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~