Pardon me while I brag on my mat...

I have never taken the time to write about my mat nor why I have landed on it, ha, literally!  No, with this post, I'm not going all into the philosophical reasons why I came to the yoga mat, but the more practical and factual reasons of why I chose the mat that I use.

The quick facts:
Mat maker: Jade
Mat model: Harmony
Mat color: Blue
Mat length: 71 inches
Mat cushion: 3/16 inch
To be a little more specific, my Jade is two-toned, with one side Slate and the other Midnight Blue.

Why do yogis often talk about their mats, and in particular the color of their mat?  Because choosing a yoga mat is a very, very personal decision.  It's a decision that is based on different senses...how the colors make you feel, how the mat grips when you are in a pose, how it cushions your body in Savasana, how heavy or light it is when you carry it, and how it smells after you have sat every inch of your sweaty body on it.  All these sensations could very easily be metaphors for so many things, but, for now, remember, we are really just talking about the mat.

Mat selection has a lot to do with personal preference, coupled with the type of yoga you practice, and even sometimes the location.

I practice mostly hot yoga...I mean really H-O-T yoga and you know what comes with hot yoga...lots of sweat.  I had tried using a yoga towel and it just didn't work for me, so I was determined to find a mat that would hold its grip on its own.  I went through almost every "popular" maker you can imagine and still wound up on a virtual slip & slide each class.  Until I saw someone's Jade in class.  I could immediately tell that it had a different texture than any mat I had used.  Once I stepped foot on my instructor's Jade, I knew I had found my mat.

Full disclosure: I am NOT associated with Jade, nor do I receive any products from them in return for posting this.  (But I will let you know if that changes, hint, hint Jade).

But I have looked around in so many classes and just haven't seen enough of these great mats.  It is so hard to have an opportunity to TRY a yoga mat before you have to buy it.  But you can at least look around in class, look for different colors, textures, lengths, cushions, that speak to you.  Ask your fellow yoga to feel their mat, and if you feel close enough to them, ask them to use it.  My fellow RYT-200 classmates would die laughing at that latest suggestion since I was the last one in our class who wanted someone else's stinky body on my mat.  But cleaners, essential oils, breathing techniques, and, of course, yoga, have gotten me over that little issue.

I have used this mat now for over two years, straight (averaging 5-6 yoga classes a week).  I honestly don't think I have cleaned it once and STILL can't smell anything offensive on it.  It's not beginning to break down or show it's age at all.  It has far exceeded my expectations compared to other brands that I used for 6 months or so before they smelled or showed wear.

Bottom line....I use a Jade Harmony, two-toned, 71x3/16" mat.  It spoke to me, it is my yoga home, it is always there under my feet, supporting my body, and reminding me that it is the one place that I can always return to refresh, renew, and just do yoga.

Unique yoga poses - great inspiration!

I honor the tradition of original yoga poses, but I have to say that I am enamored when I have a teacher do something completely new or innovative. I haven't run across a teacher doing this one, but I worked it into a class myself and it was well received. A challenging one to cue though when different levels are in class...so I'm still working on that. The true source of the pic is quietearthyoga.com, but you can also get their from my Pinterest > Yoga-Poses board!  

https://www.pinterest.com/yogawritegirl/yoga-poses/

Thank you for the inspiration QuietEarthYoga...whoever you are!  

QuietEarthYoga.com

How Do You Cue: Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-limbed staff pose)

At times, it could be almost impossible to count how many times you would Chaturanga Dandasana in a one hour yoga class.  It is a part of both Sun Salutation A and B as well as included in any full or half vinyasa.  Bottom line, you will do it A LOT!  This is one of the RARE poses that you will almost always hear referred to by its Sanskrit name during a practice, although it is usually truncated to simply "Chaturanga".  The full Sanskrit term is Chaturanga Dandasana which translates as "catur" (four), "anga" (limb), "danda" (staff), "asana" (pose) or four-limb staff pose. 

So, how do you cue, Chaturanga Dandasana?

