe, leaving us oxygen deprived, which only causes health issues, more tension, and guess what? More stress.

Answer?

Focus and take some deep breaths. Control it.

We all know breathing is an involuntary respiratory function, but controlled breathing is intentional. Here's an example:

Those who know me will tell you I don't deal well with high stress. One of my big stress inducers? Traffic. In Houston. Yeah, it's pretty awful, right? When driving in Houston, during traffic, I deep breathe. Fill the belly on my inhales, empty the belly on my exhales. It only takes a couple of minutes to calm the mind, reduce the blood pressure, and the occasional thoughts of road rage. You can also count your controlled breathing in your head, such as, "Inhale, 2, 3, 4...Exhale, 2, 3, 4" and so on until the stress is reduced.

Yes, sometimes even yogis get stressed out. It happens to the best of us.

This article in Forbes had some great information about controlling the breath.

Another great article about breathing to reduce stress.

Remember, the next time you feel yourself stressed out, stop, focus, and breathe.

~Namaste






Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Be the Tree Yoga in Brenham Celebrates

Last week, I filed for my DBA with Be the Tree Yoga, as a sole proprietorship with the county clerk's office in Washington County, Texas. 


It's official! 

This legal accomplishment may be small for some, but it's huge for me. It's validation. Be the Tree Yoga is my business. It's in the books, well, at least in Washington County, that is. :-)

Help me celebrate and take a class soon! If you'd like to see another day / time offered, please let me know.

Schedule:

Mondays 5:30-6:30
Thursdays 10:30-11:30 & 5:30-6:30

"Wicked Lovely" 


Namaste~

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Brenham Area Yoga at the Camphouse

This month marks the 1yr. anniversary of yoga at the Camphouse! To celebrate, we (and by that I mean the hubby) have done some renovations by taking down a wall to create more space. Luckily for us, the wall removal was easy since it wasn't a structural wall and had been added after the construction of the house.

*During June, if you bring a friend (who hasn't been to Be the Tree Yoga before), you each pay 1/2 price for that class! That's right! For one class, you and the friend only pay $5.

My how things have changed over the past 12 months! As the owner of Be the Tree Yoga, I'm thrilled to see the growth, in both clients and space, we've made. 

Before, the Camphouse could only hold 8 mats (and it was a tight fit!). Now after the renovations, we can comfortably hold up to 15 mats, and yes, with room to move about. No more stretching out only to hold hands with your mat neighbor! :-) 

If you live in the Brenham or surrounding areas, come check out yoga at the Camphouse. We'd love to have you! Email me for details. bethetreeyoga@gmail.com.

Class schedule: Monday & Thursday 5:30-6:30 p.m.
                         Thursday 10:30-11:30 a.m.
1 hour class only $10!
All levels welcome. :-)


Before
After
After



Namaste~