Chaturanga Dandasana (Four limbed staff)
Cue type	Cue
Short & sweet	Low plank
Meet in the middle	Step or jump back to the top of a pushup and lower down (halfway)
All in the details	From plank on balls of feet with hands directly under shoulders, lower down, hugging elbows to sides, until arms are at a 90 degree angle and hover

 

Image source: http://downdogboutique.com/image/data/Chakras%20by%20Didi/CC007_pose.jpg

That Language of Yoga

Latest publish on DoYouYoga.com exploring the language of yoga... 5 Sanskrit Yoga Terms Explained

 

Homemade Coconut Oil Toothpaste

So, I started reading about Coconut Oil Toothpaste, and while it is not easy to find a medical (meaning dental) source that will confirm that this is an overall healthy solution, I couldn’t help but want to try it based on much what I had read.  Things like:

“Coconut oil is antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal.  Studies have shown that coconut oil destroys the bacteria that can cause tooth decay.” (Source: http://www.healthextremist.com/make-your-own-baking-soda-and-coconut-oil-toothpaste/)

“Baking soda is less abrasive from normal toothpaste, which protects your tooth enamel from wearing off." (Source: http://www.greenandhealthy.info/toothpaste.html)

“Fluoride causes us to absorb extra aluminum – aluminum is the metal that shows up alarmingly in the brains of Alzheimer’s victims.” (Source: http://www.greenandhealthy.info/toothpaste.html)

Along with the fact that over the counter toothpaste comes with a warning to contact Poison Control if too much is ingested by children.   However, I want to caveat, that even if a small child ingested too much of this homemade concoction, I would also be inclined to call Poison Control!  Right?!

So, anyway, based on a sampling of recipes I found online, here is my own version:

 

The first time I used it, I honestly thought my teeth felt cleaner than they ever had using an OTC toothpaste and I was delighted to find that the feeling of cleanliness lasted throughout the day, even after eating a meal! 

Disclaimer: I absolutely will discuss with my dentist on my next visit and HIGHLY recommend that you do as well!

I’m also excited to find out what else I can do with coconut oil!!!

YWG

How do you cue: Ardha Uttanasana (Standing forward bend / half forward fold)

Ardha Uttanasana is a pose used to extend and warm the spine and legs and is a key asana in the Sun Salutations A & B sequences because of its loosening and warming qualities. However, you will find it used throughout most yoga flows.  You may notice tightness through the first few of your practice, but with each expansion into this pose, you will quickly feel its positive effects. So, How Do You Cue Ardha Uttanasan?

Ardha Uttanasana (Half standing forward bend/ half forward fold)
Cue type	Cue
Short & sweet	lookup and lengthen
Meet in the middle	rising half way up, gaze is out and up
All in the details	push up thru the fingertips, shoulders back, spine straight, chin out, gaze up

Image source: http://www.yogaoutlet.com/userfiles/image/Yoga_HalfStandingForwardFold_01_300x350.jpg

Visit DoYouYoga.com for 5 Great Reasons to Practice Yoga

First publish on DoYouYoga.com! 5 Great Reasons to Practice Yoga...

Made me smile...Monday

The scene: Monday morning, dreary drive to work in pouring rain, temperature around 48 degrees – at least it wasn’t freezing, but it wasn’t warm.  I typically spend my morning drive on the way to work “meditating” to try to set a positive intention for my day.  As with other meditation activities, this can sometimes be very hard for me – and the rainy Monday was definitely not helping.  But today, as I crossed thru the last intersection before my work complex, I saw something that made me smile.  On the corner of the intersection is a large apartment complex.  Many mornings, I have noticed the school bus there making the morning stop.  Today, as I sat at the red light, for some reason my attention was drawn to the school bus. The door was closed, so all the students had boarded.  But what I noticed was the congregation of umbrellas on either side of the bus.  That stuck out to me…for it meant that some parents probably went to driver side of the bus so their child could see them or they could see their child.  I continued to watch as no less than 25 parents continued to stand there when, as if orchestrated, all the umbrellas turned to follow the bus as it pulled away.  Then it struck me…they didn’t just put their children on the bus and walk away…they stayed there…whether for themselves, or for their children.  Watching this scene that goes on every morning, for some reason made me smile.  To see that kind of simple support of parents for their children was powerful. 

Then my light turned green.  As I crossed thru the intersection, I came to another boy that is usually waiting for the same bus at the end of his driveway just down the street.  Today, his mother was with him with an umbrella and holding him tight to her to keep him warm and dry.  Again, she had not just sent him out in the dreary weather to wait for the bus, she was there with him.  That made me smile even more. 

It’s those moments of simple support that can mean so much to someone’s day, whether it’s your child, a family member, or even a stranger.  We all have a chance to let someone know we acknowledge them or are there for them.  And that is what made me smile today!

Namaste.  YWG

How do you cue: Uttanasana (Standing forward bend / forward fold)

Uttanasana is the second posture in both Surya Namaskar A and B, not to mention used heavily throughout most yoga sequence.  This posture is great for stretching the hamstrings and calves and strengthening the thighs and knees.  Yes, you read that right, it's not just a yin pose, but also a yang when the knees are bent slightly.  It is not imperative that the student bring their hands all the way to the mat although cueing them to do so will encourage them to at least try, but slight modifications can include bringing the fingertips to the floor or the hands to the ankles or shins.  So, How Do You Cue Uttanasana?  Here are some good ones that I have heard...

Uttanasana (Standing forward bend / forward fold)
Cue type	Cue
Short & sweet	Forward fold
Meet in the middle	Sweep palms to the mat, folding forward
All in the details	Bend at the hips bringing palms toward the mat, chest to thighs





Image source: http://yogaparaprincipiantesonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Uttanasana.jpg


Namaste.  YWG

Pinterest!

I love Pinterest!  Okay, I am saying this probably three years after the rest of the Pinterest world, but it's never too late, is it?  I like to stay organized, and I like to keep up with random pieces of facts and knowledge.  I am also a very visual person.  So the concept behind Pinterest is to be able to "pin" items from the internet on various boards that you can create and categorize.  The best part is that with each "pin", which is really a bookmark, you get to include a picture.  Bottom line, that means, Pinterest and I...a match made in the ether!   I can follow certain interests and see similar relevant content as soon as I hit the site.  I can create my own boards and pin within those categories, and best of all, I can choose to keep some private.  Well, as private as we choose to believe, right? 

So Pinterest has now become my go-to method of keeping track of websites and references that I know I will use again and again.  Right now, I have mostly boards dedicated to yoga:

• Yoga - Elderly or disabled
• Yoga - Facts and knowledge
• Yoga - Flows and sequences
• Yoga - For Golfers
• Yoga - For Healing
• Yoga - Gear
• Yoga - Kids
• Yoga - Meditation
• Yoga - Photography
• Yoga - Playlists
• Yoga - Poses
• Yoga - Sayings and Quotes
• Yoga - Teaching
• Yoga - Tips
• Yoga - Travel / Retreats
• Yoga - Videos

It's a great resource for keeping track of the things and ideas that you love...try it out if you haven't already.  If you have, follow YogaWriteGirl, so I can follow you back.

Namaste.

YWG

How do you cue: Tadasana

So this begins a new series called, "How Do You Cue".  As in yoga teacher training, and well, as I go thru any yoga class as a practitioner, I continuously learn and hear new ways to cue poses.  It can be the most subtle of cues in a pose that may trigger a movement that will get a student to really feel the sensation in a pose or reach their edge.  While there isn't always an exact or correct way to cue, the way a pose is cued can make all the difference for new and seasoned students.  So I thought it would be fun to start this series which will include three levels of cueing that either I use or have heard:

• Short & sweet
• Meet in the middle
• All in the details

I want to stress that I am not taking credit for any of these cues being purely of my invention. As with everything that is yoga, these evolve from teachers that preceded me.  It just intended to be a fun excursion into the endless possibilities of cueing poses.  Please feel free to comment or add your own flavors!

Namaste!  YWG

So...How do you cue: Tadasana

Tadasana (Mountain Pose, from standing at the top of the mat to begin Sun A)
Cue type	Cue
Short & sweet	arms up, look up
Meet in the middle	arms up, look up, brining  palms together
All in the details	sweep the arms out and up, palms together, gazing off the fingers

 

Image source: http://healinglifestyles.com/uploads/images/2011/August/2011-8-25-mountain-land.jpg

 

Find Your Yoga...

I am excited to announce that I am now available to teach yoga in the Memphis area!  I can do privates, semi-privates, groups (general yoga or focused), and offer karma yoga to charity groups and events!

Disclaimer: cards were pre-ordered in anticipation of receiving teacher's certificate on 12/14/2014 with expected Yoga Alliance registration immediately following.  Use of Yoga Alliance RYT-200 logo is not valid until registration with Yoga Alliance is complete.  This disclaimer will be removed once registration has taken place.

Teacher training...one week to go.

Yoga focuses a lot on sensation.  So, with one week to go in my Yoga Teacher Training, I find myself trying to figure out what I am really FEELING about it coming to an end.  I see classmates tear up at the thought of it ending, and I see other classmates smile at the thought of no longer having to spend 8 hours every Saturday and Sunday in a darkened yoga studio.  I definitely fall in the latter group.  I am ready to have my life back...but at the same time, I began to feel guilty for feeling that way.  But then I realized that I won't just be getting my life back, I will be getting it back with a whole new layer of experiences and perspectives to only make it that much better.

I will remember all the girls I went thru YTT with...I say "girls" because I am by far the oldest and feel like the mom of the group, I will remember the fear, the tears, the PAIN...the laughter, the crazy poses, the learning a little too much about each other at times.  I will remember a lot of the history, the theory, and the mechanics that we learned, but just as much, I will remember the EXPERIENCES we endured.  Yes, endured...YTT is not meant to be easy.  It is meant to challenge you, physically and emotionally, because that is what yoga and students will continue to do for the rest of our lives. 

So thinking of all I have experienced, learned, taken on, and let go over the last 12 weeks, I know that I FEEL ready for it to be over, but only because I am ready to see what great things it will lead to...a whole new world and commitment to yoga and all that it can bring to my life, and hopefully allow me to share with others!

Karma "Down Dog" Project continues...

I've continued to hand out the Karma "Down Dog" Project bags to, well, pretty much anyone who will take them....here are a few of the people who are kind enough to entertain the idea of keeping dog food in their car...

Got Chocolate Milk?

My Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) class showing appreciation for the Got Chocolate Milk campaign...free headbands put some of us on our heads!

Obstacles on the Path of Yoga

In the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali, he writes of Nine Obstacles on the Path of Yoga.  In short, they are:

1. vyadhi and styana- illness of the body and of the mind
2. samshaya - indecision / doubt
3. pramada - carelessness / negligence
4. alasya - laziness
5. avirati - want of non-attachment / craving
6. bhranti-darshana - false views or perception
7. alabdha-bhumikatva - failure, particularly in attaining stages of practice
8. anavasthitatva - instability / loss of confidence
9. chitta-vikshepa - distractions of the mind

I can look back on my path to yoga, my path IN yoga, and recall a time when each of these obstacles reared its head to derail my practice.  And wow, what a good job they do too!  Regardless of what "path" you are, doesn't it always seem like the universe is throwing obstacles in your way at times?  I personally used to find it easy to give in to obstacles without applying much accountability back to myself...so, I was sick?  Not my fault...so I'm tired, I've been working hard...not my fault.  So I wanted to go have a few drinks with friends, instead of hitting the mat...I deserve that...not my fault.  

But the difference that I try to implement now, that I'm more self-aware of obstacles and how we can begin to overcome them, is remembering my path, plain and simple.  When I bring my path to the forefront, it becomes easy to hold myself accountable.  I am sick...what might be the reasons that I can control?  Diet? Stress?  I'm too tired to go?  Remember how GOOD I feel when I do, so I push thru.  I want to go have a few drinks with friends?  Pick a night where yoga was NOT in the plan.  

It's not always perfect, but recognizing these obstacles when they show themselves, it a great opportunity to remember why you have chosen the path to yoga, and why you should hold yourself accountable to stay on that path.  Mainly, because nobody else will!

Karma "Down Dog" Yoga Project

I am in week 8 of a very intensive 12 week Yoga Teacher Training Program.  We have been asked to do a lot during this training to learn about the history of yoga, the limbs of yoga, the philosophies and concepts behind yoga, and how to teach yoga.  One of the EASIEST requirements of the course is the Karma Yoga Project.  The guidance we were given was that it could be anything we chose.  I actually spent a lot of time thinking about the options...helping people, helping animals, something to do one time, or something to keep going.

I'm one of those people who really does want to change the world, I just never know where to start -- and then guess what happens?  I never do...so finally I came up with an idea, stuck with it and did it!  It may not change the world...but maybe it could change the fate for a stray or lost dog...maybe, it could end up being the source of a meal that keeps it going until it is rescued to find its owners or its new forever home.

Here is my Karma "Down Dog" Project...

1. I bought a bag of dog food and quart-sized Ziploc bags

2. I filled each bag with about 2 cups of dog food

3. I made cards describing what the project was...each card says this:

Karma “Down Dog” Project
Please keep this bag of dog food in your car.  If you ever come across a dog that’s “down” on its luck and needs a meal, please consider leaving this for the dog.

• Avoid placing food by a busy road
• Always keep your own safety in mind
• Consider saving the dog (foster, adopt, or take to a rescue)
• Consider continuing the project yourself by:

1. Making one bag to give away each time you buy a bag of food for your own dog, or
2. Buying one bag of dog food and making bags to give away

4. Now I am handing them out to friends, co-workers, and well, pretty much anybody who will take one!  It was that easy!  Here is a picture of my boss, a dog lover, very excited about having a bag to keep with her.

I may not be changing the world yet...but I am doing SOMETHING!  What can you do today?

Oh, and one more picture...my puppies watching me put together the Karma Down Dog bags...

Namaste!!!